cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sweet Cherry Fruit Firmness and Postharvest Quality of Late-maturing Cultivars Are Improved with Low-rate, Single Applications of Gibberellic Acid

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) producers in the Pacific Northwest have devoted considerable acreage to late-maturing cultivars. By using these cultivars to extend the harvest window, producers avoid lower returns associated with cherries harvested during the peak period (i.e., midseason) when supplies are overly abundant. Over several years, we evaluated preharvest applications of gibberellic acid (GA3) between 10 and 100 ppm (a.i.) on the late-maturing sweet cherry cultivars Lapins, Skeena, Staccato, and Sweetheart. Individual trials examined the timing of GA3 applications and/or rate on fruit quality attributes at harvest and after 4 weeks of cold storage at 0 8C. The influence of GA3 timing and/or rate on sweet cherry skin color and harvest delay was also evaluated. Multiple applications split between the end of Stage II (pit hardening) and mid-Stage III (final fruit swell) of fruit development did not improve fruit quality attributes or delay skin color development of 'Skeena' and 'Sweetheart' compared with equivalent concentrations applied once at the end of Stage II. Low concentrations (between 10 and 25 ppm) consistently improved fruit firmness (FF) of all cultivars by 10% to 43%. No further improvements in FF were observed when rates exceeded 25 ppm. Skin color development was retarded by GA3 but did not respond in a consistent manner to increasing rate. Fruit size was not uniformly increased by GA3.In trials where GA3 had a positive effect on fruit size, the effect was observed at low concentrations and was not further improved with increasing rate. A cultivar-dependent response to GA3 was observed for return bloom. 'Skeena' reproductive buds per fruiting spur and flowers per floral bud in years after treatment were unaffected by GA3 concentration. On the contrary, the number of flowers per bud of 'Lapins' was significantly reduced to 79% and 38% of control levels for 50 and 100 ppm GA3, respectively. At 100 ppm, GA3 additionally limited the number of reproductive buds returning on fruiting spurs of 'Lapins'. GA3 reduced stem browning and surface pitting disorder of 'Sweetheart' and 'Lapins' after 4 weeks of cold storage at 0 8C; however, these effects were optimized at 25 ppm. Respiration rate and weight loss were unaffected by GA3 at harvest or after 2 and 4 weeks of cold storage. Unidentified endogenous factors that regulate FF and are inducible by GA3 appear to be largely responsible for improved resistance to pitting. Collectively, the results demonstrate high sensitivity of cherry FF and skin color to GA3. Split applications did not provide further harvest delays or affect any of the attributes evaluated, possibly because low rates (20 ppm) applied at the first timing were sufficient to saturate the response. In general, fruit quality of late-maturing cultivarsofsweetcherrywasimprovedbylowratesofGA3appliedinasingleapplication at the end of pit hardening.
The Birth of a Global Strategy amid Deep Crisis

The process of undertaking, developing and writing a strategic document is akin to a gestation and birthing process. First comes the excitement and enthusiasm of developing a new strategy; then pat...
Is There a Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Discernible Cause for Trigeminal Neuralgia? A Structured Review.

Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic brain condition involving the trigeminal nerve and characterized by severe and recurrent facial pain. Although the cause of TN has been researched extensively, there is a lack of convergence on the physiologic processes leading to pain symptoms. This review seeks to better elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of TN by analyzing the outcomes of studies that use magnetic resonance structural imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging to examine nerve damage in patients with TN. Methods Performing a structured review of the literature, the authors included human magnetic resonance anatomic and diffusion-weighted imaging studies aimed at visualizing the trigeminal nerve or measuring neural damage pertaining to TN. Studies that measured and compared nerve damage in the affected and unaffected sides in patients or patients and controls were analyzed for neural changes associated with TN. Results Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, the data from the anatomic and diffusion studies showed decreased volume and cross-sectional area, decreased fractional anisotropy, and increased apparent diffusion coefficient and diffusivity associated with the affected side of patients compared with the unaffected side as well as in patients compared with controls. Conclusions A review of the studies included indicates that neural differences exist between the affected and unaffected sides in patients as well as between patients and controls in both structural and diffusion metrics. The amalgamated data suggest that damage of the trigeminal nerve tissue is commonly found in patients with TN and could be a primary factor in TN pathophysiology.
Oligodendrocyte-Substratum Interaction Signals Cell Polarization and Secretion

The importance of cell-substratum interaction in determining morphogenetic events and the differentiation pathway a cell is to follow, has been amply documented (for reviews see, Hay, 1984; Ekblom et al., 1986; Grinnell, 1978). Examples abound, from extracellular matrix (ECM) induced changes in the shape of fibroblasts with the concomitant reorganization of their cytoskeleton to the influence of substratum on the differentiation of muscle cells or the modulation of secretion in the corneal epithelium by ECM components. Of particular relevance to the work to be discussed here is the role of ECM in peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelination.
Support for Anti‐Muslim Policies: The Role of Political Traits and Threat Perception

We explored how political beliefs and attitudes predict support for anti-Muslim policies and extremist behavior in the United States following the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. A large sample completed measures of authoritarianism, social dominance orientation (SDO), generalized prejudice, identification with all humanity (IWAH), perceptions of Muslim threat, and support for anti-Muslim policies and behaviors. These measures accounted for 73% of the variance in moderate anti-Muslim policies and 55% of the variance in extreme anti-Muslim policies. Authoritarianism and SDO directly and indirectly predicted support for anti-Muslim policies, with their effects partially mediated by generalized prejudice, IWAH, and perceptions of Muslims as threatening. Threat both mediated and moderated the relationship between authoritarianism and anti-Muslim policies. A negative interaction between authoritarianism and perceptions of Muslims as threatening predicted moderate anti-Muslim policies, but a positive interaction predicted extreme anti-Muslim policies. A tentative explanation is offered. Perceptions of Muslim threat was consistently a powerful predictor of anti-Muslim policies and willingness to engage in extremist behaviors targeting Muslims. Programs to combat anti-Muslim prejudice should consider the role of threat-related stereotypes in expressions of anti-Muslim prejudice.
Effect of Structural Heterogeneity in Chemical Composition on Online Single-Particle Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Sea Spray Aerosol Particles.

Knowledge of the surface composition of sea spray aerosols (SSA) is critical for understanding and predicting climate-relevant impacts. Offline microscopy and spectroscopy studies have shown that dry supermicron SSA tend to be spatially heterogeneous particles with sodium- and chloride-rich cores surrounded by organic enriched surface layers containing minor inorganic seawater components such as magnesium and calcium. At the same time, single-particle mass spectrometry reveals several different mass spectral ion patterns, suggesting that there may be a number of chemically distinct particle types. This study investigates factors controlling single particle mass spectra of nascent supermicron SSA. Depth profiling experiments conducted on SSA generated by a fritted bubbler and total ion intensity analysis of SSA generated by a marine aerosol reference tank were compared with observations of ambient SSA observed at two coastal locations. Analysis of SSA produced by utilizing controlled laboratory methods rev...
Mutation of Kinesin-6 Kif20b causes defects in cortical neuron polarization and morphogenesis

How neurons change their cytoskeleton to adopt their complex polarized morphology is still not understood. Growing evidence suggests that proteins that help build microtubule structures during cell division are also involved in building and remodeling the complex cytoskeletons of neurons. Kif20b (previously called MPP1 or Mphosph1) is the most divergent member of the Kinesin-6 family of “mitotic” kinesins that also includes Kif23/MKLP1 and Kif20a/MKLP2. We previously isolated a loss-of-function mouse mutant of Kif20b and showed that it had a thalamocortical axon guidance defect and microcephaly. We demonstrate here, using the mouse mutant, that Kif20b is required for neuron morphogenesis in the embryonic neocortex. In vivo and in vitro cortical neurons were labeled and imaged to analyze various aspects of morphogenesis. Loss of Kif20b disrupts polarization as well as neurite outgrowth, branching and caliber. In vivo, mutant cortical neurons show defects in orientation, and have shorter thinner apical dendrites that branch closer to the cell body. In vitro, without external polarity cues, Kif20b mutant neurons show a strong polarization defect. This may be due in part to loss of the polarity protein Shootin1 from the axonal growth cone. Those mutant neurons that do succeed in polarizing have shorter axons with more branches, and longer minor neurites. These changes in shape are not due to alterations in cell fate or neuron layer type. Surprisingly, both axons and minor neurites of mutant neurons have increased widths and longer growth cone filopodia, which correlate with abnormal microtubule organization. Live analysis of axon extension shows that Kif20b mutant axons display more variable growth with increased retraction. These results demonstrate that Kif20b is required cell-autonomously for proper morphogenesis of cortical pyramidal neurons. Kif20b regulates neuron polarization, and axon and dendrite branching, outgrowth, and caliber. Kif20b protein may act by bundling microtubules into tight arrays and by localizing effectors such as Shootin1. Thus it may help shape neurites, sustain consistent axon growth, and inhibit branching. This work advances our understanding of how neurons regulate their cytoskeleton to build their elaborate shapes. Finally, it suggests that neuronal connectivity defects may be present in some types of microcephaly.
A blood test for concussion

Concussion, pervasive in most sports, epidemic in contact contests, affects millions of individuals ranging from youth sports through professional athletes.1 Those who routinely see patients with sports concussion rely predominately on patient-reported symptoms and a thorough neurologic examination to ascertain the extent of injury and prognosis. Although neuropsychological assessments are helpful, no other routine testing, including conventional neuroimaging, is useful in answering many basic questions regarding the clinical evaluation and management of concussion, let alone determining the severity of CNS damage.2
Legal Issues: Branding Controversy

Branding has become the new business watchword of the 21st century. Branding efforts may be driven by social media, e-commerce and web design issues, maximizing synergies between products, targeting or responding to real or perceived competition, or just trying to refresh an old look. The goal of a brand, obviously, is to represent the product or service in a way that is recognizable, unique, and hopefully memorable to its customer base. In order to meet that goal, most brands are configured from some combination of colors, shapes, words, images, fonts, and other graphic elements. In addition to being recognizable and memorable, a brand should also be seen as positive. However, what is positive to the brand’s owners and some of its customers, may not be seen as positive by all who are familiar with the brand. Recently, the name and logos associated with the NFL’s Washington Redskins have become a lightning rod and cautionary case for the challenges associated with branding. But, as a review of the law regarding selection and use of brands and trademarks demonstrates, the legal ramifications of controversial brands are anything but clear.
Using an Image Fusion Methodology to Improve Efficiency and Traceability of Posterior Pole Vessel Analysis by ROPtool

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) largely determines the need for treatment; however, this diagnosis is subjective. To make the diagnosis of plus disease more objective, semi-automated computer programs (e.g. ROPtool) have been created to quantify vascular dilation and tortuosity. ROPtool can accurately analyze blood vessels only in images with very good quality, but many still images captured by indirect ophthalmoscopy have insufficient image quality for ROPtool analysis. PURPOSE To evaluate the ability of an image fusion methodology (robust mosaicing) to increase the efficiency and traceability of posterior pole vessel analysis by ROPtool. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY We retrospectively reviewed video indirect ophthalmoscopy images acquired during routine ROP examinations and selected the best unenhanced still image from the video for each infant. Robust mosaicing was used to create an enhanced mosaic image from the same video for each eye. We evaluated the time required for ROPtool analysis as well as ROPtool's ability to analyze vessels in enhanced vs. unenhanced images. RESULTS We included 39 eyes of 39 infants. ROPtool analysis was faster (125 vs. 152 seconds; p=0.02) in enhanced vs. unenhanced images, respectively. ROPtool was able to trace retinal vessels in more quadrants (143/156, 92% vs 115/156, 74%; p=0.16) in enhanced mosaic vs. unenhanced still images, respectively and in more overall (38/39, 97% vs. 34/39, 87%; p=0.07) enhanced mosaic vs. unenhanced still images, respectively. CONCLUSION Retinal image enhancement using robust mosaicing advances efforts to automate grading of posterior pole disease in ROP.
A Rare Case of Paraneoplastic Aortitis Associated with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Aortitis is a broad term describing inflammation of the aorta. The most common causes of aortitis are the large-vessel vasculitides giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. Other etiologies include aortitis associated with other autoimmune disorders, infectious causes, and paraneoplastic and idiopathic cases. We describe a rare case of a large-vessel arteritis occurring in association with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). A 68-year-old female with recent diagnosis of CMML presented to our office for evaluation of abnormal chest computed tomography (CT) that showed inflammation surrounding the entirety of thoracic and abdominal aorta, consistent with aortitis. In the absence of other evident causes of large-vessel vasculitis, we attributed this finding to a paraneoplastic autoimmune phenomenon and started treatment with systemic glucocorticoids. This rare case emphasizes the need to recognize autoimmune complications in CMML and treat the inflammation along with the primary malignancy promptly.
Technological Evolution and Launch Timing: An Analysis of the Time-Quality Trade-Off Under Competition

In many technology-intensive industries, the quality of products offered by firms is constrained by the evolution of a core technology. Therefore, incorporating advanced technologies in new products entails delayed product introduction. However, an early launch of a new product provides a firm several enduring advantages such as larger market presence and greater availability of complements. In this work, we try to identify the strategic factors that drive launch-timing decisions under competition. Specifically, we model the entry timing decisions made by two competing firms that face different technological trajectories. By endogenizing the competitive environment as an outcome of entry decisions, we characterize equilibria in the Product Launch Game under a variety of market conditions. We find that competing firms often take different roles as early leaders or technology leaders by entering a market at different times; this allows them to utilize entry timing as an additional dimension to differentiate themselves from their rival. We also analyze the impact of technological trajectories and market factors such as network effects and growth potential on the profitability of various entry strategies. We show that these factors can affect a firm's equilibrium profits in a counter-intuitive fashion. One of our interesting conclusions is that the level of competition in an industry moderates the significance of different factors that influence equilibrium entry strategies. As a result, firms that fail to understand the extent of competition might emphasize the wrong dimensions in making entry decisions.
Heterogeneous Perspectives in Coalitions and Community-Based Responses to Sex Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation: Implications for Practice

Despite increases in community-based coalitions to address sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), and the coinciding ideological debates surrounding sexual commerce, few studies ...
Placebo Analgesia in Rodents: Current and Future Research

The investigation of placebo effects in animal pain models has received less attention than human research. This may be related to a number of difficulties, including the fact that animals lack the ability to use language and establish expectancies verbally, that animals cannot report and rate the extent to which they experience pain, and the inadequacy of current models of pain. Here, we describe the relatively small number of studies that have been published, communicating the opportunities and excitement of this research. We critically discuss pitfalls and limitations with the hope that this will advance future animal placebo-related research.
Low childhood subjective social status and telomere length in adulthood: The role of attachment orientations.

Low subjective social status (SSS) in childhood places one at greater risk of a number of health problems in adulthood. Theoretical and empirical evidence indicates that exposure to supportive parenting may buffer the negative effects of low childhood SSS on adult health. Given the importance of supportive caregivers and close others for the development of attachment orientations throughout the lifespan, attachment theory may be important for understanding why some individuals are resilient to the negative effects of low childhood SSS on adult health while others are not. We examined if attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance altered the association between childhood subjective social status (SSS) and length of telomeres in white blood cells in adulthood. Shorter telomere length is associated with increased risk of age-related diseases including cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Participants (N = 128) completed self-report measures of childhood SSS and attachment orientations, as well as a blood draw. We found that among those with low childhood SSS, low attachment anxiety was associated with longer telomere length in white blood cells in comparison to high attachment anxiety controlling for participant age, sex, race, body mass index, and adult SSS. Among those with high childhood SSS, low attachment anxiety was associated with a slight decrease in telomere length. Attachment avoidance was unrelated to length of telomeres. Such findings provide further evidence for the role that close relationships may have on buffering SSS related health disparities.
Correlation clustering for crosslingual link detection

The crosslingual link detection problem calls for identifying news articles in multiple languages that report on the same news event. This paper presents a novel approach based on constrained clustering. We discuss a general way for constrained clustering using a recent, graph-based clustering framework called correlation clustering. We introduce a correlation clustering implementation that features linear program chunking to allow processing larger datasets. We show how to apply the correlation clustering algorithm to the crosslingual link detection problem and present experimental results that show correlation clustering improves upon the hierarchical clustering approaches commonly used in link detection, and, hierarchical clustering approaches that take constraints into account.
Monitoring urban land cover change: An expert system approach to land cover classification of semiarid to arid urban centers

Abstract The spatial and temporal distribution of land cover is a fundamental dataset for urban ecological research. An expert (or hypothesis testing) system has been used with Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data to derive a land cover classification for the semiarid Phoenix metropolitan portion of the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) site. Expert systems allow for the integration of remotely sensed data with other sources of georeferenced information such as land use data, spatial texture, and digital elevation models (DEMs) to obtain greater classification accuracy. Logical decision rules are used with the various datasets to assign class values to each pixel. TM reflectance data acquired in 1998 [visible to shortwave infrared (VSWIR) bands plus a vegetation index] were initially classified for land cover using a maximum likelihood decision rule. In addition, spatial texture of the TM data was calculated. An expert system was constructed to perform postclassification sorting of the initial land cover classification using additional spatial datasets such as texture, land use, water rights, city boundaries, and Native American reservation boundaries. Pixels were reclassified using logical decision rules into 12 classes. The overall accuracy of this technique was 85%. Individual class user's accuracy ranged from 73% to 99%, with the exception of the commercial/industrial materials class. This class performed poorly (user's accuracy of 49%) due to the similarity of subpixel components with other classes. The results presented here indicate that the expert system approach will be useful both for ongoing CAP LTER research, as well as the planned global Urban Environmental Monitoring (UEM) program of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument.
Global Convergence to the Equilibrium of GANs using Variational Inequalities.

In optimization, the negative gradient of a function denotes the direction of steepest descent. Furthermore, traveling in any direction orthogonal to the gradient maintains the value of the function. In this work, we show that these orthogonal directions that are ignored by gradient descent can be critical in equilibrium problems. Equilibrium problems have drawn heightened attention in machine learning due to the emergence of the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). We use the framework of Variational Inequalities to analyze popular training algorithms for a fundamental GAN variant: the Wasserstein Linear-Quadratic GAN. We show that the steepest descent direction causes divergence from the equilibrium, and convergence to the equilibrium is achieved through following a particular orthogonal direction. We call this successful technique Crossing-the-Curl, named for its mathematical derivation as well as its intuition: identify the game's axis of rotation and move "across" space in the direction towards smaller "curling".
“Teach a Man to Fish”: Clinician Perspectives on Primary Palliative Care in Heart Failure

Purpose Heart failure (HF) is a common, debilitating disease that decreases both longevity and leads to decreased quality of life. Palliative care is a clinical subspecialty, and overall approach to care, that emphasizes alleviation of suffering through symptom management, psychosocial support, and assistance with complex treatment decision-making. Despite recommendations from major cardiology societies, specialty palliative care remains underutilized in HF. Accordingly major cardiology societies have called for clinicians without specialty palliative care training to deliver basic palliative competencies (i.e., “primary” palliative care), such as symptom management and goals-of-care elicitation. It is unclear what non-palliative care specialists caring for patients with HF view as barriers and facilitators to delivering primary palliative care. Methods We conducted semi-structured phenomenological interviews with physicians, nurses, and physician assistants caring for patients with HF across the United States, recruited through a snowball convenience sample. Interview topics included: 1) a hypothetical treatment strategy for an advanced HF patient with significant unmet palliative needs; 2) knowledge and attitudes regarding the role of both primary and specialty palliative care in HF; and, 3) barriers and facilitators of primary palliative care integration in standard HF management. Two analysts independently coded data using template analysis, a hybrid inductive/deductive qualitative technique. Results We interviewed 18 clinicians: 4 physicians and 2 advanced practice providers from primary care, cardiology, and palliative care specialties. 61% were female, 89% Caucasian, average age was 43, and the median years in practice, 12. We identified several barriers to primary palliative care integration including 1) structural and organizational barriers like time constraints; 2) attitudinal barriers, such as discomfort addressing goals-of-care; and 3) educational deficits including a perceived lack of training in primary palliative care skills (e.g., symptom management, difficult communication). Clinicians of all non-palliative specialties interviewed desired training in these skills. Conclusion Many clinician-perceived barriers to the provision of primary palliative care in HF may be addressed through education regarding symptom management and advance care planning communication. Others, such as time constraints and organizational barriers, may be reduced through normalizing and integrating palliative care as a natural facet of standard HF management. While clinician respondents endorsed integrating primary palliative care into routine HF care, randomized trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of primary palliative care interventions, including HF primary palliative care curricula.
Artifact Detection Maps Learned using Shallow Convolutional Networks

Automatically identifying the locations and severities of video artifacts is a difficult problem. We have developed a general method for detecting local artifacts by learning differences between distorted and pristine video frames. Our model, which we call the Video Impairment Mapper (VID-MAP), produces a full resolution map of artifact detection probabilities based on comparisons of exitatory and inhibatory convolutional responses. Validation on a large database shows that our method outperforms the previous state-of-the-art. A software release of VID-MAP that was trained to produce upscaling and combing detection probability maps is available online: http://live.ece.utexas.edu/research/quality/VIDMAP release.zip for public use and evaluation.
Grassland harvesting alters ant community trophic structure: An isotopic study in tallgrass prairies

Disturbances have long been recognized as important forces for structuring natural communities but their effects on trophic structure are not well understood, particularly in terrestrial systems. This is in part because quantifying trophic linkages is a challenge, especially for small organisms with cryptic feeding behaviors such as insects, and often relies on conducting labor-intensive feeding trials or extensive observations in the field. In this study, we used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to examine how disturbance (annual biomass harvesting) in tallgrass prairies affected the trophic position, trophic range, and niche space of ants, a widespread grassland consumer. We hypothesized that biomass harvest would remove important food and nesting resources of insects thus affecting ant feeding relationships and trophic structure. We found shifts in the feeding relationships inferred by isotopic signatures with harvest. In particular, these shifts suggest that ants within harvest sites utilized resources at lower trophic levels (possibly plant-based resources or herbivores), expanded trophic breadth, and occupied different niche spaces. Shifts in resource use following harvest could be due to harvest-mediated changes in both the plant and arthropod communities that might affect the strength of competition or alter plant nitrogen availability. Because shifts in resource use alter the flow of nutrients across the food web, disturbance effects on ants could have ecosystem-level consequences through nutrient cycling.
GTX-758, An Oral ERa Agonist, Increases Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Reduces Free T and Decreases PSA in Patients with Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction & objective GTx-758 is an oral, selective estrogen receptor α agonist, which induces sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and subsequently reduces free testosterone (FT) to levels below that achieved with LHRH agonists. Such agonists represent a distinct class of agents with the potential to impact men with advanced prostate cancer. Herein we report the results of a proof of concept trial of GTx-758 in patients who developed castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) while on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Methods Men (n = 9) receiving ADT and developed CRPC, were enrolled in a Phase II open label study to 2000 mg GTx-758 daily. Primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a ≥ 50% reduction in prostate specific antigen (PSA) from Day 1. Secondary endpoints included serum FT and SHBG. SHBG, FT, and PSA were assessed at, Days 1, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. Results At enrollment (Day 1) values (n = 9) observed for PSA (38.7 ng/mL ± 52.8), FT (0.89 pg/mL ± 0.70), and SHBG (53.4± 28.6 nmol/L). Data were available from 7 subjects with at least one on-study assessment for FT and SHBG. By Day 15, 75% (3/7) and by Day 60, 100% (4/4) of patients had a ≥50% reduction in PSA. Mean change in FT, at last observation, was -70.4% ± 16.7%. All subjects demonstrated significant increases in SHBG at day 15 (251 ± 63.1 pmol/L) and end of study (266 ± 73.0 pmol/L), with a mean change at last observation of 429% ± 158%. Although there were no venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in this study, a separate study of GTx-758 for primary ADT in men with advanced prostate cancer was stopped prematurely due to an increased risk of VTEs, and consequently, this study was halted as well. Conclusions GTx-758 is an oral selective ERα agonist that has demonstrated ability to increase SHBG more than 4-fold and decrease FT in men with CRPC. Coupled with the observation that 4/4 patients respond with a ≥50% reduction in PSA at day 30, these results suggest that progression of disease, and the need for increasingly toxic therapies, may be delayed in this population. Significantly lower doses of GTx-758 (100 – 600mg) have also been shown to increase SHBG with a more favorable safety profile in previous Phase I and II GTx-758 studies. Lower doses of GTx-758 are being evaluated in an ongoing Phase II trial in men with CRPC. Disclosure M.S. Steiner: CEO of GTx and own stock, R.P. Taylor: employee of GTx, Inc. and own stock in GTx, Inc., R.H. Getzenberg: employee of GTx, Inc., M.A. Johnston: employee of GTx and own stock, M. Hancock: employee of GTx, Inc. and own stock in GTx, Inc., J.T. Dalton: employee of GTx, Inc. and own stock in GTx, Inc.
Effects of Anderson-Hynes Disarticulation of Pyeloplasty in Neonatal Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Objective To evaluate the effect of Anderson-Hynes disarticulation of pyeloplasty in neonatal ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Methods From January 2005 to December 2010, 10 neonatal cases with ureteropelvic junction obstruction(UPJO) were treated with Anderson-Hynes disarticulation of pyeloplasty. The perinephric drainage tubes were removed after approximately 5 days of operation.The ureteral catheters were removed after 10 days. The nephrostomy tubes were removed when they were showed through by urography after 2 weeks. They were checked by renal ultrasound at regular intervals. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Hubei Women and Children's Hospital. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results Successful rate of operation was 100%. The diameter of renal pelvis was reduced gradually after operation. The thickness of renal cortex was better gradually after operation. The ureteropelvic junction obstruction was dissolved successfully during follow-up of 6 months after operation. Conclusion The vital hydronephrosis by neonatal ureteropelvic junction obstruction should be operated as soon as possibly. The effect of Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in neonatal ureteropelvic junction obstruction is satisfied. Key words: ureteropelvic junction obstruction(UPJO); Anderson-Hynes disarticulation of pyeloplasty; neonate
Proteogenomic Analysis of Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas Defines Molecular Subtypes and Identifies Therapeutic Targets.

Purpose: Salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) has heterogeneous clinical behavior. Currently, all patients are treated uniformly, and no standard-of-care systemic therapy exists for metastatic ACC. We conducted an integrated proteogenomic analyses of ACC tumors to identify dysregulated pathways and propose a classification with therapeutic implications. Experimental Design: RNA/DNA sequencing of 54 flash-frozen salivary ACCs and reverse phase protein array (RPPA) in 38 specimens were performed, with validation by Western blotting and/or IHC. Three independent ACC cohorts were used for validation. Results: Both unbiased RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and RPPA analysis revealed two molecular subtypes: ACC-I (37%) and ACC-II (63%). ACC-I had strong upregulation of MYC, MYC target genes, and mRNA splicing, enrichment of NOTCH-activating mutations, and dramatically worse prognosis. ACC-II exhibited upregulation of TP63 and receptor tyrosine kinases (AXL, MET, and EGFR) and less aggressive clinical course. TP63 and MYC were sufficient to assign tumors to ACC subtypes, which was validated in one independent cohort by IHC and two additional independent cohorts by RNA-seq. Furthermore, IHC staining for MYC and P63 protein levels can be used to identify ACC subtypes, enabling rapid clinical deployment to guide therapeutic decisions. Our data suggest a model in which ACC-I is driven by MYC signaling through either NOTCH mutations or direct amplification, which in turn suppress P63 signaling observed in ACC-II, producing unique therapeutic vulnerabilities for each subtype. Conclusions: Cooccurrence of multiple actionable protein/pathways alterations in each subtype indicates unique therapeutic vulnerabilities and opportunities for optimal combination therapy for this understudied and heterogeneous disease.
Cystic fibrosis F508del carriers and cancer risk: Results from the UK Biobank.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) carriers carrying one defective copy of a CFTR germline mutation are common in the general population. A recent study reported associations of CF carriers with risk for cancers of digestive organs and pancreatic cancer. In the current study, we assessed associations of CFTR F508del carriers with the risk for 54 types of cancers in the UK Biobank, a large population-based study. In Caucasians, compared to the carrier rate of 3.15% (12 357/392274) in noncancer subjects, the rate was significantly higher in cancer patients overall (2621/79619 = 3.29%), especially in patients with colorectal cancer (247/6667 = 3.70%), cancers of gallbladder and biliary tract (21/351 = 5.98%), thyroid cancer (30/665 = 4.51%) and unspecified non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (74/1805 = 4.10%), all P ≤ .05. In contrast, the carrier rate in patients with cancers of lung and bronchus was significantly lower (89/3463 = 2.57%), P = .05. The association of CFTR F508del carriers with these types of cancer remained significant after adjusting for respective cancer-specific risk factors. For pancreatic cancer, although a higher carrier rate (38/1004 = 3.78%) was found in patients with this cancer, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .26). This null association was unlikely due to lack of statistical power; the large sample size of our study had >80% power, at a significance level of .05, to detect an association of >1.5-fold increased risk. In conclusion, the identified associations of CFTR F508del carriers with multiple types of cancer may have potential biological and clinical implications if confirmed in independent study populations.
Using Mutual Help to Address Racism in Undergraduate Students

Cultural humility is a fundamental tenet of many professions and critical for graduating students as they enter their respective fields. Mutual help is an effective modality to assist with problems...
A “Talent Agency” refers children for research: A case study:

ObjectiveEthical standards state research participation must be voluntary and free of coercion and undue influence, but what if a third party appears to engage in research-relevant coercion, withou...
Affiliated Directors: Puppets of Management or Effective Directors?

This paper examines four non-mutually-exclusive hypotheses behind the inclusion of different types of directors and the impact they have on firm performance. Strong associations are found between the specific economic needs of companies and the incidence of directors most likely to fulfill these needs. In particular, theoretical and empirical evidence is presented that most affiliated directors are not puppets of management, but are placed on boards to serve specific, strategic needs of firms. In addition, no systematic relation is found between various measures of performance and director type. In total, it appears that, on average, boards of directors are constructed in a rational manner.
Hidden conditional ordinal random fields for sequence classification

Conditional Random Fields and Hidden Conditional Random Fields are a staple of many sequence tagging and classification frameworks. An underlying assumption in those models is that the state sequences (tags), observed or latent, take their values from a set of nominal categories. These nominal categories typically indicate tag classes (e.g., part-of-speech tags) or clusters of similar measurements. However, in some sequence modeling settings it is more reasonable to assume that the tags indicate ordinal categories or ranks. Dynamic envelopes of sequences such as emotions or movements often exhibit intensities growing from neutral, through raising, to peak values. In this work we propose a new model family, Hidden Conditional Ordinal Random Fields (HCORFs), that explicitly models sequence dynamics as the dynamics of ordinal categories. We formulate those models as generalizations of ordinal regressions to structured (here sequence) settings. We show how classification of entire sequences can be formulated as an instance of learning and inference in H-CORFs. In modeling the ordinal-scale latent variables, we incorporate recent binning-based strategy used for static ranking approaches, which leads to a log-nonlinear model that can be optimized by efficient quasi-Newton or stochastic gradient type searches. We demonstrate improved prediction performance achieved by the proposed models in real video classification problems.
Data management in the mission data system

As spacecraft systems evolve from simple embedded devices to become more sophisticated computing platforms with complex behaviors it is increasingly necessary to model and manage the flow of data, and to provide uniform models for managing data that promote adaptability, yet pay heed to the physical limitations of the embedded and space environments. The mission data system (MDS) defines a software architecture in which both control theory and end-to-end data management provide the primary guiding principles. This paper describes how the MDS architecture facilitates data accountability and storage resource management.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation is not required for genistein-induced FAK-β-1-integrin complex formation

It has previously been shown that changes in the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and its binding to β-1-integrin, accompany genistein-induced adhesion of prostate cells. Consumption of genistein world wide is associated with a lower incidence of metastatic prostate cancer. Early human clinical trials of genistein are under way to evaluate genistein's potential causal role in this regard. Though an important cell adhesion-associated signaling molecule, FAK’s role in regulating prostate cell adhesion was not clear. Elucidation of this process would provide important information relating to both biology and potential clinical endpoints. It was hypothesized that FAK activation and complex formation are temporally related in prostate cells, and can thus be separated. Significant activation of FAK was demonstrated when cells adhered to fibronectin, as compared to poly-l-lysine, thus demonstrating that β-1-integrin plays a significant role in activating FAK. Neither FAK activation, nor FAK-integrin complex formation, required β-1-integrin ligand. However, disruption of the cellular cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D prevented FAK activation, but did not block genistein-induced complex formation. In the face of a disrupted cytoskeleton, signaling through FAK could not be restored through either integrin cross linking, or re-establishment of tensile forces via attachment to solid matrix. These studies demonstrate that FAK-β-1-integrin complex formation does not require FAK activation, suggesting that it is an early event in prostate cell adhesion. An intact cytoskeleton is necessary for FAK activation. The functional importance of β-1-integrin in prostate cells is demonstrated. Current findings support plans to test genistein in prostate cancer.
Visible and Ultraviolet Observations of the Interstellar Medium

Absorption lines in the visible wavelength range, due to the interstellar gas, have been known since 1904 when Hartmann noticed that the Call K-line in the spectrum of the binary star δ Orionis did not share in the Doppler shift due to the binary motion observed in the other spectral lines. In spite of a number of following observations of such “stationary lines” in the spectra of other stars, however, it was not until about the 1930’s that the concept of a general interstellar gas gained acceptance.
Rheology of stimulated whole saliva in a typical pre-orthodontic sample population

The dynamic viscosity (μ) of stimulated whole saliva in a typical pre-orthodontic sample population was characterized as a function of temperature (T). Samples were collected from 30 adolescents or young adults, after screening for factors that are known to have an effect on salivary viscosity. Using a cone and plate viscometer, 1.5 ml of stimulated whole saliva was evaluated at a constant shear rate of 450 s-1 from T=20°C to T=40°C. Data from the μ-T plots showed a negative dependence of the form, μ=a−bT, over a range of μ from 1.08 to 2.45 centipoise (cps) at 34°C. Most of the samples fell into a narrow envelope, where the mean μ of the saliva samples ranged from 2.42±0.61 cps at 20°C to 1.57±0.32 cps at 37°C. With regard to sample stability, viscosity-time plots indicated that a small but predictable decrease in μ occurred during the 3 h period. The μ-T plots generated from fresh and frozen saliva samples demonstrated an appreciable change in μ as a result of refrigeration. With regard to sample reproducibility, viscometric data obtained from a typical pre-orthodontic patient over a 1-week period fluctuated within a fairly broad envelope of values.
Service contracts, rate discounting, and the future of shipping conferences

The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of service contracts and rate discounting on the future of ocean linear shipping conferences. As a result of increased competition between ocean liner conference carriers and nonconference carriers and excess shipping capacity in the ocean liner container industry, conference carriers on many shipping lanes are engaging in rate discounting and negotiating service contracts with large shippers to obtain additional business. Often, these service contracts are entered into without the prior approval of the conference. Will the use of discounting and service contracts lead to the end of shipping conferences? Using economic theory, the conclusion is drawn that shipping conferences are likely to be weakened but not eliminated as a result of these practices.
Multi-copy nuclear pseudogenes of mitochondrial DNA reveal recent acute genetic changes in the human genome

Four nuclear pseudogenes homologous to the 10031–10195-bp region of the human mitochondrial genome were detected by constant denaturant capillary electrophoresis. Among them, one pseudogene is present as at least five copies in each cell, in accordance with our previous observations of multi-copy mitochondrial DNA pseudogenes. The presence of multiple identical copies of pseudogenes suggests that the human genome underwent a series of genetic changes, including gene amplifications, very recently in evolutionary history, i.e., within the last 390000 years.
The working poor and what GIS reveals about the possibilities of public transit

This study uses geographic information systems to examine the constrained daily geographies of working poor women in order to assist transportation planners in understanding underserved populations and identifying gaps in transit service. Through interviews and travel diaries, I have uncovered constraints on daily travel in a sprawling, medium-size American city (Knoxville, Tennessee). This study undermines the too-optimistic assumptions generated by analyses of aggregate-level data, in that the transition from welfare to work will not be as smooth, nor as uniform, as aggregate data indicate. Based on this research, I recommend increased investment in car ownership and related assistance. Access to cars will not only increase working poor women's daily mobilities, but also their job opportunities, overall earnings, and - ultimately - their successful and permanent transitions from welfare to sufficient and satisfying work.