cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo study of photon fields from a flattening filter-free clinical accelerator

In conventional clinical linear accelerators, the flattening filter scatters and absorbs a large fraction of primary photons. Increasing the beam-on time, which also increases the out-of-field exposure to patients, compensates for the reduction in photon fluence. In recent years, intensity modulated radiation therapy has been introduced, yielding better dose distributions than conventional three-dimensional conformal therapy. The drawback of this method is the further increase in beam-on time. An accelerator with the flattening filter removed, which would increase photon fluence greatly, could deliver considerably higher dose rates. The objective of the present study is to investigate the dosimetric properties of 6 and 18 MV photon beams from an accelerator without a flattening filter. The dosimetric data were generated using the Monte Carlo programs BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc. The accelerator model was based on the Varian Clinac 2100 design. We compared depth doses, dose rates, lateral profiles, doses outside collimation, total and collimator scatter factors for an accelerator with and without a flatteneing filter. The study showed that removing the filter increased the dose rate on the central axis by a factor of 2.31 (6 MV) and 5.45 (18 MV) at a given target current. Because the flattening filter is a major sourcemore » of head scatter photons, its removal from the beam line could reduce the out-of-field dose.« less
A 3-Watt Q-Band GaAs pHEMT Power Amplifier MMIC For High Temperature Operation

A three-stage Q-band pHEMT power amplifier for 42-46GHz operation has been designed and built. The conservative stage peripheries of 2.64:5.28:7.68mm were chosen to ensure high temperature operation. Although designed for a nominal bias of 5.5V and 170mA/mm, the amplifier operates with biases of 2-6V and 65-190mA/mm. Record powers for this frequency range have been obtained. Biased at 6V and 170mA/mm the amplifier provided 4W of power at 20% efficiency over 42.5-43GHz at 30degC, and an average of 3W with 17% efficiency over 43.5-45.5GHz at 90degC. At 5.5V and 128mA/mm an average power of 3W with 20% efficiency was obtained over 43.5-45.5GHz at room temperature
Pediatrician's Communication Style: Relationship to Parent's Perceptions and Behaviors

Investigated physician-parent communication styles and the effects of concordance between parent's desired communication styles and the communication style exhibited by physicians. Subjects were 107 parents of children scheduled for an appointment with a pediatrician at a general medical clinic. Parents and physicians completed rating forms indicating the degree to which parents desired each of four communication styles (information giving, interpersonal sensitivity, partnership, and directing one's own treatment). Parents and physicians also rated the degree to which they believed the physician exhibited each of these four styles. Follow-up interviews with parents assessed the level of satisfaction with the visit, perception that parent's concerns had been addressed, and subsequent telephone calls to the physician. Results indicated that physicians underestimated the degree of interaction desired by the parents. Parent desires for particular communication styles were not predicted by characteristics of the parents. Interaction variables predicted parent perceptions and subsequent need for contact with the physician.
Design of LNA probes that improve mismatch discrimination

Locked nucleic acids (LNA) show remarkable affinity and specificity against native DNA targets. Effects of LNA modifications on mismatch discrimination were studied as a function of sequence context and identity of the mismatch using ultraviolet (UV) melting experiments. A triplet of LNA residues centered on the mismatch was generally found to have the largest discriminatory power. An exception was observed for G–T mismatches, where discrimination decreased when the guanine nucleotide at the mismatch site or even the flanking nucleotides were modified. Fluorescence experiments using 2-aminopurine suggest that LNA modifications enhance base stacking of perfectly matched base pairs and decrease stabilizing stacking interactions of mismatched base pairs. LNAs do not change the amount of counterions (Na+) that are released when duplexes denature. New guidelines are suggested for design of LNA probes, which significantly improve mismatch discrimination in comparison with unmodified DNA probes.
Psychological Aspects of Spirit Possession1

S PIRIT possession is known to occur in many areas of the world. Chief among these is Africa, particularly the West Coast, where "possession by the God (is) the supreme religious experience" (Herskovits 1941:215). The Negroes in the New World have to a great extent retained their African forms of worship in the West Indies and parts of South America. In these areas are found large syncretic groups, such as Vodun in Haiti (Simpson 1940, 1945), Shango in Trinidad (Herskovits 1947: Appendix I), the Macumba in Rio, the Candombl6 'of Bahia (Ramos 1939; Pierson 1942), and others. Spirit possession plays a major role in all of them. A less exotic form of possession, but still potentially part of the same phenomenon, occurs in the Negro (and white) Pentecostal and Revivalistic churches in many parts of the United States (Fauset 1944; Myrdal 1944; Holt 1940); shamanism and related rituals among many Indian groups may also be considered as a form of spirit possession. Despite the apparently wide distribution of this behavior, little other than fairly limited physical descriptions of possession have thus far, been offered by social scientists. Historically, this behavior, at least in Western culture, has been interwoven with interpretations of mental illness, demonology, and the like (Oesterreich 1930). More recently, an interpretation has been offered which stresses the mental illness of individuals who become possessed, and the therapeutic value of the possession experience (Courier 1956). In view of the lack of systematic study, a detailed description of spirit possession behavior will first be offered. The reference group throughout will be the Shango worshippers in Trinidad.2 Following this, we shall attempt a tentative analysis of possession behavior from a psychological viewpoint, primarily guided by learning theory. Here we shall explore some of the major positive and negative reinforcements which appear to be the consequences of particular behavior patterns during possession.
Patterns of Genotypic Diversity in Clonal Plant Species

We compile and analyze data on the population genetic structure of broad-sense clonal plant populations where sexual recruitment is rare or absent. The data from 27 studies show a common theme: multiclonal populations of intermediate diversity and evenness tend to be the rule, most clones are restricted to one or a few populations, and widespread clones are exceptional. While a few studies have demonstrated that ecological differences among sympatric clones do occur, more experimental and theoretical studies are necessary to determine the role of selection and other evolutionary forces in maintaining clonal polymorphism.
Estimation of conduction velocity of A/spl delta/ fibers using heat-pain related somatosensory evoked potentials in humans

The authors' study evaluated the utility of a contact thermal stimulator in determination of conduction velocity (CV) of small cutaneous fibers subserving thermal pain (nociception) sensitivity in humans. The stimulator delivers a brief duration, fast rise-time heat pulse to the skin without contamination of other sensory modalities. Pain somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to thermal stimuli were digitally filtered, selectively averaged and Woody filtered to improve their signal-to-noise ratio. The CV of A/spl delta/ fibers was estimated from the difference of the peak latencies of the arm and leg cortical potentials. The authors' studies show that the CV from these SEPs is consistent with their arising from A/spl delta/ thermal nociceptors.
Classification of brackish coastal inland waters

1. The fauna of nineteen brackish coastal inland waters in the southwestern part of the Netherlands has been investigated by cluster analysis. Several clusters were recognized and these showed a correlation with the average chlorinity together with the fluctuations in chlorinity. 2. A classification system of the brackish waters is given. This system shows some similarities with the “Venice system”. 3. It appears that marine species have less resistance against incidentally low chlorinities than brackish-water species. 4. Marine species have a lower degree of resistance against regular fluctuations in chlorinity than brackish-water species.
Daily family assistance and inflammation among adolescents from Latin American and European backgrounds.

To assess the biological impact of time spent helping the family during the teenage years, we examined circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6r), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 64 adolescents (Mage = 17.79 years) from Latin American and European backgrounds. Analyses of nightly diary checklists over 14 days showed that the amount of time spent helping the family in a variety of ways, such as cooking, cleaning, and sibling care, was associated with long-term elevations of sIL-6r and CRP, even after controlling for ethnicity, parental education, BMI, substance use, distress, and frequency of daily family assistance 2 years earlier. However, adolescents who derived a greater sense of role fulfillment from helping the family on a daily basis had lower levels of sIL-6r and CRP as compared to their peers who engaged in the same amount of family assistance. Additional work should explore the family context that drives high levels of assistance among adolescents, as well as the variety of ways adolescents may derive meaning from this activity.
Nasal Septal Abscess Due to Staphylococcus aureus in a Patient with AIDS

Nasal septal abscess is a potentially serious infection about which there has been little information in the infectious disease literature. A patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who developed a nasal septal abscess was studied, and the literature about this infection was reviewed.
Lead-Lag Relationship between the Spot Index and Futures Price for the Turkish Derivatives Exchange

This paper examines the lead-lag relationship between the Istanbul Stock Exchange 30 (ISE 30) Index and index futures prices at the Turkish Derivatives Exchange using daily observations from February 2005 to May 2008. It is found out that spot prices lead the futures prices for ISE 30 Index contrary to the results for different countries. Besides, the forecasting performances of Error Correction Model (ECM), ECM with Cost of Carry (COC), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model are compared. The results support the superior performance of ECM. This study underlines the difference in direction of the lead-lag relation for Turkey that has a significant value for traders, and the performance of ECM for forecasting purposes.
Pushing the Envelope: Engine Development and Procurement for the F-15 Fighter Jet (a)

The B case recounts the historical events that culminated in the development of an alternative to Pratt and Whitney's F100 jet engine. Following an initial development program, the Air Force announced a split order for 120 engines from General Electric for the F-16 and 40 engines from Pratt and Whitney for the F-15. This order would meet the needs for 1985 only, as Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr had decided to hold off on any long-term commitments in order to observe contractor performance and field experience during the first year. A few days later, the Navy chose General Electric's F110 engine as a replacement for Pratt's TF30 in the F-14. See also the A (UVA-QA-0644) and C (UVA-QA-0646) cases.
Characterization of Polymyxin B Biodistribution and Disposition in an Animal Model

Despite dose-limiting nephrotoxicity concerns, polymyxin B has resurged as the treatment of last resort for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and nephrotoxic properties of polymyxin B still are not thoroughly understood. The objective of this study was to provide additional insights into the overall biodistribution and disposition of polymyxin B in an animal model. Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with intravenous polymyxin B (3 mg/kg of body weight). Drug concentrations in the serum, urine, bile, and tissue (brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and skeletal muscle) samples over time were assayed by a validated methodology. Among all the organs evaluated, polymyxin B distribution was highest in the kidneys. The mean renal tissue/serum polymyxin B concentration ratios were 7.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.63 to 10.27) at 3 h and 19.62 (95% CI, 5.02 to 34.22) at 6 h postdose. Intrarenal drug distribution was examined by immunostaining. Using a ratiometric analysis, proximal tubular cells showed the highest accumulation of polymyxin B (Mander's overlap coefficient, 0.998) among all cell types evaluated. Less than 5% of the administered dose was recovered in urine over 48 h, but all 4 major polymyxin B components were detected in the bile over 4 h. These findings corroborate previous results that polymyxin B is highly accumulated in the kidneys, but the elimination likely is via a nonrenal route. Biliary excretion could be one of the routes of polymyxin B elimination, and this should be further explored. The elucidation of mechanism(s) of drug uptake in proximal tubular cells is ongoing.
Foci of MRI Signal (Pseudo Lesions) Anterior to the Frontal Horns: Histologic Correlations of a Normal Finding

Review of all normal magnetic resonance (MR) scans performed over a 12-month period consistently revealed punctate areas of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images in the white matter just anterior and lateral to both frontal horns. Normal anatomic specimens were examined with attention to specific characteristics of this region. Three unique features typify the brain tissues that correspond to the foci of high signal. First, this region of the brain is notable for its loose network of axons with low myelin content. Second, pathologic scrutiny revealed an entity called “ependymitis granularis,” which represents patchy loss of the ependyma in the frontal horns with astrocytic gliosis, Third, flow of interstitial fluid within this region of the brain tends to converge at the dorsal-lateral angle of the frontal horns. All these factors contribute to increased water content locally, which results in foci of high signal intensity anterior to the frontal horns in all normal MR scans.
Infusing Theory Into Practice, Practice Into Theory: Small Wins and Big Gains for Evaluation

This article illustrates the synergistic role between practice and theory in evaluation. Using reflective practice, the author reviews her own work as well as the work of other evaluators to illustrate how theory can influence practice and, in turn, how evaluation practice can inform and grow theory, especially evaluation theory. The following three themes are reinforced: (1) the importance of infusing theory into evaluation practice, including program theory, social science theory, and evaluation theory; (2) the importance of infusing practice into theory, with an emphasis on understanding the role of experience and expertise in improving our theory; and (3) how we can continue to foster the integration between theory and practice to strengthen our field and the work of individual evaluators. Weick’s (1984) concept of small wins, large gains is suggested as a strategy for encouraging the theory–practice integration in evaluation. Small wins are concrete, minor improvements may be more manageable for eval...
Regression analysis of networked data

This paper concerns regression methodology for assessing relationships between multi-dimensional response variables and covariates that are correlated within a network. To address analytical challenges associated with the integration of network topology into the regression analysis, we propose a hybrid quadratic inference method that uses both prior and data-driven correlations among network nodes. A Godambe information-based tuning strategy is developed to allocate weights between the prior and data-driven network structures, so the estimator is efficient. The proposed method is conceptually simple and computationally fast, and has appealing large-sample properties. It is evaluated by simulation, and its application is illustrated using neuroimaging data from an association study of the effects of iron deficiency on auditory recognition memory in infants.
Kennedy Administration and the Peaceful Settlement of Territorial Dispute over West Irian between Indonesia and Netherlands(1961-1962)

The West Irian Dispute is a territorial dispute resulting from the transfer of sovereignty over West Irian from Netherlands to Indonesia,which lasted over ten years.The dispute gradually became a crisis at the beginning of 1960s.And with the escalation of the dispute,the two countries almost appeared to reach the verge of large-scale war.The United States as the dominant power of leverage between Netherlands and Indonesia,insisted a kind of hands-off policy for a long time.After Kennedy took office,through a tortuous changing process,American government eventually changed the hands-off policy.Ultimately,through the active mediation of the U.S.and the help of United Nations,the crisis was settled peacefully.The research on the process of how Kennedy administration changed its policy is meaningful to study American policies towards other countries' territorial issues and to the relations between Cold War and the anti-colonialism.
Abstract IA08: PI3K- and PARP-inhibitors for the treatment of women cancers.

Amplification of PIK3CA is highly prevalent in ovarian cancer and isoform-specific and pan-PI3K inhibitors have entered clinical trials. However, identifying tumor subtypes and biological mechanisms that predict for response to PI3K inhibitors as single agents or in combination has been a challenge. We previously reported that combining a phophoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor with a poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)-inhibitor enhanced DNA damage and cell death in breast cancers that have genetic aberrations in BRCA1 and TP53. We now show that the enhanced DNA damage induced by PI3K inhibitors in this mutational background is a consequence of impaired production of deoxynucleotides needed for DNA synthesis and DNA repair. Inhibition of PI3K causes a reduction in all four deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dATP, dTTP, dGTP and dCTP), while inhibition of AKT is less effective than inhibition of PI3K in suppressing nucleotide synthesis and inducing DNA damage. Carbon flux studies reveal that PI3K-inhibition disproportionately affects the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (non-ox PPP) that delivers ribose-5-posphate required for base ribosylation. In vivo in a mouse model of BRCA1-linked triple-negative breast cancer combined PI3K- and PARP-inhibition was superior to either agent alone to induce durable remissions of established tumors. Our data indicate that PI3K inhibitors induce DNA damage in tumors that have defects in DNA damage repair pathways and that they do so by impairing the production of Ribose-5-phosphate and amino acids needed for deoxynucleotide synthesis. An ongoing phase I/II study (NCT01623349, PI: Matulonis) examines the safety and toxicity of a PI3K/Parp-inhibitor combination in ovarian and breast cancer. Citation Format: Gerburg M. Wulf, Ashish Juvekar, Lewis C. Cantley, Ursula A. Matulonis. PI3K- and PARP-inhibitors for the treatment of women cancers. [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 IA08.
Neighborhoods, schools and obesity: The potential for place-based approaches to reduce childhood obesity

A common policy approach to reducing childhood obesity aims to shape the environment in which children spend most of their time: neighborhoods and schools. This paper uses richly detailed data on the body mass index (BMI) of all New York City public school students in grades K-8 to assess the potential for place-based approaches to reduce child obesity. We document variation in the prevalence of obesity across NYC public schools and census tracts, and then estimate the extent to which this variation can be explained by differences in individual-level predictors (such as race and household income). Both unadjusted and adjusted variability across neighborhoods and schools suggest place-based policies have the potential to meaningfully reduce child obesity, but under most realistic scenarios the improvement would be modest.
Overcome by or Overcoming Loss: A Call for the Development of Therapy for Individuals Mourning Vocational Loss in Schizophrenia:

People with schizophrenia are often unable to realize vocational expectations because of schizophrenia-related functional impairments. This is particularly acute in those individuals from advantaged sociocultural backgrounds of whom much is expected. We present the case history of an acclaimed woman artist who lost artistic productivity with the advent of severe and persistent psychotic symptoms. We suggest that “loss of vocational potential” is a major loss worthy of grief work. Introduction and rationale are presented, followed by a case presentation that aims to illustrate the psychological effects of intangible loss for individuals suffering from serious mental illness. Three approaches to grief work are reviewed. The notion of incorporating grief work into the treatment of persons with schizophrenia is introduced. The authors call for increased attention to and study of the symbolic and emotional impact of the interpersonal and vocational losses that accompany schizophrenia. A carefully structured gr...
Assessment of Cognitive Training

Publisher Summary Memory loss is a common concern among older adults, but it is not an inevitable part of cognitive aging. Research findings suggest that behavioral interventions may help individuals maintain or improve memory and cognitive performance in later life. The challenge for the geriatric clinician is to comprehensively assess an individual in order to determine the nature and severity of impairment and best determine the most appropriate course of treatment, including which type of cognitive training program(s) may be most beneficial. This chapter is structured to guide clinicians through the identification of cognitive impairment, selection of the most appropriate and effective type of cognitive training program, and assessment of the effects of cognitive training in normal aging as well as in those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Before selecting or implementing a cognitive training program, the clinician should assess the client's neuropsychological, physical, and psychological status, as well as other contextual and life-event information. A full history is needed because the nature and severity of the cognitive impairment can render particular treatment options inappropriate. A patient's lifestyle or personal preferences might also determine the course of treatment.
U.S. state fiscal constraints and railroad development through the nineteenth century

ABSTRACTThroughout the nineteenth century, U.S. states developed extensive fiscal constraints meant to limit public investment in infrastructure projects, especially railroad aid. These limitations came as a direct result of perceived malinvestment and mishandling of public funds in earlier infrastructure projects that were pursued to promote state and local economic development. However, an important yet under-researched question is to what extent these constraints may have helped or hindered the development of public infrastructure across these states. Overall, the evidence would suggest that in general, more binding constraints that limited the ability of state and local governments to invest in these projects actually led to an increase in railroad mileage. These findings provide important insights both regarding the development of railroads throughout the U.S. and offer a potential counterfactual to some European and Scandinavian experiences, which saw extensive public aid and in some instances natio...
Assessing the Economic Impact of Inversion Tillage, Cover Crops, and Herbicide Regimes in Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Infested Cotton

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producers in Alabama are faced with a rapidly expanding problem that decreases yields and increases production costs: herbicide-resistant weeds. Producers increasingly rely on integrated weed management strategies that raise production costs. This analysis evaluated how tillage, cover crops, and herbicide regime affected net returns above variable treatment costs (net returns) for cotton production in Alabama from 2009 to 2011 under pressure from Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.). Annual net returns were compared for two tillage treatments (inversion and noninversion tillage), three cover crops (crimson clover [Trifolium incarnatum L.], cereal rye [Secale cereal L.], and winter fallow), and three herbicide regimes (PRE, POST, and PRE+POST). Results indicate that under heavy Palmer amaranth population densities one year of inversion tillage followed by two years of noninversion tillage, along with a POST or PRE+POST herbicide application had the highest net returns in the first year; however, the economic benefit of inversion tillage, across all herbicide treatments, was nonexistent in 2010 and 2011. Cotton producers with Palmer amaranth infestations would likely benefit from cultural controls, in conjunction with herbicide applications, as part of their weed management system to increase net returns.
Distribution of Coliphages in Various Foods.

The distribution of coliphages in various foods and the relationship between the incidences of coliphages and bacterial indicators were investigated. A total of 120 food samples comprising twelve products and including fresh meats, shellfish, vegetables and processed meats, were analyzed for indigenous coliphages using Escherichia coli hosts C, C-3000 and B. Bacterial analyses included enumeration of E. coli, fecal coliforms and coliforms, as well as aerobic plate counts and Salmonella analyses. Coliphages were detected (≥10 PFU/100 g) in 56% of samples and eleven of twelve products. Coliphages, E. coli, fecal coliforms and coliforms were recovered at a level of at least 30 organisms per 100 g in 43, 43, 68 and 81% of samples, with overall mean recoveries of 13, 19, 93 and 4300 organisms/100 g, respectively. Highest and lowest recoveries of coliphages and E. coli were from fresh meats and vacuum-packaged processed meats, respectively. Significant nonparametric correlations between coliphages, E. coli, fec...
Management of Posterior Glottal Insufficiency With Use of a Buccal Graft.

Objective:Posterior glottal insufficiency manifests as a rough, breathy voice with poor vocal projection, air hunger, and decreased phonatory efficiency. There are limited medical and surgical therapies. This study reports the use of insetting a buccal mucosa graft into the posterior interarytenoid space to close the posterior glottic gap for phonatory rehabilitation.Methods:Our study is a retrospective case series of 2 female patients undergoing buccal mucosa graft inset to repair acquired posterior glottic insufficiency as a result of prolonged intubation and laryngeal tuberculosis infection. Patients selected for this procedure had posterior glottal insufficiency due to erosion of posterior glottal tissue. They also had dysphonia refractory to voice therapy and injection augmentation.Conclusions:Interarytenoid buccal graft for posterior glottal insufficiency is effective with excellent vocal rehabilitation and minimal donor site morbidity.
The Formation and Maintenance of the Dominant Southern Polar Crown Cavity of Cycle 24

In this article, we report a study of the longest-lived polar crown cavity of Solar Cycle 24, using an observation from 2013, and propose a physical mechanism to explain its sustained existence. We used high temporal and spatial resolution observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) instruments on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to explore the structure and evolution of the cavity. Although it existed for more than a year, we examined the circumpolar cavity in great detail from 2013 March 21 to 2013 October 31. Our study reinforces the existing theory of formation of polar crown filaments that involves two basic processes to form any polar crown cavity as well as the long-lived cavity that we studied here. First, the underlying polarity inversion line (PIL) of the circumpolar cavity is formed between (1) the trailing part of dozens of decayed active regions distributed in different longitudes and (2) the unipolar magnetic field in the polar coronal hole. Second, the long life of the cavity is sustained by the continuing flux cancellation along the PIL. The flux is persistently transported toward the polar region through surface meridional flow and diffusion. The continuing flux cancellation leads to the shrinking of the polar coronal hole.
Investigation of the warpage modeling technique for thick multi-chip module encapsulated by compression molding

It is an important issue to estimate and control the warpage of the semiconductor package for the reliability and the heat dissipation of the contact with the circuit board and the case. Especially, in a multi-chip module (MCM), which encapsulate several electronic components, the increased size of the package expands the amount of the warpage although the curvature is same as that of a single chip. For general encapsulated packages, the cure shrinkage of the mold resin and the mismatch of a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) are the factor of the warpage. We have studied the package structure encapsulated by compression molding that can encapsulate large area size with lager number of packages. Also, compression molding technology enables the different thickness packages to be encapsulated with a common molding die. In this study, we examined the warpage of a thick-mold-resin module formed on a printed circuit board (PCB), and found that the direction of the warpage was opposite to the estimation based on the uniform cure shrinkage of the mold resin. To understand the mechanism of this warpage behavior, we focused on the non-uniform distribution of the temperature inside a thick-mold-resin module under compression molding, and confirmed that the curing degrees are not uniform along the thickness of the mold resin. Then, we modeled the distribution of the cure shrinkage along the thickness, and estimated the warpage using finite element method (FEM) analysis. The result of the FEM was consistent with the direction of the measured warpage. We established the modeling technique to estimate the warpage of the thick-mold-resin module encapsulated by compression molding.
Inhibition of CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation reduces the Pin1-Smad3 interaction and aggressiveness of triple negative breast cancer cells

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype that lacks effective targeted therapies. Although TNBC is not defined by specific therapeutic targets, a subset of patients have tumors that overexpress cyclins. High cyclin D/E expression catalyzes CDK4/2 activity. In turn, CDK4/2 can non-canonically phosphorylate Smad3, a key TGFβ signaling intermediate, and this phosphorylation has been associated with the shift from tumor-suppressive to oncogenic TGFβ pathway action in breast oncogenesis. Additionally, CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation facilitates an interaction between Smad3 and Pin1, a cis-trans isomerase that is also overexpressed in aggressive breast cancers. Treatment with CYC065, a CDK2/9 inhibitor, decreased non-canonical Smad3 phosphorylation and inhibited the Pin1-Smad3 interaction. We hypothesized that the interaction of Pin1 and Smad3, facilitated by CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation, promotes TNBC cell aggressiveness. Inhibition of the Pin1-Smad3 interaction in TNBC cell lines, through depletion of Pin1 or CYC065 treatment, resulted in decreased cell migration/invasion and impeded the EMT program. Inhibition of CDK-mediated phosphorylation of Smad3 by mutagenesis also decreased cell migration, underscoring the importance of non-canonical CDK2 phosphorylation of Smad3 to enable cell motility. Pin1 depletion restored Smad3 protein levels and tumor-suppressive activity, suggesting that the Pin1-Smad3 interaction has a negative impact on canonical Smad3 action. Collectively, the data show that the Pin1-Smad3 interaction, facilitated by CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation, is associated with oncogenic TGFβ signaling and breast cancer progression. Inhibition of this interaction with CYC065 treatment may provide an important therapeutic option for TNBC patients.
MR-SNN: Design of parallel Shared Nearest Neighbor clustering algorithm using MapReduce

Shared Nearest Neighbor (SNN) Clustering is a well-established density based clustering algorithm, which can find clusters of different sizes, shapes, and densities. SNN has been widely adopted in numerous applications. As the size of dataset becomes extremely large nowadays, it is inefficient or even impossible for large-scale data to be stored and processed on a single machine. Therefore, the scalability problem of clustering algorithm running on a single machine has to be addressed. In this paper, we improve the traditional SNN clustering algorithm by utilizing high-performance computing clusters and powerful programming platform (MapReduce) for big data analysis. In particular, we design the MapReduce-based Shared Nearest Neighbor clustering algorithm called MR-SNN for big data analysis.
Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland: A review with updates on malignant transformation and molecular genetics

Pleomorphic adenoma (benign mixed tumor) is the most common epithelial neoplasm of the lacrimal gland. It is usually a slow growing, well-circumscribed, mass that is identical to its salivary gland counterpart. Patients generally have an excellent prognosis for vision and long-term survival after complete surgical excision. There is a tendency to reoccur, especially if there is an incomplete excision, and rarely, malignant transformation to carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma can occur, which has a much poorer prognosis. The molecular genetics of lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenomas have only recently been studies, but appear to display similar genetic aberration found in the salivary gland counterparts.
Synthesis of 8-Hydroxygeraniol

An operationally simple protocol for the conversion of geranyl acetate to 8-hydroxygeraniol is reported. The convenient two-step procedure relies on an efficient, chemo- and regioselective SeO2-promoted oxidation, followed by straightforward deacetylation. This facile means to prepare 8-hydroxygeraniol is expected to enable biosynthetic studies pertaining to thousands of monoterpene indole alkaloids.
Acupuncture for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Cancer Patients

Hot flashes, a phenomenon characterized by an intense feeling of heat and visible reddening in the upper body, have frequently been described in cancer patients undergoing hormonal deprivation or hormonal ablation therapy. The occurrence of hot flashes can substantially affect the quality of life in such patients. Though several treatments are available to reduce hot flashes, many have significant side effects of their own. Acupuncture has emerged as a promising treatment modality to alleviate hot flashes in cancer patients. In prostate cancer patients, six different studies concluded that acupuncture reduces the incidence and severity of hot flashes well beyond the estimated placebo effect and the effects of alternative treatments such as venlafaxine with minimal side effects. In breast cancer patients, acupuncture trials have yielded similar results. However, there are more conflicting results among randomized clinical trials which use sham acupuncture as a control; with one study concluding that actual acupuncture is no better than sham acupuncture in reducing hot flash incidence. In fact, two systematic reviews concluded that current evidence did not suggest that acupuncture was an effective treatment for hot flashes in breast cancer and prostate cancer patients due to the paucity and poor quality of the primary data (Lee et al., Breast Cancer Research Treatments, 115:497–503, 2009; Supportive Care Cancer, 17:763–770, 2009). These conclusions are at least partly due to the inherent difficulties involved in the proper blinding of acupuncture practitioners and the development of an adequate placebo to mimic the therapeutic experience of acupuncture. Because the overall evidence from well-controlled, randomized clinical trials is currently limited, it is not possible to unequivocally state that acupuncture is more effective than venlafaxine for hot flashes – the medication that has yielded the most impressive benefits in treating hot flashes. However, since the majority of acupuncture trials have provided very encouraging results with minimal side effects, future studies are warranted to further investigate and assess the potential role of acupuncture in the treatment of hot flashes in cancer patients.
Sustainability, water, dry cooling, and the advanced high-temperature reactor

The submitted manuscript has been authored by a contractor of the U.S. Government under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725. Accordingly, the U.S. Government retains a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to publish or reproduce the published form of this contribution, or allow ot hers to do so, for U.S. Government purposes.
Self-healing effects in a semi-ordered liquid for stable electronic conversion of high-energy radiation.

Radiation damage in solid-state semiconductors has, until now, placed strict limitations on the acceptable decay energies of radioisotopes in radiovoltaic cells. Relegation to low-energy beta-emitting isotopes has minimized the power output from these devices and limited the technology’s ability to deliver greater energy densities and longer lifetimes than conventional batteries. We demonstrate the self-healing abilities of a liquid-phase semiconducting alloy which can withstand high-energy alpha radiation. Neutron diffraction of liquid selenium-sulfur shows the liquid phase repairing damage sustained in the irradiation of the solid phase. This self-healing behavior results in long-lived power output in a liquid selenium-sulfur alphavoltaic cell. To the best of our knowledge, this marks the only successful demonstration of resistance to high-energy radiation (>500 keV) in a semiconducting material. This new robustness can potentially allow increases to the available energy density in radiovoltaic cells near 1000 times the current state of the art.
Evaluation of Pressure Distribution on a Cavitating Hydrofoil With Flap

Abstract : A general method is established to calculate the pressure distribution and the moment of force for a two-dimensional, supercavitating hydrofoil with a flap. The wake flow model is adopted to describe the configuration of the flow field. Some numerical results for a supercavitating flat plate with a flap are compared with the corresponding experimental data.
The Effects of Mouth Opening and Throat Pack Placement on Uncuffed Nasal Endotracheal Tube Leakage and Delivered Tidal Volumes in Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures

Intubation for pediatric patients is frequently performed with an uncuffed endotracheal tube (ETT), which may result in an incomplete tracheal seal, resulting in gas leakage (leak). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of (1) mouth opening and (2) throat pack placement in sealing and/or minimizing this leak to an acceptable level while providing adequate tidal volumes in mechanically ventilated patients. This prospective study of 2- to 6-year-olds undergoing general anesthesia with nasal intubation for dental procedures in the New York University-Lutheran Medical Center operating room was conducted between March 2015 and October 2015. Three sequential tidal volume (VT) measurements were recorded: postintubation with the neck extended, with mouth opened, and after throat pack placement. Twenty-five subjects were included in the analyses. For subjects in whom no leak was detected, only throat pack placement statistically improved VT. This is in marked contrast to numerically large, statistically significant effects, relative to baseline, for mouth opening (±23.2 mL, p < .009, 21% increase from baseline) and throat pack placement (±46 mL, p < .009, 41% increase from baseline) when a leak was detected. In children 2-6 years of age, nasal intubation with uncuffed ETTs that have incomplete tracheal seal have improved VT with mouth opening and throat pack placement. This finding suggests that the intubation procedure is a process that extends through positioning, mouth opening, and throat pack placement.
Metacercariae of Tylodelphys sp. (Trematoda: Diplostomidae) parasite of Brochis multiradiatus and Corydoras splendens (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the Peruvian Amazon

Corydoras splendens (Castelnau, 1855) and Brochis multiradiatus (Orces V., 1960) are highly demanded for exporters in the Peruvian Amazon and importers all over the world. The exportation of this fish species may represent a gateway for endoparasites to enter in a new environment with serious effects, so, the present study reports the presence of Tylodelphys sp. infecting C. splendens and B. multiradiatus . Fish were acquired from fishermen of the city of Iquitos, Peru. After the necropsy and analyses of the fish, metacercariae of Tylodelphys sp. were found in the liver and intestine. This finding represents the first report of Tylodelphys Diesing , 1850 infecting a fish in the Peruvian Amazon. Considering the possible damages caused by species of Tylodelphys, highlighting the nutritional and respiratory ones, prophylactic measures must be taken into consideration for exporters to avoid some damages in the fish that can deteriorate their health and also to avoid the introduction of this parasite to other countries.
The role of architectural patterns and cytologic features in the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

632Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) exhibits a spectrum of clinical behavior and intratumoral heterogeneity histologically. Pathologic grading for ccRCC is primarily based on nuc...
5f states with spin-orbit and crystal field splittings

Within a localized 5f framework, a simple single electron model is developed to include a treatment of both spin-orbit splitting and crystal field splitting in the actinide 5f states. A further picture is proposed, including total angular momentum coupling.
A Vanishing Left Atrial Cystic Mass: A Ruptured Blood Cyst?

Abstract Cardiac blood cysts are very rare in adults. Their etiology, pathogenesis, and optimal management remain unclear. We report a case of a large left atrial cystic mass with clinical and imaging characteristics of a blood cyst that vanished between chest CT angiogram and trans-esophageal echocardiogram examinations done 2 days apart, without embolic phenomena. This patient likely had a blood cyst that spontaneously ruptured. This case is unusual since we did not find a case published in the English literature of a spontaneously ruptured blood cyst.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Tumors

The pathology of thyroid and parathyroid nodules represents a spectrum of disorders from reactive hyperplasias and benign neoplasms to carcinomas with metastatic potential. Thyroid nodules are common in adults and will be frequently encountered for pathologic evaluation by fine needle aspiration (FNA). Surgical resection allows for a definitive diagnosis for the 20–30% of indeterminate thyroid nodules by FNA and for tumor staging in the 10% that will be malignant. Conversely, parathyroid disease is relatively rare with biochemical and imaging allowing for a preoperative diagnosis in the majority of cases. Localized parathyroid surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism then allows for both definitive treatment and diagnostic tissue to confirm parathyroid adenoma. On a cellular level, recognizing the relationship of tumors to the cells of origin including “follicular-derived” in thyroid versus from C-cells also creates a framework to diagnose thyroid cancers and utilize correlative biochemical markers for both diagnosis and clinical follow-up. The following chapter outlines the fundamentals for pathologic evaluation and associated molecular alterations for these endocrine organs.
WHEN LUPUS ATTACKS

Risk of cardiovascular disease is substantially increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which is believed to be secondary to accelerated atherosclerosis from increased autoimmune generated inflammation. However rarely, patients can present with coronary vasculitis or arterial
Opioid Use After Common Sports Medicine Procedures: A Systematic Review

Context:The prescription of opioids after elective surgical procedures has been a contributing factor to the current opioid epidemic in North America.Objective:To examine the opioid prescribing pra...
Chapter IX – Stimulus Combination

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses stimulus combination in nonhuman primates. Experiments with animals have been concerned either with learning or with selective attention, and these studies have generally been presented in a few simple paradigms. The three stimulus combination experiments described in this chapter add to the data that are difficult to explain with Sutherland and Mackintosh's selective attention model. Most other data with monkeys likewise do not confirm the attention model predictions, so one possibility is that there are species differences in the model and another is that the selective attention model needs some modification before it can be applied to nonhuman primates. One of the experiments supporting the selective attention position is stimulus-compounding experiment. It was reasoned that the negative correlation between learning to discriminate orientation and brightness after confounded training was evidence of learning of switch-in analyzers. If a particular animal had a response bias and the model was sampled until finding an element corresponding to his expectancy, the response probability would be negatively correlated for the two sets of stimuli. Although there was no provision in sampling model for more than one pair of training stimuli and no mechanism for combining stimuli, it might be a bit more parsimonious to begin with a simple performance model than to postulate complex analyzers, which are switched in and out.
Gender differences in the association between functional limitation and depressive symptoms: the salience of food insecurity.

The present study evaluated gender differences in the associations of functional limitation with food insecurity and depressive symptoms. Using data from 3,624 respondents ages 18to 80 years from t...
Porn as practice, porn as access: pornography consumption and a ‘third sexual orientation’ in Japan

Japan is currently embroiled in an ongoing legal and social debate over the production and consumption of animated sexual images as a particularly damaging genre of heterosexual pornography for men...