cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic bias in breast cancer gene expression data sets.

While global breast cancer gene expression data sets have considerable commonality in terms of their data content, the populations that they represent and the data collection methods utilized can be quite disparate. We sought to assess the extent and consequence of these systematic differences with respect to identifying clinically significant prognostic groups. We ascertained how effectively unsupervised clustering employing randomly generated sets of genes could segregate tumors into prognostic groups using four well-characterized breast cancer data sets. Using a common set of 5,000 randomly generated lists (70 genes/list), the percentages of clusters with significant differences in metastasis latencies (HR p-value < 0.01) was 62%, 15%, 21% and 0% in the NKI2 (Netherlands Cancer Institute), Wang, TRANSBIG and KJX64/KJ125 data sets, respectively. Among ER positive tumors, the percentages were 38%, 11%, 4% and 0%, respectively. Few random lists were predictive among ER negative tumors in any data set. Clustering was associated with ER status and, after globally adjusting for the effects of ER-α gene expression, the percentages were 25%, 33%, 1% and 0%, respectively. The impact of adjusting for ER status depended on the extent of confounding between ER-α gene expression and markers of proliferation. It is highly probable to identify a statistically significant association between a given gene list and prognosis in the NKI2 dataset due to its large sample size and the interrelationship between ER-α expression and markers of proliferation. In most respects, the TRANSBIG data set generated similar outcomes as the NKI2 data set, although its smaller sample size led to fewer statistically significant results.
Allogeneic blood and bone marrow cells for the treatment of severe epidermolysis bullosa: Repair of the extracellular matrix

Contrary to the prevailing professional opinion of the past few decades, recent experimental and clinical data support the fact that protein replacement therapy by allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation is not limited to freely diffusible molecules such as enzymes, but also large structural proteins such as collagens. A prime example is the cross-correction of type VII collagen deficiency in generalised severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, in which blood and marrow transplantation can attenuate the mucocutaneous manifestations of the disease and improve patients' quality of life. Although allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation can improve the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, today's accomplishments are only the first steps on the long pathway to cure. Future strategies will be built on the lessons learned from these first transplant studies.
Improving metadata quality: augmentation and recombination

Digital libraries have, in the main, adopted the traditional library notion of the metadata "record" as the basic unit of management and exchange. Although this simplifies the harvest and re-exposure of metadata, it limits the ability of metadata aggregators to improve the quality of metadata and to share specifics of those improvements with others. The National Science Digital Library (NSDL) is exploring options for augmenting harvested metadata and re-exposing the augmented metadata to downstream users with detailed information on how it was created and by whom. The key to this augmentation process involves changing the basic metadata unit from "record" to "statement."
Long CGG-repeat tracts are toxic to human cells: implications for carriers of Fragile X premutation alleles.

Abstract People with 59–200 CGG · CCG-repeats in the 5′ UTR of one of their FMR1 genes are at risk for Fragile X tremor and ataxia syndrome. Females are also at risk for premature ovarian failure. These symptoms are thought to be due to the presence of the repeats at the DNA and/or RNA level. We show here that long transcribed but untranslated CGG-repeat tracts are toxic to human cells and alter the expression of a wide variety of different genes including caspase-8, CYFIP, Neurotensin and UBE3A.
A solution thermodynamic study of soybean oil/solvent systems by inverse gas chromatography

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) has seen wide application in the characterization of molten polymers, fibrous materials, and natural products, such as proteins and carbohydrates, over the past fifteen years. This study describes a relatively simple IGC technique for evaluating solute-solvent interactions using a refined soybean oil as a solvent. Utilizing soybean columns that are 5–20% by weight of the inert support has allowed the determination of a number of thermodynamic solution parameters for 22 solute-solvent pairs in the temperature range of 55–125°C. Weight and mole fraction activity coefficients, along with Henry's Law constants at infinite dilution, are presented for six solute classes. In general, activity coefficients increase with carbon number for n-alkanes, alkyl-substituted benzenes, and n-alkanoic acids at all temperatures investigated, while the reverse is found for the n-alkanols. The activity coefficient data indicate that aromatic solutes, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, and cyclohexane can readily dissolve soybean oil. Calculated heats of mixing for n-alkanols were found to be positive (to 2.84 kcal/mole) while recorded enthalpic interactions were weak for aromatic solutes, lower alkanes, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. The relevance of the above data to such problems as oil dissolution and solvent devolatilization are discussed.
From Pleistocene Mariners to Complex Hunter-Gatherers: The Archaeology of the California Channel Islands

California’s Channel Islands were home to some of the most distinctive Native American peoples along the Pacific Coast. Never connected to the mainland during the Quaternary, the Channel Islands have an impoverished terrestrial flora and fauna, but some of the richest and most productive marine environments in the Americas, including diverse kelp forest, intertidal, and offshore marine habitats. Native Americans occupied the Channel Islands for roughly 13,000 calendar years until the early nineteenth century, providing one of the longest and best preserved records of maritime hunter-gatherers in the Americas. We provide an overview and analysis of Channel Islands archaeology, from the relatively mobile peoples who colonized the islands during the Late Pleistocene to the complex hunter-gatherers documented by early Spanish explorers. Our analysis demonstrates the importance of Channel Islands archaeology for enhancing knowledge on a number of broad anthropological issues, including coastal and aquatic adaptations, seafaring, cultural complexity, trade and exchange, and ancient human impacts on the environment.
Evaluation of approximate analytical solutions for EMI scattering from finite objects of different shapes and properties

UWB electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensing, from 10s of Hz up to 100s of kHz, is emerging as one of the most promising remote sensing technologies for discrimination of subsurface metallic objects. Progress is urgently needed to distinguish dangerous objects, such as unexploded ordnance, from innocuous clutter. Development of EMI signal calibration, interpretation, processing, and inversion have all been impeded by the lack of rigorous, reliable analytical solutions for any scatterer shape other than the sphere. Here we test a number of new approximate solutions and determine that most canonical geometries and common, homogeneous material compositions can be treated adequately by the simple formulations proposed.
An efficacy test of cholecalciferol plus diphacinone rodenticide baits for California voles (Microtus californicus Peale) to replace ineffective chlorophacinone baits

California voles cause damage to pastures and rangelands, orchards and nurseries, and a wide variety of field crops, including artichokes. The anticoagulant rodenticides (chlorophacinone and diphacinone) typically used for voles are becoming less effective in controlling their populations. Consequently, there is a need to identify new rodenticides that will have a high efficacy on California voles so that agricultural production losses to rodents can be substantially reduced. We tested a new formulation containing two active ingredients (cholecalciferol and diphacinone) as a control method for California voles. Both a pelleted bait and an oil-coated artichoke bract bait were very palatable and efficacious against wild-caught, captive California voles. Efficacy levels of 70%80% were achieved in the two-choice feeding trials. Additionally, the days-to-death (56 days) were less than the time-to-death with anticoagulant only baits. We recommend that a field efficacy study be conducted with cholecalciferol plus diphacinone bait formulations to determine their field performance in the reduction of agricultural damage by California voles.
Turbidimetric Bioassay for Carbenicillin

A quantitative turbidimetric bioassay has been developed for carbenicillin with the use of a strain of Escherichia coli. The assay is relatively specific for carbenicillin and is not affected by 10% (wt/wt) benzylpenicillin. It has been demonstrated to be more precise than the plate diffusion assay. Since it is readily automated, it is also faster and less expensive. The influence of pH, time, and extent of growth on the assay has been evaluated.
Spots on Betelgeuse, what are they?

The supergiant star Alpha Orionis ( Betelgeuse ) is the only star other than the Sun to be spatially resolved either through direct imaging or through reconstruction of interferometric observations. Centimeter-radio wavelength, infrared and ultraviolet images reveal a few bright hot spots in the photosphere and chromosphere that possess characteristics different from sunspots. Large photospheric spots on Betelgeuse appear to result from convective motions, consistent with radiative hydrodynamic modeling; the chromospheric hot spots may be produced by shock waves in the chromosphere excited by the convective motions or pulsation in the photosphere. Bright chromospheric spots that cluster around the pole of Betelgeuse could be a natural result of shock breakout in a rotating star.
Mexican Militarism: The Political Rise and Fall of the Revolutionary Army, 1910-1940

This book examines the unique role a revolutionary army plays in the politics of a single country--Mexico. It discusses the political process which characterizes revolutions and revolutionary regimes in the twentieth century. The general problem to which the author directs his analysis is that of introducing civilian control into a political structure still dominated by the generals who successfully brought about the Revolution and who supposedly represent its ideals.
Imaging of thickness and compositional fluctuations in InGaN/GaN quantum wells by scanning capacitance microscopy

We have used scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to characterize structural and electronic properties of InxGa1−xN∕GaN quantum-well structures at the nanoscale. Macroscopic capacitance-voltage measurements combined with numerical simulations indicate that either electron or hole accumulation in the quantum-well layer can be induced by application of forward or reverse bias, respectively. Under reverse bias conditions (hole accumulation), features corresponding to monolayer fluctuations in InxGa1−xN quantum-well thickness are clearly evident. Under forward bias conditions (electron accumulation), samples exhibiting high luminescence efficiencies are found to contain regions of increased carrier accumulation within the quantum well, which on the basis of spatially resolved spectroscopy, bias-dependent imaging, and numerical simulations are attributed to nanoscale In-rich clusters in the quantum well. No such features are observed in samples exhibiting lower luminescence e...
Unusual effects of solvent polarity on capacitance for organic electrolytes in a nanoporous electrode

The interplay between ions and solvent molecules inside the nanoporous electrodes of a supercapacitor has not been well understood but could be a fertile ground for new insights into the device’s performance. By tuning the dipole moment of the solvent in an organic electrolyte, we find, from classical density functional theory calculations, pronounced oscillation of capacitance with the pore size for a moderately to weakly polar solvent. A quantitative analysis of the electric-double-layer (EDL) structure indicates that the capacitance oscillation shares a similar physical origin to that of an ionic liquid electrolyte: the oscillatory behavior arises from the formation of alternating layers of counterions and coions near strongly charged surfaces. More interestingly, we find that in the large-pore region, the capacitance versus the pore size has a volcano-shaped trend; in other words, there exists a solvent dipole moment that yields a maximal capacitance. These theoretical predictions can be validated with future experiments and highlight the great potential in tuning the organic solvent to achieve optimal performance of EDL capacitors.
Preterm birth and psychiatric medication prescription in young adulthood: a Swedish national cohort study

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes among young adults who were born preterm. These studies have been based mainly on hospital data, thus missing large numbers of mental health problems that do not require inpatient treatment. We used national outpatient and inpatient pharmacy data to evaluate whether individuals who were born preterm were more likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications during young adulthood than individuals who were born full term. METHODS: A national cohort of all infants born in Sweden from 1973 through 1979 [N = 635 933, including 28 799 who were born preterm (<37 weeks)] was followed to ages 25.5-34.0 years to determine whether psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics/sedatives and/or psychostimulants) were prescribed in 2005-06. RESULTS: A trend of increasing rate of prescriptions for antipsychotics, antidepressants and hypnotics/sedatives in young adulthood was observed by earlier gestational age at birth. Young adults who were extremely preterm at birth (23-27 weeks) were 3.1 times more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66-5.93], 1.8 times more likely to be prescribed antidepressants (95% CI 1.26-2.64) and 1.8 times more likely to be prescribed hypnotics/sedatives (95% CI 1.15-2.96) than individuals who were full term at birth, after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: This national cohort study, using outpatient and inpatient pharmacy data, suggests that preterm birth has important independent effects on mental health that extend at least into young adulthood. (Less)
A Monte-Carlo FDTD technique for rough surface scattering

A Monte-Carlo finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique is developed for wave scattering from randomly rough, one-dimensional surfaces satisfying the Dirichlet boundary condition. Both single-scale Gaussian and multiscale Pierson-Moskowitz surface roughness spectra are considered. Bistatic radar cross sections are calculated as a function of scattering angle for incident angles of 0, 45, 70, and 80 degrees measured from the vertical. The contour path FDTD method is shown to improve accuracy for incident angles greater than 45 degrees. Results compare well with those obtained using a Monte-Carlo integral equation technique. >
Permutation-Based Low-Complexity Alternate Coding in Multi-View H.264/AVC

Low bitrates enabled by the H.264/AVC standard come at the cost of significant decoding complexity. The problem is exacerbated when multi-view video coding (MVC), presently being standardized by the MPEG committee, is considered. Increasing the number of reference views will improve the prediction but also increase the encoding and decoding complexity. In this paper we present an alternative to transform coding and arithmetic coding used to code motion compensation residuals in H.264/AVC. Proposed approach is sorting permutation based, resulting in significantly decreased decoding complexity. We evaluate the efficiency of the coding and present initial results obtained for some sequences in published literature.
Vimentin's tail interacts with actin-containing structures in vivo

The tail domain of the intermediate filament (IF) protein vimentin is unnecessary for IF assembly in vitro. To study the role of vimentin's tail in vivo, we constructed a plasmid that directs the synthesis of a 'myc-tagged' version of the Xenopus vimentin-1 tail domain in bacteria. This polypeptide, mycVimTail, was purified to near homogeneity and injected into cultured Xenopus A6 cells. In these cells the tail polypeptide co-localized with actin even in the presence of cytochalasin. Two myc-tagged control polypeptides argue for the specificity of this interaction. First, a similarly myc-tagged lamin tail domain localizes to the nucleus, indicating that the presence of the myc tag did not itself confer the ability to co-localize with actin (Hennekes and Nigg (1994) J. Cell Sci. 107, 1019-1029). Second, a myc-tagged polypeptide with a molecular mass and net charge at physiological pH (i.e. -4) similar to that of the mycVimTail polypeptide, failed to show any tendency to associate with actin-containing structures, indicating that the interaction between mycVimTail and actin-containing structures was not due to a simple ionic association. Franke (1987; Cell Biol. Int. Rep. 11, 831) noted a similarity in the primary sequence between the tail of the type I keratin DG81A and vimentin. To test whether the DG81A tail interacted with actin-containing structures, we constructed and purified myc-tagged DG81A tail polypeptides. Unexpectedly, these keratin tail polypeptides were largely insoluble under physiological conditions and formed aggregates at the site of injection. While this insolubility made it difficult to determine if they associated with actin-containing structures, it does provide direct evidence that the tails of vimentin and DG81A differ dramatically in their physical properties. Our data suggest that vimentin's tail domain has a highly extended structure, binds to actin-containing structures and may mediate the interaction between vimentin filaments and microfilaments involved in the control of vimentin filament organization (Hollenbeck et al. (1989) J. Cell Sci. 92, 621; Tint et al. (1991) J. Cell Sci. 98, 375).
Public policy for business and the economy Ideological dissensus, change and consensus

A substantial literature shows that ideology, often describable on a conservative-liberal spectrum, is a significant independent variable influencing the formulation of public policy. The 1960s–1990s are frequently depicted as decades of ideological tumult. However, analysis of the editorials of major publications shows that substantial agreement existed on public policy directions for business and the economy throughout most of these years. Furthermore, in some policy areas initial dissensus was followed by significant movement toward consensus. A theory presented here based on the concepts of successful market operation, market misbehavior, and market breakdown explains in large part the reasons for this long term policy consensus as well as movement from dissensus to consensus.
The Role of Fluid Recovery in Consumer Protection Litigation

In mass litigation it is often impossible or impracticable to compensate all direct victims. In such cases courts often employ "fluid recovery" to put the damage funds to the next best use, such as awarding funds to consumer interest organizations or rolling back the price of the defendants' product. In Kraus v. Trinity Management Services, the California Supreme Court held that fluid recovery is not available in representative actions brought under the state's expansive Unfair Competition Law (UCL). This Casenote analyzes the decision in the context of California's consumer protection jurisprudence, and concludes that although the UCL must be reined in, the courts should be able to employ fluid recovery in consumer protection suits under the statute. Absent legislative intervention, Kraus will lead to improper channeling of UCL suits into class actions, impose an impractical notification burden on defendants, and restrict the courts' historically broad equitable powers under the statute. The Casenote concludes that permitting fluid recovery is in line with the legislative intent of the statute and the trend towards pragmatism in mass litigation.
Committee Assignments and Black Agenda Setting

The race and representation literature has established that committees are an important potential source of power for black members of Congress. This paper builds on that research by shifting the focus from the role of black MCs in the deliberative aspects of committee hearings to how committees recognize black issues through bill sponsorship. Specifically, I investigate how the bill sponsorship of non-black committee members and the bills referred to committees change in response to adding more black MCs onto committees.
A latent serotonin-1A receptor-gated spinal afferent pathway inhibiting breathing.

Spinal afferents such as nociceptive afferents and group III-IV muscle afferents are known to exert an acute excitatory effect on breathing when activated. Here, we report the surprising existence of latent spinal afferents which exerted tonic inhibitory influence on breathing subliminally in anesthetized rats, an effect which was reversed upon activation of serotonin-1A receptors (5-HT1ARs) in lumbar spinal cord, lesion of pontine lateral parabrachial nucleus or suppression of the adjacent Kolliker-Fuse nucleus with NMDA receptor blockade. Small-interfering RNA knockdown of 5-HT1ARs in lumbar spinal cord unequivocally localized the site of 5-HT1AR-mediated gating of these respiratory-inhibiting interoceptive afferents to relay neurons in the spinal superficial dorsal horn at the lumbar level and not cervical spinal or supraspinal levels. Our results reveal a novel somatosensory/viscerosensory mechanism which exerts tonic inhibitory influence on homeostatic regulation of breathing independent from the classical chemoreflex excitatory pathways, and suggest a hitherto unrecognized therapeutic target in spinal dorsal horn for 5-HT1AR-based treatment of a variety of respiratory abnormalities.
Supersizing: The Illusion of a Bargain and the Right-to-Split

The supersizing phenomenon where menu prices for large fast food portions appear to be well below their marginal production costs is of considerable scholarly and policy interest. This article develops sufficient conditions under which a firm can separate two different consumer types while maximizing and capturing the total surplus associated with marginal-cost pricing. This strategy creates a perceived supersizing discount even though the firm does not actually sell the additional quantity below marginal cost. With public health interest in reducing portion sizes, we introduce the right-to-split as a policy alternative that breaks the separating equilibrium and leads to smaller quantities.
Finding My Voice in Residency: Reflections on Integrative Family Medicine

The author discusses how self awareness and healing play a key role within the evolving field of integrative family medicine.
In vitro transcription of adenovirus 2 DNA

We estimate that E. coli RNA polymerase is able to form stable, rifampicin-resistant, pre-initiation complexes with Adenovirus 2 DNA at three to six binding sites. The number of RNA chains initiated from such complexes has been determined from the incorporation of γ-32P-ATP and-GTP at two rifampicin concentrations (7 μg/ml and 24 μg/ml) and after pre-incubation at either 25 or 37°C. The total number of RNA chains initiated ranges from 2.6 per Ad 2 DNA molecule at a rifampicin concentration of 24 μg/ml and pre-incubation temperature of 25°C, to 5.4 per Ad 2 DNA molecule at a rifampicin concentration of 7 μg/ml and pre-incubation temperature of 37°C. Efficient initiation with GTP occurs only after pre-incubation at 37°C whereas initiation with ATP is equally as efficient at either pre-incubation temperature. Promoters for initiation with ATP have been localized to the leftmost 58% of the Ad 2 DNA molecule, defined by the EcoR.RI restriction endonuclease fragment A; promoters for initiation with GTP are located on the remaining 42% of the Ad 2 DNA molecule. It is likely that on Adenovirus 2 DNA each RNA chain is initiated from a unique binding site which constitutes a separate promoter for E. coli RNA polymerase.
Changes in streptococcus from encephalitis, induced experimentally, and their significance in pathogenesis of epidemic encephalitis and influenza

Instances of disease resembling the condition we now designate "encephalitis lethargica" have appeared at various times during past centuries. A well-nigh constant relationship has existed between cases of disease with lethargy as a prominent symptom and the occurrence of epidemics of fevers now generally recognized as influenzal in character. During the seventeenth century, influenza occurred repeatedly in epidemic proportions in both the old world and the new, and Crookshank, according to Garrison,1 "believes that the lethargic encephalitis at Copenhagen (1657), described by Bartholin, the English febrile epidemic of 1661 described by Willis as affecting 'brains and nervous stocks,' the 'comatose fever' of Sydenham (1673-1675), and a case of encephalitis lethargica described by Albrecht of Hildesheim (1695), were all manifestations of influenza." It followed the epidemic of influenza of 1889-1890. The unprecedented presence of encephalitis during the past few years following the pandemic of influenza of 1918-1919 is probably only another, although an extreme, example indicating relationship between influenza and encephalitis. The occurrence of influenza in cases of encephalitis, usually some time previous to the onset of the encephalitic attack, has been noted so commonly in the recent epidemic that most clinicians have come to believe that causal relationship between these two diseases must exist. Many investigators have directed their efforts toward the isolation of the etiologic agent in epidemic encephalitis during its recent widespread* prevalence. In my own studies in this field, I have produced characteristic symptoms and lesions in animals with a somewhat peculiar streptococcus isolated from typical cases of lethargic encephalitis and from a series of cases of epidemic hiccup, and we have demonstrated the streptococcus in the lesions of a series of typical cases of encephalitis.2 Impressed by the frequency of a history of influenza in patients with encephalitis who have come under my observation and by the similarity
Approach to the medical management of surgically resectable gastric cancer.

The optimal adjuvant management of patients with resectable gastric cancer remains a therapeutic challenge. Although the benefit of adjuvant therapy for these patients is clearly established, recurrence and mortality rates remain high despite such treatment. Moreover, surgical comorbidities and treatment toxicities result in high rates of failure to complete treatment after surgery. Two divergent approaches to adjuvant treatment have emerged as standard: postoperative chemo- radiotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy. Because these approaches have never been compared directly, recommenda- tions for adjuvant treatment require multidisciplinary discussion. During this discussion, the characteristics of the symptoms, the histology, location, and stage of the tumor, and the feasibility of the patient's completing all recommended therapy may be consid- ered. In our own practice, we favor perioperative chemotherapy for patients with asymptomatic, proximal, higher-stage disease and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for patients with symptomatic, distal, lower-stage disease. Herein, we summarize the available data for approaches to the adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer, with special consideration of the characteristics of the patients enrolled in the various studies. We also describe how we devel- oped our paradigm for recommending a particular approach to adjuvant treatment for each patient.
Rape Myth Adherence Among Campus Law Enforcement Officers

Campus police agencies are often the first, if not only, responders to sexual assault incidents occurring on college campuses. Little is known, however, regarding the attitudinal dispositions of th...
The ‘New Security Architecture’

The security challenges facing Europe, outlined in the previous chapter, call for cooperation and collaboration through institutions devoted to the maintenance of peace and stability. What appears to be happening, both in their insistence and the manner in which the Western countries are approaching them, is the opposite. The removal of the overarching nuclear threat and the opposing alliances, which were the main features of Cold War European security, has weakened the perceived need for collaboration on security matters. Instead, the relance of the nation-state, contrary to earlier postulating about the decline of the nation-state and the emergence of regimes, has been the salient feature of the post-Cold War international system.
Treatment challenges in the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis – role of secukinumab

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a negative impact on psychosocial well-being and cardiometabolic health. Treatment options for moderate-to-severe psoriasis have expanded with the development of interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors, the first of which is now available - secukinumab. Secukinumab is a fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 κ antibody that selectively inhibits the ligand IL-17A. In head-to-head studies, it is more effective than etanercept and ustekinumab, particularly in achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90/100 and achieving PASI 50/75 as early as week 4. No head-to-head trials are available for comparison of adalimumab to secukinumab. Significant improvement in health care-related quality of life was also observed using the dermatology quality index in clinical studies. Safety data for secukinumab is comparable to available biologics. Specific safety concerns for the use of secukinumab include its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, reversible transient neutropenia, in those with a latex allergy, and the occurrence of mild to moderate oral or genital candidiasis. Secukinumab is an effective and safe treatment option that achieves high clearance rates up to PASI 90 and 100 as monotherapy in cases of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. It may be particularly helpful in patients with psoriasis who have formed antidrug antibodies or failed other biologic agents and in patients with psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Principles of Color and Power Doppler in Neck Ultrasound Imaging

Doppler ultrasound, especially color Doppler imaging, is used extensively in the evaluation of thyroid and parathyroid anatomy and pathology. The principles of the basic Doppler effect, describing frequency shifts resulting from nonstationary sound sources and receivers, will be reviewed. An overview of spectral Doppler methods will be briefly presented, illustrating how the Doppler effect is utilized clinically to allow detailed blood velocity information to be measured from a small region of a blood vessel. Color Doppler imaging will then be discussed in detail, showing how clinical ultrasound scanners can obtain mean blood velocities over an extended spatial region. This will include some explanation of acquisition methods, image characteristics, and artifacts and pitfalls commonly seen when scanning the neck with color Doppler imaging. Power Doppler imaging mode and its relationship to color Doppler will also be described.
Anemia in Diabetic Patients without Underlying Nephropathy. a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Anemia (defined by the World Health Organization as a hemoglobin level of less than 13 mg/dl in men and less than 12 mg/dl in women) is common in diabetic patients, particularly in those with reduced renal function. Most studies attribute anemia in diabetic patients to kidney function impairment. There are no controlled systematic studies of the prevalence and predictors of anemia in patients with diabetes in the absence of overt nephropathy. Objective: This retrospective cohort study was designed to measure the prevalence of anemia in diabetic patients with normal kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) greater than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 and negative micro albuminuria) and compare it to a control group of non-diabetic patients. The study was designed to investigate diabetes as an independent risk for causing anemia. Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of medical records of 400 patients (older than 18 years old) visiting the outpatient clinic in our institution between January and June 2015. 200 patients with diabetes (glycosylated hemoglobin (HgA1C) greater than 7) were compared to 200 non-diabetic patients (HgA1C level below 5.6), to identify the prevalence of anemia, with and without kidney disease and any other associated factors. Results:The prevalence of anemia in all diabetic patients was 22% vs. 9% in non-diabetic group (OR: 2.69, 95% CI; 1.49 to 4.86, P = 0.001). Out of the 22% (n = 44) anemic patients, 18 patients had anemia with normal kidney function, out of those; 5 had iron deficiency anemia and one had autoimmune disease, while the remaining 12 patients (6%) did not have any obvious cause of anemia other than diabetes vs. 2 patients (1%) in non-diabetic patients who we did not find any explanation for the their anemia (OR: 6.6, 95% CI; 1.45 to 30, P Conclusion: Most studies have highlighted an association between anemia and nephropathy in diabetic patients. This retrospective cohort study suggests a high incidence of anemia with unidentified pathology in the diabetic population. The mechanism of this anemia is not well understood, although direct glucose toxicity to erythrocyte precursors in the bone marrow or oxidative stress to mature erythrocytes are both possibilities. Prospective study of hemoglobin levels in patients with diabetes may help elucidate the precise mechanism of anemia in this group. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Cyperus vicky-martiniae, a new species of Cyperus sect. Luzuloidei (Cyperaceae) from central Brazil

Based on study of herbarium specimens, a new species is described from South America: Cyperus vicky-martiniae from the Federal District, Brazil. Based on morphology, it is most closely related to C. pseudovegetus and C. reflexus.
Cardiothoracic surgery training grants provide protected research time vital to the development of academic surgeons

Abstract Background The Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award (T32) provides institutions with financial support to prepare trainees for careers in academic medicine. In 1990, the Cardiac Surgery Branch of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) was replaced by T32 training grants, which became crucial sources of funding for cardiothoracic (CT) surgical research. We hypothesized that T32 grants would be valuable for CT surgery training and yield significant publications and subsequent funding. Methods Data on all trainees (past and present) supported by CT T32 grants at two institutions were obtained (T32), along with information on trainees from two similarly sized programs without CT T32 funding (Non-T32). Data collected were publicly available and included publications, funding, degrees, fellowships, and academic rank. Non-surgery residents and residents who did not pursue CT surgery were excluded. Results Out of 76 T32 trainees and 294 Non-T32 trainees, data on 62 current trainees or current CT surgeons (T32: 42 vs Control: 20) were included. Trainees who were supported by a CT T32 grant were more likely to pursue CT surgery after residency (T32: 40% [30/76] vs Non-T32: 7% [20/294], P P P = .02), and pursue advanced fellowships (T32: 41% [9/22] vs Non-T32: 10% [2/20], P = .02). Conclusions T32 training grants supporting CT surgery research are vital to develop academic surgeons. These results support continued funding by the NHLBI to effectively develop and train the next generation of academic CT surgeons.
Perceived supernatural support heightens battle confidence: a knife combat field study

Religiosity has been historically linked with propensities for both antisocial aggression and prosocial bravery, and prior research employing indirect measures affirms that envisioning the support ...
The Course of Creativity among Historical Artists of Renown

The most creative years for painters of historical renown, according to proponents of the decline position, are the 30s (Lehman, 1953). Furthermore, total creative output declines by the 40s, and earlier and more sharply for artists than for scientists and scholars (Dennis, 1966). Thus, creativity reaches its highest point in young adulthood and falls by the early middle years, a span of only about 10 years or so. Art historians, though, hold that artistic creativity has more than one high point, it is not only in youth, and it is sustained, refreshed, and emergent in old age (Chapter 5). These conflicting assertions about artistic creativity among painters are examined in this chapter. (For details of the research on which this chapter was based, see Lindauer, 1993b.)
Quick and sustained clinical response to MEK inhibitor I in a NF1 patient with neurofibromas

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition disorder with a birth incidence of about 1 in 2,700 and prevalence of 1 in 4,560. The NF1 gene codes for an ubiquitous protein: neurofibromin. Neurofibromin interacts with the proto-oncogene RAS to suppress tumour formation. Individuals with germline inactivation of the NF1 gene have a propensity to develop both benign and malignant tumours. We report the case of a 12-year-old child with NF1, diagnosed at the age of 15 months, for whom the clinical course has been marked by the appearance of multiple cutaneous and paraspinal neurofibromas responsible for impaired walking, motor deficiency and pain. A treatment with an MEK inhibitor, trametinib, was initiated and led to a quick and sustained clinical response.
Navigating medically complex patients through system barriers: Patients’ perspectives on care coordination

IntroductionCare coordination can improve healthcare quality and reduce costs. The objective of this study was to provide a qualitative understanding of the most helpful coordination services as ex...
Brain Sensitivity to Exclusion is Associated with Core Network Closure.

Humans are driven to pursue and preserve social relationships, and these motivations are reinforced through biological systems. In particular, individual differences in the tuning of biological systems that respond to social threats may motivate individuals to seek out differently structured social environments. Drawing on a sample of adolescent males who underwent fMRI brain imaging (n = 74) and contributed Facebook data, we examined whether biological responses to a common scenario – being excluded from an activity with peers – was associated with their social network structure. We find that neural responses during social exclusion in a priori hypothesized “social pain” regions of the brain (dACC, AI, subACC) are associated with the density and transitivity of core friendship networks. These findings suggest that neural reactivity to exclusion may be one factor that underlies network “safety”. More broadly, the study shows the potential of linking social cognitive tendencies to social structural properties.
Leadership and School Social Work in the USA: A Qualitative Assessment

School social workers provide unique insight into the biopsychosocial factors that influence students and overall well-being. Social work training in the person-in-environment perspective offers a unique understanding of issues within the school environment, making them ideal professionals to lead holistic, interdisciplinary response options and programs that help foster positive school climates and student success. However, current research suggests there is little information about what school social work practice actually looks like in the schools and how this practice is consistent with leadership roles and tasks. The purpose of this study is to examine school social work leadership in today’s schools. A sample of school social work practitioners across the USA (N = 375) provided a response to the question: “In what ways do you provide leadership within your school setting?” An inductive, thematic study was conducted to determine the aspects of leadership in which school social workers engage in most. Using coding procedures, three salient themes of leadership emerged: (1) increasing training and services; (2) focusing on school–community partnerships; and (3) advocating for policy and school structural changes that affect school safety. Findings from this study build upon past research and suggest that efforts to prepare and improve current leadership skills for school social workers are warranted. Implications for student education and social work programs are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Hormones and Childhood Trauma: Links Between the Physical and Psychological

Researchers have uncovered connections between the experience of childhood traumas and later symptoms, both psychological and physiological. This article highlights, specifically for family counsel...
Generating high performance, topologically-complex metasurfaces with neural networks

We show that generative neural networks, combined with topology optimization, are a computationally efficient route to producing high efficiency, topologically-complex metasurfaces across a broad operating parameter space. © 2019 The Author(s)
Performance of a novel Next Generation Sequencing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) platform for the evaluation of samples from patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is gaining momentum as sensitive diagnostic tool for advanced disease characterization because of its ability both to capture the tumor's heterogeneity and its dynamic adaptations. However, the consistency between all the available platforms is still debated. The aim of the study was to explore the performance of the novel diagnostic NGS platform PredicinePLUS™ and to compare its results with the clinically available Guardant360™ platform for possible analytical inconsistencies. The study suggests that PredicinePLUS™ NGS platform can detect genomic alterations and measure allele frequency in samples of MBC patients and confirmed that different NGS platforms could be potentially compared provided that certain sample management and analytical requirements are met.
Prior breast density awareness, knowledge, and communication in a health system-embedded behavioral intervention trial.

Background Breast density is an important breast cancer risk factor and a focus of recent national and state health policy efforts. This article describes breast density awareness, knowledge, and communication among participants in a health system-embedded trial with clinically elevated breast cancer risk 1 year before state-mandated density disclosure. Methods Trial participants' demographics and prior health history were ascertained from electronic health records. The proportions of women reporting prior breast density awareness, knowledge of density's masking effect, and communication with a provider about their own breast density were calculated using baseline interview data collected from 2017 to 2018. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate associations between women's characteristics and density awareness, knowledge, and communication. Results Although the overwhelming majority of participants had heard of breast density (91%) and were aware of breast density's masking effect (87%), only 60% had ever discussed their breast density with a provider. Annual mammography screening was associated with prior breast density awareness (odds ratio [OR], 2.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-6.81), knowledge (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.20-6.66), and communication (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.34-6.16) compared with an infrequent or unknown screening interval. Receipt of breast biopsy was also associated with prior knowledge (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04-2.45) and communication (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.00-1.85). Conclusions Breast density awareness and knowledge are high among insured women participating in clinical research, even in the absence of mandated density disclosure. Patient-provider communication about personal density status is less common, particularly among women with fewer interactions with breast health specialists.
Distribution Line Fault Location Method Based on Multi Terminal Information Fusion and Filtering Estimation

In order to isolate the fault area accurately and restore the power supply of the non-fault area in distribution network which has complex and profuse branches, a novel line fault location method is proposed based on multi-terminal information fusion and filtering estimation. The traveling wave collection devices are installed in every terminal distribution transformer for arrival time measuring of the initial wave head. A reference point is selected to get all the main lines that contains the fault point. According to the principle of two-terminal fault location method, the Calman filtering algorithm and the least square method are used to deal with the measurement distance of all the main lines so as to obtain fault distance. The simulation example shows that this method can realize accurate location of the fault section.
GSAP Regulates Amyloid Beta Production through Modulation of Amyloid Precursor Protein Trafficking

Abstract In addition to participating in γ-secretase activity, presenilin 1 (PS1) regulates trafficking and subcellular localization of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). We previously showed that gamma-secretase activating protein (GSAP) selectively modulates γ-secretase activity by inducing conformational change in PS1. However, little is known whether and how GSAP might influence APP trafficking and consequent generation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides. Here, to explore whether GSAP has any role in regulating APP trafficking, and to systematically investigate the intracellular trafficking routes of APP, we paired total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, high-speed line scanning microscopy, and 4D microscopy with comprehensive imaging analysis methodologies to depict the elusive modes of APP trafficking at a single-vesicle level. Mobility and diffusivity changes reveal the existence of two kinetically distinct pathways, classified into mobile and immobile pools, for vesicular APP trafficking, suggesting high association between immobile vesicle pool and amyloidogenic processing. GSAP knockdown significantly lowers immobile pool without overturning APP vesicle diffusivity, suggesting that GSAP affects vesicular APP trafficking by retaining APP in membrane microdomains known to favor amyloidogenic processing. Our study reveals a novel role of GSAP in the regulation of Aβ-peptide formation that modulates switching of APP vesicles between immobile and mobile pools, which may help identifying new therapeutic strategies to treat Alzheimer’s disease.