cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relation between cognitive and metacognitive strategic processing during a science simulation

Background This investigation was designed to uncover the relations between students’ cognitive and metacognitive strategies used during a complex climate simulation. While cognitive strategy use during science inquiry has been studied, the factors related to this strategy use, such as concurrent metacognition, prior knowledge, and prior interest, have not been investigated in a multidimensional fashion. Aims This study addressed current issues in strategy research by examining not only how metacognitive, surface-level, and deep-level strategies influence performance, but also how these strategies related to each other during a contextually relevant science simulation. Sample The sample for this study consisted of 70 undergraduates from a mid-sized Southeastern university in the United States. These participants were recruited from both physical and life science (e.g., biology) and education majors to obtain a sample with variance in terms of their prior knowledge, interest, and strategy use. Methods Participants completed measures of prior knowledge and interest about global climate change. Then, they were asked to engage in an online climate simulator for up to 30 min while thinking aloud. Finally, participants were asked to answer three outcome questions about global climate change. Results Results indicated a poor fit for the statistical model of the frequency and level of processing predicting performance. However, a statistical model that independently examined the influence of metacognitive monitoring and control of cognitive strategies showed a very strong relation between the metacognitive and cognitive strategies. Finally, smallest space analysis results provided evidence that strategy use may be better captured in a multidimensional fashion, particularly with attention paid towards the combination of strategies employed. Conclusions Conclusions drawn from the evidence point to the need for more dynamic, multidimensional models of strategic processing that account for the patterns of optimal and non-optimal strategy use. Additionally, analyses that can capture these complex patterns need to be further explored.
Something Borrowed, Something New: Precise Prediction of Outcomes from Diverse Genomic Profiles

Precise outcome predictions at an individual level from diverse genomic data is a problem of great interest as the focus on precision medicine grows. This typically requires estimation of subgroup-specific models which may differ in their mean and/or variance structure. Thus in order to accurately predict outcomes for new individuals, it’s necessary to map them to a subgroup from which the prediction can be derived. The situation becomes more interesting when some predictors are common across subgroups and others are not. We describe a series of statistical methodologies under two different scenarios that can provide this mapping, as well as combine information that can be shared across subgroups, with information that is subgroup-specific. We demonstrate that prediction errors can be markedly reduced as compared to not borrowing strength at all. We then apply the approaches in order to predict colon cancer survival from DNA methylation profiles that vary by age groups, and identify those significant methylation sites that are shared across the age groups and those that are age-specific.
Standard measures for sickle cell disease research: the PhenX Toolkit sickle cell disease collections

Standard measures and common data elements for sickle cell disease (SCD) will improve the data quality and comparability necessary for cross-study analyses and the development of guidelines that support effective treatments and interventions. In 2014, the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) funded an Administrative Supplement to the PhenX Toolkit (consensus measures for Phenotypes and eXposures; https://www.phenxtoolkit.org/) to identify common measures to promote data comparability across SCD research. An 11-member Sickle Cell Disease Research and Scientific Panel provided guidance to the project, establishing a core collection of SCD-related measures and defining the scope of 2 specialty collections: (1) cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal complications, and (2) neurology, quality-of-life, and health services. For each specialty collection, a working group of SCD experts selected high-priority measures using a consensus process that included scientific community input. The SCD measures were released into the Toolkit in August 2015. The 25 measures included in the core collection are recommended for use by all NHLBI-funded investigators performing human-subject SCD research. The 10 neurology, quality-of-life, and health services measures and 14 cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal measures are recommended for use within these specialized research areas. For SCD and other researchers, PhenX measures will promote collaborations with clinicians and patients, facilitate cross-study analysis, accelerate translational research, and lead to greater understanding of SCD phenotypes and epigenetics. For clinicians, using PhenX measures will help elucidate the etiology, progression, and treatment of SCD, leading to improved patient care and quality of life.
Towards a Scalable Multifidelity Simulation Approach for Electrokinetic Problems at the Mesoscale

In this work we present a computational capability featuring a hierarchy of models with different fidelities for the solution of electrokinetics problems at the micro-/nano-scale. A multifidelity approach allows the selection of the most appropriate model, in terms of accuracy and computational cost, for the particular application at hand. We demonstrate the proposed multifidelity approach by studying the mobility of a colloid in a micro-channel as a function of the colloid charge and of the size of the ions dissolved in the fluid.
The nose may not know: Dogs’ reactions to rattlesnake odours

Abstract According to anecdotal reports from dog (Canis lupus familiaris) owners and data from veterinary studies, domestic dogs often fail to avoid, and indeed will approach, venomous snakes. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that odours associated with rattlesnakes will elicit investigation, but not a negative emotional reaction, from domestic dogs. In a repeated measures design using newspaper on which southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus helleri) and other stimulus animals (rosy boa, Lichanura trivirgata; mouse, Mus musculus; and snail, Cornu aspersum) had lived, we found that dogs did indeed sniff the rattlesnake stimuli more so than rosy boa or snail, but less than mouse (p
The Consequences of Error in Selecting Treatment for Blacks

Principles traditionally used in testing hypotheses tend to be ignored in choosing treatment techniques for blacks and other minorities. Various examples are cited to show the problems that result;...
The Evolution of FMRFamide-Like Neuropeptide Genes

Biologically active peptides constitute an important class of extracellular molecular messengers. Consisting of short chains of amino acids, they mediate a range of behavioral, developmental, and physiological processes and are major components of both neuronal and endocrine communication networks (Krieger, 1983). In general, peptides are initially contained on larger precursor proteins which undergo post-translational proteolytic processing (Loh and Gainer, 1983). These precursors often serve as polyproteins to liberate multiple bioactive peptide products, a property that greatly increases their potential information capacity.
Medical Data Communication

Beyond the World Wide Web and XML, there are protocols specifically for handling medical data. This chapter provides an introduction to how to design a network server or client program that uses TCP/IP sockets. Both biomedical research and health care involve many complex sources of computerized data as well as many components that use the data. The data must be transferable between computer systems within a laboratory or hospital as well as between different health care facilities. There are many efforts to create network protocols for message and data interchange. Several prominent efforts focused specifically on medical data such as HL7 and DICOM protocol. The HL7 standard for network interchange of clinical data introduces a framework or wrapper that enables the data to be encoded in a message. There are three conceptual parts to the HL7 idea. First, systems exchange messages, so there is a protocol for how connections are made, which system sends first, and how the message dialog occurs, that is, what message(s) are sent and received and in what order. Second, the messages themselves have some general structure, which depends on the message types. Third, the message contents have some agreed on or predefined meaning. Discussion provides, in detail, a technical explanation of network protocols, in particular, HL7 and DICOM. These two communication protocols are intimately related to two major components of the environment of computing in health care, the electronic medical record (EMR) and the medical image data repositories known as Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS).
Analysis and Identification of QTL for Resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Pea (Pisum sativum L.).

White mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is an important constraint to field pea (Pisum sativum L.) production worldwide. To transfer white mold resistance into an adapted background, and study the genetics of the disease, two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations (PRIL17 and PRIL19) were developed by crossing two partially resistant plant introductions with two susceptible pea cultivars. PRIL17 (Lifter × PI240515), and PRIL19 (PI169603 × Medora) were evaluated for resistance to white mold by measuring lesion expansion inhibition (LEI) and nodal transmission inhibition (NTI) at 3, 7, and 14 days post inoculation (dpi) under controlled environmental conditions. Lesion expansion inhibition percentage (LEIP), survival rate (SR), and area under disease progress curves (AUDPC) were also calculated accordingly. Because of a positive correlation between LEI and NTI with height, short and long internode individuals of each population were analyzed separately to avoid any confounding effect of height to pathogen response. A total of 22 short genotypes demonstrated partial resistance based on at least two Porter's resistance criteria. Only two pea genotypes with partial resistance to white mold (PRIL19-18 and PRIL19-124) had both semi-leafless (afila) and short internode traits. Both the RIL populations were genotyped using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). For PRIL17 and PRIL19, genetic maps were constructed from a total of 1,967 and 1,196 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and spanned over 1,494 cM and 1,415 cM representing seven and nine linkage groups, respectively. A consensus map constructed using data from both populations, had 1,486 unique SNPs over 2,461 cM belonging to seven linkage groups. Inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) identified thirteen quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with white mold resistance traits in both populations. Three of them were co-located with height genes (a morphological trait that reduces infection risk and acts as disease avoidance) and the other ten QTL were associated with two forms of physiological resistance (seven for LEI and three for NTI) with LOD and r2 ranging from 3.0 to 28.5 and 5.1 to 64.3, respectively. The development of resistance lines, genetic dissection and identification of markers associated will help accelerate breeding efforts for white mold resistance using molecular breeding approaches.
Defending SDN-based IoT Networks Against DDoS Attacks Using Markov Decision Process

The emerging Internet of Things (IoT) has increased the complexity and difficulty of network administration. Fortunately, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) provides an easy and centralized approach to administer a large number of IoT devices and can greatly reduce the workload of network administrators. SDN-based implementation of networks, however, has also introduced new security concerns, such as increasing number of DDoS attacks. This paper introduces an easy and lightweight defense strategy against DDoS attacks on IoT devices in a SDN environment using Markov Decision Process (MDP) in which optimal policies regarding handling network flows are determined with the intention of preventing DDoS attacks.
What Are the Best Management Strategies for Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is characterized by unrelenting nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and may be accompanied by weight loss, electrolyte abnormalities, and dehydration. Prompt recognition and early efforts to control symptoms are essential to limiting progression of disease. Fluid and electrolyte repletion, as well as pharmacologic control of symptoms, is the mainstay of acute HG management. Pharmacologic therapy includes dopamine antagonists, selective serotonin inhibitors, and H1 antagonists. For patients with prolonged symptoms, treatment should include supplemental folate and thiamine. Admission is reserved for patients with significant electrolyte abnormalities or severe symptoms refractory to pharmacologic intervention.
Complete Sternal-Sparing LVAD Implantation Improves Mobility Compared to Full Sternotomy

Purpose Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation via a complete sternal-sparing (CSS) technique is gaining interest due to several associated benefits. We hypothesized that the CSS approach for HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation improves postoperative mobility and physical independence compared to full sternotomy (FS). Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients implanted with a commercial HeartMate 3 at our institution from September 2017 to August 2018 (N=52). Patients were grouped based on surgical technique, CSS or FS. Patients were excluded if they did not see a physical therapist within three weeks postoperatively. The Activity Measure for Post Acute Care (AM-PAC) short forms and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were used to assess postoperative mobility and physical limitations. Results A total of 43 patients were included in the study; 27 (63%) were implanted via the CSS approach and 16 (37%) underwent FS. Preoperative characteristics were similar between cohorts. By postoperative day 3 (POD3), the CSS cohort demonstrated improved mobility based on AM-PAC scores compared to the FS group (Figure 1) with 40% of the CSS cohort versus 67% of the FS cohort remaining 100% impaired. The CSS cohort also demonstrated greater postoperative independence in the FIM sit-to-stand metric (Figure 2) with 78% of the CSS cohort achieving modified or complete independence by POD15 compared to 21% of the FS patients. Conclusion The CSS approach for HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation improves postoperative mobility and functional independence compared to FS.
Assessing health impacts of home food gardens with Wind River Indian Reservation families: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction This community-based participatory research, Growing Resilience, will be the first full-scale randomised controlled trial we have identified that is designed to evaluate impacts of home gardening on family health. It is based on observational studies suggesting home food gardening has myriad health benefits, Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) families’ interest in home gardening and the need to end Native American health disparities with empowering, appropriate and effective health interventions. Methods and analysis A total of 100 Native American families in WRIR who have not gardened recently but want to garden will be randomly allocated (1:1) to intervention (receiving 2 years of support designing, installing and maintaining a home food garden of at least 80 square feet (approximately 7 square meters) or to delayed-intervention control (receiving same gardening support after 2 years of data collection). Willing family members aged 5 and up will participate in data collection each February and August for 2 years, with blood, biometric and survey measures at each. The primary outcome is adult body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcomes include child BMI, and adult hand strength, self-reported physical and mental health, diabetes control and food security. Primary analysis will be intention to treat (ITT), using univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics followed by a mixed model to estimate the ITT effect of the intervention using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) estimation. We will also examine treatment affects using a gardening fidelity measure, combined adult and child BMI outcomes using a lambda mu and sigma (LMS) Z-score reference data set and possible mechanisms of health impacts. Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by the University of Wyoming Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the project’s Community Advisory Board. De-identified data will be shared with each tribe, and results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, summarised for distribution in WRIR, and shared at a national event to be hosted in WRIR in 2020. Trial registration number NCT02672748; Pre-results.
Epilepsy: Viewpoint—Surgery

Epilepsy surgery is primarily utilized for patients with medically intractable focal seizures. After localization, the aim is to block the seizurogenic effect of the focus. In this selective overview, the role and outcomes of resective or lesional surgery, disconnection of the focus, or neuromodulation of the seizure process are reviewed, as a corollary for considerations of using Gamma Knife radiosurgery for seizure control (see prior chapter).
Defining the Boundaries of Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology

Abstract Context Although palliative care (PC) continues to be integrated into pediatric oncological care, only a minority of patients with cancer receive a formal PC consult. Objectives We sought to describe oncologists' current understanding of PC and how primary PC is provided for children with cancer. Methods This mixed-methods study explored pediatric oncology providers' definitions of PC and self-reported PC practices through semistructured audiotaped interviews. Conventional content analysis was applied to interview transcripts. Results Seventy-seven participants with diverse training backgrounds (30 attending physicians, 21 nurses, 18 fellows, five nurse practitioners, and two child life specialists) completed an interview. Approximately 75% provided a modern definition of PC (e.g., not limited to end-of-life care); all participants acknowledged primary PC skills as part of their daily clinical activities. However, participants expressed wide variation in the comfort and time spent performing primary PC tasks (i.e., symptom management, addressing mental health and psychosocial needs) and over half reported that patients' PC needs are not adequately met. In addition, some reported confusion about the benefits of PC consultation, despite acknowledging that PC needs to be better integrated into the care of pediatric oncology patients. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that although most pediatric oncologists accept a modern definition of PC in theory, how to integrate PC into pediatric oncology practice is less understood. Formalized training and standardization of practice surrounding identification of PC needs in patients who may require secondary or tertiary PC services may help to overcome current barriers for PC integration in pediatric oncology.
Verifying Conformance of Neural Network Models: Invited Paper

Neural networks are increasingly used as data-driven models for a wide variety of physical systems such as ground vehicles, airplanes, human physiology and automobile engines. These models are in-turn used for designing and verifying autonomous systems. The advantages of using neural networks include the ability to capture characteristics of particular systems using the available data. This is particularly advantageous for medical systems, wherein the data collected from individuals can be used to design devices that are well-adapted to a particular individual's unique physiological characteristics. At the same time, neural network models remain opaque: their structure makes them hard to understand and interpret by human developers. One key challenge lies in checking that neural network models of processes are “conformant” to the well established scientific (physical, chemical and biological) laws that underlie these models. In this paper, we will show how conformance often fails in models that are otherwise accurate and trained using the best practices in machine learning, with potentially serious consequences. We motivate the need for learning and verifying key conformance properties in data-driven models of the human insulin-glucose system and data-driven automobile models. We survey verification approaches for neural networks that can hold the key to learning and verifying conformance.
Beyond synuclein: Organelle accumulation in Lewy bodies may drive neurodegeneration

Organelle sequestration in Lewy bodies correlates more closely with neurodegeneration than α-synuclein aggregation alone.
Anhedonia is central for the association between quality of life, metacognition, sleep, and affective symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder: A complex network analysis

Abstract Background Poor quality of life, sleep problems, anhedonia, and negative metacognitions are common in anxiety and depression. To examine the nature of the relationship between these features and the role of metacognitions, anhedonia, and quality of life in anxiety and depression, we conducted a complex network analysis with items of self-report measures assessing quality of life, sleep, negative thinking styles, anxiety, and depression. Methods Participants were 226 treatment seeking individuals with a primary DSM-5 diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. Node centrality, strength, expected influence, community, and bridge estimation were calculated using partial correlation coefficients and glasso regularization. Results Results revealed that anhedonia was the most central node followed by quality of life nodes. Moreover, anhedonia exhibited the highest strength and expected influence, which were both stable, reliable metrics within the network. Metacognitions were not central nodes in the network, but were strong bridge symptoms between communities. Limitations The results are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data and the administration of self-report scales at one time-point, despite different rating anchors. Conclusion These findings suggest that anhedonia is a crucial element for the association between quality of life, sleep problems, and negative cognitions.
Robust crop water simulation using system dynamic approach for participatory modeling

Abstract A system dynamic model, SMITUV (System Dynamic Modeling of Infiltration, Solute Transport, and Root Water Uptake in Vadose Zone) was developed for simulating transient soil water flow, solute transport, and root water uptake in crops under water and salinity stress in a multilayered unsaturated soil layer. SMITUV solves the mixed form one-dimensional Richards’ equation with a sink term for water transport and root water uptake and advection-diffusion equation for solute transport. It simulates salinity and water stress on root water uptake as a function of osmotic and matric potential. SMITUV is based on fundamental physical principals and is robust enough to handle different scenarios and “what-if” runs and also has tools that are crucial for growers to understand the salt-water-soil system. The model is designed to be a planning tool for strategic desalination methods and field management measures that optimize irrigation water use for flood irrigated arid region crops.
Light and noise pollution impacts specialist wildlife species disproportionately

Abstract Global expansion of lighting and noise pollution alters how animals receive and interpret environmental cues. Yet we lack a cross-taxon understanding of how animal traits influence species vulnerability to this growing phenomenon. This knowledge is needed to improve the design and implementation of policies that mitigate or reduce sensory pollutants. We present results from an expert knowledge survey that quantified the relative influence of several ecological, anatomical, and physiological traits on the vulnerability of terrestrial vertebrates to elevated levels of anthropogenic lighting and noise. Our findings, based on 280 responses, highlight the increasing recognition among experts that sensory pollutants are important to consider in management and conservation decisions. Participant responses show mounting threats to species with narrow niches; especially habitat specialists, nocturnal species, and those with the greatest ability to differentiate environmental visual and auditory cues. Our results call attention to the threat specialist species face and provide a generalizable understanding of which species require additional considerations when developing conservation policies and mitigation strategies in a world altered by expanding sensory pollutant footprints. We provide a step-by-step example for translating these results to on-the-ground conservation planning using two species as case studies.
Changes in childhood sleep patterns in an intervention study prior to and during COVID19 restrictions

Introduction: We conducted a childhood sleep promotion study between March 2019 and December 2020 in Philadelphia. COVID19 was first detected in Pennsylvania in March 2020 and non-essential services were strictly curtailed (including school closures), with easing of curtailments by the fall 2020 (including hybrid schooling in some districts). We determined if changes in sleep duration were consistent during pre-, earlier, and later COVID19 periods. Methods: Typically developing children (9-12y) with sleep duration <8.5 hours per weeknight were enrolled. Sleep was measured using Fitbit devices during a baseline week and a 7-week intervention period. A factorial design was used to test five candidate intervention components: 1) sleep goal;2) electronic device reduction messaging;3) daily routine messaging;4) child-directed financial incentive;and 5) parent-directed financial incentive. Sleep data were transmitted to a mobile health platform that automated delivery of the intervention components. We categorized participants when they completed the study: 1) Spring-Fall 2019 semesters (pre-COVID19);2) Spring 2020 semester (started pre-COVID19, with strict restrictions impacting intervention periods);or 3) Fall 2020 semester (easing of COVID19 restrictions). Mixed effect modelling determined sleep changes. Results: Mean age of participants was 11.6y (51% female and 29% Black participants). Pre-COVID19 (N=59), average sleep duration increased from baseline by 21 (95% CI: 10, 30) minutes per weeknight during the intervention. In spring 2020 (N=18), the average sleep duration increase was two times larger in magnitude at 41 (95% CI: 25, 59) minutes per weeknight. For fall 2020 (N=20), the average sleep duration increase was 24 (95% CI: 7, 40) minutes per weeknight. Changes in sleep timing from baseline during the intervention were consistent pre-COVID19 and in the fall 2020 (e.g., ∼15 minutes earlier sleep onset throughout the intervention period), whereas sleep timing changes were dynamic in the spring 2020 (e.g., 41 minutes earlier for week 1, and 44 minutes later for week 7). Conclusion: This sleep intervention demonstrated increases in sleep duration pre-COVID19, with marked duration increases and dynamic timing changes coinciding with COVID19 restrictions during earlier (Spring 2020), but not later (Fall 2020), weeks of the COVID19 pandemic in Pennsylvania.
Broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy of absolute methemoglobin concentration can distinguish benign and malignant breast lesions.

Significance: Noninvasive diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) is a promising adjunct diagnostic imaging technique for distinguishing benign and malignant breast lesions. Most DOS approaches require normalizing lesion biomarkers to healthy tissue since major tissue constituents exhibit large interpatient variations. However, absolute optical biomarkers are desirable as it avoids reference measurements which may be difficult or impractical to acquire. Aim: Our goal is to determine whether absolute measurements of minor absorbers such as collagen and methemoglobin (metHb) can successfully distinguish lesions. We hypothesize that metHb would exhibit less interpatient variability and be more suitable as an absolute metric for malignancy. However, we would expect collagen to exhibit more variability, because unlike metHb, collagen is also present in the healthy tissue. Approach: In this retrospective clinical study, 30 lesions with breast imaging reporting and database system score ( BIRADS ) > = 3 (12 benign and 18 malignant) measured with broadband quantitative DOS were analyzed for their oxyhemoglobin (HbO), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), water, lipids, collagen, metHb concentrations, and optical scattering characteristics. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare benign and malignant lesions for all variables in both normalized and absolute forms. Results: Among all absolute DOS parameters considered, only absolute metHb was observed to be significant for lesion discrimination (0.43 ± 0.18 μM for benign versus 0.87 ± 0.32 μM for malignant, p = 0.0002). Absolute metHb concentration was also determined to be the best predictor of malignancy with an area under the curve of 0.89. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that lesion metHb concentration measured by DOS can improve noninvasive optical diagnosis of breast malignancies. Since metHb concentration found in normal breast tissue is extremely low, metHb may be a more direct indicator of malignancy that does not depend on other biomarkers found in healthy tissue with significant variability. Furthermore, absolute parameters require reduced measurement time and can be utilized in cases where healthy reference tissue is not available.
Novel Predictive and Prognostic Gene Signatures for Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. For locally advanced patients, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is the standard of care. Risk stratification relies heavily on clinicopathologic features, particularly pathologic response, which is inadequate. This highlights the need for the development of biomarkers that can help improve outcomes. Herein, we have developed 2 distinct biomarker signatures to either predict response to neoadjuvant therapy or stratify patients into risk categories for survival. MATERIALS/METHODS We assembled a cohort of 34 patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma, with the majority (21) receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel. A capture based targeted sequencing was performed in paired biopsy specimens obtained at baseline, 3- and 6-weeks post-treatment. Differentially mutated gene analysis between responders and non-responders of treatment was performed to determine predictors of response. A univariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine associations between gene mutation status and overall survival. A risk score was then calculated for each patient using a linear combination of univariate coefficient and mutation status of gene. RESULTS 15 patients (71%) receiving the CROSS regimen were classified as responders. Among responders to chemotherapy, the most frequently mutated genes were MKI67, SYNE1, PCLO, MSH3, RECQL4, NOTCH2, ILR7, CIITA, LRRK2 and EML4. Tumor mutation count was significantly reduced for these genes in post-treatment samples (P = 5.89E-03). We have identified a 3 gene signature based on mutations in EPHA5, BCL6, and ERBB2 that robustly predicts response to carboplatin/paclitaxel based neoadjuvant therapy. For this model, sensitivity is 84.6% and specificity is 100%. In the overall cohort, a 9 gene signature using APC, MAP3K6, ETS1, CSF3R, PDGFRB, GATA2, ARID1A, and FGF6, was also created that significantly stratifies patients into risk categories, prognosticating for improved relapse-free (P = 0.005) and overall survival (P = 3.325E-06). Sensitivity for this model is 73.33% and specificity is 94.74%. CONCLUSION We have identified a 3-gene signature (EPHA5, BCL6 and ERBB2) that is predictive of response to neoadjuvant therapy and a separate 9 gene classifier which prognosticates for survival outcomes. These provide significant potential for personalized management of locally advanced esophageal cancer.
Stability of Antibiotics and Chemotherapeutics in Agar Plates

The stability of chemotherapeutic agents incorporated into agar plates was studied by comparison of minimum inhibitory concentrations on fresh and stored plates and by direct bioassay of the chemotherapeutic agar plates. Plates were stored in sealed bags at 4 C. No loss of bioactivity was demonstrated after 30 days of storage in plates containing methicillin, erythromycin, cephalothin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B, or nalidixic acid. Penicillin G, ampicillin, and nitrofurantoin showed statistically significant losses of activity after 4 weeks. None of the chemotherapeutics tested showed significant loss in activity after 1 week.
An industry needs driven degree in manufacturing engineering

Western Michigan University, Muskegon Community College, and industry in Western Michigan (USA) have developed a 2+2 program in manufacturing engineering. The program is delivered on a community college campus located 100 miles from the main campus of the university. The curriculum for the program was developed in a large part by representatives of 13 manufacturing firms in the area where the program is offered. This curriculum was developed to meet the needs of local manufacturers, to be self-funding upon reaching steady state and to accreditable. Local industry has been actively involved in the delivery of the program and provides more internship opportunities than the program can fill. The program's development and its delivery, since start-up in the fall of 1996, are presented. Some of the lessons learned during the first two years are presented. The program anticipates its first graduates in the 1999-2000 academic year. Application for EAC/ABET accreditation will be made at this time.
Orientation of elvers of American eels(Anguilla rostrata) in weak magnetic and electric fields

1. Turning angles of American eel elvers in a circular arena were the same when the horizontal vector of the earth's magnetic field was parallel to the body axis and when the horizontal vector was perpendicular to it. 2. No difference in turning was exhibited by elvers directed either north, east, south or west in an arena or E-W, NNE-SSW or NNW-SSE in a maze. 3. Turning behavior in both experimental chambers was unaltered by negation of the horizontal component of the earth's magnetic field. 4. Elvers in a square arena, in both fresh and salt water, turned more toward the anode the stronger the horizontal electric field. Reversal of the polarity of the electric field reversed the direction of turning. 5. While the results are preliminary, they suggest that elevers do not utilize the geomagnetic field directly, but that they may utilize oceanic electric fields for orientation. 6. A predominance of right or left turning by many of the elvers in the maze suggests they might be “handed”, but the possibility that this handedness phenomenon was an artifact of the apparatus cannot be eliminated.
Abstract T P148: Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels are Associated with Acute Ischemic Stroke in Ventricular Assist Device Patients

Background: Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) have an increased thromboembolic (TE) risk including a higher risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). To mitigate this risk patients are placed on a combination of aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin with a goal INR of 2-3. VAD patients are at higher risk for hemolysis, which contributes to the risk for TE and AIS. We hypothesize that Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) elevation, a marker of hemolysis, is associated with an increased risk of AIS. Methods: Patients (n=98) receiving a continuous flow VAD at the University of Alabama at Birmingham between 2008 and 2012 were included in this analysis. The association of LDH levels (collected pre-VAD, VAD date, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months after VAD) with AIS was evaluated using time-to-event-analysis adjusting for comorbid conditions, age at implant and antithrombotic therapy. Results: The median age at implant was 53 (20-76) with 78% patients male, 64% white and 59% serving as a ...
School performance in a longitudinal cohort of children at risk of maltreatment.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has suggested that child maltreatment is associated with poor school performance. However, previous studies have largely been cross-sectional or, if longitudinal, have had small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, or have not adequately controlled for confounders. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between child maltreatment and school performance in a cohort of children at risk of maltreatment and followed since birth. METHOD: This prospective study followed children born at risk for maltreatment with semi-annual reviews of the North Carolina Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect. At ages six and eight years, children's teachers were surveyed using the Achenbach Teacher Report Form and project-developed questions regarding peer status. This information, along with control variables from maternal interviews, was used in logistic regression models to determine the impact of maltreatment on academic performance, peer status, and adaptive functioning. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) method was applied to adjust variance estimates for within-person correlations of school performance measures at two points in time. RESULTS: A substantiated maltreatment report is significantly associated with poorer academic performance (p Language: en
Stochastic optimization of power market forecast using non-parametric regression models

The paper considers stochastic optimization of the electricity procurement in the day-ahead power market. The novelty is in addressing the random errors of time series forecasting of electrical power loads and prices in the procurement. This problem is currently important because of the increased random variability in the power grid that is caused by growing integration of renewable generation. This paper presents a methodology for stochastic optimization using data-driven models. We consider non-parametric models of multivariate distributions based on multiple quantile regressions, built from historical data sets. The statistics, such as cost expectation, required for the stochastic optimization are computed numerically using these models. Applying the methodology to utility data shows that 2% improvement of the costs is feasible.
Distinct Molecular Mechanisms of Fas Resistance in Murine B Lymphoma Cells

A panel of murine B lymphoma cell lines, which express different levels of Fas, was extensively studied for sensitivity to Fas-mediated death signals via an anti-Fas mAb and Fas ligand-bearing cell lines. Expression of the Fas receptor on the B lymphoma cell lines did not correlate with their capacity to undergo Fas-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, Fas-associated death domain protein recruitment to the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) complex occurred in all cell lines expressing Fas, regardless of whether they were sensitive to Fas-mediated death. Interestingly, the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, and protein kinase C inhibitors, such as bisindolylmaleimide, rendered one of the resistant cell lines, CH33, sensitive to signals from the Fas receptor, although the levels of Fas were unchanged. This suggests that constitutive PKC activation plays a role in Fas resistance, perhaps by up-regulating NF-kappaB or Bcl-2 family members. Interestingly, CH33 demonstrated caspase 8 activity upon engagement of the Fas receptor in the absence of pharmacological manipulation, suggesting that the block in apoptosis is downstream of the DISC complex. In contrast, the fact that Fas-associated death domain protein was recruited to the DISC complex in other resistant lines, such as WEHI-231, with no caspase 8 activation indicates that these cells may be blocked within the DISC complex. Indeed, Western blot analysis showed that WEHI-231 expressed an isoform of FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIPL), an antiapoptotic protein within the DISC. These studies provide evidence that murine B lymphoma cells utilize different molecular mechanisms along the Fas-signaling cascade to block apoptosis.
Exaggerated Human Monocyte IL-10 Concomitant to Minimal TNF-α Induction by Heat-Shock Protein 27 (Hsp27) Suggests Hsp27 Is Primarily an Antiinflammatory Stimulus

Unlike more well-studied large heat shock proteins (hsp) that induce both T cell antiinflammatory (IL-10, IL-4) and macrophage proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-15, IL-12) cytokines, hsp27, a small hsp, has been primarily identified as a substrate of mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase-2 involved in the p38 signaling pathway and activated during monocyte IL-10 production. Hsp27 can also act as an endogenous protein circulating in the serum of breast cancer patients and a protein whose induction correlates to protection from LPS shock. However, the cytokine-stimulating properties of hsp27 have been unexplored. In this study, exogenous hsp27 is demonstrated for the first time as a potent activator of human monocyte IL-10 production, but only a modest inducer of TNF-α. Although exogenous hsp27 stimulation activated all three monocyte mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38), only p38 activation was sustained and required for hsp27 induction of monocyte IL-10, while both ERK 1/2 and p38 activation were required for induction of TNF-α when using the p38 inhibitor SB203580 or the ERK inhibitor PD98059. Hsp27’s transient activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway, which can down-regulate IL-10, may contribute to its potent IL-10 induction. Hsp27’s ERK 1/2 activation was also less sustained than activation by stimuli like LPS, possibly contributing to its modest TNF-α induction. The failure of either PD98059 or anti-TNF-α Ab to substantially inhibit IL-10 induction implied that hsp27 induces IL-10 via activation of p38 signaling independently of TNF-α activation and may be predominantly an antiinflammatory monokine stimulus.
8 – Clinical Assessment

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on clinical assessment, which involves the clarification of presenting problems and related factors including identification of outcomes. Goals of assessment include describing clients, their problems and desired outcomes as well as their life situations, understanding why problems occur (inferring causes), deciding on what methods are most likely to achieve desired outcomes, and obtaining a base from which to evaluate progress. The assessment should indicate the specific outcomes related to complaints, what would have to be done to achieve these outcomes, how these could most effectively be pursued, and the potential of attaining them. There is general agreement that an individualized assessment should be conducted that considers cultural differences. Individualized assessment avoids the patient uniformity myth in which clients (or families or groups) are mistakenly assumed to be similar. Recognizing the signs of pathology is important as this is helpful in understanding what can be accomplished and how it can be accomplished. A clear agreement between clinicians and clients about the focus of helping efforts increase the likelihood that intervention will focus on outcomes that are of concern to clients.
Estimating azimuth and elevation from interaural differences

Modeling of human auditory localization has largely been limited to lateralization, or left-to-right position. This paper describes an attempt to tackle the more complicated problem of position estimation with two degrees of freedom (azimuth and elevation). Differences in interaural intensity and arrival time are extracted from the acoustic signals at the left and right eardrums, and an estimate of position is formed which is optimal for certain classes of source signals. Examples of "spatial likelihood maps" generated by the model are given and the types of errors made by the model are quantified. It is suggested that such a model may work well in conjunction with a spectral cue model like the one suggested by Zakarauskas and Cynader (J. Acoust. Soc. Amer., Vol. 94, 1993, pp. 1323-31).
Polls and Elections Southern Discomfort? Regional Differences in Voter Decision Making in the 2000 Presidential Election

The South has undergone dramatic changes in population, economics, and partisanship in recent decades, leading scholars to conclude that the New South has lost many of its unique patterns of voting behavior. Using an extensive data set that contains sufficient sample sizes for regional comparisons, we estimate an interactive model of vote choice in the 2000 presidential election to compare the decision making of Southern and non-Southern respondents. We find that the voting calculus of Southern voters remains distinct, particularly for those struggling with cross-pressures between ideology and party identification. These findings have theoretical implications for general models of presidential voting behavior and practical relevance for understanding election outcomes and the future of party politics in the South. The contemporary American South continues to experience dramatic changes in population, economics, and partisanship that have fundamentally altered the political landscape of not only the region but the entire nation. The wide-ranging effects of these developments on electoral behavior are not entirely understood, but it is unquestionable that the New South remains as important in American politics—particularly presidential elections—as the Old South. With nearly two-thirds of the Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency, the South is a considerable electoral prize. 1 More than a
A case of incidental adrenocortical oncocytoma

Background A 39-year-old female presented with an incidentally discovered left adrenal mass. She denied any history of hypertension, headaches, palpitations, muscle weakness, bruising easily, or fatigue. Physical examination was unremarkable. Investigations Physical examination, laboratory analyses, CT scan and MRI. Diagnosis Oncocytic adrenocortical tumor, or adrenal oncocytoma. Management Adrenalectomy, gross and histopathologic examination, and follow-up radiologic imaging.