cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant residue biochemistry regulates soil carbon cycling and carbon sequestration.

Substrate composition is one of the most important factors influencing the decomposition of plant residues in soils. The interaction of organic residue biochemistry with residue decomposition rates, soil aggregation and soil humus composition was determined in a laboratory experiment. Addition of seven diAerent organic residues (2% w/w alfalfa, oat, canola, clover, soybean, corn and prairie grasses) to a Webster soil resulted in a rapid, transient increase in aggregate mean weight diameters (MWD) when incubated for 9 d with residues with low phenolic acid content (alfalfa, canola and clover) and was inversely correlated with soil carbohydrate content Oraˇ0:63). More pronounced improvement in aggregate size was noted upon increased incubation to 84 d with organic residues higher in phenolic acid content (corn, prairie grasses, oat and soybean) and was related to soil phenolic acidOra 0:65U and soil carbohydrate contentOra 0:70). Total plant residue phenolic acid content was related to MWD measured after incubation for 84 d by a quadratic response and plateau functionOra 0:96U and the MWD quadratically increased with an increase in vanillin-vanillic acid concentrations in the plant residuesOra 0:997). Soil organic C after 84 d was related to the MWD Ora 0:82U and the residue’s vanillin-vanillic acid content Ora 0:86), suggesting that C remaining in the soil following decomposition maybe related to the specific phenolic acid content. The results suggest that transient aggregate stability initiated by microbial decomposition of the carbohydrate and amino acid content of the residue, is then strengthened by the interaction with phenolic acids such as vanillin or vanillic acid released by microbial decomposition from residues structural components. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
A comparison of spring- and fall-calving beef herds grazing tall fescue

ABSTRACT Nineteen years of beef cow herd records were obtained from the Research and Education Center at Ames Plantation, near Grand Junction, Tennessee. The cow herds were under the same management, and all cows were strictly culled for reproductive failure, age, and low performance of their calves. The cows primarily grazed tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb.) with the wild-type endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) that is known to cause the symptoms of tall fescue toxicosis. For 19 yr the total number of cows and calves were 478 and 1,534 for the spring-calving herds and 474 and 1,727 for the fall-calving herds, respectively. Phenotypic parameters were days to first calf, calving interval, number of calves born, birth BW, weaning weight (WW), adjusted 205-d WW, ADG from birth to weaning, and weight/day of age. The data were analyzed from a historical standpoint using herd as a fixed effect and years as replicates. Heifers in the spring-calving herd averaged 27 d older (P
Efficient electronic implementation of modified signed-digit trinary carry free adder

An efficient carry-free addition and borrow-free subtraction of modified signed-digit trinary number scheme is presented which may be used for parallel computing application. A digital 2 bit prototype adder was designed and implemented using electrically programmable logic device (EPLD). >
CASPER: a hypermedia departmental information system

In this paper, the authors discuss the design and development of computer assisted studies planning and educational resources (CASPER). CASPER is a hypermedia information system that allows students to find up-to-date information on courses, instructors, announcements, transfer credit, and frequently asked questions. One of the most important features of CASPER is its capability to assist students in planning their course selections for future terms. Because CASPER is an online system, additional human counselors are free to deal personally with students on less routine matters.
Type I Alveolar Epithelial Cells Mount Innate Immune Responses during Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Pneumonia results from bacteria in the alveoli. The alveolar epithelium consists of type II cells, which secrete surfactant and associated proteins, and type I cells, which constitute 95% of the surface area and meet anatomic and structural needs. Other than constitutively expressed surfactant proteins, it is unknown whether alveolar epithelial cells have distinct roles in innate immunity. Because innate immunity gene induction depends on NF-κB RelA (also known as p65) during pneumonia, we generated a murine model of RelA mutated throughout the alveolar epithelium. In response to LPS, only 2 of 84 cytokine transcripts (CCL20 and CXCL5) were blunted in lungs of mutants, suggesting that a very limited subset of immune mediators is selectively elaborated by the alveolar epithelium. Lung CCL20 induction required epithelial RelA regardless of stimulus, whereas lung CXCL5 expression depended on RelA after instillation of LPS but not pneumococcus. RelA knockdown in vitro suggested that CXCL5 induction required RelA in type II cells but not type I cells. Sorted cell populations from mouse lungs revealed that CXCL5 was induced during pneumonia in type I cells, which did not require RelA. TLR2 and STING were also induced in type I cells, with RelA essential for TLR2 but not STING. To our knowledge, these data are the first direct demonstration that type I cells, which constitute the majority of the alveolar surface, mount innate immune responses during bacterial infection. These are also, to our knowledge, the first evidence for entirely RelA-independent pathways of innate immunity gene induction in any cell during pneumonia.
CASE CLUSTERING OF HODGKIN'S DISEASE IN A SMALL RURAL COMMUNITY, WITH ASSOCIATIONS AMONG CASES

Abstract A study of the incidence of Hodgkin's disease in a small rural township in Ohio since 1960 revealed five diagnosed cases, four since 1968—an attack-rate equivalent to 77 per 100,000, as compared with an expected rate of 4·3 per 100,000. Inquiries among patients, friends, and family members pointed to associations between patients similar to the patterns reported by investigators in Albany, N.Y. This is the first such clustering of Hodgkin's disease to be reported—i.e., clearly a space-time cluster with the added feature of an association-between-cases clustering.
Grigorij Perelman, hipoteza Poincar'ego i odrzucony medal Fieldsa

W listopadzie 2002 roku świat matematyczny obiegla wiadomośc, ze rosyjski matematyk Grigorij Perelman zaanonsowal rozwiazanie jednego z najslynniejszych problemow matematycznych – hipotezy Poincar'ego. Kim jest Perelman? Co i w jaki sposob wlaściwie udowodnil? Odpowiedzi na te pytania oraz historie otrzymania i odrzucenia medalu Fieldsa w 2006 roku naszkicujemy w tym artykule.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology and Flow Cytometry of Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma of Breast

To define criteria for cytologic diagnosis of intracystic papillary carcinoma (ICPC), the authors retrospectively reviewed the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytologic specimens of eight cases of histologically proven ICPC of breast. The patients were five black and three white women, 56-87 years of age. The FNA specimen was cyst fluid in four cases (bloody in three, clear in one). All the aspirates showed cellular smears with small and large clusters of cells with papillary and/or cribriform configurations and numerous single epithelial cells. The cells were cuboidal to columnar with minimal atypia. ICPC was suggested by FNA in each case, and all the patients underwent surgical excision or mastectomy. Flow cytometry, performed on fresh FNA specimen in one case and on paraffin-embedded surgical tissue in all eight cases, showed seven tumors to be aneuploid and one to be diploid. The authors contend that ICPCs of breast have distinct cytomorphologic features that can be recognized by FNA. Because ICPC may present in cyst fluid, either bloody or clear, all breast cyst fluids from postmenopausal women should be examined cytologically. Flow cytometric demonstration of an aneuploid population may assist in confirming malignancy in this lesion.
Improved fatty acid analysis of conjugated linoleic acid rich egg yolk triacylglycerols and phospholipid species.

Reports from chicken conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) feeding trials are limited to yolk total fatty acid composition, which consistently described increased saturated fatty acids and decreased monounsaturated fatty acids. However, information on CLA triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipid (PL) species is limited. This study determined the fatty acid composition of total lipids in CLA-rich egg yolk produced with CLA-rich soy oil, relative to control yolks using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), determined TAG and PL fatty acid compositions by thin-layer chromatography–GC-FID (TLC-GC-FID), identified intact PL and TAG species by TLC–matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (TLC-MALDI-MS), and determined the composition of TAG and PL species in CLA and control yolks by direct flow infusion electrospray ionization MS (DFI ESI-MS). In total, 2 lyso-phosphatidyl choline (LPC) species, 1 sphingomyelin species, 17 phosphatidyl choline species, 19 TAG species, and 9 ph...
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN DOOR TO EKG TIME IN THE STEMI POPULATION LEAD TO WORSE CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES

When treating STEMI the paramount concern is timely and effective recognition and judicious medical care since the potential acute consequences are known to be devastating resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The initial step is to determine if the interval of time for the Emergency
Nanofeatures in irradiated materials

Fine-scale characteristics often control the engineering properties of irradiated materials. This article describes the origin of nanoscale features in terms of extreme driving force toward equilibrium established by low temperature and extreme rapid kinetics established by irradiation.
Instructor and Dental Student Perceptions of Clinical Communication Skills via Structured Assessments

The aim of this study was to use structured assessments to assess dental students' clinical communication skills exhibited during patient appointments. Fourth-year dental students (n=55) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham evaluated their own interpersonal skills in a clinical setting utilizing the Four Habits Coding Scheme. An instructor also assessed student-patient clinical communication. These assessments were used to identify perceived strengths and weaknesses in students' clinical communication. Both instructor assessments and student self-assessments pinpointed the following clinical communication skills as effective the most often: patient greeting, avoidance of jargon, and non-verbal behavior. There was also relative agreement between instructor assessments and student self-assessments regarding clinical communication skills that were rated as not effective most frequently: ensuring patient comprehension, identification of patient feelings, and exploration of barriers to treatment. These resulted pointed to strengths and weaknesses in the portion of the curriculum designed to prepare students for effective provider-patient communication. These results may suggest a need for the school's current behavioral science curriculum to better address discussion of potential treatment barriers and patient feelings as well as techniques to ensure patient comprehension.
A kind of integrated navigation and control system design for substation robot based on the Kalman filtering and fuzzy algorithm

This paper aims at examining the substation's industrial environment which has a number of uncertainty factors and strong external disturbance.This paper proposes a novel design method for the integrated navigation and control system which is used in a substation intelligent robot based on the Kalman filtering and fuzzy control theory,for the purpose of fulfilling an autonomous navigation,positioning and behavior control,and finishing the unattended inspection task.In particular,a navigation subsystem based on high-precision laser radar has the functions of positioning,and that of electronic compass(for navigation angle measurement),which effectively overcomes the failure of compass in substation with strong electromagnetic interference.The field test shows that the robot's actual track is close to the assigned track,achieving the independent inspection mission in a strong electromagnetic interference environment.In addition,the design also has the advantages of lower cost,higher precision(sub-meter),and more easy implementation for industrial use.
22 cases of children's Periorbital and Orbital Cellulites

【Objective】 To discuss the difficulty of the diagnosis and treatment of periorbital and orbital cellulites.【Methods】 To treat 22 cases of periorbital and orbital cellulites by full dose and wide-spectrum antibiotics,hormone and management of complications.【Results】 21 cases were cured without obvious sequelae,the symptom disappeared and the vision was increased,but 1 case was lost to follow up.【Conclusions】 CT data have great values in diagnosing periorbital and orbital cellulites,both of which the infection should be controlled as early as impossible to prevent the development from periorbital to orbital cellulites.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Based on Adaptive Ridgelet Neural Network

Artificial neural network is an important tool in the scope of remote sense classification.A new model named adaptive ridgelet neural network was presented based on the theory of multi-scaled geometric analysis.On the bases of conventional ones,a novel adaptive PSO algorithm progressed by a so-called swarm density factor was proposed to train the ridgelet network constructed.To validate the performance of ridgelet network,a hyperspectral image classification task was carried out on the feature-selected hyperspectral data set AVIRIS 92AV3C by means of mutual information band-selection method.Numerical experiments show the novel PSO algorithm outperforms the conventional PSO for ridgelet network training especially in high-dimensional scenarios.Ridgelet neural network,compared with RBF and SVM classifier,is advantageous in accuracy referring to ground materials classification with apparent margin,and under the same circumstances,the network always works with simpler structure and smaller size.
Analysis on epidemic characteristics of scarlet fever in Changping District of Beijing from 2003-2012

[Objective]To understand the epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Changping District of Beijing from 2003-2012,provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control.[Methods]Combined with epidemic data of scarlet fever,etiological surveillance and demographic data,a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted.[Results]A total of 1 764 scarlet fever cases were reported in Changping District during 2003-2012,the average annual incidence rate was 19.80 / lakh,and the difference in annual incidence rate was statistically significant(χ2= 674.02,P 0.01).The incidence rate showed an increasing trend in recent 10 years.The epidemic cycle was about 5 years,and the incidence rate reached the peak in 2011.The peak season occurred in winter,as well as the end of spring and the beginning of summer.92.14% of cases were children aged 3-10 years old.Most of patients were students and children,which accounted for 98.70% of all cases.Male patients were more than female patients.The incidence rates were high in the towns and streets with mass floating population and high population density.The positive rate of Group A beta hemolytic was 5.46%.[Conclusion]Children aged 3-10 years old are the susceptible population of scarlet fever,while nurseries and schools are the key places of scarlet fever prevention.The management of streptococcus infection,tonsillitis cases and angina cases should be strengthened.
Analysis of Operational Status of Old Condenser and Energy Saving Reform

The operational status and problems are expounded on old condensers.The main reasons affecting performance of condensers are analyzed,putting forward the necessary and goal of energy saving reform for condensers.Based on the test date,the reform effect is analyzed.Condenser energy saving reform is essential means of reducing cold end loss,optimizing operational performance of cold end system,improving unit economical characteristic.
THE EPIPHYSEAL CELL: AN ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF ITS INTERCELLULAR RELATIONSHIPS AND INTRACELLULAR MORPHOLOGY IN THE PINEAL BODY OF THE ALBINO RAT.

This chapter presents an electron-microscopic study of the epiphyseal cell and its histological disposition with an emphasis on the morphological evidence of secretion. Detection of histological design in the pineal body is complicated by divergent results of fixation by immersion and perfusion. Cytological preservation is suboptimal, following immersion fixation, and it is indicated by the vesiculation of cytoplasmic membranes, the extraction of lipid droplets, the appearance of nuclear inclusions, and the slight swelling of the cells without conspicuous dilution of their cytoplasm. Such subtle swelling generates an artifactitious histological compactness resembling the texture of a gland or epithelioid body. Fixation of the epiphysis by intravascular perfusion yields the best cytoplasmic preservation, even when accompanied by a variable widening of the clefts between epiphyseal cells and the diminution of amorphous interstitial material, a phenomenon that occurs chiefly in the central portion of the pineal body.
Abnormal Human Hemoglobins. I. Biosynthesis in Vitro of Fe59-Labeled Human Hemoglobin A and Hemoglobin S

The synthesis of Fe59 labeled-hemoglobin during incubation of bone marrow from normal and sickle cell anemia (crisis and non-crisis) patients has been investigated. The in vitro synthesis of hemoglobin S in the steady state (noncrisis) sickle cell anemia individual was found to proceed at a much faster rate than the synthesis of hemoglobin A from normal individuals. In the crisis of sickle cell anemia, the uptake of Fe59 and synthesis of hemogobin S was approximately at the same level as synthesis of hemoglobin A from the normal individual. The results of this study indicate that one of the mechanisms involved in sickle cell anemia crisis is a decrease in synthesis of hemoglobin S as compared to the synthesis of hemoglobin S during the steady state of noncrisis.
Disparities in staging prostate magnetic resonance imaging utilization for nonmetastatic prostate cancer patients undergoing definitive radiation therapy.

Purpose There is growing evidence supporting incorporating multiparametric (mp) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans into risk stratification, active surveillance, and treatment paradigms for prostate cancer. The purpose of our study was to determine whether demographic disparities exist in staging MRI utilization for prostate cancer patients. Methods and materials An institutional database of 705 nonmetastatic prostate cancer patients treated with radiation therapy from 2005 through 2013 was used to identify patients undergoing versus not undergoing pretreatment diagnostic prostate mpMRI. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression evaluated the relationship of clinical and demographic characteristics with MRI utilization. Results All demographic variables assessed, except the other race category, were significantly associated with MRI utilization (all P < .05), including age (odds ratio [OR], 0.92), black race (OR, 0.51), poverty (OR, 0.53), closer distance to radiation facility (OR, 1.79), and nonprivate primary insurance (OR, 0.57) on univariable analysis, while clinical stage T3 (OR, 3.37) was the only clinical characteristic. On multivariable analysis stratified by D'Amico risk group, age remained significant across all risk groups, whereas the black versus white racial (OR, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.55) and nonprivate versus private insurance type (OR, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.86) disparities persisted in the low-risk group. Clinical stage T3 remained associated in the high-risk group. For race specifically, the percentages of whites, blacks, and others undergoing MRI in the overall cohort and by risk group were, respectively: overall, 80% (343/427), 68% (156/231), and 85% (40/47); low risk, 86%, 56%, and 63%; intermediate risk, 79%, 72%, and 95%; and high risk, 72%, 72%, and 100%. Conclusions In this urban, academic center cohort, older patients across all risk groups and black or nonprivate insurance patients in the low risk group were less likely to undergo staging prostate MRI scans. Further research should investigate these differences to ensure equitable utilization across all demographic groups considering the burden of prostate cancer disparities.
Decentering Writing in the Institution

In this chapter, Monty explores the ways power functions and flows across interdisciplinary contact zones consisting of local writing centers, contacted disciplines, and their shared institutions. Writing fellows programs, which pair tutors with content-area instructors, are analyzed for the ways they disrupt hierarchical structures of institutional, capitalist, and cultural power. Issues of physical space and proximity are discussed in order to build theory for more efficacious physical design. Finally, “Decentering Writing in the Institution” disengages from representations of center and periphery to construct triangulated communities of praxis between fellows, instructors, and writing center administrators, as well as between the writing center, its contacted disciplines, and their shared institutions.
Anemia in Chronic Renal Disease

Anemia is one of the most common problems in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD); it is almost universal in children with stage 5 CKD. The development of the first erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA), recombinant human erythropoietin, revolutionized the treatment of anemia in CKD, but anemia management remains challenging. Many management issues remain uncertain, including the ideal target hemoglobin. The development of ESAs with longer half-lives and less frequent dosing requirements offers potential management advantages. The increasing use of intravenous iron has allowed ESA doses to decrease, but raised new questions about appropriate utilization.
Communicating social support online: a new classification dichotomy for exploring coping in interaction concerning infertility

AbstractObjective: This study explores how social support is utilised in the context of an online infertility support group. Background: Social support is often studied to decipher how those with health concerns cope through communication and interaction. Method: Online socially supportive messages (N = 200) were examined using a hybrid approach (i.e. deductive and inductive) to thematic analysis. Results: Analysis developed a dichotomy of social support (i.e. normative and transformative themes). This dichotomy creates a new theoretical framework for evaluating social support with implications for cognitive coping strategy. The normative and emotional themes were the most frequently represented in the studied context demonstrating overall network-level positivity. Messages did not demonstrate tangible support. Conclusion: Expected characteristics of emotional and informational support were demonstrated, but the forum included no tangible support. The support messages also possessed latent characteristics...
Morphology and physiologic responsiveness of cultured rabbit lacrimal acini.

Purpose To assess the morphology and physiologic response of intact rabbit lacrimal acini maintained in culture for as long as 14 days and to compare the characteristics of the cultured acini with untreated fresh lacrimal gland, incubated lacrimal tissue slices, and freshly isolated acini. Methods Acini were obtained by enzymatic digestion of lacrimal glands of adults male New Zealand white rabbits and cultured for as long as 14 days on Matrigel-coated inserts in DMEM-F12. Untreated fresh lacrimal gland, incubated lacrimal tissue slices, freshly isolated acini, and intact cultured acini were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Maintenance of physiologic responsiveness of the cultured acini was assessed by the comparison of the release of protein in response to muscarinic cholinergic, alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic, and peptidergic stimulation of the cultured acini with the secretory response of incubated tissue slices. Results As examined by TEM, the ultrastructure of intact acini cultured for 3 and 7 days was notably similar to fresh tissue and incubated tissue slices. Recovery of the cultured acini from perturbations induced by the digestion procedure resulted in acini that were firmly attached to the filter supports and that exhibited histotypic acinar morphology, including lumenal microvilli, apically situated secretory granules and junctional complexes, lateral desmosomes, and appropriate secretory organelles. Secretory granules and associated organelles also were prominent in 14-day cultures; however, by day 14, as visualized by SEM, the acini had flattened. TEM of acini at this time showed that they had lost much of their acinar organization and cellular polarization. Outgrowths composed of acinar cells could be observed by day 7 by both TEM and SEM, and SEM demonstrated non-acinar cells growing on the filter surface in 14-day cultures. The morphologic and physiologic response of the acinar cells to autonomic agonists was similar in incubated tissue slices and cultured acini. Morphologically, acinar cells in both preparations responded to cholinergic stimulation by releasing secretory granules, resulting in honeycombed regions in the cell. Assay of secreted protein in response to cholinergic, alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic, and peptidergic stimulation indicated that 3-day cultures of acini retain the response to carbachol, phenylephrine, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. However, the response to isoproterenol is diminished when compared with incubated tissue slices. Conclusions Under the conditions described, cultures of intact lacrimal acini from New Zealand white rabbits maintain histotypic morphology and physiologic responsiveness similar to fresh lacrimal gland and incubated tissue slices. Culture of the acini affords a useful alternative for the study of chronic, as well as acute, effects of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones, and cytokines on the structure and function of the gland.
Gene Expression Analysis to Assess the Relevance of Rodent Models to Human Lung Injury

The relevance of animal models to human diseases is an area of intense scientific debate. The degree to which mouse models of lung injury recapitulate human lung injury has never been assessed. Integrating data from both human and animal expression studies allows for increased statistical power and identification of conserved differential gene expression across organisms and conditions. We sought comprehensive integration of gene expression data in experimental acute lung injury (ALI) in rodents compared with humans. We performed two separate gene expression multicohort analyses to determine differential gene expression in experimental animal and human lung injury. We used correlational and pathway analyses combined with external in vitro gene expression data to identify both potential drivers of underlying inflammation and therapeutic drug candidates. We identified 21 animal lung tissue datasets and three human lung injury bronchoalveolar lavage datasets. We show that the metasignatures of animal and hum...
Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Cyclopropanes via Myoglobin-Catalyzed Transfer of Trifluoromethylcarbene.

We report an efficient strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted cyclopropanes by means of myoglobin-catalyzed olefin cyclopropanation reactions in the presence of 2-diazo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (CF3CHN2) as the carbene donor. These transformations were realized using a two-compartment setup in which ex situ generated gaseous CF3CHN2 is processed by engineered myoglobin catalysts expressed in bacterial cells. This approach was successfully applied to afford a variety of trans-1-trifluoromethyl-2-arylcyclopropanes in high yields (61–99%) and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity (97–99.9% de and ee). Furthermore, mirror-image forms of these products could be obtained using myoglobin variants featuring stereodivergent selectivity. These reactions provide a convenient and effective biocatalytic route to the stereoselective synthesis of key fluorinated building blocks of high value for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. This work expands the range of carbene-mediated trans...
Hand Tools: Injuries, Illnesses, Design, and Usage

Abstract Hand tools have been in use for almost a million years. Over the years, hand tools have become indispensable to humans as they are the primary means to extend the capabilities of the hand. In this chapter, the problems associated with the use of hand tools are reviewed. The guidelines for designing hand tools are provided. Effects of tool and worker factors influencing human force/ torque exertion capability with human powered non-impact hand tools are also discussed to assist designers in selecting or designing fastener devices.
Biomarker driven treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer

Treatment modalities of head and neck squamous cell cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibition. Treatment is often toxic and can affect long-term function and quality of life. In this context, identification of biomarker data that can help tailor therapy on an individualized basis and reduce treatment-related toxicity would be highly beneficial. A variety of predictive biomarkers have been discovered and are already utilized in clinical practice, while many more are being explored. We will review p16 overexpression as a surrogate biomarker in HPV-associated head and neck cancer and plasma EBV DNA as a biomarker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the two established biomarkers currently utilized in clinical practice. We will also examine novel predictive biomarkers that are in clinical development and may shape the future landscape of targeted head and neck cancer therapy. These emerging biomarkers include the tyrosine kinases and their signaling pathway, immune checkpoint biomarkers, tumor suppressor abnormalities, and molecular predictors of hypoxia-targeted therapy. We will also look at futuristic biomarkers including detection of circulating DNA from clinical specimens and rapid tumor profiling. We will highlight the ongoing effort that will see a shift from prognostic to predictive biomarker development in head and neck cancer with the goal of delivering individualized cancer therapy. N/A.
Inflation and Growth: The Statistical Evidence (Inflation et croissance: la preuve statistique) (InflaciÃ³n y crecimiento: la comprobaciÃ³n estadÃ­stica)

La plupart des A©tudes statistiques du rapport entre l'inflation et la croissance A©conomique ont en gA©nA©ral A©tA© peu concluantes, en partie parce que le taux d'inflation ne constitue que l'un des facteurs influenA§ant le taux de croissance dans un pays. La prA©sente A©tude renferme une analyse des donnA©es disponibles, stratifiA©es de faA§on A dA©terminer les effets de la richesse sur les taux de croissance. Elle constate que l'A©volution rA©cente n'est pas incompatible avec une hypothA¨se posA©e comme postulat. Selon cette hypothA¨se, la baisse des prix entrave la croissance A©conomique, et la hausse relativement lente des prix--en particulier dans les pays les plus industrialisA©s--peut avoir un effet stimulant; cependant, si le rythme d'inflation dA©passe un certain taux (non spA©cifiA©), la montA©e des prix fait obstacle au dA©veloppement A©conomique, et l'inflation rapide entrave sA©rieusement la croissance. /// La mayorA­a de los anAilisis estadA­sticos sobre la relaciA³n entre la inflaciA³n y el crecimiento han tenido a ser poco concluyentes, en parte debido a que el ritmo de la inflaciA³n es sA³lo uno de los factores que influyen en la tasa del crecimiento de cualquier paA­s. Este estudio examina los datos disponibles, estratificAindolos de modo de acusar los efectos que la riqueza surte sobre el ritmo de progreso. Encuentra que la experiencia reciente no es incompatible con una hipA³tesis que ha sido planteada como postulado. Esta hipA³tesis es que la declinaciA³n de los precios inhibe el crecimiento, en tanto que el aumento de los mismos a un ritmo relativamente lento--especialmente en los paA­ses mAis prA³speros--puede producir un efecto estimulante; sin embargo, si el ritmo de la inflaciA³n pasa de determinada tasa (no especificada), el alza de los precios obstaculiza el desarrollo econA³mico y la inflaciA³n acelerada inhibe seriamente el crecimiento.
Coding Open Responses

When Jon Krosnick and I were principal investigators of the American National Election Studies (ANES), we learned a number of very important lessons about coding open-ended questions and in this chapter I hope to convey those lessons. What I’m going to describe is based on the work and experiences of a lot of different people. I’ll start by outlining some background and describe some challenges in the domain of open-ended coding. I’ll tell you about an example that was our trial by fire in this domain. Then, I’ll talk about some general attributes of the approach that we have tried to develop and are taking at the ANES to make open-ended coding something that’s more legitimate and credible than it has been.
Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Purpose:To report a case of bilateral central retinal vein occlusion in a young female patient with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.Methods:Case report and literature review.Patient:A 33...
Information management in the age of managed competition.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Today’s information requirements differ from those of the past, in terms of both the internal and external reporting needs of health care organizations. Demands for information are currently generated by physicians, quality managers, total quality management (TQM) teams, marketing staff, financial managers, regulators, insurance plans, accreditation agencies, purchasers, coalitions, and other customers. Discussion Health care organizations respond to these demands in different ways, depending on their size and type. Six aspects of information needs that would be relevant under managed competition are analyzed: standardization, linkages among data banks, risk adjustment, comprehensive institution-based indicators and information systems, comprehensive population-based indicators and information systems, and methods for protecting confidentiality of patient records. Recommendations Six recommendations to hospitals/managed care plans that decide to establish information management systems are made: set goals, set priorities, describe current system, identify external data sources, develop (a plan), and check back (reassess).
The Business of Laser Surgery

Regulations are making it more difficult to provide innovative treatments for our patients. Deregulation of the healthcare industry and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would likely save lives and cost much less. The public needs to take some responsibility for their own healthcare. The FDA has the responsibility to release all relevant supporting information after approval of a device. Quackery is rampant within the aesthetic world.
Recognition and Binding of Pathogenic Yeasts by Adhesion Molecules of Human Macrophages

The dimorphic zoopathogenic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc) is distributed worldwide and causes a broad spectrum of disease in man and other mammals. The vast majority of infections are acquired by inhalation of spores or fragments of the mycelial phase that is present in contaminated soil. After lodging within the pulmonary alveoli, spores or mycelial fragments convert to the yeast form of Hc that causes all subseqent disease manifestations. During the initial phase of infection, patches of pneumonitis are observed that contain a predominance of macrophages (MO) within which the Histoplasma yeasts appear to multiply with a generation time estimated to be 9–11 hours.1–4 Thus, during primary infection of the lung, pulmonary MO presumably bind and phagocytose Hc yeasts in the absence of significant opsonizing activity thereby providing a favorable intracellular environment for multiplication of the organisms.
Opioid prescribing practices during implementation of an enhanced recovery program at a tertiary care hospital.

Background Enhanced recovery programs have demonstrated a decrease in opioid use in hospitals where patients have undergone colorectal surgery. This study is to investigate whether similar decreases in opioid prescribing are achieved at discharge and postdischarge. Methods Patients undergoing colorectal surgery November 2014–November 2016 were reviewed. Postdischarge opioid prescribing was quantified in morphine milligram equivalents at time of discharge, 30 days postdischarge, and 60 days postdischarge. Linear regression models were used to examine factors predictive of opioid prescribing. Results A total of 324 patients treated on enhanced recovery program protocol and 451 patients off enhanced recovery program protocol were reviewed. Enhanced recovery program patients had shorter lengths of stay: 6.74 ± 5.3 vs 9.0 ± 7.0 days (mean ± standard deviation; P Conclusion Enhanced recovery program patients received more opioid prescribing (morphine milligram equivalent) at discharge and within the first 30 days postdischarge. Alternative confounding variables require further investigation.
Sorption of ammonium and nitrate to biochars is electrostatic and pH-dependent

Biochars are potentially effective sorbents for NH4+ and NO3− in water treatment and soil applications. Here we compare NH4+ and NO3− sorption rates to acid-washed biochars produced from red oak (Quercus rubra) and corn stover (Zea mays) at three pyrolysis temperatures (400, 500 and 600 °C) and a range of solution pHs (3.5–7.5). Additionally, we examined sorption mechanisms by quantification of NH4+ and NO3− sorption, as well as Ca2+ and Cl− displacement for corn stover biochars. Solution pH curves showed that NH4+ sorption was maximized (0.7–0.8 mg N g−1) with low pyrolysis temperature (400 °C) biochar at near neutral pH (7.0–7.5), whereas NO3− sorption was maximized (1.4–1.5 mg N g−1) with high pyrolysis temperatures (600 °C) and low pH (3.5–4). The Langmuir (r2 = 0.90–1.00) and Freundlich (r2 = 0.81–0.97) models were good predictors for both NH4+ (pH 7) and NO3− (pH 3.7) sorption isotherms. Lastly, NH4+ and NO3− displaced Ca2+ and Cl−, respectively, from previously CaCl2-saturated corn stover biochars. Results from the pH curves, Langmuir isotherms, and cation displacement curves all support the predominance of ion exchange mechanisms. Our results demonstrate the importance of solution pH and chemical composition in influencing NH4+ and NO3− sorption capacities of biochar.
Proximity and the principle-policy gap in white racial attitudes: Insight from views of student assignment policies in Wake County, North Carolina.

Abstract We use a survey of residents of Wake County, North Carolina to test a proximity explanation for what scholars call the “principle-policy gap” in whites' views of government action on race. The derived hypothesis is confirmed when underlying broad views of race are represented by ideology. We show that whereas liberals are materially more supportive of racial diversity in student bodies than are moderates and conservatives, this difference is reduced to statistical insignificance as respondents’ personal situations are more directly affected by the policy—a condition denoted by having a child of school age. Liberals with school-aged children are particularly wary of racial integration when they are asked to support the diversification of classrooms as opposed to schools. Having a school-aged child has no material conditioning effect on views of diversity when attitudes are represented by a more explicit measure of racial views.
Revisiting the U.S. Navy Submarine Service Psychological Casualty Rate in World War II

Conclusions concerning how many World War II U.S. Navy submariners should be classified as psychiatric casualties have long been based on a pioneering study by two navy physicians, Commander Ivan D...
Diagnostic value of biopsy sampling in predicting histology in patients with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma

BACKGROUND The classification of diffuse malignant mesothelioma into epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid types is based on histologic patterns. The diagnosis is made on biopsies, and because of intratumoral heterogeneity, they may not be representative of the entire tumor. The number and volume of biopsies needed to reach diagnostic accuracy in diffuse malignant mesothelioma and their prognostic value remain unclear. METHODS This study examined 759 consecutive patients with pleural diffuse malignant mesothelioma treated by pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy for the presence of epithelioid and/or sarcomatoid histology and classified both the presurgery biopsies (core-needle or thoracoscopic) and surgical resection specimens. The number and volume of biopsies were correlated with pre- and postsurgery histologies and overall survival. RESULTS Diffuse malignant mesothelioma was classified as epithelioid (76%), biphasic (18%), sarcomatoid (5%), or indeterminate (1%) in biopsies and as epithelioid (64%), biphasic (32%), and sarcomatoid (4%) in surgical resection specimens (overall concordance, 80.6%). The positive likelihood ratios were 2.4, 13.6, and 90.1 for biopsies with epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid histologies, respectively. Concordant histologies between biopsies and resections were associated with a higher number of biopsies (median tissue blocks for concordant histologies vs discordant histologies, 3 vs 2; P < .002) but were less associated with a higher volume (median, 1.2 vs 1.1 cm3 ; P = .06). In a multivariate analysis, overall survival was independently predicted by histology in the resection specimen (P < .0001) but not in the biopsy (P = .09). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to epithelioid histology, sarcomatoid histology in biopsies is highly accurate. Despite intratumoral heterogeneity, the accuracy of histologic classification increases with the number of tissue blocks examined, emphasizing the diagnostic value of extensive sampling by presurgery biopsies.
Más allá del horror: ética cotidiana y feminismo en el postconflicto chocoano

Survival in Choco's postconflict period is an everyday experience grounded in intentionality and collaboration. This article explores the process of narrating and researching survival as examples of ethical practices. It traces and analyzes Mujeres Pacificas, a digital storytelling project created in collaboration with the members of the Gender Commission of a farmworker’s organization, COCOMACIA (Consejo Comunitario Mayor de la Asociacion Campesina Integral del Atrato, the Main Community Council of the Integral Peasant Association of the Atrato River). Framing survival as everyday ethics, Mujeres Pacificas also values the potential of ethics and digital storytelling as methodological practices. Centering what exists beyond horror does not mean to deny the continuities of multiples forms of violence against black women's lives in a postconflict context that has yet to materialize. It is recognizing practices and ways of knowing that imagine, in every day ways, other forms of being and coexisting in spaces marked by violence.
Graph Analytics and Optimization Methods for Insights from the Uber Movement Data

In this work, we leverage the Uber movement dataset for the Los Angeles (LA) area where partial TAZ to TAZ (Traffic Analysis Zone) trip time data is available, to predict travel time patterns on the full TAZ to TAZ network. We first create a TAZ-TAZ network based on nearest neighbors and propose a model that allows us to complete the (O - D) (Origin-Destination) travel time matrix, using optimization methods such as non-negative least squares. We apply these algorithms to several communities in the TAZ-TAZ network and present insights in the form of completed (O - D) matrices and associated temporal trends. We qualify the error performance and scalability of our flows. We conclude by pointing out the directions in our ongoing work to improve the quality and scale of travel time estimation.
A QCQP and SDP Formulation of the Optimal Power Flow Including Renewable Energy Resources

The optimal power flow (OPF) problem is a relevant subject for the secure and economic power systems operation. For instance, OPF can be used to reduce the power system technical losses. A reduction in 0.1% in the losses accounts for near 50 billion USD in cost savings. Likewise, OPF can be used along with power production forecast tools, for renewable energy sources, to evaluate their impact in the grid security operation planning. In an OPF problem, an objective function related with demand supply generation cost, power line losses, or violation limits is optimized subject to several system security constraints. These constraints are related with branch power flow limits, voltages limits, power injection limits, among others. The exact model of the objective function and constraints of the OPF problem is neither linear nor convex. In this paper it is presented the OPF problem in a Quadratically Constrained Quadratic Program (QCQP) approach. Objective function is based on a quadratic function of the bus voltages and constraints are formulated as Quadratic forms. A two-bus system is used to demonstrates the non-convexity of the OPF problem. Also, it is presented the Rank- 1 convex relaxation of the OPF problem which relaxes the QCQP model into a positive Semidefinite Programming (SDP) model. Once the OPF problem is relaxed into a SDP convex form, a global optimal solution can be obtained. An application example for the OPF problem is presented for the IEEE 14 system. The QCQP and the SDP results are compared and discussed.
Caveat mutator: alanine substitutions for conserved amino acids in RNA ligase elicit unexpected rearrangements of the active site for lysine adenylylation

Naegleria gruberi RNA ligase (NgrRnl) exemplifies the Rnl5 family of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent polynucleotide ligases that seal 3'-OH RNA strands in the context of 3'-OH/5'-PO4 nicked duplexes. Like all classic ligases, NgrRnl forms a covalent lysyl-AMP intermediate. A two-metal mechanism of lysine adenylylation was established via a crystal structure of the NgrRnl•ATP•(Mn2+)2 Michaelis complex. Here we conducted an alanine scan of active site constituents that engage the ATP phosphates and the metal cofactors. We then determined crystal structures of ligase-defective NgrRnl-Ala mutants in complexes with ATP/Mn2+. The unexpected findings were that mutations K170A, E227A, K326A and R149A (none of which impacted overall enzyme structure) triggered adverse secondary changes in the active site entailing dislocations of the ATP phosphates, altered contacts to ATP, and variations in the numbers and positions of the metal ions that perverted the active sites into off-pathway states incompatible with lysine adenylylation. Each alanine mutation elicited a distinctive off-pathway distortion of the ligase active site. Our results illuminate a surprising plasticity of the ligase active site in its interactions with ATP and metals. More broadly, they underscore a valuable caveat when interpreting mutational data in the course of enzyme structure-function studies.
Gendered Patterns in Depression and Anxiety among African Immigrants in the United States.

This study sought to examine gendered variations in determinants of depression and anxiety symptoms among African immigrants in the United States. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of f...