cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: What Physical and Sport Educators Should Know

The increasing prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among children and youth suggests that increased awareness, attention, and training must be disseminated to frontline personnel. Physical and sport educators have an increased chance of identifying students who are currently engaging in NSSI because of the nature of their work. This article addresses basic facts concerning NSSI that physical and sport educators should be aware of and identifies intervention strategies. It also offers practical suggestions for identifying, reacting to, and proceeding with the discovery of an individual who is engaging in NSSI. The ultimate goal is to get these individuals the help they need.
Pathways to service inequalities among Latinos in the child welfare system

While the number of Latino children and families involved in the child welfare system continues to grow, our understanding of developing, implementing, and disseminating evidence-based child welfare practices that are culturally responsive to Latino communities remains unknown. As a preliminary first step to address these gaps in child welfare research and practice, efforts to identify factors that perpetuate and prolong disparate outcomes in achieving safety, permanency, and wellbeing are sorely needed. Given their contemporary day-to-day experiences in negotiating increasing demands and changing practice and policy procedures, caseworkers who primarily work with Latino children and families involved in the child welfare system were asked to participate in one of four focus groups. Content analyses illuminated factors that increase child welfare involvement and numerous barriers Latinos often experience in accessing culturally congruent services. Caseworkers provided recommendations that focus on developing organizational policies and procedures to address barriers. If disseminated and implemented, these recommendations may play an important role in providing child welfare services that promote positive outcomes among Latino children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Tactical asset allocation: an artificial neural network based model

An artificial neural network was trained to support a tactical asset allocation investment strategy. The allocation strategy considers three asset classes: US stocks, bonds and money market. The neural network was trained to forecast the probability that each asset class would outperform the other two by the end of a one-month period. The neural network was trained with the backpropagation algorithm. A tactical asset allocation portfolio was invested in the asset class expected to have the best performance according to the neural network prediction. The strategy was simulated during a one-year period. During the simulation period the strategy outperformed the S&P500 Index by 1,792 basis points. The artificial neural network prediction was accurate 92% of the time.
Effect of extraction conditions on trace element solubilization in deposit feeder digestive fluid

In vitro extraction of sediments using digestive fluid of deposit-feeding invertebrates has been advocated as a measure of in vivo bioavailability, but the standard procedure used for the extractions alters fluid properties relative to in vivo conditions. In vivo fluid properties (redox potential [Eh], pH, dissolved oxygen) were measured in the gut of the polychaete Arenicola brasiliensis, and then the effects of gut evacuation, elevated temperature, and atmospheric exposure on these properties and/or metal and metalloid extraction capability of the fluid was assessed. The midgut of A. brasiliensis has an electropositive Eh of about +170 to +230 mV, a neutral pH, and little or no dissolved oxygen. Exposure to the atmosphere during in vitro extraction increased gut fluid oxygen content and affected the ability of the fluid to extract some trace elements from sediment particles, particularly Pb, Ni, Cu, Mn, and As. Even for these substances, however, the effects of oxygen exposure on extractability by gut fluid typically were small (<2-fold difference in amount extracted). For Cr, Hg, Se, Cd, Fe, and Zn, the effects of oxygen exposure usually were minor and inconsistent in direction. Maintaining anaerobic conditions during in vitro contaminant extractions is necessary when the experimental objective is to mimic accurately in vivo conditions and predict trace element extraction in the gut. If using metal extractability as a relative measure for sediment risk assessment purposes, a high degree of accuracy may not be required, and aerobic in vitro extractions could be suitable and produce only minor errors in extractability relative to in vivo conditions.
Increase in immunogenicity of a pulmonary squamous-cell carcinoma, propagated in vitro.

The chemically induced, non-immunogenic lung squamous-cell carcinoma (MSC-10) propagated in vitro gradually loses tumorigenicity in immuno-competent hosts with increasing in vitro passage. This was found to be related to an increase in antigenicity, since immunosuppressed hosts (thymectomy plus 600 rads whole body X-irradiation) supported the growth of tumor cells, whereas immunocompetent recipients did not. The antigens involved in rejection are not heterologous serum proteins present in culture media since the cell line grown in isologous serum is also rejected. Immunization with the in vitro tumor line partially protected against the parental in vivo line, therefore the antigens involved must be present on both tumor lines. Inoculation of the cultured cell line into normal or immunosuppressed hosts produced tumors with the same histological characteristics as those of the in vivo tumor line. We concluded that by in vitro culture the weakly antigenic carcinoma becomes more immunogenic and thereby capable of inducing transplantation resistance. The cultured tumor cells retain their antigenic specificity and histologic characteristics while increasing their antigenic potency.
Agricultural Organization, Social Structure, and Values in Italy: Amoral Familism Reconsidered1

The ethos of “amoral familism,” which was suggested by Banfield as an explanation of political behavior in a Southern Italian community, may be restated as a summary of several significant features of Southern Italian social structure. However, Banfield's argument must be reversed: the ethos is a consequence rather than the basis of these social characteristics; they, in turn, have their foundation in the agricultural system. In order to identify those conditions of agricultural organization and social structure that shape “amoral familism” and related values, two areas of Italy, the Center and the Deep South, are contrasted.
Automatic description of complex buildings from multiple images

We present an approach for detecting and describing complex buildings with flat or complex rooftops by using multiple, overlapping images of the scene. We find 3-D rooftop boundary hypotheses from the line and junction features of the images by applying consecutive grouping procedures. First, 3-D features are generated by grouping image features over multiple images, and rooftop hypotheses are generated by neighborhood searches on those features. Probabilistic reasoning, level-of-details, and cues from image-derived unedited elevation data are used at various stages to manage the huge search space for rooftop boundary hypotheses. Three-dimensional rooftop hypotheses generated by above procedures are verified with evidence collected from the images and the elevation data. Expandable Bayesian networks are used to combine evidence from multiple images. Finally, overlap and rooftop analyses are performed to find the final building models. Experimental results are shown on complex buildings.
LBP does not substitute for CD14 as a signaling membrane bound LPS receptor

CD14 is well known as a receptor for LPS. However, the mechanism of signal transduction which LPS initiates upon binding to CD14 is not known. One theory is that CD14 presents LPS to another molecule which in turn initiates cellular activation [Ulevitch RJ, Tobias PS. Receptor-dependent mechanisms of cell stimulation by bacterial endotoxin. Annu Rev Immunol 1995; 13: 437]. In this context one may ask whether the postulated presentation function of CD14 is limited to simple concentration of LPS at the cell surface or whether CD14 performs some other more specific function. LPS binding protein (LBP) is able to bind and transfer LPS to a variety of acceptors [Wurfel MM, Wright SD. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and soluble CD14 transfer lipopolysaccharide to phospholipid bilayers: preferential interaction with particular classes of lipid. J Immunol 1997; 158: 3925] and, as such, is a candidate as an alternative to CD14 if the function of CD14 is simply to concentrate LPS at the cell surface. To address t...
Computational modeling predicts the structure and dynamics of chromatin fiber.

Abstract Background: The compact form of the chromatin fiber is a critical regulator of fundamental processes such as transcription and replication. These reactions can occur only when the fiber is unraveled and the DNA strands contained within are exposed to interact with nuclear proteins. While progress on identifying the biochemical mechanisms that control localized folding and hence govern access to genetic information continues, the internal structure of the chromatin fiber, let alone the structural pathways for folding and unfolding, remain unknown. Results: To offer structural insights into how this nucleoprotein complex might be organized, we present a macroscopic computer model describing the mechanics of the chromatin fiber on the polymer level. We treat the core particles as electrostatically charged disks linked via charged elastic DNA segments and surrounded by a microionic hydrodynamic solution. Each nucleosome unit is represented by several hundred charges optimized so that the effective Debye-Huckel electrostatic field matches the field predicted by the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation. On the basis of Brownian dynamics simulations, we show that oligonucleosomes condense and unfold in a salt-dependent manner analogous to the chromatin fiber Conclusions: Our predicted chromatin model shows good agreement with experimental diffusion coefficients and small-angle X-ray scattering data. A fiber of width 30 nm, organized in a compact helical zigzag pattern with about 4 nucleosomes per 10 nm, naturally emerges from a repeating nucleosome folding motif. This fiber has a cross-sectional radius of gyration of R c = 8.66 nm, in close agreement with corresponding values for rat thymus and chicken erythrocyte chromatin (8.82 and 8.5 nm, respectively).
The cutaneous innate immune response in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Orchestrating when and how the cutaneous innate immune system should respond to commensal or pathogenic microbes is a critical function of the epithelium. The cutaneous innate immune system is a key determinant of the physical, chemical, microbial, and immunologic barrier functions of the epidermis. A malfunction in this system can lead to an inadequate host response to a pathogen or a persistent inflammatory state. Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disorder and characterized by abnormalities in both skin barrier structures (stratum corneum and tight junctions), a robust TH2 response to environmental antigens, defects in innate immunity, and an altered microbiome. Many of these abnormalities may occur as the consequence of epidermal dysfunction. The epidermis directly interfaces with the environment and, not surprisingly, expresses many pattern recognition receptors that make it a key player in cutaneous innate immune responses to skin infections and injury. This review will discuss the role epidermal innate receptors play in regulation of skin barriers and, where possible, discuss the relevance of these findings for patients with atopic dermatitis.
Towards an empirical measure for assessing public attitudes regarding government cybercrime countermeasures

The paper describes the preliminary methodological outcomes and findings from a long-term, exploratory research program on cybercrime countermeasures designed to isolate behavioral or demographic correlates associated with public acceptance or rejection. Specifically, the study is assessing the differential magnitude of cyber threat awareness, as well as the differential perceptions of the threat among different subgroups in the American populace. In other words, how would different segments of the American public (e.g., men, women, ethnic groups, economic class, computer users versus non-computer users) respond to the idea of cybercrime countermeasures of varying scope and intensity? The study outcomes will empirically demonstrate the strength of general public support for government-sanctioned and controlled cybercrime countermeasures and will ascertain the social, economic, or demographic variables that may influence differential public opinion. In the final analysis, the research will provide a data-based approach for beginning efforts to navigate the balance between complex cyber security needs and public fears about "Big Brother" trampling on their civil liberties (as was evidenced after the Patriot Act was signed into law). A long-term goal of the research is to develop a behavioral rating scale that isolates personal, demographic, and related "ecological" variables that contribute to favorable or non-favorable views of Cybercrime countermeasures. The final product will be a well-conceptualized and carefully-constructed behavioral rating scale that meets acceptable standards of scientific rigor. The significance of the problem is clear to the cyber community, but how is it perceived by the public-at-large? The problem has salient implications for the United States related to American politics, national defense capability, cybercrime and terror responses, communication systems and networks, energy, surveillance and GPS tracking systems, and homeland security.
Time-resolved dynamics of charge transfer to solvent states in solvated iodide clusters

Abstract The dynamics of the cluster precursors to charge-transfer-to-solvent (CTTS) states have been studied in clusters of iodide with xenon, water, D 2 O, ammonia and methanol using femtosecond photoelectron spectroscopy. The dynamics of these states differ dramatically according to solvent type and number. Excitation of the lower CTTS state in I − (Xe) n clusters yields a state that is stable over the time scale of the experiment (∼200 ps), whereas the upper spin-orbit state decays by spin-orbit autodetachment within 500 to 1000 fs, depending on the number of Xe atoms. The hydrogen-bonded clusters show evidence for partial solvation of the excess electron following CTTS excitation. In general they exhibit more complicated dynamics which correspond to internal rearrangement in one or more electronic states. A description including isomerization and electron solvation is given for the I − (D 2 O) n clusters, and compared to the dynamics observed in I − (NH 3 ) n and I − (CH 3 OH) n clusters.
Modifying Physician Test-Ordering Behavior in the Outpatient Clinic

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of structured order forms with a computerized medical information system to reduce the ordering of unnecessary outpatient tests. The study was implemented among house staff in the Family Practice Center and the Adult Ambulatory Care Center at Methodist Hospital of Indiana, a 1120 bed, private teaching hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.
The Pareto Optimization of Ultra-Wideband Polyfractal Arrays

A multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization was applied to minimize the peak side-lobe levels of polyfractal arrays at several frequencies. These optimized polyfractal arrays are then individually examined and shown to possess low peak side-lobe levels over an ultra-wide range of frequencies. The mainbeam is steered away from broadside to show that even when steered, these arrays have extremely large bandwidths
Identification of Inclusions in Virus Diseases

Scarcely a year has passed in the last decade without the recognition of one or more hitherto unsuspected virus diseases of man. The profession has become acutely virus conscious. We even hear of "Virologists" and we read, with profit, "Alice in Virusland." Clinical pathologists are immediately concerned because their advice is quickly sought in dealing with cases presenting unusual features and which cannot be easily diagnosed, for they have at their disposal laboratory facilities not possessed by most practitioners and they employ experimental methods. The viruses have made themselves known in unexpected ways and it is quite possible that still others lurk in our bodies or may invade us from the great animal reservoir of disease with which we are in contact. Who would have supposed innocent looking love-birds and worldly-wise parrots to harbor the deadly virus of psittacosis? Who would have expected that house mice carry the equally dangerous virus of lymphocytic choriomeningitis? In some parts of the world sheep are a source of infection. Thus, investigators working on a virus disease (louping ill), observed in Scotch sheep, have become mildly affected by it. While I was in Kenya Colony the lambs in a nearby farm commenced to die off in large numbers. Blood from them was brought to the laboratory by Daubney and a virus isolated. All who first worked with it became severely but not dangerously ill. In Australia a virus of sheep origin has become established in humans often with fatal results. The
GASB Statement No. 31: Why No Controversy?

Fair value reporting of investments in the financial statements of commercial enterprises is required under FASB Statement No. 115. The standard created much controversy when issued due to provisions that changes in fair values of certain investments were recognized in the operating statement. A major concern to many organizations was the volatility these recognized, but unrealized, changes in fair value would create in reported earnings. When the GASB issued Statement No. 31 requiring fair value reporting of investments there was little controversy concerning volatility to reported earnings of governmental entities, even though the standard required much broader application of fair value reporting. This study examined a possible explanation for the lack of controversy surrounding fair value reporting in the public sector. An analysis of the financial reports of the major U.S. municipalities provided empirical evidence of the significance of investments earnings to municipal revenues, investment assets to total assets, and the significance of changes in fair values of investments to investment earnings and total revenues. Financial reports and accompanying notes for fiscal years 1994 to 1998 were examined. Results indicate that overall, investments earnings were not a significant component of governmental fund revenues. However, investment earnings were significant for certain governmental fund types. The difference between costs and fair market values of investments also did not appear to be material to most governmental funds. The minimal impact of the fair value reporting on earnings offers a partial explanation for the lack of debate surrounding adoption of fair value reporting of investment by governmental entities.
They Can't Write

Complaints about the poor writing skills of law school graduates are nothing new, as attested by this 1980 article on the topic. For those willing to acknowledge the inadequacy of their expository writing skills, the author recommended six books on writing style of particular usefulness to law students and recent graduates. Some have become enduring classics, while others have gone out of print.
Physiology and pathophysiology of gastrin: a review

Recent advances in understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal hormone, gastrin, are reviewed. Details of gastrin biosynthesis, secretion, and cellular actions may have broad implications for other peptide hormones. Potentially useful antigastrin drugs are described. Areas of future development are suggested.
The influence of political candidates' facial appearance on older and younger adults' voting choices and actual electoral success.

AbstractYounger adults (YA) judgments of political candidates’ competence from facial appearance accurately predict electoral success. Whether this is true for older adults (OA) has not been investigated despite the fact that OA are more likely to vote than YA and may respond differently to particular facial qualities. We examined whether OA and YA ratings of competence, trustworthiness, attractiveness, and babyfaceness of opposing candidates in US Senate elections independently predicted their own vote choices and actual election outcomes. OA and YA ratings of attractiveness, competence, and trustworthiness positively predicted their choices, but the effect of competence was weaker for OA. Babyfaceness negatively predicted OA, but not YA, choices. OA and YA competence ratings equally predicted the actual election winners, while OA, but not YA, attractiveness ratings did so. Trustworthy and babyface ratings did not predict actual winners. These findings have implications for understanding age differences ...
A Concise History of International Finance: The Italians invent modern finance

All Italian scholars insist that the origins of modern international finance arose among the Italian city-states that eventually established self-rule during the centuries following the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West (Fratianni and Spinelli 2006). Italian merchants perfected the foreign bill of exchange to finance trade throughout medieval Europe into the North and Baltic Seas, as well as with the ancient ports of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Their home cities also developed the precursors of sovereign debt in the form of perpetual annuities. Both financial instruments – the bill of exchange and perpetual annuities – have been studied in terms of the way they circumvented the religious prohibitions on usury in Christian Europe (de Roover 1963; Munro 2013), but our emphasis here will be on the way they interacted to create viable and effective markets in international finance. The innovative pressures of war finance for the Italian city-states throughout the Middle Ages were critical for the development of new financial instruments and techniques. Their usefulness in promoting the expansion of trade and production in non-military pursuits after the religious wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries led to the further rise of financial capitalism, first in the Low Countries and then in Great Britain (Chapter 4). But which of the several Italian city-states that emerged on the peninsula after the demise of the Roman empire and then the division of Charlemagne's Holy Roman Empire should claim pride of precedence? Florence has long held sway, thanks to the stunning art and public monuments financed by the fabulous Medici family during the Renaissance, and whose bank was extolled by de Roover (1963). Later economic historians have asserted the greater importance of Venice, which remains a comparable tourist attraction to Florence (Lane and Mueller 1985; Mueller 1997; Pezzolo 2013a, 2013b). The role of Genoa's Casa di San Giorgio , however, has recently taken pride of place (Felloni 2006; Fratianni and Spinelli 2006; Marsilio 2013). While acknowledging its significance, this chapter will make an argument for the financial innovations made by the crusading popes of the Middle Ages (cf. Caselli 2008, 2013).
An examination of health selection among U.S. immigrants using multi-national data

While migrants are widely believed to be positively selected on health, there has been very little empirical exploration of the actual health differential between migrants and non-migrants. This paper explored: 1) the extent of health selection by comparing US immigrants from 19 sending countries to their non-migrating counterparts still residing in the countries of origin; 2) country-level correlates of health selection; and 3) whether country-level health selection accounted for differences in self-rated health between immigrants and US-born Whites. We combined nationally-representative international data with data from US immigrants from the 2003-2007 Current Population Survey. The health selectivity measure was the Net Difference Index (NDI), which compares the distribution of self-rated health between migrants and non-migrants. We calculated Spearman correlation and bivariate regression coefficients between the NDI and economic, health, distance, and migration characteristics of the sending countries. We used generalized estimating equation models to examine the association between country-level health selection and immigrants' current self-rated health. We found immigrants from South America to show the most positive health selection. Health selection was significantly correlated with visa mode of entry, where family networks decrease, but work-related networks increase health selection. There was little evidence that country-level health selection explained differences in the self-rated health of US immigrants relative to US-born Whites. Our findings do not support the idea that country-level health selection underlies the "healthy immigrant effect".
Study on the effects of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis in shoe workers exposed to n-hexane

Objective To study the effects of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis in human exposed to n-hexane. The feasibility of using polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis as the effect biomarker of n-hexane was also discussed. Methods n-Hexane was collected by activated charcoal in the workplaces and detected by pyrolysis-gas chromatography. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte was extracted by venous blood in the off-duty workers. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis was analyzed by mea suring diffusivity on gelose plates. Results Polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis was restrained in workers exposed to n-hexane. With the concentration of n-hexane increasing, leukocyte chemotaxis reduced accordingly. When the concentration of n-hexane was 92.5 mg/m3, the distance of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis was (1.08±0.22)mm, the rate of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis was 28.1% and polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis was restrained significantly(P0.05). Conclusion Polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis might be the effect biomarker of n-hexane but needs to be explored father.
Measuring cloud thermodynamic phase with shortwave infrared imaging spectroscopy

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) imaging spectroscopy enables accurate remote mapping of cloud thermodynamic phase at high spatial resolution. We describe a measurement strategy to exploit signatures of liquid and ice absorption in cloud top apparent reflectance spectra from 1.4-1.8 μm. This signal is generally insensitive to confounding factors such as solar angles, view angles, and surface albedo. We first evaluate the approach in simulation, and then apply it to airborne data acquired in the Calwater-2 / ACAPEX campaign of Winter 2015. Here, NASA's “Classic” Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-C) remotely observed diverse cloud formations while the US Department of Energy ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) G-1 aircraft measured cloud integral and microphysical properties in situ. The coincident measurements demonstrate good separation of the thermodynamic phases for relatively homogeneous clouds.
Hamilton-Jacobi Theory

This chapter discusses Hamilton–Jacobi Theory applicable to conservative dynamical systems. It discusses the Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations and Hamilton–Jacobi equation. To get a solution of Lagrange's equations, the procedure is to solve the Hamilton–Jacobi equation for the generating function S , make a canonical change of variables using this generating function, and then solve Hamilton's equation in these new coordinates. The chapter highlights that Lagrange's equations can be interpreted as the Euler–Lagrange equations for the functional J = ∫ Ldt . The functions f and g are said to be in involution or to Poisson commute if the Poisson bracket [ f , g ] is identically equal to zero. Liouville's theorem states that a function F is a first integral of a system with Hamiltonian function H, if and only if, H and F are in involution. The chapter also discusses the Poisson's theorem which states that the Poisson bracket of two first integrals of a Hamiltonian system is again a first integral.
Identification of Five Sites of Regulation of Human Zn Metabolism

Zn metabolism in humans has been investigated through mathematical modeling of kinetic data (Foster et al., 1979; Babcock et al. 1982; Wastney et al., 1986). Through this approach Zn absorption, distribution, secretion and excretion have been measured in normal volunteers and in clinical disorders. The present studies involved tracer studies in a normal and a perturbed state to investigate sites of Zn metabolism in normal volunteers.
Seeing Is Understanding

To help teach object-oriented programming, students at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia created a self-paced, interactive program that associates code with visual cues to reinforce the concepts of inheritance and polymorphism.
Valuation and Hedging of Sports Futures Wagers

This study investigates, in a conceptual way, the intrinsic valuation of sports futures wagers and, given the absence of a viable secondary market, strategies for locking in pre-expiration value by hedging with the existing set of futures wagers, proposition wagers, and game wagers. An interesting finding is that effective hedging with game wagers generally involves games of teams other than the futures team, in addition to the futures-team’s games. The paper also shows how to use current game odds and futures odds to find the implicit projected odds on future games, conditional on the match-ups to be determined by the outcomes of current games.
Enhancing Bibliographic Access to Dissertations

A study of dissertation cataloging practices of Association of Research Libraries academic libraries was conducted to discern how the libraries provide access to subjects as well as to names of academic departments and advisors. An analysis of catalog records revealed this information is recorded in notes and uncontrolled access points more often than in established access points. Although these local practices reflect a move toward cataloging efficiencies, they must be considered in the context of information retrieval.
Human α-Defensin 6 Self-Assembly Prevents Adhesion and Suppresses Virulence Traits of Candida albicans

Human α-defensin 6 (HD6) is a host-defense peptide that contributes to intestinal innate immunity and mediates homeostasis at mucosal surfaces by forming noncovalent oligomers that capture bacteria and prevent bacterial invasion of the epithelium. This work illustrates a new role of HD6 in defending the host epithelium against pathogenic microorganisms. We report that HD6 blocks adhesion of Candida albicans to human intestinal epithelial cells and suppresses two C. albicans virulence traits, namely, invasion of human epithelial cells and biofilm formation. Moreover, a comparison of HD6 and a single-point variant F2A that does not form higher-order oligomers demonstrates that the self-assembly properties of HD6 are essential for functional activity against C. albicans. This opportunistic fungal pathogen, which resides in the intestine as a member of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals, can turn virulent and cause a variety of diseases ranging from superficial infections to life-threatening systemic i...
Preoperative vs postoperative radiation therapy in localized soft tissue sarcoma: Nationwide patterns of care and trends in utilization.

Abstract Purpose The timing of perioperative radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) varies among institutions. This study examines patterns of care, trends in utilization, and survival with preoperative versus postoperative RT for primary STS. Methods and materials Using the National Cancer Data Base, we identified patients with stage I-III STS who underwent definitive surgery with either preoperative or postoperative RT between 2004 and 2012. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predicting receipt of preoperative versus postoperative RT. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional-hazards model. Results This study included 9604 patients: 7246 (75.4%) received postoperative and 2358 (24.6%)-preoperative RT. Chemotherapy was administered to 27.0% patients in the preoperative and 13.0% in the postoperative cohort. Use of preoperative RT increased over time, from 16.8% in 2004 to 29.7% in 2012. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative RT utilization increased with the following factors: higher educational attainment, treatment at an academic facility, further distance from facility (>60 miles), receipt of chemotherapy, tumor originating in lower extremities, >10 cm tumors, and myxoid liposarcoma. OS analysis revealed no difference between the 2 treatment cohorts. Conclusions Postoperative RT is used much more commonly than preoperative RT in localized STS; however, preoperative RT use has increased in recent years. Multiple demographic and clinicopathologic factors were predictive of preoperative RT use. Consistent with randomized phase 3 data, there was no difference in OS.
Competing Risks for Mortality in Patients With Asymptomatic Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Implications for Clinical Management.

Competing Risks for Mortality in Patients With Asymptomatic Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Implications for Clinical Management
No compelling need to reclassify.

To the Editor: Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), regardless of its primary site, is one of the most aggressive and least therapeutically responsive neoplasms of childhood.1 The study by Kohashi et al proposes to remake the pathologic classification of MRT in children into three groups: ‘conventional-type tumors resembling MRT, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid-type tumors (ATRT) resembling ATRT and small cell-type tumors resembling malignant lymphomas’.2 All of the tumors, as expected, had complete loss of SMARCB1/INI2 expression. There was an equally dismal prognosis among the three groups. What the authors have demonstrated is that MRT is a tumor whose morphologic features can vary from those neoplasms with the typical, widespread presence of classic rhabdoid cells to those cases with variant features, including a paucity of rhabdoid cells and even a small cell pattern. Those rhabdoid filamentous inclusions in the cytoplasm may not be apparent, but the enlarged, vesicular nucleus and prominent nucleolus are major clues to the diagnosis. From the morphologic perspective, the authors have effectively conveyed the important message that the MRT is more than an epithelioid, round-cell neoplasm. Rather than a reclassification, the pathologist must be aware of the fact that the MRT in the kidney, liver, skin, or anyone of its various other sites of clinical presentation may not resemble the idealized mind eye’s images.3 The argument for a reclassification in this study has certain tautologic attributes.
Abstract 5325A: Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of breast cancer: Pooled analysis of the Nurses’ Health Study and the Nurses’ Health Study II

Fruit and vegetable intake has been hypothesized to protect against breast cancer, but the overall evidence has not been supportive. Using pooled data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Nurses’ Health Study II cohorts, we evaluated fruit and vegetable intake in relation to breast cancer risk. Diet was assessed every 4 years using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for multiple breast cancer risk factors, was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)for each category, using the lowest quintile of intake as the reference category. Among 182,204 women aged 27 to 66 years, we prospectively identified 10,973 invasive breast cancer cases during follow-up from 1980 through 2012 for the Nurses’ Health Study and from 1991 through 2013 for the Nurses’ Health Study II. Fruit and vegetable intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. The pooled multivariate HR (95% CIs) for highest (3.2 servings/day) versus lowest (0.4 serving/day) quintile intake of total fruit intake was 0.93 (0.86-0.99; Ptrend=0.03) and for highest (4.9 servings/day) versus lowest (1.5 servings/day) quintile intake of total vegetable was 0.92 (0.86-0.99; Ptrend=0.02). We also observed that a higher intake of yellow/orange vegetables, cruciferous vegetable, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, fruits and vegetables rich in α-carotene, fruits and vegetables rich in β-carotene, and fruits and vegetables rich in lutein was each associated with a lower breast cancer risk. In addition, the association with vegetable intake was stronger for both estrogen and progesterone receptor negative (HR=0.91; 95%CIs=0.87-0.95) than both estrogen and progesterone receptor positive cancers (HR=0.98; 95%CIs=0.96-1.00; Pheterogeneity=0.003). Our findings support an association of a higher fruit and vegetable intake with a lower breast cancer risk. Citation Format: Maryam S. Farvid, Walter C. Willett, A. Heather Eliassen. Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of breast cancer: Pooled analysis of the Nurses’ Health Study and the Nurses’ Health Study II [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5325A. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5325A
Effects of Crude Oil and Gold Prices on US Stock Market: Evidence for USA from ARDL Bounds Testing

This paper explores the effects of changes in crude oil and gold prices on US Stock market movement. Daily data are used from the first business day of January, 1986 through December30, 2016. Efficient unit root tests (DF-GLS and Ng-Perron) are applied to examine the time series property of the variables in terms of stationarity or non-stationarity. ARDL Bounds Testing is applied for co-integration. Both DF-GLS and Ng-Perron tests confirm non-stationarity of each variable and depict I (1) behavior of all the variables in log-levels, included in this study. The ARDL-Bounds testing confirm co-integration among the variables. There is evidence of long-run convergence among all these variables with very tepid adjustment toward the equilibrium. Short-run negative effects of changes in gold and crude oil prices on US stock market returns are observed. The effect is statistically significant from gold price changes, but insignificant from crude oil price changes.
Impacts of electrode coating irregularities on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell lifetime using quasi in-situ infrared thermography and accelerated stress testing

Abstract In-line quality control diagnostics for roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing techniques will play a key role in the future commercialization of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) used in automotive applications. These diagnostics monitor the fabrication of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which detect and flag any non-uniformity that may potentially harm PEMFC performance and/or lifetime. This will require quantitative thresholds and a clear distinction between harmful defects and harmless coating irregularities. Thus, novel fuel cell hardware with quasi in-situ infrared (IR) thermography capabilities is utilized to understand how bare spots in the cathode electrode impact MEA lifetime. An accelerated stress test (AST) simulates chemical and mechanical degradation modes seen in vehicular operation. The actual open circuit voltage and rate of change of this voltage are used as in-situ indicators for MEA failure, enabling capture of the progression of failure point development. Bare spot coating irregularities located at the center of the electrode were found to have no impact on MEA lifetime when compared to a pristine MEA. However, MEA lifetime was found to be considerably shortened when these same irregularities are located at the cathode inlet and, especially, the anode inlet regions of the fuel cell.
Dewatering algae using an aquaporin-based polyethersulfone forward osmosis membrane

Abstract Low energy requirement in algae harvesting is necessary for sustainable biofuel production. Forward osmosis (FO) can provide a potential alternative for low energy consumption by using osmotic pressure between the draw solution (DS) and feed solution (FS). In this study, an aquaporin-based polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was evaluated for algal dewatering using FO. Three different types of DS (NaCl, KCl and NH4Cl), different cross flow velocities (CFVs), and configuration variations were compared to determine the FO performance to dewater Chlorella vulgaris. For short-term operation (500 min), the average water fluxes were 5.6, 4.8, and 4.3 L m−2 h−1 for NaCl, KCl, and NH4Cl, respectively and all DSs showed increased fluxes with increased CFVs. In particular, this study found that NH4Cl is the best candidate among the three tested DSs for improved water flux and low reverse salt flux for the aquaporin-based PES FO membrane. Natural seawater was also tested and revealed well-defined DS performance compatible with NaCl. For a longer duration experiment, 81% of algae dewatering was achieved with a 29% flux drop which may be attributed to the increasing FS concentration, concentration polarization and the loosely attached algal biofilm on the membrane surface. Overall, this study demonstrates a new iteration of the aquaporin-based PES membrane for algal dewatering in FO application.
Diagnosis and Management of Headache in Children and Adolescents

The author reviews the various types of headaches seen in pediatric practice and provides a systematic approach to their diagnosis and treatment.
Are Humans the Only Free Agents in the Universe

In 2006, John Conway and Simon Kochen published their provocatively titled Free Will Theorem. The theorem, it is claimed, proves that if humans are truly free agents, then so too are elementary particles. As such, it strikes a blow against the suite of deterministic models of physics proposed as alternatives to the sstandard form of quantum mechanics. Here, I outline Conway and Kochen’s proof and discuss some criticisms that have been laid against the philosophical claims made by its authors. I also assess the implications of the Free Will Theorem for physics and for the source of human free will, in light of recent work by philosophers and physicists aiming to incorporate elements of quantum mechanics into libertarian models of free will.
The thymus gland in secondary immunodeficiency

The microenvironment within the thymus gland and various thymic hormones facilitates the maturation of prothymocytes to functional T lymphocytes. Abnormal thymic morphology is a hallmark feature of several primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Thymus glands from patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or graft-vs-host disease and from patients receiving cyclosporine A therapy are depleted of thymocytes, have a striking reduction in thymic epithelial cell mass, and are virtually devoid of Hassall's corpuscles. In malnourished individuals, similar thymic atrophy is present, although the Hassall's corpuscles are present and cystically dilated. Absence of differentiation antigens or anomalous expression of major histocompatibility antigens occurs on thymic epithelial cells in these conditions, and resembles immunologic abnormalities of the thymus in severe combined immunodeficiency. In acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, graft-vs-host disease, and cyclosporine therapy, there is an expansion of cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8) lymphocytes. Experimental evidence suggests that in many situations, such cells may cause damage to the thymic epithelium. The damage to the thymic epithelium may alter the thymic microenvironment and contribute to the immune dysfunction observed in these patients. In addition, a damaged microenvironment may hinder therapeutic efforts to reconstitute immunity.
Solar and Nuclear Power Are Partners

The words come in the same breath: “Solar energy could do it but nuclear power stands in the way!” Some solar energy proponents state their case as a demand for an end to nuclear power to open the future for the sun. The claim is voiced that continued reliance on electric grids with coal-fired and nuclear plants is almost a conspiracy against alternative, soft, decentralized (or solar) energy sources.
Polyelectrolyte Cages For A Novel Biomimetic CO2 Sequestration System

Development of a novel biomimetic approach to safe, long-term CO2 sequestration is the overall goal of our research program. The objective is to develop a system resembling a CO2 scrubber that can be used to reduce CO2 emissions from, for example, fossil-fuel-burning power plants. It is becoming increasingly clear that some form or forms of carbon sequestration will have to be among the range of carbon management strategies to be implemented if meaningful reductions in CO2 emissions are to be achieved in response to concerns about global climate change. This is particularly true if reductions are to be effected in the short to medium term. Our main focus is on electric power generation, which represents a relatively small number of very large stationary sources. For example, a “typical” plant (based on a hypothetical new 300 MW(e) plant in a Kenosha, Wisconsin, location, burning an Appalachian coal) produces 2.32 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of coal, or 290 tonnes of CO2 per hour. Such large sources are likely to be among those to be addressed first in the event that limits are placed on CO2 emissions.
Significance Tests Versus Hypothesis Tests

Ronald Aylmer Fisher, the man who developed the concept of significance tests applied to randomized controlled experiments, greeted the Neyman-Pearson formulation of hypothesis testing with scorn. When Wald expanded the ideas into a more general decision theory, Fisher was even more vehement in his denunciations (Fisher [1955, 1959]). His basic criticism of the Neyman-Pearson formulation appeared in a letter to the editor in Nature in the early 1930s (Fisher [1935]): For the logical fallacy of believing that a hypothesis has been proved to be true, merely because it is not contradicted by the available facts, has no more right to insinuate itself in statistical than in other kinds of scientific reasoning. Yet it does so only too frequently. Indeed, the “error of accepting an hypothesis when it is false” has been specially named by some writers, “errors of the second kind.” It would, therefore, add greatly to the clarity with which the tests of significance are regarded if it were generally understood that tests of significance, when used accurately, are capable of rejecting or invalidating hypotheses, in so far as they are contradicted by the data; but that they are never capable of establishing them as certainly true. In fact that “errors of the second kind” are committed only by those who misunderstand the nature and application of tests of significance.
A Woman'S Status and Prenatal Care Utilization in Patrilocal Households of Post-Soviet Countries.

Women’s household autonomy is associated with maternal healthcare utilization in developing countries, but its effects are not consistently positive. In the current study, the researchers test pren...