cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Murine Testicular Transcriptome: Characterizing Gene Expression in the Testis During the Progression of Spermatogenesis

One of the most promising applications of microarrays is the study of changes in gene expression associated with the growth and development of mammalian tissues. The testis provides an excellent model to determine the ability of microarrays to effectively characterize the changes in gene expression as an organ develops from birth to adulthood. To this end, a developmental testis gene expression time course profiling the expression patterns of approximately 36 000 transcripts on the Affymetrix MGU74v2 GeneChip platform at 11 distinct time points was created to gain a greater understanding of the molecular changes necessary for and elicited by the development of the testis. Additionally, gene expression profiles of isolated testicular cell types were created that can aid in the further characterization of the specific functional actions of each cell type in the testis. Statistical analysis of the data revealed 11 252 transcripts (9846 unique) expressed differentially in a significant manner. Subsequent cluster analysis produced five distinct expressional patterns within the time course. These patterns of expression are present at distinct chronological periods during testis development and often share similarities with cell-specific expression profiles. Analysis of cell-specific expression patterns produced unique and characteristic groups of transcripts that provide greater insight into the activities, biological and chronological, of testicular cell types during the progression of spermatogenesis. Further analysis of this time course can provide a distinct and more definitive view into the genes implicated, known and unknown, in the maturation, maintenance, and function of the testis and the integrated process of spermatogenesis.
A semi-automatic software package for analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI myocardial perfusion studies

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is used for the detection and assessment of coronary artery disease. While myocardial ischemia may be detected visually from the MR images by trained cardiologists or radiologists, it is likely that semi-quantitative or quantitative analysis of the dynamic images can improve the accuracy of diagnoses. Such analyses have yet to be standardized and can be limited by the availability and capability of existing software.
Clinical impact of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

In humans, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) most commonly result in intestinal colonization, which does not result in symptoms, may persist for a long time and serves as a reservoir for transmission of VRE to other patients. Certain VRE-colonized patients are at risk of infection, including haematology and oncology patients, patients in intensive care units and recipients of solid (especially abdominal) organ transplants. Controlling the spread of VRE colonization and preventing colonized patients from becoming infected are important aims. Ramoplanin is a member of a new class of antimicrobial agents; it may have a role in preventing infection in patients colonized with VRE.
A Perpetually Running ENSO in the Pliocene

Abstract Difficulties remain with theoretical explanations of the apparent reduced zonal sea surface temperature gradient in the tropical Pacific of the Pliocene. One favored hypothesis is that it was a “permanent El Nino” state, with the warm phase of ENSO remaining fixed over millions of years. Here, an alternative is suggested—that there was a “perpetually running ENSO” with a shorter return time than is observed today, and that the apparently reduced zonal gradient is an alias–rectification of a high-frequency signal governed by the growth patterns of the foraminifera used to provide proxy temperatures. The hypothesis is probably testable in the modern ocean with comparatively modest measurements of foraminifera behavior in time.
Active part-decomposition, shape and motion estimation of articulated objects: a physics-based approach

We present a novel, robust, integrated approach to segmentation shape and motion estimation of articulated objects. Initially, we assume the object consists of a single part, and we fit a deformable model to the given data using our physics-based framework. As the object attains new postures, we decide based on certain criteria if and when to replace the initial model with two new models. These criteria are based on the model's state and the given data. We then fit the models to the data using a novel algorithm for assigning forces from the data to the two models, which allows partial overlap between them and determination of joint location. This approach is applied iteratively until all the object's moving parts are identified. Furthermore, we define new global deformations and we demonstrate our technique in a series of experiments, where Kalman filtering is employed to account for noise and occlusion. >
Power Integrity in Silicon-Package-Board Codesign Flow

This paper introduces a process that allows customers to import current profiles from IC tools like VoltageStorm at Cadence, package models obtained from field solver and on-die capacitance to be simulated together. The users can view the impedance in frequency domain and voltage ripples in time domain.
PRE-COORDINATION + POST-COORDINATION = PARTIAL COORDINATION

The introduction of computerized post-coordination has solvedmany of the problems of pre-coordinated subject access. However, the adoptionof computerized post-coordination results in the loss of some pre-coordinationbenefits. Specifically, the effect of hiding terms within the context of others islost in post-coordination which gives lead status to every document term. Thisresults in spurious matches of terms out of context. Library patrons andInternet searchers are increasingly dissatisfied with subject accessperformance, in part because of unmanageably large retrieval sets. The needto enhance precision and limit the size of retrieval sets motivates this workwhich proposes partial coordination, an approach which incorporates theadvantages of computer search with the ability of pre-coordination to limitspurious partial matches and thereby enhance precision.
The Role of Prostaglandins in Bone Formation

Prostaglandins of the E series have been shown to be effective inducers of bone formation in vivo. In this study, the effects of PGE2 were evaluated in vivo using subcutaneous administration (3 mg/kg/d for 25 days) to ovariectomized rats or local application in the marrow cavity of tibiae of rats using biodegradable implants (0.13, 1.4 and 32 microg released over 8 days). Systemic treatment of rats with PGE2 stimulated cancellous bone formation in the metaphysis of the proximal tibiae as well as endocortical bone formation and de novo trabecular bone formation in the marrow cavity. Local delivery of PGE2 increased cancellous bone volume in the secondary spongiosa and cortical thickness (at 32 microg). Comparisons of prostanoid effects in vitro, in a bone-derived cell line, showed that PGF2alpha was a better stimulator of DNA synthesis than PGE2. PGF2alpha increased the steady state levels of IGF-I receptor mRNA while PGE2 increased IGF-I expression. Although the mechanism of bone formation by PGE2 is not known at this time, it is clear that PGE2 has powerful local anabolic effects on bone formation in vivo possibly by mediating responses to signals such as changes in mechanical force.
THE FAMILY PROFILE II: A SELF-SCORED, BRIEF FAMILY ASSESSMENT TOOL

The Family Profile is a self-administered and easily interpreted measure of family functioning. Family members score and plot their results to create a graphical profile of their family's relationship strengths. The ability to graph their responses gives families immediate feedback and an intuitive grasp of their relationship strengths and opportunities for improving family relationships. Successfully used for 7 years in the USA and Canada, the Family Profile has now been revised. Using a national sample of over 1,800 college students, the measure was revised to include 12 scales measuring dimensions of family functioning such as kindness, unkindness, communication, and financial management. Regression analyses indicated that these scales significantly predicted family reladonship quality, school performance, substance use, and family conflict. The Family Profile II provides practitioners a measure that is easily scored and interpreted.
Leaf characteristics and surfactants affect primisulfuron droplet spread in three broadleaf weeds

Abstract Laboratory studies were conducted to examine the leaf surface, epicuticular wax content, and spray droplet behavior on common lambsquarters, common purslane, and velvetleaf. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and leaf wax was extracted and quantified for all three weed species. The spread of 1-μl droplets of distilled water, primisulfuron solution (without surfactant), primisulfuron solution with a nonionic low foam wetter/spreader adjuvant (0.25% v/v), and with an organosilicone wetting agent (0.1% v/v) was determined on the adaxial leaf surfaces of each of the weed species. Glands and trichomes were present on both the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of velvetleaf. Common purslane had neither glands nor trichomes on either side of the leaf. Common lambsquarters did not have any glands or trichomes, but it had globular bladder hairs on both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. Stomata were present on both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces in all t...
The distribution of wearout over evolved reliability structures

A multiple-integral equation, termed the wearout equation, describes the distribution of wearout (or aging) over evolved reliability structures, such as organisms and self-replicating machines, and thus statistically governs virtually all aging properties of the systems. The equation is applied to the computation of ab initio (“from the beginning”) life tables for four natural populations of ungulates—wild boar, Dall sheep, African buffalo, and hippopotamus—which represent a broad range of survival characteristics. The good agreement of the ab initio and empirical tables, the best available for testing the theory, demonstrates the basic realism of the wearout equation. If the equation withstands further experimental testing, its analysis may provide insight into fundamental questions in the biology of aging.
“Life's Simple 7” and Long‐Term Mortality After Stroke

Background The American Heart Association developed criteria dubbed “Life's Simple 7” defining ideal cardiovascular health: not smoking, regular physical activity, healthy diet, maintaining normal weight, and controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. The impact of achieving these metrics on survival after stroke is unknown. We aimed to determine cardiovascular health scores among stroke survivors in the United States and to assess the link between cardiovascular health score and all‐cause mortality after stroke. Methods and Results We assessed cardiovascular health metrics among a nationally representative sample of US adults with stroke (n=420) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 1988–1994 (with mortality assessment through 2006). We determined cumulative all‐cause mortality by cardiovascular health score under the Cox proportional hazards model after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. No stroke survivors met all 7 ideal health metrics. Over a median duration of 98 months (range, 53–159), there was an inverse dose‐dependent relationship between number of ideal lifestyle metrics met and 10‐year adjusted mortality: 0 to 1: 57%; 2: 48%; 3: 43%; 4: 36%; and ≥5: 30%. Those who met ≥4 health metrics had lower all‐cause mortality than those who met 0 to 1 (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.92). After adjusting for sociodemographics, higher health score was associated with lower all‐cause mortality (trend P ‐value, 0.022). Conclusions Achieving a greater number of ideal cardiovascular health metrics is associated with lower long‐term risk of dying after stroke. Specifically targeting “Life's Simple 7” goals might have a profound impact, extending survival after stroke.
A Conductive Self-Healing Hybrid Gel Enabled by Metal–Ligand Supramolecule and Nanostructured Conductive Polymer

Self-healing materials emerge as a fascinating class of materials important for various technological applications. However, achieving the synergistic characteristics of high conductivity, room-temperature self-healing ability, and decent mechanical properties still remains a critical challenge. Here we develop for the first time a hybrid gel based on self-assembled supramolecular gel and nanostructured polypyrrole that synergizes the dynamic assembly/disassembly nature of metal–ligand supramolecule and the conductive nanostructure of polypyrrole hydrogel and exhibits features of high conductivity (12 S m–1), appealing mechanical and electrical self-healing property without any external stimuli, and enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility. The attractive characteristics of the hybrid gel are further demonstrated by a flexible yet self-healable electrical circuit. Our work shows the great potential of self-healing hybrid gel system in flexible electronics and provides a useful strategy to design multi...
Network Legitimacy and Accountability in a Developmental Perspective

Public networks typically function beyond the lines of the hierarchical authorities that hold bureaucracies accountable, as is shown here in the case of a business-dominant network that exhibited ethically questionable behaviors at the expense of its community credibility. Public networks can build external legitimacy by engaging in critical organization learning processes, much the way some nongovernmental organizations respond to a diversity of stakeholders.
Coded Statutory Datasets for Public Health Law Research

Background and objectives: The evaluation of public health law requires reliable accounts of underlying statutes and regulations. States often enact public health-related statutes with nonuniform provisions, and variation in the structure of state legal codes can foster inaccuracy in evaluating the impact of specific categories of law. The optimal format for empirical analysis is a machine-readable 50-state coded data set. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of these resources and related materials with a focus on statutory data sets. Research design: An exhaustive literature search was followed by a ‘‘pearling’’ or ‘‘snowball’’ approach to assure the most complete inventory of this very diverse and diffuse information. We also interviewed three leading investigators to identify barriers to wider use and availability of coded legal data sets. Results: We identified relatively few accessible coded statutory data sets, and others that are not available for use outside the group or individual that compiled them. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded Public Health Law Research Program has made funding available for the development and dissemination of additional datasets, as well as extensive guidance regarding their use in the evaluation of public health law. Investigators reported serious obstacles to these activities in the past. Conclusions: Compilation of coded statutory data sets requires a focused investment of resources that has only recently become available. Funders should require grantees to make their work accessible to other investigators so as to assure development of public health law research and evaluation.
Advances in the Evaluation of Longitudinal Construct Validity of Clinical Outcome Assessments.

Historically, the assessment of longitudinal construct validity in the field of psychosocial measurement involved defining hypotheses and calculating correlation coefficients using scores based on 2 measures at 2 or more time points. In the context of patient-reported outcomes, this evolved into sensitivity to change and responsiveness, including the computation of effect size estimates of change, standardized response means, and indices such as Guyatt’s statistic. Cross-sectional analyses or analyses based on 2 time points have been the standard practice. Evolving conceptualizations have incorporated more than 2 time points and have included depictions of individual trajectories of change in multiple measures, structural equation models, and mixed modeling techniques. The focus of this article is on methods to evaluate longitudinal construct validity. We describe a sample of these methods and provide considerations and recommendations for designing a thoughtful longitudinal construct validity evaluation of clinical outcome assessments.
The Assessment of Violence Risk

The risk of violent and recidivistic behavior occupies a central role in a variety of legal decisions. This chapter provides a non-technical overview of the various processes by which violence risk is assessed. These include unstructured clinical judgment, actuarial risk assessment, and structured professional judgment. Benefits and drawbacks of each approach are noted. Conceptual and practical issues related to risk assessment are then discussed, including the differences between risk assessment and risk management, the importance of operationally defining the outcome variable, the role that “accuracy” should play in selecting a risk assessment instrument, and the import of communicating the risk of violence is an appreciable manner to a legal decision maker.
HydroCloud: A Cloud-Based System for Hydrologic Data Integration and Analysis

The analysis of rainfall and runoff to characterize watershed response to storm events is a critical area of hydrologic research. A wealth of data exists to perform this analysis, but it is not easily accessible in a central location. The United States Geological Survey currently collects stream flow data for approximately 12,000 watersheds in the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration produces the spatially-distributed NEXRAD precipitation data, which can be used to estimate rainfall over an entire watershed. While the data is plentiful, it has yet to be integrated in a single system where hydrologists can easily explore the pattern of rainfall and runoff to assess watershed response. In this paper, we present the HydroCloud system, a novel system which uses cloud-based technology for integrating, storing, and exploring hydrologic data and demonstrate its utility in the analysis of watersheds.
Thinking in Stories: Narrative-based Design for Higher-Level Thinking

This paper addresses the use of storytelling as a frame-work to design systems that support high-level thinking. Specifically, we examine whether narrative-based visual design may help students to perform better in literature review & synthesis. A prototype system 'StoryTree' was developed to enable a user study with tertiary students. Initial results showed promise of the approach of narrative-based design for cognitive tools.
Bus commuting, subway commuting, and walking to workplaces in US cities: Socioeconomic factors of transit commuters

Most previous studies that examine the controversies involved in transit subsidies concentrate on large metropolitan areas in the United States. The main contribution of this article to the extant literature is that it investigates bus ridership data in small- and medium-sized US cities, which has been primarily ignored in earlier literature. The article also analyzes data on bus commuters, subway commuters, and walkers to workplaces in the eight largest cities with extensive subway systems and 22 other large cities. The analysis employs the 2010 US Census (IPUMS data). Generally, the characteristics of subway commuters are quite different from those of bus commuters. The characteristics of walkers in all the US cities are very similar to those who commute by bus.
A Comparison of Deep-Heating Electrode Concepts for Hyperthermia

AbstractThere is mounting evidence that localized hyperthermia produced by electromagnetic waves may be useful in the treatment of cancer, and many innovative devices have been designed for this purpose. Most applicators employed for deep heating operate in the frequency region of 10-100MHz to provide greatest depth of penetration. Two basic categories of launching devices exist: E-field and H-field. The E-field applicators include conductive plates and fringing field devices; either may be used individually or in a multiple feed system. The H-field applicators include cylindrical and planar devices configured to produce specific heating patterns.We have analyzed and compared the performance of each of these devices, particularly in terms of engineering principles, design characteristics and their ability to transfer potentially therapeutic energy safely and at depth.
Spatially Resolved Optical Sensing Using Graphene Nanodisk Arrays

The ability of graphene nanostructures to support strong plasmonic resonances in the infrared part of the spectrum makes them an ideal platform for plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy techniques. Here we propose to exploit the exceptional tunability of graphene plasmons to perform infrared detection of molecules with subwavelength spatial resolution. To that end, we investigate the optical response of finite arrays of graphene nanodisks that are divided into a number of identical subarrays, or pixels, each of them with a uniform level of doping. Using realistic conditions, we show that, by adjusting individually the doping level of each of these pixels, it is possible to bring them sequentially into resonance with the vibrational spectrum of the analyte. This enables the identification of the analyte and the simultaneous detection of its spatial location with a resolution determined by the size of the pixels. Our work brings new possibilities to plasmon-enhanced infrared sensing by combining the already demonst...
Startle reflex modulation during threat of shock and "threat" of reward.

During threat of shock, the startle reflex is potentiated, suggesting modulation by defensive mobilization. To determine whether startle potentiation is specific to aversive anticipation, startle reflexes were measured in the context of either aversive or appetitive anticipation in a between-subject study. Participants wore a device on the wrist that could deliver electrical shock (n = 49), or vibrotactile stimulation indicating monetary reward (n = 48). Cues signaling "threat" or "safe" periods were presented alone, or accompanied by presentation of affective and neutral pictures on half of the trials. Results indicated that the startle reflex was significantly potentiated when anticipating either shock or reward, compared to safe periods, both when no picture was presented, as well as during picture viewing. The difference between threat and safety in both reflex magnitude and skin conductance changes was larger for those anticipating shock, suggesting that the aversive context was more motivationally engaging. The pattern of reflex modulation as a function of picture valence varied under threat and safety, but was identical in the shock and reward groups, consistent with a hypothesis that anticipation of either aversive or appetitive events prompts heightened perceptual vigilance, potentiating the acoustic startle reflex.
Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry as a Platform for Characterizing Multimeric Membrane Protein Complexes

Membrane protein characterization is consistently hampered by challenges with expression, purification, and solubilization. Among several biophysical techniques employed for their characterization, native-mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for the analysis of membrane proteins and complexes. Here, two MS platforms, the FT-ICR and Q-ToF, have been explored to analyze the homotetrameric water channel protein, AquaporinZ (AqpZ), under non-denaturing conditions. This 97 kDa membrane protein complex can be readily liberated from the octylglucoside (OG) detergent micelle under a range of instrument conditions on both MS platforms. Increasing the applied collision energy of the FT-ICR collision cell yielded varying degrees of tetramer (97 kDa) liberation from the OG micelles, as well as dissociation into the trimeric (72 kDa) and monomeric (24 kDa) substituents. Tandem-MS on the Q-ToF yielded higher intensity tetramer signal and, depending on the m/z region selected, the observed monomer signal varied in intensity. Precursor ion selection of an m/z range above the expected protein signal distribution, followed by mild collisional activation, is able to efficiently liberate AqpZ with a high S/N ratio. The tetrameric charge state distribution obtained on both instruments demonstrated superpositioning of multiple proteoforms due to varying degrees of N-terminal formylation.
Female Candidate Emergence and Term Limits: A State-Level Analysis:

This study examines term limits to determine the effect they have on female candidate emergence in state legislatures. Initial research finds a negative relationship between term limits and female ...
Refuge-in-a-Bag Approach for Sustainable Management of Virulent Soybean Aphids in the Field

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a major pest of soybean in the Midwest. An unmanaged aphid outbreak has the potential to reduce yield by up to 40 percent. During the summer, aphids rapidly reproduce, resulting in exponential population growth. Foliar-applied insecticides are the most widely used management strategy for protecting yield loss from soybean aphids. Using varieties carrying aphid resistance genes (i.e. Rag) also is an effective means to suppress aphids. However, virulent aphid biotypes can colonize resistant plants. Use of only aphid-resistant plants throughout a landscape could lead to the fixation of virulence in the soybean aphid population. Inclusion of an aphid-susceptible refuge can be an effective strategy to preserve the efficacy of Rag genes. Blended seed mixtures, or refuge-in-a-bag, is an approach used in corn, but is not yet available in soybean. A field experiment was conducted to test whether a refuge-in-a-bag approach can protect yield while maintaining a population of soybean aphids.
Solving Toeplitz Systems

An n×n Toeplitz matrix is a square matrix in which element a, ij = a i- j . An n×n circulant matrix is a square matrix in which element a, ij = a ((i- j) ). A circulant matrix is a Toeplitz matrix. A Toeplitz system of equations is given by the matrix-vector equation Af = g. The computational task of solving the Toeplitz system of equations is the task of computing the vector f when given the vector g and the elements of the Toeplitz matrix on the left. One way to solve for f is to compute the matrix inverse. But to compute the matrix inverse for very large n may be impractical, both because of the amount of computation and because of problems of precision.
DYMAC & DYSPAM — Programs for the Dynamic Analysis and Simulation of Planar Mechanisms and Multibody Systems

DYMAC (DYnamics of MAChinery) is an all FORTRAN computer program for the solution of problems in Dynamics of interconnected bodies which undergo planar motion. It is used to find displacements, velocities, accelerations, and joint reactions for multi-degree of freedom systems subjected to arbitrary, user supplied, forces. The mechanism may contain any number of closed or open loops, and be subjected to auxiliary constraints imposed by gears, cams, and user-supplied motion generators.
Magnetic Characteristics of (R,R′)2Fe14B Systems (R = Nd, R′ = Er,Dy)

ABSTRACT (R,R′)2Fe14B compounds (R = Nd, R′ = Er,Dy) were prepared from high purity rare earths obtained from the Ames Laboratory. The magnetic behavior of (R,R′)2Fe14B compounds is reported in a large temperature range. The effects of Nd substitution by Er and Dy on the saturation magnetization, Curie temperature, anisotropy and spin reorientation temperature are presented. The spin reorientation temperature is lowered by Dy substitution and raised by Er substitution.
Mechanistic Probes for the Epimerization Domain of Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases.

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are responsible for the synthesis of a variety of bioactive natural products with clinical and economic significance. Interestingly, these large multimodular enzyme machineries incorporate nonproteinogenic d-amino acids through the use of auxiliary epimerization domains, converting l-amino acids into d-amino acids that impart into the resulting natural products unique bioactivity and resistance to proteases. Due to the large and complex nature of NRPSs, several questions remain unanswered about the mechanism of the catalytic domain reactions. We have investigated the use of mechanism-based crosslinkers to probe the mechanism of an epimerization domain in gramicidin S biosynthesis. In addition, MD simulations were performed, showcasing the possible roles of catalytic residues within the epimerization domain.
Structural information integration for predicting damages in bridges

Abstract Industrial Information Integration Engineering interacts with each of the twelve engineering disciplines defined by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Civil Engineering is one of the twelve engineering sections. Integration of information can be a very valuable method for civil engineering. In the management of the highway bridges, bridge design and operation parameters and inspection results are recorded according to national and state guides and the data is coded and archived in what is known as the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database. The integration of the information in the NBI database can be a very valuable method for managing of bridges. The major challenges of the information in such a database are unbalance, complexity, subjectivity, and incompleteness, which make developing a damage prediction model from such information difficult. Particularly, the prediction and management of bridge abutment distress is difficult since their generation mechanism is not clear. The purpose of this study was to integrate the information of the inspections database and establish models to predict abutment distress. Input variables for the networks were selected from knowledge-based evaluations, statistical analyses, and trial and error. Four neural network models were developed and evaluated: the multilayer perceptron and support vector machine models predicted abutment condition better than a supervised self-organizing map and radial basis function networks.
An updated systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of therapies for metastatic breast cancer

The goal of this systematic review is to provide an update to the review by Pouwels et al. by conducting a systematic review and an assessment of the reporting quality of the economic analyses conducted since 2014. This systematic review identified published articles focused on metastatic breast cancer treatment using the Medline/PubMed and Scopus databases and the following search criteria: (((cost effectiveness[MeSH Terms]) OR (cost effectiveness) OR (cost-effectiveness) OR (cost utility) OR (cost–utility) OR (economic evaluation)) AND ((“metastatic breast cancer”) OR (“advanced breast cancer”))). The reporting quality of the included articles was evaluated using the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Of the 256 identified articles, 67 of the articles were published after October 2014 when the prior systematic review stopped its assessment (Pouwels et al. in Breast Cancer Res Treat 165:485–498, 2017). From the 67 articles, we narrowed down to include 17 original health economic analyses specific to metastatic or advanced breast cancer. These articles were diverse with respect to methods employed and interventions included. Although each of the articles contributed their own analytic strengths and limitations, the overall quality of the studies was moderate. The review demonstrated that the vast majority of the reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratios exceeded the typically employed willingness to pay thresholds used in each country of analysis. Only three of the reviewed articles studied chemotherapies rather than treatments targeting either HER2 or hormone receptors, demonstrating a gap in the literature.
Introduction: Canon and the World Literary Writer

This chapter reevaluates Heinrich Heine’s poetically and culturally diverse work as a model of world or worldly literature. It summarizes some of the main points in the contemporary debates about the meaning and scope of world literature/s. While no single definition of what constitutes world literature in our age of accelerated cultural movements across the globe can do justice to this concept, innovative approaches to world literature by noted critics, such as Milan Kundera, Venkat B. Mani, Pascale Casanova, John Pizer, and David Damrosch illustrate the distance gained since Goethe’s famous pronouncement about the coming age of Weltliteratur. This chapter further stresses the importance of Heine’s philosophically informed prose in his journalism and on travel, censorship, translation, and exile. It also establishes a relationship between Heine’s censor-resistant strategies and those of the censored writers from both Europe and the Middle East.
Integrating fiber optics into electronic communications curriculum

Traditional electronic communications curriculum spends large amount of time to cover the electronic circuits for communications. Since highly integrated circuits for communications are now available, in many cases a blockdiagram level analysis is sufficient. On the other hand, fiber optics for communications has been used not only for long haul transmission of information, but also local area networks and computer networks. To stay relevant and keep up with industry trends without adding new courses, we revised existing two-semester electronic communications curriculum by replacing some circuit details with topics on optical fiber communications fundamentals and wavelength division multiplexing techniques. Since optical fiber communications itself can be a course of one or two semesters, we are not intending to cover the topic in all aspects. Instead, our goal is to introduce the highlights of the major topics necessary for students to understand basics of optical fiber communications. To make the topic transition logically we introduced the light source in fiber optics topic, after establishing the modulation/demodulation concept, as an alternative carrier signal for modulation process. We then introduced optical fibers as transmission channel for modulated optical carriers, followed by other components (optical sources, detectors, and etc.). Wavelength division multiplexing had also been introduced as one of the major multiplexing techniques, after introducing the time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing concepts, for both long haul and high speed Ethernet applications. Through the midterm/final examinations students demonstrated similar level of understanding of the traditional materials as before. At the same time their basic knowledge on optical fiber communications were established.
Human cytochrome P450 11B2 produces aldosterone by a processive mechanism due to the lactol form of the intermediate 18-hydroxycorticosterone.

Human cytochrome P450 (P450) 11B2 catalyzes the formation of aldosterone, the major endogenous human mineralocorticoid. Aldosterone is important for the regulation of electrolyte homeostasis. Mutations and overexpression of P450 11B2 (also known as aldosterone synthase) can lead to hypertension, congestive heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. The enzyme is therefore a target for drug development to manage these various disorders. P450 11B2 catalyzes aldosterone formation from 11-deoxycorticosterone through three distinct oxidation steps. It is currently unknown to which degree these reactions happen in sequence without the intermediate products dissociating from the enzyme (i.e. processively) or whether these reactions happen solely distributively, in which the intermediate products must first dissociate and then rebind to the enzyme before subsequent oxidation. We present here a comprehensive investigation of processivity in P450 11B2–catalyzed reactions using steady-state, pre-steady–state, pulse-chase, equilibrium-binding titrations, and stopped-flow binding studies. We utilized the data obtained to develop a kinetic model for P450 11B2 and tested this model by enzyme kinetics simulations. We found that although aldosterone is produced processively, the enzyme preferentially utilizes a distributive mechanism that ends with the production of 18-OH corticosterone. This seemingly contradictory observation could be resolved by considering the ability of the intermediate product 18-OH corticosterone to exist as a lactol form, with the equilibrium favoring the ring-closed lactol configuration. In summary, our refined model for P450 11B2 catalysis indicates isomerization of the intermediate to a lactol can explain why P450 11B2 must produce aldosterone through a processive mechanism despite favoring a distributive mechanism.
Regional, structural, and demographic predictors of violent victimization: A cross-national, multilevel analysis of 112 countries:

Routine activities and lifestyles theories emphasize structural and demographic predictors that affect the opportunity to commit crime and the likelihood of being victimized. Past research tends to...
Can Phishing Tank Survey Response Rates? Evidence from a Natural Experiment:

In today’s survey climate, many individuals doubt the legitimacy of survey invitations. Phishing, an Internet-based fraud that tricks users into disclosing private information, has the potential to...
Háblame Bebé: A phone application intervention to support Hispanic children’s early language environments and bilingualism:

The early language environments of low-income Hispanic children can be negatively affected when their Spanish-speaking caregivers face racism, assimilation pressure, and/or misinformed advice based...
Long‐term behavioral repeatability in wild adult and captive juvenile turtles (Terrapene carolina): Implications for personality development

Animal personality can be defined as conspecific individuals consistently differing in behavioral tendencies. Personality is typically identified by behavioral repeatability, which occurs when within‐individual variance is low relative to among‐individual variance in the population. Intraspecific comparisons of behavioral repeatability in juveniles and adults within and across years are rare, but would be useful for testing hypotheses related to origins of animal personality and whether individuals exhibit stable or diverging behavior with ontogeny. To examine within‐ and across‐year behavioral repeatability for eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina), we assessed boldness (movement latency after brief confinement) of captive‐born juveniles twice within three days when eight months old. We then repeated these tests for the same individuals one year later. Juveniles exhibited repeatable boldness within and across years. Although increasing body temperature was slightly associated with decreased movement latency, test year (1 or 2), or housing experience (being raised in an enriched or unenriched condition) had no effects on boldness. We also assessed across‐year repeatability of boldness (head emergence from the shell after brief confinement) for wild adults at 1–3 year intervals. Adults also exhibited repeatable across‐year boldness that was of similar magnitude to juveniles. We found no indication that sex class or whether adults had been radio‐tracked influenced boldness. Our results suggest eastern box turtles demonstrate consistent individuality in boldness from an early age that is largely unaffected by temporal or environmental variation, and these behavioral differences can be maintained for multiple years in captivity and the wild, contrasting with theoretical expectations for personality development. These findings add to recent accumulating evidence demonstrating juvenile and adult box turtles exhibit multiple repeatable behaviors over the short‐ and long‐term. We suggest this species is quickly gaining traction as a model organism for studying the proximate and ultimate causes of personality development within long‐lived animals.
Comparative evaluation of the clinical laboratory-based Intermountain risk score with the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices for mortality prediction.

Background The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices are mortality predictors often used in clinical, administrative, and research applications. The Intermountain Mortality Risk Scores (IMRS) are validated mortality predictors that use all factors from the complete blood count and basic metabolic profile. How IMRS, Charlson, and Elixhauser relate to each other is unknown. Methods All inpatient admissions except obstetric patients at Intermountain Healthcare’s 21 adult care hospitals from 2010–2014 (N = 197,680) were examined in a observational cohort study. The most recent admission was a patient’s index encounter. Follow-up to 2018 used hospital death records, Utah death certificates, and the Social Security death master file. Three Charlson versions, 8 Elixhauser versions, and 3 IMRS formulations were evaluated in Cox regression and the one of each that was most predictive was used in dual risk score mortality analyses (in-hospital, 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality). Results Indices with the strongest mortality associations and selected for dual score study were the age-adjusted Charlson, the van Walraven version of the acute Elixhauser, and the 1-year IMRS. For in-hospital mortality, Charlson (c = 0.719; HR = 4.75, 95% CI = 4.45, 5.07), Elixhauser (c = 0.783; HR = 5.79, CI = 5.41, 6.19), and IMRS (c = 0.821; HR = 17.95, CI = 15.90, 20.26) were significant predictors (p<0.001) in univariate analyses. Dual score analysis of Charlson (HR = 1.79, CI = 1.66, 1.92) with IMRS (HR = 13.10, CI = 11.53, 14.87) and of Elixhauser (HR = 3.00, CI = 2.80, 3.21) with IMRS (HR = 11.42, CI = 10.09, 12.92) found significance for both scores in each model. Results were similar for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality. Conclusions IMRS provided the strongest ability to predict mortality, adding to and attenuating the predictive ability of the Charlson and Elixhauser indices whose mortality associations remained statistically significant. IMRS uses common, standardized, objective laboratory data and should be further evaluated for integration into mortality risk evaluations.
THU0611-HPR MEASUREMENT OF MINIMAL DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS USING PROMIS-PHYSICAL FUNCTION OR THE HEALTH ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE-DISABILITY INDEX

Background: Minimal disease activity (MDA) is a treat-to-target strategy (T2T) objective in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). MDA criteria, include physical function, traditionally assessed via the Health-Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). It is of interest to assess the performance of more current physical function instruments such as the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Physical Function Profile (PROMIS-PF). Objectives: To assess the interchangeability of the HAQ-DI with the PROMIS-PF in the calculation of MDA in PsA. Methods: Longitudinal PsA data were collected including HAQ-DI and PROMIS-PF in a PsA cohort. MDA definitions were built substituting the HAQ-DI criterion with the PROMIS-PF short form 4a (PROMIS-PF4a) or with the PROMIS-PF computer adaptive test (PROMIS-PF Bank). We assessed agreement/accuracy between HAQ-DI based and PROMIS-PF based MDA definitions at each visit and longitudinally through the kappa statistic/ROC curve analysis. Results: One hundred participants contributed 352 observations with up to five visits. Mean (SD) age was 52 (12) years, 60% were female, and 43% were in MDA at baseline. Kappa statistic for PROMIS-PF based MDA reflected almost perfect agreement with HAQ-DI MDA: kappa=0.94 (95% CI 0.90-0.97) for MDA PROMIS-PF Bank, and kappa=0.90 (95% CI 0.80-0.95) for MDA PROMIS-PF4a. Higher longitudinal agreement was seen between MDA HAQ-DI and MDA PROMIS-PF Bank versus MDA PROMIS-PF4a between consecutive visits: kappa ranged between 0.81-0.94 versus 0.72-0.84, respectively (Table 1). Area under ROC curve for predicting MDA HAQ-DI was 0.97 for MDA PROMIS-PF Bank and 0.95 for MDA PROMIS-PF4a (Figure 1). Conclusion: Excellent agreement was seen between HAQ-DI and PROMIS-based MDA definitions statically and longitudinally. The PROMIS-PF Bank and PROMIS-PF4a are accurate replacements for the HAQ-DI in calculating MDA state in PsA. References: [1]Schalet BD, et al. J Gen Intern Med 2015 Disclosure of Interests: Erin Chew: None declared, Jamie Perin: None declared, Thomas Grader-Beck Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Celgene, Consultant of: Novartis, Lilly, Ana-Maria Orbai Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, Horizon, Consultant of: Eli Lilly; Janssen; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB. Ana-Maria Orbai was a private consultant or advisor for Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc, not in her capacity as a Johns Hopkins faculty member and was not compensated for this service.
Nurses' experiences of Organisational learning: A qualitative descriptive study.

Aim To explore the validity of and expand upon a model of organisational learning in hospitals. Background Organisational learning is a positive change in an organisation's collective knowledge, cognition and/or action, leading to improved hospital performance. A current model offers an evidence-based, theoretical representation of organisational learning in hospitals, yet the intricacies of organisational learning in clinical practice are not fully understood. Additional guidance is needed to effectively foster and study organisational learning. Method Semi-structured interviews were used to gather 15 first-hand experiences of organisational learning from 14 nurses. Data were analysed via deductive thematic analysis. Results Organisational learning was more effective when aligned closely with the model and less effective when alignment was poor. The nurses' experiences illustrate relationships among elements of the model and underscore the importance of leadership and psychological safety in organisational learning. Conclusion This study helps validate the model and offers new insights into organisational learning. Additional research is needed to explore the role of leadership and psychological safety in organisational learning. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers can use the Organisational Learning in Hospitals model to evaluate organisational learning. Nurse managers have the opportunity to develop effective leadership practices designed to cultivate psychological safety within their teams.