cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Civic Voluntarism as a Vehicle Towards Diversity

Abstract Civic engagement, through voluntary associational membership, is touted as the keystone of community. It is within these groups where people get a chance to come together to form the necessary social network connections needed to accomplish collective endeavors. Civic engagement can have a bridging effect, bringing disparate people and communities together. Civic engagement can also have a bonding effect on members, which builds strong in-group ties, putting the membership at odds with outsiders. This article examines the relationship between voluntary associations and social network diversity. Since civic engagement is considered a resource, vis-a-vis social capital (where more is always better), the relationship between social network diversity and multiple group membership is isolated. The type of group is also taken into consideration, because the nature of some organizations, e.g., religious and neighborhood associations, can prove an impediment to diversity. Using the national sample of the...
An optimal control problem in exterior hydrodynamics

In this paper we consider the problem of accelerating an obstacle in an incompressible viscous fluid from rest to a given speed in a given time with minimum energy expenditure. An existence theorem for the speed trajectory which corresponds to the absolute minimum is provided. The results are valid for arbitrary Reynolds numbers.
Outsourcing Security Analysis with Anonymized Logs

As security monitoring grows both more complicated and more sophisticated, there is an increased demand for outsourcing these tasks to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). However, the core problem of sharing private security logs creates a barrier to the widespread adoption of this business model. In this paper we analyze the logs used for security analysis with the concern of privacy and propose the constraints on anonymization of security monitor logs. We believe if the anonymization solution fulfills the constraints, MSSPs can detect the attacks efficiently and protect privacy simultaneously.
Visualizing information across multidimensional post-genomic structured and textual databases

Motivation: Visualizing relationships among biological information to facilitate understanding is crucial to biological research during the post-genomic era. Although different systems have been developed to view gene--phenotype relationships for specific databases, very few have been designed specifically as a general flexible tool for visualizing multidimensional genotypic and phenotypic information together. Our goal is to develop a method for visualizing multidimensional genotypic and phenotypic information and a model that unifies different biological databases in order to present the integrated knowledge using a uniform interface. Results: We developed a novel, flexible and generalizable visualization tool, called PhenoGenesviewer (PGviewer), which in this paper was used to display gene--phenotype relationships from a human-curated database (OMIM) and from an automatic method using a Natural Language Processing tool called BioMedLEE. Data obtained from multiple databases were first integrated into a uniform structure and then organized by PGviewer. PGviewer provides a flexible query interface that allows dynamic selection and ordering of any desired dimension in the databases. Based on users' queries, results can be visualized using hierarchical expandable trees that present views specified by users according to their research interests. We believe that this method, which allows users to dynamically organize and visualize multiple dimensions, is a potentially powerful and promising tool that should substantially facilitate biological research. Availability: PhenogenesViewer as well as its support and tutorial are available at http://www.dbmi.columbia.edu/pgviewer/ Contact: Lussier@dbmi.columbia.edu
Quantum transport in double-gated graphene devices

Double-gated graphene devices provide an important platform for understanding electrical and optical properties of graphene. Here we present transport measurements of single layer, bilayer and trilayer graphene devices with suspended top gates. In zero magnetic fields, we observe formation of pnp junctions with tunable polarity and charge densities, as well as a tunable band gap in bilayer graphene and a tunable band overlap in trilayer graphene. In high magnetic fields, the devices’ conductance are quantized at integer and fractional values of conductance quantum, and the data are in good agreement with a model based on edge state equilibration at pn interfaces.
Ocean heat content and Earth's radiation imbalance

Earth’s radiation imbalance is determined from ocean heat content data and compared with results of direct measurements. Distinct time intervals of alternating positive and negative values are found: 1960– mid-1970s (−0.15), mid-1970s–2000 (+0.15), 2001–present (−0.2 W/m 2 ), and are consistent with prior reports. These climate shifts limit climate predictability.
Hierarchy of molecules in TGF-β1 signaling relevant to myofibroblast activation and renal fibrosis

A NUMBER OF MOLECULES using different transforming growth factor (TGF)-1-induced signaling pathways are involved that activate a wide variety of cells leading to a terminal event known as “scarring or fibrosis” in various organ systems. Likewise, renal fibrosis is an inevitable consequence of various types of progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKD), and it is characterized by continued exacerbation of glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis, which leads to irreversible kidney scarring. In the clinical setting, CKD patients with recalcitrant renal fibrosis manifest with progressive renal function loss, and they ultimately develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires renal replacement therapy (10). This Editorial Focus underscores the conundrum of intricate signaling pathways alluded to in a recent article in the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology by Manickam et al. (13) with the end point being renal fibrosis. In renal fibrosis, there is excessive amassing of the extracellular matrix (ECM) under the influence of profibrogenic cytokines, which initiate a myriad of signaling cascades. Under such stimuli, certain renal mesenchymal cells, such as mesangial cells and fibroblasts, differentiate upon activation into a profibrogenic myofibroblast phenotype and synthesize excessive amounts of the ECM (1, 10). TGF-1, a prototype of the TGF- superfamily, is widely considered to be the major profibrogenic cytokine that is responsible for the myofibroblast differentiation with ECM synthesis along with the suppression of ECM-degrading enzymes (11). TGF-1 first binds to a type II serine/threonine kinase receptor, which transphosphorylates and activates a type I receptor followed by the commencement of a series of downstream signaling events. In the canonical pathway, the activated TGF-1 receptor interacts with
Management of Cottonwood Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with a Novel Transplant Soak and Biorational Insecticides to Conserve Coccinellid Beetles

Biorational foliar sprays and a novel application method of soaking transplants in imidacloprid were evaluated for control of adult and larval cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta F., on hybrid poplar, with emphasis on conservation of coccinellid predators. Foliar sprays of four biorational insecticides killed adult and larval C. scripta: Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) variety tenebrionis (Novodor), B.t. variety kurstaki (Raven), spinosad (Conserve SC), and azadirachtin (Azatin XL) (larvae only) but did not kill two species of coccinellids, Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville and Harmonia axyridis (Pallas). Only imidacloprid (Admire 2) and carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus) killed two species of coccinellids and adult and larval C. scripta. We evaluated a novel stick soak method for systemically applying imidacloprid by soaking poplar sticks in Admire 2 solutions of 3 and 6 ml/liter for 48 h before planting. The imidacloprid in the sticks was translocated to the leaves and reduced survivorship of adult and larval C. scripta for 10 mo without any symptoms of phytotoxicity. The novel stick soak method did not kill two species of coccinellids when foraging on leaves.
Optimal Design of Intentional Mistuning for a Bladed Disk With Interval Uncertainty

This paper presents a methodology for the optimal design of intentional mistuning for a mistuned bladed disk with interval uncertainty. For a bladed disk where blades are weakly coupled, presence of random mistuning can easily induce vibration localization. This phenomenon will lead to great amplification in response amplitude of certain blades. To achieve desired reliability of a bladed disk, amplified response must be reduced to certain level, which requires probabilistic or reliability analysis. In this study, it is considered that blades have random distribution and coupling between blades has interval uncertainty. To treat the interval uncertainty appropriately, the worst-case combination of interval couplings is searched first, then probability of failure is evaluated under the worst-case condition. To increase reliability of a bladed disk, intentional mistuning is used in this study. While applying the intentional mistuning, it is also wanted to minimize the degree of intentional mistuning to minimize the cost of implementation. To find optimal combination of intentional mistuning parameters to achieve dual goals, gradient-based design optimization approach is utilized, which is expected to guarantee efficient convergence. To carry out gradient-based design optimization, sensitivities of objective function and probabilistic constraints with respect to intentional mistuning parameters are derived. During the sensitivity analysis, distribution of forced response amplitude is identified through Gaussian fit and eigenvalue perturbation theory is referred to. Monte Carlo simulation is utilized to accurately calculate probability of failure and its sensitivity. The proposed method is demonstrated with numerical examples of two distinct bladed disks.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Diesel Starting: A Mathematical Model

A mathematical model is developed to study the transient behavior of a four-stroke, single cylinder naturally-aspirated, DI diesel engine during cranking and starting. The model simulates the full thermodynamic cycle of the engine and includes detailed sub-models for the intake and exhaust gas flow processes, autoignition combustion, heat transfer, mechanical friction, blowby, and engine dynamics. The model considers the period of time from starter on until the engine reaches the idle speed
Metabolism of renal cortex in nephrotic syndrome of rats.

Summary1. The oxygen uptake of renal cortex slices of 29 control rats and 42 animals in which the nephrotic syndrome had been induced by the intravenous injection of nephrotoxic sera was studied. 2. In Krebs-Ringer solution, without added substrates, the average oxygen uptake of cortex slices of nephrotic rats did not differ from that of the controls. 3. Addition of glucose or of fructose resulted invariably in an increase in the oxygen uptake in the control slices. No consistent increase after addition of these two hexoses was noted when the kidney slices were obtained from nephrotic rats. 4. The increase in oxygen uptake of nephrotic slices produced by lactate, succinate, glutamate, acetoacetate and butyrate was equal to or only slightly less than in the corresponding control experiments. 5. Racemic alanine stimulated the oxygen uptake of the slices to a lesser degree in the nephrotic group. 6. Since oxidation of lactate, of succinate, and of glutamate proceeded at a normal rate, the inability of glucos...
Spectral and Wavenumber Approaches to Obtain Green's Functions for the Convected Wave Equation

The solution of the convected acoustic wave equation is presented for a circular lined duct, which is of special interest in turbofan engine noise control. The non-homogenous solution is here studied in terms of the Green’s functions for a point source. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to derive and compare the Green’s function by using two analytical methods: the Spectral Expansion and the Wavenumber Transform. The Spectral Expansion method for a lined duct has recently been derived using a formulation that is similar to the classical hard wall case. This formulation has the advantage that the continuity of the Green’s function in the plane of the source is explicitly satisfied. For the Wavenumber Transform method in conjunction with the theory of residues to solve the inverse transform, it is shown that the solution requires the same eigenproperties as in the Spectral Expansion approach. However, the continuity of the Green’s function computed from the Wavenumber Transform is not explicitly imposed. Using both methods, the Green’s functions for two cases were computed and presented as numerical results. The first case consists of a hard wall duct with flow for different frequencies. This case was investigated as a simple check of the formulations since, as expected, they lead to the same solution. The second case consists of a soft wall duct with the same flow speed. Comparison of the two methods shows that the shape of the Green’s function is the same in both approaches, but the magnitudes become different as the frequency increases. Also, for high frequencies and Mach numbers, the continuity condition is difficult to achieve by using the Wavenumber Transform method.
Generation of Functional RNAs from Inactive Oligonucleotide Complexes by Non-enzymatic Primer Extension

The earliest genomic RNAs had to be short enough for efficient replication, while simultaneously serving as unfolded templates and effective ribozymes. A partial solution to this paradox may lie in the fact that many functional RNAs can self-assemble from multiple fragments. Therefore, in early evolution, genomic RNA fragments could have been significantly shorter than unimolecular functional RNAs. Here, we show that unstable, nonfunctional complexes assembled from even shorter 3′-truncated oligonucleotides can be stabilized and gain function via non-enzymatic primer extension. Such short RNAs could act as good templates due to their minimal length and complex-forming capacity, while their minimal length would facilitate replication by relatively inefficient polymerization reactions. These RNAs could also assemble into nascent functional RNAs and undergo conversion to catalytically active forms, by the same polymerization chemistry used for replication that generated the original short RNAs. Such phenomen...
Enterprising Women: Gender, Race, and Power in the Revolutionary Atlantic

Paul Gilroy's field-defining book, The Black Atlantic, set into motion numerous studies that sought to confirm, extend and challenge Gilroy's thesis concerning the circulation of culture across the...
IQ differences of right and left spastic hemiplegic children.

Differences in IQ between 74 right and 53 left spastic hemiplegic boys and girls from 36 states were found to be nonsignificant (p > .05).
Manufacturing and evaluation of polyurethane composite structural insulated panels

Composite materials are increasingly used in applications of civil infrastructure and building materials. The new generations of two-part thermoset polyurethane resin systems are desirable materials for infrastructure applications. This is due to high impact resistance, superior mechanical properties, and reduced volatile organic compounds when compared to the conventionally used resin systems such as vinyl ester and polyester. Glass fiber-reinforced two-part polyurethane composites and low-density polyurethane foam are used to design and manufacture composite structural insulation panels using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process for temporary housing applications. Using these types of composite panels in building construction will result in cost-efficient, high-performance products due to inherent advantages in design flexibility. Use of core-filled composite structures offers additional benefits such as high strength, stiffness, lower structural weight, ease of installation and structure repl...
Surrogate in vitro activation of innate immunity synergizes with interleukin-7 to unleash rapid antigen-driven outgrowth of CD4+ and CD8+ human peripheral blood T-cells naturally recognizing MUC1, HER2/neu and other tumor-associated antigens

// Latha B. Pathangey 1,* , Dustin B. McCurry 1,* , Sandra J. Gendler 1,2,3 , Ana L. Dominguez 1 , Jessica E. Gorman 1 , Girish Pathangey 1 , Laurie A. Mihalik 3 , Yushe Dang 4 , Mary L. Disis 4 and Peter A. Cohen 2,3 1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA 2 Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA 3 Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA 4 Tumor Vaccine Group, Center for Translational Medicine in Women’s Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA * Shared first authorship Correspondence to: Peter A. Cohen, email: // Sandra J. Gendler, email: // Mary L. Disis, email: // Keywords : PBMC, TLR agonists, GM-CSF, IL-7, adoptive therapy, MUC1 Received : October 07, 2016 Accepted : November 23, 2016 Published : December 11, 2016 Abstract Effective adoptive immunotherapy has proved elusive for many types of human cancer, often due to difficulties achieving robust expansion of natural tumor-specific T-cells from peripheral blood. We hypothesized that antigen-driven T-cell expansion might best be triggered in vitro by acute activation of innate immunity to mimic a life-threatening infection. Unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were subjected to a two-step culture, first synchronizing their exposure to exogenous antigens with aggressive surrogate activation of innate immunity, followed by γ-chain cytokine-modulated T-cell hyperexpansion. Step 1 exposure to GM-CSF plus paired Toll-like receptor agonists (resiquimod and LPS), stimulated abundant IL-12 and IL-23 secretion, as well as upregulated co-stimulatory molecules and CD11c expression within the myeloid (CD33+) subpopulation. Added synthetic long peptides (>20aa) derived from widely expressed oncoproteins (MUC1, HER2/neu and CMVpp65), were reliably presented to CD4+ T-cells and cross-presented to CD8+ T-cells. Both presentation and cross-presentation demonstrated proteasomal and Sec61 dependence that could bypass the endoplasmic reticulum. Step 2 exposure to exogenous IL-7 or IL-7+IL-2 produced selective and sustained expansion of both CD4+ and CD8+ peptide-specific T-cells with a predominant interferon-γ-producing T1-type, as well as the antigen-specific ability to lyse tumor targets. Other γ-chain cytokines and/or combinations were initially proliferogenic, but followed by a contractile phase not observed with IL-7 or IL-7+IL-2. Regulatory T-cells were minimally propagated under these culture conditions. This mechanistically rational culture sequence, effective even for unvaccinated donors, enables rapid preparation of T-cells recognizing tumor-associated antigens expressed by the majority of human cancers, including pancreatic cancers, breast cancers and glioblastomas.
Working Draft of May Condorcet Arrow - Elaboration of Why SWFs with Polychotomous Balloting Procedures Fail to Overcome Condorcetian Objections

This paper elaborates why Arrovian social welfare functions that use polychotomous balloting procedures fail to overcome Condorcetian objections to the ability of SWFs to guarantee meaningful aggregation of individual votes. This paper clarifies a point made by Prasad in "Working Draft of May, Condorcet, Arrow: A Social Choice Defense of the Meaningful Aggregation of Votes".
Optimizing Polysilicon Deposition for Film Uniformity and Particles

This paper describes a three-step approach to characterize a low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) flat polysilicon process. The first step was to design and construct a flat polysilicon deposition furnace for reduced defectivity and improved film uniformity. The second phase was to characterize a process in this newly constructed furnace for both film uniformity and particles by using an L18 Taguchi experimental design. The third phase was to verify the recommended setting from the experimental design by processing confirmation runs. Results from the confirmation runs in the optimally constructed polysilicon furnace showed that particles can be reduced by up to 66 percent, and film uniformity can be improved by 29 percent over the current production process.
Childhood maltreatment and inflammation among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A pilot study.

BackgroundWomen with childhood maltreatment histories are at increased risk for adverse birth outcomes. Mechanisms explaining this link are poorly understood. Past research is limited by sampling p...
Genomic analysis of stable shMet knockdowns from multiple cancer cell models to identify mechanistic biomarkers and transcriptional signatures of cMet signaling

C55 The c-Met tyrosine kinase is a high affinity receptor for hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF). The binding of HGF to c-Met has been shown to affect several biological processes including mitogenesis, angiogenesis, morphogenesis, and motogenesis. Alteration of the expression and/or kinase activity of c-Met are closely associated with the development and progression of malignant tumors. In order to identify common and distinct mechanisms relevant to c-Met target biology, model cancer lines with differential basal expression of c-Met were stably infected with shMet lentivirus constructs and examined phenotypically, biochemically, and at the whole genome level using Affymetrix gene expression microarrays. Common and distinct signaling, metabolic and transcriptional regulatory pathways were identified. The gene sets are useful tools to assess in translationally relevant pharmacodynamic studies on xenograft models and for patient stratification in clinical tumors
The Effect of Mindfulness on Relationship Satisfaction via Perceived Responsiveness: Findings from a Dyadic Study of Heterosexual Romantic Partners

Trait mindfulness has been linked to romantic relationship satisfaction, but what are the mechanisms of action that give rise to this association? The current study tested the possible mechanism of perceived responsiveness in a partner (i.e., perceiving that a romantic partner is understanding, validating, and caring) who had the opportunity to provide support. We hypothesized that individuals higher in trait mindfulness would rate their partners higher in responsiveness, which in turn would predict greater relationship satisfaction in the rater. We also examined a cross-dyad path, in which partners of more mindful participants would view them as more responsive and thus have greater relationship satisfaction. In a laboratory study, each member of 127 heterosexual couples (n = 254) completed measures of trait mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. Couple members later took turns discussing a personal concern and then reported their partner’s responsiveness during that conversation. An actor-partner interdependence mediation model revealed that perceived responsiveness mediated the mindfulness and relationship satisfaction association. Participants higher in Non-judgment and Observing facets of trait mindfulness rated their partners higher in responsiveness, which predicted relationship satisfaction. In addition, participants higher in Acting with Awareness both (1) rated their partners as higher in responsiveness, and (2) were perceived by their partners as more responsive, with both paths mediating effects on relationship satisfaction. The results for Acting with Awareness, however, should be interpreted with caution, due to poor model fit. Thus, mindfulness may facilitate relationship satisfaction through heightened perception of partners’ responsiveness both within and across dyads.
A fast and robust hybrid solver for realistic electromagnetic problems

This paper presents a domain decomposition based hybrid finite element boundary integral method for solving electromagnetic radiation and scattering problems. The method employs a second order Robin's transmission condition to unite the finite element method and boundary element method at the truncation surface, leading to rapid convergence of domain decomposition iterations. Furthermore, the method provides a systematic approach to hybridize various electromagnetic solvers into one powerful hybrid solver. In this work, we have combined finite element method, method of moments, and asymptotic high frequency methods such as physical optics and shooting and bouncing rays. A one-way domain decomposition method will also be presented to provide an alternative fast and efficient solution.
A RARE CASE OF OVARIAN HILAR LEYDIG CELL TUMOR IN A POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMAN PRESENTING WITH CLITOROMEGALY

ABSTRACT Objective: Acquired clitoromegaly is a relatively rare condition, with hyperandrogenism among the possible etiologies. We report the case of a postmenopausal woman who presented with acquired clitoromegaly that was caused by a Leydig cell tumor, a rare type of ovarian tumor. Method: Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathology data are presented. Results: A 66-year-old postmenopausal female was referred to the endocrine office for evaluation of hyperandrogenism after she was found to have an enlarged clitoris on her annual gynecologic exam. Laboratory work-up was remarkable for elevated levels of total and free testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione concurrent with normal levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone–binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, prolactin, random cortisol, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Pelvic ultrasound and abdominal/pelvic computed tomography were unrevealing. Given the concern for an ovarian malign...
Algebraic Problem Solving for Middle School Students with Autism and Intellectual Disability

ABSTRACTProblem solving is an important yet neglected mathematical skill for students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability (ASD/ID). In addition, the terminology and vocabulary...
The Songs and Stories of Scotts Run

This work represents the authors’ contributions to a multidisciplinary community development project about Scotts Run—a community that sprang up along a creek of the same name in western Monongalia...
Simulated Soil Organic Carbon Responses to Crop Rotation, Tillage, and Climate Change in North Dakota

Understanding how agricultural management and climate change affect soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is particularly important for dryland agriculture regions that have been losing SOC over time due to fallow and tillage practices, and it can lead to development of agricultural practice(s) that reduce the impact of climate change on crop production. The objectives of this study were: (i) to simulate SOC dynamics in the top 30 cm of soil during a 20-yr (1993-2012) field study using CQESTR, a process-based C model; (ii) to predict the impact of changes in management, crop production, and climate change from 2013 to 2032; and (iii) to identify the best dryland cropping systems to maintain or increase SOC stocks under projected climate change in central North Dakota. Intensifying crop rotations was predicted to have a greater impact on SOC stocks than tillage (minimum tillage [MT], no-till [NT]) during 2013 to 2032, as SOC was highly correlated to biomass input ( = 0.91, = 0.00053). Converting from a MT spring wheat (SW, L.)-fallow rotation to a NT continuous SW rotation increased annualized biomass additions by 2.77 Mg ha (82%) and SOC by 0.22 Mg C ha yr. Under the assumption that crop production will stay at the 1993 to 2012 average, climate change is predicted to have a minor impact on SOC (approximately -6.5%) relative to crop rotation management. The CQESTR model predicted that the addition of another SW or rye ( L.) crop would have a greater effect on SOC stocks (0- to 30-cm depth) than conversion from MT to NT or climate change from 2013 to 2032.
Examining Distance Learners in Hybrid Synchronous Instruction: Successes and Challenges

This paper reports on a case study investigating distance learners participating in graduate-level hybrid synchronous instruction. This research helps inform the design of hybrid synchronous instruction in which face-to-face and distance learners engage in class sessions. Data were collected using electronic journals, individual interviews, and a focus group. The results of the data analysis provide evidence that in this case, hybrid synchronous instruction improved the study habits of distance learners. On the other hand, the case study results also revealed that there are challenging pedogogical aspects which the distance learners had to overcome during hybrid synchronous instruction. Among such challenges were the interactions, relationships, and communication exchanges between distance learners, their face-to-face counterparts, and the instructor.
A phase 1, dose-escalation study of PF-06664178, an anti-Trop-2/Aur0101 antibody-drug conjugate in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors

Purpose and Methods Trop-2 is a glycoprotein over-expressed in many solid tumors but at low levels in normal human tissue, providing a potential therapeutic target. We conducted a phase 1 dose-finding study of PF-06664178, an antibody-drug conjugate that targets Trop-2 for the selective delivery of the cytotoxic payload Aur0101. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase 2 dose. Secondary objectives included further characterization of the safety profile, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity. Eligible patients were enrolled and received multiple escalating doses of PF-06664178 in an open-label and unblinded manner based on a modified continual reassessment method. Results Thirty-one patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors were treated with escalating doses of PF-06664178 given intravenously every 21 days. Doses explored ranged from 0.15 mg/kg to 4.8 mg/kg. Seven patients experienced at least one dose limiting toxicity (DLT), either neutropenia or rash. Doses of 3.60 mg/kg, 4.2 mg/kg and 4.8 mg/kg were considered intolerable due to DLTs in skin rash, mucosa and neutropenia. Best overall response was stable disease in 11 patients (37.9%). None of the patients had a partial or complete response. Systemic exposure of PF-06664178 increased in a dose-related manner. Serum concentrations of free Aur0101 were substantially lower than those of PF-06664178 and total antibody. No correlation of Trop-2 expression and objective response was observed, although Trop-2 overexpression was not required for study entry. The intermediate dose of 2.4 mg/kg appeared to be the highest tolerated dose, but this was not fully explored as the study was terminated early due to excess toxicity. Conclusion PF-06664178 showed toxicity at high dose levels with modest antitumor activity. Neutropenia, skin rash and mucosal inflammation were dose limiting toxicities. Findings from this study may potentially aid in future antibody drug conjugate design and trials.
Understanding Extended Projected Profile (EPP) Trajectory Error Using a Medium-Fidelity Aircraft Simulation

A critical component of Trajectory-Based Operations is the ability for a consistent and accurate 4-dimensional trajectory to be shared and synchronized between airborne and ground systems as well as amongst various ground automation systems. The Aeronautical Telecommunication Network—Baseline 2 standard defines the Extended Projected Profile (EPP) trajectory that can be sent via Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract from an aircraft to ground automation. The EPP trajectory message contains a representation of the reference trajectory from an aircraft’s Flight Management System (FMS). In this work, a set of scenarios were run in a medium-fidelity aircraft and FMS simulation to perform an initial characterization of EPP trajectory errors under a given set of conditions. The parameters investigated were the route length, route type, wind magnitude error, wind direction error, and with and without a required time-of-arrival constraint.
MR imaging of normal and injured wrist ligaments.

SUMMARY MR imaging is a rapidly evolving modality for examining the ligaments of the wrist. Recent improvements in magnet design and receiver coil technology have allowed consistent visualization of the wrist ligaments. Image quality can be optimized by selection of the proper receiver coil, careful attention to patient comfort and positioning, and selection of a dedicated imaging protocol. The carpal ligaments can be classified as capsular or interosseous ligaments, with the most important interosseous ligaments being the SLL and LTL as well as the triangular fibrocartilage. It is important for radiologists to understand the anatomy of the carpal ligaments in addition to the normal range of MR appearances as basis for comparison with torn or degenerated carpal ligaments.
TRP Channel Involvement in Salivary Glands-Some Good, Some Bad.

Salivary glands secrete saliva, a mixture of proteins and fluids, which plays an extremely important role in the maintenance of oral health. Loss of salivary secretion causes a dry mouth condition, xerostomia, which has numerous deleterious consequences including opportunistic infections within the oral cavity, difficulties in eating and swallowing food, and problems with speech. Secretion of fluid by salivary glands is stimulated by activation of specific receptors on acinar cell plasma membrane and is mediated by an increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i). The increase in [Ca2+]i regulates a number of ion channels and transporters that are required for establishing an osmotic gradient that drives water flow via aquaporin water channels in the apical membrane. The Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE) mechanism, which is regulated in response to depletion of ER-Ca2+, determines the sustained [Ca2+]i increase required for prolonged fluid secretion. Core components of SOCE in salivary gland acinar cells are Orai1 and STIM1. In addition, TRPC1 is a major and non-redundant contributor to SOCE and fluid secretion in salivary gland acinar and ductal cells. Other TRP channels that contribute to salivary flow are TRPC3 and TRPV4, while presence of others, including TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1, and TRPV3, have been identified in the gland. Loss of salivary gland function leads to dry mouth conditions, or xerostomia, which is clinically seen in patients who have undergone radiation treatment for head-and-neck cancers, and those with the autoimmune exocrinopathy, Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS). TRPM2 is a unique TRP channel that acts as a sensor for intracellular ROS. We will discuss recent studies reported by us that demonstrate a key role for TRPM2 in radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction. Further, there is increasing evidence that TRPM2 might be involved in inflammatory processes. These interesting findings point to the possible involvement of TRPM2 in Sjogren’s Syndrome, although further studies will be required to identify the exact role of TRPM2 in this disease.
Amyloid Deposition and Infiltrative Cardiomyopathy.

A 63-year-old African American man presented with orthopnea and pedal edema that had worsened during the past 4 months. Macroglossia was noted.
Every Door Direct Mail in US survey research: An anonymous census approach to mail survey sampling:

Mail surveys remain a popular method of eliciting attitudinal information, but declining response rates motivate inquiry into new, lower cost methods of contacting potential respondents. This work ...
SOBRE LA PRODUCCIÓN Y REVISIÓN DE ARTÍCULOS EN REVISTAS CIENTÍFICAS

Comento sobre la importancia de producir, publicar y revisar literatura cientifica. La ciencia, en particular la Biologia, debe sus avances a las publicaciones de los investigadores. Sin embargo, en el proceso de publicacion puede haber errores que es necesario corregir. La falta de integridad y el conflicto de intereses pueden nublar el buen criterio para producir o revisar una publicacion cientifica, lo cual se debe evitar. La reputacion del biologo debe ser conocida por su etica profesional y por su produccion, la cual debe ser plasmada en publicaciones cientificas de alta calidad.
Gestational and perinatal exposure to diazinon causes long-lasting neurobehavioral consequences in the rat

Abstract Diazinon is a widely-used organophosphate pesticide. Pulsatile exposure to diazinon during neonatal development has previously been shown cause long-term neurobehavioral impairments in rats. However, the effects of chronic low concentration exposures during perinatal development remain unclear. This experiment evaluated such effects in Sprague-Dawley rats by implanting osmotic pumps in breeder females prior to conception (N = 13–15 litters per condition) which then delivered chronic, zero order kinetic low-level infusions of 0, 114 or 228 ug/day of diazinon throughout pregnancy. One male and one female from each litter was assessed with a battery of behavioral tests that continued from four weeks of age into adulthood. Litter was used as the unit of variance for the analysis of variance test of significance, with sex as a within litter factor. Diazinon treatment condition was the between subjects factor and time or sessions were repeated measures. Chronic diazinon exposure from pre-mating until the neonatal period caused a significant (p
How the Mindfulness Manifold Relates to the Five Moral Foundations, Prejudice, and Awareness of Privilege

We examined whether and how habitual mindfulness (defined as a broad manifold of self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence) relates to ethical sensitivities, operationalized as moral attitudes (as measured by the Moral Foundations Questionnaire) and prejudice. This is a cross-sectional study using factor analysis and path analysis in two independent samples (n = 358 and 424) of college students. With regard to mindfulness, we found that two higher-order measures of self-awareness (i.e., reflective awareness and controlled sense of self in the moment) influenced two higher-order measures of self-regulation (i.e., self-preoccupation and self-compassion), as well as self-transcendence, which was additionally influenced by self-regulation. Path analysis showed that reflective awareness and self-transcendence were directly related to individualizing aspects of morality (i.e., an emphasis on care and fairness); only self-transcendence and social conservatism were related to binding aspects of morality (i.e., an emphasis on loyalty, authority, and sanctity). The individualizing stance, in turn, led to less explicit prejudice, more awareness of privilege, and, indirectly, a higher motivation to control one’s prejudiced reactions. Implicit prejudice, however, was not related to any of the examined variables. The Stoic and Buddhist conjecture that ethical sensitivities can be fostered through mindfulness might well work: Distinct aspects of the mindfulness manifold were directly and indirectly related to the moral foundations; explicit prejudice, awareness of privilege, and the motivation to control one’s prejudiced reactions were likewise related to select aspects of the mindfulness manifold. Within the manifold, reflective awareness and self-transcendence are key variables implicated in awakening and fostering ethical sensitivities.
Platform-integrated mRNA isoform quantification

Motivation Accurate estimation of transcript isoform abundance is critical for downstream transcriptome analyses and can lead to precise molecular mechanisms for understanding complex human diseases, like cancer. Simplex mRNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) based isoform quantification approaches are facing the challenges of inherent sampling bias and unidentifiable read origins. A large-scale experiment shows that the consistency between RNA-Seq and other mRNA quantification platforms is relatively low at the isoform level compared to the gene level. In this project, we developed a platform-integrated model for transcript quantification (IntMTQ) to improve the performance of RNA-Seq on isoform expression estimation. IntMTQ, which benefits from the mRNA expressions reported by the other platforms, provides more precise RNA-Seq-based isoform quantification and leads to more accurate molecular signatures for disease phenotype prediction. Results In the experiments to assess the quality of isoform expression estimated by IntMTQ, we designed three tasks for clustering and classification of 46 cancer cell lines with four different mRNA quantification platforms, including newly developed NanoString's nCounter technology. The results demonstrate that the isoform expressions learned by IntMTQ consistently provide more and better molecular features for downstream analyses compared with five baseline algorithms which consider RNA-Seq data only. An independent RT-qPCR experiment on seven genes in twelve cancer cell lines showed that the IntMTQ improved overall transcript quantification. The platform-integrated algorithms could be applied to large-scale cancer studies, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), with both RNA-Seq and array-based platforms available. Availability and implementation Source code is available at: https://github.com/CompbioLabUcf/IntMTQ. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio sp. Strain OCN044, Isolated from Palmyra Atoll, Northern Line Islands.

ABSTRACT Vibrio sp. strain OCN044 is a Gram-negative gammaproteobacterium found in marine environments. Presented here is the whole-draft genome sequence of nonpathogenic Vibrio sp. strain OCN044, isolated from a healthy Acropora cytherea colony off the western reef terrace of Palmyra Atoll.
“Standing in the Gap”: The Continued Importance of Culturally Competent Therapeutic Interventions for Black Youth

The mental health status of Black youth is a complex interplay of resilience in the face of risk. Basic and applied research on cultural considerations for Black youth and their families has prolif...
Repeatability and reliability of GABA measurements with magnetic resonance spectroscopy in healthy young adults.

Purpose Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) abnormalities have been implicated in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite substantial interest in probing GABA in vivo, human imaging studies relying on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have generally been hindered by technical challenges, including GABA's relatively low concentration and spectral overlap with other metabolites. Although past studies have shown moderate-to-strong test-retest repeatability and reliability of GABA within certain brain regions, many of these studies have been limited by small sample sizes. Methods GABA+ (macromolecular-contaminated) test-retest reliability and repeatability were assessed via a Meshcher-Garwood point resolved spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) MRS sequence in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC; n = 21) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC; n = 20) in healthy young adults. Data were collected on a 3T scanner (Siemens Prisma, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) and GABA+ results were reported in reference to both total creatine (GABA+/tCr) and water (GABA+/water). Results Results showed strong test-retest repeatability (mean GABA+/tCr coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.6%; mean GABA+/water CV = 4.0%) and reliability (GABA+/tCr intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.77; GABA+/water ICC = 0.87) in the dlPFC. The rACC showed acceptable (but comparatively lower) repeatability (mean GABA+/tCr CV = 8.0%; mean GABA+/water CV = 7.5%), yet low-moderate reliability (GABA+/tCr ICC = 0.40; GABA+/water ICC = 0.44). Conclusion The present study found excellent GABA+ MRS repeatability and reliability in the dlPFC. The rACC showed inferior results, possibly because of a combination of shimming impedance and measurement error. These data suggest that MEGA-PRESS can be utilized to reliably distinguish participants based on dlPFC GABA+ levels, whereas the mixed results in the rACC merit further investigation.
It Don’t Affect Them Like it Affects Us: Disenfranchised Grief of Black Boys in the Wake of Peer Homicide

Black boys’ grief coping with peer homicide remain under-researched and undertheorized (Bordere in Omega J Death Dying 58:213–232, 2008; Smith in Am J Public Health 105(3):483–490, 2015; Smith and Patton in Am J Orthopsychiatry 86(2):212–223, 2016; Voisin et al. in J Interpers Violence 26: 2483–2498, 2011). This is especially significant when combined with the emerging understanding that Black boys may experience homicidal death in significantly different ways and durations than others (Piazza-Bonin et al. in OMEGA J Death Dying 70(4): 404–427. https://doi.org/10.1177/0030222815573727 , 2015). This manuscript examines the experiences of three Black boys attending an urban school, in the wake of the homicidal death of their peer. We purport the absence of grief counselors and the lack of administrative sensitivity, created a misalignment between the boys’ need to grieve, systems within an urban school context that denied and erased trauma. Drawing from concepts of disenfranchised grief (Doka in Handbook of bereavement research and practice: advances in theory and intervention. American Psychological Association, pp 223–240. https://doi.org/10.1037/14498-011 , 2008; Rowling in Disenfranchised grief: new directions, challenges, and strategies for practice. Research Press, pp 275–292, 2002), we situate our analysis using Brofenbrenner's theory of proximal processes (Making human beings human: bioecological perspectives on human development. Sage Publications Ltd, London, pp 106–173, 2005). This framework reveals a perspective that counters the hegemonic ontologies which deny Black boys’ the right to grieve. Furthermore, in examining one Black male mentor’s support of the boys in the aftermath of this tragedy, this manuscript contributes to an increased awareness of the need for urban school policies and practices that reflect reframed understandings of Black boys' mourning.
Prognostic disclosure: A scoping review on communication guidelines and their application in oncology.

e24107Background: Prognostic disclosure is essential to informed decision making in oncology, yet many oncologists are unsure how to successfully facilitate this discussion. This scoping review det...
Small lymphocytic lymphoma of the prostate mimicking a PIRADS 5 lesion that resolved after systemic treatment

Prostatic PIRADS 4 and 5 lesions on multiparametric MRI typically represent adenocarcinoma with small lymphocytic lymphoma being a rare pathological finding. We report a case of small lymphocytic lymphoma masquerading as PIRADS 4 and 5 lesions with associated lymphadenopathy in a 69-year-old male on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer that was subsequently confirmed on targeted and systematic prostate biopsy. Following treatment of lymphoma with ibrutinib, there was complete resolution of the PIRADS lesions on follow-up mpMRI.
β-Cell autophagy in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an insulin-dependent, autoimmune disease where the pancreatic β cells are destroyed resulting in hyperglycemia. This multifactorial disease involves multiple environmental and ge...
The Role of Differential Equations in Applied Statistics

The target of this paper is to discuss, investigate and present how the differential equations are applied in Statistics. The stochastic orientation of Statistics creates problems to adopt the differential equations as an individual tool, but Applied Statistics is using the differential equations either through applications from other fields, like Chemistry or as a tool to explain “variation” in stochastic processes.
Slurs and lexical presumption

Abstract Grice's cryptic notion of “conventional implicature” has been developed in a number of different ways. This paper deploys the simplest version, Lycan's (1984) notion of “lexical presumption,” and argues that slurs and other pejorative expressions have normal truth-conditional content plus the most obvious extra implicatures. The paper then addresses and rebuts objections to “conventional implicature” accounts that have been made in the literature, particularly those which focus on non-offensive uses of slurs.