cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic transnasal anterior skull base resection for the treatment of sinonasal malignancies

Since the landmark publication by Ketcham et al in the early 1960s, the resection of sinonasal tumors involving the anterior skull base combines transcranial and transfacial incisions and osteotomies. Recent technical and technologic advances have allowed the use of endoscopic approaches for the resection of these tumors. We report our technique for the endoscopic resection of tumors involving the anterior skull base. Our technique includes the extirpation of select tumors following critical premises, such as obtaining a complete resection and reestablishment of the separation of the sinonasal tract from the cranial cavity. There were 20 patients with various malignant tumors of the sinonasal tract operated on using an endoscopic technique. There are 19 patients alive and without evidence of disease at short-term follow-up (range 11-46 months) The only patient who presented with a recurrent tumor had a sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma treated with primary chemoradiation. She died of an aggressive recurrence at 8 months postoperatively. In 20 patients, we did not encounter any intraoperative complication. However, postoperative complications included 1 episode of tension pneumocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid leak in 3 patients, and 1 episode of bacterial meningitis associated with a prior cerebrospinal fluid leak. Short-term results suggest that an endoscopic transnasal anterior skull base resection can be performed safely and effectively. Further experience and follow-up are required to ascertain the outcomes of patients treated with endoscopic techniques.
The eta7/csn3-3 auxin response mutant of Arabidopsis defines a novel function for the CSN3 subunit of the COP9 signalosome.

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is an eight subunit protein complex conserved in all higher eukaryotes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the CSN regulates auxin response by removing the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8/RUB1 from the CUL1 subunit of the SCFTIR1/AFB ubiquitin-ligase (deneddylation). Previously described null mutations in any CSN subunit result in the pleiotropic cop/det/fus phenotype and cause seedling lethality, hampering the study of CSN functions in plant development. In a genetic screen to identify enhancers of the auxin response defects conferred by the tir1-1 mutation, we identified a viable csn mutant of subunit 3 (CSN3), designated eta7/csn3-3. In addition to enhancing tir1-1 mutant phenotypes, the csn3-3 mutation alone confers several phenotypes indicative of impaired auxin signaling including auxin resistant root growth and diminished auxin responsive gene expression. Unexpectedly however, csn3-3 plants are not defective in either the CSN-mediated deneddylation of CUL1 or in SCFTIR1-mediated degradation of Aux/IAA proteins. These findings suggest that csn3-3 is an atypical csn mutant that defines a novel CSN or CSN3-specific function. Consistent with this possibility, we observe dramatic differences in double mutant interactions between csn3-3 and other auxin signaling mutants compared to another weak csn mutant, csn1-10. Lastly, unlike other csn mutants, assembly of the CSN holocomplex is unaffected in csn3-3 plants. However, we detected a small CSN3-containing protein complex that is altered in csn3-3 plants. We hypothesize that in addition to its role in the CSN as a cullin deneddylase, CSN3 functions in a distinct protein complex that is required for proper auxin signaling.
Interfacial Fracture Mechanics

The mechanics of interface cracks has recently been clarified (e.g., [1]) and a number of efforts are underway to develop a mechanics of interface fracture with applications to composite materials, thin film/substrate systems, and coatings. An intrinsic feature of interfacial fracture is its mixed mode character wherein both shear and normal stresses act on the interface directly ahead of the crack. Depending on geometry and loading, the mixture of modes can range from purely normal stresses (mode I) to purely shear stresses (mode II). Toughness of an interface is characterized by critical combinations of mode I and mode II stress intensity factors (i.e., a locus of critical combinations) rather than just the single critical mode I stress intensity factor in the fracture of homogeneous materials. Equivalently, the critical energy release rate depends on the mode combination for interfacial fracture. Solutions are now available to the following problems: an interface crack in a layered structure where a very thin layer is sandwiched between two thick layers of different material [2], an interface crack between two layers of arbitrary thickness subject to arbitrary combinations of bending and stretching loads [3], and a crack in a substrate paralleling an interface between a thin film and the substrate driven by a variety of loadings including residual tension in the film [4]. These solutions can be used to analyze specimens for determining interfacial toughness and for predicting cracking in thin film or layered structures.
Adaptation Planning and Climate Impact Assessments: Learning from NEPA's Flaws

As we begin to design climate adaptation into our institutions, we should be careful to learn from past failures rather than repeating them. After almost four decades, we have had many opportunities to see NEPA's system of environmental assessment in action. We can do better in approaching climate adaptation assessment. We can learn five valuable lessons from NEPA's shortcomings: (1) Assessment of climate impacts and adaptation needs must be an integral part of the agency's decision making process, not an afterthought as is too often the case for environmental assessments. (2) Climate impact assessments should be available on-line and linked with GIS systems. (3) Formal follow-up mechanisms must be institutionalized, and information about the effectiveness of adaptation measures must be readily available on-line. (4) Planning should consider a range of potential adaptation scenarios to identify robust adaptation measures. (5) To ensure that agencies adopt a proactive approach to adaptation, mechanisms such as a prize process should be used to ensure that adaptation needs are identified, rather than having adaptation considered only when specific projects are on the agency's agenda.
Collective Nuclear "Breathing Mode" Model with Application to He 4 Monopole State

A new collective model of the nuclear breathing mode is presented which avoids the usual assumption of a constant nuclear ground-state density. The 20.4-MeV ${0}^{+}$ state in $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ is treated as an example of such a breathing-mode state.
Supersonic gasdispersional jets - Models and applications

This resparch project looks a t the possibility of controlling jet noise radiation using methods developed for other applications, in particular, the technique of modifying jet infra-red (thermal) radiation. The control of jet noise may be possible by properly injecting different solid and liquid particles into the jet flow and also by using special nozzle shapes to change the jet exhaust flow structure. The various experimental and theoretical studies show the strong influence of particle addition into jet flow. The numerical methods used are based on Chdunov scheme, TVD-Harten scheme. TVD coupled upwind algorithm, CRAFT. of S.M. Dash et al. and Spalding's boundary layer algorithm. A combined Lagrangian-Eulerian approach is used to numerically simulate a jet flow with particle addition. The nozzle and two-phase jet flow simulation results are presented along with the comparisons to experimental data.
Niche activism: Constructing a unified movement identity in a heterogeneous organizational field

This article draws on a study of interorganizational relations in the Chicago gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender movement to elaborate a theory for how activists integrate divergent organizational approaches to social reform into a coherent "movement identity." Departing from the resource mobilization and collective identity literatures, which tend to reduce organizational specialization either to a competition over resources or to ideological differences among movement participants, I argue that organizational interests and shared beliefs play interrelated, but nonreducible roles in the construction of movement identity. Activists understand social reform as requiring competencies in a wide range of cultural and political venues. Focusing on specific forms of movement activity, or niches, organizations develop proficiencies that activists share as part of a collective effort in which each organization is seen as playing a necessary, but insufficient part. Rather than undermining a unified movement i...
Family medicine residency directors' knowledge and attitudes about pediatric oral health education for residents.

The Surgeon General’s report on oral health called for improved education about oral health, a renewed understanding of relationships between oral and overall health, and an interdisciplinary approach to oral health involving primary care providers. This study examined the following: 1) family medicine residency directors’ knowledge of preventive dental care, 2) status of an oral heath curriculum in family medicine residencies, and 3) the likelihood of initiating an oral health curriculum. We conducted a fifty-item survey of family medicine program directors emphasizing pediatric oral health assessed demographics, knowledge of preventive procedures, existing oral health curriculum, composition, and time commitment for an oral health curriculum. Directors returned 208 (45 percent) surveys. Approximately 95 percent agreed that oral health knowledge should be a component of residency training. Most programs are teaching anticipatory guidance. The mean time program directors felt should be given to an oral health curriculum was four hours. Program directors lack knowledge of preventive dental procedures and oral health care recommendations. Oral health care knowledge is felt to be an important component of residency training. Program directors need faculty development for a successful delivery of an oral health curriculum.
Applications of Mouse Airway Epithelial Cell Culture for Asthma Research

Primary airway epithelial cell culture provides a valuable tool for studying cell differentiation, cell-cell interactions, and the role of immune system factors in asthma pathogenesis. In this chapter, we discuss the application of mouse tracheal epithelial cell cultures for the study of asthma biology. A major advantage of this system is the ability to use airway epithelial cells from mice with defined genetic backgrounds. The in vitro proliferation and differentiation of mouse airway epithelial cells uses the air-liquid interface condition to generate well-differentiated epithelia with characteristics of native airways. Protocols are provided for manipulation of differentiation, induction of mucous cell metaplasia, genetic modification, and cell and pathogen coculture. Assays for the assessment of gene expression, responses of cells, and analysis of specific cell subpopulations within the airway epithelium are included.
Approaches to Autonomous Aerobraking at Mars

Planetary atmospheric aerobraking will most likely be incorporated in every future Mars orbiting mission. Aerobraking requires an intensive workload during operations. To provide safe and efficient aerobraking, both navigation and spacecraft system teams must be extremely diligent in updating spacecraft sequences and performing periapsis raise or lower maneuvers to maintain the required orbital energy reduction without exceeding the design limits of the spacecraft. Automating the process with onboard measurements could significantly reduce the operational burden and, in addition, could reduce the potential for human error. Two levels of automation are presented and validated using part of the Mars Global Surveyor aerobraking sequence and a simulated Mars Odyssey sequence. The simplest method only provides the capability to update the onboard sequence. This method uses onboard accelerometer measurements to estimate the change in orbital period during an aerobraking pass and thereby estimates the beginning of the next aerobraking sequence. Evaluation of the method utilizing MGS accelerometer data showed that the time of the next periapsis can be estimated to within 25% 3σ of the change in the orbital period due to drag. The second approach provides complete onboard orbit propagation. A low-order gravity model is proposed that is sufficient to provide periapsis altitude predictions to within 100-200 meters over three orbits. Accelerometer measurements are used as part of the trajectory force model while the spacecraft is in the atmosphere.
Vascular smooth muscle cell durotaxis depends on extracellular matrix composition

Mechanical compliance has been demonstrated to be a key determinant of cell behavior, directing processes such as spreading, migration, and differentiation. Durotaxis, directional migration from softer to more stiff regions of a substrate, has been observed for a variety of cell types. Recent stiffness mapping experiments have shown that local changes in tissue stiffness in disease are often accompanied by an altered ECM composition in vivo. However, the importance of ECM composition in durotaxis has not yet been explored. To address this question, we have developed and characterized a polyacrylamide hydrogel culture platform featuring highly tunable gradients in mechanical stiffness. This feature, together with the ability to control ECM composition, allows us to isolate the effects of mechanical and biological signals on cell migratory behavior. Using this system, we have tracked vascular smooth muscle cell migration in vitro and quantitatively analyzed differences in cell migration as a function of ECM composition. Our results show that vascular smooth muscle cells undergo durotaxis on mechanical gradients coated with fibronectin but not on those coated with laminin. These findings indicate that the composition of the adhesion ligand is a critical determinant of a cell’s migratory response to mechanical gradients.
Overexpression of factor VIII after AAV delivery is transiently associated with cellular stress in hemophilia A mice

Factor VIII (FVIII) is a large glycoprotein that is challenging to express both in vitro and in vivo. Several studies suggest that high levels of FVIII expression can lead to cellular stress. After gene transfer, transgene expression is restricted to a subset of cells and the increased FVIII load per cell may impact activation of the unfolded protein response. We sought to determine whether increased FVIII expression in mice after adeno-associated viral liver gene transfer would affect the unfolded protein response and/or immune response to the transgene. The FVIII gene was delivered as B-domain deleted single chain or two chain (light and heavy chains) at a range of doses in hemophilia A mice. A correlation between FVIII expression and anti-FVIII antibody titers was observed. Analysis of key components of the unfolded protein response, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), showed transient unfolded protein response activation in the single chain treated group expressing >200% of FVIII but not after two chain delivery. These studies suggest that supraphysiological single chain FVIII expression may increase the likelihood of a cellular stress response but does not alter liver function. These data are in agreement with the observed long-term expression of FVIII at therapeutic levels after adeno-associated viral delivery in hemophilia A dogs without evidence of cellular toxicity.
MoBaS on Phosphorylation Data

Although advances in high-throughput omics technologies revolutionized our understanding of the genomic underpinnings of cancer, there are still many challenges in understanding how patients with common driver mutations may display diverging phosphoproteomic responses to the same treatment. Thus, an examination of the signaling landscape will provide essential molecular information for modeling personalized patient treatment design. However, integrative bioinformatics approaches to identify phosphoproteomics-based molecular states are in their infancy. To address this challenge, we integrated several bioinformatics tools to compare and contrast the drug-induced global signaling alterations of two KRAS mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, A549 and H358, treated with a novel activator of the tumor suppressor Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) versus DMSO control. To identify protein subnetworks that are enriched in differentially phosphorylated proteins, we use our algorithm MoBaS which is designed to identify protein subnetworks that are enriched in disease-associated genomic variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). MoBaS takes as input a PPI network and a score for each protein indicating the protein's association with the phenotype of interest. It then identifies protein subnetworks that are (i) composed of densely interacting proteins, and (ii) enriched in proteins with high scores. MoBaS also assesses the statistical significance of the identified subnetworks using permutation tests that enable multiple hypothesis testing. Subsequently, we do kinase enrichment within the statistical significant modules and find Aurora KB as a key kinase differentially regulated between the two cell lines in response to our compound. Further corroborating this finding, Aurora KB was downregulated at the protein and mRNA levels with our treatment in A549 but not in H358. Ultimately, our approach models the diverging protein-level drug response across two similar cell lines representing NSCLC patients. Such phosphoproteomic information will potentially inform the optimal therapy regimen for each individual.
Exposure–disease response analysis of natalizumab in subjects with multiple sclerosis

Natalizumab, a human immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody that targets α4β1/α4β7 integrin, is an effective therapy approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this analysis was to develop a population exposure–response model utilizing gadolinium-enhancing (Gd) lesion count data from four clinical studies and annualized relapse rate (ARR) data from three clinical studies. The natalizumab exposures were derived for the individuals using a population pharmacokinetic model. A log-linear exposure effect on Gd lesion count and ARR adequately characterized the relationship between exposure and disease response. In the case of the Gd lesion count model, a bimodal model that distributed subjects into two subpopulations based on low or high baseline Gd lesion count provided a superior goodness of fit. The mean (95% confidence interval) slopes from the exposure–Gd lesion count model and exposure-ARR model are −0.0903 (−0.100, −0.081) and −0.0222 (−0.026, −0.015) (mg/L)−1, respectively. From these slopes, it can be inferred that both Gd lesion count and ARR decrease with increasing exposure to natalizumab in MS subjects. Model-based simulations demonstrated that although reductions in Gd lesion count and ARR were observed with lower doses (75, 150, or 200 mg), only the dose of 300 mg every 4 weeks (q4w) was associated with an ARR ≤0.25 and was considered clinically effective. The results from the exposure-Gd lesion count and exposure-ARR models thus support the appropriateness of the approved natalizumab dose (300 mg q4w) in MS subjects.
The Merry Christmas Box of Music: The Hits, the Rarities, the Novelties, and More

Christmas song mavens like David A. Milberg, holiday music historians like Ronald D. Lankford, Jr., and Yuletide record chart compilers like Joel Whitburn acknowledge that the halcyon years of audi...
Are infidelity tolerance and rape myth acceptance related constructs? An association moderated by psychopathy and narcissism

Abstract Infidelity and rape are sexual transgressions that embody self-centeredness and disregard for others. The attitudinal frameworks related to each of these sexual malfeasances—infidelity tolerance and rape myth acceptance (RMA), respectively—may both result from sexual scripts that lack empathy. We proposed that infidelity tolerance and RMA are associated constructs and that their relationship is moderated by psychopathy and narcissism, both of which are characterized by a lack of empathy. In our cross-sectional study of 262 undergraduates, the relationship between infidelity tolerance and RMA was significantly moderated by both psychopathy (β = 0.125, p = 0.029) and narcissism (β = 0.133, p = 0.025). Specifically, the positive relationship between infidelity tolerance and RMA was strengthened as psychopathic or narcissistic traits increased. Further, in an exploratory set of analyses, we found that the self-centered impulsivity factor of psychopathy and the exhibitionism/entitlement factor of narcissism were driving their respective interactions with RMA. Infidelity tolerance and RMA are associated, especially in people that are more likely to lack empathy. The sexual scripts of people with psychopathic and narcissistic traits should be further examined. Other sexual scripts (e.g., hostile masculinity) may also result in a positive relationship between infidelity tolerance and RMA.
Highly Reliable Low-Threshold InAs Quantum Dot Lasers on On-Axis (001) Si with 87% Injection Efficiency

Quantum dot lasers epitaxially grown on Si are promising for an efficient light source for silicon photonics. Recently, considerable progress has been made to migrate 1.3 μm quantum dot lasers from off-cut Si to on-axis (001) Si substrates. Here, we report significantly improved performance and reliability of quantum dot lasers enabled by a low threading dislocation density GaAs buffer layer. Continuous-wave threshold currents as low as 6.2 mA and output powers of 185 mW have been achieved at 20 °C. Reliability tests after 1500 h at 35 °C showed an extrapolated mean-time-to-failure of more than a million hours. Direct device transparency and amplified spontaneous emission measurements reveal an internal optical loss as low as 2.42 cm–1 and injection efficiency of 87%. This represents a significant stride toward efficient, scalable, and reliable III–V lasers on on-axis Si substrates for photonic integrate circuits that are fully compatible with CMOS foundries.
Networked Publics and Digital Contention: The Politics of Everyday Life in Tunisia

Since the Arab Spring, digital media has either been acclaimed as a liberating technology bringing about positive changes, or been warned of as a new way of authoritarian control in the public disc...
Position-specific hydrogen isotope equilibrium in propane

Intramolecular isotope distributions can constrain source attribution, mechanisms of formation and destruction, and temperature-time histories of molecules. In this study, we explore the D/H fractionation between central (-CH_2-) and terminal (-CH_3) positions of propane (C_3H_8)- a percent level component of natural gases. The temperature dependenceof position-specific D/H fractionation of propane could potentially work as a geo-thermometer for natural gas systems, and a forensic identifier of specific thermogenic sources of atmospheric or aquatic emissions. Moreover, kinetically controlled departures from temperature dependent equilibrium might constrain mechanisms of thermogenic production, or provide indicators of biological or photochemical destruction. We developed a method to measure position-specific D/H differences of propane with high-resolution gas source mass spectrometry. We performed laboratory exchange experiments to study the exchange ratesfor both terminal and central positions, and used catalysts to drive the hydrogen isotopedistribution of propane to thermodynamic equilibrium. Experimental results demonstrate that D/H exchange between propane and water happens easily in the presence of either Pd catalyst or Ni catalyst. Exchange rates are similar between the two positions catalyzed by Pd. However, the central position exchanges 2.2 times faster than the terminal position in the presence of Ni catalyst. At 200 °C in the presence of Pd catalyst, the e-folding time of propane-water exchange is 20 days and of homogeneous exchange (i.e., equilibrium between central and terminal positions) is 28 min. An equilibrated (bracketed and time-invariant) intramolecular hydrogen isotope distribution was attained for propane at three temperatures, 30 °C, 100 °C and 200 °C; these data serve as an initial experimental calibration of a new position-specific thermometer with a temperature sensitivity of 0.25‰ per °C at 100 °C. We use this calibration to test the validity of prior published theoretical predictions. Comparison of data with models suggest the most sophisticated of these discrepant models (Webb and Miller, 2014) is most accurate; this conclusion implies that there is a combined experimental and theoretical foundation for an ‘absolute reference frame’ for position-specific H isotope analysis of propane, following principles previously used for clumped isotope analysis of CO_2, CH_4 and O_2 (Eiler and Schauble, 2004; Yeung et al., 2014; Stolper et al., 2014).
Potential Use of Microcosms to Assess Survival, Efficacy, and Environmental Safety of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms

“Standardized Aquatic Microcosms” for assessing the ecological effects of new chemicals are currently being interlaboratory tested, and could be adapted for use with genetically engineered organisms. They have the potential to evaluate the ability of new microorganisms to survive under conditions of competition and predation, to degrade test substrates in the presence of naturally abundant substrates, to determine pathogenicity to several species of algae and animals, and to disrupt ecological cycles. The 63-day microcosm protocol was developed and tested against a variety of chemicals.
The semantics of variables in action descriptions

Action description language C+ is more expressive than ADL in many ways; for instance, it addresses the ramification problem. On the other hand, ADL is based on first-order logic, while C+ is only propositional; expressions with variables, which are frequently used when action domains are described in C+, are merely schemas describing finite sets of causal laws that are formed according to the same pattern. In this paper we propose a new approach to the semantics of action descriptions with variables that combines attractive features of ADL and C+.
Technologies in Progress: CPOE, Wireless Computing, and Biometrics

In the late 1960s, a generation of television viewers was introduced to the television show “Star Trek.” What made “Star Trek” so interesting was its ability to forecast many of the technologies that are now coming into use in health care. For example, did not the communicator that Captain Kirk used to frequently ask Scotty to beam him up look strikingly familiar to the cell phones, or handsets, that many physicians and hospital administrators carry around with them today? And what about the tricorder? It could easily be mistaken for a personal digital assistant. The “Star Trek” technology, much like the technology we are seeing today, foreshadowed the breakdown of the barriers between data collection and data storage by newer handheld technologies. When Dr. McCoy wanted to know a patient’s vital signs, all he did was run a little sensor over the patient’s body. Devices now exist that literally do the same thing for physicians, who, incidentally, may or may not be in the same room with the patient. Finally, in “Star Trek,” access to information was almost ubiquitous. When Captain Kirk needed important information, all he did was make a request of the computer, and the information was quickly and efficiently displayed. Systems such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE) hold the same promise for physicians who need immediate access to patient information, laboratory results, or the latest information on a new medication’s dosage levels. This chapter will discuss some of the new and developing technologies that have the potential to shape the healthcare industry over the next decade. These technologies include CPOE, wireless/pervasive computing, biometrics, and customer relationship management.
UNC Perceived Message Effectiveness: Validation of a Brief Scale.

Background Interventionists commonly identify promising messages for health communication efforts based on audience members' ratings of perceived message effectiveness (PME). Purpose We sought to validate a new PME measure that improved on existing scales by focusing on the behavior and respondent, being brief, and having strong psychometric properties. Methods Participants were a national convenience sample of 999 adults and national probability samples of 1,692 adults and 869 adolescents recruited in 2015. Smokers and nonsmokers rated up to six brief messages about the chemicals in cigarette smoke on two PME scales. The first was the new three-item University of North Carolina (UNC) PME Scale that assessed effects perceptions. The second was an established six-item PME scale that assessed message perceptions. We examined the UNC PME Scale's psychometric properties and compared both scales using item factor analysis. Results The UNC PME Scale measured the same construct across multiple chemical messages (all factor loadings ≥ 0.86). It exhibited high reliability (>0.85) over very low to moderate levels of PME (z = -2.5 to 0.2), a range that is useful for identifying more promising messages. Samples of adults and adolescents showed a similar pattern of results. As expected, the UNC PME Scale was strongly positively correlated with message perceptions (r = .84). It also exhibited strong psychometric properties among participants regardless of education, reactance, sex, and smoking status. Discussion The UNC PME Scale reliably and validly measured PME among adults and adolescents from diverse groups. This brief scale may be used to efficiently evaluate candidate antismoking messages and may be suitable for adaptation to other health risk behaviors.
Child-Centered Play Therapy with Children Affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Single Case Design

Child centered play therapy (CCPT) is a therapeutic intervention that provides the environment for children to work through and heal from difficult experiences through expression of play and therapeutic relationship. It has been demonstrated effective with multiple types of disruptive behaviors. I conducted single-case research to explore CCPT's influence on children who had four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and provided analysis of data collected from one assessment administered weekly and one assessment at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention: the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Trauma Symptoms Checklist for Young Children. The two participants (one 8-year-old White American male and one 9-year-old White American female) demonstrated significant improvement in total difficulties and prosocial behaviors. The study revealed potential therapeutic benefits for utilizing CCPT with children who had four or more ACEs. Encompassed in discussion of study results are implications for practice, suggestions for future research, and limitations.
Impact of Peer Review on Use of Hypofractionated Regimens for Early-Stage Breast Cancer for Patients at a Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center and Its Community-Based Affiliates.

PURPOSE:Data have demonstrated that hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) and conventionally fractionated radiation therapy regimens are equivalent with respect to outcomes. Efforts to increase...
Selecting winter wheat straw for cellulosic ethanol production in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A

Abstract Selection of the best wheat variety for cellulosic ethanol production is very important. With dozens of varieties available, information on the sugar yield of different straws is needed to help farmers choose the most profitable wheat variety, for both grain yield and straw yield. Thirty winter wheat lines from the Pacific Northwest of the US were chosen for analysis based on historical and current production. Two pretreatment methods, dilute acid and hot water, were compared to determine the optimum pretreatment condition for wheat straw. Using the optimum dilute acid pretreatment condition, sugar yields from the straw of the 30 wheat varieties were compared. The differences in variety performance were then evaluated based on relationships among several measured parameters, including straw yield, grain yield, and chemical composition of biomass. The ranges of chemical composition for the 30 wheat straw varieties were 33.7–36.3% glucan (proxy for cellulose), 16.8–19.5% xylan (proxy for hemicellulose), and 18.4–20.6% lignin. Results also showed significant differences in total sugar recovery, which varied between 0.239 and 0.401 g g−1 dry matter of raw biomass across wheat straw varieties. Among the 30 tested varieties, Weatherford was selected as the best for dual-purpose wheat because it ranked highest in straw yield and potential sugar production per area and 6th-highest in grain yield.
Hepatic and renal betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase activity in pigs as affected by dietary intakes of sulfur amino acids, choline, and betaine.

In Exp. 1, young pigs were fed a basal diet containing .17% methionine (Met) (.14% digestible Met), and .48% cystine (.38% digestible cystine) for 14 d (34 to 48 d of age). Treatment additions were .25% DL-Met, .34% betaine, .30% choline, or .25% DL-Met and .34% betaine. Methionine, but not betaine or choline supplementation, increased (P < .05) weight gain and feed efficiency. Hepatic betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) activity was increased (P < .05) by betaine and choline supplementation but was not affected by Met deficiency. Renal BHMT activity was increased (P < .05) by Met deficiency and was further increased (P < .05) by betaine supplementation. In Exp. 2, 10-kg pigs were fed the basal diet from Exp. 1 supplemented with enough DL-Met to bring the total basal Met to .24% (.20% digestible Met). Treatment additions consisted of .20% DL-Met or .34% betaine, and diets were fed for 16 d (34 to 50 d of age). Feed efficiency increased (P < .05) in response to Met, but not to betaine, supplementation. Hepatic BHMT activity increased (P < .05) in response to betaine and Met, but no changes in renal BHMT activity occurred. Although statistically significant changes in hepatic and renal BHMT activity occurred in both experiments, the magnitude of the responses was probably not physiologically important. Therefore, in contrast to previous findings with rats and chicks, it does not seem that hepatic and renal BHMT activity in pigs is influenced substantially by Met deficiency, or by surfeit levels of choline or betaine.
Continued Exploration of the Thermal Wake Below Ascending High-Altitude Balloons

We present an update on our on-going investigation of the thermal wake that trails below ascending high-altitude balloons. We use a 1-dimensional array of temperature sensors called a “wake boom” to measure air temperatures up to 1.5m horizontally from points directly below the balloon. Our results concur with reports that the thermal wake is warmer than the surrounding air during daytime ascents due to solar radiation hitting the balloon skin, but colder than ambient air during night-time ascents due to adiabatic cooling of the gas in the balloon . In particular, we will report results from using Arduino microcontrollers to log data from DS18B20 digital temperature sensors. We will also give preliminary results from an X-shaped wake boom (AKA “X –Boom”), which allows us to study whether the hot side of the balloon (AKA the “sun side”) results in an asymmetry in the thermal wake horizontal temperature profile.
The Effect of Election Proximity on Government Responsiveness and Citizens’ Participation: Evidence From English Local Elections:

Does political engagement depend on government responsiveness? Identifying the drivers of political action is challenging because it requires disentangling instrumental from expressive motives for ...
Chapter 36 – Pathogenesis of COPD

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The chapter focuses on the role of specific cells and mediators on which the COPD process is based. COPD is a clinical single entity that includes a collection of disorders sharing the common physiological feature of progressively worsening expiratory airflow limitation. The various conditions included under COPD have different risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. Airflow limitation in COPD results from several distinct lesions. The decrease in intraluminal pressure and the loss of adjacent alveoli in emphysema lead to the collapse of small airways and thus limit expiratory airflow. Peribronchial fibrosis can also lead to fixed airflow limitation by narrowing the small airways. Thus, these two lesions interact functionally to exacerbate the further reduced expiratory flows. Patients with COPD also have a variety of additional nonpulmonary problems, which often affect the clinical course. These include lung cancer, skeletal muscle dysfunction, osteoporosis, bone fracture, and an increased incidence of cardiac mortality.
On the dynamics of a lubricated roller contact

Abstract This study proposes a dynamic model of a lubricated roller contact, focusing on the excitation of surface pit/defect. The fluctuation of contact force caused by periodic surface topography variation is used to determine the dynamic displacements and velocities of contact bodies. These responses, in turn, affect the thickness and flow of lubrication film, impacting contact pressure, and consequently contact force that is required in the dynamic analysis. It is shown, as the pit size grows, the acceleration increment escalates, therefore, can be used as an effective indicator for pitting failure occurrence. Additionally, a comparison of contact pressure between dynamic simulation and its quasi-static counterpart points to the importance of dynamic responses in tribological behavior description.
Accelerated Degradation Testing With Long-Term Memory Effects

The accelerated degradation testing (ADT) has been widely applied as an efficient strategy to obtain the reliability (life) information of the assets in a shorter-than-normal period of time by exposing the assets to higher-than-normal stresses. Recently, with advances in the sensor technology, it has been revealed that the degradation of some assets demonstrates a long-term memory effect, which implies that the future degradation process not only depends on the current degradation state but also strongly correlates with the past degradation history across a long period of time, and the degradation increments are correlated for nonoverlapping time intervals. The existing ADT methods do not consider the long-term memories, which could lead to biased life testing results. In this article, we propose a novel ADT model by integrating the long-term degradation memory effect based on a utilization of the fractional Brownian motion. A maximum likelihood approach is developed to estimate the model parameters. A likelihood-ratio hypothesis test is designed to test the existence of long-term memories. Simulation studies are implemented to illustrate the developed methods. Physical experiments on accelerated testing of a photocatalyst are designed and conducted to demonstrate the proposed model and its advantage over benchmark approaches. The results show that the traditional ADT paradigm, which ignores the long-term memories, significantly underestimates asset lifetime uncertainties.
Low Threshold Voltages Electrochemically Drive Gold Migration in Halide Perovskite Devices

The constituent ions of halide perovskite materials are mobile in the solid state and known to participate in reduction/oxidation reactions. Yet few parameters related to electrochemical processes ...
The Incentive Effects of No Fault Automobile Insurance

This paper presents a theoretical and empirical analysis of the effects of no fault automobile insurance on fatal accident rates. As a mechanism for compensating the victims of automobile accidents, no fault has several important advantages over the tort system. However, by restricting access to tort, no fault may weaken incentives for careful driving, leading to higher accident rates. We conduct an empirical analysis of automobile accident fatality rates in all U.S. states over the period 1968-1994, controlling for the potential endogeneity of no fault laws. The results support the hypothesis that no fault is significantly associated with higher fatal accident rates than tort.
Discordant Virus-Specific Antibody Levels, Antibody Neutralization Capacity, and T-cell Responses Following 3 Doses of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in a Patient With Connective Tissue Disease

We report a patient with connective tissue disease who developed modest severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 receptor binding domain-specific antibody levels and a lack of neutralization capacity, despite having received 3 mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines and holding anti-B-cell therapy for >7 months before vaccination. The patient developed virus-specific T-cell responses.
Imaging of Thoracic Trauma

Each year, approximately 5.8 million people throughout the world die as a result of injuries, accounting for 10% of the world’s deaths [1]. Approximately 25% of these are due to motor vehicle accidents. Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of cardiothoracic trauma, whether due to blunt force or penetrating trauma. Chest radiography and either computed tomography (CT) or CT angiography are considered complementary in the work-up of individuals with a high-energy mechanism of injury [2]. If cardiac injury is suspected transthoracic echocardiography is indicated. In patients with a low probability of significant thoracic injury, chest radiography may be sufficient.
Sexual Arousal and Desire: Interrelations and Responses to Three Modalities of Sexual Stimuli

Introduction. Traditionally, sexual desire is understood to occur spontaneously, but more recent models propose that desire responds to sexual stimuli. Aims. To experimentally assess whether sexual stimuli increased sexual desire; to compare how sexual arousal and desire responded to three modalities of sexual stimuli: erotic story, unstructured fantasy, and the Imagined Social Situation Exercise (ISSE). Methods. In an online study, participants (128 women, 98 men) were randomly assigned to one of four arousal conditions (ISSE, story, fantasy, or neutral), and then completed desire measures. In the ISSE, participants imagined and wrote about a positive sexual encounter with a self-defined attractive person. Main Outcome Measures. Sexual arousal (perceived genital, psychological, and perceived autonomic), anxiety, positive and negative affect, and state sexual desire via self-report measures pre- and post-condition; "trait" desire via the Sexual Desire Inventory post-condition. Results. All three sexual conditions significantly increased sexual arousal and positive affect compared with the neutral condition, with trends for higher arousal to unstructured fantasy than the ISSE or story conditions. Sexual conditions significantly increased scores on state measures of sexual desire. In addition, sexual context influenced measurement of "trait" solitary sexual desire in women, such that women reported significantly higher trait desire after the neutral and ISSE conditions vs. fantasy. Conclusion. Results highlight the responsiveness of sexual desire, problems with measurement of desire as a long-term trait, trade-offs of using the ISSE and other stimuli in sexuality research, and the need to address context in discussions of women's and men's desire. Goldey KL and van Anders SM. Sexual arousal and desire: Interrelations and responses to three modalities of sexual stimuli. J Sex Med 2012;9:2315-2329.
Dramatic decreases in brain reward function during nicotine withdrawal

Tobacco smoking is a worldwide public health problem. In the United States alone, over 400,000 deaths and $50 billion in medical costs annually are directly attributed to smoking. Accumulated evidence indicates that nicotine is the component of tobacco smoke that leads to addiction, but the means by which nicotine produces addiction remain unclear. Nicotine is less effective as a positive reinforcer than other drugs of abuse in non-dependent animals. Nevertheless, nicotine-withdrawal symptoms, including depressed mood, anxiety, irritability and craving in dependent subjects may contribute to the addictive liability of nicotine. We show here that spontaneous nicotine withdrawal in rats resulted in a significant decrease in brain reward function, as measured by elevations in brain reward thresholds, which persisted for four days. Further, systemic injections of a competitive nicotinic-receptor antagonist led to a dose-dependent increase in brain reward thresholds in chronic nicotine-treated rats. The decreased function in brain reward systems during nicotine withdrawal is comparable in magnitude and duration to that of other major drugs of abuse, and may constitute an important motivational factor that contributes to craving, relapse and continued tobacco consumption in humans.
Allogeneic interactions in the immune response and tolerance: II. Mechanism of stimulation of TNP plaque forming cells in normal rats

Abstract The mechanism of increase in trinitrophenyl-specific plaque forming cells in F 1 rats injected with parental lymphoid cells was studied. T cells seem to be necessary in the donor allogeneic lymphoid cell inoculum. In contrast, thymus-deprived F 1 recipients (B rats) were found to respond as well to allogeneic stimulation as thymus repopulated rats (B + T). Since the host provides the precursors of trinitrophenyl plaqueforming cells in this graft-versus-host situation, this suggests that allogeneic T cells induce B cells of the recipient to proliferate. This possibility was investigated by injecting normal rats with E. coli lipopolysaccharide, a potent B cell mitogen. A shortlived increase in trinitrophenyl-specific plaque-forming cells was elicited by 10 μg native E. coli lipopolysaccharide or by 2 mg detoxified E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Treatment of donor cells with mitomycin C or actinomycin D prevented the stimulation of trinitrophenyl plaque-forming cells in F 1 hosts. Thus, both DNA and RNA synthesis are necessary for this allogeneic effect.
Rotational states of a nanomagnet

We study a nanomagnet that exhibits spin tunneling and is free to rotate about its anisotropy axis. Hamiltonian of a rotated two-state spin system is derived and exact low-energy eigenstates of the nanomagnet that are superpositions of spin and rotational states are obtained. We show that parameter $\ensuremath{\alpha}=2{(\ensuremath{\hbar}S)}^{2}/(I\ensuremath{\Delta})$ determines the ground state of the magnet. Here $\ensuremath{\hbar}S$ is the spin, $I$ is the moment of inertia, and $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is the tunnel splitting. The ground-state magnetic moment is zero at $\ensuremath{\alpha}l{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}={[1\ensuremath{-}1/{(2S)}^{2}]}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and nonzero at $\ensuremath{\alpha}g{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}$. At $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ the spin of the nanomagnet localizes in one of the directions along the anisotropy axis.
Theoretical Calculations of Interstellar Cloud Formation

Numerical calculations of the growth of thermal instabilities show that condensations tend to form with the proper sort of density contrast but the wrong shapes (and, to some extent, sizes) to qualify as the observed interstellar clouds analyzed by Heiles.