cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between dose, distance and time in Sonic Hedgehog-mediated regulation of anteroposterior polarity in the chick limb

Anteroposterior polarity in the vertebrate limb is thought to be regulated in response to signals derived from a specialized region of distal posterior mesenchyme, the zone of polarizing activity. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in the zone of polarizing activity and appears to mediate the action of the zone of polarizing activity. Here we have manipulated Shh signal in the limb to assess whether it acts as a long-range signal to directly pattern all the digits. Firstly, we demonstrate that alterations in digit development are dependent upon the dose of Shh applied. DiI-labeling experiments indicate that cells giving rise to the extra digits lie within a 300 microm radius of a Shh bead and that the most posterior digits come from cells that lie very close to the bead. A response to Shh involves a 12-16 hour period in which no irreversible changes in digit pattern occur. Increasing the time of exposure to Shh leads to specification of additional digits, firstly digit 2, then 3, then 4. Cell marking experiments demonstrate that cells giving rise to posterior digits are first specified as anterior digits and later adopt a more posterior character. To monitor the direct range of Shh signalling, we developed sensitive assays for localizing Shh by attaching alkaline phosphatase to Shh and introducing cells expressing these forms into the limb bud. These experiments demonstrate that long-range diffusion across the anteroposterior axis of the limb is possible. However, despite a dramatic difference in their diffusibility in the limb mesenchyme, the two forms of alkaline phosphatase-tagged Shh proteins share similar polarizing activity. Moreover, Shh-N (aminoterminal peptide of Shh)-coated beads and Shh-expressing cells also exhibit similar patterning activity despite a significant difference in the diffusibility of Shh from these two sources. Finally, we demonstrate that when Shh-N is attached to an integral membrane protein, cells transfected with this anchored signal also induce mirror-image pattern duplications in a dose-dependent fashion similar to the zone of polarizing activity itself. These data suggest that it is unlikely that Shh itself signals digit formation at a distance. Beads soaked in Shh-N do not induce Shh in anterior limb mesenchyme ruling out direct propagation of a Shh signal. However, Shh induces dose-dependent expression of Bmp genes in anterior mesenchyme at the start of the promotion phase. Taken together, these results argue that the dose-dependent effects of Shh in the regulation of anteroposterior pattern in the limb may be mediated by some other signal(s). BMPs are plausible candidates.
Risk factors for surgical site infection after low transverse cesarean section.

Background. Independent risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after cesarean section have not been well documented, despite the large number of cesarean sections performed and the relatively common occurrence of SSI. Objective. To determine independent risk factors for SSI after low transverse cesarean section. Design. Retrospective case-control study. Setting. Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a 1,250-bed tertiary care hospital. Patients. A total of 1,605 women who underwent low transverse cesarean section during the period from July 1999 to June 2001. Methods. Using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for SSI or wound complication and/or data on antibiotic use during the surgical hospitalization or at readmission to the hospital or emergency department, we identified potential cases of SSI in a cohort of patients who underwent a low transverse cesarean section. Cases of SSI were verified by chart review using the definitions from the Centers...
A New Sublimation Etching for Reproducible Growth of Epitaxial Layers of SiC on SiC Substrate in a CVD Reactor

We have developed a new and simple method to etch SiC at relatively low temperature with very high rates. This method is particularly useful for cleaning the susceptor after growth. By employing this etching method to clean the susceptor prior to every growth run, we have greatly improved the reproducibility of SiC epitaxial growth and increased the lifetime of the susceptor. The method can also be used to etch SiC wafers at a very fast rate as an alternative to mechanical polishing. An etch rate of over 100μm/hr was obtained at 1600°C using this new method. The surfaces of the etched wafers were examined by atomic force microscope (AFM). Results of epitaxial growth using new etching method are presented.
A minimum spanning forest based classification method for dedicated breast CT images.

Purpose: To develop and test an automated algorithm to classify different types of tissue in dedicated breast CT images. Methods: Images of a single breast of five different patients were acquired with a dedicated breast CT clinical prototype. The breast CT images were processed by a multiscale bilateral filter to reduce noise while keeping edge information and were corrected to overcome cupping artifacts. As skin and glandular tissue have similar CT values on breast CT images, morphologic processing is used to identify the skin based on its position information. A support vector machine (SVM) is trained and the resulting model used to create a pixelwise classification map of fat and glandular tissue. By combining the results of the skin mask with the SVM results, the breast tissue is classified as skin, fat, and glandular tissue. This map is then used to identify markers for a minimum spanning forest that is grown to segment the image using spatial and intensity information. To evaluate the authors’ classification method, they use DICE overlap ratios to compare the results of the automated classification to those obtained by manual segmentation on five patient images. Results: Comparison between the automatic and the manual segmentation shows thatmore » the minimum spanning forest based classification method was able to successfully classify dedicated breast CT image with average DICE ratios of 96.9%, 89.8%, and 89.5% for fat, glandular, and skin tissue, respectively. Conclusions: A 2D minimum spanning forest based classification method was proposed and evaluated for classifying the fat, skin, and glandular tissue in dedicated breast CT images. The classification method can be used for dense breast tissue quantification, radiation dose assessment, and other applications in breast imaging.« less
Understanding ultra-scale application communication requirements

As thermal constraints reduce the pace of CPU performance improvements, the cost and scalability of future HPC architectures are increasingly dominated by the interconnect. In this paper we perform an in-depth study of the communication requirements across a broad spectrum of important scientific applications, whose computational methods include: finite-difference, lattice-Bolzmann, particle in cell, sparse linear algebra, particle mesh ewald, and FFT-based solvers. We use the IPM (integrated performance monitoring) profiling framework to collect detailed statistics on communication topology and message volume with minimal impact to code performance. By characterizing the parallelism and communication requirements of such a diverse set of applications, we hope to guide architectural choices for the design and implementation of interconnects for future HPC systems.
Modeling memory concurrency for multi-socket multi-core systems

Multi-core computers are ubiquitous and multi-socket versions dominate as nodes in compute clusters. Given the high level of parallelism inherent in processor chips, the ability of memory systems to serve a large number of concurrent memory access operations is becoming a critical performance problem. The most common model of memory performance uses just two numbers, peak bandwidth and typical access latency. We introduce concurrency as an explicit parameter of the measurement and modeling processes to characterize more accurately the complexity of memory behavior of multi-socket, multi-core systems. We present a detailed experimental multi-socket, multi-core memory study based on the PCHASE benchmark, which can vary memory loads by controlling the number of concurrent memory references per thread. The make-up and structure of the memory have a major impact on achievable bandwidth. Three discrete bottlenecks were observed at different levels of the hardware architecture: limits on the number of references outstanding per core; limits to the memory requests serviced by a single memory controller; and limits on the global memory concurrency. We use these results to build a memory performance model that ties concurrency, latency and bandwidth together to create a more accurate model of overall performance. We show that current commodity memory sub-systems cannot handle the load offered by high-end processor chips.
Automatic synthesis algorithms for supervisory controllers

Describes the authors' experience with a prototype system capable of synthesizing supervisor controller programs based largely on the theory of discrete event systems (DES) first proposed by Ramadge and Wonham (1987). The authors augment the theory by also allowing continuous time trajectories modeling transitions between events. The authors illustrate their approach by an example, the discrete control of a walking machine, which poses some challenges on the applicability of the theory and finally, discuss some possible solutions. >
ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE AND THE CIA

Although during the Cold War the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the rest of the American intelligence community dealt primarily with military and political developments in the world (and especially the Soviet Union), international economic issues gradually gained in importance. The extensive involvement of the CIA and its companion agencies in economic intelligence has fallen into several categories of activity: intelligence collection, analysis, counterintelligence, and covert action. Since this nation's national security is intimately intertwined with its economic security, America's secret agencies will continue to pursue intelligence on the economic activities of other nations—yet, if current policy persists, not to the extent of systematic spying against a range of foreign business targets.
GRAPH MINING APPLICATIONS TO SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

The prosperity of Web 2.0 and social media brings about many diverse social networks of unprecedented scales, which present new challenges for more effec- tive graph-mining techniques. In this chapter, we present some graph patterns that are commonly observed in large-scale social networks. As most networks demonstrate strong community structures, one basic task in social network anal- ysis is community detection which uncovers the group membership of actors in a network. We categorize and survey representative graph mining approaches and evaluation strategies for community detection. We then present and discuss some research issues for future exploration.
A database for globin gene expression data

We describe a prototype database of sequence alignments and experimental results for the /spl beta/-like globin gene cluster of mammals. This data repository is intended to help the international community of globin gene biologists to plan experiments, to design models and, ultimately, to understand regulation of those genes. Moreover, the approaches and software developed for this project will be applicable to other sequence-analysis problems. Our first steps were to develop a program that can simultaneously align a few very long sequences and to establish an e-mail server that formats any requested portion of the alignment, annotated to indicate highly conserved regions and known run sequence features. We are currently developing a World-Wide Web server that will provide access to the wealth of pertinent experimental data, in register with the annotated alignment, through a variety of query languages and graphical presentations. >
A prediction model of merger & acquisitions in the US telecommunications industry — A case study of a recent M&A in wireless communications sector

The “1997 Merger Guidelines” articulates the analytical framework that Department of Justice (DoJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) use to review merger and acquisition cases. To better apply the guidelines to the M&A cases in telecommunication industry, the authorities and merging companies in telecommunications industry have a need to translate the provisions of the general guidelines to the specific situation of the telecom sector. Based on the telecommunication M&A cases between 1996 and 2009, this paper develops a model to assess the predictability of prospective M&A outcome from the DoJ/FTC review process. The model could be a good leading indicator for the potential merging companies and the decision makers in M&A reviews. The model while integrates the M&A criteria based on the M&A circumstances in telecommunication industry, it does not eliminate the need for exercise of judgment from the evaluation of mergers under the antitrust laws. A recent Merger case between Cisco and Starent Networks is evaluated as a case study.
Aetiology of paediatric pneumonia with effusion in the Dominican Republic and the potential impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines

Pleural effusion is a serious complication of pneumonia, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause. We describe the aetiology of pneumonia with effusion among children in the Dominican Republic before the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in 2013 and the performance characteristics of a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) for detecting S. pneumoniae in pleural fluid. From July 2009 to June 2011, we enrolled children <15 years old admitted with pneumonia and pleural effusion to Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital, Dominican Republic. Pleural fluid was tested by culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial (S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae) and viral (respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus) pathogens, and by ICT for S. pneumoniae. We calculated the performance of ICT and culture compared with PCR. Among 121 cases, the median age was 31 months (range 1 week to 14 years). Pleural fluid culture (n = 121) and PCR testing (n = 112) identified an aetiology in 85 (70.2%) cases, including 62 S. pneumoniae (51.2%) and 19 Staphylococcus aureus (15.7%). The viruses tested were not detected. The most prevalent pneumococcal serotypes were 14 (n = 20), 1 (n = 13), and 3 (n = 12). Serotype coverage of the 10- and 13-valent PCVs would be 70.5% and 95.1%, respectively. The sensitivity of point-of-care ICT was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 94.1%–100%), while specificity was 86.3% (95% CI 73.7%–94.3%). S. pneumoniae caused more than half of paediatric pneumonia with effusion cases; introduction of PCV in the Dominican Republic could reduce the burden by 36–49%. ICT is a practical, valid diagnostic tool for clinical care and surveillance in settings with limited laboratory capacity.
Carbon Nanotube Growth on Different Types of Tool Steel Substrates

This paper investigates the effectiveness of different pretreatment methods applied on M50, M35, and W4 type of tool steel substrates for direct growth of carbon nanotubes. The pretreatments explored include treatment with sand paper polishing, nitric acid (HNO3) etching, and high temperature hydrogen gas treatment. Furthermore, in order to establish a correlation between the steel surface average roughness value and the carbon nanotube growth, surface topography of steel substrates created by mechanical polishing were measured before actual growth process. Grown carbon nanostructures were shown by SEM and TEM to be multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCFs). It was found that under the same pretreatment conditions, even when the same roughness values were achieved and the same thermal chemical vapor deposition conditions were applied, grown nanostructures on different types of tool steel substrates showed dissimilarity.
Government relations on the North Atlantic: A case study of five Europe-USA relationships

Abstract This paper examines the aeropolitical relations between the USA and five European countries: the UK, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands. It outlines the importance of the North Atlantic to the carriers that serve these routes and discusses the varied development of the different markets. With particular reference to the bilateral agreements, it identifies why some European carriers have enjoyed success on the North Atlantic while others have lost both money and market share. It reviews the issues that influence bilateral relations and briefly comments on future developments.
Relationship of Circulating Total Homocysteine and C-Reactive Protein to Trabecular Bone in Postmenopausal Women

Homocysteine (Hcy) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are novel risk factors for osteoporosis. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the relationship of Hcy and CRP to volumetric trabecular bone, but also to assess their relationship to areal composite bone in healthy postmenopausal women (N 5 184). We used peripheral quantitative computed tomography to assess volumetric bone at the distal tibia and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess areal composite bone at the proximal femur and lumbar spine. Multiple regression revealed that 22% of the variability in trabecular bone mineral content (F 5 9.59, p � 0.0001) was accounted for by weight (12.4%; p � 0.0001), hemoglobin (5.5%; p 5 0.0006), uric acid (4.2%; p 5 0.003), and blood glucose (1.5%; p 5 0.07). Multiple regression revealed that 5.4% of the variability in trabecular bone mineral density (F 5 3.36; p 5 0.020) was accounted for by hemoglobin (4.2%; p 5 0.006) and Hcy (1.5%; not significant, p 50.10). Total Hcy and CRP were not significantly related to trabecular bone, perhaps because these were nonosteoporotic women. However, our results suggested a weak but negative relationship between Hcy and trabecular bone. Further investigation is needed to examine the relationship of Hcy as an endogenous bioactive molecule to trabecular bone loss in early postmenopausal women and the response of trabecular bone to dietary intervention.
Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment of endothelial cells

Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma is now being widely developed for various medical applications such as skin sterilization, blood coagulation, induction of apoptosis in malignant tissues, and wound healing among others. In this paper, we investigate the toxicity of non-thermal plasma treatment on endothelial cells, which line all blood contacting surfaces in the body. Our initial results indicate that low power non-thermal plasma is relatively non-toxic to endothelial cells at short exposure times up to 30 s, while non-thermal plasma treatment at longer exposure times is cytotoxic. Non-thermal plasma at shorter exposure times may induce proliferation in the cells.
THE INFLUENCE OF CUTANEOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY TO BERYLLIUM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL PULMONARY BERYLLIOSIS

Inhalation exposure to beryllium compounds causes pulmonary berylliosis in human beings as well as guinea pigs, and dermal contact results in the development of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity. An experiment was conducted to study the relation between the two lesions. Guinea pigs with induced cutaneous hypersensitivity to BeSO4, as well as untreated guinea pigs, received inhalation exposure to BeSO4. Untreated and unexposed controls were also included. The pulmonary response was assayed at periodic sacrifices. High prevalence of pneumonitis (apparently of microbiological origin) and a much lower prevalence of granulomatosis (apparently from aspirated food particles) were observed in all animal groups. Fibrosis and metaplasia were highest in the untreated-exposed, much lower in the treated-exposed, and lowest in the unexposed group. Degree of cutaneous sensitivity and degree of lung damage among individual guinea pigs showed distinct negative correlation. The induction of hypersensitivity apparently conferred resistance on the guinea pigs to the fibrotic and metaplastic effects of beryllium inhalation. The phenomenon may have significance in the prophylaxis of beryllium-exposed humans.
Specular microscopic observations of the corneal endothelium in the normal rabbit

Endothelial specular microscopy and pachometry were performed on both eyes of 14 young adult New Zealand white rabbits with clinically normal eyes. Endothelial cells of the central corneas formed a mosaic-like pattern of homogenous hexagonal cells with a mean diameter of 20·6 ± 1·0, μm sd. The mean number of cells per mm was 2998 ± 326 sd and the mean corneal thickness was 0·38 ± 0·02 mm sd.
Bipolar Disorders and the Effectiveness of Novel Anticonvulsants

The discovery that valproic acid is helpful in the management of patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder led to an explosion of research culminating in the third-generation anticonvulsants. Refractory depressive phases are frequent in bipolar disorders. No studies to date have shown that gabapentin is effective in bipolar mania or hypomania. Lamotrigine may have a role in treating bipolar depressive episodes, but it is not a particularly effective antimanic agent. Topiramate has shown encouraging results in both depressed and manic bipolar patients, and it may also promote weight loss. The new anticonvulsants are promising agents for the treatment of bipolar disorders, but they are heterogeneous with regard to their efficacy, target symptoms, and adverse event profiles.
A Reply to Alan Schwartz's 'A Contract Theory Approach to Business Bankruptcy'

In his 1998 article, A Contract Theory Approach to Business Bankruptcy, 107 Yale Law Journal 1807, Alan Schwartz presented a model and proof purporting to show that contractual bankruptcy was superior to the state-supplied mandatory regime. This reply shows the proof to be incorrect on its assumptions in several respects. The reply also presents empirical evidence on the pattern of actual bankruptcy contracting. That evidence suggests that bankruptcy contracting is motivated principally by redistributional rather than efficiency concerns.
Evolution of surgical techniques for mandibular reconstruction using free fibula flaps: The next generation

Background Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has contributed to a number of technical innovations in mandible reconstruction. We report on these innovations and the overall evolution of mandible reconstruction using free fibula flaps at our institution. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent virtually planned free fibula flap reconstruction of the mandible. Comparisons were made between cohorts based on distinct eras related to the virtual planning approach. Results Seventy-six patients underwent a total of 78 VSP-assisted mandible reconstructions with free fibula flaps. Significant differences were noted among the groups with regard to mean number of segments, percentage of flaps that had at least 3 segments, percentage of flaps that had double-barrel components, and innovations per flap. Conclusion VSP-assisted mandible reconstruction has contributed to more complex surgeries at our institution. The technology ensures functional restoration, permitting an optimized aesthetic reconstruction that has not increased operative times or complications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016
Intraoperative Neuro-monitoring of the Laryngeal Nerves During Thyroidectomy

Intraoperative neuro-monitoring allows the evaluation of laryngeal motor integrity during and following operative dissection. Within this chapter, normal and anomalous pathways of the recurrent laryngeal nerve are described, as well as the electrophysiologic principles of intraoperative neuro-monitoring. There are a number of variants of neuro-monitoring; this chapter focuses on models that use electromyographic outputs, most commonly via electrode-laden endotracheal tubes. For this technique, principles of implementation and common pitfalls are summarized.
Enhanced ferroelectric polarization and possible morphotrophic phase boundary in PZT-based alloys

We present a combined theoretical and experimental study of alloys of the high performance piezoelectric PZT (${\mathrm{PbZr}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$) with BZnT (${\mathrm{BiZn}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Ti}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$) and BZnZr (${\mathrm{BiZn}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$), focusing on atomic displacements, ferroelectric polarization, and elastic stability. From theory we find that the 75-25 PZT-BZnT alloy has substantially larger cation displacements, and hence ferroelectric polarization than the PZT base material, on the tetragonal side of the phase diagram. We also find a possible morphotrophic phase boundary in this system by comparing displacement patterns and optimized $c/a$ ratios. Elastic stability calculations find the structures to be essentially stable. Experiments indicate the feasibility of sample synthesis within this alloy system, although measurements do not find significant polarization, probably due to a large coercive field.
Is There a Conclusion

Woman is the subject of a good portion of the literature written by men. The image of woman created by the male artist is also often the image to which men expect or want women to conform. This image, because it is imposed from the outside, cannot coincide with a woman’s image of herself. How, in writing, does the female artist present an image of herself or another woman? In terms of an ironic mimicry of the image man has created? By reversing the values of the male-inspired image, glorying in, for example, the parts of the body usually ignored or suppressed? By creating an authentic picture of woman as defined within her own perspective, without reference to male norms? But, in the latter case, can we discuss such images directly as critics, without considering ‘difference’ from these norms, without using the usual vocabulary? Is it possible to discuss writing by women without thinking of difference?
Novel bioinformatics methods for identification and quantification of deamidation in shotgun proteomics experiments

VII 1. BACKGROUND 1 1.1 Genomics 1 1.2 Proteomics 1 1.3 Shotgun Proteomics 2 1.4 Posttranslational Modification (PTM) of Proteins 2 1.5 Human Lens 3 1.6 PTM Characterization using Shotgun Proteomics 3 1.7 Algorithmic Approaches for Peptide and PTM Identification 4 1.8 Deamidation as Major PTM in Aging Human Lens Tissue 5 1.7 Significance of Deamidation 6 1.8 Quantification of Deamidation 7 2. INTRODUCTION 8 2.1 Reliable Deamidation Identification 8 2.2 Deamidation Quantification 10 2.3 Instrument Requirements for Deamidation Quantification 12 2.3 Bioinformatics Tools to Assist Deamidation Quantification 13 3. NOVEL BIOINFORMATICS METHODS TO IDENTIFY DEAMIDATION IN SHOTGUN PROTEOMICS STUDIES 15 3.
Principles of Snow Hydrology: Remote sensing of the snowpack

The importance of snow There is such a vast difference in the physical properties of snow and other natural surfaces that the occurrence of snow in a drainage basin can cause significant changes in the energy and water budgets. As an example, the relatively high albedo of snow reflects a much higher percentage of incoming, solar, shortwave radiation than snow-free surfaces (80% or more for relatively new snow as opposed to roughly 15% or less for snow-free vegetation). Snow may cover up to 53% of the land surface in the northern hemisphere (Foster and Rango, 1982) and up to 44% of the world's land areas at any one time. On a drainage basin basis, the snow cover can vary significantly by elevation, time of year, or from year to year. The Rio Grande Basin near Del Norte, Colorado, is 3419 km 2 in area and ranges from 2432 m a.s.l. at the streamgauge up to 4215 m a.s.l. at the highest point in the basin. Figure 5.1 compares the snow-cover depletion curves obtained from Landsat data in 1977 and 1979 in elevation zones A (780 km 2 ; 2432–2926 m), B (1284 km 2 ; 2926–3353 m), and C (1355 km 2 ; 3353–4215 m) of the Rio Grande Basin. In a period of only 2 years from April 10, 1977, to April 10, 1979, a great difference in seasonal snow-cover extent was experienced. Landsat data show that 49.5% or 1693 km 2 were covered by snow on April 10, 1977.
Abstract 57: Hyperglycemia-Induced miR-467 Regulates Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth in a Tissue-Specific Manner

Recent emerging evidence suggests that diabetes is associated with increased incidence of several cancers (e.g., breast, bladder, pancreas, liver) but decreased incidence of others (e.g., prostate). We suggest that the tissue-specific association with cancers is caused by a tissue-specific regulation of angiogenesis in diabetic patients. A well-known aberrant angiogenesis of diabetes (increased neovascularization in some tissues, e.g., retina and kidney, and deficient angiogenesis causing ischemia in others, e.g., skin and myocardium) has been recognized for many years and is the cause of diabetic microvascular complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy). However, the molecular mechanisms of the tissue-specific diabetic angiogenesis are unknown. We have discovered a novel tissue-specific mechanism that is activated by hyperglycemia: the levels of microRNA-467 (miR-467) are upregulated in response to hyperglycemia in mouse breast cancer but not in prostate cancer. miR-467 inhibits production of a potent anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and, as a result, angiogenesis is increased in a tissue-specific manner. Our preliminary data identified miR-467 as a regulator of TSP-1 production and angiogenesis in response to hyperglycemia, established a correlation between hyperglycemia-induced tumor growth and miR-467 and TSP-1 in vivo , confirmed the effect of miR-467 on angiogenesis in vivo and the effect of miR-467 antagonist on hyperglycemia-induced tumor growth. In a mouse breast cancer model, hyperglycemia increased the tumor size 8 fold (0.24 g ± 0.012 vs 0.03 ± 0.002, p = 0.003), miR-467 levels 4 fold increase, and angiogenesis 7-fold (endothelial marker CD31), but decreased TSP-1 levels > 3-fold. When miR-467 antagonist was expressed in breast cancer cells, the changes detected in response to hyperglycemia (increase in angiogenesis, size of tumors and miR-467 levels and decrease in TSP-1 level) were completely prevented. We described a tissue-specific mechanism of diabetes-induced cancer growth, which suggests a novel breakthrough approach to block hyperglycemia-induced cancer angiogenesis and growth without affecting physiological angiogenesis.
Rhytidectomy After Parotidectomy

A history of prior parotidectomy is typically thought to substantially increase the risk of facial nerve injury for patients undergoing subsequent facelift surgery. For this reason, surgeons are often hesitant and may even elect not to perform facelift surgery on such patients. However, we have developed a safe and predictable operation for performing the post-parotidectomy rhytidectomy. Here, we present our rationale, approach, and results for performing this operation. This review is a retrospective case series. In total, 1200 facelifts from 2012 to 2016 performed by a single surgeon (D.B.R.) were reviewed. From these, 9 patients were identified as having had parotid surgery prior to rhytidectomy. Rhytidectomy was performed in 8 of 9 cases with a deep-plane, bilaminar approach. There were no intraoperative complications. One patient had a direct neck lift. There were no cases of revision. There were no cases of facial nerve damage including paresis or paralysis; 100% patient satisfaction was noted. Rhyt...
Treatment Outcomes Associated with Quitting Cigarettes Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV: Antiretroviral Adherence, Engagement in Care, and Sustained HIV RNA Suppression

Cigarette smoking is particularly harmful for sexual minority men living with HIV. This study aimed to find benefits of quitting by examining relationships between smoking and sustained HIV RNA suppression, recent CD4 count, ART medication adherence, and engagement in HIV medical care. Sexual minority men (n = 346), former or current smokers, received HIV care at a community health center. Survey responses were combined with electronic health record data in adjusted regression models. Most patients were Caucasian (87%) and 148 (46%) had incomes below the poverty level and 80% had sustained HIV RNA suppression. Compared to current smokers, former smokers had increased odds of sustaining HIV RNA suppression (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.02–3.48) of reporting > 90% adherence (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.21–4.17), and were less likely to miss appointments (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.17–0.82). Heavier smokers (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.17–0.77) and patients who smoked the longest (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.14–0.68) had reduced odds of sustaining HIV RNA suppression. Smoking assessment, treatment, and referral could augment HIV outcomes for sexual minority men with HIV.
Somaclonal Variation in Maize

In the years since Larkin and Scowcroft (1981) reviewed the literature on tissue culture-related variability and suggested that such “somaclonal variation” might serve as a resource for plant breeders, regenerated plants and progeny from a broad range of species have been examined for alterations in phenotype, physiology, cytology and molecular characteristics. Maize (Zea mays L.) has been the subject of many such studies. The work with maize is easily justified by the potential value of any new approaches to improvement of this major crop plant (see next section). Moreover, maize has many other features that make it attractive material for studies of somaclonal variation (Sheridan 1982). These include the low number (2n = 20) of well-characterized chromosomes, the many nuclear gene mutants identified and mapped to particular chromosomes (Neuffer et al. 1968), and the different mitochondrial variants encoding cytoplasmic male sterility (Laughnan and GabayLaughnan 1983). Maize is a particularly convenient plant for genetic studies because it can readily be either self- or cross-pollinated, with production of large numbers of seeds per plant. Effects of gene dosages can be assessed by comparison of triploid endosperm and diploid somatic tissues. An additional attraction is the rapidly growing literature on the molecular genetics of maize; this encompasses both features specific to maize (e.g., storage proteins, transposable elements) and aspects of nucleic acid and protein structure common to higher plants.
Risky Business: Institutional Logics and Risk Taking at Large U.S. Commercial Banks.

Objective This article aims to answer whether increased securitization and/or increased shareholder value pressures at commercial banks have led to higher levels of risk. Methods Using data on large U.S. commercial banks from several sources, I estimate linear partial-adjustment models to predict the effects of securitization, as well as CEO incentives to increase shareholder value, on leverage. Results These models provide evidence that increases in the relative size of trading securities at a commercial bank are significantly associated with increases in leverage. Meanwhile, the relative size of total securities and CEO incentives to increase shareholder value do not appear to affect leverage. Conclusion These findings suggest that limiting commercial bank speculation in securities markets may reduce the likelihood that commercial banks face large losses or become insolvent in financial downturns.
Comparative study of monolithic platinum and iridium as oxygen-evolving anodes during the electrolytic reduction of uranium oxide in a molten LiCl–Li2O electrolyte

A series of four electrolytic reduction runs was performed in molten salt at bench scale to compare the performance characteristics of monolithic platinum and iridium as oxygen-evolving anodes, while simultaneously reducing uranium oxide to metal. In each run, 25 g of uranium oxide particulate was loaded into a permeable steel basket, which, in turn, was immersed in a pool of LiCl—1 wt% Li2O at 650 °C. Both anodes, each 3 mm in diameter, were suspended vertically in the salt pool, adjacent to the steel cathode basket. The anodes were connected in parallel to separate direct current power supplies with the uranium oxide-loaded basket as the common cathode. A cell voltage (3.1 V) was intermittently applied to the system with both power supplies operating concurrently, effecting the reduction of uranium oxide to uranium metal at the cathode basket and the simultaneous oxidation of oxygen anions in the salt to oxygen gas at each anode. Anode and cathode potentials and currents were recorded to compare the performance of platinum vis-a-vis iridium. After completing the series of runs, both anodes were removed and subjected to dimensional, chemical, and microscopic analyses. Even though the accumulated charges on each anode over the series of four runs were similar, the platinum anode exhibited up to 29% reduction in cross-sectional area compared to < 3% for the iridium anode.
Critical Race Theory in Social Work Education: A Framework for Addressing Racial Disparities

The multicultural approach is the hallmark of social work education. It pushes individuals to develop awareness of their own perspective and to acknowledge the legitimacy of other cultural views. Yet, it does not provide an opportunity for students to address the striking persistence of disparities between different cultures in the United States. Scholars contend that failure to directly and seriously address the striking inequality in a society leads to a divided society with self-destructive tendencies. In this paper I postulate that fully embracing critical race theory (CRT) in social work education can help to overcome the shortcomings of the current multicultural approach in addressing disparity in the United States. Keywords: critical race theory, multicultural, social work, education
Selective conversion of CO into ethanol on Cu(511) surface reconstructed from Cu(pc): Operando studies by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy, mass spectrometry, quartz crystal nanobalance, and infrared spectroscopy

Abstract A polycrystalline copper, surface-terminated by a well-defined (511)-oriented facet, was electrochemically generated by a series of step-wise surface reconstruction and iterations of mild oxidative-reductive processes in 0.1 M KOH. The electrochemical reduction of CO on the resultant stepped surface was investigated by four surface-sensitive operando methodologies: electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), electrochemical quartz crystal nanobalance (EQCN), differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), and polarization-modulation infrared spectroscopy (PMIRS). The stepped surface catalyzed the facile conversion of CO into ethanol, the exclusive alcohol product at a low overpotential of −1.06 V (SHE) or − 0.3 V (RHE). The chemisorption of CO was found to be a necessary prelude to ethanol production; i.e. the surface coverages, rather than solution concentrations, of CO and its surface-bound intermediates primarily dictate the reaction rates (current densities). Contrary to the expected predominance of undercoordinated step-site reactivity over the coordination chemistry of vicinal surfaces, vibrational spectroscopic evidence reveals the involvement of terrace-bound CO adsorbates during the multi-atomic transformations associated with the production of ethanol.
Investigation of the electrostatic focusing of beams of electrosprayed nanodroplets for microfabrication applications

This article presents a focused electrospray beam source and discusses its potential for microfabrication. Its main elements are an electrospray emitter electrode (a point source of charged nanodroplets), an extractor electrode, a skimmer electrode, and an Einzel electrostatic lens. The focusing parameters of the source are calculated by integrating the equations of motion of the charged droplets in the axisymmetric electrostatic field generated by the electrodes. The results of the model are validated with a laboratory source replica by characterizing the sputtered region produced by the focused beam on a silicon target and comparing it with the image obtained with the model. In the experiments, the size of the focused beam at the image plane is at least 20 times smaller than that of the unfocused beam, despite the presence of aberrations that have a negative effect on the ability to concentrate the beam. In a well aligned source, the sputtered area is close to a disk, and spherical and chromatic aberrations are the most significant nonidealities making the size of the image larger than the ideal one. When the emitter is deliberately misaligned, spherical and chromatic aberrations continue increasing the size of the image, while astigmatism distorts its circular shape. All aberrations are reduced by increasing the strength of the focusing electrostatic field while maintaining the net acceleration potential of the beam. The focusing column increases the particle density of the beam and advances the development of electrosprayed nanodroplet beams as a tool for surface engineering.
J-MoDL: Joint Model-Based Deep Learning for Optimized Sampling and Reconstruction

Modern MRI schemes, which rely on compressed sensing or deep learning algorithms to recover MRI data from undersampled multichannel Fourier measurements, are widely used to reduce the scan time. The image quality of these approaches is heavily dependent on the sampling pattern. In this article, we introduce a continuous strategy to optimize the sampling pattern and the network parameters jointly. We use a multichannel forward model, consisting of a non-uniform Fourier transform with continuously defined sampling locations, to realize the data consistency block within a model-based deep learning image reconstruction scheme. This approach facilitates the joint and continuous optimization of the sampling pattern and the CNN parameters to improve image quality. We observe that the joint optimization of the sampling patterns and the reconstruction module significantly improves the performance of most deep learning reconstruction algorithms. The source code of the proposed joint learning framework is available at https://github.com/hkaggarwal/J-MoDL .
To Declare or Not to Declare: The Controversy Over Declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Recommendations by the Emergency Committee operating under the International Health Regulations (2005) (hereinafter “IHR”) that the Director-General of the World Health Organization should not declare the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern sparked a sustained controversy in global health. The controversy exposed disagreements about the meaning and effectiveness of IHR provisions, the scope of the Emergency Committee’s authority, and utility of the Director-General’s power to declare a public health emergency of international concern. This article analyzes this controversy from its beginnings in October 2018 through the Director-General’s declaration in July 2019 that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo constituted a public health emergency of international concern. The article argues that the controversy inflicted serious damage on the IHR because the Emergency Committee abused its authority under the IHR and acted outside the authority the IHR prescribes for this committee. The damage done, and the manner in which it happened, raises bigger questions about the IHR’s meaning, influence, and future in global health governance.
Risk for Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Among U.S. Primary Farmers and Family Members: A Systematic Literature Review:

Background: About 84% of the agriculture, fishing, and forestry occupational sector is comprised of farmers. This sector is at high risk for suicide in the United States. Recent disasters and trade upheavals may make farmers and their families more vulnerable to depression and suicide. This review focused on the risk for depression and suicide among United States' primary farm operators and their families. Methods: A systematic search of the literature published between January 2000 and June 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was conducted. Results: A total of 30 articles met full inclusion criteria. Seventeen reports emanated from the midwest. Twenty studies used a cross-sectional design, primarily assessing a convenience sample or random stratified sample from a limited geographic area. We discovered only one intervention evaluation study. Depressive symptoms were assessed as part of the studies, but it was not the major focus. A variety of instruments measured depressive symptoms, with the Centers for Disease Control Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale used more frequently than other scales. Thirteen studies focused on the relationship between pesticide/chemical exposure and depression or suicide risk. Increased stress, poor physical health, compromised financial position, and previous injury were among the leading indicators of depression. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The limited number of studies that was discovered identified the need for more robust science where the risk for depression and suicide is the primary focus of the study and for intervention studies grounded in science. Occupational health providers should be vigilant about farm exposure and be aware of factors that may influence depressive symptoms of workers who operate farm establishments.
Serum metal ion levels in modular dual mobility acetabular components: A systematic review

Abstract Background Dual mobility (DM) constructs effectively reduce the risk of dislocation in revision and high risk primary total hip arthroplasty. However, modular DM designs require the use of a cobalt-chrome liner against a titanium cup which may induce corrosion, metal ions release, and associated biologic response. The purpose of this systematic review study was to collect all reported cases of serum metal ions after DM in the literature and ask the following questions: 1) what is the overall rate of significantly elevated Cobalt and Chromium metal ions and how do these levels change over time? 2) Does femoral head material composition influence serum metal ion levels? and 3) were there any atypical lymphocytic associated lesions after modular DM that required revision surgery? Methods A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. In addition to patient demographics, information specific to the performance of the DM implant were recorded including: cobalt and chromium serum ion levels and all reported timepoints, the material composition of the femoral head, all revision and reoperations and any failure related to corrosion of the DM bearing. A significant elevation in cobalt or chromium was defined as >1.0 or >1.6 mcg/L. Results 248 modular DM THAs were analyzed. The cumulative mean cobalt and chromium levels for all included studies was 0.47mcg/L and 0.53mcg/L, respectively. At final follow-up 13 patients (5.2%) had elevated cobalt ion levels and 4 patients (1.6%) had elevated chromium ion levels. Femoral head material composition trended towards but did not significantly increase serum ion levels. Ceramic heads had elevated cobalt and chromium ions in 4/135 (3%) of patients compared to metal heads which had elevated cobalt ions in 9/113 (8%) and elevated chromium ions in 0/113 (0%), (p = 0.09). There were no reoperations or revisions for metal related reactions at final follow-up (mean 27.4 months). Conclusion In this systematic review including 248 modular DM THAs, elevated serum cobalt ions were present in 5.2% of patients at a mean follow-up of 27.4 months. While a trend towards increased Cobalt serum ions with the use of cobalt chrome femoral heads, femoral head composition was not significantly associated with increased serum metal ion levels. At final follow-up, metal ion levels appear to decrease in the majority of patients between 1 and 2 years and no patient was revised for metal ion related complications. Continued serum metal ion surveillance is recommended to ensure the safety of DM constructs in THA with longer term follow-up.