cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mortality Risk Stratification by Combining BRAF V600E and TERT Promoter Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Genetic Duet of BRAF and TERT Promoter Mutations in Thyroid Cancer Mortality.

Importance BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations can coexist in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). This genetic duet was indicated to be involved in the aggressiveness of PTC, but its prognostic value in PTC-related mortality remains to be specifically established. Objective To establish the prognostic power of this genetic duet in PTC-specific mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants This genetic-clinical correlation study examined BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations (chr5:1,295,228C>T and chr5:1,295,250C>T) and PTC-specific mortality in 1051 patients (764 women and 287 men) with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 46 (36-57) years, with a median (IQR) follow-up time of 89 (48-142) months (7.4 years). Main Outcomes and Measures BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutation patterns and associated patient deaths caused by PTC. Results Papillary thyroid cancer–specific mortality occurred in 4 of 629 patients (0.6%) with neither mutation; 7 of 292 (2.4%) with BRAF V600E alone; 4 of 64 (6.3%) with TERT promoter mutation alone; and 15 of 66 (22.7%) with the genetic duet; and deaths per 1000-person years in patients harboring neither mutation, BRAF V600E alone, TERT mutation alone, or both mutations were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.30-2.13), 3.08 (95% CI, 1.47-6.46), 6.62 (95% CI, 2.48-17.64), and 29.86 (95% CI, 18.00-49.52), respectively. Compared with patients harboring neither mutation, HRs (95% CIs) for PTC-specific mortality were 3.08 (0.87-10.84) for BRAF V600E alone; 8.18 (2.04-32.75) with TERT mutation alone; and 37.77 (12.50-114.09) with both mutations. Papillary thyroid cancer–specific mortality for cases with both mutations remained significant (HR, 9.34; 95% CI, 2.53-34.48) after adjustment for clinicopathological factors, and the genetic duet showed a strong incremental and synergistic impact over either mutation alone. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed a flat PTC-specific patient survival curve with neither mutation, a modest decline in the curve with either mutation alone, and a sharp decline in the curve with coexisting mutations. Even more robust mortality associations of the genetic duet were seen when only conventional-variant PTC (CPTC) was analyzed (HR, 54.46; 95% CI, 12.26-241.82), which remained strongly significant (HR, 18.56; 95% CI, 2.97-116.18) after adjustment for clinicopathological factors. Conclusions and Relevance These results demonstrate a simple 4-genotype classification of PTC, particularly CPTC, with a disease-specific mortality risk order of the genetic duet>>>> BRAF V600E alone = TERT promoter mutation alone > wild-type for both genes, representing a powerful molecular prognostic system that can help pinpoint patients with the highest mortality risk.
Global Distribution and Properties of Continuing Current in Lightning

Continuing current is a process in lightning in which the current in a conducting channel can flow for much longer than in a typical lightning discharge. The phenomenon can be characterized by the continuous optical emission that accompanies the current flow. Using the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), lightning with continuing current is identified on a global scale. Lightning that contains optical emission over at least five consecutive LIS frames, roughly 7-9ms, are classified as continuing current flashes. This differs from typical lightning discharges that produce optical emission for one or two consecutive frames. Of the flashes detected by LIS, 11.2% contain continuing current. These flashes optically radiate over a larger footprint and have a longer duration than ones that do not. The spatial distribution of these flashes indicate that regions of high lightning activity may not be correlated with a high likelihood of continuing current flashes. Further, oceanic and winter lightning are shown to have a higher proportion of continuing current flashes. Finally, 25-40% of flashes identified by LIS to have continuing current have only an intracloud pulse detected by the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), with no cloud to ground strokes detected.
Toward a Theory-Predicated Definition of Digital Literacy for Early Childhood

Though young children are frequent users of digital technology, there is no comprehensive definition of early childhood digital literacy. Currently, digital literacy and related terms are defined with much older children and adults in mind. This paper aims to lay groundwork for redefining digital literacy in an early childhood context. Taking into account the unique developmental needs of early childhood when discussing digital literacy can provide a gateway to developing technological tools and curricula to prepare children in kindergarten through second grade to be more effective users of digital technologies throughout their lives.
Complications in adult degenerative scoliosis surgery

Abstract Adult degenerative scoliosis surgery is a complex undertaking. The surgeries are large and intricate. The patient population is typically sick and debilitated. Because of these factors, complications frequently arise. Knowledge of the most frequently encountered complications is essential. The following chapter will highlight these complications, the risk factors associated with these complications and techniques to help avoid and manage them.
“Gringo panic”: estrangeiros predadores, eventos esportivos globais e prostituição no Rio de Janeiro

Durante a preparacao para a Copa do Mundo de 2014, setores da midia, ONGs e o Estado contribuiram para criar um pânico crescente sobre a prostituicao. Incursoes policiais violentas em locais licitos de comercio sexual aumentaram e a policia convidou a imprensa para transmitir o fechamento do local de turismo sexual de maior visibilidade no dia da abertura da Copa. Na verdade, a prostituicao nao aumentou no Rio de Janeiro e nao houve casos confirmados de trafico sexual associados ao evento na cidade. A “limpeza” das zonas de prostituicao foi uma apropriacao das terras com o objetivo de promover a limpeza social e a “renovacao urbana” em Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro). Este artigo analisa como atores estatais e nao-estatais construiram imagens de “gringos” – frequentemente como invasores predatorios –, criando um pânico moral para promover suas proprias agendas. Baseando-se em trabalho de campo etnografico realizado com profissionais do sexo e clientes antes, durante e depois da Copa, a pesquisa analisa as fantasias projetadas sobre os “gringos” por varios atores – profissionais do sexo, setores da midia, cristaos evangelicos e feministas, entre outros. Argumenta-se que os clientes “gringos” durante a Copa podem ser entendidos como turistas sexuais atipicos, que possuem uma agencia limitada e que vivenciaram diferencas importantes no capital social e na competencia cultural. A crenca nas ideias preconcebidas sobre a masculinidade do “gringo” gerou consequencias sociais imprevistas, incluindo a marginalizacao ainda maior das mulheres vulneraveis que trabalham na economia sexual do Rio.
Digging into Déjà Vu: Recent Research on Possible Mechanisms

Abstract The deja vu experience has piqued the interest of philosophers and physicians for over 150 years, and has recently begun to connect to research on fundamental cognitive mechanisms. Following a brief description of the nature of this recognition anomaly, this chapter summarizes findings from several laboratories that are related to this memory phenomenon. In our labs, we have found support for three possible mechanisms that could trigger deja vu. The first is split perception, which posits that a deja vu is caused by a brief glance at an object or scene just prior to a fully aware look. Thus, the perception is split into two parts and appears to be eerily duplicated. A second mechanism is implicit memory, whereby a prior setting actually has been experienced before by the person but stored in such an indistinct manner that only the sense of familiarity is resurrected. Another example of an implicit memory effect involves a single part of a larger scene that is familiar but not identified as such, with the result that the strong sense of familiarity associated with this portion inappropriately bleeds over onto the entire scene. Others have found support for gestalt familiarity, that the framework of the present setting closely resembles something experienced before in outline but not in specifics. We also present physiological evidence from brain and cognitive dysfunctions that relate to our understanding of deja vu. Finally, some important but unresolved issues in deja vu research are noted, ones that should guide future research on the topic.
Abordaje sistémico en familias latinas sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica en Estados Unidos

El objetivo de este estudio es crear un modelo de tratamiento sustentado por el conocimiento de profesionales y que les permita el desarrollo de habilidades de los profesionales para su trabajo con las familias en crisis. Las participantes, profesionales de la salud del Latina Domestic Violence Program (LDVP) en Filadelfia, fueron entrevistadas individualmente y las respuestas fueron analizadas de acuerdo con la metodologia de la Teoria Fundamentada. Las respuestas de las participantes sirvieron para enfatizar aspectos importantes relacionados con la situacion de supervivientes de violencia domestica. Las participantes identificaron dos elementos centrales necesarios para un programa ideal. 1: El programa debe tener la capacidad de abordar las necesidades biopsicosociales de la familia (necesidades economicas, laborales, educacionales y de salud mental). Las necesidades de las usuarias indocumentadas que no hablan ingles deben ser consideradas en la elaboracion de un programa para familias latinas. 2: Es importante que el equipo de trabajo este entrenado en varias teorias y/o modelos adecuados de intervencion que ayuden a una comprension de la cultura latina de las usuarias. De esta forma se evita utilizar un modelo basado en la cultura estadounidense que no responde a las necesidades especificas de la comunidad.
Digital synchronverter design flow for renewable energy

In today's energy grid there are very few options to handle the severe energy swings of renewable energy sources. A Synchronverter is designed to allow an asynchronous energy source like wind mills and solar panels to appear as a synchronous energy sources. To this day, the designs have been analog with large size and large assortment of components. This paper proposes a digital design that matches the proposed analog design's output, while using common digital components in order to lower cost and size. The primary focus for the digital design is to use the most optimal mathematical block solutions for improved performance. An FPGA is used as the base component while implementing common FIR integrators. For the mathematical sine and cosine functions, the CORDIC method is used due to its efficient calculation of the sine and cosine functions. Using scaling and 8-bit multiplication blocks, the data integrity can be maintained, while the keeping scale to a minimum. Overall this paper provides a digital synchronverter solution that is optimal for small FPGA use, translating to small dedicated chips, with peak performance.
Fibro-Osseous and Other Lesions of Bone in the Jaws

Fibroosseous lesions in the jaws have similar histologic and radiographic features. Despite their similarity, management varies significantly. In this article, common fibroosseous lesions and key radiographic features are described. Many of the fibroosseous lesions are diagnosed radiographically, without performing histologic examinations. For some of the fibroosseous lesions, for example, periapical osseous dysplasia, histologic examination is contraindicated. Cherubism and fibrous dysplasia have specific radiographic findings; these conditions can be diagnosed radiographically. Accurate diagnosis conditions is essential; some conditions do not require any intervention, while others require surgical resection. Patient demographics, for example, age, gender, and race, play important roles in diagnosis.
Human Bone Biopsy

During the last 15 years, the diagnostic approach to metabolic disorders of the skeleton has been considerably enhanced by new developments in bone densitometry and biochemical measurements of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D metabolites, bone alkaline phosphatase, and urinary excretion of bone collagen fragments. Experience with these new tools now facilitates the detection and diagnosis of subtle abnormalities of bone metabolism that were previously unrecognized on routine radiographic images or with multi-channel chemistry panels.
Identifying the Modal Properties of Nonlinear Structures Using Measured Free Response Time Histories from a Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer

This paper explores methods that can be used to characterize weakly nonlinear systems, whose natural frequencies and damping ratios change with response amplitude. The focus is on high order systems that may have several modes although each with a distinct natural frequency. Interactions between modes are not addressed. This type of analysis may be appropriate, for example, for structural dynamic systems that exhibit damping that depends on the response amplitude due to friction in bolted joints. This causes the free-response of the system to seem to have damping ratios (and to a lesser extent natural frequencies) that change slowly with time. Several techniques have been proposed to characterize such systems. This work compares a few available methods, focusing on their applicability to real measurements from multi-degree-of-freedom systems. A beam with several small links connected by simple bolted joints was used to evaluate the available methods. The system was excited by impulse and the velocity response was measured with a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer. Several state of the art procedures were then used to process the nonlinear free responses and their features were compared. First the Zeroed Early Time FFT technique was used to qualitatively evaluate the responses. Then, the Empirical Mode Decomposition method and a simple approach based on band pass filtering were both employed to obtain mono-component signals from the measured responses. Once mono-component signals had been obtained, they were processed with the Hilbert transform approach, with several enhancements made to minimize the effects of noise.
A Literature Review of the Effects of Natural Light on Building Occupants

This paper presents summary findings from a literature search of the term ''daylighting''-using natural light in a building to offset or replace electric lighting. According to the Department of Energy's Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs 2000 BTS Core Databook, in 1998, commercial buildings consumed 32% of the total electricity in the United States, of which more than one-third went to lighting. Using daylighting systems and turning off the lights will help reduce this energy load. Electrical lighting adds to both the electrical and cooling loads in a commercial building. Utility costs can be decreased when daylighting is properly designed to replace electrical lighting. Along with the importance of energy savings, studies have demonstrated the non-energy-related benefits of daylighting. We compiled the data from books, periodicals, Internet articles, and interviews. The books, periodicals, and Internet articles provided the background information used to identify the main subjects of the paper. The interviews provided us with details related to specific buildings and companies that have integrated daylighting into their buildings.
Numerical Simulation of the Explosion Dynamics and Energy Release from High-Gain ICF Targets

Results from numerical simulations are presented describing the explosion energetics of a high-gain indirect-drive ICF target. The light ion fusion LIBRA-SP target, which consists of an x-ray driven capsule embedded in a spherical foam-filled hohlraum, is imploded using 12 prepulse and 12 full power Li beams containing a total energy of 8 MJ. Here, we report on the dynamics of the target energy release, focussing in particular on the partitioning of energy between x rays, neutrons, and target debris kinetic energy. Our results indicate that 72% and 22% of the 552 MJ yield is emitted by the target in the form of neutrons and x-rays, respectively. Calculated emergent spectra for the target neutrons and x rays are also presented. 12 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
Ionophores Alter Hepatic Concentrations of Intermediary Carbohydrate Metabolites in Steers

The effects of ionophores on liver weight and function were determined in finishing steers (n = 24; avg weight 440 kg). Steers were group-fed one of three treatments (control, lasalocid or monensin at 33 mg/kg feed) for 46 d prior to slaughter. Three days prior to slaughter, blood was collected for the determination of serum Ca and Mg. At slaughter, the liver was removed, weighed, sampled, frozen in liquid nitrogen and subsequently analyzed for concentrations of carbohydrate metabolites and minerals. Liver weight (5.9 kg) was unaffected by treatment. Serum and hepatic Ca and Mg were not affected by ionophore treatment. Hepatic glycogen levels in steers fed ionophores were unaffected by treatment. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate was 21% lower (P less than .10) in hepatic tissue of steers fed ionophores, whereas dihydroxyacetone phosphate was 15 to 37% greater in hepatic tissue of steers fed monensin (P less than .20) or lasalocid (P less than .10). Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate was elevated more extensively by lasalocid than by monensin with increases of 72 (P less than .05) and 132% (P less than .001), respectively, over controls. Glycerol 3-phosphate levels were 37% (P less than .05) and 12% (NS) greater with these ionophores. Hepatic levels of pyruvate were elevated 12 (NS) to 36% (P less than .17) for monensin and lasalocid. Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels were 25% lower (P less than .25) in hepatic tissue of steers fed ionophores than in hepatic tissue from control steers. Other metabolites of carbohydrate metabolism in hepatic tissue were not altered appreciably. Changes in levels of intermediary metabolites of carbohydrate metabolism suggest alterations in hepatic carbohydrate metabolism favoring gluconeogenesis in steers fed ionophores.
Mitteilung as an Information Concept: Kierkegaard and Benjamin

One of the effects of the history of twentieth-century information technology is to push the meaning of the word Mitteilung into a progressively more technological framework, where it becomes synon...
Innate Sensing of DNA Virus Genomes

DNA viruses are linked to many infectious diseases and contribute significantly to human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Moreover, DNA viral infections are usually lifelong and hard to eradicate. Under certain circumstances, these viruses can cause fatal disease, especially in children and immunocompromised patients. An efficient innate immune response against these viruses is critical, not only as the first line of host defense against viral infection but also for mounting more specific and robust adaptive immunity against the virus. Recognition of the viral DNA genome is the very first step of this whole process and is crucial for understanding viral pathogenesis as well as for preventing and treating DNA virus-associated diseases. This review focuses on the current state of our knowledge on how human DNA viruses are sensed by the host innate immune system and how viral proteins counteract this immune response.
GPyTorch: Blackbox Matrix-Matrix Gaussian Process Inference with GPU Acceleration

Despite advances in scalable models, the inference tools used for Gaussian processes (GPs) have yet to fully capitalize on developments in computing hardware. We present an efficient and general approach to GP inference based on Blackbox Matrix-Matrix multiplication (BBMM). BBMM inference uses a modified batched version of the conjugate gradients algorithm to derive all terms for training and inference in a single call. BBMM reduces the asymptotic complexity of exact GP inference from O(n^3) to O(n^2). Adapting this algorithm to scalable approximations and complex GP models simply requires a routine for efficient matrix-matrix multiplication with the kernel and its derivative. In addition, BBMM uses a specialized preconditioner to substantially speed up convergence. In experiments we show that BBMM effectively uses GPU hardware to dramatically accelerate both exact GP inference and scalable approximations. Additionally, we provide GPyTorch, a software platform for scalable GP inference via BBMM, built on PyTorch.
Kleptoparasitism of the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) by the glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens) at Seward, Alaska

Observations of seabirds stealing food (kleptoparasitism) from marine mammals are rarely reported. During 67 h of observation at Seward, Alaska, where fishers frequently discard scraps of fish, we documented 16 incidents of gulls attempting to kleptoparasitize sea otters (Enhydra lutris) and seven incidents of gulls attempting to kleptoparasitize Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). An average of 3.5 ± 3.5 SD (range 1–13) glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) and < 0.1 ± 0.3 SD (range 0–1) black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) attacked sea otters with discarded fish scraps, with a success rate of 53% per incident and 16% per individual gull. The gulls ignored sea otters with invertebrate prey. An average of 3.6 ± 1.7 SD (range 1–7) glaucous-winged gulls and 0.1 ± 0.4 SD (range 0–1) black-legged kittiwakes attacked sea lions with discarded fish scraps, with a success rate of 29% per incident and 8% per individual gull. Only glaucous-winged gulls succeeded in stealing food, usually comprising fragments of the original item floating on the surface after the victim dived, but twice food was stolen directly from sea otters. To avoid kleptoparasitism, sea otters used five evasive maneuvers (swimming away, diving, rolling, lunging toward gull, and pulling food from gull), whereas sea lions used only two (swimming away and diving). Kleptoparasitism of sea otters and sea lions by gulls is a previously overlooked behavior that merits further study of its potential benefits and costs.
Copyright Issues for the Distance Learning Professor

The Internet has made the accessibility of knowledge both instantaneous and global. The professor who teaches online must be aware of the legal issues created by digital technology. The scope of the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright Law is under debate by educators and copyright owners. Educators advocate amending the scope of works available for distance learning, under the Fair Use principle, to include the same range of exclusions allowed in face to face classrooms such as: audiovisual works, movies and videos. While copyright owners advocate licensing of materials, educators feel that licensing procedures and costs need to be geared to the needs and ability to pay of the educational institution, otherwise their distance learning students will not have access to the same materials as those who sit in the classroom.
Atomic Nuclei From Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations With Chiral EFT Interactions

Quantum Monte Carlo methods are powerful numerical tools to accurately solve the Schr\"odinger equation for nuclear systems, a necessary step to describe the structure and reactions of nuclei and nucleonic matter starting from realistic interactions and currents. These \textit{ab-initio} methods have been used to accurately compute properties of light nuclei -- including their spectra, moments, and transitions -- and the equation of state of neutron and nuclear matter. In this work we review selected results obtained by combining quantum Monte Carlo methods and recent Hamiltonians constructed within chiral effective field theory.
NKG2D-Fc fusion protein promotes antitumor immunity through the depletion of immunosuppressive cells

A major factor impeding the success of numerous therapeutic approaches in cancer is the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Hence, methods capable of reverting tumor immunosuppression through depletion or reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are of great clinical need. Here, we explore NKG2D-Fc as a modality to modulate antitumor immunity through the depletion of immunosuppressive MDSCs and Tregs in the TME. We have generated the NKG2D-Fc fusion protein and characterized its potential to mediate tumor control and overall survival in LL2 and MC38 murine models. Upon treatment of LL2 or MC38 tumor-bearing mice with NKG2D-Fc, we observe significant tumor control and enhanced survival compared to Fc control. When characterizing MDCSs and Tregs from tumor-bearing mice, we observe clear expression of NKG2D-ligand RAE1γ and subsequent binding of NKG2D-Fc fusion protein to both MDSCs and Tregs. Examining the immune profile of mice treated with NKG2D-Fc reveals significant depletion of MDSCs and Tregs in the TME, as well as an increase in NK cells likely due to the reversed suppressive TME. In conclusion, NKG2D-Fc induces antitumor immunity and tumor control through the depletion of MDSCs and Tregs, subsequently providing a niche for the infiltration and expansion of proinflammatory cells, such as NK cells. Strategies capable of modulating the immunosuppressive state in cancer are in high clinical demand. NKG2D-Fc is a simple, single tool capable of depleting both MDSCs and Tregs and should be further investigated as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.
A proposed redosing interval of del Nido cardioplegia solution in adult cardiac surgery: a propensity-matched study.

Background:Recently, del Nido cardioplegia solution (DN) has been utilized in adult cardiac surgery. However, adequate interval of maintenance dose(s) is still unclear. The purpose of this study wa...
Epigenetic Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanoparticles

The rise of nanotechnology and widespread use of engineered nanomaterials in everyday human life has led to concerns regarding their potential effect on human health. Adverse effects of nanomaterials and nanoparticles on various molecular and cellular alterations have been well-studied. In contrast, the role of epigenetic alterations in their toxicity remains relatively unexplored. This review summarizes current evidence of alterations in cytosine DNA methylation and histone modifications in response to nanomaterials and nanoparticles exposures in vivo and in vitro. This review also highlights existing knowledge gaps regarding the role of epigenetic alterations in nanomaterials and nanoparticles toxicity. Additionally, the role of epigenetic changes as potential translational biomarkers for detecting adverse effects of nanomaterials and nanoparticles is discussed.
Constitutive relevance & mutual manipulability revisited

An adequate understanding of the ubiquitous practice of mechanistic explanation requires an account of what Craver (J Philos Res, 32:3–20, 2007b) termed “constitutive relevance.” Entities or activities are constitutively relevant to a phenomenon when they are parts of the mechanism responsible for that phenomenon. Craver’s mutual manipulability (MM) account extended Woodward’s account of manipulationist counterfactuals to analyze how interlevel experiments establish constitutive relevance. Critics of MM (e.g., Baumgartner and Casini, Philos Sci 84:214–233, 2017; Baumgartner and Gebharter, Brit J Philos Sci 67:731–756, 2016) argue that applying Woodward’s account to this philosophical problem conflates causation and constitution, thus rendering the account incoherent. These criticisms, we argue, arise from failing to distinguish the semantic, epistemic, and metaphysical aspects of the problem of constitutive relevance. In distinguishing these aspects of the problem and responding to these critics accordingly, we amend MM into a refined epistemic criterion, the “matched interlevel experiments” (MIE) account. Further, we explain how this epistemological thesis is grounded in the plausible metaphysical thesis that constitutive relevance is causal betweenness.
Participant Reports of Mindfulness, Posttraumatic Growth, and Social Connectedness in Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis:

The primary objective of this qualitative study was to explore the therapeutic trajectories of individuals undergoing psilocybin-assisted group therapy. This interpretive phenomenological analysis ...
Blood cell classification using interpretable shape features: A Comparative study of SVM models and CNN-Based approaches

Abstract Background and Objective: Models to count blood cells have been extensively studied, but there are very few for classifying potential blood cells. This is crucial for verifying that what these systems are counting are in fact the correct object of interest. Furthermore, we have very little insight into which features are important for differentiating these classes in computational models. Methods:This paper presents a competitive solution for classifying red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets from each other. Results:We were able to achieve an overall classification rate of about 99% and outperformed convolutional neural networks by about 10% by using the Blood Cell Count Dataset with a support vector machine, a polynomial kernel, and interpretable and explainable features. Further, we are also able to identify that the important features for classifying the three classes are the number of corners, the proportion of the area of the cell over the relevant area the cell occupies, the major axis relative length of the cell, and the relevant area surrounding the cell. Conclusion: We built a model for blood cell classification that is more interpretable and explainable while also outperforming the state-of-the-art.
New Drugs in the Treatment of Acute Leukemia

In this brief review the term “new drugs” will be used in the broad sense of drug activities not previously appreciated or fully exploited. This will permit discussion not only of chemical entities not previously available, but agents whose potential for arresting leukemic cell growth has not been adequately defined. Drugs of the latter category include asparaginase and daunorubicin, currently undergoing extensive clinical study, but which, as subjects of earlier discussion at this symposium, are excluded from this report.
Recent progress in wideband monolithic direct digital synthesizers

This paper presents recent progress in the development of wideband monolithic GaAs DDSs, since its debut in 1992. A wideband DDS generates sinusoidal waveforms with several hundred megahertz of bandwidth, subhertz resolution and nanosecond frequency switching speeds. A discussion of improvements made to the monolithic GaAs HBT DDS and factors driving design and performance are presented.
Processes for the Northeastward Advance of the Summer Monsoon over the Western North Pacific

In the South China Sea (SCS) and western North Pacific (WNP), climatological summer monsoon sets in first in the SCS in mid-May, extends into the southwestern Philippine Sea in mid-June, and jumps suddenly northeastward to around 20°N, 150°E in late-July. The processes leading to this distinct northeastward advance of the summer monsoon are investigated using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data for the period of 1979-1995. It is found that the cloud-radiation and wind-evaporation feedback plays an important role for the seasonal change in sea surface temperature (SST) in the WNP. Analysis shows that monsoon-induced changes in cloudiness and surface wind produce contrasting changes in surface short wave radiation, and latent heat flux between the convection and pre-convection region. The resultant SST tendency difference turns around the SST gradient east of the convection region in about one month, and induces the northeastward shift of the highest SST center. Following the ocean surface warming in the pre-convection region, the convective instability and low-level moisture convergence increase. East of the convection region, the reversal of the SST gradient tends to be associated with the transition of low-level winds from easterly to westerly. The results suggest that the SST change induced by the monsoon onset facilitates the northeastward extension of convection. It is speculated that the summer monsoon advance over the WNP may result from air-sea interactions.
Long‐term cause‐specific mortality in survivors of adolescent and young adult bone and soft tissue sarcoma: A population‐based study of 28,844 patients

BACKGROUND Despite improved cure rates for bone and soft tissue sarcomas, to the authors' knowledge, no large population-based study to date has evaluated long-term cause-specific mortality in patients diagnosed in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) age range (15 years-39 years). METHODS A total of 28,844 survivors of AYA bone and soft tissue sarcoma, who accrued 113,206 person-years of follow-up, were identified in the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and absolute excess risks (AER) (per 10,000 person-years) were calculated to evaluate associations with histology (chemotherapy-sensitive subtypes: Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma vs all other subtypes), age, and initial therapy. RESULTS All-cause mortality in survivors of AYA sarcoma was found to be significantly increased compared with that of the general population (SMR, 1.76; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.60-1.92 [AER of 19]), and persisted for > 20 years (SMR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04-1.82 [AER of 20]). Significant excess mortality was observed for both second malignant neoplasms (SMR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.71-2.43 [AER of 7]) and noncancer causes (SMR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.49-1.85 [AER of 19]). Significant excess deaths occurred among patients with chemotherapy-sensitive (SMR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.20-3.41 [AER of 32]) and nonchemosensitive (SMR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.47-1.80 [AER of 17]) subtypes. Significantly elevated noncancer mortality in the former group included cardiovascular disease (SMR, 2.33) and infections (SMR, 15.6), whereas significant excess deaths in the latter group included diabetes (SMR, 2.40) and infections (SMR, 2.77). CONCLUSIONS Survivors of AYA bone and soft tissue sarcoma experience significant long-term mortality due to second malignant neoplasms and noncancer causes. Further research is needed to develop preventive and surveillance guidelines in this understudied population to prevent and reduce long-term excess mortality. Cancer 2014;120:2334–2342. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Identification of negative and positive regulatory elements in the human renin gene.

Abstract Renin gene expression is tissue-specific and under complex hormonal control. To investigate which DNA elements are involved in the control of human renin gene expression, we performed transient DNA transfer experiments with renin-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fusions. We have mapped a complex arrangement of positive and negative control sequences in the 5' flanking region of the human renin gene. One positive control element is active in either orientation and defines a renin gene enhancer. The negative element is also active in either orientation and defines a renin gene silencer. Mapping in the same region as the silencer is a cAMP-responsive element, a sequence conserved in mouse, rat, and human renin genes.
Real-Time B-Scan Ultrasonic Imaging Using a Digital Phased Array System for NDE

All phased array systems can be described using the block diagram shown in Figure 1. The beam former module is responsible for transmitting a beam which is focused and steered to a desired depth and angle. This is achieved by pulsing transducer elements which are furt her from the desired focal zone first and pulsing elements which are elose to the focal zone an appropriate time later such that the acoustic signals from each element arrive at the focal spot simultaneously and with the same phase. On receive, the beam former must also focus and steer the received beam. This is done by delaying the electrical signals from elements which are elose to the focal spot and then summing the delayed electrical signals from all the elements to produce a focused and steered beam. However, unlike transmit where only one focal spot is possible, on receive the focus can be changed to focus at all depths as acoustic signals from those depths are received. This is possible because the time at which an acoustic echo is received is linearly related to the depth from which it originated by the velocity of sound. Therefore, immediately after the transmit pulse, the array is
Export diversification in a transitioning economy

How does the process of export diversification take place in an economy in transition, especially in light of government policy aimed at trade liberalization? This article examines this question by considering a directed policy effort by Syria – an economy in transition from both economic centralization and resource dependence – to liberalize its trade between 2001 and 2008. In addition to documenting the patterns of diversification at the aggregate level since the implementation of the policy, we also examine factors that are related to diversification at the sectoral level. Our findings suggest that, while Syria has achieved reasonably rapid export diversification, this may to a large extent be the result of structural transformations in the economy, and that further diversification may require continued policy reform designed to strengthen Syria's weak institutional and business environment.
Humor and the Alcoholic Patient

One hundred and twenty (80 males an 40 females) individuals applying for help at an alcoholic out-patient agency were given a questionnaire regarding humor. The results indicated that the respondents judged themselves to laugh often. They were of the opinion that drinking increased their humor (males more than females). An overwhelming endorsement indicated that humor be an aspect of psychotherapy. However, some puzzling results emerged. On the basis of this study, the author tendered some clinical opinions.
Binge Drinking, Drinking and Driving, and Riding with a Driver Who Had Been Drinking Heavily among Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Personnel

Heavy drinking is associated with significant health problems and increased risk for injury and death. Although several studies have investigated alcohol use among active duty and civilian populations, little is known about the alcohol use patterns of reserve personnel. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of binge drinking, driving after drinking, and riding in a vehicle with a driver who had consumed alcohol among 4,836 guardsmen and reservists who were taking part in basic military training (mean age = 21.3 years; 29.4% female). Forty-six percent reported one or more binge drinking episodes in the month before basic military training. Four percent drove after consuming five or more drinks, while 8.9% rode as a passenger with a driver who had been drinking heavily. Several demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal correlates of risky drinking patterns were identified. Findings have potentially important implications for the health, safety, and military readiness of reserve personnel.
The Initial Public Offerings of Restaurant Firms: The Case of Industry-Specific Micromarket Capitalization Offerings

We investigate the pricing characteristics of 59 initial public offerings (IPOs) of firms in the restaurant industry. Many of these offers are by extremely small micromarket capitalization companies, ones that are typically excluded from other studies of IPOs. We find that the choice of underwriter and the issuing company's subsequent financial performance significantly affect the level of underpricing and aftermarket performance. Companies that employ small, regional investment banking houses as underwriters fail to attract much investor interest, resulting in less underpricing and poorer aftermarket performance. In addition, investors appear to accurately appraise those firms that subsequently suffer from poor financial performance. This is demonstrated through greater underpricing to compensate investors for the greater perceived risk.
Laparoscopic repair for failed antireflux procedures.

Background Minimally invasive procedures have become common, and more reoperations for failed antireflux procedures are performed laparoscopically. We wanted to study the outcomes of laparoscopic reoperations for reflux. Methods Medical records of all patients who underwent reoperation without esophageal resection after previous antireflux procedures between January 2000 and October 2012 were reviewed. Results Seventy-five patients were included in this report: 56 (77%) women and 19 (23%) men. Median age was 58 years. The previous operation was laparoscopic antireflux procedures in 65 (87%) patients. The median interval between the last antireflux procedure and laparoscopic reoperation was 42 months. The median body mass index (BMI) was 28.7. All patients were symptomatic. Intraoperative findings included recurrent hiatal hernia in 47 (63%) patients, incompetent fundoplication in 14 (19%) patients, tight fundoplication in 8 (11%) patients, and tight crura in 2 (3%) patients. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was performed in 57 (76%) patients, partial posterior fundoplication was performed in 12 (16%) patients, partial anterior fundoplication was performed in 3 (4%) patients, removal of crural stitches was performed in 2 patients, and a combination of partial posterior fundoplication and removal of crural stiches was performed in 1 patient. Complications occurred in 13 (15%) patients. Improvement in symptoms was observed in 70 (93%) patients in early postoperative follow-up and in 59 (78%) patients in long-term follow-up. Functional results were classified as excellent in 59 (78%) patients, good in 6 (7%) patients, fair in 7 (8%) patients, and poor in 3 (4%) patients. Conclusions Laparoscopic reoperation for failed antireflux operations is a complex procedure, but it is safe and effective in selected patients. Reoperation after a failed antireflux repair results in excellent or good functional status in a majority of patients, but these results may deteriorate over time.
The electrical resistivity and thermal conducitvity of plutonium metal

Abstract The electrical resistivity of two specimens of high-purity plutonium is reported for the temperature range from 26°K to approximately 780°K. These resistivity measurements give further evidence for the six allotropic modifications of solid plutonium found by thermal analysis and dilatometric measurements. Temperature coefficients of resistivity for the various phases are included, as well as indicated phase-transformation temperatures and the heat of transition for the α → β change. Values of the thermal conductivity are given for the temperature range 110–413°K. These values are used in conjunction with resistivity measurements to calculate Lorenz numbers as a check of the Wiedemann-Franz ratio. The room-temperature resistivity of plutonium exceeds that of bismuth by 22 per cent, but is lower than the resistivity of α-manganese by approximately the same percentage.
Calculating Intraventricular Pressure Difference Using a Multi-Beat Spatiotemporal Reconstruction of Color M-Mode Echocardiography

This work aims to provide a methodology to improve the analysis of color-M-Mode (CMM) echocardiograms, as used to assess cardiac function. Specifically, we presented a methodology for the combined analysis of multiple heartbeat cycles and improve the accuracy of intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) calculation. CMM sweep speed and heartbeat variations impact the accuracy of IVPD calculation. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is used to decompose and reconstruct a representative CMM scan from multiple heartbeats, with reduced noise and improved resolution. For three demonstration subjects, at least 9 beats were recorded at sweep speeds of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mm/s. For all subjects, the beats from the 25 mm/s group resulted in low IVPD (median values: 1.93, 1.94 and 3.15 mmHg) compared to the 150 mm/s group (median values: 3.67, 3.98 and 5.18 mmHg). Reconstructed heartbeats for these subjects returned IVPD of 4.74, 3.23, and 5.14 mmHg. These results demonstrate the strong dependence of IVPD on the temporal resolution and that the proposed reconstruction method can return more accurate IVPDs for low resolution CMMs. This new method was applied to 5 clinical cohorts (3 normals, 1 restrictive, and 1 hypertrophied) and returned increased median IVPD from 2.93–4.41 mmHg for Normal 1, 2.14–3.30 mmHg for Normal 2, 1.84–3.64 mmHg for Normal 3, 2.28–3.00 mmHg for restrictive and 1.56–1.69 mmHg for hypertrophied. Our results show that beat-to-beat variations and temporal resolution affect the IVPD. Our new method rectifies low resolutions and beat-to-beat variability of the CMM data and allows for more accurate IVPD measurement independent of scanner acquisition settings and beat variations.
Optimizing Building Envelopes' Performance by Using Photovoltaic Cells

This study seeks the integrity and the optimality of building envelopes’ performance. It focuses on the transparent parts of buildings’ facades; specifically, the windows and their shading devices. It suggests a new system of utilizing solar energy while keeping optimal solutions for indoor daylighting. It employs the shading devices on windows for producing electrical power by using photovoltaic cells. To achieve the optimality for lighting and energy production, blinds with angles from zero to ninety degrees were tested in an actual physical model. This model was used to find the correlation between the blinds’ angles and the illuminance level at different distances from the window. Computational methods were used to examine the photovoltaic performance for each blinds’ angle. The mathematical equations resulted from the optimization process were coded using Java programming language to enable the future users to deal with generic locations of buildings. Furthermore, the results of the study’s experiments were employed to create a blinds’ control system. This system controls the blinds’ movements according to the sun position and workplane illuminance level.
Industrialization under Perfect Foresight: A World Economy with a Continuum of Countries

Abstract A dynamic model of international trade with a continuum of countries is presented. The terms of trade path each country takes as given are endogenous in the model. Countries differ by the rate of time preference and have populations of overlapping generations of labor. Industrialization is modeled as the reallocation of labor to the sector with external increasing returns, the process of which is gradual due to a demographic constraint. In a perfect foresight equilibrium, countries with lower time preference industrialize, and autarky policy is not effective for industrialization. Orbits may exist for countries with positive time preference. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D90, F10, F43, O14, O40.
Effect of oil wetting on pressure difference in experimental oil shale retorts

Abstract An analytical study of pressure-gradient data from laboratory oil shale retorts is described. A review of the flow-pressure equation shows it to have the same form for transitional as for laminar and turbulent flow, provided that Reynolds number variation is small. Comparison of measured with calculated vertical-pressure differences in a small retort reveals good agreement above the level where maximum temperature is reached. Below this level, values differ by at least 30% because of retained oil, which reduces the gas flow space. Methods for calculating total pressure difference across a retort and implications for in situ oil shale processing are also suggested.