cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Complex Index of Refraction and View Angle of an Object using Multiple Polarization Measurements

A passive polarization based imaging system records the polarization state of light reflected by objects that are illuminated with an unpolarized and generally uncontrolled source. Such systems can be useful in many remote sensing applications including target detection, object segmentation and material classification. In this paper we present a method to jointly estimate the complex index of refraction and the view angle of a target from multiple measurements collected by a passive polarimeter. This generalizes our previous work which was applicable only to dielectric targets. An expression for the degree of polarization is derived from the microfacet polarimetric bidirectional reflectance model for the case of scattering in the place of incidence. Using this expression, we develop nonlinear least squares estimation algorithms for extracting the complex index of refraction and view angle from multiple polarization measurements. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated with data collected in laboratory conditions. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is effective for recovering the parameters of interest for real world data and that the complex index of refraction thus computed provides a feature vector that is robust to the view angle.
Robert Spaemann y el utilitarismo

Durante lso ultimos quince anos las cuestiones eticas han ocupado en el debate filosofico el lugar preponderante que en las decadas pasadas tuvieron las de indole politica o sociologica. Asi numerosos autores han publicado y debatido al respecto; se han estructurado nuevas doctrinas, y, las mas antiguas, han tomado un nuevo impulso para tratar el tema. Abundante una fundamentacion a la etica, del modo que les parece, en definitiva, mas propicio para el desarrollo de la persona humana.
Simple methods to reduce major allergens Ara h 1 and Ana o 1/2 in peanut and cashew extracts

Whole peanut or cashew extracts are usually used in immunotherapy. Reducing major allergen(s) in the extracts may lessen their side effects. Three methods were evaluated to reduce major allergens in peanut extracts: (1) p-aminobenzamidine; (2) magnetic agarose beads; and (3) extraction of a commercial peanut flour at pH 7, respectively. The first two methods were also used to reduce major allergens in cashew extracts. After treatments, samples were evaluated by SDS-PAGE. pABA-treated samples were also analyzed for IgE binding in western blot. We found that the methods resulted in peanut extracts lacking detectable Ara h 1 but containing Ara h 2/6 and cashew extract lacking Ana o 1/2, but containing Ana o 3. Consequently, reduced IgE binding was observed. We conclude that the methods are useful for producing peanut or cashew extract with little Ara h 1 or Ana o 1/2.
Treatment of lymphocele and lymphatic fistula following renal transplantation by laparoscopic peritoneal window

Symptomatic lymphoceles that occur after renal transplantation are managed best by surgical marsupialization with drainage into the peritoneal cavity. We report a case of post-transplant lymphocele associated with a cutaneous lymphatic fistula, which was successfully treated using laparoscopic drainage without a major surgical incision. With this new technique we were able to remove an ellipse of peritoneal wall along with the adjacent lymphocele wall and to lyse all internal lymphocele loculations, allowing for the free flow of lymph into the peritoneal cavity and cessation of cutaneous leakage. We believe that, when technically possible, laparoscopic internal peritoneal drainage is an effective procedure for managing simple and complex symptomatic lymphoceles with or without associated lymphatic fistulas, provided there is no evidence of infection.
The Evolving Project

This issue marks the end of my first term as Executive Editor of the Journal of Architectural Education. Over the past four volume years we have published eight issues, completed a redesign of the ...
Experiences of postdocs and principal investigators in physics education research postdoc hiring

Postdocs in physics education research have a variety of backgrounds and most commonly find positions through informal connections.
Magnetic resonance imaging of bone metastases.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive and accurate method of detecting skeletal metastases. Its effectiveness is predicated on the fact that most metastatic bony deposits involve the bone marrow, whose fat content is readily imaged by MR. Changes in marrow fat are accurately reflected by alterations in signal intensity, making MRI an ideal modality for sensing marrow-altering bony neoplasms.
Green Bacteria: Chlorophyll Biosynthesis, Light-Harvesting, Reaction Centers, and Electron Transport

Green bacteria are anoxygenic chlorophototrophic bacteria that belong to three phyla in the domain Bacteria : Chlorobi , Chloroflexi , and Acidobacteria . Green bacteria synthesize millions of bacteriochlorophylls c , d , or e , which are used to assemble chlorosomes, Nature's most powerful light-harvesting antenna complexes. This article summarizes recent progress in understanding the biosynthesis and structure of the bacteriochlorophylls found in chlorosomes, as well as structural and functional aspects of the type-1 and type-2 photochemical reaction centers found in green bacteria. Progress in understanding the electron transport chains of green bacteria is also discussed.
Crystal structures of four dibromomethylene-functionalized cage compounds

Crystal structures of four dibromomethylene-functionalized hexa- and heptacyclotetradecane cages are reported. 7-(Dibromomethylene)heptacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9.010,14]tetradecane (3): orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 14.744(1), b = 11.237(1), c = 7.4625(7) A Z = 4; R = 0.0531 for 504 observed reflections. 7,12-Bis(dibromomethylene)heptacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13-04,11 .05,9.010,14]tetradecane (4): monoclinic, I2/a, a = 11.257(1), b = 9.5844(8), c = 13.884(2) A, β = 92.254(8)° Z = 4; R = 0.0413 for 663 observed reflections. 10,14-bis(dibromomethylene)hexacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9]tetradecane (6): monoclinic, P21/n, a = 8.118(1), b = 15.273(4), c = 12.826(3) A, β = 104.20(1)° Z = 4; R = 0.0384 for 1392 observed reflections. 14-(dibromomethylene)hexacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9]tetradecan-10-one (7): monoclinic, P21/n, a = 8.2879(7), b = 15.273(1), c = 10.0565(9) A, β = 92.271(8)° Z = 4; R = 0.0320 for 1402 observed reflections. The functional groups lead to slight shortening of bond lengths.
The Transnational in Feminist Research: Concept and Approaches

The term “transnational” has become ubiquitous these days. So much that was called “global” or “international” is now being called “transnational“. In academic research, it is used by social scientists to discuss migration, by economists to address the globalization of finance capital and markets and by activists of all kinds to refer to international collaborations. Across many disciplines and fields and after fifteen years of published work on “transnational” as an important term for research, there have emerged multiple ways of understanding what this term might mean. While anthropologists such as Arjun Appadurai used it to designate the flows of media, finance, goods and migrants and the “scapes” of these flows (Appadurai 1996), other researchers across the humanistic social sciences have seen it as a signifier for a globalization that is concentrating capital in the hands of the wealthy. To them it signals a new colonialism in which the nation-state is declining and the power of transnational corporations is increasing (Miyoshi 1996). Others have argued that the transnational does not signal the end of the nation-state but its rearticulation (Grewal/Kaplan 1994) and that there are many kinds of transnationalisms, some from “above” and some from “below” and to these scholars this disparity reveals that transnationalism relies upon unequal power relations (Smith/Guarnizo 1998).
Self -Compatibility in a Diploid Hybrid Population of Solanum phureja – S. stenotomum

Recently proposals have been made in both Europe and North America to try to radically change potato breeding strategy from a tetraploid, heterozygous crop to a diploid inbred crop. As part of that effort, clones from the long-day adapted, late blight resistant diploid hybrid Solanum phureja – S. stenotomum population were selfed to begin the process of developing inbred lines. In March of 2016 and 2017, 42 diploid clones from the above-mentioned population were selfed in the greenhouse in Beltsville, MD. In 2016 and 2017, 10 and 13 clones failed to flower, respectively. Among the remaining clones, 716 pollinations were made in 2016, resulting in 57 fruit from 17 clones, and 3742 seeds; 801 pollinations were made in 2017, resulting in 34 fruit from 12 clones, and 1903 seeds. Nine clones were successfully selfed both years. Percent successful selfs was significantly higher in 2016 (7.96%) than in 2017 (4.24%). The most prolific clones in 2016 were BD1241–1 (34% successful selfs, 1090 seed), BD1218–3 (25% successful selfs, 638 seed), BD1215–1 (5% successful selfs, 411 seed), BD1243–1 (23% successful selfs, 232 seed). In contrast, the most prolific clones in 2017 were BD1230–2 (25% successful selfs, 537 seed), BD1203–3 (23% successful selfs, 391 seed), and BD1229–1 (11% successful selfs, 388 seed). These results indicate that there is sufficient self-compatibililty in this population to generate large numbers of inbred individuals, but that genotype x environment interactions are large. Attempts to generate selfed seed should be made over several years to maximize the genetic base of the selfed population.
Relationship between cyclic follicle recruitment and ovulation in the hen ovary.

ABSTRACT Determining whether follicle recruitment in the domestic hen is functionally linked to ovulation would inform investigations on the exact time of cyclic recruitment and subsequently, the earliest cellular event mediating recruitment. The objective of the present studies was to determine if the absence of ovulation results in the failure of cyclic recruitment. 3 groups of Hy-Line W-36 hens were studied: no-ovulation, first-ovulation, or late-ovulation within the sequence. Time and occurrence of oviposition and ovulation were documented by video recording and cloacal palpation. To determine the presence of a recently recruited follicle, ovaries were collected during the last hour of photoperiod, and follicles weighing 280 to 900 mg, with yellow yolk incorporated, and diameter of 9 to 12 mm, were considered recently recruited. To compare the amount of yolk uptake in recruited follicles, hens were fed Sudan IV dye 6 h before ovary collection. Percent dyed yolk was quantified from cross-sections of the recruited follicles. To confirm follicle viability, granulosa cell (GC) mitotic activity was assessed via flow cytometry. Initial results indicated the presence of a recently recruited follicle in 10 of 11, 7 of 10, and 9 of 10, no-ovulation, first-ovulation, and late-ovulation ovaries, respectively, with no significant differences in weight (543 ± 62 mg, 456 ± 71 mg, 620 ± 75 mg, respectively). There were no significant differences in yolk incorporation among the most recently recruited follicles with 19.0 ± 2.0%, 18.0 ± 3.7%, and 19.8 ± 3.2% dyed yolk in no-ovulation, first-ovulation, and late-ovulation ovaries, respectively. Finally, there were no significant differences in % GC in the S/G2-M phase of mitosis among recruited follicles (19.0 ± 5.0%, 22.0 ± 4.2%, 15.67 ± 1.0%, in no-ovulation, first-ovulation, and late-ovulation ovaries, respectively), confirming viability of all recruited follicles. We conclude that cyclic recruitment occurs independently of ovulation and propose that the order and timing of cyclic recruitment is predetermined at an earlier stage of follicle development.
A Model Inversion Based Watermark for Replay Attack Detection with Output Tracking

This article proposes a new approach for replay attack detection using a model inversion based physical watermark. We consider a defender who tracks a constant reference at the output. This leaves a system vulnerable to replay attacks, where an adversary replaces the true outputs of a system with a recorded sequence. In steady state a defender can not distinguish between normal and replayed outputs, allowing an undetected attack. This paper argues that a controller using model inversion can achieve simultaneous tracking and security performance. Specifically, this approach computes a feedforward input using a technique called pseudo-inversion, which is then added to a constant reference signal. Beyond considering physical watermarking in a new setting of output tracking, the main advantage of this approach is the performance guarantees of the associated controller. Unlike classical physical watermarking which introduces stochastic inputs that can lead to potentially undesirable behavior, model inversion watermarking allows a defender to carefully utilize several degrees of freedom to achieve predictable control performance during normal operation and detect malicious behavior while under replay attack. In this paper, we focus on a practical scheme, which uses time resets. Moreover, we demonstrate our solution can be applied to nonminimum phase systems.
Spanish-speaking English learners’ English language and literacy skills: The predictive role of conceptually scored vocabulary

Vocabulary represents a key barrier to language and literacy development for many English learners. This study examined the relationship between Spanish-speaking English learners’ conceptually scored Spanish–English vocabulary, academic English proficiency, and English reading comprehension. Second- and fourth-grade English learners (N = 62) completed standardized conceptually scored vocabulary measures in the fall and state-administered standardized measures of academic English proficiency and English reading comprehension in the spring. Conceptually scored vocabulary measures are designed to tap knowledge of the number of known concepts, regardless of the specific language (Spanish or English) used to label the concept. Regression analyses revealed that academic English proficiency and English reading comprehension were not predicted by the conceptually scored measure of receptive vocabulary. However, both academic English proficiency and English reading comprehension were predicted by the conceptually scored measure of expressive vocabulary. In addition, the relationship between conceptually scored expressive vocabulary and English reading comprehension remained after controlling for academic English proficiency. Results underscore the utility of measures that incorporate English learners’ first and second language skills in understanding the vocabulary knowledge English learners bring to English language and literacy learning tasks.
The heterogeneity and change in the urban structure of metropolitan areas in the United States, 1990-2010.

While the population of the United States has been predominantly urban for nearly 100 years, periodic transformations of the concepts and measures that define urban places and population have taken place, complicating over-time comparisons. We compare and combine data series of officially-designated urban areas, 1990–2010, at the census block-level within Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with a satellite-derived consistent series on built-up area from the Global Human Settlement Layer to create urban classes that characterize urban structure and provide estimates of land and population. We find considerable heterogeneity in urban form across MSAs, even among those of similar population size, indicating the inherent difficulties in urban definitions. Over time, we observe slightly declining population densities and increasing land and population in areas captured only by census definitions or low built-up densities, constrained by the geography of place. Nevertheless, deriving urban proxies from satellite-derived built-up areas is promising for future efforts to create spatio-temporally consistent measures for urban land to guide urban demographic change analysis.
Fiscal Incentives in Law Enforcement

In recent years, numerous observers have raised concerns about “policing for profit,” or the deployment of law enforcement resources to raise revenue rather than to provide public safety. However, identifying the causal effects of fiscal incentives on law enforcement behavior has remained elusive. In a regression discontinuity design implemented on traffic citation and accident data from Saskatchewan, Canada between 1995 and 2016, a fiscal rule reducing by 75% the share of traffic fine revenue captured by the province in towns above 500 in 1996 population is associated with increased rates of accidents, accident-involved vehicles, accident costs, and accident-related injuries in towns just above this threshold, relative to towns just below the threshold. Further, cited drivers in towns just below this threshold are given fewer days to pay their fines and are less likely to pay their fines on time, leading to higher risks of late fees and license suspensions. These findings suggest that fiscal incentives can indeed distort the allocation of law enforcement effort, with distributional consequences for both public safety and economic well-being.
Is Quantum Mechanics a New Theory of Probability

Some physicists but many philosophers believe that standard Hilbert space quantum mechanics faces a serious measurement problem, whose solution requires a new theory or at least a novel interpretation of standard quantum mechanics. Itamar Pitowsky did not. Instead, he argued in a major paper (Pitowsky, Quantum mechanics as a theory of probability. In: Demopoulos W, Pitowsky I (eds) Physical theory and its interpretation. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 213–240, 2006) that quantum mechanics offers a new theory of probability. In these and other respects his views paralleled those of QBists (quantum Bayesians): but their views on the objectivity of measurement outcomes diverged radically. Indeed, Itamar’s view of quantum probability depended on his subtle treatment of the objectivity of outcomes as events whose collective structure underlay this new theory of probability. I’ve always been puzzled by the thesis that quantum mechanics requires a new theory of probability, as distinct from new ways of calculating probabilities that play the same role as other probabilities in physics and daily life. In this paper I will try to articulate the sources of my puzzlement. I’d like to be able to think of this paper as a dialog between Itamar and me on the nature and application of quantum probabilities. Sadly, that cannot be: by taking his part in the dialog I will inevitably impose my own distant, clouded perspective on his profound and carefully crafted thoughts.
An Evil Threat to Marriage, Children and the Future: Queer Theory, "The Passion of the Christ," and Evangelical Political Rhetoric

This article employs queer theory to analyze Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ (2004) for its portrayal of queer characters (Satan and Herod) in contrast with non-queer (Pilate and Claudia, Seraphia, Simon the Cyrene, and Mary, Christ’s mother), and how it depicts the former as evil and the latter as good. In particular, these contrasts involve self-indulgent or predatory sexual expression versus a healthy marital relationship, and evil versus loving influences over children, who represent hope for the future. Finally, the article looks at the film’s heavy marketing to American evangelicals and how the symbolic representations in the film relate to evangelical politics and rhetoric concerning contemporaneous queer issues – gay marriage debates in particular.
Chapter 2 – Chemical Hydrology

Residence time, water-holding capacity, groundwater flow paths and rates, and transport models all contribute to our capacity to predict the impact of soil and aquifer properties on water chemistry and solute movement. A saturated zone water balance that accounts for recharge and discharge provides an estimate of groundwater residence time, a key factor in determining groundwater chemistry. Changes in hydraulic head within the saturated zone determine the hydraulic gradient and groundwater flow paths. Seasonal precipitation and evapotranspiration determine the highly variable vadose zone water balance and soil moisture storage capacity. Darcy’s Law provides a means to estimate pore water velocity that, in turn, influences solute transport rates. The elementary retardation coefficient model and the more detailed plate-theory model are two transport models that predict solute movement along flow paths. Though seemingly very different, both models share a common chemical basis for retarding solute movement.
Rapid assessment of structural and compositional changes during early stages of zirconium alloy oxidation

A multimodal chemical imaging approach has been developed and applied to detail the dynamic, atomic-scale changes associated with oxidation of a zirconium alloy (Zircaloy-4). Scanning transmission electron microscopy, a gas-phase reactor chamber attached to an atom probe tomography instrument, and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy were employed to reveal morphology, composition, crystal, and electronic structure changes that occur during initial stages of oxidation at 300 °C. Oxidation was carried out in 10 mbar O2 gas for short exposure times of 1 and 5 min. A multilayered oxide film with a cubic ZrO adjacent to the oxide/metal interface, a nanoscopic transition region with a graded composition of ZrO2−x (where 0 < x < 1), and tetragonal ZrO2 in the outermost oxide were formed. Partitioning of the major alloying element (tin) to the oxide/metal interface and heterogeneously within the oxide accompanied the development of the layered oxide. Our work provides a rapid, high-throughput approach for detailed characterisation of initial stages of zirconium alloy oxidation at an accelerated time scale, with implications for several other alloy systems.
Hyperkähler isometries of K3 surfaces

We consider symmetries of K3 manifolds. Holomorphic symplectic automorphisms of K3 surfaces have been classified, and observed to be subgroups of the Mathieu group M23. More recently, automorphisms of K3 sigma models commuting with SU(2) × SU(2) R-symmetry have been classified by Gaberdiel, Hohenegger, and Volpato. These groups are all subgroups of the Conway group. We fill in a small gap in the literature and classify the possible hyperkahler isometry groups of K3 manifolds. There is an explicit list of 40 possible groups, all of which are realized in the moduli space. The groups are all subgroups of M23.
Improved survival and disease control following pembrolizumab-induced immune-related adverse events in high PD-L1 expressing non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become standard of care for many patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These agents often cause immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), which have been associated with increased overall survival (OS). Intracranial disease control and OS for patients experiencing IRAEs with metastatic NSCLC and brain metastases have not yet been described. We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of patients with NSCLC and existing diagnosis of brain metastasis, who underwent pembrolizumab treatment and developed any grade IRAE. The primary outcome of the study was intracranial time to treatment failure (TTF), defined from time of pembrolizumab initiation to new intracranial disease progression or death. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed. A total of 63 patients with NSCLC brain metastasis were identified, and 24 developed IRAEs. Patients with any grade IRAEs had longer OS (21 vs. 10 months, p = 0.004), systemic TTF (15 vs. 4 months, p < 0.001) and intracranial TTF (14 vs. 5 months, p = 0.001), relative to patients without IRAEs. Presence of IRAEs and high PD-L1 (≥ 50%), but not absent/moderate PD-L1 (0–49%), had a positive association for OS, systemic TTF, and intracranial TTF. Following multivariable analysis, IRAE experienced on pembrolizumab was an independent predictor of OS, systemic TTF, and intracranial TTF. In our series of patients with NSCLC and brain metastases treated with pembrolizumab, IRAE presence was associated with a significant increase in OS, systemic TTF, and intracranial TTF. Future studies with increased cohorts will clarify how IRAEs should be interpreted among molecular subtypes.
Two may be better than one: Promoting incidental word learning through multiple media

Abstract Previous studies have often compared and contrasted differences among media presentations, including traditional storybooks and videos and their potential for incidental word learning among preschoolers. Studies have shown that children learn words from a variety of media, and that repetition is an important source for incidental learning. Yet, to date, little is known about how repeated presentations of different media, and the possible additive effect of these presentations may affect incidental word learning. Conducted over three phases, 140 preschoolers viewed or listened to two stories, repeated either with a single medium (traditional book or video) or two media (book and video) to stories. Results indicated that gains in incidental word learning were significantly stronger when children viewed two different media of comparable content compared to two exposures to a single medium. However, neither condition affected children's comprehension of the story. Findings suggest that two media presentations of comparable stories may be more effective in promoting incidental word learning than repeated presentations of a single medium.
Quantifying Survivability via Measurement of Bodily Exposure During Simulated Combat Engagements

Protective equipment is designed to help shield against enemy fire, however, such cumbersome gear increases user-burden resulting in performance degradations during combat operations. This paper outlines the development and application of an automated approach to quantify bodily exposure to enemy threat in order to assess the impact of human factors interventions (i.e., protective equipment, tactical training, etc.) on survivability during simulated combat engagements. An image processing algorithm application is presented here, utilizing military personnel (N = 20) who ran an integrated combat obstacle course in three equipment configurations with varying encumbrance levels. Compared with baseline, encumbered equipment configurations led to increased exposure duration and cumulative area exposed across time, resulting in an effective implementation of the methodology for quantifying exposure. Quantification of approach behavior and protective cover during combat will result in better understanding of physical tradeoffs of protective equipment.
Ritual Studies: Whence and Where to?

This chapter discusses the importance of ritual activities in general in social life, relating knowledge of rituals to anthropological methods of fieldwork and participant observation. The chapter situates the individual essays by contributors in relation to one another and with an overall emphasis on the interplay between continuity and change in rituals over time.
Characterization and Predication of Signal Changes in Normal Liver Parenchyma on Gadoxetic Acid Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Liver Directed Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Focal liver reactions (FLR) in areas of prior radiation therapy (RT) on MRI are a phenomenon that has been reported in small series. However, little is known about the temporality and dosimetry of FLR and how they evolve over time. Understanding dosimetry, temporality, and clinical predictors for FLR formation might help us understand the biology of radiation induced liver changes and prevent toxicity. MATERIALS/METHODS We identified 122 patients who received RT to the liver. The 1-6 month and 6-12 month post-RT MRI scans (hepatobiliary phase with gadoxetic acid) were fused to treatment planning CT scans in areas of prior RT. FLR were delineated by two independent raters. A dose-volume-histogram was used to identify the threshold isodose line (IDL) for each FLR. IDL were converted to a bioequivalent dose (BED) using α/β = 9 for liver parenchyma. MRI scans with no FLR were evaluated by a radiologist to assess for adequate contrast excretion. RESULTS 146 MRI scans for 100 patients were available for analysis. The median age was 65 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma accounted for 79% of cases. Baseline ALBI scores of 1,2 and 3 were observed in 26%, 57% and 17% of patients, respectively. 66% of patients had cirrhosis, with hepatitis C being most common cause (37%). The median dose delivered was 45 gray in 5 fractions. FLR were identified for 73% and 67% of patients at 1-6 months and 6-12 months. Of 26 patients with no FLR at 1-6 months, 54% exhibited poor contrast excretion. The median volume of FLR was 99 cc at 1-6 months, contracting to 43 cc at 6-12 months (P < 0.001). The median (IDL) for FLR was 3541 cGy at 1-6 months, increasing to 4519 cGy (P < 0.001). The median BED was 6355 cGy at 1-6 months, increasing to 8871 cGy (P < 0.001). There was excellent agreement between raters for the presence of FLR at 1-6 (κ = 0.82) and 6-12 months (κ = 0.83) and for FLR volumes (ICC of 0.94 at 1-6 and 0.88 at 6-12-months). 45 patients were evaluated at both time points. Of the 33 patients with an FLR at 1-6 months, 15% experienced resolution at 6-12 months. None of the 12 patients without an FLR on 1-6 months MRI demonstrated one at 6-12 months. On multivariate analysis, cirrhosis (PR: 1.35; P = 0.05) was associated with a higher likelihood of FLR. ALBI score 2 (PR: 0.77; P = 0.04), ALBI score 3 (PR 0.61; P = 0.01), and receipt of systemic therapy within 1 month of RT (PR: 0.74; P = 0.03) were associated a lower likelihood. Prior RT or treatment with Y-90 did not predict for FLR. CONCLUSION We report the median volume, IDL and BED associated with FLR at two time points and demonstrate resolution or improvement in a significant proportion of patients over time. Absence of FLR was associated with poor liver function and contrast excretion. Excellent inter-rater agreement indicates that our results are reproducible. Additional analysis is needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.
BET Bromodomain Inhibitors Target the NEUROD1-subtype SCLC by Blocking NEUROD1 Transactivation

SCLC is a recalcitrant malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Four molecular subtypes of SCLC have been named, each associated with one master transcription factor (ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, or YAP1). Much is still unknown about the function and transactivation of NEUROD1 in this malignancy. Herein we report that knockout of NEUROD1 triggered SCLC to evolve into a YAP1 subtype. Through an integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, we found NEUROD1 regulates neural-related genes by binding to gene promoters and distal enhancers. NEUROD1 physically interacts with BET bromodomain proteins and recruits them to actively transcribed genes. Inhibition of BET bromodomain proteins blocks NEUROD1 transactivation and suppresses SCLC growth. We identified LSAMP as one of the NEUROD1-target genes that mediate SCLC sensitivity to BET bromodomain inhibitors. Our findings suggest that targeting transcriptional coactivators could be a new approach to block master transcription factors in SCLC to enable precision therapy.
Neuromuscular Manifestations of Endocrine Dysfunction

Acromegaly is a chronic disease of middle age characterized by the overproduction of bone, connective tissue, and viscera in response to excessive secretion of adenohypophyseal growth hormone (GH). Early sumptoms are related to the peripheral effects of GH and, less commonly, to mechanical pressure of the intrasellar tumor mass. Paresthesias in the hands and feet secondary to mechanical entrapment of peripheral nerves and stiffness of the slowly expanding fmgers and toes are early complaints. Later, there are obvious changes in the patient’s physical appearance, along with headaches and visual impairment. Acromegalics may exhibit extraordinary muscle power and bulk during the early stages of their illness. With the passage of time, muscle weakness ensues, and finally there is muscle atrophy.
Studies on the Active Site of Rhodanese

Abstract The complete loss of enzymic activity on reaction with alkylating agents, aromatic nitro compounds, or aliphatic mercaptans indicates the importance of sulfhydryl groups for catalysis. Analyses during the course of inactivation with any of these reagents revealed the loss of one of the two —SH groups in the rhodanese monomer when inactivation was complete. Amino acid analysis of iodoacetate-inactivated enzyme showed that half its cysteine residues had been carboxymethylated. Sedimentation experiments showed that dinitrobenzene-inactivated enzyme was an oxidized dimer, indicating the formation of an intermolecular disulfide bond between monomers. Reduction of mercaptoethanol-inactivated enzyme resulted in the appearance of two —SH-groups, suggesting the existence of a mixed disulfide of the reagent and the enzyme. In addition, competitive inhibition of rhodanese activity by aromatic ions, but not by the corresponding aliphatics, supported previous evidence suggesting the presence of a tryptophanyl residue at the active center. Further results suggested close proximity of the essential sulfhydryl and aromatic groups in the active site of rhodanese.
Efficacy and tolerability of bilateral sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implants for the treatment of noninfectious posterior uveitis and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion

Purpose To report our experience with bilateral placement of dexamethasone 0.7 mg (DEX) sustained-release intravitreal implant in the management of noninfectious posterior uveitis or macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with bilateral noninfectious posterior uveitis and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion who were treated with DEX intravitreal implant was performed. Ocular side effects such as intraocular pressure (IOP), cataract, and tolerability of bilateral injections was reviewed. Results Twenty-two eyes of eleven patients treated with a total of 32 DEX implants were included. Ten of eleven patients received bilateral implants due to active noninfectious uveitis while the other demonstrated macular edema in both eyes following separate central retinal vein occlusions. Among the patients with bilateral uveitis, the mean interval between DEX implant in the initial eye and the subsequent DEX in the fellow eye was 15.6 days (range 2-71 days). Seven of the ten patients received the second implant in the fellow eye within 8 days of the initial implantation. None of the patients had bilateral implantations on the same day. Seven eyes required reimplantation for recurrence of inflammation (mean interval between first and repeat implantation was 6.00±2.39 months). Following single or, in the case of the aforementioned seven eyes, repeat DEX implantation, all 20 uveitic eyes demonstrated clinical and/or angiographic evidence of decreased inflammation in the form of reduction in vitreous cells on slit lamp ophthalmoscopy, macular edema on ophthalmoscopy, or optical coherence tomography and/or disc and vascular leakage on fluorescein angiography. The mean follow-up for all eyes after initial implantation was 23.57 months (range 1-48 months). IOP was significantly higher (P=0.028) at 6 months (16.62 mmHg ±5.97) but not (P=0.82) at most recent follow-up (14.9±3.37 mmHg) when compared with baseline (14.68±3.02 mmHg). Four eyes (18.2%) required initiation of IOP-lowering medications. During the follow-up period, no eyes underwent filtration or cataract extraction. No serious ocular adverse effects were noted during the follow-up period. Conclusion In patients with bilateral noninfectious posterior uveitis and macular edema secondary to vein occlusion, bilateral injection of DEX intravitreal implant was well tolerated and had an acceptable safety profile.
The Effect of Modeling and Visualization Resources on Student Understanding of Physical Hydrology

ABSTRACT We investigated the effect of modeling and visualization resources on upper-division, undergraduate and graduate students' performance on an open-ended assessment of their understanding of physical hydrology. The students were enrolled in one of five sections of a physical hydrology course. In two of the sections, students completed homework problems and projects using only Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) or MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA) as modeling resources, and in the other three sections, some of the homework exercises were replaced with modeling and visualization activities using the interactive modeling software COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL, Burlington, MA). Other aspects of the course (instructor, syllabus coverage, lectures, and textbook) remained the same throughout the study. We performed a repeated-measures analysis of variance, which showed that gains from pretest to posttest were statistically significant overall and were independent of the section in which students were enrolled for ...
Risks in new technologies: Controlling toxic and hazardous gas releases during photovoltaic cell manufacture

A large variety of materials may be used in the manufacture of photovoltaic devices; some may be released as by-products of normal or abnormal plant operations. These may adversely affect occupational and public health. This paper describes a logical and consistent framework for reviewing potential hazards associated with such releases and for their management. The most important hazards relate to accidental releases of toxic or flammable gases used in large quantity in thin-film photovoltaic cell manufacture. This study suggests that the most efficient strategies for reducing risks are to choose material and process options which inherently possess small risks (e.g., choice of processes which do not use hazardous gases) and to prevent accident initiating events (e.g., employee training). If accidents do occur, then strategies to prevent catastrophic releases (e.g., flow restricting valves), to control releases (e.g., flare towers and wet scrubbers), and to prevent public exposures to toxic agents (e.g., water curtains, siting and emergency evacuation) become important. Prevention and mitigation of consequences (e.g., medical treatment), form the final defensive barriers. Evaluations of these options prior to plant construction can permit plant engineers to design systems which are technologically competitive and present limited risks to health.
“A GREATEST MIRACLE”: STANLEY CAVELL, MORAL PERFECTIONISM, AND THE ASCENT INTO THE ORDINARY

What to make of “the ordinary,”“the everyday,” and their common “eventfulness”? What to think of what Veena Das, in her recent book Life and Words, prefaced by Stanley Cavell, has called our need to “descent into the ordinary”? Is there a parallel figure of “ascent,” again, into the same “ordinary,” that we might we want to juxtapose with it and that resembles the motif of “change,” even “conversion,” that Cavell analyzes at some length in The Claim of Reason and throughout his oeuvre as a whole? And what could be our reasons for doing so? This essay will draw on Cavell's reading of Ibsen's work in the volume Cities of Words to spell out what such an “ascent” might mean.
Skin conductance level reactivity as a moderator of the link between parent depressive symptoms and psychosocial adjustment in emerging adults

Although research indicates that psychophysiological factors influence youths’ susceptibility to the negative effects of parent depression in childhood and adolescence, little research has examined whether psychophysiology plays this role in emerging adulthood. To address this question, this study examined links between parent self-reported depressive symptoms and emerging adults’ (EAs’) self-reported psychosocial adjustment difficulties (i.e., symptoms of depression, disengagement responses to interpersonal stress, and adult attachment avoidance and anxiety), as moderated by EAs’ skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR) to an interpersonal laboratory stressor. Tests were also conducted to determine whether the interactive contributions of parent depressive symptoms and SCLR were consistent with diathesis–stress or differential susceptibility models. The results revealed that parent depressive symptoms contributed to heightened adjustment difficulties only among EAs who exhibited high SCLR, and these inte...
An automatic way for linear and nonlinear circuit partitioning applicable to FET devices

The process of implementing the harmonic balance method for linear and nonlinear microwave circuits is addressed. A very simple procedure that only requires writing Kirchoff's equations for any class of circuits is proposed. These equations represent the core of the harmonic balance problem without any algebraic manipulations. It is shown that the procedure not only provides an indirect way of circuit partitioning for any complicated circuit, but also takes less CPU time than the classical method. As a tutorial example, the partitioning of an NE71000 MESFET is presented. >
Justicia y genética: compensando las diferencias

Se analizan los dilemas morales asociados a los avances cientificos que en la actualidad nos exigen repensar el concepto de igualdad equitativa de oportunidades. Asimismo, se pasa revista a la discusion filosofica en torno al origen de las desventajas sociales y geneticas que permiten las desigualdades sociales.
Effects of Orchiopexy on Congenitally Cryptorchid Insulin-3 Knockout Mice

ABSTRACTPurpose: Insulin-3 (Insl3) knockout mice exhibit isolated, bilateral, high intra-abdominal cryptorchidism. If left in this position until adulthood, these testes will deteriorate to the Sertoli-cell-only state, leading to infertility in 100%. We examined the effect of orchiopexy in this genetically engineered animal model.Materials and Methods: A total of 160 testes from 80 male offspring of Insl3 F1 crosses underwent either no orchiopexy (29 testes), sham surgery (25 testes), 1-stage Fowler-Stephens scrotal orchiopexy (57 testes) or primary orchiopexy into a low abdominal, subcutaneous pouch (49 testes). A group of postoperative mice underwent fertility testing 3 months postoperatively. At 6 to 9 months postoperatively the testes were harvested and histologically analyzed.Results: Testes were atrophic in 100% (25 of 25) of the sham group, 91% (52 of 57) of the Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy group and 33% (16 of 49) of the subcutaneous pouch group (testis weight less than 50 mg.). Fertility testing wa...
Alternative Certification Programs: A National Survey.

The shortage of trained professionals in special education has given rise to varied initiatives in the area of personnel preparation. Increasingly, alternative certification programs are being considered as an option by state departments of education. Under the auspices of the Council for Learning Disabilities' Standards and Etlgics Committee, a survey was conducted of all states concerning the use of such programs to train teachers of students with disabilities. A total of 50 states (and the District of Columbia) were contacted with 51 responses received, for a 100% return rate. Over 76% of all states had alternative certification programs, with the majority having them available across early childhood, middle, and secondary education. Over 62% indicated that such programs addressed the needs of students with disabilities. A total of 24 states offered alternative cert fication programs for special education teachers in general, with a like number for learning disabilities teachers specifically. A discuss...
Effect of sensory stimulation on the uptake and incorporation of radioactive lysine into protein of mouse brain and liver

Alterations in incorporation of tritiated lysine into protein of mouse brain and liver were observed following brief exposure to a variety of sensory stimuli. During a 15-min session, subjects were trained to perform a one-way active avoidance response or else were exposed to one of the stimulus components of the situation, including shocks, buzzers, lights, handling, and the apparatus alone. Twenty min after these behavioral treatments, tritiated lysine was injected subcutaneously, and its incorporation into total protein during a 10-min pulse was measured. Quiet mice, undisturbed until injection of the precursor, constituted the baseline group for biochemical comparisons. Most behavioral treatments increased the total amount of radioactivity in brain and liver. The treatments increased the incorporation of radioactivity into protein of both organs even more, thereby producing elevations of relative radioactivity (RR) of protein, a measure of the amount of radioactivity incorporated into protein relative to that in the acid-soluble pools. The RR increases following most of the behavioral experiences were approximately equal; however, exposure to lights or to the apparatus were less effective than the other treatments in eliciting these metabolic changes. The responses were greatly diminished in mice previously exposed to the treatments. Thus, the effectiveness of a stimulus in producing these metabolic alterations may depend upon its apparent magnitude and its novelty. The total radioactivity increases were larger in brain than in liver, while the RR increases were smaller in brain than in liver. Brain RR increases were of equal magnitude when the precursor was injected 5, 20, or 35 min after behavioral treatment, whereas the liver RR responses declined markedly over this period. Despite these differences, strong positive correlations between brain and liver across the various behavioral treatments existed. The RR changes occurred about equally in the cerebellum-brain stem, basal ganglia, hippocampus-septum, and ventral cortex, while the thalamus-hypothalamus and dorsal cortex showed smaller differences.
Analysis of among-site variation in substitution patterns

Substitution patterns among nucleotides are often assumed to be constant in phylogenetic analyses. Although variation in the average rate of substitution among sites is commonly accounted for, variation in the relative rates of specific types of substitution is not. Here, we review details of methodologies used for detecting and analyzing differences in substitution processes among predefined groups of sites. We describe how such analyses can be performed using existing phylogenetic tools, and discuss how new phylogenetic analysis tools we have recently developed can be used to provide more detailed and sensitive analyses, including study of the evolution of mutation and substitution processes. As an example we consider the mitochondrial genome, for which two types of transition deaminations (C⇒T and A⇒G) are strongly affected by single-strandedness during replication, resulting in a strand asymmetric mutation process. Since time spent single-stranded varies along the mitochondrial genome, their differential mutational response results in very different substitution patterns in different regions of the genome.
A Fossil Myxomycete Plasmodium from Eocene-Oligocene Amber of the Dominican Republic

The first known fossil slime mold with part of the plasmodium preserved, from Eocene-Oligocene amber of the northern Dominican Republic, is described here. We assign it to the myxomycetes on the basis of its cytoplasmic structure. The paleoecological and evolutionary importance of this fossil is briefly discussed.
A characterization of graphs of competition number m

Abstract In this note we give a characterization of graphs with competition number less than or equal to m. We also give an alternate proof of a theorem characterizing competition graphs.
Overall perceived health predicts risk of hospitalizations and death in adults with heart failure: A prospective longitudinal study

Background Patient overall perception of health may provide an effective early warning for risk of hospitalization and death among heart failure patients.