cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local networks in visual cortex and their influence on neuronal responses and dynamics

Abstract Networks of neurons in the cerebral cortex generate complex outputs that are not simply predicted by their inputs. These emergent responses underlie the function of the cortex. Understanding how cortical networks carry out such transformations requires a description of the responses of individual neurons and of their networks at multiple levels of analysis. We focus on orientation selectivity in primary visual cortex as a model system to understand cortical network computations. Recent experiments in our laboratory and others provide significant insight into how cortical networks generate and maintain orientation selectivity. We first review evidence for the diversity of orientation tuning characteristics in visual cortex. We then describe experiments that combine optical imaging of orientation maps with intracellular and extracellular recordings from individual neurons at known locations in the orientation map. The data indicate that excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs are summed across the cortex in a manner that is consistent with simple rules of integration of local inputs. These rules arise from known anatomical projection patterns in visual cortex. We propose that the generation and plasticity of orientation tuning is strongly influenced by local cortical networks—the diversity of these properties arises in part from the diversity of neighbourhood features that derive from the orientation map.
An Investigation Of The Impact Of Degree Of IFRS Implementation On The Comparative Accuracy And Bias Of Equity Securities Analysts East And West European Firms Earnings Forecasts

This research investigates the comparative impact of country specific degree of IFRS implementation upon the accuracy and bias of West European and East European firms equity securities analysts earnings forecasts for 29 European countries 12 of which are characterized as being East European. We utilize measures of equity securities analysts earnings forecast accuracy and bias in making comparisons of the impact of country specific degree of IFRS implementation upon the statistical properties of earnings forecasts for firms having domiciles in East European and West European countries. Our results indicate that (1) analysts earnings forecast accuracy and earning forecast bias decreases in the sense that their association with magnitudes earnings changes decreases in relation with country specific degree of implementation of IFRS and (2) the degree of reduction in analysts earnings forecast accuracy and bias is statistically more pronounced for East European firms than for West European Firms. Our results persist after controlling for cross-listing of ADRs on US securities exchanges. Bases upon this evidence we conclude that the benefits of implementation of IFRS is marginally greater for East European firms that for West European firms.
The "good samaritan" goes to court -- does the law protect him?

(1979). The “Good Samaritan” goes to court — Does the law protect him? Journal of Legal Medicine: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 30-79.
Regional research on poultry physiology in the United States.

(1969). Regional Research on Poultry Physiology in the United States. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 322-326.
Evolution of the lunar fracture network

A statistical study of the directions of structural lineaments on parts of the Moon shows three significant preferred orientations that trend generally northwest, northeast, and north. Locally, many preferred directions are radial to large lunar impact basins, indicating that their formation influenced the direction of some fractures. A systematic fracture pattern exists down to the smallest observable scale on both the near and far sides. The existence of such a pattern at the polar regions is less clear. Geometric regularity of preferred orientations of fractures of pre-Imbrian age indicates that a systematic set of fractures was formed over the lunar surface during the very earliest episode of lunar history, probably before the formation of many large lunar basins. The presence of these same fracture patterns on materials of younger age indicates that this initial fracture pattern was rejuvenated repeatedly through time.
Long Term Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Males Selected for Semen Production

Abstract Commercial broiler breeder males selected for semen production were maintained in individual cages for 22 28-day periods (18 to 105 weeks of age). Semen volume, concentration, and number of sperm per ejaculate were measured weekly, and percent fertility was determined monthly. Maximum semen volume was produced from 30 to 53 weeks of age; maximum sperm concentration occurred from 54 to 57 weeks; maximum number of sperm per ejaculate occurred from 46 to 49 weeks. There were no consistent significant differences among periods 3 to 22 (26 to 105 weeks of age) for semen volume, periods 7 to 22 (42 to 105 weeks) for sperm concentration, periods 5 to 22 (34 to 105 weeks) for total sperm per ejaculate, or periods 3 to 22 for fertility. Consequently, broiler breeder males selected for semen production could be successfully used in an artificial insemination program for multiple production cycles.
Tracking synthesis and turnover of triacylglycerol in leaves

Triacylglycerol (TAG), typically represents <1% of leaf glycerolipids but can accumulate under stress and other conditions or if leaves are supplied with fatty acids, or in plants transformed with regulators or enzymes of lipid metabolism. To better understand the metabolism of TAG in leaves, pulse-chase radiolabelling experiments were designed to probe its synthesis and turnover. When Arabidopsis leaves were incubated with [(14)C]lauric acid (12:0), a major initial product was [(14)C]TAG. Thus, despite low steady-state levels, leaves possess substantial TAG biosynthetic capacity. The contributions of diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 to leaf TAG synthesis were examined by labelling of dgat1 and pdat1 mutants. The dgat1 mutant displayed a major (76%) reduction in [(14)C]TAG accumulation whereas pdat1 TAG labelling was only slightly reduced. Thus, DGAT1 has a principal role in TAG biosynthesis in young leaves. During a 4h chase period, radioactivity in TAG declined 70%, whereas the turnover of [(14)C]acyl chains of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and other polar lipids was much lower. Sixty percent of [(14)C]12:0 was directly incorporated into glycerolipids without modification, whereas 40% was elongated and desaturated to 16:0 and 18:1 by plastids. The unmodified [(14)C]12:0 and the plastid products of [(14)C]12:0 metabolism entered different pathways. Although plastid-modified (14)C-labelled products accumulated in monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, PC, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diacylglcerol (DAG), there was almost no accumulation of [(14)C]16:0 and [(14)C]18:1 in TAG. Because DAG and acyl-CoA are direct precursors of TAG, the differential labelling of polar glycerolipids and TAG by [(14)C]12:0 and its plastid-modified products provides evidence for multiple subcellular pools of both acyl-CoA and DAG.
Crowding Delays Treatment and Lengthens Emergency Department Length of Stay, Even Among High-Acuity Patients

Study objective We determine the effect of crowding on emergency department (ED) waiting room, treatment, and boarding times across multiple sites and acuity groups. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study that included ED visit and inpatient medicine occupancy data for a 1-year period at 4 EDs. We measured crowding at 30-minute intervals throughout each patient's ED stay. We estimated the effect of crowding on waiting room time, treatment time, and boarding time separately, using discrete-time survival analysis with time-dependent crowding measures (ie, number waiting, number being treated, number boarding, and inpatient medicine occupancy rate), controlling for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Results Crowding substantially delayed patients' waiting room and boarding times but not treatment time. During the day shift, when the number boarding increased from the 50th to the 90th percentile, the adjusted median waiting room time (range 26 to 70 minutes) increased by 6% to 78% (range 33 to 82 minutes), and the adjusted median boarding time (range 250 to 626 minutes) increased by 15% to 47% (range 288 to 921 minutes), depending on the site. Crowding delayed the care of high-acuity level 2 patients at all sites. During crowded periods (ie, 90%), the adjusted median waiting room times of high-acuity level 2 patients were 3% to 35% higher than during normal periods, depending on the site and crowding measure. Conclusion Using discrete-time survival analysis, we were able to dynamically measure crowding throughout each patient's ED visit and demonstrate its deleterious effect on the timeliness of emergency care, even for high-acuity patients.
Fluoride Varnish Efficacy in Preventing Early Childhood Caries

To determine the efficacy of fluoride varnish (5% NaF, Duraphat®, Colgate) added to caregiver counseling to prevent early childhood caries, we conducted a two-year randomized, dental-examiner-masked clinical trial. Initially, 376 caries-free children, from low-income Chinese or Hispanic San Francisco families, were enrolled (mean age ± standard deviation, 1.8 ± 0.6 yrs). All families received counseling, and children were randomized to the following groups: no fluoride varnish, fluoride varnish once/year, or fluoride varnish twice/year. An unexpected protocol deviation resulted in some children receiving less active fluoride varnish than assigned. Intent-to-treat analyses showed a fluoride varnish protective effect in caries incidence, p < 0.01. Analyzing the number of actual, active fluoride varnish applications received resulted in a dose-response effect, p < 0.01. Caries incidence was higher for ‘counseling only’ vs. ‘counseling + fluoride varnish assigned once/year’ (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.19–4.08) and ‘...
Pediatric Inpatient Headache Therapy: What is Available

Status migrainosus is defined by the international classification of headache disorders (ICHD) criteria as a debilitating migraine lasting more then 72 hours. The epidemiology of status migrainosus is still unknown in adult and children, and frequently underdiagnosed. Children and adolescents often end up in the emergency room with an intractable headache that failed outpatient therapy. Six to seven percent of these children do not respond to acute infusion therapy and require hospitalization. It is imperative that more aggressive therapy is considered when patients are affected by a severe intractable headache to prevent further disability and returning the child to baseline activity. Multiple therapies are available for adults and children. Studies for acute therapy in the emergency room are available in adults and pediatric groups. Small studies are available for inpatient therapy in children and, along with available therapies for children and adolescents, are described in this review. A review of the literature shows growing evidence regarding the use of dihydroergotamine intravenously once patients are hospitalized. Effectiveness and safety have been proven in the last decades in adults and small studies in the pediatric populations.
Activity Recognition from Silhouettes using Linear Systems and Model (In)validation Techniques

In this work we propose a model (in)validation approach to gait recognition, using a system that tries to discriminate specific activities of people. The recognition process departs from an abstraction obtained from video image sequences for different activities performed by different people, by first using a suitable representation for each frame and for each frame sequence. For each frame two commonly used models for describing silhouettes are employed: Fourier Descriptors and vectors of widths. Then each sequence is modeled as a linear time invariant (LTI) system that captures the dynamics of the evolution of the frame description vectors in time. Finally a standard classification tool, SVM, is used to recognize activities using similarity measures obtained through model (in)validation. The main contribution of this work is the provision of an activity recognition model and the performance evaluation of this model using two different feature spaces.
Magnetic Resonance Image Guided Salvage Brachytherapy Following Radiation in Select Men who Initially Presented With Favorable-risk Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Study

From October 2000 to October 2005, 25 men with a rising PSA leveland biopsy-proven, intraprostatic cancer at least 2 years after initial RT (externalbeam in 13 men and brachytherapy in 12 men) who had favorable clinical fea-tures (Gleason score 7, PSA <10 ng/mL, negative pelvic and bone imaging stu-dies), received MRI-guided salvage brachytherapy to a minimum peripheral doseof 137 gray on a phase 1/2 protocol. Estimates of toxicity and cancer controlwere calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Docosanol: a topical antiviral for herpes labialis

Recurrent herpes labialis is a painful and potentially disfiguring infection affecting an estimated 40 million people in the US alone. The majority of recurrences are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. Various oral and topical formulations of nucleoside analogues have demonstrated efficacy for this indication. Over-the-counter treatments are palliative in nature and do not reduce time to healing. Docosanol is a compound with a unique mechanism of action involving viral fusion inhibition. In randomised, clinical trials, a 10% docosanol cream formulation, initiated within 12 h of symptoms onset, demonstrated efficacy in reduction of time-to-healing compared with a polyethylene glycol control. Despite its potential to be a mild irritant, this novel antiviral was well-tolerated in clinical trials. Docosanol is the first topical antiviral approved for over-the-counter use in recurrent herpes labialis.
Monitoring and management of red imported fire ants in a tropical fish farm

Tropical fish farms provide a prime habitat for the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, which is an invasive, stinging ant that has spread throughout the southern United States. Stings can be a serious health hazard to hypersensitive individuals, and the presence of large populations can interfere with operational activities. The most efficient method of controlling fire ants is the application of ant bait. However, most fish farmers are reluctant to use baits or other chemical methods of control because of the unknown risk to fish. Baited stations in combination with maps generated by geographical information system software were used to estimate locations of fire ant nests. Maps of estimated fire ant locations encompassed from 10 to 100% of actual fire ant nests surveyed when there was a minimum of a single fire ant within a station. Low percentages of overlap between mapped areas and fire ant nests were associated with low nest densities and when higher ant count thresholds were used to indicate positive stations. Ant bait containing the insect growth regulator methoprene was broadcast between ponds, with some unavoidable bait entry into ponds. Fire ant nest densities declined 57% within 4 months. In contrast, nest densities increased 86% in untreated areas. During the summer, fire ant populations declined an average of 68% and increased 110% for treated and untreated areas, respectively. Fire ant nest densities and populations began to increase by December in both treated and untreated areas. No obvious fish mortality related to the ant baiting was noted during the study.
Bradycardic ECG monitoring alarms.

Scenario: This is an alarm printout (lead V1 and V6) indicating bradycardia for a heart rate of 39 beats per minute in an 80-year-old Chinese man monitored in the transitional care unit. The patient has a history of coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Upon assessment, the patient is lying comfortably in bed and his vital signs are stable. Blood pressure is 126/66, pulse is irregular, and respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute. ECG PUZZLER A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses ECG interpretation for clinical practice. We welcome letters to the Editors regarding this feature.
Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Regenerative Medicine

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a fundamental cellular mechanism that regulates embryonic development and diseases such as cancer and fibrosis. Recent developments in biomedical research have shown remarkable potential to harness the EndMT process for tissue engineering and regeneration. As an alternative to traditional or artificial stem cell therapies, EndMT may represent a safe method for engineering new tissues to treat degenerative diseases by mimicking a process that occurs in nature. This review discusses the signaling mechanisms and therapeutic inhibitors of EndMT, as well as the role of EndMT in development, disease, acquiring stem cell properties and generating connective tissues, and its potential as a novel mechanism for tissue regeneration.
Density, Viscosity, Speed of Sound, Bulk Modulus, Surface Tension, and Flash Point of Binary Mixtures of 2,2,4,6,6-Pentamethylheptane and 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-Heptamethylnonane at (293.15 to 373.15) K and 0.1 MPa and Comparisons with Alcohol-to-Jet Fuel

In this work, the physical properties of binary mixtures of 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane and 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane were measured and compared with those of alcohol-to-jet fuel. Density and viscosity were measured at temperatures ranging from (293.15 to 373.15) K, and speed of sound was measured at temperatures ranging from (293.15 to 343.15) K. At 293.15 K, pure component values for 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane of 784.48 kg·m–3, 3.71 mPa·s, and 1285.8 m·s–1 for density, viscosity, and speed of sound, respectively, agree with literature values. Similarly for 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane, the values of 745.21 kg·m–3, 1.31 mPa·s, and 1203.7 m·s–1 for density, viscosity, and speed of sound, respectively agree with literature values. Density and mole fraction data were fit to a second-order polynomial at each temperature. Values for bulk modulus ranged from (732 to 1297) MPa over (293.15 to 343.15) K. Viscosity mole fraction data were fit using the three-body McAllister model, whereas the viscosit...
On the Weight Distributions of Cosets of a Linear Code

(1980). On the Weight Distributions of Cosets of a Linear Code. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 7, pp. 548-551.
Clerical Education in Nineteenth-Century Mexico: The Conciliar Seminaries of Mexico City and Guadalajara, 1821-1910

The nineteenth century represented an era of declining influence for the Catholic church in Mexico, and no aspect of that trend created broader repercussions than the eclipse of the clergy's traditional role in higher education. Before the midcentury civil wars the conciliar seminaries graduated nearly as many laymen as did the public colegios , the majority of which in any case employed priests on their faculties. The seminaries, consequently, forged a vital link between the church and civil society, a link which potentially enhanced the political and social influence of the episcopate.
A small scale experiment for investigating the stability of a supersonic inlet

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the phenomenon of supersonic inlet buzz on a generic, axisymmetric, external-compression inlet. An inlet model with a cowl lip diameter of 7.37 cm (2.9 in) was tested in the Virginia Tech Supersonic Blowdown Tunnel at a freestream Mach number of 2.4. The Reynolds number based on the model cowl lip diameter is 2.8 x 10. The inlet model has fixed geometry and no internal bleed, and has a mass captured ratio of about 60%. Experimental measurements include multicolored internal surface oil flow visualization, static pressure measurements along the inlet's internal cowl surface, Pitot-static measurements at the exit plane, and shadowgraph movies and photography of the shock structure at the inlet entrance. Results show that the model exhibits Dailey's type inlet buzz, which is characterized by the separation on the cone surface. The initiation of the inlet buzz is consistent with the vortex sheet theory. The buzz frequency was measured at 150 Hz. The plausible internal flow patterns developed, based on the measurements during the stable operations, indicate a substantial influence of the separated flow inside the inlet on the onset of instability.
Near Threshold Voltage (NTV) Computing: Computing in the Dark Silicon Era

Near-threshold computing has emerged as an attractive paradigm for energy efficiency. This article discusses challenges and opportunities for designing complex system on chips that can operate in the near-threshold voltage range. Evaluation for 32- and 22-nm test chips is presented.
Numerical Analysis of Electric Double Layer Capacitors with Mesoporous Electrodes: Effects of Electrode and Electrolyte Properties

A theoretical study is presented of the behavior of electric double layer (EDL) supercapacitors constructed from mesoporous activated carbon electrodes. A three-dimensional (3D) computational model is developed to predict the equilibrium charge distribution within the supercapacitor as a function of key electrode and electrolyte properties. The model is based on the modified Poisson–Boltzmann (MPB) equation and takes into account the impact of critical device parameters, including the size of the ions, the bulk ion concentration, the field-dependent permittivity of the electrolyte, the specific surface area of the electrodes, and the applied voltage. A key feature of the MPB model is that it limits the accumulation of ionic charge at the electrode–electrolyte interface by accounting for the finite size of the ions. This provides more accurate predictions of capacitance than models based on a point charge approximation. The model is used to perform a systematic parametric analysis of device performance and...
Expression of growth hormone-responsive serpin mRNAs in perinatal rat liver

Hormonal mechanisms controlling growth of the fetus are poorly understood, and generally growth hormone (GH) is not thought to influence perinatal growth. To examine the influence of GH in the expr...
Will Allergan Botox the Wrinkles Out of Securities Regulation

The article describes how the Delaware Supreme Court dealt with derivative suits concerning the same subject matter that are filed in different jurisdictions. In a case entitled Pyott v. Louisiana Municipal Police Retirement System it deferred on collateral estoppel grounds to an earlier decision by a federal court in California. In doing so, this holding respected litigation in other fora outside of Delaware. I speculate that Delaware’s approach here could result in better results for shareholders who prosecute wrongdoing by corporate insiders.
The Physical Nature of Christian Life: Neuroscience, Psychology, and the Church

This book explores the implications of recent insights in modern neuroscience for the church's view of spiritual formation. Science suggests that functions of the brain and body in collaboration with social experience, rather than a disembodied soul, provide physical basis for the mental capacities, interpersonal relations, and religious experiences of human beings. The realization that human beings are wholly physical, but with unique mental, relational and spiritual capacities, challenges traditional views of Christian life as defined by the care of souls, a view that leads to inwardness and individuality. Psychology and neuroscience suggest the importance of developmental openness, attachment, imitation and stories as tools in spiritual formation. Accordingly, the idea that care of embodied persons should be fundamentally social and communal sets new priorities for encouraging spiritual growth and building congregations.
Current challenges and approaches for improved localized surface plasmon resonance biosensing

B utilizing Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) offers relatively inexpensive, label-free, facile detection that is amenable to on-chip devices. Such devices can provide exquisite sensitivity at a low cost and should prove extremely useful in resource limited environments. However, several challenges remain, such as: sensitivity to small molecule binding, specificity in complex biological solutions, detection of membrane-associated species and integration into on-chip devices. This presentation will highlight recent advances in LSPR-based biosensing devices developed in the Sagle group to overcome these limitations. One study we have done to increase sensitivity is an assay in which gold nanostars are aggregated upon addition of an analyte. Due to increased surface area of contact, a large decrease in Kd and limit of detection in the attomolar range was observed with this simple aggregation assay. In addressing the second challenge, we have incorporated shape complementarity on the nanoparticle surface to carry out size-selective biosensing with improved selectivity. The third challenge is tackled through the development of a novel plasmonic platform containing a solid supported lipid bilayer so that label-free measurements of membrane associated species can be carried out. This device is shown to have improved sensitivity over existing platforms. Lastly, large-scale patterning of the nanoparticle arrays enabling the interfacing of these arrays with microfluidic on-chip devices are also presented.
Differences in the Distribution of Cytogenetic Subtypes Between Multiple Myeloma Patients with and without a History of Familial MGUS and Multiple Myeloma

Abstract 4000 Background: We have previously reported that there is an increased risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in first-degree relatives of patients with multiple myeloma (Vachon CM. Blood 2009 114: 785–790). There are several cytogenetic subtypes of myeloma, and there are no data on whether certain cytogenetic subtypes of myeloma are more frequently associated with familial MGUS. Methods: We studied patients with myeloma who participated in the familial MGUS study in whom presence or absence of MGUS in the first-degree relatives had been ascertained (Vachon CM. Blood 2009 114: 785–790). Probands were seen at the Mayo Clinic Hematology/Oncology practice (Rochester, MN, USA) between February 2006 and September 2007. Cytogenetic data was acquired via electronic medical record abstraction of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) lab reports, and used to categorize patients into one of nine cytogenetic subgroups: trisomy(ies), t(6;14), t(11;14), t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), Mixed (those with trisomy(ies) and an IgH translocation), other cytogenetic abnormalities (in the absence of trisomy(ies) or IgH translocation), and normal (Kumar S. Blood 2012;119:2100–2105). We examined whether a difference in the distribution of the six primary cytogenetic categories of myeloma existed between probands with a family history of MGUS and/or myeloma and those without. Results and Conclusions: Of the 248 patients invited to participate, FISH data (with sufficient plasma cells) was available on 119 participants to establish the primary molecular cytogenetic classification of myeloma. All had available information regarding family history of MGUS and multiple myeloma. 27 had an affected first-degree relative with MGUS, and 92 did not. Distributions of cytogenetic subtypes in the two groups are shown in [Table 1][1]. IgH translocated MM was more common in myeloma patients who lacked an affected first-degree relative compared to those with familial MGUS (19% vs 30%, P=0.32) Interestingly, the t(11;14) subtype was more common in myeloma patients without familial MGUS compared to those with an first-degree relative with MGUS (19.6% vs 7.4%, P=0.24). The differences in [Table 1][1] did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to the small numbers of individuals with a family history in this sample. However, the distribution ([Table 1][1]) suggests that the distribution of cytogenetic subtypes may be different in myeloma that is not associated with familial MGUS compared with myeloma in which a familial tendency is detected. IgH translocated MM appears to have a lower risk of familial tendency. Further investigation is needed to estimate the risk of familial MGUS within each cytogenetic subtype. ![Table][2] Table 1. Distribution of Cytogenetic Subgroups. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Millennium: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. [1]: #T1 [2]: pending:yes
Biology and Treatment of Aggressive Fibromatosis or Desmoid Tumor

Aggressive fibromatosis, also known as desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) or desmoid tumor, is an uncommon locally invasive tumor. Because of its low incidence and variable behavior, DTF is often first seen by physicians who are not familiar with it, and recent advances in understanding this disease have led to changes in treatment approaches. The Wnt (β-catenin) pathway appears to play a key role in DTF pathogenesis, and recent studies of DTF biology suggest a possible model of DTF pathogenesis. Histologically, DTF shows a poorly circumscribed proliferation of myofibroblast-like cells with variable collagen deposition, similar to the proliferative phase of wound healing, and DTF has been associated with trauma and pregnancy. Desmoid-type fibromatosis may be a useful model of the tumor stroma in carcinomas as well as other fibrosing diseases such as progressive pulmonary fibrosis. The clinical course of DTF can vary greatly among patients, complicating the determination of the optimal treatment approach. Treatment options include surgery, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with or without hormonal manipulation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other forms of local therapy. Many treatments have been used, but these are not without toxicities. Because of the variable nature of the disease and the potential morbidity of treatment, some cases of DTF may do better without treatment; simple observation is often the best initial treatment. This review used a PubMed search from January 1, 1980, through October 31, 2016, using the terms fibromatosis and desmoid and discusses DTF disease characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatment options as well as examines several cases illustrating key points in the biology and treatment of this heterogeneous disease.
Triquinanes and Related Sesquiterpenes Revisited Computationally: Structure Corrections of Hirsutanols B and D, Hirsutenol E, Cucumin B, Antrodins C–E, Chondroterpenes A and H, Chondrosterins C and E, Dichrocephone A, and Pethybrene

NMR data for 90+ natural sesquiterpenes possessing triquinane cores were examined with the help of a relatively fast parametric/DFT hybrid computational method, DU8+. Thirteen of these compounds, i.e., approximately 14% of the sample, required structure correction. This rate of misassignment is similar to the percentage of misassigned halogenated sesquiterpenes reported previously.
Role of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species in microvascular dysfunction in chronic kidney disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mitochondrial dysfunction secondary to CKD is a potential source of oxidative stress that may impair vascul...
Impact of Radiation Therapy on Scleroderma and Cancer Outcomes in Scleroderma Patients With Breast Cancer

Objective We examined systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with breast cancer to identify the prevalence of radiation complications and to examine outcomes in SSc patients who received radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Methods Patients with SSc and breast cancer were identified from the Johns Hopkins and University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Center databases. We examined whether erythema, blistering, ulceration, or thickening of the skin developed in the radiation therapy port. Changes in modified Rodnan skin thickness score (mRSS) and forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC%) at 12 and 24 months post-cancer diagnosis were compared between patients who did and those who did not receive radiation therapy. Results A total of 43 of 116 breast cancer patients at Johns Hopkins and 26 of 37 patients at the University of Pittsburgh received breast radiation therapy. At Johns Hopkins, 4 of 30 (13.3%) patients with available data developed erythema, none had blistering, 1 of 30 (3.3%) developed ulceration, and 15 of 31 (48.4%) had skin thickening in the radiation port. At the University of Pittsburgh, 7 of 11 patients (63.6%) with available data developed erythema, 2 of 11 (18.2%) had blistering, none developed ulceration, and 6 of 11 (54.6%) had skin thickening in the radiation port. In a limited sample, there were no significant changes in the mRSS or FVC% between patients who did and those who did not receive radiation therapy. Conclusion These data suggest that radiation injury causing local tissue fibrosis is not inevitable in SSc patients with breast cancer, occurring in approximately 50% of patients without evidence of lung or generalized skin disease flare. Therefore, the use of radiation therapy for breast cancer is considered an option based on the informed patient's preference.
Business, Cinema and Sin

In less than fifteen years after the inventionof the movie camera in 1895 movies in theUnited States became very popular and haveenjoyed that popularity for almost a century.Films are big business, but also an art formand tension between film as business and filmas art was present at the beginning andcontinues today. A philosophy of art and aphilosophy of beauty with a direct reference toGod as Absolute Beauty reveals the enormouspower of film to influence and shape ourconsciences. Movies tell stories and exposureto stories help us to become who we are.Beautiful stories have the power to help us bemoral.
Moral Education and Inspiration Through Theatre

The issue of moral education raises many questions for contemporary teachers. It is not clear whether education centering on ethics in public schools is even possible, let alone desirable. Whose morality should be the standard? What values should be stressed? How would education of this sort be approached? Should moral education be a matter of content or an exercise in moral reflection? Time-honored pedagogical methods often contain valuable insights for contemporary education. I believe that the tradition of theatre in Jesuit schools, which thrived in Europe between the 16th and 19th centuries, is one such method. Theatre in Jesuit schools created an aesthetic environment in which students could both ponder their relationship to the world, and evaluate the consequences of human action. Although the context for this enterprise was religious, I believe that this category can be broadened so as to make it applicable for public schools.
Fasting the microbiome to treat diabetes

Intermittent fasting helps to reduce diabetes-associated retinopathy through changes in microbiome bile acid metabolism.
Problemstellung und Situationsanalyse

Die Rahmenbedingungen im Finanzdienstleistungsmarkt haben sich in den letzten Jahren deutlich verandert. Wirtschaftliches Handeln vollzieht sich in einem globalen Umfeld, die Ertrage von Banken sind gesunken, neue Wettbewerber treten verstarkt in den Finanzdienstleistungsmarkt ein und Qualitat und Zeit bestimmen immer mehr die Wettbewerbsposition der einzelnen Bank. Im Zuge dieser Entwicklung etablierten sich neben dem Filialvertrieb und dem Ausendienst auch elektronische Vertriebswege. Ebenso ist ein Bedeutungszuwachs von Kooperationsstrategien im elektronischen Bankgeschaft festzustellen. Im folgenden sollen diese veranderten Rahmenbedingungen als Ursache fur die steigende Bedeutung der elektronischen Bank-Kunde-Schnittstelle und der sich dabei zeigenden Kooperationsstrategien dargestellt werden.
Plenary Lecture: Surface Characterization Using Electron Spectroscopy (ESCA)

Electron spectroscopy (ESCA) and its use for surface characterization are reviewed. The fundamentals and instrumentation are briefly discussed, particularly those aspects relating to surface analysis. Three examples are given in the application of ESCA to diverse areas. First, a study has been reported of adhesion of polymer layers to a metal. When the polymer is removed, very thin (ca. 20–80A) layers of polymer remain which can be detected by ESCA. Second, ESCA has been used to study fluoridation of dental enamel. Products of fluoridation differ when NaF and SnF 2 are used as fluoridating agents. Of particular interest is the high concentration of Sn in the outer layer ( 2 is used. Third, cobalt molyb-date and nickel tungstate hydrodesulfurization catalysts have been studied in a comparative fashion. Changes on the catalyst surface differ for the two during hydrogenation. Sulfiding of the catalyst surface produces an intermediate species between WO 3 and WS 2 . The nature of the oxide and sulfide species for nickel has been established.
Bridges Beyond the Kala Pani : Transgressing Boundaries in Mootoo and Espinet

Until recently, the kala pani or “dark waters” navigated by Indian subjects indentured and shipped to locations in the Caribbean remained largely unexplored. In the past decade, the fiction of authors such as Ramabai Espinet and Shani Mootoo, as well as scholarship by Brinda Mehta, Shalini Puri, M. Jacqui Alexander, and others, has begun to excavate Indo-Caribbean experience as well as to chart paths from places such as Trinidad to locations in the North, especially Canada. In considering issues of citizenship and belonging, texts by Espinet and Mootoo offer insights into both the enduring borders that attempt to shore up norms of gender and sexuality and the ways that non-conforming subjects may build bridges to more inclusive concepts of citizenship. This essay discusses Espinet’s The Swinging Bridge (2003) and Mootoo’s novel Valmiki’s Daughter (2008) through the lens of transgressive sexualities that seek spaces of belonging beyond the dark seas of normativity and taboo. In both texts, lies and repression mark the lives of Indo-Caribbean men who desire other men. Both texts emphasize spatial arrangements, specifically houses and property in Trinidad, to examine issues of territory, citizenship, and nation for Indo-Caribbean subjects and to challenge borders that maintain normative identities as they label “perverse” and “unnatural” those whose desires blur such boundaries. In particular, women who desire other women, as seen in Mootoo’s novel, pose a powerful challenge to established order and prescribed roles. The essay explores the transgressive potential of such rebellions, which aim to cross and blur identities of race and gender as well as sexuality. Further, the essay addresses the following questions: If belonging necessitates a lack of freedom, what does free choice entail? What stepping stones might form the bridge to full citizenship?
Regulation of B-cell growth and immunoglobulin gene transcription by interleukin-6

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) stimulates growth and immunoglobulin (lg) secretion in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B cells. In this study, we demonstrate that B-cell activation by IL-6 is associated with an initial induction of c-myc, a gene believed to act as a competence factor for increased RNA transcription and DNA replication, and by increases in DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, as well as cell number. IL-6 increased the levels of lg mRNA per cell in comparison to a non- cycle-dependent cellular mRNA, tubulin. However, two other cell cycle- dependent cellular mRNAs, c-myc and actin, were also induced by IL-6 comparable to lg mRNAs. Increased levels of lg mRNA were not due to significant changes in RNA turnover, but appeared to reflect increased levels of RNA transcription. Together, these findings support the notion that IL-6 plays an important role as a stimulator of DNA and RNA synthesis in EBV-activated B cells.
Analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for stage II endometroid type endometrial cancer.

e17118Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy. Stage II EC - involving the cervix - is ideally treated with primary surgical staging; however, adjuvant treatme...
Communication apprehension mediates the effects of past experience discussing substance use on child and adolescent psychiatrists' self-efficacy.

Abstract Objective Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (CAPs) treat patients who are at an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder in their lifetime. However, CAPs often experience apprehension when it comes to discussing substance use with their patients, and this apprehension may come from past experiences when these discussions have gone poorly. This study seeks to understand whether or not apprehension moderates the relationship between past experiences and self-efficacy for CAPs when discussing substance use with their patients. Methods This study used a national online survey of CAPs (n = 170) to test the extent to which apprehension mediated the relationship between past experiences discussing substance use and self-efficacy to do so. Results The results showed that past experience affects self-efficacy and apprehension serves as a mediator of this relationship. Conclusion This study helps to shed light on the determinants that influence providers’ perceptions of self-efficacy. Understanding what factors affect self-efficacy is important because these factors can then be targeted through training. Practice implications Patient-provider communication skills training for CAPs should happen early in their education so that they are less likely to become apprehensive about discussing substance use with their patients.
A randomized controlled trial of a manual-only treatment for reduction and cessation of problematic caffeine use.

Abstract Background Caffeine Use Disorder was added to DSM-5 as a diagnosis for further research, but few studies have been conducted to identify effective treatments. This randomized, controlled clinical trial examined the efficacy of a manual-only treatment program for caffeine cessation and reduction among individuals seeking treatment for problematic caffeine use. Methods Individuals meeting at least two proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Caffeine Use Disorder were randomly assigned to receive either immediate treatment or treatment delayed by 7 weeks. The treatment consisted of a manual containing information about caffeine and instructions for gradually reducing caffeine consumption over a period of 6 weeks, with no counseling or additional support. Caffeine consumption and caffeine-related distress were assessed before treatment, 7 weeks after receiving the treatment manual (end-of-treatment), and 20 weeks post-treatment. Results The manual-only treatment resulted in significant reductions in participants’ self-reported caffeine consumption and caffeine-related distress at end-of-treatment that were sustained at 20-weeks post-treatment. Salivary caffeine levels and community observers corroborated the self-reported reductions in caffeine consumption. Comparisons between the immediate and delayed treatment groups suggest the reductions in caffeine consumption were attributable to the manualized treatment rather than spontaneous with the passage of time. Conclusions The present study provides evidence that a gradual caffeine reduction and cessation program may be successfully implemented using a manual-only approach. This time- and cost-effective intervention may be easily adopted by practitioners with limited time or experience with behavioral interventions who want to encourage their patients to reduce caffeine consumption.
Situationally aware mobile devices for overcoming situational impairments

Situationally induced impairments and disabilities (SIIDs) can compromise people's use of mobile devices. Factors like walking, divided attention, cold temperatures, low light levels, glare, inebriation, fear, loud noises, or rainwater can make using a device in off-desktop environments challenging and even unsafe. Unfortunately, today's mobile devices know almost nothing about their users' situations, contexts, or environments, instead employing many of the same interaction concepts found on desktop systems from the 1980s. This article presents a decade's worth of work from 2008 - 2018 in making mobile devices more situationally aware and capable of improving interaction for users experiencing SIIDs. Also presented is a categorized list of factors that can cause SIIDs, and a two-dimensional space for characterizing impairments. Seven specific research projects are summarized, which variously address walking, hand grips, divided attention, distraction, inebriation, and rainwater interference. A "sense-model-adapt" design pattern emerges from many of these projects for addressing SIIDs. Taken together, these projects demonstrate how mobile devices can be made more situationally aware and better capable of supporting users' interactions on-the-go.
Cul3 and insomniac are required for rapid ubiquitination of postsynaptic targets and retrograde homeostatic signaling

At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, inhibition of postsynaptic glutamate receptors activates retrograde signaling that precisely increases presynaptic neurotransmitter release to restore baseline synaptic strength. However, the nature of the underlying postsynaptic induction process remains enigmatic. Here, we design a forward genetic screen to discover factors in the postsynaptic compartment necessary to generate retrograde homeostatic signaling. This approach identified insomniac (inc), a putative adaptor for the Cullin-3 (Cul3) ubiquitin ligase complex, which together with Cul3 is essential for normal sleep regulation. Interestingly, we find that Inc and Cul3 rapidly accumulate at postsynaptic compartments following acute receptor inhibition and are required for a local increase in mono-ubiquitination. Finally, we show that Peflin, a Ca2+-regulated Cul3 co-adaptor, is necessary for homeostatic communication, suggesting a relationship between Ca2+ signaling and control of Cul3/Inc activity in the postsynaptic compartment. Our study suggests that Cul3/Inc-dependent mono-ubiquitination, compartmentalized at postsynaptic densities, gates retrograde signaling and provides an intriguing molecular link between the control of sleep and homeostatic plasticity at synapses.
Learning from Field Measurements Through Heuristic Back Analysis

Back-analysis involves the determination of input parameters required in computational models using field monitored data, and is particularly suited to underground constructions, where more information about ground conditions and response become available as the construction progresses. A crucial component of back-analysis is an algorithm to find a set of input parameters that will minimize the difference between predicted and measured performance (e.g., in terms of deformations, stresses or tunnel support loads). Methods of back-analysis can be broadly classified as direct and gradient-based optimization techniques. An alternative methodology to carry out the required nonlinear optimization in back-analyses is the use of heuristic techniques. Heuristic methods refer to experience-based techniques for problem solving, learning, and discovery that find a solution which is not guaranteed to be optimal, but is good enough for a given set of goals. Two heuristic methods are presented and discussed, namely, Simulated Annealing (SA) and Differential Evolution Genetic Algorithm (DEGA). SA replicates the metallurgical processing of metals annealing, which involves a gradual and sufficiently slow cooling of a metal from the heated phase, which leads to a final material with a minimum imperfections and internal dislocations. DEGA emulates the Darwinian evolution theory of the survival of the fittest. Descriptions of SA and DEGA, their implementations in the computer code Fast Lagrangean Analysis of Continua (FLAC), and uses in the back-analysis of the response of idealized tunnelling problems, and a real case of a twin tunnel in China are presented.