cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic Impacts of Mississippi Wildlife-Associated Outfitters and Their Clientele

Wildlife-associated outfitters and their clientele play an important role in local and state economies. Based on survey data of Mississippi wildlife-associated outfitters and their clientele, we simulated economic impacts induced by their direct expenditures at the state level and by species type (white-tailed deer—Odocoileus virginianus, northern bobwhite quail—Colinus virginianus, and waterfowl—Anas spp.). Results indicated that expenses incurred by outfitters in 2003 generated US$20.02 million in total industry output, US$8.80 million in value added, and supported 215 full- or part-time jobs, whereas expenses incurred by clientele generated US$1.88 in total industry output, US$0.95 million in value added and supported 32 full- or part-time jobs. By conservative estimates, the Mississippi wildlife-associated outfitters constitute a $10 million value added industry on an annual basis. These results should help prospective outfitters, planners and policy makers in the design of rural development strategies.
Free-Edge Stress Intensity Factor for a Bonded Ductile Layer Subjected to Shear

The stress state found in a thin, power law hardening ductile layer bonded between a pair of rigid adherends and subjected to a shear loading is investigated. The intensity of this singularity has been calculated for a plane strain condition using a technique that combines results of an asymptotic analysis of the stress singularity with those of a detailed finite element analysis
Dynamic precision management for loop computations on reconfigurable architectures

Reconfigurable architectures promise significant performance benefits by customizing the configurations to suit the computations. Variable precision for computations is one important method of customization for which reconfigurable architectures are well suited. The precision of the operations can be modified dynamically at run-time to match the precision of the operands. Though the advantages of reconfigurable architectures for dynamic precision have been discussed before, we are not aware of any work which analyzes the qualitative and quantitative benefits which can be achieved This paper develops a formal methodology for dynamic precision management. We show how the precision requirements can be analyzed for typical computations in loops by computing the precision variation curve. We develop algorithms to generate optimal schedules of configurations using the precision variation curves. Using our approach, we demonstrate 25%-37% improvement in the total execution time of an example loop computation on the XC6200 device.
The Pattern of the Becoming-Self in Death and Dying

As part of a triangulated study that examined psychological adaptation in home hospice patients, the grounded theory method was used to generate social-psychological processes of dying. The pattern of the becoming-self was one of seven patterns that emerged. The responses and reactions of 15 dying persons described a pattern that was shaped by self-integration, inner cognition, creation of personal meanings, and connection to others and a higher being. The becoming-self supported humanism and veritivity as defined in adaptation nursing theory.
On the anomaly of ran1() in Monte Carlo pricing of financial derivatives

Recently, Paskov reported that, the use of a certain pseudo-random number generator, ran1() which is given in Numerical Recipes in C First Edition, makes Monte Carlo simulations for pricing financial derivatives converge to wrong values. In this paper, we trace Paskov's experiment, investigate the characteristics and the generation algorithm of the pseudo-random number generator in question, and explain why the wrong convergences occur. We also present a method for avoiding such wrong convergences. A variance reduction procedure is applied together with the method to obtain more precise value, and the effectiveness is examined.
1989 Maurice Ewing Medal to Klaus Wyrtki

I am very honored to present the citation for the 1989 Ewing Medal to Klaus Wyrtki, Professor of Oceanography, University of Hawaii. Klaus has marvelous scientific insight. He has made numerous contributions to geophysics and, particularly, to large scale physical oceanography. He has published over 100 papers and an atlas during his scientific career.
Sensor value validation based on systematic exploration of the sensor redundancy for fault diagnosis KBS

For a physical system whose operating state is monitored by various sensors, one of the crucial steps involved in fault monitoring and diagnosis process is to validate the sensor values. A sensor value can be validated by observing redundant measurement values. When numerous sensors are installed at different locations in a system and if there exist certain relationships among the measured parameters, the redundancies of the sensors can be viewed as embedded throughout the system. In this paper, a technique is proposed that can systematically explore such embedded redundancies of the sensors in a system and utilize them in quickly validating sensor values. The technique is based on causal relations and their interrelations within sensor redundancy graphs (SRG's) as defined in this paper. Any sensor in an SRG can potentially benefit from any other sensor involved in the same SRG in validation. A validity level is defined and used to express the strength of the validity of a sensor value as supported by varying degrees of evidence. The validation results also yield valuable clues to the systems' fault diagnosis knowledge-based systems on the occurrences of system faults and their locations. >
HCI on the move: methods, culture, values

As HCI is taken up across different cultures, its methods have typically been presumed to be culturally universal. Though evidence suggests that they are not, dimensions of cultural specificities of HCI methods are not understood. Through detailed fieldwork with design practitioners in Delhi, India, I propose to develop a framework for understanding tacit material, cultural, and value commitments in HCI design methods, opening up possibilities for alternate conceptions of design.
Learning and lineage selection in genetic algorithms

Lineage selection is a process by which traits that are not directly assessed by the fitness function can evolve. Reported here is an investigation of the effects of individual learning on the evolution of one such trait, self-adaptive mutation rates. It is found that the efficacy of the learning mechanism employed (its potential to increase individual fitness) has a significant effect on the number of generations required for self-adaptive mutation rates to evolve. When highly efficient learning mechanisms are used the evolution of self-adaptive mutation rates requires a greater number of generations than in the absence of learning. Conversely, when less efficient learning mechanisms are used fewer generations are required, as compared to the non-learning case.
Women and Indians on the Frontier, 1825–1915

Pioneer women going west carried distinct images of themselves and of American Indians. Their views reflected stereotypes pervading the popular literature and journalism of the nineteenth century: women were weak and defenseless, their westward trek was a noble mission, and American Indians were savages. But as a result of their frontier experience, many women changed or discarded their earlier opinions. This book is the first account of how and why pioneer women altered their self-images and their views of American Indians. In "Women and Indians on the Frontier, " Riley substantially revises the conventional melodramatic picture of pioneer women cowering when confronted with Indians. Frontier life required women to be self-reliant, independent, and hardy: as they learned to adapt, frontierswomen also learned to reexamine stereotypes in the light of experience. Interestingly, Riley explains, while pioneer women frequently changed their beliefs about Indians, they did not often revise their attitudes toward Mormon or Mexican women following contact with them. Frontierswomen also differed from men, whose unfavorable impression of Indians seldom changed. Riley's work is an important addition to Western history, women's studies, and American Indian studies. She examines in detail images and myths of both women and Indians, using examples from history, literature, and film, complemented by period photographs and illustrations. Her comparative account will interest a variety of scholars concerned with cultures in conflict and transition.
Conflict adaptation and cognitive control adjustments following traumatic brain injury

Survivors of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often demonstrate impairments in the cognitive control functions of detecting response conflict and signaling for recruitment of cognitive resources to appropriately adjust performance. These cognitive control functions can be measured using conflict adaptation effects, wherein manifestations of conflict detection and processing are reduced following high- relative to low-conflict trials. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were collected while 18 survivors of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 21 demographically matched control participants performed a modified Stroop task. The incongruent-minus-congruent trial Stroop effect for trials preceded by incongruent (high conflict) and congruent (low conflict) trials were compared for behavioral (response time [RT] and error rate) and ERP reflections of cognitive control. Behavioral data showed a reduction in the Stroop effect for both control and TBI participant RTs when preceded by incongruent trials. The magnitude of these effects did not differentiate control and TBI participants. ERP data revealed a centro-parietal conflict slow potential (conflict SP) that differentiated incongruent from congruent trials. Planned comparisons showed a decreased amplitude conflict SP when ERPs were preceded by incongruent trials in control, but not TBI participants. Results indicate subtle TBI-related impairments in conflict resolution mechanisms in the context of intact RT-related conflict adaptation.
Primary sequence analysis of Clostridium cellulovorans cellulose binding protein A.

Abstract The cbpA gene for the Clostridium cellulovorans cellulose binding protein (CbpA), which is part of the multisubunit cellulase complex, has been cloned and sequenced. When cbpA was expressed in Escherichia coli, proteins capable of binding to crystalline cellulose and of interacting with anti-CbpA were observed. The cbpA gene consists of 5544 base pairs and encodes a protein containing 1848 amino acids with a molecular mass of 189,036 Da. The open reading frame is preceded by a Gram-positive-type ribosome binding site. A signal peptide sequence of 28 amino acids is present at its N terminus. The encoded protein is highly hydrophobic with extremely high levels of threonine and valine residues. There are two types of putative cellulose binding domains of approximately 100 amino acids that are slightly hydrophilic and eight conserved, highly hydrophobic beta-sheet regions of approximately 140 amino acids. These latter hydrophobic regions may be the CbpA domains that interact with the different enzymatic subunits of the cellulase complex.
Phase I Dose Escalation Study of Sodium Stibogluconate (SSG), a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Inhibitor, Combined with Interferon Alpha for Pa- tients with Solid Tumors

Purpose: Sodium stibogluconate (SSG), a small molecule inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases, combined with IFN-alpha-2b (IFN-α) inhibited solid tumor cell line growth in vitro. We conducted a phase I clinical trial with SSG plus IFN-α in advanced cancer patients to assess tolerance, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and immune system effects. Experimental Design: SSG was administered intravenously alone for five days of week 1, cycle 1 (21 days per cycle) and together with IFN-α 2b s (3 million units sc TIW) in week 2, and after a rest during week 3, on a 2-week on/1-week off cycle. SSG dose levels were 400, 600, 900, 1125, and 1350 mg/m 2 . Results: Twenty-four patients were studied. Common toxicities included asymptomatic elevated serum lipase, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, fever, chills and anemia. The dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, pancreatitis and skin rash. The MTD was 900 mg/m 2 SSG and IFN-α, 3 million units TIW. At this dose, patients had a significantly lower number of regulatory T cells (TR Cells) (p = 0.012), myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) (p = 0.028); higher percentage of natural killer (NK) cells that synthesized perforin (p = 0.046) and of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) that secreted IFN-α (p = 0.018) in response to activation through toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR 8 by CL097, the highly water-soluble derivative of the imidazoquinoline compound R848.
Dynamic transcranial Doppler assessment of positional vertebrobasilar ischemia.

A hemodynamic as opposed to an embolic origin of vertebrobasilar ischemia may be suspected when symptoms are brief and triggered by changes in the position of the head or neck. It may be difficult, and not without risk, to reproduce the symptoms and to prove the short-lived hemodynamic changes during angiography. If transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) could detect these changes, it would be useful as a noninvasive screening method to select patients for further diagnostic evaluation.TCD monitoring of the P1 segments of both posterior cerebral arteries was performed during different head movements in 14 patients referred for evaluation of suspected hemodynamic vertebrobasilar ischemia and in 10 healthy control subjects with a two-channel, 2-MHz, computerized Doppler system. Patients' symptoms were correlated with the Doppler findings.Four patients with stereotypical symptoms had a severe drop in posterior cerebral artery blood flow velocities (BFVs) to 20% of baseline (mean; SD, 14.3; range, 0% to 48%) a...
Antibody–Drug Conjugate Development

Antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) development started about three decades ago with the hypothesis that toxins conjugated to antibodies would enhance antitumor activity and reduce toxicity by delivering toxins to specific tumor sites. Since then, the field has evolved to include potent small molecule drugs (SMD) and radiolabeled drugs conjugated to antibodies targeting both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Improved ADC technology has paved the way for increased drug delivery to the target tumors and decreased normal tissue exposure to cytotoxic agents. Radio-immunoconjugates (RICs) present a different set of challenges leading to unique development pathways. Several factors need to be taken into consideration when developing RICs, such as decay of radioactivity, potentially higher exposure to normal tissue caused by lower specificity, and dehalogenation leading to a loss of signal. This chapter focuses on antibodies conjugated to SMDs.
Ontology-based information extraction with a cognitive agent

Machine reading is a relatively new field that features computer programs designed to read flowing text and extract fact assertions expressed by the narrative content. This task involves two core technologies: natural language processing (NLP) and information extraction (IE). In this paper we describe a machine reading system that we have developed within a cognitive architecture. We show how we have integrated into the framework several levels of knowledge for a particular domain, ideas from cognitive semantics and construction grammar, plus tools from prior NLP and IE research. The result is a system that is capable of reading and interpreting complex and fairly idiosyncratic texts in the family history domain. We describe the architecture and performance of the system. After presenting the results from several evaluations that we have carried out, we summarize possible future directions.
NURSE PLANT RETATIONSHIPS OF COLUMNAR CACTI IN ARIZONA

Patterns of association of three columnar cactus species with potential nurse plants and rocks were examined in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. Close spatial associates of cacti are often called “nurses” because they provide a less extreme microclimate for cactus seedlings, which improves survival rates. Of the three cacti, Carnegiea gigantea had the greatest frequency of association with nurse plants. Stenocereus thurberi, which is common on steep hillslopes where rocks and crevices offer numerous protected microsites for seedling establishment, was associated with nurse rocks more frequently than were the other two species. Lophocereus schottii showed the lowest frequency of association with nurses. In the Monument, L. schottii reproduces primarily through vegetative propagation, which reduces the need of small cacti for protection from nurses. Species most frequently associated with the three cacti were among the dominant species where each cactus occurred except that sparsely foliated sp...
Visual Feedback Based Droplet Size Regulation in Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing

Electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing is a recent micro-manufacturing technique that uses electrostatic force to draw out ink from a conductive nozzle onto a conductive substrate. While the advantages (high speed and resolution, flexibility) of e-jet printing over ink jet printing and other microfabrication methods are abundant, precise control of the process is necessary for successful commercialization of the technology. This paper shows how visual feedback through image processing may be used to regulate the volume of printed droplets for increased manufacturing precision.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
SINKHOLES AND A DISAPPEARING LAKE: VICTORY LAKE CASE STUDY

Human-induced sinkhole collapse can result in drastic changes to landscape aesthetics and present challenges to land managers seeking to determine the plausibility of restoration, the amount of financial investment needed, and the long-term sustainability of tampering with karstic environments. Alteration of groundwater flow in a karstic environment expedited the formation of large sinkholes in the southern end of man-made Victory Lake, causing it to drain immediately. Soon after the lake emptied in 1986, two unsuccessful attempts were made to restore the 13 ha (32 ac) lake. The sinkholes formed in the southern basin were completely in-filled, eliminating 3 ha (8 ac) of lake basin and significantly altering the original lake morphology. Some twenty-seven years later, Victory Lake is holding some water in the shallow basin at the northern end and would primarily be classified as a marshy wetland. This study was initiated to investigate the current relationship between the groundwater and surface water at the lake's altered basin to determine the potential for it to be restored fully or partially as a recreational focal point of the Berry College campus. Over the course of one year we measured the inputs (stream flow and precipitation) and outputs (evaporation and surface water outflow) of the lake system. We were able to conclude that groundwater is not likely contributing to the lake, based on inorganic and stable isotope ( 18 O and 2 H) water chemistry analysis and the deep position of the groundwater table relative to the lake bottom. From the results of dye-tracer tests conducted in the lake, we concluded that basin water may not be escaping downward at measurable rates because of its clay bottom. Our overall water-budget analysis confirms an adequate water volume entering by rainfall and ephemeral stream inflow; nearly 90% of the water leaves Victory Lake through surface-water outflow. Water loss through evapotranspiration during spring and summer months overcomes the gain accomplished during wetter and cooler months, particularly February. Through an investigation of water level records kept for campus monitoring wells from 1998 through 2012 we confirm that the groundwater table has stabilized and the immediate threat of new sinkhole formation is minimal. Restoration of Victory Lake to its original picturesque meeting spot may be possible through creative engineering strategies and project financing. However, we question the longevity of managing a karstic environment and consider the potential risks to infrastructure, groundwater, and human health should lake bottom failure occur again on campus.
Can the Risk of Medical Expenditure Explainthe Wealth Trajectories of Elderly Singles

In this article, I analyze the role of precautionary savings as a determinant of the wealth holdings of elderly singles. The novel aspect of the analysis is that the distribution of medical expenditure is allowed to be individual-specific, and the variance of medical expenditure is estimated for each individual using repeated observations on medical expenditure. To address the measurement error problem in medical expenditure, I use an instrumental variable estimator. I construct a simple life-cycle model and show that the coefficient of relative risk aversion can be identified from a log-linearized Euler equation for wealth, using the variation in the risk of medical expenditure. The results imply that precautionary savings can account for up to 56% of the wealth holdings of elderly singles. This means lowering the risk exposure of medical expenses at older ages could significantly alter the retirement asset draw-down rates and strategies.
El TLC, el campesinado y la iglesia

El documento, dirigido a obispos y presbiteros catolicos, razona y documenta las consecuencias que la eventual aprobacion del Tratado de Libre Comercio entre las republicas centroamericanas, la Republica Dominicana y los Estados Unidos de America tendrian para el campesinado costarricense. El efecto principal seria precipitar la desaparicion del campesinado como clase social, proceso que, segun se documenta, esta en marcha desde la puesta en vigencia de los Programas de Ajuste Estructural (1983). Si ese proceso de aniquilacion del campesinado llega a su culminacion, la Iglesia Catolica habria perdido su principal base social y se incrementarian los anillos de miseria de las ciudades y la emigracion hacia los paises industrializados. Habria desaparecido la Costa Rica solidaria, en cuya construccion tanto ha contribuido el catolicismo, de ahi la importancia de que la Iglesia procure evitar la aprobacion del TLC que se encuentra en la corriente legislativa y posteriormente participe en la busqueda de alternativas.
Analysis of the Monitoring on Schistosomiasis in the Endemic Area of Guangzhou from 2001 to 2005

Objective To understand the trends of endemic situation for schistosomiasis of Zengcheng city and Huadu district after the implementation of prevention measures.Methods ELISA was used as the preliminary screening of the young population and floating population for antibody against schistosome.Anatomical and microscopic examinations of field mouse were performed.Results All the ELISA results of young population is negative.The positive rate of floating population is 4.7%.There is no schistosomiasis patient among the sero positive individuals.Conclusion The result suggests that no Schistosoma or infected snails remain in the endemic areas.New screening methods for schistosomiasis should be developed to replace the traditional methods.
The Role of Statistical Learning and Working Memory in L2 Speakers' Pattern Learning.

This study investigated whether second language (L2) speakers' morphosyntactic pattern learning was predicted by their statistical learning and working memory abilities. Across three experiments, Thai English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students ( N = 140) were exposed to either the transitive construction in Esperanto (e.g., tauro batas cevalon, 'bull hits horse') or the nonprototypical English double-object dative construction (e.g., John built the table a leg). They also completed an aural test of statistical learning and a spoken backward digit-span test of working memory. In Experiment 1, only statistical learning was predictive of Esperanto pattern learning. Experiment 2 targeted pattern learning of the English nonprototypical double-object dative construction. Although working memory was associated with performance in the exposure phase, only statistical learning predicted test performance, as in Experiment 1. Finally, Experiment 3 served as a control condition in which participants were exposed to prototypical datives only during the exposure phase. This experiment showed that neither statistical learning nor working memory were associated with exposure or test performance. The findings are discussed in terms of the engagement of statistical learning and working memory during L2 pattern learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Myocardial preservation in the neonate. Beneficial effects of cardioplegia and systemic hypothermia on piglets undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial ischemia.

This study examined anatomic differences between the adult and the newborn heart as they relate to myocardial preservation and compared standard techniques of myocardial preservation used in operations for congenital heart disease. The biventricular endocardial surface area/ventricular mass ratios were calculated in 10 neonatal (2.5 ± 0.2:1) and 10 adult (0.6 ± 0.1:1) pigs (p
Metabolism of Monoamines

The term catecholamine refers to a group of substances with low molecular weight that contain a catechol nucleus (i.e., two hydroxyl ions, on the 3- and 4-positions) and an amine on the side chain (Fig. 1). The numbering system begins with the carbon adjacent to the side chain (with the first carbon atom called alpha, the second beta, etc.) and rotates counterclockwise within the phenol ring. Monoamine is an ambiguous term that applies to any aliphatic, aromatic, or heterocyclic compound in which a hydrogen atom has been replaced by an amine group. In the field of cerebral research, however, the term has been used to refer specifically to four substances found in the brain and the rest of the central nervous system: two primary amines, dopamine and noradrenaline; one secondary amine, adrenaline; and an indolealkylamine, serotonin. For the purpose of standardization, monoamine in this text will refer only to these four compounds.
Time - Dependent Behavior of Earth Materials

This chapter discusses time-dependent behavior of earth materials. Time-dependent behavior in earth materials is commonly referred to as creep . Creep is dependent on other factors also besides time, such as temperature, pore pressure, and ambient stress level. Creep is liable to be considerable, even at low-stress levels, in rocks such as the saline evaporites and the more porous sediments, particularly when water or other fluids are present in the rock interstices. The effect of increase in temperature is to increase the magnitude of the constants in the creep equations, and also to decrease the viscosity. However, these effects are seldom of any practical importance in engineering situations when temperatures below 100°C are to be expected. Creep of rock detritus and soil is frequently witnessed on hilly terrain. The motive forces in this case are almost entirely gravitational, although lateral stresses generated by expansive forces because of swelling ice and clay in the interstices and crevices of the material, and by forces because of heat and shrinkage, are sometimes important.
Protein Carbonylation of an Amino Acid Residue of the Na/K‐ATPase α1 Subunit Determines Na/K‐ATPase Signaling and Sodium Transport in Renal Proximal Tubular Cells

Background We have demonstrated that cardiotonic steroids, such as ouabain, signaling through the Na/K‐ATPase, regulate sodium reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule. By direct carbonylation modification of the Pro222 residue in the actuator (A) domain of pig Na/K‐ATPase α1 subunit, reactive oxygen species are required for ouabain‐stimulated Na/K‐ATPase/c‐Src signaling and subsequent regulation of active transepithelial 22Na+ transport. In the present study we sought to determine the functional role of Pro222 carbonylation in Na/K‐ATPase signaling and sodium handling. Methods and Results Stable pig α1 knockdown LLC‐PK1‐originated PY‐17 cells were rescued by expressing wild‐type rat α1 and rat α1 with a single mutation of Pro224 (corresponding to pig Pro222) to Ala. This mutation does not affect ouabain‐induced inhibition of Na/K‐ATPase activity, but abolishes the effects of ouabain on Na/K‐ATPase/c‐Src signaling, protein carbonylation, Na/K‐ATPase endocytosis, and active transepithelial 22Na+ transport. Conclusions Direct carbonylation modification of Pro224 in the rat α1 subunit determines ouabain‐mediated Na/K‐ATPase signal transduction and subsequent regulation of renal proximal tubule sodium transport.
Event‐Triggered Communication and Control for Multi‐Agent Average Consensus

In this chapter we look at one of the canonical driving examples for multi-agent systems: average consensus. In this scenario, a group of agents seek to agree on the average of their initial states. Depending on the particular application, such states might correspond to sensor measurements, estimates about the position of a target, or some other data that needs to be fused. Due to its numerous applications in networked systems, many algorithmic solutions exist to the multi-agent average consensus problem; however, a majority of them rely on agents having continuous or periodic availability of information from other agents. Unfortunately, this assumption leads to inefficient implementations in terms of energy consumption, communication bandwidth, network congestion, and processor usage. Motivated by these observations, our main goal here is the design of provably correct distributed event-triggered strategies that autonomously decide when communication and control updates should occur so that the resulting asynchronous network executions still achieve average consensus.
Experimental comparison of control techniques for the trajectory tracking of reactor neutronic power

An experimental comparison of proportional-derivative (PD) pure feedforward, hybrid feedforward/PD-feedback, and period-generated control for the trajectory tracking of reactor neutronic power is reported. The first relies entirely on feedback; the second makes use only of a model; the third combines feedback serially with a model's output; and the fourth uses feedback to update a trajectory which is then processed through a model to obtain the actuator signal. Each was tested on the 5-MWt MIT Research Reactor, with the period-generated technique being found to give superior overall performance. The theory of each control concept is summarized, and experiments that illustrate its advantages and weaknesses are presented. >
ZAP-70 Status Does Not Predict Outcome after Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation (NST) in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) That Fails To Respond to Conventional Chemoimmunotherapy.

Recent studies demonstrated that ZAP-70 is an important prognostic factor in CLL. Patients (pts) who were ZAP-70 positive were reported to have an early time to treatment failure and a shorter survival. We determined the effect of ZAP-70 status on the outcome of NST in pts with advanced relapsed CLL. Between 1999 and 2005, 39 pts were enrolled, ranging in age from 34 to 70 years (median, 57 years). All pts had recurrent advanced CLL and had been previously treated with fludarabine-rituximab-based regimens. Each pt had received 2 to 8 (median, 3) chemotherapy regimens. Thirty-four pts (87%) had active disease at the time of study entry. Using immunohistochemical techniques on marrow biopsy samples, we determined that 25 pts were ZAP-70 positive, 13 were ZAP-70 negative, and 1 was of indeterminate status. All pts received a preparative regimen of fludarabine (30 mg/m2 daily for 3 days), intravenous cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2 daily for 3 days), and high-dose rituximab, as previously reported. Thirty-five pts underwent allogeneic transplantation from a sibling donor and 4 from a matched unrelated donor. The median number of CD34+ cells infused ranged from 1.96 to 6.6 x 106 /kg (median, 4.7 x 106 /kg). Neutrophil counts recovered to > 0.5 x 109/L at a median of 10 days after NST. Donor cells failed to engraft in 1 patient. The median percentage of donor T cells at day 30 was 68% (range, 0%-100%), and increased to 93% and 100% at days 90 and 180, respectively ( P < 0.001). Fourteen pts experienced disease progression after transplantation and required immunomanipulation. The last progressions within the whole group and among those patients who were ZAP-70 positive occurred at 23 and 18 months, respectively after transplantation. By multivariate analysis, chemorefractory disease ( P = 0.01) and having mixed T cell chimerism at day 90 ( P = 0.02), but not ZAP-70 positivity, were identified as the most significant factors for progression after transplantation. Of the 14 pts who required immunomanipulation after transplantation, 6 experienced a complete response (CR) and 1 had a partial response. Responses occurred after therapy with rituximab and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) (median, 1 dose of 1 x 107 CD3+/kg). Overall, of the 38 evaluable patients, 27 (71%) experienced a CR. The incidence of acute grade II-IV GVHD was 45%, whereas the incidence of chronic extensive GVHD, pre- and post-DLI, was 58%. With a median follow-up time of 27 months (range, 4–80 months), the estimated overall survival (OS) and current progression-free survival (CFPS) rates at 4 years was 48% and 44%, respectively. Pts who were ZAP-70 positive had a median follow-up period of 41 months (range, 5–80 months). Their estimated OS and CPFS rates at 4 years were estimated to be 56% and 53%, respectively. These results indicate that NST can overcome the negative prognostic feature of ZAP-70 expression in advanced CLL.
School Social Workers’ Perceptions of School Safety and Security in Today’s Schools: A Survey of Practitioners Across the United States

ABSTRACTTo understand the effects of school safety practices and strategies on the school environment, researchers have consistently investigated the perceptions of students and various school personnel concerning school safety. Yet school social workers, professionals commonly employed in today’s schools to address the mental health needs of students, are often left out of the school safety discussion. Data were collected from 229 school social workers across the United States to examine: (a) school social workers’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of various school safety strategies; (b) differences in these perceptions based on student- and school-level variables; and (c) comments from participants regarding school safety in U.S. schools. The purpose of this article is to provide timely implications concerning school safety from a unique and unstudied perspective.
IL-1β (Interleukin-1β) and TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) Impact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation by Differential Effects on Macrophage Polarization.

Objective— Abdominal aortic aneurysms are inflammatory in nature and are associated with some risk factors that also lead to atherosclerotic occlusive disease, most notably smoking. The purpose of our study was to identify differential cytokine expression in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and those with atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Based on this analysis, we further explored and compared the mechanism of action of IL (interleukin)-1β versus TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) in abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. Approach and Results— IL-1β was differentially expressed in human plasma with lower levels detected in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm compared with matched atherosclerotic controls. We further explored its mechanism of action using a murine model and cell culture. Genetic deletion of IL-1β and IL-1R did not inhibit aneurysm formation or decrease MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) expression. The effects of IL-1β deletion on M1 macrophage polarization were compared with another proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α. Bone marrow-derived macrophages from IL-1β −/− and TNF-α −/− mice were polarized to an M1 phenotype. TNF-α deletion, but not IL-1β deletion, inhibited M1 macrophage polarization. Infusion of M1 polarized TNF-α −/− macrophages inhibited aortic diameter growth; no inhibitory effect was seen in mice infused with M1 polarized IL-1β −/− macrophages. Conclusions— Although IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine, its effects on aneurysm formation and macrophage polarization differ from TNF-α. The differential effects of IL-1β and TNF-α inhibition are related to M1/M2 macrophage polarization and this may account for the differences in clinical efficacy of IL-1β and TNF-α antibody therapies in management of inflammatory diseases.
Large Scale Data Collection of Tattoo-Based Biometric Data from Social-Media Websites

The use of tattoos as a soft biometric is increasing in popularity among law enforcement communities. There is great need for large scale, publicly available tattoo datasets that can be used to standardize efforts to develop tattoo-based biometric systems. In this work, we introduce a large tattoo dataset (WVU-MediaTatt) collected from a social-media website. Additionally, we provide the source links to the images so that anyone can re-generate this dataset. Our WVU-MediaTatt database contains tattoo sample images from over 1,000 subjects, with two tattoo image samples per subject. To the best of our knowledge, this dataset is significantly bigger than any current released publicly available tattoo dataset, including the recently released NIST Tatt-C dataset. The use of social media in deep learning, data mining, and biometrics has traditionally been a controversial issue in terms of data security and protection of privacy. In this work, we first conduct a full discussion on the issues associated with data collection from social media sources for the use of biometric system development, and provide a framework for data collection. In this study, within the process of creating a new large scale tattoo dataset, we consider the issues and make attempts protect the subject's privacy and information, while ensuring that subjects remain in control of their data in this study and the use of the data adheres to the guidelines proposed by the Heath Care Compliance Association (HCCA) and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Self-reported major mobility disability and mortality among cancer survivors

Abstract Objective To quantify the prevalence of self-reported major mobility disability (SR-MMD) and its association with mortality in a nationally-representative sample of cancer survivors. Materials and Methods This study included patients with a history of cancer who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 2010. SR-MMD was defined as self-reported difficulty or inability to walk a quarter of a mile. Vital status through December 15, 2011 was ascertained from the United States National Center for Health Statistics. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to quantify the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between SR-MMD and mortality. Results The study included 1458 cancer survivors who averaged 67.1 years of age. At baseline, 201 (13.7%) participants had SR-MMD. During a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 434 (29.8%) participants died. SR-MMD was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality [HR: 2.15 (95% CI: 1.56–2.97); P Conclusion SR-MMD is an easily ascertainable metric of physical function that is associated with a higher risk of mortality among cancer survivors. Integrating measures of physical function may help to guide clinical decision-making and improve long-term prognostication in this population. Interventions that prevent the development of SR-MDD, such as physical activity, should be evaluated in this population.
Effects of elctrolytes on the stability of wetting films: Implications on seawater flotation

Abstract Surface force measurements were conducted using the force apparatus for deformable surfaces (FADS) to better understand the stability of the wetting films formed on hydrophobic surfaces in the presence of KCl and MgCl2. The measurements were conducted using thiol-coated gold surfaces as robust model hydrophobic surfaces. The results obtained in pure water show that the wetting films of water on weakly hydrophobic surfaces are metastable due to the presence of a repulsive double-layer force in the films. At high concentrations of KCl, the wetting films become unstable due to double-layer compression, causing them to rupture. In the presence of MgCl2, both contact angles and hydrophobic forces decrease due to the adsorption of the hydrolysis products such as MgOH+ ions and Mg(OH)2 precipitates on the surface. The FADS data obtained in the present work were analyzed using the Frumkin-Derjaguin isotherm to determine the roles of the short- and long-range hydrophobic forces in determining the stability of the wetting films formed on hydrophobic surfaces. The results of the present study are discussed in view of the roles of electrolytes in seawater flotation.
Oral Idarubicin in Haematological Malignancies

Since the introduction of idarubicin into the clinical research arena in the mid-1980s, the drug has been demonstrated to have significant activity in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, nonHodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Few data are available in Hodgkin’s disease. While the intravenous preparation was used in many of these studies, the activity of oral idarubicin has also been well documented. The versatility of oral administration of an active anticancer agent allows exploration of prolonged schedules and long term, low dose administration. This route and the various schedules of administration are optimal for patients with low-grade malignancies and are particularly relevant for elderly patients and those who would be considered unlikely to tolerate intensive regimens. The oral route is also useful in other clinical situations when dose intensity and schedule are not mandatory for delivering therapy with curative intent.
TAILORing Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer

Five to ten years of adjuvant endocrine therapy provides a substantial benefit in terms of survival outcomes among women with early-stage hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, the most common su...
Improving emotion regulation ability in autism: The Emotional Awareness and Skills Enhancement (EASE) program.

Emotion regulation impairments are common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder and are believed to often underlie commonly seen problems with aggression, depression, and anxiety. The Emo...
Differential gene expression during placentation in pregnancies conceived with different fertility treatments compared with spontaneous pregnancies.

Objective To identify differences in the transcriptomic profiles during placentation from pregnancies conceived spontaneously vs. those with infertility using non-in vitro fertilization (IVF) fertility treatment (NIFT) or IVF. Design Cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Women undergoing chorionic villus sampling at gestational age 11–13 weeks (n = 141), with pregnancies that were conceived spontaneously (n = 74), with NIFT (n = 33), or with IVF (n = 34), resulting in the delivery of viable offspring. Intervention(s) Collection of chorionic villus samples from women who conceived spontaneously, with NIFT, or with IVF for gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing. Main Outcome Measure(s) Baseline maternal, paternal, and fetal demographics, maternal medical conditions, pregnancy complications, and outcomes. Differential gene expression of first-trimester placenta. Result(s) There were few differences in the transcriptome of first-trimester placenta from NIFT, IVF, and spontaneous pregnancies. There was one protein-coding differentially expressed gene (DEG) between the spontaneous and infertility groups, CACNA1I, one protein-coding DEG between the spontaneous and IVF groups, CACNA1I, and five protein-coding DEGs between the NIFT and IVF groups, SLC18A2, CCL21, FXYD2, PAEP, and DNER. Conclusion(s) This is the first and largest study looking at transcriptomic profiles of first-trimester placenta demonstrating similar transcriptomic profiles in pregnancies conceived using NIFT or IVF and spontaneous conceptions. Gene expression differences found to be highest in the NIFT group suggest that the underlying infertility, in addition to treatment-related factors, may contribute to the observed gene expression profiles.
Using Retrospective Research Questions & Database Mining as a Basis for an Inquiry-Based Lab in an Undergraduate Human Physiology Course

Collecting meaningful data in an undergraduate human physiology lab course can be difficult for a variety of reasons. I describe a way of creating an inquiry-based, semester-long project that allows students practice in designing retrospective research questions using a large database containing common physiology data. The database generated during this project has the capability of adding new participants each semester the course is taught. This approach can be used with a variety of different physiology acquisition systems and can easily be specialized for the learning outcomes of a given physiology laboratory course.
A theoretical model for salt ion drift due to electric field suitable to seawater desalination

Abstract A seawater desalination method due to a high voltage static electric field that drifts the dissolved salt ions is proposed in this paper. The electric field creates opposite forces to the positive and negative charged ions of continuously flowing seawater and forces them to drift to the sidewalls of the duct, the center of which is less salted then. Both the transient and the steady-state ion distributions are studied analytically. The effects of various parameters, such as the electric field intensity, the width of the duct and drift time of ions inside the duct are studied. The method is found to work well as the width of the duct and the electric field intensity increase. Moreover, significant salt concentration reduction can be succeeded, even
Sulla Strada di Nuovo… "On the Road Again".

Joseph A. Corrado, MD, FACS, a surgeon from Mexico, Mo., and MSMA member since 1982, is MSMA President for 2018–2019. Contact: ten.labolgcbs@eojcodgib Open in a separate window
“Conservation, Tradition and Popular Iconoclasm in North America”

Throughout North America, contentious debates and protests are occurring over the existence of historic monuments that represent racial hatred. As post-colonial countries, the United States and Can...
Learning to Respond to Students in Discussions: Examining the Use of Planted Errors in an Approximation of Practice:

Students’ contributions that are not yet mathematically complete, precise, or correct are crucial for learning through classroom discussions. We aim to support teacher candidates (TCs) to see stude...
Grassmannian Optimization for Online Tensor Completion and Tracking with the t-SVD.

We propose a new fast streaming algorithm for the tensor completion problem of imputing missing entries of a low-tubal-rank tensor using the tensor singular value decomposition (t-SVD) algebraic framework. We show the t-SVD is a specialization of the well-studied block-term decomposition for third-order tensors, and we present an algorithm under this model that can track changing free submodules from incomplete streaming 2-D data. We use principles from incremental gradient descent on the Grassmann manifold of subspaces to solve the tensor completion problem with linear complexity and constant memory in the number of time samples. Our results are competitive in accuracy but much faster in compute time than state-of-the-art tensor completion algorithms on real applications to recover temporal chemo-sensing and MRI data under limited sampling.