cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy in Low Birth Weight Infants

Infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) often require parenteral fluid therapy during the course of acute respiratory illness due to difficulty giving oral feedings. Errors in prescribing the fluid treatment may lead to either dehydration or fluid overload, partly due to the limitations in renal compensatory mechanism in these infants. Therefore, inappropriate fluid and electrolyte management in infants with RDS may lead to metabolic complications, dehydration, poor nutritional support, and additional cardiopulmonary complications because of the fluid overload. This article provides a brief review on the principles of fluid and electrolyte management in infants with RDS with the aim of minimizing the complications of such therapy. MAINTENANCE FLUID REQUIREMENT The maintenance fluid requirement should consist of allowances for (1) insensible water loss, (2) water for urine formation, (3) water loss through the stool, and (4) in a growing infant, water required for tissue growth. In low birth weight infants, insensible water loss is higher than in term infants.1,2 The water required for urine formation is dependent on solute excretion which in turn is dependent on the amount of solute given exogenously (primarily electrolytes and protein) and those endogenously derived from normal body metabolism. The amount of water excreted through the stool is minimal in the first days of life particularly in low birth weight infants simply because of smaller amounts of stool in these subjects during the first week of life.
First-mover disadvantages with idiosyncratic consumer tastes along unobservable characteristics

Abstract Upon entering a market, a first-mover often preempts the best market location and outperforms followers in competition. Conversely, late entrants are in better positions to learn more about demand by adopting a “wait-and-see” strategy and then enjoy superior performance. This paper demonstrates first-mover disadvantage, even in the absence of follower's informational advantage, by using a standard spatial competition framework. Specifically, a first-mover gains a substantial advantage over followers when firms correctly predict individual consumer choices with their market locations. However, the first-mover obtains lower sales and profit when consumers exhibit large idiosyncratic tastes along unobservable characteristics.
Muscarinic Receptors: 2-Trimethylammonium-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane Iodide Epoxides and 2-Trimethylammoniumbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane Iodides

The syntheses of endo- and exo-2-trimethylammonium-exo-5,6-epoxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane iodides are reported. Muscarinic assay results are reported and compared with endo-and exo-2-trimethylammoniumbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane iodides. Of the compounds tested, only exo-2-trimethylammoniumbicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane iodide demonstrated muscarinic activity, but it was only marginally active.
Implementation of WENO schemes in compressible multicomponent flow problems

High-order accurate shock-capturing schemes are capable of properly resolving discontinuities with correct wave speeds in single-fluid Riemann problems. However, when different fluids are present, oscillations develop at interfaces. A class of existing interface-capturing methods that suppress these oscillations is based on first- and second-order accurate reconstructions with Roe solvers. In this paper, we extend these methods to high-order accurate WENO schemes and the HLLC approximate Riemann solver. In particular, we show that a finite volume formulation where the appropriately averaged primitive variables are reconstructed leads to the oscillation-free advection of an isolated interface. Furthermore, numerical experiments show no spurious oscillations for problems where shockwaves and interfaces interact. We solve the Euler equations supplemented by a stiffened equation of state to model flows of gas and liquid components. Our method is high-order accurate, quasi-conservative, shock-capturing and interface-capturing; these properties are additionally verified by considering one-dimensional multicomponent Riemann problems and a two-dimensional shock-bubble interaction.
SPONTANEOUS CELL TRANSFORMATION: KARYOPLASTS DERIVED FROM MULTINUCLEATED CELLS PRODUCE NEW CELL GROWTH IN SENESCENT HUMAN EPITHELIAL CELL CULTURES

Previously, it was shown that SV40-induced cell transformation of human diploid (2N), epithelial cells was a dynamic process of nuclear and cellular events. In this process, nuclei of polyploid (above 2N) cells broke down into multinucleated cells (MNCs) by amitotic division. An induced mass karyoplast (i.e., small cell with reduced amount of cytoplasm) budding process from the MNCs produced transformed cells with extended life span (EL) and altered morphology. In this study, without the use of SV40 and no induction of karyoplast budding, the same sequence of cellular events was found to occur spontaneously for the same type of cells at replicative senescence (no mitosis). These cell transformation events were followed by phase-contrast photography of living cell cultures. Primary, diploid, epithelial cell cultures grew for two to three passages and then entered senescence. Cells remaining in the cultures after widespread cell death (mortality stage 1; M1) developed the typical large, flat-cell morphology of senescence with increased cytoplasmic volume. Some of these cells were MNCs, mostly with two to four nuclei. Cytokinesis in MNCs and spontaneous karyoplast budding from MNCs were observed, and new, limited EL cell growth was present either in foci of cells or as prolonged cell growth over one to two passages. At the end of their replicative phase, the EL cells entered another death crisis (M2) from which no cells survived. In M2-crisis, rarely transformed cells appear with immortal cell growth characteristics (i.e., cell lines). Numerous examples of fragmentation or amitosis of polyploid nuclei in the production of multinucleated cells (MNCs) are presented. Such nuclear divisions produced nuclei with unequal sizes, which suggest unbalanced chromosomal segregations. The nuclear and cellular events in cell transformation are compared with a natural (no induction) occurrence of MNC-offspring cells in mammalian placentas. The possibility of a connection between these two processes is discussed. And finally the difference in the duration of EL cell growth from SV40-MNCs versus from senescent-MNCs is ascribed to increased mutational load in SV40-induced MNCs as compared with that in senescence MNCs.
Isolation of shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli O157 from hide surfaces and the oral cavity of finished beef feedlot cattle.

Objective—To determine whether viable shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 could be isolated from hide surface locations and the oral cavity of finished beef feedlot cattle. Design—Within-animal prevalence distribution survey. Animals—139 finished cattle in 4 pens in a feedlot in Nebraska; prevalence of fecal STEC O157 shedding ranged from 20 to > 90%. Procedure—Samples were collected from 7 sites from each animal: feces, oral cavity, and 5 hide surface locations (lumbar region, ventral aspect of the neck, ventral abdominal midline [ventrum], dorsal thoracic midline [back], and distal aspect of the left hind limb [hock]). Results—Viable STEC O157 were isolated from the oral cavity or 1 or more hide surfaces of 130 cattle, including 50 fecal isolation-negative cattle. Site-specific prevalence of STEC O157 was 74.8% for oral cavity samples, 73.4% for back samples, 62.6% for neck samples, 60.4% for fecal samples, 54.0% for flank samples, 51.1% for ventrum samples, and 41.0% for hock samples. Only 5 c...
A Review of Tier 2 Interventions Conducted within Multitiered Models of Behavioral Prevention.

To support students’ academic, behavioral, and social needs, many schools have adopted multitiered models of prevention. Because Tier 3 interventions are costly in terms of time and resources, scho...
Dynamic scope of control in decentralized job scheduling

Each job scheduling agent in large decentralized load balancing systems generally has a set of remote hosts (i.e., its scope of control) to consider for offloading when the local load is too high. Typically, each agent's scope of control includes all the hosts in the system. The potential performance benefits of limiting the size of each agent's scope of control are investigated. The larger the scope of control, the less often state information can lower the quality of load balancing decisions. The smaller the scope of control, the less opportunity an agent has for finding a lightly loaded host for offloading. Agents adaptively modify their scope of control over time based on feedback regarding the success of load balancing decisions and act as a self-organizing system to efficiently share available processing power. >
Sparse Biclustering of Transposable Data

We consider the task of simultaneously clustering the rows and columns of a large transposable data matrix. We assume that the matrix elements are normally distributed with a bicluster-specific mean term and a common variance, and perform biclustering by maximizing the corresponding log-likelihood. We apply an l1 penalty to the means of the biclusters to obtain sparse and interpretable biclusters. Our proposal amounts to a sparse, symmetrized version of k-means clustering. We show that k-means clustering of the rows and of the columns of a data matrix can be seen as special cases of our proposal, and that a relaxation of our proposal yields the singular value decomposition. In addition, we propose a framework for biclustering based on the matrix-variate normal distribution. The performances of our proposals are demonstrated in a simulation study and on a gene expression dataset. This article has supplementary material online.
Detection and classification of multicomponent signals

The multicomponent nature of many naturally occurring signals, such as speech, is exploited to provide a new means of detection and classification. A component of a multicomponent signal is defined in terms of the local bandwidth about the instantaneous frequency in the time-frequency distribution. The components are isolated by an adaptive partitioning algorithm which is constrained to overcome the interference terms often present in such distributions. The redundancy which may be present in the individual components of the signal is discussed along with the means to detect and classify the signal based upon this redundancy. The application of this approach to a vowel classification task using the spectrogram is presented and is shown to provide performance which is favorable compared to that obtained with conventional methods. >
Autopsy Renal Pathology

We provide an overview of assessment of the kidneys at autopsy, with special considerations for pediatric versus adult kidneys. We describe the approach to gross examination, tissue allocation when needed for additional studies of potential medical renal disease, the spectrum of congenital abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary tract, and approach to cystic diseases of the kidney. We also discuss common lesions seen at autopsy, including acute tubular injury, ischemic versus toxic contributions to this injury, interstitial nephritis, and common vascular diseases. Infections commonly involve the kidney at autopsy, and the key features and differential diagnoses are also discussed.
Life Course Influences on African American Men's Depression: Adolescent Parental Composition, Self-Concept, and Adult Earnings.

What are the processes from adolescence to adulthood that shape the mental health prospects of African American males? This research considers factors over the life course that specifically affect levels of depression in Black men. Regarding how processes that contribute to adult depression differ by race, previous research on depression has been limited in three important ways. First, relatively little research has been done on how factors over the life course influence depression in African Americans, and even less research has specifically investigated the case of African American males. Second, because studies of depression tend to rely on crosssectional data collected at a single time point, it is very difficult to know which past elements of individuals' lives contribute to current levels of depression. Third, studies typically use pooled samples to assess the effects of factors on the mental health outcomes of African Americans. It is possible that with large sample sizes, even controlling for race, that the effects of variables pivotal to understanding the status of African American males are masked or exaggerated. Given the disproportionate number of psychosocial stressors faced by African American males (Gibbs, 1993) compared to their White counterparts, it is especially important to clearly understand how the processes revealed in subsample analyses may differ from those in a pooled sample. The current study contributes to our knowledge of the factors that mold the mental
From protein microarrays to diagnostic antigen discovery

Motivation: An important application of protein microarray data analysis is identifying a serodiagnostic antigen set that can reliably detect patterns and classify antigen expression profiles. This work addresses this problem using antibody responses to protein markers measured by a novel high-throughput microarray technology. The findings from this study have direct relevance to rapid, broad-based diagnostic and vaccine development. Results: Protein microarray chips are probed with sera from individuals infected with the bacteria Francisella tularensis, a category A biodefense pathogen. A two-step approach to the diagnostic process is presented (1) feature (antigen) selection and (2) classification using antigen response measurements obtained from F.tularensis microarrays (244 antigens, 46 infected and 54 healthy human sera measurements). To select antigens, a ranking scheme based on the identification of significant immune responses and differential expression analysis is described. Classification methods including k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines (SVM) and k-Means clustering are applied to training data using selected antigen sets of various sizes. SVM based models yield prediction accuracy rates in the range of ~90% on validation data, when antigen set sizes are between 25 and 50. These results strongly indicate that the top-ranked antigens can be considered high-priority candidates for diagnostic development. Availability: All software programs are written in R and available at http://www.igb.uci.edu/index.php?page=tools and at http://www.r-project.org Contact: pfbaldi@uci.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Carcinoma of a Meckel's diverticulum demonstrated at x-ray.

Summary A patient with a carcinoma of a Meckel's diverticulum is reported. This is the eleventh such case to be recorded in the literature.
A Coverage Inference Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

After a wireless sensor network (WSN) is deployed, sensor nodes are usually left unattended for a long period of time. There is an inevitable devolution of the connected coverage of the WSN due to battery exhaustion of sensor nodes, intended physical destruction attacks on sensor nodes, unpredictable node movement by physical means like wind, and so on. It is, therefore, critical that the base station (BS) learns in real time how well the WSN performs the given sensing task (i.e., what is the current connected coverage) under a dynamically changing network topology. In this paper, we propose a coverage inference protocol (CIP), which can provide the BS an accurate and in-time measurement of the current connected coverage in an energy-efficient way. Especially, we show that the scheme called BOND, which our CIP requires to be implemented on each sensor node, enables each node to locally self-detect whether it is a boundary node with the minimal communication and computational overhead. The BOND can also be exploited to seamlessly integrate multiple functionalities with low overhead. Moreover, we devise extensions to CIP that can tolerate location errors and actively predict the change of the connected coverage based on residual energy of sensor nodes.
Multiplicity-free Hamiltonian actions need not be Kähler

Multiplicity-free actions are symplectic manifolds with a very high degree of symmetry. Delzant [2] showed that all compact multiplicity-free torus actions admit compatible Kahler structures, and are therefore toric varieties. In this note we show that Delzant's result does not generalize to the non-abelian case. Our examples are constructed by applying U(2)-equivariant symplectic surgery to the flag variety U(3)/T 3. We then show that these actions fail a criterion which Tolman [9] shows is necessary for the existence of a compatible Kahler structure.
Probing the Ion Binding Site in a DNA Holliday Junction Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET).

Holliday Junctions are critical DNA intermediates central to double strand break repair and homologous recombination. The junctions can adopt two general forms: open and stacked-X, which are induced by protein or ion binding. In this work, fluorescence spectroscopy, metal ion luminescence and thermodynamic measurements are used to elucidate the ion binding site and the mechanism of junction conformational change. Forster resonance energy transfer measurements of end-labeled junctions monitored junction conformation and ion binding affinity, and reported higher affinities for multi-valent ions. Thermodynamic measurements provided evidence for two classes of binding sites. The higher affinity ion-binding interaction is an enthalpy driven process with an apparent stoichiometry of 2.1 ± 0.2. As revealed by Eu3+ luminescence, this binding class is homogeneous, and results in slight dehydration of the ion with one direct coordination site to the junction. Luminescence resonance energy transfer experiments confirmed the presence of two ions and indicated they are 6–7 A apart. These findings are in good agreement with previous molecular dynamics simulations, which identified two symmetrical regions of high ion density in the center of stacked junctions. These results support a model in which site-specific binding of two ions in close proximity is required for folding of DNA Holliday junctions into the stacked-X conformation.
Mass spectral fragmentation pattern of heterocycles part I. 1,4-Benzoxthians†

The mass spectral fragmentation pattern of a series of substituted 1,4-benzoxathians is reported. The di-substituted compounds show a characteristic fragment peak at mass 137. This same fragmentation peak is also present in some of the monosubstituted compounds. In the former case the 137 mass peak is quite intense and is the base peak for some of the di-substituted-1, 4-benzoxathians. The mass peak at 137 has been assigned the empirical formula of C7H5OS.
Relationship between size of bolus and the act of swallowing on esophageal peristalsis in dogs.

SummaryThe respective roles that the act of swallowing and the presence of an esophageal bolus exert on the genesis of esophageal peristalsis were studied in dogs. In the absence of a bolus, peristalsis in the esophagus did not follow the act of swallowing, while in the absence of swallowing peristalsis did occur if the bolus was of adequate size. The size of the bolus required to induce esophageal peristalsis was significantly less when swallowing occurred than when it was absent. Thus, the threshold stimulus required to initiate peristalsis was related to the volume of bolus and the magnitude was reduced by the act of swallowing. When the size of the bolus was below a critical volume, peristalsis was not initiated even though this intraesophageal stimulus was reinforced by swallowing.
Preparation and Photoelectrochemical Properties of p-type Cu5Ta11O30 and Cu3Ta7O19 Semiconducting Polycrystalline Films

New p-type polycrystalline films of semiconducting Cu5Ta11O30 and Cu3Ta7O19 were prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass starting from their CuCl-flux synthesis as highly faceted micrometer-sized particles. The particles were annealed on FTO at 400–500 °C, followed by a mild oxidation in air at between 250 and 550 °C. In an aqueous 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte solution (pH = 6.3), the films exhibit strong cathodic photocurrents under irradiation by visible and/or ultraviolet light, which increased with higher annealing and oxidation temperatures owing to increased p-type carrier concentration and better electrical contact between particles. Thermogravimetric analyses show that the oxidation treatments result in an oxygen uptake at concentrations of ∼3 × 1020 cm–3 at 250 °C, to ∼4 × 1021 cm–3 at 550 °C, with the higher temperatures leading to the decomposition of the film. The Cu5Ta11O30 and Cu3Ta7O19 bulk powders exhibit band-gap sizes of ∼2.59 and ∼2.47 eV, respectively, and show an onset of their c...
Head and neck Epstein-Barr virus mucocutaneous ulcer: Case report and literature review

Objectives/Hypothesis To report the clinical presentation, treatment, and management outcomes of patients with Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) of the head and neck, which is a newly characterized pathologic entity with aggressive morphology but follows an indolent, self-limiting clinical course. Study Design Case report and literature review. Methods A case of EBVMCU of the base of tongue is reported and a retrospective review of all cases of EBVMCU of the head and neck at a single academic institution was conducted between January 1, 1986 and April 1, 2015. The MEDLINE database was additionally queried from January 1, 1950 to April 1, 2015 for all reports of EBVMCU of the head and neck, and all pertinent clinical data were extracted. Results The clinical presentation, treatment, and response of a patient with EBVMCU of the base of tongue are presented. Interim follow-up of the patient has revealed a complete remission with discontinuation of immunosuppression and rituximab therapy. A review of the literature supports conservative management and reduction of immunosuppression. Overall, 96.6% of patients with follow-up greater than 2 months achieved complete remission with conservative management. The current study is the largest series to report on the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of EBVMCU of the head and neck. Conclusions EBVMCU tends to follow an indolent and self-limiting clinical course, responding to reduction of immunosuppression and conservative treatment. It is imperative for clinicians to consider EBVMCU in the differential diagnosis of mucocutaneous ulcers of the head and neck to avoid excessive treatment. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 2016
Endocrine and metabolic regulation of body mass by nicotine: role of growth hormone

This study was conducted in male Sprague Dawley rats, maintained chronically on drinking water and on nicotine water at nicotine concentrations of 0.31 and 1.23 mM, to determine the effect of nicotine on body weight regulation and circulating growth hormone levels. The study was repeated to determine the effect of nicotine withdrawal on the same parameters after exposing the animals to high dose of nicotine (1.23 mM) for 12 weeks and then removing the nicotine from water for four weeks. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin levels in the plasma were measured by sensitive radioimmunoassays. The results show that with nicotine treatment the body weight, food and fluid intakes in rats decreased significantly, concomitant with the decrease in plasma glucose and insulin levels while plasma growth hormone levels were increased significantly. A pair-fed study conducted to determine the effect of decreased food intake showed no alteration of metabolic or hormonal parameters. Withdrawal of nicotine for four weeks reversed all of the previously noted parameters including plasma growth hormone levels; however, the body weights were not completely reversed. The data suggest that intake of nicotine affects body weights which appear to be associated with decreased plasma levels of glucose and insulin and release of growth hormone may play a role in that mechanism.
Candesartan prevented development of diabetes mellitus in heart failure.

Source Citation Yusuf S, Ostergren JB, Gerstein HC, et al. Effects of candesartan on the development of a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in patients with heart failure. Circulation. 2005;112:48...
Effects of thoracic irradiation on pulmonary endothelial compared to alveolar type-II cells in fibrosis-prone C57BL/6NTac mice.

BACKGROUND/AIM Thoracic irradiation results in an acute inflammatory response, latent period, and late fibrosis. Little is known about the mechanisms involved in triggering late radiation fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thoracic irradiated fibrosis prone C57BL/6NTac mice were followed for detectable mRNA transcripts in isolated lung cells and micro-RNA in whole-tissues, and the effect of administration of water-soluble oxetanyl sulfoxide MMS350 was studied. Marrow stromal cell motility in medium from fibrotic-phase explanted pulmonary endothelial and alveolar type-II cells was measured. RESULTS RNA and micro-RNA expression in lung correlated with fibrosis. MMS350 reduced pro-fibrotic gene expression in both endothelial and alveolar type-II cells in irradiated mice. Conditioned medium from irradiated cells did not alter cell motility in vitro. CONCLUSION These studies should facilitate identification of potential new drug targets for ameliorating irradiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Stewardship: Deeper Structures of the Co-created Group

What is it like in the room right now? This question is the key, the core, and the constant one for teachers in the mindfulness-based interventions (MBI). It is a question of , which in everyday speech refers to vague, indeterminate, intangible characters of persons, objects, and environments (Bohme, 1993, 2011). Yet somehow, despite this vagueness, we can still answer the question quickly and easily. We all walk into the room and know, through body sensation and affect, that the atmosphere is tense, or friendly, or calm, or maybe a little sad. And furthering the mystery, we find that we have a very rich vocabulary at hand to describe it. Atmosphere is not something objective, entirely “out there,” although the experience comes to us in that way. Nor is it something entirely subjective, available to oneself alone. Rather, it is available to us from both without and within, through an undivided relationship between self and other (Bohme, 1993, 2011; Bollnow, 2011; Ingold, 2015). Thus, a group can agree on, and even engage in dialogue about, what it is like in the room at a particular moment. Atmosphere, then, is what we attend to as MBI teachers, while tracking the unfolding of a class session moment by moment. The character of atmosphere is evident not only to teachers but also to participants, making it a valuable and valid measure for the relational state of the group, which the teacher tends through stewardship activities.
Probing gas-to-particle transition in a moderately sooting atmospheric pressure ethylene/air laminar premixed flame. Part I: gas phase and soot ensemble characterization

Abstract A comprehensive investigation was conducted on a sooting ethylene laminar premixed flame: the present contribution focuses on the characterization of the gas composition by gas microsampling and GC/MS analysis, and of soot properties by optical measurements; Part II presents detailed measurements of soot nucleation by thermophoretic sampling and differential mobility analysis. Stable species up to 3-ring aromatics were quantified and compared with a computational model using two distinct chemistry models and accounting for buoyancy. Disagreement with respect to critical soot precursors was found, whose concentrations were typically overestimated by one order of magnitude in the models. Reliable thermocouple measurements of temperature, when matched by multi-color pyrometry results, provided information on soot volume fractions and optical properties complementing laser light extinction measurements. Results evidenced a sharp increase of the soot volume fraction in the inception zone of the flame followed by a plateauing behavior, similar to the trend of aromatic species, which is consistent with the well-known link between aromatic growth kinetics and soot inception. In addition, fit of pyrometric soot temperature to gas phase thermocouple measurements provided information on the light absorption dispersion exponent, revealing the aging of soot from near transparency in the visible spectral range for young soot particles to a more graphitic-like material further downstream. The presence of the stagnation plate used to stabilize the flame induced a sharp increase in the soot volume fraction and its dispersion exponent in the thermal boundary layer of the plate. This evidence suggests the occurrence of condensation of semi-volatile material under the cooling of flame products occurring near the plate, whose origin is yet to be firmly established but may be mediated by flame ions.
Bladder-Preserving Therapy Patterns of Care: A Survey of US Radiation Oncologists.

Purpose Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of bladder-preserving chemoradiation therapy (BPT) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer but have differed in the radiation therapy dose/fractionations, radiation therapy targets, and concurrent chemotherapy regimens used. No data exist on the technical and practical approaches actually used in clinical practice throughout the United States when delivering BPT. We performed a survey to explore radiation oncologists' practice patterns. Methods and Materials We conducted an electronic survey of US radiation oncologists regarding the management of patients with cT2-3N0M0 transitional cell muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The instrument included questions regarding the types of patients treated with BPT, as well as several aspects of treatment delivery. Descriptive statistics were reported for all responses. Pearson χ 2 tests were used for univariate analysis. Results In total, 277 physicians completed our survey. Most respondents (58%) stated that they only treated 1 to 3 patients in the prior year. Seventy-four percent of respondents primarily treated patients deemed unfit for cystectomy, while only 28% saw patients prior to cystectomy for consultation to discuss BPT. The majority of radiation oncologists used conventional fractionation (91%) instead of hypofractionation (7.6%), but more variability existed for radiation therapy targets. Sixty percent used a small pelvis field, 29% used a whole-pelvis field, and 12% treated the bladder only. There was increased use of hypofractionation (29%) and bladder-only radiation therapy (34%) in patients who were not candidates for cystectomy or chemotherapy ( P Conclusions Our study describes radiation oncologists' practice patterns for patients undergoing BPT. Although there are areas of consistency, variability exists in many technical and practical aspects of treatment delivery. Further research and education are needed to determine the optimal radiation therapy target, dose/fractionation, and concurrent chemotherapy regimen.
A Test of the Relationships between Host and Home National Involvements and the Preferences for Intercultural Conflict Management Styles

AbstractThis study focused on the relationships between host national (host interpersonal communication) and home national (ethnic interpersonal communication) involvements and preferences for conflict management styles in the context of a conflict with a member of the host culture. Two hypotheses that examined the relationships between these variables and the preferences for the integrating, the compromising, the avoiding, the obliging and the dominating styles were proposed. Survey data from two hundred and sixty-nine, international and exchange, students were analyzed. The results revealed that the level of host national involvement positively predicted the preferences for the integrating and the obliging styles, and the level of home national involvement positively predicted the preference for the avoiding style. These findings suggest the need to consider contextual influences in understanding the complexities that underlie intercultural communication and adaptation.
A Hierarchy Theorem for Interactive Proofs of Proximity

The number of rounds, or round complexity, used in an interactive protocol is a fundamental resource. In this work we consider the significance of round complexity in the context of Interactive Proofs of Proximity (IPPs). Roughly speaking, IPPs are interactive proofs in which the verifier runs in sublinear time and is only required to reject inputs that are far from the language. Our main result is a round hierarchy theorem for IPPs, showing that the power of IPPs grows with the number of rounds. More specifically, we show that there exists a gap function g(r) = Theta(r^2) such that for every constant r \geq 1 there exists a language that (1) has a g(r)-round IPP with verification time t=t(n,r) but (2) does not have an r-round IPP with verification time t (or even verification time t'=\poly(t)). In fact, we prove a stronger result by exhibiting a single language L such that, for every constant r \geq 1, there is an O(r^2)-round IPP for L with t=n^{O(1/r)} verification time, whereas the verifier in any r-round IPP for L must run in time at least t^{100}. Moreover, we show an IPP for L with a poly-logarithmic number of rounds and only poly-logarithmic erification time, yielding a sub-exponential separation between the power of constant-round IPPs versus general (unbounded round) IPPs. From our hierarchy theorem we also derive implications to standard interactive proofs (in which the verifier can run in polynomial time). Specifically, we show that the round reduction technique of Babai and Moran (JCSS, 1988) is (almost) optimal among all blackbox transformations, and we show a connection to the algebrization framework of Aaronson and Wigderson (TOCT, 2009).
Natural History of Geographic Atrophy in Untreated Eyes with Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Topic Systematic review and meta-analysis of the natural history of geographic atrophy (GA). Clinical Relevance Several different models have been used to describe the natural history of GA in untreated eyes, and the reported progression rates vary widely across clinical trials. Methods We searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, and PubMed for studies that measured GA size in untreated eyes over a follow-up period ranging from the start dates of the databases through June 6, 2017. Data were analyzed using 3 models: (1) the area linear model, in which the lesion area enlarges linearly with time; (2) the radius linear model (RLM), in which the lesion radius expands linearly with time; and (3) the area exponential model, in which the lesion area changes exponentially with time. A horizontal translation factor was added to shift each data set to correct for the differences in participant entry time into the studies. The model that best fit data was determined by performing residual analyses, determining the dependence of growth rate on time, and the predicted age of GA onset. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results We included 25 studies with data from 2942 eyes. The RLM yielded the best goodness of fit and predictive performance of GA progression. Cumulative data for untreated eyes fit a straight line in the RLM (r2 = 0.986) with a randomly dispersed residual plot. The GA radius enlarged at a constant rate of 0.163 mm/year (95% confidence interval, 0.158–0.167 mm/year), which was independent of time (r = −0.108). The RLM predicted the mean age of onset of GA as 67.4±5.2 years. Our analysis also suggested that the GA progression rate may be associated with the age of onset. Conclusions In this meta-analysis, the progression pattern of GA was uniform across a wide range of studies, and best fit the RLM. Our analysis may shed light on the natural history of GA and may influence the design of future clinical trials.
On the death of mi madre, hauntings, and ethnic mourning

ABSTRACTMonths after mi madre died from breast cancer in 2005, she started haunting my dreams and this intensified my grief over her death. Fortunately, mi Mexican abuelita taught me to productively engage the specter by dialoguing with and not demonizing or colonizing mi madre’s ghost. In this performative essay, I re-member parts of my conversations with mi abuelita to argue that mi madre’s spirit represents an ethnic haunting that necessitates a process of ethnic mourning. Collective remembrance and mourning of indigena migrant bodies that roam along the border between Mexico and the U.S. challenge colonialist and national imaginaries of citizenship.
Phenome-wide association study identifies marked increased in burden of comorbidities in African Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus.

African Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased renal disease compared to Caucasians, but differences in other comorbidities have not been well-described. We used an electronic health record (EHR) technique to test for differences in comorbidities in African Americans compared to Caucasians with SLE. We used a de-identified EHR with 2.8 million subjects to identify SLE cases using a validated algorithm. We performed phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) comparing African American to Caucasian SLE cases and African American SLE cases to matched non-SLE controls. Controls were age, sex, and race matched to SLE cases. For multiple testing, a false discovery rate (FDR) p value of 0.05 was used. We identified 270 African Americans and 715 Caucasians with SLE and 1425 matched African American controls. Compared to Caucasians with SLE adjusting for age and sex, African Americans with SLE had more comorbidities in every organ system. The most striking included hypertension odds ratio (OR) = 4.25, FDR p = 5.49 × 10− 15; renal dialysis OR = 10.90, FDR p = 8.75 × 10− 14; and pneumonia OR = 3.57, FDR p = 2.32 × 10− 8. Compared to the African American matched controls without SLE, African Americans with SLE were more likely to have comorbidities in every organ system. The most significant codes were renal and cardiac, and included renal failure (OR = 9.55, FDR p = 2.26 × 10− 40) and hypertensive heart and renal disease (OR = 8.08, FDR p = 1.78 × 10− 22). Adjusting for race, age, and sex in a model including both African American and Caucasian SLE cases and controls, SLE was independently associated with renal, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases (all p < 0.01). African Americans with SLE have an increased comorbidity burden compared to Caucasians with SLE and matched controls. This increase in comorbidities in African Americans with SLE highlights the need to monitor for cardiovascular and infectious complications.
PDE-5 Inhibitors in Protection of Diabetic Heart

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability among diabetic patients. Diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications are primarily caused by impaired NO bioavailability, eventually leading to endothelial dysfunction and a sequela of cardiovascular disorders. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are class erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs that are shown to induce powerful cardiovascular benefits against ischemia–reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart transplantation, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The use of PDE-5 inhibitors, including sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis), represent a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce the incidence of heart diseases in diabetic patients because these compounds prevent damage to the vascular endothelium by upregulating eNOS, iNOS, and increased NO production. This review provides new insights into the potential benefits of PDE-5 inhibitors for diabetic patients and discusses the multiple molecular mechanisms by which these drugs protect the diabetic hearts.
Management of velopharyngeal dysfunction in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A survey of practice patterns.

Abstract Objective To determine demographics and practice patterns of surgeons treating velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). Methods An anonymous electronic survey study was administered to the surgical membership of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and the Society for Ear Nose and Throat Advances in Children. The survey queried surgeon demographics and differences in management practices for submucous cleft palate (SMCP), pharyngoplasty algorithms, and self-reported complications for nonsyndromic versus 22q11.2DS patients. Results 126 surveys were returned from 9 international regions with the majority from the United States (73%), followed by Western Europe (9.5%) and Canada (7.9%). Plastic surgery was the most common specialty (61.9%), followed by otolaryngology (27.8%). 88.1% reported fellowship training, and 33% completed multiple fellowships. Prior to proceeding with pharyngoplasty in 22q11.2DS patients, surgeons required the following assessments: speech evaluation (79.4%), velopharyngeal imaging (51.6%), cardiac evaluation (50.0%), carotid artery MRI (29.4%), and cervical spine x-rays (11.1%). Nasoendoscopy was the most common modality used for imaging the velopharynx. Overall, providers managed patients with 22q11.2DS similarly to nonsyndromic patients, with several significant exceptions including that they were more likely to perform SMCP repair alone as a first approach in nonsyndromic patients (p = 0.031) and posterior pharyngeal flap without SMCP repair in those with 22q11.2DS (p = 0.017). Conclusions Practice patterns for the management of VPD in patients with 22q11.2DS vary across providers. Further collaborative studies are needed to develop optimal treatment paradigms for VPD in patients with 22q11.2 DS.
Improved indel detection in DNA and RNA via realignment with ABRA2.

Motivation Genomic variant detection from next-generation sequencing has become established as an extremely important component of research and clinical diagnoses in both cancer and Mendelian disorders. Insertions and deletions (indels) are a common source of variation and can frequently impact functionality, thus making their detection vitally important. While substantial effort has gone into detecting indels from DNA, there is still opportunity for improvement. Further, detection of indels from RNA-Seq data has largely been an afterthought and offers another critical area for variant detection. Results We present here ABRA2, a redesign of the original ABRA implementation that offers support for realignment of both RNA and DNA short reads. The process results in improved accuracy and scalability including support for human whole genomes. Results demonstrate substantial improvement in indel detection for a variety of data types, including those that were not previously supported by ABRA. Further, ABRA2 results in broad improvements to variant calling accuracy across a wide range of post-processing workflows including whole genomes, targeted exomes and transcriptome sequencing. Availability and implementation ABRA2 is implemented in a combination of Java and C/C++ and is freely available to all from: https://github.com/mozack/abra2. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
miR‐15a‐5p regulates expression of multiple proteins in the megakaryocyte GPVI signaling pathway

Essentials The action of microRNAs (miRs) in human megakaryocyte signaling is largely unknown. Cord blood-derived human megakaryocytes (MKs) were used to test the function of candidate miRs. miR-15a-5p negatively regulated MK GPVI-mediated αIIbβ3 activation and α-granule release. miR-15a-5p acts as a potential "master-miR" regulating genes in the MK GPVI signaling pathway. SUMMARY: Background Megakaryocytes (MKs) invest their progeny platelets with proteins and RNAs. MicroRNAs (miRs), which inhibit mRNA translation into protein, are abundantly expressed in MKs and platelets. Although platelet miRs have been associated with platelet reactivity and disease, there is a paucity of information on the function of miRs in human MKs. Objective To identify MK miRs that regulate the GPVI signaling pathway in the MK-platelet lineage. Methods Candidate miRs associated with GPVI-mediated platelet aggregation were tested for functionality in cultured MKs derived from cord blood. Results An unbiased, transcriptome-wide screen in 154 healthy donors identified platelet miR-15a-5p as significantly negatively associated with CRP-induced platelet aggregation. Platelet agonist dose-response curves demonstrated activation of αIIbβ3 in suspensions of cord blood-derived cultured MKs. Overexpression and knockdown of miR-15a-5p in these MKs reduced and enhanced, respectively, CRP-induced αIIbβ3 activation but did not alter thrombin or ADP stimulation. FYN, SRGN, FCER1G, MYLK. and PRKCQ, genes involved in GPVI signaling, were identified as miR-15a-5p targets and were inhibited or de-repressed in MKs with miR-15a-5p overexpression or inhibition, respectively. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-15a-5p also inhibited GPVI-FcRγ-mediated phosphorylation of Syk and PLCγ2, GPVI downstream signaling molecules, but effects of miR-15a-5p on αIIbβ3 activation did not extend to other ITAM-signaling receptors (FcγRIIa and CLEC-2). Conclusion Cord blood-derived MKs are a useful human system for studying the functional effects of candidate platelet genes. miR-15a-5p is a potential "master-miR" for specifically regulating GPVI-mediated MK-platelet signaling. Targeting miR-15a-5p may have therapeutic potential in hemostasis and thrombosis.
Genetic Determinants of the Re-Emergence of Arboviral Diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases constitute a large portion of infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually. Mosquito-transmitted viruses, such as yellow fever, dengue, West Nile, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, have re-emerged recently and remain a public health threat worldwide. Global climate change, rapid urbanization, burgeoning international travel, expansion of mosquito populations, vector competence, and host and viral genetics may all together contribute to the re-emergence of arboviruses. In this brief review, we summarize the host and viral genetic determinants that may enhance infectivity in the host, viral fitness in mosquitoes and viral transmission by mosquitoes.
Periodic Solutions of Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the periodic solutions of hyperbolic partial differential equations. In the chapter, the classes of hyperbolic partial differential equations with fixed or variable fixed characteristics are taken into considerations. The existence theorem for hyperbolic partial differential equations is verified and proved on the basis of Schauder fixed point theorem. The proof is more difficult than the corresponding proof for the Darboux problem as the requirements for m make the usual estimates inapplicable.
Information System Quality and Web Compatibility of Korea Tourism Organization’s Foreign Language Homepage

What is measured gets managed – especially if rewards depend on it. For this reason many companies (over 70% in this survey) have upgraded their performance measurement systems so as to include a mix of financial and non-financial metrics. This study compares how companies currently measure performance for compensation purposes with how their managers think performance should be measured. We find significant measurement gaps between actual and preferred measures, and we find that larger measurement gaps are related to lower overall performance. The choice of performance measures for compensation purposes is also related to the attitudes of managers towards manipulation of reported results.