cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: a predictor of poor prognosis.

Background Sarcomatoid cancer (SARC) of the lung is a rare histologic type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although believed to be associated with poor prognosis, its effect on survival and recurrence has not been well defined. Our goal was to determine the prognostic significance of SARC histology in patients undergoing pulmonary resection. Methods We retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent pulmonary resection for NSCLC during a 20-year period at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and compared recurrence and survival rates of patients with SARC with a cohort of patients with typical NSCLC. To account for known prognostic factors such as smoking status, age, gender, pathologic stage, and adjuvant therapy, we used one-to-one matching based on propensity scores. Results The study included 63 SARC patients and 1133 NSCLC patients with complete data. Propensity score matching identified 63 NSCLC patients that were similar to the 63 SARC patients from known clinical factors. The 5-year survival for SARC patients was 24.5% compared with 46.3% for NSCLC patients ( p = 0.01); median time to recurrence was 11.3 months and 61.4 months, respectively ( p = 0.001). Conclusions Compared with other histologic subtypes, SARC behaves in an aggressive fashion. These tumors are frequently symptomatic, are locally advanced, and have higher rates of recurrence. Future investigation of novel treatment approaches is warranted. Nonsurgical treatment modalities may be appropriate for patients with clinically advanced disease.
The influence of floodplain restoration on whole-stream metabolism in an agricultural stream: insights from a 5-year continuous data set

AbstractChannelized streams are common in North American agricultural regions, where they minimize water residence time and biological nutrient processing. Floodplain restoration done via the 2-stage-ditch management strategy can improve channel stability and nutrient retention during storms. We examined the influence of floodplain restoration on whole-stream metabolism by measuring gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) for 1 y before and 4 y after restoration of an upstream, unaltered control reach and a downstream, restored reach. Both reaches were biologically active and dynamic. GPP ranged from 0.1 to 22.1 g O2 m−2 d−1, and ecosystem respiration (ER) rates ranged from −0.1 to −38.7 g O2 m−2 d−1. We used time-series analysis and found that GPP increased postrestoration during floodplain inundation when expressed per unit length, but not per unit area, of stream. GPP was more resilient post- than prerestoration and returned to prestorm levels more quickly after than before floodp...
Hybrid approaches: applying computational methods in cryo-electron microscopy.

Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy have led to an increasing number of high (3–5 A) to medium (5–10 A) resolution cryoEM density maps. These density maps contain valuable information about the protein structure but frequently require computational algorithms to aid their structural interpretation. It is these hybrid approaches between cryoEM and computational protein structure prediction algorithms that will shape protein structure elucidation from density maps.
Quantitative In Silico analysis of transient metabolism of acetaminophen and associated causes of hepatotoxicity in humans

Although safe at therapeutic levels, excess intake of acetaminophen can lead to hepatic injury or acute liver failure (ALF). A number of different factors influence metabolism and hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen in patients. Three of the most important are a patient’s physiological response to fasting, alcohol consumption, and chronic acetaminophen consumption. The molecular and enzymatic underpinnings for these processes have been extensively studied. The purpose of this study is to examine and quantify the effects of the noted conditions, provide possible reasons for conflicting clinical observations, and examine dangers associated with uptake of therapeutic doses of acetaminophen. In order to gain a better understanding of the transient hepatic changes associated with each physiological and nutritional process, examine risks of ALF associated with individuals based on their unique lifestyle and health issues, and predict improved dosing strategies, a multi-compartmented physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of acetaminophen metabolism in adult humans was developed. By varying the parameters of this model, changes in metabolism of acetaminophen and its toxic byproducts for a variety of medically relevant conditions were assessed. Simulated results indicate that in case of chronic ingestion of acetaminophen, the increased rate of glucuronidation plays a significant role in protecting patients from liver damage following uptake of excessive quantities. Analysis of metabolism of acetaminophen in persons who have imbibed excessive amounts of alcohol show that the primary reason for hepatotoxicity in such individuals is decreased availability of glutathione in the liver and not the observed increased production of toxic byproducts. When the glutathione depleting effects of alcohol consumption are combined with those associated with chronic acetaminophen use, intake of slightly higher quantities than the recommended therapeutic doses of acetaminophen can result in initiation of hepatotoxicity. The results of simulations show that, in healthy and well-fed individuals, chronic uptake of acetaminophen doses even five times the therapeutic recommendations should be safe. However, in persons who have diminished hepatic glutathione regeneration capacities, depending on the magnitude of this deleterious shortcoming, minor overdoses can result in hepatotoxicity. Hence, it can be concluded that for such persons, acetaminophen is just as toxic as any other compound that would generate reactive oxidative species.
Semantic video indexing using a probabilistic framework

Proposes a probabilistic framework for semantic video indexing. The components of the framework are multijects and multinets. Multijects are probabilistic multimedia objects representing semantic features or concepts. A multinet is a probabilistic network of multijects which accounts for the interaction between concepts. The main contribution of the paper is the application of a graphical probabilistic framework to build the multinet. The multinet enhances the detection performance of individual multijects, provides a unified framework for integrating multiple modalities and supports inference of unobservable concepts based on their relation with observable concepts. We develop multijects for detecting sites (locations) in video and integrate the multijects using multinet in the form of a Bayesian network. Detection performance is significantly improved using the multinet.
On the memoryless robust estimation of the autocorrelation coefficients

Three methods for the estimation of the matrix elements of the correlation matrix of a finite-dependent stationary random sequence are examined: the sample average and two proposed approaches, namely the pseudo maximum likelihood and the pseudo M-estimator. The latter scheme is found as a solution of a Fredholm integral equation. Finally, the existence of a minimax robust design is proved and a suboptimally robust scheme is proposed. >
RF characteristics of thin film liquid crystal polymer (LCP) packages for RF MEMS and MMIC integration

A standard non-metallized liquid crystal polymer (LCP) 4 mil thick microwave substrate with depth-controlled laser-micromachined cavities was investigated as a system-level packaging layer for integrated packaging of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) and radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) switches. The RF characteristics of air/dielectric discontinuities at the cavity interfaces were first simulated and the results show that LCP's low dielectric constant enables cavity dimensions to be arbitrarily chosen without significantly affecting the RF performance. To test this packaging concept a 4 mil LCP sheet with twelve 1 mm /spl times/ 2.4 mm /spl times/ 2 mil deep cavities was fabricated. Air-bridge type RF MEMS switches were fabricated on a base LCP substrate and measured before and after introducing the laser-micromachined superstrate layer. The measurements show almost no difference in packaged and unpackaged form for frequencies up to 40 GHz. The concept of a system-level package on a flexible, low-cost, organic substrate has been demonstrated for the first time. The same technique could be used for integrating MMICs all in a near-hermetic low-cost LCP module.
IV.7 Tamoxifen and uterine cancer: Confounding variables

Abstract The idea that tamoxifen could encourage the growth of pre-existing endometrial cancer caused an increase in the screening and subsequent detection of endometrial cancer in tamoxifen-treated patients. These data are biased because controls were not screened.
Lesions of Orbitofrontal Cortex and Basolateral Amygdala Complex Disrupt Acquisition of Odor-Guided Discriminations and Reversals

Recent work indicates that both orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the basolateral complex of the amygdala (ABL) are involved in processes by which cues are associated with predicted outcomes. To examine the respective roles of these structures in discrimination learning, rats with bilateral sham or neurotoxic lesions of either OFC or ABL were trained on a series of four 2-odor discrimination problems in a thirst-motivated go, no-go task. After acquisition of the series of odor problems, the rats were trained on serial reversals of the final odor problem. Performance on each problem was assessed by monitoring accuracy of choice behavior, and also by measuring latency to respond for fluid outcomes after odor sampling. During discrimination learning, rats in both lesioned groups had similar deficits, failing to show normal changes in response latency during learning, while at the same time exhibiting normal choice behavior relative to controls. Choice behavior was affected only during the reversal phase of training, in which OFC and ABL lesions produced distinctive deficits. Rats with ABL lesions were impaired on the first reversal (S1-/S2+), but were unimpaired at acquiring a reversal back to the original odor-outcome contigencies (S1+/S2-), whereas rats with OFC lesions were impaired on both types of reversals. These findings suggest that OFC and ABL serve partially overlapping roles in the use of incentive information that supports normal discrimination performance.
A simple method of sample size calculation for unequal-sample-size designs that use the logrank or t-test.

This paper presents a simple method of calculating sample sizes for unequal-sample-size designs with use of published tables applicable to equal-sample-size designs. The method applies to both the logrank test and the t-test. For the power of logrank test, this paper compares the proposed method with existing methods and with the Monte Carlo simulation.
A model analysis of static stress in the vestibular membranes.

Background: The scheme of the core vestibular membranes, consisting of serially connected utricle, ampulla and semicircular canal, first appeared hundreds of millions of years ago in primitive fish and has remained largely unchanged during the subsequent course of evolution. The labyrinths of higher organisms build on this core structure, with the addition of the phylogenetically newer membrane structures, namely, saccule, lagena and cochlea. An analysis of static stress in these core vestibular membranes may contribute to a better understanding of the role of stress in the evolution of derivative membrane structures over the long term as well as the short-term membrane distortions seen in Meniere's disease. Methods: A model of these core vestibular membranes is proposed in order to analyze the distribution of stress in the walls of the component chambers. The model uses basic geometrical elements of hollow cylinders and spheres to emulate the actual structures. These model elements lend themselves to a mathematical analysis of static stress in their membranes. Results: Hoop stress, akin to the stress in hoops used to reinforce barrel walls, is found to be the predominant stress in the model membranes. The level of hoop stress depends not only on pressure but as well on a geometric stress factor that incorporates membrane shape, thickness and curvature. This result implies that hoop stress may be unevenly distributed in the membranes of the several vestibular chambers due to variations in these dimensional parameters. These results provide a theoretical framework for appraising hoop stress levels in any vestibular labyrinth whose dimensions are known. Conclusion: Static hoop stress disparities are likely to exist in the vestibular membranes given their complex physical configurations. Such stress disparities may contribute to the development of membrane pathologies as seen in Meniere's Disease. They may also factor in the evolutionary development of other derivative membrane structures such as the saccule, the lagena, and the cochlea found in higher animals.
Behavior of bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae on genetically engineered cotton.

Reports of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), larvae feeding in white flowers of Bollgard cotton have been relatively common since the commercialization of this technology in 1996. Field studies were conducted in Louisiana to determine if differences in bollworm larval behavior occur on non-Bollgard (cultivar ‘Deltapine 5415’) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Bollgard (‘NuCOTN 33B’) cottons. Larvae were placed on the terminal foliage of either single cotton plants or on all plants within 1-m row micro-plots. On preflowering cotton plants, significantly more bollworms moved from the site of infestation (terminal) on Bollgard plants compared with that on non-Bollgard plants. On individual flowering plants, the number of nodes larvae moved from the terminal and the number of infested bolls was greater on Bollgard cotton plants. Similar differences between Bollgard and non-Bollgard plants in the percentage of infested terminals and squares were observed at 48-h after infestation when 1-m rows were infested. These data will be used to refine scouting protocols for bollworm larvae on Bollgard cotton.
Prevalence of HLA-DP antibodies in patients awaiting renal transplantation

Aim To determine the prevalence of HLA-DP IgG antibodies in patients on Renal Transplant waitlist at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Introduction: Role of HLA-DP antibodies in solid organ and stem cell transplantation is evolving. Isolated reports on possible involvement of only HLA-DP DSA in acute rejection episodes (cases where the Donor/Recipient pairs are matched at HLA-Class , DR and DQ)] show the importance of this issue. In the light of HLA molecular typing and antigen specific HLA antibody assays there is an opportunity to evaluate the role of HLA-DP in allograft rejection. As part of this goal we investigated the prevalence of DP antibodies in our renal transplant candidates. Patients: A total of 532 patients with multiple serum samples tested. Methods HLA-specific antibodies were determined by solid phase assay (One Lambda, Inc. ®). HLA- specific antibody was scored as strong, moderate, or weak depending on their mean fluorescent index (MFI) value of > 5000, 2000–5000, 700–2000, respectively. Results Of the 532 patients, 143 (26.9%) had antibodies against Class II HLA-DP. The number of specific HLA-DP antibodies per patient ranged from 1 to 17 antibodies (Strong, Moderate, Weak), but could also be found entirely in one category as in the case with one patient in which all 16 of the anti-DP antibodies were in the strong MFI category. Conclusions Quarter of renal transplant candidates on waiting at Rush University Medical center have detectable HLA-DP antibodies with varying MFIs. While 36.5% of those antibodies express a low MFI, 31.4% of the patients had strong MFI. Multiple case studies from various centers have shown that transplant patients perfectly matched per UNOS requirements to their donor may still have antibody mediated rejection due to a mismatched at HLA-DP. Hence donor typing for HLA-DP and monitoring of patients for HLA-DP antibodies seems to be important
Intake of different concentrations of sucrose and corn oil in preweanling rats

To investigate the orosensory control of ingestion in preweanling rats, we infused one of the following liquids continuously through anterior sublingual intraoral catheters for 20 min: sucrose solutions (5, 10, 20, and 40%) and corn oil emulsions (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100%). Pups were tested at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age. Each pup was tested only once. Intake of sucrose and of corn oil became increasingly correlated with concentration from 7 to 21 days. Sucrose elicited more intake than water by day 7, whereas corn oil did not until day 14. Low concentrations of sucrose had differential effects on intake by day 14, but low concentrations of corn oil emulsions did not have differential effects on intake until day 21. At all ages, the peak intake of sucrose was significantly larger than the peak intake of corn oil. These differences are probably not based on prior experience because each test of ingestion represented a first exposure to the stimulus. Thus we suggest that the differences are due to the maturation of the orosensory control of ingestion by sucrose and corn oil.
Spatial and Temporal Control of Cell Division during Leech Development

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the intricate patterns of cell division in Helobdella triserialis embryos and details advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate these divisions. First, the requirement for zygotically transcribed gene products to direct the plane of cleavage in a subset of early blastomeres is discussed. Second, the lineage-specific and cell type–specific mechanisms that regulate the timing of cell division are examined. In many embryos, the timing of cell division changes during the course of development. The early cleavages, which subdivide the fertilized egg into many cells, are relatively rapid and are regulated by maternal gene products that are stockpiled in the egg. As development proceeds, the cell division cycles lengthen and require zygotic gene products, as cell division becomes coordinated with other developmental events. The early cleavages of Helobdella embryos are relatively rapid. The cell cycles of the D-derived blastomeres average about 90 minutes, whereas those of the A-, B-, and C-derived blastomeres average about 135 minutes. While all these cycles have S and M phases of similar lengths, the cycles of the D-derived cells have much shorter G2 phases. Although newly transcribed gene products regulate the equality of cleavage in some of these early cells, maternal gene products regulate the timing of these early cleavages. Similarly, the iterative 60-minute cycles of the teloblasts have even shorter G2 phases and are under maternal control.
Open versus closed primaries and the ideological composition of presidential primary electorates

Many journalists, political reformers and social scientists assume that electorates in open versus closed primaries are distinctive, especially in terms of their ideological orientations. Because voting in closed primaries is restricted to registered partisans, voters in this setting are assumed to be more ideologically extreme. Independents voting in open primaries are seen as moderating the ideological orientation of these primary electorates. However, our research demonstrates that the ideological orientations of voters in these two primary settings are quite similar. Prior research demonstrates the influence of primary laws on voters’ self-identifications as partisans or independents. We expand upon this research to show how this influences the number and ideological positions of partisans and independents as they vote in presidential primaries held under differing participation rules.
SC-27CD13 REPRESENTS A NOVEL BRAIN TUMOR STEM CELL MARKER FOR GLIOBLASTOMA

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a very deadly and highly vascularized tumor, but targeting glioma angiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition has been minimally successful. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that control glioma angiogenesis and progression could lead to significant new therapies. We previously described that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion induces increased tumor angiogenesis, decreased mouse survival, increased resistance to chemotherapy, and an increase in CD133 (a well-known stem cell marker). Because glioma enriched with brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) share similar properties with mtDNA depleted glioma cells, we hypothesize that genes up-regulated in mitochondrial depleted cells could be signature markers of BTSCs. Thus, mtDNA could be essential for the maintenance and expansion of BTSC populations. We ran an RT Profiler PCR array for angiogenesis on both U251 ρ° cells depleted of mtDNA and on the parental, isogenic U251 glioma cells. CD13 mRNA expression was increased 200 fold in ρ° cells over U251 cells. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immunocytochemisty we found that CD13 is significantly increased in ρ° cells over U251 cells, and is not regulated by hypoxia (1% O2). Purification of the CD13+ population by magnetic-activated cell sorting revealed that these cells form neurospheres when cultured in Neurobasal (NB) medium. In addition, 60% of CD13+ cells were also CD133+ in NB medium, while only 10% of CD13+ cells were also CD133+ in DMEM/F-12 medium. These findings suggest CD13 may be a marker of cancer stem cells in GBM. Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms controlling the expression of CD13 may reveal novel therapuetic targets capable of improving the treatment of GBM.
Maple Seed Performance as a Wind Turbine

An analysis of the flow field around a maple seed as it rotates and subsequent comparison to wind turbine blades is discussed. Physical values were determined experimentally from a real maple seed sample and high speed video imaging. Three dimensional computational fluid dynamics was used to simulate the maple seed in autorotation. Expected behaviors have been observed, parallels with wind turbine performance have been drawn, and potential for higher accuracy explained. Comparison of key performance quantities between the maple seed and true wind turbines has shown a potential for wind turbine design implications from the interesting maple seed geometry. The power coefficient for the maple seed from the analysis is 0.59 which compares to a range of 0.45 to 0.48 for many wind turbines and 0.593 maximum from the Betz limit.
Application of Energy Storage Technologies in Power Grids

According to the present situation of research, development and application of large-scale energy storage technologies as well as considering the regional features of energy resource distribution in China, the middle and long term development strategy of China and the pattern of"transmitting electric power from West China to East China, power exchange between South China and North China and nationwide interconnection of power grids in China", the development trend of energy storage technology are analyzed and discussed from the viewpoints of requirement, technology and economy. During the period of 11th Five Year Plan, the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) will research and develop the all-vanadium redox flow batteries with capacity in 100kW grade, the sodium sulpur batteries with capacity in megawatt grade, and the superconducting magnetic energy storage systems with capacity in megajoule grade that operates in temperature range of liquid-nitrogen;speed up the construction of mixed pumped storage power stations with capacity in 10GW grade to realize the optimized configuration of power grid;enhance the capability of power regulation, transmission and transformation to solve the trans-regional imbalance between supply and demand as well as to ensure the secure and reliable operation of power grid in China and to satisfy both requirement to power quality and development of renewable energy resources.
A 90-day Feeding Test on Rat by Valerian Liquid

Objective To assess subchronic toxicity of valerian liquid on animals.Methods Valerian liquid was administrated to SD rats by gavage,and hematology indexes,biochemical indexes organ-body ratios,quantity of food-intake,food availability and histopathological indexes were observed.Results For females,significant difference of WBC was found between low-dosage group(5.83±0.47 mmol/L) and control group(6.32±0.31 mmol/L) at end-term(F=7.024,P0.05);while BUN of low-dosage group(9.38±1.28 mmol/L) was elevated than control group(8.13±0.80 mmol/L)(F=3.076,P0.05).For males,the mid-term leukocyte classification of middle-dosage group((5.40±0.84)%) was significantly elevated compared with control group((4.56±0.52)%)(F=5.810,P0.05);while the blood glucose of low-dosage group(5.83±0.47 mmol/L) were significantly reduced compared with control group(6.32±0.31 mmol/L)(F=3.178,P0.05).Conclusion No subchronic toxicity on animals is observed under current experimental conditions.
Assessing resiliency and sustainability in an intelligence infrastructure system

Leaders, military and civilian, have the responsibility to manage effects of catastrophic events and their associated costs for response and recovery which is highlighted by the vulnerability of interdependent infrastructures to natural and technological disasters. With the scarcity of resources, infrastructures must be re-engineered to be more resilient and sustainable over the long term. Therefore, assessments are conducted to increase sustainability. The literature presents different perspectives of sustainability and resiliency and measurement of sustainability with resiliency as the premier state variable which has not been adequately addressed. The purpose of this research is to develop and deploy a systems-based model that quantifies sustainability to an intelligence infrastructure. This research defines intelligence infrastructure sustainability (IIS) as a measure within the context of the resources needed to build and maintain it, at its present state and in the future. IIS is measured by resilient systems': robustness, redundancy, resourcefulness, and rapidity capabilities. An index model was used as the construct for quantifying sustainability. To establish the shape of index functions and importance in the model subject matter experts were queried. Additionally the experts were queried to assess a notional multinational intelligence disciplinary system with emphasizes to each resilient measure. This was accomplished by performing two simulations in the model. The first aggregates the experts' assessments into one assessment. These results became inputs into the sustainability index portion of the model for use in the second simulation, where sustainability is quantified. The results demonstrate sustainability can be quantified and that the results are useful to decision-makers who prefer a quantitative treatment of sustainability for assessing the allocation of resources. This research is a novel contribution to the body of knowledge by providing a method to quantify sustainability to intelligence infrastructure; introducing the theory of sustainability; and specifying the theoretical relationship between resiliency and sustainability. The experts surmise there is applicability in the approach presented in this body of research as it is applied to a multinational intelligence discipline system. Therefore, this body of research may be germane in other infrastructures. The research closes with recommendations for further research.
Node of Ranvier disruption in Guillain–Barré syndrome

Guillain–Barre syndrome is an autoimmune polyneuropathy characterized by acute and progressive limb weakness. Recent evidence shows that disruption of the nodes of Ranvier is the key pathophysiology in axonal forms of Guillain–Barre syndrome. Rapid and efficient propagation of action potentials along myelinated nerve fibers depends on the high density of voltage-gated Na+ channels on the nodal axolemma. Complement-mediated autoimmune attacks against gangliosides cause dysfunction and structural damage at and near nodes, resulting in nerve conduction failure. Furthermore, the proteins highly enriched at and near the nodes can be a direct target of autoimmune reactions, and these autoantibodies might exacerbate immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathies. The present review focuses on disruption of the nodes of Ranvier during Guillain–Barre syndrome and related disorders.
Treatment of Rejection in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has become an important modality to restore disfigured parts of the body that cannot be restored with conventional reconstructive techniques. Reported short- and long-term functional and esthetic outcomes have been excellent. However, acute rejection remains the most common complication associated with VCA. In addition, recent reports have linked the loss of some allografts to chronic rejections potentially fueled by insufficiently treated acute rejections. Here, we highlight recent diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic rejections in VCA.
THE UTILITY OF RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH AS A PARAMETER FOR CALCULATING INDICES OF ALLOSTATIC LOAD

Background: Allostatic Load is a construct used to quantify the cumulative burden of exposure to stressors that, over the course of an individual's life, exert a toll on the body's physiological functions, increasing risks of various chronic ailments and conditions. Studies attempting to quantify allostatic load have used a variety of clinical biomarkers representing primary and secondary mediators. In this study, we demonstrate the value of including red blood cell distribution width (RDW) among the panel of clinical parameters used to calculate allostatic load. Methods: We develop a novel formulation of allostatic load using RDW and other standard biomarkers. This index is computed using clinical laboratory data from the NHANES study. The predictive validity of the new index for tertiary outcomes (all-cause mortality and physician-assessed health status) is compared to that of the current formulation using Harrell's C index, ROC analysis and regression-based goodness-of-fit measures. Results: Inclusion of RDW as an allostatic load biomarker yields a significantly improved index. It demonstrates a superior ability to predict mortality, health status and biological age than the standard formulation currently in use. Conclusion: RDW has shown strong correlations with mortality and a broad spectrum of diseases. A review of the existing literature on allostatic load reveals its underutilization in this area, despite being a standard component of blood count panels. This study is the first to demonstrate its usefulness as a potential allostatic load biomarker.
Rootless Reforms? State Takeovers and School Governance in Detroit and Memphis

State takeovers were an infrequently applied strategy to address financially and academically troubled schools for many decades. Although 23 states had the right to take over individual schools, on...
The role of secreted heat shock protein-90 (Hsp90) in wound healing - how could it shape future therapeutics?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Defects in tissue repair or wound healing pose a clinical, economic and social problem worldwide. Despite decades of studies, there have been few effective therapeutic treatments.Areas covered: We discuss the possible reasons for why growth factor therapy did not succeed. We point out the lack of human disorder-relevant animal models as another blockade for therapeutic development. We summarize the recent discovery of secreted heat shock protein-90 (Hsp90) as a novel wound healing agent.Expert commentary: Wound healing is a highly complex and multistep process that requires participations of many cell types, extracellular matrices and soluble molecules to work together in a spatial and temporal fashion within the wound microenvironment. The time that wounds remain open directly correlates with the clinical mortality associated with wounds. This time urgency makes the healing process impossible to regenerate back to the unwounded stage, rather forces it to take many shortcuts in order...
The energy of desorption of photo-chemisorbed oxygen and nitrous oxide on insulating CdS crystals

Abstract The energy of desorption of photo-chemisorbed oxygen and nitrous oxide on the surfaces of thin insulating CdS crystals is obtained in two independent ways: (1) From thermal desorption time measurements where the time required to release a certain fraction of the adsorbed ions by thermal desorption is measured and (2) from an examination of the temperature dependence of the dark current. The two methods yield the self-consistent results 0.91 and 0.74 eV for oxygen and nitrous oxide, respectively. The results are used to illustrate certain features of the model for reversible photo-induced chemisorption on insulators.
Navigation-orientated natural spoken language understanding for intelligent vehicle dialogue

Voice-based human-machine interfaces are becoming a key feature for next generation intelligent vehicles. For the navigation dialogue systems, it is desired to understand a driver's spoken language in a natural way. This study proposes a two-stage framework, which first converts the audio streams into text sentences through Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), followed by Natural Language Processing (NLP) to retrieve the navigation-associated information. The NLP stage is based on a Deep Neural Network (DNN) framework, which contains sentence-level sentiment analysis and word/phrase-level context extraction. Experiments are conducted using the CU-Move in-vehicle speech corpus. Results indicate that the DNN architecture is effective for navigation dialog language understanding, whereas the NLP performances are affected by ASR errors. Overall, it is expected that the proposed RNN-based NLP approach, with the corresponding reduced vocabulary designed for navigation-oriented tasks, will benefit the development of advanced intelligent vehicle human-machine interfaces.
The Effect of July Admission on Inpatient Morbidity, Mortality, and Discharge Disposition After Endovascular Coiling in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective To investigate effect of July admission on short-term outcome after endovascular coiling of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) owing to ruptured aneurysms. Methods Data from the National Inpatient Sample (2012–2014) were gathered. Adult patients with SAH who underwent endovascular therapy at a teaching hospital were identified. Admissions during July were compared with other months as well as based on admission quarter (AQ): AQ1 (July to September), AQ2 (October to December), AQ3 (January to March), and AQ4 (April to June). Outcome measures included inpatient morbidity (death, iatrogenic stroke, or myocardial infarction), inpatient mortality, and nonroutine discharges. Results The National Inpatient Sample database yielded 8515 patients with a diagnosis of SAH who underwent endovascular coiling between 2012 and 2014. Among these, 665 (7.8%) were admitted in July, and 7850 (92.2%) were admitted in other months. Overall, there were no differences in any of the examined outcomes, including morbidity (15.0% vs. 17.3%, P = 0.513), mortality (10.5% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.665), or nonroutine discharge (57.1% vs. 59.7%, P = 0.567), for patients admitted in July versus other months. Based on AQ, 24.5% of patients were admitted in AQ1, 26.0% in AQ2, 23.8% in AQ3, and 25.7% in AQ4. Similar to July versus other month admissions, there were no significant differences in outcomes based on AQ. Conclusions Based on findings of this national investigation, patients with SAH owing to ruptured aneurysms who undergo endovascular therapy during the beginning of the academic year in July may not have worse short-term outcome compared with patients with admissions during other months.
Reducing the threat of wildlife-vehicle collisions during peak tourism periods using a Roadside Animal Detection System

Roadside Animal Detection Systems (RADS) aim to reduce the frequency of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Unlike fencing and wildlife passages, RADS do not attempt to keep animals off the road; rather, they attempt to modify driver behavior by detecting animals near the road and warning drivers with flashing signs. A RADS was installed in Big Cypress National Park (Florida, USA) in 2012 in response to an increased number of Florida panther mortalities. To assess driver response, we measured the speed of individual cars on the road when the RADS was active (flashing) and inactive (not flashing) during the tourist season (November-March) and the off-season (April-October), which vary dramatically in traffic volume. We also used track beds and camera traps to assess whether roadside activity of large mammal species varied between seasons. In the tourist season, the activation of the RADS caused a significant reduction in vehicle speed. However, this effect was not observed in the off-season. Track and camera data showed that the tourist season coincided with peak periods of activity for several large mammals of conservation interest. Drivers in the tourist season generally drove faster than those in the off-season, so a reduction in speed in response to the RADS is more beneficial in the tourist season. Because traffic volume and roadside activity of several species of conservation interest both peak during the tourist season, our study indicates that the RADS has the potential to reduce the number of accidents during this period of heightened risk.
Acquisition Premium and Target Board Interlocks

This study uncovers the board interlocks as a basis of target bargaining power in takeover negotiations and as an important determinant of acquisition premium. In the imperfect market characterized by information asymmetry, a target firm can leverage its relational resources to overcome information barriers. We posit that a target firm can disseminate information via its board interlocks, attracting well-matched, multiple bidders and thus enhancing its seller’s bargaining strength. However, the premium-generating role of board interlock ties is contingent on the importance of leveraging information through target board. Specifically, high-tech target firms tend to amplify the effectiveness of the target interlocks, whereas high-status acquirers are likely to diminish the effect. Hypotheses are tested with a sample of 1024 acquisitions among publicly-listed firms in the United States from 2000 to 2010. Our framework departs from the dominant emphasis on the acquirer-side sources of acquisition premium and ...
In situ and photographic measurements of avalanche crown transects

Despite its fundamental importance, crown depth is often treated as a scalar rather than a distributed variable in avalanche run-out and fracture models. To date, no studies have examined the distribution of depth across crown transects. We present results on geometry, depth distribution, and spatial correlation for transects along the crowns of small to large avalanches. Crown heights are fit well by normal or Weibull distributions and are spatially correlated. Transects are thinnest and decreasing toward the flanks, perhaps associated with fracture arrest. Underlying and adjacent terrain seems to have little influence on our transects. Instead, wind transported snow and upwind features play a dominant role. We suggest deposition of new snow by wind is a Gaussian process that drives transect shape. Comparing strength distributions and coefficients of variation from previous crown face studies, we suggest differences in overburden drive distributions of strength measured across crown faces.
Detection and identification of amino acids in Ficoll solutions with femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

We report femtosecond Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (fs-LIBS) measurements on several amino acids (Serine, Glutamine, and Cysteine) and Albumin protein solutions mixed with Ficoll polysaccharide at different proportions. The goal is to assess the effects of a host matrix on the identification and spectral characterization of amino acids by fs-LIBS. fs-LIBS utilizes an intense short laser pulse to obliterate a sample into basic constituents and to record the emission spectrum of atoms, ions, and molecules in the cooling down of the plasma plume. Several spectral peaks associated primarily with elemental composition of a sample were observed in the fs-LIBS spectra in a range from 200 to 950 nm. In addition, some molecular information associated with diatomic vibrational modes in certain molecules such as C-C and C-N were also obtained. The presence of Ficoll affects the relative intensity and broadening of the CN band, which could be considered as signatures of the amino acids. The fs-LIBS data and their analysis compare favorably with those derived from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Interpretation of the spectral information enclosed in the emission of the diatomic molecules during laser ablation may lead to a better understanding of plume chemistry with a direct consequence on chemical analysis of complex samples such as amino acids. Altogether, the results demonstrate the potential of fs-LIBS technique as a detection method of biomolecules and for probing interactions of these biomolecules with a host matrix.
Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Considerations in Cardiac Rehabilitation

The physiatrist is frequently involved with the cardiac rehabilitation patient from the time of hospital admission. Consultation may occasionally be more complicated than just instituting a cardiac rehabilitation program because of potential musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions. This article should familiarize the physiatrist with potential complications and their evaluation, treatment, and impact on rehabilitation.
Cavitation And Column Separation

The governing equations and the analysis procedures presented in the previous chapters are based on the assumption that the transient-state pressures throughout the system remain above the vapor pressure of the liquid. However, the transient pressure may be reduced to the vapor pressure of the liquid in low-head systems, systems having high peaks, or systems in which transients are produced rapidly.
Change-oriented citizenship: Individual and job design predictors

We propose and meta-analytically test a theoretical model where change-oriented citizenship behaviors (OCB-CH) are predicted by individual agentic traits and job design characteristics, and test im...
A Meta-Analytic Synthesis: Examining the Academic Impacts of Feedback on Student Achievement.

Feedback can be defined by Irons (2008) as “any information, process or activity which affords or accelerates student learning based on comments relating to either formative or summative assessment activities” (p. 7). The current study aims to synthesize quantitative research studies to further explore the impact of feedback on academic achievement. Results indicated the overall summary effect to be moderate and statistically significant (Hedges’ g = .40), thus lending support to the notion that feedback, considered a best practice, positively influences academic achievement. Moderator results suggested that teacher-provided and content-specific feedback at the K-12 level positively impacted student performance in the academic discipline. However, further research is warranted to explore the construct.
Erythema multiforme following exposure to the herbicide atrazine.

Erythema multiforme is an acute hypersensitivity eruption with sharply demarcated papules and plaques. It has many known causes, from herpes simplex virus and drugs to malignancy and environmental ...
Abstract PO010: The inhibition of IWS1 phosphorylation promotes genomic instability, the cGAS/STING pathway activation and PD-L1 levels, through the U2AF2 alternative RNA splicing and Sororin expression

We have previously shown that the loss of IWS1 phosphorylation promotes the alternative RNA splicing of U2 Associated-Factor 2 (U2AF2), resulting in transcripts lacking exon 2 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. This exon encodes part of the U2AF65 Serine-Rich (SR) Domain, which is required for its binding with pre-mRNA Processing factor 19 (Prp19). We have also shown that inhibition of the pathway results in the downregulation of cell cycle division associated 5 (CDCA5), and its protein product Sororin, a phosphorylation target and regulator of ERK and member of the cohesin complex, leading to G2/M phase arrest, sister-chromatid cohesion defects, impaired cell proliferation and tumor growth in mouse xenografts models. Here, we show that the loss of IWS1 results in genomic instability and accumulation of cytosolic dsDNA, an effect rescued by the expression of Sororin. The dsDNA is censored by cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS), activating the STING/TBK1 pathway. The latter leads to increased expression of Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 (IRF-3) targets along with PD-L1. More importantly, IWS1 phosphorylation, U2AF2 RNA splicing pattern and Sororin expression negatively correlate with the cGAS/STING pathway and PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma patients. These results highlight the role of IWS1 phosphorylation-dependent RNA splicing in governing genomic stability, and proposes this axis as a novel drug target for a synergy with PD-L1/PD-1 blockade in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Citation Format: Georgios I. Laliotis, Evangelia Chavdoula, Abdul Kaba, Alessandro La Ferlita, Vollter Anastas, Arturo Orlacchio, Lalit Sehgal, David P. Carbone, Vincenzo Coppola, Philip N. Tsichlis. The inhibition of IWS1 phosphorylation promotes genomic instability, the cGAS/STING pathway activation and PD-L1 levels, through the U2AF2 alternative RNA splicing and Sororin expression [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Virtual Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2020 Oct 19-20. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2021;9(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PO010.
Truncating Bar Graphs Persistently Misleads Viewers

Data visualizations and graphs are increasingly common in both scientific and mass media settings. While graphs are useful tools for communicating patterns in data, they also have the potential to mislead viewers. In five studies, we provide empirical evidence that y-axis truncation leads viewers to perceive illustrated differences as larger (i.e., a truncation effect). This effect persisted after viewers were taught about the effects of y-axis truncation and was robust across participants, with 83.5% of participants across these 5 studies showing a truncation effect. We also found that individual differences in graph literacy failed to predict the size of individuals’ truncation effects. PhD students in both quantitative fields and the humanities were susceptible to the truncation effect, but quantitative PhD students were slightly more resistant when no warning about truncated axes was provided. We discuss the implications of these results for the underlying mechanisms and make practical recommendations for training critical consumers and creators of graphs.