cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A general theory of composition for a class of "possibilistic" properties

Since the initial work of Daryl McCullough (1987) on the subject, the security community has struggled with the problem of composing "possibilistic" information-flow properties. Such properties fall outside of the Alpern-Schneider safety/liveness domain, and hence, they are not subject to the Abadi-Lamport Composition Principle. The paper introduces a set of trace constructors called selective interleaving functions and shows that possibilistic information-flow properties are closure properties with respect to different classes of selective interleaving functions. This provides a uniform framework for analyzing these properties, allowing us to construct both a partial ordering for them and a theory of composition for them. We present a number of composition constructs, show the extent to which each preserves closure with respect to different classes of selective interleaving functions, and show that they are sufficient for forming the general hook-up construction. We see that although closure under a class of selective interleaving functions is generally preserved by product and cascading, it is not generally preserved by feedback, internal system composition constructs, or refinement. We examine the reason for this.
Metabolic syndrome among students attending a historically black college: prevalence and gender differences.

Background There are limited data on the prevalence rate of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among college students attending any Historically Black College and University (HBCU), which are mostly attended by young African Americans (AA). We report the prevalence and gender differences in the components of MetS in a sample population from an HBCU campus.
Computer Equivalency of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised in a Nonincarcerated Population:

This study is designed to test the equivalency of the paper format of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPIR) with a computerized (online) version. It is hypothesized that the psychometric properties of the PPI-R would continue to hold when the administration format was changed from paper to computer. A total of 124 respondents participate in the study. Participant scores on all 15 of the PPI-R scales are found to be similar, as are all internal scale consistencies. Test-retest reliabilities for scores on the PPI-R Overall Total, Factors, and Content scales range from r = .76 (Coldheartedness) to r = .93 (PPI-R Total). The computerized format also allows for both more efficient scoring (i.e., no hand coding) and more complete responding (i.e., less missing data).
Bioactive Plant Metabolites in the Management of Non-Communicable Metabolic Diseases: Looking at Opportunities beyond the Horizon

There has been an unprecedented worldwide rise in non-communicable metabolic diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes. While modern pharmacotherapy has decreased the mortality in the existing population, it has failed to stem the rise. Furthermore, a large segment of the world population cannot afford expensive pharmacotherapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for inexpensive preventive measures to control the rise in CVD and diabetes and associated co-morbidities. The purpose of this review is to explore the role of food bioactives in prevention of NCDs. To this end, we have critically analyzed the possible utility of three classes of food bioactives: (a) resistant starch, a metabolically resistant carbohydrate known to favorably modulate insulin secretion and glucose metabolism; (b) cyclo (His-Pro), a food-derived cyclic dipeptides; and (c) polyphenol-rich berries. Finally, we have also briefly outlined the strategies needed to prepare these food-bioactives for human use.
Relying on Intuitions: Where Cappelen and Deutsch Go Wrong

AbstractIn Philosophy without Intuitions (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012), Herman Cappelen challenges the ‘almost universally accepted’ thesis of ‘Centrality’: ‘philosophers rely on intuitions as evidence (or as a source of evidence) for philosophical theories’. Cappelen takes there to be two arguments for Centrality and rejects both. According to the first, Centrality is supported by the way philosophers characterize key premises in their arguments as ‘intuitive’. Central to Cappelen’s rejection of this is his lengthy argument that philosophers’ ‘intuition’-talk is very hard to interpret, indeed often ‘meaningless’. I argue, in contrast, that this talk is easy to interpret. The great mass of philosophers who would endorse Centrality mean by ‘intuition’ just what it ordinarily means: ‘immediate judgment, without reasoning or inference’. Cappelen claims further that philosophers’ ‘intuition’-talk, however it is interpreted, does not support Centrality. I argue that this talk, interpreted in the ordi...
Cell surface labeling of CFTR in T84 cells

To distinguish cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) at the surface of epithelial cells from that present in intracellular membranes, intact T84 cells were treated with periodate and biotin-LC-hydrazide to derivatize exposed glycoconjugates. Cell lysates were then passed over a monomeric avidin column, which allows reversible avidin-biotin binding. After washing, biotinylated molecules were eluted with 2 mM biotin. CFTR was then immunoprecipitated with a mouse monoclonal antibody from both the unbound and biotin eluent fractions, radioactively labeled by in vitro phosphorylation, and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Nonimmune mouse immunoglobulin G failed to precipitate any CFTR, and CFTR was detectable only in the wash fractions when cells were periodate treated but not labeled with biotin hydrazide. In biotinylated cells, CFTR levels were approximately equal in the unbound fraction and the biotin eluent. The proportion of biotinylated CFTR did not significantly increase when cells were labeled after treatment with 10 microM forskolin. These data demonstrate that in T84 cells CFTR is constitutively expressed on the cell surface and that activation of CFTR does not primarily depend on the cAMP-dependent trafficking of CFTR to the plasma membrane. The large unbiotinylated pool of maturely glycosylated CFTR suggests that CFTR resides in an intracellular compartment as well as being present at the cell surface.
Microarray analysis identifies malignant field signatures in biopsy samples at diagnosis predicting the likelihood of lethal disease in patients with localized Gleason 6 and 7 prostate cancer.

Overtreatment of early-stage low-risk prostate cancer patients represents a significant problem in disease management and has significant socio-economic implications. Development of genetic and molecular markers of clinically significant disease in patients diagnosed with low grade localized prostate cancer would have a major impact in disease management. A gene expression signature (GES) is reported for lethal prostate cancer in biopsy specimens obtained at the time of diagnosis from patients with Gleason 6 and Gleason 7 tumors in a Swedish watchful waiting cohort with up to 30 years follow-up. A 98-genes GES identified 89% and 100% of all death events 4 years after diagnosis in Gleason 7 and Gleason 6 patients, respectively; at 6 years follow-up, 83% and 100% of all deaths events were captured in Gleason 7 and Gleason 6 patients, respectively. Remarkably, the 98-genes GES appears to perform successfully in patients stratification with as little as 2% of cancer cells in a specimen, strongly indicating that it captures a malignant field effect in human prostates harboring cancer cells of different degrees of aggressiveness. In Gleason 6 and Gleason 7 tumors from prostate cancer patients of age 65 or younger, GES identified 86% of all death events during the entire follow-up period. In Gleason 6 and Gleason 7 tumors from prostate cancer patients of age 70 or younger, GES identified 90% of all death events 6 years after diagnosis. Classification performance of the reported in this study 98-genes GES of lethal prostate cancer appeared suitable to meet design and feasibility requirements of a prospective 4 to 6 years clinical trial, which is essential for regulatory approval of diagnostic and prognostic tests in clinical setting. Prospectively validated GES of lethal PC in biopsy specimens of Gleason 6 and Gleason 7 tumors will help physicians to identify, at the time of diagnosis, patients who should be considered for exclusion from active surveillance programs and who would most likely benefit from immediate curative interventions.
Touching behaviors of winners and losers in swimming races

This study compared touching behaviors of swimmers who were winners and losers. The number and location of interpersonal touches given and received by winners and losers of swimming races were recorded. Winners gave and received significantly more touches than losers. Most touches were hands, back, or shoulders, confirming earlier findings for college men and women.
Quantitative Evaluation of Wind Turbine Faults Under Variable Operational Conditions

Wind turbines have been widely used for clean and renewable electricity generation. The maintenance costs of wind turbines constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the generated electricity. Thus, health management systems are increasingly needed to reduce the maintenance costs and improve the reliability of wind turbines. This paper proposes a novel framework for the quantitative evaluation of faults and health conditions of wind turbines using generator current signals. A synchronous resampling algorithm is designed to handle nonstationary current signals for fault feature extraction. The extracted fault features are used to reconstruct new signals, whose correlation dimensions are then calculated by using the Grassberger–Procaccia (G–P) algorithm for fault and health condition evaluation of the wind turbines. Experimental studies are carried out for a direct-drive wind turbine equipped with a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) in the healthy condition and two faulty conditions. Results show that the proposed framework can not only detect the faults but also quantify different health conditions for the wind turbine.
Effect of tripterygium wilfordii ployglycosidium on NF-κB in the central nervous system and serum levels of IL-2 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis Lewis rats

Objective To investigate the effect of tripterygium wilfordii ployglycosidium(TWP) on the expression of NF-κB P65 in the central nervous system(CNS)and serum levels of IL-2 in Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE).Methods Thirty rats were randomly assigned into control group(n=10),EAE group(n=10) and TWP group(n=10).Male Lewis were immunized with myelin basic protein(MBP) to induce the EAE models.The incidence of disease,the latent period,the neurological scores and the pathological changes of brain and spinal cord were determined.The expression of NF-κB P65 in brain tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry technique and the serum leve of IL-2 was determined by ELISA kits.Results The neurological score in TWP group was significantly lower than that in EAE group(2.10±0.43 vs 3.36±0.64,P0.05).The incidence of attacks was not significantly different between EAE group and TWP group(P0.05).Compared with EAE group,the latent period was delayed in TWP group[(10.13±0.76)d vs(12.22±0.81)d,P0.05].Compared with EAE group,the numbers of inflammatory focus in the brain and spinal cord degreased in TWP group(26.21±0.72 vs 12.41±0.56,P0.05).The expression of IL-2 was significantly lower in TWP group than in EAE group[(41.46±6.56)pg/ml vs(62.56±8.53)pg/ml,P0.05].Compared with EAE group,the number of NF-κB P65 positive cells also decreased in TWP group(72.46±2.41 vs 32.56±1.56,P0.05).Conclusion TWP could effectively ameliorate EAE in Lewis rats,which might be mechanistically related to down-regulation of NF-κB and IL-2.
Ultrasound in Rotator Cuff Evaluation

Now more than ever, the use of ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of the rotator cuff has gained widespread acceptance. US is as accurate as magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis rotator cuff pathology and provides the advantages of having low cost, ease of access, no radiation exposure, no contraindications, and the capability to perform dynamic evaluations. This chapter provides an overview of US in rotator cuff evaluation with a focus on ultrasound technique, normal anatomy, and pathologic findings.
Phenylketonuria screening in the Republic of Macedonia

Phenylketonuria is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism which can be prevented by early and continuous treatment. Therefore newborn screening for phenylketonuria has been introduced in many countries. We present here the results of the selective newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism, including PKU, performed by tandem mass spectrometry which has been introduced in Macedonia since 2011.
Riparian trees and aridland streams of the southwestern United States: An assessment of the past, present, and future

Riparian ecosystems are vital components of aridlands within the southwestern United States. Historically, surface flows influenced population dynamics of native riparian trees. Many southwestern streams has been altered by regulation, however, and will be further affected by greenhouse warming. Our analysis of stream gage data revealed that decreases in volume of annual discharge and mean peak discharge and a shift to earlier peak discharge will occur in the Southern Rockies region of Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. These changes will likely decrease rates of reproduction and survival of cottonwood (Populus fremontii and Populus deltoides ssp. wislizenii), Goodding's willow (Salix gooddingii), and boxelder (Acer negundo), which rely on surface flows to stimulate germination and recharge groundwater aquifers. Streams in the Central Highlands of Arizona and New Mexico will likely see reductions in annual discharge volume, which could limit reproduction and survival of the above taxa and Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii). These effects may be exacerbated by demands of expanding urban areas and agricultural operations, but could also be ameliorated by increasing water use efficiency and environmental mitigation. These factors must be considered, along with climate projections, when planning for conservation of riparian trees and the animal communities they support.
Unifying computer forensics modeling approaches: a software engineering perspective

As an effort to introduce formalism into computer forensics, researchers have presented various modeling techniques for planning, analysis, and documentation of forensics activities. These modeling techniques provide representations of various forensics subjects such as investigative processes, chain of events, and evidence tests. From a software engineering perspective, it seems that several of these computer forensics modeling approaches may be unified to create a more complete, multi-view modeling methodology for examination planning and analysis. This paper proposes a core set of modeling views for a unified computer forensics modeling methodology: investigative process view, case domain view, and, evidence view. An example email threat case scenario is used as the context for a multi-view modeling example.
Recurrent Orbital Solitary Fibrous Tumor in a 12-Year-Old.

Purpose: To report the clinical features and pathology of orbital solitary fibrous tumors and present a case of a recurrence in a 12-year-old boy. Methods: Case Report. Results: A 12-year-old boy presented to our institution with double vision in upgaze for 6 months. Examination revealed 3 mm of left-sided proptosis, hypoglobus, and -3 impairment of supraduction. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits showed an avidly enhancing mass within the superolateral aspect of the orbit. Biopsy revealed a solitary fibrous tumor with STAT6 and CD34 positivity. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography was negative for metastatic disease. The tumor underwent excision. However, 4 months postoperatively, imaging revealed changes consistent with recurrence. A repeat lateral orbitotomy with orbital rim marginotomy was performed with complete gross excision of the tumor. The patient remains tumor-free 22 months after reoperation. Conclusion: Orbital solitary fibrous tumor rarely occurs in the pediatric population. Despite initial complete gross tumor excision, this case represents the youngest individual with a recurrence to the authors' knowledge. This case of rapid recurrence may have been due to tumor seeding at the time of initial biopsy or other factors. This case increases the known spectrum of orbital solitary fibrous tumors.
Conservation of Fern Spores

Ferns are a diverse and important group of plants, but diversity of ­species and populations are at risk from increasing social pressures, loss of habitat, and climate change. Ex situ conservation is a useful strategy to limit decline in genetic diversity and requires technologies to preserve fern germplasm. Fern spore storage has received little research attention but, by analogy to seeds, may benefit from the extensive knowledge of seed storage gained during the last 50 years. Fern species produce either nongreen or green spores, which have been considered to exhibit storage physiologies similar to orthodox and recalcitrant seeds, respectively. Consequently, dry storage conditions are conventionally recommended for nongreen spores and humid storage in the refrigerator over media is recommended for medium term storage of green spores and some nongreen spores not tolerant to desiccation. Recently, we have shown that water content of stored ferns can be precisely controlled by adjustments in relative humidity, and that this control can be used to maximize longevity at a range of storage temperatures. Spore longevity is unexpectedly poor when they are stored at temperatures between 0 and 25°C and this has necessitated the use of cryogenic technologies developed over the last 15 years for fern spore storage. Crystallization of triacylglycerols (TAG also known as storage lipids) appears to be associated with fern spore response to low temperature and is analogous to responses reported for seeds of tropical origin. These recent discoveries and perspectives suggest that fern spores exhibit a storage physiology that has been described as intermediate between recalcitrant and orthodox storage behavior or that they exhibit a storage physiology that remains uncharacterized. More research on fern spore storage physiology is needed to contrast and compare various responses of diverse plant germplasm to different storage conditions. The unicellular structure of the fern spore may provide a useful model system to obtain a greater understanding of multicellular germplasm to improve storage techniques lead to more effective conservation.
FOLIAR SORPTION OF I-131 BY PLANTS.

Abstract Sorption of I2131 by leaves was tested under both laboratory and field conditions. The amount of I131 sorbed was proportionate to the concentration of the gas surrounding the leaves over wide ranges of concentration. Similar proportionality was also noted for the sorption of I131 to filter paper. Although a significant portion of the I131 was shown to be inside the leaf, there was little translocation to other plant parts. The extent of I131 deposited from a melted fuel element under field conditions could not be correlated with pubescence of exposed leaves though some of the deposited material appeared to be particulate. Only 50 per cent of the I131 was removed from leaves with water although 90 per cent was potentially removable, as shown with other agents. Much less I131 was inside the leaves of plants exposed to the fuel element off-gas than in leaves exposed to I2131 in the laboratory, because in the field test, conditions favored closure of the stomata and much of the activity was particulate.
Adsorption of CO on Low-Energy, Low-Symmetry Pt Nanoparticles: Energy Decomposition Analysis and Prediction via Machine-Learning Models

We present a systematic analysis of CO adsorption on Pt nanoclusters in the 0.2–1.5 nm size range with the aim of unraveling size-dependent trends and developing predictive models for site-specific adsorption behavior. Using an empirical-potential-based genetic algorithm and density functional theory (DFT) modeling, we show that there exists a size window (40–70 atoms) over which Pt nanoclusters bind CO weakly, the binding energies being comparable to those on (111) or (100) facets. The size-dependent adsorption energy trends are, however, distinctly nonmonotonic and are not readily captured using traditional descriptors such as d-band energies or (generalized) coordination numbers of the Pt binding sites. Instead, by applying machine-learning algorithms, we show that multiple descriptors, broadly categorized as structural and electronic descriptors, are essential for qualitatively capturing the CO adsorption trends. Nevertheless, attaining quantitative accuracy requires further refinement, and we propose...
Online-Learning-Based Human Tracking Across Non-Overlapping Cameras

Due to the expanding scale of camera networks, Multiple Camera Tracking (MCT) of humans has received increased attention in recent years. In this paper, we present a novel approach to tracking each human within a single camera and across multiple disjoint cameras. Our framework includes a multi-object tracking and segmentation system, a two-phase feature extractor, and an online-learning-based camera link model estimation. For tracking within a single camera, we apply tracking by segmentation and local object detection with multi-kernel feedback to adaptively improve the robustness of the algorithm. In inter-camera tracking, we introduce an effective integration of appearance and context features. Couples are automatically detected, and the couple feature is also integrated with existing features. The proposed algorithm is scalable by a fully unsupervised online-learning framework. In our experiments, the proposed method outperforms all of the state-of-the-art methods in the benchmark National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition (NLPR)_MCT dataset.
Turbulent clustering of initially well-mixed buoyant particles on a free-surface by Lagrangian coherent structures

Particles that float on the surface of a 3D incompressible turbulent flow are exposed to non-divergence-free properties that result in clustering and unmixing, a reversal of how turbulence normally acts to mix and dilute scalars. Particle clustering is dominated by Lagrangian processes that depend on the time history of the flow; this suggests that Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) might serve as templates for cluster formation. In this study, non-divergence-free clustering is examined both experimentally and numerically to elucidate the role of LCS in the formation of particle clusters and voids. Experiments are performed on the free-surface of a water-filled tank with turbulence driven by the random pulsing of centrifugal pumps on the tank bottom. Clustering is quantified by imaging fluorescent, buoyant particles that are placed in an initially random distribution on the free-surface. Within clusters, concentrations are observed to increase by an order of magnitude, with the likelihood of observing e...
‘An Uncompromising Catholic and a Thoroughgoing Papist’: End of a Long Journey

Chapter 9 considers the revival of the Brownson Quarterly Review in 1873, which Brownson uses to perpetuate a sectarian war against Protestants. Cortes points out the irony of Brownson’s sectarianism in the midst of a flourishing ecumenical movement. The chapter then examines the aged Brownson’s criticism of Archbishop Hughes, the Catholic press and rank and file, as well as his close friends. Such criticism is attributed to Brownson’s irascible temperament and not to sectarianism. Cortes ends the chapter by noting Brownson’s death in 1876.
Nutrition at the End of Life: It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

The purpose of this review is to describe and appraise the available scientific evidence to guide the use of artificial nutrition and hydration at the end of life, with a focus on communicating with patients and families who are facing these decisions. Research suggests artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) may be burdensome at the end of life, yet disparities for its use in clinical practice persist. While no clear evidence supports the use of ANH for the majority of terminally ill patients, emerging data suggests that a subset of patients may derive some benefit. No clear criteria exist to ascertain the beginning of the dying phase, which can present challenges surrounding ANH. A better understanding of symptom burden and thoughtful communication between the clinician and patient can facilitate development of a medical plan of care, with or without ANH, that best meets the patient’s goals of care.
Applications of Radiation

This chapter discusses the beneficial effects of radiation from various sources—X-ray machines, charged particle accelerators, nuclear reactors, and radioisotope sources. The penetrating radiations are electromagnetic, electrons or other charged particles, and neutrons. The oldest and most familiar beneficial use of radiation is for medical diagnosis by X-rays. These consist of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation produced by electron bombardment of a heavy-metal target. As is well known, X-rays penetrate body tissue to different degrees dependent on material density, and shadows of bones, and other dense material appear on the photographic film. For both medical and industrial use, the isotope Co-60, produced from stable Co-59 by neutron absorption, is an important alternate to the X-ray tube. Neutron radiography serves as a complement to gamma ray radiography where the materials are insensitive to photons but are rich in hydrogen, for example, plastics and rubber. Doses of radiation are often found to be effective in the treatment of certain diseases such as cancer.
Tape transport control with suppression of time-varying tension disturbances

Embodiments of the present invention provide a tape transport control system with enhanced regulation of tape tension and velocity over the entire length of the tape. The tape transport control system comprises of circuitry adapted to output and circuitry adapted to receive one or more signals representing a tape velocity, at least one radius of either the first tape reel or the second tape reel, and a tape tension, and based on the received signals, generate at least one control signal to control at least one of the first reel motor or the second reel motor so as to reduce a tension disturbance at a minimum, one frequency corresponding to a time-varying reel-rotation frequency, based on controller parameters that depend on the tape velocity and on the at least one radius of either the first tape reel or the second tape reel.
In Vivo Reprogramming for Regenerating Insulin-Secreting Cells

Regenerative medicine holds great promise for treating degenerative diseases and injuries by replacing and repairing damaged tissues. Type I Diabetes (T1D) results from destruction of insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. Replenishing beta cells is an effective therapy for T1D. Many research efforts are underway to produce insulin-secreting cells using human embryonic stem cell differentiation or direct reprogramming of adult cells. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the key steps of pancreatic development in mouse and human and highlight the important developmental regulators of beta cells, which are employed in reprogramming non-beta cells to beta-like cells. We will discuss different models of in vivo reprogramming from pancreatic exocrine acinar cells, liver cells, and gastrointestinal cells into functional insulin-secreting cells using cocktails of beta cell developmental regulators. We will further discuss challenges of developing reprogramming methods for future clinical applications to treat T1D.
Experimental demonstration of an isotope-sensitive warhead verification technique using nuclear resonance fluorescence

Future nuclear arms reduction efforts will require technologies to verify that warheads slated for dismantlement are authentic without revealing any sensitive weapons design information to international inspectors. Despite several decades of research, no technology has met these requirements simultaneously. Recent work by Kemp et al. [Kemp RS, Danagoulian A, Macdonald RR, Vavrek JR (2016) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 113:8618–8623] has produced a novel physical cryptographic verification protocol that approaches this treaty verification problem by exploiting the isotope-specific nature of nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) measurements to verify the authenticity of a warhead. To protect sensitive information, the NRF signal from the warhead is convolved with that of an encryption foil that contains key warhead isotopes in amounts unknown to the inspector. The convolved spectrum from a candidate warhead is statistically compared against that from an authenticated template warhead to determine whether the candidate itself is authentic. Here we report on recent proof-of-concept warhead verification experiments conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Using high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors, we measured NRF spectra from the interrogation of proxy “genuine” and “hoax” objects by a 2.52 MeV endpoint bremsstrahlung beam. The observed differences in NRF intensities near 2.2 MeV indicate that the physical cryptographic protocol can distinguish between proxy genuine and hoax objects with high confidence in realistic measurement times.
Merkel cell carcinoma: An update and review: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and staging.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary cutaneous neuroendocrine cancer. It most commonly presents as an indurated plaque or nodule on sun-damaged skin in elderly patients and is characterized by high rates of local recurrence and nodal metastasis. Survival at 5 years is 51% for local disease and as low as 14% for distant disease, which underscores the aggressive nature of this tumor and challenges in management. Advances in immunology and molecular genetics have broadened our understanding of the pathophysiology of MCC and expanded our therapeutic arsenal. With this comprehensive review, we provide an update of MCC epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and prognostic markers. The second article in this continuing medical education series explores the evolving landscape in MCC management.
The Specificity of IQGAP1 Toward the PI3K-Akt Pathway is Dependent on the IQ3 motif

Abstract Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway are commonly deregulated in many cancers including head and neck cancer (HNC). Recently, we have shown that the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) provides a molecular platform to scaffold all the components from the PI3K-Akt pathway and results in the sequential generation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PI3,4,5P3). This makes the IQGAP1-PI3K scaffold a promising therapeutic target. In addition to the PI3K-Akt pathway, IQGAP1 also scaffolds the Ras-ERK pathway. To identify an IQGAP1 mutant that specifically loses IQGAP1-PI3K signaling but not other functions, we have focused on the IQ3 motif since this region binds with both the PIPK1α and PI3K enzymes and a short peptide derived from this sequence blocks binding and PI3K signaling. An IQ3 deletion mutant (ΔIQ3) in IQGAP1 was functionally compared with wild-type (WT) IQGAP1. We found that the IQ3 domain specifically mediates the PI3K-Akt pathway but does not regulate the Ras-ERK pathway. The IQ3 deletion mutant lost interactions with PI3K-Akt components but retained its binding of ERK pathway components and cell surface receptors, EGFR and integrins. In addition, the IQ3 deletion mutant lost regulation of cell migration. Consistently, the IQ3 motif derived peptide blocked Akt activation and led to the blockage of invasion mediated by EGFR organized into an integrin complex by syndecan-4. Taken together, this work has defined the IQGAP1 IQ3 motif as a specific target sequence for the scaffolding of the PI3K-AKT pathway.
A Compliant Capacitive Sensor for Acoustics: Avoiding Electrostatic Forces at High Bias Voltages

A study is presented of a dynamic capacitive sensor configuration that is intended to impose minimal force and resistance to motion on the moving electrode. The aim is to enable the use of moving electrodes having arbitrary levels of compliance without suffering the adverse effects of large bias voltages such as pull-in instability. This configuration would facilitate the incorporation of highly compliant and thin electrode materials that present the least possible resistance to motion. This type of material is particularly useful for sensing sound. Measured results show that for the highly compliant acoustic sensor design examined here, a large bias voltage of 400 volts can be applied without influencing its motion. The electrical sensitivity to sound is found to be approximately 0.5 V/pascal, two orders of magnitude greater than typical acoustic sensors.
Addressing Mental Health Consequences of Social Networking from the Social Services Perspective

Recently, scientists started to investigate the potential negative effects of Social Networking sites (SNs). In addition to their positive contribution to our lives, several studies demonstrated correlation between prolonged use of SNs and the occurrence of mental health conditions, such as, anxiety and depression. Their pervasive presence in individuals’ lives and their psychological and social dynamics might affect people who are especially vulnerable. In this paper, we introduce an assessment tool designed for evaluating the impact of social media usage on individuals with mental health conditions, with a specific regard to teenagers. The tool, which was co-designed with therapists, consists of a short questionnaire that can be utilized to identify the presence of social media-related risks on mental health, and their severity.
Proceedings of the eighth annual international conference on Resaerch in computational molecular biology

This volume contains the papers presented at the Eighth Annual International Conference on Computational Biology, also known as RECOMB 2004, held in San Diego, California, March 27-31, 2004. The RECOMB conference series was started by Sorin Istrail, Pavel Pevzner and Michael Waterman in 1997. It is a tradition that polished versions of a selected subset of the papers from the Proceedings also appear in The Journal of Computational Biology, which is closely affiliated with the conference. Polished versions of many of the other papers will also appear in journal form.This year, 215 papers were submitted, from which the Program Committee selected 38 for presentation at the meeting and inclusion in these proceedings. The biological focus of the papers and the technical methods used, span a very wide range of computational biology. The submissions were fully refereed, mostly by three or more committee members, and the selection process involved several weeks of discussions among committee members before the accepted papers were selected. The reviews were given to the authors to allow changes and improvements in the final published conference paper. Due to the limit on the number of papers that can be presented, there were many strong papers that, regrettably, could not be accepted.n addition to the talks and the published papers, RECOMB offers an opportunity for conference attendees to present their work in poster and abstract form. Around 150 to 200 posters will be presented in two poster sessions.One of the highlights of each RECOMB conference is a collection of nine keynote invited lectures by researchers of the highest international esteem. Four of these lectures are specially named. We are fortunate this year to have lectures from: Carlos Bustamante (UC Berkeley, Distinguished New Technologies Lecture), Russell Doolittle (UC San Diego, The Stanislaw Ulam Memorial Computational Biology Lecture), Andrew Fire (Stanford University, Distinguished Biology Lecture), Richard Karp (UC Berkeley, Fred Howes Distinguished Service Award), William McGinnis (UC San Diego), Deborah Nickerson (University of Washington), Martin Nowak (Harvard), Christine Orengo (University College, London), and Elizabeth Winzeler (Scripps Research Institute). We thank all of these speakers for their participation.RECOMB 2004 was sponsored by The Association for Computing Machinery and SIGACT, The University of California-San Diego, The San Diego Supercomputer Center, and The International Society for Computational Biology. Generous support for the conference comes from Accelrys, Applied Biosystems, Apple Computer, Applied Biosystems, Cambridge University Press, Cornell Theory Center, CRC Press - Taylor and Francis Group, The Department of Energy, Geneart GmbH, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Microsoft Research, The National Science Foundation, Paracel, Partek Incorporated, Springer-Verlag New York Inc., The MIT Press, and Timelogic.
The Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Sudden Cardiac Death: The Relevance of Heart Failure

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of congestive heart failure (CHF) in the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Background Recent studies have reported the possibility of an independent association between AF and SCD. We hypothesized that a history of CHF is a significant confounder of this association. Methods In a prospective case-control analysis from the community (The Oregon-SUDS [Sudden Unexpected Death Study], 2002 to 2012), SCD cases (n = 652) with clinical records available (including electrocardiography and/or echocardiography) were compared with age- and sex-matched control patients with coronary artery disease. The association between AF and SCD was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching. Results Cases (age 67.3 ± 11.7 years, 65% male) were more likely than control patients (age 67.2 ± 11.4 years, 65% male) to have a history of AF (p = 0.0001), myocardial infarction (p = 0.007), CHF (p Conclusions Our findings suggest that a history of CHF, including both systolic and diastolic symptomatic dysfunction, may partially explain the AF–SCD association.
Applying Health and Physical Education Teacher Pedagogy in a Community Setting

The purpose of this article is to spotlight successful advocacy of traditional HPE teacher pedagogy in non-school settings and to provide implementation strategies to design college programs to mee...
Left Atrial Contracture or Failure to Dilate.

Catheter ablation is a well-established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). A subset of patients developed dyspnea secondary to loss of left atrial (LA) compliance after ablation, which is referred as the stiff LA syndrome. Stiff left atrium syndrome has traditionally been associated with profound eccentric LA remodeling. We report the case of a patient with this clinical syndrome who developed giant V-waves during exercise but had a strikingly small LA.
Post-transfer Transition Experiences for Engineering Transfer Students:

Expanding and enhancing transfer pathways may help broaden participation in engineering. However, colleges of engineering have primarily focused their recruitment and retention efforts on students ...
Duration of Operative Vaginal Delivery and Adverse Obstetric Outcomes.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the number of vacuum pop-offs, the number of forceps pulls, or the duration of operative vaginal delivery (OVD) is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Study Design This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational cohort of women who underwent an attempted OVD. Women were stratified by the duration of OVD and the number of pop-offs (vacuum) or pulls (forceps) attempted. Severe perineal lacerations, failed OVD, and a composite adverse neonatal outcome were compared by the duration of OVD and number of pop-offs or pulls. Results Of the 115,502 women in the primary cohort, 5,325 (4.6%) underwent an attempt at OVD: 3,594 (67.5%) with vacuum and 1,731 (32.5%) with forceps. After adjusting for potential confounders, an increasing number of pop-offs was associated with an increased odds of the composite adverse neonatal outcome. However, an increasing duration of vacuum exhibited a stronger association with the composite adverse neonatal outcome. Similarly, the number of forceps pulls was less strongly associated with the composite adverse neonatal outcome compared with the duration of forceps application. Conclusion The duration of OVD may be more associated with adverse neonatal outcomes than the number of pop-offs or pulls.
KABOOM: an agent-based model for simulating cognitive style in team problem solving

The performance of a design team is influenced by each team member’s unique cognitive style – i.e., their preferred manner of managing structure as they solve problems, make decisions, and seek to bring about change. Cognitive style plays an important role in how teams of engineers design and collaborate, but the interactions of cognitive style with team organization and processes have not been well studied. The limitations of small-scale behavioral experiments have led researchers to develop computational models for simulating teamwork; however, none have modeled the effects of individuals’ cognitive styles. This paper presents the Kirton Adaption–Innovation Inventory agent-based organizational optimization model (KABOOM), the first agent-based model of teamwork to incorporate cognitive style. In KABOOM, heterogeneous agents imitate the diverse problem-solving styles described by the Kirton Adaption-Innovation construct, which places each individual somewhere along the spectrum of cognitive style preference. Using the model, we investigate the interacting effects of a team’s communication patterns, specialization, and cognitive style composition on design performance. By simulating cognitive style in the context of team problem solving, KABOOM lays the groundwork for the development of team simulations that reflect humans’ diverse problem-solving styles.
Attitudes toward xenotransplantation: A survey of parents and pediatric cardiac providers.

BACKGROUND Scientific advancements are occurring in cardiac xenotransplantation (XTx). However, there have been religious and social concerns surrounding this allotransplantation alternative. The purpose of this study was to explore the acceptance of XTx among stakeholders of the congenital heart disease (CHD) community. METHODS A Likert-scale anonymous survey was distributed to physicians and nurses who care for children with CHD and parents of children with CHD. Psychosocial and clinical attitudes were compared across all groups to identify differences, and regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with XTx acceptance. RESULTS A total of 297 responded to the survey: 134 physicians, 62 nurses, and 101 parents. Potential acceptance of XTx if outcomes were similar to allotransplantation was high overall (75.3%), but different between the groups (physicians 86%; nurses 71%, parents 64%; P < .0001). Regression analysis showed respondents who reported religion would influence medical decision making (OR 0.48; 95%CI 0.24-0.97) and those who would not use a pig heart transplant as a bridge until a human heart became available were less likely to accept XTx (OR 0.09; 95%CI 0.04-0.21). Psychosocial concerns to XTx were minimal but were also associated with XTx acceptance particularly among parents (OR 0.17; 95%CI 0.03-0.80). CONCLUSIONS Potential acceptance of XTx is high, assuming results are similar to allotransplantation. Religious beliefs and attitudes toward the use of XTx as a bridge to allotransplant may present barriers to XTx acceptance. Future research is needed to assess potential attitude differences in light of ethical, psychosocial, and religious objections to XTx.
Municipal Cybersecurity: More Work Needs to be Done:

As governments have digitized their operations, they have opened themselves to cyberattacks, resulting in harmful disruptions to government services. The scholarly world has been slow to pick up on...
Short-term outcomes and healthcare resource utilization following incisional hernia repair with synthetic mesh in patients with Crohn's disease.

While the use of synthetic mesh for incisional hernia repair reduces recurrence rates, little evidence exists regarding the impact of this practice on the disease burden of a Crohn’s patient. We aimed to describe the post-operative outcomes and healthcare resource utilization following incisional hernia repair with synthetic mesh in patients with Crohn’s disease. A retrospective review of adult patients with Crohn’s disease who underwent elective open incisional hernia repair with extra-peritoneal synthetic mesh from 2014 to 2018 at a single large academic hospital with surgeons specializing in hernia repair was conducted. Primary outcomes included 30-day post-operative complications and long-term rates of fistula formation and hernia recurrence. The secondary outcome compared healthcare resource utilization during a standardized fourteen-month period before and after hernia repair. Among the 40 patients included, six (15%) required readmission, 4 (10%) developed a surgical site occurrence, 3 (7.5%) developed a surgical site infection, and one (2.5%) required reoperation within the first 30 days. The overall median follow-up time was 42 months (IQR = 33–56), during which time one (2.5%) patient developed an enterocutaneous fistula and eight (20%) experienced hernia recurrence. Healthcare resource utilization remained unchanged or decreased across every category following repair. The use of extra-peritoneal synthetic mesh during incisional hernia repair in patients with Crohn’s disease was not associated with a prohibitively high rate of post-operative complications or an increase in healthcare resource utilization to suggest worsening disease during the first 4 years after repair. Future studies exploring the long-term outcomes of this technique are needed.
Data of bacterial community dynamics resulting from total rumen content exchange in beef cattle.

Objectives Extensive efforts have been made to characterize the rumen microbiome under various conditions. However, few studies have addressed the long-term impacts of ruminal microbiome dysbiosis and the extent of host control over microbiome stability. These data can also inform host-microbial symbioses. The objective was to develop preliminary data to measure the changes that occur in the rumen bacterial communities following a rumen content exchange to understand the effects major perturbations may impart upon the rumen microbiome, which may be host-driven. Data description We report here an initial rumen content exchange between two SimAngus (Simmental/Angus) non-pregnant, non-lactating cows of ~ 6 years of age weighing 603.4 ± 37.5 kg. To measure bacterial community succession and acclimation following the exchange, rumen content was collected via rumen cannula at the beginning of the study immediately prior to and following the rumen content exchange, and weekly for 12 weeks. The V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was targeted for DNA sequencing and bacterial analysis. Over 12 weeks, numerous genera and diversity varied, before partial return to pre-exchange metrics. These preliminary data help support potential host control for the rumen microbiome, aiding in efforts to define bovine host-microbe relationships.
Guiding light at criticality and beyond

We experimentally demonstrate waveguiding at the critical angle in a dielectric multi-layered structure. At this exceptional point, the waveguide becomes scale invariant and the field is confined to the low-index region, with a spatially-uniform transverse profile.