cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature and Time-Dependent Ion Diffusion Across Stainless Steel-Zirconium Film Interface Studied by Scanning Surface Potential.

Zirconium is of interest in the development of high-density diffusion barriers in nuclear reactor applications because of its low thermal neutron absorption cross section and good thermal and mechanical properties. It is used in these applications to protect the low enriched fuel from interacting directly with the cladding material to prevent swelling and cracking of the fuel. In this work, we investigated the use of plasma spraying as a method to produce high quality, dense Zr barrier coatings over large surface areas. A thin sheet of 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn stainless steel (SS) was used as the substrate material. Both sides of the SS sheet were coated, one side at a time. A transfer arc (TA) current between a torch and the substrate was used to vary the substrate temperature to explore the effect of temperature and time on the film grain size, interface quality, and film porosity. The films were characterized using light optical microscopy (LOM), scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and EDS-SEM Although the film quality did improved with temperature, at the elevated substrate temperatures used in this study, metal atoms from the substrate diffused into and, at the highest temperature and longest time, through the Zr coatings.
Abstract 262: The Predictive Ability of a 30-Day Heart Failure Readmission Model Improves with Multi-level Analysis

Background: Although readmission occurs following 25% of heart failure hospitalizations, identifying patients at greatest risk has been challenging. To date, prediction models have offered only modest discriminatory power (C-Statistic: 0.58-0.65). Their limitations underscore the need for novel approaches to risk prediction. Hypothesis: Multi-level analysis and the inclusion of population-level factors will improve the predictive ability of our 30-day HF readmission model. Methods: We studied patients with a principal diagnosis of HF who were discharged home from an academic hospital in 2013-2014. Index hospitalizations and 30-day readmissions were identified by query of the electronic medical record. Variables of analysis included demographics, HF characteristics, comorbidities, echocardiographic (echo) parameters and clinical indices. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) was defined as LVEF ≥ 50 on echo. Conventional logistic regression models were first used to examine the association between patient characteristics and 30-day readmissions. Next, multi-level modeling was used wherein hierarchical clustering techniques identified key drivers of readmission. The final predictive model incorporated these findings. Results: Of the 821 patients admitted with HF, 242 (29.5%) were readmitted within 30 days. HFpEF (p = .008), LVEF (p= .03) and NYHA classification (p=.002) were associated with early readmission, as were end stage renal disease (p=.04) and gastrointestinal bleeding (p =.02). In addition, serum sodium (p =.02), creatinine (p =.03) and hemoglobin (p =.002) were also associated with readmission. The initial multivariable logistic regression model based on patient characteristics was significant (p=.01) with 66% convergence. This model found ventricular tachycardia (VT) (OR = 3.47 CI 1.49-8.08) and HFpEF (OR =1.49 CI 1.01-2.22) to be associated with readmission. As expected, NYHA Class II (OR = 0.28 CI 0.09-0.834) and Hemoglobin (OR = 0.89 CI 0.80-0.98) were inversely associated with readmission. Multi-level analysis revealed that beyond the characteristics of the individuals alone, patients with HFpEF represented a significant sub-population that was driving readmissions. The final model incorporated this nested sub-group and was found to have an improved convergence of 73% (p =.02). In this model, the association of HFpEF and readmission increased in magnitude (OR = 3.43 CI 1.39-8.45), whereas factors including VT, NYHA Class II, and hemoglobin were no longer significant. Conclusion: Multi-level analysis increased the predictive ability of our 30-day HF readmission model (c stat 0.66 to 0.73) by accounting for both individual and population-level characteristics. HFpEF emerged as a key driver of readmission and its inclusion in the model led to a more accurate and clinically meaningful tool for our clinicians and medical center.
Investigations on sanitation conditions of fresh home-made juice of hotels and restaurants in Lucheng

Objective:To investigate the sanitation conditions of the fresh home-made juice of the hotels and restaurants in Lucheng District, then to provide principles to reinforce the sanitation surveillances and managements.Methods:20 hotels and restaurants were taken out as samples,of which 3 kinds of 40 pieces of home-made juice were taken food sanitation tests.Results:All total bacteria in 40 pieces of home-made juice exceeded state standards,and the pass rate was 0.0%;the colibacillus in 34 pieces exceeded state standards,with a pass rate of 15.0%;so did the concentration of nitrite in 6 pieces,with a pass rate of 85.0%;none were detected out pathogenic bacterias(Salmonella,Shigella,Staphylococcus aureus etc.);Total arsenic,total lead and total copper were all up to grade.Conclusion:The microorganisms in fresh home-made juice exceeded state standards severely,which would be another latent danger inducing food poisoning in hotels and restaurants,so the sanitation departments should take more measures to monitor it.
Characterization of CC-531 as a Rat Model of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

Purpose Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases is not achievable in more than 70% of the cases. Although the liver directed therapies have become a part of the stand of care, lack of a preclinical model impedes the assessment of toxicity and therapeutic benefits attributed several candidate drugs or treatment regimens that can be designed. In the present study we aim develop and characterize a rat colorectal liver metastasis model. Materials and Methods Growth characteristics of CC-531 cells were determined in vitro followed by subcapsular liver implantation in syngeneic WAG/Rij rats. Tumor growth progression was followed over 3 weeks by ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Growth characteristics were also assessed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry in harvested tumor tissues. Results The doubling time of CC-531 cells was found be under 24hrs and all the implanted rats grew tumors. US imaging showed hypoechoic masses and MRI showed contrast enhancement representing complex tumor microenvironments. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining confirmed tumor growth and uniform CD31 staining in tumor confirmed even vessel density. Conclusion CC-531 can be used as a metastatic rat tumor colorectal liver metastases model with well-defined characteristics that can be readily followed by imaging whilst having a therapeutic window for interventions.
Determination of chloramphenicol,thiamphnicol,florfenicol residues in river crab by UPLC-MS/MS

Objective An ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for determination of chloramphenicol(CAP),thiamphnicol(TAP),florfenicol(FF) residues in river crab.Methods The samples was treated with 1% perchloric acid to remove protein and n-hexane to remove fat,then extracted with ethyl acetate,and determined by UPLC-MS/MS under MRM mode after purification on Oasis HLB SPE column.The chromatographic condition were BEH C18(2.1 ×100 mm,1.7 μm),column temperature at 35 ℃,room temperature for placing sample at 4 ℃,methanol and water as mobile phase for gradient elution,flow rate at 0.35 ml/min and injection volume of 7 μl.Results The detection limits of CAP and FF and TAP were 0.01 μg/kg,0.01 μg/kg,0.02 μg/kg.The recoveries of method was 85%~110%.The RSD of method was less than 10%.Conclusion The method was suitable for determination of chloramphenicol,thiamphnicol,florfenicol residues in river crab.
Lung edema and erosive gastroduodenitis as a sequela of inappropriate use of an adrenaline dose aerosol after wasp sting

Adrenalin ist ein wichtiges Medikament in der Behandlung schwerer anaphylaktischer Reaktionen. Bei gefahrdeten Personen, z.B. Insektengiftallergikern, ist es deshalb neben einem H1-Antihistaminikum und einem Glukokortikosteroid Bestandteil einer sog. Notfallapotheke zur vorubergehenden Selbstmedikation. Da die s.c. oder i.m. Applikation durch Ungeschulte oder den Patienten selbst nicht unproblematisch ist, wird haufig als risikoarmere Alternative ein Adrenalin-Dosieraerosol rezeptiert. Das allerdings bei unsachgemaser Anwendung eines Adrenalin-Aerosols auch eine Uberdosierung mit schwerwiegenden Folgen moglich ist, wird am Beispiel einer Patientin demonstriert, die nach einem Wespenstich zwei Aerosol-Originalpackungen (ca. 73 mg Adrenalin pro Packung) aufbrauchte und danach ein Lungenodem sowie eine erosive Gastroduodentitis entwickelte. Der behandelnde Arzt mus zur Vermeidung derartiger Zwischenfalle seine Patienten umfassend mundlich und schriftlich uber den richtigen Gebrauch eines Adrenalin- Dosieraerosols aufklaren.
The effect of an interferon inducer on experimental mouse piroplasmosis (Babesia rodhaini infection).

Summary Death due to mouse piroplasmosis (Babesia rodhaini infection) could be delayed by approximately one day by the prolonged administration of an interferon inducer.
Casein, Fluorescein Isothiocyanate as a Substrate for Measuring Protease Production by Psychrotrophic Bacteria

Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled casein was evaluated as a substrate for measuring bacterial protease activity in milk. Using protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , effects of substrate type, pH, temperature and enzyme concentration were determined. The procedure was sensitive to .012 unit of enzyme activity. The procedure was then used as a method to detect protease production by psychrotrophic bacteria growing in pasteurized skim milk at 7°C for 5 d. Three psychrotrophic bacteria were added at three different initial populations. Bacterial population, protease activity and cumulative free amino groups were monitored daily. Bacterial populations were not correlated with either protease activity or cumulative free amino groups. Pro-tease activity and cumulative free amino groups were correlated (r=.46, p=.001). Both protease activity and cumulative free amino groups peaked as the microorganisms entered the late log phase (approximately 108 colony forming units per ml). This occurred after incubation for 2 d at 7°C in two replications and after 3 d in the third. Both values decreased with continued storage.
From Bread We Build Community: Entrepreneurial Leadership and the Co-creation of Local Food Businesses and Systems

This case study of a self-described community supported baker (CSB) in Southern Arizona explores entrepreneurial leadership as a model for promoting consumer co-creation of both local food businesses and food systems. The analytical focus of the case is the entrepreneurial strategy of the CSB to embed his customers in the creation of both his community supported business and the development of a more robust Southern Arizona local food system (LFS). Specifically, the CSB's business model positions customers not only as the purchasers of his product, but also as marketers of his breads, promoters of local grains, and champions of the Southern Arizona food movement. Data was collected through a series of individual interviews with the baker and other relevant informants, as well as through multiple instances of participant observation. The case illustrates the capacity of entrepreneurial leadership to serve as a model that promotes consumer co-creation of local food businesses and more cohesive and extensive LFSs.
Leucine-induced hypoglycemia. II. Studies concerning other amino acids and leucine metabolites.

Summary Two infants with leucine-sensitive hypoglycemia have been studied to elucidate the specificity and mechanism of action of l -leucine. Sixteen other naturally occurring l -amino acids have been administered intravenously and tyrosine and tryptophan by gavage. Of these amino acids, only l -leucine consistently induced hypoglycemia. d -leucine also produced hypoglycemia when given intravenously. Alpha-ketoisocaproic and isovaleric acids were administered intravenously; the former induced hypoglycemia whereas the latter did not. Monocarboxylic keto-acids in the urine were measured following l -leucine or alphaketoisocaproic acid loading. The recovery of keto-acids in the urine was of a low order, similar to that of a control subject indicating no metabolic defect in the conversion of alpha-ketoisocaproic acid to isovaleric acid. Preliminary evidence is presented that leucine administration to affected patients results in increased circulating insulin levels.
Ice Sheets and Climate: The Marine Geological Record

Abstract Glaciers and ice sheets are important components of the global climate system. Ice has a high albedo resulting in the reflection of about 85% of solar radiation reaching the surface. Glaciers and ice sheets hold water, have mass, and influence Earth’s geodynamic processes. On long timescales, changes in the volume of glaciers and ice sheets are controlled by astronomical forcing of insolation. However, through time, different atmospheric, oceanographic, and solid Earth system feedbacks operate to modulate this relationship. Studies of past glacial environments in the marine geological record have been instrumental in the understanding of both short-term and long-term changes in the cryosphere. This chapter will highlight some of the recent advances on this front.
A Conversation with Su Tong

Su Tong, a fixture among Chinese fiction for decades, achieved international fame when his novel Wives and Concubines was adapted in 1993 by director Zhang Yimou into the Oscar-nominated film Raise...
Quantenmechanische Untersuchung absoluter Ramanintensitäten

Ausgehend vom Deltafunktionspotentialmodell wurde die absolute Intensitat einer Ramanlinie, die dem Quadrat der molekularen Polarisierbarkeit proportional ist, bestimmt. Auf Grund des Deltafunktionspotentialmodells ergibt sich eine Abhangigkeit der Komponente der Polarisierbarkeit in der Bindungsrichtung vonR4. Wir leiteten aus dem Deltafunktionspotentialmodell einen Ausdruck fur die Ableitung der mittleren molekularen Polarisierbarkeit nach der Entfernung der Kerne aus der Gleichgewichtskonfiguration ab, der fur viele zweiatomige Molekule und fur die symmetrischen Streckschwingungen vieler mehratomiger Molekule und Ionen im elektronischen Grundzustand zutrifft. Die berechneten Werte fur die Ableitung der Polarisierbarkeit stimmen meist gut mit den aus den experimentell bestimmten Ramanintensitaten erhaltenen Werten uberein. Mit Hilfe des Deltafunktionspotentialmodells errechneten wir aus den experimentell bestimmten Ableitungen der Polarisierbarkeit Bindungsordnungen fur verschiedene ionische Systeme und erorterten die Ergebnisse im Hinblick auf die Beitrage der π- und σ-Elektronen zu den Ableitungen der Polarisierbarkeit von Mehrfachbindungen.
Doubling the Signal Quality of Smartphone Camera Pulse Oximetry Using the Display Screen as a Controllable Selective Light Source

Recent smartphones have the potential to bring camera oximetry to everyone using their powerful sensors and the capability to process measurements in real-time, potentially augmenting people’s lives through always-available oximetry monitoring everywhere. The challenge of camera oximetry on smartphones is the low contrast between reflections from oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. In this paper, we show that this is the result of using the camera flash for illumination, which illuminates evenly across bands than thus leads to the diminished contrast in reflections. Instead, we propose capturing pulse using the front-facing camera and illuminating with the phone’s display, a selective illuminant in the red, green, and blue band. We evaluate the spectral characteristics of the phone display using a spectroradiometer in a controlled experiment, convolve them with the sensitivity curves of the phone’s camera, and show that the screen’s narrow-band display illumination increases the contrast between the reflections in the desired bands by a factor of two compared to flash illumination. Our preliminary evaluation showed further support for our approach and findings.
Why Do Critics and Scholars Dismiss Blockbuster Performances

In this introduction, Smith-Rowsey establishes his book’s rationale, countering the conventional wisdom that “special effects are the stars” of modern blockbuster films. Formal strategies of blockbusters—for example, green screens, kinetic action, rapid-fire editing—are thought to result in “artificial” or “cartoonish” performances, but here the author counters that the acting in influential big-budget films is better and more appropriate than its reputation suggests. Entering into longstanding debates about screen performances, Smith-Rowsey questions the nature of taste and the term “bad acting.” The author examines a variety of definitions of “great acting” as well as “blockbuster,” concluding that the blockbuster mode is sufficient to encompass and attenuate several genres, whose generic codes inform and are informed by performances. Smith-Rowsey posits that filmic performances have three leading determinants: the script/genre, the actor’s choices, and the director/editor’s choices. The author pays particular attention to the interplay between actors (“ensemble acting”) and the double standards that accrue to women in leading roles in blockbusters.
Interventions for Postsecondary Success for Low-Income and High-Potential Students: A Systematic Review:

Research indicates that high-potential students from low-income backgrounds have decreased educational attainment and success in college compared with their higher income peers. The purpose of this...
Cybersecurity Awareness Among Students and Faculty

Recipient of the SJSU San Jose State University Annual Author & Artist Awards 2019 In modern times, all individuals need to be knowledgeable about cybersecurity. They must have practical skills and abilities to protect themselves in cyberspace. What is the level of awareness among college students and faculty, who represent the most technologically active portion of the population in any society? According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2016 Consumer Sentinel Network report, 19 percent of identity theft complaints came from people under the age of 29. About 74,400 young adults fell victim to identity theft in 2016. This book reports the results of several studies that investigate student and faculty awareness and attitudes toward cybersecurity and the resulting risks. It proposes a plan of action that can help 26,000 higher education institutions worldwide with over 207 million college students, create security policies and educational programs that improve security awareness and protection. Features Offers an understanding of the state of privacy awareness Includes the state of identity theft awareness Covers mobile phone protection Discusses ransomware protection Discloses a plan of action to improve security awareness
Radiation Treatment Planning: Mixed Integer Programming Formulations and Approaches

Radiation therapy is extensively used to treat a wide range of cancers. Due to the increasing complexities of delivery mechanisms, and the improved imaging devices that allow more accurate determination of cancer location, determination of high quality treatment plans via trial-and-error methods is impractical and computer optimization approaches to planning are becoming more critical and more difficult.
Abstract 839: Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 1 in Cardiomyocytes Protects Against Cardiac Fibrosis

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1, encoded by S1pr1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds the ligand S1P and signals in multiple cell types including endothelium and cardiomyocytes. We...
Nonreconstruction of high-dimensional stochastic block model with bounded degree

Abstract In this paper, we study the stochastic block model (SBM) with growing number of clusters and bounded degree. Specifically, for SBM G s n ( n , a n , b n ) with diverging s n blocks and fixed a and b ( a > b > 0 ) , we prove that if ( a − b ) 2 b , then it is impossible to distinguish G s n ( n , a n , b n ) from the corresponding Erdos–Renyi model G n , a + ( s n − 1 ) b n s n .
Investigating the potential of conical scintillation detectors for patient-specific verification of intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans.

Abstract Background and purpose Conical scintillation detectors are frequently used to measure geometric characteristics of radiotherapy modalities. However, their application to verify intensity-modulated radiotherapy plan delivery has not been investigated and requires a more detailed understanding of device response. This work evaluated the novel application of a conical scintillation detector to plan-specific quality assurance (QA) for intensity-modulated photon plans by evaluating device dependence on beam delivery and device acquisition parameters. Materials and methods Measurements were made with a conical scintillation detector using beam delivery parameters of five photon beams (6–15 MV, including flattening filter free), three field sizes (1 × 1–5 × 5 cm2), and several dose rates (100–2000 MU/min) combined with device acquisition parameters of two frame rates (10 and 20 fps) and three gains (18–22 dB). A standardization equation to correct for gain and frame rate was investigated, and the remaining dose rate dependence was characterized. Device precision was evaluated using replicate measurements, and spatial uniformity was determined by irradiating different parts of the device. Results For each parameter combination, measurement reproducibility was 1.3%, and spatial uniformity was 1–2%. Scintillation intensity varied with gain, frame rate, and dose rate. Standardizing measurements for gain and frame rate was effective, but a dependence on dose rate caused errors at non-reference conditions (root mean squared error, RMSE: 0–152%). An additional dose rate correction specific to each combination of gain and frame rate improved accuracy (RMSE 0–17%). Conclusions To consider the detector for plan-specific QA of intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans, correction factors are imperative to mitigate effects of delivery and acquisition parameters.
Allopregnanolone and perampanel as adjuncts to midazolam for treating diisopropylfluorophosphate-induced status epilepticus in rats.

Combinations of midazolam, allopregnanolone, and perampanel were assessed for antiseizure activity in a rat diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) status epilepticus model. Animals receiving DFP followed by atropine and pralidoxime exhibited continuous high-amplitude rhythmical electroencephalography (EEG) spike activity and behavioral seizures for more than 5 hours. Treatments were administered intramuscularly 40 min after DFP. Seizures persisted following midazolam (1.8 mg/kg). The combination of midazolam with either allopregnanolone (6 mg/kg) or perampanel (2 mg/kg) terminated EEG and behavioral status epilepticus, but the onset of the perampanel effect was slow. The combination of midazolam, allopregnanolone, and perampanel caused rapid and complete suppression of EEG and behavioral seizures. In the absence of DFP, animals treated with the three-drug combination were sedated but not anesthetized. Animals that received midazolam alone exhibited spontaneous recurrent EEG seizures, whereas those that received the three-drug combination did not, demonstrating antiepileptogenic activity. All combination treatments reduced neurodegeneration as assessed with Fluoro-Jade C staining to a greater extent than midazolam alone, and most reduced astrogliosis as assessed by GFAP immunoreactivity but had mixed effects on markers of microglial activation. We conclude that allopregnanolone, a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor, and perampanel, an AMPA receptor antagonist, are potential adjuncts to midazolam in the treatment of benzodiazepine-refractory organophosphate nerve agent-induced status epilepticus.
Understanding Enjoyment in ARTé: Mecenas with EGameFlow

Game flow analysis has been widely used to examine the player’s enjoyment in a game. In this paper, we presented the game flow results of ARTe: Mecenas by adopting the EGameFlow scale. We adapted questions in the questionnaire from the EGameFLow scale, which formed six game flow factors – Concentration, Goal Clarity, Challenge, Autonomy, Immersion, and Knowledge Improvement. From our findings, the students overall enjoyed the game. They were able to concentrate on the learning tasks in the game. They received clear goals at the beginning of the game and each game level. The challenges in the game tasks improved their understandings of the content knowledge. Their senses of controlling the game continuously increased during the gameplay. The students increased their content knowledge after the gameplay, though they could not decide if they were emotionally involved. In addition, we found that the content knowledge in the game, game levels and visuals could influence the player’s game experience.
Inhibition of Fis1 by Novel Peptide Pep213 or Molecular Suppression Reverses Diabetic- and High Glucose-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction in Human Resistance Arteries

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction drives the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Endothelial cells from either T2DM patients or healthy individuals exposed to high glucose exhibit increased fragmentation of mitochondrial networks, in part due to increased mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1) expression, which drives mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Whether suppressing Fis1 expression or activity reverses endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries from humans with T2DM and healthy vessels exposed to abnormal glucose concentrations remains unknown. Methods: Resistance arterioles from the gluteal adipose pad were obtained from healthy humans and those with T2DM. Vessels underwent intra-luminal transfection with Fis1 siRNA (20 nM) and were exposed to normal glucose (NG, 5 mM), low glucose (LG, 2.5 mM), or high glucose conditions (HG, 33 mM). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was measured by videomicroscopy. Vessel NO bioavailability was determined by DAF2-DA fluorescence. Immortalized human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) cells were transfected with Fis1 siRNA to determine its impact on endothelial layer integrity and metabolism. We designed pep213 to inhibit Fis1 activity and tested the affinity of pep213 for Fis1 using nuclear magnetic resonance and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence titration experiments. The ability of pep213 to reverse impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in T2DM and HG-exposed healthy vessels was determined by videomicroscopy. Results: Fis1 knockdown improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in T2DM arterioles (P=0.002), and blocked HG (P=0.0008) and LG-induced (P=0.0002) impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation of healthy vessels. Fis1 knockdown preserved NO bioavailability and improved endothelial layer integrity of cells exposed to HG or LG (P<0.001). Fis1 knockdown had no significant effect on the expression of other mitochondrial dynamics or autophagy proteins and had no effect on endothelial cell metabolism. Pep213 demonstrated a low micromolar affinity for Fis1 (3.3-7 micromole/L). Tat sequence-linked pep213 improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in T2DM (P<0.001) and non-T2DM vessels exposed to HG (P<0.001). Conclusion: Reducing Fis1 expression reverses impaired vascular endothelial function and NO bioavailability in T2DM resistance arteries and in settings of abnormal glucose concentrations. Pep213, designed to inhibit Fis1, has similar favorable effects. These data support further development of therapeutics targeting Fis1 to reduce vascular complications in T2DM.
Support networks of transmasculine and nonbinary young adults during chosen name transition

We sought to explore the type and function of support networks of transmasculine and nonbinary young adults (TNBYA) during their chosen name transition. We conducted 12 in-depth, semi-structured qu...
Outcomes of stage IV melanoma in the era of immunotherapy (IO): A National Cancer Database (NCDB) analysis.

e21520Background: The majority of data for IO in melanoma stems from trials that have specific inclusion criteria and often exclude important populations. In this analysis, we present the first rea...
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma: A Comprehensive Historical Review With Proposed Evidence-based Guidelines Regarding a Diagnosis in Need of Further Clarification.

Among all sarcoma types, liposarcoma is the most common sarcoma that develops "dedifferentiation." Since its initial description by Dr Harry Evans, the spectrum of what is now acceptably included under the rubric of "dedifferentiated liposarcoma" (DL) has expanded, sometimes supported by cytogenetic and molecular advances. Similarly, the range of morphologic appearances considered to represent the precursor of DL, atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT)/well-differentiated liposarcoma, also has broadened, not uncommonly creating variants with significant, almost indistinguishable, morphologic overlap with occasional forms of DL, especially problematic in small biopsy specimens. More specifically, the precise criteria separating cellular forms of ALT from what some consider "low-grade" variants of DL remains controversial and inconsistently applied, even among individual pathologists within institutions. For this separation, the only objective and reproducible criteria historically shown to accurately predict a statistically significant difference in prognosis and survival is mitotic rate, alone or incorporated into a histologic grade [eg, Federation Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNCLCC)], consistently identifying a higher grade neoplasm capable of metastases. While DL may have a better prognosis than other nonmyoid adult pleomorphic soft tissue sarcomas, definitive conclusions are difficult to establish due to nonuniform criteria for staging and establishing tumor size/volume of the high-grade component, compounded by variable definitions and thresholds for rendering the diagnosis of DL. If appropriate therapeutic approaches are to be applied to DL, there needs to uniform agreement regarding the histologic definition, grading, and staging of DL. Herein, is a comprehensive historical perspective on DL and ALT/well-differentiated liposarcoma, seeking to provide insights, updates, and a proposal for uniform, evidence-based guidelines.
Crises in Education: Reflections on the Conflation of Education with Economics and Politics

In his reflection on the global crisis in education, the author points to the growing conflation of education with economics and politics and considers a generally neglected dimension of worldwide educational crisis, namely, the persistent lack of appreciation of education as a significant end in itself. He illustrates his point on three national cases the United States, Israel and Poland – and shows the current crisis as a general attack using the life of the mind and the role it plays in the life of society and individuals.
FRONTAL LOBE DYSFUNCTION AND AGGRESSION: CONCEPTUAL ISSUES AND RESEARCH FINDINGS

The notion that there is a relationship between frontal lobe damage and aggression has been part of clinical lore for more than 50 years. However, although there is evidence for an association between general brain dysfunction and aggressive behavior, much of the evidence for a specific relationship between frontal lobe dysfunction and aggression has consisted of case reports. This article begins with a discussion of normal frontal lobe (i.e., executive) functions, followed by a description of the types of problems that result from frontal lobe damage. Conceptualization of the ways in which these frontal lobe deficiencies may be related to violence are offered, and relevant research regarding this relationship is reviewed
Self/Other‐Reference Effect

The self-reference effect refers to the tendency for individuals to remember information that relates to themselves better than information that makes reference to other entities. This effect was first described by Rogers, Kuiper, who expanded on Craik and work on depth-of-processing based on the extent of elaboration involved in encoding information into memory. In their classic study, Craik and Tulving created a task in which they manipulated the level of processing (shallow, moderate, or deep). For shallow processing, subjects identified whether a word was capitalized. For moderate processing, participants determined if words were rhymed. For deep processing, participants were required to determine if a word fit within the context of a sentence. Following this task, participants completed a surprise recognition test, asking them to identify which words they had seen during the previous activity. The results indicated that participants were able to more accurately recall those words that they had processed at a deeper level. Keywords: cognition; memory; information processing and cognitions; self-construal
Some Theoretical Topics on the Diffusion of Innovation within Industrial Districts: The case of ICT

The new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) represent an important challenge for SME. Especially in the context of local productive areas, this topic may be relevant as a new opportunity of competitiveness for the system as a whole. In this working paper, the focus is on the industrial districts’ case as a relevant and successful example of concentration of economic activities. It is first reviewed the large branch of literature, both economical and sociological, related to industrial districts. Then, it is discussed the problem of how to identify these concentrations. Finally, some theoretical remarks on the patterns of diffusion of innovation inside industrial districts are analysed.
“This Is My Profession”—Changes in African Ritual Consciousness over Thirty‐One Years

SUMMARY In this article, I point out significant changes in the field of Ndembu ritual after a gap of 31 years, 1954 until 1985—when I returned to Zambia. I depict rituals for spirit affliction, first in 1954, and later in 1985. In the 1954 era, many other adepts used to join with the main patient in trance. The success of such rituals was about 1 in 4. In 1985 the story tells of but one medicine man, Kabwita, dressed in traditional garb. Kabwita was proud. He would say to me, “This is my profession.” Now, later in 2011, anthropology itself has changed. The empathy of fieldworkers has taken a step forward so that their subjects hardly seem “subjects” at all but are simply comembers of the human race and coresearchers.
Optimization of complex separations in high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Graphical methods are described for determining suitable experimental conditions for optimum chromatographic resolution of complex mixtures. Plotting the logarithm of retention time for individual components or retention time ratios for close eluite pairs as a function of an experimental variable such as solvent strength or temperature allows direct visual evaluation of the best resolution attainable with a given column of known efficiency. Optimization of temperature and solvent strength for the separation of phenylthiohydantoin amino acids is demonstrated for two reversed-phase columns.
Electric field of grounded horizontal line transmitter for through-the-earth communication

An electrode-based through-the-earth (TTE) communication system sends its signal directly through the earth overburden of a mine by driving an AC current into the earth. The resultant current density is detected and communication is established. Given the noise level and the attenuation characteristics of the earth, the receiver sensitivity and transmitter power required for communication can be estimated. In an effort to estimate earth attenuation, the analytic solution for the field distribution of an electrode-based TTE communication system in a homogenous half-space is derived. The results for different transmitter (Tx)/receiver (Rx) configurations are presented.
Holocaust-Denial Literature: A Sixth Bibliography

This bibliography is a supplement to five earlier ones that were published in the March 1994, December 1996, September 1998, December 2000, and September 2002 issues of the Bulletin of Bibliography , which has since ceased publication. During the intervening time, Holocaust denial has continued to be discussed in both the scholarly literature and the mainstream press, especially during the trial resulting from the libel lawsuit filed by David Irving against Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin Books, and his subsequent appeal of that verdict. The Holocaust deniers, who prefer to call themselves “revisionists” in an attempt to gain scholarly legitimacy, have refused to go away and have continued to take advantage of new media.
Effects of Surface Area and Flow Rate on Marine Bacterial Growth in Activated Carbon Columns

The colonization of granular activated carbon columns by bacteria can have both beneficial and potentially detrimental consequences. Bacterial growth on the carbon surface can remove adsorbed organics and thus partially regenerate the carbon bed. However, growth can also increase the levels of bacteria in the column effluents, which can adversely affect downstream uses of the treated water. This study of a sand column and several activated carbon columns demonstrated that considerable marine bacterial growth occurred in both sand and carbon columns and that this growth increased the number of bacteria in column effluents. Activated carbon supported approximately 50% more bacteria than did sand. Bacterial growth on activated carbon was reduced by increasing the flow rate through a carbon column and increasing the carbon particle size. Scanning electron micrographs showed that bacteria preferred to attach in the protected crevices on both the sand and carbon surface. The results of this study indicated that the colonization of activated carbon by marine bacteria was enhanced because of carbon's high surface area, its rough surface texture, and its ability to absorb organic materials.
Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS)

Behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) are graphic performance rating scales with behavioral anchors defining points along the scale for each dimension. Direct comparisons to behavioral observation scales (BOS) found, raters preferred the BOS format. Ratings of relative frequency result in higher levels of reliability in ratings. Keywords: performance appraisal formats; graphic rating scales
A Probabilistic Lower Bound for Two-Stage Stochastic Programs

In the framework of Benders decomposition for two-stage stochastic linear programs, we estimate the coefficients and right-hand sides of the cutting planes using Monte Carlo sampling. We present a new theory for estimating a lower bound for the optimal objective value and we compare (using various test problems whose true optimal value is known) the predicted versus the observed rate of coverage of the optimal objective by the lower bound confidence interval.
Activation of Bacillus subtilis transcription factor sigma B by a regulatory pathway responsive to stationary-phase signals.

Abstract Alternative transcription factor sigma B of Bacillus subtilis controls a stationary-phase regulon induced under growth conditions that do not favor sporulation. Little is known about the metabolic signals and protein factors regulating the activity of sigma B. The operon containing the sigma B structural gene has the gene order orfV-orfW-sigB-rsbX, and operon expression is autoregulated positively by sigma B and negatively by the rsbX product (rsbX = regulator of sigma B). To establish the roles of the orfV and orfW products, orfV and orfW null and missense mutations were constructed and tested for their effects on expression of the sigma B-dependent genes ctc and csbA. These mutations were tested in two contexts: in the first, the sigB operon was under control of its wild-type, sigma B-dependent promoter, and in the second, the sigB operon promoter was replaced by the inducible Pspac promoter. The principal findings are that (i) the orfV (now called rsbV) product is a positive regulator of sigma B-dependent gene expression; (ii) the orfW (now called rsbW) product is a negative regultor of such expression; (iii) sigma B is inactive during logarithmic growth unless the rsbW product is absent; (iv) the rsbX, rsbV, and rsbW products have a hierarchical order of action; and (v) both the rsbV and rsbW products appear to regulate sigma B activity posttranslationally. There are likely to be at least two routes by which information can enter the system to regulate sigma B: via the rsbX product, and via the rsbV and rsbW products.
Submarine fan environment inferred from turbidite thickness distributions

Recent studies of turbidite bed thickness distributions have demonstrated power-law as well as log-normal statistical distributions. The different distributions may reflect different fan processes and environments and, therefore, could be used as a quantitative method to help identify those environments, including those devoid of sequential patterns. The cumulative distributions of well-known turbidite deposits spanning a range of interpreted fan subenvironments are used to illustrate the potential correlation between cumulative distribution and environments. Assuming that power-law distributions may, for some systems, be the primary input signal, one-dimensional modelling allows semi-quantitative characterization of the effects of different fan processes such as erosion and bed amalgamation. Environments indicative of different fan processes may be characterized based on the degree to which processes have acted as a ‘filter’ to modify the assumed power-law distribution systematically. This model of the effect of fan processes on the power-law distribution is used to help to account for bed thickness distributions observed in several field sites.
Population Density and Reproductive Efficiency

This review deals with density-dependent mechanisms largely with respect to reproduction in mammals and particularly in rodents. The author presents findings which have helped to clarify the events comprising cycles of abundance and their variations. These cycles seem to follow several different patterns themselves largely dependent on the maximum densities reached and the degree to which reproduction is curtailed during the occurrence of high mortality rates. The voles and lemmings experience the greatest population fluctuations among the small mammals; these 2 groups have been observed in a number of excellent studies. Topics discussed in length include a generalized cycle of density of a microtine population; regulation of population growth and reproduction in the genus Peromyscus; house mice; population density and reproduction in Norway rats; rabbits and hares; endocrine mechanisms concerned with limiting reproductive functions; and characteristics of mortality natality and growth of some experimental and natural populations. As density increases mortality is increased and reproduction is decreased by endocrine-behavioral negative feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms are able to regulate population growth in the absence of outside limiting factors and even to some degree in the presence of outside factors.
INTRAZEOLITIC PHOTOCHEMICAL CHARGE SEPARATION FOR RU(BPY)32+-BIPYRIDINIUM SYSTEM : ROLE OF THE ZEOLITE STRUCTURE

The pore structure of zeolite Y consists of 13 A supercages connected through 7 A windows. This study deals with the intrazeolitic photoelectron transfer from trisbipyridyl ruthenium (II) (Ru(bpy)3...
A submersible piezoresistive MEMS lateral force sensor for cellular biomechanics applications

A submersible lateral force sensor has been developed as part of an integrated MEMS chip for cell biomechanics experiments with forces below 100 nN. The piezoresistive elements in the sensor are defined by a single mask on an SOI wafer without the need for a doping or annealing step, and are easily integrated into other SOI MEMS. We examine the optimal design of this force sensor, as well as characterization results from fabricated devices.
Bitumen and wax yields from wet-carbonized, hydrolyzed and untreated peats

Abstract A reed-sedge peat from Northern Minnesota was used to determine the effects of hydrolysis and wet carbonization on the yield and quality of peat waxes extracted with various solvents. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential for producing commercial waxes from Minnesota peat and the possibility of combining peat wax and fuel processes. Air-dried peats extracted with five different solvent systems yielded total bitumens of 1.4 to 7.1 wt.% of the dried peat and waxes ranging form 1.1 to 4.7%. Hydrolysis and wet carbonization of peats prior to bitumen extraction resulted in yields which increased by factors of 2–3X. In general, polar solvents gave higher yields than nonpolar solvents, but the wax melting points and acid values were higher with polar solvents. Bitumen extraction reduced the energy values of residual peat solids by 10–15%.
STX, a novel nonsteroidal estrogenic compound, induces rapid action in primate GnRH neuronal calcium dynamics and peptide release.

Previously, we reported that 1 nM 17s-estradiol (E(2)) induces a rapid action, which is, in part, mediated through the G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 in primate GnRH neurons. Because it has been reported that the diphenylacrylamide compound, STX, causes estrogenic action in the mouse and guinea pig hypothalamus, the present study examined effects of STX in primate GnRH neurons and whether there is an action independent of GPR30. Results are summarized as follows. STX (10 nM) exposure increased 1) the oscillation frequency of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), 2) the percentage of cells stimulated, and 3) the synchronization frequency of [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations. STX (10-100 nM) also stimulated GnRH release. The effects of STX on both [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations and GnRH release were similar to those caused by E(2) (1 nM), although with less magnitude. STX (10 nM)-induced changes in [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were not altered by GPR30 small interfering RNA transfection, indicating that STX-sensitive receptors differ from GPR30. Finally, a higher dose of E(2) (10 nM) induced a larger change in [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations than that with a smaller dose of E(2) (1 nM), and the effects of 10 nM E(2) were reduced but not completely blocked by GPR30 small interfering RNA transfection, indicating that the effects of 10 nM E(2) in primate GnRH neurons are mediated by multiple membrane receptors, including GPR30 and STX-sensitive receptors. Collectively, the rapid action of E(2) mediated through GPR30 differs from that mediated through STX-sensitive receptors. The molecular structure of the STX-sensitive receptor remains to be identified.
Short proofs for interval digraphs

Abstract We give short proofs of the adjacency matrix characterizations of interval digraphs and unit interval digraphs.