cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CT features of adenomyosis.

Abstract Objectives To determine the computed tomography (CT) features of adenomyosis in patients with known adenomyosis as established with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Methods A computerized search identified 16 women with pelvic MR diagnosis of adenomyosis who also had enhanced pelvic CT. Original CT reports were reviewed for potential prospective diagnosis of adenomyosis. CT images were reviewed for enhancement phase, inner and outer myometrium attenuation, uterine enlargement (width>6 cm), inner myometrial thickening (≥12 mm), and myometrial cysts. Results Adenomyosis was detectable on CT in 8 of 16 patients. For these 8 patients, inner and outer myometrium distinction was excellent in 7 (88%) and limited in 1 (12%), and mean inner myometrial thickness was 25 mm (range 14–47 mm). CT enhancement phase was parenchymal in 7 (88%), uterus was enlarged in 8 (100%), and 7 (88%) had myometrial cysts. Adenomyosis was focal in 5 (63%), diffuse in 2 (25%), and both in 1 (12%). None of the original CT reports included adenomyosis as a diagnosis. Conclusions CT can suggest a diagnosis of adenomyosis based on uterine enlargement, thickened inner myometrium, and/or myometrial cysts.
A New Technique for the Elimination of Fluorescence Interference in Raman Spectroscopy

A new instrument for Raman spectroscopy has been constructed with the use of a cw or mode-locked argon-ion laser as the excitation source and a microwave spectrum analyzer for discrimination between fluorescence and Raman scatter. To demonstrate the new instrument's capability, the weak Raman scatter of water was resolved from the intense fluorescence from rhodamine 6G. Theoretically predicted relative errors in the new procedure are calculated and experimental results are shown to be in good agreement with theory.
Hygienic behavior of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) is independent of sucrose responsiveness and foraging ontogeny.

Hygienic behavior in honey bees is a behavioral mechanism of disease resistance. Bees bred for hygienic behavior exhibit an increased olfactory sensitivity to odors of diseased brood, which is most likely differentially enhanced in the hygienic line by the modulatory effects of octopamine (OA), a noradrenaline-like neuromodulator. Here, we addressed whether the hygienic behavioral state is linked to other behavioral activities known to be modulated by OA. We specifically asked if, during learning trials, bees from hygienic colonies discriminate better between odors of diseased and healthy brood because of differences in sucrose (reward) response thresholds. This determination had to be tested because sucrose response thresholds are susceptible to OA modulation and may have influenced the honey bee’s association of the conditioned stimulus (odor) with the unconditioned stimulus (i.e., the sucrose reward). Because the onset of first foraging is also modulated by OA, we also examined whether bees from hygienic colonies differentially forage at an earlier age compared to bees from non-hygienic colonies. Our study revealed that 1-day- and 15- to 20-day-old bees from the hygienic line do not have lower sucrose response thresholds compared to bees from the non-hygienic lines. In addition, hygienic bees did not forage at an earlier age or forage preferentially for pollen as compared to non-hygienic bees. These results support the idea that OA does not function in honey bees simply to enhance the detection of all chemical cues non-selectively or control related behaviors regardless of their environmental milieu. Our results indicate that the behavioral profile of the hygienic bee is sculpted by multiple factors including genetic, neural, social and environmental systems.
The Political Economy of the Rule of Law: The Challenge of the New Developmental State

The continuation of a major role for the state in developing economies, and the emergence of forms of intervention not employed in the past, suggests that we may be seeing the emergence of a ‘new developmental state’ that is inspired by a new political economy.
Minimizing expected energy consumption through optimal integration of DVS and DPM

While Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS) and Dynamic Power Management (DPM) techniques are widely used in real-time embedded applications, their complex interaction is not fully understood. In this research effort, we consider the problem of minimizing the expected energy consumption on settings where the workload is known only probabilistically. By adopting a system-level power model, we formally show how the optimal processing frequency can be computed efficiently for a real-time embedded application that can use multiple devices during its execution, while still meeting the timing constraints. Our evaluations indicate that the new technique provides clear (up to 35%) energy gains over the existing solutions that are proposed for deterministic workloads. Moreover, in a non-negligible part of the parameter spectrum, the algorithm's performance is shown to be close to that of a clairvoyant algorithm that can minimize the energy consumption with the advance knowledge about the exact workload. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.4.1 [Operating Systems]: Process Management-Scheduling; D.4.7 [Operating Systems]: Organization and Design-Real-time systems and embedded systems General Terms Algorithms, Performance
Determinants of Corporate Dividend Policy: A Factorial Analysis

This paper re-examines the dividend policy issue by conducting a simultaneous test of the alternative explanations of corporate payout policy using a two-step procedure that involves factor analysis and multiple regression. Several new proxies for theoretical attributes that have appeared in the literature are introduced, including the role of managerial dimensions in determining dividend policy. Strong support is found for the transaction cost/residual theory of dividends. pecking order argument, and the role of dividends in mitigating agency problems. Strong support is also found for the role of managerial consideration in affecting the firm's payout policy; specifically, firms that maintain stable dividend policies and firms that enjoy financial flexibility pay higher dividends. The results appear to support the tax clientele argument.
Congenital Atresia of the Colon: A Review and a Case Report

Current concepts of the incidence, œtiology, diagnosis and management of atresia of the colon are outlined. A case report of Type III atresia treated by a one-stage procedure is presented. It is felt that the use of parenteral alimentation played a major part in the successful outcome
Differential surface-charge-induced damage of dielectrics and leakage kinetics during plasma processing

Geometric-structure-dependent charging, caused by the difference in the angular distribution functions for electrons and ions, has been investigated using a Kelvin probe. The experimental data shows that the magnitude of the residual charge accumulated on the surface during plasma processing is a function of the aspect ratio. The surface voltage is not a monotonic function of the etch depth, but has a maximum at a certain depth. The surface voltage considerably reduces vs time for deep holes (thin remaining dielectric), while it was relatively constant for shallow holes. These results suggest that there are two possible channels for the surface-charge leakage, along the surface and between the bottom of a hole and the Si substrate.
The “Flashback”: Arousal-Statebound Recall of Experience

(1971). The “Flashback”: Arousal-Statebound Recall of Experience. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 3, Drug Abuse 1971, pp. 31-39.
Intersectoral differences in public affairs: the duty of public reporting in public administration

Public reporting is a requirement for public affairs practitioners in public administration because of the democratic context in which government operates. By reporting to the public-at-large on agency activities, government agencies contributed to an informed citizenry, the essential foundation of a democracy. For public affairs in business administration and non-profit administration, public reporting is desirable rather than mandatory. Public reporting was traditionally accomplished indirectly, through news media coverage of government. However, recent research suggests a diminution of interest by the media in fulfilling its role as an instrument of democracy. This means that the public reporting obligation of public affairs professionals in public administration needs to shift to direct reporting, through such products as annual reports, newsletters, TV programmes, Internet websites etc. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Association between mental health disorders and juveniles' detention for a personal crime

Background: Youth involved with juvenile courts often suffer from mental health difficulties and disorders, and these mental health disorders have often been a factor leading to the youth's delinquent behaviours and activities. Method: The present study of a sample population (N = 341), randomly drawn from one urban US county's juvenile court delinquent population, investigated which specific mental health disorders predicted detention for committing a personal crime. Results: Youth with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder diagnoses were significantly less likely to commit personal crimes and experience subsequent detention, while youth with bipolar diagnoses were significantly more likely. Conclusion: Co‐ordinated youth policy efforts leading to early identification and treatment of bipolar disorder symptoms may be necessary.
Progression of lower urinary tract symptoms in older men: a community based study.

Purpose: Lower urinary tract symptom progression in community dwelling older men is not well described.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 5,697 participants in Osteoporotic Fractures in Men, a prospective cohort study of community dwelling men 65 years old or older. We characterized lower urinary tract symptoms using the American Urological Association symptom index at 2 time points, including at study entry and at 2-year followup. Progression was examined in the overall cohort and within baseline symptom strata (symptom index 7 or less and 8 or greater) using descriptive statistics.Results: At baseline mean ± SD age was 73.5 ± 5.8 years and mean symptom index score was 8.3 ± 6.3 points. Mean and median total symptom index increased during followup by 1.1 ± 5.0 and 1.0 points, respectively. Of the 3,092 men with a symptom index of 7 points or less at baseline 883 (29%) reported lower urinary tract symptoms progression (8 points or greater) at followup. The incidence of lower urinary tract symptom progres...
Evaluation of automated speed enforcement in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Objectives. Almost one quarter of speeding-related fatalities occur on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. In 2007, Montgomery County, Maryland, implemented the state's first automated speed enforcement program, with camera use limited to residential streets with speeds limits of 35 mph or less and school zones. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate initial effects of camera enforcement on traffic speeds and to assess public attitudes. Methods. Vehicle speeds were measured approximately 6 months before and 6 months after speed cameras were deployed and warning signs were installed. Speed data were collected on a sample of roads with and without camera enforcement in Montgomery County, as well as on a sample of roads in a comparison community that did not have speed cameras. In addition, telephone surveys were conducted in Montgomery County. Results. Relative to speeds of drivers on roads in the comparison community, the proportion of drivers in Montgomery County traveling more than 10 ...
Development and leadership of research consortia: lessons learned and possible road ahead for continued innovation

The objective of this presentation is to discuss issues involved in the formation, and successful operation of research consortia. As an example, the Complex Interactive Network and Systems Initiative, CINSI, is a program that aims to develop tools and techniques that will enable national infrastructures to self-heal. EPRI and the US DoD are jointly funding the project for about $30 million over five years.
The risk of hand foot skin reaction to pazopanib, a novel multikinase inhibitor: a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis.

Pazopanib is a novel multikinase inhibitor that shares a similar spectrum of target receptors with sorafenib and sunitinib. We have performed a systematic analysis to investigate the risk of HFSR to pazopanib and compare the difference in incidence between sorafenib, sunitinib, and pazopanib. Relevant studies were identified from PubMed (1998–2010) and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conferences between 2004 and 2010. Eligible studies were limited to prospective Phase II-III clinical trials in which cancer patients were treated with pazopanib 800 mg orally once daily. Incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies. A total of 1,163 patients from 10 prospective clinical trials were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of all-grade and high-grade HFSR was 4.5% (95% CI: 2.5–7.9%) and 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7–4.6%), respectively. The relative risks of all-grade and high-grade HFSR to pazopanib monotherapy in comparison with controls were increased for all-grade (RR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.11-33.36, p = 0.037) and high-grade HFSR (RR = 2.51, 95% CI: 0.12–51.9, p = 0.55). The risk of all-grade and high-grade HFSR to pazopanib was significantly lower as compared to sorafenib and sunitinib (RR = 7.5, 95% CI: 5.5–10.2, p < 0.001; RR = 5.9, 95% CI: 3.5–10.0, p < 0.001 and RR = 4.2, 95% CI: 3.0–5.7, p < 0.001; RR = 3.6, 95% CI: 2.1–6.2, p < 0.001). Despite sharing the same spectrum of target receptors with sorafenib and sunitinib, pazopanib is associated with an unexpectedly low risk of HFSR. Further investigations are needed to elucidate HFSR pathogenesis.
Splenic extramedullary hematopoietic proliferation in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: heterogeneous morphology and cytological composition

We studied 24 spleens with extramedullary hematopoietic proliferation (EMHP), a key feature of advanced-stage Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms, obtained from 24 patients (14 primary myelofibrosis, 7 polycythemia vera and 3 unclassifiable). Hematoxylin and eosin, reticulin and trichrome stains, and immunohistochemical stains for myeloperoxidase, glycophorin-C, CD42b, CD34, CD117, CD8, nerve growth factor receptor and smooth muscle actin were evaluated. Clinical information was correlated with the morphological findings. Three distinct histological patterns of EMHP were recognized: diffuse (12), nodular (5), and mixed-nodular and diffuse (7). The preponderant lineage was granulocytic in diffuse, trilineage in nodular and erythroid in mixed EMHP. Erythropoiesis was largely intravascular, granulopoiesis was within the splenic cords and megakaryopoiesis was observed in both locations. The stromal changes paralleled the histological pattern with preservation of the splenic stromal and vascular architecture in the diffuse areas as opposed to areas of nodular EMHP. The morphological features of the splenic EMHP did not correlate with specific subtypes of myeloproliferative neoplasms. The mean duration of follow-up from initial diagnosis was 80 months. A total of 15 of the 24 patients died of disease: 8 of 12 (67%) with diffuse, 2 of 5 (40%) with nodular and 5 of 7 (71%) with mixed growth patterns. The mean duration from diagnosis to splenectomy was shorter in patients with diffuse (83 months) as compared with those with nodular EMHP (127 months). Our study demonstrates that splenic extramedullary hematopoietic proliferation in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms shows distinct histological patterns that do not correlate with disease subtypes, but appear to suggest a trend between the histological patterns and clinical behavior. These results suggest a different biology of the disease in the nodular and diffuse extramedullary hematopoietic proliferation groups.
A Methodology and Equilibria for the Design Tradeoffs of Autonomous Trading Agents

In previous work we have introduced a principled methodology for systematically exploring the space of bidding strategies when agents participate in a significant number of simultaneous auctions, and thus finding an analytical solution is not possible. We decompose the problem into sub-problems and then use rigorous experimentation to determine the best partial strategies. In this paper we clarify and extend our methodology. We also examine the Bayes-Nash equilibria for some of the design tradeoffs that arise when the problem is decomposed and each tradeoff is examined independently and provide some equilibrium strategies. Our agent White-Bear was created by using the results of this methodology and has consistently been a top-scoring agent in all the competitions.
Surface acoustic signal defader

A surface acoustic signal defader for optimizing the signal received from underwater sound scattered from the ocean surface. The bandwidth of the underwater sound source is monitored and the frequency of maximum signal strength is identified. When the maximum signal strength frequency fades a predetermined amount, reception is switched to the signal of maximum anti-correlation. This process is continuous such that when the new frequency fades the anti-correlation process will determine the optimum frequency for the new fading condition, thus resulting in optimum reception of surface scattered underwater sound.
Multistage Isoelectric Focusing: A Novel On-Chip Bio-Separation Technique

This experimental study reports a method to increase the resolving power of isoelectric focusing (IEF) on a polymeric microfluidic chip. Microfluidic chip is formed on poly-di-methyl siloxane (PDMS) using soft lithography and multilayer bonding technique. In this novel bioseparation technique, IEF is staged by first focusing protein species in a straight channel using broad-range ampholytes and then refocusing segments of that first channel into secondary channels that branch out from the first one. Experiments demonstrated that three fluorescent protein species within a segment of pH gradient in the first stage were refocused in the second stage with much higher resolution in a shallower pH gradient. A serially performed two-stage IEF was completed in less than 25 minutes under particularly small electric field strength up to 100 V/cm.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
On approximating point spread distributions

We discuss some properties of the point spread distribution, defined as the distribution of the difference of two independent binomial random variables with the same parameter n including exact and approximate probabilities and related optimization issues. We use various approximation techniques for different distributions, special functions, and analytic, combinatorial and symbolic methods, such as multi-summation techniques. We prove that in case of unequal success rates, if these rates change with their difference kept fixed and small, and n is appropriately bounded, then the point spread distribution only slightly changes for small point differences. We also prove that for equal success rates p, the probability of a tie is minimized if p=1/2. Numerical examples are included for the case with n=12.
Beyond Visitation: Ministries with the Homebound Elderly

Reports exploratory research designed to identify type of ministries to the home-bound in four communities. Four models of ministry emerged from the research: (1) the pastoral-focused ministry; (2) the shared clergy-laity visitation model; (3) the minister of visitation form; and (4) the combined clergy/laity involvement ministry. Concludes that a successful homebound ministry includes four principles: (1) ministry should address the whole person; (2) reach out to all persons who have a need; (3) utilize shut-ins; and (4) use all the possible resources of ministry.
The Kirsten Flagstad Memorial Collection

THE Kirsten Flagstad Memorial Collection, established in the library of the California Historical Society in 1964 as a part of one of the largest California theater collections in the State, not only records the career of one of the foremost singers of all time but also reflects the momentous span of history in which she was so inextricably involved. Mme. Flagstad's career covered a period of 40 years, from December 12, 1913 (in the role of Nuri in "Tiefland"), to her farewell concert (with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra) on December 12, 1953 (on both occasions in the National Theater, Oslo). During her long career she appeared often in recital throughout California and in performances of opera in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. She was scheduled to sing for the first time with the San Francisco Opera Company on Monday night, November 4, 1935; and on Sunday afternoon, November 3, she wrote, " . . . I am very happy to be here. I think it is a marvelous place." And in i960 she wrote to another young friend, "I nearly envy you the sights of San Francisco, my favorite city in the U.S.A." Her friendships in California were deep and lasting and, combined with her career in that State, have provided an intimate documentation of unique personal achievement. She was history's child, sometimes joyously but often to her utter dismay and bewilderment, particularly from the day of her debut at the Metropolitan Opera on February 2, 1935, during the Great Depression. She was thenceforth in a spotlight of sustained, fantastic intensity until her death, which made headlines 9 years after her formal farewell as a singer and 7 years after her last public appearance in the United States. The nucleus of the collection was furnished by Mrs. Milton H. Esberg, Sr., of San Francisco, whose friendship with Flagstad began in 1935 and ended only with the singer's death on December 7, 1962. The cofounder of the collection is a young native Californian, Prof. Samuel Draper, whose friendship was particularly precious to Mme. Flagstad in the last decade of her life.
What means ‘community’?

94 What is a community? In attempting to delineate any community, the researcher must clearly understand what he is trying o study. Without first clarifying what com munity means, he is apt to be confused about selecting and using relevant variables. After examining various concepts of com munity, Hillery reported that most theorists were ". . . in basic agreement that commu nity consists of persons in social interaction within a geographic area and having one or more common ties." 1 Helpful as ter ritory and social relations are in defining community, most researchers consider these elements vague—so vague that they do not provide sufficient direction for specifying the variables or attributes that characterize
Association between light-to-dark changes in angle width and iris parameters in light, dark and changes from light-to-dark conditions

Background/aims To evaluate the association between light-to-dark changes in angle width parameters and iris parameters in light, dark and changes from light-to-dark conditions. Methods In this prospective, cross-sectional study, anterior segment optical coherence tomography images, obtained under light and dark conditions, were analysed to determine angle opening distance measured at 500 μm from the scleral spur (AOD500), trabecular–iris space area at 500 μm from the scleral spur (TISA500), iris thickness measured at 750 μm from the scleral spur (IT750), iris thickness measured at 2000 μm from the scleral spur (IT2000), iris area (IArea) and pupil diameter (PD). Multivariable linear mixed-effect regression models were used to evaluate the association between light-to-dark changes in angle width parameters (AOD500, TISA500) and iris parameters (IT750, IT2000, IArea, PD) in light, dark and changes from light-to-dark conditions. Results 534 eyes from 314 non-glaucomatous subjects were analysed. IT750, IT2000, IArea and PD in light conditions were significantly associated with light-to-dark changes in AOD500 (p<0.05). IT750, IT2000 and IArea in light conditions were significantly associated with light-to-dark changes in TISA500 (p<0.05). IT750 in dark conditions was significantly associated with light-to-dark changes in AOD500 and TISA500 (p<0.05). Light-to-dark changes in IT2000, IArea and PD were significantly associated with light-to-dark changes in AOD500 (p<0.05). Light-to-dark changes in IArea were significantly associated with light-to-dark changes in TISA500 (p<0.05). Conclusions Evaluation of iris parameters in light, dark and changes from light-to-dark conditions demonstrated that IT750, IT2000, IArea and PD in light conditions are significant predictors of light-to-dark changes in angle width.
Spatial Organization of the Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis) on Santa Cruz Island, California

We measured size and overlap of home ranges and core areas to evaluate the spatial organization of island foxes on Santa Cruz Island, California. Home ranges and core areas did not differ significantly between study areas, genders, or the wet and dry season. Consistent with island vertebrates elsewhere, home ranges of island foxes were considerably smaller than those of gray foxes, their closest relatives. The social organization of island foxes, however, was similar to that of gray foxes and primarily consisted of male-female pairs occupying home ranges with core areas that overlapped little with those of adjacent pairs. Substantial spatial overlap between pair members, lack of intersexual differences in size of home range, slight physical dimorphism, and equal sex ratios suggest that island foxes may be monogamous.
NGN-oriented Business and Operation Support System

The Next Generation Network (NGN) is based on packet switching and open network architecture. Therefore, the NGN business and operation support focuses on customers, totally different from that for conventional telecommunications networks, which concentrates on network operation and maintenance. An NGN operation and maintenance support system should be customer-focused, market-oriented and profit-targeted. Based on its unified NGN operation and maintenance support system, ZTE has implemented an integrated network management system that covers every functional layer of the NGN. Accordingly, technical updates can be flexibly implemented on the network to meet the requirements of technology revolution, and new services aimed at customers offered to operators.
Systems Medicine Approaches to Improving Understanding, Treatment, and Clinical Management of Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer

Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. More than 200,000 new cases are added each year in the US, translating to a lifetime risk of 1 in 7 men. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive and treatmentresistant form of prostate cancer. A subset of patients treated with aggressive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) present with NEPC. Patients with NEPC have a reduced 5-year overall survival rate of 12.6%. Knowledge integration from genetic, epigenetic, biochemical and therapeutic studies suggests NEPC as an indicative mechanism of resistance development to various forms of therapy. Methods: In this perspective, we discuss various experimental, computational and risk prediction methodologies that can be utilized to identify novel therapies against NEPC. We reviewed literature from PubMed and computationally analyzed publicly available genomics data to present different possibilities for developing systems medicine based therapeutic and curative models to understand and target prostate cancer and NEPC. Results: We discuss strategies including gene-set analyses, network analyses, genomics and phenomics aided drug development, microRNA and peptide-based therapeutics, pathway modeling, drug repositioning and cancer immunotherapies. We also discuss the application of cancer risk estimations and mining of electronic medical records to develop personalized risk predictions models for NEPC. Preemptive stratification of patients who are at risk of evolving NEPC phenotypes using predictive models could also help to design and deliver better therapies. Conclusion: Collectively, understanding the mechanism of NEPC evolution from prostate cancer using systems biology approaches would help in devising better treatment strategies and is critical and unmet clinical need.
Oncologic Emergencies: Gastroenterology

Technologic advances in gastroenterology (GI) have changed the nature of GI’s involvement in cancer care from staging to surveillance to management of tumor or treatment-related emergencies. GI-related oncologic emergencies represent a small proportion of all oncologic emergencies. This chapter discusses the most important including GI bleeding, luminal and biliary obstruction, acute pancreatitis, hepatic decompensation, and dislodgement of enteral devices. These disorders require early recognition so that management can be directed efficiently. A multidisciplinary approach to such patients and conditions including consultation with oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, primary care, and gastroenterology to assist in management, which may include a therapeutic GI procedure, is likely to lead to optimal patient outcomes.
Pathogens of Insects

Publisher Summary The pathogens that cause disease in insects fall into four main groups: viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. This chapter discusses the primary biological properties of each of these pathogen groups, with specific emphasis on how these pathogens have been used to benefit humans. Pathogens are viruses or microorganisms that cause disease. Like all other organisms, insects are susceptible to a variety of diseases caused by pathogens. Many of these pathogens cause diseases that are acute and fatal and therefore are used as models to study processes of infection and pathogenesis as well as to control populations of insects that are pests or vectors of plant and animal diseases. Generally, insect pathogens have a relatively narrow host range and thus are considered to be more environmentally friendly than synthetic chemical insecticides. The use of the nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPV) of the European spruce sawfly, Gilpinia hercyniae, as a classical biological control agent. In addition to the use of NPVs in insect control, one baculovirus, the AcMNPV, has been developed as an expression vector for producing a large number of foreign proteins in vitro. This expression system takes advantage of the strong polyhedrin promoter system, which in the wild-type viruses produces large amounts of the polyhedria used to occlude virions. By substituting foreign genes for the polyhedrin gene, it is possible to synthesize in insect cell cultures large quantities of foreign proteins, such as the capsid proteins of viruses that attack the vertebrates used for vaccine development and basic biomedical research.
Evaluating the IADE Genre-Based Prototype

This chapter recounts empirical evidence supporting theory-driven claims about four CALL qualities investigated to evaluate IADE: Language Learning Potential, Meaning Focus, Learner Fit, and Impact. In reporting the findings, I first introduce the students’ perspective and then present the insights derived from introspective and inferential interpretations. Throughout the chapter, I diligently infiltrate students’ voices and writing excerpts to illustrate phenomena that help construe the effects of this corpus-based AWE prototype.
The effect of human thought on data: an analysis of self-reported data in supervised learning and neural networks

While scientific applications can gather consistent data from the natural world, psychological, sociological, and even economic applications rely on data provided by people. Since the majority of machine learning is aimed at improving the lives of people, human input is essential for useful results. In this paper, we explore datasets where input and target attributes are provided by people taking surveys. Every survey dataset, generated from human input, is reliable and self-consistent according to Cronbach’s alpha. One expects a reliable questionnaire to provide effective data for learning. It is this expectation that our analysis finds false, when applied to supervised learning. Both statistical analysis and application of several supervised learning architectures, with a focus on neural networks, are utilized to provide insight into data gathered through human input.
Genetic diversity of currently circulating rubella viruses: a need to define more precise viral groups

Recent studies have shown that the currently circulating rubella viruses are mostly members of two genotypes, 1E and 2B. Also, genetically distinct viruses of genotype 1G have been found in East and West Africa. This study used a Mantel test to objectively include both genetic diversity and geographic location in the definition of lineages, and identified statistically justified lineages (n=13) and sub-lineages (n=9) of viruses within genotypes 1G, 1E and 2B. Genotype 2B viruses were widely distributed, while viruses of genotype 1E as well as 1G and 1J were much more geographically restricted. This analysis showed that more precise groupings for rubella viruses are possible, which should improve the ability to track rubella viruses worldwide. A year-by-year analysis revealed gaps in surveillance that need to be resolved in order to support the surveillance needed for enhanced control and elimination goals for rubella.
Multispectral open-air intraoperative fluorescence imaging.

Intraoperative fluorescence imaging informs decisions regarding surgical margins by detecting and localizing signals from fluorescent reporters, labeling targets such as malignant tissues. This guidance reduces the likelihood of undetected malignant tissue remaining after resection, eliminating the need for additional treatment or surgery. The primary challenges in performing open-air intraoperative fluorescence imaging come from the weak intensity of the fluorescence signal in the presence of strong surgical and ambient illumination, and the auto-fluorescence of non-target components, such as tissue, especially in the visible spectral window (400–650 nm). In this work, a multispectral open-air fluorescence imaging system is presented for translational image-guided intraoperative applications, which overcomes these challenges. The system is capable of imaging weak fluorescence signals with nanomolar sensitivity in the presence of surgical illumination. This is done using synchronized fluorescence excitation and image acquisition with real-time background subtraction. Additionally, the system uses a liquid crystal tunable filter for acquisition of multispectral images that are used to spectrally unmix target fluorescence from non-target auto-fluorescence. Results are validated by preclinical studies on murine models and translational canine oncology models.
Catheter Exit-Site and Tunnel Infections

Catheter-related infections, namely, exit-site infections (ESIs) and tunnel infections (TIs), are significant complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in children. ESIs and TIs should be identified early and treated promptly as they are associated with an increased risk for peritonitis. The diagnosis of ESIs and TIs is aided by a scoring system based on redness, tenderness, edema, and secretions at the exit/tunnel site. Optimal chronic catheter care measures such as cleansing with an antiseptic solution, proper hand washing, and topical antibiotic prophylaxis may prevent ESIs and TIs. Oral antibiotic treatment of ESIs with first generation cephalosporins or ciprofloxacin (for suspected Pseudomonas) is recommended empirically pending culture results. TIs can be treated with oral, intravenous, or intraperitoneal antibiotics. Treatment duration is generally 2–4 weeks and for at least 7 days after resolution of external symptoms. ESIs and TIs due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be difficult to treat and often result in catheter removal.
Cardiovascular Physiology of Exercise

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the cardiovascular physiology of exercise, its mechanism supporting substrate oxidation, and circulatory regulation during exercise. The cardiovascular system is regulated such that the metabolic demands of working skeletal muscles are met. A full appreciation of the circulatory controls associated with muscular exercise requires recognition of the unique and complex physiological integration. Increased oxygen requirements of working muscles are met by increasing the amount of blood flowing through the muscles and extracting more of the available oxygen in blood delivered to the tissues. Low-flow rates are due to the high level of intrinsic tone of vascular smooth muscle in skeletal muscle blood vessels. During exercise, increased blood flow occurs as the result of factors that overcome normal vasoconstriction to yield blood vessel dilation. To deliver the additional oxygen required by contracting muscles, a coordinated response of the heart, resistance vessels, and capacitance vessels is necessary. This cardiac output requirement is necessary to increase blood flow to working skeletal muscles and subsequently increase pulmonary blood flow and respiratory functions. Thus, circulatory adjustments during exercise are qualitatively and quantitatively appropriate to meet the metabolic demands imposed on the organism.
Adolescents and oral contraceptives.

PIP: Oral contraceptive (OC) options for adolescents are provides. Clarification for those desiring a birth control method is necessary and the benefits of decreased acne and dysmenorrhea with low dose OCs should be stressed along with the importance of compliance. A community effort is suggested to communicate the sexual and contraceptive alternatives, including abstinence and outercourse (sexual stimulation to orgasm without intercourse). Attention is given to concerns associated with teenage sexual activity, prevention of adolescent pregnancy, contraceptive options for the adolescent patient, adolescent attitudes toward birth control OCs, management of the adolescent OC user, manipulation of steroid components of OCs to respond to adolescent concerns, and other hormonal contraceptive options such as minipills or abstinence. The text is supplemented with tables: the % of US women by single years of age for 1971, 1976, 1979, and 1982; comparative pregnancy and abortion rates for the US and 5 other countries; federal cost for teen childbearing; adolescent nonhormonal contraceptive methods (advantages, disadvantages, and retail cost); checklist to identify those at risk for noncompliance with OCs; hormonal side effects of OCs; risks from OCs to adolescents; and benefits of OCs. Concern about adolescent pregnancy dates back to Aristotle. A modern profile shows girls form single-parent families are sexually active at an earlier age, adolescent mothers produce offspring who repeat the cycle, victims of sexual abuse are more likely to be sexually active, and teenagers in foster care are 4 times more likely to be sexually active and 8 times more likely to become pregnant. Prevention involves a multifaceted approach. OCs are the most appropriate contraceptive choice for adolescents. Frequency of intercourse is closely associated with OC use after approximately 15 months of unprotected sexual activity. At risk for noncompliance variables are scales of personality development (autonomy, self-esteem, locus of control), life expectations (marriage, college, career), dating behavior, age at 1st intercourse, perceived risk for becoming pregnant, personal attributes (sex, birth control, acquisition of birth control, pregnancy, parents' and peers' feelings toward sex and birth control), and previous experiences with birth control.
Evidence Matters: Winter 2015

This issue of Evidence Matters delves into HUD’s role and responsibilities in assisting communities with disaster recovery and mitigation and describes how communities are rebuilding after a disaster to ensure long-term resilience. The lead article, “Federal Disaster Policy: Toward a More Resilient Future,” discusses the role of the federal government in supporting communities following natural disasters and in promoting resilience to reduce the financial and social toll of future disasters. The Research Spotlight piece, “The Research Basis for Disaster Resilience,” presents information on the growing frequency and costs of disasters as well as the theory and practice underpinning the concept of resilience. Finally, the In Practice article, “Preparing for the Next Disaster: Three Models of Building Resilient Communities,” examines how three communities have recovered from major disaster events with adaptations that have bolstered resilience and yielded economic benefits.
The Urology Match Process and the Limited Value of Post-Interview Communication for Program Directors.

Abstract Objective To understand the urology Match process from the perspective of residency program directors, with a particular focus on the role of postinterview communication. Recent surveys of urology applicants revealed that postinterview communication from programs often violates the rules of the American Urological Association Urology Residency Matching Program (the “Match”), and that such communication may influence applicant rank lists. Methods An anonymous, electronic survey seeking information regarding postinterview communication during the Match was sent to all program directors of urology residency programs participating in the 2017 AUA Match cycle. Results Of 138 surveys sent, 84 were completed for a 61% response rate. Among respondents, 97.6% percent of programs received postinterview communication from applicants, 76.2% of programs received an informal commitment from an applicant, and 38.3% failed to match an applicant who made an informal commitment. Most program directors (81.7%) responded that promises by applicants did not influence their rank list, and 57.1% state that participating in a second look does not have the potential to influence an applicant's rank order. Cumulatively, 76.2% of program directors felt that it was appropriate for applicants to cancel an interview if they provided 2 or more weeks’ notice. Conclusion The current study suggests that urology program directors do not ascribe significant value to continued contact with applicants after the interview, regardless of whether such contact is in the form of postinterview communication or in the form of second-look visits.
Surface Membrane Alterations and Relevance to Cell-Cell Interaction and Growth Control in Tissue Culture

It has been suggested that the cell surface may be a direct or indirect mediator of cellular growth control [1] Many attempts have been made to correlate chemical changes of the surface membrane with alterations in cell growth [2, 3, 4, 5]. Recently, using plant agglutinins which bind to various carbohydrates on the cell surface, we have observed structural or configurational changes of the cell surface which may play a role in cell growth [6, 7, 8].
Grounding as minimal necessitation

ABSTRACTLet NNG be the claim that necessitation is necessary for grounding, and let NSG be the claim that necessitation is sufficient for grounding. The consensus view is that grounding cannot be r...
A molecular dynamics study of effects of crystal orientation, size scale, and strain rate on penetration mechanisms of monocrystalline copper subjected to impact from a nickel penetrator at very high strain rates

This paper presents a systematic computational study to investigate the effects of crystal orientation, strain rate (impact velocity), and size (thickness) on plasticity and damage behavior of copper single crystals during the penetration process at the atomistic scale. For the penetration analysis, copper single crystals with different crystal orientations and thicknesses were impacted and penetrated by a cylindrical nickel penetrator at different initial velocities. Modified embedded atom method potentials were used to develop atomistic models, and over 250 molecular dynamics simulations were performed to fully reveal the effects of influence parameters on plasticity and damage behavior of the copper single crystals. The results show that the copper single crystal with an octal slip orientation exhibits the greatest strength and penetration resistance, while the copper crystal with the single slip orientation exhibits the lowest strength and resistance. The results further show that the strength and penetration resistance of the target increase as the thickness of the copper single crystals increases. Furthermore, as the impact velocity increases, damage and fragmentation increase. Conclusions drawn from this computational study are consistent with macroscale plasticity theories of metals and reaffirm the conclusions drawn by other researchers in previous experimental studies.
The Detection of 8-Oxo-7,8-Dihydro-2′-Deoxyguanosine in Circulating Cell-Free DNA: A Step Towards Longitudinal Monitoring of Health

Chronic stress appears to accelerate biological aging, and oxidative damage is an important potential mediator of this process. Many chronic diseases are accompanied by an increase in overall oxidation of genomic DNA. In course of exposure to daily environmental insults, DNA accumulates oxidative damage, which is, in part, repaired, while the cells with the most damaged DNA die either by necrosis or by apoptosis. The oxidized DNA released from the dying cells contributes to the pool of cell-free/extracellular DNA present in plasma and other biological fluids. This cell-free DNA contains a great deal of 8-oxodG bases. The ratio of 8-oxo-dG and unmodified guanine may serve as a cumulative biomarker of stress encountered by a human body within a previous 24 h-period. This true end-point biomarker may outperform other short-lived molecules that reflect only the most current state of oxidant stress. Patient-specific baselines for oxidative damage may be established by measuring of 8-oxo-dG in circulating DNA. Longitudinal profiling of oxiDNA may aid in reliable quantification of the effects of various self-administered nutraceutical and lifestyle based health interventions. Development of wearable electrochemical sensor patches that will quantify oxiDNA in near real-time is warranted to produce life- and health-modifying event awareness feedback.
An Access Abstraction Model for Mitigating the Insider Threat

The risk represented by the legitimate members of organizations with their access to valuable information and services continues to increase with the adoption of information technology-based services. Misuses of such access create costs in terms of losses to businesses, and in some cases human costs. The spectrum of techniques proposed to address the insider threat are varied, providing methods for detection, prevention and response. However, an insufficiently addressed matter is the role of new models in opening up routes for mitigations. An effective model for the insider threat is one that explicitly represents the critical space within which the violator acts, including the changes in the degree of exclusivity of access to resources. Access abstraction provides both a new, enabling model for characterizing the insider threat operating environment and an indirect deterrent to the development of the threat.