cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring The Use of Pulsed Irradiations for Studying the Transient Sink Formed by Cascade Producing Radiation

An approach is suggested for using pulsed irradiation experiments to study attributes of the transient sink formed by cascade producing radiation. As an example, a simple model of radiation enhanced diffusion is proposed for a dual ion beam irradiation in which one of the beams is a pulsed, sink-producing heavy ion. It is demonstrated that by combining this model with diffusivity measurements evaluated as a function of the irradiation pulse wavelength, it is possible to quantitatively determine the transient sink strength and its characteristic lifetime.
Observation of the breast cancer patient with a tumor‐positive sentinel node: Implications of the ACOSOG Z0011 trial

Axillary lymph node status has been the most important prognostic factor for breast cancer throughout the past century. During the past decade, intraoperative lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) has been investigated as an alternative staging modality. This technique may be as accurate as ALND, and certainly is less invasive. Adjuvant treatment recommendations, which historically were made on the basis of lymph node status alone, now take into account primary tumor features, molecular markers, and patient characteristics. This evolution of current treatment patterns is driven in part by the diminishing size of tumors, the simultaneous decrease in the presence of axillary metastases, and a better understanding of tumor-specific risk factors. How do these trends affect the interpretation of a tumor-positive sentinel node (SN)? Can an axilla with a positive SN be observed? Should it be observed? This review examines the implications of a positive SN in the context of smaller tumor size, decreased nodal disease, and increased reliance on alternative prognostic factors for treatment decisions. The historical data comparing ALND to no ALND in clinically node-negative patients is reviewed and discussed in the context of observation for a positive SN. These are the issues underlying the ACOSOG Z0010 and Z0011 trials.
Mechanism for Fair Allocation of Surface Water under the Riparian Doctrine

AbstractThe common-law Riparian Doctrine, the legal basis for water allocation in the eastern United States, restricts qualified users along a shared waterway to reasonable withdrawals. Recent water shortages and droughts have highlighted the need for more specific withdrawal restrictions, and laws have been passed. What is still missing, however, is a water allocation mechanism that is consistent with the Riparian Doctrine and one that can accommodate downstream demands in quantifying the withdrawal limits and reservoir release rules. The present study proposes one such mechanism, called proportionally fair (ProFair) allocation, which fulfills this need. It is realized by a so-called bottleneck algorithm (BA), which allots water proportionally in a large stream network through a series of successive steps. It is discovered that the ProFair allocation can be simulated by a log-linear programming (LLP) model. The equivalence of the LLP model and the BA is proved. The Upper Neuse River watershed in North Ca...
Development and numerical solution of a mechanistic model for corneal tissue ablation with the 193 nm argon fluoride excimer laser

We detail the development and implementation of a global ablation model that incorporates a dynamically changing tissue absorption coefficient. Detailed spectroscopic measurements rule out plasma-shielding effects during the laser-tissue interaction and thereby support a photochemical mechanism. The model predicts ablation rate behavior that agrees well with a variety of experimental ablation rate data and that substantially deviates from a static Beer-Lambert model. The dynamic model predicts an enhancement in the tissue absorption coefficient of about 25%-50% as compared with the initial, static value. In addition, the model predicts an increase in the tissue ablation rate as corneal hydration increases, which may provide additional insight into variations in refractive surgery outcome.
Role of astrocytes in cerebrovascular regulation

Astrocytes send processes to synapses and blood vessels, communicate with other astrocytes through gap junctions and by release of ATP, and thus are an integral component of the neurovascular unit. Electrical field stimulations in brain slices demonstrate an increase in intracellular calcium in astrocyte cell bodies transmitted to perivascular end-feet, followed by a decrease in vascular smooth muscle calcium oscillations and arteriolar dilation. The increase in astrocyte calcium after neuronal activation is mediated, in part, by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Calcium signaling in vitro can also be influenced by adenosine acting on A2B receptors and by epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) shown to be synthesized in astrocytes. Prostaglandins, EETs, arachidonic acid, and potassium ions are candidate mediators of communication between astrocyte end-feet and vascular smooth muscle. In vivo evidence supports a role for cyclooxygenase-2 metabolites, EETs, adenosine, and neuronally derived nitric oxide in the coupling of increased blood flow to increased neuronal activity. Combined inhibition of the EETs, nitric oxide, and adenosine pathways indicates that signaling is not by parallel, independent pathways. Indirect pharmacological results are consistent with astrocytes acting as intermediaries in neurovascular signaling within the neurovascular unit. For specific stimuli, astrocytes are also capable of transmitting signals to pial arterioles on the brain surface for ensuring adequate inflow pressure to parenchymal feeding arterioles. Therefore, evidence from brain slices and indirect evidence in vivo with pharmacological approaches suggest that astrocytes play a pivotal role in regulating the fundamental physiological response coupling dynamic changes in cerebral blood flow to neuronal synaptic activity. Future work using in vivo imaging and genetic manipulation will be required to provide more direct evidence for a role of astrocytes in neurovascular coupling.
Phylogeny, phylogeography, and geographic variation of Sylvisorex howelli (Soricidae), an endemic shrew of the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania

The Eastern Arc Mountains of eastern Africa are notable for the high levels of endemism exhibited by various forest-dwelling organisms of this ancient montane archipelago. There has been virtually no assessment of the variation among populations of small mammal species living on these unique mountains, but recent faunal surveys have produced sufficient material to initiate such studies. Cranial morphometric and DNA sequence data were examined from six populations of Sylvisorex howelli Jenkins, 1984, an endemic shrew found in several different massifs of the Eastern Arc Mountains, to assess variation across the archipelago in the context of various hypotheses of historical biogeography. Twenty-two cranial measurements were analysed using principal components analysis. Age classes (based on tooth wear) and sex had little effect on the variation exhibited by the variables studied. Overall, specimens of S. howelli from the East Usambara Mountains are smaller than specimens from other known populations. The mitochondrial ND2 and 12S rRNA genes from representatives of each montane population of S. howelli in addition to several crocidurine taxa from eastern Africa and three soricine outgroup species were sequenced to assess phylogenetic relationships among these taxa. Neither maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, nor Bayesian analyses support monophyly of the genus Sylvisorex, but S. howelli populations were consistently recovered as a well-supported clade. Over 40 individuals of S. howelli from six disjunct montane ranges, comprising the entire known distribution of the species, were sequenced for 504 base pairs of ND2 to investigate phylogeographic patterns. Phylogenetic analysis recovered six reciprocally monophyletic haplotype clades grouped by locality. Branch lengths are consistent with relatively long periods of isolation among populations from the Uluguru, Ukaguru, Nguru, Nguu, East Usambara and West Usambara Mountains, with low levels of diversity observed within each population. These results are interpreted within the historical context of the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Buzz: Mining and Presenting Interesting Stories

Living in a world where the machine and the internet are ubiquitous, many people work and play online, in a world that is, ironically, often isolated and lonesome. While the internet, as intended, connects us to information, products and services, it often draws us away from the rich connections that are created through interpersonal communication. The goal of this work is to use the machine to connect people. Not only to information, products or services, but also to each other. The author proposes to use the machine, the very machine that pulls us apart, to bring us together, connecting people
First-principles evaluation of multi-valent cation insertion into orthorhombic V2O5.

A systematic first-principles evaluation of the insertion behavior of multi-valent cations in orthorhombic V2O5 is performed. Layer spacing, voltage, phase stability, and ion mobility are computed for Li+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, and Al3+ intercalation in the α and δ polymorphs.
Bilateral Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia Reversed by Naloxone

• We encountered an apparent bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) in a stuporous patient who used narcotics and benzodiazepines and had taken phenytoin sodium for drug-withdrawal seizures. The INO was promptly reversed by administration of the narcotic antagonist naloxone, which binds opiate receptors. This suggests the INO resulted from a specific toxic effect of narcotics, but opiate receptors have not been anatomically demonstrated within the medial longitudinal fasciculus or associated structures. Stimulation of inhibitory GABA-ergic ( α -aminobutyric acid) vestibulo-ocular fibers may have been related to INO in this case.
SU‐FF‐J‐92: Dosimetric Comparison of Skin, Bone, Ultrasound, and CT Alignments for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: To quantify the dosimetric impact of four alignment methods (skin marks, bone, ultrasound, and CT) on the daily treatment of prostate patients. Method and Materials: Six prostate patients received 3 CT scans per week immediately before treatment using an integrated CT‐linear accelerator (135 CT scans total). We simulated the delivery of the clinical treatment plan by re‐aligning the plan on each CT scan using four techniques. The alignments used skin marks, bony registration of the CT scans,ultrasound, and prostate center‐of‐volume (COV). To compare the dosimetric effects of these alignments, we collected dose‐volume histograms of the prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, and rectum. Results: These six patients could be divided into a stable group (3/6 cases) with average anterior‐posterior prostate motion ⩽ 2mm, and an unstable group (3/6 cases) with motion ⩾ 2mm. The stable group showed minimal dosimetric changes with the four alignment techniques. For the unstable group, the average minimum prostate dose (to 1cm3) was 75.6Gy with prostate COV, 72.3Gy with ultrasound, 67.2Gy with bone, and 65.4Gy with skin. The variation in daily minimum prostate doses was smallest with prostate COV alignment. Ultrasound alignment also reduced the daily variation except for two patients with large gas. For one case where the prostate tended to move anteriorly, re‐alignment decreased the rectal dose while increasing the bladder dose. For two cases where the prostate moved posteriorly, the reverse occurred. Conclusion: Patients can be separated into two groups based on the average prostate motion. Patients with average anterior‐posterior prostate shifts above 2mm can improve their prostate coverage by using ultrasound (better than skin and/or bone) or prostate COV (best) alignment techniques. Rectal doses will increase with posterior prostate motion. More than one CT scan is required to determine if a particular patient will significantly benefit from ultrasound and prostate COV alignment.
Interleukin-1 receptor mRNA expression in activated bovine leukocytes in vitro.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key player in inflammation and the immune response. To better understand the complex interactions of IL-1 and its receptors in inflammation, we need to investigate how type I and type II IL-1 receptors (IL-1RI and IL-1RII) are regulated by cytokines and other mediators. Using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and Northern analysis, we examined the regulation of IL-1RI and IL-1RII mRNA levels in bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) (i.e., neutrophils) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. IL-1RI mRNA levels were up-regulated in PBMCs by recombinant bovine IL-1beta (rBoIL-1beta), recombinant bovine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rBoGM-CSF), rBoIL-4, recombinant bovine gamma interferon (rBoIFN-gamma), and dexamethasone. IL-1RI mRNA was increased in bovine PMNs exposed to rBoGM-CSF, rBoIL-4, and dexamethasone but was down-regulated by rBoIL-1beta and rBoIFN-gamma. IL-1RII mRNA was increased in bovine PBMCs and PMNs after exposure to rBoIL-1beta, rBoGM-CSF, rBoIL-4, and dexamethasone. In contrast, rBoIFN-gamma down-regulated the expression of bovine IL-1RII mRNA in PBMCs. These findings suggest that the expression of bovine IL-1RI and IL-1RII mRNAs is regulated differently by certain soluble stimuli (e.g., IFN-gamma) in PMNs and PBMCs.
The Intimate Partner Violence Strategies Index Development and Application

Although research has documented the myriad ways that victims of IPV struggle to keep themselves safe, little research has gone the next step to investigate patterns in women’s use of strategies, the factors that influence choice of strategies, or which strategies are most effective. One obstacle to conducting such research is the absence of an instrument to measure the nature and extent of battered women’s strategic responses to violence across specific domains of strategies. This article describes the development of such an instrument, the Intimate Partner Violence Strategies Index, in the context of a longitudinal study of battered women’s experience over time.
Building systems of care: findings from the National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs.

Approximately 1 of every 7 children younger than 18 years in the United States, or ∼10.2 million children, can be classified as having special health care needs.1 Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are defined as those children who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.2 Besides any limitations from their conditions, they are at greater risk for unmet health care needs,3 poorer dental health,4 and behavioral problems.5 Expenditures for their care are ∼3 times higher than for other children, accounting for ∼42% of all medical care costs for children.6 Until the 2001 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN), little was known about this population. The 2001 NS-CSHCN was the first large-scale study devoted to assessing the health and health care experiences of this population. This study was also one of the first surveys of children in which it was possible to derive state-level estimates. This supplement to Pediatrics is dedicated to findings from the second national study of this population: the 2005–2006 NS-CSHCN. Both the 2001 and 2005–2006 NS-CSHCN were funded and directed by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) and conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. The 2005–2006 NS-CSHCN was conducted from April 2005 to February 2007. This random-digit-dial telephone survey used the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey platform to obtain approximately equal-sized samples of CSHCN from each state and the District of Columbia; therefore, the survey can provide both national and state estimates. All of the children younger than 18 years ( N = … Address correspondence to Michael D. Kogan, PhD, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 18-41, Rockville, MD 20857. E-mail: mkogan{at}hrsa.gov
Between Discourses of Extreme Pressure and Modernization: Small Farmers’ Diverse Perceptions of Vulnerability to Soy in Santarém, Pará

The socio-ecological implications of the soybean agricultural expansion in the Brazilian Amazon cannot be fully understood without examining the interactions between soy and small farmers. The expansion of soy in Santarem following the construction of the Cargill port in 2001 has affected local smallholders, but how and to what degree is the subject of significant controversy. Discourse has emerged describing the impact of soybean agricultural expansion on the small farmers of the region. One discourse, which we term the modernization discourse, depicts effects on smallholders like migration as natural and welfare-improving. In opposition, a second discourse, which we term the extreme pressure discourse, portrays smallholders as struggling to survive under social, economic, and biological pressures associated with rapid land-use change due to soy. However, characterizing smallholders’ livelihoods as vulnerable too often assumes that smallholders have a single, homogenous experience of the expansion of soy agriculture and that they are unable to adapt to changes. Interviews with smallholders who remain farming in 20 communities of rural Santarem reveal heterogeneity in farmers’ perceptions to the soybean-smallholder conflict. Understanding of vulnerability must expand to encapsulate farmers’ adaptive capacity. Smallholders do express a desire and capacity to maintain a rural livelihood and their farming identity amidst the land-use change. Smallholders’ perceptions of the impacts of the soy frontier complicate both extremes of public discourse vis-a-vis the soy conflict.
Transfemoral Transcaval Core-Needle Liver Biopsy: An Alternative to Transjugular Liver Biopsy.

Abstract Purpose To describe the technique and outcome of transfemoral transcaval (TFTC) core-needle liver biopsies. Materials and Methods Retrospective chart review was performed on 121 patients who underwent transvenous liver biopsies at a single institution between February 2014 and July 2015, yielding 66 total TFTC liver biopsies for review (65.2% male; mean age, 53.2 y ± 15.0). From August 2014 through July 2015, TFTC biopsies accounted for 64 of 77 (83%) transvenous biopsies. Hepatic tissue was obtained directly through the intrahepatic inferior vena cava from a femoral venous approach. Procedural complications were classified according to Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. Results Of the 66 biopsies, technical success was achieved in 64 cases (97.0%). Histopathologic diagnoses were made in 63 cases (95.5%). Fragmented or limited specimens in which a pathologic diagnosis was still made occurred in four cases (6.1%). Complications occurred in two cases (3.0%). Venous pressure measurements were requested in 60 cases, and all were successfully obtained. Conclusions TFTC core-needle liver biopsies are feasible and safe as demonstrated in this series of patients.
Contemporary Reforms and the Transitions in Sample States

Marketing rules evolved in different states from the regulations suggested in a colonial review on Indian agriculture in the 1920s but the courses varied. In the wake of the present round of reforms, political realities differed within the country contributing to the subsequent history of its developments.
Glucocorticoid stimulation of fatty-acid synthase gene transcription in fetal lung: antagonism by retinoic acid

Abstract Glucocorticoid hormones are known to stimulate the rate of fatty acid biosynthesis and to increase the activity and mRNA level of fatty-acid synthase (FAS) in late gestation fetal lung. We have now examined the effect of dexamethasone on FAS transcription in fetal rat lung. Explants of 19-day fetal rat lung cultured for 48 h in serum-free medium were exposed to dexamethasone (10(-7) M) for various time periods. Nuclei were isolated, and the rate of [32P]UTP incorporation into FAS and gamma-actin RNA transcripts was measured by transcription-elongation assay. Dexamethasone increased FAS transcription but had no effect on that of actin. The maximum effect of the hormone, approximately threefold increase, was observed 1-2 h after addition of the hormone but was still apparent up to 48 h. FAS transcription but not that of actin was inhibited by cycloheximide and puromycin in both control and dexamethasone-treated cultures. However, the stimulatory effect of the hormone was not significantly reduced by the inhibitors. Retinoic acid antagonized the stimulatory effects of dexamethasone on FAS activity, mRNA content as measured by Northern analysis, mass as measured by Western blotting, and rate of transcription. The effect of retinoic acid was dependent on concentration in the relatively narrow range of 5 x 10(-6) to 5 x 10(-4) M. These data show that glucocorticoids stimulate transcription of the FAS gene in late gestation fetal rat lung, that normal transcription of the FAS gene is dependent on ongoing protein synthesis, and that glucocorticoid stimulation of FAS gene expression is antagonized by retinoic acid.
Active Dendrites and Differential Distribution of Calcium Channels Enable Functional Compartmentalization of Golgi Cells.

Interneurons are essential to controlling excitability, timing, and synaptic integration in neuronal networks. Golgi cells (GoCs) serve these roles at the input layer of the cerebellar cortex by releasing GABA to inhibit granule cells (grcs). GoCs are excited by mossy fibers (MFs) and grcs and provide feedforward and feedback inhibition to grcs. Here we investigate two important aspects of GoC physiology: the properties of GoC dendrites and the role of calcium signaling in regulating GoC spontaneous activity. Although GoC dendrites are extensive, previous studies concluded they are devoid of voltage-gated ion channels. Hence, the current view holds that somatic voltage signals decay passively within GoC dendrites, and grc synapses onto distal dendrites are not amplified and are therefore ineffective at firing GoCs because of strong passive attenuation. Using whole-cell recording and calcium imaging in rat slices, we find that dendritic voltage-gated sodium channels allow somatic action potentials to activate voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) along the entire dendritic length, with R-type and T-type VGCCs preferentially located distally. We show that R- and T-type VGCCs located in the dendrites can boost distal synaptic inputs and promote burst firing. Active dendrites are thus critical to the regulation of GoC activity, and consequently, to the processing of input to the cerebellar cortex. In contrast, we find that N-type channels are preferentially located near the soma, and control the frequency and pattern of spontaneous firing through their close association with calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels. Thus, VGCC types are differentially distributed and serve specialized functions within GoCs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Interneurons are essential to neural processing because they modulate excitability, timing, and synaptic integration within circuits. At the input layer of the cerebellar cortex, a single type of interneuron, the Golgi cell (GoC), carries these functions. The extent of inhibition depends on both spontaneous activity of GoCs and the excitatory synaptic input they receive. In this study, we find that different types of calcium channels are differentially distributed, with dendritic calcium channels being activated by somatic activity, boosting synaptic inputs and enabling bursting, and somatic calcium cannels promoting regular firing. We therefore challenge the current view that GoC dendrites are passive and identify the mechanisms that contribute to GoCs regulating the flow of sensory information in the cerebellar cortex.
Estimating Broad Sense Heritability and Investigating the Mechanism of Genetic Transmission of Cold Tolerance Using Mannitol as a Measure of Post-freeze Juice Degradation in Sugarcane and Energycane (Saccharum spp.).

In approximately 25% of the sugarcane-producing countries worldwide, conventional sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) is exposed to damaging freezes. A study was conducted during the 2009 and 2010 harvest seasons to compare late-season freeze tolerance among three groups: commercial Louisiana sugarcane genotypes, early generation genotypes selected for cold tolerance in the U.S. Department of Agriculture sugarcane breeding programs at Houma, LA, and Canal Point, FL, and potential energycane genotypes selected for high total biomass per acre. Mannitol concentrations in cane juice following freezing temperatures were determined to evaluate levels of cold tolerance. Genotypes selected for cold tolerance in Houma, LA, had significantly more late-season freeze tolerance than commercial sugarcane genotypes and genotypes selected in Canal Point, FL. Genotypes showing the most cold tolerance were Ho02-146 and Ho02-152, and those that were most highly susceptible were US87-1006 and US87-1003 (early-generation breed...
US military logistics outsourcing and the everywhere of war

ABSTRACTUS military logistics outsourcing and the everywhere of war. Territory, Politics, Governance. Over the past two decades a network-centric ‘revolution in military affairs’ has profoundly reshaped the geographies of war. No less revolutionary has been the US military’s increasing reliance on private companies that employ a global army of civilian labourers to provide logistical support for operations around the world. This article provides an overview of the scale, scope, and emergence of this phenomenon, supplemented by an analysis of contracting activities at the peak of the war in Iraq in 2008. Following this, I detail three notable geopolitical and geo-economic entanglements that logistics contracting has engendered: (1) subcontracting and the exploitation of a largely South and Southeast Asian subcontracting workforce that is fuelled by inadequate military oversight and the down-sourcing of risk, (2) the geopolitics of contractor deaths, travel bans and troop withdrawals instituted by labour ex...
Adhesion of Pt Nanoparticles Supported on γ-Al2O3 Single Crystal

A model catalyst system of Pt nanoparticles (2–5 nm) dispersed on γ-Al2O3 (111) was prepared to study the support effects on nanoparticles shape and structure by cross-sectional high-resolution electron microscopy. A dewetting equilibrium shape of Pt nanoparticles was observed with a low-index plane orientation relation: Pt(111)[211]∥γ-Al2O3(111)[211] and Pt(100)[011]∥γ-Al2O3(111)[211]. Lattice-matching epitaxy of Pt(110)∥γ-Al2O3(110) was found across their interface to maintain a minimum interface strain during particle growth. To quantitatively interpret the interfacial energy and adhesion energy of the nanoparticles, the Wulff–Kaischew theorem was applied by taking into account the γ-Al2O3 support modifications to the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles. The present approach quantitatively solved the adhesion energy of the particle/support and could help to interpret nanoparticles equilibrium shape and stability.
Measuring cultural justifications for caregiving in African American and White caregivers

ObjectivesThis report will elucidate the psychometric properties of the Cultural Justifications for Caregiving Scale (CJCS) and evaluate the differences in cultural values and demographic variables among a group of African American and White caregivers. The CJCS measures the cultural reasons for and expectations about providing care to an older relative.MethodsCJCS data were collected from 202 adults caring for an older relative with memory loss. The factor structure of the CJCS was analyzed for reliability and its correlation with other measures pertaining to the caregiving experience.ResultsExploratory factor analyses suggested two underlying factors relating to Duty and Reciprocity with high levels of reliability. The two factors showed different correlational patterns with other measures associated with the caregiving experience (CG demographics and well-being).DiscussionFindings provide further evidence that the CJCS is a reliable measure for use with African American and White caregivers. Moreover, ...
The nations within: The past and future of American Indian sovereignty: By Vine Deloria, Jr. and Clifford Lytle. New York: Pantheon Books, 1984, 281 pp., $11.95.

Abstract A massive literature exists for the history and culture of American Indians, but the quality of that literature is very uneven. At its best it compares well with the finest scholarship and most interesting reading to be found anywhere. At its worst it may take the form of malicious fabrication…. One of the major purposes of the Newberry Library's Center for the History of the American Indian is to…put Indians properly back into the central role in their own history and into the history of the United States of America as well—as participants in, rather than obstacles to, the creation of American society and culture…
Ovarian Cancer: The Fallopian Tube as the Site of Origin and Opportunities for Prevention

High-grade serous carcinoma is the most common and aggressive histotype of epithelial ovarian cancer, and it is the predominant histotype associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are responsible for most of the known causes of HBOC, while mutations in mismatch repair genes and several genes of moderate penetrance are responsible for the remaining known hereditary risk. Women with a history of familial ovarian cancer or with known germline mutations in highly penetrant genes are offered the option risk-reducing surgery, which involves the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy). Growing evidence now supports the fallopian tube epithelia as an etiological site for the development of HGSC and consequently, salpingectomy alone is emerging as a prophylactic option. This review discusses the site of origin of epithelial ovarian cancer, the rationale for risk-reducing salpingectomy in the high-risk population and opportunities for salpingectomy in the low-risk population.
The use of ultrasonic flow meter in tidal breathing lung function test of neonatal

Objective To detection the tidal breathing lung function of neonatal by ultrasonic flow mete,to explore its application in neonatal moisture breathing lung function,in oder to establish the lung function parameters reference ranges of neonatal in different bodyweight. Methods 160 neonates were recruited from Shenzhen Children′s Hospital from July 2010 and December 2013,they were divided into 4 groups of very low body weight group,low body weight group,normal body weight group and giant body weight group according to the actual body weight.Groups of neonatal pulmonary function parameter values were statistical analyzed,the 95% confidence interval(95%CI) of parameters was calculated. Results The lower the birth weight,the FRC,TV,TPEF/Te,VPEF/Ve,TEF75,TEF50,TEF25was lower,the RR was higher,TV/kg,MV differences between groups had no statistical significance.Within the lower weight,the TBFV loop area was small,exhale curve up the steep,descending slope was bigger. Conclusion The lung capacity,expiratory flow,functional residual capacity value in each group of neonatal and adopt the description method of volume at home and abroad research institute report data is consistent,using the method of ultrasonic flow detection of neonatal pulmonary function sensitivity is high,the data is reliable,and simple operation,good repeatability,it is worthy of wide application in neonatal pulmonary function testing.
Reductions in Parental Use of Corporal Punishment on Pre-School Children Following Participation in the Moms’ Empowerment Program

Corporal punishment is a widely used and widely endorsed form of parental discipline. Inter-partner violence places enormous stress upon women. The rate of corporal punishment is higher in homes where other types of domestic violence are also occurring. This study compares two groups: those who participated in an intervention for women exposed to intimate partner violence (The Moms' Empowerment Program [MEP]) and those in a comparison group. Using standardized measures, women in both groups were assessed at baseline and at the end of the program, 5 weeks later. The 113 mothers who participated in the MEP program had significantly improved their parenting, such that they had less use of physical punishment post-intervention. Findings suggest that a relatively brief community-based intervention program can reduce the use of parental physical punishment even in disadvantaged populations coping with stressful circumstances.
Multiple sequence alignment using probcons and probalign

Sequence alignment remains a fundamental task in bioinformatics. The literature contains programs that employ a host of exact and heuristic strategies available in computer science. Probcons was the first program to construct maximum expected accuracy sequence alignments with hidden Markov models and at the time of its publication achieved the highest accuracies on standard protein multiple alignment benchmarks. Probalign followed this strategy except that it used a partition function approach instead of hidden Markov models. Several programs employing both strategies have been published since then. In this chapter we describe Probcons and Probalign.
Development of a multi-scale simulation model of tube hydroforming for superconducting RF cavities

Abstract This work focuses on finite element modeling of the hydroforming process for niobium tubes intended for use in superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities. The hydroforming of tubular samples into SRF-relevant shapes involves the complex geometries and loading conditions which develop during the deformation, as well as anisotropic materials properties. Numerical description of the process entails relatively complex numerical simulations. A crystal plasticity (CP) model was constructed that included the evolution of crystallographic orientation during deformation as well as the anisotropy of tubes in all directions and loading conditions. In this work we demonstrate a multi-scale simulation approach which uses both microscopic CP and macroscopic continuum models. In this approach a CP model (developed and implemented into ABAQUS using UMAT) was used for determining the flow stress curve only under bi-axial loading in order to reduce the computing time. The texture of the materials obtained using orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) and tensile test data were inputs for this model. Continuum FE analysis of tube hydroforming using the obtained constitutive equation from the CP modeling was then performed and compared to the results of hydraulic bulge testing. The results show that high quality predictions of the deformation under hydroforming of Nb tubes can be obtained using CP-FEM based on their known texture and the results of tensile tests. The importance of the CP-FEM based approach is that it reduces the need for hydraulic bulge testing, using a relatively simple computational approach.
N-Acetylglutaminoyl-S-farnesyl-l-cysteine (SIG-1191): an anti-inflammatory molecule that increases the expression of the aquaglyceroporin, aquaporin-3, in human keratinocytes

Isoprenylcysteine (IPC) small molecules were discovered as signal transduction modulating compounds ~25 years ago. More recently, IPC molecules have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in a variety of dermal cells as well as antimicrobial activity, representing a novel class of compounds to ameliorate skin conditions and disease. Here, we demonstrate a new IPC compound, N-acetylglutaminoyl-S-farnesyl-l-cysteine (SIG-1191), which inhibits UVB-induced inflammation blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production. To investigate further the previously reported hydrating potential of IPC compounds, SIG-1191 was tested for its ability to modulate aquaporin expression. Specifically, aquaporin 3 (AQP3) the most abundant aquaporin found in skin has been reported to play a key role in skin hydration, elasticity and barrier repair. Results show here for the first time that SIG-1191 increases AQP3 expression in both cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes as well as when applied topically in a three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed human skin equivalent. Additionally, SIG-1191 dose dependently increased AQP3 protein levels, as determined by specific antibody staining, in the epidermis of the 3D skin equivalents. To begin to elucidate which signaling pathways SIG-1191 may be modulating to increase AQP3 levels, we used several pharmacological pathway inhibitors and determined that AQP3 expression is mediated by the Mitogen-activated protein kinase/Extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) pathway. Altogether, these data suggest SIG-1191 represents a new IPC derivative with anti-inflammatory activity that may also promote increased skin hydration based on its ability to increase AQP3 levels.
CHAPTER 335 – Signaling Pathways Involved in Cardiogenesis

The heart is a complex organ that is derived from multiple cell types and requires extensive cell-cell signaling events that are often guided by specialized forms of extracellular matrices. As the earliest organ to form in an embryo, the heart must be functional well before it has the opportunity to shape itself into a mature organ. The combination of multifarious morphogenetic events necessary for cardiogenesis and the superimposed hemodynamic influences may contribute to the exquisite sensitivity of the heart to perturbations. This phenomenon is reflected in the estimated 10% incidence of severe cardiac malformations observed in early miscarriages and in the nearly 1% of live births affected by cardiac developmental defects. The steps of cardiogenesis described in this chapter illustrate some of the signaling networks necessary for multiple cell types to communicate with one another in order to form a functioning organ. Reciprocal interactions between cell layers function to guide cells in the correct temporospatial pattern and ultimately to adopt specific cell fates and achieve terminal differentiation. Disruption of such signaling events often underlies pathologic development of the heart that manifests as congenital heart disease. Because fetal gene programs are often reactivated in the adult diseased heart with negative consequences, it is possible that inhibition or activation of specific signaling pathways involved in cardiogenesis may prove to have therapeutic value, even in late-onset heart disease.
The complexity of the international food industry

The international food industry is a complex and intertwined system of actions and re-actions covering many areas. Multiple concepts presented by scholarly literature are examined emphasising the vastness and complexity of international trade activities conducted by multiple nations with multiple resources. Research and discussions concerning the international food industry include religions, health, nutritional, moral, political and economic characteristics when examining the complexity of the international food industry. Variations in how different countries, different cultures and religious beliefs, different health and safety standards, and different business practices interact with each other in the international food industry are analysed. How international food industries are influenced by complex issues of cultural and religious processing requirements, food safety, food crimes, and governmental economic negotiations are examined through qualitative and empirical analysis. Game Theory and internal controls used in fraud detection is examined for further research supporting strategic moves of international trade participants.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Equity Index Annuities

Equity index annuities combine the safety of a standard fixed annuity with returns linked to an investment index. EIAs, which come in many variations, have advantages and disadvantages. Studies show that EIAs typically out-perform certificate of deposits and taxable bond mutual funds, but not stock indexes over the long term. There are over 120 equity index annuities and about 40 crediting methods. EIAs are ideal for clients who want to participate in market returns yet are uncomfortable with market risk. EIA portfolios are a combination of targeted maturity investment grade bonds and a European Call Index Option, which is a derivative security based on the underlying increase in value of an index over time with a set end date for exercise. The article examines 3 major crediting methods - point to point, high water point and averaging - as well as numerous variations that can affect performance, such as annual reset, caps, minimum guarantees, participation rates and bonuses.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities at the End of an HIV Epidemic: Persons Who Inject Drugs in New York City, 2011–2015

Objectives. To examine whether racial/ethnic disparities persist at the “end of the HIV epidemic” (prevalence of untreated HIV infection < 5%; HIV incidence < 0.5 per 100 person-years) among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in New York City.Methods. We recruited 2404 PWID entering New York City substance use treatment in 2001 to 2005 and 2011 to 2015. We conducted a structured interview, and testing for HIV and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2; a biomarker for high sexual risk). We estimated incidence by using newly diagnosed cases of HIV. Disparity analyses compared HIV, untreated HIV, HIV–HSV-2 coinfection, HIV monoinfection, and estimated HIV incidence among Whites, African Americans, and Latinos.Results. By 2011 to 2015, Whites, African Americans, and Latino/as met both criteria of our operational “end-of-the-epidemic” definition. All comparisons that included HIV–HSV-2–coinfected persons had statistically significant higher rates of HIV among racial/ethnic minorities. No comparisons limited to HIV monoin...
Frederick Douglass and The Eloquence Of Double-Consciousness

Frederick Douglass was unquestionably an orator of the first magnitude whose rhetorical eloquence has been widely recognized. This article argues that one important measure of Douglass's eloquence ...
Medical Management of Pheochromocytoma

Patients with catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas require medical treatment to control blood pressure and tachyarrhythmias and to prepare the patient for surgical tumor resection. The mainstay of medical treatment is α-adrenergic receptor blockade, and both nonselective and α1-selective adrenergic receptor blockers can be used. Once blood pressure control is achieved, β-adrenergic receptor blockers can be added to control tachycardia and arrhythmias. When blood pressure cannot be achieved by α-blockade alone, calcium channel blockers and metyrosine can be added. Such treatment, along with fluid and salt replacement, should be carried out for 7–14 days prior to surgery to avoid postoperative hypotension. Uncommonly, patients may present with hypertensive emergencies and require ICU admission with intravenous α-adrenergic receptor blockade with phentolamine and other antihypertensive agents. Another uncommon presentation is acute heart failure which can rapidly progress to cardiogenic shock; such patients also require ICU admission and rapid institution of α- and then β-adrenergic receptor blockade. Patients with metastatic disease may require chronic adrenergic receptor blockade, and new chemotherapeutic agents have varying success. Overall, medical therapy with subsequent surgery of patients with pheochromocytomas is quite successful, and most patients do very well.
Applications of Explicit Error Terms in Nevanlinna Theory

Although I will assume that the reader of the present work is acquainted with R. Nevanlinna’s theory of value distribution, I want to begin by making a few very general comments.
New Cities in the Muslim World: The Cultural Politics of Planning an ‘Islamic’ City

This chapter examines expressions of state Islamic identity in three new cities: Putrajaya (Malaysia), Grozny (Chechen Republic) and Masdar (United Arab Emirates). In each city, great care has been taken to evoke a sense of religiosity through architecture and planning, and each has sought a distinctive ‘Islamic’ style where none existed previously. This chapter contends that in the context of development and identity construction, the city increasingly constitutes a key scale for pan-Islamic imaginings. I suggest that the Islamic idiom adopted in these cities is evidence not of growing Muslim fundamentalism but rather of the use of Islam to address secular issues relating to nation-building, competition with rival groups, anti-colonial sentiments and global cosmopolitanism.
An Algorithm for Outlier Detection on Uncertain Data Stream

Outlier detection plays an important role in fraud detection, sensor net, computer network management and many other areas. Now the flow property and uncertainty of data are more and more apparent, outlier detection on uncertain data stream has become a new research topic. Firstly, we propose a new outlier concept on uncertain data stream based on possible worlds. Then an outlier detection method on uncertain data stream is proposed to meet the demand of limited storage and real-time processing. Next, a dynamic storage structure is designed for outlier detection on uncertain data stream over sliding window, to meet the demands of limited storage and real-time response. Furthermore, an efficient range query method based on SM-tree(Statistics M-tree) is proposed to reduce some redundant calculation. Finally, the performance of our method is verified through a large number of simulation experiments. The experimental results show that our method is an effective way to solve the problem of outlier detection on uncertain data stream, and it could significantly reduce the execution time and storage space.
When Expectations and Justice Do Not Coincide

Psychological theories of distributive justice, such as equity, exchange, and relative deprivation, offer a picture of an economic world that is, in its broad outlines, perceived as just. For example, drawing on an extensive and persuasive body of experimental research, Lerner (1980) found that people usually expect the world to be a just place and will go to great lengths to rectify perceived injustice. If behavioral rectification is not possible, people will generally use psychological means of maintaining a “just world” view, such as blaming rape victims for their misfortune.
Technical note: using calcium carbonate as an osmolar control treatment for acid-base studies in horses.

The efficacy of using calcium carbonate as an osmolar control treatment for acid-base studies in horses receiving alkalizing compounds was evaluated. Six mares were nasogastrically intubated with isomolar quantities of sodium or calcium as sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate or with water during three treatment periods. Doses of the carbonic acid salts were 500 mg/kg sodium bicarbonate mixed with 4 L of distilled water (positive control) and 595 mg/kg calcium carbonate mixed with 2 L of distilled water to yield isoosmolar treatments. Four liters of distilled water served as the negative control. Jugular venous blood samples were drawn before intubation and at hourly intervals for 6 h after intubation. The serum electrolytes Na+ and K+, blood pH, and HCO3- were determined. The sodium bicarbonate treatment increased blood pH and HCO3- (P 0.05) were found between the water and CaCO3 treatments. These data indicate that calcium carbonate may serve as a suitable osmolar control treatment for studying the effects of treatments that affect acid-base status of horses.