cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Side-chain functionalized polymers containing bipyridine coordination sites: Polymerization and metal-coordination studies

Monomers containing (trisbipyridine) ruthenium(II), (bisbipyridine) palladium(II), and heteroleptic ruthenium complexes were synthesized and polymerized via ruthenium-catalyzed ring-opening metathesis polymerization in nonpolar solvents. The solubility of the resulting polyelectrolytes in nonpolar solutions could be tuned by alkyl functionalization of the ligands around the metal centers. These polymers are the first polynorbornenes containing a 2,2′-bipyridine-based metal complex at each repeating unit and might be used in numerous applications, including luminescent and electroluminescent materials. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2973–2984, 2004
Bilateral discoid lateral menisci and unilateral discoid medial menisci

Discoid lateral meniscus is a well-studied and documented entity of the knee whereas discoid medial meniscus is an extremely rare pathology. There are no more than 25 cases of medial discoid menisci reported in the literature. Some articles report bilateral lateral menisci as well as bilateral medial menisci, but there are no publications about medial and lateral discoid menisci in the same knee with lateral discoid meniscus in the contralateral side. This is a report of a case of bilateral discoid lateral menisci and unilateral discoid medial meniscus. Both arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging views are presented.
Detecting Health Fraud In the Field of Learning Disabilities

Quackery is currently a widespread problem that pervades all aspects of healthcare, including the treatment of learning disorders. A discussion of the nature of modern health fraud in special education is presented. The psychopathology of health fraud, the standards by which pseudoscience and health quackery are defined, and the complexities of learning disorders are discussed. A Therapy Rating Scale to determine if an alternative therapy is reasonable is presented. Several popular therapies are used as examples.
LARVAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLEMENTAL MALES IN CHELONIBIA TESTUDINARIA, A BARNACLE COMMENSAL WITH SEA TURTLES

Abstract That some barnacles are obligate commensals of sea turtles has long been known; however, little attention has focused on understanding the details of this association. In particular, early life-history traits of turtle barnacles, which may be key to establishing the association, have not been well studied. Here we present the first complete description of larval development in a turtle barnacle. Embryos were collected from Chelonibia testudinaria, a cosmopolitan and conspicuous species, and reared through metamorphosis in the laboratory. We followed sequential molting and described each stage using light microscopy. Development proceeded over nine days at 25°C and the characteristic cirriped pattern of six naupliar stages followed by a cyprid larva was observed. Implications for the association of barnacles with sea turtles are discussed relative to spatio-temporal aspects of cyprid attachment and the life history of sea turtles. Barnacle reproduction typically involves cross-fertilization betwee...
Crystal structures of the soluble methane monooxygenase hydroxylase from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) demonstrating geometrical variability at the dinuclear iron active site.

The oxidation of methane to methanol is performed at carboxylate-bridged dinuclear iron centers in the soluble methane monooxygenase hydroxylase (MMOH). Previous structural studies of MMOH, and the related R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, have demonstrated the occurrence of carboxylate shifts involving glutamate residues that ligate the catalytic iron atoms. These shifts are thought to have important mechanistic implications. Recent kinetic and theoretical studies have also emphasized the importance of hydrogen bonding and pH effects at the active site. We report here crystal structures of MMOH from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) in the diiron(II), diiron(III), and mixed-valent Fe(II)Fe(III) oxidation states, and at pH values of 6.2, 7.0, and 8.5. These structures were investigated in an effort to delineate the range of possible motions at the MMOH active site and to identify hydrogen-bonding interactions that may be important in understanding catalysis by the enzyme. Our results present the first...
INTEGRATION OF RESEARCH AND THEORY IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF JOHN GOLDTHORPE

T HIS REMARKABLE COLLECTION of (mostly reprinted) essays is first and foremost a defense of the statistically-based research program that has motivated Professor Goldthorpe's work through a distinguished career. In defending the statistical methodology that has become a standard in his corner of sociology, he also sets sharp limits to what can be contributed through qualitative methods. He then offers a challenge for future statistical analysts to address more directly that program's theoretical foundations. The dozen essays range widely in questions of methods and substance — in this review I provide no general summary but rather highlight a dual plea he makes to his profession: to marry macro statistical work to micro theory; and to press colleagues who engage in case study, historical, and ethnographic work to think more rigorously about what inferences can be correctly drawn from their low-n studies.
High ethane dehydrogenation activity of [GaH]2+Al pair sites in Ga/H-[Al]ZSM-5: A DFT thermochemical analysis of the catalytic sites under reaction conditions

Abstract Through a full thermochemical analysis at reaction conditions, we studied ethane dehydrogenation activity of extra-framework [GaH] 2+ species in Ga/H-[Al]ZSM-5 at the 6–31g(d,p)/B3LYP level. We provide a theoretical evidence to support the proposition of [GaH] + near-pair framework–Al sites as being the active catalytic sites for ethane dehydrogenation. Dehydrogenation activity is governed by the reducibility of [GaH] 2+ Z 2− d site in the presence of H 2 , which is largely dependent on a zeolite ring structure consisting of two framework Al atoms. The optimum sites are defined by the intersection of linear Bronsted–Evans–Polanyi relations between the activation energy of the structure sensitive steps and enthalpy of reduction for the catalytic site. A comparison of the carbenium and alkyl activation mechanism indicates that the activity of the alkyl activation mechanism will be limited by the removal of highly activated ( Δ E act ∼ 55 – 60 kcal / mol ) ethene from [HGaC 2 H 5 ] + species. Our thermochemical analysis also indicates that at higher temperatures, the pair Al sites with larger Al Al distances become more prevalent, increasing the number of optimum catalytic sites. This work suggests a potential optimal Si/Al ratio for a given Ga loading.
ERK Signaling Is Essential for Macrophage Development

Macrophages depend on colony stimulating factor 1 (also known as M-CSF) for their growth and differentiation, but the requirements for intracellular signals that lead to macrophage differentiation and function remain unclear. M-CSF is known to activate ERK1 and ERK2, but the importance of this signaling pathway in macrophage development is unknown. In these studies, we characterized a novel model of Erk1(-/-) Erk2(flox/flox) Lyz2(Cre/Cre) mice in which the ERK2 isoform is deleted from macrophages in the background of global ERK1 deficiency. Cultures of M-CSF-stimulated bone marrow precursors from these mice yielded reduced numbers of macrophages. Whereas macrophages developing from M-CSF-stimulated bone marrow of Erk2(flox/flox) Lyz2(Cre/Cre) mice showed essentially complete loss of ERK2 expression, the reduced number of macrophages that develop from Erk1(-/-) Erk2(flox/flox) Lyz2(Cre/Cre) bone marrow show retention of ERK2 expression, indicating selective outgrowth of a small proportion of precursors in which Cre-mediated deletion failed to occur. The bone marrow of Erk1(-/-) Erk2(flox/flox) Lyz2(Cre/Cre) mice was enriched for CD11b+ myeloid cells, CD11b(hi) Gr-1(hi) neutrophils, Lin- c-Kit+ Sca-1+ hematopoietic stem cells, and Lin- c-Kit+ CD34+ CD16/32+ granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. Culture of bone marrow Lin- cells under myeloid-stimulating conditions yielded reduced numbers of monocytes. Collectively, these data indicate that the defect in production of macrophages is not due to a reduced number of progenitors, but rather due to reduced ability of progenitors to proliferate and produce macrophages in response to M-CSF-triggered ERK signaling. Macrophages from Erk1(-/-) Erk2(flox/flox) Lyz2(Cre/Cre) bone marrow showed reduced induction of M-CSF-regulated genes that depend on the ERK pathway for their expression. These data demonstrate that ERK1/ERK2 play a critical role in driving M-CSF-dependent proliferation of bone marrow progenitors for production of macrophages.
Language, Learning, and Education for All in Africa1

The conception of “education” that is embodied in this comment has dominated the general view concerning the proper construal of “education.” In brief, it is a program of knowledge acquisition that centrally involves literacy and acquaintance with the subject matter of various disciplines, codified in written form. In the case of the Greek tradition of the period of Plato’s early life this could be the “poetics.” The term however, just like that of philosophy, had a wider meaning than might be suggested by its modern day usage. The role that literacy has played as the crucial aspect of education has, unwittingly, contributed to negative evaluation of African indigenous knowledge systems, to say nothing of the use of African languages as mediums of instruction.
Causes and consequences of variation in female mate search investment in a lekking bird

Why do females faced with the same array of potential mates often select different males? Variation in choosiness, defined as investment in mate search, is an important potential source of variation in mating decisions. Experimental work suggests such variation is driven by the costs of searching, but data from natural populations are scarce and few studies have addressed explicitly the counteracting benefits expected from search investment. We tracked male visitation behavior of free-ranging females on a lek of lance-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) using automated telemetry at dispersed male display sites. We assessed relationships of female age, experience, body condition, and parasite load with variation in choosiness, quantified as males visited, number of visits, and visit duration. Young females visited more males and made more total visits before choosing a mate, whereas older females conducted longer visits for first nests of the year. Renesting females searched less, but the few monitored females mating faithfully between years nevertheless sampled several males. We found little support for effects of condition on choosiness. Results suggest females sample more widely when they lack information about the distribution of available mates. Though previous work in the study population has shown both female preference for and offspring fitness benefits from heterozygous sires, genetic tests of paternity revealed choosier females did not choose more heterozygous mates. Females’ investment in mate search varied in relation to their own age and withinyear experience, but mate search investment did not independently determine variation in choice among individuals.
Classification of raphe neurons with cardiac-related activity

The cardiac-related component of sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) results from entrainment of a rhythm of brain stem origin by the baroreceptor reflexes [Gebber, Am. J. Physiol. 239 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 8): H143-H155, 1980]. As a consequence, changes in heart rate are accompanied by shifts in the phase relations between SND and the arterial pulse wave. This observation presented us with the opportunity of distinguishing brain stem neurons whose discharges are locked to SND from other neuronal types that exhibit cardiac-related activity. Raphe neurons in the cat medulla with cardiac-related activity were identified using post-R wave interval analysis. The discharges of one group of these neurons remained locked to inferior cardiac SND during changes in ventricular rate which shifted the phase relations between SND and the arterial pulse wave. Most importantly, the lag between unit spike occurrence and the peak of the cardiac-related component of SND was unchanged during ventricular pacing (as demonstrated with cross-correlation analysis). It is suggested that these neurons were contained in brain stem networks which control SND. The discharges of two additional types of raphe neurons remained locked to the arterial pulse wave during ventricular pacing. Neurons of the first type exhibited an increase in discharge probability in late diastole and early systole. Neurons of the second type exhibited a period of reduced activity time-locked to systole.
Philodendron fibraecataphyllum (Araceae), a new species from the lowlands in Western Colombia and Ecuador

We describe a new species of Philodendron subgenus Philodendron from the lowlands of the Pacific Coast of Colombia and Ecuador. The new species is compared with P. acuminatissimum and P. balaoanum , two similar species from western Ecuador.
Effects of viscoelasticity on seismic wave propagation in fault zones, near-surface sediments, and inclusions

By defining anelastic effects through the superposition of relaxation mechanisms, and incorporating them into the wave equation in terms of memory variables, the time-domain computation of responses of viscoelastic media with arbitrary spatial variations is feasible. This approach is applied to simulation of the effects of realistic distribution of compressional and shear wave quality factors ( Qp and Qs ) in a sequence of viscoelastic models of increasing complexity from a homogeneous medium, to a fault zone, a near-surface attenuating zone, and inclusions with anomalous Qp and Qs values. Comparisons of elastic and viscoelastic responses for both surface and borehole recordings show pronounced Q -dependent attenuation; analysis of data from viscoelastic media using elastic, rather than a viscoelastic, model may result in misleading or erroneous interpretations.
Agricultural Curriculum Philosophy at Cornell University

business training. He needs, however, more productionrelated courses than does the student preparing for an off-farm agricultural business. The latter needs more emphasis on economics and business, and the student preparing for agricultural research and education must emphasize the fundamental sciences. The faculty of the School of Agriculture at V.P.I. concluded, after months of study, that its curricula needed revision and adjustment. It approved measures that accomplished the following things: (i) strengthened the basic sciences, including mathematics; (ii) increased the emphasis on fundamentals and reduced the courses concerned with application to the minimum consistent with career plans; (iii) broadened the scope of the curricula by including more social sciences and humanities; (iv) established minimum requirements for all students; and (v) provided more freedom to students in selection of courses. These adjustments were accomplished by increasing the requirements in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and geology; by adding requirements in languages, history, government, economics and business, philosophy, and sociology; and by providing more electives. Further adjustments were made by reorganizing the courses into three curricula: Agricultural Science, which emphasizes science and its application to agriculture; Agricultural Technology, which stresses applied science and technology related to production; and Agricultural Business, which emphasizes business and agriculture. V.P.I. has one additional curriculum, Forest Management, in its School of Agriculture. This curriculum has the same minimum requirements, emphasis on fundamentals, and breadth as the other three. The new curricula and the revised courses at V.P.I. and other colleges are more than a reshuffling of the old academic cards. They are designed to serve the industry of agriculture specifically and the public in general. They provide educational opportunities for students interested in careers in any of the sectors of the industry. They also provide the intellectual background on which students can build satisfying lives as citizens of a free country. Many references were of special value in the preparation of this paper. I wish to mention several of these: (i) Report of the Dean's Committee on Agricultural Curricula, V.P.I. School of Agriculture, December 1959; (ii) Curriculum Development, a report from a work conference for Schools of Agriculture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, July 18-21, 1960; (iii) Planning for the Future in the School of Agriculture, a report from a Symposium, North Carolina State College, December 10-11, 1957; (iv) The Challenge of the Land-Grant Centennial, a talk presented to the American Society of Agronomy, November 1961, by Dean H. E. Myers of University of Arizona; (v) The Spirit of the Land-Grant Institution, a New Printing of Four Essays by Distinguished Educators, 1931, by the University of Arizona in 1961; and (vi) National Study on Agribusiness Education, Symposium Proceedings, Michigan State University, March 15-17, 1961. A. W. Gibson
Real-Time Contingency Analysis With Transmission Switching on Real Power System Data

Transmission switching (TS) has shown to be an effective power flow control tool. TS can reduce the system cost, improve system reliability, and enhance the management of intermittent renewable resources. This letter addresses the state-of-the-art problem of TS by developing an AC-based real-time contingency analysis (RTCA) package with TS. The package is tested on real power system data, taken from energy management systems of PJM, TVA, and ERCOT. The results show that post-contingency corrective switching is a ready to be implemented transformational technology that provides substantial reliability gains. The computational time and the performance of the developed RTCA package, reported in this letter, are promising.
Research on Grid Task Scheduling Based on Multi-Agent

With the development of Grid technology, agent technology has been utilized in the implementation of Grids. The distributed autonomous infrastructure of multi-agent can achieve better real-time response than the cen- tralized non-autonomous ones, and it is very suitable to dynamic scheduling. Because Globus has provided most of the functions of a Grid operating system, our system is based on Globus. This system not only makes full use of and inte- grates with the functions of Globus, but also utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning methods and adopts the strategies of QoS, to achieve efficient scheduling of Grid tasks with certain levels of QoS assurance. JATLite is used to build the system. This system provides a platform with which a dynamic task scheduling system satisfying the application requirements can be created quickly and efficiently.
Cost-effectiveness analysis on diabetes screening among outpatients in rural community

Objective To analyze cost-effectiveness of diabetes screening among outpatients in rural community and to provide evidence for policy making on community-based integrated diabetes screening strategy in rural areas.Methods Totally 1 639 outpatients over 35 years old were investigated and screened in a rural community health service institute.Total costs,cost-effectiveness ratios and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated to compare different strategies.ResultsTotal direct costs of diabetes screening among outpatients over 35 years old were 7 140.00 RMB yuan(2 472.5RMB yuan for center and 4667.5RMB yuan for stations).Overall detection rate of diabetes was1.2%(2.2%for center and 0.7% for stations),and cost-effectiveness ratio was 375.79 RMB yuan(291.72 RMB yuan for center and 666.79 RMB yuan for stations).Along with the cutoff value of screening age increased,total costs,cost-effectiveness ratios and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio decreased.Conclusions Diabetes screening among outpatients was cost-effective and feasible in rural community,and the cutoff value of 45 years old was a priority.
Advances in tumor imaging.

Even advanced imaging modalities are generally not sensitive enough to detect early tumors—with the notable exception of mammography for breast cancer screening. For the most part, imaging studies ...
Role of Systemic Therapy

Management of resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (BRPC) represents a significant challenge. Unfortunately, in most patients, PDAC is a systemic disease at presentation. Even in the presence of excellent perioperative supportive care and low mortality in high-volume centers, approximately 80 % of patients who undergo resection will develop metastases and die of their disease within 5 years [1, 2]. This is because most patients likely have micrometastatic disease at the time of attempted curative resection [3].
SU-F-T-98: Knowledge Modeling for The Outcome of Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: To create a model that will better predict the survival time for patients that were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases using a support vector machine regression model. Methods: This study utilized data from 481 patients, which were equally divided into training and validation datasets randomly. The predictor variables for the SVM model consisted of the actual survival time of the patient, the number of brain metastases, the GPA and KPS scores, prescription dose, and the size of the largest PTV. The resulting survival time predictions were analyzed against the actual survival times by single parameter classification and two-parameter classification. The predicted mean survival times within each classification are compared with the actual values to obtain the confidence interval associated with the model's predictions. Results: The number of metastases and KPS scores, were consistently shown to be the strongest predictors after single parameter classification, and were thus chosen for as first classifiers for the two-parameter classification. When the survival times were analyzed with the number of metastases as the first classifier, the best correlation was obtained for patients with 3 metastases, while patients with 4 or 5 metastases had significantly worse results. When the KPS score was used as the first classifier, patients with a KPS score of 60 and 70 had similar strong correlation results. Conclusion: The number of metastases and the KPS score both showed to be good predictors of patient survival time. The model was less accurate for patients with more metastases and certain KPS score ranges due to the lack of training data.
Truth and falsehood in Judith: A Greimassian contribution

Narratives are never meant to be neutral in their rhetorical intent. They have power not onlyto reveal realities and prevail worldviews but also to create new realities and new worldviewsby refuting illusions and falsehood, and affirming the truth. The Judith narrative is a goodexample for the exploration of this claim. This article contributes by employing the thematiclevel of analysis, the veridictory square in particular, of the Greimassian approach to narratives,to map out the possible illusions and affirming the truth within the second temple Judaism.The study of the veridictory square as informed by the level of analysis, mentioned above,seems to persuade the reader by first, extracting the truth from illusion and thereafter exposingand shaming falsehood in Judith. Subsequently, the article asserts that Judith is not neutral in itsintent but was designed to deal with illusive ideas that might have been impacting the wellbeingof the second temple Judaism.
Effects of Leukoreduction and Storage on Erythrocyte Phosphatidylserine Expression and Eicosanoid Concentrations in Units of Canine Packed Red Blood Cells.

Background Storage of canine packed red blood cells (pRBCs) can increase erythrocyte phosphatidylserine (PS) expression and eicosanoid concentrations. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine the effects of leukoreduction on erythrocyte PS expression and eicosanoid concentrations in stored units of canine pRBCs. Our hypothesis was that leukoreduction would decrease PS expression and eicosanoid concentrations. Animals Eight healthy dogs. Methods In a cross-over study, units of whole blood were leukoreduced (LR) or non-LR and stored (10 and 21 days) as pRBCs. Samples were collected at donation, and before and after a simulated transfusion. PS expression was measured by flow cytometry, and concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results There was no change in PS expression during leukoreduction, storage, and simulated transfusion for non-LR and LR units. Immediately after leukoreduction, there was a significant increase in TXB2 and PGF2α concentrations, but during storage, these eicosanoids decreased to non-LR concentrations. In both LR and non-LR units, 6-keto-PGF1α concentrations increased during storage and simulated transfusion, but there was no difference between unit type. There was no difference in AA, LTB4, PGE2, and PGD2 concentrations between unit types. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Leukoreduction, storage, and simulated transfusion do not alter erythrocyte PS expression. Leukoreduction causes an immediate increase in concentrations of TXB2 and PGF2α, but concentrations decrease to non-LR concentrations with storage. Leukoreduction does not decrease the accumulation of 6-keto-PGF1α during storage.
Associations of DNA Repair Gene Polymorphisms in XRCC1 and ERCC2 with Clinical Outcome in ECOG Trial E9486.

Although multiple myeloma is clinically defined as the accumulation of clonal, malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, the disease shows significant heterogeneity with regard to morphology, progression and therapeutic response. Our hypothesis is that this heterogeneity likely is due, in part, to germline genetic polymorphisms that contribute significantly to an individual’s disease course and response. In particular, individuals deficient in the repair of DNA damage are not only at high risk for developing cancer, but also could show DNA repair dependent responses associated with DNA damaging therapeutic agents. In this study we examined the association of functional genetic polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes, XRCC1 (SNP positions 280, 399) and ERCC2 (SNP positions 312, 751), with toxicities and clinical outcomes in the ECOG, 3 arm chemotherapeutic trial, E9486 [A-VBMCP, B-VBMCP+Cylophosphamide, C- VBMCP+interferon]. DNA from 359 patients was genotyped and examined for association with response, toxicities, blood counts, bone pathology, and survival parameters. Notably, in the interferon arm of the trial significant associations were observed in progression free survival and polymorphisms of XRCC399 (AA median survival 51 months versus AG/GG median survival of 33 months; p=,008), ERCC751 (AA/AC median survival 33 months versus CC median survival of 48 months; p=.05), and ERCC312 (AA median survival 49 months versus AG/GG median survival of 34 months; p=.02). Hazard ratios ranged form 1.7 to 2.05 for survival differences associated with DNA repair genes in this arm. Interestingly, T cell counts are known to be impacted by interferon; and DNA repair polymorphisms in this arm were also associated with CD8+ T cell counts. While this represents a single arm of one clinical trial, it is intriguing to consider the impact of genetic polymorphisms on DNA repair in light of chemotherapeutic agents that may affect cells of the immune system. Previous studies from the ECOG Myeloma Committee of the E9486 trial show highly significant associations of survival and immune status in myeloma patients. Our results suggest genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may influence clinical outcome in certain therapeutic regimens. Genetic polymorphisms in these DNA repair genes are currently being completed in 800 patients of the SW9321 SWOG/ECOG intergroup trial and additional association studies will be included in the presentation.
Abstract 2501: Assessing metabolic activity of patient-derived models of non-small cell lung cancer using stable isotope resolved metabolomics (SIRM)

Stable Isotope-Resolved Metabolomics (SIRM) has been a useful tool in interrogating metabolic reprogramming in cancer. We have recently published several protocols using SIRM in patient-derived models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)1. In this case study, we compared central metabolic activity in three different model systems, all derived from the same patient. Slices from the human tumor (Warburg slices 2,3), slices from an NSG mouse bearing the human tumor 4, and the patient-derived cell culture were incubated in [U-13C]-glucose or [U-13C,15N]-glutamine for 24 hours. Samples were then harvested and analyzed by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry and NMR. All three models displayed similar levels of fractional enrichment after 24 hours, making metabolic comparison possible, despite their very different 3D architectures. Glucose metabolism in particular, showed consistent labeling patterns of metabolites in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Glutamine metabolism, however, was distinct in the cell culture, with a pattern that indicated upregulation of anaplerotic glutaminolysis. Activation of glutaminolysis may be an important transformative step in the establishment of a viable cell culture. We are also in the process of validating the present finding by comparing multiple patient-derived models of NSCLC and tracking the evolution of their metabolic activity. 1 Lane, A. N., Higashi, R. M. & Fan, T. W.-M. Preclinical models for interrogating drug action in human cancers using Stable Isotope Resolved Metabolomics (SIRM) Metabolomics 12, 1-15 (2016). 2 Fan, T. W.-M. et al. Distinctly perturbed metabolic networks underlie differential tumor tissue damages induced by immune modulator β-glucan in a two-case ex vivo non-small cell lung cancer study. CSH Molec. Case Studies J. 2, a00083, (2016). 3 Fan, T. W.-M., Lane, A. N. & Higashi, R. M. Stable Isotope Resolved Metabolomics Studies in ex vivo Tissue Slices. Bio-protocol 6, e1730 (2016). 4 Lane, A. N., Yan, J. & Fan, T. W.-M. 13C Tracer Studies of Metabolism in Mouse Tumor Xenografts. Bio-protocol 5, e1650 (2015). Citation Format: Connor J. Kinslow, Jinlian Tan, Yihua Cai, Jun Yan, Richard M. Higashi, Andrew N. Lane, Teresa W. Fan. Assessing metabolic activity of patient-derived models of non-small cell lung cancer using stable isotope resolved metabolomics (SIRM) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2501. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2501
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Summary of the 2016 Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality Evidence Review

We summarize the 2016 update of the 2004 Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality′s evidence review of omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The overall findings for the effects of marine oil supplements on intermediate CVD outcomes remain largely unchanged. There is high strength of evidence, based on numerous trials, of no significant effects of marine oils on systolic or diastolic blood pressures, but there are small, yet statistically significant increases in high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. The clinical significance of these small changes, particularly in combination, is unclear. The strongest effect of marine oils is on triglyceride concentrations. Across studies, this effect was dose-dependent and related to studies′ mean baseline triglyceride concentration. In observational studies, there is low strength of evidence that increased marine oil intake lowers ischemic stroke risk. Among randomized controlled trials and observational studies, there is evidence of variable strength of no association with increased marine oil intake and lower CVD event risk. Evidence regarding alpha-linolenic acid intake is sparser. There is moderate strength of evidence of no effect on blood pressure or lipoprotein concentrations and low strength of evidence of no association with coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
The Neolithic Revolution, Animal Domestication, and Early Forms of Animal Agriculture

Two events in human history have been accompanied by large increases in economic development as reflected by per capita income and population growth. These are the Neolithic Revolution (i.e., the transition from hunter–gatherer to agricultural societies, initially growing crops followed by domesticated livestock) and the Industrial Revolution (i.e., the era of mechanization of manufacturing). The Neolithic Revolution and the development of agriculture occurred independently in multiple geographical regions including the Middle East (the Fertile Crescent), East Asia (along the Ganges), South Asia (the Indus Valley), Mesoamerica, the Andes, and West Africa; these occurring at different prehistorical and historical times. The Neolithic Revolution first encompassed the domestication of cereals with domestication of animals occurring somewhat later. Corollaries to the Neolithic Revolution were the following: musculoskeletal stress, poorer overall nutrition accompanied by reduced height, the appearance of dental disease, and a huge increase in fertility. The explanation for why the Neolithic Revolution occurred is discussed. The founder crops of the Fertile Crescent were wheat, lentil, pea, chickpeas, bitter vetch, and flax. Among the other major crop domesticated were rice, millet, maize (corn), and potatoes. Crops were usually domesticated in a single location and ancestral wild species are still found. In contrast, there appears to have been one, two, or more domestications (e.g., one for each of sheep and goats and three for pigs and cattle) resulting in livestock animals domesticated independently in different locations. For instance, cattle were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent, South Asia, and Africa while pigs were domesticated in Anatolia, East Asia, and Western Europe with possible additional domestication loci. The wild ancestral species for some livestock species, such as sheep, goats, and cattle, are now extinct. Animal agriculture spread by trading and migrations. One early form of animal agriculture was pastoralism. This subsistence livelihood continues in some regions.
Autonomous Ordinary Differential Systems

Differential equations which arise in real-world physical problems are often too complicated to solve exactly. And even if an exact solution is obtainable, the required calculations may be too complicated to be practical, or the resulting solution may be difficult to interpret.
Dirk Struik and the Sociology of Science

It was not long after the fruitful conception of materialist sociology around 1850 that Frederick Engels (1820–1895) became enamored of the idea of a sociology of science. The results of this thinking did not appear until publication of Dialectics of Nature 1 in 1895. Since that time a number of important works have appeared tangential to this pioneering effort, but probably none more important than J. D. Berna’s (1901–1972) The Social Function of Science in 1939.
Energetics of point defects in rocksalt structure transition metal nitrides: Thermodynamic reasons for deviations from stoichiometry

Abstract First principle calculations of point defect formation energies in group 3–6 transition metal (Me) nitrides MeNx are employed to explain the thermodynamic reasons for the large reported compositional range (typically x = 0.7–1.3) in the rocksalt structure. Both under-stoichiometric (x 1) compositions are due to relatively low vacancy formation energies that decrease from an average of 2.7 and 4.5 eV for nitrogen and cation vacancies in group 3 nitrides (ScN, YN, LaN) to −1.8 and −0.8 eV in group 6 nitrides (CrN, MoN, WN), indicating that they become thermodynamically stable at zero temperature for group 6 and for group 4–6 nitrides, respectively. Similarly, nitrogen and cation interstitials in tetragonal and 111- or 110-split configurations are unstable for groups 3–5 but become thermodynamically stable for group 6 nitrides, consistent with the mechanical instability of the latter compounds. All antisite defects possess high formation energies and are unlikely to form. The nitrogen chemical potential at finite temperatures and in equilibrium with a N2 gas is strongly affected by the vapor phase entropy, leading to shifts in the defect free energy of, for example, 1.2 eV at 1 Pa N2 at 800 K, causing an increasing likelihood for nitrogen vacancies and cation interstitials at elevated temperatures. In addition, the configurational entropy of point defects causes a correction of e.g. 0.4 eV for a 1% vacancy defect concentration at 800 K. Considering these entropy contributions leads to predicted temperature windows for stoichiometry of e.g. 200–1100 K for TiN, 500–1400 K for ZrN, and 1200–1400 K for HfN, while considerable cation and nitrogen vacancy concentrations are expected for temperatures below and above these ranges, respectively. Schottky pair defects are predicted in VN for T > 200 K and in NbN, TaN, and group 6 nitrides at all temperatures, independent of the N2 partial pressure. The overall results show that thermodynamic arguments (even in the absence of kinetic barriers) can explain many of the reported composition vs temperature and pressure relationships in rocksalt structure nitrides.
Making up symptoms: psychic indeterminacy and the construction of psychotic phenomena.

SummaryPsychotic phenomena include a far wider range of experiences than is captured by the brief descriptions offered in contemporary diagnostic guides. Given the richness of historical clinical phenomenology, what can account for the recent ascendancy of relatively impoverished descriptions of psychosis? One possible explanation is provided by Hacking's notion of dynamic nominalism, where human categories change over time in tandem with those who they classify. But although dynamic nominalism makes sense of changes in behaviour, it fails to account for change at the level of subjective experience. In this paper, psychotic symptoms are addressed in the light of the indeterminacy of subjective mental content. A naive-introspectionist approach to mental symptoms assumes that, notwithstanding practical difficulties, such symptoms are reliably describable in principle. Contemporary philosophy of mind challenges this assumption. Lighting upon a verbal description for ineffable phenomena changes their nature, resolving them into new forms.Declaration of interestNone.
Abstract 4873: The impact of primary tumor surgery on survival in HER2 positive stage IV breast cancer patients in the current era of targeted therapy

Objective: While prior studies evaluating the survival benefit from primary site surgery in stage IV breast cancer patients have provided mixed results, it has been well documented that anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) therapy for metastatic HER2 positive(+) disease improves outcomes. We sought to examine the impact of primary tumor resection on survival in HER2+ stage IV breast cancer patients in the era of HER2 targeted therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with HER2+ stage IV breast cancer in the National Cancer Database from 2010 (when mandatory HER2 reporting began) to 2012. Surgical removal of the primary tumor and Cox proportional overall mortality hazard ratios (HR) were assessed. Propensity score matching to diminish selection bias adjusted for demographic, tumor, and treatment variables. Results: Of 3,231 patients, 71.3% were non-Hispanic (NH) white; 18.4%, NH black; and 5.8%, Hispanic. Bone only metastasis was seen in 25.0% of cases. Treatment included chemo/immunotherapy in 89.4%; endocrine therapy, in 37.7%; and radiation, in 31.8%. Overall, 1,130 (35.0%) underwent primary site surgery and 2,101 (65.0%) did not have surgery. The mean age of those who had surgery was 56.0+13.6 years compared to 59.1+13.7 years who did not (p Conclusions: After controlling for covariates, surgery of the primary site in contemporary metastatic HER2+ breast cancer is associated with improved overall survival. If breast surgery is to be considered by patients and providers when deciding treatment strategy, it will be imperative to address significant disparities among patients who are offered surgical therapy. Citation Format: Ross Mudgway, Carlos Chavez de Paz Villanueva, Ann C. Lin, Maheswari Senthil, Carlos A. Garberoglio, Sharon S. Lum. The impact of primary tumor surgery on survival in HER2 positive stage IV breast cancer patients in the current era of targeted therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4873.
Effect Size Guidelines, Sample Size Calculations, and Statistical Power in Gerontology.

Background and objectives Researchers typically use Cohen's guidelines of Pearson's r = .10, .30, and .50, and Cohen's d = 0.20, 0.50, and 0.80 to interpret observed effect sizes as small, medium, or large, respectively. However, these guidelines were not based on quantitative estimates and are only recommended if field-specific estimates are unknown. This study investigated the distribution of effect sizes in both individual differences research and group differences research in gerontology to provide estimates of effect sizes in the field. Research design and methods Effect sizes (Pearson's r, Cohen's d, and Hedges' g) were extracted from meta-analyses published in 10 top-ranked gerontology journals. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile ranks were calculated for Pearson's r (individual differences) and Cohen's d or Hedges' g (group differences) values as indicators of small, medium, and large effects. A priori power analyses were conducted for sample size calculations given the observed effect size estimates. Results Effect sizes of Pearson's r = .12, .20, and .32 for individual differences research and Hedges' g = 0.16, 0.38, and 0.76 for group differences research were interpreted as small, medium, and large effects in gerontology. Discussion and implications Cohen's guidelines appear to overestimate effect sizes in gerontology. Researchers are encouraged to use Pearson's r = .10, .20, and .30, and Cohen's d or Hedges' g = 0.15, 0.40, and 0.75 to interpret small, medium, and large effects in gerontology, and recruit larger samples.
Trend Change in the Intellectual Disability Nursing Home Census From 1977 to 2004.

Abstract The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 was expected to reduce inappropriate residential placements of persons with intellectual disability (ID) in nursing homes. Utilizing th...
Fiducial Placement for Guidance of Radiotherapy

Fiducials are metallic or liquid markers that are implanted near or into a target tumor and serve as reference points for image-guided radiotherapy. EUS has evolved as the preferred approach for fiducial markers placement for lesions within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal lumen. EUS-guided fiducial placement is a safe and feasible procedure with high technical success rates. Various types of fiducial markers and placement techniques have been developed. The decision to incorporate fiducial markers in the treatment plan of a patient depends on the multidisciplinary collaboration.
"Blepharophimosis-plus" syndromes: Frequency of systemic genetic disorders that also include blepharophimosis.

Background To determine the frequency of isolated blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) versus systemic genetic disorders in patients presenting with blepharophimosis. Methods Retrospective clinical records review. The records of all patients with blepharophimosis seen in the Division of Ophthalmology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia during a 12-year-period (2009-2020) were reviewed for medical history, clinical examination findings and results of genetic analyses. Results The 135 patients identified with blepharophimosis included 72 females (53%) and 63 males (47%) whose mean ± standard deviation age at first visit was 3.5 ± 6.4 years (range 0-39.8 years). Sixty-seven of the patients (50%) had undergone genetic testing for FOXL2 gene mutation. Fifty-four (81%) harboured FOXL2 gene mutations and 13 (19%) did not. Altogether, 126 patients (93%) had a final diagnosis of isolated BPES. The remaining nine (7%) had syndromic diagnoses ("blepharophimosis-plus"), including Dubowitz syndrome (n = 2), Ohdo syndrome (n = 1), 22q11.2 duplication (n = 1) and 3q22 deletion (n = 2). Three patients with multiple congenital anomalies remain undiagnosed. Conclusions Blepharophimosis is an eyelid feature occurring most commonly in isolation due to FOXL2 gene mutation, but can also be a harbinger of multisystem disease not exclusive to isolated BPES, as observed in 7% of cases in this series. The ophthalmologist is often the first to recognise these unique features, and must consider and rule out non-BPES syndromes before establishing a diagnosed classic BPES. A comprehensive genetic evaluation is, therefore, indicated in all cases.
Plainchant in Motion Pictures: The "Dies irae" in Film Scores

Several summers ago, the album Chant, a collection of plainsong performed by the monks of Santo Domingo de Silos, hit the top of the popular music charts, triggering the release and reissue of more...
Health care access and seven-year change in cigarette smoking. The CARDIA Study.

Abstract Objectives: To determine associations among health care access, cigarette smoking, and change in cigarette smoking status over 7 years. Methods: A cohort of 4,086 healthy young adults was followed from 1985–1986 through 1992–1993. Participants were recruited from four urban sites balanced on gender, race (African Americans and whites), education (high school or less, and more than high school), and age (18–23 and 24–30). Outcome measures were smoking status at Year 7, as well as 7-year rates of smoking cessation and initiation. Results: For each of three access barriers reported at Year 7 (lack of health insurance, lack of regular source of medical care, and expense), participants experiencing the barrier had a higher prevalence of smoking, quit smoking less frequently, and started smoking more frequently; e.g., only 15% of participants with health insurance lapses quit smoking over the 7-year period, compared with 26% of those with insurance ( P Conclusions: Health care access was associated with lower prevalence of smoking and beneficial 7-year changes in smoking, independent of socioeconomic status. The possibility that this is a causal relationship has implications in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and multiple other smoking-related diseases, and deserves further exploration.
Active Sampling for Rank Learning via Optimizing the Area under the ROC Curve

Learning ranking functions is crucial for solving many problems, ranging from document retrieval to building recommendation systems based on an individual user's preferences or on collaborative filtering. Learning-to-rank is particularly necessary for adaptive or personalizable tasks, including email prioritization, individualized recommendation systems, personalized news clipping services and so on. Whereas the learning-to-rank challenge has been addressed in the literature, little work has been done in an active-learning framework, where requisite user feedback is minimized by selecting only the most informative instances to train the rank learner. This paper addresses active rank-learning head on, proposing a new sampling strategy based on minimizing hinge rank loss, and demonstrating the effectiveness of the active sampling method for rankSVM on two standard rank-learning datasets. The proposed method shows convincing results in optimizing three performance metrics, as well as improvement against four baselines including entropy-based, divergence- based, uncertainty-based and random sampling methods.