cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma With Translocations Involving BCL6 and MYC (Double-Hit Lymphoma)

Objectives: Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphomas (PMLBCLs) are aggressive lymphomas with characteristic clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features. “Double-hit” (DH) lymphomas are B-cell neoplasms characterized by a translocation involving MYC and either BCL2 or BCL6 . In the indexed literature, there are no reported cases of PMLBCL associated with DH or triple-hit events. Methods: Herein, we present a case of a 15-year-old girl with PMLBCL who had typical clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features. Results: Fluorescent in situ hybridization studies showed rearrangements involving MYC and BCL6 . We also excluded the possibility of a reciprocal t(3;8) (3q27;8q24) BCL6 / MYC translocation. Conclusions: This case expands the current spectrum of lymphomas subtypes in which DH can be found and supports the rationale for cytogenetic testing for DH abnormalities in all cases of aggressive large B-cell lymphomas regardless of subtype.
Dynamic Balance Analysis on Credit Crisis in BOT Projects

In recent years,BOT has been widely known in the world as a special way to item financing.In this item,risk management is the one of the crucial acts,and credit risk is most important in these acts compared to other items.The paper,based on contract economics theory,use the methods of dynamic balance to analyze the economic reasons of government credit crisis,and comprehend correctly the credit risk in BOT projects so as to seek effective solutions.
Mechanism of impaired beta-adrenoceptor responsiveness in atopic sensitized airway smooth muscle.

Decreased airway relaxation to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation has been hypothesized as a potential mechanism leading to enhanced bronchoconstrictor responsiveness in asthma. In addressing potential mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, the relative contributions of beta-adrenoceptor-coupled transmembrane signaling mechanisms were examined in isolated rabbit tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) passively sensitized with serum from atopic asthmatic patients and in TSM comparably exposed to non-atopic (control) human serum. During half-maximal isometric contraction of the tissues with acetylcholine, relative to control TSM, the sensitized tissues exhibited significant attenuation of both their maximal relaxation (Rmax) and sensitivity (i.e., -log 50% Rmax) to cumulative administration of isoproterenol (P < 0.001) or prostaglandin (PG)E2 (P < 0.001). In contrast, the relaxation responses to forskolin, a diterpene that directly activates adenylate cyclase, were similar in both tissue groups. Extended studies demonstrated that the attenuated relaxation to isoproterenol and PGE2 in sensitized TSM was 1) ablated by pretreatment with the muscarinic M2-receptor antagonists methoctramine (10(-6) M) or gallamine (10(-4) M); 2) also inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml), which ADP ribosylates the inhibitory G protein (G(i)) negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase activation; and 3) associated with diminished adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation in response to isoproterenol administration. Moreover, based on Western immunoblot analysis, we found that G(i) protein expression was increased in membrane fractions from sensitized TSM, related to enhanced expression of the G(i) alpha 3 subunit. Collectively, these observations provide new evidence that the impaired beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation in atopic sensitized airways is associated with increased muscarinic M2 receptor/G(i) protein-coupled expression and function.
Kulturelle Stereotype und ihre Bedeutung für das Verstehen in Schule und Unterricht

Die wachsende Heterogenitat von Schulern und Schulerinnen ist ein immer wieder konstatierter Umstand, insbesondere die sprachlich-kulturelle Vielfalt hat an deutschen Schulen zugenommen (Bender-Szymanski, 2007). Bedenklich stimmt, dass padagogisches Handeln diese Herausforderung offensichtlich nur unzureichend meistert. Denn was den Bildungserfolg von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit einem anderen als dem deutschen sprachlich-kulturellen Hintergrund angeht, so sind diese im Bildungssystem deutlich benachteiligt (vgl. u.a. Aktionsrat Bildung, 2007; Klemm, 2008; Stanat & Christensen, 2007, Walter & Taskinen, 2007).
Relationships Between Smoking and Sleep Problems in Black and White Adolescents

Study objectives The relationship between sleeping and smoking during adolescence remains unclear and is likely complex. We aim to evaluate the longitudinal reciprocal associations between sleep problems, sleep duration, and smoking among non-Hispanic white (NHW) and non-Hispanic black (NHB) youth. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting NEXT Generation Health Study. Participants A national sample (N = 1394) of NHB and NHW 10th graders were surveyed annually between 2009 (Wave 1) and 2012 (Wave 3). Interventions N/A. Measurements and results Past 30-day smoking, chronic difficulty falling asleep, recent difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and weekday and weekend sleep duration were measured at each wave. Using structural equation models, we observed significant autocorrelations over time for sleep problems and sleep duration. We found significant reciprocal, prospective relationships between smoking and sleep problems. The strengths of the relationships differed by race, with a stronger association between sleep problems and subsequent smoking for NHB than NHW youth. Conversely, a stronger association between smoking and subsequent sleep problems for NHW than NHB youth was observed. These association were independent of demographics, snoring or sleep apnea, body mass index, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and soda consumption. Conclusions Reciprocal and prospective relationships exist for youth smoking and sleep problems and duration in both NHW and NHB youth. Further research is needed to unravel the complex relationship between the direct effects of nicotine, lifestyle choices that may link smoking and sleep problems, and racial differences.
Comparison of multi-fiber reproducibility of PAS-MRI and Q-ball with empirical multiple b-value HARDI

Crossing fibers are prevalent in human brains and a subject of intense interest for neuroscience. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can resolve tissue orientation but is blind to crossing fibers. Many advanced diffusion-weighted magnetic resolution imaging (MRI) approaches have been presented to extract crossing-fibers from high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI), but the relative sensitivity and specificity of approaches remains unclear. Here, we examine two leading approaches (PAS and q-ball) in the context of a large-scale, single subject reproducibility study. A single healthy individual was scanned 11 times with 96 diffusion weighted directions and 10 reference volumes for each of five b-values (1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 s/mm2) for a total of 5830 volumes (over the course of three sessions). We examined the reproducibility of the number of fibers per voxel, volume fraction, and crossing-fiber angles. For each method, we determined the minimum resolvable angle for each acquisition. Reproducibility of fiber counts per voxel was generally high (~80% consensus for PAS and ~70% for q-ball), but there was substantial bias between individual repetitions and model estimated with all data (~10% lower consensus for PAS and ~15% lower for q-ball). Both PAS and q-ball predominantly discovered fibers crossing at near 90 degrees, but reproducibility was higher for PAS across most measures. Within voxels with low anisotropy, q-ball finds more intra-voxel structure; meanwhile, PAS resolves multiple fibers at greater than 75 degrees for more voxels. These results can inform researchers when deciding between HARDI approaches or interpreting findings across studies.
Biobotic motion and behavior analysis in response to directional neurostimulation

This paper presents preliminary results for motion behavior analysis of Madagascar hissing cockroach biobots subject to stochastic and periodic neurostimulation pulses corresponding to randomly applied right and left turn, and move forward commands. We present our experimental setup and propose an unguided search strategy based stimulation profile designed for exploration of unknown environments. We study a probabilistic motion model fitted to the trajectories of biobots, perturbed from their natural motion by the stimulation pulses. Furthermore, we provide a statistical assessment of the biobotic directional response to turn commands and its correlation with stimuli profile over time. This study paves the way towards reliable control for more realistic under-rubble search and rescue applications.
Characterization and Regulation of Aquaporin Genes of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in Response to Waterlogging Stress.

Waterlogging is a significant environmental constraint to crop production, and a better understanding of plant responses is critical for the improvement of crop tolerance to waterlogged soils. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a class of channel-forming proteins that play an important role in water transport in plants. This study aimed to examine the regulation of AQP genes under waterlogging stress and to characterize the genetic variability of AQP genes in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Transcriptional profiling of AQP genes in response to waterlogging stress in nodal root tips and nodal root basal regions of two tolerant and two sensitive sorghum genotypes at 18 and 96 h after waterlogging stress imposition revealed significant gene-specific pattern with regard to genotype, root tissue sample, and time point. For some tissue sample and time point combinations, PIP2-6, PIP2-7, TIP2-2, TIP4-4, and TIP5-1 expression was differentially regulated in tolerant compared to sensitive genotypes. The differential response of these AQP genes suggests that they may play a tissue specific role in mitigating waterlogging stress. Genetic analysis of sorghum revealed that AQP genes were clustered into the same four subfamilies as in maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa) and that residues determining the AQP channel specificity were largely conserved across species. Single nucleotide polymorphism data from 50 sorghum accessions were used to build an AQP gene-based phylogeny of the haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of sorghum AQP genes placed the tolerant and sensitive genotypes used for the expression study in distinct groups. Expression analyses suggested that selected AQPs may play a pivotal role in sorghum tolerance to water logging stress. Further experimentation is needed to verify their role and to leverage phylogenetic analyses and AQP expression data to improve waterlogging tolerance in sorghum.
Partitioning of HCl Between Concentrated Brines and Supercritical CO2 Under Geologic Reservoir Conditions

HCl is generated in subsurface brines exposed to high CO2 pressures via reactions such as CO2 + NaCl + H2O ↔ NaHCO3 + HCl. The extent of partitioning of HCl between a concentrated chloride brine and supercritical CO2 (scCO2) has not been measured before and it cannot be estimated with the accuracy sufficient for predictive modeling of subsurface processes. The partitioning of HCl between 4.92 mol/kg aqueous solutions of NaCl and scCO2 was measured at 100 and 150 °C and at pressures between 9 and 16.2 MPa. At P = 15 MPa, the concentrations of HCl in the scCO2 phase were 7 × 10–4 and 4 × 10–3 mol/L at 100 and 150 °C, an increase by more than 5 and 3 orders of magnitude, respectively, relative to the concentrations in water vapor in the absence of CO2. These levels of HCl may accelerate reactions with reservoir rocks, natural seals (shale caprocks) and downhole materials, potentially enhancing or impairing operation and long-term performance of subsurface technologies such as geologic carbon sequestration/st...
Structural Basis for Aza-Glycine Stabilization of Collagen

Previously, we have demonstrated that replacement of the strictly conserved glycine in collagen with aza-glycine provides a general solution for stabilizing triple helical collagen peptides (Chenoweth, D. M.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 9751 ; 2015, 137, 12422 ). The additional hydrogen bond and conformational constraints provided by aza-glycine increases the thermal stability and rate of folding in collagen peptides composed of Pro-Hyp-Gly triplet repeats, allowing for truncation to the smallest self-assembling peptide systems observed to date. Here we show that aza-glycine substitution enhances the stability of an arginine-containing collagen peptide and provide a structural basis for this stabilization with an atomic resolution crystal structure. These results demonstrate that a single nitrogen atom substitution for a glycine alpha-carbon increases the peptide's triple helix melting temperature by 8.6 °C. Furthermore, we provide the first structural basis for stabilization of triple helical collagen peptides containing aza-glycine and we demonstrate that minimal alteration to the peptide backbone conformation occurs with aza-glycine incorporation.
The LQG game with nonclassical information pattern using a direct solution method

A two-sided (simultaneous) optimization technique is presented for the two-player linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) multistage game. This direct solution method allows for further interpretation of results as compared to previously used formal solution methods. For example, this direct solution method naturally decomposes the problem into separate deterministic and stochastic terms. This decomposition provides insight into the resulting optimal control strategies. In addition to the optimal control strategies, we derive a Lagrange multiplier (influence) sequence and an expression for the performance index differential, as well as an expression for the optimal performance index value.
Cellular aspects of the murine anti-hapten IgA response.

Early experiments established the requirement for thymus derived (T) lymphocytes and bone marrow derived (B) lymphocytes for the generation of humoral antibody responses (1–3). In recent years our knowledge of the regulatory functions of T-cells with respect to B-cell differentiation has been expanded to reveal an intricate system, which in addition to cells, involves regulator genes and soluble factors (reviewed 4,5). The regulatory influence which T-cells exert on the stimulation of IgM, IgG (4,5) and more recently, IgE (6–8) is well defined. A similar understanding of the regulatory effect of T-cells on the IgA response would be useful in understanding the development of the secretory immune response.
A cross-cultural exploration of abortion fund patients in the USA and the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man

This paper details results of a study examining administrative case data from 2010-2015 from abortion funds serving the USA and the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Driven by the available data, the researchers compared organisational characteristics, patient characteristics, procedural costs, patient resources and the ratio between patient resources and procedural costs. Independent t-tests were conducted to assess whether differences in characteristics, costs or resources were significant. The number of patients serviced by abortion funds across the two datasets increased yearly from 2010-2015. While patients in the USA had more resources, on average, to contribute to their abortion procedure, Irish, Northern Irish and Manx patients had the resources to pay for a greater percentage of their costs, on average, which was mainly attributable to the differences in gestational age of those helped by the different abortion funds. Patients across all nations were similar in terms of their marital status, average age and number of existing children. Patients across these countries face expensive procedures and a lack of resources that are bridged in part by abortion fund assistance.
Current survival and treatment trends for surgically resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the United States

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare and aggressive disease with an increasing incidence in the United States, and there is no level 1 evidence to help guide treatment decisions. We sought to determine national trends in surgical and medical management of patients with resected ICC, and more specifically, the role of lymphadenectomy (LAD) and utilization of chemotherapy. Methods: An augmented version of the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer database registry was used to identify all surgically resected ICC patients from 2000 to 2014. We evaluated the incidence and adequacy of LAD, and receipt of chemotherapy over time. Next, multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the predictors of LAD and receipt of chemotherapy. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: We identified 1,263 patients who underwent resection for ICC. Lymph nodes (LNs) were removed in 49% of patients, however, only 10% of patients received adequate LAD by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) criteria (≥6 nodes). LN metastases were found in 29% of patients who underwent nodal evaluation. Chemotherapy was administered to 40% of patients, was utilized more frequently over time (P<0.05), and was associated with improved survival in node positive patients (P<0.05). Patients who did not have LNs evaluated were significantly less likely to receive chemotherapy than those who did. Lastly, OS for the entire cohort improved over time (P<0.05). Conclusions: After analyzing the treatment and outcomes of resectable ICC, we concluded: (I) LN evaluation at the time of surgical resection remains inadequate; (II) utilization of chemotherapy has increased over time; (III) the lack of LAD likely results in under-staging and underutilization of chemotherapy; and (IV) despite less than ideal surgical and medical therapy median OS continues to improve.
Methodological considerations in region of interest definitions for paraspinal muscles in axial MRIs of the lumbar spine.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly used to assess the health of the lumbar spine and supporting structures. Studies have suggested that fatty infiltration of the posterior lumbar muscles is important in predicting responses to treatment for low back pain. However, methodological differences exist in defining the region of interest (ROI) of a muscle, which limits the ability to compare data between studies. The purpose of this study was to determine reliability and systematic differences within and between two commonly utilized methodologies for ROI definitions of lumbar paraspinal muscle. T2-weighted MRIs of the mid-L4 vertebrae from 37 patients with low back pain who were scheduled for lumbar spine surgery were included from a hospital database. Fatty infiltration for these patients ranged from low to high, based on Kjaer criteria. Two methods were used to define ROI: 1) segmentation of the multifidus and erector spinae based on fascial planes including epimuscular fat, and 2) segmentation of the multifidus and erector spinae based on visible muscle boundaries, which did not include epimuscular fat. Total cross sectional area (tCSA), fat signal fraction (FSF), muscle cross sectional area, and fat cross sectional area were measured. Degree of agreement between raters for each parameter was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and area fraction of overlapping voxels. Excellent inter-rater agreement (ICC > 0.75) was observed for all measures for both methods. There was no significant difference between area fraction overlap of ROIs between methods. Method 1 demonstrated a greater tCSA for both the erector spinae (14–15%, p < 0.001) and multifidus (4%, p < 0.016) but a greater FSF only for the erector spinae (11–13%, p < 0.001). The two methods of defining lumbar spine muscle ROIs demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability, although significant differences exist as method 1 showed larger CSA and FSF values compared to method 2. The results of this study confirm the validity of using either method to measure lumbar paraspinal musculature, and that method should be selected based on the primary outcome variables of interest.
Non-linear effects of alumina concentration on Product Consistency Test response of waste glasses

Abstract The effect of alumina mole fraction on the 7-day Product Consistency Test (PCT) responses, ln[NLα], of simulated nuclear waste glasses was examined. It was found that the effect is highly non-linear. At low mole fractions of Al2O3 ( x A l 2 O 3 ≤ 0.035) the effect of Al2O3 additions is highly negative ( d ln N L α d x A l 2 O 3 = −72). At intermediate concentrations (0.035 x A l 2 O 3 ≤ 0.19) the effect of Al2O3 additions is moderately negative ( d ln N L α d x A l 2 O 3 = −11). At high concentrations (0.19 x A l 2 O 3 ) the effect of Al2O3 additions is highly positive ( d ln N L α d x A l 2 O 3 = +21). This variable impact of Al2O3 on ln[NLα] is speculated to be caused by the rates at which the glass corrosion process changes through various reaction regimes in static conditions at 90 °C. A model for prediction of ln[NLα] as a function of glass composition is presented. This model represents the data from 2669 glass compositions spanning a broad nuclear waste glass composition region and it is useful up to much higher Al2O3 concentrations than previous models (from ∼10 to 25 mol% Al2O3). The model was validated using data subset validation methods and shown to predict validation data in the same composition region with roughly equal certainty as the model fit data. The potential causes for non-linear effects of Al2O3 on ln[NLα] were discussed in context of the progression of glass corrosion rates. Time resolved static corrosion data is needed to better understand these non-linear effects.
An Outside-In and a Reciprocal Inside-Out Hypothesis Combining Resveratrol and Its High Affinity Protein NQO2 to Target iASPP for Reinstating the Activation and Stabilization of Dysfunctional WTp53 as a Melanoma Chemopreventive Approach

Abstract Melanoma patients frequently express functionally inactive tumor suppressor protein p53 harboring wild-type genotype (WTp53). A phosphorylated nuclear iASPP (inhibitor of apoptosis stimulating protein of p53) occurs in WTp53-expressing melanoma cells and metastatic tissues, and is associated with poor patient survival. The phosphorylation of iASPP is controlled by cyclin B1/cdk1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1); in turn, phospho-iASPP inhibits multiple WTp53-dependent cellular events. We propose to reactivate WTp53 function/activity by control of iASPP using resveratrol and its high-affinity target protein quinone reductase 2 (NQO2). First, resveratrol inhibits melanoma cell proliferation and up-regulates p53 levels. Second, resveratrol restores p53 function and signaling by abrogating cyclin B1/cdk1-mediated iASPP phosphorylation. Correspondingly, NQO2 protects 20S proteasome-mediated p53 degradation. Treatment of melanoma via iASPP phosphorylation blockade to reinstate WTp53 function is novel. The use of resveratrol to regulate iASPP phosphorylation and WTp53 stability reinforces the possible use of dietary agents to treat melanoma patients expressing inactive WTp53.
General modeling framework for quantum photodetectors (Conference Presentation)

Photodetection plays a key role in basic science and technology, with exquisite performance having been achieved down to the single photon level. Further improvements would open new possibilities across a broad range of scientific disciplines, and enable new types of applications. However, it is still unclear what is possible in terms of ultimate performance, and what properties are needed to achieve such performance. Here, we present a general modeling framework for photodetectors whereby the photon field, the absorption process, and the amplification process are all treated as one coupled quantum system. The formalism naturally handles field states with single or multiple photons as well as a variety of detector configurations, and includes a mathematical definition of ideal photodetector performance. The framework reveals how specific photodetector architectures introduce limitations and tradeoffs for various performance metrics, providing guidance for optimization and design.
The Use of Debates in Political Science Courses.

Structured in-class debates are a valuable addition to courses that seek to foster students’ development as citizens. In this study, we examine how different debate formats can impact their effecti...
INVITED: The Metric Matters: The Art of Measuring Trust in EIectronics

Electronic hardware trust is an emerging concern for all stake-holders in the semiconductor industry. Trust issues in electronic hardware span all stages of its life cycle-from creation of intellectual property (IP) blocks to manufacturing, test and deployment of hardware components and all abstraction levels-from chips to printed circuit boards (PCBs) to systems. The trust issues originate from a horizontal business model that promotes reliance of third-party untrusted facilities, tools, and IPs in the hardware life cycle. Today, designers are tasked with verifying the integrity of third-party IPs before incorporating them into system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Existing trust metric frameworks have limited applicability since they are not comprehensive. They capture only a subset of vulnerabilities such as potential vulnerabilities introduced through design mistakes and CAD tools, or quantify features in a design that target a particular Trojan model. Therefore, current practice uses ad-hoc security analysis of IP cores. In this paper, we propose a vector-based comprehensive coverage metric that quantifies the overall trust of an IP considering both vulnerabilities and direct malicious modifications. We use a variable weighted sum of a design’s functional coverage, structural coverage, and asset coverage to assess an IP’s integrity. Designers can also effectively use our trust metric to compare the relative trustworthiness of functionally equivalent third-party IPs. To demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of the proposed metric, we utilize our trust metric on Trojan-free and Trojan-inserted variants of an IP. Our results demonstrate that we are able to successfully distinguish between trusted and untrusted IPs.
Beliefs around childhood vaccines in the United States: A systematic review.

Abstract Background While childhood vaccines are safe and effective, some parents remain hesitant to vaccinate their children, which has led to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. The goal of this systematic review was to identify and summarize the range of beliefs around childhood vaccines elicited using open-ended questions, which are better suited for discovering beliefs compared to closed-ended questions. Methods PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched using keywords for childhood vaccines, decision makers, beliefs, and attitudes to identify studies that collected primary data using a variety of open-ended questions regarding routine childhood vaccine beliefs in the United States. Study designs, population characteristics, vaccine types, and vaccine beliefs were abstracted. We conducted a qualitative analysis to conceptualize beliefs into themes and generated descriptive statistics. Results Of 1727 studies identified, 71 were included, focusing largely on parents (including in general, and those who were vaccine hesitant or at risk of hesitancy). Seven themes emerged: Adverse effects was most prominent, followed by mistrust, perceived lack of necessity, pro-vaccine opinions, skepticism about effectiveness, desire for autonomy, and morality concerns. The most commonly described beliefs included that vaccines can cause illnesses; a child’s immune system can be overwhelmed if receiving too many vaccines at once; vaccines contain harmful ingredients; younger children are more susceptible to vaccine adverse events; the purpose of vaccines is profit-making; and naturally developed immunity is better than that acquired from vaccines. Nearly a third of the studies exclusively assessed minority populations, and more than half of the studies examined beliefs only regarding HPV vaccine. Conclusions Few studies used open-ended questions to elicit beliefs about vaccines. Many of the studies that did so, focused on HPV vaccine. Concerns about vaccine safety were the most commonly stated beliefs about childhood vaccines, likely because studies were designed to capture barriers and challenges to vaccination.
Analysis of patient safety messages delivered and received during clinical rounds

Background Multiple modalities are available to introduce patient safety training to healthcare professionals. In internal medicine, clinical rounds have always played an important role in education; however, the patient safety content taught at the point of care is not well studied. We studied, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the number and nature of patient safety messages delivered by attending physicians to determine what is taught at the point of care and how well this is recognised and recalled by attending physicians, residents and medical students. Methods This prospective mixed methods study was conducted on the medicine teaching service. Clinical rounds were audio-recorded. Immediately after rounds, attending physicians, residents and students completed a short survey card identifying the number and type of educational messages they immediately recalled teaching or hearing. Independent t-test was used to compare differences in the number of messages delivered by attendings and recalled by trainees. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare differences in messages delivered by attending physicians compared with trainees. Recordings were transcribed and analysed qualitatively for patient safety content. Results Trainees recalled more educational messages than attendings recalled teaching in all educational domains. Safety messages comprised 17.5% of educational messages. The average number of patient safety messages recalled per session was 1.08 per attending physicians, 1.84 per resident and 2.50 per student. Residents recalled 56.4% of safety messages delivered; students recalled 76.7% of safety messages. Conclusion Patient safety is a focus of teaching during clinical rounds and provides meaningful opportunities to train students and residents to practice safe patient care.
Preoperative epidural steroid injections are not associated with increased rates of infection and dural tear in lumbar spine surgery.

The study objectives were to use a large national claims data resource to examine rates of preoperative epidural steroid injections (ESI) in lumbar spine surgery and determine whether preoperative ESI or the timing of preoperative ESI is associated with rates of postoperative complications and reoperations. A retrospective longitudinal analysis of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for disc herniation and/or spinal stenosis was undertaken using the MarketScan® databases from 2007–2015. Propensity-score matched cohorts were constructed to compare rates of complications and reoperations in patients with and without preoperative ESI. Within the year prior to surgery, 120,898 (46.4%) patients had a lumber ESI. The median time between ESI and surgery was 10 weeks. 23.1% of patients having preoperative ESI had more than one level injected, and 66.5% had more than one preoperative ESI treatment. Patients with chronic pain were considerably more likely to have an ESI prior to their surgery [OR 1.62 (1.54, 1.69), p < 0.001]. Patients having preoperative ESI within in close proximity to surgery did not have increased rates of infection, dural tear, neurological complications, or surgical complications; however, they did experience higher rates of reoperations and readmissions than those with no preoperative ESI (p < 0.001). Half of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for stenosis and/or herniation had a preoperative ESI. These were not associated with an increased risk for postoperative complications, even when the ESI was given in close proximity to surgery. Patients with preoperative ESI were more likely to have readmissions and reoperations following surgery.
Treatment Mediators and Outcomes of Latent Classes of Youth in Psychiatric Residential Treatment

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in discharge outcomes between latent classes of youth in psychiatric residential treatment. The mediating effect of family therapy, behavioral management incidents, and length of stay on class membership and treatment outcomes were examined. The sample included 447 youth assigned to one of four classes. Guided by Thornberry and Krohn’s (2005) interactional theory of continuity and change, change in functional impairment was predicted based on the composition of risk versus protective factors that comprised the latent classes. A manual 3-step approach was used to fit a latent class mixture model and estimate conditional effects on impairment at discharge. A mediation model was used to examine indirect effects of treatment factors on outcomes between latent classes. The results showed that classes with lower-level risk factors and more protective factors experienced significantly greater reductions in impairment on average. Treatment outcomes were mediated by behavioral management incidents but not length of stay or the number family therapy sessions. The results demonstrate the usefulness of person-centered approaches for conducting subgroup analyses in residential care outcomes studies; highlighting differences in outcomes between groups and treatment factors that may mediate these differences.
Association Between Pain Intensity and Discontinuing Opioid Therapy or Transitioning to Intermittent Opioid Therapy After Initial Long-Term Opioid Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in pain intensity among Veterans transitioning from long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) to either intermittent therapy or discontinuation compared to continued LTOT. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale in 90-day increments starting in the 90-day period prior to potential opioid transitions and the two ensuing 90-day periods after transition. Primary analyses used a 1:1 greedy propensity matched sample. A total of 29,293 Veterans switching to intermittent opioids and 5,972 discontinuing opioids were matched to Veterans continuing LTOT. Covariates were well balanced after matching except minor differences in baseline mean pain scores. Pain scores were lower in the follow up periods for those switching to intermittent opioids and discontinuing opioids compared to those continuing LTOT (0-90 days: Intermittent: 3.79, 95%CI: 3.76, 3.82; LTOT: 4.09, 95%CI: 4.06, 4.12, P < .0001; Discontinuation: 3.06, 95%CI: 2.99, 3.13; LTOT: 3.86, 95%CI: 3.79, 3.94, P = <.0001; 91-180 days: Intermittent: 3.76, 95%CI: 3.73, 3.79; LTOT: 3.99, 95%CI: 3.96, 4.02, P < .0001; Discontinuation: 3.01, 95%CI: 2.94, 3.09; LTOT: 3.80, 95%CI: 3.73, 3.87, P = <.0001). Sensitivity analyses found similar results. Discontinuing opioid therapy or switching to intermittent opioid therapy was not associated with increased pain intensity. PERSPECTIVE: This article evaluates the association of switching to intermittent opioid therapy or discontinuing opioids with pain intensity after using opioids long-term. Pain intensity decreased after switching to intermittent therapy or discontinuing opioids, but remained relatively stable for those continuing long-term opioid therapy. Switching to intermittent opioids or discontinuing opioids was not associated with increased pain intensity.
Interpreting Keystrokes to Ascertain Human Mood

The human state of mind can be reflected in interactions with computers, such as the time taken to type a word, the number of times that a correction is made, the average time taken to press a set of keys, etc. In this research, we developed an application that captures keystroke-based human-computer interactions while gathering user mood (pleasant vs. unpleasant) information utilizing a pre-established survey instrument – the Brief Mood Introspection Survey (BMIS). Using keystroke-based features and saliency measurements of the features, we constructed models to differentiate between pleasant and unpleasant moods. Once unpleasant moods are detected, possible interventions can be applied. For unpleasant mood detection, generalized neural network (GRNN), probabilistic neural network (PNN), and Levenberg-Marquardt neural network (LMNN) algorithms provided the best F1-scores, whereas decision tree (DT) algorithm provided the best recall score.
Proton and Deuteron Spin Structure Function Measurements in the Resonance Region

The RSS collaboration has measured the spin structure functions of the proton and the deuteron at Jefferson Lab using the Hall C HMS spectrometer, a polarized electron beam and a polarized solid target. The asymmetries A∥ and A⊥ were measured in the region of the nucleon resonances (0.82 GeV < W < 1.98 GeV) at an average four momentum transfer of Q2 = 1.3 GeV2. The extracted spin structure functions and their kinematic dependence will make a significant contribution in the study of higher‐twist effects and polarized duality tests. A description of the experiment and the latest findings of the analysis will be presented.
Degradation of aqueous organic pollutants in hybrid gas-liquid electrical discharge reactors

Summary form only given. Different types of electrical discharges generated either directly in the liquid phase or in the gas phase close proximity to the liquid surface have been studied as possible methods for water treatment. It has been demonstrated that non-thermal plasma produced by such discharges produce various reactive chemical species such as radicals (H/spl middot/, O/spl middot/, OH/spl middot/) and molecular species (H/sub 2/O/sub 2/, H/sub 2/, O/sub 2/, O/sub 3/). In addition, depending upon the solution conductivity and the magnitude of the discharge energy, pulsed high voltage discharges generated directly in water may also initiate shock waves and ultraviolet radiation. These reactive species and physical conditions in turn have been shown to be effective at degrading a variety of organic compounds and also in the destruction and inactivation of microorganisms in water. We have recently developed hybrid electrical discharge reactors, which combine gas phase non-thermal plasma formed above the water surface and direct liquid phase corona-like discharge in the water. Two types of configurations have been constructed: the hybrid-parallel and hybrid-series. In the series configuration the high voltage needle-point electrode is submerged and the ground electrode is placed in the gas phase above the water surface. The parallel configuration employs a high voltage electrode in the gas phase and a high voltage needle-point electrode in the liquid phase with the ground electrode placed at the gas-liquid interface. Previous experiments have demonstrated the simultaneous formation of ozone in the gas phase and hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals in the liquid phase of hybrid electrical discharge reactors. These highly reactive oxidative species can degrade many organic pollutants and transform some inorganic pollutants to less toxic products. It is expected that utilization of hybrid reactors will increase the overall efficiency of the corona discharge process for the removal of pollutants from the water as well as to provide for simultaneous treatment of the contaminant in both the gas and liquid phases. In the present study we report on the degradation of several organic pollutants such as phenol, chlorophenol and nitrophenol in hybrid electrical discharge reactors. The mechanism of the degradation process induced by the pulsed high voltage discharges in gas and liquid phases as well as at the interface between a gas and liquid phase will be discussed.
Making Quantitative Measurements of Privacy/Analysis Tradeoffs Inherent to Packet Trace Anonymization

Anonymization provides a mechanism for sharing data while obscuring private/sensitive values within the shared data. However, anonymization for sharing also sets up a fundamental tradeoff --- the stronger the anonymization protection, the less information remains for analysis. This privacy/analysis tradeoff has been descriptively acknowledged by many researchers but no one has yet attempted to quantify this tradeoff. We perform anonymization options on network packet traces and make empirical measurements using IDS alarms as an indicator for security analysis capability. Preliminary results show most packet fields have unexpected complex tradeoffs while only two fields exhibiting the classic zero sum tradeoff.
“This Area Has Been Declared a Prostitution Free Zone”: Discursive Formations of Space, the State, and Trans “Sex Worker” Bodies

The mayorally instituted and police-enforced Prostitution Free Zones in Washington, DC, serve as a tool of nation-state disciplinarity, wherein many transgender women of color, viewed as ideologica...
Modeling and measurement of the motion of the DIII-D vacuum vessel during vertical instabilities

The motions of the DIII-D vacuum vessel during vertical instabilities of elongated plasmas have been measured and studied over the past five years. The currents flowing in the vessel wall and the plasma scrapeoff layer were also measured and correlated to a physics model. These results provide a time history load distribution on the vessel which was input to a dynamic analysis for correlation to the measured motions. The structural model of the vessel using the loads developed from the measured vessel currents showed that the calculated displacement history correlated well with the measured values. The dynamic analysis provides a good estimate of the stresses and the maximum allowable deflection of the vessel. In addition, the vessel motions produce acoustic emissions at 21 Hz that are sufficiently loud to be felt as well as heard by the DIII-D operators. Time history measurements of the sounds were correlated to the vessel displacements. An analytical model of an oscillating sphere provided a reasonable correlation to the amplitude of the measured sounds. >
Identification of a novel FLCN interacting protein, FNIP2

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 1787 Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, a hamartoma disorder characterized by benign tumors of the hair follicle, lung cysts and renal neoplasia, is caused by germline mutations in the BHD(FLCN) gene that encodes a novel tumor suppressor protein, folliculin(FLCN). FLCN interacts with a novel protein FNIP1 and 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Through bioinformatic searches, we found that KIAA1450 had high homology to FNIP1 and this strong similarity prompted us to consider its involvement in BHD syndrome. Due to the homology to FNIP1, we have designated KIAA1450 as FLCN interacting protein 2(FNIP2). To investigate an interaction between FLCN and FNIP2, HEK293 cells expressing HA-tagged FNIP2 in a doxycycline-dependent manner were lysed and immunoprecipitated with anti-HA antibody followed by western blotting to identify co-immunoprecipitated endogenous FLCN and AMPK subunits. Endogenous FLCN and all of the AMPK subunits (α,β and γ) were co-immunoprecipitated with HA-FNIP2. We could also detect the interaction of endogenous FLCN and FNIP2 using anti-FLCN and anti-FNIP2 antibodies. Furthermore, HA-FLCN and FNIP2-Flag transfected into MCF7 cells colocalized in the cytoplasm in a reticular pattern as seen by immunofluorescence microscopy. To see a direct interaction between FLCN and FNIP2 and to determine the FNIP2 binding domain in FLCN, we performed an in vitro binding assay with full length GST-FLCN or GST-FLCN deletion mutants, and in vitro translated 35S- labeled FNIP2. Full length GST-FLCN bound to FNIP2 and N-terminal GST-FLCN deletion mutants that retained the C-terminus were also able to bind FNIP2. However C-terminally deleted GST-FLCN mutants could not bind FNIP2. Interestingly, the majority of BHD mutations found in BHD patients were predicted to alter the reading frame and prematurely truncate FLCN protein. The loss of FLCN binding to FNIP2 caused by C-terminal deletion suggests that the interaction between FLCN and FNIP2 is physiologically important. We have identified a novel FLCN interacting protein, FNIP2. Although its function is unknown, FNIP2 as well as FNIP1 may play an important role in the development of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma, the most common renal tumors found in BHD patients. Funded by NCI Contract N01-CO-12400.
A feasibility assessment of automated FISH image and signal analysis to assist cervical cancer detection

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technology provides a promising molecular imaging tool to detect cervical cancer. Since manual FISH analysis is difficult, time-consuming, and inconsistent, the automated FISH image scanning systems have been developed. Due to limited focal depth of scanned microscopic image, a FISH-probed specimen needs to be scanned in multiple layers that generate huge image data. To improve diagnostic efficiency of using automated FISH image analysis, we developed a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme. In this experiment, four pap-smear specimen slides were scanned by a dual-detector fluorescence image scanning system that acquired two spectrum images simultaneously, which represent images of interphase cells and FISH-probed chromosome X. During image scanning, once detecting a cell signal, system captured nine image slides by automatically adjusting optical focus. Based on the sharpness index and maximum intensity measurement, cells and FISH signals distributed in 3-D space were projected into a 2-D con-focal image. CAD scheme was applied to each con-focal image to detect analyzable interphase cells using an adaptive multiple-threshold algorithm and detect FISH-probed signals using a top-hat transform. The ratio of abnormal cells was calculated to detect positive cases. In four scanned specimen slides, CAD generated 1676 con-focal images that depicted analyzable cells. FISH-probed signals were independently detected by our CAD algorithm and an observer. The Kappa coefficients for agreement between CAD and observer ranged from 0.69 to 1.0 in detecting/counting FISH signal spots. The study demonstrated the feasibility of applying automated FISH image and signal analysis to assist cyto-geneticists in detecting cervical cancers.
Electrothermal considerations in display applications of light-emitting diodes

Some of the possibilities and problems of high-density integration and packaging of light-emitting diode displays are explored, using a new electrothermal characterization of light-emitting diodes. After a brief discussion of thermal effects in spontaneous light-emitting diodes, the characterization is derived. It reveals a peak in luminance with increasing electric power due to self heating. Experimental results confirm the accuracy of the characterization for gallium arsenide phosphide monolithic displays. Finally, the characterization is used to evaluate some projected high power-density applications. These particularly involve dense diode arrays and the use of higher levels of integration, together with magnification by projection of an image onto a screen, to reduce the cost per element associated with processed chip area. Self heating is found to cause a strong dependence of the luminance on the number of elements powered in a dense array, and to limit severely the achievable magnification even with improved packaging.