cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Comparative Genomics to Identify and Functionally Characterize Genes Associated with Sperm Phenotypes in Python bivittatus (Burmese Python)

Comparative genomics approaches provide a means of leveraging functional genomics information from a highly annotated model organism’s genome (such as the mouse genome) in order to make physiological inferences about the role of genes and proteins in a less characterized organism’s genome (such as the Burmese python). We employed a comparative genomics approach to produce the functional annotation of Python bivittatus genes encoding proteins associated with sperm phenotypes. We identify 129 gene-phenotype relationships in the python which are implicated in 10 specific sperm phenotypes. Results obtained through our systematic analysis identified subsets of python genes exhibiting associations with gene ontology annotation terms. Functional annotation data was represented in a semantic scatter plot. Together, these newly annotated Python bivittatus genome resources provide a high resolution framework from which the biology relating to reptile spermatogenesis, fertility, and reproduction can be further investigated. Applications of our research include (1) production of genetic diagnostics for assessing fertility in domestic and wild reptiles; (2) enhanced assisted reproduction technology for endangered and captive reptiles; and (3) novel molecular targets for biotechnology-based approaches aimed at reducing fertility and reproduction of invasive reptiles. Additional enhancements to reptile genomic resources will further enhance their value.
Epileptiform activity can be initiated in various neocortical layers: an optical imaging study.

The initiation site for triggering epileptiform activity was investigated via optical imaging using voltage-sensitive dyes in the neocortical slice perfused with artificial cerebral spinal fluid co...
413 Valvular Heart Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Transesophageal EchocardiographIC Characterization AND CLINICAL CORRELATES.

Background Valvular heart disease (VHD) is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, VHD has not been well characterized by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and its correlation with clinical features of RA is undefined. Objective To characterize VHD in RA patients by TEE and determine possible correlation with clinical features of RA. Design Cross-sectional controlled study. Participants 33 volunteers with RA; 18 women and 15 men with a mean age of 51 ± 10 years and disease duration of 13 ± 7 years. 33 gender-matched healthy volunteers with a mean age of 41 ± 7 years. Measurements Clinical and laboratory evaluations and multiplane TEE in patients, multiplane TEE in controls. TEE studies were interpreted independent of subjects' clinical data. Results Valve thickening , typically mild and diffuse, was detected in 18 patients (55%) (aortic valve (AV) in 16 (48%), mitral valve (MV) in 11 (33%)(versus 5 controls (15%, p = .002). Valve nodules were detected in 12 patients (36%) (AV in 6 (18%), MV in 6 (18%)(versus 0 controls ( p < .001). Valve nodules were characteristically small with irregular borders and homogeneously echoreflectant without calcification. Nodules were usually located at the basal portion of the leaflets and were always associated with leaflet thickening (p < .001). Valve regurgitation of mild or greater severity was detected in 24 patients (77%) (AV in 3 (10%) and MV in 24 (77%)(versus 20 controls (61%, p = .18). Mitral regurgitation of any and moderate degree was more common in patients than controls (77% and 18% versus 55% and 1%, respectively, p ≤ .05 for both). Significant VHD defined as valve thickening, nodules, or moderate regurgitation was detected in 18 patients (58%) versus 6 controls (18%) (p = .004). Patients with and without VHD had similar age, RA disease duration, peripheral nodular disease, erosive disease, activity and severity of RA, steroid dose and duration, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein levels, and erythrosedimentation rate. Limitations Small study and controls were not age matched. Conclusions In patients with RA, (1) VHD is common; (2) valve nodules are a distinctive feature of VHD associated with RA; and (3) VHD may not be related to the clinical features, laboratory variables, or therapy of RA.
B/MYELOID CELL SIGNATURES IN FLAVOBACTERIUM PSYCHROPHILUM-RESISTANT AND -SUSCEPTIBLE GENETIC LINES OF RAINBOW TROUT.

The common aquaculture pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum (Fp) causes bacterial cold water disease (BCWD) in the rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss). For this project, we examined whether resistance to Fp is associated with differences in B/myeloid cell signatures in rainbow trout. The National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture has bred two genetic lines of rainbow trout: a line of Fpresistant fish (ARS-Fp-R or R-line fish) and a line of susceptible fish (ARS-Fp-S, or S-line) having similar genetic background. Earlier studies from our labs have shown that 1) R-line fish have larger spleens than S-line fish, 2) R-line fish have a lower abundance of B lineage cells, and 3) R line fish have a higher abundance of EBF progenitors. Together, this might suggest that R-line fish have a more robust innate immune response compared to S line fish. To begin testing this hypothesis, we examined whether R-line fish had a higher abundance of myeloid cells than S-line fish, using antibodies against B/myeloid specific markers in a flow cytometric assay. Using myeloid marker Q4E in combination with early B lymphoid marker EBF, no significant differences between the two fish lines was observed (N~10). However, using myeloid markers Pu1 and Q4E, and B-cell marker Pax5, potential differences were detected between between lines: S-line fish had higher percentages of Pu1/Q4E/Pax5 cells. We are currently analyzing additional fish and testing additional markers to better characterize myeloid lineage populations. This should shed light on the immunological mechanism by which R-line fish are better able to survive Fp-challenges than S-line fish.
Appreciating the Complexity of Teaching and Learning in School: A Commentary on Cobb; Forman and Ansell; McClain; Saxe; Schliemann; and Sfard

What is most striking about these articles is their similarity rather than their differences. All of the authors recognize that in school, students learn by interacting with cultural artifacts, teachers, and peers. All aim to conceptualize the mechanisms whereby such interactions might support the acquisition of new knowledge and skill. Each article brings a different lens to the classroom learning environment, but every article purports to hold all of these kinds of interactions in view at once rather than screening out some and focusing on others. In all learning encounters, students act in a relationship with that which is to be learned; this action takes the form of what Sfard called "school discourse." Sfard defines the purpose of activity in this relationship as improving communication with self and others in such a way as to be able to use cultural artifacts to solve problems. I have taken to calling this kind of activity "studying."l In relation to the kind of learning practices that occurred in the stats project lessons, I would use the term studying to include activities like inquiring, discussing, thinking, reading carefully, and examining closely. Teaching then would be defined as the practice of structuring the activities of studying in relation to particular content and particu-
Injustice in Science, Arts, and Letters

In the scientific research, it is important to keep our freedom of thinking and not being yoked by others� theories without checking them, no matter where they come from. Cogito, ergo sum [I think, therefore I am], said Descartes (1596-1650), and this Latin aphorism became his first principle in philosophy.
SU-F-J-169: A Feasibility Study of Using MRI Alone in Abdominal Radiotherapy

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a MRI alone workflow to support treatment planning and image guidance for abdominal radiotherapy. Methods: Abdominal MR images (in-phase/out-phase/fat/water) were acquired for a patient with breath-hold using a Dixon pulse sequence. Air masks were created on in-phase images using intensity thresholding and morphological processing methods in order to separate air from bone. Pseudo-CT and DRRs were generated using a published method. To investigate the effect of heterogeneity corrections on dose calculations using pseudo-CT, three different plans (3-field 3D, 5-field IMRT and 2-arc VMAT) were performed to mimic pancreatic treatments (1.8Gy/fraction over 28 fractions). Results: The DRRs created from pseudo-CT were of comparable quality as those created from CT. Comparing dose calculations with and without heterogeneity corrections between the 3 different plans, the biggest dosimetric differences were seen in the VMAT plan where modulation must occur across air-tissue interfaces such as those of the stomach and bowel. The DVHs for the VMAT plan showed ∼84cc difference at V50Gy in the small bowel. In terms of pseudo-CT quality, some small volumes of air in the bowel and stomach were misclassified as bone. The VMAT plan was re-optimized on pseudo-CT with 0 HU in the misclassified areas. The V50Gy in the small bowel differed by ∼90cc between the new VMAT plan with and without heterogeneity corrections. Conclusion: We found that the use of MRI alone is feasible for abdominal treatment planning and image guidance. A difference between calculations with and without heterogeneity corrections was found that is most pronounced for VMAT where the traversal of air-tissue interfaces is unavoidable. Future work will be performed to minimize misclassification between bone and air.
Stetter reaction (Michael-Stetter reaction)

1,4-Dicarbonyl derivatives from aldehydes and α,(β-unsaturated ketones. The thiazolium catalyst serves as a safe surrogate for −CN. Cf. Benzoin condensation.
Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S. - Strategic Problems and Issues

This paper briefly reviews the nature of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U. S. and outlines key issues confronttng both the U. S. government and foreign-owned firms. Because there is a paucity of literature, further research is suggested,
Global Leadership Begins with Infrastructure

Perhaps one of the most important questions this book raises is: Does infrastructure lead to global leadership? As there are many aspects of infrastructure, this question is rather difficult to answer; however, it would be rather to say that without proper infrastructuring, which includes development and maintenance of infrastructures, a world leader industrialized country cannot possibly maintain its leadership. At the writing of this book, all the BRIC countries, that is, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, are putting more emphasis on their infrastructures than the USA. Although not necessarily a direct result of this situation, many economists are not placing the USA at the top ten leading countries in the world for the coming 2 decades or so.
A data model for planning in the semiconductor supply chain

A recent gathering of academic and industry researchers has identified the need for a reference model for planning and control in semiconductor supply chains. The purpose of this model is to provide a common language for researchers working on different aspects of modeling and analysis of the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain, facilitate better communication and provide a common starting point for performance assessment across different analysis approaches to the planning and control problems. This paper introduces a data model to advance the discussion of this reference model. The data model is generic in that it is not specific to semiconductor manufacturing, but has been used in practical settings to drive analysis and application development to serve several planning functions in a major semiconductor manufacturing company.
Therapeutic Targeting of Oncogenic Tyrosine Phosphatases

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) are exciting and novel targets for cancer drug discovery that work in concert with protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) in controlling cellular homeostasis. Given the activating role that some PTKs play in initiating growth factor-mediated cellular processes, PTPs are usually perceived as the negative regulators of these events and therefore tumor suppressive in nature. However, mounting evidence indicate that PTPs do not always antagonize the activity of PTKs in regulating tyrosine phosphorylation, but can also play dominant roles in the initiation and progression of signaling cascades that regulate cell functions. It follows, therefore, that PTP malfunction can actively contribute to a host of human disorders, in particular, cancer, metabolic syndromes, and autoimmune diseases. The Src homology domain containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) and the three-membered family of phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRL) are infamously oncogenic members of the PTP superfamily. Both are established regulators of major cancer pathways such as Ras/ERK1/2, Src, JAK/STAT, JNK, NF-κB, and PTEN/PI3K/AKT. Furthermore, upregulation, mutation, or other dysregulation of these PTPs has been positively correlated with cancer initiation and progression. This review will provide topical coverage of target validation and drug discovery efforts made in targeting these oncogenic PTPs as compelling candidates for cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 77(21); 5701-5. ©2017 AACR.
Novel technique for intraoperative sciatic nerve assessment in complex primary total hip arthroplasty: a pilot study:

Introduction:Sciatic nerve injury (SNI) is a potentially devastating complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Intraoperative neural monitoring has been found in several studies to be useful...
Systematic Analysis of Fatty Acids in Human Cells with a Multiplexed Isobaric Tag (TMT)-Based Method

Fatty acids (FAs) are essential components in cells and are involved in many cellular activities. Abnormal FA metabolism has been reported to be related to human diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Identification and quantification of FAs provide insights into their functions in biological systems, but it is very challenging to analyze them due to their structures and properties. In this work, we developed a novel method by integrating FAs tagged with stable isotope labeled aminoxy tandem mass tags (aminoxyTMTs) and mass spectrometric analysis in the positive mode. On the basis of their structures, the aminoxyTMT reagents reacted with the carboxylic acid group of the FAs, resulting in an amine group with high proton affinity covalently attached to the analytes. This enabled the analysis of FAs under the positive electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) mode, which is normally more popular and sensitive compared to the negative mode. More importantly, the multiplexed TMT tags all...
Designing Fair, Efficient, and Interpretable Policies for Prioritizing Homeless Youth for Housing Resources

We consider the problem of designing fair, efficient, and interpretable policies for prioritizing heterogeneous homeless youth on a waiting list for scarce housing resources of different types. We focus on point-based policies that use features of the housing resources (e.g., permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing) and the youth (e.g., age, history of substance use) to maximize the probability that the youth will have a safe and stable exit from the housing program. The policies can be used to prioritize waitlisted youth each time a housing resource is procured. Our framework provides the policy-maker the flexibility to select both their desired structure for the policy and their desired fairness requirements. Our approach can thus explicitly trade-off interpretability and efficiency while ensuring that fairness constraints are met. We propose a flexible data-driven mixed-integer optimization formulation for designing the policy, along with an approximate formulation which can be solved efficiently for broad classes of interpretable policies using Bender’s decomposition. We evaluate our framework using real-world data from the United States homeless youth housing system. We show that our framework results in policies that are more fair than the current policy in place and than classical interpretable machine learning approaches while achieving a similar (or higher) level of overall efficiency.
Electronic Circuit Modeling and Analysis of Distributed Structronic Systems

Smart structures and structronic (structure + electronic) systems are recognized as one of the essential technologies of the 21st century [1]. Conventional techniques used in modeling and analysis of structronic systems involves 1) theoretical analysis, 2) finite element analysis, and 3) laboratory experiments. This research is to investigate the fourth modeling and analysis technique based on the electrical analogy, i.e., using electronic circuits and components to model distributed structronic systems. A generic distributed structronic control system is shown in Figure 1.
The Relationship Between Sphere Sovereignty and Subsidiarity

Sphere sovereignty is a social theory based on theological principles. Its starting point is the absolute sovereignty of God. From this principle, sphere sovereignty denies that any single human institution can claim absolute sovereignty. As a result, sphere sovereignty principles support an institutionally pluralistic society, where all kinds of power and authority are divided among various “spheres.” First propounded by Reformed theologians in the Netherlands, sphere sovereignty initially focused on the limitation of state power so as to preserve the independence of various social “spheres,” especially the church, from the state. While sphere sovereignty is rightly opposed to improper consolidation of state power, it does affirm the place of civil government in the social order. The model of society affirmed by sphere sovereignty has certain resonances with the Catholic social teachings on subsidiarity. Some have argued that sphere sovereignty is fundamentally different from its Catholic counterpart. But it is more helpful to see sphere sovereignty and subsidiarity as complimentary, each recognising a distinct aspect of social relationships within healthy and well-functioning society.
THE CHURCH AS FORGIVING COMMUNITY: AN INITIAL MODEL

Recent empirical studies have shown that forgiveness interventions decrease anxiety, depression, and anger, and increase self esteem, hope, and positive affect. We propose a three-tiered holistic p...
Carboxyfluorescein (CFSE) Labelling of Hepatocytes for Short-Term Localization following Intraportal Transplantation:

Renewed interest in the transplantation of isolated hepatocytes into the liver as a potential therapy for liver disease has stimulated the development of methods for the identification of donor cells within the recipient organ. We describe a method for cellular tagging and in vivo identification of intraportally transplanted hepatocytes using an intracellular fluorescent dye, 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl-ester (CFSE). Rat and porcine hepatocytes were isolated and labelled with CFSE. The optimal conditions for labelling consisted of a buffered saline suspension of hepatocytes (5 x 10(6) cells/mL) in 20.0 microM CFSE incubated for 15 min at 37 degrees C. In vitro, labelled hepatocytes were cultured either on fibronectin-coated chamber slides or in culture flasks. Cultures were evaluated in situ by fluorescence photomicrography or by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) after cell detachment. Cell viability was assessed serially and cultured, labelled hepatocytes retained the dye for up to 3 wk (last day of study). CFSE did not effect hepatocyte viability and there was no evidence of intercellular diffusion of the dye. In vivo, syngeneic Lewis rats underwent selective portal vein infusion of freshly isolated, labelled hepatocytes (2.0 x 10(7) cells/2.0 mL saline/animal) into the posterior liver lobes. All recipients were sacrificed 48 h and 96 h later and their livers examined. Transplanted hepatocytes were identified by fluorescence microscopy in tissue sections and by FACS following collagenase digestion of the liver tissue. CFSE persisted in a population of viable, engrafted hepatocytes. FACS analysis demonstrated that 9 +/- 3% of the hepatocytes in the posterior liver lobes were labelled 48 and 96 h after transplantation. At 96 h following transplantation, multiple engrafted hepatocytes could be observed by fluorescence microscopy around the central veins. CFSE labelling allows for both in vitro identification and in vivo localization of donor hepatocytes. Furthermore, it appears to be more stable and specific for labelling hepatocytes than other tested dyes (especially DiI).
Electrophoretic characterizations of cross-linked fibrinogen derivatives in blood and vascular tissue by zonal immobilization on glyoxyl agarose.

Current definitions of fibrinogen derivatives produced in course of clot formation and lysis derive from electrophoretic and immunochemical analyses of the alterations that the purified protein undergoes during these reactions (1, 2). Methods for profiling the distribution of fibrinogen-derivatives in blood continue to improve as new methods arise for immunoprobing electrophoregrams. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoregrams (PAGE) are too impermeable to be probed directly with antibody. The earliest profiles of molecular weight distributions of the fibrinogen-related antigens in blood used immunosorbents for specific absorption of the protein from blood, followed by electrophoretic analysis of desorbed protein (3). Western-blotting (4) in which proteins are electro-transferred out of the electrophoregram to produce a replica on cellulose nitrate or other adsorptive membrane is now commonly used for immunoprobing. However, as might be anticipated (5), this technique does not work well with fibrinogen; it and its polymers do not transfer well due to their precipitation when separated from SDS. Because of relatively poor transfer of the intact protein, blots made of fibrinogen-related antigens usually show the degraded and readily transferred forms at levels far out of proportion to their actual concentrations in the samples. To eliminate the uncertainties that arise from transfer procedures, we have devised methods for directly immunoprobing the electrophoregrams. The present communication outlines underlying principles of the methodology, and surveys some of the findings regarding the composition of fibrinogen which were discovered with it.
(Na+, K+)-ATPase regulation and NaCl intake: effects on circulating inhibitor and sensitivity to noradrenaline.

1. These experiments examined the effects of a high NaCl diet on (Na+, K+)-ATPase in kidney, heart and cerebral cortex, on the level of circulating inhibitor of (Na+, K+)-ATPase in plasma, and on stimulation of (Na+, K+)-ATPase by treatment with dextro (d)-amphetamine. 2. High salt diet increased indices of (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity (K+-activated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity and ouabain binding) in kidney medulla, prevented stimulation by amphetamine in cerebral cortex and reduced amphetamine stimulation in heart. 3. High NaCl feeding increased the plasma level of circulating inhibitor of (Na+, K+)-ATPase. 4. Amphetamine alone had no effect on inhibitor level but amphetamine administration reduced the increase in inhibitor with high NaCl feeding.
Junior High School Mathematics: Motivation vs. Monotony.

THE junior high school mathematics curriculum has gone through a dramatic change in the past fifteen years. The traditional consumer-oriented program, combined with major emphasis on drill of the fundamental skills, has largely been replaced by a host of new and interesting topics?interesting, that is, to the teacher! Bursting with enthusiasm over these new topics, most of us were able to convey this feeling to our students as well. There seemed to have been little need to worry about motivating our students; they found our enthusiasm contagious and displayed a remarkable degree of intrinsic interest in the material that they were asked to study. Today, however, we are under great pres sure to replace number bases, modular arithmetic, and other new topics with more drill and skill. And once again we are being asked that very embarrassing question, "What good is all this?" Now that the aura of respectability of the so-called "new math" has worn off, we are once again faced with the fact that much of the
Popcorn-Driven Robotic Actuators

Popcorn kernels are a natural, edible, and inexpensive material that has the potential to rapidly expand with high force upon application of heat. Although this transition is irreversible, it carries potential for several robotic applications. Here, we examine relevant characteristics of three types of kernels including expansion ratio, transition temperature, popping force, compression strength, and biodegradability. We test the viability of popping by hot oil, hot air, microwaves, and direct contact with heated Nichrome wire. As kernels can change from regular to (larger) irregular shapes, we examine the change in inter-granular friction and propose their use as granular fluids in jamming actuators, without the need for a vacuum pump. Furthermore, as a proof-of-concept, we also demonstrate the use of popcorn-driven actuation in soft, compliant, and rigid-link grippers. Serving as a first introduction of popcorn into robotics, we hope this paper will inspire novel mechanisms for multi-functional designs.
Contemporary stethoscope cleaning practices: What we haven't learned in 150 years.

Background Stethoscopes can be microorganism reservoirs. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published medical equipment disinfection guidelines to minimize infection transmission risk, but studies of guideline adherence have been predominately survey based, with little direct observation of disinfection practices. Methods We performed an observational, cross-sectional, anonymous study of patient-provider interactions, assessing practitioners’ frequency and methods of stethoscope and hand disinfection practices. Results Stethoscopes were disinfected in 18% of 400 observed interactions, with less than 4% verified as conforming to CDC guidelines. None was disinfected before patient examinations involving open chest or abdominal wounds, as recommended by the CDC. Hands were cleaned before and after encounters 27 times (6.8%) but were not cleaned at all in 231 (58%) encounters, although gloves were worn in 197 (85.3%) of these cases. Discussion Stethoscope disinfection is grossly overlooked, possibly jeopardizing patient safety, particularly in acute care interactions. Periodic stethoscope disinfection, although inconvenient, helps reduce bacterial contamination and may reduce health care–associated infections. Conclusions Stethoscopes were disinfected per CDC guidelines in less than 4% of encounters and were not disinfected at all in 82% of encounters. Although hands were rarely cleaned (6.8%) per CDC guidelines, gloves were usually worn, but no convenient stethoscope equivalent exists. Stethoscope cleanliness must be addressed.
NeuralHMC: an efficient HMC-based accelerator for deep neural networks

In Deep Neural Network (DNN) applications, energy consumption and performance cost of moving data between memory hierarchy and computational units are significantly higher than that of the computation itself. Process-in-memory (PIM) architecture such as Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC), becomes an excellent candidate to improve the data locality for efficient DNN execution. However, it's still hard to efficiently deploy large-scale matrix computation in DNN on HMC because of its coarse grained packet protocol. In this work, we propose NeuralHMC, the first HMC-based accelerator tailored for efficient DNN execution. Experimental results show that NeuralHMC reduces the data movement by 1.4x to 2.5x (depending on the DNN data reuse strategy) compared to Von Neumann architecture. Furthermore, compared to state-of-the-art PIM-based DNN accelerator, NeuralHMC can promisingly improve the system performance by 4.1x and reduces energy by 1.5x, on average.
Embodied performance as applied research, art and pedagogy

Embodied Performance as Applied Research, Art and Pedagogy is a book that I was able to follow through social media while it was being written. I couldn’t predict what the author would ultimately i...
Gespräche sind das A und O

Interview zur IDS 2019. Mark Stephen Pace, Vorstandsvorsitzender des Verbandes der Deutschen Dental-Industrie (VDDI), erlautert in unserem Interview, warum die IDS von Mal zu Mal wachst, welche Trends die IDS zeigen wird, warum das Gesprach von Mensch zu Mensch so wichtig ist — und welche Aspekte digitaler Innovationen dabei eine Hauptrolle spielen.
Effect of spinal manipulative therapy on mechanical pain sensitivity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a pilot randomized, controlled trial.

Objectives: The long-term goal of our study is to improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in low back pain.Methods: This project inv...
Arthur Miller and Contemporary American Women Dramatists

Arthur Miller often is credited with focusing on what became two central themes in American drama: the family and the betrayal of the American Dream. This chapter explores the way these themes are reconfigured and enhanced by several distinguished American woman playwrights: Lorraine Hansberry, Marsha Norman, Anna Deavere Smith, Suzan-Lori Parks, Lynn Nottage, and Annie Baker. Like Miller, these American dramatists acknowledge theater as an important vehicle of social change and share a commitment to staging American family life in innovative ways.
Dosimetric Analysis and Normal-Tissue Complication Probability Modeling of Child-Pugh Score and Albumin-Bilirubin Grade Increase After Hepatic Irradiation.

Purpose This study aimed to develop robust normal-tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiation therapy (RT) using Child-Pugh (CP) score and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade increase as endpoints for hepatic toxicity. Methods and Materials Data from 108 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with RT between 2008 and 2017 were evaluated, of which 47 patients (44%) were treated with proton RT. Of these patients, 29 received stereotactic body RT and 79 moderately hypofractionated RT to median physical tumor doses of 43 Gy in 5 fractions and 59 Gy in 15 fractions, respectively. A generalized Lyman-Kutcher-Berman (LKB) model was used to model the NTCP using 2 clinical endpoints, both evaluated at 3 months after RT: CP score increase of ≥2 and ALBI grade increase of ≥1 from the pre-RT baseline. Confidence intervals on LKB fit parameters were determined using bootstrap resampling. Results Compared with previous NTCP models, this study found a stronger correlation between normal liver volume receiving low doses of radiation (5-10 Gy) and a CP score or ALBI grade increase. A CP score increase exhibited a stronger correlation to normal liver volumes irradiated than an ALBI grade increase. LKB models for CP increase found values for the volume-effect parameter of a = 0.06 for all patients, and a = 0.02/0.09 when fit to photon/proton patients separately. Subset analyses for patients with superior initial liver functions showed consistent dose–volume effects (a = 0.1) and consistent dose-response relationships. Conclusions This study presents an update of liver NTCP models in the era of modern RT techniques using relevant endpoints of hepatic toxicity, CP score and ALBI grade increase. The results show a stronger influence of low-dose bath on hepatic toxicity than those found in previous studies, indicating that RT techniques that minimize the low-dose bath may be beneficial for patients.
Restaurant Development Group's Winston-Salem Project

A restaurant space has become available in Winston-Salem and an investment group is trying to decide whether or not to open a new restaurant in the space. The group has already decided that this will be an upscale restaurant, but they have not decided whether to open just for dinner or for both lunch and dinner. The case asks students to take the role of analysts and perform a projection of case requirements in the form of a cash budget and to perform a capital investment analysis and make a recommendation as to whether or not to renovate the site and whether to open for lunch and dinner or just dinner. The unique aspect of the case is that the students have to go out and research what is involved in renovating and operating a restaurant. It requires one or more professionals from the community to act as a resource for the students' data collection efforts, and the professionals can also act as the investment group and help evaluate the students' analysis and recommendations.
Small cell transformation of ROS1 fusion-positive lung cancer resistant to ROS1 inhibition

Histologic transformation from non-small cell to small cell lung cancer has been reported as a resistance mechanism to targeted therapy in EGFR-mutant and ALK fusion-positive lung cancers. Whether small cell transformation occurs in other oncogene-driven lung cancers remains unknown. Here we analyzed the genomic landscape of two pre-mortem and 11 post-mortem metastatic tumors collected from an advanced, ROS1 fusion-positive lung cancer patient, who had received sequential ROS1 inhibitors. Evidence of small cell transformation was observed in all metastatic sites at autopsy, with inactivation of RB1 and TP53, and loss of ROS1 fusion expression. Whole-exome sequencing revealed minimal mutational and copy number heterogeneity, suggestive of "hard" clonal sweep. Patient-derived models generated from autopsy retained features consistent with small cell lung cancer and demonstrated resistance to ROS1 inhibitors. This case supports small cell transformation as a recurring resistance mechanism, and underscores the importance of elucidating its biology to expand therapeutic opportunities.
Functional outcome after critical illness in older patients: a population-based study.

PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of disability among ICU survivors one year after admission, and which factors influence functional outcome. METHODS We examined consecutive patients enrolled in the population-based Mayo Clinic Olmsted Study of Aging and then admitted to medical or surgical adult ICUs at Mayo Clinic, Rochester between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2014 to determine one-year functional outcomes. RESULTS 831cases were included. Mean age was 84 years (IQR 79-88). 569 (68.5%) patients were alive one year after ICU admission. Of them, 546 patients had functional assessment at one year and 367 (67.2%) had good functional outcome. On multivariable analysis, poor one-year functional outcome (death or disability) was more common among women, older patients, and patients with baseline cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment or dementia), higher Carlson scores, and longer ICU stay (all P <.01). After excluding deceased patients, these associations remained unchanged. In addition, 120 (32.3%) of 372 patients who had post-ICU cognitive evaluation experienced cognitive decline after the ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS On a population-based cohort of older, predominantly elderly patients, approximately two-thirds of survivors maintained or regained good functional status 1 year after ICU hospitalization. However, older age, female sex, greater comorbidities, abnormal baseline cognition, and longer ICU stay were associated with poor functional recovery and cognitive decline was common.
Effectiveness of Respondent-Driven Sampling for Conducting Health Studies Among Undocumented Immigrants at a Time of Heightened Immigration Enforcement.

This paper assessed the effectiveness of Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) in recruiting undocumented Latinx immigrants for a prevalence health study at a time of heightened immigration enforcement. RDS was used to collect and analyze data from clinical interviews with 254 undocumented Latinx immigrant adults, enabling inference to a population of 22,000. 45% of the sample reported having a chronic medical condition. The desired sample size was achieved and exceeded with three initial recruits and 10 waves of recruitment across 9 weeks. There was substantial cross-group mixing for recruitment in terms of sex and recency of immigration, which facilitated the emergence of diversity within recruitment chains. Primary factors that contributed to effective recruitment were location, flexibility, on-site childcare, and detailed explanation of the recruitment process. RDS is an effective recruitment method to study the health of undocumented Latinx immigrants, which is essential to informing intervention and policy.
Application of concise machine learning to construct accurate and interpretable EHR computable phenotypes

ObjectiveElectronic health records (EHRs) can improve patient care by enabling systematic identification of patients for targeted decision support. But, this requires scalable learning of computable phenotypes. To this end, we developed the feature engineering automation tool (FEAT) and assessed it in targeting screening for the under-diagnosed, under-treated disease primary aldosteronism. Materials and MethodsWe selected 1199 subjects receiving longitudinal care in one health system between 2007 and 2017 and classified them for hypertension (N=608), hypertension with unexplained hypokalemia (N=172), and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (N=176) by chart review. We derived 331 features from EHR encounters, diagnoses, laboratories, medications, vitals, and notes. We modified FEAT to encourage model parsimony and compared its models performance and interpretability to that of expert-curated heuristics and conventional machine learning. ResultsFEAT models trained to replicate expert-curated heuristics had higher AUPRC scores than all other models (p < 0.001) except random forests and were smaller than all other models (p < 1e-6) except decision trees. FEAT models trained to predict chart review phenotypes exhibited similar AUPRC scores to penalized logistic regression while being substantially simpler than all other models (p < 1e-6). For treatment-resistant hypertension, FEAT learned a six-feature, clinically intuitive model that demonstrated an adjusted PPV of 0.73 and sensitivity of 0.54 in testing. DiscussionFEAT learns computable phenotypes that approach the performance of expert-curated heuristics and conventional machine learning without sacrificing interpretability. ConclusionBy constructing accurate and interpretable computable phenotypes at scale, FEAT has the potential to facilitate widespread, systematic clinical decision support.
The Effects of 5 Weeks of Leg-Drive Training on Bench Press Performance in Recreationally-Trained, College-Age Men

The bench press is commonly used to measure upper-body strength. While much emphasis has been placed on the upper-body, little is known about how the lower-body can play a role in bench press performance. Leg-drive is a technique that includes flexing the knee so the feet line up posterior to the knee joint, while simultaneously contracting the knee extensors isometrically during the lift. The purpose of this study was to compare strength characteristics of lifters in a standard bench press versus a leg-drive bench press over the course of 5-weeks of training. Twenty-three recreationally active males (age: 22.4 ± 2.1 years, height: 175.0 ± 5.9 cm, mass: 78.4 ± 9.5 kg) were randomized into a standard bench or leg-drive bench press group. Participants performed four sets to failure, two times per week for five weeks. Variables of interests were training volume and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength. For training volume, a 2 × 5 (group × week) repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) was used. For the 1RM’s, a 2 × 2 × 2 (group × press type × time) RMANOVA was used. A priori alpha levels were set to 0.05. Over time, both groups showed an approximate 6% increase in 1RM strength. Training volume for week 4 was 5.6% less than week 5, but was not different from weeks 1 through 3. No between-group differences were observed for 1RM strength or training volume. This results of this work indicates that 5 weeks of leg-drive training is effective in increasing 1RM strength, but was not more effective than standard bench press training. Practically, lifters should choose either lifting style based on personal preference.
Analysis of Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Crashes in San Antonio, Texas

Bicycling is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and healthful; however, bicyclist safety is a rising concern. This study investigates bicycle crash-related key variables that might substantially differ in terms of the party at fault and bicycle facility presence. Employing 5 year (2014–2018) data from the Texas Crash Record and Information System database, the effect of these variables on bicyclist injury severity was assessed for San Antonio, Texas, using bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression. Severe injury risk based on the party at fault and bicycle facility presence varied significantly for different crash-related variables. The strongest predictors of severe bicycle injury include bicyclist age and ethnicity, lighting condition, road class, time of occurrence, and period of week. Driver inattention and disregard of stop sign/light were the primary contributing factors to bicycle-vehicle crashes. Crash density heatmap and hotspot analyses were used to identify high-risk locations. The downtown area experienced the highest crash density, while severity hotspots were located at intersections outside of the downtown area. This study recommends the introduction of more dedicated/protected bicycle lanes, separation of bicycle lanes from the roadway, mandatory helmet use ordinance, reduction in speed limit, prioritization of resources at high-risk locations, and implementation of bike-activated signal detection at signalized intersections.
Examining hydraulic fracturing chemicals: A temporal and comparative analysis.

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing (HF) remains a current global energy policy issue, and understanding risks to drinking water resources from HF chemicals is an important aspect of this topic. The quantity and quality of disclosed HF chemical information are significant barriers for stakeholders attempting to perform systemic environmental and public health research. A repeatable approach for processing HF chemical disclosure data is provided using United States FracFocus data as a case study. We fill research gaps by examining HF chemical trends between 2014 and 2020 and comparing HF chemicals with a list of reference chemicals known or suspected to be in contact (unrelated to HF) with drinking water, food, or cosmetics. In total, 1,244 unique HF chemicals were identified. Compared with EPA's 2016 HF chemical disclosure research, 480 new chemicals are identified, and 318 previously reported chemicals were not observed. The annual unique chemical counts have dropped from 878 to 594 (32.3%) over the research period, while data quality and transparency have increased. Approximately 69.7% of the identified HF ingredients were found in a list of reference chemicals known or suspected to be in contact (unrelated to HF) with drinking water, food, or cosmetics. Chemical differences between production types (gas and oil) and states are also reviewed. Our research reveals that the sociotechnical system surrounding HF is dynamic and moving toward fewer and, in general, safer chemicals, for those that are disclosed. This study highlights opportunities for new and updated systemic research regarding HF chemical hazard dynamics and associated risk to drinking water resources.
Power at the Roots: Gentrification, Community Gardens, and the Puerto Ricans of the Lower East Side

1 Chapter 1: Introduction 2 Chapter 2: Class Cultures in Conflict 3 Chapter 3: How to Tame a Neighborhood 4 Chapter 4: Bello Amanecer Borincano 5 Chapter 5: The Symbolic Lower East Side
Voiding Symptoms and Bladder Function Following CVA: A Prospective Time Course Study

This is the first prospective study evaluating both urinary complaints and bladder physiology following acute cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). Consecutive patients with acute CVAs were entered into this study. Voiding histories and urodynamics were performed 1-2 weeks post-CVA, 1-2 months post-CVA, 4-10 months post-CVA, and 5 months later (9-15 months post-CVA). Previous studies have focused on urinary incontinence and reported that this problem resolves in the majority of patients. This study also found that urinary incontinence resolved. However, other urinary complaints, such as urinary frequency and nocturia, which also had a significant adverse impact on the individuals' lifestyle, continued to persist. Urodynamic studies at one year revealed that uninhibited bladder contractions persisted despite resolution of incontinence. There was no obvious relationship between the location of the CVA in the right hemisphere and those who did or did not develop urologic symptoms.
Microfinance as a Poverty Reduction Tool: A Critical Assessment

This paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as a universal poverty reduction tool. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. Microfinance, however, certainly plays an important role in providing safety-net and consumption smoothening. The borrowers of microfinance possibly also benefit from learning-by-doing and from self-esteem. However, for any significant dent on poverty, the focus of public policy should be on growth-oriented and equity-enhancing programs, such as broad-based productive employment creation.
Investment banks as corporate monitors in the early twentieth century United States

We study the effect of financial relationships on firms' investment decisions and access to external finance. In the early twentieth century, securities underwriters commonly held directorships with American corporations. Section 10 of the Clayton Antitrust Act prohibited bankers from serving on the boards of railroads for which they underwrote securities. We find that following the implementation of Section 10, railroads with strong preexisting relationships with underwriters saw declines in their investment rates, valuations, and leverage, and increases in their costs of external funds. Reassuringly, we do not observe similar effects among industrials and utilities, which were not subject to Section 10. Our results are consistent with underwriters on corporate boards acting as delegated monitors, and highlight the potential for regulations intended to address conflicts of interest to disrupt valuable information flows.
From Breard to Atkins to Malvo: Legal Incompentency and Human Rights Norms on the Fringes of the Death Penalty

This article, by Professor Linda Malone, explores nations claims that the United States was violating international law human rights and treaty obligations concerning the death penalty. Nations brought claim to US courts in Republic of Paraguay v. Allen, the LaGrand Case, and Avena and Other Mexican Nationals. At the same time as these claims were being brought, unrelated, but significant, developments were occurring in the US Supreme Court.
A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies on Participants’ Interactions in Internet-Mediated Discussion Boards as a Course Component in Formal Higher Education Settings

This systematic review and synthesis of existing empirical studies examines peer-reviewed research articles published between January 2000 and May 2014 on the use of Internet-mediated discussion boards in higher education settings with a specific interest in the participants’ interactions. Forty-two primary studies were examined after a systematic search and full text review. The findings from the primary studies regarding participants’ interactions were analyzed using constant comparison coding techniques. The analysis and its results indicate several potential directions for future research, and connect the primary studies to provide a more holistic understanding of the participants’ interactions in Internet-mediated discussions in the higher education setting.