cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What does seeing the performer add? It depends on musical style, amount of stage behavior, and audience expertise:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of musical style, amount of stage behavior, audience expertise, and modality of presentation on structural, emotional, and summary ratings of piano performances. Twenty-four musically trained and 24 untrained participants rated two-minute excerpts of pieces by Bach, Chopin, and Copland, each performed by the same pianist, who was asked to vary his stage behavior from minimal to natural to exaggerated. Participants rated the performances under either audio-only or audiovisual conditions. The composer’s style had a consistently strong effect on the performance evaluations, highlighting the importance of careful repertoire selection. Moreover, the preferred degree of stage behavior depended on the style. The interaction between expertise, modality, and stage behavior revealed that non-musicians perceived differences across the three degrees of stage behavior only audiovisually and not in the audio-only condition. In contrast, musicians perceived these diff...
Optimizing loop performance for clustered VLIW architectures

Modern embedded systems often require high degrees of instruction-level parallelism (ILP) within strict constraints on power consumption and chip cost. Unfortunately, a high-performance embedded processor with high ILP generally puts large demands on register resources, making it difficult to maintain a single, multi-ported register bank. To address this problem, some architectures, e.g. the Texas Instruments TMS320C6x, partition the register bank into multiple banks that are each directly connected only to a sub-set of functional units. These functional unit/register bank groups are called clusters.Clustered architectures require that either copy operations or delay slots be inserted when an operation accesses data stored on a different cluster. In order to generate excellent code for such architectures, the compiler must not only spread the computation across clusters to achieve maximum parallelism, but also must limit the effects of intercluster data transfers.Loop unrolling and unroll-and-jam enhance the parallelism in loops to help limit the effects of intercluster data transfers. In this paper, we describe an accurate metric for predicting the intercluster communication cost of a loop and present an integer-optimization problem that can be used to guide the application of unroll-and-jam and loop unrolling considering the effects of both ILP and intercluster data transfers. Our method achieves a harmonic mean speedup of 1.4 - 1.7 on software pipelined loops for both a simulated architecture and the TI TMS320C64x.
Sources of Time-Varying Risk Premia in the Term Structure

This paper investigates the extent to which observable macroeconomic factors can explain the time-varying risk premia in the short-end of the term structure. The empirical model we employ is motivated by a dynamic asset pricing model with time-invariant reward-to-risk measures and time-varying risk premia. Our results indicate that two factors, based innovations in the federal funds rate and shifts in the yield curve, explain up to 65% of the temporal variation in Treasury bill returns. We also find that shifts in the yield curve factor may explain some time-variation in risk premia at the very short end of the term structure, and that the federal funds rate factor may be weakly linked to the time-varying risk premia over the post-1966 sample, when the federal funds market first began to function as a major source of bank liquidity. This latter result, however, is somewhat sensitive to the sample period.
IT Security Assessment for Interdisciplinary Research

The Internet has never been more insecure than ever before and scientific research projects are not immune from these rising risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. In this paper, we have aimed to identify possible threats, threat sources, and vulnerabilities of a distributed, interdisciplinary, scientific research project. We have selected our current NSF-EPSCoR funded research project as a case study. We have also briefly discussed security vulnerability trends for the year of 2010 and beyond. Finally, some countermeasures have been recommended to protect or recover assets from these attacks and vulnerabilities.
Streptonigrin and related compounds IV. Precursors for the a‐ring

The synthesis of streptonigrin or its tricyclic (ABC) analogues by the Friedlander condensation requires a 2-nitrobenzaldehyde with all the necessary functionalities. A number of alternative syntheses are examined. It is shown that oxidation of 8-amino-5,6-dimethoxy-2,2-pyridylquinoline leads to 8-amino-2,2-pyridylqunoline-5,6-dione instead of 6-methoxy-2,2-pyridylquinoline-5,8-dione. The synthesis of two useful precursors: 4-bromo-3-hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde and 4-bromo-3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde is described.
Distribution characteristics of airflow obstruction in asthmatic children determined by bronchial dilation test

Objective To compare the distribution characteristics of airflow obstruction and its reversibility in children asthma with exacerbation and remission. Methods From April to July 2008, 161 asthmatic children were undertaken the bronchial dilation test after inhaling nebulized salbutamol sulfate solution. These patients included 89 asthmatics older than six years of age (59 cases with exacerbation of asthma, 30 cases with remission of asthma) and 72 asthmatics under six years of age ( 52 cases with exacerbation of asthma, 20 cases with remission of asthma). Pulmonary function were tested by maximal expiratory flow-volume curve (MEFV) for patients older than six years of age and impulse oscillometry (IOS) for patients under six years of age. The distribution characteristics of airflow obstruction and its reversibility in children with exacerbation and remission of asthma were analyzed. Results According to the changes of pulmonary function after inhaling nebulized salbutamol, the bronchial response to beta-2 receptor agonist was classified to four types such as reversible airflow obstruction, irreversible airflow obstruction, hyperresponsiveness to beta-2 receptor agonist, hyporespon-siveness to beta-2 receptor agonist. The rates of these four types in patients with exacerbation of asthma were 36.9%, 13.5%,21.6%, 27.9% and were 22%,12%,16%, 50% in patients with remission of asthma. There was no significant difference on the distribution between the two groups of patients. Conclusions 22% asthmatic children still have reversible air-flow obstruction even in remission state, which suggests the necessity and benevolence of beta-2 receptor agonist administration to these patients. The causes of hyperresponsiveness to beta-2 receptor agonist in asthmatic children without obvious airflow obstruction needs further study.
Quantifying Deception: A Case Study in the Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance

The concept of "deception" in fitness landscapes was introduced in the genetic algorithm (GA) literature to characterize problems where sign epistasis can mislead a GA away from the global optimum. Evolutionary geneticists have long recognized that sign epistasis is the source of the ruggedness of fitness landscapes, and the recent availability of a growing number of empirical fitness landscapes may make it possible for evolutionary biologists to study how deception affects adaptation in a variety of organisms. However, existing definitions of deception are categorical and were developed to characterize landscapes independent of population distributions on the landscape. Here we propose two metrics that quantify deception as continuous functions of the locations of replicators on a given landscape. We develop a discrete population model to simulate within-host evolution on 19 empirical fitness landscapes of Plasmodium falciparum (the most common and deadly form of malaria) under different dosage levels of two anti-malarial drugs. We demonstrate varying levels of deception in malarial evolution, and show that the proposed metrics of deception are predictive of some important aspects of evolutionary dynamics. Our approach can be readily applied to other fitness landscapes and toward an improved understanding of the evolution of antimicrobial drug resistance.
Thatcher’s Statesmanship

Thatcher’s German policy was not the high point of her international career. It was premised on miscalculations about Britain’s capacity to influence the European balance of power and, even after it had clearly failed, was kept alive for domestic political purposes. Mitigating circumstances might be pleaded for this latter development. By the middle of 1990, Thatcher’s position within the Conservative party had become very difficult, primarily because her commitment to a new system of local revenue-raising, the Community Charge or Poll Tax, was alienating many Conservative supporters. This had provided her rivals, former colleagues who had suffered at her hands and those who were convinced that Thatcher was past her best with the chance to rally support against her. Playing the German card and, thereby, drawing attention to her credentials as a patriot was part of Thatcher’s response to this pressure. Had she been merely a domestic leader, this would have been understandable, if unwise. For someone who aspired to the status of an international statesman and who took the great power politics of sovereign states seriously, however, it was a major error. Thatcher’s willingness to provoke Germany with no greater purpose than winning a fight within the Conservative party undermined her own claims about the importance of international politics and their emerging character now that the Cold War was coming to an end.
Keratin 13 Is Enriched in Prostate Tubule-Initiating Cells and May Identify Primary Prostate Tumors that Metastasize to the Bone.

Author(s): Liu, Sandy; Cadaneanu, Radu M; Zhang, Baohui; Huo, Lihong; Lai, Kevin; Li, Xinmin; Galet, Colette; Grogan, Tristan R; Elashoff, David; Freedland, Stephen J; Rettig, Matthew; Aronson, William J; Knudsen, Beatrice S; Lewis, Michael S; Garraway, Isla P | Abstract: BackgroundBenign human prostate tubule-initiating cells (TIC) and aggressive prostate cancer display common traits, including tolerance of low androgen levels, resistance to apoptosis, and microenvironment interactions that drive epithelial budding and outgrowth. TIC can be distinguished from epithelial and stromal cells that comprise prostate tissue via cell sorting based upon Epcam, CD44, and CD49f antigenic profiles. Fetal prostate epithelial cells (FC) possess a similar antigenic profile to adult TIC and are capable of inducing tubule formation. To identify the TIC niche in human prostate tissue, differential keratin (KRT) expression was evaluated.ResultsGene expression data generated from Affymetrix Gene Chip human U133 Plus 2.0 array of sorted adult and fetal epithelial cells revealed KRT13 to be significantly enriched in FC and TIC compared to basal cells (BC) and luminal cells (LC) (pl0.001). Enriched KRT13 expression was confirmed by RT-PCR and cytospin immunostaining. Immunohistochemical analysis of KRT13 expression revealed rare KRT13+ epithelia throughout prostatic ducts/acini in adult tissue specimens and differentiated tubules in 24-week recombinant grafts, In contrast, abundant KRT13 expression was observed in developing ducts/acini in fetal prostate and cord-like structures composing 8-week recombinant grafts. Immunostaining of a prostate tissue microarray revealed KRT13+ tumor foci in approximately 9% of cases, and this subset displayed significantly shorter time to recurrence (p = 0.031), metastases (p = 0.032), and decreased overall survival (p = 0.004). Diagnostic prostate needle biopsies (PNBX) from untreated patients with concurrent bone metastases (clinical stage M1) displayed KRT13+ tumor foci, as did bone metastatic foci.ConclusionsThe expression profile of KRT13 in benign fetal and adult prostate tissue and in recombinant grafts, as well as the frequency of KRT13 expression in primary and metastatic prostate cancer indicates that it may be a marker of a stem/progenitor-like cell state that is co-opted in aggressive tumor cells. KRT13 is enriched in benign stem-like cells that display androgen-resistance, apoptosis-resistance, and branching morphogenesis properties. Collectively our data demonstrate that KRT13 expression is associated with poor prognosis at multiple stages of disease progression and may represent an important biomarker of adverse outcome in patients with prostate cancer.
Moisture-Resistant Polyimide Aerogels Containing Propylene Oxide Links in the Backbone.

Polyimide aerogels made using anhydride-capped oligomers from 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) and 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) cross-linked with 1,3,5-tri(aminophenoxy)benzene (TAB) have been reported with very good mechanical properties but poor resistance to moisture. Replacing 50 mol % of the ODA with poly(propylene glycol)bis(2-aminopropyl ether) (PPG) with an average molecular weight of 230 g/mol in the oligomer backbone gives aerogels with water contact angles of 80°. The aerogels also absorb very little moisture on soaking in water. The aerogels also shrink less with increasing PPG concentration and therefore have significantly lower density and higher porosity than those made without PPG. Mechanical properties of the aerogels increased with increasing density, regardless of the polymer backbone. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of the aerogels studied ranged from 300 to 400 m2/g, depending mainly on PPG concentration. The high moisture resistance makes them promising mater...
Interpreting measurements of cardiac function using vendor-independent speckle tracking echocardiography in children: a prospective, blinded comparison with catheter-derived measurements.

Background Adult studies demonstrate that echocardiographic measurements of cardiac function using speckle tracking correlate with invasive measurements, but such data in the pediatric population are sparse. Our aim was to compare speckle-derived measures of cardiac function to measurements routinely obtained by cardiac catheterization in children. Methods Echocardiograms were performed on the day of cardiac catheterization. Using Tomtec 2D Cardiac Performance Analysis, longitudinal strain (LS), longitudinal strain rate (LSR), early diastolic LSR, and ejection fraction (EF) for the right and left ventricle (RV and LV) were calculated via speckle tracking. Global LS and LSR were calculated for the LV. These results were compared to cardiac index, maximum ventricular dp/dt (max dp/dt), ventricular end-diastolic pressure (EDP), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) obtained by fluid-filled catheters. A blinded observer performed all echo measurements. Results Fifty studies were performed on 28 patients ages 4 months to 20 years old. Their diagnoses included cardiac transplant (48 studies), repaired AV septal defect (1), and dilated cardiomyopathy (1). RVEDP ranged from 2 to 22 mm Hg (median=6) and PCWP ranged from 6 to 32 mmHg (median 10). LV global LS and LV 2-chamber LSR by speckle-tracking negatively correlated with LV max dp/dt (LV global LS R=-.83, P=.001; LV 2-chamber LSR R=-.69, P=.009). RV LS weakly correlated with max dp/dt (R=.363, P=.002). Early diastolic strain rate did not correlate with EDP in either ventricle. Conclusion Speckle-derived measurements of function in the LV have stronger correlation than the RV to catheter-derived measures. LV global LS has the strongest correlation with invasive function measures in children.
Dynamic Fuzziness During Linker Histone Action

Linker histones are multi-domain nucleosome binding proteins that stabilize higher order chromatin structures and engage in specific protein-protein interactions. Here we emphasize the structural and functional properties of the linker histone C-terminal domain (CTD), focusing on its intrinsic disorder, interaction-induced secondary structure formation and dynamic fuzziness. We argue that the fuzziness inherent in the CTD is a primary molecular mechanism underlying linker histone function in the nucleus.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depressed individuals improves suppression of irrelevant mental-sets

An impaired ability to suppress currently irrelevant mental-sets is a key cognitive deficit in depression. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was specifically designed to help depressed individuals avoid getting caught in such irrelevant mental-sets. In the current study, a group assigned to MBCT plus treatment-as-usual (n = 22) exhibited significantly lower depression scores and greater improvements in irrelevant mental-set suppression compared to a wait-list plus treatment-as-usual (n = 18) group. Improvements in mental-set-suppression were associated with improvements in depression scores. Results provide the first evidence that MBCT can improve suppression of irrelevant mental-sets and that such improvements are associated with depressive alleviation.
Looking for behavioral modernity in Pleistocene northwestern China

Abstract The Paleolithic record of the southwestern Ordos Loop region of northwestern China suggests settlement variability, increased occupational intensity, and the intrusion or development of blade-based technology ca. 41,000–37,000 cal BP. These phenomena are also associated with equivocal evidence for ornamentation. More substantial changes in hominin behavior, however, are evident during and immediately after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), this marked by the development or intrusion of microblade technologies, perhaps groundstone technologies, and reductions in hominin population density. While changes in technology and settlement at approximately 40,000 cal BP arguably equate with some qualitative descriptors of modern human behavior and are contemporaneous with some estimates for the arrival of anatomically modern humans in the region, at present it is unclear whether these changes represent the expression of truly modern human behaviors. In part, this is because the East Asian Paleolithic record is so different from Europe and Africa and because the critical changes leading to the unequivocally modern human behaviors of the Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene appeared fairly late, during the LGM. Consequently, we argue that the LGM provided the environment of selection for modern human behaviors in northwestern China, whether their origins were ultimately the result of immigration, diffusion, in situ development, or some combination thereof.
Biomechanical comparison of fixation stability using a Lisfranc plate versus transarticular screws

Abstract Background To obtain adequate fixation in treating Lisfranc soft tissue injuries, the joint is commonly stabilized using multiple transarticular screws; however iatrogenic injury is a concern. Alternatively, two parallel, longitudinally placed plates, can be used to stabilize the 1st and 2nd tarsometatarsal joints; however this may not provide adequate stability along the Lisfranc ligament. Several biomechanical studies have compared earlier methods of fixation using plates to the standard transarticular screw fixation method, highlighting the potential issue of transverse stability using plates. A novel dorsal plate is introduced, intended to provide transverse and longitudinal stability, without injury to the articular cartilage. Methods A biomechanical cadaver model was developed to compare the fixation stability of a novel Lisfranc plate to that of traditional fixation, using transarticular screws. Thirteen pairs of cadaveric specimens were tested intact, after a simulated Lisfranc injury, and then following implant fixation, using one method of fixation randomly assigned, on either side of each pair. Optical motion tracking was used to measure the motion between each of the following four bones: 1st metatarsal, 2nd metatarsal, 1st cuneiform, and 2nd cuneiform. Testing included both cyclic abduction loading and cyclic axial loading. Results Both the Lisfranc plate and screw fixation method provided stability such that the average 3D motions across the Lisfranc joint (between 2nd metatarsal and 1st cuneiform), were between 0.2 and 0.4mm under cyclic abduction loading, and between 0.4 and 0.5mm under cyclic axial loading. Comparing the stability of fixation between the Lisfranc plate and the screws, the differences in motion were all 0.3mm or lower, with no clinically significant differences (p>0.16). Conclusions Diastasis at the Lisfranc joint following fixation with a novel plate or transarticular screw fixation were comparable. Therefore, the Lisfranc plate may provide adequate support without risk of iatrogenic injury to the articular cartilage.
What Did Latino Family Caregivers Expect and Learn From Education Intervention "Caregivers Like Me"?

Objective:US Latinos historically have underutilized end-of-life (EOL) resources. This study reports the views of family caregivers before and after education intervention Caregivers Like Me geared to improve knowledge and attitudes regarding EOL resources among Latino caregivers.Methods:This is a qualitative substudy within a multicentered cross-sectional study design. Educational intervention was offered to family caregivers of Latino elders from 3 different communities, using an audiovisual presentation, including a case-based video telenovela and pre–posttest questionnaires with open-ended questions. This study pertains to the qualitative results for the open-ended questions before and after education intervention.Results:Participants (N = 145) were mostly females (79%) with a mean age of 56 ± 15 years and reported (92%) active learning from intervention. The pretest open-ended question on expected learning identified 2 themes, care for the sick and self-care. It included 5 subthemes and the most comm...
Altered SignaLing Pathways and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive solid malignancies and is characterized by poor response to current therapy and a dismal survival rate. Recent evidence indicates that PDAC is associated with frequent, altered cellular signaling pathways. We review these key pathways as well as recent investigations in the area of pancreatic cancer stem cells. Unfortunately, most phase III randomized trials of targeted therapies have not shown a survival advantage in PDAC. However, there has been extensive laboratory and clinical research in these areas which has revealed mechanisms of resistance involved in targeting PDAC and has provided insights into the ineffectiveness of current therapies. Current investigations will hopefully provide better insights into improved therapies and understanding of ways to overcome chemoresistance in PDAC. In this article, we discuss the current research exploring altered signaling pathways in PDAC and potential therapeutic targets.
Acting Shakespeare is Outrageous: Playing the Bard for Beginners

In Acting Shakespeare is Outrageous: Playing the Bard for Beginners, author Herb Parker is not afraid to suggest some undeniably bizarre experimental exercises to get actors, particularly those new...
SITUATING QUALITATIVE MODES OF INQUIRY WITHIN THE DISCIPLINE OF STATISTICS EDUCATION RESEARCH

Qualitative methods have become common in statistics education research, but questions linger about their role in scholarship. Currently, influential policy documents lend credence to the notion that qualitative methods are inherently inferior to quantitative ones. In this paper, several of the questions about qualitative research raised in recent policy documents in the U.S. are examined. Each question is addressed by drawing upon examples from existing statistics education research. The examples illustrate that qualitative methods can be used profitably to study statistical teaching and learning, and that in some cases qualitative methods are preferable to quantitative ones. By using the examples presented, qualitative researchers in statistics education can begin to more strongly situate their work within scholarly discourse about empirical research. First published November 2010 at Statistics Education Research Journal: Archives
The Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) Algorithm. A Critical Review of Residual Problems

Computation of phytoplankton pigment concentrations from radiances received by the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) is a complex process. Water-leaving radiances, a small portion of the total signal, control the value of pigment computed, but fully 80 to 90% of the total radiance is due to Rayleigh and aerosol scattering. These latter effects must be accurately modeled if reliable pigment concentrations are to be retrieved from CZCS data. In addition, prior to pigment retrieval a series of pre-processing steps must be performed to: (1) correct for instrumentation problems (e.g. drop-outs, zero counts, electronic overshoot); and (2) eliminate clouds from the scene. This paper critically reviews all of the aforementioned factors involved in the valid extraction of phytoplankton pigment concentrations from CZCS data. Also, several possible new approaches for improving the basic closure of the radiative transfer model used in CZCS pigment extraction algorithms (i.e., more robust approaches to the aerosol radiance terms) are introduced. Finally, based upon the community-wide CZCS experience, a few guidelines are suggested for the calibration and timely distribution of ocean color data from future generation sensors.
Positive Emotions During Infant Feeding and Postpartum Mental Health.

Abstract Background: Research shows that individuals can improve mental health by increasing experiences of positive emotions. However, the role of positive emotions in perinatal mental health has ...
Cargoes Human and Otherwise: Chinese Commerce in East African Goods During the Middle Period

At a far earlier stage in history than is typically realized, the Chinese initiated trade relations that succeeded in procuring the importation of goods of East African origin. In so doing, China commenced its own tradition of exchange with East Africa—one that was conducted on a somewhat lower but nonetheless comparable scale with the preexistent and more direct trade pursued by merchants hailing from the various contemporary countries of the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent. The East African commodities most sought initially by all parties were ivory, spices, and aromatics. However, no less significant is the fact that by the late tenth century C.E., if not substantially earlier, the Chinese of imperial court circles became exposed additionally to representatives of the human inhabitants of East Africa. Thereafter, the documented expansion of the Indian Ocean trade in slaves would extend as far to the east as the major Chinese port cities of Guangzhou and Quanzhou. As a result, we find that literary and historical records attest subtly to a widening Chinese exposure to peoples as well as to things African that exceeds beyond the boundaries that we have heretofore known and come to expect.
Oncologic outcomes for low rectal adenocarcinoma following low anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis versus abdominoperineal resection: a National Cancer Database propensity matched analysis.

Low anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis (CAA) for low rectal cancer is a technically difficult operation with limited data available on oncologic outcomes. We aim to investigate overall survival and operative oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent CAA compared to abdominoperineal resection (APR). The National Cancer Database (2004–2013) was used to identify patients with non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent CAA or APR. Patients were 1:1 matched on age, gender, Charlson score, tumor size, tumor grade, pathologic stage, and radiation treatment with propensity scores. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and resection margins. Following matching, 3536 patients remained in each group. No significant differences in matched demographic, treatment, or tumor variables were seen between groups. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality (1.24% vs. 1.39%, p = 0.60). Following resection, margins were more likely to be negative after CAA compared with APR (5.26% vs. 8.14%, p < 0.001). When stratified by pathologic stage, there was a significant survival advantage for individuals undergoing CAA compared to APR (stage 1 HR 0.72, [95% CI 0.62–0.85], p < 0.001; stage 2 HR 0.76, [95% CI 0.65–0.88], p < 0.001; stage 3 HR 0.76, [95% CI 0.67–0.85], p < 0.001). Patients undergoing CAA compared with APR for rectal cancer have better overall survival and are less likely to have positive margins despite the technically challenging operation.
Expression of pd-1 and pd-l1 in extramammary paget disease: Implications for immune-targeted therapy

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a locally aggressive cutaneous malignancy that usually arises in anogenital or axillary skin. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death receptor (PD-1) and/or its ligand (PD-L1) are approved for the treatment of several types of cancer, and response to these generally correlates with increased PD-L1 expression by tumor cells. The expression of PD-L1 and composition and density of the tumor-associated immune infiltrate in EMPD have been little studied. To determine whether EMPD might be amenable to immune checkpoint blockade, we analyzed the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 and the composition and density of the tumor-associated immune infiltrate in EMPD and evaluated associations between biomarker expression and clinicopathologic parameters. Twenty-one EMPD tumors were evaluated for tumor cell PD-L1 expression and for relative expression and distribution of CD3, CD8, PD-1, and PD-L1 in the tumor-associated immune infiltrate by using a combination of visual and image analysis (Aperio ImageScope). In addition, PD-L1 expression was assessed in 10 cases of mammary Paget disease (MPD). In EMPD cases, PD-L1 was expressed by tumor cells (3/21; 14%) and the tumor-associated immune infiltrate (15/21; 71%), and PD-1 was expressed by the tumor-associated immune infiltrate in all cases analyzed (18/18). However, PD-L1 expression by EMPD tumor cells did not correlate with the density of CD3-, CD8-, or PD-1-positive cells in the tumor-associated immune infiltrate or other clinicopathologic parameters. Furthermore, the density of CD3, CD8, PD-1, and PD-L1 in the tumor-associated immune infiltrate did not correlate with any clinicopathologic parameters evaluated with the exception that CD3 positive values were significantly higher in patients who were still alive (median, 1310 cells/mm2; range, 543–2115;) than in those who died (median, 611 cells/mm2; range, 481–908; p = 0.049). In all MPD cases, PD-L1 was absent in tumor cells but present in the tumor-associated immune infiltrate, and PD-L1 expression in lymphocytes was lower in patients with HER2/neu-positive than in those with HER2/neu-negative disease (p = 0.07). Our findings raise the possibility of therapeutic targeting of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in EMPD.
A low-cost laboratory demonstration of the effects of temperature on the metabolism of an aquatic poikilotherm

While metabolism is a fundamental process in physiology, the measurement of metabolism by living animals often requires specialized and expensive equipment. In 2016, I developed a novel laboratory ...
Not Further Specified: Unclassified Orthopedic Injuries in Trauma Registries, Cause for Concern?

Abstract Background Data accuracy is essential to obtaining correct results and making appropriate conclusions in outcomes research. Few have examined the quality of data that is used in studies involving orthopedic surgery. A nonspecific data entry has the potential to affect the results of a study or the ability to appropriately risk adjust for treatments and outcomes. This study evaluated the proportion of Not Further Specified (NFS) orthopedic injury codes found into two large trauma registries. Materials Data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2011 to 2015 and from the Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program (MTQIP) 2011-2017 were used. We selected multiple orthopedic injuries classified via the Abbreviated Injury Scale, version 2005 (AIS2005) and calculated the percentage of NFS entries for each specific injury. Results There were a substantial proportion of fractures classified as NFS in each registry, 18.5% (range 2.4%-67.9%) in MTQIP and 27% (range 6.0%-68.5%) in the NTDB. There were significantly more NFS entries when the fractures were complex versus simple in both MTQIP (34.5% versus 9.6%, P Conclusions The proportion of nonspecific entries in these two large trauma registries is concerning. These data can affect the results and conclusions from research studies as well as impact our ability to truly risk adjust for treatments and outcomes. Further studies should explore the reasons for these findings.
Novel passive ankle-foot prosthesis mimics able-bodied ankle angles and ground reaction forces.

Abstract Background: During gait, the human ankle both bends with ease and provides push-off forces that facilitate forward motion. The ankle is crucial for support, stabilization, and adapting to different slopes and terrains. Individuals with lower limb amputation require an ankle-foot prosthesis for basic mobility. Methods: Inspired by the role of the ankle-foot in an able-bodied gait, the 3D printed Compliant and Articulating Prosthetic Ankle (CAPA) foot was designed. It consists of four articulating components connected by torsion springs and produces forces that are dependent on the ankle angle. Using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment, able-bodied individuals walked wearing a prosthetic simulator with the Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel foot, Renegade® AT, and multiple versions of the CAPA. These versions test compliant vs. stiff, small vs. large rocker radius, and pretension vs. none. We hypothesized that the CAPA would have larger ankle range of motion, push-off forces, and braking forces. Findings: Compared to existing prostheses, the novel prosthesis exhibits greater and significantly different ankle range of motion and sagittal plane ground reaction forces than existing prostheses during gait. Nine out of ten individuals prefer the novel prosthesis to the existing prostheses, and there is a statistically significant difference in difficulty level ratings. Interpretation: By providing a personalizable and passive alternative to existing designs, the CAPA could improve the quality of life for the growing number of individuals living with limb loss in the United States and around the world.
Relational State Building in Areas of Limited Statehood: Experimental Evidence on the Attitudes of the Police

Under what conditions does state expansion into limited statehood areas improve perceptions of state authority? Although previous work emphasizes identity or institutional sources of state legitimacy, I argue that relationships between state agents and citizens drive positive attitude formation, because these relationships provide information and facilitate social bonds. Moreover, when state agents and citizens share demographic characteristics, perceptional effects may improve. Finally, citizens finding procedural interactions between state agents and citizens unfair may adopt negative views about the state. I test these three propositions by randomizing household visits by male or female police officers in rural Liberia. These visits facilitated relationship building, leading to improved perceptions of police; shared demographic characteristics between police and citizens did not strengthen this effect. Perceptions of unfairness in the randomization led to negative opinions about police. The results imply that relationship building between state agents and citizens is an important part of state building.
Brain capillary telangiectasias: from normal variants to disease

Brain capillary telangiectasias (BCTs) are small, dilated capillary networks in the brain that are most commonly asymptomatic. Though rare, symptomatic cases of BCTs have been reported, and it is therefore important to understand the nature of these lesions in order to facilitate proper recognition. Relative to other intracranial vascular malformations, updated information on the various epidemiologic, radiographic, and pathologic features of BCTs within the published literature may be inadequate. We searched the PubMed database for prior reports of symptomatically-manifested BCTs. Moreover, Google Scholar and PubMed were searched in order to review current epidemiologic, radiographic, pathologic, and pathogenetic features of BCTs. Forty-eight published studies were included for a total of 99 individual cases of BCTs with symptomatic manifestations. Thirty-three symptomatic BCTs were hemorrhagic in nature, while 66 were non-hemorrhagic. The mean age at presentation of hemorrhagic lesions was 25.5 years, and the most common location was the supratentorial CNS (54.5%) with motor disturbance representing the most commonly encountered presenting symptom (26.1%). 15.2% of hemorrhagic lesions were treated with surgical removal. In non-hemorrhagic lesions, the mean age at presentation was 39.8 years with the pons being the most common lesion location (78.5%) and headache being the most common presenting symptom (22.2%). 12.1% of patients with non-hemorrhagic lesions were treated with surgical removal. Despite their rarity, symptomatic BCTs, both hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic, can cause devastating neurological sequelae, potentially through multiple mechanisms. The large majority of these lesions do not require intervention, though surgical removal has been achieved with good outcome in select cases. Further documentation of symptomatic manifestations with or without surgical intervention is vital in order to further understand the clinical, surgical, and pathogenic implications of these less-appreciated vascular malformations.
High-altitude residence alters blood-pressure course and increases hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Objectives: To determine whether the full spectrum of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) – comprising gestational hypertension; preeclampsia with or without severe features; eclampsia; and H...
Constrained Consumers: Middle-Class Parents’ Resistance of School Closure and Consolidation in Chicago:

Many urban districts use a portfolio management model, hoping to promote school choice and improve school performance. This model requires school closure, which has predominantly impacted lower inc...
Dialysis for undocumented immigrants: challenges and solutions

Undocumented immigrants with ESKD have traditionally had very limited options for dialysis care. They are not eligible for Medicare, they are typically not able to afford private insurance, and they are not eligible for assistance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A handful of states provide coverage through Medicaid programs. For patients in the state of Texas, this is not an option. Consequently, these patients have no options for scheduled dialysis care and must present to the emergency department (ED) for evaluation for emergent dialysis. As a result of federal policy, inpatient dialysis units are not able to provide scheduled dialysis, so these patients can only receive dialysis when a life-threatening indication develops. Such practice exposes these patients to adverse health outcomes (including increased mortality) and impaired quality of life, as well as creating a great deal of stress on all levels of the healthcare system and providers, including trainees. As the primary safety-net hospital for Dallas County, Parkland Hospital has cared for the vast majority of undocumented immigrants with ESKD in North Texas, and the expected array of problems has been observed. Over the past several years we have engaged in several ongoing team-based, multidisciplinary efforts to improve quality of care for this population. Through allocation of resources, collaboration with other healthcare divisions, development of educational materials, and the creation of partnerships with organizations outside our institution, we have observed improvements in the care of our patients, including increased access to scheduled dialysis, decreased catheter-related complications, and decreased mortality. Although much work remains, we have been gratified by the improvement in patient care and hope that our story can serve as an example for others faced with similar challenges and spark discussion for needed broader policy changes. Undocumented immigrants with ESKD have limited options for dialysis care. They are …
Assessing the convergence of self-report and informant measures for adults with autism spectrum disorder:

Self-report measures are widely used for research and clinical assessment of adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, there has been little research examining the convergence of self- and inf...
SiC Impact On Grid Power Electronics Converters

The emerging medium voltage (MV) silicon carbide (SiC) devices (e.g. 10 kV SiC MOSFET) have higher voltage ratings, higher switching speed, lower switching loss, and higher temperature capability than mature MV silicon (Si) devices. Using MV SiC devices in grid power electronics converters may reduce the converter size leading reduced converter and system cost; and it may also improve the grid control and support functions provided by converters as a result of faster switching and control bandwidth. It is important to systematically assess the impact of using MV SiC devices on grid power electronics from both the converter and system standpoint side. This paper focuses on evaluating converter level benefits of SiC through Si- and SiC-based converter benchmark design. Converter size is used as the metric, and size comparison is conducted for different applications, voltage levels, and power ratings. It is found that SiC-based converters’ sizes are reduced because of the simplification of topologies and smaller passives. In most topologies, SiC-based converters need smaller capacitors and smaller magnetics than Si based converters because of higher switching frequency. The impact is a strong function of topology, voltage and power rating. The size reduction of one topology may even change for different applications because of different operating conditions.
Novel Minimal Radiation Approach for Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of multimodality imaging technology during percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). Among percutaneous procedures, PPVI traditionally has one of the highest patient radiation exposures. Different protocol modifications have been implemented to address this problem (i.e., improvements in guidance systems, delivery systems, valve design, post-implantation evaluation). Although the effectiveness of individual modifications has been proven, the effect of an approach which combines these changes has not been reported. We performed a retrospective chart review of 76 patients who underwent PPVI between January 2018 and December 2019. Patients were classified in “Traditional protocol,” using routine biplane angiography and/or 3D rotational angiography (3DRA); and “Multimodality protocol” that included the use of VesselNavigator for guidance, selective 3DRA for coronary evaluation, Long DrySeal Sheath for valve delivery, and Intracardiac Echocardiography for valve evaluation after implantation. Radiation metrics, procedural time, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. When the traditional protocol group was compared with the multimodality protocol group, a significant reduction was described for total fluoroscopy time (31.6 min vs. 26.2 min), dose of contrast per kilogram (1.8 mL/Kg vs. 0.9 mL/Kg), DAP/kg (26.6 µGy·m2/kg vs. 19.9 µGy·m2/kg), and Air Kerma (194 mGy vs. 99.9 mGy). A reduction for procedure time was noted (140 min vs. 116.5 min), but this was not statistically significant. There was no difference in clinical outcomes or the presence of complications between groups. The combination of novel technology in PPVI caused a significant reduction in radiation metrics without increasing the complication rate in our population.
Between market logics and resistance logics: the tech boom and high-performing Latino boys in the Bay Area

A paradox exists between capital accumulation and corporate philanthropy: a record number of ‘generous’ donations and historic levels of social inequality. In education, tech companies are directin...
The language of politics: ideological differences in congressional communication on social media and the floor of Congress

Theory and research in political psychology, most of which is based on self-report studies of ordinary citizens, suggests that liberals and conservatives differ in terms of personality traits, valu...
Antarctic teleosts with and without hemoglobin behaviorally mitigate deleterious effects of acute environmental warming.

Funding for the field work was provided by the National Science Foundation grant ANT 1341602 to Dr. Elizabeth L. Crockett (Ohio University, USA). Acquisition of equipment for behavioral experiments and all other activities throughout the study including the time and effort of Drs. Ismailov, Scharping and Friedlander were supported by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC operational funds. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Federalism by Waiver after the Health Care Case

The Supreme Court’s Spending Clause holding in National Federation of Independent Businesses v. Sebelius is likely to be consequential for many reasons. It will have a direct effect on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which relied on the expansion of Medicaid — now made voluntary by the Court — to obtain health care coverage for more than 15 million previously uninsured people. At this writing, it remains unclear how many states will participate in the expansion. The Congressional Budget Office recently estimated that, as a result of the Court’s decision, 3 million fewer people will obtain new Medicaid coverage under the law than it had originally predicted. But the Court’s Spending Clause ruling will have potentially an even more far-reaching effect on the constitutionality of other federal statutes enacted pursuant to Congress’s spending power, as states will be prompted to challenge other conditional-spending laws in the education, social welfare, environmental, and civil rights areas as unconstitutionally coercive. The ultimate legal effect of NFIB’s Spending Clause holding on these laws is unlikely to be determined without years of litigation. This chapter focuses on another likely effect of NFIB’s Spending Clause holding — the case’s effect on the day-to-day bargaining between states and the federal agencies that administer cooperative spending programs. The chapter argues that NFIB gives states important new leverage in these negotiations. This new leverage is likely to accelerate the trend toward “federalism by waiver,” in which important questions of the federal-state relationship are resolved by the federal Executive Branch granting tailored, conditional exemptions from the broad, general spending conditions adopted by Congress. And the chapter argues that this is not necessarily a bad thing.
Conformity out of Diversity: Dynamics of Information Needs and Social Influence of Tags in Exploratory Information Search

We studied the dynamic effects of information needs and social influence of tags in an exploratory search task. Although initially differences in information needs led to diversity in tag choices, this diversity disappeared as participants collaboratively tagged the same set of resources. Our findings are in general consistent with the notion that people conform to the collective interpretation of contents in an information system. In addition, our results showed that conformity does not only arise out of imitation of behavior, but also from the same underlying semantic interpretation or knowledge structures of users as they engage in informal collaboration through the social tagging system. Implications for design of social information system are discussed.