cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of decision tree in the prediction of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) occurrence in neonates after heart surgery

This paper is concerned with the prediction of the occurrence of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) that occurs in neonates after heart surgery. The data which is collected over a period of 12 hours after cardiac surgery contains vital measurements as well as blood gas measurements with different resolutions. Vital data measured using near-inferred spectroscopy (NIRS) at the sampling rate of 0.25 Hz and blood gas measurement up to 12 times with irregular time intervals for 35 patients collected at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are used for this study. Features derived from the data include statistical moments (mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis), trend and minimum and maximum values of the vital data and rate of change, time weighted mean and a custom defined out of range index (ORI) for the blood gas data. A decision tree is developed for the vital data in order to identify the most important vital measurements. In addition, a decision tree is developed for blood gas data to find important factors for the prediction of PVL occurrence. Results show that in the blood gas data, maximum rate of change of concentration of bicarbonate ions in blood (HCO 3 ) and minimum rate of change of partial pressure of dissolved CO 2 in the blood (PaCO 2 ) are the two most important factors for prediction of the PVL. Also important are the kurtosis of heart rate and hemoglobin values.
Shear-wave sourced 3-D VSP imaging of tight-gas sandstones in Rulison Field, Colorado

Peeter Akerberg Recent Ph.D. graduates are invited to submit abstracts of their dissertations by completing and submitting the submission form ⟨http://www.seg.org/SEGportalWEBproject/prod/SEG-Publications/Pub-Geophysics/Documents/dissertationform.pdf⟩ at http://seg.org/dissertationabstracts. Abstracts are reviewed and accepted or rejected based on their relevance to the readers of Geophysics. Abstracts must be written in English and defended in 2009 or later.
A microfluidic localized, multiple cell culture array using vacuum actuated cell seeding: integrated anticancer drug testing

In this study, we introduced a novel and convenient approach to culture multiple cells in localized arrays of microfluidic chambers using one-step vacuum actuation. In one device, we integrated 8 individually addressable regions of culture chambers, each only requiring one simple vacuum operation to seed cell lines. Four cell lines were seeded in designated regions in one device via sequential injection with high purity (99.9 %–100 %) and cultured for long-term. The on-chip simultaneous culture of HuT 78, Ramos, PC-3 and C166-GFP cells for 48 h was demonstrated with viabilities of 92 %+/−2 %, 94 %+/−4 %, 96 %+/−2 % and 97 %+/−2 %, respectively. The longest culture period for C166-GFP cells in this study was 168 h with a viability of 96 %+/−10 %. Cell proliferation in each individual side channel can be tracked. Mass transport between the main channel and side channels was achieved through diffusion and studied using fluorescein solution. The main advantage of this device is the capability to perform multiple cell-based assays on the same device for better comparative studies. After treating cells with staurosporine or anti-human CD95 for 16 h, the apoptotic cell percentage of HuT 78, CCRF-CEM, PC-3 and Ramos cells were 36 %+/−3 %, 24 %+/−4 %, 12 %+/−2 %, 18 %+/−4 % for staurosporine, and 63 %+/−2 %, 45 %+/−1 %, 3 %+/−3 %, 27 %+/−12 % for anti-human CD95, respectively. With the advantages of enhanced integration, ease of use and fabrication, and flexibility, this device will be suitable for long-term multiple cell monitoring and cell based assays.
An Exploration of the Juristic Consensus (ijmāʿ) on Compulsion in the Marriages of Minors

In the Hanbal? fiqh manual the Mughn?, Ibn Qud?mah (d. 620/1223) claims consensus (ijm?’) of the scholars of Islamic Law regarding a father’s ability to compel his prepubescent daughter to marry against her will, provided it is to a suitable match. This paper explores Ibn Qud?mah’s claim by investigating the contours of consensus- writing on child marriage. It looks first to the primary transmitter of early consensus (Ibn al-Mundhir, d. 318/930)—who is cited as a source of consensus throughout al-Mughn?—then at three other writers who focused on Ijm?’ (al-Marwaz? (294/906), al-?a??w? (321/933), and Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr (463/1070). This discussion explores the relationship between early claims of consensus and the proof texts upon which they relied. The paper highlights the influence on this topic of al-Sh?fi’?, whose arguments in support of compulsion of female minors in the Umm changed the discussion irrevocably. Finally, it illustrates how, unlike the Sh?fi‘?s, early M?lik? and ?anaf? texts did not rely upon the unit tradition regarding ‘?’ishah’s marriage to the Prophet. When jurists began relying upon the report of ‘?’ishah as a proof text for this issue, its veracity itself became a topic of consensus. In the hands of Ibn ?azm (465/1072), and with that report as his basis, child marriage shifted from an issue applying equally to both children to an issue pertaining only to girls. The larger juristic culture seems to have followed his lead, as child marriage for boys became radically under-discussed in the later legal texts, including the famed manual al-Mughn?. Above all, this paper exposes the concept of Ijm?’ as a “lowest common denominator” of agreement on this topic. Extracting an ijm?’ic claim from its context of debate and discussion deprives the inquiring scholar of any sense of the ripples of conflict and controversy emanating from it. In these early texts, we find there was no consensus with regard to what grants agency to females (pubescence or sexual experience); no consensus on the meaning of “suitability” in marriage (a condition for the permissibility of a father’s force); no consensus on at what point a female child can tolerate sexual activity; and, of extreme importance from the legal standpoint, there was no consensus with regard to how the prepubescent is to be maintained if she is not yet able to tolerate sexual activity. Because the marriage contract predicates maintenance upon sexual availability, this point causes a crisis in the jurists’ definition of marriage.
A combined-cross analysis reveals genes with drug-specific and background-dependent effects on drug sensitivity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Effective pharmacological therapy is often inhibited by variable drug responses and adverse drug reactions. Dissecting the molecular basis of different drug responses is difficult due to complex interactions involving multiple genes, pathways, and cellular processes. We previously found a single nucleotide polymorphism within cystathionine β-synthase (CYS4) that causes multi-drug sensitivity in a vineyard strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, not all variation was accounted for by CYS4. To identify additional genes influencing drug sensitivity, we used CYS4 as a covariate and conducted both single- and combined-cross linkage mapping. After eliminating numerous false-positive associations, we identified 16 drug-sensitivity loci, only 3 of which had been previously identified. Of 4 drug-sensitivity loci selected for validation, 2 showed replicated associations in independent crosses, and two quantitative trait genes within these regions, AQY1 and MKT1, were found to have drug-specific and background-dependent effects. Our results suggest that drug response may often depend on interactions between genes with multi-drug and drug-specific effects.
Trigonometric transforms for finding repeats in DNA sequences

The detection of many forms of periodicities in DNA sequences has been an active area of research in recent years. Most of the signal processing based methods have primarily focussed on using the short-time discrete Fourier transform (ST-DFT) as the key tool in identifying such repeat sequences. In this paper, we propose to use different fast discrete transforms such as the discrete cosine transform (DCT), the discrete sine transform (DST), and the discrete Hartley transform (DHT), to locate these patterns. In specific, we derive a new unified multirate DSP model that i) allows the derivation of new closed form DNA spectrum expressions for the above trigonometric transforms, ii) includes the DFT model as a special case, and iii) suggests an efficient way to improve the detection of repeats by digital filtering.
Broadband IR polarizing beam splitter using a subwavelength-structured one-dimensional photonic-crystal layer embedded in a high-index prism

An iterative procedure for the design of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) that uses a form-birefringent, subwavelength-structured, one-dimensional photonic-crystal layer (SWS 1-D PCL) embedded in a high-index cubical prism is presented. The PBS is based on index matching and total transmission for the p polarization and total internal reflection for the s polarization at the prism-PCL interface at 45° angle of incidence. A high extinction ratio in reflection (>50 dB) over the 4-12 μm IR spectral range is achieved using a SWS 1-D PCL of ZnTe embedded in a ZnS cube within an external field of view of ±6.6∘ and in the presence of grating filling factor errors of up to ±10%. Comparable results, but with wider field of view, are also obtained with a Ge PCL embedded in a Si prism.
Characterization of an isolate that uses vinyl chloride as a growth substrate under aerobic conditions.

An aerobic enrichment culture was developed by using vinyl chloride (VC) as the sole organic carbon and electron donor source. VC concentrations as high as 7.3 mM were biodegraded without apparent inhibition. VC use did not occur when nitrate was provided as the electron acceptor. A gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile isolate was obtained from the enrichment culture and identified based on biochemical characteristics and the sequence of its 16S rRNA gene as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, designated strain MF1. The observed yield of MF1 when it was grown on VC was 0.20 mg of total suspended solids (TSS)/mg of VC. Ethene, acetate, glyoxylate, and glycolate also served as growth substrates, while ethane, chloroacetate, glycolaldehyde, and phenol did not. Stoichiometric release of chloride and minimal accumulation of soluble metabolites following VC consumption indicated that the predominant fate for VC is mineralization and incorporation into cell material. MF1 resumed consumption of VC after at least 24 days when none was provided, unlike various mycobacteria that lost their VC-degrading ability after brief periods in the absence of VC. When deprived of oxygen for 2.5 days, MF1 did not regain the ability to grow on VC, and a portion of the VC was transformed into VC-epoxide. Acetylene inhibited VC consumption by MF1, suggesting the involvement of a monooxygenase in the initial step of VC metabolism. The maximum specific VC utilization rate for MF1 was 0.41 mmol of VC/mg of TSS/day, the maximum specific growth rate was 0.0048/day, and the Monod half-saturation coefficient was 0.26 mM. A higher yield and faster kinetics occurred when MF1 grew on ethene. When grown on ethene, MF1 was able to switch to VC as a substrate without a lag. It therefore appears feasible to grow MF1 on a nontoxic substrate and then apply it to environments that do not exhibit a capacity for aerobic biodegradation of VC.
Finding Δ(Σ) for a surface σ of characteristic χ(Σ) = −5

For each surface Σ, we define Δ(Σ) = max{Δ(G)|Gis a class two graph of maximum degree Δ(G) that can be embedded in Σ}. Hence, Vizing's Planar Graph Conjecture can be restated as Δ(Σ) = 5 if Σ is a plane. In this paper, we show that Δ(Σ) = 9 if Σ is a surface of characteristic χ(Σ) = −5. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 68:148-168, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EEG and ECG from 5 to 10 months of age: Developmental changes in baseline activation and cognitive processing during a working memory task

We recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) from 20 infants monthly between 5 and 10 months of age during baseline and during performance on the looking A-not-B task of infant working memory. Analyses of baseline data showed age-related increases in EEG power (medial frontal, central, temporal, medial parietal, lateral parietal, and occipital electrode sites) and coherence (frontal pole-medial frontal, medial frontal-lateral frontal, medial frontal-medial parietal, and medial frontal-occipital electrode pairs), and decreases in heart rate (HR). Patterns of age-related change were similar for EEG power, EEG coherence, and HR. Analyses of task data relative to baseline revealed task-related increases in EEG power (all electrode sites), but no task-related changes in EEG coherence (medial frontal pairings) and HR. There was some evidence of localized task-related changes in EEG power by 10 months of age. These data highlight age-related changes in EEG and ECG, as well as the functional significance of these psychophysiological measures during baseline and during cognitive processing in the first year.
Blind Mouth Singing

Reinaldo Arenas's novels are still unavailable in Cuba, but 20 years after the exiled writer's suicide a Cuban-American playwright, Jorge Ignacio Cortinas, has written an homage to Arenas that will be produced in Havana, where hyphenated Cubans are rarely acknowledged. This is the full script of Blind Mouth Singing in the original English-language version.
Elastic-plastic anti-plane problems for bonded dissimilar media containing cracks and cavities

Abstract The problem of two bonded semi-infinite media with different properties containing cracks or cavities on the interface and subjected to longitudinal shear loads in various ways is considered. The elastic solution in which only the z -component of the external loads is taken into account, complements the plane strain problem where the external loads lie in xy -plane. Using the approach of the dislocation theory to plastic deformations, a simple technique based on the elastic theory is developed to estimate the size of the plastic zone in the neighborhood of cracks and cavities. Some examples are worked out and a list of solutions is given in the Appendix.
Beyond Evidence-Based Belief Formation: How Normative Ideas Have Constrained Conceptual Change Research

The cognitive sciences, including psychology and education, have their roots in antiquity. In the historically early disciplines like logic and philosophy, the purpose of inquiry was normative. Logic sought to formalize valid inferences, and the various branches of philosophy sought to identify true and certain knowledge. Normative principles are irrelevant for descriptive, empirical sciences like psychology. Normative concepts have nevertheless strongly influenced cognitive research in general and conceptual change research in particular. Studies of conceptual change often ask why students do not abandon their misconceptions when presented with falsifying evidence. But there is little reason to believe that people evolved to conform to normative principles of belief management and conceptual change. When we put the normative traditions aside, we can consider a broader range of hypotheses about conceptual change. As an illustration, the pragmatist focus on action and habits is articulated into a psychological theory that claims that cognitive utility, not the probability of truth, is the key variable that determines belief revision and conceptual change.
Radar speckle reduction in synthetic aperture radar processors by a moving diffuser

Some theoretical and experimental results are presented demonstrating the reduction of synthetic aperture radar speckle when a moving diffuser is placed in the processor image plane and is reimaged with a lens whose resolution is not better than the radar resolution. The resolution of the resulting radar image is determined by the resolution of this output lens.
Impact of a program of intensive surveillance and interventions targeting ventilated patients in the reduction of ventilator-associated pneumonia and its cost-effectiveness.

Objective We hypothesized that a program of prospective intensive surveillance for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and concomitant implementations of multimodal, multidisciplinary preventive and intervention strategies would result in a reduction in the incidence of VAP and would be cost-effective. Setting Medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs) in a university teaching hospital. Interventions All ventilated patients in the medical and surgical ICUs were monitored for VAP from January 1997 through December 1998. Interventions including elevation of the head of the bed, use of sterile water and replacement of stopcocks with enteral valves for nasogastric feeding tubes, and prolongation of changing of in-line suction catheters from 24 hours to as needed were implemented. Results The rates of VAP decreased by 10.8/1,000 ventilator-days in the medical ICU (CI95, 4.65-16.91) and by 17.2/1,000 ventilator-days in the surgical ICU (CI95, 2.85-31.56) when they were compared for 1997 and 1998. With the use of the estimated cost of a VAP of dollars 4,947 from the literature, the reduction resulted in cost savings of dollars 178,092 and dollars 148,410 in the medical and surgical ICUs, respectively, for a total of dollars 326,482. In addition, dollars 25,497 was saved due to the lengthening of the time for the change of in-line suction catheters, resulting in a cost savings of dollars 351,979. This total cost savings of dollars 351,979 minus the cost of enteral valves of dollars 2,100 resulted in total net savings of dollars 349,899. Conclusion Intensive surveillance and interventions targeted at ventilated patients resulted in reduction of VAP and appeared to be cost-effective.
Characterization of hydroxyl-end-capped polybutadiene and polystyrene produced by anionic polymerization technique via TLC/MALDI TOF mass spectrometry

A method of off-line coupling of thin layer chromatography with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TLC/MALDI-TOF MS) was used to study a synthetic procedure that produces well-defined hydroxyl-end-capped polymers. The TLC separation is based on the structure of the end group of the polymer and is not affected by the degree of polymerization. MALDI-TOF mass spectral analysis of these TLC fractions confirmed their structures.
Race Before “Whiteness”: Studying Identity in Ptolemaic Egypt

This paper examines the models classical historians and papyrologists use to study Greek and Egyptian identity during the period of Greek occupation of Egypt (332-30 B.C.E.). Employing the concept of ethnicity, some scholars have recently emphasized the fl uidity with which identity seems to operate in colonial documents from the Ptolemaic period. In particular, scholars argue that these documents attest to the increasing ability of certain “native Egyptians” to act as “Greek” in various administrative and legal contexts. While fi nding this recent use of ethnicity productive in grappling with the complexity of identity as a form of social practice in Ptolemaic Egypt, I nonetheless caution against over-emphasizing the role of context and individual agency within this colonial framework. In contrast, I argue that the concept of race should be added to current models to allow historians of this period to situate certain performances within a larger colonial structure that continued to treat the categories o...
Post-processing of developed dichromated gelatin holograms

Abstract A method for salvaging over or under exposed dichromated gelatin holograms is developed. The technique allows for readjustment of the refractive index modulation of rejected holograms to a desired level.
The Terrors of Christendom

Many scholars and activist have argued that the liberal political tradition's development of the concepts of religious freedom and separation of religion and the state arose out of the Enlightenment's effort to address the chaos of the religious wars that had rent their societies. Through what I refer to as the liberal religious compact, these societies sought to avoid religious violence by privatizing religion - walling it off from the secular public square. While the United States and Western Europe can, in large part, claim to bear witness to this position - even in those countries, a number of troubling incidents of religious violence have arisen, including anti-abortion violence, the Muslim riots in the Paris suburbs and the British terror cells and the London bombings. Of equal concern, a rising tide of religious violence, often identified with religious fundamentalism, is sweeping the world. Many commentators have noted that Western leaders struggle with how to address this type of violence because they operate from a political orientation that views religious participation in public discourse with suspicion if not outright hostility. In this new book I want to explore the relationship between religion, violence, politics and law - specifically, how the liberal political tradition has approached the problem (the liberal compact), how that approach was historically conditioned by Western culture, and how it can be adapted to address contemporary challenges to peace and stability associated with religion. Chapter two, "The Terrors of Christendom" reviews the history of religious violence within the Western European, specifically Christian, tradition which provided the context for the thinkers and politicians responsible for the development of the liberal religious compact. This history primarily shaped by the relationship between the Christian church and the state, evolved through five stages: persecution (64-312 C.E.); adoption (312-425 C.E.); autonomy (440-751 C.E.); the establishment of Christendom (750-1307 CE); and fragmentation (1307-forward). It includes the age of martyrdom, the adoption of Christianity by Constantine, the Crusades and the Inquisition, and the wars of religion surrounding the Protestant Reformation.
A link: Allergic rhinitis, Asthma & Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This review has discussed a link between allergic rhinitis, asthma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a case report in this area. A clear link with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma and SLE exists. Several articles found on pubmed in the literature are listed on allergic rhinitis and allergy, Th1-immune responses, mast cells in autoimmunity, total immunoglobulin E levels in lupus, atopic diseases and SLE are reviewed. In addition, risks and correlations, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, immune regulation, elevated serum IgE levels, regulatory B cells for both allergic and autoimmune diseases are mentioned, Asthma and the vascular endothelial cell growth factor, asthma and autoimmune diseases, allergy and autoimmunity, neutrophils, innate and adaptive immunity in the development of SLE, the (Tim) gene family, complement activation in SLE and immunomodulation, hypersensitivity reactions in autoimmunity are discussed.
Physical Function, Hyperuricemia, and Gout in Older Adults.

Objective Gout prevalence is high in older adults and those affected are at risk of physical disability, yet it is unclear whether they have worse physical function. Methods We studied gout, hyperuricemia, and physical function in 5,819 older adults (age ≥65 years) attending the 2011–2013 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study visit, a prospective US population-based cohort. Differences in lower extremity function (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] and 4-meter walking speed) and upper extremity function (grip strength) by gout status and by hyperuricemia prevalence were estimated in adjusted ordinal logistic regression (SPPB) and linear regression (walking speed and grip strength) models. Lower scores or times signify worse function. The prevalence of poor physical performance (first quartile) by gout and hyperuricemia was estimated using adjusted modified Poisson regression. Results Ten percent of participants reported a history of gout and 21% had hyperuricemia. There was no difference in grip strength by history of gout (P = 0.77). Participants with gout performed worse on the SPPB test; they had 0.77 times (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.65, 0.90, P = 0.001) the prevalence odds of a 1-unit increase in SPPB score and were 1.18 times (95% CI 1.07, 1.32, P = 0.002) more likely to have poor SPPB performance. Participants with a history of gout had slower walking speed (mean difference −0.03; 95% CI −0.05, −0.01, P < 0.001) and were 1.19 times (95% CI 1.06, 1.34, P = 0.003) more likely to have poor walking speed. Similarly, SPPB score and walking speed, but not grip strength, were worse in participants with hyperuricemia. Conclusion Older adults with gout and hyperuricemia are more likely to have worse lower extremity, but not upper extremity, function.
There's an App for That? Highlighting the Difficulty in Finding Clinically Relevant Smartphone Applications.

Introduction: The use of personal mobile devices in the medical field has grown quickly, and a large proportion of physicians use their mobile devices as an immediate resource for clinical decision-making, prescription information and other medical information. The iTunes App Store (Apple, Inc.) contains approximately 20,000 apps in its “Medical” category, providing a robust repository of resources for clinicians; however, this represents only 2% of the entire App Store. The App Store does not have strict criteria for identifying content specific to practicing physicians, making the identification of clinically relevant content difficult. The objective of this study is to quantify the characteristics of existing medical applications in the iTunes App Store that could be used by emergency physicians, residents, or medical students. Methods: We found applications related to emergency medicine (EM) by searching the iTunes App Store for 21 terms representing core content areas of EM, such as “emergency medicine,” “critical care,” “orthopedics,” and “procedures.” Two physicians independently reviewed descriptions of these applications in the App Store and categorized each as the following: Clinically Relevant, Book/Published Source, Non-English, Study Tools, or Not Relevant. A third physician reviewer resolved disagreements about categorization. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: We found a total of 7,699 apps from the 21 search terms, of which 17.8% were clinical, 9.6% were based on a book or published source, 1.6% were non-English, 0.7% were clinically relevant patient education resources, and 4.8% were study tools. Most significantly, 64.9% were considered not relevant to medical professionals. Clinically relevant apps make up approximately 6.9% of the App Store’s “Medical” Category and 0.1% of the overall App Store. Conclusion: Clinically relevant apps represent only a small percentage (6.9%) of the total App volume within the Medical section of the App Store. Without a structured search-and-evaluation strategy, it may be difficult for the casual user to identify this potentially useful content. Given the increasing adoption of devices in healthcare, national EM associations should consider curating these resources for their members.
Luminescence and lifetime properties of europium doped gallium nitride compatible with CMOS technology

Continuous-wave and time resolved photoluminescence measurements on europium doped gallium nitride in the form of a powder are presented. The powder is obtained from reacting NH3 and a melt of gallium and europium with bismuth as a wetting agent. Photoluminescence from continuous wave excitation above the GaN bandgap reveals that an optimal concentration of about 1 at.% of Eu gives the most intense emission at 621 nm. Above gap time resolved photoluminescence reveals that energy transfer between the host material (GaN) and the rare earth ions occurs at a faster rate than previously reported for MBE grown GaN:Eu. Applications of the powder are directed towards CMOS compatible light emitters that are spun on silicon. A high temperature anneal of the powder shows no change in the CW photoluminescence spectrum of the powder, confirming CMOS compatibility.
Napoleon's Theorem and the Parallelogram Inequality for Affine-Regular Polygons

(1980). Napoleon's Theorem and the Parallelogram Inequality for Affine-Regular Polygons. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 8, pp. 644-648.
Role of prostacyclin signaling in endothelial production of soluble amyloid precursor protein-α in cerebral microvessels

We tested hypothesis that activation of the prostacyclin (PGI2) receptor (IP receptor) signaling pathway in cerebral microvessels plays an important role in the metabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP). In human brain microvascular endothelial cells activation of IP receptor with the stable analogue of PGI2, iloprost, stimulated expression of amyloid precursor protein and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), resulting in an increased production of the neuroprotective and anticoagulant molecule, soluble APPα (sAPPα). Selective agonist of IP receptor, cicaprost, and adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, also enhanced expression of amyloid precursor protein and ADAM10. Notably, in cerebral microvessels of IP receptor knockout mice, protein levels of APP and ADAM10 were reduced. In addition, iloprost increased protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. PPARδ-siRNA abolished iloprost-augmented protein expression of ADAM10. In contrast, GW501516 (a selective agonist of PPARδ) upregulated ADAM10 and increased production of sAPPα. Genetic deletion of endothelial PPARδ (ePPARδ-/-) in mice significantly reduced cerebral microvascular expression of ADAM10 and production of sAPPα. In vivo treatment with GW501516 increased sAPPα content in hippocampus of wild type mice but not in hippocampus of ePPARδ-/- mice. Our findings identified previously unrecognized role of IP-PPARδ signal transduction pathway in the production of sAPPα in cerebral microvasculature.
r-BlockPermutation Factor Circulant Matrix and Inverse Matrix

The concept of r-block permutation factor circulant matrix is presented.The characteristics of r-block permutation factor circulant matrix are discussed by Kronecker.The interchange ability of r-block permutation factor circulant matrix has been demonstrated,that is AB=BA.The calculation method of matrix determinant and the sufficient condition of nonsingular matrix based on the diagonalization of circulant matrices are given.Finally,the method of inverse matrix is given in r-block permutation factor circulant matrix.
Protecting Public Shareholders: The Case of Google's Recapitalization

The recent mid-stream recapitalization of Google introducing a class of non-voting shares raises certain questions about controlling shareholder opportunism and the adequacy of our current system in protecting the rights of public shareholders. This Note argues that the settlement of the class action suit on behalf of Google’s public shareholders did not do enough to address the harm they suffered, and examines options for how the law in Delaware may be adapted to provide adequate protection for public shareholders.
In Vitro Malignant Transformation — A Multi-Stepped Process

In experimental studies with animals, cancer generally results only after multiple treatments with carcinogenic chemicals or radiation over an extended period of time. Analysis of such data has led to the conclusion that cancer results from a multi-stepped process (Peto, 1977). Similar conclusions have been arrived at in regard to human cancer, using epidemiological approaches (Peto, 1977). It should be noted, however, that there are a number of well-studied model tumor systems in which only a single high dose of the carcinogenic agent induces tumors in a majority of the animals. Examples of these include induction of rat mammary tumors by ethylnitrosourea (Stoica et al., 1984) and induction of rat brain tumors by this agent (Druckrey et al., 1966). Such experiments seem to indicate that carcinogenesis is not multi-stepped. However, they may actually represent a cryptic multi-stepped process in which the carcinogen causes the cells to advance only a single step through the transformation sequence and other steps occur spontaneously.
Clergy and Laity in the Later Seventeenth Century

The latter decades of the seventeenth century saw puritans in the Atlantic world facing new circumstances as they sought to advance God’s kingdom. In England, the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy resulted in an effective end to puritan hopes for an English national church reflecting their understanding of godly faith and practice. In New England the Restoration initially had a limited impact. The colonists welcomed Edward Whalley and William Goffe, two of the regicides fleeing from the king’s justice. When in Massachusetts, prior to their going into hiding, the two men attended services in Boston area churches and even, exercising the gift of prophesy, “preached and prayed, and gained universal applause and admiration, and were looked upon as men dropped down from heaven.”1 Shortly thereafter the New Haven colony lost its independent identity, in part for its role in sheltering the regicides, but the other Bible Commonwealths retained their constitutional forms. Rhode Island, with its more liberal practices, received a new charter and was relatively untouched. Over the years, however, the ability of the puritan leaders of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Connecticut were forced to bend to new political realities. One of the first examples came with the royal prohibition on further execution of Quakers, which was sent to the Massachusetts authorities in 1661.
Benign Hereditary Chorea

The clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and treatment of benign hereditary chorea (BHC) are reviewed from the Indiana University and University of Minnesota Medical Schools.
Affibody-targeted fluorogen activating protein for in vivo tumor imaging

Molecular imaging using near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is useful for intraoperative imaging and real-time margin identification. Directly conjugated IR dyes possess useful properties for in vivo imaging, but conjugation often substantially alters the circulation dynamics of targeting moieties. We developed and characterized a new tumor-targeting probe, affiFAP, which consists of a protein that specifically binds EGFR (affibody) and a fluorogen activating protein (FAP). This compact molecular recognition reagent can reversibly bind and activate fluorescence of otherwise nonfluorescent dyes and allows tumor visualization with low nonspecific tissue staining. We demonstrate molecular pre-targeting of affiFAPs and subsequent systemic or topical application of fluorogenic dye to achieve high contrast, fast clearance, and good tissue penetration that may be used in clinical settings to molecularly define tumor margins.
Supervision of Agricultural Educators in Secondary Schools: What Do Teachers Want from Their Principals?.

The purpose of this multi-state study was to identify agricultural education teachers’ perceived level of importance regarding selected instructional supervisory practices used in the nonformal components of agricultural education. The theoretical frame supporting this study was the theory of andragogy. Data were reported on the perceived importance of 28 instructional supervisor practices. Agricultural education teachers indicated that the instructional supervisor should understand and support the teaching and learning processes used in nonformal settings, provide them with resources, and observe them in aspects of their teaching that transcend the traditional classroom. Female agricultural education teachers perceived all nonformal instructional supervisory practices as more important than did male agricultural education teachers. Researchers recommend that agricultural educators and the principals who supervise them incorporate the supervision of teaching in the nonformal setting into evaluation protocols.
Appendix-derived Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP): Molecular Profiling Toward Treatment of a Rare Malignancy.

Objectives Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignancy originating from the appendix, characterized by disseminated mucinous tumor implants on peritoneal surfaces. We examined the role of multiplatform molecular profiling to study biomarker-guided treatment strategies for this rare malignancy. Methods A total of 54 patients with appendix-derived PMP were included in the study. Tests included one or more of the following: gene sequencing (Sanger or next generation sequencing), protein expression (immunohistochemistry), and gene amplification (C/fluorescent in situ hybridization). Results Targeted sequencing of 47 genes detected variants in KRAS (81%), GNAS (74%), SMAD4 (16%), and ATM (16%). Mutations were found at low frequencies (n=1 to 2) in APC, BRAF, PIK3CA, MLH1, and TP53. GNAS and KRAS co-occurrence was found in 87%. Protein overexpression was found in epidermal growth factor receptor (83%), cyclooxygenase-2 (73%), cMET (63%), cKIT (58%), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (58%). Immune checkpoint expression was found in 36% (programmed cell death protein 1) and 18% (programmed death-ligand 1). Surrogate markers of cell proliferation were found at low rates (TLE3 23%, TOP2A 22%), consistent with the slow-growing biology of PMP. Phosophatase and tensin homolog was intact (wild type [100%]) and positive (immunohistochemistry [80%]). Patients exhibited stable microsatellite status and mismatch repair proficiency (93%). Importantly, multidrug resistance protein expression was elevated (100% BCRP, 94% MRP1, 88% PGP). Markers for gemcitabine (RRM1), fluorouracil (TS), oxaliplatin (ERCC1), and irinotecan (TOPO1) chemosensitivities were detected at favorable rates: 93%, 87%, 77% and 65%, respectively. Conclusions Molecular profiling by multiple platforms identified potential therapies for the nontargetable KRAS-mutated population. The role of cMET-targeted therapeutics and immune checkpoint inhibitors merits further investigation. Biomarker-guided selection of cytotoxic chemotherapies may facilitate efficacy to systemic treatment.
Blurring the Lines between Memory and Computation

Traditionally, researchers have attempted to address the memory wall by building a deep memory hierarchy. Another solution is to move computation closer to memory, which is often referred to as processing in memory (PIM). Past PIM solutions tried to move computing logic near memory by integrating DRAM with a logic die using 3D stacking. This helps reduce data movement energy and increase bandwidth; however, the functionality and design of memory itself remains unchanged. An even more exciting technology is one that dissolves the line that distinguishes memory from computational units. Nearly three-fourths of silicon in processor and main memory dies is simply to store and access data. Harnessing this silicon area by repurposing it to perform computation can lead to massively parallel computational processing. Furthermore, we naturally save the vast amounts of energy spent in shuffling data back and forth between computational and storage units, and memory bandwidth becomes a meaningless metric.
ReiNN: Efficient error resilience in artificial neural networks using encoded consistency checks

In this research, a low cost error detection and correction approach is developed for multilayer perceptron networks, where checker neurons are used to encode hidden layer functions using independent training experiments. Error detection and correction is predicated on validating consistency properties of the encoded checks and shows that high coverage of injected errors can be achieved with extremely low computational overhead.
Genes and gene products involved in the synthesis of F-pili.

Membrane fractions containing [35-S]methionine labeled proteins synthesized by Flac and Flac tra mutant strains or by λtra transducing phages expressed in such strains have been analyzed in order to investigate the pathway for synthesis of the F-pilin subunit and the gene products involved in synthesis of F-pili. Our data indicate that the synthesis of a mature F-pilin subunit requires the expression of at least 2 tra operon genes in addition to the structural gene for F-pilin, traA. In the absence of these activities, traA expression results primarily in the synthesis of a polypeptide, Apl4, with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 14,000. We assume this polypeptide corresponds to the direct product of the traA gene. In the presence of traQ activity, the major detectable product of traA is a polypeptide, Ap7(Q), which migrates with an apparent molecular weight of 7,000, suggesting that traQ product may process or assist in the processing of Apl4. Polypeptide Ap7(Q) is not, however, mature F-pilin, since it reacts poorly with anti-F-pilus-serum. Synthesis of a polypeptide which appears to be anti-genically equivalent to F-pilin and which we assume requires a modification of the F-pilin N-terminus, is detected as synthesis of a polypeptide, Ap7*. This protein migrates slightly more slowly than Ap7(Q) on our polyacrylamide gels. Polypeptide Ap7*, can be effici¬ently precipitated with F-pilus antiserum, and can be detected in both inner membrane and outer membrane fractions under conditions where assembly of F-pili can occur. These data suggest that Ap7* is the mature F-pilin subunit and is assembled from an inner membrane pool. Synthesis of Ap7* appears to require traG activity, but may also be dependent upon additional tra activities.
Does family policy environment moderate the effect of single-parenthood on children's academic achievement? A study of 14 European countries

This paper examines whether national family and welfare policies reduce or exacerbate the effects of single-parenthood on a child's educational achievement. Using the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS), we compare 5th grade students from English single-parent families with their counterparts from 13 other European countries. The analysis results suggest that the achievement gap between students from twoparent and single-parent families is far greater in England than it is in all other countries, with the exception of Scotland. The evidence provided in this study suggests that a nation's family policy environment plays an important role in moderating the influence of single-parenthood on children's academic achievement.
Factors Contributing to Sustained Therapeutic Gain in Outpatient Treatments of Depression

It is vital for the mental health disciplines, in this era of public and scientific demands to identify empirically supported treatments (ESTs), to differentiate themselves from other types of health-care providers, to define more precisely the uniqueness of the disorders with which we work, and to identify the central features of the treatments we provide and the dimensions that contribute to constructive and sustained therapeutic change.
PROSPECTIVE TRACKS IN THE MSIS 2000 MODEL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK

The latest report on MSIS 2000: Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Graduate Degree Programs in Information Systems introduced Career Tracks as one of the curriculum building blocks. A career track consists of four or more related electives that provides students an opportunity for specialization within information systems. This paper elaborates on the implementation and advantages of career tracks in areas ranging from information security to project management and provides comprehensive details on constituent courses and structure. We hope this paper will stimulate thinking about how one might introduce career/specialty tracks in a traditional MSIS program.
Emergency Department Computed Tomography Use for Non-traumatic Abdominal Pain: Minimal Variability.

Author(s): Cross, Roderick; Bhat, Rahul; Li, Ying; Plankey, Michael; Maloy, Kevin | Abstract: Introduction: Variability in the use of computed tomography (CT) between providers in the emergency department (ED) suggests that CT is ordered on a provider rather than a patient level. We aimed to evaluate the variability of CT ordering practices for non-traumatic abdominal pain (NTAP) across physicians in the ED using patient-visit and physician-level factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study among 6,409 ED visits for NTAP from January 1 to December 31, 2012, at a large, urban, academic, tertiary-care hospital. We used a two-level hierarchical logistic regression model to estimate inter-physician variation. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Results: The hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that patient-visit factors including younger age, arrival mode by ambulance, prior CT, g79 ED arrivals in the previous four hours, and ultrasound had statistically significant negative associations with physician CT ordering, while surgical team admission and white blood count (WBC) g12.5 K/millimeter cubed (mm3) had statistically significant positive associations with physician CT ordering. With physician-level factors, only physicians with g21 years experience after medical school graduation showed statistical significance negatively associated with physician CT ordering. Our data demonstrated increased CT ordering from the mean in only one out of 43 providers (2.3%), which indicated limited variation across physicians to order CT. After adjusting for patient-visit and physician-level factors, the calculated ICC was 1.46%. Conclusion: We found minimal physician variability in CT ordering practices for NTAP. Patient-visit factors such as age, arrival mode, admission team, prior CT, ED arrivals in previous four hours, ultrasound, and WBC count were found to largely influence CT ordering practices.
Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir: a highly effective option for retreatment of hepatitis C in difficult-to-treat patients.

Treatment for hepatitis C has escalated rapidly since the advent of direct-acting antivirals. Although there are highly efficacious, pangenotypic regimens available as standard of care, 5–10% of pa...
Reliability and Agreement of Various InBody Body Composition Analyzers as Compared to Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Healthy Men and Women.

Abstract Background : Bioelectrical impedance analysis has evolved over the years to include the use of multiple frequencies and impedance measurements to improve the accuracy and reliability of body composition estimates. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the reliability of the InBody 230 , InBody 720 , and InBody 770 to measure body fat percent (BF%), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) in the general population and to compare results to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Methods : A total of 31 males and 36 females participated in 2 d of testing separated by 24–72 h. Each visit consisted of a DXA scan, and analysis with the InBody 230 , InBody 720 , and InBody 770 . Results : All 3 bioelectrical impedance devices (InBody 230 , InBody 720 , and InBody 770 ) were reliable in men and women as indicated by high intraclass correlation coefficients for BF% (≥0.98), FM (≥0.98), and FFM (≥0.99) and low standard error of measurement for BF% (0.77%–0.99%), FM (0.54–0.87 kg), and FFM (0.58–0.84 kg) and minimum difference for BF% (2.12%–2.73%), FM (1.49–2.39 kg), and FFM (1.60–2.32 kg), respectively. When examining the agreement between the 3 InBody analyzers with DXA, systematic bias (underestimation of BF% and FM and overestimation of FFM) was present for all comparisons ( p Conclusion : The InBody analyzers produce small individual error, which suggest these methods can be used as a surrogate when DXA is not available; however, practitioners should be aware of the systematic bias for all comparisons and proportional bias for FM in women and FFM in men. Furthermore, findings revealed that the research grade models, InBody 720 and InBody 770 , added minimal benefit over the portable InBody 230 when assessing BF%, FM, and FFM.