cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors which may predispose to lymphoreticular malignancies

The preceeding chapters have emphasised the importance of environmental factors in certain lymphoreticular malignancies and in some instances, a series of hypotheses relating to aetiology have been presented. Thus, Hodgkin’s disease might have an infectious component, with an asymptomatic carrier state and a long incubation period. Some prenatal exposure might be essential for the development of Burkitt’s lymphoma, a tumour strongly associated with EBV and perhaps malaria in African countries. Childhood Hodgkin’s disease and lymphosarcoma might also be induced during the prenatal period, but this is unlikely in reticulum cell sarcoma. There is growing evidence that acute lymphatic leukaemia of childhood might be caused by exposure to a viral agent, possibly varicella, during the prenatal period. Another important concept is that significant epidemiologic, clinical and histologic differences exist between the childhood and adult age groups with certain lymphoreticular malignancies. This is certainly true of Hodgkin’s disease and lymphosarcoma and may also apply to acute lymphatic leukaemia. Interestingly all three disorders have bimodal incidence curves, whereas in the majority of instances Burkitt’s lymphoma is a disease of childhood and reticulum cell sarcoma occurs in the elderly. This variability makes it unlikely that all of these disorders are due to any one environmental factor; a multiplicity of factors must be involved. Furthermore, in any of these diseases, particularly those with both childhood and adult, peaks, it seems quite possible that aetiologic factors exert their influence at different points in time and that the relative importance of certain host factors may vary considerably during these periods.
Book Review of Wojciech Sadurski (Ed), Political Rights Under Stress in 21st Century Europe (Collected Courses of the Academy of European Law). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006

Book Review of Wojciech Sadurski (Ed), Political Rights Under Stress in 21st Century Europe (Collected Courses of the Academy of European Law). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006.
Accuracy of the Patch model used to estimate density and capture efficiency in depletion experiments for sessile invertebrates and fish

The Patch model is used to analyse depletion experiment data for sessile invertebrates and fish that do not randomize after sampling. Simulations indicate that density and capture efficiency estimates were useful under realistic conditions for Atlantic surfclam (Spisula solidissima) and many other sessile demersal species. Density estimates were generally biased low by position-data errors, whereas efficiency estimates were relatively unbiased. A new "hit" matrix method improved the accuracy of efficiency estimates, reduced the variability for efficiency and density estimates, and simplified assumptions about the movement of organisms after sampling. Depletion tows should be spaced to cover the entire study area and to intersect in areas where densities are not low. Model estimates can be made for individuals fully or partially selected by the sampling gear, and information about size selectivity is useful. Patch-model estimates can be used to calculate swept-area abundance or biomass, estimate catchability coefficients for survey or catch per unit effort data, form prior distributions used in stock assessment models, and estimate efficiency for other types of sampling gear.
Velocity response envelope spectrum as a function of time, for the Pacoima Dam, San Fernando earthquake, February 9, 1971

The spectrum of the velocity response envelope as a function of time for 5 per cent and 2 per cent critical damping has been calculated for the horizontal and vertical components of the Pacoima Dam accelerogram of February 9, 1971. The duration in terms of time and the number of cycles for a particular period of the response envelope above different levels are examined. The effects of critical damping and of peak ground acceleration on the velocity response envelope are also examined.
Testosterone free index correlates best with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate

Correlation coefficients for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were determined in women on menotropin. DHEAS was significantly correlated with testosterone free index (TFI), 0.78**;percentage free testosterone (%FT), 0.66**; androstenedione (Δ 4 A), 0.66*; luteinizing hormone (LH), 0.55**; LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, 0.55**; 17-OH-progesterone (17-P), 0.55**; testosterone (T), 0.53**; weight (WT), 0.40**; urinary estriol glucuronide (E 3 G), 0.33*; and free cortisol index (FFI), 0.32*, with 43 df but not with prolactin (PRL), 025. Normal male DHEAS (3.5 ± 12, 25) ( μ g/ml: mean ± standard deviation, n ) was higher than normal female DHEAS (2.4 ± 1.1, 27), P P > 0.2. In the combined population (male, female, and females on oral contraceptives) DHEAS was correlated with TFI (0.56**), T (0.54**), %FT (0.52**), Δ 4 A (0.40**), and age (–0.40**) with 66 df and 17-P (0.30*) with 54 df . TFI appears to be one determinant of plasma DHEAS. ** P P
Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution of Carrion-Associated Arthropods

A population is defined as a group of organisms of the same species that inhabit a particular geographic area, but which are also capable of interbreeding with inhabitants of other geographic areas (Hartl and Clark 1997). Therefore, this discussion should begin with the overall goal of defining a population of carrion-frequenting insects. There are two classic models which would be appropriate to define populations of carrion insects: the island model (Wright 1951) and the stepping stone model (Kimura and Weiss 1964). The island model assumes equal migration in and out of defined populations (=islands), whereas the stepping stone model assumes a greater degree of exchange between neighboring populations in which isolation by distance is observed. The actual population structure is likely a mixture of these two models for carrion insects and is not well known or defined. This chapter will focus on describing the population structure of carrion insects using existing molecular genetic techniques.
Artificial Diet Development for Entomophagous Arthropods

Abstract Artificial diets promised an economical way to mass produce entomophagous arthropods for augmentative biological control. Many decades later, this promise has not been fulfilled, and most of the commercial mass production of entomophagous arthropods is being done in vivo. Although many successful artificial diets have been published, these diet formulations have not been developed to the level of commercial use. In some cases, the resulting arthropods are of poor quality. In other cases, the diet formulations are expensive to produce and not commercially viable. Alternatively, the methods to produce arthropods in vitro are complicated and require too much labor for commercial application. In this chapter, we propose that most of the published artificial diets have not been fully developed to their potential and represent a continuous work in progress. A proposed pathway for moving artificial diet development to commercial application is presented in this chapter; the pathway consists of six levels of advancement based on the magnitude of capabilities to produce arthropods. This chapter makes evident that the process of artificial diet development is a multidisciplinary enterprise that requires time, effort, and commitment and will benefit from industry and government support.
Wicked Overseers: American Policing and Colonialism

In recent times, several tragic events have brought attention to the relationship between policing and racial/ethnic minorities in the United States. Scholars, activists, and pundits have clamored ...
Evidence-Based Medicine and Decision-Making Policy

This chapter provides an overview of how organizations manage policies governing clinical decisions through the use of evidence-based medicine. The authors argue that a central decision-making body, burning platform, and sound evidence base are foundational for policy generation. Effective deployment relies on receptive clinicians, electronic health records designed to reinforce policy, and organizational priorities to target initial areas for deployment. Sustainment necessitates organizational governance over policy decisions, mechanisms to update policies with new evidence, and tools to provide performance feedback to clinicians. As organizations integrate across the care continuum to attend to population health, sustainable management of policies governing evidence-based clinical decisions will be increasingly vital for success.
Characterization of photonic crystal structures

The basics devices characteristics of photonic crystal lasers and passive components are introduced followed by a more detailed discussion of the experimental characterization of these devices.
Turn-Key and Robust Stabilization of Scalable, N-GTI Resonator Based Coherent Pulse Stacking Systems

A turn-key, robust, all-digital, and software-based control system based on stochastic parallel gradient descent algorithm is demonstrated to efficiently stabilize N-cascaded optical cavities of coherent pulse stacking systems.
Phase Ib trial of trastuzumab emtansine (TE) in combination with lapatinib (L) plus nab-paclitaxel in metastatic HER2-neu overexpressed breast cancer patients: STELA trial.

TPS669 Background: Therapies directed at HER2 establish a successful treatment paradigm, but de novo and acquired resistance exist. Multiple large randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that ...
Constraining Transversity and Nucleon Transverse-polarization Structure Through Polarized-proton Collisions at STAR

Current knowledge of nucleon transverse-polarization structure comes from measurements of transverse single-spin asymmetries (SSAs) from semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). These measurements, combined with those of e+e collisions, have allowed the first extractions of transversity with limited constraints at higher values of Bjorken-x. One avenue to enrich understanding over a different kinematic range is jet+hadron and di-hadron production from polarizedproton collisions. Through these channels, the STAR detector at RHIC has for the first time observed SSAs due to the effects of transversity coupled to the Collins and interference fragmentation functions (IFFs) in polarized-proton collisions at p s = 200 and 500 GeV. In addition to transversity, the distribution of pions within jets may also provide a window into gluon linear polarization. Furthermore, the comparison of all asymmetry moments at 200 GeV and 500 GeV may yield insight into longstanding theoretical questions concerning evolution, universality, and factorization breaking in non-collinear formulations of pQCD. Preliminary results from the jet+hadron and di-hadron analyses at p s = 200 and 500 GeV will be presented, including the first observations of transversity effects in polarized-proton collisions and the first-ever measurements offering constraints on models involving gluon linear polarization.
A Reconfigurable Dual-Frequency Narrowband CMOS LNA Using Phase-Change RF Switches

This paper presents a dual-band low-noise amplifier (LNA) that can be reversibly configured between 3 and 5 GHz using a phase-change (PC) RF switch. Simultaneous noise and conjugate input matching is achieved at the two frequencies using a single PC RF switch and coupled source inductors, thereby minimizing integration complexity and enabling a compact design roughly equal in size to a single-band design. The PC switch has extremely low on-state resistance (1.5– $4\Omega$ ) and parasitic capacitance (12–16 fF), and has a compact footprint ( $\sim 50~\mu \text{m}^{2}$ ). A chip containing the PC switch is fabricated in-house while the rest of the LNA is fabricated in a 0.13- $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS technology. The two chips are combined using an in-house flip-chip integration process. Characterization from five prototypes fabricated in two batches is presented. The integrated LNAs achieved peak gain greater than 20 dB and minimum noise figure less than 2.9 dB in both the frequency bands while consuming a peak power of 7.2 mW from a 1.2-V supply. Comparison of the CMOS-PC prototypes with carefully designed control LNAs demonstrates the effectiveness of the PC switch for RF reconfiguration, which allows the reconfigurable LNA to achieve performance comparable to its nonreconfigurable counterparts.
Prostate Cancer Cells Express More Androgen Receptor (AR) Following Androgen Deprivation, Improving Recognition by AR-Specific T Cells

Androgen deprivation is the primary therapy for recurrent prostate cancer, and agents targeting the androgen receptor (AR) pathway continue to be developed. Because androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) has immmunostimulatory effects as well as direct antitumor effects, AR-targeted therapies have been combined with other anticancer therapies, including immunotherapies. Here, we sought to study whether an antigen-specific mechanism of resistance to ADT (overexpression of the AR) may result in enhanced AR-specific T-cell immune recognition, and whether this might be strategically combined with an antitumor vaccine targeting the AR. Androgen deprivation increased AR expression in human and murine prostate tumor cells in vitro and in vivo The increased expression persisted over time. Increased AR expression was associated with recognition and cytolytic activity by AR-specific T cells. Furthermore, ADT combined with vaccination, specifically a DNA vaccine encoding the ligand-binding domain of the AR, led to improved antitumor responses as measured by tumor volumes and delays in the emergence of castrate-resistant prostate tumors in two murine prostate cancer models (Myc-CaP and prostate-specific PTEN-deficient mice). Together, these data suggest that ADT combined with AR-directed immunotherapy targets a major mechanism of resistance, overexpression of the AR. This combination may be more effective than ADT combined with other immunotherapeutic approaches. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(12); 1074-85. ©2017 AACR.
Managing multiple group roles: an autoethnography of communication and perceived role incompatibility

ABSTRACTThis autoethnography explores my communication surrounding the stress I experienced from perceived role incompatibilities between my role portraying a reprehensible character in a theater p...
Knowledge Gaps in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy: a Survey of Trainees in Internal Medicine and Cardiology

Background: Knowledge of clinical practice guidelines for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) therapy is a pre-requisite for effective application of this life-saving technology. The level of trainee familiarity with these guidelines is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess trainee familiarity with clinical practice guidelines for ICD therapy. Methods: This study surveyed 32 clinicians of varying training levels in internal medicine and cardiology at a large VA medical center. This is a survey study conducted from a population of all trainees in internal medicine at the medical center; the sample included trainees from PGY-1 through PGY-7 as well as attending physicians in internal medicine. Analysis of the collected survey data was performed using either Chi-square tests for comparison of categorical variables or unpaired t-tests for comparison of means. Results: Of all respondents, 69% reported that they were familiar with published guidelines, and consistent with previously published data. Cardiologists were significantly more likely to report familiarity than internists (85% vs 42%, P=0.01). Most respondents (75%) reported satisfactory or better knowledge of published guidelines, though only 34% self-reported their knowledge as good or very good. The majority of respondents (86%) underestimated the usual cost of ICD implantation, while most respondents (78%) agreed that implantation of an ICD was cost-effective for secondary prevention, cardiologists were far more likely to agree than internists (95% vs. 50%, P<0.03). Conclusion: There are considerable knowledge gaps evident among trainees with regard to clinical practice guidelines for ICD therapy. This likely represents a modifiable barrier to ICD implantation. Structured education for medical trainees on the appropriate use and referral practices consistent with practice guidelines may reduce knowledge gaps and increase appropriate ICD implantation. Keywords: IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATORS, SURVEY, TRAINING, CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES
Why Different Rules Are Required for Polygenic Inheritance: Lessons From Studies of the DRD2 Gene

Abstract In 1990 Blum, Noble and coworkers reported a significant association between the 1 allele of the Taq 1A polymorphism of the D 2 dopamine receptor gene ( DRD2 ) and severe alcoholism. Subsequently, some reports using both linkage and association techniques supported this finding whereas others either did not, or seemed not to support this association. Although some of the controversy is due to true variability in the frequency of the D 2 A1 allele in different groups of alcoholics and controls, some is also due to the frequent attempt to apply the rules of single-gene disorders to what is in all likelihood a multifactorial, polygenic disorder. When the rules that are appropriate to polygenic inheritance are used a significant portion of the controversy is resolved. Those rules, and their application to the role of the DRD2 gene in addictive, impulsive behaviors, are reviewed.
Theory and application of pressure swing adsorption for the environment

Abstract Analytic, equilibrium theory-based expressions for the periodic state process performance and bed profiles of three evolving environmental pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes are presented. The three PSA processes include single component solvent vapor recovery, single component air purification with complete clean-up, and binary solvent vapor recovery. The analytic expressions are used to carry out conceptual designs of several environmentally related and commercially relevant PSA systems, including dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and butane vapor recovery, purification of air containing ppm levels of styrene vapor using a complete clean-up cycle, and separation of n-butane vapor from a mixture of n-butane and n-heptane in an inert carrier gas. These conceptual designs show that the analytic expressions can be readily used in the preliminary design, feasibility and performance evaluation of environmental PSA processes, even by the novice.
Decoding of Cyclic Codes

Cyclic codes have been defined from a spectral point of view based on the Fourier transform. Toeplitz matrices are directly related to spectral analysis, so it will not be surprising that the algorithms for inverting Toeplitz systems of equations can be applied to the decoding of cyclic codes. This chapter will make this connection explicit by developing a number of decoding algorithms for Reed-Solomon codes.
Pathways of mononuclear cell infiltration in rheumatoid synovitis

The mononuclear cell infiltration which characterizes the chronic inflammatory reaction results from the migration of lymphocytes and monocytes through the endothelium of the postcapillary venule. The initial step in the emigration of these cells in their binding to the vascular endothelium. The binding capacity of the endothelial cell (EC) for lymphocytes and monocytes is increased by IFN-γ, IL-1, TNFα, and TNFβ. Production of these cytokines by chronic inflammatory cells may be expected to amplify the chronic inflammatory reaction. Initiation of the chronic synovitis of rheumatoid and other chronic synovitides probably results from the interaction of antigen with sensitized T cells in the sublining region of the synovium. This interaction is facilitated by the presence of substantial numbers of DR+macrophage+accessory cells in the synovial interstitial space. It is likely that these accessory cells are bone marrow derived monocytes migrating to the synovial lining layer in response to chemotactic factors released by the hyperplastic synovial lining cells. Lymphocytes differ in their binding affinity for ECs, and more strongly binding lymphocytes may be preferentially bound. Since binding is the first step in lymphocyte emigration, this event may lead to the selection of more strongly binding lymphocytes in the perivascular infiltrate. The T cells present in the mononuclear cell infiltrates of rheumatoid arthritis, other chronic synovitides, and multiple sclerosis have been shown to be composed largely of the CDw29+CD4+, helper-inducer, memory cell subset. The predominance of this T-cell subset may result from its demonstrated greater binding affinity for ECs. The fact that this subset has been shown to react weakly with T-cell mitogens and strongly with soluble antigens, may explain two important properties of synovial fluid T cells in inflammatory disease: (1) their weak reactivity to T cells mitogens and (2) their strong reactivity to antigens. Thus, the hyperplasia of the synovial lining layer, which may be an important factor in the mobilization of accessory cells, and the increased EC binding of HI memory T cells may combine to facilitate the initiation and maintenance of chronic synovitis.
A Field Experiment Demonstrates Near Peer Mentorship as an Effective Support for Student Persistence

The attitudes and behaviors of peers can predict an individual’s own behaviors, particularly during adolescence. However experimental studies have not demonstrated how slightly older near peers can...
Identification of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) as a novel target for MDM2 directed therapies in dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

11583Background: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a common, but morbid mesenchymal tumor driven by amplifications in the mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) gene. Prior studies have indicat...
Apiaceous and Cruciferous Vegetables Fed During the Post-Initiation Stage Reduce Colon Cancer Risk Markers in Rats

BACKGROUND Vegetable consumption reduces colon cancer risk when fed in the initiation stage of carcinogenesis; however, the effect of vegetable consumption during the post-initiation stage has rarely been examined. OBJECTIVE We investigated the chemopreventive effects of feeding apiaceous and cruciferous vegetables on colon cancer risk in the post-initiation stage. METHODS Thirty male Wistar rats (∼5 wk, 92 g) were subcutaneously injected with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine 1 time/wk for 2 wk. One week after the last dose, rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups: the basal diet, an apiaceous vegetable-containing diet (API; 21% fresh wt/wt), or a cruciferous vegetable-containing diet (CRU; 21% fresh wt/wt). All diets contained ∼20% protein, 7% fat, and 63% digestible carbohydrate. Experimental diets were fed for 10 wk, after which colons were harvested. RESULTS CRU reduced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) number compared to the basal group (P = 0.014) and API (P = 0.013), whereas API decreased the proportion of dysplastic ACF relative to the basal group (P < 0.05). Both CRU and API reduced doublecortin-like kinase 1-positive marker expression relative to basal by 57.9% (P = 0.009) and 51.4% (P < 0.02). The numbers of CD44-positive ACF did not differ between the groups. We identified 14 differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs). Of these, expression of 6 miRNAs were greater or tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.10) in one or both vegetable-containing groups compared to the basal group. Bioinformatic analysis of these expression changes in miRNA predicted a change in WNT/β-catenin signaling, indicating downregulation of β-catenin in the vegetable-fed groups. Consistent with this bioinformatics analysis, β-catenin-accumulated ACF were decreased in CRU (93.1%, P = 0.012), but not in API (54.4%, P = 0.125), compared to the basal group. CONCLUSION Both apiaceous and cruciferous vegetables, fed post-initiation, reduce colonic preneoplastic lesions as well as cancer stem cell marker expression in rats, possibly by suppressing oncogenic signaling through changes in miRNA expression.
Guidelines for SHAPE Reagent Choice and Detection Strategy for RNA Structure Probing Studies

Chemical probing is an important tool for characterizing the complex folded structures of RNA molecules, many of which play key cellular roles. Electrophilic SHAPE reagents create adducts at the 2'-hydroxyl position on the RNA backbone of flexible ribonucleotides with relatively little dependence on nucleotide identity. Strategies for adduct detection such as mutational profiling (MaP) allow accurate, automated calculation of relative adduct frequencies for each nucleotide in a given RNA or group of RNAs. A number of alternative reagents and adduct detection strategies have been proposed, especially for use in living cells. Here we evaluate five SHAPE reagents: three previously well-validated reagents 1M7 (1-methyl-7-nitroisatoic anhydride), 1M6 (1-methyl-6-nitroisatoic anhydride), and NMIA ( N-methylisatoic anhydride), one more recently proposed NAI (2-methylnicotinic acid imidazolide), and one novel reagent 5NIA (5-nitroisatoic anhydride). We clarify the importance of carefully designed software in reading out SHAPE experiments using massively parallel sequencing approaches. We examine SHAPE modification in living cells in diverse cell lines, compare MaP and reverse transcription-truncation as SHAPE adduct detection strategies, make recommendations for SHAPE reagent choice, and outline areas for future development.
Cross-linking of CD4 molecules upregulates Fas antigen expression in lymphocytes by inducing interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion.

We have recently shown that, in unfractioned peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the cross-linking of CD4 molecules (CD4XL) is sufficient to induce T-cell apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanism for the CD4XL-mediated T-cell apoptosis is largely unknown. Several recent studies have shown that Fas antigen (Ag), a cell-surface molecule, mediates apoptosis-triggering signals. We show here that cross-linking of CD4 molecules, induced either by anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) Leu3a or by human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) envelope protein gp160, upregulates Fas Ag expression as well as Fas mRNA in normal lymphocytes. Addition of the tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor genistein or of the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporin A abrogated these effects. The upregulation of Fas Ag closely correlated with apoptotic cell death, as determined by flow cytometry. In addition, CD4XL resulted in the induction of interferon-gamma (IFN- gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the absence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4 secretion in PBMCs. Both INF-gamma and TNF-alpha were found to contribute to Fas Ag upregulation and both anti- IFN-gamma and anti-TNF-alpha antibodies blocked CD4XL-induced Fas Ag upregulation and lymphocyte apoptosis. These findings strongly suggest that aberrant cytokine secretion induced by CD4XL and consequent upregulation of Fas Ag expression might play a critical role in triggering peripheral T-cell apoptosis and thereby contribute to HIV disease pathogenesis.
Challenges of creating alliances across borders: midterm reflections from the Alliance for African partnership

ABSTRACTThis paper seeks to share cross-border (geographic, disciplinary and cultural) challenges in the ethical design, establishment, implementation, and evaluation of the performance of alliance...
Managing without growth: slower by design not disaster (2nd Edition), by Peter A. Victor

Since the Great Crash of 2008, and the ensuing Great Recession, the previously dominant neoliberal economic paradigm has been on the defensive in the economics profession. Liberal Keynesianism has ...
A Life of Productivity

Karl Deutsch had a profound influence upon the study of comparative and international politics and his work has been widely acclaimed.
Quickly generating diverse valid test inputs with reinforcement learning

Property-based testing is a popular approach for validating the logic of a program. An effective property-based test quickly generates many diverse valid test inputs and runs them through a parameterized test driver. However, when the test driver requires strict validity constraints on the inputs, completely random input generation fails to generate enough valid inputs. Existing approaches to solving this problem rely on whitebox or greybox information collected by instrumenting the input generator and/or test driver. However, collecting such information reduces the speed at which tests can be executed. In this paper, we propose and study a black-box approach for generating valid test inputs. We first formalize the problem of guiding random input generators towards producing a diverse set of valid inputs. This formalization highlights the role of a guide which governs the space of choices within a random input generator. We then propose a solution based on reinforcement learning (RL), using a tabular, on-policy RL approach to guide the generator. We evaluate this approach, RLCheck, against pure random input generation as well as a state-of-the-art greybox evolutionary algorithm, on four real-world benchmarks. We find that in the same time budget, RLCheck generates an order of magnitude more diverse valid inputs than the baselines.
Canted antiferromagnetic order in the monoaxial chiral magnets V 1 / 3 TaS 2 and V 1 / 3 NbS 2

The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction is present in the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) magnets of form ${M}_{1/3}T{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ ($M=3d$ transition metal, $T\ensuremath{\in}{\mathrm{Nb},\mathrm{Ta}}$), given that the intercalants $M$ form $\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3}$ superlattices within the structure of the parent materials $T{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ and break the centrosymmetry. Competition between DM and ferromagnetic exchange interactions has been shown to stabilize a topological defect known as a chiral soliton in select intercalated TMDCs, initiating interest both in terms of fundamental physics and the potential for technological applications. In the current article we report on our study of the materials ${\mathrm{V}}_{1/3}{\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{V}}_{1/3}{\mathrm{NbS}}_{2}$, using a combination of x-ray powder diffraction, magnetization, and single crystal neutron diffraction. Historically identified as ferromagnets, our diffraction results instead reveal that vanadium spins in these compounds are arranged into an A-type antiferromagnetic configuration at low temperatures. Refined moments are 1.37(6) and 1.50(9) ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$ for ${\mathrm{V}}_{1/3}{\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{V}}_{1/3}{\mathrm{NbS}}_{2}$, respectively. Transition temperatures ${T}_{c}=32\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ for ${\mathrm{V}}_{1/3}{\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ and 50 K for ${\mathrm{V}}_{1/3}{\mathrm{NbS}}_{2}$ are obtained from the magnetization and neutron diffraction results. We attribute the small net magnetization observed in the low-temperature phases to a subtle ($\ensuremath{\sim}{2}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$) canting of XY spins in the out-of-plane direction. These new results are indicative of dominant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the vanadium moments in adjacent $ab$ planes, likely eliminating the possibility of identifying stable chiral solitons in the current materials.
Refinement of High-Gamma EEG Features From TBI Patients With Hemicraniectomy Using an ICA Informed by Simulated Myoelectric Artifacts.

Recent studies have shown the ability to record high-γ signals (80-160 Hz) in electroencephalogram (EEG) from traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients who have had hemicraniectomies. However, extraction of the movement-related high-γ remains challenging due to a confounding bandwidth overlap with surface electromyogram (EMG) artifacts related to facial and head movements. In our previous work, we described an augmented independent component analysis (ICA) approach for removal of EMG artifacts from EEG, and referred to as EMG Reduction by Adding Sources of EMG (ERASE). Here, we tested this algorithm on EEG recorded from six TBI patients with hemicraniectomies while they performed a thumb flexion task. ERASE removed a mean of 52 ± 12% (mean ± S.E.M) (maximum 73%) of EMG artifacts. In contrast, conventional ICA removed a mean of 27 ± 19% (mean ± S.E.M) of EMG artifacts from EEG. In particular, high-γ synchronization was significantly improved in the contralateral hand motor cortex area within the hemicraniectomy site after ERASE was applied. A more sophisticated measure of high-γ complexity is the fractal dimension (FD). Here, we computed the FD of EEG high-γ on each channel. Relative FD of high-γ was defined as that the FD in move state was subtracted by FD in idle state. We found relative FD of high-γ over hemicraniectomy after applying ERASE were strongly correlated to the amplitude of finger flexion force. Results showed that significant correlation coefficients across the electrodes related to thumb flexion averaged ~0.76, while the coefficients across the homologous electrodes in non-hemicraniectomy areas were nearly 0. After conventional ICA, a correlation between relative FD of high-γ and force remained high in both hemicraniectomy areas (up to 0.86) and non-hemicraniectomy areas (up to 0.81). Across all subjects, an average of 83% of electrodes significantly correlated with force was located in the hemicraniectomy areas after applying ERASE. After conventional ICA, only 19% of electrodes with significant correlations were located in the hemicraniectomy. These results indicated that the new approach isolated electrophysiological features during finger motor activation while selectively removing confounding EMG artifacts. This approach removed EMG artifacts that can contaminate high-gamma activity recorded over the hemicraniectomy.
Association between Site-of-Care and the Cost and Modality of Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Analysis of Medicare Beneficiaries from 2015 to 2017.

Among 84,447 radiotherapy (RT) courses for Medicare beneficiaries age ≥ 65 with prostate cancer treated with external beam RT (EBRT), brachytherapy, or both, 42,608 (51%) were delivered in hospital...
Critical Thinking in English Language Acquisition: Role of the Teacher

Traditionally, English language teaching is viewed as an activity of imparting four macro- skills of language: LSRW. With the English language acquiring new identities, such as the global language, the language of science and technology, the language of research, and the language of LPG in its various manifestations, it has forged a new indispensable alliance with critical thinking skills. English language acquisition in the changed and changing scenario calls for the integration of language skills with critical thinking skills. In turn, the role of English language teacher correspondingly changes from a mere facilitator to an active co- participant along with learners in the classroom. An English language teacher is always an English language teacher anywhere and everywhere. Learners acquire English language skills and critical thinking skills as one inseparable package. Acquisition of one without the other at a time is no longer is sustainable. This paper deals with the feasibility and desirability of integrating English language skills and critical thinking skills and examines the role of English language teachers in such a merger.
PROMIS scores of patients undergoing neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiation therapy for surgically excised soft tissue sarcoma.

Introduction Few recent studies have examined patient reported outcomes (PROs) during pre- or post-operative radiation therapy (RT) for soft tissue sarcoma (STS), and none have used PROMIS. This study aims to examine PROMIS scores across peri-operative time points for patients receiving pre- or post-operative RT. Methods Anxiety, depression, pain interference, and physical function PROMIS domains were collected at the pre-operative (1), immediate post-operative (2), and post-treatment completion (3) timepoints for patients undergoing surgery and either pre-operative or post-operative RT. Median scores were compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The reliable change index was used to determine minimum important change in PROMIS scores and to compare scores between timepoints. Results 95 patients were included (19 pre-operative, 76 post-operative). Both groups had significant decreases in function during treatment. Patients with wound complications were more likely to have significant increases in anxiety (36.4% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.020) and decreases in physical function (57.1% vs. 16.2%; p = 0.011) independent of RT timing. Conclusions This study demonstrates minimum significant change thresholds to detect PROMIS changes in STS patients undergoing pre- and post-operative radiotherapy. As expected, more patients with pre-operative RT than post-operative RT had wound complications (p = 0.06), but patients with complications in both groups had worse anxiety and function at the completion of treatment compared with those that did not. The association of wound complications with worse anxiety and physical function at completion of treatment should be considered when making individualized treatment recommendations regarding the timing of RT.
Measuring Students' Readiness to Use E-leaming Platforms: Shaqra University as a Case Study

We are in the midst of a technological revolution. Technology can be used in education systems to improve productivity and to provide many benefits for students. In Saudi Arabia the adoption of e-learning is considered to be in the first stage, although some universities have introduced initiatives to implement electronic learning platforms. The Shaqra University has recently been implementing an e-learning Platform. Consequently, the goals of the study were: (i) to measure the readiness of students to use the e-learning platform in Shaqra University; and (ii) to measure the differentiate between gender and usage experience affected the readiness of student in using the e-learning platform. The results of a questionnaire distributed among students to collect data show that the students in Shaqra University have a sufficient degree of readiness to use the e-learning platform and have some skills that will assist them to use the platform effectively. The results also showed a non-significant difference between males and females in their readiness regarding technology access, study skills and motivation. However, female students” readiness in relation to technology skills and time management skills was significantly greater than that of male students. In relation to technology access, study skills, time management skills, technology skills and motivation, a significant difference in readiness also existed between students who had experienced e-learning and those who had not, with readiness being stronger for all factors in the experienced student group. The results of this study may assist top management in Shaqra University to make decisions that will facilitate the successful implementation of this project.
A needs assessment of unused and expired medication disposal practices: A study from the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana

Abstract Background Access and availability of unused and expired medication (UEM) due to improper disposal and storage is a serious issue, potentially leading to abuse and environmental concerns. Objective To describe the extent of the UEM issue in Indiana (U.S. State), identify patient beliefs about UEM, and determine any association between those beliefs and various personal/demographic characteristics. Results A needs assessment was conducted among community pharmacy patients. A convenience sample of 200 patients from 15 community pharmacies that are part of a practice-based research network (PBRN) in Indiana completed a survey concerning UEM beliefs and behaviors from Feb–March, 2014. Approximately 40% of patients were aware of a UEM take-back location in their community, although only 15% had utilized a UEM take-back location. Seventy-seven percent of patients were willing to drive to a take-back location to return UEM. Particularly vulnerable populations lacking knowledge regarding UEM and access to proper disposal were identified. Conclusions While states have made efforts to increase accessibility for UEM return, there remains a need for more disposal locations for both non-controlled and controlled medication.
Numbered complete graphs, unusual rulers, and assorted applications

A variety of physical processes can be modelled by assigning integer values to the points and edges of complete graphs. A survey was made of three such numberings, their relation to "ruler models," and their applications to x-ray crystallography, to codes for radar, missile guidance, and angular synchronization, to convolutional codes, to addressing in communications networks, and to an integral voltage generator.
Lateral control for vehicles' automatic steering with front sensor and GPS

This paper proposes an automated steering control system for passenger cars. The control strategy used is a look-down reference system which uses a sensor at the front bumper to measure the lateral displacement and a GPS to measure the heading orientation. Firstly, the road curvature estimator is designed based on the steering angle. Secondly, the steering angles can be estimated by using the sensor and the GPS information. The estimation algorithm employed is an observer for a new extended system model, in which the steering angle and its derivative are viewed as two state variables. Then, the lateral displacements estimation and the control algorithm are investigated. An accurate and real-time estimation of the lateral displacements with respect to the road can be accomplished in such a control system. The closed loop controller is used as a compensator to control the lateral dynamics of the vehicle. The vehicle dynamic and control system are simulated with Matlab Simulink. The proposed estimation and control algorithms are validated by simulation results. The results show that the system provides a good and robust performance for vehicle to follow or track a reference path.
Functional level ATPG and fault coverage

An ATPG (automatic test program generation) for combinational circuits based on a functional description is presented. In addition, a functional fault coverage is defined and related to structural fault coverage. The advantages of the functional fault models include early estimates of reliability of the design in the design process, reduced CPU time for fault simulation, and fault grading of the developed test vectors. The author also reports on the evaluation of the functional vs. structural models through a correlation of their simulation results. >
Left Atrial Appendage Function and Stroke Risk

About 30% to 40% of ischemic stroke is of unknown cause.1,2 Recently, biomarkers of atrial dysfunction, or atrial cardiopathy, have been associated with embolic stroke risk even in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF), suggesting that the presence of AF is not required for left atrial thromboembolism to occur.3 Most left atrial thrombi occur in the left atrial appendage (LAA), but there is limited use of LAA dysfunction parameters, such as LAA flow velocity and morphology, to predict ischemic stroke risk. Here we review the literature on the association between LAA pathology and dysfunction and ischemic stroke, with a focus on patients with unexplained, or cryptogenic, stroke. Each year, at least 200000 people in the United States experience a cryptogenic stroke.1,2 The classification of cryptogenic stroke, a subgroup of stroke of undetermined cause, was conventionally made when the initial stroke evaluation was unrevealing, regardless of whether the evaluation was exhaustive, routine, or incomplete.4 More recently, investigators have used the term embolic stroke of undetermined source in reference to a nonlacunar infarction occurring in the absence of a specific identifiable high-risk stroke mechanism, such as AF, valvular heart disease, or large artery stenosis.5 The idea that such infarctions are caused by a distant source of embolus is supported by findings from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Databank, indicating that undocumented cardiac or aortic sources of embolism were found in about two thirds of patients with cryptogenic stroke on follow-up testing.2 One of the most common mechanisms often found in a delayed fashion after cryptogenic stroke is paroxysmal AF, which is detected in ≤30% of patients with cryptogenic stroke on outpatient heart-rhythm monitoring.6,7 However, more than half of cryptogenic strokes remain a mystery even after long-term …
Psychological Considerations in Preparing Patients for Implantation Procedures

Chronic pain is a multifaceted phenomenon which requires the collaboration of multidisciplinary providers for assessment and treatment. A host of emotional, psychosocial, and behavioral factors have been shown to negatively influence the experience of persistent pain and to increase subjective perceptions of disability. Surgical implantation devices—spinal cord stimulators or implanted medication pumps—are increasingly being used for the treatment of intractable pain, and considerable evidence exists to support the value of presurgical psychological assessment and treatment of those biopsychosocial factors which may adversely impact the acquisition of positive functional outcomes after spine surgery. The empiric support for psychological preparation of patients for spine and pain-related surgeries is reviewed in this article, and specific topics including the providing specialized presurgical psychoeducation, evaluating and shaping appropriate treatment expectations, mood management, encouraging pre- and postsurgical monitoring of outcome measures, instruction in relaxation techniques, and improving sleep hygiene skills will be addressed. Taken collectively, the existing behavioral literature provides considerable support, including psychological assessments and treatments, for patients undergoing surgical pain treatment.
A Pharmacological Organization of G Protein-coupled Receptors

Protein classification typically uses structural, sequence or functional similarity. Here we introduce an orthogonal method that organizes proteins by ligand similarity, focusing on the class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein family. Comparing a ligand-based dendrogram to a sequence-based one, we identified GPCRs that were distantly linked by sequence but were neighbors by ligand similarity. Experimental testing of the ligands predicted to link three of these new pairs confirmed the predicted association, with potencies ranging from low nanomolar to low micromolar. We also predicted hundreds of non-GPCRs closely related to GPCRs by ligand similarity and confirmed several cases experimentally. Ligand similarities among these targets may reflect the conservation of identical ligands among unrelated receptors, which signal in different time domains. Our method integrates these apparently disparate receptors into chemically coherent circuits and suggests which of these receptors may be targeted by individual ligands.