cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Potential Pitfalls in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of More Elusive Breast Carcinomas

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by differences in the biological, clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of the different types of invasive carcinoma in the breast. The majority of invasive breast carcinomas are the invasive ductal or no special-type (NST) carcinomas. The rest of the invasive carcinomas are either nonductal carcinoma subtypes or special-type carcinomas, making up 20%-30% of all invasive carcinomas. The latter group comprises very different and distinctive types of cancer with imaging characteristics and challenges that are unique to each subtype. The invasive lobular carcinoma is the most common type of the nonductal carcinomas and can be difficult to detect on imaging because of the distinct pattern of tumor growth in sheets of single file cells with minimal desmoplastic reaction. The mucinous carcinoma of the breast contains extracellular mucin, secreted by the tumor cells. The mucin within these tumors result in imaging features that overlap with benign breast lesions, and may lead to misdiagnosis. Other rare and aggressive breast cancers include metaplastic breast carcinoma and inflammatory breast carcinoma. Both diseases have a poorer prognosis than invasive ductal carcinoma. This article will focus on the rarer non-NST carcinoma of the breast that can be a challenge to assess with imaging, partially related to the unique biology of these cancers.
Quantification of NADPH balance during adipogenesis

Background NADPH provides reducing power for macromolecule synthesis and antioxidant defense. The pathways used to make NADPH under different physiological circumstances remain unclear. In growing cells, much NADPH production is coupled to nucleotide synthesis via the oxidative pentose phosphate and folate pathways. Here we examine, using isotope tracers and flux analysis, NADPH production routes in adipocytes.
Modeling the Economic Cost of Transmission Bottlenecks

The purpose of this paper is to model the stochastic behavior of nodal prices and use the predicted price differences between zones as the basis for measuring the magnitude and riskiness of congestion costs using the New York State electricity market as an example. The first step uses a principal components analysis to simplify the structure of nodal electricity prices in New York State, reducing 405 hourly prices in 2005 to less than 10 factors that explain 99% of the total price variability and correspond closely to established zones in the State. The analysis focuses on the Hudson Valley and New York City because these two zones are linked by one of the most important transmission bottlenecks in the State. A multivariate time series model for hourly temperature in different zones is estimated using data from January 1st 2000 to December 31st 2005 to represent the primary source of variability due to the weather. Multivariate models for the hourly electricity load in different zones conditionally on the temperature, and the hourly spot price of electricity in different zones conditionally on temperature, the load and the price of natural gas. By focusing on the zonal prices in the Hudson Valley and New York City, it is possible to simulate different realizations of temperature and to determine the financial riskiness of revenues from the price differences due to transmission congestion between these two zones. This in turn is an essential piece of information for evaluating the incentives for investing in merchant transmission upgrades between these two zones.
Combining motion and contrast for segmentation

A method is presented for partitioning a scene into regions corresponding to surfaces with distinct velocities. Both motion and contrast information are incorporated into the segmentation process. Velocity estimates for each point in a scene are obtained using a local nonmatching technique not dependent on any prior boundary determination. The actual segmentation is accomplished using a region merging procedure which combines regions based on similarities in both brightness and motion. The method is effective in determining object boundaries not easily found using analysis applied only to a single image frame.
Nanostructured 3D Electrode Architectures for High‐Rate Li‐Ion Batteries

By initially depositing a sub-10 nm-thick SnO2 film, the microstructural evolution that is often considered problematic can be utilized to form Sn nanoparticles on the surface of a 3D current collector for enhanced cycling stability. The work described here highlights a novel approach for the uniform deposition of Sn nanoparticles, which can be used to design electrodes with high capacities and high-rate capabilities.
Early propranolol treatment induces lung heme-oxygenase-1, attenuates metabolic dysfunction, and improves survival following experimental sepsis

Pharmacological agents that block beta-adrenergic receptors have been associated with improved outcome in burn injury. It has been hypothesized that injuries leading to a hypermetabolic state, such as septic shock, may also benefit from beta-blockade; however, outcome data in experimental models have been contradictory. Thus, we investigated the effect of beta-blockade with propranolol on survival, hemodynamics, lung heat shock protein (HSP) expression, metabolism and inflammatory markers in a rat cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis. Sprague-Dawley rats receiving either repeated doses (30 minutes pre-CLP and every 8 hours for 24 hours postoperatively) of propranolol or control (normal saline), underwent CLP and were monitored for survival. Additionally, lung and blood samples were collected at 6 and 24 hours for analysis. Animals also underwent monitoring to evaluate global hemodynamics. Seven days following CLP, propranolol improved survival versus control (P < 0.01). Heart rates in the propranolol-treated rats were approximately 23% lower than control rats (P < 0.05) over the first 24 hours, but the mean arterial blood pressure was not different between groups. Metabolic analysis of lung tissue demonstrated an increase in lung ATP/ADP ratio and NAD+ content and a decreased ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids (PUFA/MUFA). Cytokine analysis of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) demonstrated decreased expression of TNF-alpha in both lung and plasma at 24 hours post CLP induced sepsis. Finally, propranolol led to a significant increase in lung hemeoxygenase-1 expression, a key cellular protective heat shock protein (HSP) in the lung. Other lung HSP expression was unchanged. These results suggest that propranolol treatment may decrease mortality during sepsis potentially via a combination of improving metabolism, suppressing aspects of the inflammatory response and enhancing tissue protection.
Electro-infiltration: A method to form nanocomposite soft magnetic cores for integrated magnetic devices

This article introduces a scalable, process-integrable manufacturing method for creating microstructured, nanocomposite soft magnetic cores on planar substrates such as silicon wafers or printed circuit boards. To demonstrate this electro-infiltration process, maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles less than 50 nm are first evaporatively consolidated from suspension into photoresist molds on a silicon substrate, forming dimensionally defined porous microstructures. Next, a high-saturation soft magnetic iron cobalt alloy (Fe–Co) is electroplated up from a conductive layer on the substrate to fill in the void spaces of the consolidated particles. The result is a dense, two-phase nanocomposite, where the maghemite nanoparticles form an inclusion phase in the electroplated metal matrix phase. Improved high-frequency permeability is observed in the 100 MHz–2 GHz range.
Prediction of shear angle variation in orthogonal wave-removing processes

Abstract An analytical model is presented for predicting the dynamic response of the shear plane during an orthogonal wave-removing process. The model is derived based on the work-hardening slip-line field theory in cutting mechanics. It takes into consideration the variations of the hydrostatic stress along the shear plane and the mean frictional coefficient on the tool-chip interface in response to the change in the cutting configuration. The results from a series of simulation studies show that the predictions from the model are in very good agreement with the existing experimental evidence for a wide range of cutting conditions.
Ethylene-induced Pea Internode Swelling: Its Relation to Ribonucleic Acid Metabolism, Wall Protein Synthesis, and Cell Wall Structure.

Exposure of etiolated pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Alaska) subapical sections to ethylene disrupts normal polar cell expansion, but fresh weight increase is little affected and the tissue expands radially, swelling. Ethylene has no effect on gross ribonucleic acid metabolism before or during the period when swelling occurs, but incorporation of 14C-proline and leucine into wall-associated protein is markedly inhibited after an initial 3-hour lag period which precedes swelling. Ethylene affects the composition of this protein, altering the proline-hydroxyproline ratio. The gas also alters the optical birefringence pattern of the cell wall, indicating that the cellulose microfibrillar orientation has been changed.
Complementarity in biological systems: A complexity view

Niels Bohr and Max Delbruck believed that complementaritysuch as wave–particle dualitywas not limited to the quantum realm, but had correlates in the study of living things. Biological complementarity would indicate that no single technique or perspective allows comprehensive viewing of all of a biological entity’s complete qualities and behaviors; instead, complementary perspectives, necessarily and irrevocably excluding all others at the moment an experimental approach is selected, would be necessary to understand the whole. Systems biology and complexity theory reveal that, as in the quantum realm, experimental observations themselves limit our capacity to understand a biological system completely because of scale-dependent ‘‘horizons of knowledge,’’ a form of biological complementarity as predicted by Bohr and Delbruck. Specifically, observational selection is inherently, irreducibly coupled to observed biological systems as in the quantum realm. These nested systems, beginning with biomolecules in aqueous solution all the way up to the global ecosystem itself, are understood as a seamless whole operating simultaneously and complementarily at various levels. This selection of an observational stance is inseparable from descriptions of biology indicatesin accordance with views of thinkers such as von Neumann, Wigner, and Stappthat even at levels of scale governed by classical physics, at biological scales, observational choice remains inextricably woven into the establishment, in the observational moment, of the present conditions of existence. These conceptual shifts will not only have theoretical impact, but may point the way to new, successful therapeutic interventions, medically (at the scale of organisms) or environmentally/economically (at a global scale). V C 2013
Long-term outcomes of patients with intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia treated with autologous hematopoietic cell transplant in first complete remission

In 2014, autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (autoHCT) was removed from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines as a recommended treatment for patients with intermediate-risk AML in first complete remission (CR1). We reviewed the outcomes of all patients with intermediate-risk AML treated with autoHCT in CR1 at our institution. Of 334 patients who underwent autoHCT for AML between 1988 and 2013, 133 patients with intermediate-risk AML in CR1 were identified. Cytogenetics were diploid in 97 (73%). With a median follow-up of 4.1 years (range 0.1-17), median overall survival (OS) is 6.7 years; at 5 years post-transplant, 59% of patients remain alive and 43% remain relapse-free. Forty-eight percent of relapsing patients proceeded to salvage alloHCT. Our findings demonstrate that nearly half of patients with intermediate-risk AML in CR1 achieve sustained remissions, and that salvage alloHCT is feasible in those who relapse. AutoHCT therefore remains a reasonable option for intermediate-risk patients with AML in CR1.
Biological control of Indianmeal moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on finished stored products using egg and larval parasitoids.

Abstract Biological control using hymenopteran parasitoids presents an attractive alternative to insecticides for reducing infestations and damage from the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in retail and warehouse environments. We examined the potential for using combinations of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma deion Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), and the larval parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for preventing infestations of P. interpunctella in coarse-ground cornmeal as well as the influence of packaging on parasitoid effectiveness. Treatments included one or both parasitoids and either cornmeal infested with P. interpunctella eggs or eggs deposited on the surface of plastic bags containing cornmeal. H. hebetor had a significant impact on the number of live P. interpunctella, suppressing populations by ≈71% in both unbagged and bagged cornmeal. In contrast, T. deion did not suppress P. interpunctella in unbagged cornmeal. Howev...
Transcription and Genomic Integrity

The numerous discoveries that have elucidated the basic mechanisms of the assembly of the transcription machinery and the factors that regulate gene expression have been discussed elsewhere in this book. Here we address another layer of complexity intrinsic to the transcription machinery, namely, its role in maintaining genomic integrity. First, the transcription machinery specifically facilitates the repair of damaged template DNA in the transcribed strand of active genes. In addition to damaged DNA, collisions between the transcription and replication machineries represent a source of genomic instability and are thus regulated by the coordination of these two processes. Finally, the transcription machinery plays an active role during the cell’s response to DNA damage by up-regulating certain genes to cope with the damage and down-regulating other genes. We will discuss the detailed mechanisms of these processes to highlight the contribution of the transcription machinery to the maintenance of the genomic integrity of the cell.
(2E)‐3‐[(1E)‐2‐(5‐Nitro­isoxazol‐3‐yl)­vinyl­oxy]­prop‐2‐enal

The title compound, (2E)-3-[(1E)-2-(5-nitro­isoxazol-3-yl)­vinyl­oxy]­prop-2-enal, C8H6N2O5, was an unexpected product of the direct reaction of furan and nitro­acetyl­ene. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, and is an unsaturated compound with a density of 1.507 g cm−3. As a result of cooperative C—H⋯O hydrogen bonding, the title compound forms centrosymmetric planar dimers, which pack in stacks of almost-planar parallel layers.
Challenges of Assessing Quality of Life in Congenital Heart Disease Globally.

As a result of tremendous improvements in diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) in recent decades, almost 90% of children born with CHD survive to adulthood [(1)][1]. With a worldwide prevalence of CHD now estimated to be 1.35 million newborns with CHD every year, the number of
On the Necessity of Reunderstanding Marxist Labor Theory of Value

Traditional Labor Value and theories of economy based on it come apart from the current economy and life.This essay,therefore,mainly probes into reunderstanding the necessity of Marxist Labor Value under new circumstances .
Correlations among the Changes in Hepatic Microsomal Components after Intoxication with Alkyl Halides and Other Hepatotoxins

Male rats were given a single dose of 1 of 13 alkyl halides [2 of which produced lipid peroxidation (carbon tetrachloride and bromotrichloromethane) and 11 of which did not (chloroform, bromoform, dichloromethane, dibromomethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dibromoethane, 1-bromo-2-chloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, and 1,2-epoxy-3-chloropropane] or 4 other hepatotoxins (dimethylnitrosamine, thioacetamide, ethionine, and cadmium acetate). Eighteen hours later, hepatic microsomes were isolated and their protein, RNA, phospholipid, cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b 5 , NADPH cytochrome c reductase, and fatty acid contents were determined. The cytochrome P-450 content decreased significantly after 14 of the treatments, and cytochrome b 5 and NADPH cytochrome c reductase contents decreased significantly after five and four of the treatments, respectively. The majority of the treatments resulted in a shift of the microsomal fatty acid content, characterized by increases in the relative contents of linoleic (12 treatments), palmitic (11 treatments), and oleic acids (9 treatments), and decreases in the relative contents of arachidonic (14 treatments) and stearic acids (9 treatments). The decreases in cytochromes P-450 and b 5 showed high degrees of correlation with the decrease in arachidonic acid ( r = 0.90 and 0.86, respectively) and the increase in linoleic acid ( r = -0.80 and -0.65, respectively). These strong correlations were also found when values for the rats given the four hepatotoxins were considered alone. However, slightly lower correlations were determined when the data for the four other hepatotoxins and/or the data for the lipid peroxidation-positive alkyl halides were omitted from the calculations. The possible relationship between changes in microsomal cytochromes and polyunsaturated fatty acids is discussed.
Non-coding Double-stranded RNA and Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 Induce Growth Factor Expression from Keratinocytes and Endothelial Cells

A critical function for skin is that when damaged it must simultaneously identify the nature of the injury, repair barrier function, and limit the intrusion of pathogenic organisms. These needs are carried out through the detection of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and a response that includes secretion of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this study, we analyzed how non-coding double-stranded RNA (dsRNAs) act as a DAMP in the skin and how the human cathelicidin AMP LL-37 might influence growth factor production in response to this DAMP. dsRNA alone significantly increased the expression of multiple growth factors in keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Furthermore, RNA sequencing transcriptome analysis found that multiple growth factors increase when cells are exposed to both LL-37 and dsRNA, a condition that mimics normal wounding. Quantitative PCR and/or ELISA validated that growth factors expressed by keratinocytes in these conditions included, but were not limited to, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), betacellulin (BTC), EGF, epiregulin (EREG), and other members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily. These results identify a novel role for DAMPs and AMPs in the stimulation of repair and highlight the complex interactions involved in the wound environment.
Enhanced single-channel K+ current in arterial membranes from genetically hypertensive rats

Arterial smooth muscle from hypertensive rats shows an increased membrane permeability to K+ that depends on Ca2+ influx. To define the mechanism of this membrane alteration, we tested the hypothes...
Identification of agrinSN isoform and muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase in sperm

We previously demonstrated several nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits and associated proteins in human sperm. Here, we identified in sperm for the first time two additional nAChR-associated molecules: (1) agrin(SN)Z(+) in human sperm localized in the posterior post-acrosomal, neck, and flagellar mid-piece regions; (2) a low-molecular weight isoform of muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase in human and mouse sperm localized in the flagellar mid-piece of human sperm.
Development of a bifunctional Ni/HZSM-5 catalyst for converting prairie cordgrass to hydrocarbon biofuel

ABSTRACTNi/HZSM-5 catalysts were prepared using the impregnation method. The HZSM-5 and impregnated Ni/HZSM-5 catalysts were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and X-ray diffraction. The HZSM-5 and Ni/HZSM-5 catalysts were used for prairie cordgrass (PCG) thermal conversion in a two-stage catalytic pyrolysis system. The products contained gas, bio-oil, and bio-char. The gas and bio-oil were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry separately. Higher heating values and elemental composition of bio-char were determined. The results indicated that 12% Ni/HZSM-5 treatment yielded the highest amount of gasoline fraction for hydrocarbons and showed a robust ability to upgrade bio-oil vapor.
Array-based, parallel hierarchical mesh refinement algorithms for unstructured meshes

In this paper, we describe an array-based hierarchical mesh refinement capability through uniform refinement of unstructured meshes for efficient solution of PDEs using finite element methods and multigrid solvers. A multi-degree, multi-dimensional and multi-level framework is designed to generate the nested hierarchies from an initial coarse mesh that can be used for a variety of purposes such as in multigrid solvers/preconditioners, to do solution convergence and verification studies and to improve overall parallel efficiency by decreasing I/O bandwidth requirements (by loading smaller meshes and in-memory refinement). We also describe a high-order boundary reconstruction capability that can be used to project the new points after refinement using high-order approximations instead of linear projection in order to minimize and provide more control on geometrical errors introduced by curved boundaries.The capability is developed under the parallel unstructured mesh framework Mesh Oriented dAtaBase (MOAB Tautges etal. (2004)). We describe the underlying data structures and algorithms to generate such hierarchies in parallel and present numerical results for computational efficiency and effect on mesh quality. We also present results to demonstrate the applicability of the developed capability to study convergence properties of different point projection schemes for various mesh hierarchies and to a multigrid finite-element solver for elliptic problems. Multi-degree, multi-dimensional & multi-level unstructured mesh refinement framework.Ecient parallel communication strategies for resolution of shared mesh interface.High-order surface reconstruction based point projection schemes for mesh hierarchies.
Synaptic mechanisms in auditory cortex function.

Neurons in the auditory cortex (AC) respond to acoustic stimuli in diverse ways. Short latency responses code for the physical properties of stimuli, i.e., their frequency and intensity, whereas longer latency potentials may code for behavioral significance or other features. Despite a huge number of studies that, over the years, have reported on acoustic-evoked short and long-latency potentials, remarkably little is understood regarding the cellular mechanisms underlying these responses. Such information is critical to a full understanding of auditory information processing. This review summarizes the available data on synaptic and cellular mechanisms in AC neurons that have been obtained using electrophysiological methods with in vivo and in vitro preparations. It is apparent that the fundamental mechanisms identified in recent studies can be used in the near future to develop an integrated understanding of the cellular bases of information processing in auditory cortex.
Mechanochemistry at Solid Surfaces: Polymerization of Adsorbed Molecules by Mechanical Shear at Tribological Interfaces

Polymerization of allyl alcohol adsorbed and sheared at a silicon oxide interface is studied using tribo-tests in vapor phase lubrication conditions and reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The load dependences of product formation obtained from experiments and simulations were consistent, indicating that the atomic-scale processes observable in the simulations were relevant to the experiments. Analysis of the experimental results in the context of mechanically assisted thermal reaction theory, combined with the atomistic details available from the simulations, suggested that the association reaction pathway of allyl alcohol molecules induced by mechanical shear is quite different from chemically induced polymerization reactions. Findings suggested that some degree of distortion of the molecule from its equilibrium state is necessary for mechanically induced chemical reactions to occur and such a distortion occurs during mechanical shear when molecules are covalently anchored to one of the sliding sur...
Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in thymic epithelial neoplasms

Thymic epithelial neoplasms are rare tumors that are difficult to diagnose and treat. Programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand (PD-L1) are expressed by various malignancies and are considered a prognostic factor and immunotherapeutic target. We examined the expression of both antibodies in 100 thymic epithelial neoplasms to assess their use as a biomarker and to correlate their expression with clinicopathological parameters. Whole-tissue sections of 74 thymomas and 26 thymic carcinomas were examined. Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and scored by the percentage of positive T-cells or tumor cells, respectively. Cases with strong membranous reactivity of the antibody in ≥5% of T-cells (PD-1) or tumor cells (PD-L1), respectively, were considered positive. Expression of PD-1 was detected in 52/100 cases (52%) including 6/26 thymic carcinomas (23%) and 46/74 thymomas (62%). PD-L1 was positive in 61/100 cases (61%) including 14/26 thymic carcinomas (54%) and 47/74 thymomas (64%). A total of 82 cases (82%) showed expression of PD-1 or PD-L1. PD-1+ cases were associated with higher stage in thymic carcinoma (P=0.01) and PD-1- cases with thymic carcinoma histology (P=0.0014), whereas PD-L1+ cases were associated with neoadjuvant therapy in thymoma (P=0.0065). There was no statistical difference between PD-1 or PD-L1 expression status and other clinicopathological parameters including overall survival. PD-1 and/or PD-L1 are expressed in up to 82% of thymic epithelial neoplasms. These results confirm that these tumors should be considered for PD-1/PD-L1-targeted therapy, however their predictive value in terms of prognosis remains uncertain.
Adipocyte Metabolic Pathways Regulated by Diet Control the Female Germline Stem Cell Lineage in Drosophila melanogaster .

Nutrients affect adult stem cells through complex mechanisms involving multiple organs. Adipocytes are highly sensitive to diet and have key metabolic roles, and obesity increases the risk for many cancers. How diet-regulated adipocyte metabolic pathways influence normal stem cell lineages, however, remains unclear. Drosophila melanogaster has highly conserved adipocyte metabolism and a well-characterized female germline stem cell (GSC) lineage response to diet. Here, we conducted an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis to identify diet-regulated adipocyte metabolic pathways that control the female GSC lineage. On a rich (relative to poor) diet, adipocyte Hexokinase-C and metabolic enzymes involved in pyruvate/acetyl-CoA production are upregulated, promoting a shift of glucose metabolism toward macromolecule biosynthesis. Adipocyte-specific knockdown shows that these enzymes support early GSC progeny survival. Further, enzymes catalyzing fatty acid oxidation and phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis in adipocytes promote GSC maintenance, whereas lipid and iron transport from adipocytes controls vitellogenesis and GSC number, respectively. These results show a functional relationship between specific metabolic pathways in adipocytes and distinct processes in the GSC lineage, suggesting the adipocyte metabolism-stem cell link as an important area of investigation in other stem cell systems.
Hazards of sparing the ipsilateral parotid gland in the node-positive neck with intensity modulated radiation therapy: Spatial analysis of regional recurrence risk.

Abstract Purpose The practice of deliberately sparing the ipsilateral parotid gland with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with node-positive head and neck cancer is controversial. We sought to compare the clinical outcomes among consecutive cohorts of patients with head and neck cancer who were treated with differing strategies to spare the parotid gland that is ipsilateral to the involved neck using IMRT. Methods and materials A total of 305 patients were treated with IMRT for node-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The first 139 patients were treated with IMRT whereby the ipsilateral parotid gland was delineated and intentionally designated as an avoidance structure during planning. The subsequent 166 patients were treated by IMRT without the deliberate sparing of the ipsilateral parotid gland. Results The 2-year estimates of overall survival, local-regional control, and distant metastasis-free survival were 84%, 73%, and 87%, respectively. The 2-year estimates of overall survival were 77% and 86% among patients who were treated by IMRT with and without the sparing of the ipsilateral parotid gland, respectively (P = .01). The respective rates of 2-year regional control were 76% and 90% (P Conclusion Caution is urged when using IMRT to spare patients' parotid gland on the involved side of neck disease. Our study showed a significantly higher preponderance of regional failure, which highlights the need for careful patient selection and consideration of clinical and pathological factors that influence the likelihood of disease recurrence in the ipsilateral neck.
The Role of Administrative Factors in Tax Reform: Simplicity, Compliance and Enforcement

This paper examines the role of administrative factors in tax reform. How difficult is it for taxpayers to comply with and understand the current tax system? How much does operating the system cost? How well are taxes enforced? How would modifying the income tax or starting over with a new system affect the answers? The answers to these questions, and the trade-offs and interactions between simplicity and other policy goals are crucial elements of tax policy choices. We show that there are significant disagreements concerning the operating costs and complexity of the current income tax system and that outdated, incomplete, and poorly conceived data on compliance costs contribute to the range of estimates. Based on the available data, we find that the current system imposes compliance and administrative costs of between $75 billion and $130 billion per year on individuals, businesses, and the federal government. We discuss several ways to improve the administration of the existing tax system and reduce compliance costs. We also show that pure versions of the national retail sales tax and the flat tax could dramatically reduce filing burdens for millions of taxpayers. However, realistic, politically plausible versions of both the sales tax and the flat tax would require tax rates much higher than those advertised by their proponents. These higher rates complicate tax compliance and enforcement. The sales tax would face potentially serious problems with enforceability and political pressure for exemptions. The flat tax would face the same political pressures, and while enforceability is not a major concern, the tax would likely become significantly more complex than currently proposed. Thus, there is considerable potential to simplify the tax system. Policy makers and voters should analyze this potential in the context of the trade-offs it creates with other goals of tax policy-including efficiency, fairness, revenue, and privacy.
Light Nuclei Measurements from E864

The yields of produced light nuclei within one unit of mid-rapidity for three different event centralities are presented. Sensitivity of these yields to source dynamics is explored, comparisons to theoretical models are made, and source radii are extracted.
Clinical Neurophysiology and the Study of Human Functionality: Recent Developments and Future Applications

A variety of new technologies at different stages of development now appear on the horizon. It is unlikely that any of these methods will supplant the standard techniques now used; they are more likely to supplement current methods and address special situations. The author considers such techniques as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, muscle sounds and mechanics, optical methods for studying excitable tissue function, electromyographic kinesiology, dynamic posturography, topographic mapping of brain electrical activity, brain electrical source analysis, positron emission tomography, and transcranial cortical stimulation.
The impact of voltage and flow on the electrostatic soot sensor and the implications for its use as a diesel particulate filter monitor

Abstract This paper takes a detailed look at the operation of the electrostatic soot sensor and its potential use to monitor motor vehicle particulate matter emissions. Charged soot particles entering the sensor are trapped and grow into dendritic soot structures aligned with the electric field. Above a critical length, the electrostatic force fractures the dendrites, producing fragments that carry sufficient charge between the electrodes to generate nanoamp level currents. While proportional to soot concentration, this current also responds to flow variations, which limits the sensor's application in areas such as motor vehicle on-board diagnostics. The present work demonstrates that this flow dependence is closely related to the sensor's response to variations in electric field. The measured response to step changes in applied voltage agrees very well with a kinetic model of electric field induced dendrite growth and fragmentation. Variations in flow induce fluctuations in sensor current as dendrites reorient in response to the drag force and find themselves above or below the critical length for fragmentation. This mechanism qualitatively fits the experimental data. In engine exhaust applications, variation of exhaust flow with engine operation interferes with time resolved soot measurement. This interference partially cancels out when averaged over time, rendering the electrostatic soot sensor a potentially viable means to distinguish diesel particulate filter performance.
Changing worldwide attitudes toward homosexuality: The influence of global and region-specific cultures, 1981–2012

Abstract While the acceptance of homosexuality has risen across many Western countries, we know little about whether or why attitudes have changed in the rest of the world. Here I investigate these questions while also testing the relative utility of three theories of what drives worldwide attitudinal change: (1) the postmaterialist thesis, which casts existential security as a main determinant; (2) world society theory, which emphasizes the influence of a diffusing global culture; and (3) multiple modernities theory, which points to the effect of region-specific cultural programs. Drawing on data from the integrated World Values Survey/European Values Survey (1981–2012), I use a longitudinal multilevel design to model worldwide change in the societal acceptance of homosexuality. In line with world society theory, the results show a broad worldwide upswing in the acceptance of homosexuality, driven largely by the diffusion of favorable global cultural messages. The results provide strong evidence that global culture has shaped collective attitudes globally, although the impact here is found to be less in more religious societies. At the same time, the analysis finds a widening attitudinal gap between countries, and, consistent with multiple modernities theory, suggests this is due in part to the role of region-specific cultural programs. Contrary to the postmaterialist thesis, existential security is not found to have influenced attitudes.
Proceedings of the ACM/IEEE Sixth International Conference on Cyber-Physical Systems

This volume contains the papers presented at the Sixth ACM/IEEE International Conference on Cyber-Physical Systems (ICCPS 2015), which was held with the Cyber-Physical Systems Week in Seattle, Washington, USA, on 13--16 April 2015. ICCPS has been the flagship conference on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) that tightly couple the cyber aspects of computing and communications with the physical aspects of dynamics and engineering. ICCPS, as an integral part of CPS Week, is pleased to be co-located with its sister conferences that focus on various components of CPS including embedded systems, hybrid systems, real-time systems, and wireless sensor networks. ICCPS aims to showcase cutting-edge research that spans both the cyber and physical aspects of CPS. In the process, it will bring together engineers from various disciplines and computer scientists to create the scientific foundations, identify new principles, present novel architectures, demonstrate promising applications, and enable powerful capabilities of CPS. In addition to its traditional focus on the foundations, applications, and examples of CPS, this year ICCPS has absorbed the former High Confidence Networked Systems (HiCoNS) conference and includes its focus on secure and resilient infrastructure for CPS.
Preeclampsia outcomes at delivery and race.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess how race is associated with adverse maternal outcomes in the setting of preeclampsia.Study design: This retrospective cohort study utilized the ...
Dental School Patient Preferences for Receiving and Returning Patient Satisfaction Surveys

The aims of this study were to investigate dental school patient, parent, and caregiver preferences for receiving and returning patient satisfaction surveys and to determine how modes of receiving and returning surveys impacted return rates. Two studies were conducted, both of which are reported. In Study 1, adult patients, parents of child patients, and caregivers of patients with special needs were asked to indicate their preferred mode of receiving and returning surveys. In Study 2, patients, parents, and caregivers were randomly assigned to different modes of receiving and returning surveys, and return rates were compared between modes and according to whether the individuals had been assigned to their preferred mode or not. The overall response rates were 90.4% for the first study and 48.1% for the second study. In both studies, the preferred mode was receiving and returning the survey in the clinic (chi-square=84.902 and 32.116; df=3; p<0.001). Younger respondents were more likely to prefer receiving and returning the survey by email (K-W statistics=13.406, 10.241; df=3; p=0.004 and 0.017). In Study 2, respondents were significantly more likely to return surveys in the clinic (chi-square=44.994; df=2; p<0.001) and were also significantly more likely to return surveys if they had received them in their preferred mode (binomial test p<0.001). Although receiving and returning the survey in the clinic was the preferred mode, these respondents' preferences were also related to their age. These results suggest that dental school clinics may be able to expect higher return rates if they can follow patients' preferences for receipt and delivery of surveys.
Frozen section diagnosis of gastrointestinal poorly cohesive and signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma: useful morphologic features to avoid misdiagnosis

Frozen section examination of adenocarcinomas with poorly cohesive growth, including signet-ring cell carcinoma, is challenging. Due to their diffuse morphology, the tumor cells may be indistinct and difficult to distinguish from inflammatory or stromal cells. Misdiagnosis may result in significant adverse clinical outcome. We performed a detailed retrospective analysis of such cases to identify features that are helpful to avoid misdiagnosis at the time of frozen section. We reviewed the original frozen section slides from 50 patients with poorly cohesive carcinoma (PCC) including 32 with positive and 18 with negative frozen section slides. Tumor cells and inflammatory cells were evaluated for 17 distinct cytologic and nine architectural or stromal features. Features with 100% specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for carcinoma included the presence of cells with a single distinct cytoplasmic mucin vacuole, focal gland formation, and perineural invasion. Features with high specificity, sensitivity, PPV, and negative predictive value (NPV) (all > 75%) included irregular nuclear contours, large nuclear size with many nuclei > 4× the size of a small lymphocyte, and disruption/obliteration of normal structures. Other features with high specificity and PPV (both ≥ 85%) but relatively low sensitivity and NPV-included crescent-shaped/indented nuclei, prominent nucleoli, anisonucleosis (> 4:1 difference in nuclear size), multinucleation, and the presence of mitotic figures. We characterized useful histologic features of poorly cohesive carcinoma that may serve to distinguish carcinoma cells from benign inflammatory or stroma cells. Knowledge of the relatively specific features in particular may help surgical pathologists avoid false-negative interpretation resulting in significant clinical morbidity.
PD-1/PD-L1 Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Case Series and Literature Review

ABSTRACT Study design A retrospective, single-center, case series Introduction Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm with poor prognosis. The combined cisplatin/pemetrexed regimen is the only regimen currently approved by the FDA. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors and other therapeutics are quickly becoming the preferred second-line therapy following incorporation into clinical practice guidelines in 2018 as a salvage therapy. Purpose of the study: To describe the use of PD-1/PD-L1 targeted therapy to manage MPM. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients with MPM treated at a single institution with pembrolizumab or nivolumab was performed. Clinical and pathologic information were extracted and clinical response rate and other outcomes were assessed. Results Twelve patients received pembrolizumab, and two patients received nivolumab. Patients were 43% male (6 out of 14), 64% non-Hispanic white (9 out of 14), and 93% epithelioid histological subtype (13 out of 14). Prior to immunotherapy, 36% had received surgical resection (5 out of 14), 36% had received radiotherapy (5 out of 14), and 93% received platinum-pemetrexed based chemotherapy (13 out of 14). Objective response rate was 21% (0 CR and 3 PRs), and disease control rate was 43% (3 PRs and 3 SDs). Time to progression ranged from Conclusion Based on this small series, real-world PD-1/PD-L1 targeted therapy appears to be a promising treatment for patients with MPM who have disease progression on systemic chemotherapy, consistent with small single arm clinical trials. Further investigation with multicenter, prospective longitudinal cohorts and/or randomized clinical trials may help identify which patients have the largest magnitude of benefit.
Hidden danger and Optimization for the DEH Logic of STC-Siemens Ultra Supercritical Unit

With the wide application of STC-Siemens ultra supercritical unit technology, the structure design and control logic of the turbine electro-hydraulic control system (DEH) are also popularized. However, due to the defects of Siemens DEH logic design and the unavoidable mistakes of STC auto control center in the process of translating Siemens DEH logic, some hidden dangers of this type of unit are gradually exposed, which affects the reliability and safety of the unit. It is mentioned in this paper that due to the hidden trouble of ATT test logic, during the process of ATT test, 12% command signal of regulating valve setting is sent out, and the unit abnormal shutdown; When the unit is put into the AGC mode to track the AGC command, the logic hidden danger causes triggering of the quick closing condition C20 of the regulating valve (the deviation between the flow instruction converted by the valve feedback and the actual flow instruction is greater than 40%), and the unit abnormal shutdown. In order to solve these problems, the optimization suggestions of DEH logic are put forward, in order to improve the reliability of unit operation. It provides a reference for this type of unit.
Investigating the usability and learner experience of a virtual reality adaptive skills intervention for adults with autism spectrum disorder

Research on the use of virtual reality (VR) for individuals with autism lacks design precedent and theoretical guidance. Further, research in this area often fails to include participants in the design of interventions. This paper seeks to address these gaps. A proof-of-concept adaptive skills intervention for adults on the autism spectrum was developed to promote safe and appropriate utilization of public transportation. Grounded in theories of complexity and generalization, technological and pedagogical scaffolds were designed in a staged manner and gradually faded to promote acquisition and generalization of target skills. A constellation of technologies was employed, including 360-degree video and headset-based VR. A multi-phase usage study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency and appeal of the prototype intervention so as to reveal design flaws and uncover opportunities to improve the overall learner experience. Findings are presented from the perspectives of expert testers (n = 4) and participant testers with autism (n = 5). Results suggest a largely positive learner experience and that the intervention is feasible and relevant to the unique needs of the target population. Implications are presented from the perspective of Roger's adoption characteristics.
Sugar and the Making of International Trade Law

Part I. Prologue: 1. International institutions as part of the history of agriculture 2. Histories as context Part II. The 1902 Brussels Convention and the Beginnings of Modern Trade Law: 3. Free trade as an imperial project 4. The institutionalization of international trade Part III. The 1937 ISA, Cuba and the League of Nations: 5. Economic aspects of the League of Nations 6. Developing a Cuban State and renegotiating American imperialism Part IV. The 1977 ISA and the Implications of Institutionalization: 7. The postwar institutional landscape 8. The 1977 ISA as an exemplar of postwar ICAs Part V. Epilogue: 9. Using the past to open up the future of trade law.
Reflections of a computer scientist for teachers and teacher educators

This reflective essay describes three ‘revolutions’ which are underway and which will profoundly affect education. The first two are widely accepted: the computer revolution and the more recent telecommunications revolution. The third revolution is not well understood or appreciated by teachers and teacher educators; it is the revolution, or perhaps more appropriately, the evolution of the new discipline of computer science. The paper describes briefly one computer science curriculum which has been developed for high school students, and argues that more integration of computer science into teacher preparation and K-12 (secondary) education is essential for the future.