cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bathymetric Retrieval From Hyperspectral Imagery Using Manifold Coordinate Representations

In this paper, we examine the accuracy of manifold coordinate representations as a reduced representation of a hyperspectral imagery (HSI) lookup table (LUT) for bathymetry retrieval. We also explore on a more limited basis the potential for using these coordinates for modeling other in water properties. Manifold coordinates are chosen because they are a data-driven intrinsic set of coordinates, which naturally parameterize nonlinearities that are present in HSI of water scenes. The approach is based on the extraction of a reduced dimensionality representation in manifold coordinates of a sufficiently large representative set of HSI. The manifold coordinates are derived from a scalable version of the isometric mapping algorithm. In the present and in our earlier works, these coordinates were used to establish an interpolating LUT for bathymetric retrieval by associating the representative data with ground truth data, in this case from a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) estimate in the representative area. While not the focus of the present paper, the compression of LUTs could also be applied, in principle, to LUTs generated by forward radiative transfer models, and some preliminary work in this regard confirms the potential utility for this application. In this paper, we analyze the approach using data acquired by the Portable Hyperspectral Imager for Low-Light Spectroscopy (PHILLS) hyperspectral camera over the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, in 2004. Within a few months of the PHILLS overflights, Scanning Hydrographic Operational Airborne LIDAR Survey LIDAR data were obtained for a portion of this study area, principally covering the beach zone and, in some instances, portions of contiguous river channels. Results demonstrate that significant compression of the LUTs is possible with little loss in retrieval accuracy.
Kiva.org: Crowd-Sourced Microfinance & Cooperation in Group Lending

Altruistic peer-to-peer lending, or crowd-sourced Internet microfinance, exposes a unique environment in which to observe cooperative behavior. Geographically diverse individuals coordinate to provide capital to others in need, often for minimal, or in the case of Kiva.org, zero financial return. While significant microfinance research has chronicled the windfalls of group borrowing in organizations such as Grameen Bank, little has been written on the cooperative dynamics of group lending, observing crowd-sourced microfinance and what online organizational structures facilitate cooperation. At the end of 2008 Kiva.org announced the creation of “Lending Teams,” or cohesive open or closed membership groups established and categorized according to scope. These Lending Teams introduce forms of cooperative many-to-one and many-to-many group lending, based on tenuous concepts of identity. Groups vary according to category, size, scope, and activity, and this impacts participatory vitality of crowd-sourced lending. The “Kiva.org: Crowd-Sourced Microfinance and Lending Team Cooperative Behavior” study focuses on evaluating the extent to which Solidarity as a design-lever impacts social behavior. Looking specifically at Kiva.org as a prominent community for peer-to-peer lending, this study seeks to evaluate the advent of “Lending Teams,” their subsequent impact on group lending behavior, and the extent to which group openness, size, and categorization substantively alters online cooperative behavior. Based on Kiva.org data accessed through their public Application Programming Interface (API) in June 2009, this study qualitatively and quantitatively observes 120 Lending Teams. The study provides taxonomy of Lending Teams, and outlines key management choices that can foster greater in-group solidarity, and expand Lending Team participation on Kiva.org. More broadly, the study prescribes how online solidarity can improve participation in crowd-sourced microfinance.
Perspectives on urban conditions and population health

The majority of the world's population will live in cities in the next few years and the pace of urbanization worldwide will continue to accelerate over the coming decades. While the number of megacities is projected to increase, the largest population growth is expected to be in cities of less than one million people. Such a dramatic demographic shift can be expected to have an impact on population health. Although there has been historic interest in how city living affects health, a cogent framework that enables systematic study of urban health across time and place has yet to emerge. Four alternate but complementary approaches to the study of urban health today are presented (urban health penalty, urban health advantage, urban sprawl, and an integrative urban conditions model) followed by three key questions that may help guide the study and practice of urban health in coming decades.
A Novel System-Centric Intelligent Adaptive Control Architecture for Damping Interarea Mode Oscillations in Power System

In this paper, theoretical formulation and implementation results of an intelligent approach to develop a power system stabilizer are proposed. In this approach, a novel methodology that designs a hybrid controller with two algorithms, namely, a neural-network (NN)-based controller with explicit neuroidentifier and an adaptive controller that evolved from a model reference adaptive controller, is designed. This design performs as a novel system-centric controller (where the controller adapts based on system changes). The NN is trained offline with extensive data and is also adjusted online. The main advantage and uniqueness of the proposed scheme is the controllers' ability to complement each other in the case of parametric and functional uncertainties. Moreover, the online NN identifier, models and predicts the plant states/output in the event of functional change during abnormal operating conditions. The theoretical results are validated by conducting simulation studies on a fully nonlinear multimachine power system model consisting of five two-area equivalent generators and eight equivalent buses with varying generator schedules. The results confirm the theory, indicating that the proposed architecture damps interarea low-frequency oscillations faster than other conventional controllers, thus increasing generator stability margin as well as power transfer capability.
On-line detection of bacterial adhesion in a shear gradient with bioluminescence by a Pseudomonas fluorescens (lux) strain

Abstract On-line detection of bacterial adhesion in a shear flow gradient was measured with an engineered bioluminescent bacterium. Parallel plate flow cells showed colonization by a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain containing the Vibrio fisheri (lux) bioluminescent operon. When induced by sodium salicylate, bulk phase and sessile cells were assayed quantitatively with an ammeter-photomultiplier-fiber optic system. The detection limit in a shear force gradient was 2×105 attached cells·cm−2 on glass coupons. Light production was found to correlate with biofilm lipid synthesis on a per unit area basis (1-14C-acetate incorporation). Light correlated directly with sessile bacterial acridine orange direct counts in the range of 105–107 cells·cm−2, providing on-line detection of both biofilm and bulk phase biomass and specific metabolic activity when induced.
Essential Features and Rational Design of CRISPR RNAs that Function with the Cas RAMP Module Complex to Cleave RNAs

Summary Small RNAs target invaders for silencing in the CRISPR-Cas pathways that protect bacteria and archaea from viruses and plasmids. The CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) contain sequence elements acquired from invaders that guide CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins back to the complementary invading DNA or RNA. Here, we have analyzed essential features of the crRNAs associated with the Cas RAMP module (Cmr) effector complex, which cleaves targeted RNAs. We show that Cmr crRNAs contain an 8 nucleotide 5′ sequence tag (also found on crRNAs associated with other CRISPR-Cas pathways) that is critical for crRNA function and can be used to engineer crRNAs that direct cleavage of novel targets. We also present data that indicate that the Cmr complex cleaves an endogenous complementary RNA in Pyrococcus furiosus , providing direct in vivo evidence of RNA targeting by the CRISPR-Cas system. Our findings indicate that the CRISPR RNA-Cmr protein pathway may be exploited to cleave RNAs of interest.
The role of soluble components in ambient fine particles-induced changes in human lungs and blood.

Normal individuals developed pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation and increased blood fibrinogen following inhalation of concentrated ambient particles (CAPS). In this study, we sought to determine how soluble components in CAPS contributed to these changes. We expanded and reanalyzed data from 37 young healthy volunteers from a previous study (Ghio et al., 2000) who were exposed to either filtered air or CAPS. Postexposure bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as well as pre- and postexposure venous blood samples was analyzed for cellular and acute inflammatory endpoints. Nine most abundant components in the water-soluble fraction of CAPS were correlated with these endpoints using principal component analysis. We found that a sulfate/Fe/Se factor was associated with increased BAL percentage of neutrophils and a Cu/Zn/V factor with increased blood fibrinogen. The concentrations of sulfate, Fe, and Se correlated highly with PM mass (R > 0.75) while the correlations between PM and Cu/Zn/V were modest (R = 0.2-0.6). T...
Public Opinion Regarding Crime, Criminal Justice, and Related Topics A Retrospect

Forty years ago, Michael J. Hindelang delineated some ways in which public opinion surveys have explored issues related to crime and criminal justice, and pointed out how trends over time could be of interest, and differences in responses among demographic subgroups could be revealing. In this article, we update some of the trends Hindelang alluded to, and revisit some of the response differences he enumerated. In particular, we add support to Hindelang’s hypothesis that the opinions of non-White respondents can reflect consistent awareness of bias in the operation of the system (such as in the application of the death penalty and with respect to interceptions of citizens by police). Age differences in opinions concerning deviant behavior also show attitudinal consistency, particularly in the permissive stance of the youngest age group and the relatively extreme conservatism of “50+” respondents. Finally, with respect to the prospect of victimization, there is a consistent and substantial disparity in the...
Efficient c-kit Receptor-Targeted Gene Transfer to Primary Human CD34-Selected Hematopoietic Stem Cells

We have previously reported effective gene transfer with a targeted molecular conjugate adenovirus vector through the c-kit receptor in hematopoietic progenitor cell lines. However, a c-kit-targeted recombinant retroviral vector failed to transduce cells, indicating the existence of significant differences for c-kit target gene transfer between these two viruses. Here we demonstrate that conjugation of an adenovirus to a c-kit-retargeted retrovirus vector enables retroviral transduction. This finding suggests the requirement of endosomalysis for successful c-kit-targeted gene transfer. Furthermore, we show efficient gene transfer to, and high transgene expression (66%) in, CD34-selected, c-kit(+) human peripheral blood stem cells using a c-kit-targeted adenovirus vector. These findings may have important implications for future vector development in c-kit-targeted stem cell gene transfer.
A two-axis cable-driven ankle-foot mechanism

This paper describes a novel cable-driven ankle-foot mechanism with two controllable degrees of freedom (DOF) in dorsiflexion-plantarflexion (DP) and inversion-eversion (IE). The presented mechanism is a proof of concept to demonstrate feasibility. Ankle kinematic measurements demonstrate that ankle IE rotations during a step turn are significantly different from walking on a straight path. This suggests that the ankle-foot mechanisms used in prostheses, exoskeletons, and bipedal robots can be improved by controlling a second degree of freedom in the frontal plane. The proposed prototype mechanism is described in detail, and its design considerations and parameters are presented. The mechanism is capable of producing trajectories similar to the human ankle during a step turn. The device shows passive mechanical impedance close to the human ankle mechanical impedance, allowing its mechanical impedance to be controlled using an impedance controller. The presented mechanism is capable of providing key mechanical characteristics similar to the human ankle, including power, range of motion, and weight, suggesting the feasibility of this design concept.
Methodological Challenges in Research with Trafficked Persons: Tales from the Field

This article is intended to discuss methodological challenges to conducting research with trafficked persons in the United States. It draws from my experiences as an anthropologist involved in an ongoing book project on life after trafficking. By exploring the methodological difficulties and ethical concerns that I have faced as an anthropologist I hope to lay bare some of the methodological challenges that researchers across disciplines particularly social scientists who rely on ethnographic research are likely to confront when examining this issue. The central focus of this article is on the possibilities of collaboration between academic researchers trafficked persons and social service providers on advocacy research and writing projects as well as on the possibilities of trafficked persons speaking and writing for themselves. It also considers the role trafficked persons can play in building what the media and activists loosely term the “anti-trafficking movement” and asks what would have to happen for them to move beyond their .victim. status where they are called upon to provide “testimony” about trafficking to participating in the decision making of the direction of the movement. Since it identifies obstacles to trafficked persons (to whom I refer to in this article as ex-captives) taking the podium and picking up a pen it explores ways to mitigate potential problems when researchers “speak for” ex-captives. (excerpt)
Covalent sidewall functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes by amino acids

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with amino acids covalently attached to their side walls, viz., “nanotube-aminoacids,” have been prepared starting from colloidal solutions of fluorinated SWNTs (F-SWNTs) and amino acids in o-dichlorobenzene and heating at 80–150 °C in the presence of pyridine. The syntheses were carried out with the F-SWNTs of approximately 2: 1 (C: F) stoichiometry and several natural α-aino acids with both pro-tected and unprotected carboxyl groups, such as glycine ethyl ester hydrochloride, L-serine ethyl ester hydrochloride, l-cysteine, and trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline. The nanotube-aminoacids have been characterized by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, atomic force, scanning, and transmission electron microscopies, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Based on TGA data, the degree of sidewall functionalization in the synthesized SWNT derivatives was estimated to be in the range from one of 32 to one of 8 carbon atoms, depending on the amino acid nature and reaction conditions used. The amino acid-functionalized SWNTs, prepared in this work by simple and inexpensive one-step method, can be valuable precursors for peptide synthesis and targeted drug delivery, design and fabrication of nanocomposites and fibers, and other biomedical and engineering applications.
Einstein Gravity on a Brane in 5D Non-compact Flat Spacetime

We revisit the 5D gravity model by Dvali, Gabadadze, and Porrati (DGP). Within their framework it was shown that even in 5D non-compact Minkowski space (x μ,z), the newtonian gravity can emerge on a brane at short distances by introducing a brane-localized 4D Einstein-Hilbert term δ(z)M 4 2(|4|)1/24 in the action. Based on this idea, we construct simple setups in which graviton standing waves can arise, and we introduce brane-localized z derivative terms as a correction to δ(z)M 4 2(|4|)1/24 . We show that the gravity potential of brane matter becomes −1/r at long distances, because the brane-localized z derivative terms allow only a smooth graviton wave function near the brane. Since the bulk gravity coupling may be arbitrarily small, strongly interacting modes from the 5D graviton do not appear. We note that the brane metric utilized to construct δ(z)M 4 2(|4|)1/24 can be relatively different from the bulk metric by a conformal factor, and show that the graviton tensor structure that the 4D Einstein gravity predicts are reproduced in the DGP type models.
Pseudouridylation meets next-generation sequencing

The isomerization of uridine to pseudouridine (Ψ), known as pseudouridylation, is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification of stable RNAs. Due to technical limitations in pseudouridine detection methods, studies on pseudouridylation have historically focused on ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, and spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs, where Ψs play a critical role in RNA biogenesis and function. Recently, however, a series of deep sequencing methods-Pseudo-seq, Ψ-seq, PSI-seq, and CeU-seq-has been published to map Ψ positions across the entire transcriptome with single nucleotide resolution. These data have greatly expanded the catalogue of pseudouridylated transcripts, which include messenger RNAs and noncoding RNAs. Furthermore, these methods have revealed conditionally-dependent sites of pseudouridylation that appear in response to cellular stress, suggesting that pseudouridylation may play a role in dynamically modulating RNA function. Collectively, these methods have opened the door to further study of the biological relevance of naturally occurring Ψs. However, an in-depth comparison of these techniques and their results has not yet been undertaken despite all four methods relying on the same basic principle: Ψ detection through selective chemical labeling by the carbodiimide known as CMC. In this article, we will outline the currently available high-throughput Ψ-detection methods and present a comparative analysis of their results. We will then discuss the merits and limitations of these approaches, including those inherent in CMC conjugation, and their potential to further elucidate the function of this ubiquitous and dynamic modification.
Bilateral extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms: Case report and review of literature

This is a report of a 62-year-old male with bilateral extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms, treated with resection, and interposition bypass. Bilateral presentation of carotid aneurysms is an uncommon finding in an already rare disease. We review the etiology, natural history, and treatment options.
Thermal Decomposition and Spectroscopic Studies of Preheated Ammonia Borane

This paper presents enhanced dehydrogenation of solid ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3) at 85 °C after it was preheated at 80 °C for 2−4 h. Thermal treatments and subsequent hydrogen release experiments were carried out in a Hastelloy cell mounted on a high-pressure differential scanning calorimeter. With increased preheating durations, not only does the induction period for hydrogen release shorten but also the hydrogen release becomes fast. It is deduced that diammoniate of diborane (DADB, [(NH3)2BH2]+[BH4]−), oligomers or polymers, and AB form a solid solution, shifting the melting temperature of AB to a low value. Hydrogen evolution, as the result of the initial stage of oligomerization, is observed after maintaining pristine AB at 80 °C for 20 min. FTIR-ATR spectra of thermally treated AB indicated that only linear dimers of aminoborane (LDAB, NH3BH2NH2BH3) are detected for preheating periods shorter than 3 h, whereas other oligomers and polymers form for the longer thermal treatment at 80 °C.
Encoding and analyzing aerial imagery using geospatial semantic graphs

While collection capabilities have yielded an ever-increasing volume of aerial imagery, analytic techniques for identifying patterns in and extracting relevant information from this data have seriously lagged. The vast majority of imagery is never examined, due to a combination of the limited bandwidth of human analysts and limitations of existing analysis tools. In this report, we describe an alternative, novel approach to both encoding and analyzing aerial imagery, using the concept of a geospatial semantic graph. The advantages of our approach are twofold. First, intuitive templates can be easily specified in terms of the domain language in which an analyst converses. These templates can be used to automatically and efficiently search large graph databases, for specific patterns of interest. Second, unsupervised machine learning techniques can be applied to automatically identify patterns in the graph databases, exposing recurring motifs in imagery. We illustrate our approach using real-world data for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and compare the performance of our approach to that of an expert human analyst.
Asparate transcarbamoylase: Current opinion in structural biology 1993, 3:960–967

Abstract Various approaches have been used to investigate the allosteric transition of aspartate transcarbamoylase. Mutant forms involving amino acid substitutions in both catalytic and regulatory polypeptide chains have yielded valuable insights. Catalytic mechanisms have been examined using isotope effects as probes, and the formation of the enzyme in vitro and in vivo from polypeptide fragments has stimulated interest in the mechanism of interallelic complementation. A zinc-containing polypeptide fragment of the regulatory chain is shown to interact with the catalytic trimer, thereby forming a stable complex with markedly altered catalytic properties.
Sexual differences in galactose metabolism: galactosyl ceramide galactosidase and other galactosidases in mouse kidney.

Male and female mice were compared at two ages, 15 and 50 days, with respect to the activities of three galactosidases in kidney. No sex difference in enzyme activity was seen in the young mice, but appreciable differences were found in the older animals. The male kidneys had about one-third higher specific activities of cerebroside β-galactosidase and nitrophenyl β-galactosidase, but there was no difference with nitrophenyl α-galactosidase. A listing and discussion of other galactose-metabolizing enzymes influenced by sex differences is presented.
The Clinical Spectrum of Prostate Cancer

AbstractReview of 206 consecutive patients with prostatic carcinoma and a potential for 10-year followup indicates the efficacy of vigorous surgical or hormonal management. Satisfactorily documented followup was achieved in 88 per cent of the group for 5 years and 82 per cent of the group for 10 years. Among 33 patients undergoing radical perineal prostatectomy survival rates were 84 per cent at 5 years and 58 per cent at 10 years. In the entire series, irrespective of modality of treatment, approximately half of the patients survived 5 years and a fourth for 10 years. Hormonal therapy of choice was orchiectomy combined with relatively high doses of estrogens, with no indication of significant cardiovascular morbidity or mortality. Interestingly, stage A disease (often diffuse, anaplastic and unsuspected) demonstrated a significantly increased mortality risk when compared to stage B (localized and usually well differentiated) carcinoma of the prostate.
JAVA-based plugin for tomographic reconstruction in SPECT

The aim of this study was to develop a plugin for software ImageJ able to do tomographic reconstruction for SPECT. Two methods of tomographic reconstruction for emission images were implemented: filtered backprojection (FBP) and an maximum likelihood-expectation maximization (MLEM). Filters were also implemented. Validation tests were carried out with simulated images of geometric models and an anthropomorphic model through Monte Carlo method. The analysis of convergence of the iterative method through the estimate of the relationship between the average uptake and the standard deviation resulted in an indication of reconstruction with 10 to 15 iterations. The images reconstructed through the ML-EM method with attenuation correction presented better visual quality than the non-corrected images. For 128x128 pixel images, MLEM time is 33 times longer than FBP. When attenuation correction is carried out time increases 3.5x.
Metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses of a corn stover-adapted microbial consortium EMSD5 reveal its taxonomic and enzymatic basis for degrading lignocellulose

Microbial consortia represent promising candidates for aiding in the development of plant biomass conversion strategies for biofuel production. However, the interaction between different community members and the dynamics of enzyme complements during the lignocellulose deconstruction process remain poorly understood. We present here a comprehensive study on the community structure and enzyme systems of a lignocellulolytic microbial consortium EMSD5 during growth on corn stover, using metagenome sequencing in combination with quantitative metaproteomics. The taxonomic affiliation of the metagenomic data showed that EMSD5 was primarily composed of members from the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) annotation revealed that representatives of Firmicutes encoded a broad array of enzymes responsible for hemicellulose and cellulose deconstruction. Extracellular metaproteome analysis further pinpointed the specific role and synergistic interaction of Firmicutes populations in plant polysaccharide breakdown. In particular, a wide range of xylan degradation-related enzymes, including xylanases, β-xylosidases, α-l-arabinofuranosidases, α-glucuronidases and acetyl xylan esterases, were secreted by diverse members from Firmicutes during growth on corn stover. Using label-free quantitative proteomics, we identified the differential secretion pattern of a core subset of enzymes, including xylanases and cellulases with multiple carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). In addition, analysis of the coordinate expression patterns indicated that transport proteins and hypothetical proteins may play a role in bacteria processing lignocellulose. Moreover, enzyme preparation from EMSD5 demonstrated synergistic activities in the hydrolysis of pretreated corn stover by commercial cellulases from Trichoderma reesei. These results demonstrate that the corn stover-adapted microbial consortium EMSD5 harbors a variety of lignocellulolytic anaerobic bacteria and degradative enzymes, especially those implicated in hemicellulose decomposition. The data in this study highlight the pivotal role and cooperative relationship of Firmicutes members in the biodegradation of plant lignocellulose by EMSD5. The differential expression patterns of enzymes reveal the strategy of sequential lignocellulose deconstruction by EMSD5. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism by which consortium members orchestrate their array of enzymes to degrade complex lignocellulosic biomass.
Portal Venous Gas

Portal venous gas is a rare radiologic finding, and the pathophysiology of it is largely unclear. Evidence of portal venous gas prompts urgent evaluation for potential surgical indications, as it can be indicative of an intra-abdominal catastrophe. More commonly, benign reasons for portal venous gas are present, but high index of suspicion is important for good outcomes. The intent of this chapter is to describe and define what encompasses portal venous gas, potential etiologies, mainstays of diagnosis, and provide insight into the vast differential diagnoses. The principles of management of the surgical and non-surgical causes of portal venous gas are also discussed in detail.
Acceleration of the inversion of triangular Toeplitz matrices and polynomial division

Computing the reciprocal of a polynomial in z modulo a power zn is well known to be closely linked to polynomial division and equivalent to the inversion of an n × n triangular Toeplitz matrix. The degree k of the polynomial is precisely the bandwidth of the matrix, and so the matrix is banded iff k ≪ n. We employ the above equivalence and some elementary but novel and nontrivial techniques to obtain minor yet noticeable acceleration of the solution of the cited fundamental computational problems.
Ocular delivery of proteins and peptides: Challenges and novel formulation approaches

The impact of proteins and peptides on the treatment of various conditions including ocular diseases over the past few decades has been advanced by substantial breakthroughs in structural biochemistry, genetic engineering, formulation and delivery approaches. Formulation and delivery of proteins and peptides, such as monoclonal antibodies, aptamers, recombinant proteins and peptides to ocular tissues poses significant challenges owing to their large size, poor permeation and susceptibility to degradation. A wide range of advanced drug delivery systems including polymeric controlled release systems, cell-based delivery and nanowafers are being exploited to overcome the challenges of frequent administration to ocular tissues. The next generation systems integrated with new delivery technologies are anticipated to generate improved efficacy and safety through the expansion of the therapeutic target space. This review will highlight recent advances in formulation and delivery strategies of protein and peptide based biopharmaceuticals. We will also describe the current state of proteins and peptides based ocular therapy and future therapeutic opportunities.
Knowledge on breast cancer and Practices on breast self-examination among Female Students in Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women. Overall, it is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. However, it is being highest mortality among all cancer death in women. Global incidence of breast cancer has been rising over the last few decades. Knowledge about breast cancer is very important in the prevention of the disease. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and examine the practice of female students about self-breast examination in Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. A cross sectional descriptive study involving 222 female students aged 20-30 years was carried out using a17 item structured self-administered questionnaire between March and September 2016. Among total participants, 23.4% were nursing and 76.6% were medical students. Ethnically, 55.9% were Sinhalese, 20.2% were Tamils and 23.9% were Muslims. Majority of the participants (96.8%) heard about breast cancer. Source of information such as Newspapers/Magazines (78.8%) lectures (60.8%) and internet (66.2%) were respectively. Most of them (82.9%) heard about breast self-examination (BSE) but only 33% have ever done it; of those, 9.6% did it because one of their family members had breast cancer. Awareness about risk factors such as positive family history (82.9%), use of oral contraceptive pills (58.6%), no breast feeding (68.0%), and early menarche (45.9%) were respectively. Breast lump, recent onset nipple discharge, pain on breast and skin changes of breast were stated as clinical features by 95.9%, 84.2%, 71.2% and 79.3% participants, respectively. Knowledge of treatments methods such as surgery (96.8%), radiotherapy (88.3%), chemotherapy (82%), and hormone pills (24.8%) were respectively. The knowledge regarding breast cancer was good but less than half of the students had performed breast self-examination in their life. KEYWORDS: Knowledge, Self-examination, Breast Cancer, Female students
Theranostics and metabolotheranostics for precision medicine in oncology

Most diseases, especially cancer, would significantly benefit from precision medicine where treatment is shaped for the individual. The concept of theragnostics or theranostics emerged around 2002 to describe the incorporation of diagnostic assays into the selection of therapy for this purpose. Increasingly, theranostics has been used for strategies that combine noninvasive imaging-based diagnostics with therapy. Within the past decade theranostic imaging has transformed into a rapidly expanding field that is located at the interface of diagnosis and therapy. A critical need in cancer treatment is to minimize damage to normal tissue. Molecular imaging can be applied to identify targets specific to cancer with imaging, design agents against these targets to visualize their delivery, and monitor response to treatment, with the overall purpose of minimizing collateral damage. Genomic and proteomic profiling can provide an extensive 'fingerprint' of each tumor. With this cancer fingerprint, theranostic agents can be designed to personalize treatment for precision medicine of cancer, and minimize damage to normal tissue. Here, for the first time, we have introduced the term 'metabolotheranostics' to describe strategies where disease-based alterations in metabolic pathways detected by MRS are specifically targeted with image-guided delivery platforms to achieve disease-specific therapy. The versatility of MRI and MRS in molecular and functional imaging makes these technologies especially important in theranostic MRI and 'metabolotheranostics'. Our purpose here is to provide insights into the capabilities and applications of this exciting new field in cancer treatment with a focus on MRI and MRS.
Haznos reír: Cómo conocí a tu madre

I think initially we wanted to write a single-camera show, but the wisdom at the time was that single-camera comedy wasn't working (this is nine years ago, remember), so we took a lot of elements from that style—like more scenes, more edits, more cinematic camera work—and shot it with four cameras and added a laugh track. The style developed naturally out of that.
Dancing with Devtas: Drums, Power and Possession in the Music of Garhwal, North India

Contents: Introduction: Part 1 Contextualising the Study: Sounding the drum: power and meaning in the context of performance: Dev Bhumi: land of the gods Caste groups and instrumentalists Performance genres and dance practice Musical instruments in Garhwal Dhol Sagar: the ocean of drumming. Part 2 Analysis and Description of Musical Events: Musical Power in the Context of Performance: Drumming associated with PaA+/-davalila Music in the context of wedding celebrations The Pawara of Kirthipal and Kunjepal Conclusion Appendices Glossary of selected Garhwali and Hindi terms Bibliography Discography of selected commercially released tapes Index.
Philosophical significance of ancient indian penology

Dr Sukumar Bose and Paripurnanand Varma deal historically and forensically with Ancient India, but relate the socio-historical aspects with the concepts and meanings of relevant terminology. In conceptual terms they write lucidly on the objectives of penology, again in Ancient India, proceeding in a fashion both psychological and juridical in matters of law enforcement services, the courts and the law. Only if the reader truly wishes to learn much, to gain insight into the overall forensic aspects, as well as the psychological, should he or she even attempt to study this paper etiologically. For Dr Bose and Prof. Varma give us views plentiful, significant, and relevant about the theme, tracing the areas they are concerned with in truly scholarly perspectives. In truth, I found their intermittent Notes throughout the book no less impactful and intelligent than the very text; for derivatively the authors analyze well the qualities that made Ancient India so great, into our own times, in fact. There is philosophy in substantial quantity and quality all through this piece. Even though the objectives of penology are written on by the authors strongly and forthrightly, I saw in the sections and in what followed in the text, speculations and insights and knowledge that have for all scholars universal application. By 'philosophy' I of course include psychology, to be sure, especially when man's behavior is referred to in direct terms, in application and implementably. As a clinical and forensic psychologist, and university professor, I point out that this piece teaches the reader considerably and soundly about penal law in India. The authors creditably and consistently document their viewpoints, almost analytically, certainly logically. I compliment the authors on their accomplishment for they have added meaningfully to the literature in the field by their sound research.
Andrea Staiti, Geistigkeit, Leben und geschichtliche Welt in der Transzendentalphänomenologie Husserls

The problem of life emerged as one of the central fixtures of phenomenological thinking, especially in its French manifestations, in the twentieth century. Yet, although concepts such as ‘‘lifeworld,’’ ‘‘living present,’’ and ‘‘life’’ recur throughout Husserl’s writings, his original brand of phenomenological philosophy has rarely been understood as a philosophy of life. On the contrary, Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology has often been seen as either inadequate to the problem of life (due to Husserl’s perceived ‘‘intellectualist’’ prejudices) or as providing trenchant arguments against a philosophy of life, as current in his own day and as still prevalent, albeit differently, today (e.g., the radical immanence of life). True, Husserl’s conception of the lifeworld is central to his mature thinking and has proved influential for subsequent philosophy; and Jacques Derrida’s pointed critique of Husserl’s metaphysics of presence has underscored the constitutive function of the ‘‘living present’’ for phenomenological accounts of temporality, subjectivity, and knowledge. Sympathetic investigations of Husserl’s thinking notwithstanding (Klaus Held’s study of the ‘‘living present’’ in Husserl’s late writings on temporality; Rudolf Bernet’s aptly titled La vie du sujet; Anne Montavont’s De la passivite dans la phenomenologie Husserls), a full engagement with the emergence and development of the concept of life in Husserl’s phenomenology still remains wanting. As Andrea Staiti argues in Geistigkeit, Leben und geschichtliche Welt in der Transzendentalphanomenologie Husserls, a principal reason for failing to recognize Husserl’s thinking as a philosophy of life is an obliviousness towards Husserl’s engagement with the debate between Rickert, Simmel and Dilthey on the distinction between nature and spirit (Geist). By way of re-constructing and, as it were, re-activating this context of debate, Staiti proposes a systematic assessment of the meaning and function of the dual problems of history and life in Husserl’s transcendental thinking. More provocatively, Staiti advocates that transcendental
Programming Vanadium Dioxide Based MEMS Mirror

The programming of different mechanical states of the tip-tilt piston vanadium dioxide (VO2)-based MEMS micromirror is presented. VO2 is a smart material that exhibits a solid-to-solid phase change transition at around 68 °C which spans about 10 °C. During the transition the mechanical properties of the material change, inducing a stress on the microstructure generating a displacement. The micromirror device has a fill-factor of 32.8% and is actuated through Joule heating, using monolithically integrated resistive heaters. The hysteretic behavior of the VO2 is exploited to program either rotational angles (tilt-mode) or vertical displacements (piston-mode) of the device. The tilt-mode is divided in two components: pitch and roll. The programming of each mode is realized by applying a constant current to pre-heat the VO2 film within the transition temperature and adding electrical pulses to move between states. The maximum power consumed when programming the two states is measured for each actuation mode. The repeatability of the programming actions is demonstrated by showing an identical sequence of programming pulses produced the same mechanical state for the rotational angle (tilt-mode) and vertical displacement (piston-mode). Finally, it is demonstrated that different states can be programmed by using the same pre-heating temperature and programming pulses at different magnitudes.
Coping with the Future: Theories and Practices of Divination in East Asia

This volume brings together twenty papers generated from conferences, workshops, lectures, and reading seminars at the International Center for Research in the Humanities1 from 2009 to 2014. It see...
Emerging drugs for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent the standard of care for patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring sensitizing EGFR mutations. However, these agents are associated with inevitable treatment resistance. Newer generations of TKIs are under development that may prevent or overcome resistance and enhance intracranial activity.Areas covered: In this review, we will discuss newer generations of EGFR TKIs for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. We will also address resistance mutations and escape pathways associated with these agents such as secondary mutations, downstream signaling, bypass pathways, phenotypic transformation, anti-apoptotic signaling, immune evasion, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, this article encompasses emerging data from combination trials with next-generation TKIs that are being pursued to delay or prevent the occurrence of resistance.Expert opinion: The promise and challenge of precision oncology is encap...
Unilateral absence of the pulmonary veins: an unusual diagnosis with characteristic imaging findings.

Abstract Background Congenital unilateral absence of the pulmonary vein (UCAPV) is a rare entity with characteristic clinical and imaging findings. Despite its congenital nature, the radiographic findings and symptoms of UCAPV may not be recognized at birth and patients may present in childhood or early adulthood with findings that may mimic other diagnoses. Methods The evolution of imaging findings in UCAPV is presented through two cases, one of which demonstrates the progression of findings over several years. The embryologic basis of this entity is reviewed and the clinical presentation and characteristic imaging findings including radiographs, nuclear scintigraphy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac catheterization are demonstrated. Results Characteristically, normal at birth, radiographs demonstrate the gradual development of a small lung and ipsilateral pulmonary artery over time. In addition to unilateral absence of the pulmonary veins on CT or MRI, a mediastinal “soft tissue mass” reflecting the development of mediastinal collaterals is a common finding and should be recognized as secondary to the absent ipsilateral pulmonary veins rather than as a primary process causing occlusion of the pulmonary veins. Scintigraphy will show absent perfusion to the affected lung. Conclusion Awareness of the distinctive imaging findings in this unusual condition is critical to avoid misdiagnosis and to prevent the consequences of UCAPV which include pulmonary hypertension and extensive venous collaterals with or without hemoptysis, both of which may prevent definitive repair.
A phase II study of high-dose cetuximab plus irinotecan in colorectal cancer patients with KRAS-wild type tumors who progressed on prior standard dose cetuximab and irinotecan.

3582 Background: Prior clinical data suggest a dose-related response to cetuximab (cmab) when combined with irinotecan in patients (pts) with KRAS WT tumors who do not develop grade ≥ 2 rash with s...
Growth and Distribution of Child Psychiatrists in the United States: 2007-2016.

BACKGROUND: Historically, there has been a shortage of child psychiatrists in the United States, undermining access to care. This study updated trends in the growth and distribution of child psychiatrists over the past decade. METHODS: Data from the Area Health Resource Files were used to compare the number of child psychiatrists per 100 000 children ages 0 to 19 between 2007 and 2016 by state and county. We also examined sociodemographic characteristics associated with the density of child psychiatrists at the county level over this period using negative binomial multivariable models. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2016, the number of child psychiatrists in the United States increased from 6590 to 7991, a 21.3% gain. The number of child psychiatrists per 100 000 children also grew from 8.01 to 9.75, connoting a 21.7% increase. County- and state-level growth varied widely, with 6 states observing a decline in the ratio of child psychiatrists (ID, IN, KS, ND, SC, and SD) and 6 states increasing by >50% (AK, AR, NH, NV, OK, and RI). Seventy percent of counties had no child psychiatrists in both 2007 and 2016. Child psychiatrists were significantly more likely to practice in high-income counties (P CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased ratio of child psychiatrists per 100 000 children in the United States over the past decade, there remains a dearth of child psychiatrists, particularly in parts of the United States with lower levels of income and education.
Imaging Conductive Objects Through Metal Enclosures Using ELF/VLF Magnetic Fields

Imaging through conductive media is a pervasive problem in medical, industrial, and security applications. Several potential modalities such as X-ray, exotic particle beams, and related high resolution techniques have been employed in the past. However, the difficulty of production and safety of these technologies is a concern in practice. Of particular interest in this work are extremely and very low frequency (ELF/VLF, f<; 30 kHz) radio signals. We consider the feasibility of using ELF/VLF signals for detecting and imaging objects that are hidden inside thin-shelled conductive enclosures. It is shown that the hidden perfect electrical conductor (PEC) object partially blocks the incident magnetic field and results in a magnetic-field depletion that can be used to detect the object. Next, using FEKO simulations, a parametric study of through-conductor detection using a magnetic dipole is considered for a cubic aluminum shield. It is shown that signals above 1 kHz can be used to evaluate the outer shield properties, while signals at frequencies below 200 Hz can be used to effectively discern shapes of hidden objects by observing the magnetic distortion within 1 cm of the outer shield. To validate the results of theory and simulations, experiments matching the simulation conditions are conducted with a cubic aluminum container and hidden aluminum block. The experiments clearly demonstrate the presence of the magnetic field depletion as predicted by theory and simulations. The results of this work suggest that near-field ELF/VLF magnetic induction is an effective method for imaging through realistic metallic shields.