cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Wheat Supply Function

A SIMPLE regression model using lagged adjusted price as the independent variable and acreage planted as the dependent variable has been used successfully in studying farmers' responsiveness to price in the production of some commodities.1 This procedure has been used for wheat production in the United States for the period 1926 to 1952, omitting 1938 to 1943 inclusive and 1950, since production in those years was rigidly controlled. A regression coefficient of b = 1.05 and a standard error of b some three times as large, thus indicating a most unsatisfactory level of probability, was obtained. The result obtained by using first differences of planted acreage and first differences of adjusted price ratios for the preceding season was only slightly better. It would be incorrect to conclude that price was not an important consideration in farmers' decision making process, but rather the direction and extent to which farmers respond is influenced by a most diverse set of conditions among areas, among farms within an area and over time. Some of the diversity was thought to be removable by considering smaller, and presumably more homogeneous areas. A simple regression model using adjusted first differences of acreage planted and first differences of price was applied to Kansas data. Again the period 1926 through 1952, omitting the control years 1938 to 1943 and 1950, was used. However, the results were only slightly better. The state of Kansas was then subdivided into three areas. Nine counties in the west-central part characterized by very low rainfall were considered one area. This area has experienced more than a 100 percent expansion in wheat acreage during the past twenty-five years. Fifty-two counties in central Kansas, typical of the Great Plains wheat producing area in rainfall, length of time developed and other respects, were considered a second area. The third area consisted of forty-four counties in eastern and northern Kansas. Corn, soybeans, and forage crops are grown extensively in the latter area. The hypothesis was that the same basic factors that influence the wheat acreage in this area apply in the East North Central States.
Teaching and Overimitation Among Aka Hunter-Gatherers

Cognitive psychologists indicate that teaching, language, and accurate imitation are distinct features of human cognition that enable rapid and precise acquisition of cultural beliefs and practices. This chapter examines two of the three proposed cognitive mechanisms that hypothetically enabled pronounced cultural diversity and complexity—teaching and accurate imitation. Both are either rare or do not exist in great apes but are hypothesized by researchers to be part of human nature and therefore universal. A limitation of most existing studies on these topics is that they have been conducted with Western children in laboratory settings. No studies on these topics have been conducted with active hunter-gatherers. This chapter describes two systematic studies with Aka hunter-gatherers of the Central African Republic. Videotapes of Aka 1-year-olds in naturalistic settings are used to evaluate whether or not one type of teaching, called natural pedagogy (NP), exists among foragers. The second study uses a standardized puzzle box with 4- to 7-year-old children to consider whether or not one form of accurate imitation, called overimitation, occurs at this age among the Aka, as it does among 90 % of Western children. Aka data supported the natural pedagogy hypothesis, but found that natural pedagogy was shaped by cultural context and that many other forms of teaching existed in infancy. The overimitation study questioned the age at which it is hypothesized to emerge in human children. Most Aka children used emulation rather than overimitation with the puzzle box, while most Aka adults used overimitation. Again, hunter-gatherer cultural context is suggested to impact the timing of its emergence in human development.
A Process and Outcome Evaluation of Police Working with Youth Programs

A process and outcome evaluation of 10 Police Working with Youth Programs was conducted. Process results indicated that the core components of the programs were consistent with those identified in previous literature as characteristic of quality youth development programs. Outcome results indicated that youth participants reported significantly improved attitudes toward police and social support received from significant, non-familial adults. Two subgroups of youth, most notably minority youth and younger participants in lower grade levels, reported positive changes in their capacity to resist peer pressures. Minority youth reported positive changes in their sense of mastery over stressful life situations. Relationships between core program components and youth outcomes also were examined. Implications of the findings and future process and outcome evaluations of youth programs are discussed.
Metabolic syndrome prevalence by race/ ethnicity and sex in the united states, national health and nutrition examination survey, 1988-2012

Introduction Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors associated with increased risk of multiple chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome overall, by race and sex, and to assess trends in prevalence from 1988 through 2012. Methods We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 1988 through 2012. We defined metabolic syndrome as the presence of at least 3 of these components: elevated waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting blood glucose. Data were analyzed for 3 periods: 1988-1994, 1999-2006, and 2007-2012. Results Among US adults aged 18 years or older, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome rose by more than 35% from 1988-1994 to 2007-2012, increasing from 25.3% to 34.2%. During 2007-2012, non-Hispanic black men were less likely than non-Hispanic white men to have metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.89). However, non-Hispanic black women were more likely than non-Hispanic white women to have metabolic syndrome (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.40). Low education level (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.32-1.84) and advanced age (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.67-1.80) were independently associated with increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome during 2007-2012. Conclusion Metabolic syndrome prevalence increased from 1988 to 2012 for every sociodemographic group; by 2012, more than a third of all US adults met the definition and criteria for metabolic syndrome agreed to jointly by several international organizations.
Hybrid PN-SN with Lagrange multiplier and upwinding for the multiscale transport capability in Rattlesnake

Abstract Two interface conditions, the Lagrange multiplier method and the upwinding method, for hybrid P N - S N calculations are proposed for the self-adjoint angular flux (SAAF) formulation of the transport equation using the continuous finite element method (FEM) for spatial discretization. These interface conditions are implemented in Rattlesnake, the radiation transport application built on MOOSE, for the on-going multiscale transport simulation effort at INL. For smoothing the solution at the interface for the Lagrange multiplier method, a S N Lagrange interpolation method on the unit sphere is proposed. The discrete P N interface condition with upwinding method for coupling the S N solution is desired. Numerical results indicate that the interface conditions give the expected convergence.
The FDS (Fermion Dynamical Symmetry) Model, Nuclear Shell Model and Collective Nuclear Structure Physics*

We often hear nowadays that the “fundamental theory of strong interaction physics is QCD”. All the models and theories in that field are motivated by it. Nevertheless, due to the enormous complexities of QCD, one still awaits its precise usage in practical calculations. In nuclear structure physics, there is a parallel dilemma. The fundamental theory of nuclear structure is the shell model. Let me be precise about this. By the term shell model, I mean the diagonalization of a nuclear hamiltonian with certain residual “effective” Interactions in a truncated many body basis which Is constructed from the spherical single particle orbits truncated within, say, one major physical shell. This is nuclear structure physics’ utopia. Unfortunately, while the shell model has proven to be extremely useful for studying properties of nuclei near closed shells, its general practice for systems with large number of valence nucleons has been the major challenge in the nuclear structure physics arena for the last thirty years. In order to use the shell model to study such systems where very “rich physics” presides, further drastic truncation of the space is a must. Therefore, how to further truncate the fermion space is perhaps the central question. In this talk, I hope to convince you that, through twists and turns, the idea of dynamical symmetry has played a pivotal role in this entire effort and that we may now have a glimpse as to how this further truncation of the shell model space can be achieved. We may be at the verge of entering a new stage of nuclear structure physics where one is able to reconcile on the one hand the collective nuclear structure physics with, on the other the spherical shell model.
Non-cognitive skills: potential candidates for global measurement

Skills are widely considered as key elements that contribute to the sustainable development of nations and the well-being of individuals. Given the increasing interests in the international comparisons of skills for informing educational policy, it is necessary to understand the definitions, measurement, and development of key skills. Using literature from economics, sociology, and psychology, this article focuses on non-cognitive skills that have a positive effect on life outcomes and can be better developed through education and training. Three non-cognitive skills - grit, self-control and social skills are illustrated and thoroughly reviewed here. Although some progress has been made in developing and measuring non-cognitive skills, there is currently no systematic global measure. Several factors hinder the global monitoring of non-cognitive skills and inhibits effective non-cognitive skills assessment across countries. These include a lack of solid evidence showing which soft skills predict academic and workforce outcomes and how does the strength of this relationship differ by situation.
Regression framework for background estimation in remote sensing imagery

A key component in any target or anomaly detection algorithm is the characterization of the background. We investigate several approaches for estimating the background level at a given pixel, based on both the local neighborhood around that pixel and on the global context of the full image. By framing this as a regression problem, we can compare a variety of background estimation schemes, from standard signal processing approaches long used in the hyperspectral image analysis community to more sophisticated nonlinear approaches that have recently been developed in the image processing community. These comparisons are performed on a range of images including single band, standard red-green-blue, eight-band WorldView-2, and 126-band hyperspectral HyMap imagery.
Positive peer association among Black American youth and the roles of ethnic identity and gender

The study examined whether peer association, a subtype of peer influence that involves the indirect modeling of behaviors, can promote positive development among Black American adolescents living in high-risk neighborhoods. Data were collected during a three-year longitudinal study from a sample of 316 Black American adolescents (M = 11.65 years). As positive peer association increased over time, youth experienced an increase in self-esteem, school connectedness, paternal and maternal closeness, and a decrease in supportive beliefs about aggression. Additionally, lower ethnic identity appeared to account for why some youth experienced a sharper increase in maternal and paternal closeness as positive peer association increased. Future interventions should consider harnessing the ability of prosocial peers to foster healthy development.
Therapeutic Interpretation and Extended Meaning

Interpretation may be said to lie at the heart of meaning. For example, reference without interpretation carries one to a wasteland of definitions, but interpretation conveys a richness of potential meaning that betrays the human creativity hidden in language. Interpretation during therapy has a similar, special place among many possible verbal interventions (Rosen, 1974). Interpretation of the unconscious, moreover, has become the cornerstone of the classical Freudian intention, and it marks that discipline’s unique approach to therapy. If we explore the relationship of the interpretative process in linguistic terms, we should achieve a new understanding that escapes more conventional or traditional approaches.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Single Institution Experience of 176 Surgical Patients:

Large single-institution series of patients undergoing resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are lacking. Clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively collected and analyzed from patients undergoing resection for GIST from 2002 to 2011. One hundred seventy-six patients were identified; 156 underwent resection of primary nonmetastatic disease. KIT mutations were identified in 131 patients (84.0%). Of the 156 patients with primary disease, the most common site was the stomach (75.6%). Tumors were categorized as very low (24.4%), low (35.9%), intermediate (12.2%), high (24.4%), or unknown (3.2%) risk. Symptomatic patients more often had high risk (35.6 vs 9.8%; P < 0.0001) and larger tumors (7.3 vs 3.0 cm; P < 0.0001). Forty-seven patients (30.1%) underwent laparoscopic resection (LR). Compared with open surgery, LR was performed for smaller tumors (3.8 vs 6.2 cm; P = 0.002). Positive margin rates were similar (4.3% LR vs 10.2% open; P = 0.346). Median follow-up for the 156 patients with primary tumors was 32.9 months; mean overall survival was 120.9 months (median not reached). Of the 20 patients with metastatic GIST (excluded from above analysis), five patients (25.0%) died of disease with a median follow-up of 15.9 months. Most patients with resectable primary GIST have a favorable prognosis. The presence of symptoms directly related to GIST may be associated with a poor prognosis and is likely related to increased tumor size. Laparoscopic resection is well tolerated and does not appear to compromise outcomes in well-selected patients. Highly selected patients with metastatic disease may benefit from resection.
MODELING INTRACOCHLEAR AND EAR CANAL DISTORTION PRODUCT (2f1-f2)

Responses of a mechanical model of the peripheral auditory system are calculated for two-tone stimuli with primary frequencies chosen so that the frequency of the cubic difference tone (2f1-f2) is maintained constant for all pairs used. The comprehensive model explicitly includes linear characterizations of the earphone driver, acoustic coupler, and middle ear, and a passive cochlear model with nonlinear damping of the cochlear partition motion. The amplitude and phase plots of the (2f1-f2) distortion signal, determined both in the ear canal and at the (2f1-f2) characteristic place, show rapid variations with f1, and quite different patterns depending on the stimulus level. These plots, as well as plots showing the spatial distribution of primary and distortion signals along the cochlea for six selected f1 values, are interpretable as showing interactions between multiple propagating waves at the distortion product frequency.
International accreditation, linguistic proximity and trade in medical services

Abstract The recent growth in the globalization of medical services has attracted broad attention from scholars and policymakers. The intimacy and risk associated with many medical services makes these markets especially sensitive to trade barriers, transaction costs and asymmetric information. This paper uses a gravity model to investigate the factors associated with the global pattern of bilateral trade in medical services. Using data from the United Nations International Trade in Services Database, we differentiate between trade flows in which the recipient travels to the service provider, ‘medical tourism,’ and those trade flows in which the service is delivered to the recipient, ‘other health services.’ Our findings indicate that, after controlling for various economic, historical and geographic linkages, linguistic proximity and international accreditation are not significant predictors of the bilateral pattern of medical tourism, though they are associated with greater trade in other health services. We argue the key difference is that trade in other health services, including medical transcription, diagnostic analysis and laboratory services, is akin to trade in intermediate inputs. The medical service providers contracting for these services are especially sensitive to risk and have strong incentives to monitor quality. By contrast, medical tourism is a market in which patients do not have strong incentives to engage in costly monitoring or information gathering. Providers seeking to market their services to patients abroad have mitigated the effects of linguistic dissimilarity and asymmetric information by exploiting the strong complementarities between medical and non-medical tourism services.
Adoption of hypofractionated radiotherapy for early-stage invasive breast cancer after publication of randomized trials.

6522 Background: Large randomized trials have established the non-inferiority of shorter courses of “hypofractionated” radiotherapy to the whole breast (HyRT) vs conventional courses using smaller ...
Diagnostic techniques and surgical outcomes for persistent pediatric obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of upper airway surgery for children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy and to assess sleep study outcomes when Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy, Cine MRI, or other imaging procedure is performed to assist in identifying the location of obstruction and planning surgery. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Inclusion criteria was English-language studies with original data including pediatric patients with persistent OSA after TA p Conclusions Surgery for pediatric persistent obstructive sleep apnea improves apnea hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation but does not resolve the disease. This is true when both Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Cine MRI findings were used to direct surgery.
Pharmacogenomic potential in advanced cancer patients

PURPOSE The prevalence of pharmacogenetically actionable medications in advanced cancer patients whose therapy may be optimized with genotype data was determined. METHODS Patients enrolled in our institutional molecular tumor board observational cohort were included in this study. Collected data included demographics, type(s) of cancer, and outpatient medications. Medications were classified as "pharmacogenetically actionable" if there are Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) therapeutic recommendations for that medication based on the presence of germline variations. The prevalence of pharmacogenetically actionable medications in the study population was determined, and the frequency of opportunities for pharmacogenetic prescribing and adverse event (AE) mitigation were estimated. RESULTS In a cohort of 193 patients with advanced cancer, 65% of patients were taking a pharmacogenetically actionable medication. Approximately 10% of the outpatient medications taken by the study population had a pharmacogenetic association. The most common pharmacogenetically actionable medications being used were ondansetron (47%), capecitabine (10%), and sertraline (7%). Using published genetic variation frequencies and AE risk, we conservatively estimated that 7.1% of cancer patients would be eligible for genetic-based medication adjustment, and 101 AEs would be prevented in 10,000 patients genotyped. CONCLUSION Medications with pharmacogenetic associations are used commonly in the advanced cancer patient population. This widespread exposure supports the implementation of prospective genotyping in the treatment of these high-risk patients.
Investigating the incidence of sexual assault in martial arts coaching using media reports

Abstract The rapidly expanding martial arts industry, which is presently unregulated within the United States, has seen multiple coaches convicted of sex offenses in recent years. However, there is currently no existing literature on sexual assault within the martial arts industry. We used major search platforms to collect media reports concerning martial arts coaches who were convicted of sex offenses within the United States. We analyzed the reports for information concerning the perpetrators, victims, and offenses as a first step toward filling the need for insight in this area. We found that a significant number of convicted sex offenders resumed martial arts coaching following initial law enforcement intervention.
Augustine and Contemporary Republicanism: On Speech as Domination:

I argue that Augustine can inform contemporary republicanism in a way that has not yet been considered: by means of the utility of “overlapping consensus.” I first unpack Philip Pettit’s theory of ...
Analysis of Factors Affecting Coffee Farmer Behavior in Tanah Datar District

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the behavior of coffee farmers in Tanah Datar District. This study uses a survey method in gathering data from the population of farmers who produce coffee with a sample of 100 farmers. The analytical tool used is Partial Least Square (PLS). The results showed knowledge and attitudes significantly influence the behavior of coffee farmers and have a positive connection. Meanwhile, knowledge and attitudes are significantly influenced by individual and environmental characteristics, and coherence with a positive relationship. Individual characteristics significantly influence the behavior of coffee farmers with knowledge and attitude as a mediating variable and have a positive relationship. The environment has a significant effect on the behavior of coffee farmers with knowledge and attitude as a mediating variable and has a positive relationship.
No Association Between Bone Mineral Density and Breast Arterial Calcification Among Postmenopausal Women.

Author(s): Iribarren, Carlos; Chandra, Malini; Molloi, Sabee; Sam, Danny; Sanchez, Gabriela; Bidgoli, Fatemeh Azamian; Cho, Hyo-Min; Ding, Huanjun; Lo, Joan C | Abstract: Context:The association between bone mineral density (BMD) and breast arterial calcification (BAC) remains poorly understood and controversial. Objective:The objective of this article is to examine the association between BMD and BAC in a large cohort of postmenopausal women undergoing routine mammography. Design:A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a multiethnic cohort was performed. Setting:The setting for this analysis is an integrated health care delivery system in Northern California in the United States. Patients:A total of 1273 women age 60 to 79 years (mean age, 67 years) were recruited within 12 months of screening mammography. Main outcome measure:A BAC score (mg) was obtained from digital mammograms using a novel densitometry method. BAC presence was defined as a BAC score greater than 0 mg, and severe BAC as a BAC score greater than 20 mg. Results:Overall, 53% of women had osteopenia and 21% had osteoporosis. The prevalence of BAC greater than 0 mg was 29%, 30%, and 29% among women with normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis, respectively (P = 0.98). The prevalence of BAC greater than 20 mg was 5%, 3%, and 5% among women with normal BMD, osteopenia and osteoporosis, respectively (P = .65). The odds ratios (ORs) of BAC greater than 0 mg vs BAC = 0 mg after multivariable adjustment were 1.09 (95% CI, 0.81-1.48; P = .54) for osteopenia and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.69-1.48; P = .98) for osteoporosis. The adjusted ORs for BAC greater than 20 mg vs BAC 20 mg or less were 1.03 (95% CI, 0.52-2.01; P = .93) for osteopenia and 1.89 (95 CI, 0.81-4.47; P = .14) for osteoporosis. Conclusion:Our findings do not support an association of either osteopenia or osteoporosis with BAC presence or severity among postmenopausal women.
Desakota 2.0: worlding hybrid spaces in the global urban

In a world where rapid urban expansion is occurring in peri-urban fringes of the Global South, this paper advocates for a foregrounding of urban-rural fringes as sites of urban theorization. Heedin...
Volume of CP(N)

To do any kind of rigorous counting of points in a continuous space we have to coarse-grain the space. An example is counting states in classical statistical mechanics where we coarse grain, replacing points by little balls of radius \(\epsilon .\) This allows us to count states, for example to define entropy.
The Effect of Perforator Skeletonization on Pedicled Fasciocutaneous Flaps of the Lower Extremity: A Systematic Review.

Background Lower extremity defects often require free tissue transfer due to a paucity of local donor sites. Locoregional perforator-based flaps offer durable, single-stage reconstruction while avoiding the pitfalls of microsurgery. Multiple harvest techniques are described, yet few studies provide outcome comparisons. Specifically, no study has examined the impact of perforator flap pedicle skeletonization on reconstructive outcomes. This systematic review characterizes technique and impact of pedicle skeletonization on perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps of the lower extremity. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were reviewed for literature examining perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps from knee to ankle, from January 2000 through November 2018. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews-Individual Participant Data (PRISMA-IPD) structure was used. Results Thirty-six articles were included for quantitative analysis. Of 586 flaps, 365 were skeletonized (60.1%) with 58 major (9.9%) and 19 minor complications (3.2%). With skeletonization, overall reoperative rate was higher (odds ratio [OR]: 9.71, p = 0.004), specifically in propeller (OR: 12.50, p = 0.004) and rotational flaps (OR: 18.87, p = 0.004). The complication rate of rotational flaps also increased (OR: 2.60, p = 0.04). Notably, skeletonization reduced complications in flaps rotated 90 degrees or more (OR: 0.21, p = 0.02). Reoperative rate of distal third defects (OR: 14.08, p = 0.02), flaps over 48 cm2 (OR: 33.33, p = 0.01), and length to width ratios over 1.75 (OR: 7.52, p = 0.03) was increased with skeletonization. Skeletonization increased complications in traumatic defects (OR: 2.87, p = 0.04) and reduced complications in malignant defects (OR: 0.10, p = 0.01). Conclusion Pedicled, perforator-based flaps can provide a reliable locoregional alternative to free tissue transfer for lower extremity defects. Though skeletonization increased the overall reoperative rate, the complication rate for flaps with 90 degrees or more of rotation was significantly reduced. This suggests skeletonization should be considered when large rotational movements are anticipated to reduce complications that can arise from pedicle compression and venous congestion.
Associations between the broad autism phenotype, adult attachment, and relationship satisfaction among emerging adults

Abstract Traits comprising the broad autism phenotype (aloof personality, pragmatic language deficits, and rigid personality) have been linked to difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships, as well as attachment insecurity. The present study examined how the three individual broad autism phenotype traits were associated with emerging adults' romantic relationship satisfaction via attachment anxiety and avoidance. Results of a parallel mediation model revealed that aloof personality was associated with lower relationship satisfaction via anxiety and avoidance, pragmatic language was associated with lower relationship satisfaction via avoidance, and rigidity was associated with lower relationship satisfaction via anxiety. In conclusion, individuals high in BAP may be at risk for lower relationship satisfaction as a result of higher attachment insecurity.
The Role of Economics in the Discourse on RLUIPA and the Nondiscrimination in Religious Land Use

In the context of land use, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) allows religious institutions to challenge land-use decisions that unfairly discriminate against religious land use. Of the various mechanisms in the statute that provide relief, the substantial burden and equal terms provisions have created confusion in the courts and controversy among scholars. Oftentimes, courts and scholars have framed the discussion of RLUIPA’s substantial burden and equal terms provisions as a matter of power and control. A law and economics approach, however, can allow courts and scholars to balance competing concerns by weighing them against relevant facts that are specific to each community. This Note first discusses the state of the law and scholarship on RLUIPA’s substantial burden and equal terms provisions. Then, this Note analyzes Judge Richard Posner’s application of these provisions to provide a fresh look on RLUIPA’s application. Finally, this Note assesses the merits and potential challenges in taking a community-specific, factintensive approach to RLUIPA. Although the economic view is certainly not a fail-safe approach, it can at least refract the discussion on RLUIPA’s application to open new ways of thinking about religious discrimination
Abstract P806: Sirtuin1 Plays a Critical Role in Reversing Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability in patients worldwide. Skeletal muscle is the primary systemic target organ of stroke that severely induces muscle wasting and weakne...
Evaluation of a Behavioral Self-care Intervention Administered through a Massive Open Online Course

Background: Previous research reported the effectiveness of a curriculum-based self-care intervention for students administered in the context of a course on behavior change.Purpose: The study eval...
Percutaneous Extraction of a Migrated WATCHMAN™ Device After Seven Months.

Rarely, a left atrial appendage closure device may chronically migrate to an unfavorable position postoperatively, requiring removal. We present the details of a case in which a WATCHMAN™ device (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) implanted seven months prior was found to have migrated with protrusion 0.91 cm outside the left atrial appendage together with a 90o tilt and peridevice leakage. Adopting a femoral arterial retrograde approach, a 27-mm WATCHMAN™ device was temporarily positioned in the ascending aorta for cerebroembolic protection, never released from the connecting wire. Extraction of the original WATCHMAN™ device was performed using an endoscopic grasping tool, with subsequent device re-implantation of a new device and removal of the temporarily positioned device in the ascending aorta.
Immunohistochemical analysis of glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix reveals robust lymphocyte infiltrate and the expression of targetable inhibitory immune checkpoints.

To validate our previous findings of high-level EGFR expression in GCCC using an expanded cohort of specimens and to further examine the molecular and cellular features of this aggressive malignancy to identify potentially actionable therapeutic targets. The SEER database was queried to obtain the epidemiological data regarding the current national survival trends for GCCC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of EGFR, PD-1, and PD-L1. CiberSort analysis was used to analyze a previously published RNA-sequencing dataset obtained from a single patient diagnosed with GCCC. In comparison to squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinomas, GCCC was observed in younger patients (p < 0.001) and demonstrated inferior survival (p < 0.001). All (100%) of the specimens (8/8) exhibited immunoreactivity when stained for CD3e (T-cell marker), EGFR, PD-1, and PD-L1 whereas CTLA4 expression was not detected. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data revealed that cetuximab and erlotinib altered the chemokine profile, lymphocyte abundance, and expression of inhibitory immune checkpoints in a single patient when combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy in a single patient. The data from this descriptive study suggests that immune checkpoint blockade, whether single agent or in combination, may be a suitable therapeutic option for a disease for which targeted approaches do not currently exist.
Non-Gaussian Response of Nonlinear Oscillators with Fourth-Order Internal Resonance

The random response of a nonlinear two-degree-of-freedom oscillator subjected to wide band excitations is analyzed. The oscillator involves cubic nonlinear inertia coupling between its normal modes. The random excitations appear as non-homogeneous and parametric terms in the equations of motion. In the neighborhood of fourth-order internal resonance condition the response statist ics are determined by using the Fokker-Planck equation approach and a non-Gaussian closure scheme based on the properties of higher-order cumulants. Contrary to the Gaussian closure solution, the non-Gaussian closure yields a strictly stationary response in the time domain. It is found that unbounded response statistics take place at certain regions which are located above or below the exact internal resonance.
Surgical treatment of prolactin-secreting microadenomas

Abstract Fourteen women (aged 19 to 38 years) with amenorrhea of 1 to 7 years' duration underwent transsphenoidal pituitary exploration for selective removal of potential prolactin secreting microadenomas. Preoperatively, serum prolactin levels were elevated in all (90 to 970 ng/ml), standard sella turcica x-ray films were normal, but polytomography revealed localized erosion in 12 women. Growth hormone reserve (assessed with insulin-induced hypoglycemia) was compromised in one of 13 women; cortisol responsiveness (to insulin-induced hypoglycemia) was attenuated in three of 10 women, while gonadotropin reserve (assessed with subcutaneous 100μg luteinizing hormone-releasing factor) was borderline in two of 13 women. At operation, pituitary adenomas were removed in 13 women, while a sellar diverticuium was found in the remaining woman. In the 13 women with pituitary adenoma removal, plasma prolactin levels decreased in all and reached normal levels in five women. Despite pituitary surgery, trophic hormone function (i.e., growth hormone reserve, cortisol responsiveness, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone) was preserved in most instances and perhaps improved. Adjunctive radiotherapy was utilized in two patients. With follow-up of 6 months' to 3 years duration, cyclic menses have resumed in six and pregnancy occurred in three of seven women desiring fertility. Factors associated with successful surgical treatment of these microadenomas included: (1) tumor size (
Application of robust statistics to asset allocation models

• Many strategies for asset allocation involve the computation of the expected value and the covariance matrix of the returns of financial instruments. How much of each instrument to own is determined by an attempt to minimize risk — the variance of linear combinations of investments in these financial assets — subject to various constraints such as a given level of return, concentration limits, etc. The covariance matrix contains many parameters to estimate and two main problems arise. First, the data will very likely have outliers that will seriously affect the covariance matrix. Second, with so many parameters to estimate, a large number of return observations are required and the nature of markets may change substantially over such a long period. In this paper we discuss using robust covariance procedures, FAST-MCD, Iterated Bivariate Winsorization and Fast 2-D Winsorization, to address the first problem and penalization methods for the second. When back-tested on market data, these methods are shown to be effective in improving portfolio performance. Robust asset allocation methods have great potential to improve risk-adjusted portfolio returns and therefore deserve further exploration in investment management research. Key-Words: • robust statistics; asset allocation; FAST-MCD; bivariate Winsorization; penalization. AMS Subject Classification: • 62G35, 62P20, 91B28. 98 Roy E. Welsch and Xinfeng Zhou Application of Robust Statistics to Asset Allocation Models 99
Abstract 15362: Pre-participation Screening of Young Competitive Athletes for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death Using a New Electrocardiographic Device

Introduction: Routine 12-lead electrocardiogram screening for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in young athletes is not recommended due to the enormous cost per life saved. The application of less expensive electrocardiographic devices has not been investigated. Hypothesis: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the utility of a new 3-lead wireless electrocardiographic device for the pre-participation screening of young competitive athletes. Methods: Twenty-seven college football players were enrolled in this study. During the pre-participation screening sessions, each player underwent evaluation using a conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram and a new 3-lead electrocardiogram coupled to our wireless electrocardiographic device. The new 3-lead electrocardiography is a compact device that yields high quality electrocardiographic signals. We compared several electrocardiographic parameters (QRS duration, QRS amplitude, left ventricular hypertrophy, ST deviation and corrected QT interval) u...
Analysis of Isolated YAC Clones

This unit provides a series of protocols describing the analysis and manipulation of an isolated YAC clone. The procedures are based upon the use of the YAC vector pYAC4. Once an isolated YAC clone has been obtained from a core laboratory, the clone can be analyzed as described herein. Methods for analysis involve growing and storing YAC-containing yeast strains and purifying YAC DNA in a form suitable for assessing the size of the artificial chromosome and for conventional Southern blotting. Preparation of yeast chromosomes in agarose plugs for subsequent analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis is also described. Additional protocols are provided for recovering DNA fragments from the ends of a YAC genomic insert to be used as probes for detecting chimerism and for chromosome walking. Finally, preparation of high-molecular-weight YAC DNA is described and a general method for subcloning YAC inserts into cosmid or lambda vectors for higher-resolution analysis is provided.
The Domestication of Desire: Women, Wealth, and Modernity in Java

The Domestication of Desire: Women, Wealth, and Modernity in Java. Suzanne April Brenner. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1998. 302 pp.
Reflective assessment: portfolios in engineering courses

Quality problems in engineering education are caused by the wide range of student backgrounds and abilities, the need for integrating interpersonal and technical skills, the lack of feedback mechanisms for the assessment of quality, and the overall lack of relevance between the students' needs and the coursework. S.R. Covey's (1989) seven habits and P.M. Senge's (1990) five disciplines provide a framework for converting the classroom into a learning organization-an organization capable of addressing such quality issues. Portfolio assessment, a tool seldom used in engineering courses but particularly effective, is the key organizing element. By student portfolios, we mean a systematic and purposeful collection of student goals for learning, works in progress, peer and instructor feedback, and reflections on the work and processes. We show that the portfolio with reflective assessment supports each habit and discipline, promotes continuous improvement for both students and instructors, and clarifies the relationship between course learning and life long career development. Several examples of portfolio assessment are examined. These illustrate using portfolios with reflective assessment as a framework to link students' learning goals with team and individual projects. The portfolios focus both instructors' and students' attention on the quality of learning processes.
Separation of experimental 2D IR frequency-frequency correlation functions into structural and reorientation-induced contributions

A vibrational transition frequency can couple to its environment through a directional vector interaction. In such cases, reorientation of the vibrational transition dipole (molecular orientational relaxation) and its frequency fluctuations can be strongly coupled. It was recently shown [Kramer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 142, 184505 (2015)] that differing frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF) decays, due to reorientation-induced spectral diffusion (RISD), are observed with different two-dimensional infrared polarization configurations when such strong coupling is present. The FFC functional forms were derived for the situation in which all spectral diffusion is due to reorientational motion. We extend the previous theory to include vibrational frequency evolution (spectral diffusion) caused by structural fluctuations of the medium. Model systems with diffusive reorientation and several regimes of structural spectral diffusion rates are analyzed for first order Stark effect interactions. Additionally, the transition dipole reorientational motion in complex environments is frequently not completely diffusive. Several periods of restricted angular motion (wobbling-in-a-cone) may precede the final diffusive orientational randomization. The polarization-weighted FFCF decays are presented in this case of restricted transition dipole wobbling. With these extensions to the polarization-dependent FFCF expressions, the structural spectral diffusion dynamics of methanol in the room temperature ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate can be separated quantitatively from RISD using the experimental center line slope data. In addition, prior results on the spectral diffusion of water, methanol, and ethanol in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide are re-examined to elucidate the influence of reorientation on the data, which were interpreted in terms of structural fluctuations.
Practical genetics of colorectal cancer

Hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly heterogeneous, both genotypically and phenotypically. The most frequently occurring hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome is Lynch syndrome, accounting for approximately 3% of the total colorectal cancer burden. Polyposis syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis, account for a lesser percentage. Familial colorectal cancer, defined by family history, occurs in an estimated 20% of all colorectal cancer cases. With a worldwide annual colorectal cancer incidence of over one million, and annual mortality of over 600,000, hereditary and familial forms of colorectal cancer are a major public health problem. Lynch syndrome is attributable to DNA mismatch repair germline mutations, with the MSH2, MLH1, MSH6, and PMS2 genes being implicated. The characteristics of Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal tumors, including early age of onset and predilection to the proximal colon, mandate surveillance by colonoscopy beginning by age 20 to 25 and repeated every other year through age 40 and annually thereafter. Besides colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome also predisposes to a litany of extracolonic cancers, foremost of which is endometrial cancer, followed by cancer of the ovary, stomach, renal pelvis and ureter, small bowel, hepatobiliary tract, pancreas, glioblastoma multiforme in the Turcot's variant, and sebaceous skin tumors in the Muir-Torre variant and, more recently identified, cancers of the breast and prostate. The most common polyposis syndrome is familial adenomatous polyposis, caused by mutations in the APC gene. Affected individuals have multiple colonic adenomas and, without treatment invariably develop colorectal cancer. Colonic surveillance with polypectomy may be pursued until the appearance of multiple colonic adenomas, at which time prophylactic colectomy should be considered. Extra-intestinal manifestations include desmoid tumor, hepatoblastoma, thyroid carcinoma, and medulloblastoma. Other polyposis syndromes include the hamartomatous polyp syndromes, including juvenile polyposis syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and Bannayan-Ruvalcaba-Riley syndrome.
Risk and impact tradeoffs in radioactive scrap metal management

Abstract Two management alternatives for radioactive scrap metal were evaluated: (1) recycling and reuse, and (2) disposal and replacement. The human health risks, environmental impacts, and sociopolitical issues potentially associated with these alternatives were assessed in an international context. For each alternative, the health risks from workplace and transportation accidents are greater in magnitude than the risks from potential exposure to radioactive materials or chemicals. The nonradiological risks are at least twice as high for disposal and replacement as they are for recycling, with the result that recycling has lower health risks overall. Environmental impacts from disposal and replacement of scrap metals are likely to be orders of magnitude higher than those for recycling. This is true of effects on land, water, and air quality, as well as for mineral and energy resources. In addition to risks and costs, issues affecting the choice between radioactive scrap metal management alternatives include low-level waste disposal site availability, public acceptability of recycling, potential impacts on metal markets, impacts of radioactivity on sensitive industrial uses of metal, and international equity issues.
INDIGENOUS POULTRY FEED MICROFLORA RESPONSE TO ETHYL ALCOHOL AND BUFFERED PROPIONIC ACID ADDITION

The present study was designed to compare ethyl alcohol with buffered propionic acid feed treatment on the survival of indigenous poultry feed bacteria and fungi. The aerobic bacterial poultry feed populations were not substantially reduced by either ethyl alcohol or buffered propionic acid treatments. Likewise, indigenous poultry feed fungal populations also were not markedly reduced by buffered propionic acid treatment of the feed but fungal poultry feed populations exposed to ethyl alcohol treatments were significantly lower (P<0.05) than fungal populations recovered from either control and buffered propionic acid treated feeds. Ethyl alcohol treatment may have potential for reducing fungal contamination in poultry feed.
A simple method for determining the uniaxial anisotropy direction and skew in magnetic thin films

A visual nondestructive method for determining the uniaxial anisotropy directions in magnetic thin films without active electronic instruments is discussed. Only a rod magnet and a magnetic tape viewer are required.
Mechanism of oxidative addition of allylic halides to iridium(I) complexes

Abstract A detailed study has been made of the oxidative addition reaction of allylic halides to IrCI(CO)(P(CH 3 ) 2 C 6 (H 5 ) 2 in benzene in methanol. In benzene the reaction probably occurs by way of a π-allyl intermediate. This reacts with anion to give a product with α o-ally group bonded to the metal cis to the added anion. Both crotyl α-methylallyl chlorides give the same products since they form the same π-allyl. In methanol the π-allyl is not an intermediate since crotyl chloride α-methylallyl chloride give different σ-allyl products with the metal atom bonding predominantly to the carbon atom bearing the chloride. The anion which add in methanol can be one added to the solution it bonds trans to the σ-allyl group. A modified S N 2 mechanism with double-bond participation is proposed for both solvents.