cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of amiodarone on ventricular function as measured by gated radionuclide angiography.

Myocardial size and contractility were measured by gated radionuclide ventriculography in 70 patients before and a mean of 66 days after beginning amiodarone therapy. The mean dose of amiodarone at the time of the second study was 481 mg. The mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) increased slightly, from 40% to 43% (p = 0.001). The mean right ventricular EF remained unchanged (38% to 39%, difference not significant [NS]). The LV end-diastolic volume (count-based method) increased by 9% (p = 0.01), but no change could be demonstrated for end-systolic volume (4%, NS). The LV stroke volume increased 19% (p = 0.001), but cardiac output remained unchanged (5%, NS) because the heart rate decreased by 9 beats/min (p = 0.001). The right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased by 12% (p = 0.01) and end-systolic volume increased by 11% (p = 0.03). Stroke volume increased by 18% (p = 0.005). There was no significant correlation between the change in LVEF and the pre-amiodarone LVEF, the time interval between studies, or with indexes of amiodarone effect (change in heart rate, QRS, QTc, TSH, amiodarone dosage). In 5 patients (7%), LVEF decreased significantly, requiring discontinuation of amiodarone therapy in 1 patient. At the time of the second study congestive heart failure was manifest in 19%, and there was a trend suggesting that congestive heart failure was more likely if the initial LVEF was ≤35% (p = 0.10). Thus, amiodarone may rarely adversely affect contractility, although myocardial contractility is typically unchanged. There is an associated small increase in the size of both ventricles.
Sequential Design of Experiments

Considerable scientific research is characterized as follows. The scientist is interested in studying a phenomenon. At first he is quite ignorant and his initial experiments are preliminary and tentative. As he gathers relevant data, he becomes more definite in his impression of the underlying theory. This more definite impression is used to construct more informative experiments. Finally after a certain point he is satisfied that his evidence is sufficient to allow him to announce certain conclusions and he does so.
Zygmunt Bauman and Ignatius: Jesuit Values and Higher Education In an Age of Liquid Modernity

Zygmunt Bauman’s critical description of liquid modernity provides those of us in Jesuit higher education a fruitful backdrop against which to consider the challenges facing us today. Liquid modernity stands in sharp contrast as a challenge to traditional Jesuit values. It is characterized by a decentering of our world, leaving us without basis for planning and pursuing truth, seeing progress as threat, and resulting in a trivializing of revolutionary movements. According to liquid modern values, money is the exclusive value by which to judge, flexibility trumps commitment, consumerism is the new messianic, and self-protection and self-gratification are the new normal—again, in contrast to Jesuit ideals and pursuits. By drawing from Bauman’s critical account of liquid modernity we can understand the essential significance of Jesuit values, as well as their radical contrast with contemporary culture and society.
Epidemic and Spatial Dynamics of Lyme Disease in New York State, 1990–2000

Lyme disease (LD) occurrence in New York State (NYS) has not only increased over time but also spread throughout the state from the original disease focus in southeastern NYS. Few studies have investigated this epidemic and spatial dynamic in great detail. Using data from the NYS Department of Health Lyme Registry Surveillance System, we summarized epidemic and spatial characteristics of LD in NYS for the 11-yr time period from 1990 through 2000. New epidemiological trends associated with age, sex, and residential influences on LD over time were found. An empirical Bayes approach was used to produce maps of smoothed incidence at different time points to give a foundation for future state and local health funding plans and education programs.
Activation of ER-α by DNMT and HDAC inhibitors radiosensitizes ER-α negative breast cancer cells

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 3104 Loss of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) expression in breast cancers is associated with increased tumor grade and proliferation. Moreover, ER negative tumors have been shown to be less responsive to radiotherapy in clinical trials. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations play a role in the inactivation of ER gene expression. DNA hypermethylation of CpG islands located within the promoters of ERa is one mechanism for the loss of ER gene transcription in ER-negative tumors and some human breast cancer cell lines. The demethylating agent, 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC), can restore gene expression leading to re-expression of functional ER protein. Methylated DNA can also serve as a substrate to recruit Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) activity leading to silencing of genes through local deacetylation of histone proteins. We hypothesized that ER-negative human breast cancers are radioresistant due to hypermethylation and hypoacetylation of the ER gene and that restoration of ER expression in ER-negative cells by treatment with the demethylating agent (5-Aza-dC) and HDAC inhibitors would restore sensitivity to radiation therapy. We used two human ER-negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and Hs578t) and one ER-positive cell line (MCF-7 cells, positive control) to test the effect of these inhibitors. In addition, MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with either control vector or wild-type human ER-a were used as appropriate controls. To investigate the ability of these agents in modulating cellular responses to ionizing radiation, cells were pretreated with the HDAC inhibitor for 24 hr or Zebularine (a relatively non toxic analog of 5-Aza-dC) for 24, 48 and 72hr, followed by radiation at doses of 2, 4 and 6 Gy. Clonogenic cell survival assays were performed and our preliminary data demonstrates that both the drugs can independently restore radiosensitivity to MDA-MB-231 cells. Similar results were obtained with MB-231 cells stably overexpressing ER-α. These cells were found to be relatively more radiosensitive when compared with the cells transfected with the control vector. Both these agents were able to reactivate ER-α leading to expression of detectable protein in MDA-MB-231 and Hs578t cells. The ability of the re-expressed ER protein to mediate an estrogen response is currently being tested using a plasmid containing a luciferase gene under the transcriptional regulation of estrogen responsive element (ERE) driving a thymidine kinase promoter stably transfected into MDA-MB-231 and Hs578t cells. We are also investigating the ability of the drug-induced ER to activate expression of endogenous ER-responsive genes such as progesterone receptor (PR). Though preliminary, our data suggests that a combination of both DNA methyl transferase inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors can activate ER protein which in turn makes the cells responsive to ionizing radiation.
Cellular and Humoral Hypersensitivity to Adrenal Antigen in Experimental Adrenalitis

A role for specific cellular, as well as humoral immunity has been suggested in experimental adrenalitis. This study was performed to seek a correlation between cellular and humoral immunity in experimental adrenalitis of the guinea pig.34 guinea pigs (GP) were arranged into 4 experimental groups. One group (11 GP) was immunized with a single injection of 250 mg homologous adrenal antigen (HAA) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). A second group (6 GP) was similarly immunized at 1 and 14 days. A third group (9 GP) received 3 such injections at 1, 14, and 21 days. The fourth group (8 control GP) received RPMI-1640 in CFA. The following were performed on all groups 10 days after the last injection: lymphocyte response to PHA and HAA; HAA-specific macrophage migration inhibition (MIF); antibody titers to HAA by hemagglutination; and histopathology of adrenal, thyroid and testis.Antibody titers reached a mean level of 500 in each of the 3 HAA-immunized groups. In the single injection group, MIF activity and r...
Genomic Biomarkers for the Prediction of Stage and Prognosis of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Purpose: Genomic characterization of radical nephroureterectomy specimens in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma may allow for thoughtful integration of systemic and targeted therapies. We sought to determine whether genomic alterations in upper tract urothelial carcinoma are associated with adverse pathological and clinical outcomes.Materials and Methods: Next generation exon capture sequencing of 300 cancer associated genes was performed in 83 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Genomic alterations were assessed individually and also grouped into core signal transduction pathways or canonical cell functions for association with clinicopathological outcomes. Binary outcomes, including grade (high vs low), T stage (pTa/T1/T2 vs pT3/T4) and organ confined status (pT2 or less and N0/Nx vs greater than pT2 or N+) were assessed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests as appropriate. Associations between alterations and survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox...
The World Bank and the Ideology of Reform in International Economic Development Discourse

Does the current development reform agenda, especially the one operationalized by the World Bank, is Ideological? If so, does it matter? These are the two questions that animate this article. In answering both questions in the affirmative, the article first demonstrates how the current development reform agenda is Ideological. It then discusses why and how it matters that the development reform agenda is Ideological. First, the article argues that Ideological rendering of the development reform agenda effectively weakens the ability of Third World countries to articulate their economic and foreign policies in ways that would benefit their citizenry the most. Second, since the World Bank, as the other international financial institutions (IFIs) which are the key players in the development reform agenda are international organizations which are meant to reflect the collective will of their members, the charge of Ideological bias should be taken more seriously than it has been in the past. Third, the Ideology of reform and development enables the construction of a discourse which obfuscates the real causes of poverty and "underdevelopment" and therefore undermines the efforts to find real solutions to world poverty. Fourth, and related, the Ideological development discourse thus produced facilitates the building of stable alliances between national political and economic elites in Third World countries, IFIs, and multinational corporations. These alliances are sometimes at odds with one another but, overall, they operate to stabilize the international economic system as presently configured by containing any major threat of major rapture. These alliances therefore ensure the continued underdevelopment of the Third World and undermine the very goal of development for which these IFIs were formed.
CESR plus

The Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) operates with seven bunches per beam and 11 mA per bunch to yield a peak luminosity of 1*10/sup 32/ cm/sup -2/ s/sup -1/ at each of two interaction points. An electrostatic orbit distortion separates the beams at the 12 parasitic crossings. The beam-beam limited luminosity can be significantly increased by reducing the number of interaction points to one. The fraction of a radiation damping time per collision at the remaining interaction point is thereby doubled. Because one of two sets of low-beta optics can be removed, the integer part of the horizontal tune can be increased to 13 from nine, permitting operation with 14 bunches per beam, and the beam width at the single interaction point can be enhanced. Currents of about 300 mA per beam will be required to operate the upgraded machine at its beam-beam limit. The reconfigured storage ring with a beam-beam limited luminosity in excess of 5*10/sup 32/ cm/sup -2/ s/sup -1/ and the associated upgrade of the single beam current carrying capability are described. >
Altered ulnar nerve kinematic behavior in a cadaver model of entrapment.

Background Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow is more than a compressive lesion of the nerve. The tensile biomechanical consequences of entrapment are currently marginally understood. Objective To evaluate the effects of tethering on the kinematics of the ulnar nerve as a model of entrapment neuropathy. Methods The ulnar nerve was exposed in 7 fresh cadaver arms, and markers were placed at 1-cm increments along the nerve, centered on the retrocondylar region. Baseline translation (pure sliding) and strain (stretch) were measured in response to progressively increasing tension produced by varying configurations of elbow flexion and wrist extension. Then the nerves were tethered by suturing to the cubital tunnel retinaculum and again exposed to progressively increasing tension from joint positioning. Results In the native condition, for all joint configurations, the articular segment of the ulnar nerve exhibited greater strain than segments proximal and distal to the elbow, with a maximum strain of 28 ± 1% and translation of 11.6 ± 1.8 mm distally. Tethering the ulnar nerve suppressed translation, and the distal segment experienced strains that were more than 50% greater than its maximum strain in an untethered state. Conclusion This work provides a framework for evaluating regional nerve kinematics. Suppressed translation due to tethering shifted the location of high strain from articular to more distal regions of the ulnar nerve. The authors hypothesize that deformation is thus shifted to a region of the nerve less accustomed to high strains, thereby contributing to the development of ulnar neuropathy.
Object raising in French: A unified account

The role of grammatical relations is a key issue in syntactic theory. A central claim of Relational Grammar is that there are multiple levels of syntactic structure, and at all of these levels syntactic constituents bear grammatical relations. This paper provides evidence for this claim.
Neue Kurbelwellendichtringe mit berührungslosem Schmutzausschluss

Steigende Lebensdaueranforderungen, langere Service-Intervalle und der Einsatz unter hartesten Umgebungsbedingungen erzwingen bei Kurbelwellendichtringen im Nutzfahrzeugbereich neue Losungen. Radialwellendichtringe in bisher ublichen Konstruktionsformen konnen ihre Schutzfunktion teilweise nicht mehr erfullen. Federal Mogul hat auf der Basis von rund 400 Schadensfallen eine Pareto-Analyse der haufigsten Ursachen fur Dichtungsversagen durchgefuhrt. Die Ergebnisse sind in die Entwicklung eines neuen Kurbelwellendichtrings mit beruhrungslosem, labyrinthischem Schmutzausschluss eingeflossen.
Development of dampproof coating applied to com- posite soild propellant grain

The dampproof coating applied onto the surface of composite propellant grain was developed . The dampproof coating is coated on the surface of propellant grain to form a thin film with pervasive coefficient less than 3.0x10-13g · cm/( m2 · s · Pa). It can prevent moisture from diffusing into propellant grain, decrease effect of moisture on properties of propellant and postpone aging of propellant. The dampproof coating has not effect on ignition property of propellant.
Transport of intensity phase imaging using Bessel sources

Propagation-based phase contrast using the transport of intensity equation (TIE) allows rapid, deterministic phase retrieval from defocused images. For weakly attenuating objects, phase can be retrieved from a single image. However, the TIE suﬀers from significant low frequency artifacts due to enhancement of noise during phase retrieval. We demonstrate that by patterning the illumination source as approximately a modified Bessel function of the 2nd kind of zero order, quantitative phase can be imaged directly at the detector within a spatial frequency band. Outside of that band, Bessel sources still improve low frequency performance in phase retrieval.
Abstract A39: FOXO1 is a key determinant of progesterone receptor isoform-specific senescence programming in ovarian cancer cells.

Progesterone promotes proliferation and pro-survival in the breast, but inhibits growth in the reproductive tract and ovaries. Herein, using progesterone receptor (PR) isoform-specific ovarian cancer models, we show that PR-A and PR-B promote expression of distinct gene sets that differ from PR-driven genes in breast cancer cells. In ovarian cancer models, PR-A primarily regulates genes independently of progestin, while PR-B is the dominant ligand-dependent isoform. Notably, FOXO1 and the PR/FOXO1 target-gene p21 are repressed by PR-A, but induced by PR-B. In the presence of progestin, PR-B, but not PR-A, robustly induced cellular senescence via FOXO1-dependent induction of p21 and p15. ChIP assays performed on PR-isoform specific cells demonstrated that while each isoform is recruited to the same PRE-containing region of the p21 promoter in response to progestin, only PR-B elicits active chromatin. Overexpression of constitutively active FOXO1 (FOXO1-AAA) in PR-A-only expressing cells conferred robust ligand-dependent upregulation of the PR-B-target genes GZMA, IGFBP1, and p21, and induced cellular senescence. Similar results were observed when PR-A was titrated into PR-B-containing cells. PR isoform-specific regulation of the FOXO1/p21 axis recapitulated in human primary ovarian tumor explants treated with progestin. Our data indicate a key requirement for FOXO1 (a PR-B-induced, but PR-A-repressed gene) in progesterone signaling to cellular senescence in ovarian cancer cells and reveal a novel mechanism for PR-target gene (FOXO1) control of hormone sensitivity. Ultimately, harnessing PR isoform-specific gene regulation in hormone-driven cancers may provide a means to therapeutically induce the protective actions of progesterone while blocking unwanted proliferative and pro-survival effects. Citation Format: Caroline H. Diep, Todd P. Knutson, Laura J. Mauro, Carol A. Lange. FOXO1 is a key determinant of progesterone receptor isoform-specific senescence programming in ovarian cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: Exploiting Vulnerabilities; Oct 17-20, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A39.
Psychosis and mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae has long been recognized as an important agent of respiratory infections in humans. Less well known is the variety of extrapulmonary conditions associated with M. pneumoniae (Cassel, 1981; Ponka, 1979; Levine, 1978). The most common of these are central nervous system (CNS) complications (Lind, 1979) including meningitis, encephalitis, cranial nerve palsies, ascending paralysis (Guillain-Barre-like), transverse myelitis, cerebellar ataxia, polyradiculitis and acute psychosis. This paper describes a woman who developed an acute psychosis in the setting of a M. pneumoniae respiratory infection.
The Sexual Possible Selves and Strategies of First-Semester College Students: What Do They Hope for and Fear and How Do They Plan to Get There?

The purpose of this study was to expand research on emerging adult sexuality by examining first-semester college students’ (N = 282) possible selves and strategies related to sex, and by considering whether these varied by demographic characteristics. Students were first asked to describe what they expected and feared regarding sex and sexuality in the coming year and were then asked to articulate strategies for achieving goals and avoiding fears. Content analysis of participants’ responses to open-ended questions revealed that expected possible selves commonly discussed included abstinence, interpersonal relationships, physical/sexual health, and exploration. Fears commonly discussed included reputation, risk-taking behaviors, and rape/assault. Categorical comparisons indicated abstinence and interpersonal relationships were the most prominent foci of expected sexual possible selves (SPS) and strategies, and physical/sexual health was the most prominent focus of feared SPS and strategies. Chi-square anal...
A national survey of demographics composition of Kenyan journalists

This national survey conducted in 2012–2013 (N = 504) examines demographic characteristics of the Kenyan journalists. Findings indicate that the typical Kenyan journalist is male (66%), married (57...
Localizing Molecules in Cellular CT Scans

Much like medical CT scans reveal anatomical structures in the body, soft x-ray tomography (SXT) visualizes and quantifies the organization of sub-cellular structures within a cell. In SXT, the specimen is illuminated with x-ray photons from within a region of the spectrum known as the ‘water window’ (284 - 543eV). ‘Water window’ x-ray photons are absorbed an order of magnitude more strongly by carbon- and nitrogen-containing organic material than by water. Consequently, variation in biomolecule composition and concentration gives rise to quantitative, high-contrast images of intact, fully hydrated cells without the need to use contrast-enhancing agents. Cells imaged by SXT are, therefore, highly representative of the cell in its native, functional state. Attenuation of soft x-rays, as they pass through the specimen, adheres to the Beer-Lambert Law. Attenuation is, therefore, a function of chemical composition and concentration of organic material, yielding unique quantitative Linear Absorption Coefficient (LAC) measurements for cellular components. LAC values are enormously powerful in terms of quantifying alterations in cell structures during events such as cell differentiation, progression or etiology of disease states, genetic manipulation, and application of exogenous agents. To localize molecules without perturbing cell structures, we use correlated high numerical aperture cryogenic fluorescence tomography (CFT). This multi-modal approach - imaging the same cell using both CFT and SXT - allows localization of labeled molecules directly in the context of a high-resolution 3-D tomographic reconstruction of the cell. I will show examples of data collected using these imaging technologies developed at the National Center for X-ray Tomography, an NIGMS-NIH supported Biomedical Technology Research Resource.
The Behavioral Antecedents of Computer Fear

(1982). The Behavioral Antecedents of Computer Fear. The Journal of Data Education: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 7-9.
Inferences in semi-parametric dynamic mixed models for longitudinal count data

This paper considers a semi-parametric mixed model for longitudinal counts under the assumption that for conditional on a common random effect over time the repeated count responses of an individual follow a Poisson AR(1) (auto-regressive order 1) non-stationary correlation structure. A step-by-step estimation approach is developed which provides consistent estimators for the non-parametric function, regression parameters, variance of the random effects, and auto-correlation structure of the model. Proofs for the consistency properties of the estimators along with their convergence rates are derived. A simulation study is conducted to examine first the estimation effects on parameters when the non-parametric function is ignored, and then an overall estimation study is carried out in the presence of the non-parametric function by including its estimation as well.
Multi-frequency averaging of DC/DC converters

This paper presents some of the issues involved in applying frequency-selective averaging to modeling the dynamic behavior of PWM DC-DC converters. We use the boost converter as an example to show the details involved in deriving some novel averaged models and use simplifications to highlight the accuracy of the models even when traditional small-ripple conditions are not satisfied.
The Search for Hot Rocks: Geothermal Exploration, Northwest

Geothermal energy exists in all rocks deep in the earth's crust. Hot igneous rock at moderately shallow depths makes it possible to utilize geothermal energy because these bodies brings high temperatures within reach of the drill.Dry volcanic regions in the Pacific Northwest signal potential for geothermal energy sources. Attention is focusing now on exploring known probable sources for development and finding new ones. Northern California's working plant shows an example.
Paving Hessenberg varieties by affines

Regular nilpotent Hessenberg varieties form a family of subvarieties of the flag variety arising in the study of quantum cohomology, geometric representation theory, and numerical analysis. In this paper we construct a paving by affines of regular nilpotent Hessenberg varieties for all classical types, generalizing results of De Concini–Lusztig–Procesi and Kostant. This paving is in fact the intersection of a particular Bruhat decomposition with the Hessenberg variety. The nonempty cells of the paving and their dimensions are identified by combinatorial conditions on roots. We use the paving to prove these Hessenberg varieties have no odd-dimensional homology.
Optical characterization of rigid endoscopes and polarization calibration methods

Polarization imaging can reveal orthogonal information with respect to color about the structural composition of biological tissue, and with the advance of superior polarimeters its use for biomedical applications has proliferated in the last decade. Polarimetry can be used in pre-clinical and clinical settings for the early detection of cancerous tissue. Polarization-based endoscopy with the complementary near-infrared fluorescence imaging modality improves the early diagnosis of flat cancerous lesions in colorectal tumor models. With the development of new polarization sensors the need to use standard laboratory optics to create custom imaging systems increases. These additional optics can behave as polarization filters effectively degrading and modifying the original tissue's polarization signatures leading to erroneous judgments. Here, we present a framework to characterize the spectral and polarization properties of rigid endoscopes for polarization-based endoscopic imaging. We describe and evaluate two calibration schemes based on Mueller calculus to reconstruct the original polarization information. Optical limitations of the endoscopes and minimum polarimeter requirements are discussed that may be of interest to other researchers working with custom polarization-based imaging systems.
The Spanish component in Lingua Franca

The best-documented variety of Lingua Franca (lf), the one spoken in Algiers just before the French colonization of Algeria, comprises three main Romance lexical components; in order of numerical importance, these are Italian, Spanish and French. While it is agreed that the French component is the most recent one, the relationship between the Spanish and the Italian components has given rise to competing diachronic interpretations. This paper examines probable Spanish contributions to Algerine lf in the lexicon, copula and pronominal possession. It contributes to our understanding of the origins and evolution of Algerine lf, as revealed through language-internal analysis of its lexical and structural components.
Report of the 2016–2017 ESTS-AME visiting fellow to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University, China

I started my visiting fellowship at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University in China by arriving at Guangzhou airport on a cool crisp December evening. After meeting Lucille, a liaison from AME publishing company who became my guide and close friend throughout the trip, we made our way to the heart of the city that night which was vibrant and bustling. After an authentic Chinese meal overlooking the Pearl River that runs through the city center it was time to rest up for a busy week at the hospital.
Post-synthetic functionalization of a polysulfone scaffold with hydrazone-linked functionality

The synthesis, characterization, and post-synthetic functionalization of a readily functionalized step-growth linear polymer derived from divinyl sulfone (DVS) and tert-butylcarbazate (TBC) is presented. Construction of this atom-economic polymer under thermal conditions proceeds in high yield (>94%) at 75 °C, achieving a number average molecular weight of 17.0 kDa, a weight-average molecular weight of 26.2 kDa, and a polydispersity of 1.54, corresponding to a number-average degree of polymerization >60, despite the step-growth nature of the reaction. Removal of the Boc-groups yields a polymeric scaffold with hydrazine moieties that are readily reacted with aldehydes to yield the corresponding functional polyhydrazone materials. A variety of hydrazone-linked functionalities are readily added under mild conditions, including cationic, anionic, electron-rich/poor, and hetereoatom-containing aromatics. Owing to its rapid functionalization and simple and scalable synthesis, this material is an accommodating and generalized polymer scaffold that is rapidly tailored to a variety of applications with easily introduced functionality.
Genome Sequence of Kurthia Type Species Kurthia zopfii Strain ATCC 33403T.

ABSTRACT The genome of the type strain of the Kurthia genus, Kurthia zopfii ATCC 33403, was sequenced. Nonpathogenic K. zopfii has been isolated from intestinal contents, fecal material, meats, meat products, milk, water, and air, including air at high altitudes. The predicted genome size is 2,878,279 bp, with 37.05% G+C content.
Changing Change: Toward a Design Science and Art

This article argues that educational change ispreoccupied with process at the expense of substance. This preoccupation results from an inherent biastoward viewing change as good and from the dominanceof technocracy over democracy as the value forselecting change strategies and goals. Using testingas an example, the effects of change bias andtechnocracy on the lifeworld of schools is examined. It is proposed that change be transformed from apolicy science to a design field within which not onlywould the verification of change strategies beimportant but so would the situational validation ofbroader goals and objectives.
The ActiveMetadata Framework

Recent advancements of biometrics identity verification are growing rapidly in this vastly interconnected techno-savvy society. In this information age, protection of valuable contents from the unauthorised intruders or illegal entry to high security zones has made these biometric systems crucial mechanism towards establishing a robust identity verification system. The thrust for reliable authentication methodologies are increasing due to security consciousness of people and also for growing advancement of civilian infrastructures by means of networking, communication, E-Governance, IT knowledge-based civic environment, etc. In the last two decades, a large number of computational intelligence (CI) based and non-linear synchronization based approaches have been thoroughly investigated in biometric authentication in terms of automatic feature detection, feature matching and association of adaptive parameters to the system. Although, it has been felt that the robust and invariant ways are necessary to process the system development from one biometric application to another. However, some incapable and negative constraints have made these biometric systems lack of inconvenience to a large group of end users. To cope up with these incapable factors in biometric systems successfully, Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) operator has been thoroughly investigated and proved to be invariant to image rotation, scaling, partly illumination changes, biometric authentication towards efficient identity verification.
Toxicity Analysis of Propylene Glycol-Free Melphalan (Evomela®) Compared to Propylene Glycol-Based Melphalan Hydrochloride in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

Background High-dose melphalan is the most common conditioning regimen for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT). Historically, melphalan had limited solubility and required propylene glycol (PG) as a co-solvent, which can be associated with toxicities such as metabolic acidosis, renal dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Additionally, PG-melphalan requires administration within 1 hour of reconstitution due to poor stability. Evomela® is a PG-free formulation of melphalan that uses Captisol, a cyclodextrin derivative, to enhance solubility and stability. This novel formulation was found to be bioequivalent, safe and effective, compared to PG-melphalan when given as 100 mg/m2/day on two consecutive days prior to AHCT. Recently, considerable pharmacokinetic variability was shown after a single dose of Evomela® prior to AHCT, resulting in a trend towards increased grade 3-4 toxicities. In late 2016, our institution replaced PG-melphalan with Evomela®. We sought to compare hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities of PG-melphalan vs. Evomela® in patients undergoing AHCT for MM. Methods This is a single center, retrospective analysis of adult patients who received high-dose melphalan prior to AHCT for MM from January 2015 through June 2018. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared using either Wilcoxon Rank Sum test or Fisher's Exact test. Results Baseline characteristics between groups were comparable (Figure 1). Figure 2 summarizes hematologic and selected non-hematologic outcomes. Time to absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet recovery were similar between groups. However, patients who received Evomela® required more frequent platelet transfusions through day +30 than those who received PG-melphalan (2 vs 1, P = 0.021). Patients in the Evomela® group also required significantly more anti-emetic rescue doses through day +30 (12 vs 1, P = Conclusion Evomela® led to similar engraftment kinetics compared to PG-melphalan, but Evomela® patients required more platelets transfusions. Evomela® was associated with more nausea/vomiting based on anti-emetic rescue use. We plan to evaluate the documented grades of diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, mucositis, and renal toxicity to further characterize the differential toxicity profile of PG-melphalan and Evomela®.
DURATION OF ANTIPLATELET THERAPY AFTER PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION IN PATIENTS ON ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC) is controversial and requires consideration of ischemic and bleeding risk. Prescribing patterns for P2Y12 inhibitors in these patients have not been
Variety-Seeking Behavior and Information Processing in Choosing a Vacation Destination:

This study investigates broad versus specific levels of perceived variety seeking when choosing a vacation destination. In general, consumers use two criteria to evaluate where to vacation: the nov...
Cellular and molecular assessment of rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy on keratocytes, corneal endothelium and limbal stem cell niche.

Abstract Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB-PDAT) is a novel potential treatment for progressive infectious keratitis. The principle behind this therapy is using Rose Bengal as a photosensitizer that can be activated by green light and results in the production of oxygen free radicals which in turn eradicate the microorganism. Given RB-PDAT's mechanism of action and the potential cytotoxic effects, concerns regarding the safety of this technique have arisen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of RB-PDAT on keratocytes, while focusing on the safety profile that the photo-chemical reaction has on the limbal stem cell (LSC) niche and endothelial cell layer of the treated cornea. To perform RB-PDAT, Rose Bengal solution (0.1% RB in BSS) was applied to the right cornea of rabbits for 30 min and then irradiated by a custom-made green LED light source (525 nm, 6 mW/cm2) for 15 min (5.4 J/cm2). Three rabbits were sacrificed and enucleated after 24 h for evaluation. TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry for endothelium and limbal stem cell viability were performed on whole mounts and frozen sections in treated and control eyes. LSC of both eyes were isolated and cultured to perform MTT viability and proliferation, and scratch wound healing assays under time-lapse microscopy. Interestingly, while Rose Bengal dye penetration was superficial, yet associated cellular apoptosis was evidenced in up to 1/3 of the stromal thickness on frozen sections. TUNEL assay on whole mounts showed no endothelial cell death following treatment. Immunohistochemistry on frozen sections of LSC displayed no structural difference between treated and non-treated eyes. There was no difference in LSC proliferation rates and scratch wound healing assay demonstrated adequate cell migration from treated and non-treated eyes. The current study suggests that even though penetration of the RB dye has been shown to be limited, oxidative stress produced by RB-PDAT can reach deeper into the corneal stroma. Nevertheless, our results show that performing RB-PDAT is safe on the corneal endothelium and has no effect on LSC viability or function.
A Novel Low-Cost Surgical Simulation Tool for Pinning Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

BACKGROUND Simulation-based training is one way to improve basic competence for surgical trainees and thus improve patient safety. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of a supracondylar humerus fracture is a common procedure that encompasses many basic orthopaedic skills and has been identified as a residency milestone. Despite this, no quantitative tools exist to help learners attain this basic skill. This study seeks to validate a quantitative, low-cost simulation-based training tool for teaching orthopaedic surgery trainees the fundamentals of fracture stabilization with pins. METHODS Two low-cost models were developed with simulated cancellous bone blocks and cortical bone sheets: a pinning agility tool to teach pin placement and redirection, and a low-cost construct stability tool to replicate pinning. A high-cost construct stability tool was cut using a pediatric supracondylar humerus model to simulate pinning a real fracture. Construct stability was assessed by adding weight until ∼1.6 mm of displacement was observed. Participants were tested naively on all 3 models and then completed a training session using only the low-cost models. Performance following training was then assessed and compared with fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Participants also rated their preintervention and postintervention confidence, skill, and knowledgeability. RESULTS A total of 18 novice trainees participated (10 PGY1 and PGY2 orthopaedic surgery residents and 8 medical student members of the orthopaedic surgery interest club), whereas the reference group consisted of 7 orthopaedic surgery attendings. The subjects significantly improved their scores on both the low-cost (P=0.002) and high-cost (P<0.001) construct stability tools after the training with only the low-cost tools. Compared with the attending benchmark, trainee scores improved on the high-fidelity model from 31% preintervention to 86% postintervention and their pinning times decreased by 38%. Trainees reported increased knowledge, skill, and confidence after the intervention (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A novel, low-cost simulation model and training session for supracondylar humerus fracture pinning resulted in improved performance in stabilizing a supracondylar humerus model and increased trainee knowledgeability, confidence, and skill. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II-economic.
Management of Pneumonitis and Neuropathy in Patients Receiving PD-1–Based Therapy for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors has improved outcomes for certain patients with advanced lung cancer. As use of these the...
The detection of immune signs and their clinical significance in patients with JRA

Objective To explore the clinical value of detecting T cell subsets,immunoglobulin(Ig) ,erythro-cyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP) in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis(JRA). Meth-ods T cell subsets(CD3+ , CD4+ , CD8+ , CD16+CD56+) was detected with flow cytometer, Ig, CRP with rate nephelome-try,ESR with Westergren's method in 40 cases of JRA,and other 40 normal children were served as normal control group. Results The level of CD3+ ,CD8+ ,CD16+CD56+ in the JRA group were lower,but CD4+ was higher than those in normal control group(P< 0.05 all) ;the level of IgA, IgG, IgM, ESR, CRP in the JRA group were all higher than those in the normal control group( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion There is an inflammation in patients with JRA, and when disease activity there is an immunological aberrance with cellular and humoral immunization. Key words: Arthritis,juvenile rheumatoid; Immunoaasay
Buddha on Politics, Economics, and Statecraft

This chapter outlines doctrinal Buddhist political and economic theory including its notions about interstate relations, which are based on its unique understanding of the nature of reality. Some readers may be surprised to hear that there exists a theory of politics in Buddha’s teachings. But in fact, Buddha spoke extensively about politics, contrary to the assertion of Max Weber who famously asserted that Buddhism was “a specifically a-political and anti-political status religion.” Although the overriding goal of Buddha’s teachings is the liberation of individuals from pervasive suffering, Buddha considered politics as important, not so much for its intrinsic value, but because it created an external environment that can facilitate or impede an individual’s pursuit of happiness, defined as spiritual advancement and achievement of wisdom about the true nature of oneself and the world. Although best understood as an extension of his teachings on human liberation, Buddha was also an original social and a significant political philosopher. Buddha’s social teachings parallel modern democratic thought, mixed market economics, and cosmopolitan internationalism in the West. This chapter outlines Buddha’s political and economic theory, including his thoughts about statecraft and the possibilities for international order.
Human Bronchial Epithelial Cell Growth on Homologous Versus Heterologous Tissue Extracellular Matrix.

Abstract Background Extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds produced by decellularization of source tissue have been effectively used for numerous clinical applications. However, decellularized tracheal constructs have been unsuccessful due to the immediate requirement of a functional airway epithelium on surgical implantation. ECM can be solubilized to form hydrogels that have been shown to support growth of many different cell types. The purpose of the present study is to compare the ability of airway epithelial cells to attach, form a confluent monolayer, and differentiate on homologous (trachea) and heterologous (urinary bladder) ECM substrates for potential application in full tracheal replacement. Materials and methods Porcine tracheas and urinary bladders were decellularized. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were cultured under differentiation conditions on acellular tracheal ECM and urinary bladder matrix (UBM) bioscaffolds and hydrogels and were assessed by histology and immunolabeling for markers of ciliation, goblet cell formation, and basement membrane deposition. Results Both trachea and urinary bladder tissues were successfully decellularized. HBEC formed a confluent layer on both trachea and UBM scaffolds and on hydrogels created from these bioscaffolds. Cells grown on tracheal and UBM hydrogels, but not on bioscaffolds, showed positive-acetylated tubulin staining and the presence of mucus-producing goblet cells. Collagen IV immunolabeling showed basement membrane deposition by these cells on the surface of the hydrogels. Conclusions ECM hydrogels supported growth and differentiation of HBEC better than decellularized ECM bioscaffolds and show potential utility as substrates for promotion of a mature respiratory epithelium for regenerative medicine applications in the trachea.
Mapping climate change vulnerability of aquatic-riparian ecosystems using decision-relevant indicators

Abstract Climate change has and is projected to continue to alter historical regimes of temperature, precipitation, and hydrology. To assess the vulnerability of climate change from a land management perspective and spatially identify where the most extreme changes are anticipated to occur, we worked in collaboration with land managers to develop a climate change vulnerability map for the midwestern United States with a focus on riparian systems. The map is intended for use by regional administrators to help them work across various program areas (e.g. fisheries, endangered species) to prioritize locations needing support for adaptation planning. The tool can also be utilized locally by managers to better understand the effects that projected climate scenarios have on the hydrology of management units as they develop adaptation strategies. The vulnerability map is watershed-based (360 watershed units within the region) and combines 15 climate change indicators that were selected by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service natural resource managers based upon known and anticipated effects to species and habitats. The projected change in each of these indicators from the historical period (1986–2005) to the future period (2040–2059) was aggregated into a composite score for each watershed. Landscape-scale metrics reflective of a watershed’s adaptive capacity were combined with the climate change indicators to produce a vulnerability score. We found sub-regional variation in vulnerability to climate change with the greatest vulnerability in Iowa, central Illinois, and northwest Ohio. Greater vulnerability was seen in the higher greenhouse gas concentration scenario, Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 compared to the lower greenhouse gas concentration scenario RCP 4.5, when looking at the mean of the five downscaled climate models used in this study. By quantifying and mapping climate change vulnerability, natural resource managers can better understand the degree of vulnerability for individual watersheds and identify areas of prioritization in regional and local planning efforts.
The Once and Future Countervailing Power of Labor

This essay looks to the history of the labor movement to engage with Kate Andrias’s and Benjamin I. Sachs’s argument that labor law provides a model of how law can support organizing. While embracing the solidarity of labor scholarship with the vibrant scholarly conversation about law and progressive social movements, I sound four cautionary notes drawn from past repression of labor and civil-rights activism. Labor’s experience is that law tends not only to thwart and suppress but also to channel movement activity in ways that weaken threats to the hegemony of the wealthy under capitalism. Sketching three specific ideas about how law can enable the exercise of countervailing power without also channeling activism away from radical challenges to elite power, I note how law has made it both essential and difficult for labor and racial justice activists to organize together against inequality. Although today’s inclusive activism gives hope for completing unfinished work of the New Deal, Civil Rights, and Great Society eras, we should be clear-eyed about the role law played in leaving that work undone and the difficulties of using law to build sustainable class-based social movements