cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standard Pathologic Features Can Be Used to Identify a Subset of Estrogen Receptor-Positive, HER2 Negative Patients Likely to Benefit from Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

The benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) breast cancers and in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is uncertain due to the low rates of pathologic complete response (pCR). The aim of this study was to determine if pathologic features can identify subsets likely to benefit from NAC. Patients with stage I–III ER+, HER2− breast cancer receiving NAC were retrospectively reviewed. Endpoints were downstaging to breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and nodal pCR after NAC. Patients were grouped by progesterone receptor (PR) status and grade/differentiation (high grade or poor [HP] vs. non-HP). From 2007 to 2016, 402 ER+/HER2− cancers in patients receiving NAC were identified. Median age was 50 years, 98% were clinical stage II–III, and 75% were cN+. Overall pCR rate was 5%; breast pCR in 7% and nodal pCR in 15% of cN+ patients (p < 0.0001). Patients with ILC initially ineligible for BCS (n = 56) were less likely to downstage than those with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC; n = 183, 16 vs. 48%, p ≤ 0.0001), with a similar trend in the axilla (p = 0.086). The rates of BCS eligibility after NAC were highest in PR−/HP patients (62%) and lowest in PR+/non-HP patients (29%) [p = 0.005]. In the axilla, nodal pCR among cN+ patients (n = 301) ranged from 0 to 35% (p < 0.0001) within these groups, and was most frequent in PR−/HP patients. ER+/HER2− patients most likely to benefit from NAC are those with PR− and HP tumors. Patients with ILC are unlikely to downstage in the breast or axilla compared with IDC. The use of these criteria can assist in defining the initial treatment approach.
Vaginoscopy in Ewes Utilizing a Laparoscopic Surgical Port Device

Vaginoscopy allows for diagnostic evaluation and treatment of the vaginal vault. A laparoscopic surgical port device and rigid telescope were utilized for serial vaginoscopy in 8 healthy anesthetized ewes. Vaginoscopy examinations were performed in each ewe at days 1, 14, and 28. This technique was well-tolerated and facilitated carbon dioxide vaginal inflation, complete vaginal examination, identification of the cervix, and targeted biopsy collection. No complications were encountered during or following the vaginoscopy procedures. The laparoscopic port device was well-suited to the ewe vulvar size. This technique could be applied to clinical evaluation in ewes for the purposes of examination, biopsy, culture, foreign body removal, and minor surgical procedures.
Education for cultural and linguistic diversity in the United States in hard times

In this article, we share our perspectives on the education for cultural and linguistic diversity in the United States in an era of intolerance, violence, hatred, fear, and injustice. We begin with a snapshot of the increasingly multicultural, multiethnic, multilingual, and multiracial world landscape and an overview of the landscape of education for cultural and linguistic diversity in the United States. We particularly focus on discussing the challenges and possibilities for education for cultural and linguistic diversity in the United States in Hard Times. We call for educational researchers to work with other researchers, educators, teachers, administrators, parents, students, community workers, policy makers, and other educational workers to “hope radically, imagine creatively, and act inspirationally” (Ball et al. 2017, p.2) to invent a landscape of education for cultural and linguistic diversity where “creative, harmonious, associative, joyful, and worthwhile” (He 2016, p. 36; also Goulah & He 2015; Schubert 2009) learning, teaching, and living are possible for all in a highly contested and impossible world.
How to Assess Students: Surprise Them

Most education efforts are aimed at educating young people. So, to make education as effective as possible, it is desirable to take into account psychological features of young people. One of the typical features of their psychology – as distinct from the psychology of more mature population – is that they are much more risk-prone.
Foot strength and stiffness are related to footwear use in a comparison of minimally- vs. conventionally-shod populations.

The longitudinal arch (LA) helps stiffen the foot during walking, but many people in developed countries suffer from flat foot, a condition characterized by reduced LA stiffness that can impair gait. Studies have found this condition is rare in people who are habitually barefoot or wear minimal shoes compared to people who wear conventional modern shoes, but the basis for this difference remains unknown. Here we test the hypothesis that the use of shoes with features that restrict foot motion (e.g. arch supports, toe boxes) is associated with weaker foot muscles and reduced foot stiffness. We collected data from minimally-shod men from northwestern Mexico and men from urban/suburban areas in the United States who wear ‘conventional’ shoes. We measured dynamic LA stiffness during walking using kinematic and kinetic data, and the cross-sectional areas of three intrinsic foot muscles using ultrasound. Compared to conventionally-shod individuals, minimally-shod individuals had higher and stiffer LAs, and larger abductor hallucis and abductor digiti minimi muscles. Additionally, abductor hallucis size was positively associated with LA stiffness during walking. Our results suggest that use of conventional modern shoes is associated with weaker intrinsic foot muscles that may predispose individuals to reduced foot stiffness and potentially flat foot.
Chemical Compatibility of Silica Aerogel Processes with ICF Hohlraums

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) energy hohlraums are composed of a high-Z material filled with foam. Because of the small pore size and transparency, silica aerogels are used in some ICF targets. The traditional synthesis of silica aerogels require sol-gel polymerization of silicon alkoxide followed by supercritical drying. Some constituents in sol-gel polymerization have been found to contribute to leaching of certain metals at the silica/metal interface. Since the hohlraums are composed of metals, possible chemical reactivity at the silica aerogel and metal hohlraum interface was investigated. The hohlraums studied are aluminum lined with either copper or copper/chromium. Upon initial inspection, the aerogel appeared transparent and uniform, however, closer inspection of the copper wall suggested possible leaching. Alternatively the quality of the aerogel in the copper-chromium hohlraum was very poor with the chromium layer of the hohlraum and some copper completely etched. Control experiments were used to determine the cause of the leaching. When copper is in the presence of sol-gel constituents, Cu 2+ ion formed, thus leaching copper from the hohlraum walls. In the presence of chromium, Cr 2 O 7 2- or CrO 4 2- was identified in solution with the Cu 2+ , these anions are believed to form copper chromite under the aerogel synthesis procedures utilized.
Postsynaptic Proteome of Non-Demented Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology

Some individuals, here referred to as Non-Demented with Alzheimer's Neuropathology (NDAN), retain their cognitive function despite the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles typical of symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD). In NDAN, unlike AD, toxic amyloid-β oligomers do not localize to the postsynaptic densities (PSDs). Synaptic resistance to amyloid-β in NDAN may thus enable these individuals to remain cognitively intact despite the AD-like pathology. The mechanism(s) responsible for this resistance remains unresolved and understanding such protective biological processes could reveal novel targets for the development of effective treatments for AD. The present study uses a proteomic approach to compare the hippocampal postsynaptic densities of NDAN, AD, and healthy age-matched persons to identify protein signatures characteristic for these groups. Subcellular fractionation followed by 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to analyze the PSDs. We describe fifteen proteins which comprise the unique proteomic signature of NDAN PSDs, thus setting them apart from control subjects and AD patients.
A Novel Just-in-Time Contextual Mobile App Intervention to Reduce Sodium Intake in Hypertension: Protocol and Rationale for a Randomized Controlled Trial (LowSalt4Life Trial).

Background High sodium intake is a significant public health problem in the United States. Interventions that lower sodium intake can decrease blood pressure and improve cardiovascular outcomes. Restaurants and grocery stores are prime targets for intervention with about 77% of all sodium intake in the average US diet coming from processed and restaurant foods. Objective This study proposes that a mobile app intervention that promotes low-sodium alternatives at grocery stores and restaurants will reduce dietary intake of sodium and improve confidence following a low-sodium diet in hypertension. Methods In this single-center, prospective, open-label study, patients will be randomized to a mobile app or usual care for 8 weeks. We will randomize 50 patients (age>18 years) diagnosed with hypertension and on antihypertensive therapy for at least 3 months in a 1:1 manner stratified by gender. Study subjects will receive the mobile app, LowSalt4Life, or usual dietary advice for 8 weeks. LowSalt4Life provides a multifaceted intervention based on just-in-time contextual tailored messages at grocery stores and restaurants. The primary endpoint is the change in the estimated 24-hour urinary excretion of sodium from spot urine. Secondary outcomes include change in the sodium content of the food frequency questionnaire, confidence in following a low-sodium diet, urine chloride and creatinine dipsticks, and blood pressure. Results The project was funded in May 2016 until April 2018. This trial is currently enrolling patients. To date, 26 of the 50 patients needed have been enrolled. Results will be available in the Spring of 2019. Conclusions This randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy of just-in-time contextual tailored messages through a novel mobile app 8-week intervention on urinary sodium excretion in patients with hypertension. We will address a critical evidence gap in the care of patients with hypertension. If effective, this intervention could be scaled to assess effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular events in hypertension. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03099343; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03099343 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/735HNzKlQ). International registered report identifier (irrid) PRR1-10.2196/11282.
The "I" in Team: How Developing Individual Strength, Builds a Great Team

Join me as I walk through my journey to becoming an effective leader of individuals and building better teams. Being a manager does not mean you can lead a team. Managers are often never properly trained for the responsibility of becoming a leader. True leadership is a never-ending experience of personal and professional evolution and does not happen overnight. Even when the desire to lead and help others exists, it can take decades to develop methodology that works for you and those you lead. In this paper, I share my experiences and insight through real-world challenges that eventually led me to improvement and success in my own experience as a manager. I will share ways you can help struggling members of your team, how to have tough conversations with a positive focus, helping create the professional "rock star" by harnessing their individuality, and helping employees advance by creating a unique career plan. Finally, we will discuss ways individuals can truly become part of a collective, moving forward as a team and not just people who work together. In sharing my own experiences and having an honest conversation about how to re-approach who we are as leaders, you can walk away with new tools and a perspective on individual development as the essential foundation of a great team.
Programmed Cell Death Receptor (PD-1) Ligand (PD-L1) expression in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms

Programmed Cell Death Receptor (PD-1) and its Ligand (PD-L1) pathway inhibitor therapy has been explored in the field of oncology treatment mainly for solid tumors. In hematologic malignancies, there is limited information except for Hodgkin's lymphoma, and there is even less information regarding myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Therefore, we explored this by first measuring PD-1 and PD-L1 levels (percentage of positive cells) in 63 patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative MPN (Ph(-) MPN), including 16 MF (12 PMF, 2 post-PV-MF, 2 post-ET-MF), 29 ET, and 18 PV. We found there was no significant difference in PD-1 or PD-L1 levels between the different MPN groups but that there was a significant difference when PV, ET and MF were grouped as MPN and compared with controls, of all immune cells including CD4+, CD8+, CD14+ and CD34+ progenitor cells. We further found a higher incidence of higher expression levels (more than 50% of cells with positive expression) of PD-1 and PD-L1 (20% and 26%, respectively) in the CD34+ cells; in contrast, we found a low incidence (0.08-1.8%) in the immune cells in MPN patients. PD-1 and PD-L1 levels were also measured by MFI methods, and we obtained similar results except the measurements by percentage appeared to be more sensitive than the MFI methods. We found no correlation between PD-1 and PD-L1 expression levels and clinical features including WBC, platelet counts, hemoglobin levels, presence or absence of the JAK2, MPL, or CALR gene mutation, or splenomegaly. Since MPN represents stem cell disorders, the presence of elevated expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in these cells suggests that the exploration of PD-1 and PD-L1 pathway inhibitor therapy may be worthwhile in Ph(-) MPN.
Presence of patient-relevant endpoints in trials of recently launched oncology drugs: What measuring stick do we use to measure value?

e17790 Background: The German health system assesses additional therapeutic benefit of drugs based on patient-relevant endpoints. With prices of cancer drugs under scrutiny in the US, a critical vi...
A 63-Year-Old Man with Markedly Increased Whole Blood Lactate and Discrepant Plasma Lactate Values

A 63-year-old man with altered mental status, septic shock, acute pancreatitis, and meningitis was admitted to the intensive care unit. The patient's anion gap was 24 mmol/L [reference interval (RI), 2–14 mmol/L]. Whole blood lactate was 18 mmol/L (RI, 0.7–2.0 mmol/L), as measured on a Radiometer ABL800 blood gas analyzer. Because the upper analytic measurement range of the ABL800 lactate method is 15 mmol/L, the same sample was repeated on the Roche …
The Forest of Four Wounds: Hemingway and the Sawyer’s Daughter

In this chapter, the focus of inquiry into the “sibling twin” relationship, and the extent to which it informs Hemingway’s identity and art, shifts from the family to the forest and Hemingway/Nick’s relationship to his first lover, Prudy Boulton (Trudy). Prudy is “read” as a sign of four wounds, each of which allegorizes Nick’s wound of emasculation: the wound of genocide, the wound of nature, the wound of being Other, and the wound of love. The Ernest-Prudy, Nick-Trudy relationship is further “read” through the lens of two Hemingway trauma narratives: “Fathers and Sons” and “Ten Indians.” Interpretation is further informed by comparative analysis with Maurice Hewlett’s The Forest Lovers, discovering and developing the critical alliterations between it and Hemingway’s trauma narratives.
Desafiando a homofobia nas escolas: políticas e programas para climas escolares seguros

A homofobia nas escolas tem sido foco crescente de atencao cientifica e do publico nos Estados Unidos da America. Um corpo bem estabelecido de pesquisa documenta o bullying, assedio e falta de seguranca na escola para estudantes lesbicas gays, bissexuais e transgeneros (LGBT). Este trabalho deixa claro que a escola e as culturas jovens contemporâneas sao caracterizadas por normas rigidas de genero e sexualidade (incluindo a homofobia e expectativas a respeito da masculinidade, feminilidade e heterossexualidade); sendo que o bem estar de estudantes que nao se conformam ou desafiam estas normas e muitas vezes prejudicado. Em anos recentes o foco de analise deslocou-se da situacao de cada aluno para o reconhecimento de que o contexto e clima escolares precisam ser entendidos melhor para prevenir o bullying motivado por algum vies e promover a seguranca na escola e o bem estar dos estudantes. Durante a ultima decada diversos estudos identificaram politicas, programas e praticas educacionais especificas que promovem climas escolares seguros. Neste artigo reviso o que se sabe sobre politicas e programas que promovem a seguranca para estudantes LGBT bem como para estudantes heterossexuais nas escolas. Um corpo crescente de trabalhos indica que as seguintes estrategias estao associadas com climas escolares mais seguros para estudantes LGBT: regulamento detalhado de nao-discriminacao e anti-bullying; intervencao dos professores quando o assedio ocorre; disponibilidade de informacao e apoio sobre questoes LGBT para os estudantes; presenca de grupos de apoio ou clubes com base na escola (frequentemente denominados "aliancas gay-hetero"); e inclusao curricular de pessoas e questoes LGBT. No contexto desta pesquisa, discuto varios temas chave a serem considerados por educadores, legisladores e academicos.
Chronic well leakage probability relative to basin and fluid characteristics.

Regulation of wells is largely concerned with precluding leakage along them. Studies of the proportion of wells in large populations that leak provide one means of reviewing the effectiveness of these regulations. The article entitled “A portrait of wellbore leakage in northeastern British Columbia, Canada” in PNAS (1) provides the next such study. Our civilization depends to a remarkable degree on wells. Groundwater extraction via wells provides one-half of the drinking water in the world and over two-fifths of irrigation water (2). Almost all oil and gas production occurs via wells. For more than a century, oil wells have been a key part of the global energy system providing transportation fuels and petrochemicals that have raised quality of life around the world. In the future, even as power for transportation becomes supplied more and more by electricity from renewable sources and oil production declines, an important new class of wells may emerge for the purpose of sequestering carbon dioxide from the continued combustion of coal and gas in centralized facilities in geologic reservoirs deep underground. As oil and gas, and perhaps in the future carbon sequestration, wells extend down into the ground, their borings typically extend through multiple geologic units. These create potential pathways for unintended movement of fluids between different units, which can result in the degradation of fluid resources (groundwater, oil, natural gas) and air quality. For groundwater wells, the main hazard of concern has been movement of surface water of lower quality into groundwater. For oil and gas wells, there are a number of hazards of concern owing to the greater number of zones they cross and the nature of the hydrocarbons they access. These hazards have been a driver of well design for over a century. For instance, in California where I live, this hazard was … [↵][1]1Email: pdjordan{at}lbl.gov. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Closing the Science–Practice Gap in Implementation Before It Widens

As the field of implementation has rapidly evolved, distinct implementation science and practice components have emerged. Siloing based on professional identities is beginning to occur, with a lack of adequate opportunities for implementation intermediaries, practice leaders, policy leaders, and researchers to interact and collaborate. This chapter details how the field of implementation is in danger of following a path reminiscent of the one previously traveled by intervention science – a path that has led to a longstanding divide between science and practice. We present a training agenda intended to curtail the emerging science–practice gap in implementation and argue that the gap can be minimized by opportunities for implementation stakeholders to participate in (a) pragmatic research, (b) team science, and (c) interprofessional education. Recommendations are made for professional development opportunities that include these components to address the science to practice gap in implementation.
Estimulación de las funciones ejecutivas y su influencia en el rendimiento académico en escolares de primero básico

El estudio de la estimulacion de las funciones ejecutivas (FE) en la infancia ha generado un creciente interes investigativo en la ultima decada, especialmente por su relacion con el desempeno academico y exito escolar. De acuerdo a esto, el presente estudio tiene por objetivo estudiar el efecto de un programa de estimulacion de las FE sobre el desempeno ejecutivo y el rendimiento academico de una muestra de 43 estudiantes de primero basico de la comuna de Valparaiso (Chile), de edades entre 6 y 7 anos. Para ello, se implemento un diseno factorial mixto. La intervencion duro 12 semanas y se llevo a cabo en el aula, dirigida por un educador diferencial y con el apoyo de la profesora del curso. Los resultados evidencian la existencia de un efecto significativo del programa implementado en la mejora del desempeno ejecutivo de los participantes, particularmente del grupo experimental. Tales efectos no fueron replicados en el rendimiento academico, lo que podria encontrar una posible explicacion en los factores contextuales relacionados con las condiciones de precariedad de la institucion educativa. Se observo ademas un efecto diferenciado del programa sobre el componente de control inhibitorio. Los hallazgos generales ponen de manifiesto la relevancia de la estimulacion de las FE en la infancia temprana y los beneficios que esto puede reportar en contextos educativos. Ademas, sugiere el potencial aporte de la incorporacion de este tipo de intervenciones en las practicas docentes cotidianas.
Framework for Modeling Lead in Premise Plumbing Systems Using EPANET.

AbstractThe lead contamination of drinking water in homes and buildings remains an important public health concern. In order to assess strategies to measure and reduce exposure to lead from drinkin...
Critical Approaches to Women and Gender in Higher Education: Edited by Pamela L. Eddy, Kelly Ward, & Khwaja Tehmina (2017). Palgrave Macmillan. 399 pp. ISBN: 978-1-137-59285-9

Institutions of higher education across the United States are facing a critical moment with a call to eschew traditional gender roles and create a culture of equality and inclusiveness for all, whi...
Policy Mix and the US Trade Balance

The strong US policy response to the 2008-09 financial crisis raised concerns about its impact(spillovers) on other countries, with great focus on the monetary stimulus but little attention to fiscal policy, despite their combined deployment. Using a sign-restricted structural VAR approach, we study the trade spillovers of the post-crisis policy mix, by assessing the joint impact of monetary and fiscal policy. We find that aggregate trade effects, as reflected in the trade balance, varied across time, reflecting the different timing of fiscal and monetary stimuli, with overall positive spillovers in the immediate aftermath of the crisis. At the same time, reflecting the different transmission mechanisms of monetary policy, we find that the effects differed greatly between trading partners with fixed and flexible exchange rates. In general, our results highlight (i)the importance of studying fiscal and monetary policy spillovers jointly in order to avoid attenuation bias from omitted variables; and (ii) that trading partners' exchange rate regimes are offirst order importance in determining the impact of policy spillovers.
Delaware's Public Employees' Retirement System: A Complete and Transparent Accounting

Current government accounting standards result in US public pension plans understating the size of pensions promised to workers. The result is that state plans are more deeply underfunded than is recognized. Delaware reports an overall funding ratio of 81 percent, but on a market-valuation basis average funding of its plans is 40 percent. Accounting reforms contained in GASB 67 meant to correct the measurement problem are likely to only increase the amount of risk plans take with pension assets.
Geometric Mean Maximization: A Note on Expected, Observed, and Simulated Performance

This note discusses why the maximization of any portfolio optimization model cannot be isolated from the investor’s risk perception. To allow for differing risk preferences among investors, the efficient frontiers of Sharpe ratio maximization (SRM) and geometric mean maximization (GMM) are the appropriate metrics for making a comparison. The authors demonstrate that for a given level of risk the two optimization techniques will choose the same portfolio asset weights. Although GMM provides investors with a different way to approach portfolio optimization (maximizing terminal wealth), it is not a competing portfolio optimization technique to mean–variance maximization but rather a complementary one. TOPICS:Portfolio construction, quantitative methods, statistical methods, performance measurement Key Findings ▪ Comparison of portfolio optimization techniques require a predetermined risk level. ▪ Geometric mean and Sharpe ratio maximization lead to the same portfolio weights for a given level of risk. ▪ Geometric mean maximization expands the opportunity set of the mean–variance space.
Trajectories of adverse childhood experiences among children with autism

Abstract Background Children with autism experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) compared to their peers. Little is known about how the timing of ACES may be associated with the timing of autism diagnosis, which types of children experience the most ACEs, or how one’s ACE trajectory affects current well-being. This study aims to address these gaps. Methods An online survey was distributed to parents of children with autism (N = 902). Group-based trajectory models were created and analyzed using multiple regression techniques. Results Three ACE trajectory groups were identified, with children in the highest ACE group diagnosed at a significantly later age and significantly more likely to be Hispanic, less resourced, and female compared to their peers. Children in the high ACE group were also significantly more likely to report poorer current well-being compared to their peers. Conclusion Interventions to reduce family stress around the time of autism diagnosis that target high-risk groups are critical for improving well-being in this population.
Prostaglandin E2 inhibits IL-27 production by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (CCR6P.281)

Interleukin-27 (p28/EBI3) is expressed by activated antigen presenting cells and has been shown to have immunosuppressive functions including the inhibition of Th17 cell development and the induction of type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1). In vivo studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-27 in murine models of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We showed previously that PGE2 has proinflammatory effects in models of CIA and IBD through the stimulation of IL-23 production and subsequent development of Th17 cells. Here we report on a novel proinflammatory function through the inhibition of IL-27 production by LPS-stimulated murine BMDC. A similar effect was observed in the dendritic, macrophage and microglia cell lines DC2.4, RAW264.7 and BV2. We determined that the effect of PGE2 was mediated through EP2/EP4 receptors and induction of cAMP. Studies targeting various downstream signaling pathways are in progress. These studies further elucidate the mechanisms involved in the inflammatory role of PGE2, and might identify additional therapeutic targets for the treatment of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy Lanthanide shift reagents. Useful tools for study of conformational equilibria in solution

Difficulties encountered in the use of lanthanide shift reagents for study of conformational equilibria of simple organic molecules in solution are reviewed. It seems clear that, despite these difficulties, significant conformational information is to be gained from the effect of these reagents on NMR chemical shifts.
Adding Dimension Analysis to Java as a Composable Language Extension

In this paper we describe a language extension that adds dimension analysis to Java. Dimension analysis can be used to check that values that represent physical measurements such as length and mass are not used inconsistently. What distinguishes this work from previous work that adds dimension analysis to programming languages is that here the extension is implemented as a composablelanguage extension. This means that it can easily be combined with other extensions, possibly developed by other parties, to create an extended implementation of Java with new features that address concerns from several different domains.
Assimilation of ionosonde profiles into a global ionospheric model

[1] The Utah State University Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Measurements (GAIM) ionospheric model has been run for multiday intervals in November 2008 and February/March 2009, to investigate the model's ability to assimilate plasma frequency profiles provided by Digisondes. Ionosondes are currently the only type of assimilation data that can provide information on the profile below the peak of the F2 layer. Attention has been focused on the Republic of South Africa, which has four Digisondes and thus offers a unique validation environment. The model has been run for multiple assimilation data scenarios, some of which include GPS total electron content (TEC) observations, in order to provide benchmarks for testing the profile assimilation. The Hermanus Digisonde was set aside to provide the ground truth, in particular the values of foF2, hmF2, and the width of the F2 layer. The values of these characteristics were also tested at the other three ionosonde sites, since the data assimilation procedures do not usually reproduce the assimilated data exactly. It was found that assimilation of ionosonde data did not improve the accuracy of the GAIM values of foF2 at Hermanus (or Grahamstown) beyond that provided by the GPS TEC data, but these TEC-only errors were already relatively small. However, the ionosonde-only errors were smaller than the relatively large TEC-only errors for Louisvale and Madimbo. Assimilation of ionosonde data did not provide any significant increases in the accuracy of the model values of hmF2 and width of the F2 layer.
Overcoming the hurdles of using PET/CT for target volume delineation in curative intent radiotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer.

PET/CT imaging has proven to be an invaluable tool for target volume delineation in radiation treatment planning of non-small cell lung cancer. However, as with any technological advancement, it has its limitations. In their recent review article published in Radiotherapy and Oncology, Konert et al. eloquently summarize many of the challenges encountered by radiation oncologists when using PET/CT-based planning in radical intent radiotherapy. The authors go further to describe evidence-based recommendations to provide clear guidance on the use of PET/CT in target volume delineation in order to overcome some of these challenges and standardize clinical practice.
Isolation of ultrasonic scattering by wavefield baseline subtraction

Abstract Wavefield imaging generally refers to the measurement of signals over a two-dimensional rectilinear grid that originate from a spatially fixed source. Subtraction of such wavefields is investigated as a means of separating scattered signals from the total wavefield; that is, baseline wavefield data acquired from a defect-free specimen are subtracted from analogous data acquired after introduction of a defect. The wavefields considered here are generated by a 5 MHz angle-beam probe and measured over an area of the accessible specimen surface using a laser vibrometer. The primary challenge in isolating the scattered waves is imperfect temporal and spatial alignment of the two wavefields. Two methods for aligning the wavefields in space and time prior to performing baseline subtraction are presented and their efficacy is evaluated using data acquired before and after introducing notches that originate from a through-hole. Although perfect baseline subtraction is not achieved, the improvement in performance after alignment using either method allows for scattered waves from small defects to be separated and visualized, even when their amplitudes are much smaller than those of the incident waves.
B\bar{B} Mixing and CP Violation in SU(2)_L \times SU(2)_R \times U(1) Models

We reexamine the mass mixing and $\mathrm{CP}$ violation in the $B\overline{B}$ system in general ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1)$ models related to recent measurements without imposing manifest or pseudomanifest left-right symmetry. For certain parameter sets, the right-handed contributions can be sizable in $B\overline{B}$ mixing and $\mathrm{CP}$ asymmetry in B decays for a heavy ${W}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ even with a mass about 3 TeV. On the other hand the lower bound on the mass of ${W}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ can be taken down to approximately 300 GeV.
Accelerator System Design, Injection, Extraction and Beam-Material Interaction: Working Group C Summary Report

The performance of high beam power accelerators is strongly dependent on appropriate injection, acceleration and extraction system designs as well as on the way interactions of the beam with machine components are handled. The experience of the previous ICFA High-Brightness Beam workshops has proven that it is quite beneficial to combine analyses and discussion of these issues in one group. A broad range of topics was presented and discussed at the Working Group C sessions at the HB2012 Workshop. Highlights from the talks, outstanding issues along with plans and proposals for future work are briefly described in this report.
An inherited qualitative abnormality in plasma fibrinogen: fibrinogen Cleveland.

Abstract A family has been observed in which the plasma of affected individuals contains an abnormal fibrinogen, tentatively designated as fibrinogen Cleveland. The trait, inherited in an autosomal manner, was recognized by a delay in clotting upon the addition of thrombin to plasma. The defect in fibrinogen appeared to reside in an inability of dissolved fibrin monomers or polymers to aggregate into a visible clot. Immunoelectrophoretic behavior and certain other characteristics seem to distinguish this fibrinogen from other inherited abnormalities of this protein.
Digest: People v. Lessie

Facts Tony Lessie, a sixteen-year-old boy, was charged with second degree murder and convicted at trial.1 Lessie had been involved in a gang-related shooting in Oceanside, wherein Rusty Seau was shot and killed.2 Months after the incident, Lessie was taken into custody, where he twice confessed to shooting Seau—once at the Oceanside Police Department, and a second time while being questioned in juvenile hall.3 Lessie claimed the judgment should be reversed because he never waived his Fifth Amendment rights, and therefore the trial court erred by admitting his confessions into evidence.4 At the time, Lessie had finished the tenth grade and worked in retail.5 Lessie also had experience with the criminal justice system as a result of two prior arrests, one for burglary and the other for evading police after being stopped in his car with marijuana.6 Following the arrest relating to the shooting, Detective Kelly Deveney told Lessie that he would be able to call as many people as he wished when they arrived at the police department.7 Deveney also asked Lessie if he would like to contact anyone in particular, and Lessie responded in the
The impact of tobacco control research on policy: 20 years of progress

Objectives To assess progress in tobacco control policy research and the relevance of research to policymaking. Methods Over 100 experts were surveyed about their opinions on the body of research existing in 1992 and 2011 concerning 11 areas of tobacco control policy, the state of policy implementation in both years, the extent to which research has affected policy adoption and how experience with policy has influenced research. Case studies of how research and policy implementation have interacted were developed. Results The body of research was not judged ‘substantial’ in any of the policy areas in 1992. In 2011, 6 of the 11 areas were evaluated as substantial. None ranked as substantial regarding policy implementation in 1992, but by 2011 half were so ranked for developed countries; in low-income and middle-income countries policy implementation moved from very low to moderate. Respondents judged the role of research in actual policymaking as ‘substantial’ regarding clean indoor air, taxation and cessation treatment policy. Case studies illustrate how research can directly affect policy (taxation), how policy and research can have iterative effects (clean indoor air), and how research and policy interact in the case of novel policies (graphic cigarette pack warnings). The role of research in the formulation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is also examined. Conclusions Policy research goals established in 1992 have been largely realised. For select tobacco control policies, research has made truly important contributions to saving lives. Evidence-based policy adoption will continue to be essential to minimising the toll of tobacco, especially in the world9s poorer countries.
GE-02CLINICAL TARGETED EXOME-BASED SEQUENCING FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN TUMORS: INITIAL RESULTS OF AN INSTITUTE-WIDE PROJECT ON PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

BACKGROUND: PROFILE (DFCI#11-104) is a cancer center-wide project that aims to assess feasibility and utility of identifying genomic and potential targetable alterations in pediatric brain tumor patients. METHODS: Eligible patients/families are offered enrollment. Tumor tissues (FFPE and frozen) are collected, DNA extracted and a CLIA-certified platform is applied. First-generation platform, OncoMap, a multiplex mass spectrometry-based platform, detected mutations in 471 loci from 41 cancer genes. This has been replaced by a second-generation platform, OncoPanel, a multiplexed targeted exome-sequencing platform, which surveys 275 cancer genes to identify mutations and copy number variations, in addition to 90 introns from 30 genes to detect rearrangements. Alterations are tiered based on clinical significance and results are communicated to the treating physician. RESULTS: Between February 2013 and June 2014, 79 patients were enrolled. 25 had insufficient tumor tissue. Of the remaining 54, 33 have been profiled thus far (Oncomap = 4; Oncopanel = 29). Diagnoses include low-grade glioma (11), medulloblastoma (6), ependymoma (6), GBM (3), PNET/pineoblastoma (3), ATRT (1), AA (1), meningioma (1) and pituitary adenoma (1). Estimated mean tumor purity was 76%. We detected 401 mutations, including two GBM patients with high mutation rates (which accounted for 314 of 401 mutations detected). Of these, one had deletion of the mismatch-repair gene MSH2. Excluding these two patients, we identified 87 mutations, of which 20 have evidence for potential clinical utility (including investigational or preclinical evidence). Alterations with clinical trial relevance included gains/duplications of BRAF observed in two glioma patients; four medulloblastoma patients were noted to harbor subtype-related alterations of relevance for trial enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: We show that it is possible to perform comprehensive genomic analyses of known cancer genes in the setting of a research protocol. Significant challenges remain in determining the clinical impact of utilizing personalized genomic data and integrating these profiles into the therapeutic decisions for children with brain tumors.
Visual Metonymy and Synecdoche: Rhetoric for Stage-Setting Images:

The recent trend of incorporating more visuals into communication challenges technical communicators, who must now possess both verbal and visual literacy. Despite all the recent scholarship on visual aspects of technical communication, technical communicators lack thorough guidelines for selecting and composing effective images that convey thematic and conceptual information, or what Schriver calls “stage-setting” images. This article reviews existing literature in visual communication and reports results of a study that assessed readers' opinions of themes conveyed by specific example images. It then suggests that the rhetorical tropes of metonymy and synecdoche can be used to identify images for conveying certain themes, and that successful stage-setting images will show intrinsic, not extrinsic, relationships to their thematic subject matter.
Cdc25 mitotic inducer targeted by Chk1 DNA damage checkpoint kinase

Arrest of the cell cycle at the G2 checkpoint, induced by DNA damage, requires inhibitory phosphorylation of the kinase Cdc2 in both fission yeast and human cells. The kinase Wee1 and the phosphatase Cdc25, which regulate Cdc2 phosphorylation, were evaluated as targets of Chk1, a kinase essential for the checkpoint. Fission yeast cdc2-3w Δcdc25 cells, which express activated Cdc2 and lack Cdc25, were responsive to Wee1 but insensitive to Chk1 and irradiation. Expression of large amounts of Chk1 produced the same phenotype as did loss of the cdc25 gene in cdc2-3w cells. Cdc25 associated with Chk1 in vivo and was phosphorylated when copurified in Chk1 complexes. These findings identify Cdc25, but not Wee1, as a target of the DNA damage checkpoint.
Analysis of Biofilms in Recurrent Tonsillitis Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope and Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization: A Case-Control Study

Background and ObjectivesZZBiofilm is an encased colony of bacteria and the bacteria within the biofilm have resistance to antibiotics and the humoral immune system. Biofilm is cur rently thought to play an important role and to be very refractory to conventional therapeutics. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the biofilm of the tonsil and recur rent tonsillitis with a case-control study. Subjects and MethodZZThis is a case-control study. The case group included 31 patients who had histories of tonsillitis and the control group included 29 volunteers who had no history of tonsillitis. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was performed to identify biofilms. We com pared the prevalence rates of biofilm between the 2 groups. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to identify bacteria, using probes for S. aureus, S. pyogenes, H. influ enzae, S. pneumoniae, and K. pneumonia. ResultsZZIn case group, biofilms were found in 22 (71.0%) of 31 and in control group, biofilms were found in 12 (41.4%) of 29. The prevalence rates of biofilm were significantly higher in case group (p=0.036). Twenty nine cases were enrolled in FISH and 12 cases of them were positive for FISH. S. aureus was most commonly identified. ConclusionZZThis study suggests that the biofilms could play a causative role in recurrent tonsillitis, further studies are needed to confirm pathogenic relation between biofilm and re current tonsillitis.�
Conserved molecular mechanism for the stage specificity of the mosquito vitellogenic response to ecdysone.

Abstract In the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the adult female becomes competent for a vitellogenic response to ecdysone after previtellogenic development. Here, we show that βFTZ-F1, the nuclear receptor implicated as a competence factor for stage-specific responses to ecdysone during Drosophila metamorphosis, serves a similar function during mosquito vitellogenesis. AaFTZ-F1 is expressed highly in the mosquito fat body during pre- and postvitellogenic periods when ecdysteroid titers are low. The mosquito AaFTZ-F1 transcript nearly disappears in mid-vitellogenesis when ecdysteroid titers are high. An expression peak of HR3, a nuclear receptor implicated in the activation of β FTZ-F1 in Drosophila, precedes each rise in mosquito FTZ-F1 expression. In in vitro fat body culture, AaFTZ-F1 expression is inhibited by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and superactivated by its withdrawal. Following in vitro AaFTZ-F1 superactivation, a secondary 20E challenge results in superinduction of the early AaE75 gene and the late target VCP gene. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays show that the onset of ecdysone-response competence in the mosquito fat body is correlated with the appearance of the functional AaFTZ-F1 protein at the end of the previtellogenic development. These findings suggest that a conserved molecular mechanism for controlling stage specificity is reiteratively used during metamorphic and reproductive responses to ecdysone.
The influence of side chain modifications of the heme moiety on prosthetic acceptance and function of rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 and tryptophan pyrrolase

The relative potential of various structural isomers (III, XIII) and various 2,4-side chain modified analogs of heme (iron-protoporphyrin IX) to incorporate into rat liver hemoproteins, cytochrome P-450(s), and tryptophan pyrrolase was examined. Such assessments for hepatic cytochrome P-450 relied on generation of reconstitutible apocytochrome(s) P-450 by suicidal alkylation of the existing prosthetic heme moiety by allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) in vivo. Subsequent replacement of the prosthetic heme was brought about by incubating the apocytochrome(s) P-450-enriched preparations with a particular heme isomer or analog. Structure-function relationships of the reconstituted isozymes were assessed in microsomal preparations by monitoring cytochrome P-450 content (structure) and its mixed function oxidase activity (function). In parallel, the relative ability of these heme isomers and analogs to functionally constitute hepatic tryptophan pyrrolase was also assessed by monitoring the relative increase in holoenzyme activity when preparations deliberately enriched in constitutible apoenzyme were incubated with each of these compounds. The findings reveal that 2,4-side chain modifications on the heme IX skeleton markedly influence the function of the constituted hemoproteins possibly by affecting their structural assembly through steric, electronic, and/or hydrophobic interactions with the corresponding apoproteins. Furthermore, these studies not only reveal that the structural specifications of the active prosthetic site of rat liver cytochrome P-450(s) differ from those of tryptophan pyrrolase, but also that the structural specifications of these mammalian hemoproteins for their prosthetic heme differ considerably from those reported for their bacterial counterparts.
A relationship between polar magnetic substorms, ionospheric height rises and the occurrence of spread-F

Statistical analyses performed for ionosonde stations (at mid- and low-latitudes) in a longitude zone near the 75°W (geographic) meridian, suggest that increases in the ionospheric parameter h′F are related to polar-magnetic-substorm onset times as recorded by a magnetogram station in the same longitude zone as the ionosonde stations. The height increases are recorded for several hours after the substorm onset times, and seem to trigger the onset of ionospheric spread-F. One individual event which was analyzed, showed a variation with latitude of the time of onset of the height increase suggesting the propagation towards the equator of an ionospheric disturbance with a speed of about 740 m s−1. On this particular occasion the onset of spread-F followed the height-rise onset at most of the stations used in the analysis. These effects were clearly discernable at the geomagnetic equator.