cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psoralen-induced growth inhibition in Wistar rats

The linear furanocoumarins (or psoralens) are naturally occurring plant biosynthetic metabolites that have been used since ancient times in skin photochemotherapy. However, medicinal use of the psoralens has been linked with increased incidence of skin cancer in humans. To understand some of the mechanism of this toxicity, we tested increasing concentrations of the psoralens bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) and xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) for toxicity against Wistar rats. As dietary concentrations of each compound increased, weight gain in both male and female rats decreased. Feeding on diet containing these chemicals also decreased rat birth rate, but did not significantly affect individual litter weight or date of birth. Xanthotoxin appeared to be more toxic than bergapten.
Defectivity profiling with dynamic COQUALMO: An explication and product quality retrospective

SUMMARY A software development organization's process trustworthiness can be enhanced through development project retrospectives or postmortems, which seek to produce lessons from mistakes and successes in the project performance. Tool support for such retrospectives is usually limited to qualitative analysis. A new model, Dynamic COQUALMO, offers quantitative support through a defectivity profile that can be calibrated to a project's actual profile of defects found over time. The model inputs can then be varied to represent alternative project decisions and conditions, providing a basis for estimating the effects of project improvements on product quality. This paper describes Dynamic COQUALMO and demonstrates its use in a project retrospective. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Software agnostic approaches to explore pre-silicon system performance

A new modeling methodology is proposed to improve performance validation at an early stage in the design cycle of systems dedicated to handheld devices. Hardware models are typically available early in the chipset development cycle, but software, such as multimedia applications, may not be developed until after the ASIC is designed. An alternative source of simulation stimulus must be found so that hardware models can be exercised in the absence of such software. This paper describes three approaches that overcome this dependency and enable the validation of application processor performance at the architecture stage of silicon design: high-level software models, trace-driven characterization, and statistical traffic models. Correlation between actual measurements and simulation outputs demonstrates that these methods provide adequate accuracy for performance validation.
Technology Requirement for Dental Radiology

Diagnostic performance obtainable from existing dental radiographic systems tends to be limited largely by arbitrary, two-dimensional sampling of dynamic processes manifest in three spatial dimensions plus time. Improvement requires a more rational sampling strategy. Depending on the particular diagnostic task involved, this usually can be facilitated through an increase in the range and number of x-ray projections produced. In order to minimize necessary exposure risks, temporal ambiguity, and patient discomfort, this should be accomplished as fast as practical with a concomitant reduction in radiation dose per projection.
Meta-Analysis of Soy Intake and Breast Cancer Risk

Background: High intake of soy foods has been proposed to contribute to the low breast cancer risk in Asian countries. However, results of epidemiologic studies of this association are highly variable, and experimental data suggest that soy constituents can be estrogenic and potentially risk enhancing. Thus, rigorous evaluation of available epidemiologic data is necessary before appropriate recommendations can be made, especially for women at high risk of breast cancer or those who have survived the disease. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of 18 epidemiologic studies (12 case – control and six cohort or nested case – control) published from 1978 through 2004 that examined soy exposure and breast cancer risk. Pooled relative risk estimates were based on either the original soy exposure measure defi ned in each study or on an estimate of daily soy protein intake. Results: Risk estimates, levels and measures of soy exposure, and control for confounding factors varied considerably across studies. In a pooled analysis, among all women, high soy intake was modestly associated with reduced breast cancer risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, 95% confi dence interval [CI] = 0.75 to 0.99); the association was not statistically signifi cant among women in Asian countries (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.71 to 1.12). Among the 10 studies that stratifi ed by menopausal status the inverse association between soy exposure and breast cancer risk was somewhat stronger in premenopausal women (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.85) than in postmenopausal women (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.98); however, eight studies did not provide menopausespecifi c results, six of which did not support an association. When exposure was analyzed by soy protein intake in grams per day, a statistically signifi cant association with breast cancer risk was seen only among premenopausal women (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92 to 0.97). Conclusions: Soy intake may be associated with a small reduction in breast cancer risk. However, this result should be interpreted with caution due to potential exposure misclassifi cation, confounding, and lack of a dose response. Given these caveats and results of some experimental studies that suggest adverse effects from soy constituents, recommendations for high- dose isofl avone supplementation to prevent breast cancer or prevent its recurrence are premature. [J Natl Cancer Inst 2006;98:459 – 71]
Solubility of Doxycycline in Aqueous Solution

The solubility of doxycyline monohydrate and doxycycline hydrochloride dihydrate was investigated in aqueous solution. The hydrochloride dihydrate salt was isolated and identified from solutions initially containing doxycycline hyclate in water. The pKa' = 3.09 (mu = 0.1 and 25 degrees) for protonation of doxycycline was determined spectrophotometrically. The pH-solubility profiles were determined for doxycycline monohydrate in water and in 1.0 M NaNO3-HNO3 and NaCl-HCl. The pH-solubility profile at 25 degrees for doxycycline in aqueous hydrochloric acid without added salt reached a sharp maximum fo 50 mg/ml at pH 2.16. Added chloride ion strongly suppressed the solubility of the hydrochloride dihydrate salt. The apparent solubility product was not constant but decreased as the concentration of added salt increased. A theoretical model was developed involving dimerization of doxycycline and applied to the experimental data. The dimerization constant, Kd = 24 M-1, and true solubility product, K0sp = 1.8 X 10(-3) M2, were calculated. The effect of concentration on NMR and visible spectra indicated that dimerization resulted from intermolecular hydrogen bonding of the phenolic beta-diketone portion of the molecule.
Variables influencing the neural correlates of perceived risk of physical harm

Many human activities involve a risk of physical harm. However, not much is known about the specific brain regions involved in decision making regarding these risks. To explore the neural correlates of risk perception for physical harms, 19 participants took part in an event-related fMRI study while rating risky activities. The scenarios varied in level of potential harm (e.g., paralysis vs. stubbed toe), likelihood of injury (e.g., 1 chance in 100 vs. 1 chance in 1,000), and format (frequency vs. probability). Networks of brain regions were responsive to different aspects of risk information. Cortical language- processing areas, the middle temporal gyrus, and a region around the bed nucleus of stria terminalis responded more strongly to high- harm conditions. Prefrontal areas, along with subcortical ventral striatum, responded preferentially to high- likelihood conditions. Participants rated identical risks to be greater when information was presented in frequency format rather than probability format. These findings indicate that risk assessments for physical harm engage a broad network of brain regions that are sensitive to the severity of harm, the likelihood of risk, and the framing of risk information.
Light-dependent subcellular translocation of Gqα in Drosophila photoreceptors is facilitated by the photoreceptor-specific myosin III NINAC

We examine the light-dependent subcellular translocation of the visual Gqα protein between the signaling compartment, the rhabdomere and the cell body in Drosophila photoreceptors. We characterize the translocation of Gqα and provide the first evidence implicating the involvement of the photoreceptor-specific myosin III NINAC in Gqα transport. Translocation of Gqα from the rhabdomere to the cell body is rapid, taking less than 5 minutes. Higher light intensities increased the quantity of Gqα translocated out of the rhabdomeres from 20% to 75%, consistent with a mechanism for light adaptation. We demonstrate that translocation of Gqα requires rhodopsin, but none of the known downstream phototransduction components, suggesting that the signaling pathway triggering translocation occurs upstream of Gqα. Finally, we show that ninaC mutants display a significantly reduced rate of Gqα transport from the cell body to the rhabdomere, suggesting that NINAC might function as a light-dependent plus-end motor involved in the transport of Gqα.
Increased coupling and altered glutamate transport currents in astrocytes following kainic-acid-induced status epilepticus

Profound astrogliosis coincident with neuronal cell loss is universally described in human and animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In the kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (SE) model of TLE, astrocytes in the hippocampus become reactive soon after SE and before the onset of spontaneous seizures. To determine if astrocytes in the hippocampus exhibit changes in function soon after SE, we recorded from SR101-labeled astrocytes using the whole-cell patch technique in hippocampal brain slices prepared from control and kainic-acid-treated rats. Glutamate transporter-dependent currents were found to have significantly faster decay time kinetics and in addition, dye coupling between astrocytes was substantially increased. Consistent with an increase in dye coupling in reactive astrocytes, immunoblot experiments demonstrated a significant increase in both glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and connexin 43, a major gap junction protein expressed by astrocytes. In contrast to what has been observed in resected tissue from patients with refractory epilepsy, changes in potassium currents were not observed shortly after KA-induced SE. While many changes in neuronal function have been identified during the initial period of low seizure probability in this model of TLE, the present study contributes to the growing body of literature suggesting a role for astrocytes in the process of epileptogenesis.
The role of ants in conservation monitoring: If, when, and how

Abstract Ants are increasingly being recognized as useful tools for land managers to monitor ecosystem conditions. However, despite an abundance of studies on ant responses to both environmental disturbance and land management techniques, an analysis of the practice and value of including ants in monitoring is lacking. Consequently, conservation managers are left with little guidance as to if, when, and how ants can be used to assess conservation activities. Based on our review of approximately 60 published studies, we outline five areas where ants provide valuable information for management-based monitoring: (1) to detect the presence of invasive species, (2) to detect trends among threatened or endangered species, (3) to detect trends among keystone species, (4) to evaluate land management actions, and (5) to assess long-term ecosystem changes. We also discuss practical considerations when designing a monitoring framework for ants, including appropriate methods, taxonomic resolution for sampling, and spatial and temporal scale. We find that when integrated with management goals, monitoring ants can provide information over the short-term on topics such as the status of invasive or keystone species, as well as over longer time frames, for instance the impact of climate change. Overall, we conclude that ants merit monitoring based on their inherent ecological qualities, independent of any “indicator” attributes they might have.
Grandparents and Grandparenting in a Rural Southern State A Study of Demographic Characteristics, Roles, and Relationships

Current social and demographic changes have drawn attention to the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. This research examined grandparents and grandparenting in a rural southern state. One hundred fifty-eight grandparents were interviewed by telephone regarding their roles and relationships with their grandchildren and others along with the impact grandparenting had on their other activities. Results indicate that 60% of the sample had frequent contact with their grandchildren. A significant proportion of the grandparents indicated that they provide assistance by giving advice, preparing meals, and baby-sitting. Additionally, grandparents indicated that providing care does not interfere with their other activities. Discussion focuses on the need to understand grandparent-grandchild relationships and the factors that influence them across time, particularly as the grandchildren become adults.
White Dialectics as Multidimensional, Contextual, and Transformational

This rejoinder provides a response to reactions by Ponterotto, Sue, and Toporek to the White dialectics framework presented in Todd and Abrams’s article. The present response focuses on incorporating multidimensionality, the multilevel nature of context, and the potential for transformation in the White dialectics framework. The authors expand future directions for research and present a recent example of the application of the White dialectics framework to antiracist work with women from a local community.
The Role of Calcitonin in the Development and Treatment of Osteoporosis

CT is a peptide hormone produced predominantly by thyroid C cells and probably to a lesser extent by extrathyroidal tissues. Although its physiological function has not yet been established, it is a pharmacological inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption. There is currently no convincing evidence that naturally occurring or iatrogenic CT deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis; however, a selective examination of patients with various rates of bone turnover would help to resolve this issue. As a pharmacological inhibitor of bone resorption, CT has potential usefulness in the therapy of osteoporosis. CT has been shown to stabilize or modestly increase indices of cortical and trabecular bone mass and total body calcium when administered to patients with established osteoporosis for periods of 1-2 yr. The increments in bone mass seen in some studies appear to be transient and are likely due to reductions in bone resorption with bone formation remaining unaffected until remodeling spaces are filled. The duration and magnitude of these increases are probably limited by the eventual decline in bone formation as remodeling equilibrium is reestablished. Therefore, reduction in the rate of bone loss with maintenance of the existing skeletal mass, rather than significant sustained increases in bone mass, should be considered the most realistic therapeutic goal with this agent. Whether or not a reduction in the rate of bone loss persists for longer periods needs further evaluation as does the important issue of subsequent fracture rates. The identification of patients with increased bone resorption rates (high turnover osteoporosis) should help provide a basis for more selective treatment of those patients who would be most likely to respond to this form of therapy. Whether there is additional benefit to using intermittent CT concurrently or sequentially with bone formation stimulating agents (coherence therapy) also needs to be explored. CT may also be of benefit in the prevention of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women who are unable or unwilling to take estrogen replacement. These potential benefits must be weighed carefully against the current cost of CT and the inconvenience of it having to be given by injection, problems which should be solved by future research.
Protecting Consumers from Contaminated Drinking Water During Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can be devastating to local water supplies affecting millions of people. Disaster recovery plans and water industry collaboration during emergencies protect consumers from contaminated drinking water supplies and help facilitate the repair of public water systems. Prior to an event, utilities and municipalities can use “What if?” scenarios to develop emergency operation, response, and recovery plans designed to reduce the severity of damage and destruction. Mock exercises in towns prone to specific types of natural disasters also help minimize liability. Government agencies including the EPA are planning ahead to provide temporary supplies of potable water and small drinking water treatment technologies to communities to provide clean and safe drinking water as an integral part of emergency response activities.
Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Allergen Sensitized and Challenged Mice

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lung associated with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway obstruction and airway remodeling. Airway remodeling involves differentiation of airway epithelial cells into myofibroblasts via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to intensify the degree of subepithelial fibrosis. EMT involves loss in E-cadherin with an increase in mesenchymal markers, including vimentin and N-cadherin. There is growing evidence that vitamin D has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects are still unclear. In this study, we examined the contribution of vitamin D on the AHR, airway inflammation and expression of EMT markers in the airways of mice sensitized and challenged with a combination of clinically relevant allergens, house dust mite, ragweed, and Alternaria (HRA). Female Balb/c mice were fed with vitamin D-sufficient (2000 IU/kg) or vitamin D-supplemented (10,000 IU/kg) diet followed by sensitization with HRA. The density of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung histology, and expression of EMT markers by immunofluorescence were examined. Vitamin D-supplementation decreased AHR, airway inflammation in the BALF and the features of airway remodeling compared to vitamin D-sufficiency in HRA-sensitized and -challenged mice. This was accompanied with increased expression of E-cadherin and decreased vimentin and N-cadherin expression in the airways. These results indicate that vitamin D may be a beneficial adjunct in the treatment regime in allergic asthma.
Interactive modal sound synthesis using generalized proportional damping

We present a modal sound synthesis technique using a generalized proportional damping (GPD) model capable of capturing nonlinear frequency-dependent damping functions. We extend a prior method for automatic extraction of audio material parameters directly from recorded audio clips to determine material parameters for alternative damping models. We demonstrate the results with example-guided synthesized sounds, accompanied by a preliminary, perceptual study comparing the audio quality of the commonly used, linear Rayleigh damping model against a collection of alternative models.
Overview of viruses, cancer, and vaccines in concept and in reality.

Cancer is a consequence of malfunction of the replicative cell cycle caused by acquisition of independence from proliferative and restrictive controls in the process. Such alteration may be driven by unrepaired mutations in protooncogenes and anti-oncogenes or by genetic insults of environmental, infectious, or spontaneous origin. The consequence of mutations may be reflected at any of a number of locations in the transductive pathways from receptor to nucleus which upset normal homeostatic balance between the opposing forces for promotion or restraint of cell proliferation.
Observing electron extraction by monolayer graphene using time-resolved surface photoresponse measurements.

Graphene is considered a next-generation electrode for indium tin oxide (ITO)-free organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs). However, to date, limited numbers of OPVs containing surface-modified graphene electrodes perform as well as ITO-based counterparts, and no devices containing a bare graphene electrode have been reported to yield satisfactory rectification characteristics. In this report, we provide experimental data to learn why. Time-resolved surface photoresponse measurements on templated pentacene-on-graphene films directly reveal that p-doped monolayer graphene efficiently extracts electrons, not holes, from photoexcited pentacene. Accordingly, a graphene/pentacene/MoO3 heterojunction displays a large surface photoresponse and, by inference, efficient dissociation of photogenerated excitons, with graphene serving as an electron extraction layer and MoO3 as a hole extraction layer. In contrast, a graphene/pentacene/C60 heterojunction yields a comparatively insignificant surface photoresponse because ...
Analysis on causes of death among residents in Zhanqian District of Yingkou City in 2013

[Objective]To observe the causes of death among residents in Zhanqian District,analyze the distribution characteristics of death causes,and provide scientific evidence for the targeted intervention. [Methods]The data obtained from the Death cause registering and reporting information system of the National disease control and prevention system were analyzed by using Death Reg 2005 software designated by the Ministry of Health,and classified according to ICD-10.[Results]The total mortality among residents in Zhanqian District was 714.79/lakh in 2013,and the standardized mortality was 589.82/lakh. The mortality in males was higher than that in females,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=89.499,P =0.000). The top 5 death causes were cardiovascular disease,cancer,respiratory disease,injury/poisoning,and endocrine disease,which the mortality was respectively 398.46/lakh,198.12/lakh,43.82/lakh,22.10/lakh and 21.36/lakh. [Conclusion]The top 2 causes of potential years of life lost(PYLL) were cardiovascular disease and cancer which the PYLL were 3 952.50 and 3 162.50 person-years respectively. Chronic non-communicable diseases,such as cardiovascular disease and cancer,and injury had become the major causes of death among the residents in Zhanqian District. It is necessary to strengthen the health education and disease monitoring,to improve the health level of public.
Evolution of thermodynamic properties and inelastic neutron scattering intensities for spin- 1 2 antiferromagnetic quantum rings

This study examines the increasing complexity in the magnetic properties of small $n=3,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}4,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}5,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{and}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}6$ spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ quantum rings. Using an exact diagonalization of the isotropic Heisenberg Hamiltonian with nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions, the energy eigenstates, magnetic specific heat capacity, magnetic susceptibility, and inelastic neutron scattering structure factors are determined for variable next-nearest neighbor interactions. Here, it is shown that the presence of spin exchange symmetry breaking, multiple ground states, and nonzero total spin ground states can greatly complicate the energy eigenstates and excitations for these systems. Overall, the energy eigenstates and structure factor intensities are presented in closed form, while the thermodynamic properties detail the effect of a crossing interaction in the rings. The goal of this work is to provide insight into the evolution of the magnetic properties and spin excitations within these systems.
Policy Implications of the Mental Health Treatment Study

The Social Security Administration’s Mental Health Treatment Study (MHTS) produced positive mental health, employment, and quality of life outcomes for people on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The investigators discuss major policy implications. First, because integrated, evidence-based mental health and vocational services produced clinical and societal benefits, the authors recommend further service implementation for this population. Second, because provision of these services did not reduce SSDI rolls, the authors recommend future research on prevention (helping people avoid needing SSDI) rather than rehabilitation (helping beneficiaries leave SSDI). Third, because integrating mental health, vocational, and general medical services was extremely difficult, the authors recommend a multifaceted approach that includes streamlined funding and infrastructure for training and service integration. Fourth, because insurance coverage for people with disabilities during the MHTS (pre–Affordable Ca...
I SWEAR TO IT: OATHS AS FUNDAMENTAL LANGUAGE AND POWER

Edward Snowden, the systems analyst employed by a contractor for the United States National Security Agency, violated his contractual obligation to guard the nation's secrets and security procedures out of what he has argued was a higher obligation to preserve the privacy guaranteed to Americans by the United States Constitution and a conscientious objection to withholding information about violations of that privacy. Conscience can be conceived as a disposition of heart, mind, and will to act or refuse to act in the face of contravening authority, for what is a superior good in the mind of the actor, and always with the willingness to suffer for one's action or inaction. Snowden ultimately sought to divulge and disrupt programs of intelligence gathering and national security because of his convictions regarding nobler American ideals of liberty and privacy.
Something of the Crusader’s Zeal: 1930–39

English Catholics, Waugh asserted, were ‘usually served by simple Irish missionaries’, but the priests who were important in his life were rather different. He went for instruction to Father Martin D’Arcy, SJ, who was soon after to become Principal of Campion Hall, the Jesuit establishment at Oxford. Proud of his Norman ancestry, D’Arcy was a great fisher of men among the English prominenten, upper-class people and people of talent and achievement.
Biological Control of Insect Pests

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses biological control of pests, which is a form of pest control that uses living organisms to suppress pest densities to lower levels. Biological control is a form of ecologically based pest management that uses one kind of organism to control another. Biological control is about relative numbers of pests and their natural enemies. Predators increase in number over time and feed on the pest, whose population then declines because of higher mortality or lower birthrates caused by natural enemy predation. Biological control can be implemented through four different approaches: conservation of existing natural enemies, importation of new species for permanent establishment, temporary natural enemy augmentation, and use of microbial pesticides. The first two methods are most widely applicable and have produced the greatest benefits. Importation biological control is the method that is appropriate to combat exotic invasive pests There are typical steps of importation biological control such as: choice of the target pest; pest identification and taxonomy; identification of the native range; surveys to collect natural enemies; importation to quarantine; host specificity and biology studies; release and colonization in the field; evaluation of efficacy; and documentation of benefits. Microbial pesticides are niche market tools useful in integrated pest management (IPM) programs but are limited by high production costs or the narrow host ranges of the pathogens.
Antigenic variation in African trypanosomes and malaria

Publisher Summary Two important human diseases, malaria and African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), have evolved sophisticated molecular mechanisms to evade the immune responses of their mammalian hosts, creating persistent infections that may or may not be lethal. It is not in the interests of a parasite to kill its host. Parasites that are too virulent themselves die, if their hosts do not survive long enough for the infection to be transmitted. For both trypanosomes and malaria parasites, antigenic variation is the major but probably not the sole mechanism for persistence. Antigenic variation in the African trypanosomes appears to have arisen for the purpose of evading the host immune responses, although other roles for these cell-surface variations may have evaded scientific recognition so far. The prospects for vaccination against African trypanosomiasis appear slim, based on the role of antigenic variation and the discouraging results of early vaccine studies. There is almost no follow-up of alternative vaccine possibilities in the last two decades, although there are concepts that have been around for a long time. The chapter summarizes that there is no economic incentive and little effective public support, in the wealthy regions of the world, for the development of drugs to treat tropical parasitic diseases.
Islamic Home Purchase Financing: A Conceptual Overview

This paper provides a simple, generic introduction to, and survey of, the transactional structures and rudimentary principles applicable to Shari`ah-compliant home purchase financings. The paper summarizes six of the most frequently used home purchase financing structures used by banks and financial institutions that provide Shari`ah-compliant alternatives. They are: (a) the lease (ijara); (b) the diminishing partnership or diminishing musharaka (musharaka mutanaqisa); (c) the cost-plus sale (murabaha and tawarruq); (d) the deferred payment sale (bay' bithaman ajil); and (e) the two-tier construction contract financing (istisna'a - parallel istisna'a).
The clinical spectrum of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and tufted angioma.

Abstract Kasposiform hemoangioendothelioma (KHE) and tufted angioma (TA) are classifed as vascular tumors with locally aggressive and benign growth potential, respectively, within the classification schema proposed by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. A unique feature of these vascular tumors is the risk of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a severe thrombocytopenia with mild to moderate coagulopathy resulting from intralesional platelet trapping. As with many vascular anomalies, accurate description of clinical course, responses to therapy, and long-term outcomes have been hindered by lesion misidentification, imprecise nomenclature, and lack of prospective, randomized clinical trials to assess therapeutic efficacy. The classic dermatologic features of these lesions can facilitate diagnosis for the astute provider; however, the absence of or unusual integumentary involvement or presentation in a less common age group (adolescents/adults) poses a diagnostic challenge. Current approaches to the management of KHE/TA are often informed by lesion features such as presence of KMP, extent and location of the tumor, and symptomatology. Evidence-based treatment guidelines are limited. Corticosteroids, vincristine, interferon, multi-agent regimens and newer therapies, such as sirolimus, have demonstrated efficacy in patient series. The use of surgical excision and interventional radiology guided therapies have been described with mixed clinical benefit. Collaboration among emerging vascular anomaly centers and an increasing number of providers across subspecialties with interest in this field are facilitating the development of standardized approaches to diagnosis and management. The rarity of KHE-spectrum lesions and the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations necessitate rationally designed, multisite clinical trials to investigate risk stratification schemas and formally evaluate the short and long-term efficacy of available and novel therapies.
An Overview of Numerical Methods for Nonlinear Ill-Posed Problems

Publisher Summary Nonlinear ill-posed problems arise in a variety of important applications, ranging from medical imaging to geophysics to the nondestructive testing of materials. This chapter provides an overview of the various numerical methods for nonlinear ill-posed problems. For each method, a sequence of subproblems is solved. For each subproblem, the solution depends on a parameter. The method should have the following characteristics: (1) each subproblem must be well-posed, (2) each subproblem must be solved efficiently, and (3) the method must allow the inclusion of a priori information about desired solutions. The chapter also discusses the Levenberg–Marquardt method, which may be viewed as an iterated linearize-and-then-regularize approach to solving the nonlinear problem. As an alternative to the Penalized Least Squares Method, it proposes a constrained least squares approach to solving nonlinear ill-posed problems, in which regularization of the solution comes from imposing explicit bounds on the norm of the approximate solution.
Sphingomyelin and its role in cellular signaling.

Sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis is related with metabolic diseases. However, the mechanism is still not quite clear. Sphingolipids are ubiquitous and critical components of biological membranes. Their biosynthesis starts with soluble precursors in the endoplasmic reticulum and culminates in the Golgi complex and plasma membrane. The interaction of sphingomyelin, cholesterol, and glycosphingolipid drives the formation of plasma membrane rafts. Lipid rafts have been shown to be involved in cell ­signaling, lipid and protein sorting, and membrane trafficking. It is well known that toll-like receptors, class A and B scavenger receptors, and insulin receptor are located in lipid rafts. Sphingomyelin is also a reservoir for other sphingolipids. So, sphingomyelin has important impact in cell ­signaling through its structural role in lipid rafts or its catabolic inter-mediators, such as ceramide and glycoceramide. In this chapter, we will discuss both aspects.
Supporting Middle Grades Mathematics Teachers and Students: A Curricular Activity System Used in an Urban School District

The exploration of proportional relationships is foundational to the mathematics studied in the middle grades and beyond. Research has shown that an early emphasis on procedures often leaves studen...
TRIOS-TimeBank Corpus: Extended TimeBank Corpus with Help of Deep Understanding of Text

TimeBank (Pustejovsky et al, 2003a), a reference for TimeML (Pustejovsky et al, 2003b) compliant annotation, is widely used temporally annotated corpus in the community. It captures time expressions, events, and relations between events and event and temporal expression; but there is room for improvements in this hand-annotated widely used TimeBank corpus. This work is one such effort to extend the TimeBank corpus. Our first goal is to suggest missing TimeBank events and temporal expressions, i.e. events and temporal expressions that were missed by TimeBank annotators. Along with that this paper also suggests some additions to TimeML language by adding new event features (ontology type), some more SLINKs and also relations between events with their arguments, which we call RLINK (relation link). With our new suggestions we present the TRIOS-TimeBank corpus, an extended TimeBank corpus. We conclude by suggesting our future work to clean the TimeBank corpus even more and automatically generating larger temporally annotated corpus for the community.
Dietary yeast culture supplementation of mares during late gestation and early lactation: Effects on milk production, milk composition, weight gain and linear growth of nursing foals

Summary This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation of pregnant and lactating mares with concentrated dried live yeast culture on the nutrient content and rate of production of milk during early lactation and on the growth of their nursing foals. Pregnant mares were fed the same diets, with or without 20 g/day of yeast culture, from 4 weeks before foaling through the eighth week of lactation. Milk production at the onset of lactation, as measured by the weigh-suckle-weigh technique, was significantly stimulated by yeast culture supplementation, although the effect was only temporary. However, the nutrient composition of mares milk was altered by continued yeast culture supplementation through at least the eighth week of lactation. Gross energy (kcal/100 g milk), sugar, fat, protein and total amino acid contents (g/100 g milk) were significantly increased. The concentrations of a number of individual amino acids tended to be greater in the milk of supplemented mares, but most of these individual differences were not statistically significant. The intakes of energy (Mcal/day), sugars, fat, protein, total amino acids, leucine, lysine, serine and valine (g/day) were significantly greater by the foals nursing supplemented mares through 8 weeks. The foals nursing supplemented mares exhibited significantly greater rates of gain by the fourth week of life, and faster growth at the withers after 6 weeks. The efficiency of converting mare feed to neonatal body mass was 24% greater in the foals of supplemented mares, These data indicate that supplementing mares with dietary yeast culture during early lactation resulted in more efficient and rapid growth of their nurslings.
Maternal obesity and gestational weight gain are modestly associated with umbilical cord DNA methylation

Abstract Introduction Maternal obesity (OB) and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are strong independent contributors that augment obesity risk in offspring. However, direct evidence of epigenetic changes associated with maternal habitus remains sparse. Methods We utilized Bisulfite Amplicon Sequencing (BSAS) to conduct targeted DNA methylation association analysis of maternal obesity and excessive GWG with DNA methylation of select metabolism-related and imprinted genes. Umbilical cord (UC) tissue from infants born to normal weight and overweight/obese women from the Glowing study were utilized (n = 78). Results In multivariable linear regression adjusted for relevant confounders, Institute on Medicine (IOM) GWG category and infant sex were significantly associated with UC IGFBP1 methylation, while gestation length was significantly associated with UC PRKAA1 methylation. In addition, infant fat mass (%) at 2 weeks of age was significantly associated with umbilical cord methylation of RAPTOR . While regression tree analysis confirmed findings from multivariable models demonstrating that maternal early pregnancy BMI and IOM GWG category are associated with fetal UC DNA methylation patterns for select metabolic and imprinted genes, in general, effect sizes were quite small and statistical significance was not maintained when accounting for multiple testing. Discussion Our findings suggest that maternal obesity and excessive GWG are weakly correlated with offspring DNA methylation patterns at birth.
Present with You: Does Cultivated Mindfulness Predict Greater Social Connection Through Gains in Decentering and Reductions in Negative Emotions?

The current study investigates whether mindfulness increases feelings of social connection and tests possible mechanisms of action and consequences of any gains observed. We hypothesized that, relative to an active control condition, participants randomized to a mindfulness meditation course would experience gains in feeling socially connected. Further, we expected these gains would be mediated by boosts in decentering and reductions in negative emotions and that, as a result of greater social connection, participants would report greater positive emotions. Ninety-four community member adults were randomly assigned to a 6-week Mindfulness Meditation course (n = 51) or a 6-week active control course (“Health Promotion”; n = 43). Participants were assessed for social connection, decentering, and emotions at pre- and post-training. A higher-order latent change model found support for elements of the model that were unrelated to the experimental condition. An exploratory higher-order latent change model found that gains in trait mindfulness, rather than condition, supported the hypothesized model. These findings suggest that gains in trait mindfulness predict greater social connection through boosts in decentering and that gains in social connection predict greater positive emotions.
Room Temperature Growth of Epitaxial Titanium Nitride Films by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Reducing the thermal budget of epitaxial thin film growth has been one of the biggest challenges for the electronics industry. In this report, the room-temperature epitaxial growth of titanium nitride (TiN) thin films (∼75 nm) on (0001) Al2O3 substrates is demonstrated using a pulsed laser deposition technique. In TiN thin films, the epitaxial relationship is established by X-ray diffraction for (111)TiN//(0001) Al2O3 and TiN // Al2O3 which corresponds to a 30° rotation of titanium and nitrogen atoms with respect to the hexagon arrangement of aluminum atoms. An increase in the defect concentration is shown in the room-temperature thin film growth as compared to the ones grown at elevated temperature. A shift and broadening of the diffraction peaks is observed in the thin films as compared to the bulk value, indicating a higher residual tensile strain with decreasing growth temperature and an increase in defect concentration at room temperature. The increased defect concentration observed at...
Abstract 16955: Training EP Fellows to Use Low Fluoroscopy Techniques for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Introduction: Despite the use of 3D electroanatomic mapping (EAM) systems, atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation still requires high radiation exposure and fluoroscopy (FL) times. Using CARTO UnivU (CU), FL images are imported to create a background over which virtual catheters are displayed and then fused with EAM of the left atrium, thus simulating FL without further radiation. We report techniques to train EP fellows in low FL left atrial ablation (LA) using CU, phased-array intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) and force-sensing (FS) catheters. Methods: We performed 52 ablations for AF and left atrial flutter (LAF) from Feb to Nov 2015 in which the EP fellow was primary operator. AP and LAO CU images were obtained and ICE was advanced from the left femoral vein to the right atrium, to image the SVC. The guidewire and transseptal long sheath were positioned in the SVC under ICE guidance. We then performed pullback to the fossa under ICE guidance until tenting of the fossa was observed. Transseptal puncture was performed using ICE and FL in the LAO projection. A second transseptal sheath was placed using the same technique. EAM of the left atrium was performed using a multipolar mapping catheter (Pentarray or LassoNav). A coronary sinus catheter was advanced without FL, using both CU and ICE. Following transseptal puncture, all catheter manipulation was done with CU, ICE and the force vector of the FS catheter. At this point, lead protective wear was no longer needed. Results: We performed 52 ablations: 47 for AF (30 persistent) and 5 for LAF. The mean age was 66 yrs., 64% were male, and 12% had implanted devices. Mean procedure time was 225 (120 - 390) min with 40 (14 - 68) min of RF ablation. Mean FL time was 4.2 (0.5 - 8.4) min and mean dose of 22 (9-124) cGy. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in all patients. Additional LA ablation was performed in 16 patients; 4 had CTI ablation. There was 1 major complication of cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis. Conclusions: CU is an intuitive mapping system that together with FS catheters and ICE imaging facilitates catheter manipulation during LA ablation, allowing very low fluoroscopy exposure, even during training of EP fellows.
High plateletcrit is associated with early loss of patency after open and endovascular interventions for chronic limb ischemia.

Abstract Objective Plateletcrit (PCT) reflects the total platelet mass in blood and can be calculated from a complete blood count. We examined the effect of PCT on outcomes of endovascular and open interventions for chronic limb ischemia. Methods Patients who underwent revascularization for chronic limb ischemia (Rutherford categories 3-6) between June 2001 and December 2014 were retrospectively identified. PCT on admission was recorded. Patients and limbs were divided into tertiles of low (0.046-0.211), medium (0.212-0.271), and high (0.272-0.842) PCT. Patency, limb salvage, major adverse limb events, major adverse cardiac events, and survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared with log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results A total of 1431 limbs (1210 patients) were identified and divided into low PCT (477 limbs in 407 patients), medium PCT (477 limbs in 407 patients), and high PCT (477 limbs in 396 patients) groups. The patients in the high tertile were 2 years older that the patients in the other two tertiles (P = .009). Five-year primary patency was 65% ± 3% in the low-PCT group compared with 55% ± 3% and 51% ± 3% in the medium and high PCT groups, respectively (P = .004). Five-year secondary patency was 81% ± 2% in the low PCT group compared with 82% ± 2% and 72% ± 3% in the medium and high PCT groups, respectively (P = .02). Five-year limb salvage rate was 86% ± 2% in the low PCT group compared with 79% ± 3% and 74% ± 3% in the medium PCT and high PCT groups, respectively (P = .004). Multivariate regression analysis showed that low PCT was independently associated with primary patency after endovascular interventions (hazard ratio, 0.67 [0.47-0.95]; P = .02) but not after open interventions (hazard ratio, 0.72 [0.43-1.21]; P = .21). Conclusions High PCT is associated with poor patency and limb salvage rates after interventions for lower extremity chronic limb ischemia. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed association of low PCT with improved primary patency after endovascular interventions but not after open interventions. High PCT may be a marker of increased platelet reactivity and could be used to identify patients at high risk for early thrombosis and failure after interventions.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease: A Managed Care Perspective

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder that results in eye discomfort, visual disturbance, and often ocular surface damage. This supplement to The American Journal of Managed Care discusses the prevalence of DED and the economic burden associated with DED. The etiology and pathophysiology of DED will also be discussed, including disease progression and impact on the patient's quality of life. With greater understanding of the pathophysiology of DED, there are numerous available therapies/strategies for the management of the disorder, ranging from artificial tear substitutes, anti-inflammatory agents, secretagogues, punctal plugs, and systemic immunosuppressives, to surgery. This activity will aim to provide managed healthcare professionals with an understanding of when and how to use these different strategies to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.