cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination and Therapeutic Exploitation of Ebola Virus Spontaneous Mutation Frequency.

ABSTRACT Ebola virus (EBOV) is an RNA virus that can cause hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates, and there are no approved vaccines or therapies. Typically, RNA viruses have high spontaneous mutation rates, which permit rapid adaptation to selection pressures and have other important biological consequences. However, it is unknown if filoviruses exhibit high mutation frequencies. Ultradeep sequencing and a recombinant EBOV that carries the gene encoding green fluorescent protein were used to determine the spontaneous mutation frequency of EBOV. The effects of the guanosine analogue ribavirin during EBOV infections were also assessed. Ultradeep sequencing revealed that the mutation frequency for EBOV was high and similar to those of other RNA viruses. Interestingly, significant genetic diversity was not observed in viable viruses, implying that changes were not well tolerated. We hypothesized that this could be exploited therapeutically. In vitro , the presence of ribavirin increased the error rate, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) was 27 μM. In a mouse model of ribavirin therapy given pre-EBOV exposure, ribavirin treatment corresponded with a significant delay in time to death and up to 75% survival. In mouse and monkey models of therapy given post-EBOV exposure, ribavirin treatment also delayed the time to death and increased survival. These results demonstrate that EBOV has a spontaneous mutation frequency similar to those of other RNA viruses. These data also suggest a potential for therapeutic use of ribavirin for human EBOV infections. IMPORTANCE Ebola virus (EBOV) causes a severe hemorrhagic disease with high case fatality rates; there are no approved vaccines or therapies. We determined the spontaneous mutation frequency of EBOV, which is relevant to understanding the potential for the virus to adapt. The frequency was similar to those of other RNA viruses. Significant genetic diversity was not observed in viable viruses, implying that changes were not well tolerated. We hypothesized that this could be exploited therapeutically. Ribavirin is a viral mutagen approved for treatment of several virus infections; it is also cheap and readily available. In cell culture, we showed that ribavirin was effective at reducing production of infectious EBOV. In mouse and monkey models of therapy given post-EBOV exposure, ribavirin treatment delayed the time to death and increased survival. These data provide a better understanding of EBOV spontaneous mutation and suggest that ribavirin may have great value in the context of human disease.
Source Identification Using Acoustic Array Techniques

Acoustic array techniques are presented as alternatives to intensity measurements for source identification in automotive and industrial environments. With an understanding of the advantages and limitations described here for each of the available methods, a technique which is best suited to the application at hand may be selected. The basic theory of array procedures for Nearfield Acoustical Holography, temporal array techniques, and an Inverse Frequency Response Function technique is given. Implementation for various applications is discussed. Experimental evaluation is provided for tire noise identification.
A mechanistic study of the 2-thienylmethyl + HO2 radical recombination reaction.

Radical recombination reactions are important in the combustion of fuel oils. Shale oil contains alkylated heteroaromatic species, the simplest example of which is the 2-thienylmethyl radical. The ab initio potential energy surface for the reaction of the 2-thienylmethyl radical with the HO2 radical has been examined. Seventeen product channels corresponding to either addition/elimination or direct hydrogen abstraction have been characterized for the first time. Direct hydrogen abstract from HO2 proceeds via a weakly bound van der Waals complex, which leads to 2-methylthiophene, 2-methylene-2,3-dihydrothiophene, or 2-methylene-2,5-dihydrothiophene depending upon the 2-thienylmethyl radical reaction site. The addition pathway for the two radical reactants is barrierless with the formation of three adducts, as distinguished by HO2 reaction at three different sites on the 2-thienylmethyl radical. The addition is exothermic by 37–55 kcal mol–1 relative to the entrance channel, and these excess energies are av...
Security and Warfare on the China Coast: The Taiwan Question in the Seventeenth Century

(1981). Security and Warfare on the China Coast: The Taiwan Question in the Seventeenth Century. Monumenta Serica: Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 111-196.
Determination for Glaucoma disease based on red area percentage

Glaucoma is a disease that destroys the optic nerve of the eye. As a result, it causes vision loss or blindness. However, with immediate diagnosis and treatment, eyes can be protected against severe vision loss. Most vision loss cases due to Glaucoma are preventable if the disease is treated in the early stages. Most Glaucoma cases happen without signs and symptoms because peripheral vision can be damaged before an individual's central vision is affected. The existing procedures to detect Glaucoma are time consuming and inconclusive at the clinic. Thus, the detection can benefit from an automated computer vision-based technique of eye images. Nevertheless, the major problem of intraocular pressure (IOP) that leads to Glaucoma goes under detected. This paper proposes an automatic risk detection process of Glaucoma by extracting a portion of the eye sclera and measuring the red area percentage. The database used in this research was acquired from Princess Basma Hospital containing one hundred facial images divided into fifty healthy cases and fifty non-healthy cases that have high pressure in the eye.
Strategies for the Use and Enhancement of Biological Control of Postharvest Fruit Decays

Biological control of postharvest decays (BCPD) has been used commercially on pome and citrus fruits since 1996 in the United States, and its use were later expanded to include cherries and seed potatoes. The spectrum of activity of these biocontrol products differs with respect to fruit type and maturity, stage of pathogen infection, and specific pathogen causing decay, and is not as broad as fungicides. Thus, commercial use of BCPD has been targeted for certain commodities and may even be limited to certain postharvest applications within a commodity. Unlike fungicides, currently registered biocontrol products are exempt from residue tolerance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and can be used well into storage even to the point of packing fruit for shipment. Recent research has focused on improving biocontrol itself and/or combining BCPD with other alternative methods to synthetic fungicides. The efficacy of BCPD has been improved by developing antagonist mixtures, and manipulation of growth and formulations of antagonists. Manipulation of biocontrol mechanisms have not yet resulted in improved biocontrol. The potential of foreign antimicrobial genes introduced into antagonists is also being explored. Greater efficacy and broader spectrum of postharvest decay control on fruit was achieved by combining BCPD with heat treatment, GRAS substances, lytic enzymes, or the induction of resistance in fruit by physical or chemical means.
Exploring Auditory Graphing Software in the Classroom: The Effect of Auditory Graphs on the Classroom Environment

Students who are visually impaired make up a population with unique needs for learning. Some tools have been developed to support these needs in the classroom. One such tool, the Graph and Number line Input and Exploration software (GNIE), was developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology Sonification Lab. GNIE was deployed for use in a middle school math classroom at the Georgia Academy for the Blind (GAB) for 2 years starting in fall 2012. We interviewed the middle school math teacher throughout the deployment to learn about the challenges faced when teaching: lesson planning, execution, and review. We also observed how these changed when using GNIE compared to traditional teaching materials. During these 2 years, we conducted interviews and focus groups with students to learn about their attitudes toward tactile graphs compared to auditory graphs. With these in mind, we present lessons learned from the use of GNIE in a real-world classroom and implications for design of software to aid graphical learning for students with vision impairments.
Diagnostic utility of surgical lung biopsies in elderly patients with interstitial lung diseases

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is increasingly diagnosed by clinical and radiographic criteria; however, surgical lung biopsy (SLB) may still be required in patients who lack definite radiologic features of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Given that both the incidence of UIP and the morbidity of SLB increase with age, the clinical benefit of SLB requires careful consideration in the elderly. We reviewed a cohort of patients aged 75 years or older who underwent SLB, to evaluate the benefit of SLB in diagnosing interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods . We searched the pathology records of Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and Arizona for ambulatory patients at least 75 years old, who underwent SLB between 2000-2012 for indeterminate ILD. Histologic slides were retrieved and reviewed and clinical data were extracted from the record. The study was approved by the Mayo Clinic IRB. Results . 64 patients (43 male) were enrolled. Median (interquartile range) age was 78 (76-80) years. 18 patients had a history of esophageal reflux, 12 had medication exposures (10 to statins and 1 each to amiodarone and methotrexate). 34 patients smoked with a cumulative exposure of 28 (15-40) pack-years. FVC was 72 (64-81)% and DLCO was 50 (45-57)% of predicted. 26 biopsies sampled both the upper and lower lobes, while 14 and 22 biopsies were restricted to the upper and lower lobes, respectively. | | UIP? | | | || | Diagnosis change? | No | Yes | | | | No | 4 | 16 | 20 | 31% | | Yes | 19 | 25 | 44 | 69% | | | 23 | 41 | 64 | | | | 36% | 64% | | | Conclusion . SLB lead to a diagnosis of UIP in 64% of elderly patients with indeterminate ILD, and changed the diagnosis in 69% of cases. SLB may guide clinical management in select elderly patients with indeterminate ILD.
Nanoscale Membrane Buds Induced by CTxB-GM1 in One Component Bilayer Detected by Polarized Localization Microscopy (PLM)

Membrane biomolecules binding, organization, and clustering play a vital role in cell function. For instance, Cholera toxin subunit B (CTxB) binds to the ganglioside (GM1) and preferentially partitions on highly curved membranes as an initial stage for its internalization into the cell. Further, CTxB-GM1 demonstrates confined diffusion at nanoscale sites in synthetic bilayers and cells. In our attempt to understand the mechanism of the CTxB-GM1 complex, we introduced CTxB on a quasi-one component bilayer of 99.4% POPC + 1:1 GM1/DiI while imaging membrane topology and protein dynamics by Polarized Localization Microscopy (PLM). PLM, a super-resolution technique developed in our lab, combines super-resolution fluorescence localization microscopy (FLM) with polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (pTIRFM) to reveal nanoscale membrane orientation. In particular, PLM enabled the detection of nanoscale membrane budding events that initiated upon adding CTxB. Single particle tracking (SPT) was then performed on lipid (DiI) and CTxB trajectories revealing correlated diffusion between CTxB and the membrane structure. Confined CTxB diffusion was observed at the nanoscale buds locations. In this study, we obtained super-resolution, time-lapse images of CTxB locations and the corresponding membrane topology. CTxB was recruited to the negative Gaussian curved membrane; single-event and correlation analysis demonstrated increased clustering of lipids as function of CTxB incubation time with the membrane. Finally, we explored the effect of changing CTxB concentration on the bud formation process and bud sizes. The presented study is the first known report of bud formation induced by CTxB-GM1 in one component bilayer and in the absence of lipid phases. Our work demonstrates a possible mechanism for CTxB internalization and confinement in cells. PLM and this discovery may open up new avenues in the investigation of the processes governing cell signaling triggered by bacterial toxins.
“Yes, ... but ...”: The Neo-Perennialists

This essay argues that despite their opposition to perennialism, a number of recent scholars inadvertently repeat some of the problematic gestures of perennialism. These scholars are attempting to push the field forward after poststructuralist critiques of religious studies, particularly regarding the varieties of essentialism that have plagued the field. However, their account of “religion” ends up looking, at least in some respects, little different from the pre-critical, essentialist, and ahistorical accounts of religion that were regnant prior to the wave of poststructuralist critiques of religious studies. To some extent we appear to be back to where we started.
Predictors for early readmission in acute pancreatitis (AP) in the United States (US) - A nationwide population based study.

Abstract Background & Aims Population based data on the burden and patterns of acute pancreatitis (AP) early readmissions (≤30-days) are limited. Methods 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was queried. AP etiology was determined using associated diagnoses codes. Proportion, reasons for readmission, and associated costs were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for 30-day readmission. Results After exclusions, we identified 178,541 patients with primary diagnosis of AP (mean age 53 ± 17 years, 51% male). 13.7% were readmitted ≤30 days [7.1% in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) patients with index cholecystectomy (CCY), 16.3% in ABP patients without CCY, and 14.3% in non-biliary AP patients (p Conclusions About 1 in 7 AP patients had a 30-day readmission after index hospitalization and about half of these were related to AP. Our data confirms the higher risk of readmission in alcohol and idiopathic AP and a lower risk in ABP. Risk of early unplanned readmission is significantly lower in ABP patients who underwent CCY and not ERCP during index hospitalization. Cholecystectomy should be performed in all ABP patients as per recommended guidelines.
Prognosis of Structural Damage Growth Via Integration of Physical Model Prediction and Bayesian Estimation

Damage diagnosis and prognosis play an important role in ensuring the safety of mechanical, aerospace, and civil structures. Most existing structural damage estimation methods are limited in only providing an estimate of the damage magnitude at the current time instance. Revealing the evolving path of structural damage is highly desirable in practice for prognosis and remaining useful life prediction. In this paper, we propose a dynamic data-driven hierarchical Bayesian degradation model, which takes advantage of both the physical finite element model and the data-driven Bayesian framework, to tackle the structural damage growth prediction. The damage growth trend can be efficiently and accurately estimated by Gibbs sampling. Systematic case analyses are performed to validate and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Three‐dimensional texture visualization approaches: applications to nickel and titanium alloys

This paper applies the three-dimensional visualization techniques explored theoretically by Callahan, Echlin, Pollock, Singh & De Graef [J. Appl. Cryst. (2017), 50, 430–440] to a series of experimentally acquired texture data sets, namely a sharp cube texture in a single-crystal Ni-based superalloy, a sharp Goss texture in single-crystal Nb, a random texture in a powder metallurgy polycrystalline Rene 88-DT alloy and a rolled plate texture in Ti-6Al-4V. Three-dimensional visualizations are shown (and made available as movies as supplementary material) using the Rodrigues, Euler and three-dimensional stereographic projection representations. In addition, it is shown that the true symmetry of Euler space, as derived from a mapping onto quaternion space, is described by the monoclinic color space group Pcc in the Opechowski and Guccione nomenclature.
The Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale: A validation study.

Aim To develop and psychometrically test the validity of the Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale. Background Female cancer survivors need to self-advocate to overcome challenges associated with cancer yet no valid measure of self-advocacy exists. Design Instrument development. Mixed-mode cross-sectional survey design. Participants We recruited adult females (18+ years; N = 317) with a history of invasive cancer from local and national tumour registries and advocacy organizations to complete online or paper questionnaires. Methods Between July 2014 - March 2015 to evaluate the construct validity based on evidence of the scale's: (1) internal structure consistent with the underlying model of self-advocacy; (2) sensitivity to differences between groups known to differ in self-advocacy skills; (3) relationships between self-advocacy and key potential predictors (openness and conscientiousness; information engagement; social support) and outcomes (symptom burden and healthcare utilization); (4) relationships between self-advocacy and related concepts (patient activation; self-advocacy within another patient population); and (5) relationships between self-advocacy and criterion measures. Analyses included an exploratory factor analysis, t tests, and bivariate correlations using validated, reliable measures for constructs. Results Evidence from all five hypotheses supported the construct validity of the Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale. The factor analysis confirmed the three underlying dimensions of self-advocacy resulting in a 20-item measure with strong internal consistency that explained almost half of response variance. Conclusion The Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale is a valid, reliable measure of how well adult female cancer survivors can get their needs met in the face of adversity.
Fuzzy Probability and Some Applications

Classical statistical techniques assume that both the data and the probability functions are represented by known numerical values. In particular, confidence estimation and testing of hypotheses, whether in a Bayesian framework or not, are based on the assumption that knowledge of data is precise.
'Natural' Food Labeling: False Advertising and the First Amendment

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has not stated a regulated definition for the term “natural” thus resulting in intentional misuse of the term by companies. It is the author’s position that the most equitable outcome for regulation and limitation of the term “natural” would be achieved by applying the four-prong test set forth in Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation v. Public Service Commission of New York. This ensures advancement in the marketplace for healthy foods to help increase in the health of United States citizens. Further, more accurate conclusions are reached through regulation that considers the unique circumstances of each company’s usage of the term as proposed by the test. The Central Hudson test proposes that the government has a substantial interest in limiting commercial speech: if it is not misleading, if the government has a substantial interest in regulation, if it is possible for the regulation to advance from the government’s interest, and if resulting regulation will not be more extensive than necessary to serve the purpose. In the current context, this would allow the government to insist that the usage of the term “natural” be limited to products deserving of the title by requiring companies to disclose information about the meaning of the term on their packaging or by prompting the Food and Drug Administration to reevaluate and redefine the term to reduce deceiving or misleading claims. Among other cases, an application of the Ninth Circuit’s holding in Association of National Advertisers, Inc. v. Lungren, the Sixth Circuit’s holding in International Dairy Foods Association v. Boggs, and the Northern District of California’s holding in Kane v. Chobani, Inc. illustrates the effectiveness of this test. These cases each involve the usage of the term “natural” or similar marketing buzzwords to advertise products. Considering that the context of companies’ misusage of the term “natural” falls within the zone of interests protected by the Central Hudson test, the government is granted the ability to suspend companies’ First Amendment rights to further its interest in advancing the marketplace of healthy foods and increasing the health of United States citizens. Thus, this case law leads to a strong presumption that it would be beneficial for Congress to codify the Central Hudson test which would essentially require the Food and Drug Administration to redefine and regulate usage of the term “natural” mandating that companies present their products in such a way that is beneficial and not misleading to consumers.
How Increasing Party Diversity May Lead to Worsening Reported Racial Attitudes

Objective To explore whether increases in diversity give partisans immunity from claims of racial prejudice. To assess when individuals are more likely to report racially progressive attitudes when their party is accused of racism and racial representation in the party varies. Method We implement a survey experiment where individuals are told their party harbors either racial or religious prejudice and then are asked to vote on a party primary election in which the race of the candidates varies. Results We find that white Republicans modify their racial attitudes in response to accusations of racism. However, this effect disappears when white Republicans are presented with evidence of racial/ethnic diversity in their party. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that racial/ethnic diversity in one's political party may delegitimize claims of racial bias and minimize these accusations' ability to alter racial attitudes.
Potential reduction of lung dose via VMAT with jaw tracking in the treatment of single-isocenter/two-lesion lung SBRT

Purpose/objectives Due to higher radiosensitivity, non-target normal tissue dose is a major concern in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatment. The aim of this report was to estimate the dosimetric impact, specifically the reduction of normal lung dose in the treatment of single-isocenter/two-lesion lung SBRT via volumetric modulated arc therapy with jaw tracking (JT-VMAT). Materials/methods Twelve patients with two peripherally located early-stage non-small-cell-lung cancer (NSCLC) lung lesions underwent single-isocenter highly conformal non-coplanar JT-VMAT SBRT treatment in our institution. The mean isocenter to tumors distance was 5.6 ± 1.9 (range 4.3-9.5) cm. The mean combined planning target volume (PTV) was 38.7 ± 22.7 (range 5.0-80.9) cc. A single isocenter was placed between the two lesions. Doses were 54 and 50 Gy in three and five fractions, respectively. Plans were optimized in Eclipse with AcurosXB algorithm utilizing jaw tracking options for the Truebeam with a 6 MV-FFF beam and standard 120 leaf millennium multi-leaf collimators. For comparison, the JT-VMAT plans were retrospectively re-computed utilizing identical beam geometry, objectives, and planning parameters, but without jaw tracking (no JT-VMAT). Both plans were normalized to receive the same target coverage. The conformity and heterogeneity indices, intermediate-dose spillage [D2cm , R50, Gradient Index (GI), Gradient Distance (GD)], organs at risks (OAR) doses including normal lung as well as modulation factor (MF) were compared for both plans. Results For similar target coverage, GI, R50, GD, as well as the normal lung V5, V10, V20, mean lung dose (MLD), and maximum dose received by 1000 cc of lungs were statistically significant. Normal lung doses were reduced by 8%-11% with JT-VMAT. Normal lung dose increased as a function of tumor distance from isocenter. For the other OAR, up to 1%-16% reduction of non-target doses were observed with JT-VMAT. The MF and beam-on time were similar for both plans, however, MF increased as a function of tumors distance, consequently, delivering higher dose to normal lungs. Conclusion Utilizing jaw tracking options during optimization for single-isocenter/two-lesion lung SBRT VMAT plans reduced doses to the normal lung and other OAR, reduced intermediate-dose spillage and provided superior/similar target coverage. Application of jaw tracking did not affect delivery efficiency and provided excellent plan quality with similar MF and beam-on time. Jaw tracking is recommended for future clinical SBRT plan optimization.
Preoperative Fasting Times for Patients Undergoing Caesarean Delivery: Before and After a Patient Educational Initiative.

Objective Prolonged preoperative fasting may lead to dehydration, hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis and delayed recovery. We hypothesised that a patient educational initiative would decrease our preoperative fasting periods for elective caesarean delivery. Methods This was an observational quality improvement impact study. Elective caesarean patients who delivered during our study period were included in the study, 40 patients in the pre-intervention and 40 patients in the post-intervention groups. Only English-speaking patients were included. We developed a patient educational pamphlet outlining preoperative fasting and analgesic expectations for caesarean delivery that was given to every patient at her preoperative anaesthesia consultation. The pamphlet included the American Society of Anesthesiologists' preoperative fasting and enhanced recovery carbohydrate drink recommendations. The primary outcome measure was intended fasting duration for liquids (defined as time from last reported liquid consumption to scheduled caesarean delivery) before and after the patient educational initiative. Secondary outcomes included solid fasting time, types of liquids and solids consumed. Results The intended median (interquartile range) fasting time for liquids decreased from 10 (8.9-12) h to 3.5 (2.5-10) h (p<0.001). The fasting period for solids was not significantly different: 12.5 (10.5-14) h pre- versus 12.4 (10.6-14) h post-pamphlet introduction (p=0.384). Despite the recommendation, only 22.5% consumed a carbohydrate-containing drink with a modest decrease in water consumption (87.5% before and 67.5% after; p=0.009). Conclusion A patient educational pamphlet significantly reduced fasting time for clear liquids. Future studies are needed to determine what barriers limited adherence to the recommended carbohydrate-containing drink consumption.
Development of Improved Tumor-Residualizing, GRPR-Targeted Agents: Preclinical Comparison of an Endolysosomal Trapping Approach in Agonistic and Antagonistic Constructs

Receptor-targeted radiopharmaceuticals based on low-molecular-weight carriers offer many clinically advantageous attributes relative to macromolecules but have generally been hampered by their rapid clearance from tumors, thus diminishing tumor-to-nontarget tissue ratios. Herein, we present a strategy using irreversible inhibitors (E-64 derivative) of cysteine cathepsins (CCs) as trapping agents to increase the tumor retention of receptor-targeted agents. Methods: We incorporated these CC-trapping agents into agonistic and antagonistic pharmacophores targeting the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). The synthesized radioconjugates with either an incorporated CC inhibitor or a matching control were examined using in vitro and in vivo models of the GRPR-positive, PC-3 human prostate cancer cell line. Results: From the in vitro studies, multiple techniques confirmed that the CC-trapping, GRPR-targeted constructs were able to increase cellular retention by forming intracellular macromolecule adducts. In PC-3 tumor-bearing xenograft mice, the CC-trapping, GRPR-targeted agonistic and antagonistic constructs led to an approximately 2-fold increase in tumor retention with a corresponding improvement in most tumor-to-nontarget tissue ratios over 72 h. Conclusion: CC endolysosomal trapping provides a pathway to increase the efficacy and clinical potential of low-molecular-weight, receptor-targeted agents.
Palliative Care Communication: Outcomes From COMFORT, a Train-the-Trainer Course for Providers.

Background With increasing support for the integration of palliative care and standard oncology, communication training programs are needed to teach oncology nurses and other providers about palliative care communication. Objectives This study reports on the outcomes of COMFORTTM SM Communication for Oncology Nurses, a train-the-trainer communication course to educate oncology nurses about palliative care communication and improve patient-centered communication and cancer care. Methods 355 oncology nurses attended the two-day course. This study used 6- and 12-month follow-up data from nurses who provided feedback on the progress of these goals. Findings Nurses taught an additional 9,720 oncology providers, conducted needs assessments of communication processes, and initiated institutionwide palliative care communication training. Barriers to completing outcome goals included a lack of institutional support, specifically an absence of leadership, financial backing, and dedicated time.
Typical Morphologic Patterns of Infectious and Other Reactive Lymphadenopathies

In this chapter, we describe the key histopathologic features in needle core, incisional, and/or (optimally) excisional biopsies, to be able to distinguish benign from malignant lymphadenopathy (LAD). Multiple schemata have been proposed by several authors to follow a pattern-based approach to the diagnosis of lymph node (LN) pathology [1, 2]. We adapt similar principles here. It is important to recognize that histologic features in any given diagnostic entity will vary based on whether LN was biopsied early or late into the time course of disease. Thus, patterns may overlap, or one pattern may predominate over another depending on the timing for any given disease.
Attenuation of the Induction of TLRs 2 and 4 Mitigates Inflammation and Promotes Neurological Recovery After Focal Cerebral Ischemia.

The intense inflammatory response triggered in the brain after focal cerebral ischemia is detrimental. Recently, we showed that the suppression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 attenuates infarct size and reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the ischemic brain. In this study, we further examined the effect of unsuppressed induction of TLRs 2 and 4 on the expression of its downstream signaling molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines 1 week after reperfusion. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of simultaneous knockdown of TLRs 2 and 4 on M1/M2 microglial polarization dynamics and post-stroke neurological deficits and the recovery. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced in young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure using a monofilament suture. Appropriate cohorts of rats were treated with a nanoparticle formulation of TLR2shRNA and TLR4shRNA (T2sh+T4sh) expressing plasmids (1 mg/kg each of T2sh and T4sh) or scrambled sequence inserted vector (vehicle control) expressing plasmids (2 mg/kg) intravenously via tail vein immediately after reperfusion. Animals from various cohorts were euthanized during reperfusion, and the ischemic brain tissue was isolated and utilized for PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis, real-time PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analysis. Appropriate groups were subjected to a battery of standard neurological tests at regular intervals until 14 days after reperfusion. The increased expression of both TLRs 2 and 4 and their downstream signaling molecules including the pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed even at 1-week after reperfusion. T2sh+T4sh treatment immediately after reperfusion attenuated the post-ischemic inflammation, preserved the motor function, and promoted recovery of the sensory and motor functions. We conclude that the post-ischemic induction of TLRs 2 and 4 persists for at least 7 days after reperfusion, contributes to the severity of acute inflammation, and impedes neurological recovery. Unlike previous studies in TLRs 2 or 4 knockout models, results of this study in a pharmacologically relevant preclinical rodent stroke model have translational significance.
Analysis of Single-Event Transients (SETs) Using Machine Learning (ML) and Ionizing Radiation Effects Spectroscopy (IRES)

A methodology for automating the identification of single-event transients (SETs) through ionizing radiation effects spectroscopy (IRES) and machine learning (ML) is provided. IRES enhances the identification of SETs through statistical analysis of waveform behavior, allowing for the capture of subtle circuit dynamics changes. Automated identification of SETs is facilitated by a $k$ -nearest neighbors ( $k$ NNs) ML algorithm with IRES data. One-hundred thousand waveforms were measured from CMOS phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits irradiated at the Naval Research Laboratory’s two-photon absorption (TPA) laser facility. Known SET signatures were used to train various $k$ NN models based on statistical features derived from several standard circuit metrics and eight moment-generating functions. Results show that SETs can be automatically identified by the $k$ NN models, with several features resulting in greater than 98% correct identification of SETs. The tradeoffs in ML-based anomaly detection, based on the size of available training sets, choice in signal metric, and the number of included statistical moment-generating functions are discussed, along with opportunities for the future development of specific event-type classification, in situ measurement, and real-time classification of data.
Direct Demand Strategies—Pricing

Pricing strategies have emerged since the 1970s as a means of better allocating road space to reduce congestion and to more equitably cover the costs that road users contribute to the congestion. Congestion (or value) pricing is supported by many economists, planners, and public officials. Within the United States, it has the support of the US Federal Highway Administration.
A review of mobile applications to help adolescent and young adult cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To review research articles utilizing mobile applications with adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified articles via online searches and reference lists (eg, PsycInfo, PubMed). Articles were reviewed by two study team members for target population, stated purpose, technological utilization, sample size, demographic characteristics, and outcome data. Strengths and weaknesses of each study were described. RESULTS: Of 19 identified manuscripts, six met full inclusion criteria for this review (four smartphone applications and two tablet applications). One additional article that included an application not specific to oncology but included AYA patients with cancer within the target sample was also reviewed. Uses of these applications included symptom tracking, pain management, monitoring of eating habits following bone marrow transplant, monitoring of mucositis, and improving medication management. Utility results from pilot studies are presented. CONCLUSION: Mobile applications are growing in number and increasingly available to AYAs with and without chronic illness. These applications may prove useful in helping to support AYAs throughout their cancer treatment and beyond. However, few applications provide empirical data supporting their utility. Numerous strengths and benefits of these applications include increased accessibility to educational resources and self-management strategies, more frequent physical and emotional symptom tracking, and increased access to peer support. Despite these strengths, numerous limitations are identified, highlighting the need for future research in this area.
Macrovascular Disease — Atherosclerosis

DR. LEVINE: While small vessel disease seems to be specifically related to diabetes, what about large vessel disease, atherosclerosis? Suppose I were to postulate that insulin is really the villain in this story. We know that insulin promotes lipid formation, could it induce greater activity of the myointimal cell within the blood vessels, and therefore result in more atherosclerosis? I would say that there is fairly good evidence that the adult-onset diabetic with minimal hyperglycemia but with relatively high insulin and high fat is the one that has most of the atherosclerosis. We never seem to see a case of gangrene in a juvenile diabetic.
The E2F1/DNMT1 axis is associated with the development of AR negative castration resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Research on castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has focused primarily on functional alterations of the androgen receptor (AR). However, little is known about the loss of AR gene expression itself and the possible contribution of AR negative cells to CRPC. METHODS Human and murine prostate cancer tissue microarrays (TMAs) were evaluated with antibodies specific for E2F1, DNA methyltransferase 1 or AR. The human prostate cancer TMA consisted of clinical samples ranging from normal tissue to samples of metastatic disease. The murine TMA was comprised of benign, localized or metastatic prostate cancer acquired from TRAMP mice treated with castration and/or 5′-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5Aza). RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased nuclear DNMT1 staining in localized PCa (P < 0.0001) and metastatic PCa (P < 0.0001) compared to normal tissue. Examination of specific diagnoses revealed that Gleason seven tumors exhibited greater nuclear DNMT1 staining than Gleason six tumors (P < 0.05) and that metastatic tissue exhibited greater levels of nuclear DNMT1 than Gleason seven tumors (P < 0.01). Evaluation of the murine tissue cores revealed that 8.2% and 8.1% of benign tissue cores stained positive for E2F1 and DNMT1 respectively, while 97.0% were AR positive. Conversely, 81% and 100% of tumors were positive for E2F1and DNMT1 respectively. This was in stark contrast to only 18% of tumors positive for AR. Treatment of mice with 5Aza reduced DNMT1 staining by 30%, while AR increased by 27%. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that the E2F1/DNMT1 inhibitory axis of AR transcription is activated during the emergence of CRPC. Prostate 73:1776–1785, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence-Based Medicine in the Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas.

Abstract Over the past decade, the treatment of infantile hemangiomas has undergone dramatic breakthroughs. This review critically evaluates the latest literature that supports the myriad treatment options for infantile hemangiomas. It chronicles the fading role of steroid therapy and evolution of propranolol use as the major treatment modality. Although propranolol is helping this disease become more of a medical disease and less of a surgical dilemma, the report also reveals a continued search to find nonsystemic treatment options. In summary, this is an evidence-based medicine review for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas.
Abstract P013: Cost-Effectiveness of Treating Hypertension in African Americans According to 2014 Guidelines

Background: Among U.S. ethnic groups, African Americans have the highest prevalence of hypertension and higher rates of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of improved hypertension control in African Americans. Methods: The populations studied were African Americans and all U.S. adults aged 35-74 years. Using the CVD Policy Model, we simulated CVD events and non-CVD deaths, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and hypertension and CVD treatment costs, before and after implementing 2014 U.S. guidelines. African American and overall U.S. CVD incidence, mortality, and risk factor levels were obtained from cohort studies, vital statistics, and the NHANES. Hypertension treatment effects were derived from a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Stage 2 hypertension was defined as BP ≥160/100 mmHg; stage 1 as BP ≥140/90 and <160/100 mmHg. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated as change in costs divided by change in QALYs. An ICER <50,000 was cost ...
Focus on... The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008

In December 2008, the House and Senate passed H.R. 7327, the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 (the Act), which includes the long-awaited technical corrections to the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), as well as other employee benefits provisions. The President signed the Act into law on December 23, 2008. This article will describe the employee benefits changes made by the Act.
Processing of Random Signals

The experimentalist who is involved in dynamic flow measurement is almost always interested in some type of random signal processing. This interest can arise because the flow itself is random, as in turbulent flow. Or it can arise from concern about whether measured data represent real flow phenomena or merely statistical fluctuations in the data. These interests can occur simultaneously. For example, in the problem of determining periodicities in the turbulent flow behind a moving blade row the question of distinguishing between fluctuations in the data and the true spectral peaks is crucial to the experiment.
Reconsiderar la secularización: Una perspectiva comparada mundial | Reconsidering secularization: a compared global perspective

En este articulo, el autor defiende que para entender mejor la “secularizacion” es necesario distinguir 3 connotaciones del termino que dan lugar, a su vez, a tres significados de el: la secularizacion como “decadencia de las practicas y creencias religiosas en las sociedades modernas”, como “privatizacion de la religion”, y como “distincion de las esferas seculares o emancipacion de las normas e instituciones religiosas de ellas (estado, ciencia, economia)”. Esta forma de proceder permitira una mejor comprension del fenomeno de la secularizacion en el analisis historico comparado, por ejemplo, entre las manifestaciones publicas de la religion en EEUU y en Europa. The author stresses that for a better comprehension of secularism we should distinguish three different connotations of the term which give rise three different meanings of secularism: the “decline of religious practices and beliefs in modern societies”; the “privatization of religion”; and the “distinction among the secular spheres or the emancipation of religious norms and institutions from them (state, science, economy). This approach will help to obtain a better understanding of secularism as a social phenomenon in, for instance, the comparative historical analysis between the public religious manifestations in the United Stated and in Europe.
Gulf Stream and Western Boundary Undercurrent variations during MIS 10-12 at Site 1056, Blake-Bahama Outer Ridge

Abstract The stable isotopic composition of two planktonic foraminifer species (Globigerinoides sacculifer and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei) and two benthic foraminifer species (Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi and Uvigerina peregrina) was measured at sub-orbital resolution through the marine isotope stages (MISs) 10, 11, and 12 (345–460 ka) at Site 1056 on the Blake-Bahama Outer Ridge. Planktonic foraminifers were counted for the interval 405–450 ka at 2–4-kyr resolution. Site 1056 (32°29′N, 76°20′W) is located on the continental slope (water depth: 2167 m) beneath the Gulf Stream. The average rate of sediment accumulation through the interval is 11.4 cm/kyr, but sediment accumulation is much more rapid during glacial intervals (15–17 cm/kyr). The decline in percent carbonate during glacial intervals, and its rise during interglacials, indicates that the increased sediment supply is of terrigenous origin. Low carbonate values and low benthic δ13C, which are both associated with a weak Western Boundary Undercurrent and low North Atlantic Deep Water production, persist for 6 kyr after the benthic δ18O record indicates that ice volume has begun to decrease. Recovery of carbonate and benthic δ13C values is abrupt and rapid. Millennial-scale variation (∼3–4 kyr) is apparent in the glacial intervals of the planktonic δ18O records and is more pronounced in a Δδ18O record, which represents the temperature range in the photic zone. Semi-precessional (10–12-kyr) cycles are apparent in the planktonic Δδ13C record. The millennial-scale cycles are largely caused by an increase in G. sacculifer δ18O and represent surface warming. They are interpreted as representing periodic increases in westward intensification of the gyre. The semi-precessional cycles are driven by changes in the N. dutertrei δ13C and represent fluctuations in the Gulf Stream itself and therefore likely have a tropical origin. Planktonic foraminifer census counts did not show an expected response to one of the largest glacial/interglacial transitions of the late Pleistocene. The most obvious change was an increase in faunal diversity during MIS 12.2, the interval of maximum δ18O values. This suggests that cool slope water and warm subtropical gyre water penetrated a more sluggish Gulf Stream with greater frequency at this time. The millennial-scale maxima in the Δδ18O record are accompanied by decreases in diversity, which is consistent with the interpretation of surface warming during these events.
Crossed orbit interferometry: theory and experimental results from SIR-B

Crossed orbit interferometry, which can perform measurements with only one antenna making two images of a scene during two separate passes and can operate even if the orbits are not parallel, is discussed and tested using SIR-B data. It is found that a Doppler refocusing of the SAR azimuth correlation, involving a resampling of one of the imgages in the cross-track direction, is necessary to remove the linear shift of the scene. The refocusing process also involves a terrain dependent resampling in the azimuth direction. A method for finding tie points to guide the resampling is discussed and a coarse altitude map derived only from the tie points is presented. Spatial heterodyned interferograms that contain the effects of the crossed orbit geometry are presented and a theoretical model is developed to explain them. The model is extended to calculate altitudes from the interferograms, and a final altitude map is presented.
Single-step synthesis of bulk HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ

Abstract Bulk superconducting samples of nearly phase-pure HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ (hereafter denoted as Hg-1223) were prepared by a solid-state reaction of stoichiometric quantities of HgO, BaO, CaO, and CuO in a single step. The starting mixtures were ground, pressed into a pellet, sealed in a quartz tube, and heated to 840–860°C. The “as-synthesized” Hg-1223 samples had a Tc of 110–112 K, as defined by the onset of diamagnetism. The crystal symmetry was found to be tetragonal with a space group of P4/ mmm, and lattice parameters a=3.852(1) A and c=15.830(1) A , similar to the values for TlBa2Ca2Cu3O9-δ. Finely ground powders were stable upon exposure to ambient air for a period of ≈4 days. On annealing in 1 atm oxygen at 300°C for 6 h, these samples gained weight (corresponding to ≈0.066–0.075 oxygen atoms per formula unit) and displayed sharp superconducting transitions up to 134.5 K. Using this procedure, high-quality Hg-1223 samples can be easily synthesized.
High impedance fault location formulation: A least square estimator based approach

The location procedure of HIF is a very difficult task and represents a great challenge for distance protection of transmission lines due to the under-reach and overreach effects. A new contribution for high impedance fault location for short transmission lines is proposed in this paper. The basic idea consists in solving an overestimated system using the method of the least square to locate the fault point. To evaluate the proposed approach, high impedance faults are simulated in a 100 km/230 kV transmission line. The test results show that the proposed approach has a high accuracy to locate HIF.