cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A community of autonomous agents for the search and distribution of information in networks

The ACORN architecture is a multi-agent based information retrieval and provision system which uses the concept of 'document as agent' coupled with a community-based approach to information sharing. In the system, with the minimum of effort, users can expect to be provided with timely information on subjects in their areas of interest, whilst being able to search for information as they wish. The system, then, can be proactive in providing information, and both proactive and reactive in searching for information. This paper describes the ACORN architecture and discusses its current implementation.
The Manufacturing Process and Design Ratings

Design ratings are becoming important in formalizing the design for manufacture (DFM) guidelines and choosing between competitive or alternate designs. This chapter will discuss the current methodologies of design guidelines, and emphasize their differences and the correct application of each.
Voice & Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative Filmmaking

Develop your creative voice while acquiring the practical skills and confidence to use it with this new and fully updated edition of Mick Hurbis-Cherrier’s filmmaking bible, Voice & Vision. Written for independent filmmakers and film students who want a solid grounding in the tools, techniques, and processes of narrative film, this comprehensive manual covers all of the essentials while keeping artistic vision front and center. Hurbis-Cherrier walks the reader through every step of the process—from the transformation of an idea into a cinematic story, to the intricacies of promotion and distribution—and every detail in between. Features of this book include: Comprehensive technical information on video production and postproduction tools, allowing filmmakers to express themselves with any camera, in any format, and on any budget An emphasis on the collaborative filmmaking process, including the responsibilities and creative contributions of every principal member of the crew and cast A focus on learning to work successfully with available resources (time, equipment, budget, personnel, etc.) in order to turn limitations into opportunities Updated digital filmmaking workflow breakdowns for Rec. 709 HD, Log Format, and D-Cinema productions Substantial coverage of the sound tools and techniques used in film production and the creative impact of postproduction sound design An extensive discussion of digital cinematography fundamentals, including essential lighting and exposure control tools, common gamma profiles, the use of LUTs, and the role of color grading Abundant examples referencing contemporary and classic films from around the world Indispensible information on production safety, team etiquette, and set procedures. The third edition also features a robust companion website that includes eight award-winning example short films; interactive and high-resolution figures; downloadable raw footage; production forms and logs for preproduction, production, and postproduction; video examples that illustrate key concepts found within the book, and more. Whether you are using it in the classroom or are looking for a comprehensive reference to learn everything you need to know about the filmmaking process, Voice & Vision delivers all of the details in an accessible and reader-friendly format.
From somatic mutation to early detection: insights from molecular characterization of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions

Pancreatic cancer arises from noninvasive precursor lesions, including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), which are curable if detected early enough. Recently, these types of precursor lesions have been extensively characterized at the molecular level, defining the timing of critical genetic alterations in tumorigenesis pathways. The results of these studies deepen our understanding of tumorigenesis in the pancreas, providing novel insights into tumor initiation and progression. Perhaps more importantly, they also provide a rational foundation for early detection approaches that could allow clinical intervention prior to malignant transformation. In this review, we summarize the results of comprehensive molecular characterization of PanINs, IPMNs, and MCNs and discuss the implications for cancer biology as well as early detection. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Editorial Commentary: Does "No Difference" Really Mean "No Difference"? Not All Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transtibial Drilling Techniques Are Created Equal.

Abstract Despite the preponderance of biomechanical data suggesting that independent femoral tunnel drilling results in more favorable knee kinematics and superior anterior cruciate ligament footprint restoration when compared with transtibial tunnel drilling, equivalent clinical outcomes associated with both techniques continue to be reported. However, readers could contemplate the meaning of “clinical equivalence” and, perhaps, find themselves wanting better ways to detect differences between surgical techniques.
Convexity SAH and multiple punctate infarcts secondary to Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (P1.289)

Objective: To report a case of convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) and multiple punctate infarcts secondary to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Background: cSAH secondary to CAA has been described. Simultaneous punctate infarcts are uncommon and suggest an inflammatory process such as inflammatory-CAA (I-CAA), amyloid-beta related angiitis (ABRA), or primary angiits of the CNS (PACNS). Design/Methods: Case report and review of literature pertinent to cSAH and CAA was reviewed. Results: A 65-year old man developed mild and intermittent left frontal headaches. One month later, he developed transient left arm and hand numbness. Head CT showed small SAH over the right cerebral convexity. Catheter angiography showed no aneurysm, AVM, venous occlusion, or vessel irregularity. Brain MRI showed multiple punctate foci of restricted diffusion in bilateral cerebral hemispheres and right cerebellum consistent with acute infarcts. One microbleed was seen on gradient echo sequence. There was no abnormal enhancement. Autoimmune work up was negative. ESR and CRP were normal. CSF was non-inflammatory. Brain biopsy demonstrated the presence of beta-amyloid within blood vessels consistent with CAA. Extensive sectioning disclosed no evidence of I-CAA, ABRA, or PACNS. Conclusions: CAA is common in the elderly and increasingly recognized as a cause of isolated cSAH. Recently, inflammatory forms of CAA have been described (I-CAA and ABRA). These typically manifest like PACNS, with widely distributed punctate infarcts. This patient presented with both cSAH and multiple punctate infarcts. Brain biopsy, however, revealed CAA alone, without any evidence of inflammation. This case extends the spectrum of clinical presentations that can be caused by CAA. Whether the patient’s transient numbness was from the cSAH or one of the punctate infarcts is also not clear. Because of the significant overlap that exits between noninflammatory and inflammatory forms of CAA, patients often require a full workup including MRI, catheter angiography and brain biopsy. Disclosure: Dr. Gujrati has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chuang has nothing to disclose. Dr. De Georgia has nothing to disclose.
Interference management for unlicensed users in shared CBRS spectrum

The citizen broadband radio service (CBRS) is a newly re-purposed spectrum band in 3550-3700 MHz, reclaiming spectrum occasionally used by radars and other incumbents for mobile data communication. It is also a poster child for future LTE-based dynamic spectrum access systems. At present, CBRS does not manage interference from unlicensed LTE users, which we show can be detrimental for its performance. In this paper we develop F-CBRS, a decentralized spectrum interference management system for unlicensed LTE users in the CBRS band. We first look at how much information can each operator be allowed to conceal and how much it has to be mandated (by a regulator) to disclose, and formally prove that the network can achieve fairness only if all operators share fully verifiable information about Access point (AP) locations and user activity. Using this insight we design a channel allocation scheme to efficiently utilize spectrum and incentivise collaboration. This also includes a simple, non-disruptive channel change scheme to frequently and efficiently change channels to accommodate dynamic traffic and environments. Through simulation and testbed evaluation, we show that we increase throughput of more than 90% of the flow by 80%-100% compared to the current CBRS protocol.
A Dynamic Culture Method to Produce Ovarian Cancer Spheroids under Physiologically-Relevant Shear Stress

The transcoelomic metastasis pathway is an alternative to traditional lymphatic/hematogenic metastasis. It is most frequently observed in ovarian cancer, though it has been documented in colon and gastric cancers as well. In transcoelomic metastasis, primary tumor cells are released into the abdominal cavity and form cell aggregates known as spheroids. These spheroids travel through the peritoneal fluid and implant at secondary sites, leading to the formation of new tumor lesions in the peritoneal lining and the organs in the cavity. Models of this process that incorporate the fluid shear stress (FSS) experienced by these spheroids are few, and most have not been fully characterized. Proposed herein is the adaption of a known dynamic cell culture system, the orbital shaker, to create an environment with physiologically-relevant FSS for spheroid formation. Experimental conditions (rotation speed, well size and cell density) were optimized to achieve physiologically-relevant FSS while facilitating the formation of spheroids that are also of a physiologically-relevant size. The FSS improves the roundness and size consistency of spheroids versus equivalent static methods and are even comparable to established high-throughput arrays, while maintaining nearly equivalent viability. This effect was seen in both highly metastatic and modestly metastatic cell lines. The spheroids generated using this technique were fully amenable to functional assays and will allow for better characterization of FSS’s effects on metastatic behavior and serve as a drug screening platform. This model can also be built upon in the future by adding more aspects of the peritoneal microenvironment, further enhancing its in vivo relevance.
Use of a Targeted Exome Next-Generation Sequencing Panel Offers Therapeutic Opportunity and Clinical Benefit in a Subset of Patients With Advanced Cancers.

PURPOSESmaller hotspot-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels have emerged to support standard of care therapy for patients with cancer. When standard treatments fail, it is unknown whether ...
Effect of Boundary Constraints on the Nonlinear Flapping of Filaments Animated by Follower Forces

Elastically driven filaments subjected to animating compressive follower forces provide a synthetic way to mimic the oscillatory beating of active biological filaments such as eukaryotic cilia. The dynamics of such active filaments can, under favorable conditions, exhibit stable time-periodic responses that result due to the interplay of elastic buckling instabilities, geometric constraints, boundary conditions, and dissipation due to fluid drag. In this paper, we use a continuum elastic rod model to estimate the critical follower force required for the onset of the stable time-periodic flapping oscillations in pre-stressed rods subjected to fluid drag. The pre-stress is generated by imposing either clamped-clamped or clamped-pinned boundary constraints and the results are compared with those of clamped-free case, which is without pre-stress. We find that the critical value increases with the initial slack--that quantifies the pre-stress, and strongly depends on the type of the constraints at the boundaries. The frequency of oscillations far from the onset, however, depends primarily on the magnitude of the follower force, not on the boundary constraints. Interestingly, oscillations for the clamped-pinned case are observed only when the follower forces are directed towards the clamped end. This finding can be exploited to design a mechanical switch to initiate or quench the oscillations by reversing the direction of the follower force or altering the boundary conditions.
Nonlinear Shear Modulus Estimation With Bi-Axial Motion Registered Local Strain

Nonlinear elasticity imaging provides additional information about tissue behavior that is potentially diagnostic and avoids errors inherent in applying a linear elastic model to tissue under large strains. Nonlinear elasticity imaging is challenging to perform due to the large deformations required to obtain sufficient tissue strain to elicit nonlinear behavior. This work uses a method of axial and lateral displacement tracking to estimate local axial strain with simultaneous measurement of shear modulus at multiple compression levels. By following the change in apparent shear modulus and the stress deduced from the strain maps, we are able to accurately quantify nonlinear shear modulus (NLSM). We have validated our technique with a mechanical NLSM measurement system. Our results demonstrate that 2-D tracking provides more consistent NLSM estimates than those obtained by 1-D (axial) tracking alone, especially where lateral motion is significant. The elastographic contrast-to-noise ratio in heterogeneous phantoms was 12.5%–60% higher using our method than that of 1-D tracking. Our method is less susceptible to mechanical variations, with deviations in mean elastic values of 2%–4% versus 5%–37% for 1-D tracking.
Acellular Dermal Matrix Sterility: Does It Affect Microbial and Clinical Outcomes Following Implantation?

The use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) in breast reconstruction is a controversial topic. Recent literature has investigated the effects of ADM sterilization on infectious complications, although with varying conclusions. Previous work by our group showed no difference between aseptic and sterilized products immediately out of the package. In this study, we investigate the microbiologic profiles of these agents after implantation. Methods In this prospective study, we cultured samples of ADM previously implanted during the first stage of tissue expander-based immediate breast reconstruction. A 1 cm2 sample was excised during the stage II expander-implant exchange procedure, and samples were incubated for 48 hours in tryptic soy broth. Samples with growth were further cultured on tryptic soy broth and blood agar plates. Patient records were also analyzed, to determine if ADM sterilization and microbial growth were correlated with infectious complications. Results In total, 51 samples of ADM were collected from 32 patients. Six samples were from aseptic ADM (AlloDerm), 27 samples were from ADM sterilized to 10-3 (AlloDerm Ready-to-Use), and 18 samples were from products sterilized to 10-6 (AlloMax). No samples demonstrated bacterial growth. Only 5 patients experienced postoperative complications, of whom only 1 patient was infectious in nature. We failed to demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between sterility and postoperative complications. Conclusions Our findings showed no difference in microbial presence and clinical outcomes when comparing ADM sterility. Furthermore, no samples demonstrated growth in culture. Our study brings into question the necessity for terminal sterilization in these products.
Design and Research of a Novel Multi-Energy Flexible Switching Energy Router

On the basis of the flexible access of micro-distributed power supply and hierarchical control of power electronics, design schemes for distributed power supply of energy router and AC/DC load access are proposed. Based on the overall regulation strategy of energy integration, the overall control structure of the energy router is given. Besides, load switching, steady state and switching processes between grid-connected and off-grid are simulated in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The simulation vindicates the feasibility of the control method for each port and the overall control method, which can help satisfy the users' specific requirements for power quality and can therefore meet the demand.
Multinational Luxury Brands’ Communication Strategies on International and Local Social Media: Comparing Twitter and Weibo

The age of social media requires multinational brands to master both global platforms where various cultures coexist, and local platforms dominated by a specific culture. Guided by the theories of ...
Epidemiological and Whole Genomic Sequencing Analysis of a Campylobacter jejuni Outbreak in Zhejiang Province, China, May 2019.

Campylobacter is well recognized as the leading cause of bacterial foodborne diarrheal disease worldwide with a very low outbreak reported in China. In May 2019, we investigated an outbreak of Camp...
The Partogram and Sonopartogram

The partograph (or partogram) is used universally to provide a visual overview of labor progress, alerting midwives and obstetricians to any deviations in maternal or fetal well-being and labor progress. Charts often contain pre-printed alert and action lines. An alert line represents the slowest acceptable labour progress. An action line is placed a number of hours after the alert line (usually 2 or 4 h) to prompt effective management of slow labor progress.
Strands algebras and Ozsváth and Szabó's Kauffman-states functor

We define new differential graded algebras 𝒜(n,k,𝒮) in the framework of Lipshitz, Ozsvath and Thurston’s and Zarev’s strands algebras from bordered Floer homology. The algebras 𝒜(n,k,𝒮) are meant to be strands models for Ozsvath and Szabo’s algebras ℬ(n,k,𝒮); indeed, we exhibit a quasi-isomorphism from ℬ(n,k,𝒮) to 𝒜(n,k,𝒮). We also show how Ozsvath and Szabo’s gradings on ℬ(n,k,𝒮) arise naturally from the general framework of group-valued gradings on strands algebras.
Pancreatic cystic neoplasms and post-inflammatory cysts: interobserver agreement and diagnostic performance of MRI with MRCP

We aimed to answer several clinically relevant questions; (1) the interobserver agreement, (2) diagnostic performance of MRI with MRCP for (a) branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) and serous cystic neoplasms (SCN), (b) distinguishing mucinous (BD-IPMN and MCN) from non-mucinous cysts, and (c) distinguishing three pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) from post-inflammatory cysts (PIC). A retrospective analysis was performed at a tertiary referral center for pancreatic diseases on 71 patients including 44 PCNs and 27 PICs. All PCNs were confirmed by surgical pathology to be 17 BD-IPMNs, 13 MCNs, and 14 SCNs. Main duct and mixed type IPMNs were excluded. Two experienced abdominal radiologists blindly reviewed all the images. Sensitivity of two radiologists for BD-IPMN, MCN and SCN was 88–94%, 62–69% and 57–64%, specificity of 67–78%, 67–78% and 67–78%, and accuracy of 77–82%, 65–75% and 63–73%, respectively. There was 80% sensitivity, 63–73% specificity, 70–76% accuracy for distinguishing mucinous from non-mucinous neoplasms, and 73–75% sensitivity, 67–78% specificity, 70–76% accuracy for distinguishing all PCNs from PICs. There was moderate-to-substantial interobserver agreement (Cohen’s kappa: 0.65). Two experienced abdominal radiologists had moderate-to-high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for BD-IPMN, MCN, and SCN. The interobserver agreement was moderate-to-substantial. MRI with MRCP can help workup of incidental pancreatic cysts by distinguishing PCNs from PICs, and premalignant mucinous neoplasms from cysts with no malignant potential.
Cyber Attack Classification in Microsoft Azure Using Deep Learning Algorithm

The security of necessary data is consistently an exceptionally fundamental issue for the current computerized world. Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and numerous security procedures are broadly utilized against digital assaults. Information mining and Machine Learning techniques have likewise been utilized by scientists to acquire high discovery rate and low bogus caution rate. Proposed work expects to plan and advance a methodology for improving the digital assault recognition framework utilizing the cloud. Employments of distributed computing are increments logically. They are utilizing customary Machine Learning. Techniques do not uphold well preparation of massive datasets, so new methodologies and stages are required. This paper recommends that cloud-based AI procedure can be utilized to characterize assault into a cloud-based AI stage. The work proposes an assault arrangement system utilizing UNSW-NB15 dataset. The classifier is a manufacture which depends on the 'Multiclass Decision Forest' Machine Learning Algorithm and is sent on Microsoft's Azure Machine Learning (Azure MACHINE LEARNING) stage. Purplish blue machine learning is a public cloud platform. The results acquired by the proposed model are assessed regarding precision, and the examination is finished with benchmarks gave by rivalry overseers.
Co-Teaching Approach to Machine Learning-based Predictive Control of Nonlinear Processes

Abstract Machine learning modeling of chemical processes using noisy data is practically a challenging task due to the occurrence of overfitting during learning. In this work, we propose a co-teaching learning algorithm that develops Long short-term memory (LSTM) networks to capture the ground truth (i.e., underlying process dynamics) from noisy data. We consider an industrial chemical reactor example and use Aspen Plus Dynamics to generate process operational data that is corrupted by sensor noise generated by industrial noisy measurements. An LSTM model is developed using the co-teaching method with additional noise-free data generated from simulations of the reactor first-principles model. Through open-loop and closed-loop simulations, we demonstrate that compared to the LSTM model developed from the standard training process, the co-teaching LSTM model is more accurate in predicting process dynamics, and therefore, achieves better closed-loop performance under model predictive control.
The role of future-oriented affect in engagement with genomic testing results.

Future-oriented emotions such as anticipatory affect (i.e., current affect experienced regarding a potential future outcome) and anticipated affect (i.e., expectations about potential future affect), are uniquely associated with health decision-making (e.g., electing to receive results of genomic testing). This study investigated the degree to which negative anticipated and anticipatory emotions predict health decision making over time, and whether such emotions predict social, emotional, and behavioral responses to anticipated information (e.g., genomic testing results). 461 participants (M age = 63.9, SD = 5.61, 46% female) in a genomic sequencing cohort who elected to receive genomic sequencing (carrier) results were included in the current study. Anticipated and anticipatory affect about sequencing results were assessed at baseline. Psychological and behavioral responses to sequencing results, including participants’ reported anxiety, decisional conflict, and distress about sequencing results, whether they shared results with family members, and their intentions to continue learning results in the future, were collected immediately, one month, and/or six months after receiving results. More negative anticipated and anticipatory affect at baseline was significantly and independently associated with lower intentions to continue learning results in the future, as well as higher levels of anxiety and uncertainty at multiple time points after receiving results. Anticipated negative affect was also associated with greater decisional conflict, and anticipatory negative affect was also associated with greater distress after receiving results. Future-oriented emotions may play an important role in decisions that unfold over time, with implications for genomic testing, behavioral medicine, and health decision-making broadly.
Physicochemical, microstructural, and antioxidant properties of skins from pomaces of five virginia-grown grape varieties and their response to high hydrostatic pressure processing

Chemical compositions, physicochemical properties, microstructure, and antioxidant capacity of skins from pomaces of five Virginia-grown grape varieties and their response to high hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) were investigated. Dietary fiber was the predominant carbohydrate, and red grape skins had higher total and insoluble dietary fibers than their white grape counterparts. The skins from variety Traminette had the highest water swelling capacity but the lowest oil retention capacity which might be associated with their large particle size. Variety Petit Verdot skins presented the highest total phenolic/anthocyanins contents along with the highest DPPH⋅ and ABTS⋅ + scavenging capacities. Although HPP treatment did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter chemical composition of the grape skins, it led to decreased particle size and morphological change from flat and compact to loose and porous appearance. These microstructural changes favored water and oil retention capacities of the HPP-treated samples. HPP treatment also enhanced the aqueous acetone extraction yield in Traminette and the total phenolic and anthoyanins contents in Petit Verdot. These results indicates the potential applicability of HPP-treated grape skins as an antioxidant dietary fiber source to augment and enhance fiber-rich functional foods.
Parameter sensitivity analysis of a reduced-order electrochemical-thermal model for heat generation rate of lithium-ion batteries

Abstract A reduced-order electrochemical-thermal model is capable of accurately estimating heat generation rate of lithium-ion batteries with high accuracy. However, as the number of parameters drastically increases, an identification of the parameters becomes essential but challenging. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis of its physical parameters is conducted to study the influence of the parameters on the heat generation rate for the first time. First, 23 potential parameters are selected, where the ranges of the parameters are assumed based on the literature. The parameters are then varied, and the corresponding heat generation rate is calculated to quantify their effects. The analysis has shown various tendencies of the sensitivity of the parameters, and their behavior is explained from further analysis. Based on their sensitivities, the parameters are clustered into three groups dependent upon dominant ranges of state of charge, where insensitive parameters are excluded. Finally, the parameters in each group are identified in their dominant ranges of the state of charge separately based on a three-stage identification procedure. For the identification, the genetic algorithm is used, where the objective function is to minimize the model error for the battery temperature. The results of the identification have shown that the parameters are converged within an optimal solution. The model with the identified parameters is further validated against the experimental data using a pouch type large format lithium-manganese-cobalt-oxide/ Graphite cell at constant charge and discharge profiles over the full range of the state of charge and driving cycles, which has shown a good agreement.
Multiscale molecular modeling of tertiary supported lipid bilayers

Ternary lipid bilayer systems assembled from mixtures of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), and cholesterol have been studied using coarse-grained molecular dynamics at biologically relevant temperatures (280 K to 310 K), which are between the chain melting temperatures of the pure lipid component. Free lipid bilayers were simulated using the MARTINI model (Stage I) and a variant with water-water interactions reduced to 76% (Stage II). The latter was subsequently used for preparing supported lipid bilayer simulations (Stage III). Clustering of like lipids was observed, but the simulation timescale did not yield larger phaseseparated domains.
TH-AB-304-10: Modeling Organ Specific Mechanistic Interactions Between Radiation and Chemotherapy

Purpose: Investigate the mechanistic interactions between radiation therapy and chemotherapy for lung, breast and thyroid in the context of secondary malignancies, and derive the parameters needed to build a predictive model from clinical data of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) patients. Methods: A biologically motivated mathematical framework, widely known as the initiation-inactivation-proliferation formalism, that describes the competition between cell kill and mutation induction, has been used to quantify the interaction between radiation and chemotherapy. HL data from studies including >17’000 patients, including the Childhood Cancer Survivors Study (CCSS), has been used to derive the parameters in the mathematical framework. Results: The underlying mathematical framework provides a quantitative measure to examine the interaction between radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The relative proliferation rate of initiated cells in thyroid, breast and lung was found to be 0.63, 076 and 0.96 respectively. We also extracted chemotherapy induced mutation rates and found that it varies by orders of magnitude for these three organs, from 10e-9 to 10e-12. More importantly, the excess relative risk (ERR) of secondary thyroid cancer predicted by the model was approximately 3 times lower then the ERR rates in the literature, suggesting a synergistic interaction between radiation and chemotherapy. For breast and lung tissue on the other hand, the model correctly predicted the ERR values after combination therapy found in the literature. This demonstrates that in these organs secondary cancer induction from radiation and chemotherapy merely add up. Conclusion: This study enhances the understanding of secondary malignancy induction due to concurrent therapy protocols, and could serve as a tool to design efficient therapeutic strategies for childhood cancers that minimize secondary cancer induction.
Cataracts: Clinical presentations, diagnosis and management

Summary Cataracts can be developmental or acquired lesions and cause minimal or significant visual impairment. The ability to identify cataracts and determine the likely effect on the visual potential of the horse is an important part of an equine ocular examination. Cataract surgery is the only treatment for those cataracts that cause significant visual impairment. Understanding appropriate patient selection and potential post operative complications is important so that owners can be appropriately advised of their options.
REMINISCING IN OKLAHOMA

In reminiscing of my time in Oklahoma, I will try to provide lighthearted items while refraining from a pack of lies. I feel like the guy in the TV ad who says he had a life that no one would want to read about.
Phase II trial of liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) in advanced soft tissue sarcomas.

Purpose: To assess the objective response rate, toxicityexperienced, progression-free survival, and overall survival ofpatients with previously untreated advanced soft tissue sarcomastreated with a liposomal doxorubicin formulation (Doxil).
A Guanosine Triphosphate-dependent Acyl Coenzyme A Synthetase from Rat Liver Mitochondria

A guanosine triphosphate-specific acyl coenzyme A synthetase has been purified from extracts of sonically disrupted rat liver mitochondria. This enzyme, which is free of adenosine triphosphate-dependent activating systems and from succinyl-CoA synthetase activity, catalyzes the formation of CoA esters of both long and short chain fatty acids. GTP-specific fatty acid activation is inhibited by orthophosphate and fluoride.
Characterization and regulation of angiotensin II receptors in rat adipose tissue. Angiotensin receptors in adipose tissue.

Characterization and regulation of angiotensin II (AII) receptor binding sites was performed in rat membrane preparations from nonadipose (liver, lung) and adipose (interscapular (ISBAT) and periaortic (PA) brown adipose tissue; epididymal (EF) and retroperitoneal (RPF) white adipose tissue). In membrane preparations from brown and white adipose sources, [125I]AII saturation binding revealed a single, high affinity (Kd range of 0.3–0.6 nM) binding site with a modest AII receptor density (Bmax range of 17–120 fmol/mg protein) comparable to rat lung (130 fmol/mg protein). White adipose tissue contained a greater number of AII receptor sites than brown adipose tissue. Competition displacement studies demonstrated the AT1 receptor is the only angiotensin receptor subtype localized in adipose tissue, with the rank order for competition of [125I]AII binding in all adipose tissues examined AIII> AII > losartan > angiotensin I (AI) > PD123319. The AT2 specific receptor antagonist, PD123319, was ineffective at displacing [125I]AII binding in all adipose tissues examined.
A murine Niemann-Pick C1 I1061T knock-In model recapitulates the pathological features of the most prevalent human disease allele

Niemann-Pick Type C1 (NPC1) disease is a rare neurovisceral, cholesterol–sphingolipid lysosomal storage disorder characterized by ataxia, motor impairment, progressive intellectual decline, and dementia. The most prevalent mutation, NPC1I1061T, encodes a misfolded protein with a reduced half-life caused by ER-associated degradation. Therapies directed at stabilization of the mutant NPC1 protein reduce cholesterol storage in fibroblasts but have not been tested in vivo because of lack of a suitable animal model. Whereas the prominent features of human NPC1 disease are replicated in the null Npc1−/− mouse, this model is not amenable to examining proteostatic therapies. The objective of the present study was to develop an NPC1 I1061T knock-in mouse in which to test proteostatic therapies. Compared with the Npc1−/− mouse, this Npc1tm(I1061T)Dso model displays a less severe, delayed form of NPC1 disease with respect to weight loss, decreased motor coordination, Purkinje cell death, lipid storage, and premature death. The murine NPC1I1061T protein has a reduced half-life in vivo, consistent with protein misfolding and rapid ER-associated degradation, and can be stabilized by histone deacetylase inhibition. This novel mouse model faithfully recapitulates human NPC1 disease and provides a powerful tool for preclinical evaluation of therapies targeting NPC1 protein variants with compromised stability.
A tNOX-based protocol for early detection of lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers

A26 Four protocols based on proprietary and/or published detection strategies and reagents have been applied to a cohort of 115 subjects comparing patients with diagnosed lung cancer, smokers not diagnosed with lung cancer and healthy individuals. These protocols were based on measurements of levels of tNOX, a pancancer cancer-specific member of the ECTO-NOX family of growth related cell surface quinol (NADH) oxidases with protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity in plasma or serum. Standard ELISA protocols compared two different polycolonal antibodies and a dot blot ELISA protocol utilized a tNOX-specific single chain variable region fragment (scFv) based on a previously developed tNOX-specific monoclonal antibody (scFv) along with 2-D gel separations with detection using the anti-tNOX scFv. The dot blot ELISA values and the 2-D gels were quantified using computer driven algorithms developed by one of us (MPM) to eliminate operator bias. Use of the dot-blot ELISA and standard ELISAs were restricted to sera. The 2-D gel assay was utilized with plasma and sera. Values of two standard deviations greater than the values for healthy individuals were scored as indicating cancer presence. Circulating tNOX as revealed by 2-D gel analysis was regarded as a definitive indication of lung cancer presence. With 25 healthy individuals, the dot blot ELISA, the standard ELISA and 2-D gel results were uniformly negative. With sera from 65 smokers, 7 gave values both by the dot-blot ELISA and the standard ELISA greater than 2 standard deviations above the average for healthy individuals. Both the dot-blot ELISA and the standard ELISA allow for rapid high-throughput screening of sera of smokers or other groups at risk for lung cancer and yield a low incidence of false positives. For samples yielding positive values, tNOX presence, was confirmed using the specific 2-D gel protocol. Sera or plasma from 25 lung cancer patients contained the tNOX protein whereas tNOX was not detected by this method in any healthy individuals comparing the 25 specimens thus far analyzed in parallel by the 2-D gel protocol and more than 200 specimens analyzed for tNOX presence by other methods.
Shared Decision Making in the Care of Children with Developmental and Behavioral Disorders

Objective Shared decision making (SDM) is most needed when there are multiple treatment options and no “right” choice. As with quality and experience of care, frequency of SDM may vary by health condition. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare parent report of SDM between a physical and a behavioral health condition and; (2) to compare parent report of SDM between two different behavioral health conditions. Methods Data on children age 3–17 years with asthma, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were drawn from the 2009/10 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Weighted logistic regression was used to compare a parent-reported, composite measure of SDM. Analyses controlled for sociodemographic factors that may influence experience of SDM. Results Compared to parents of children with asthma, parents of children with ADHD were significantly less likely to report experiencing consistent SDM (AOR 0.73). Compared to parents of children with ADHD, those of children with ASD had significantly lower odds of experiencing consistent SDM (AOR 0.59). Those with both ADHD and ASD had the same odds as those with ASD alone of experiencing consistent SDM. Conclusion Use of SDM is particularly limited in developmental and behavioral conditions, such as ADHD and ASD. These data suggest that challenges to implementing SDM may include disease type, complexity, and use of specialty care. Research to identify specific barriers and facilitators of SDM is needed to inform interventions that will promote SDM in developmental and behavioral conditions.
Computer-aided detection of clustered microcalcifications

A computerized technique is being developed to automatically detect clustered microcalcifications on digital mammograms. The method consists of three steps. First the signal-to-noise ratio of microcalcifications is enhanced by filtering the image to reduce the normal background structure of the mammogram. Second, signals (potential microcalcifications) are identified by means of global grey-level thresholding, morphological erosion, and a local adaptive grey-level thresholding. Third, the number of falsely detected signals is reduced by examining the power spectrum of individual signals, determining the spatial distribution of the signals, and examining the relationship between size, shape, and background pixel value of microcalcifications. Using this approach, the computer scheme was tested using 78 mammograms, half containing subtle clusters of microcalcifications and half containing no clusters. The scheme was capable of detecting 87% of true clusters with, on average, two false clusters detected per image. >
A meta-analysis of the relationship between individual assessments and job performance.

Though individual assessments are widely used in selection settings, very little research exists to support their criterion-related validity. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted of 39 individual assessment validation studies. For the current research, individual assessments were defined as any employee selection procedure that involved (a) multiple assessment methods, (b) administered to an individual examinee, and (c) relying on assessor judgment to integrate the information into an overall evaluation of the candidate�s suitability for a job. Assessor recommendations were found to be useful predictors of job performance, although the level of validity varied considerably across studies. Validity tended to be higher for managerial than nonmanagerial occupations and for assessments that included a cognitive ability test. Validity was not moderated by the degree of standardization of the assessment content or by use of multiple assessors for each candidate. However, higher validities were found when the same assessor was used across all candidates than when different assessors evaluated different candidates. These results should be interpreted with caution, given a small number of studies for many of the moderator subgroups as well as considerable evidence of publication bias. These limitations of the available research base highlight the need for additional empirical work to inform individual assessment practices.
The Process Writing Approach: A Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT The process approach to writing instruction is one of the most popular methods for teaching writing. The authors conducted meta-analysis of 29 experimental and quasi-experimental studies conducted with students in Grades 1–12 to examine if process writing instruction improves the quality of students’ writing and motivation to write. For students in general education classes, process writing instruction resulted in a statistically significant, but relatively modest improvement in the overall quality of writing (average weighted effect size [ES] = 0.34). Variation in ES was not related to grade, reliability of the writing quality measure, professional development, genre assessed, or quality of study. The process writing approach neither resulted in a statistically significant improvement in students’ motivation nor enhanced the quality of struggling writers’ compositions.
Studies on Chirality Transfer in the [2,3] Sigmatropic Rearrangement of Anions Derived from Trialkylstannylmethyl Allylic Ethers. Stereospecific Synthesis of (2R)-3-Benzyloxy-2-methylpropanol.

Abstract Virtually complete chirality transfer is observed in the [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement of the anion derived from trialkylstanylmethyl ( E )- or ( Z )-allylic ethers.
Distinct Molecular Pathways for Development of Telencephalic Interneuron Subtypes Revealed Through Analysis of Lhx6 Mutants

Here we analyze the role of the Lhx6 lim-homeobox transcription factor in regulating the development of subsets of neocortical, hippocampal, and striatal interneurons. An Lhx6 loss-of-function allele, which expresses placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), allowed analysis of the development and fate of Lhx6-expressing interneurons in mice lacking this homeobox transcription factor. There are Lhx6+;Dlx+ and Lhx6-;Dlx+ subtypes of tangentially migrating interneurons. Most interneurons in Lhx6(PLAP/PLAP) mutants migrate to the cortex, although less efficiently, and exhibit defects in populating the marginal zone and superficial parts of the neocortical plate. By contrast, migration to superficial parts of the hippocampus is not seriously affected. Furthermore, whereas parvalbumin+ and somatostatin+ interneurons do not differentiate, NPY+ interneurons are present; we suggest that these NPY+ interneurons are derived from the Lhx6-;Dlx+ subtype. Striatal interneurons show deficits distinct from pallial interneurons, including a reduction in the NPY+ subtype. We provide evidence that Lhx6 mediates these effects through promoting expression of receptors that regulate interneuron migration (ErbB4, CXCR4, and CXCR7), and through promoting the expression of transcription factors either known (Arx) or implicated (bMaf, Cux2, and NPAS1) in controlling interneuron development.
Community stability : effects of limpet removal and reintroduction in a rocky intertidal community

The stability of a high rocky intertidal community was assessed in a controlled field experiment in which the most common consumers, limpets, were temporarily removed. Compared to the unmanipulated plots, the exclusion plots developed greater algal abundance and altered species composition of both algae and barnacles. The community was not perturbed beyond its capacity to recover, since the community structure of the limpet-removal plots converged on the structure of the unmanipulated plots following limpet reintroduction. Different components of the community recovered at different rates, depending on whether or not the species had a size-related escape from the limpets. Algae had no size-related escape from limpets. The difference in algal abundance between manipulated and unmanipulated plots lasted less than six months after limpet reintroduction. Barnacles, however, had a size-related escape from limpets and therefore recovered more slowly. The difference in barnacle species composition between the perturbed and unperturbed plots lasted for 17 months after limpet reintroduction. The length of the limpet removal period (16 or 28 months) did not appear to affect the rate of community recovery.
The spectra of solid SO2 in the 3B1←1A1 region

Abstract The 3 B 1 ⇄ 1 A 1 spectra of SO 2 have been studied in solid SO 2 at 4.2°K. The absorption and emission spectra do not coincide: this is interpreted as being caused by self-trapping of the electronic excitation. The vibrational analysis of the absorption and its intensity distribution differ from the gas phase spectra, suggesting that a perturbation between two different electronic states is manifest. We have measured the electric dipole moment in the 3 B 1 state and find μ ( 3 B 1 ) = 1.24 ± 0.25 D . No fluorescence was observed in the solid quite contrary to observations made in gases at high pressure.
Endometrial effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on estradiol-responsive gene expression are gene and cell-specific.

Abstract Three selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drugs which included 4-OH-tamoxifen (Tam), EM-800 (EM) and GW 5638 (GW) were investigated to determine their ability to inhibit estradiol-responsive gene expression in sheep endometrium. The uteri of ovariectomized ewes (10 ewes per SERM group) were infused with 10−7 M SERMs for 24 h prior to hysterectomy. Five ewes from each group received 50 μg 17β-estradiol (E2) and the remaining five ewes received vehicle 18 h prior to hysterectomy. Northern blot analyses and in situ hybridization demonstrated that E2 treatment increased estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and cyclophilin (CYC) mRNA levels in most endometrial cells examined. Tam and GW exhibited characteristics similar to E2 by increasing ER gene expression, but they antagonized the E2-induced increases in PR and CYC mRNA levels. EM acted as an E2-agonist of GAPDH gene expression, but antagonized the E2 up-regulation of ER, PR and CYC gene expression in most endometrial cells. Immunohistochemistry determined that EM decreased ER protein levels in the glandular epithelium, and the SERMs investigated antagonized increases in PR protein levels in endometrium. In conclusion, GW and EM exhibit fewer agonist effects than Tam on endometrial gene expression. EM demonstrated the greatest antagonism of E2-enhanced levels of ER, PR and CYC, likely due to the inhibition of ER gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels.