cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal copy number alterations for associations of ductal carcinoma in situ with invasive breast cancer

Screening mammography has contributed to a significant increase in the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), raising concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Building on prior observations from lineage evolution analysis, we examined whether measuring genomic features of DCIS would predict association with invasive breast carcinoma (IBC). The long-term goal is to enhance standard clinicopathologic measures of low- versus high-risk DCIS and to enable risk-appropriate treatment. We studied three common chromosomal copy number alterations (CNA) in IBC and designed fluorescence in situ hybridization-based assay to measure copy number at these loci in DCIS samples. Clinicopathologic data were extracted from the electronic medical records of Stanford Cancer Institute and linked to demographic data from the population-based California Cancer Registry; results were integrated with data from tissue microarrays of specimens containing DCIS that did not develop IBC versus DCIS with concurrent IBC. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to describe associations of CNAs with these two groups of DCIS. We examined 271 patients with DCIS (120 that did not develop IBC and 151 with concurrent IBC) for the presence of 1q, 8q24 and 11q13 copy number gains. Compared to DCIS-only patients, patients with concurrent IBC had higher frequencies of CNAs in their DCIS samples. On multivariable analysis with conventional clinicopathologic features, the copy number gains were significantly associated with concurrent IBC. The state of two of the three copy number gains in DCIS was associated with a risk of IBC that was 9.07 times that of no copy number gains, and the presence of gains at all three genomic loci in DCIS was associated with a more than 17-fold risk (P = 0.0013). CNAs have the potential to improve the identification of high-risk DCIS, defined by presence of concurrent IBC. Expanding and validating this approach in both additional cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts may enable improved risk stratification and risk-appropriate treatment in DCIS.
News Frames and Story Triggers in the Media’s Coverage of Human Trafficking

Since 2000, there has been a flurry of policy activity to address the problem of human trafficking. What makes these recent efforts especially intriguing is the wide consensus that has formed in the United States and most of the international community on the nature of the problem and the appropriate policy response even though there is considerable disagreement among scholars and activists over definitions of trafficking and how best to address the problem. None of the scholarship to this point has analyzed how the media have covered human trafficking, however, and whether the media have helped to legitimize the consensus among policymakers while marginalizing alternative views that also might be critical of official policy. To examine the U.S. media’s coverage of human trafficking, all relevant articles in The New York Times and Washington Post between 1980 and 2006 (N=605) were content analyzed for story trigger, country focus, issues cited, and sources used. The results of the content analysis largely correspond to theoretical expectations by showing that the coverage has relied mostly on official sources and framed in a way that has mirrored the dominant view of trafficking. Yet, the analysis also shows that articles initiated by journalists are more likely to break away from the official frame and report alternative views in their coverage of human trafficking than articles generated from traditional news beats.
Reproducibility and accuracy of left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion determinations using gold-195m: a new ultrashort-lived radionuclide for cardiac studies.

Gold-195m has a halflife of 30.5 sec. Its ultrashort halflife and low radiation exposure (240 mrads to the kidney from a 20-mCi injection) make it an ideal agent for sequential first-transit studies of cardiac function. The reproducibility of ejection fraction and wall motion determinations were assessed from two gold-195m first-pass angiograms performed 3 min apart in 38 subjects. The accuracy of these evaluations was assessed by performing another first-transit study using technetium-99m. The correlation of the ejection fraction between the two gold-195m angiograms was 0.95 (standard error of the estimate (SEE) . 0.049) over an ejection fraction range of 20-78. The correlation of the ejection fraction using technetium-99m versus gold-195m was 0.95; SEE . 0.050. Only six minor discrepancies were noted when wall motion was evaluated in the gold-195m angiograms and compared with the technetium-99m study. We conclude that gold-195m can provide repeated, accurate, and reproducible ejection fraction and wall motion determinations with conventional imaging equipment at a substantially lower radiation exposure than with technetium-99m.
Recent developments in the modeling and behavior of advanced sandwich constructions: a survey

A general overview of some recent developments related with the modeling and stability of sandwich structures is presented in this paper. The survey covers a number of issues related with the geometrically linear and non-linear formulations of curved and flat sandwich constructions featuring laminated anisotropic face sheets, and associated stability problems. Issues related with the enhancement of the load carrying capacity of sandwich panels resulting in the increase of the buckling strength, the reduction of the intensity of a snap-through buckling and even of its removal are also addressed. The provided list of references is not exhaustive, in the sense that it is mainly connected with topics of sandwich constructions in which the first author of this paper has been involved during a good part of his research activity. Moreover, the displayed results illustrating some basic trends concern not only the ones previously obtained by the authors of this survey-paper, but also several others, presented here for the first time.
Experiments With a Multipurpose, Theorem-Proving Heuristic Program

The heuristic program discussed searches for a constructive proof or disproof of a given proposition. It uses a search procedure which efficiently selects the seemingly best proposition to work on next. This program is multipurpose in that the domains it can handle are varied.As an initial experiment, the program was given the task of searching for proofs and disproofs of propositions about kalah end games. Kalah is a two-person game. In another experiment the program, after some modifications, played the game of kalah. This program was compared with another tree-searching procedure, the Alpha-Beta minimax procedure; the results have been encouraging since the program is fast and efficient. Its greatest usefulness is in solving large problems. It is hoped that this program has added one more step toward the goal of eventually obtaining computer programs which can solve intellectually difficult problems.
Macrophages: Gatekeepers of Tissue Integrity

Macrophages form a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic cells that reside in tissues, where they are required to maintain organ integrity. Tissue macrophages contribute to tissue formation, metabolism, homeostasis, and repair. They have a unique ability to sense and respond to tissue damage. They serve as the first line of defense during infection and help promote immune tolerance in the steady state. Although most tissue macrophages share a high phagocytic and degradative potential, they are heterogeneous in origin, as well as in homeostatic function and response to insults. Here, we will discuss recent developments in our understanding of the origin of tissue macrophages and their functional specialization in tissues.
Effects of elevated CO2 on the extractable amino acids of leaf litter and fine roots

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations can change chemistry and input rate of plant tissue to soil, potentially influencing above- and below-ground biogeochemical cycles. Given the important role played by leaf and root litter chemistry in controlling ecosystem function and vulnerability to environmental stresses, we investigated the hydrolyzable amino acid distribution and concentration in leaf and fine root litter among control and elevated CO2 treatments at the Rhinelander free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment (WI, USA). We extracted hydrolyzable amino acids from leaf litter and fine (< 2 mm) roots at three depths for both control and elevated CO2 plots. We found that elevated CO2 decreased the proportion of total leaf amino acid carbon (C), but had no effect on total leaf amino acid nitrogen (N). There was no treatment effect for total root amino acid N or amino acid C for any depth. The decrease in leaf amino acids is probably a result of the shift of protein compounds to more structural compounds. Despite the decrease in leaf amino acid C concentrations, the overall increase in annual plant production under elevated CO2 would result in an increase in plant amino acids to the soil.
Computer Attitudes and Opinions of Students with and without Learning Disabilities

Little research exists regarding the use of computers among students with learning disabilities. This study investigated the attitudes and opinions of students with and without learning disabilitie...
Efficient optimal design of structures by generalized steepest descent programming

The purpose of this paper is to present refinements in a steepest descent algorithm for optimal design of structures and numerical experience that demonstrates its numerical efficiency. The algorithm is based on a state space optimization technique that was initially developed and applied to optimal control problems. Design constraints are divided into four distinct subsets, the special characteristics of which are exploited to improve computational efficiency of the algorithm. Some further improvements in structural analysis, design sensitivity analysis, and constrained steepest descent programming calculations are presented. Optimum designs for three test problems are obtained and convergence rates are compared with results presented in the literature.
Research Summary: Has the time come for opportunistic oral cancer screening?

Objectives To demonstrate the feasibility of opportunistic oral cancer and precancer screening in general dental practice and to determine the prevalence of relevant lesions and risk habits in a population of general dental practice attenders. Design, setting and methods A prospective demonstration study, recruiting patients opportunistically in general dental practices. Eighteen general dental practitioners took part in this study. Each attended training sessions to be advised of the study protocol and the criteria of a positive and negative screen. Patients over the age of 35 years were prospectively and opportunistically recruited. Each patient was asked to complete a health questionnaire concerning age, gender, ethnicity, smoking and drinking habits. The dentist then examined the soft tissues and recorded the presence or absence of lesions independently on a second form. The forms were collated and data were analysed to determine prevalence of lesions and associations with risk habits. Results Data on 2,265 patients were available for analysis. Oral lesions were detected in 319 patients (14.1%). Ninety-four patients (4.2%) had lesions considered to be either malignant or potentially malignant. There was a significant association between positive lesions and male gender (IRR 1.86, 95% CI 1.22–2.82), heavy smoking (males: IRR 3.68, 95% CI 2.10–6.43: female; IRR 3.58, 95% CI 1.35–9.50) and heavy alcohol use in males (IRR 2.98, 95% CI 1.06–3.47). Conclusions The results suggest that patients attending general dental practices are representative of the general population both in terms of lesion prevalence and high risk habits such as smoking and drinking. This supports the view that opportunistic screening in a general dental practice setting may be a realistic alternative to population screening. Further research is needed to determine the cost effectiveness of this approach and to investigate the value of targeting high risk groups within this population. General dental practice is ideal for the evaluation of such systems prior to extending these studies to other healthcare settings.
Formation of 1 ∶ 1 and 2 ∶ 2 complexes of Ce(III) with the heteropolytungstate anion α2-[P2W17O61]10−, and their interaction with proline. The structure of [Ce2(P2W17O61)2(H2O)8]14−

The “1 ∶ 1” complex of Ce3+ and α2-[P2W17O61]10− is formed in an equimolar solution of Ce(NO3)3 and K10[P2W17O61], but attempts to isolate a solid yield salts of the 1 ∶ 2 complexes first described by Peacock and Weakley in 1971. With a 3-fold excess of Ce3+ however, a crystalline ammonium salt (anion 1) could be isolated in 90% yield based on tungstate. Structural analysis of these crystals (monoclinic, C2/c; a = 46.1124(6); b = 12.7451(1); c = 26.4624(2) A, β = 93.570(1)°, Z = 4; 18856 independent reflections, R1 = 0.0799; wR2 = 0.1594) revealed a head-to-head dimeric anion with each 9-coordinate Ce(III) cation attached to four oxygens that surround the lacuna of one tungstophosphate anion, a terminal O(W) of the second tungstophosphate, and four water molecules. Phosphorus-31 NMR spectra of solutions of 1 revealed two sets of resonances, A and B, the relative intensities of which could be fitted to an equilibrium 2A B, with K = 1.46 ± 0.04 M−1 at 23 °C. Further NMR analysis suggests a scheme in which 1, which is in rapid exchange with the “monomer” (2), is also in slow exchange with a labile associate of Ce3+ and the 1 ∶ 2 complex. The exchange process between 1 and 2 is responsible for the non-observance of one of the expected 9 lines in the tungsten-183 NMR spectrum and an exchange-broadened P-NMR line. Addition of proline to form a ternary complex [Ce(P2W17O61)(proline)(aq)]7−(Kform = 4.5 ± 0.1 M−1 from 1H-NMR) restores the missing W-NMR resonance.
CORPORA AND LANGAUGE LEARNERS

CORPORA AND LANGAUGE LEARNERS. Guy Aston, Silvia Bernardini, and Dominic Stewart (Eds.) . Amsterdam: Benjamins, 2004. Pp. 311. $119 cloth. The papers in this volume come from the fifth TaLC meeting in Bertinoro, Italy, in 2002 and address a range of issues related to using corpora for language learning and teaching. The introductory chapter by the three editors provides an overview of the book and also recaps the conference discussion between Sinclair and Widdowson regarding the nature of authentic language and its place in language instruction. The main portion of the book is divided into three sections: “Corpora by Learners,” “Corpora for Learners,” and “Corpora with Learners.” These three sections are framed by two chapters: one by Hoey on lexical priming and a final chapter by Fletcher on using the web as a resource for creating corpora.
Social Structure, Social Solidarity and Involvement in Neighborhood Improvement Associations*

This paper examines membership and participation in neighborhood improvement associations. Individual-level and contextual-level structural variables associated with the community of limited liability model are important for the decision to join associations but not to participate in them. Also, social ties in the community are more important than psychological attachment for both membership and participation. However, neither social ties nor attachment serve as intervening variables in the relationship between structural variables and membership.
Effect of Particle Packing on the Filtration and Rheology Behavior of Extended Size Distribution Alumina Suspensions

The effect of particle packing on the rheology and casting behavior and cast cake characteristics of aqueous alumina suspensions (5O vol%) was investigated using the Andreasen approach. Varied packing was produced by blending two starting materials that differed in average size by a factor of 10. Formulations closest to ideal packing lowered viscosity. Specifically, the lowest viscosity suspension, 196 mPa s, was produced with the distribution closest to the ideal packing distribution. Typically, a well-dispersed suspension (characterized by low viscosity) casts slower than one of poorer dispersion given the same solids content. However, the suspension that provided the lowest viscosity cast at a rate of 0.41 mm2/s, which was the fastest rate of the compared formulations. Therefore, suspensions consisting of extended size distributions do not necessitate slow filtration rates. The colloidal properties of the individual starting materials, low shear rate rheology, and mercury porosimetry were used to explain the unexpected casting behavior. The dispersion and structure formation within the suspension were investigated using electrokinetic sonic amplitude measurements. Mercury porosimetry characterized the flow channels that developed in the casts. Low shear rate rheology confirmed the presence of flocculation that was first suggested by the porosimetry results.
BILATERAL FAMILIAL PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMATA' WITH PAROXYSMAL HYPERTENSION: SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL REMOVAL OF TUMORS IN TWO CASES, WITH DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

SUCCESSFUL surgical removal of a phaeochromocytoma is still a relatively rare accomplishment. A review of the available world's literature at this date has yielded reports of 176 such tumors, but only 47 of these were proven to be endocrinologically active by cessation of symptoms following surgical removal. The inherent difficulties in dealing with patients suffering from phaeochromocytomata are many. They may be divided into three categories and briefly listed as follows: 1. A. Diagnosis: Although the classical syndrome produced by such tumors is striking and clear cut (18), any individual case may lack one or more of the features which would ordinarily direct attention toward the correct diagnosis. Especially difficult are those patients in whom a permanent sustained hypertension is manifested and in whom the clinical diagnosis of essential hypertension may be made.1 2. B. Localization: When reasonable certainty of the presence of a phaeochromocytoma exists, localization of the offending tumor is often...
An in vitro model for the study of enzymatically mediated biomechanical changes in the chorioamniotic membranes

Abstract The effects of different incubation media on the biomechanical properties of nine chorioamniotic membranes were studied. Significant alterations in strain/rupture, work/rupture, and rupture/tension values have been demonstrated after a 24 hour incubation period in pseudoamniotic fluid (PAF). These changes can be arrested if enzyme inhibitors are added to the incubation media. This study suggests that biomechanical alterations in the chorioamniotic membranes may be biochemical, namely, enzymatically mediated.
A framework for intelligence analysis using spatio-temporal storytelling

Social media have ushered in alternative modalities to propagate news and developments rapidly. Just as traditional IR matured to modeling storylines from search results, we are now at a point to study how stories organize and evolve in additional mediums such as Twitter, a new frontier for intelligence analysis. This study takes as input news articles as well as social media feeds and extracts and connects entities into interesting storylines not explicitly stated in the underlying data. First, it proposes a novel method of spatio-temporal analysis on induced concept graphs that models storylines propagating through spatial regions in a time sequence. Second, it describes a method to control search space complexity by providing regions of exploration. And third, it describes ConceptRank as a ranking strategy that differentiates strongly-typed connections from weakly-bound ones. Extensive experiments on the Boston Marathon Bombings of April 15, 2013 as well as socio-political and medical events in Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States demonstrate storytelling's high application potential, showcasing its use in event summarization and association analysis that identifies events before they hit the newswire.
Dispute Resolution Under Nafta: Lessons from the Early Experience

This article conducts the first comprehensive analysis of all 46 disputes that arose under Chapters 19 and 20 of NAFTA and under the environmental and labor side agreements from January 1994, when NAFTA took effect, to December 1996. Professor Lopez reaches conclusions on a number of critical issues. He finds that, in terms of producing conclusive results or outcomes, NAFTA dispute settlement structures thus far have enjoyed mixed success; that the NAFTA parties will comply with rulings by the dispute settlement institutions, even if the rulings are strongly adverse to them; that in many instances the dispute resolution time limits delineated in NAFTA and the side agreements are breached rather than obeyed; that the dispute resolutions systems will bend to political necessity in many cases; and that the value and importance of a particular dispute resolution mechanism varies over time and depending on the nature of the conflict.
Active Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome.

Concussion is a physiological brain injury with physical, cognitive, and emotional sequelae. The macrophysiological insult to the brain affects the autonomic nervous system and its control of cerebral blood flow. Most patients recover within 2 weeks, but some do not. Persistence of symptoms beyond the generally accepted time frame for recovery is called post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS is not a single entity; it is a group of disorders that requires specific forms of therapy. Rest has been the mainstay of the treatment for concussion and PCS. This article discusses the rationale for the active treatment of concussion and PCS.
Online customer service and emotional labor

The recent growth of service industries as well as the rise of e-commerce has increased the number of online customer service workers. Research on face-to-face service work has shown that these workers are expected to display certain emotions in the course of their work, a phenomenon known as emotional labor. However, little is known about emotional communication among online customer service workers. We explored emotional labor in an online context by examining the degree of emotional presence in mediated service interactions and its relationship with workers' acting strategies (i.e., surface acting, deep acting). Further, we examined if emotional presence and acting strategies predict job satisfaction as well as burnout. Data collected from 130 online customer service workers indicated that they perceive the highest emotional presence in phone conversations, followed by email and chat. Although there was little relationship between emotional presence and acting strategies, those who engage in surface acting are less satisfied with their job and more likely to experience burnout. In addition, those who feel a higher degree of emotional presence over the phone tend to experience higher job satisfaction and less burnout. These findings suggest that online customer service workers also engage in emotional labor. Online customer service workers also engage in emotional labor.Online customer service workers also use acting strategies.The surface acting strategy leads to lower job satisfaction and burnout.The highest emotional presence is perceived in phone conversations, followed by email and chat.A higher degree of emotional presence over the phone leads to higher job satisfaction and less burnout.
Dechlorination of polychlorobiphenyls using NaBH4 and NaBH4/LiCl at 120–310°C in glyme solvents

Abstract High temperature PCB dechlorination (Aroclor 1016) occurred using NaBH4 alone in tetraglyme at 290–310°C within 2 h in a sealed tube. Aroclor 1016 dechlorination was also quantitatively achieved using NaBH4/LiCl/glyme solvents (di-, tri-, or tetraglyme) at 125–135°C. The best results were obtained by prestirring NaBH4, LiCl and the glyme solvent at room temperature before heating at 125–135°C. At equivalent conditions, PCB dechlorination rates were found to depend on solvent in the order: tetraglyme>triglyme>diglyme. At 130°C, Aroclor 1016 can be dechlorinated in NaBH4/LiCl/tetraglyme in 4 h. 2-Chlorobiphenyl and 2,2′-dichlorobiphenyl were the least reactive congeners in dechlorinations with NaBH4/LiCl in diglyme. Competitive dechlorinations with NaBH4/LiCl in diglyme showed 3-chloro- and 4-chlorobiphenyl reacted faster than 2-chlorobiphenyl at 130°C. The reactions were clean with no solvent decomposition in the range of 120–162°C.
MO-B-201-01: Overcoming the Challenges of Motion Management in Current Lung SBRT Practice

The motion management in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a key to success for a SBRT program, and still an on-going challenging task. A major factor is that moving structures behave differently than standing structures when examined by imaging modalities, and thus require special considerations and employments. Understanding the motion effects to these different imaging processes is a prerequisite for a decent motion management program. The commonly used motion control techniques to physically restrict tumor motion, if adopted correctly, effectively increase the conformity and accuracy of hypofractionated treatment. The effective application of such requires one to understand the mechanics of the application and the related physiology especially related to respiration. The image-guided radiation beam control, or tumor tracking, further realized the endeavor for precision-targeting. During tumor tracking, the respiratory motion is often constantly monitored by non-ionizing beam sources using the body surface as its surrogate. This then has to synchronize with the actual internal tumor motion. The latter is often accomplished by stereo X-ray imaging or similar techniques. With these advanced technologies, one may drastically reduce the treated volume and increase the clinicians’ confidence for a high fractional ablative radiation dose. However, the challenges in implementing the motion management may not be trivial and is dependent on each clinic case. This session of presentations is intended to provide an overview of the current techniques used in managing the tumor motion in SBRT, specifically for routine lung SBRT, proton based treatments, and newly-developed MR guided RT. Learning Objectives: Through this presentation, the audience will 1.understand basic roles of commonly used imaging modalities for lung cancer studies; 2.familiarize the major advantages and limitations of each discussed motion control methods; 3.familiarize the major advantages and limitations of each discussed radiation beam control methodology and tumor tacking method; 4.understand the key points in motion management for a high quality SBRT program.
The Hypocalcemia of Magnesium Depletion

Hypocalcemia has been observed in conjunction with severe magnesium depletion (1–8). This association is seen mainly in pathological conditions characterized by decreased absorption of magnesium from the gastrointestinal tract. The postulate that the hypocalcemia is the consequence of magnesium deficiency per se, and not calcium deficiency, is supported by studies showing that this syndrome can be reproduced by restricting magnesium in the diet or that hypocalcemia can be corrected by replacing magnesium alone without supplementation of calcium and/or vitamin D. The pathogenesis of hypocalcemia in magnesium depletion is multifactorial; however, recent studies have clarified previous controversial results regarding the role of PTH in this syndrome (2–5).
On the Growth of European Apparel Firms

According to the European Skills Council, the apparel industry is experiencing a renaissance in countries throughout the European Union, and this renaissance is marked by innovation and technical development among small firms. In this paper, the AEGIS database is used to estimate a growth model for the apparel industry. The annual rate of growth of European apparel firms is modeled and measured in terms of growth in number of employees since the firm was founded. The model is presented through descriptive statistical analyses on the relevant variables that were used to estimate this dimension of firm performance—founder characteristics including gender and education, as well as whether the firm is family owned. The model has implications for identifying factors important to apparel firm growth that could help in policy development designed to foster increased industry growth.
Optimizing molecular cloning of multiple plasmids

In biology, the construction of plasmids is a routine technique, yet under-optimal, expensive and time-consuming. In this paper, we model the Plasmid Cloning Problem (PCP) in constraint programing, in order to optimize the construction of plasmids. Our technique uses a new propagator for the AtMostNVector constraint. This constraint allows the design of strategies for constructing multiple plasmids at the same time. Our approach recommends the smallest number of different cloning steps, while selecting the most efficient steps. It provides optimal strategies for real instances in gene therapy for retinal blinding diseases.
Aroma analysis of coffee brew by gas chromatography-olfactometry

Abstract During the study of coffee flavor, the processes of brewing, extraction and sampling cause losses of the aroma compounds present in coffee grounds. In this study, coffees from two brewing methods were extracted, serially diluted and each dilution sniffed twice using the gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO) technique called CharmAnalysis™. Among the hundreds of volatile chemicals present, 18 of the thirty most potent odorants were identified by comparing the mass spectra, odor activity and Kovat's retention indices with those of authentic standards. Our studies have verified the presence of previously identified aroma compounds among the most potent odorants in coffee and show the differences between the two brewing methods tested.
Abstract 172: Notch Signaling Induces Endocardial Hematopoiesis And Endocardial Cushion Formation Downstream Of Nkx2-5

A subset of cardiac progenitors display multipotency to give rise to major cardiovascular lineages during cardiogenesis. In addition, we have recently identified Nkx2-5+ endocardial cells in the outflow and atria that contribute to definitive hematopoietic cells in vivo, which represents phylogenetically conserved pathway of cardio-vasculo-hematopoietic differentiation. Here, we have examined the molecular mechanism underlying the endocardial hematopoiesis. Immunostaining and colony assay suggest that Nkx2-5 mutant mice showed significant decrease in CD31+/41+ hemogenic endocardial cells, while lineage tracing on Nkx2-5-null background revealed that Nkx2-5-derived endocardial cells are present. These data indicate that Nkx2-5 is required not for the formation of the Nkx2-5-derived endocardium but for the hemogenic activity of the endocardium. Notch signaling is also active in cushion endocardium and its mutant embryos show a similar defect with Nkx2-5 mutants as previously reported. Inspired by these similarities between the function of Nkx2-5 and Notch signaling during cardiogenesis, we next investigated the impact of Notch activation on the endocardial hematopoiesis. In vivo forced activation of Notch in the developing heart using Nkx2-5-Cre mice led to massive increase in the endocardial hematopoiesis. As Nkx2-5 binding sites are found in the regulatory region of Notch1, RBPjk, and Jag1 genes, we tested whether Notch regulates endocardial hematopoiesis downstream of Nkx2-5. Surprisingly, Notch activation restored the defective endocardial hematopoiesis as well as endocardial cushion formation in Nkx2-5 knockout mice, suggesting that Notch signaling mediates the Nkx2-5-dependent endocardial hematopoiesis and cushion development. Drosophila dorsal vessel and lymph gland are closely related and regulated by tinman and notch. Therefore, Nkx2-5-Notch regulatory pathway represents phylogenetically conserved fundamental mechanism of cardio-vasculo-hematopoietic differentiation pathway.
Analyzing the impacts of Plug-in EVs on the California power grid using quadratic programming and fixed-point iteration

This paper investigates the impacts of a large fleet of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) charging/discharging behaviors on the electricity price dynamics of California power grid. Assuming that PEV owners charge/discharge their vehicles in a way which minimizes the total electricity cost, a quadratic programming framework is applied to optimize the PEVs' charging patterns. The charge requirement of all PEVs is estimated based on the projected PEV population in 2025 and estimated seasonal variations. Due to increase in the demand and electricity price because of the added PEV load, a fixed point iteration method is applied to find new equilibrium load and price trajectories. By comparing the real electricity price and that resulted from the fixed point iteration, we can observe the impact of the PEVs on the power grid. In order to establish a realistic estimation pertaining to the PEV energy consumption and charging requirements, we use data from the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) to generate a set of driving profiles. Moreover, we use the California ISO's historical electricity price and load data to develop a simplified electricity price model, as well as the California historical VMT data to calculate seasonality factors. Simulation results indicate that the PEVs in large numbers can help shave the demand peak and fill the demand valley, thereby flattening the grid demand profile. Moreover, we observe that California power grid is capable of accommodating a large PEV fleet without requiring a major upgrade to the existing electricity infrastructure, provided that optimal charge scheduling and bidirectional V2G interaction are enabled for the PEVs.
Prevalence of hearing and vestibular loss in cystic fibrosis patients exposed to aminoglycosides

Aim Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients frequently use aminoglycosides (AGS) to treat CF exacerbation due to colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although AGS can cause vestibular and auditory sensory losses that can negatively impact quality of life, little is known about the prevalence of vestibular loss in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and/or vestibular dysfunction in CF patients treated with AGS. Methods The relationship between hearing status and vestibular status was also investigated. Hearing was determined to be normal or abnormal based on pure tone air and bone conduction thresholds. Vestibular outcome was divided into four categories; normal, non-lateralized vestibular dysfunction, unilateral loss, and bilateral loss based on results of post head shaking testing, positional and positioning testing, bithermal calorics, sinusoidal, and rotational step testing. Results Of our cohort of 71 patients, 56 (79%) patients have vestibular system dysfunction while only 15 (21%) have normal vestibular system function. Overall, 16 patients (23%) have hearing loss. In considering the relationship between auditory and vestibular function, 12 (17%) demonstrated both normal hearing and normal vestibular function and 13 (18%) have both hearing loss and abnormal vestibular function. Of the 55 (78%) patients with normal hearing, 43 (61%) have vestibular dysfunction, while 3 (4%) of patients with normal vestibular function have hearing loss. Conclusion These results suggest that monitoring hearing alone is insufficient to detect ototoxicity in CF patients being treated with systemic AGS.
Behavioral Approaches to Juvenile Delinquency: Future Perspectives

The modification of criminal behavior and the treatment of children are two highly controversial areas. Combining these two topics — in the modification of delinquent behavior —has led, and will continue to lead, to hotly contested discourse and legal challenge. Several current trends seem to indicate increased confrontation in the near and distant future. First of all, there are many indications that juvenile crime is increasing and that the kinds of offenses are more serious. At a time when the juvenile population is leveling off or even decreasing in numbers, the incidence of crime and arrests in this population is increasing. (Table I, from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, shows the arrests for major crimes committed by those under 18 for the years 1974–1978.) In addition, the types of crimes are not only more serious, but are more likely to be of an aggressive and violent nature, to the point that in 1978, 46% of all violent crimes were committed by those under 21 years of age.
Characterization of a high repetition-rate laser-driven short-pulsed neutron source

We demonstrate a repetitive, high flux, short-pulsed laser-driven neutron source using a heavy-water jet target. We measure neutron generation at 1/2 kHz repetition rate using several-mJ pulse energies, yielding a time-averaged neutron flux of 2 × 105 neutrons s−1 (into 4π steradians). Deuteron spectra are also measured in order to understand source characteristics. Analyses of time-of-flight neutron spectra indicate that two separate populations of neutrons, 'prompt' and 'delayed', are generated at different locations. Gamma-ray emission from neutron capture 1H(n,γ) is also measured to confirm the neutron flux.
Highly sensitive and selective determination of redox states of coenzymes Q9 and Q10 in mice tissues: Application of orbitrap mass spectrometry

Abstract Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a redox active molecule that plays a fundamental role in mitochondrial energy generation and functions as a potent endogenous antioxidant. Redox ratio of CoQ has been suggested as a good marker of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, simultaneous measurement of redox states of CoQ is challenging owing to its hydrophobicity and instability of the reduced form. In order to improve the analytical methodology, paying special attention to this instability, we developed a highly sensitive and selective high-resolution/accurate-mass (HR/AM) UHPLC-MS/MS method for the rapid determination of redox states of CoQ9 and CoQ10 by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. CoQs were extracted using hexane with the addition of butylated hydroxytoluene to limit oxidation during sample preparation. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved on a Kinetex C18 column with the isocratic elution of 5 mM ammonium formate in 2-propanol/methanol (60:40) within 4 min. A full MS/all ion fragmentation (AIF) acquisition mode with mass accuracy
Other Skeletal Dysplasia

Skeletal dysplasias are a group of nearly 350 disorders that affect bone and cartilage growth. Occurring in 1 in 4000–5000 births, a genetic mutation accounts for nearly 50% of the known dysplasias allowing for prenatal diagnosis. The disordered growth of the physis leads to short stature and joint abnormalities. Often, there are associated organ system problems. Treatment is designed to improve activities of daily living and potential long-term debilitating joint and spine abnormalities. Corrective osteotomies, lengthening procedures, and spine surgery are available treatment modalities to improve function.
Instilling Public Service Values and Professionalism through Information Literacy

In order for public affairs and administration education programs to successfully prepare future public administrators, the link between public service values (PSVs), professionalism in the public ...
Valproate use in psychiatry: A focus on bipolar illness

Along with carbamazepine, valproate has emerged as one of the major mood stabilizer treatments for acute and prophylactic use in patients with bipolar affective illness. Early studies in France by Lambert and in Germany by Emrich presaged the widespread use of the drug in the 1990s [1, 2]. However, it was not until the publication of a series of double-blind controlled studies comparing valproate with lithium and placebo in the early 1990s that its use accelerated to the point at which it is now one of the leading medications used for the treatment of bipolar illness.
Source of oxygen in adenosine triphosphate formed by illumination or by acid-base transition of chloroplasts.

Abstract Adenosine triphosphate synthesis resulting from the acid-base transition of chloroplasts is accompanied by an apparent adenosine triphosphate ⇄ water exchange characteristic of the light-induced synthesis. This adds considerably to the evidence that the phosphorylation reaction of photophosphorylation is involved. Oxygens in the γ-phosphoryl group of the initial ATP formed by illumination of chloroplasts or of the ATP formed by acid-base transition of chloroplasts are not derived entirely from Pi and HOH. An unknown source of oxygen, which could represent an intermediate stage in photophosphorylation, thus participates in ATP formation.
Current role of staple line reinforcement in 30-day outcomes of primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: an analysis of MBSAQIP data, 2015–2016 PUF

Abstract Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become a dominant bariatric procedure. In the past, significant leak rates prompted the search for staple line reinforcement (SLR) techniques. Previous analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database for all LSG suggested a detrimental influence of SLR on leak rates and overall morbidity. Objective To investigate the relationship between various SLR techniques and bougie size with 30-day outcomes. Setting Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program–accredited bariatric surgery hospitals. Methods Using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program 2015 to 2016 Participant Use File data, primary LSG cases were divided into study groups based on surgical techniques. All variables were reported in the Participant Use File except leak rate and overall morbidity, which had to be derived. Multiple bivariate analyses were used to analyze the 30-day outcomes. Results A total of 198,339 primary LSG operations were included and grouped into No SLR (23.0%), SLR (54.2%), oversewn staple line (9.5%), and a combination of SLR + oversewn staple line (13.3%). There were no statistical differences between study groups in mortality, overall morbidity, or leak rate. Bleeding and reoperation rates were statistically higher in the No SLR group. Bougie size was not associated with change in leak rates. Conclusion Primary LSG is a safe procedure with low morbidity and mortality rates. SLR is associated with decreased rates of bleeding and reoperations but does not affect leak rates. The selection of SLR technique should be left to the surgeon's discretion with an understanding of the associated risks, benefits, and costs.
Japan: A Country with a Currently Successful Radiology Model of Health Care

In a previous essay I presented data derived from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (the OECD). These statistics encompass information from each of the 34 members of the OECD, popularly known as a rich country’s club. Forty eight annual health-care related indices accumulated over 50 years from 1960 comprise the data base. It makes for fascinating reading and analysis.
Fast supercapacitors based on vertically oriented MoS2 nanosheets on plasma pyrolyzed cellulose filter paper

Abstract Fast supercapacitors that can be charged and discharged at tens of hertz high frequency are reported using binder-free electrodes of MoS2 nanosheets grown on plasma pyrolyzed cellulose microfiber (pCMF) paper. Rapid plasma pyrolysis was applied to obtain highly conductive carbon fiber sheet from conventional cellulose filter paper to be used as a scaffold, on which MoS2 nanosheets were grown vertically wrapped around carbon microfibers in a hydrothermal reaction. Such binder-free MoS2-pCMF electrode based supercapacitor demonstrated fast-rate performance in an aqueous electrolyte with a cutoff frequency of 103 Hz. A large specific capacitance density of 125 mF cm−2 was also measured. The organic electrolyte cell of these electrodes exhibited a power density of 12.05 W cm-3 at a rate of 15 V s−1. These MoS2-pCMF electrodes were highly stable. In a cycling test at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, the cell maintained its capacitance with trivial degradation in 50,000 cycles.
An Assessment of Pharmacy Students' Psychological Attachment to Smartphones at Two Colleges of Pharmacy.

Objective. To determine the prevalence of nomophobia, the discomfort or anxiety experienced from being without a cellphone, among student pharmacists. Methods. A validated nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q) was administered to two groups of student pharmacists at two different Doctor of Pharmacy programs (N=192). Demographic and other information was collected including identified gender, year of birth, type of smartphone, and use of messaging services. Scores on the NMP-Q were used to classify respondents as absent of nomophobia ( 100 out of a maximum score of 140). Results. Of 224 eligible students, 192 (85.7%) responded to the survey. Mean nomophobia scores were statistically similar between programs. Most students' scores were within the moderate nomophobia range (56.8%), while 24.5% were in the mild range and 18.2% were in the severe range. Score classifications were similar between schools. Overall, the data showed good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of .95 for the combined group. Conclusion. Nomophobia is a relatively new psychological phenomenon, and little is known about its potential implications. The student pharmacists in our study all had NMP-Q scores consistent with some degree of nomophobia. Educators must continue to study smartphone use and help student pharmacists maximize the benefits of smartphones while avoiding the potential negative psychological consequences associated with their use.
Light Propagation in a Turbulent Ocean

Abstract In addition to molecular absorption and scattering from organic and non-organic matter, light waves propagating through oceanic waters may be affected by optical turbulence, i.e., relatively mild and fast variations in the refractive index. The oceanic optical turbulence is primarily caused by fluctuations in temperature and salinity concentration and may become substantial in regions where the mechanical mixing of cold and warm (and/or fresh and salty) waters occurs. Such situations include turbulence in the ocean boundary layer during rains, around thermoclines, in the vicinity of melting ice and underground rivers flowing into open ocean waters, etc. If light waves pass through such water volumes their phase statistics and, hence, intensity statistics may become severely affected, causing scintillations, wandering, diffraction additional to that in vacuum, and changes in the state of coherence. In addition, for some beam-like waves, with specially prescribed source correlations the spectral composition and the polarization properties can also be shown to change in the oceanic turbulence in a manner different from that in vacuum. We overview in detail the recent theoretical studies on interaction of various light waves with the turbulent oceans and outline the corresponding computer simulations and experiments. We also briefly discuss some of the currently developing underwater technologies such as imagers, wireless communications, and LIDARs whose operation might be affected by the oceanic turbulence.
Antiplatelet Drugs in the Management of Thrombotic/Ischemic Events in Children

Abstract There is a paucity of data on antiplatelet therapy in the management of thrombotic/ischemic events in children, with very few randomized controlled trials. Because of this lack of rigorous evidence, no antiplatelet drug is approved for use in children by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—although aspirin (a cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor), clopidogrel (a P2Y12 antagonist) and dipyridamole (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) are routinely used off-label in children. In addition, the P2Y12 antagonists ticagrelor and cangrelor are under active investigation as antiplatelet agents in children. Pediatric guidelines for antiplatelet therapy are mostly weak recommendations based on low quality of evidence.