cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical power of model selection strategies for genome-wide association studies

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aim to identify genetic variants related to diseases by examining the associations between phenotypes and hundreds of thousands of genotyped markers. Because many genes are potentially involved in common diseases and a large number of markers are analyzed, it is crucial to devise an effective strategy to identify truly associated variants that have individual and/or interactive effects, while controlling false positives at the desired level. Although a number of model selection methods have been proposed in the literature, including marginal search, exhaustive search, and forward search, their relative performance has only been evaluated through limited simulations due to the lack of an analytical approach to calculating the power of these methods. This article develops a novel statistical approach for power calculation, derives accurate formulas for the power of different model selection strategies, and then uses the formulas to evaluate and compare these strategies in genetic model spaces. In contrast to previous studies, our theoretical framework allows for random genotypes, correlations among test statistics, and a false-positive control based on GWAS practice. After the accuracy of our analytical results is validated through simulations, they are utilized to systematically evaluate and compare the performance of these strategies in a wide class of genetic models. For a specific genetic model, our results clearly reveal how different factors, such as effect size, allele frequency, and interaction, jointly affect the statistical power of each strategy. An example is provided for the application of our approach to empirical research. The statistical approach used in our derivations is general and can be employed to address the model selection problems in other random predictor settings. We have developed an R package markerSearchPower to implement our formulas, which can be downloaded from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) or http://bioinformatics.med.yale.edu/group/.
Discrete dyadic wavelets for contrast enhancement

In this paper, we establish a mathematical connection between dyadic-wavelet-based contrast enhancement and traditional unsharp masking. Our derivation is completely based in the discrete domain. These findings may provide a better theoretical understanding of these algorithms, and facilitate the acceptance of multiscale enhancement techniques applied to medical imaging.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The anatomy of nostalgia: from pathology to normality

This analysis traces the genesis, evolution, and function of the hitherto abandoned illness category of nostalgia and demonstrates how compelling environmental imperatives can generate a nosological construct (diagnosis) whose etiology changes according to prevailing living conditions. I show that, to a large extent, the physical symptoms of nostalgia are a function of abrupt changes in social structures and that the explanation for the nostalgic experience is influenced by cultural values and by the prevailing medical and social attitudes in various chronological periods. Nostalgia is a culturally devised label that controls and treats deviant behavior but fades when environmental circumstances restabilize. Although no longer a valid category, nostalgia helps therapists understand how to deal with homesickness, separation, and loss, and facilitates insight and coping among immigrants, sojourners, and culturally alienated persons. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Growing buildings in corn fields: Urban expansion and the persistence of maize in the Toluca Metropolitan Area, Mexico

Urban growth continues to rise globally, especially in and around small cities and peri-urban areas of the developing world. In Mexico, a culture of maize production still exists alongside rapid urban and industrial growth, which exemplifies a hybridized urban-rural landscape. This paper discusses a study of household land-use and livelihood strategies in the Toluca Metropolitan Area, west of Mexico City, a traditional maize-growing region that has experienced rapid urban growth. Logistic regression combined with ethnographic data illustrate that maize is being abandoned to some extent as producers age and non-farm income sources surge. At the same time, some maize still persists for tradition and security as non-farm income is often volatile. Our results reflect a persistence of maize in peri-urban areas of central Mexico, which should not be ignored by policy and planning.
Reducing Maternal Depressive Symptoms Through Promotion of Parenting in Pediatric Primary Care

We studied associations between 2 pediatric primary care interventions promoting parental responsiveness and maternal depressive symptoms among low-income mothers. This randomized controlled trial included 2 interventions (Video Interaction Project [VIP], Building Blocks [BB]) and a control group. VIP is a relationship-based intervention, using video-recordings of mother-child dyads to reinforce interactional strengths. BB communicates with parents via parenting newsletters, learning materials, and questionnaires. At mean (SD) child age 6.9 (1.2) months, depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), parental responsiveness was assessed with StimQ-I. A total of 407 dyads were assessed. Rates of mild depressive symptoms were lower for VIP (20.6%) and BB (21.1%) than Controls (32.1%, P = .04). Moderate depressive symptoms were lower for VIP (4.0%) compared to Controls (9.7%, P = .031). Mean PHQ-9 scores differed across 3 groups (F = 3.8, P = .02): VIP mothers scored lower than controls (P = .02 by Tukey HSD). Parent-child interactions partially mediated VIP-associated reductions in depressive symptoms (indirect effect -.17, 95% confidence interval -.36, -.03).
Bacteriophage typing of gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria.

(1975). Bacteriophage Typing of Gram-Negative Rod-Shaped Bacteria. CRC Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 201-246.
Study of protein phosphatase 2a (Pp2a) activity in lps-induced tolerance using fluorescence-based and immunoprecipitation-aided methodology

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is one of the most abundant intracellular serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) phosphatases accounting for 1% of the total cellular protein content. PP2A is comprised of a heterodimeric core enzyme and a substrate-specific regulatory subunit. Potentially, at least seventy different compositions of PP2A exist because of variable regulatory subunit binding that accounts for various activity modulating numerous cell functions. Due to the constitutive phosphatase activity present inside cells, a sensitive assay is required to detect the changes of PP2A activity under various experimental conditions. We optimized a fluorescence assay (DIFMU assay) by combining it with prior anti-PP2A immunoprecipitation to quantify PP2A-specific phosphatase activity. It is also known that prior exposure to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induces “immune tolerance” of the cells to subsequent stimulation. Herein we report that PP2A activity is upregulated in tolerized peritoneal macrophages, corresponding to decreased TNF-α secretion upon second LPS stimulation. We further examined the role of PP2A in the tolerance effect by using PP2ACαl°xl°x;lyM-Cre conditional knockout macrophages. We found that PP2A phosphatase activity cannot be further increased by tolerance. TNF-α secretion from tolerized PP2ACαl°xl°x;lyM-Cre macrophages is higher than tolerized control macrophages. Furthermore, we showed that the increased TNF-α secretion may be due to an epigenetic transcriptionally active signature on the promoter of TNF-α gene rather than regulation of the NFκB/IκB signaling pathway. These results suggest a role for increased PP2A activity in the regulation of immune tolerance.
Piloting EX, a Social Marketing Campaign to Prompt Smoking Cessation

This article focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a branded smoking cessation campaign piloted in four cities in the United States. The development of the EX brand and mess...
Theoretical and experimental study of chirped-pulse slow and fast light using semiconductor optical amplifiers

We present theoretical study of fast and slow light in a chirp-compensate semiconductor optical amplifier scheme. We obtain excellent match with experimental results. Using this model, we predict that a delay-bandwidth product of 33 can be attained with properly chosen parameters.
Nurses As Knowledge Workers Is There Evidence of Knowledge in Patient Handoffs

Patient care handoffs are critical to ensuring continuity of care and patient safety. Current definitions of handoffs focus on information, but preventing errors and improving quality require knowledge. The objective of this study was to determine whether knowledge and wisdom were exchanged during medical and surgical patient care handoffs and to discover how these were expressed. The study was a directed content analysis of 93 handoffs using the data/information/knowledge/wisdom framework. Results indicated knowledge was present in all handoffs, comprising 41% of the phrases across the two types of units. No wisdom was coded. The percentage and types of knowledge phrases differed between medical and surgical units. Handoffs could be more knowledge based by linking handoff content to patient problems and goals. Future handoffs could be computationally derived, context-specific, and linked to problem-focused care plans and patient summaries. Improved data visualization and cognitive support are needed.
Solution Chemistry, Substrate, and Processing Effects on Chemical Homogeneity in Lead Zirconate Titanate Thin Films

The effects of chemistry, substrate, and processing conditions on through-thickness cation distributions are explored in solution-derived morphotropic composition lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films. Films prepared from chelate-based and conventional sol–gel chemistries were spin cast onto Pt/ZnO/SiO2/Si and Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates and pyrolyzed at 300°C, 350°C, and 400°C prior to crystallization at 700°C either in a preheated furnace or via rapid thermal processing. For films crystallized within a conventional furnace on Pt/ZnO/SiO2/Si substrates no chemical gradients were observed. All films prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates had increased titanium concentrations near the PZT/Pt interfaces, and the source is shown to be titanium diffusing from the substrate metallization stack. The effect of heating method and rate was explored in films prepared on Pt/ZnO/SiO2/Si substrates with 15°C, 50°C, and 100°C/s heating rates within a rapid thermal annealer. Only one solution chemistry-heating rate combination resulted in the formation of a chemical gradient: a conventional sol–gel chemistry and a 50°C/s heating rate. Infrared spectroscopy of pyrolyzed gel films showed absorption spectra differences in the bonding structure between the two chemistries with the conventional sol–gel-derived films exhibiting a signature more similar to that of a PbTiO3 gel, suggestive of a gel-structure source of gradient formation during crystallization.
Mononuclear blood cell magnesium content and serum magnesium concentration in critically ill hypomagnesemic patients after replacement therapy

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency, commonly diagnosed as hypomagnesemia based upon low serum Mg concentrations, is a frequent electrolyte abnormality in critically ill patients. Intravenous replacement therapy is empiric and serum Mg concentrations have traditionally been used as guidelines for measuring efficacy. Recent studies have shown that the Mg content of mononuclear blood cells (MBCs) may provide a better index for Mg status than serum concentrations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravenous Mg replacement therapy on MBC Mg content and serum Mg concentrations in critically ill hypomagnesemic patients. Adult patients admitted to the trauma intensive-care unit (ICU) with serum Mg concentration 133 mumol/L), pregnancy, or those who were seropositive for HIV were excluded. Ten patients with moderate (> 0.4-0.6 mmol/L [> 1.0-1.5 mg/dL]) and severe ( 0.7). The doses of MgSO4 (0.5-0.75 mmol/kg) used in this study increased serum Mg concentrations, but did not result in a statistically significant change of MBC Mg content in this group of trauma ICU patients.
A Remark on the Number of Complete and Empty Subgraphs

Let kp(G) denote the number of complete subgraphs of order p in the graph G. Bollobas proved that any real linear combination of the form ∑apkp(G) attains its maximum on a complete multipartite graph. We show that the same is true for a linear combination of the form ∑apkp(G) +bpkp(G¯), provided bp≥0 for every p.
Assessing opinions in community leadership networks to address health inequalities: a case study from Project IMPACT

This study demonstrates a novel approach that those engaged in promoting social change in health can use to analyze community power, mobilize it and enhance community capacity to reduce health inequalities. We used community reconnaissance methods to select and interview 33 participants from six leadership sectors in 'Milltown', the New England city where the study was conducted. We used UCINET network analysis software to assess the structure of local leadership and NVivo qualitative software to analyze leaders' views on public health and health inequalities. Our main analyses showed that community power is distributed unequally in Milltown, with our network of 33 divided into an older, largely male and more powerful group, and a younger, largely female group with many 'grassroots' sector leaders who focus on reducing health inequalities. Ancillary network analyses showed that grassroots leaders comprise a self-referential cluster that could benefit from greater affiliation with leaders from other sectors and identified leaders who may serve as leverage points in our overall program of public agenda change to address health inequalities. Our innovative approach provides public health practitioners with a method for assessing community leaders' views, understanding subgroup divides and mobilizing leaders who may be helpful in reducing health inequalities.
Phenotypic and functional evaluation of T cell responses after intradermal immunization with LTR192G, an attenuated form of the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) labile toxin (LT), as an adjuvant for an ETEC vaccine (VAC8P.1004)

The skin is an appealing route for delivery of vaccines. It is easily accessible, is rich in antigen presenting cells (i.e. dendritic cells), and several reports have shown that intradermal (ID) vaccination can use less antigen (dose sparing). However, few new adjuvants have been developed and tested for skin immunization. Here, we report our findings on the evaluation of the T cell response after immunization of volunteers with two prototype vaccines against ETEC given ID with LTR192G. Volunteers were immunized on days 0, 21 and 42 with the tip adhesin of the class 5a CFA/I fimbriae, CfaE, or an adhesin-toxoid chimera protein, CfaE-sCTA2/LTB5, admixed with the adjuvant. We found marked activation of LTB- and CfaE-specific CD4+ T cells post-immunization as measured by CD69 upregulation. Within the LTB-specific CD4+ population, we found a greater frequency of skin-homing CCR4+ cells, which is consistent with the route of immunization and a strong response to LTR192G. In addition, there was a higher frequency of LTB-specific CD4+ T cells with an effector memory phenotype. The frequency of CfaE-specific IFNγ+ CD4+ T cells was significantly higher post-immunization and was validated by high levels of IFNγ in CfaE-stimulated supernatants. Cytokine analysis also revealed higher levels of CfaE-specific IL-6 secretion compared to LTB. Taken together, the data demonstrate a strong CD4+ T cell response was generated to both antigen and adjuvant after ID immunization.
The Politics of Public Architecture: Examining the Development of Civic Space

This project examines design competition in democratic architecture in the American context. Through an analysis of the meaning of design in democratic politics, the history of design competitions, the conceptual constraints on the client-architect relationship in a democratic society, the identified advantages and disadvantages of design competition, and the factors influencing outcomes of design competitions, this paper sheds light on the theoretical and practical interconnectedness of the creative arts and political community.
Colorectal cancer prevention: Perspectives of key players from social networks in a low-income rural US region

Social networks influence health behavior and health status. Within social networks, “key players” often influence those around them, particularly in traditionally underserved areas like the Appalachian region in the USA. From a total sample of 787 Appalachian residents, we identified and interviewed 10 key players in complex networks, asking them what comprises a key player, their role in their network and community, and ideas to overcome and increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Key players emphasized their communication skills, resourcefulness, and special occupational and educational status in the community. Barriers to CRC screening included negative perceptions of the colonoscopy screening procedure, discomfort with the medical system, and misinformed perspectives on screening. Ideas to improve screening focused on increasing awareness of women’s susceptibility to CRC, providing information on different screening tests, improving access, and the key role of health-care providers and key players themselves. We provide recommendations to leverage these vital community resources. Key words: Cancer screening, colorectal cancer, rural, health inequities, social networks, qualitative (Published: 22 Fenruary 2016) Citation: Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being 2016, 11: 30396 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v11.30396
Pediatric Experience in Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric age group. Less than 500 new cases are seen each year in the United States, however. Because of this relatively low incidence, Phase III treatment strategies and various clinical-pathological characteristics of this malignancy are studied most effectively through a collaborative intergroup mechanism. In 1972, the multidisciplinary Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) was initiated by Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), Children’s Cancer Study Group (CCSG) and the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG). The IRS has completed two studies (1972–78; 1978–84) and is in midst of the third (1984-present). The current participating cooperative groups are CCSG, the Pediatric Oncology Group (formerly the pediatric divisions of CALGB and SWOG) and, since 1980, the United Kingdom Children’s Cancer Study Group.
THE PRICE EQUATION, FISHER'S FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM, KIN SELECTION, AND CAUSAL ANALYSIS.

A general framework is presented to unify diverse models of natural selection. This framework is based on the Price Equation, with two additional steps. First, characters are described by their multiple regression on a set of predictor variables. The most common predictors in genetics are alleles and their interactions, but any predictor may be used. The second step is to describe fitness by multiple regression on characters. Once again, characters may be chosen arbitrarily. This expanded Price Equation provides an exact description of total evolutionary change under all conditions, and for all systems of inheritance and selection. The model is first used for a new proof of Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection. The relations are then made clear among Fisher's theorem, Robertson's covariance theorem for quantitative genetics, the Lande-Arnold model for the causal analysis of natural selection, and Hamilton's rule for kin selection. Each of these models is a partial analysis of total evolutionary change. The Price Equation extends each model to an exact, total analysis of evolutionary change for any system of inheritance and selection. This exact analysis is used to develop an expanded Hamilton's rule for total change. The expanded rule clarifies the distinction between two types of kin selection coefficients. The first measures components of selection caused by correlated phenotypes of social partners. The second measures components of heritability via transmission by direct and indirect components of fitness.
The Effect of Marginal Levels of Calcium, Fish Meal, Torula Yeast and Alfalfa Meal on Feed Intake, Hepatic Lipid Accumulation, Plasma Estradiol, and Egg Shell Quality Among Laying Hens

In two 2 X 3 factorial-design experiments, Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) laying hens were fed either a corn-soy (CS) diet or one containing 5% each of fish meal, alfalfa meal, and torula yeast (FAY), each with 2.0, 2.75, or 3.5% calcium in Experiment 1 and 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5% in Experiment 2. Duration of the experiments were 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Low dietary calcium resulted in decreased efficiency of energy utilization in both experiments and significantly elevated energy consumption in Experiment 2. Liver lipids and body weight were unaffected by dietary calcium level, and declines in both egg production and shell quality were observed in both studies. In Experiment 1, overall plasma estradiol and tibial bone ash were significantly reduced with lowered dietary calcium, but this was not observed in Experiment 2. Egg weight was significantly increased by decreased dietary calcium in Experiment 1. Plasma calcium was not affected by dietary calcium in either trial. Feeding FAY resulted in significantly lower liver lipid than feeding CS in both experiments, and similar but nonsignificant trends were realized for plasma estradiol. Tibial bone ash and egg-breaking strength were significantly higher for hens fed FAY in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, plasma total calcium was lower and the percent shell was higher in hens fed FAY with 3.5% calcium than in hens fed CS with 3.5% calcium. No differences were observed between CS and FAY in feed consumption, body weight, or egg production. These studies indicate that feeding a more complex diet to laying hens may change calcium metabolism and improve shell quality at marginal levels of calcium compared with feeding a simplified CS diet.
Computational analysis of vertical axis wind turbine arrays

Canonical problems involving single, pairs, and arrays of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are investigated numerically with the objective of understanding the underlying flow structures and their implications on energy production. Experimental studies by Dabiri (J Renew Sustain Energy 3, 2011) suggest that VAWTs demand less stringent spacing requirements than their horizontal axis counterparts and additional benefits may be obtained by optimizing the placement and rotational direction of VAWTs. The flowfield of pairs of co-/counter-rotating VAWTs shows some similarities with pairs of cylinders in terms of wake structure and vortex shedding. When multiple VAWTs are placed in a column, the extent of the wake is seen to spread further downstream, irrespective of the direction of rotation of individual turbines. However, the aerodynamic interference between turbines gives rise to regions of excess momentum between the turbines which lead to significant power augmentations. Studies of VAWTs arranged in multiple columns show that the downstream columns can actually be more efficient than the leading column, a proposition that could lead to radical improvements in wind farm productivity.
A Note on Clitocybe Adirondackensis

Pileus: 1-6 cm broad, plane or convex at first, soon becoming subinfundibuliform to infundibuliform, margin inrolled at first, remaining decurved or becoming elevated, at times incised, usually not striate but slightly so at times, cuticle separable, surface appearing glabrous when moist, innately fibrillose when faded, at times subviscid, usually with a satiny luster, color near umber when young and moist, gradually paler to "avellaneous" and then changing into the buff series through "isabella color" to "cream buff," "light buff," "cartridge buff," "warm buff," "pinkish buff" or "vinaceous buff," hygrophanous, whitish to pallid when faded, disc often remaining dark. Flesh: thin, concolorous with the pileus, moist when fresh, usually tapering gradually to the margin of the pileus from the disc; taste unpleasant, odor strong, resembling that of fish, or somewhat spermatic to rancid-farinaceous.
A search for the \ge0-meson

A search has been made for the neutral decay mode of the proposed isoscalar, scalar meson (\ge0) by analysis of the missing-mass spectrum of the reaction \gp0+d\arpsp+p+neutrals at 2.7 GeV/c. After subtraction of a well-established number (determined from analysis of the pp \gp+\gp\t-\gp0 final state) of neutral decays of the ω-meson, an enhancement of ≤45 events above background remains in the mass region in the neighborhood of 800 MeV/c2. It is argued that these events are probably due to a proton contamination in the beam and that the experiment, therefore, provides no evidence for the existence of the \ge0-meson.
Eccentric Flap Repair of Urethral Fistulas

AbstractUrethral fistulas of various causes, most commonly as a complication of previous urethroplasty, may be repaired by a simple eccentric flap technique with variations and modifications of skin closure. With use of absorbable synthetic suture materials, surgical magnification and transient catheterization a high degree of success may be achieved with this method.
Surgical treatment of renal artery stenosis after failed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

AbstractFrom 1980 to 1989, 53 patients with renovascular hypertension underwent surgical treatment after initial unsuccessful management with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Renal artery stenosis was due to fibrous dysplasia in 17 patients and atherosclerosis in 36. The reasons for failure of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty were inability to dilate the stenotic lesion (32 patients), acute renal arterial occlusion (2) or dissection (8) from attempted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and the development of recurrent renal artery stenosis after initially successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (11). Three patients underwent nephrectomy due to the finding of a nonviable kidney at operation. Successful surgical revascularization was achieved in 50 patients. There was no significant fibrosis or inflammation around the previously dilated renal artery. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty necessitated performance of a more complicated revascularization operation in only 1 patient. If ...
Effects of letrozole on breast cancer micro-metastatic tumor growth in bone and lung in mice inoculated with murine 4T1 cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in women worldwide. Metastasis occurs in stage IV BC with bone and lung being common metastatic sites. Here we evaluate the effects of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole on BC micro-metastatic tumor growth in bone and lung metastasis in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) mice with murine estrogen receptor negative (ER−) BC cells inoculated in tibia. Forty-eight BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: OVX, OVX + Letrozole, Intact, and Intact + Letrozole, and injected with 4T1 cells intra-tibially. Letrozole was subcutaneously injected daily for 23 days at a dose of 1.75 µg/g body weight. Tumor progression was monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Following necropsy, inoculated tibiae were scanned via µCT and bone response to tumor was scored from 0 (no ectopic mineralization/osteolysis) to 5 (extensive ectopic mineralization/osteolysis). OVX mice had higher tibial pathology scores indicative of more extensive bone destruction than intact mice, irrespective of letrozole treatment. Letrozole decreased serum estradiol levels and reduced lung surface tumor numbers in intact animals. Furthermore, mice receiving letrozole had significantly fewer tumor colonies and fewer proliferative cells in the lung than OVX and intact controls based on H&E and Ki-67 staining, respectively. In conclusion, BC-inoculated OVX animals had higher tibia pathology scores than BC-inoculated intact animals and letrozole reduced BC metastases to lungs. These findings suggest that, by lowering systemic estrogen level and/or by interacting with the host organ, the aromatase inhibitor letrozole has the potential to reduce ER− BC metastasis to lung.
Hospitality workforce in Thailand and ASEAN

The purpose of this study was to examine hotel management perspectives on the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) and the formation of the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). With the loosening of restrictions among travel and trade throughout ASEAN member countries, greater mobility of the workforce and travel can be expected in the region posing new opportunities and challenges for the hospitality and tourism industries. A convenience sample of hotel management employees consisted of 166 supervisory level employees across a range of functional positions was obtained to gain an understanding of hotel management perspectives in Thailand. The need for effective communication, diversity, and cross-cultural understanding emerged as highlights to progressive management practices within the region. The majority of supervisory level employees reported a desire and need for continuous training and development along with strategic leadership practices to maintain a competitive workforce and hospitality organisation.
Food and economics

We are gradually coming to grips with the problem of formulating a national food policy. Hopefully, the result—growing out of necessary tradeoffs among nutritionists, economists, and politicians—will serve our nation adequately.
Combined use of optical spectroscopy and computational methods to study the binding and the photoinduced conformational modification of proteins when NMR and X-ray structural determinations are not an option.

Abstract The functions of proteins depend on their interactions with various ligands and these interactions are controlled by the structure of the polypeptides. If one can manipulate the structure of proteins, their functions can in principle be modulated. The issue of protein structure–function relationship is not only a central problem in biophysics, but is becoming clear that the ability to “artificially” modify the structure of proteins could be relevant in fields beyond the biomedical area to provide, for instance, light responses in proteins which would not possess such properties in their native state. This chapter presents an overview of the combination of optical electronic and vibrational spectroscopy with various computational methods to investigate the binding between photoactive ligands and proteins.
Deep Learning to Predict Patient Future Diseases from the Electronic Health Records

The increasing cost of health care has motivated the drive towards preventive medicine, where the primary concern is recognizing disease risk and taking action at the earliest stage. We present an application of deep learning to derive robust patient representations from the electronic health records and to predict future diseases. Experiments showed promising results in different clinical domains, with the best performances for liver cancer, diabetes, and heart failure.
EXPLOSIVE PHASE TRANSITIONS IN SUPERHEATED FREON

The proposition that the sudden vaporization of a superheated liquid may be an elementary detonation has been previously investigated in liquid propane (1) . Investigations are currently being conducted on Freon 22 using a different experimental technique. The phase transition from superheated liquid to vapor is initiated with a 1.0 J pulsed ruby laser which generates an acoustic pulse with a peak amplitude in the range of 5-20 bars (2) . Solid dielectric capacitance-like pressure transducers monitor the development of the induced shock wave (3) . Metastable superheated states of approximately 25 K have been achieved, lasting up to 50 milliseconds. The expected detonation pressure for this degree of superheat is in the range of 4-5 bars.
Islam in America by Mahmoud Yousef Shawarbi

The article offers an insight into the meanings of American blackness within Arab Muslim and Arabic imaginaries in the mid to late 20th century when the linkages between global post-colonial nationalist and liberation struggles signaled revolutionary possibility in the US and the Middle East. Through the Arabic- to -English translation of Egyptian Fulbright scholar and transnational Muslim figure Mahmoud Youssef Shawarbi’s informal ethnography on the Nation of Islam, a chapter in a report for organization Dissemination of Islamic Culture on Islam in America, we begin to see the contours of an Arab and Arabic imaginary around Black Americans and Islam in America as it intersects with American Blackness. What emerges in this chapter titled ‘Al Amreekan as-Simmr wa al-Gameeyah al-Islamiyyah bee Sheekago’ [Black Americans and the Islamic Organization of Chicago] is the surprisingly consistent use of the term simmr, the plural of asmar to as a signifier of American Blackness. Often translated as a ‘dark-comple...
Extending networks from chips to flexible and stretchable electronics

Emerging flexible hybrid electronics paradigm integrates traditional rigid integrated circuits and printed electronics on a flexible substrate. This hybrid approach aims to combine the physical benefits of flexible electronics with the computational advantages of the silicon technology. In this paper, we discuss the possibility to implement a physically flexible system capable of sensing, computation and communication. We argue that this capability can transform personalized computing by enabling the next big leap forward in the form factor design, similar to the shift from desktop and laptop computers to hand-held devices. Designing this type of a comprehensive system requires integrating many flexible and rigid resources on the same substrate. As a result, efficient interconnection network design rises as one of the major challenges similar to the system-on-chip experience. Therefore, we also discuss the interconnect design challenges and promising solutions for flexible hybrid systems.
Home Health and Home Monitoring in Rural and Frontier Counties: Human Factors in Implementation

An aging population, increases in chronic medical conditions, and the growth in healthcare expenditures have all combined to generate substantial interest in telehome care and home monitoring devices to address the health needs of our senior populations, especially in rural and frontier communities. Telehome care and home monitoring are attractive options to allow elderly rural residents to stay in their own homes and communities and receive necessary health care. The challenge in implementation is more on the human than the technological side of the equation. Human factors involve the primary provider, the home care agency personnel, the technical support available in rural areas, and the patient. Serious effort must go into making the patient comfortable, explaining the equipment, and building trust levels so that the monitoring equipment will be used.
Forkhead box a2 (FOXA2) is essential for uterine function and fertility

Establishment of pregnancy is a critical event, and failure of embryo implantation and stromal decidualization in the uterus contribute to significant numbers of pregnancy losses in women. Glands of the uterus are essential for establishment of pregnancy in mice and likely in humans. Forkhead box a2 (FOXA2) is a transcription factor expressed specifically in the glands of the uterus and is a critical regulator of postnatal uterine gland differentiation in mice. In this study, we conditionally deleted FOXA2 in the adult mouse uterus using the lactotransferrin Cre (Ltf-Cre) model and in the neonatal mouse uterus using the progesterone receptor Cre (Pgr-Cre) model. The uteri of adult FOXA2-deleted mice were morphologically normal and contained glands, whereas the uteri of neonatal FOXA2-deleted mice were completely aglandular. Notably, adult FOXA2-deleted mice are completely infertile because of defects in blastocyst implantation and stromal cell decidualization. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a critical implantation factor of uterine gland origin, was not expressed during early pregnancy in adult FOXA2-deleted mice. Intriguingly, i.p. injections of LIF initiated blastocyst implantation in the uteri of both gland-containing and glandless adult FOXA2-deleted mice. Although pregnancy was rescued by LIF and was maintained to term in uterine gland-containing adult FOXA2-deleted mice, pregnancy failed by day 10 in neonatal FOXA2-deleted mice lacking uterine glands. These studies reveal a previously unrecognized role for FOXA2 in regulation of adult uterine function and fertility and provide original evidence that uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions play important roles in blastocyst implantation and stromal cell decidualization.
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The OP-CRPD complements the international mechanism on monitoring the implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities, which consists of a review of national reports by the CRPD Committee (CRPD, Articles 34–36). Adopted together with the Convention, the Optional Protocol provides, in addition, (a) a procedure on submitting to the CRPD Committee individual communications against alleged violations, which can be triggered by the victims, and (b) a procedure on inquiry into serious violations, which the CRPD Committee may initiate on its own initiative. Acceptance of both procedures by States Parties derives, automatically, from ratification of the OP-CRPD. Parties may, however, decide to not recognize the authority of the CRPD Committee to conduct inquiries by making an ‘opt out’ declaration. The OP-CRPD provisions reflect, for a great part, the corresponding clauses of previous UN human rights treaties, with however differences in respect of the OP-CEDAW, which was regarded by many as a model at the time of negotiation. Differences are softened, however, if one looks at the applicable CRPD Committee’s RP and the (still poor) relevant practice. As is obvious, the OP-CRPD is open to ratification only by CRPD Contracting Parties. The drafters do not seem, however, to have paid particular attention to substantial coordination of the supplementary agreement with its ‘mother’ Convention; on the other hand, the relationship among the two legal instruments is governed by the general rules of the law of treaties.
Learnings and innovations in speech recognition

In the last ten years, speech recognition has evolved from a science fiction dream to a widespread input method for mobile devices. In this talk, I will describe how speech recognition works, the problems we have solved and the challenges that remain. I will touch upon some of Google's main efforts in language and pronunciation modeling, and describe how the adoption of neural networks for acoustic modeling marked the beginning of a technology revolution in the field, with approaches such as Long Short Term Memory models and Connectionist Temporal Classification. I will also share my learnings on how Machine Learning and Human Knowledge can be harmoniously combined to build state-of-the-art technology that helps and delights users across the world.
First report of clinical responses to immunotherapy in 3 relapsing cases of chordoma after failure of standard therapies

Chordoma is a rare tumor of notochordal origin, currently principally treated by surgery and/or irradiation. Here, we describe the clinical outcome of 3 consecutive patients with metastatic and locally advanced chordoma, treated with different immunotherapeutic approaches. All patients presented fast growing tumors and failure of standard therapies. One was treated with a tumor-based vaccine, the 2 others with anti-PD1 antibodies, all with impressive clinical and radiological responses. We therefore propose that chordoma is an immunogenic tumor and thus that translational and clinical research is necessary to develop rationally designed immunotherapy approaches.
Evaluating the longitudinal risk of social vigilance on atherosclerosis: Study protocol for the North Texas Heart Study

National Heart, Lung, and BloodInstitute (NHLBI) [R01HL109340]; Basic Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Opportunity Network (OppNet), National Institutes of Health
Self-Knowledge and Its Limits

A philosophical account of self-knowledge should offer more than an epistemological explanation of first-personal privilege. It should also address the many cases where the first-person perspective is not so privileged, and account for the importance of self-knowledge to a person’s social and psychological well-being. Quassim Cassam’s Self-Knowledge for Humans and John Doris’s Talking to Our Selves both emphasize the importance of these latter tasks, but neither author is wholly successful: Cassam’s argument rests on a gross distortion of the “Rationalist” picture he sets up as a foil, and Doris’s on a skeptical argument that stands in some questionable company.
3 – Bursicon, a Neuropeptide Hormone that Controls Cuticle Tanning and Wing Expansion

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on bursicon, which has already been demonstrated to bind DLGR2 and activate cAMP/PKA signaling, and provides insights into novel bursicon functions beyond cuticle tanning and wing expansion. Bursicon is a neuropeptide responsible for cuticle tanning (melanization and sclerotization) and wing expansion in insects. Insects are encased in a semi-rigid exoskeleton (cuticle) that provides insect protection and attachment sites for muscles and internal organs, which facilitates locomotion. On the other hand, it also limits insect growth. Insects must shed their old exoskeleton periodically (molt) to allow growth and metamorphosis. The newly formed exoskeleton after each molt is usually soft, flexible, and lacks physical strength for protection. Tanning of the cuticle must occur in a relatively short period of time after each molt for the new exoskeleton to be functional for protection. Insects could not survive without properly hardened cuticle.
Point Defects and Transport in Small Polaron Systems

A general defect equation has been developed which can describe defect phenomena in systems with variable valence cations (e.g. transition metals) which exhibit small polaron conduction. The types of defect phenomena considered include isolated point defects (vacancies), charged defect clusters (vacancy/interstitial), neutral clusters which link and produce percolation networks, and oxygenation (intercalation) where oxygen insertion does not result in the formation of cation vacancies but is still charge compensated by the variable valence cations. The bulk cation valence ratio (isolated defects, charged clusters, oxygen intercalated structures) and the local cation valence ratio (neutral cluster networks) can be studied via the electrical properties (conductivity, thermopower.) Examples are taken from the systems: Co1−δO, La2−xBaxCuo4 and YBa2Cu3O6+Y.
Antidepressants, Pharmacology of

Depression is a common ailment with a lifetime prevalence of 21% in women and 13% in men. Despite the hopelessness it can cause in patients, it is treatable with psychotherapy (if mild) and with antidepressants, with or without psychotherapy (if moderate to severe). Multiple classes of antidepressants have proven to be both effective and safe, and combinations of psychotropic medications may be required to achieve remission in some patients. Choice of which particular antidepressant to prescribe depends on many different factors. This article reviews each class of antidepressant, including dosage and the common adverse effects. A table listing dosage information for the available antidepressants is included.
Hereditary Aspects of Urologic Cancer

The current status of genetic research at the molecular biology level is reviewed as it applies to the hereditary aspects of urogenital cancer. An introductory overview of tumorigenesis as a multistep process with interactions between the host and environment is followed by separate discussions of hereditary and genetic alterations in the five major urologic cancers: prostate, urothelial, testicular, renal cell, and Wilms’ tumor.
Corporate Leadership in Sustainability: A Green Ranking Performance-Based Approach to Understanding the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Positive Marketing Impact

This paper analyzes several foundational concepts and questions regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR). Its primary contribution is a statistical examination of fundamental correlations between CSR and Newsweek's 2012 Green Rankings using forensic-based financial and accounting measures. It slightly replicates a previous study and further introduces new variables in looking at CSR from an economic perspective. The paper is interdisciplinary in that it synthesizes preceding studies' conceptions of CSR through finance, consumer behavior, branding, and ethics — a mix which has so far been regularly neglected — in an attempt to better characterize and measure corporate social responsibility.
Gorilla beringei (Primates: Hominidae)

Gorilla beringeiMatschie, 1903 is a great ape commonly called the eastern gorilla. Highly sexually dimorphic, this diurnal knuckle-walking quadruped is 1 of 2 species of Gorilla, the largest living primates. It is endemic to northwest Rwanda and southwest Uganda as G. b. beringei, and to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as G. b. beringei and G. b. graueri. G. beringei is known to both highland and lowland montane forests and subalpine environments, though only G. b. beringei is called the “mountain gorilla.” Those inhabiting higher elevations are more folivorous than those at lower elevations. Groups are highly cohesive polygamous social units, varying in size and composition. G. b. beringei and G. b. graueri are both listed as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.Version of Record, first published online October 1, 2018, with fixed content and layout in compliance with Art. 8.1.3.2 ICZN
Poset models for Weyl group analogs of symmetric functions and Schur functions

The `Weyl symmetric functions' studied here naturally generalize classical symmetric (polynomial) functions, and `Weyl bialternants,' sometimes also called Weyl characters, analogize the Schur functions. For this generalization, the underlying symmetry group is a finite Weyl group. A `splitting poset' for a Weyl bialternant is an edge-colored ranked poset possessing a certain structural property and a natural weighting of its elements so that the weighted sum of poset elements is the given Weyl bialternant. Connected such posets are of combinatorial interest in part because they are rank symmetric and rank unimodal and have nice quotient-of-product expressions for their rank generating functions. Supporting graphs of weight bases for irreducible semisimple Lie algebra representations provide one large family of examples. However, many splitting posets can be obtained outside of this Lie theoretic context. This monograph provides a tutorial on Weyl bialternants / Weyl symmetric functions and splitting posets that is largely self-contained and independent of Lie algebra representation theory. New results are also obtained.