cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of a computer science program toward globalized technological education

A small state college computer science department may evolve to become a strong participant in globalized technological education by paying attention to actual student demographics and choosing to act to support and enhance the presence of a significant percentage of international students. The paper describes the background of one department's realization of its international role, its response and experience in implementing globalized computer science education, and its plans for integrating international students as an essential art of the overall student body.
Acute exercise suppresses judgments of facial emotion intensity

The ability to recognize others’ facial expressions is critical to the social communication of affective states. The present work examined how transient states of high physiological arousal during aerobic exercise influence recognizing and rating morphed facial expressions. Participants exercised at either a low or high work rate. While exercising and then during cool-down and rest periods, participants performed a version of the morphed faces task that involved animated faces changing into or away from five target affective states (happy, surprise, sadness, anger, and disgust); they were asked to stop the animation when the face first corresponded to a target state, and rate its emotional intensity. Results demonstrated no differences in animation stop data, but overall lower ratings of perceived emotion intensity during high versus low work rate exercise; these effects dissipated through cool-down and rest periods. Results highlight important interactions between physiological states and processing emotional information.
Lumpectomy with tamoxifen as primary treatment for elderly women with early-stage breast cancer

Abstract Background: Appropriate therapy for women over 70 years of age with breast cancer is currently a highly debated topic. The aim of this study was to determine whether a subset of patients could be identified in which lumpectomy alone, followed by tamoxifen, would offer adequate local, regional, and long-term control of disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 171 women over the age of 70 with stage I or II breast carcinomas treated by the senior authors from 1984 to 1998 was undertaken. One hundred and thirty-five patients who received conventional treatment were compared with 43 patients who received lumpectomy alone followed by tamoxifen. Differences in patient and tumor characteristics and in disease outcome and complications between the two groups were analyzed. Results: The patients treated with lumpectomy and tamoxifen were significantly older (80 versus 76 years) and had significantly smaller tumors (1.4 versus 1.8 cm) than the conventionally treated patients. No significant differences were noted in comorbidities, clinical tumor size, histology, margin status, tumor differentiation, and hormone receptor status. There were no local or regional recurrences and only 1 distant recurrence (2%) in the lumpectomy with tamoxifen patients. In the conventionally treated group, 4 patients (3%) recurred locally, none regionally, and 18 patients (13%) recurred distantly. Conclusion: These data indicate that lumpectomy alone followed by tamoxifen results in an acceptable disease outcome in a subset of elderly women with breast cancer. This subset is defined by older patients with small, hormone receptor positive tumors.
The uncommon retina of the common house mouse

Unlike most mammals, most cones in house mouse retina express two opsins, one sensitive to UV-light, and another sensitive to middle-wavelengths. Is the mouse unique, having a single cone type that normally expresses two opsins? Or is the mouse a typical mammal having two cone types, but a species wide mutation results in co-expression of two opsins?
Apoptosis and brain development

Neuronal cell death in the embryonic brain was first recognized almost a century ago. Its significance for normal nervous system development and function has been a major focus of neuroscientific investigation ever since. Remarkable progress has been made in defining the cellular processes controlling neuronal cell death and studies performed over the last ten years have revealed extensive homology between the molecules regulating programmed cell death in Caenorhabditis elegans and apoptosis in mammalian cells. Targeted gene disruptions of members of the bcl-2 and caspase gene families have demonstrated particularly significant roles for bcl-x, bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 in mammalian brain development. As expected from previous studies of synapse-bearing neurons and neurotrophic factors, reduced neuronal cell death in mice bearing mutations in key pro-apoptotic molecules resulted in increased numbers of neurons in a variety of neuronal subpopulations. However, targeted gene disruptions also demonstrated a heretofore underappreciated significance of neural precursor cell death and immature neuron death in nervous system development. Pathological activation of apoptotic death pathways may lead to neuroanatomic abnormalities and possibly to developmental disabilities.
International travel with children: tips for physicians and families.

1. Laura E. Ferguson, MD* 2. Robert J. Yetman, MD† 1. *Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Community and General Pediatrics, The University of Texas, Houston Medical School 2. †Professor of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, Houston Medical School, Houston, Tex For a variety of political and economic reasons, opportunities for childhood travel outside the United States have increased dramatically. Expatriation of employees and their families to global markets, deployment of families who have children for military or humanitarian aid purposes, foreign adoption, return of recent immigrants for visits to their countries of origin, and increased ease of leisure travel in areas previously “off the beaten path” have contributed to opportunities for international travel with children. Often, the first source of information for families that include children who are considering international travel is their pediatrician or other primary care practitioner. The practitioner may be asked to help plan for anticipated and unanticipated health-care needs abroad, to provide information about the prevention of infectious diseases and other health problems specific to certain destinations, and to assist in planning for routine health care in areas where politics and health-care funding are different from those in the United States. Additionally, the health-care practitioner may see patients who recently have traveled abroad, who have immigrated to this country, or who are here for a prolonged stay. A pediatrician’s familiarity with the resources available and current recommendations about international travel allows for helpful guidance to the family. International travel with children is likely to fall into two general categories: 1) short-term travel for leisure or adoption and 2) expatriation for parental career purposes (which may last for months or years). For the leisure traveler, Lonely Planet Travel Guides or a local travel agent can offer suggestions for lodging and dining. For the expatriate, the family’s sponsoring organization often is invaluable, providing names of other expatriated employees and perhaps providing for a visit prior to travel so housing, schooling, and health care can be arranged. International groups for expatriates (eg, Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas) are …
Comparison of outcomes in acute myocardial infarction treated with coronary angioplasty alone versus coronary stent implantation.

Randomized trials have demonstrated the superiority of primary angioplasty with stent implantation over balloon angioplasty alone in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it remains unknown whether the beneficial outcomes that are attained in clinical trials can be generalized to community-based practice. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent primary angioplasty for AMI in New York State in 1998 and 1999. In total, 6,010 consecutive patients who presented within 23 hours of an AMI were identified for this analysis. In-hospital mortality was the primary end point. Stents were placed in 5,225 patients (87%). Patients who received stents were younger (61 vs 62 years, p = 0.011) and less often women (29% vs 33%, p = 0.018). Patients who received stents were less likely to have a history of hypertension (56% vs 61%, p = 0.013), diabetes (17% vs 24%, p
Complementary genetic and genomic approaches help characterize the linkage group I seed protein QTL in soybean.

Background: The nutritional and economic value of many crops is effectively a function of seed protein and oil content. Insight into the genetic and molecular control mechanisms involved in the deposition of these constituents in the developing seed is needed to guide crop improvement. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) on Linkage Group I (LG I) of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) has a striking effect on seed protein content. Results: A soybean near-isogenic line (NIL) pair contrasting in seed protein and differing in an introgressed genomic segment containing the LG I protein QTL was used as a resource to demarcate the QTL region and to study variation in transcript abundance in developing seed. The LG I QTL region was delineated to less than 8.4 Mbp of genomic sequence on chromosome 20. Using Affymetrix® Soy GeneChip and high-throughput Illumina® whole transcriptome sequencing platforms, 13 genes displaying significant seed transcript accumulation differences between NILs were identified that mapped to the 8.4 Mbp LG I protein QTL region. Conclusions: This study identifies gene candidates at the LG I protein QTL for potential involvement in the regulation of protein content in the soybean seed. The results demonstrate the power of complementary approaches to characterize contrasting NILs and provide genome-wide transcriptome insight towards understanding seed biology and the soybean genome.
Yellow Sticky Trap Catches of Parasitoids of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Vegetable Crops and Their Relationship to In-Field Populations

We examined the relationship of yellow sticky trap captures of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B parasitoids to the local population of parasitoids as measured by leaf samples of parasitized whiteflies and mass release of parasitoids. Traps were placed in experimental collard and cowpea field plots in Charleston, SC, and in commercial organic fields of spring cantaloupe and watermelon in the Imperial Valley, CA. The exotic parasitoid Eretmocerus emiratus Zolnerowich and Rose was released in Imperial Valley fields to ensure parasitoid populations would be present. Bemisia adults were trapped in the greatest numbers on the upper surface of horizontally oriented sticky traps in melon fields. In contrast, the lower trap surfaces consistently captured more Eretmocerus than upper surfaces. Female parasitoids were trapped in greater numbers than males, especially on the lower trap surfaces. Progeny of released exotic Eretmocerus greatly outnumbered native E. eremicus Rose and Zolnerowich and Encarsia spp. on traps. Throughout the season, the trend of increasing numbers of Eretmocerus on traps parallelled the increase in numbers of whiteflies. Over the season, 23-84% of all B. tabaci fourth instars were visibly parasitized by Eretmocerus. The numbers of Eretmocerus caught by traps in cantaloupe were similar in trend to numbers on leaf samples in melons, but not with those in watermelon, where whitefly populations were lower. Parasitoid numbers were low in collard and cowpea samples, and no trend was observed in numbers of parasitoids captured on traps and numbers on leaves for these two crops. Overall, there were no significant correlations between sticky trap catches of parasitoids and numbers of parasitized whiteflies on leaf samples in any test fields. Nevertheless, sticky traps placed within crops may be useful for observing trends in whitefly parasitoid populations at a particular site and for detecting parasitoids at specific locations.
A hydrogen peroxide microelectrode to use in bioelectrochemical systems

Abstract Polarized electrodes are used in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) in which the electrodes are used to grow biofilms or remove biofilms. In either case H2O2 is generated as an intermittent product of oxygen reduction. Traditionally, a H2O2 microelectrode (HPM) consists of a sealed platinum wire with a tip a few μm in diameter. This microelectrode is connected to an external reference electrode (which is also used as the counter electrode) and polarized to +0.8 VAg/AgCl to measure H2O2 concentration. This traditional H2O2 microelectrode (tHPM) works well for measuring H2O2 concentrations in biofilms growing on non-polarized surfaces. It is a common misconception that this tHPM will work correctly in an electric field. We observed experimentally that the tHPM produces artifacts in measurements when it is used in BES. This has not been noticed before. These undesired effects needed to be resolved before H2O2 concentration could be measured in BES. The goals of this work were to (1) describe the artifacts related to the use of tHPM in BES, (2) develop a H2O2 microelectrode which does not suffer from these artifacts, (3) verify the operation of the new microelectrode in BES, and (4) improve the sensitivity of the microelectrode. In this work, we built an all-in-one HPM (aHPM) in which the reference electrode and the working electrode were placed a few 100 μm away from each other in a sealed configuration. We verified that our aHPM, unlike the tHPM, is not affected by an interfering electric field and generates reproducible, correct measurements in BES. We compared H2O2 flux measurements from the electrode in a BES with depth profiles measured using aHPM and tHPM to identify artifacts and reliability. Finally, after proving the reliability of the aHPM in BES, we improved its sensitivity. The aHPM demonstrated a linear calibration in the range of 0.87 μM to 166.8 μM H2O2 concentration with a 1.69 μM limit of detection (S/N = 2). Although our goal was to develop an HPM which can operate in an electric field, the developed microelectrode can be used in many other applications requiring μM resolution.
Glutamate Regulates IP3-Type and CICR Stores in the Avian Cochlear Nucleus

Neurons of the avian cochlear nucleus, nucleus magnocellularis (NM), are activated by glutamate released from auditory nerve terminals. If this stimulation is removed, the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) of NM neurons rises and rapid atrophic changes ensue. We have been investigating mechanisms that regulate [Ca2+]i in these neurons based on the hypothesis that loss of Ca2+ homeostasis causes the cascade of cellular changes that results in neuronal atrophy and death. In the present study, video-enhanced fluorometry was used to monitor changes in [Ca2+]i stimulated by agents that mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores and to study the modulation of these responses by glutamate. Homobromoibotenic acid (HBI) was used to stimulate inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores, and caffeine was used to mobilize Ca2+ from Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) stores. We provide data indicating that Ca2+ responses attributable to IP3- and CICR-sensitive stores are inhibited by glutamate, acting via a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). We also show that activation of C-kinase by a phorbol ester will reduce HBI-stimulated calcium responses. Although the protein kinase A accumulator, Sp-cAMPs, did not have an effect on HBI-induced responses. CICR-stimulated responses were not consistently attenuated by either the phorbol ester or the Sp-cAMPs. We have previously shown that glutamate attenuates voltage-dependent changes in [Ca2+]i. Coupled with the present findings, this suggests that in these neurons mGluRs serve to limit fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ rather than increase [Ca2+]i. This system may play a role in protecting highly active neurons from calcium toxicity resulting in apoptosis.
Groupe Lessard Ltd.: Fur-Industry Merger Exercise

The set of four cases composing the Fur Industry Merger Exercise affords the opportunity for a merger negotiation among students. Three potential buyers (Adams [UVA-F-0964], Jindo [UVA-F-0962], and Lessard) compete for two potential sellers (Adams and Gallery of Furs [UVA-F-0965]). The cases give detailed financial forecasts for the target firms that are unique to each party. The forecasts form the basis for valuation of the target companies. The merger opportunities are prompted by major competitive changes in the worldwide fur-garment industry and by adverse changes in demand in U.S. fur retailing. The exercise affords insights into the challenges of cross-border acquisitions. Groupe Lessard is a Canadian producer of fur garments and is considering obtaining U.S. retail channels of distribution. The "Groupe Lessard" case may be used on a stand-alone basis to illustrate aspects of valuation in a merger setting.
An Assessment of the Seasonal Salinity Budget for the Upper Bay of Bengal

AbstractDuring each summer monsoon, the Bay of Bengal is inundated by a large amount of rain and river discharge. The effects of this freshening are gradually reversed over the course of the year, with near-surface salinities typically returning to their presummer monsoon levels before the start of the next rainy season. While the forcing responsible for the summertime freshening is clear, the processes that act to restore the bay’s salinity are not well understood. To examine these processes, the authors construct a basin-integrated, near-surface, seasonal salinity budget using data-assimilated output from the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). From this salinity budget, it is deduced that vertical salt fluxes are primarily responsible for counterbalancing the near-surface freshening caused by the summertime freshwater fluxes. These vertical salt fluxes are largest during the months that immediately follow the summer monsoon, when the near-surface halocline is strongest. These results must be tempere...
Multinational, Multidisciplinary, Vertically Integrated Team Experience in Aircraft Design*

An experiment in team capstone design education which began by adding engineering freshmen to traditional senior design groups has expanded into one involving freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in a large, multidisciplinary design team. The experiment has also broadened to include an international design experience by having American design students work with their peers at European schools. This multidisciplinary, international design approach has resulted in a valuable experience for its participants who are much better prepared for the team environment found in industry today and for today's era of multinational aerospace programs.
HYBRIDIZATION IN LEOPARD FROGS (RANA PIPIENS COMPLEX): LARVAL FITNESS COMPONENTS IN SINGLE-GENOTYPE POPULATIONS AND MIXTURES.

Recognizing the predominant mode of selection in hybrid systems is important in predicting the evolutionary fate of recombinant genotypes. Natural selection is endogenous if hybrid genotypes are at a disadvantage relative to parental species independent of environment. Alternatively, relative fitness can vary in response to environmental variation (exogenous selection), and hybrid genotypes can possess fitness values equal to or greater than that of parental species. I investigated the nature of natural selection in a leopard frog hybrid system by rearing larvae of hybrid and parental genotypes between Rana blairi and R. sphenocephala in 1000-L outdoor experimental ponds. Three hybrid (F1 , backcrossj [B1 ], backcross2 [B2 ]) and two parental (R. blairi [BB] and R. sphenocephala [SS]) larval genotypes were produced by artificial fertilzations using adult frogs from a natural population in central Missouri. Resultant larvae were reared in single-genotype populations and two-way mixtures at equal total numbers from hatching to metamorphosis. In single-genotype ponds, F1 hybrid larvae had highest survival and BB were largest at metamorphosis. When F1 and SS larvae were mixed together, F1 hybrids had reduced survival and both F1 and SS larvae metamorphosed at larger body masses than when reared separately. When mixed, both B1 and SS larvae had shorter larval period lengths than when reared alone. Higher proportion of B1 metamorphs were produced when larvae were mixed with either parental species than when reared alone. Larval fitness components as measured by survival, body mass at metamorphosis, proportion of survivors metamorphosing, and larval period length for B2 hybrid and BB larvae were similar in single-genotype populations and mixtures. Comparison of composite fitness component estimates indicated hybrid genotypes possess equivalent or higher larval fitness relative to both parental species for the life-history fitness components measured. Despite reduced survival of F1 hybrids in mixtures, backcross-generation hybrid genotypes demonstrated high levels of larval growth, survival, and metamorphosis in mixtures with parental species. Consequently, this study suggests natural hybridization and subsequent backcrossing between R. blairi and R. sphenocephala can produce novel and relatively fit hybrid genotypes capable of successful existence with parental species larvae. Thus, the evolutionary fate of hybrid and parental genotypes in this system may be influenced by exogenous selection mediated by genotypic composition of larval assemblages.
Multi-level Coordination Plan Model Based on Constrained Adjustment

The same load equilibrium region containing three different scheduling organs,i.e.the national,regional,provincial electric power dispatching centers of power plant are fairly common in China.Because of the relative independence at all levels of scheduling,it is hard to directly apply economical dispatch technique to the multilevel joint scheduling,resulting in cumbersome coordination.In view of the above problems,this paper presents a multistage plan coordination model for hierarchical processing based on constraint adjustment.The basic idea of the model is independent formulation and combined adjustment.First,all levels of scheduling should calculate the initial output plans with their,respective load balance to relax part of the constraints as the premise.The price for adjusting different constraints is set by making the feasibility analysis of the initial plans within the balanced region,while a constrained processing-oriented multi-level planning model is developed with minimum adjustment as the objective.Application of the model in a provincial power network has validated the models capability of multi-level coordination,security constrained,economical dispatch with less data shared,and thus improving the planning efficiency.
Differential farmland assessment and land use planning relationships in Tulare County, California

ABSTRACT: Research has shown that participation in California9s differential assessment program, the California Land Conservation Act (CLCA), at the rural-urban fringe is limited by landowners9 “unreasonable expectations about development.” Integration of land use planning and the CLCA has been proposed to increase participation by presenting reasonable expectations. In Tulare County these two programs have been integrated since 1972 and rural-urban fringe participation in CLCA is comparable to participation in rural areas.
Electronic properties of metastable Ge x Sn 1-x alloys

The energy band gaps and substitutional deep impurity levels of metastable alloys ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Sn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$ are predicted. As a function of decreasing alloy composition x the indirect band structure of semiconducting Ge first becomes direct (indicating that ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Sn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$ may have applications as an infrared detector) and then metallic. Doping anomalies commonly occur as x decreases. Between x\ensuremath{\simeq}0.4 and x\ensuremath{\simeq}0.8, the Gunn effect should occur.
WE-H-BRB-03: Learning Health Systems for Radiation Oncology: Needs and Challenges for Future Success

Big Data in Radiation Oncology: (1) Overview of the NIH 2015 Big Data Workshop, (2) Where do we stand in the applications of big data in radiation oncology?, and (3) Learning Health Systems for Radiation Oncology: Needs and Challenges for Future Success The overriding goal of this trio panel of presentations is to improve awareness of the wide ranging opportunities for big data impact on patient quality care and enhancing potential for research and collaboration opportunities with NIH and a host of new big data initiatives. This presentation will also summarize the Big Data workshop that was held at the NIH Campus on August 13–14, 2015 and sponsored by AAPM, ASTRO, and NIH. The workshop included discussion of current Big Data cancer registry initiatives, safety and incident reporting systems, and other strategies that will have the greatest impact on radiation oncology research, quality assurance, safety, and outcomes analysis. Learning Objectives: 1.To discuss current and future sources of big data for use in radiation oncology research 2.To optimize our current data collection by adopting new strategies from outside radiation oncology 3.To determine what new knowledge big data can provide for clinical decision support for personalized medicine L. Xing, NIH/NCI Google Inc.
Relative contributions of the anterior and posterior mitral chordae tendineae to canine global left ventricular systolic function.

The relative importance of the anterior and posterior mitral chordae tendineae to global left ventricular performance, independent of load, was determined by sequentially measuring the slope of the left ventricular peak isovolumetric pressure-volume relation in a canine model with the chordae of both, either, and neither mitral leaflet(s) intact. The order in which the chordae were severed was randomly assigned. Compared to baseline values (both chordae intact), severing the chordae of the anterior leaflet (posterior leaflet chordae intact) reduced the slope of the pressure-volume relation by 27 % (p = 0.005) in 10 dogs; the slope decreased by an additional 16% (p = 0.017) when the posterior chordae were subsequently severed in this group. In 10 dogs randomized to the reverse order, the slope of the pressure-volume relation decreased by 17% (p = 0.021) after the posterior chordae were severed (anterior leaflet chordae intact); an additional 24% decrease in the slope (p = 0.001) occurred when the chordae of the anterior leaflet were subsequently severed in this group. The chordae of the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets have an additive, but statistically indistinguishable (p = 0.140), influence upon global left ventricular systolic performance; however, the contribution of the anterior chordae tends to be more important Thus preservation of the anterior mitral leaflet and its chordal attachments to the papillary muscles during mitral valve replacement may have an equal or greater impact upon postoperative left ventricular function than mitral valve replacement with preservation of the posterior chordae; however, severing either the anterior or posterior chordae appears to be detrimental.
Forecasting an Inclusive Future: School Counseling Strategies to Deconstruct Educational Heteronormativity:

This Delphi study engaged a panel of 14 school counselor educators and school counselors in a critical discourse to generate school counseling strategies to deconstruct educational heteronormativity. This study resulted in 51 school counseling strategies that school counselors can employ to deconstruct educational heteronormativity. This article also provides an introduction to heteronormativity and queer theory to demonstrate how school counselors can engage in social justice advocacy through intentional practice.
The association of how time is spent during outpatient visits and patient satisfaction : Are there racial differences?

Both satisfaction with the physician and how time is spent in the patient-physician outpatient visit have been shown to differ between African-American and Caucasian patients. This study uses structural equation modeling to examine racial differences in the association between time use during the outpatient visit and patient satisfaction. This cross-sectional study employed direct observation of outpatient visits and surveys of 2,502 adult African-American and Caucasian outpatients visiting 138 primary care physicians in 84 family practices in Northeast Ohio. Patient satisfaction was measured using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) nine-item Visit Rating Scale. Time use was assessed with the Davis Observation Code, which was used to classify every 20 seconds of a visit into 20 behavioral categories. No difference was found between African-American and Caucasian patients in the association between patient satisfaction with a physician and the time the physician spent chatting, planning treatment, providing health education, structuring the interaction, assessing health knowledge or answering patient questions. Patients were generally satisfied with their physicians, and no racial differences between Caucasians and African Americans were observed. Despite racial differences in how physicians spend time in the outpatient visit encounter, these differences are not associated with racial differences in patient satisfaction. Efforts to understand disparities in satisfaction should address areas other than how physicians allocate time in the physician-patient encounter.
Modern Classical Economics and Reality. A Spectral Analysis of the Theory of Value and Distribution, by Theodore Mariolis and Lefteris Tsoulfidis (Tokyo: Springer Japan, 2016, 242 pp.)

The idea of natural prices is one of the oldest and most important concepts in political economy. Natural prices were used by the Physiocrats but only got fully constructed by the classical political economists and Marx. In more recent times, they were further developed by Piero Sraffa and several political economists inspired by his work. Modern Classical Economics and Reality by Theodore Mariolis and Lefteris Tsoulfidis constitute an important contribution within the latter tradition...
Assessing the climatic and environmental impacts of mid-tropospheric anticyclones over Alaska

Ongoing climatic and cryospheric changes observed throughout the greater Alaska region are interconnected and often linked to oceanic and atmospheric patterns and processes that operate on varying spatiotemporal scales. To evaluate the long-term, mid-tropospheric circulation field across Alaska, and possible connections to climate and environmental change in the Pacific sector of the Arctic, the Alaska Blocking Index (ABI) is developed over the domain (54°–76°N, 125°–180°W) using daily gridded 500 hPa geopotential height fields derived from the ERA-40 (1958–1978) and ERA-Interim (1979–2014) data sets, 1958–2014. Climatological characteristics of the seasonal and annual ABI conditions are evaluated and periods of prevalent blocking conditions are identified and subsequently linked to possible local and large-scale forcing mechanisms. The ABI has exhibited positive trends during all seasons and annually since 1979. Many of the extreme high ABI values occurred since 2000, including the highest annual values in 2013 and 2014. Anomalous blocking patterns in all seasons are associated with diminished snow depth and sea-ice cover, positive near-surface air temperature anomalies, and anticyclonic flows of heat and moisture across the domain. The ABI is also shown to differ from the long-term variability and atmospheric circulation responses associated with phases of the Pacific–North American pattern and Pacific Decadal Oscillation, revealing some notable spatial and temporal disconnects between the region-centric, high-latitude blocking flow and some of the predominant modes of sea surface temperature and middle tropospheric circulation variability in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Signaling Value of Peer Review

It is an exciting (and scary) time to be an editor and involved in authorship and publishing. There are so many new developments and initiatives that push the traditional boundaries of knowledge and information. The web is very democratic—Anyone can publish anything. This may take the form of digital scholarship, on one hand—or alternative facts, on the other.
Sustainable for whom? Green urban development, environmental gentrification, and the Atlanta Beltline

Large-scale, sustainable urban development projects can transform surrounding neighborhoods. Without precautionary policies, environmental amenities produced by these projects, such as parks, trail...
The Bigger Picture: The Use of Mobile Photos in Shopping

Mobile phones are becoming, if not already, an integral part of our lives. They have a wide range of applications, such as communication, gaming and commerce. Shopping in particular is a rapidly growing domain. Today, shoppers use their phones to make more informed shopping decisions by researching products and merchants, save money using price comparison, mobile coupons and daily deal apps, even purchase products directly on a mobile device. While mobile commerce and shopping apps are in the spotlight, one area that has received little attention is the role of the native capabilities of a mobile phone, such as the mobile camera, in the shopping process. This paper demonstrates the key role mobile photos play in the shopping process, documenting use cases, practices and pain points, and informing opportunity areas for mobile shopping applications and services.
Nature as Biosphere

This chapter investigates how nature becomes a biosphere, an inhabitable environment in which life can emerge and abide. Hegel’s account of the biosphere as a geological organism is examined critically in comparison with the Gaia Thesis, which considers the earth in analogy to a self-sustaining organism. The astrophysical and geological preconditions of the emergence of life are thereby identified in order to provide the basis for an account of the emergence of life. How life originates and why it first is unicellular and prokaryote in form is then considered. DNA and RNA are examined as particular, contingent examples of the chemical means that cells must acquire to sustain themselves and reproduce. The mistaken view that DNA operates as a blueprint is refuted.
Das Bindegewebe der Lamina propria

Die Lamina propria liegt als Bindegewebslage unter vielen einfachen Epithelien. In der vorliegenden Aufnahme ist sie durch eine dunne amorphe Basalmembran (BM) von den Epithelzellen (Ep) des Oesophagus getrennt. Sie ist hauptsachlich aus Bindegewebe zusammengesetzt, welches das Epithel und die glatte Muskulatur (GM) der Muscularis mucosae untereinander verbindet und auserdem Blutgefase und Nervenfasern enthalt. Eine kleine prakapillare Arteriole (Ar) ist links dargestellt. Ihr Lumen ist von Endothelzellen (En) ausgekleidet, die keine Poren oder Fenster enthalten und die eng miteinander zusammenhangen (Pfeile). Das blaschenformige Zytoplasma gleicht dem in anderen Endothelzellen beobachteten (siehe Tafel 8). Im Unterschied zu sonstigen Kapillaren jedoch steht das Gefas in Verbindung mit einigen isolierten glatten Muskelzellen (GM’). Die gewellte Oberflache des Endothels, die sonst auf histologischen Schnitten typisch ist fur arterielle Gefase, ist ein Ergebnis der Kontraktion dieser Muskelschicht. Man erkennt auch deutlich in der Nahe des Gefases Querschnitte von einigen Nervenfasern (NF), die von Zytoplasma der Schwannschen Zellen (SZ) umhullt werden, doch wird die weitere Besprechung dieser Zellen bis zur Legende zu Tafel 29 zuruckgestellt.
The Calculus According to Cauchy, Riemann, and Weierstrass

We have seen that, at the beginning of his Introductio, Euler defined a function of a variable quantity as “an analytical expression composed in any way from this variable quantity and from numbers or constant quantities.” Thus a particular function was defined in terms of a specific formula or equation; Euler assumed, moreover, that a given function is prescribed throughout its “domain of definition” by one and the same “analytical expression.”
Fabrication of Polyimide Shells by Vapor Phase Deposition for Use as ICF Targets

Hollow polyimide shells, for use as ICF targets, were fabricated by co-depositing monomer precursors from the vapor phase onto bounced spherical mandrels. The process involved two stages: first, the deposited monomers (pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4'-oxydianiline) reacted on the mandrel surface to form polyamic acid; second, the mandrel was heated to 300°C to imidize the polyamic acid and to decompose the mandrel. During this latter process the decomposed mandrel diffused through the thermally stable coating, leaving a polyimide shell. Depositions were performed under low (∼10 -3 Torr) and high (∼10 -6 Torr) vacuum. Also, flat witness films of polyimide deposited on Si wafers and NaCI allowed the mechanical properties and chemical composition of the film during the heating cycle to be measured. Polyimide shells with diameters ranging from 700 to 950 μm and wall thicknesses ranging from 2 to 13 μm were produced. The shell's sphericity was greater than 99%. Burst and buckle pressure tests on these shells yielded the estimated mechanical strength properties. The elastic modulus and tensile strength were ∼15 GPa and ∼300 MPa, respectively. The permeability of D 2 through polyamic acid at 25°C was 7.4 × 10 -17 mol.m/ m 2 .Pa.s and increased to 6.4 × 10 -16 mol.m/m 2 .Pa.s at 25°C upon curing the shell to 150°C. The permeability of D 2 at 25°C through vapor-deposited polyimide flat films was measured to be 240 times greater than through the as-deposited polyamic acid, and about 7 times greater than through commer ially available solution-cast Kapton.
The Changing Landscape of the Commercial Speech Doctrine and FDA Advertising Regulation: Off-Label Marketing in the Wake of Sorrell v. IMS

This paper discusses the FDA’s drug labeling regulatory regime, including restrictions on promoting drugs for uses other than those explicitly approved by the FDA, and the current developments in First Amendment jurisprudence that may lead to a drastic departure from the FDA’s current marketing restriction practices in the near future. Part II of this paper outlines the drug approval process and defines the contours of a drug’s “label.” This includes a definition of off-label marketing and a discussion of the potential consequences of “misbranding.” Part III surveys the commercial speech doctrine and how recent developments in First Amendment jurisprudence, including IMS v. Sorrell and Citizens United, have altered the traditional understanding of acceptable restrictions on commercial communications. This section will compare the rationales used in past cases upholding FDA advertising restrictions and argue that Sorrell implies these rationales will no longer be sufficient, at least insofar as the marketing restrictions apply to communications directed at physicians rather than the lay public. Part IV applies these developments by using the Allergan complaint as a roadmap to a potential challenge, and suggests what a potential future regime might look like if the FDA’s off-label regulations are overturned.
Traffic Calming and Environmental Justice: New York City’s Neighborhood Slow Zones

This paper examines New York City’s Neighborhood Slow Zones (NSZ) program in terms of environmental justice. The paper uses both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative analyses show tha...
Depth of response and progression free survival in CLL patients on ibrutinib.

7514Background: While it has been established that attainment of a complete response (CR) after chemoimmunotherapy improves progression free survival (PFS), this has not been proven with the BTK in...
Quality of Life Outcomes After SBRT

Although encouraging results in terms of disease control and acute toxicities have been reported with extreme hypofractionation in different prostate SBRT series, the possible impact on health-related quality of life (QoL) of SBRT treatments represents one of the highest research questions and constitutes a central consideration for treatment decision.
Resonances between high energy particles and ideal magnetohydrodynamic modes in tokamaks

Particle trajectory surfaces in an ideal magnetohydrodynamic high energy particle resonance are studied using kinetic Poincare plots and through a calculation by perturbing near the resonance and finding canonical variables in the resonance, allowing the study of the distortion of the structure from that of a simple pendulum and to assist in the construction of models for the modification of particle distributions due to the modes. It is found that the narrow structure of an ideal mode eigenfunction can lead to a significant decrease in the resonance width compared to a case in which the eigenfunction does not vary within the resonant island.
Can the echocardiographic LV mass equation reliably demonstrate stable LV mass following acute change in LV load

Background: Limited data are available on performance of the left ventricular (LV) mass equation when there is a dynamic change to LV load. We aimed to test this equation in the immediate post-operative period following aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic regurgitation (AR) to see if it would reliably demonstrate stable LV mass before and after surgery. Since LV mass would be unlikely to change in the immediate postoperative period, we hypothesized that a decrease in LV diameter postoperatively would be accompanied by concomitant increases in LV wall thickness as predicted by the LV mass equation. Methods: We reviewed echocardiograms of adult patients with AR who underwent AVR from 2007–2017 at Montefiore Medical Center (n=28). Three independent readers performed septal wall thickness (SWT), posterior wall thickness (PWT) and left ventricular internal diameter (LVID) measurements on pre-operative and post-operative echocardiograms. LV masses were calculated using the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) equation. Results: Post-operatively, LVID decreased from 5.7±1.2 to 4.9±1.0 cm, P Conclusions: Following aortic valve replacement for regurgitation, the LV mass equation calculated a reduction in LV mass in the immediate postoperative period. Since an immediate change in LV mass after AVR is unlikely, we feel that these results highlight an important limitation of the mass equation, when used with acutely changing loading conditions.
New method to diagnose joints affected by systemic lupus erythematosus based on frequency-domain optical transmission

It is estimated that in the USA 1.5 million people suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This autoimmune disease often involves joints, and more than 90% of those affected will experience joint pain, stiffness and swelling at some time during the course of their illness. It is currently difficult to both diagnose and estimate the severity of lupus, because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person and there is no single diagnostic test for it. We explored the clinical utility of frequency-domain optical tomography (FDOT) to distinguish finger joints affected by SLE from healthy ones of volunteers. The proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) of the 2nd to the 5th digit from both hands of 10 SLE patients and 4 healthy volunteers were examined. This resulted in a total of 80 joints affected by SLE and 32 healthy joints. The FDOT system was operated at a frequency of 600MHz. The laser diode employed produced a 1-mm beam at 670nm light, which was guided to 11 positions on the top of the PIP joints. At every location, using an exposure time of 80 ms for 16 phase steps, transmission images were acquired using an ICCD camera. First results of the analysis of the amplitude and phase shift of the images acquired show a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 80% to distinguish between joints of healthy volunteers and SLE patients.
Isolated sphenoid sinusitis after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.

Background Literature addressing the incidence and management of sinusitis after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is sparse. Methods Retrospective chart analysis was conducted on 200 consecutive patients who had undergone transsphenoidal procedures between January 1998 and December 2001. The postoperative incidence of sinusitis was determined. Clinical characteristics, management strategy, and outcome were reviewed. Results Fifteen of the 200 patients (7.5%) developed rhinosinusitis after transsphenoidal surgery. Seven of the patients were referred to otorhinolaryngology for further management. Three additional patients, who had undergone transsphenoidal hypophysectomy at outside institutions, also were evaluated during this time. Nine of 10 patients (90%) had isolated sphenoid sinusitis by computed tomography and/or endoscopic criteria. The most common symptoms included headaches and nasal discharge present for an average of 2.9 years. Medical management resulted in resolution of symptoms in 5 of 10 cases (50%). The remaining five patients required endoscopic sphenoidotomy for recalcitrant disease. Intraoperatively, fungal balls were identified in three cases. Mucocele formation was encountered in one case, and an infected fat graft was evident in one case. Sphenoid sinusitis was resolved successfully in all 10 cases. Conclusion A high index of suspicion must be maintained to avoid an inordinate delay in diagnosis of isolated sphenoid sinusitis in this setting, in light of the nonspecific presentation of this clinical entity. Aggressive medical and/or surgical treatment is required for resolution of refractory symptoms in this patient population.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are closely related.20,21,50 By clinical symptomatology and later confirmation by pathologic examination, a differentiation between the two is possible in approximately three-quarters of the cases. In the others the differentiation may be very difficult or impossible. The diagnostic criteria have been considered by Schachter et al.42