cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of non-urothelial bladder tumours.

BACKGROUND: Non-urothelial bladder tumors (NUBTs) are uncommon accounting for approximately 10% of the total urinary bladder tumors while 90% are urothelial in origin. There are very limited comprehensive studies on NUBTs. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to analyze the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of NUBTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of NUBTs diagnosed over a period of 9 years. Patients' files were retrieved from the archives. Gross and microscopic features were recorded. Simple percentage and frequencies were used to interpret the data. RESULTS: A total 16 cases (10.8% of all bladder tumors) of NUBT were found. Patients' ages ranged from 19 to 87 years with a male: female ratio of 4.3:1. The most common presenting symptom was gross hematuria (81.2%), and the most common location was posterolateral bladder wall. Muscle invasion was seen in 81.2% of cases, and large areas of necrosis were observed in 62.5%. There were two cases of squamous cell carcinoma, five cases each of adenocarcinoma (four secondary and one urachal) and mesenchymal tumors (four malignant and one benign), two cases of amyloid, and one case each of plasmacytomas and paraganglioma. Large areas of necrosis and muscle invasion were noted in high-grade and advanced staged tumors. In all, 43.7% had poor survival. CONCLUSION: NUBTs present with similar clinicoradiological findings; however, their histological features along with immunohistochemistry help in the definite diagnosis. One should be aware of these tumors as they frequently present diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Most of these neoplasms present at an advanced stage. Large or multicentric randomized controlled studies are needed to know the exact behavior and prognosis of these tumors.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) regulates expression of osteoblast-associated genes and induces osteoblastic differentiation of human osteosarcoma cell line SaOS-2

4481 Translational research in prostate cancer is limited by the availability of tumor specimens. A rapid autopsy (RA) program, supported by SPORE P50 CA69568 and CaPCURE, is ongoing at the University of Michigan (U of M) to obtain tumor tissues. We previously reported a series of rapid autopsies of 14 patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) 1 . Here we update this series for a total of 30 cases. Patients with HRPC at the U of M are informed of the RA program and are consented for autopsy. Within hours of their death, specimens are collected as fresh tissue, snap frozen tissue in liquid nitrogen, or formalin fixed tissue. From September 1996 to September 2003, 30 patients have participated in the RA program. The initial Gleason Score was not known for 6 patients. 9 patients (30.0%) had a Gleason Score of 9, 11 (36.7%) had a score of 7 or 8, and 4 (13.3%) had a score of 6 or less. Primary therapy consisted of prostatectomy for 6 patients (20%) and radiotherapy for 13 (43.3%). Salvage or palliative radiotherapy was given to 13 patients (43.3%). 23 patients (76.7%) received combined androgen blockade, and 11 (36.7%) underwent orchiectomy. 28 patients received chemotherapy (93.3%). 20 of 22 patients (90.9%) with intact prostates had prostatic involvement. Lymph nodes were involved in 23 patients (76.7%) with thoracic nodes seen in 14 and retroperitoneal lymph nodes noted in 15 patients. Mesenteric lymph nodes were seen in 3 patients. Bone lesions included vertebral lesions in 21 patients (70%), rib lesions in 12 (40%), skull metastases in 5 (16.7%), pelvic bone lesions in 2 (6.7%), and other bone metastases in 6 patients. Visceral metastases included liver lesions in 19 patients (63.3%), lung metastases in 14 (46.7%), dural metastases in 11 (36.7%), adrenal lesions in 7 (23.3%), and histologic evidence of brain metastases in 4 patients (13.3%). Metastases to mediastinum, pleura, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, peritoneum, bladder, and pelvic cavity each occurred in 2 to 5 patients. Metastases to the kidney, diaphragm, right ventricle, thyroid, colon, spleen, and spermatic cord were each seen in single patients. 8 patients (26.7%) had incidental neoplasms present. Procured tissue has been used to create xenografts 1 , and work is ongoing to establish cell lines and to isolate RNA for microarray analysis. 1 Rubin, Clin. Can. Res ., 6: 1038-1045, 2000.
A Thick Origami Four-Patch Array

This paper presents a thick-origami based on a four patch antenna array with a packing efficiency of 50%. The antenna array is differentially fed using the origami structure and creating a symmetric radiation pattern. The array is designed on low-cost FR4 substrate having a thickness of 1.5 mm and an overall dimension of 290 mm × 100 mm. The peak gain is approximately 8.2 dB, at broadside. The ability of the array to compress its size and its fabrication simplicity makes it a very good candidate for applications where space savings are critical.
Tau‐positron emission tomography correlates with neuropathology findings

Abstract Introduction Comparison of tau (flortaucipir) positron emission tomography (FTP-PET) to autopsy is important to demonstrate the relationship of FTP-PET to neuropathologic findings. Methods Autopsies were performed on 26 participants who had antemortem FTP-PET. FTP-PET standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) were compared to autopsy diagnoses and Braak tangle stage. Quantitative tau burden was compared to regional FTP-PET signal. Results Participants with Braak stages of IV or greater had elevated FTP-PET signal. FTP-PET was elevated in participants with Alzheimer's disease. An FTP-PET SUVR cut point of 1.29 was determined to be optimal. Quantitative measurements of hippocampal and temporal lobe tau burden were highly correlated to FTP-PET signal (rho's from 0.61 to 0.70, P ≤ .02). Discussion Elevated FTP-PET reflects Braak IV or greater neuropathology. Participants with primary age-related tauopathy and hippocampal sclerosis did not show elevated FTP-PET signal. Secondary neuropathologic diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change can lead to borderline elevated FTP-PET signal.
A participatory framework for feasibility assessments of climate change resilience strategies for smallholders: lessons from coffee cooperatives in Latin America

Coffee farmers are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, yet recommended resilience strategies are often cost-prohibitive for smallholder producers and/or maladapted to local conditio...
Matching Information Technologies with the Objectives of Materials Data Users.

During the last decade, information technologies have become broadly and deeply integrated with the ways in which we all work. In large part, this is due to the phenomenal distribution of personal computers, but the evolution of the software that makes computers do useful work has also played an important role. One recalls the early 1970s when database management system (DBMS) software, for example, was considered exotic and unreliable, whereas it is now regarded as stable and mundane. During this symposium, we heard about other information technologies that, at first, seem exotic: neural networks, hypermedia, expert systems, and object-oriented databases. This paper will examine these technologies and provide some examples of how they are being applied to the problems that users of materials data are working to solve.
Sex-based pharmacotherapy in acute care setting, a narrative review for emergency providers.

Abstract Introduction Sex-based medicine, which can be defined as the process of understanding the inherent differences in disease pathophysiology and response to medications that exist between the sexes, seems like a necessary step in the movement towards personalized medicine. While there are strict guidelines for weight-based dosage of pediatric medications, similar guidelines do not exist for the treatment of adults, despite prominent biologic differences between the sexes. The lack of individualization is of particular importance in the treatment of adult patients in the emergency department (ED), because it can determine the trajectory of a patient's stay at the hospital. Objectives This review was conducted to better understand the need for and possible benefits of altering drug dosing guidelines for different categories of medications in the ED. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were queried using a combination of the keywords “gender differences,” “sex differences,” “treatment,” and “emergency”. Abstracts, unpublished data, and duplicate articles were excluded. Discussion In considering some of the most common causes of ED visits, the majority of diseases demonstrate differences in morbidity and mortality between female and male patients, despite similar treatment regimens. These differences can be attributed to variations in drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, which may be affected by sex-based biologic variations in body mass index and body composition, and physiologic variations such as hormonal changes, menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. Regardless of the mechanism of these differences, there is overwhelming evidence that universal drug dosing results in suboptimal outcomes for both male and female patients. Conclusions Female sex is a risk factor for clinically significant adverse drug reactions, which range from cutaneous reactions to major bleeding, and can have long-standing implications on patient outcomes. However, future studies are needed to understand the exact pathophysiology of these sex differences, after controlling for potential confounding factors such as demographic differences and provider bias in treatment.
Prior History of Venous Thromboembolism Is a Significant Risk Factor for Recurrence of Thrombosis after Cancer Diagnosis

Introduction: The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in patients with cancer and contributes to significant morbidity, treatment delays and mortality. The Khorana score is the most well-validated VTE risk prediction tool that guides use of prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with cancer. The Khorana score includes cancer type, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, platelet count and leukocyte count but not a prior history of VTE which may increase the risk of recurrent VTE. Scant published data have suggested that a personal history of VTE increases the risk of VTE recurrence by 2 to 7-fold after cancer diagnosis. In this study, we examine the impact of history of VTE on VTE recurrence in a large cohort of patients with cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with cancer using aggregated de-identified data from electronic medical record of >300 major hospitals in US (IBM Watson Explorys). Patients with a personal history of VTE (deep vein thrombosis and/ or pulmonary embolism) more than one year prior to the diagnosis of cancer were included. Within this cohort, patients who developed recurrent VTE within 180 days of diagnosis of cancer were identified. The primary end-point was the incidence of cancer associated VTE (CVTE) in patients with prior history of VTE as compared to patients without history of VTE. Baseline characteristics including age, race, gender, BMI, prothrombotic mutations (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene 20210A mutation), antineoplastic agent use, cancer type and laboratory values (as included in Khorana risk score) were compared in all patients. Results: A total of 4,159,400 patients with a diagnosis of cancer were included. Of these, 138,820 patients (3.3%) had a history of VTE >1 year prior to being diagnosed with cancer. The incidence of CVTE at 180 days was 10-fold higher in those with prior history of VTE compared to those without (36.9% vs 3.66%; OR 15.4, 95% CI 15.22-15.6, P value Conclusion: Our study highlights that a prior personal history of VTE >1 year before cancer diagnosis significantly increases the risk of cancer associated VTE independently, regardless of other established risk factors for VTE suggesting that this group of patients, especially those undergoing anti-cancer treatment may benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation. Increased incidence of FVL/ APC in patients with prior history of VTE and recurrent CVTE may reflect increased testing for prothrombotic mutations in this cohort. Our ongoing efforts include examining the effect of addition of history of VTE to the Khorana score. Finally, large prospective observational studies would be key to assess the impact of history of VTE on cancer thrombosis. Download : Download high-res image (769KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Volatile Compounds Indicate Kernel and Oil Oxidation.

Kernel oxidation susceptibility and pellicle darkening are among the biggest concerns regarding walnut quality. Monitoring oxidation is crucial to preserve quality from production to consumption. Chemical oxidation parameters (peroxide value and UV absorbances), fatty acid profile, tocopherols, phenols, and volatiles in ‘Chandler’ and ‘Howard’ kernels were studied at different time points during 28 weeks of storage to evaluate potential oxidation markers. During storage, peroxide value, UV absorbances, and volatiles concentration increased; oxidative stability, phenols, and tocopherols decreased, while fatty acid profile was unaffected. ‘Chandler’ had a lower peroxide value, K232, and K268; and higher kernel and oil oxidative stability compared to ‘Howard’. Phenols and tocopherols decreased 1.2-fold in ‘Chandler’ and 1.3-fold in ‘Howard’. Using multivariate analysis, samples were discriminated in three groups according with their oxidative levels. Increases of volatiles in oil and kernel were associated with higher oxidative levels. Pentanal, 2-methylpropanal, hexanal, (E)-2-pentenal, 3-octanone, octanal, (Z)-2-penten-1-ol, hexanol, (E)-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-ol, benzaldehyde, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, and hexanoic acid in kernels were adequate at distinguishing oxidation levels and as oxidative markers in walnuts. Kernel volatiles is a useful measurement for walnut oxidation during storage without any prior fat extraction.
Predicting High-frequency Stock Price Using Machine Learning Technique

This paper addresses the problem of predicting the stock price using the high frequency data based on a machine learning approach. We study two things in this paper (1) comparison of the prediction performance among selected function classes with given look-back parameter in terms of the proposed evaluation measures in the process of finding the best in-sample empirical loss minimizer (2) the comparison of those results by changing the sampled frequency of financial time series data after obtaining an introduced set of high frequency data features extracted from the Trades and Quotes (TAQ) data. For the analysis of TAQ data, feature engineering involves the computation of 56 number of related features including market microstructure, statistical, and technical indicator features. Re-estimation was done to improve the prediction accuracy for data models to obtain the predicted value every moving window. On the other hand, algorithmic models are used without re-estimation for the practical matter in that the time spent to train the model is often larger than the sampled frequency of the data. Moreover, the look-back parameter is introduced to cut off the irrelevant long past historical data. Among the selected function class in the experiment, the results show that the PCA regression performs the best in terms of the mean directional accuracy and simple back testing for both NASDAQ100 index and TAQ data with given sampled frequencies (i.e., 3min, 5min, etc). Compared to previous studies using NASDAQ100, the results demonstrate that re-estimation and properly chosen look-back parameter improve the prediction performance in terms of proposed evaluation measures. When it comes to maximum draw down, which is a measure critical for risk management, DA-RNN rendered the smallest value and, thereby, was the best performing model for TAQ data for all time frequencies. We also provide DM statistics whose null hypothesis is that the accuracies of prediction values of any two given models will not be different. In case of TAQ data for all sampled frequencies, there is evidence that we cannot reject the null hypothesis when comparing between PCA regression and DA-RNN model. Extensive experiments provide insights into properly evaluating the prediction performance of best in-sample empirical loss minimizer using the high frequency time series data.
Distinguishing Signal From Noise in Immunopeptidome Studies of Limiting-Abundance Biological Samples: Peptides Presented by I-A b in C57BL/6 Mouse Thymus.

Antigen presentation by MHC-II proteins in the thymus is central to selection of CD4 T cells, but analysis of the full repertoire of presented peptides responsible for positive and negative selection is complicated by the low abundance of antigen presenting cells. A key challenge in analysis of limiting abundance immunopeptidomes by mass spectrometry is distinguishing true MHC-binding peptides from co-eluting non-specifically bound peptides present in the mixture eluted from immunoaffinity-purified MHC molecules. Herein we tested several approaches to minimize the impact of non-specific background peptides, including analyzing eluates from isotype-control antibody-conjugated beads, considering only peptides present in nested sets, and using predicted binding motif analysis to identify core epitopes. We evaluated these methods using well-understood human cell line samples, and then applied them to analysis of the I-Ab presented immunopeptidome of the thymus of C57BL/6 mice, comparing this to the more easily characterized splenic B cell and dendritic cell populations. We identified a total of 3473 unique peptides eluted from the various tissues, using a data dependent acquisition strategy with a false-discovery rate of <1%. The immunopeptidomes presented in thymus as compared to splenic B cells and DCs identified shared and tissue-specific epitopes. A broader length distribution was observed for peptides presented in the thymus as compared to splenic B cells or DCs. Detailed analysis of 61 differentially presented peptides indicated a wider distribution of I-Ab binding affinities in thymus as compared to splenic B cells. These results suggest different constraints on antigen processing and presentation pathways in central versus peripheral tissues.
Clinically significant autoimmune hemolytic anemia with a negative direct antiglobulin test by routine tube test and positive by column agglutination method

In two to five percent of cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA),the patient's RBCs are negative in the direct antiglobulin test (DAT). We describe a patient with AIHA with a negative DAT when tested by the traditional tube test but with a strongly positive one when tested by column agglutination. When the DAT was repeated by tube test using 4 degrees Celsius saline washes, it became positive. This phenomenon has been observed when low-affinity antibodies are involved in AIHA. The patient's history and serologic findings are detailed in this report.
Cell wall damage reveals spatial flexibility in peptidoglycan synthesis and a non-redundant role for RodA in mycobacteria

Cell wall peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric mesh that protects the bacteria from internal turgor and external insults. In many rod-shaped bacteria, peptidoglycan synthesis for normal growth is achieved by two distinct pathways: the Rod complex, comprised of MreB, RodA and a cognate class B PBP, and the class A PBPs. In contrast to laterally-growing bacteria, pole-growing mycobacteria do not encode an MreB homolog and do not require SEDS protein RodA for in vitro growth. However, RodA contributes to survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in some infection models, suggesting that the protein could have a stress-dependent role in maintaining cell wall integrity. Under basal conditions, we find here that the subcellular distribution of RodA largely overlaps with that of the aPBP PonA1, and that both RodA and the aPBPs promote polar peptidoglycan assembly. Upon cell wall damage, RodA fortifies M. smegmatis against lysis and, unlike aPBPs, contributes to a shift in peptidoglycan assembly from the poles to the sidewall. Neither RodA nor PonA1 relocalize; instead, the redistribution of nascent cell wall parallels that of peptidoglycan precursor synthase MurG. Our results support a model in which mycobacteria balance polar growth and cell-wide repair via spatial flexibility in precursor synthesis and extracellular insertion.
Child Welfare Practice with Families Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence

This paper reports data from a research study that had as its specific goals to improve our understanding of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among a protective service population. The sample was drawn from a large California county and consisted of 445 children chosen at random from among all children who had a newly substantiated abuse case. Forty-three percent of children came from families with an indication of IPV. The IPV victims were more likely than families without IPV to have new referrals for abuse. Findings suggest that either the chronic nature of IPV makes new referrals for abuse more likely because mandated reporters intervene with IPV, or that families experiencing IPV represent a subgroup among CPS families with particularly severe problems.
Heavy Truck Tag-Tandem Versus Drive-Tandem Axle Considerations

A comparison of tag-tandem versus drive-tandem operating considerations is provided. These considerations include fuel economy, traction, and other operating characteristics. Fuel economy testing using the SAE Type II procedure indicates there is statistically little or no difference between drive-tandem and tag-tandem fuel economy. A traction analysis comparing the gradeability of the two axles demonstrates the superiority of the drive-tandem axle. Recommendations for the truck operator are given. 6 refs.
Human Papillomavirus Infections: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Therapy

Background: Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are common human pathogens and are classified into more than 80 different types. These viruses produce benign warts in many cases and aggressive squamous cell carcinomas in other cases. Objective: The goal of this review is to update the reader on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapy of HPV infections. Nonanogenital warts are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact while anogenital warts are usually transmitted sexually. Both types of warts produce much morbidity but rarely undergo malignant transformation. They are commonly treated with surgical or cytodestructive therapy, but immunomodulatory agents, such as imiquimod, have been proven to be very effective in anogenital warts and are being evaluated in nonanogenital warts. Other types of HPV have marked oncogenic potential such that over 99% of all cervical cancers and over 50% of other anogenital cancers are due to infection with oncogenic HPV. Many cofactors, such as cigarette smoking, genetics, and helper viruses, have potential roles in HPV oncogenesis, but their relative contributions are poorly understood. Other control measures for warts and HPV-associated cancers are under study, but the greatest future potential may be from the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Conclusions: Infection with HPV is very prevalent as are the clinical manifestations of this family of pathogens. Improved therapies for warts (e.g., imiquimod) have recently become available. Vaccines for HPV offer hope for future interventions for warts as well as for prevention of anogenital malignancies.
Banning Indoor Smoking in the Gaming Industry

Indoor smoking bans are gaining popularity worldwide. Debate has been generated over the impact that banning of indoor smoking will have on hospitality businesses. This exploratory study is based on existing studies, literature, statistics, legal authorities, published cases, and earnings reports. The study considered the likelihood of smoking being banned in indoor gaming facilities and also examined the potential effects of indoor smoking bans on the gaming industry. Existing data and references makes it possible to hypothesize about the potential effect that indoor smoking bans will have on gaming revenues. Reviews of the revenues of gaming companies and jurisdictions after implementation of indoor smoking bans arguably leads to the conclusion that, at least in the short run, there will be a measurable loss of revenue.
Immunocytochemical studies of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in brains of agnathan fishes. II. Patterns of immunoreactivity in larval and maturing Western brook lamprey (Lampetra richardsoni).

Abstract An immunocytochemical unlabeled antibody enzyme technique has been applied to localize mammalian-like immunoreactive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (ir-LH-RH) in central nervous tissues of Western brook lamprey (Lampetra richardsoni). In larval animals faint specific immunocytochemical staining was found over perikarya in the posterior preoptic nucleus (PON), in fiber tracts passing ventro-posteriorly into the infundibulum, and in nerve endings in the neurohypophysis (NH). In brains of nonreproductive adults, faint staining of cell bodies was observed throughout the PON; staining of NH was intense. In reproductive adults, heavy staining was noted in PON perikarya, in beaded axons containing Herring body-like dilatations, and in NH. Perikarya with ir-LH-RH were distinct from those, presumably vasotocinergic ones, which stained with aldehyde fuchsin; specific immunocytochemical staining was absent in other brain regions and in control preparations. A change in number of cells stained, and in quality of staining was coincident with metamorphosis and sexual maturation; mechanisms by which ir-LH-RH might be transported from the preoptico-neurohypophysial system to the pars distalis to exert any physiological actions have not been established.
Raising student awareness of computing concerns and ethical practices

The authors present two case studies of actual situations. These scenarios, related issues, and possible outcomes are presented. Professors can use these studies in a classroom setting to stimulate discussion, raise awareness of underlying issues related to the technology, and demonstrate to students how to evaluate such situations in the future. This paper discusses two common ethical issues that may affect students' daily lives.
Localization performance in cellular networks

When the Global Positioning System is unavailable, cellular networks become the dominant vehicle for positioning. However, no tractable approach exists for gaining general insights into localization performance in such networks. Instead, analysis is often done using deterministic network models or with complex system-level simulations, resulting in highly context-specific insights, which do not translate well to random network topologies. In this paper, we motivate and introduce a new approach for analyzing localization performance in cellular networks using tools from point process theory and stochastic geometry. After presenting the model, easy-to-use expressions are derived for the distributions of base station hearability, a metric which is closely-related to localization performance, with and without base station coordination.
Black and white middle class children who have private health insurance in the United States

Objective. To compare the health, behavior and school problems, and use of medical, mental health, and special education services of privately insured, middle class black and white children in the United States. Design/Methods. Analyses of the Child Health Supplement to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey, with a nationally representative sample of 17 110 children age 0–17 years. Results. Privately insured middle class black children had fewer chronic health conditions, but were less likely to be reported to be in excellent health (46.2% vs 57.3%) and more likely to have had asthma (8.5% vs 5.8%) or to have been of low birth weight (10.7% vs 5.6%). There were no differences in rates of having a usual source of routine care (92.2% vs 93.8%) or of being up to date with well-child care (79.3% vs 78.2%), but black children made fewer physician visits, were less likely to use physicians9 offices, were more likely to lack continuity of care, and were twice as likely to use emergency departments. These differences in use of medical services persisted in multivariate analyses and analyses restricted to more affluent children. Despite similar rates of behavior problems, black children were more likely to repeat a grade (20.0% vs 12.3%) and to have been suspended from school (11.3% vs 5.0%). Although significantly fewer black middle class children received mental health or special education services in bivariate analyses, no differences in receipt of these services were noted in multivariate analyses. All differences reported were significant. Conclusions. Among middle class children in the United States, black and white children have similar rates of health and behavior problems, but black children experience substantially increased rates of asthma, low birth weight, and school difficulties. Although not differing in the receipt of mental health or special education services, middle class black children, even in the presence of private health insurance, have markedly different sources and patterns of use of medical services.
Concurrent oral human papilloma virus infection in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a preliminary study.

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine oral human papilloma virus (HPV) colonization in patients with adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (AO-RRP) and their long-term partners. Study Design Prospective, cohort study Methods Patients with pathology-confirmed AO-RRP and a small cohort of their long-term partners were subjected to a standardized oral rinse and swab protocol to obtain oral epithelial cells. DNA from these samples was extracted and subjected to both qualitative analyses via multiplex polymerase chain reaction as well as to a commercially available linear array assay for the determination of specific HPV subtypes. Results Samples were collected from 27 patients with AO-RRP and six long-term sexual partners. Qualitative analysis of agarose gel products using a multiple genotype primer cocktail suggested the presence of HPV DNA in oral rinse or swabs in 26 patients (96%) and four partner samples (67%). A subset of these positive patient samples was then subjected to genotyping; a spectrum of HPV subtypes was observed. Interestingly, HPV81 was identified in many samples. Conclusion Recent data suggest that less than 7% of the general population is HPV positive in the oral cavity. Our data suggest that the oral colonization rate is much higher in patients with AO-RRP. Additionally, long-term sexual partners of patients with RRP had a much higher rate of HPV positivity. These preliminary data may have implications for viral transmission and provide a framework for enhanced patient education as well as further investigation. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 124:2785–2790, 2014
Volatility, Sentiment, and Noise Traders

The most basic implication of noise-trader theory is that irrational investors acting coherently on a noisy signal can cause systematic risk. If noise traders affect prices, the noisy signal is sentiment, and the risk they cause is volatility, then sentiment should be correlated with volatility. This article shows that, in fact, unusual levels of individual investor sentiment are associated with greater volatility of closed-end investment funds. Furthermore, this volatility occurs only when the market is open and is associated with heightened trading activity. It persists after controlling for marketwide volatility and changes in fund discounts.
Wavelength scale terahertz two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguides.

A terahertz-scale two-dimensional photonic-crystal waveguide based on a silicon-on-insulator was fabricated, and the optical transmission spectrum was measured. Terahertz beam propagation characteristics were observed using a thermal imaging camera, with incident light in the 10.1–10.7 µm range. The measured transmission spectrum was in good agreement with a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain calculation
Progesterone receptors in reproduction: functional impact of the A and B isoforms

Progesterone (P) is a key regulator of female reproductive activity. The effects of P are mediated by two progesterone receptor (PR) proteins, termed A and B, that arise from a single gene and act as ligand-activated transcription factors to regulate the expression of reproductive target genes. Null mutation of the PR gene in mice (PRKO) leads to pleiotropic reproductive abnormalities. This paper will review the reproductive functions of PRs delineated using the PRKO mouse. Further, we will summarize the structure and functional properties of PRs and discuss how functional differences between the PR-A and PR-B isoforms are likely to impact on the overall physiological role of the receptor in reproductive systems.
Know Yourself and Beyond: A students' global software development project experience with Agile Methodology

This paper describes a global software development project undertaken in an educational setting with students from Senegal, India and the US. Similar initiatives have been carried out for five years at Pace University, but it was the first time that it adopted Agile Methodologies and Scrum for the development of a mobile application. Another novel aspect was that developers were distributed across three locations. The experience was considered as an inspiring self-knowing process by all the student participants. This paper presents the perspective of one of students involved in the project. It gathers observations and analyzes the educational value of “Knowing Yourself and Beyond” based on the accomplished collaborative work and interviews with student developers and professors. The relevant lessons learned from this project are summarized and recommendations for students are provided.
Some factors in the design of hot cathode X-ray tubes for steady running

Some general considerations regarding the design of hot cathode X-ray tubes for producing an accurately constant and repeatable beam of X-rays are first given. The construction of a tube in accordance with these considerations is then described. This tube has been used to show that except with small tube-currents the quality of the vacuum in such a tube has little influence on the steadiness of the beam if the electrical input to the tube can be satisfactorily controlled. It is shown that the X-radiation associated with the fluorescence often observed in X-ray tubes has usually but not always a negligible effect on the steadiness of the beam. Some factors limiting tube current when the filament is enclosed in a box containing a focussing slit are mentioned, and the mechanism of formation of the focus is discussed with reference to its size. The use of an auxiliary electrode to increase the tube current and improve the focussing is also discussed.
Structural Reorganization of the Transferrin C-Lobe and Transferrin Receptor upon Complex Formation: The C-Lobe Binds to the Receptor Helical Domain†

Human transferrin, a bilobal protein, with each lobe bearing a single iron-binding site, functions to transport iron into cells. While the N-terminal lobe alone does not measurably bind cellular transferrin receptors or serve as an iron donor for cells, the C-lobe is capable of both functions. We used hydroxyl radical-mediated protein footprinting and mass spectrometry to reveal the conformational changes that occur upon complex formation for the human transferrin C-lobe (residues 334−679) bound to the ectodomain of human transferrin receptor 1 (residues 121−760). Oxidation rates for proteolytic peptides in the C-lobe, the receptor, and their complex have been measured by mass spectrometry; upon formation of the complex, a dramatic decrease in modification rates, indicating protection of specific side chain groups, can be seen in C-lobe sequences corresponding to residues 381−401, 415−433, and 457−470. Peptide sequences experiencing modification rate decreases in the transferrin receptor upon C-lobe bindi...
A Qualitative Assessment of Efforts to Integrate Data Analysis throughout the Sociology Curriculum: Feedback from Students, Faculty, and Alumni.

Quantitative and computer literacy are increasingly recognized as core components of a liberal education in sociology. This study draws on student, faculty, and alumni questionnaires to identify the kinds of quantitative literacy skills that are perceived to be most critical for students enrolled in sociology courses. Respondents at Lehman College highlighted the need for proficiencies in a number of key areas, including (a) basic mathematical and statistical skills, such as measures of central tendency, ratios, and percentages; (b) the presentation and interpretation of quantitative data, including tables and charts; (c) the research process, such as developing hypotheses, sampling, and interpreting data; and (d) computer-based presentation and data analysis, including the use of software programs such as SPSS and Excel. Moreover, hands-on work in data analysis was highly valued by all respondents, particularly as a strategy for mastering these skills. This study suggests that effective education in quan...
Renin: at the heart of the mast cell.

Abstract Cardiac mast cells proliferate in cardiovascular diseases. In myocardial ischemia, mast cell mediators contribute to coronary vasoconstriction, arrhythmias, leukocyte recruitment, and tissue injury and repair. Arrhythmic dysfunction, coronary vasoconstriction, and contractile failure are also characteristic of cardiac anaphylaxis. In coronary atherosclerosis, mast cell mediators facilitate cholesterol accumulation and plaque destabilization. In cardiac failure, mast cell chymase causes myocyte apoptosis and fibroblast proliferation, leading to ventricular dysfunction. Chymase and tryptase also contribute to fibrosis in cardiomyopathies and myocarditis. In addition, mast cell tumor necrosis factor-alpha promotes myocardial remodeling. Cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy in end-stage hypertension are also induced by mast cell mediators and proteases. We recently discovered that cardiac mast cells contain and release renin, which initiates local angiotensin formation. Angiotensin causes coronary vasoconstriction, arrhythmias, fibrosis, apoptosis, and endothelin release, all demonstrated mechanisms of mast-cell-associated cardiac disease. The effects of angiotensin are further amplified by the release of norepinephrine from cardiac sympathetic nerves. Our discovery of renin in cardiac mast cells and its release in pathophysiological conditions uncovers an important new pathway in the development of mast-cell-associated heart diseases. Several steps in this novel pathway may constitute future therapeutic targets.
Glasslike behavior in a nanostructured Fe/Cu alloy

In this article, the authors report the observation of shear bands and perfectly plastic behavior, typical of metallic glasses, in an Fe-Cu alloy with grain sizes in the 100 nm range. A strengthening effect with decreasing grain size was also observed, and the shear bands occurred on planes oriented at about 40 deg from the tensile axis instead of the maximum shear plane of 45 deg, as has been observed in amorphous polymers.
Signal processing techniques for ultrawideband synthetic aperture radar data

The reader will find this paper is organized into three complementary sections. First, we define the research objectives U.S. Army Research Laboratory and other defense organizations share. We then report in detail on the signal processing/image formation techniques developed as part of our mission program. We conclude with a discussion on the use of these algorithms and tools with the emerging data from major defense-wide collections. Imaging concepts are discussed and various quality metrics are provided.
EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT OF EARLY ANDY WARHOL HAND-COLORED LITHOGRAPHS

Nearly invisible, solvent-sensitive inks were found on several handcolored lithographs from an edition of Andy Warhol’s A la Recherche du Shoe Perdu portfolio, c. 1955. Research confirmed that the colorants were Dr. Ph. Martin’s Synchromatic Transparent Watercolors, tinctorially brilliant but highly fugitive water-based inks. Preliminary instrumental analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography) characterized the inks as mixtures of various synthetic dyes, some of them similar to ordinary food coloring. Accelerated light aging and color change calculations indicated that these inks are among the most light-sensitive media found on works of art on paper. Options for treatment of works incorporating these popular inks and suggested restrictive exhibition guidelines are presented.
Localization, secretion, and action of inhibin in human placenta

Inhibin is a gonadal glycoprotein hormone that regulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the anterior pituitary gland and exhibits intragonadal actions as well. The present study shows that inhibin-like immunoreactivity (inhibin-LI) is present in cells of the cytotrophoblast layer of human placenta at term and in primary cultures of human trophoblasts. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulated secretion of inhibin-LI from these cultured placental cells. This effect was mimicked by 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-bromo-cAMP), forskolin, and cholera toxin, suggesting that the mechanism of hCG induction of placental inhibin-LI secretion is cAMP-dependent. Incubation with an antiserum that binds the alpha-subunit of human inhibin increased the secretion of hCG and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-like immunoreactivity (GnRH-LI) from trophoblast cells in culture, suggesting a local tonic inhibitory action of endogenous inhibin on hCG and GnRH-LI release. The action of inhibin on hCG secretion may partially require the presence of placental GnRH, as suggested by evidence that a synthetic GnRH antagonist partially reverses the hCG increase induced by inhibin immunoneutralization. Results suggest paracrine roles for both inhibin and GnRH in the regulation of placental hCG production.
R-technology: A soviet visual programming environment

R-technology is an indigenous Soviet visual programming environment which was developed by prominent scientists in Kiev. The essence of R-technology is the use of weighted, oriented graphs to express control logic and to enforce good programming style. Unlike other developments in visual programming, R-technology can accommodate many programming languages and has been used for numerous development projects. Despite the fact that it has been extensively documented in the Soviet literature, it is practically unknown in the United States. This paper reviews the history of R-technology and presents the major elements of its paradigm. A comparison is made with similar systems which are known in the West and in Japan. R-technology is a promising development which deserves widespread attention.
Wavelength selection in convection near a lateral boundary

This paper considers the way in which a lateral boundary restricts the wavelength of convective rolls parallel to the boundary. Unlike previous theories of wave number selection, the present work allows for perpendicular cross rolls adjacent to the boundary, the existence of which is indicated by stability considerations. The present theory also incorporates forcing at the boundary, equivalent to a wall that is imperfectly insulated, as in many experimental investigations of Rayleigh-Benard convection. The results are based on weakly non-linear solutions of amplitude equations derived from the Swift-Hohenberg model and are compared with numerical solutions of the full non-linear Swift-Hohenberg equation.
A Review of Rape in the Social Work Literature: A Call to Action

This article reports on a content analysis of the social work research literature to assess the level of attention that the profession has paid to the rape of adults. The analysis of 66 social work articles published between 1975 and 2008 revealed that rape was a primary focus in about one third of the articles. However, 94% of the articles connected rape with another issue that was central to the profession (such as domestic violence or mental health). The majority of articles were client focused, rather than addressing practitioners' needs or macro-level issues. A large number of articles framed rape as a form of domestic violence; however, there is a clear need to address the issue of rape both within and outside the context of domestic violence. Implications for future research are discussed.
Discarded tires: A potential source of hydrocarbons to displace petroleum☆

Abstract Discarded tires that are not recycled through retreading are a serious solid waste problem but could provide a source of hydrocarbons for use as fuel, feedstock, and material. We estimate that discarded tires used as a solid fuel would displace about 15,000 Btu/lb as a derived fuel and chemical feedstock, about 11,000–23,000 Btu/lb as a substitute for virgin rubber compound in traditional rubber products, about 27,000–33,000 Btu/lb and as an asphalt additive for paving applications, about 90,000 Btu/lb. Both the energy embodied in the displaced fuel and material and the energy consumed in preparing the tires for the above uses have been included where possible. Analysis of the cost and potential for using the resource shows that production of pyrolysis products or road pavement from discarded tires now merits serious joint consideration by the public and private sectors as an economic alternative to the present practice of disposal in landfill.
Electronic structures and MCD spectra of trigonal Cr(III)S6 systems

MCD, electronic absorption, external heavy atom, and crystal field data are presented for the low energy region (2Eg, 2T1g, 4T2g) and high energy region (2T2g, 4T1g) of Cr(dtp)3, Cr(dtc)3, and Cr(exan)3. At low energy, MCD intensities of 2E(2Eg) and 2E(2Tg) are as large or larger than “4T2g”, and the MCD technique is advantageous over electronic absorption in this respect. The MCD positions of “2Eg” and “2T1g” are nearly the same for these molecules (∼ 13 kK and ∼ 13.6 kK) · 4T2g of this region appears trigonally split (∼ 500 cm−1) in the MCD of dtp but to a smaller extent than in the electronic crystal spectrum of Lebedda and Palmer (∼ 600 cm−1). MCD did not resolve such components for exan and dtc. The higher energy region includes 2T2g and 4T1g, and the combined MCD and electronic absorption data of the three compounds taken together lead us to conclude the ordering 2A1(2T2g)<2E(2T2g)<4E(4T1g). The potentially useful external heavy atom affect on the solution-observed electronic 2E and 4E bands of Cr(dtp)3 did not shed additional light on this order of E states. Finally, it is concluded that the order of 4T1g and 2T2g cannot be decided from Oh crystal field calculations because of experimental uncertainties about choosing centers of gravity. In addition, “4T1g” and “2T2g” are close together so that ordering 2E<4E does not guarantee 2T2g<4T1g. However, it can be concluded that the ratio C/B≅4 is not correct, whereas the larger 7<(C/B)<8 is consistent with the data of all three molecules because of small B parameters (∼ 0.4). Locating O→O transitions may somewhat decrease C/B and Dq.
The nucleolar snRNAs: catching up with the spliceosomal snRNAs

Despite their early discovery, research into the small RNAs associated with the eukaryotic nucleolus (snoRNAs) has lagged behind that of their cousins, the small nuclear RNAs which are known to function in mRNA splicing (spliceosomal snRNAs). Recent progress has now shown that the snoRNAs also occupy a vital niche in the RNA world, participating in the processing of ribosomal RNA. Like the spliceosomal snRNAs, the snoRNAs exist as ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles which appear to assemble into a large multi-RNA RNP complex for pre-rRNA maturation.