cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE RELATIONSHIP OF INFECTIOUS AGENTS TO INFLAMMATORY MYOSITIS

Several infectious agents have been linked to chronic inflammatory myositis. The mechanisms proposed usually involve presumed persistent infection or induction of an autoimmune response following infection. Agents most often implicated are the enteroviruses (especially coxsackieviruses), echoviruses in patients with agammaglobulinemia, retroviruses including HIV-type 1 and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, and the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In the majority of cases, however, no specific infectious agent can be identified.
Low-risk papillary thyroid cancer: treatment options and patient perceptions.

Differentiated thyroid cancer, the most common endocrine malignancy, can touch the lives of young and old individuals. It is generally associated with a normal lifespan whether it is completely eradicated or held in check with judicious medical interventions.
Direct amperometric measurement of the rate of release of dopamine from superfused brain tissue

The rapid superfusion of synaptosomes or brain minces is becoming a widely employed technique to study the interactions of drugs and ions on neurotransmitter release (Raiteri et al., 1979; Langen et al., 1979). Superfusion permits the rapid application of a chemical stimulus and the rapid removal of the neurotransmitter from the vicinity of the nerve terminal following release. This approach is especially useful in the study of the indirectly-acting sympathomimetic amines such as amphetamine which can inhibit uptake of catecholamines into nerve terminals as well as inducing their release (Fischer and Cho, 1979; Raiteri et al., 1977).
Rehabilitation of shoulder joint instabilities.

SUMMARY The overall goal of the rehabilitation period is a return to full range of motion and a strengthening of the muscles that have a role in protecting the shoulder from injury. Rehabilitation is accomplished gradually and is performed initially in a limited range that excludes the terminal 30 degrees at either end. Two key muscle groups are to be strengthened. One group is for the glenohumeral joint: the deltoid, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and the rotator cuff muscles—especially the subscapularis muscle for internal rotation and the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles for external rotation. The second group, the trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior muscles, is strengthened for scapular control. Finally, general conditioning and trunk flexibility exercises are critical for a return to former competitive levels.
The effect of the order in which episodic autobiographical memories versus autobiographical knowledge are shared on feelings of closeness

ABSTRACTAutobiographical memories (AMs) can be used to create and maintain closeness with others [Alea, N., & Bluck, S. (2003). Why are you telling me that? A conceptual model of the social function of autobiographical memory. Memory, 11(2), 165–178]. However, the differential effects of memory specificity are not well established. Two studies with 148 participants tested whether the order in which autobiographical knowledge (AK) and specific episodic AM (EAM) are shared affects feelings of closeness. Participants read two memories hypothetically shared by each of four strangers. The strangers first shared either AK or an EAM, and then shared either AK or an EAM. Participants were randomly assigned to read either positive or negative AMs from the strangers. Findings suggest that people feel closer to those who share positive AMs in the same way they construct memories: starting with general and moving to specific.
Outcome with the Hyper-CVAD and Rituximab Regimen in Burkitt (BL) and Burkitt-Like (BLL) Leukemia/Lymphoma.

The prognosis has improved for BL or BLL, particularly with use of short, intensive, multi-agent chemotherapy programs. Outcome of 26 non-HIV Burkitt leukemia patients (pts) treated with the intensive chemotherapy hyper-CVAD showed an overall CR rate of 81% with an induction mortality of 19% owing to systemic fungal infections in patients aged 60 years and older [Thomas et al, JCO 17:2461, 1999]. In addition, older age was an adverse feature predicting relapse with shorter 3-year overall survival compared with younger pts (17% versus 77%). Thus, the program was modified to give the induction course in laminar air flow rooms for pts aged 60 years or older. Given the high expression of CD20 in BL and BLL, rituximab was added to the regimen. From November 1999 to April 2004, 40 pts with newly diagnosed BL (n=28) or BLL (n=12) were enrolled. The median age was 47 years (range, 17–77 years) with 23% older than 60 years. Nine pts were HIV-positive. Advanced Ann Arbor stage III/IV was present in 80% (10% had CNS involvement). The median white blood cell count (WBC) was 8.3 x 109/L; 38% had WBC > 10 x 109/L. Rituximab was given at a standard dose of 375 mg/m2 days 1 and 11 of courses 1 and 3 with hyper-CVAD (fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) and days 1 and 8 of courses 2 and 4 with high dose methotrexate and ara-C. A total of 8 courses was planned along with 2 intrathecal prophylactic treatments of methotrexate and ara-C per course (total 16 intrathecals). The overall complete response rate in 22 evaluable non-HIV pts (2 too early, 7 with CR at start either due to one course of prior therapy or resected disease) was 95%, with no detectable difference between BL and BLL subtypes. No induction deaths were observed in the non-HIV group. After a median follow up of 18 months (range, 3 – 50+ months) in the non-HIV group, 2 relapses were observed. Six of 9 HIV pts achieved CR (2 resistant, 1 early death) but either died in CR of HIV-related infections (n=3) or relapsed (n=1), with 2 in continuous CR at 5 and 42+ months. Seventeen of the 31 non-HIV pts have been followed over one year from start of therapy without recurrence; one pt died in CR related to co-morbid conditions. Toxicity profile was similar to hyper-CVAD alone. Rituximab added to the hyper-CVAD regimen appears to improve outcome in BL and BLL.
Silicon faces the future

Integrated circuits based on silicon are undoubtedly one of the success stories of this century. In the past 30 years the number of transistors on a silicon chip has increased by 108, a feat that has enabled the extraordinary advances in computers and communications and launched the much vaunted information revolution (figure 1). Computer power that was once limited to a large air-conditioned room is now available on desks and laptops.
Design and recognition of artificial landmarks for reliable indoor self-localization of mobile robots

This article presents a self-localization scheme for indoor mobile robot navigation based on reliable design and recognition of artificial visual landmarks. Each landmark is patterned with a set of...
Harnessing the Biology of Stem Cells' Niche

Tissue homeostasis in complex organisms is accomplished through interactions between cells, communication through circulating or locally distributed chemicals, and biophysical properties of their environment. Stem cells are preserved in specific anatomical sites known as niches where these cellular, biochemical, and biophysical interactions drive tissue maintenance and regeneration. Our understanding of mammalian stem cell niches has advanced greatly in recent years; yet, as available technology becomes more sophisticated, several well-accepted paradigms are being discovered to be less than generalizable or being challenged altogether. In this chapter we summarize what is known about the three components of the niche to which stem cells and their neoplastic counterparts are native: cellular, biochemical, and biophysical. As we apply improving technologies to our age-old questions and ask new ones, our understanding of this complex ecosystem is likely to evolve and will hopefully yield insights that are of benefit to patients.
Association between insurance status at diagnosis and overall survival in chronic myeloid leukemia: A population‐based study

BACKGROUND Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can be treated effectively with tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy directed at BCR-ABL, but access to care, medication cost, and adherence may be barriers to treatment. This study was designed to determine whether the insurance status at diagnosis influences CML patient outcomes. METHODS The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify 5784 patients, aged 15 years or older, who were diagnosed with CML between 2007 and 2012 and whose insurance status was documented at diagnosis. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival (OS). Covariates of interest included the age at diagnosis, race, ethnicity, sex, county-level socioeconomic status, and marital status. OS was evaluated with a log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS Among patients aged 15 to 64 years, insurance status was associated with OS (P < .001): being uninsured or having Medicaid was associated with worse 5-year OS in comparison with being insured (uninsured patients, 72.7%; Medicaid patients, 73.1%; insured patients, 86.6%). For patients who were 65 years old or older, insurance had less of an impact on OS (P = .07), with similar 5-year OS rates for patients with Medicaid and those with other insurance (40.2% vs 43.4%). In a multivariate analysis of patients aged 15 to 64 years, both uninsured patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.93; P < .001) and Medicaid patients (HR, 1.83; P < .001) had an increased hazard of death in comparison with insured patients; patients younger than 40 years, female patients, and married patients also had a lower hazard of death. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that CML patients under the age of 65 years who are uninsured or have Medicaid have significantly worse survival than patients with other insurance coverage. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Application of Green Chemistry in Homogeneous Catalysis

Abstract Recent advances in the field of homogeneous catalysis with regard to green chemistry principles are illustrated. Both catalysis based on a broad range of metal complexes and different types of organocatalysts are covered by selected examples and reviewed with regard to the application of green chemistry principles in these reactions. The highlighted synthetic transformations range from oxidations/reductions to various methods for C C and C X bond formation and include both racemic and enantioselective examples.
Architectures and Algorithms for Building Automation—An Industry View

Most of the content of this volume highlights new research developments in building automation, with an emphasis on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control. This research is motivated by important industry and societal imperatives for improving the energy efficiency, carbon footprint, occupant comfort, and economics of building operation. Much needs to be done and control scientists and engineers have an important role to play. In this chapter, we hope to “ground” the research. The chapter consists of two primary parts. We first discuss the systems aspect of building automation systems (BASs). State-of-the-art BASs are large, complex, distributed systems. They connect to sensors, actuators, and low-level controllers; provide interfaces for operational, engineering, and management staff; and, increasingly, interconnect with other computer systems for enterprise-level applications such as facility management, energy management, and computerized maintenance management systems. A trend we highlight is the move toward “connected” buildings—in today’s Internet-of-Things (IoT) age the BAS extends to the cloud. Interoperability is another driving force in building automation; solutions that enable building owners and operators to combine equipment and applications from different suppliers—to avoid vendor lock-in—are also discussed. The content in this part of the chapter is relevant across the buildings sector. For illustration purposes, we discuss Honeywell systems that we are familiar with, especially the Enterprise Building Integrator (EBI) platform and the Tridium Niagara framework. The penetration of modern BASs is still largely limited to medium- and large-scale commercial buildings. Few light commercial buildings have systems of this sophistication (and cost). We also outline typical building control systems in use for light commercial. This building sector represents a major opportunity for new innovation—advanced control promises huge impact on energy efficiency, for example, provided that the technology can be delivered at low cost and is easy to deploy and operate by non-control-experts. The second part of the chapter discusses recent research projects in advanced control and related technologies that we have been involved with, most of which have now matured to the point of being deployed in buildings. Results from operational installations are described where available. We believe the controls research community can benefit from being better informed about the state of the art in building automation and control, with regard to the system platform as it exists and how it is evolving as well as to the algorithmic innovations that are being explored and applied in industry. We hope that, within the limitations of our experience and understanding, the content of this chapter will serve this purpose.
Simulating turbulence–radiation interactions using a presumed probability density function method

Abstract In turbulent combustion, the turbulent fluctuations of temperature and species concentrations have strong effects on chemical and radiative heat sources. Turbulence–chemistry interactions (TCI) and turbulence–radiation interactions (TRI) create a set of “closure” problems when the governing partial differential equations are averaged. The presumed probability distribution function (presumed-PDF) method assumes a form of probability distribution function to close the chemical source term. The emphasis of this work is developing a high-fidelity radiation model that works in tandem with combustion models that use the presumed-PDF method to close the turbulent source terms. A finite volume based photon Monte Carlo method with a line-by-line spectral model is applied with the presumed-PDFs of mixture fraction, scalar dissipation rate and enthalpy defect to account for TRI effects. An efficient wavenumber selection scheme is proposed for the line-by-line photon Monte Carlo method considering TRI. The model is validated with one-dimensional exact line-by-line solutions for different TRI treatments and with a coupled combustion simulation for an open jet flame.
Protein quality and miRNA slicing get into phase.

Phase separation can build assemblies and regulate biological function. Two articles link specific forms of protein and RNA degradation to phase separation. The polyubiquitin shuttle factor UBQLN2 localizes to stress granules where it may extract ubiquitinated proteins, and the miRISC complex functions through phase separation.
Real-time gaze transition entropy

In this video, we introduce a real-time algorithm that computes gaze transition entropy. This approach can be employed in detecting higher level cognitive states such as situation awareness. We first compute fixations using our real-time version of a well established velocity threshold based algorithm. We then compute the gaze transition entropy for a content independent grid of areas of interest in real-time using an update processing window approach. We test for Markov property after each update to test whether Markov assumption holds. Higher entropy corresponds to increased eye movement and more frequent monitoring of the visual field. In contrast, lower entropy corresponds to fewer eye movements and less frequent monitoring. Based on entropy levels, the system could then alert the user accordingly and plausibly offer an intervention. We developed an example application to demonstrate the use of the online calculation of gaze transition entropy in a practical scenario.
Elimination of Residual Natural Nucleotides from 3′-O-Modified-dNTP Syntheses by Enzymatic Mop-Up

Here, we describe a novel strategy called enzymatic "Mop-Up" that efficiently removes contaminating dNTPs from reverse-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) purified 3'-O-modified dNTP syntheses. Enzymatic mop-up takes advantage of the high selectivity of DNA polymerases for the former nucleoside triphosphates over the latter nucleotide analogs. We demonstrate the selective removal of contaminating dATP and dTTP from RP-HPLC purified 3'-O-methyl-dATP and 3'-O-(2-nitrobenzyl)-dTTP syntheses, respectively. These data highlight the importance of natural nucleotide contamination when interpreting enzymatic incorporation data and provide an alternative hypothesis for the observed property of catalytic editing of DNA polymerases. Moreover, the effective removal of natural nucleotides from 3'-O-modified analogs addresses the important issue of nucleotide read-through for stop-start DNA sequencing strategies, such as the base addition sequencing scheme (BASS).
Teachers' Attitudes toward Inclusion: Survey Results from Elementary School Teachers in Three Southwestern Rural School Districts

Since the mid 1980s, there has been a strong national movement to include all children in general education classrooms within their neighborhood schools. This movement has met with much support; ho...
A novel fault measure and early warning system for air compressor

Abstract Air compressor is a main power equipment, and improving its reliability and security is important to enhance the competitiveness of pneumatic companies. This study proposes a real monitored data-based fault measure and early warning system for air compressor, which can guide field workers in economically and safely operating the air compressor by finding and dealing with faults ahead of time. A data-driven multivariate state estimation technique (MSET) is utilized to construct the non-parametric fault early warning model under normal operating condition, principal components analysis (PCA) and back propagation (BP) method are combined to construct the dynamic memory matrix and simplify the model. With the pre-built PCA-BP-MSET model, optimal values of the observed vectors are estimated and a deviation function is defined to calculated the deviation sequence between the estimated and observed vectors, where the qualitative-quantitative combined AHP method is adopted to determine the weights of the monitored variables. With the deviation sequence, the sliding window statistical method is applied to determine the fault early warming threshold, which can be used as a benchmark to measure and warn the fault of air compressor. The fault warning information of an air compressor is given out once the deviation degree of some observed vector exceeds the threshold, thereby realizing the function of fault measure and early warning in advance. In addition, an automatically updating method is proposed to ensure the accuracy of the PCA-BP-MSET model in case of the changes of running states. For verification, a real fault case of an air compressor has been chosen to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Result shows that the PCA-BP-MSET-based method can catch the fault developing process timely, which is appropriate for the faults prevention and rapid troubleshooting of air compressor.
Abstract MP63: How Much Does Exclusive Breastfeeding to the Recommended Six Months Increase Maternal Postpartum Weight Loss in Healthy Women?

Objective: Postpartum weight retention increases the risk of future obesity and cardiovascular disease. Although exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has been promoted as an effective means to lose gestat...
Motivational implications leading to the continued commitment of volunteer firefighters

The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between motivation and the continued commitment of volunteer firefighters.,This research using a phenomenological approach compares the lived experiences of 17 firefighters from five volunteer fire companies, seeking common themes leading to their longevity with the fire service.,There are commonalities in the reasons the participants joined and remained active in the fire service despite the many hours of ongoing training and commitment and disruptions to their personal lives.,The study focused on firefighters in north central New Jersey and the results might not apply to volunteer firefighters in other regions. The rewards of being a firefighter need to be stressed. The importance of contribution to community early in the firefighter’s career and the evolution to the role of teacher, mentor and protector of other members over time are roles new recruits and existing members identify with that are the core to firefighter commitment.,The findings identify four themes: commitment and giving back to the community, comradery, altruism, and the relationships with family and friends that initially brought the volunteers to their fire company. The findings suggest the importance of these values and the potential to apply them in retaining firefighters.,Evidence suggests that there are distinct reasons that individuals are attracted to the fire service and specific fire companies. Evidence also suggests that the role played by family members influences the level of activity of the volunteer firefighter.,This factor provides evidence behind the motivations of firefighters of diverse ages and backgrounds leading to their commitment to the fire service and their role as volunteer firefighters.
Roles for the adaptive immune system in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, affect millions of people and pose major personal and socioeconomic burdens. The causes of neurodegeneration are mostly unknown, although current efforts have described an autoimmune aspect to these diseases. Here we discuss recent findings that shed light on the involvement of the adaptive immune system in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and provide a model and outlook for further investigation of T cell responses in neurodegenerative disease. We focus on the identification of T cell epitopes from proteins involved in disease pathogenesis and describe the identification of α-synuclein-specific epitopes in Parkinson's disease which provided a crucial link between disease susceptibility and T cell recognition.
Diagnostic dilemmas in the diagnosis of breast cancer with PET/CT

1295 Learning Objectives We aim to review both benign and malignant findings on FDG PET/CT which can pose diagnostic dilemmas (e.g., false-negative or false-positive results) in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is a commonly performed exam for the diagnosis, staging, and restaging of various cancers. In women with breast cancer, the most common indications for PET/CT include staging, evaluation of therapeutic response, and monitoring for recurrence. In women undergoing PET/CT for non-breast malignancy, several studies have reported unexpected FDG-avid breast lesions with an incidence ranging from 0.82% to 6.3%. The specificity of FDG PET for differentiating benign from malignant disease has approached 90% in most studies. FDG, however, is not a tumor specific marker which can pose diagnostic dilemmas. Metabolic activity is commonly observed in a variety of physiologic conditions. Common benign lesions including infection, fat necrosis, and recent surgery or radiation can lead to false-positive results. Less common entities such as silicone granulomas can also accumulate FDG. Conversely, false-negative results can occur in certain histologic types of breast cancer such as lobular carcinoma and tubular carcinoma. Finally, unexpected malignant lesions from a different primary (e.g., lymphoma or melanoma) can mimic primary breast cancer on PET/CT. We aim to review principles of FDG PET/CT in conjunction with clinical examples of benign and malignant lesions to aid in the accurate interpretation of breast lesions.
Exercise for Smoking Cessation in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background Postmenopausal smokers have difficulty quitting smoking and experience considerable weight gain with smoking cessation. We examined whether adjunctive smoking treatment with exercise, compared to a relaxation control condition, could improve cigarette abstinence, decrease cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), and ameliorate changes in body mass index (BMI) in postmenopausal smokers. Methods Women (N = 301) signed informed consent and were randomized to treatment at two sites (Universities of Connecticut and Minnesota). We randomized groups of participants to a comprehensive group treatment program that included 12 weeks of varenicline and either a moderate exercise or relaxation component for 6 months. Participants were followed for a year after medication treatment. Results Overall, 17.3% of patients reported carbon monoxide-verified continuous abstinence for the 9- to 12-week period, and 11.6% reported prolonged abstinence at 1 year, with no significant differences between treatment conditions. CPD reported at study visits showed significant main effects for time in weeks, for site, and for treatment. The Exercise condition reported smoking fewer CPD over time, and that advantage widened over time. In terms of BMI, significant effects for time in weeks, and for the interaction of Week × Treatment condition, reflected gradually increasing BMI in these women over time, but with the increase in BMI slower in the Exercise condition. Conclusions Exercise, compared to relaxation, was associated with a reduced BMI and CPD in postmenopausal women, but did not increase end of treatment or prolonged abstinence. Further research is needed to devise exercise programs that increase smoking cessation rates in postmenopausal women. Implications This study adds to the literature on the effectiveness of a moderate exercise intervention compared to a relaxation control condition as an adjunctive treatment for smoking cessation in postmenopausal women. Our exercise program did not increase end of treatment or prolonged abstinence rates in postmenopausal women; however, there was a beneficial effect on smoking reduction and reduced body mass index. Additional research is needed to devise exercise programs that increase smoking cessation rates in postmenopausal women.
Abstract TP8: A Novel and Thermally Efficient System for Focal Cerebral Hypothermia

Background: Focal cerebral hypothermia via intracarotid cold saline infusion (CSI) is an emerging therapy for acute stroke. Systems of cold saline delivery tested in humans have been thermally inef...
Oxidation of alcohols using an oxoammonium salt bearing the nitrate anion

Abstract A methodology for the oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds is reported using a sub-stoichiometric quantity of an oxoammonium salt bearing the nitrate counterion. The approach proves successful for the oxidation of a range of alcohol substrates including those bearing an oxygen atom β to the site of oxidation or an α-trifluoromethyl moiety. The mechanism of the reaction has been probed and also gives an insight into the previously reported nitric acid mediated oxidation of alcohols.
Improving care to decrease stone recurrence and opioid use.

In 2019, quality improvement has been a central theme throughout leading articles on nephrolithiasis. Real-world outcomes were published on the natural history of stones and residual fragments, patient compliance with medical therapy and treatment-related opioid use. In-depth review of these topics will enhance provider–patient counselling and shape future paradigms in stone disease.
The Digital Transformation of Marketing: Impact on Marketing Practice & Markets

Digital technology technologies and business practices are expected to radically transform thecompetitive landscape and society. Central to changing business practices is how digital technologiesare transforming the practice of marketing which in turn is transforming the nature of marketsglobally. This paper, guided by the literature concerning the wave of digital disruption broughtabout by new technology, changes in consumer demand and new forms of business competitiondiscusses industry level and macroeconomic impact of the digital transformation of marketing.The drivers of the digital transformation in marketing, the critical role of understanding theconsumer value chain relative to marketing practice and the impact of changing business practiceson the larger economy. A new model developed by (Teixeira, 2019) to assess consumer demand isdescribed as a marketing practice innovation that can be used to gain new insights for innovationand marketing. These innovations in gaining market insights and in marketing strategies arediscussed regarding implications for industry and macroeconomic policy. The authors call for callsfor further research using this methodology to better understand how digital disruption is likely toimpact firm competitiveness and the nature of larger global economy.
Circuit Modeling of the Mechanical-Motion Rectifier for Electrical Simulation of Ocean Wave Power Takeoff

As is the case with several other mechanical power takeoffs (PTOs), the mechanical-motion-rectifier-based PTO consists of components, such as one-way clutches, gears, a ball screw, mechanical couplings, and a generator. Equivalent circuit models have been created in this article to describe the dry frictions, viscous damping, and mechanical compliances in these components, so the nonideal efficiency and nonlinear force of the PTO can be predicted in electrical simulations by integrating these subcircuit models. The circuit model is simplified, and its parameters are categorized as dc and ac unknowns. The dc and ac tests on the PTO are performed sequentially to extract two sets of parameters through linear regression or nonlinear curve fitting. Then, the model is validated through its prediction capability over 25 test conditions on input forces, output voltages, and efficiencies, with correlation coefficients of 0.9, 0.98, and 0.981, respectively.
Diagnosis and surgical therapy of pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor in children

Objective To summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas (SPTP) in children.Methods Clinical information of 9 cases of pediatric SPTP (F 8; M 1; Mean age:11 years and 5 months) was studied retrospectively and these patients underwent treatment from January 2002 to December 2011 in our center.Results There were no specific clinical manifestations in children with SPTP; such patients mainly presented abdominal pain or discomfort.CT scanning suggested cystic-solid or solid masses occupation could be seen in pancreas.During the operation,the tumors tissue was found to locate in the pancreatic head or neck in 4 cases,2 cases of tumor were in pancreatic body and 3 cases of tumors were in pancreatic tail.The tumor diameter ranged from 2.8 cm to 16.4 cm,and no abdominal or liver metastasis was noted.Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Child procedure) were performed in 2 patients,local resection of tumor tissue were performed in 4 patients,segmental pancreatectomy and pancreaticojejunostomy was performed in 1 patient respectively,1 patient underwent distal pancreatectomy combined splenectomy,and 1 patient underwent distal pancreatectomy.The histological examination revealed SPTP.Follow up period ranged from 3 mouths to 8 years,and no recurrence and metastasis were found in all.Conclusions CT scanning is the important method to diagnosis in children with SPTP,surgery is the main and effective therapeutic strategy.The procedures should be chosen based on the findings of preoperative CT imaging and intraoperative exploration of tumor location,and capsular integrity of the tumor,as well as infringement of surrounding tissue. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Diagnosis; Therapy; Child
Is VAT the Best Way to Impose a General Consumption Tax in Developing Countries

In this paper we discuss some recent critical literature on VAT in developing countries relating to its revenue productivity, its equity, and its impact on the development of the formal economy. Illustrating our argument with reference to two recent country studies (of Ukraine and Jamaica) we conclude that while there is merit in many of the criticisms that have been made, on the whole if a country needs a general consumption tax, as most developing countries do, then VAT is the one to have in almost all cases – although this conclusion certainly does not imply that the VAT already in force in most such countries is necessarily the ‘best’ VAT for their circumstances.
Real-time phasor analysis of fast FLIM for visualizing metabolic dynamics

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, together termed NAD(P)H, is often used to analyze and characterize the metabolic state of biological samples. The use of photon counting in FLIM of NAD(P)H often leads to long accumulation times which average out sub-second dynamics. This challenge is overcome with the presented two-photon fast FLIM system that uses an analog detection system and fast digitizer, enabling imaging up to 20 frames per second. Furthermore, GPU processing is used for real-time phasor analysis and visualization of collected data.
Directed energy deposition of Ni-Al-Cr-C composites: Microstructural evolution during solidification and wear

Abstract Laser engineered net shaping (LENS™) allows for the deposition of novel hybrid materials with microstructures composed of solid solution and precipitation strengthened metallic matrices, along with a distribution of reinforcing in situ formed hard ceramic and solid lubricant phases. In this study, four different composites in the Ni-Al-Cr-C system were fabricated via LENS™ as potential candidate materials for high temperature wear resistant components. Microstructural evolution during solidification and sliding wear were studied at room and elevated temperatures. Experimental and solution thermodynamic simulations were used to evaluate the evolution of various compositions of hard chromium carbides and solid lubricant graphite dispersed into a continuous γ/γ′ (L12) matrix. By tailoring the microstructures along the build direction, desired hardness and wear properties were achieved for the different Ni-Al-Cr-C composites. Specifically, compositional modification of chromium and carbon were determined to drastically affect the corresponding phase morphology and properties. The two lowest wear rates measured were for the Ni-14Al-9Cr-29 C (at%) composite at 500 °C and Ni-12Al-3Cr-45 C (at%) composite at room temperature. Mechanistic studies using surface and subsurface scanning and transmission electron microscopies in the wear surfaces revealed this was a result of a combination of increased hardness/load-bearing and formation of tribochemical protective oxide glaze layers.
Explainable artificial intelligence in high-throughput drug repositioning for subgroup stratifications with interventionable potential.

Abstract Enabling precision medicine requires developing robust patient stratification methods as well as drugs tailored to homogeneous subgroups of patients from a heterogeneous population. Developing de novo drugs is expensive and time consuming with an ultimately low FDA approval rate. These limitations make developing new drugs for a small portion of a disease population unfeasible. Therefore, drug repositioning is an essential alternative for developing new drugs for a disease subpopulation. This shows the importance of developing data-driven approaches that find druggable homogeneous subgroups within the disease population and reposition the drugs for these subgroups. In this study, we developed an explainable AI approach for patient stratification and drug repositioning. Contrast pattern mining and network analysis were used to discover homogeneous subgroups within a disease population. For each subgroup, a biomedical network analysis was done to find the drugs that are most relevant to a given subgroup of patients. The set of candidate drugs for each subgroup was ranked using an aggregated drug score assigned to each drug. The proposed method represents a human-in-the-loop framework, where medical experts use the data-driven results to generate hypotheses and obtain insights into potential therapeutic candidates for patients who belong to a subgroup. Colorectal cancer (CRC) was used as a case study. Patients' phenotypic and genotypic data was utilized with a heterogeneous knowledge base because it gives a multi-view perspective for finding new indications for drugs outside of their original use. Our analysis of the top candidate drugs for the subgroups identified by medical experts showed that most of these drugs are cancer-related, and most of them have the potential to be a CRC regimen based on studies in the literature.
Plant Root Templated Irrigation

A new method is explored for subsurface irrigation where the plant root structure is used as the subsurface water distribution system. Plants are severed at the stem and the stem stump is attached to a pressurized water source such that water may permeate into surrounding soil through the existing buried root system. This pressurized root system serves as a well- distributed buried irrigation water source to the other nearby growing plants taking up water. The feasibility of using an existing root structure in this manner to supply water at rates necessary to satisfy other growing plants was determined by conducting laboratory water hydraulic conductance studies. Laboratory growth studies were used to directly test the proposed root templated irrigation (RTI) approach. Modelling simulations were also utilized to extend laboratory findings to other scenarios and compare expected water use efficiency benefits associated with this proposed irrigation method with surface irrigation (SI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) practices. Irrigation study measurements showed that RTI provides more efficient water use as compared to SI. Modelling calculations were in qualitative agreement with the experimental studies, indicating that RTI yields improvement in root water uptake over the SI and also SDI unless SDI source spacing is narrow. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel algorithms for VLSI computer-aided design

Parallel computing is becoming an increasingly cost effective and affordable means for providing enormous computing power, and massively parallel (MPP) machines have been relatively easy to build. However, designing good parallel algorithms that can efficiently use the hardware resources to get the maximum performance remains a challenge. This text discusses the design and use of practical parallel algorithms for solving problems in a growing application area whose computational requirements are enormous - VLSI CAD applications. It also examines practical parallel algorithms (written in C and pseudo-C) for all forms of parallel programming - shared memory, MIMD, message passing distributed MIMD and SIMD, for a variety of interesting applications, with experimental results.
The Restricted Hill Four-Body Problem with Applications to the Earth–Moon–Sun System

Starting from the four-body problem a generalization of both the restricted three-body problem and the Hill three-body problem is derived. The model is time periodic and contains two parameters: the mass ratio ν of the restricted three-body problem and the period parameter m of the Hill Variation orbit. In the proper coordinate frames the restricted three-body problem is recovered as m → 0 and the classical Hill three-body problem is recovered as ν → 0. This model also predicts motions described by earlier researchers using specific models of the Earth–Moon–Sun system. An application of the current model to the motion of a spacecraft in the Sun perturbed Earth–Moon system is made using Hill's Variation orbit for the motion of the Earth–Moon system. The model is general enough to apply to the motion of an infinitesimal mass under the influence of any two primaries which orbit a larger mass. Using the model, numerical investigations of the structure of motions around the geometric position of the triangular Lagrange points are performed. Values of the parameter ν range in the neighborhood of the Earth–Moon value as the parameter m increases from 0 to 0.195 at which point the Hill Variation orbit becomes unstable. Two families of planar periodic orbits are studied in detail as the parameters m and ν vary. These families contain stable and unstable members in the plane and all have the out-of-plane stability. The stable and unstable manifolds of the unstable periodic orbits are computed and found to be trapped in a geometric area of phase space over long periods of time for ranges of the parameter values including the Earth–Moon–Sun system. This model is derived from the general four-body problem by rigorous application of the Hill and restricted approximations. The validity of the Hill approximation is discussed in light of the actual geometry of the Earth–Moon–Sun system.
Autologous albumin enhances the humoral immune response to capsular polysaccharide covalently coattached to bacteria-sized latex beads

Abundant autologous proteins, like serum albumin, should be immunologically inert. However, individuals with no apparent predisposition to autoimmune disease can develop immune responses to autologous therapeutic proteins. Protein aggregation is a potential major trigger of these responses. Adsorption of proteins to particles provides macromolecular size and may generate structural changes in the protein, resembling aggregation. Using aldehyde/sulfate latex beads coated with murine serum albumin (MSA), we found that BALB/c mice mounted MSA-specific IgG responses that were dependent on CD4(+) T cells. IgGs were specific for MSA adsorbed to solid surfaces and noncross-reactive with human, bovine, or pig albumins. T cells induced in response to MSA augmented the primary and induced boosted secondary IgG and IgM responses specific for the T cell-independent antigen, capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14 (PPS14), when the latter was attached to the same bead. Similar to the anti-MSA IgG response, the boosted PPS14-specific IgG secondary response was CD4(+) T-cell dependent, displayed a typical carrier effect, and was enhanced by, but did not require, Toll-like receptor stimulation. These results provide a potential mechanism for the induction of responses to autoantigens unable to induce specific T-cell responses, and provide new insights into polysaccharide-specific immunity.
Biosynthesis of Biotin in Microorganisms V. Control of Vitamer Production

Use of a yeast-lactobacillus differential microbiological assay permitted investigation into the synthesis of biotin vitamers by a variety of bacteria. A major portion of the biotin activity was found extracellularly. The level of total biotin (assayable with yeast) greatly exceeded the level of true biotin (assayed with lactobacillus). Values for intracellular biotin generally showed good agreement between the assays, suggesting the presence of only true biotin within the cells. Bioautographic analysis of the medium after growth of each organism revealed the presence of large amounts of a vitamer which corresponded to dl-desthiobiotin on the basis of Rf value and biological activity. Biotin, when detected at all, was at very low concentrations. Also, an avidin-uncombinable vitamer was synthesized by a majority of the bacteria. Addition of d-biotin to the growth medium prevented completely the synthesis of both vitamers of biotin. d-Biotin-d-sulfoxide had no effect on the synthesis of desthiobiotin or the avidin-uncombinable vitamer. Addition of dl-desthiobiotin did not prevent its own synthesis nor that of the other vitamer. Control of vitamer synthesis is therefore highly specific for d-biotin. The avidin-uncombinable vitamer was produced only at repressed levels in the presence of high concentrations of both d-biotin and dl-desthiobiotin, which suggested that it is not a degradation product of these substances. A possible mechanism for the overproduction of the biosynthetic precursors of biotin is presented.
Carrie Rosefsky Wickham, The Muslim Brotherhood: evolution of an Islamist movement

Carrie Rosefsky Wickham’s 2002 book Mobilizing Islam: Religion, Activism and Political Change in Egypt (Columbia University Press) has rightly been seen by many as a classic in the study of Islamis...
Optimization of instrumentation in parallel performance evaluation tools

Tools to observe the performance of parallel programs typically employ profiling and tracing as the two main forms of event-based measurement models. In both of these approaches, the volume of performance data generated and the corresponding perturbation encountered in the program depend upon the amount of instrumentation in the program. To produce accurate performance data, tools need to control the granularity of instrumentation. In this paper, we describe developments in the TAU performance system aimed at controlling the amount of instrumentation in performance experiments. A range of options are provided to optimize instrumentation based on the structure of the program, event generation rates, and historical performance data gathered from prior executions.
Copyrighting Couture: An Examination of Fashion Design Protection and Why the DPPA and IDPPPA are a Step Towards the Solution to Counterfeit Chic

In recent years, there has been much debate about the need for intellectual property protection for fashion designs. Two bills introduced before the 111th Congress purported to provide a solution for this need. The Design Piracy Prohibition Act ("DPPA"), which was introduced in the House April 3, 2009, and the Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act ("IDPPPA"), which was introduced in the Senate on August 5, 2010 would have amended Chapter 13 of the Copyright Act to provide sui generis protection for fashion designs. While some scholars worry that bills like the DPPA and the IDPPPA would stifle creativity, many designers think that such protection would afford them more freedom to create new and innovative designs. Scholarly debate aside, piracy is a $12 billion drain on the fashion industry that "steals the very essence of enterprise" by diluting branding and making it more difficult for new designers to begin their careers. Because current intellectual property laws do not address the unique issues involved in fashion design, pirates appropriate, or even directly replicate, others’ designs even while facing a constant stream of lawsuits. For example, the company Forever 21, one of the most notorious design thieves, has been the subject of over fifty lawsuits between 2006 and 2009 alone. Unfortunately, intellectual property law’s current status makes it very difficult for designers to find relief for their pirated designs. This Comment discusses the piracy problems plaguing the fashion industry and offers a potential solution based on combining the best aspects of the DPPA and the IDPPPA. Part II examines design piracy - both what it is and the attempts that have been made to gain protection against it - and discusses why current jurisprudence insufficiently addresses the needs of the American fashion industry. Part III.A analyzes the need to protect fashion designs and addresses opponents’ concerns. In light of those concerns, Part III.B examines how each bill addresses design piracy and suggests potential changes that would make each bill more effective at protecting fashion designs. Finally, Part IV offers parting commentary.