cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous extracranial carotid artery dissection in children

Dissection of cerebral arteries as a cause of stroke is rarely recognized in children. Two patients with stroke due to extracranial carotid artery dissection are reported. A 7-year-old girl with a 2-week history of right arm chorea had a left basal ganglia infarct and is receiving haloperidol for persistent chorea. The second patient, a 15-year-old boy, developed aphasia and right hemiparesis a day before admission during a football game without obvious trauma. He had a large left middle cerebral artery infarct and died of cerebral edema and herniation. We believe that strokes due to arterial dissection are more common than currently recognized, partly because of a lack of history of trauma, and suggest that cerebral artery dissection be considered as an etiology of childhood strokes. Greater awareness of arterial dissection as a cause of stroke and availability of noninvasive techniques like magnetic resonance angiography should result in a more accurate diagnosis and improved prognosis in these patients.
Investigating FUS variation in Parkinson's disease.

Summary Mutations of the FUS gene were first reported to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Subsequent studies confirmed the role of mutations in ALS and also implicated them in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Recently, through Next-Generation Exome sequencing approaches a mutation resulting in a substitution (p.Q290X) in the nuclear export domain of the FUS protein was nominated as a cause of autosomal dominant essential tremor (ET) in a large kindred. In addition, recent reports suggest a possible role for TDP-43 mutations in parkinsonism; TDP-43 is another RNA-binding protein implicated in ALS. Given these findings we investigated the role of FUS variants in Parkinson's disease (PD). We sequenced specific regions of the gene encoding three functional domains of the FUS protein in 702 patients with PD. Our sequencing study did not identify any novel non-synonymous variant that would appear to affect the subjects’ susceptibility to Parkinson's disease. These findings and previous studies have shown that variants within the FUS gene are not a common cause of PD or ET, in comparison to their role in ALS.
Production of extracellular fibers by tobacco leaf epidermal protoplasts

Protoplasts prepared from the upper epidermis of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves produce tubular structures which are highly fluorescent in the presence of Calcofluor white. The presence of Ca2+ in the incubation medium appears to be necessary for the production of these fibers. A commercial cellulase preparation destroyed these structures and inhibited their production.
Clinical toleration and safety of azithromycin

Abstract The toleration and safety profile of the azalide antibiotic, azithromycin, has been assessed in 3,995 patients aged 2–94 (mean, 36) years, comprising 1,644 females and 2,351 males. Patients with infections of the respiratory tract or skin/skin structure received 1.5 g azithromycin over 5 days; patients with urethritis/cervicitis caused by Chlamydia were treated with 1 g as a single dose. Assessments of side effects and laboratory safety test abnormalities were made pretreatment and approximately 7–14 and 30 days after the start of therapy. Twelve standard antibiotics have been used for comparison. Overall, side effects were recorded in 12.0% of patients, significantly less (p
Subdomain Specific Functions of the RNA Polymerase Region of Poliovirus 3CD Polypeptide

Abstract The 3D polymerase domain of the poliovirus 3CD polypeptide plays a role in modulating its RNA binding and protein processing activities, even though the proteinase catalytic site and RNA binding determinants appear to reside within the 3Cpro portion of the molecule. In this study, we have generated recombinant 3CD polypeptides that contain chimeric 3D polymerase domains representing suballelic sequence exchanges between poliovirus type 1 (PV1) and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) to determine which portions of the 3D domain are responsible for influencing these activities. By utilizing these recombinant protein chimeras in protein processing and RNA binding studies in vitro, we have generated data suggesting the presence of separate subdomains within the polymerase domain of 3CD that may independently modulate its RNA binding and protein processing activities. In predicting where our sequence exchanges map by utilizing the previously published three-dimensional structure of the PV1 3D polymerase, we present evidence that sequences contained within the RNA recognition motif of the polymerase are critical for 3CD function in recognizing the 5′ RNA cloverleaf. Furthermore, our protein processing data indicate that at least some of the substrate recognition and processing determinants within the 3D domain of 3CD are separate and distinct from the RNA binding determinants in this domain.
Transformation and compatible solutes

Abstract Plants are frequently exposed to environmental stresses that result in water deficit, sodium toxicity, ion deficiency, and photoinhibition. Plants deal with these factors according to their genetic makeup through responses which, although present in all species, have evolved to different complexity in individual plant families. A nearly universal reaction is the accumulation of `compatible solutes', many of which are osmolytes (i.e., metabolites whose high cellular concentration reduces the osmotic potential significantly) considered to lead to osmotic adjustment. Recent observations indicate that compatible solutes may have other functions as well, namely in the protection of enzyme and membrane structure and in scavenging of radical oxygen species. Plant transformation leading to the presence of compatible solutes has resulted in significant increases in whole plant tolerance to osmotic stress, but the increases will be marginal in a field situation. Considering the progress in our understanding of mechanisms that lead to stress tolerance, multigene transfer is possible with present plant transformation technologies. We propose that targeting of different compatible solutes to different subcellular locations, and to different organs for different purposes can lead to additive increases in plant stress tolerance.
Dynamics and bases of recoveries of functions after injuries to the cerebral cortex

A review of the principal results of a 20-year program, at Ohio State University, of quantitative studies of the problem of recovery from damage to the brain.
Performance of cooperative diversity using Equal Gain Combining (EGC) over Nakagami-m fading channels

Cooperative diversity is a promising technology for future wireless networks. In this paper, we derive exact closed-form expressions for the average bit error rate (BER) and outage probability (Pout) for differential equal gain combining (EGC) in cooperative diversity networks. The considered network uses amplify-and-forward relaying over independent non-identical Nakagami-m fading channels. The performance metrics (BER and Pout) are derived using the moment generating function (MGF) method. Furthermore, we found (in terms of MGF) the SNR moments, the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and amount of fading. Numerical results show that the differential EGC can benefit from the path-loss reduction and outperform the traditional multiple-input single output (MISO) system. Also, numerical results show that the performance of the differential EGC is comparable to the maximum ratio combining (MRC) performance.
Spindle Cell Conversion by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus: Formation of Colonies and Plaques with Mixed Lytic and Latent Gene Expression in Infected Primary Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cell Cultures

Angiogenic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) skin lesions found in both AIDS and non-AIDS patients are universally associated with infection by the presumed causative agent, known as KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8. KSHV genomes expressing latent state virus-encoded mRNAs and the LANA1 (latent nuclear antigen 1) protein are consistently present in spindle-like tumor cells that are thought to be of endothelial cell origin. Although the KSHV lytic cycle can be induced in rare latently infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell lines, the ability to transmit or assay infectious KSHV has so far eluded investigators. Here, we demonstrate that infection with supernatant virions derived from three different tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-induced PEL cell lines can induce cultured primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMVEC) to form colonies of proliferating latently infected spindle-shaped cells, all of which express the KSHV-encoded LANA1 protein. Although their initial infectivity varied widely (JSC1 > > BC3 > BCP1), virions from all three cell lines produced distinctive spindle cell colonies and plaques without affecting the contact-inhibited cobblestone-like phenotype of adjacent uninfected DMVEC. Each infected culture could also be expanded into a completely spindloid persistently infected culture displaying aggregated swirls of spindle cells resembling those in KS lesions. Formation of new colonies and plaques was inhibited in the presence of phosphonoacetic acid or gangciclovir, but these antiherpesvirus agents had little effect on the propagation of already latently infected spindloid cultures. In persistently infected secondary cultures, patches of up to 10% of the spindloid cells constitutively expressed several early viral lytic cycle proteins, and 1 to 2% of the cells also formed typical herpesvirus DNA replication compartments, displayed cytopathic rounding effects, and expressed late viral antigens. We conclude that de novo KSHV infection induces a spindle cell conversion phenotype in primary DMVEC cultures that is directly associated with latent state expression of the LANA1 protein. However, these cultures also spontaneously reactivate to produce an unusual combination of both latent and productive but slow lytic cycle infection. The formation of spindle cell colonies and plaques in DMVEC cultures provides for the first time a quantitative assay for directly measuring the infectivity of KSHV virion preparations.
Cost-Effective Investments in Customer Information Privacy

Extensive personal information is gathered ex- plicitly or implicitly when a customer interacts with a firm. Significant risks are associated with handling such personal information. Providing protection may reduce risk of mi- suse or loss of private information, but it imposes some costs on the firm and its customers. Risk is associated with improper handling of sensitive customer information. Prof- its from e-commerce that are earned when there is improper use of private customer information are subject to lawsuits, restitution and other undesirable outcomes. So a firm will want to ensure appropriate privacy protections are in place to safeguard customer information. We present a profit op- timization model for customer privacy protection invest- ments considering the potential value implications that arise. We employ a profit-at-risk approach based on value- at-risk methods from financial economics.
Do tree and stand-level attributes determine susceptibility of spruce-fir forests to spruce beetle outbreaks in the early 21st century?

Abstract Stand-level hazard ratings are widely used to determine the susceptibility of forests to insect outbreak. Many of these risk systems were developed from observations and empirical studies of one to a few insect outbreaks and consequently may not reflect variability expected under different climatic conditions. Given the strong and nonlinear linkages between bark beetle outbreaks and climate, there is increased need for understanding the applicability of existing hazard and risk classification systems under current and future climate conditions. Here we examine the susceptibility of 100+ year-old Engelmann spruce to spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) infestation during the 2002–2012 period of stand-mesoscale outbreak (i.e. patchy distribution of affected stands rather than a continuous outbreak across a large outbreak). In addition, we examine the effects of pre-1900 disturbance history on stand structural traits related to spruce beetle outbreak. We document the effect of a 1840s spruce beetle outbreak on stand structure 170 years after the outbreak. In contrast, stand structure was not drastically different amongst stands with different last stand-replacing fire dates, which ranged from CE 1740 to 1879. Spruce beetle infestation in the early 2000s was influenced by tree-level characteristics (e.g. DBH), but not by topographic variables or stand structure; thus stand-level effects of pre-1800 disturbance did not discernibly affect the pattern of recent spruce beetle occurrence. Stand-level hazard ratings systems could be improved to consider warm and dry climate conditions, which may remove or relax stand constrains such as in the current outbreak.
A Precision Amplitude-Distribution Amplifier

A new electronic slicer circuit produces output pulses whenever a random input voltage x(t) is between two slicing levels X - ?x/2 and X+?x/2. The slicer pulses gate a counter to produce a direct digital readout count equal to the estimated first-order probability density of the input signal. The system was designed for random process studies with conventional electronic analog computers and has compatible accuracy.
A Systematic Comparison of Phrase-Based, Hierarchical and Syntax-Augmented Statistical MT

Probabilistic synchronous context-free grammar (PSCFG) translation models define weighted transduction rules that represent translation and reordering operations via nonterminal symbols. In this work, we investigate the source of the improvements in translation quality reported when using two PSCFG translation models (hierarchical and syntax-augmented), when extending a state-of-the-art phrase-based baseline that serves as the lexical support for both PSCFG models. We isolate the impact on translation quality for several important design decisions in each model. We perform this comparison on three NIST language translation tasks; Chinese-to-English, Arabic-to-English and Urdu-to-English, each representing unique challenges.
Professional classifications of American nurses, 1910 to 1935.

Nursing's claim to professional status is debatable. The purpose of this historical study is to describe the official classifications of American nurses as professionals or nonprofessionals, from 1910 to 1935. Labor legislation before World Warn, military decisions during that war, and federal mandates during the Great Depression resulted in differing professional classifications of nurses. Although nurse leaders aspired to traditional criteria of professionalism, such as individual responsibility and a deep, distinct body of knowledge, these criteria were subsumed bypolitical, financial, and gender issues. This study demonstrates that professional status cannot be assured by attainment of professional criteria alone, but is defined by more diverse and complex issues.
A Simple Procedure for Identification of Cytophaga columnaris

Abstract A simple, time-saving procedure for identifying Cytophaga columnaris, the causative agent of columnaris disease of fishes, is described. The procedure takes advantage of five biochemical or cultural characteristics that, in combination, are believed to be unique to C. columnaris. These characteristics are (1) the ability to grow in the presence of neomycin sulfate and polymyxin B; (2) color and colonial morphology consistent with typical C. columnaris; (3) production of a diffusible, gelatin-degrading enzyme; (4) binding of aqueous Congo red dye in the surface secretions of the suspect colony; and (5) production of a diffusible enzyme that degrades chondroitin sulfate A. The first four characteristics can be observed directly on the original isolation plate; the fifth is observed by using a brief test for the presence of chondroitin AC lyase activity in an agar block excised from the isolation plate. Specific identification of C. columnaris can be made in minutes after visible growth appears on p...
Outcomes of Active Surveillance for Men With Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer

Purpose Active surveillance (AS) is an option for the initial management of early-stage prostate cancer. Current risk stratification schema identify patients with low-risk disease who are presumed to be most suitable for AS. However, some men with higher risk disease also elect AS; outcomes for such men have not been widely reported. Patients and Methods Men managed with AS at University of California, San Francisco, were classified as low- or intermediate-risk based on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason grade, extent of biopsy involvement, and T stage. Clinical and demographic characteristics, and progression in terms of Gleason score, PSA kinetics, and active treatment were compared between men with low- and intermediate-risk tumors. Results Compared to men with low-risk tumors, those with intermediate-risk tumors were older (mean, 64.9 v 62.3 years) with higher mean PSA values (10.9 v 5.1 ng/mL), and more tumor involvement (mean, 20.4% v 15.3% positive biopsy cores; all P .01). Within 4 years of the first positive biopsy, the clinical risk group did not differ in terms of the proportions experiencing progressionfree survival, (low [54%] v intermediate [61%]; log-rank P .22) or the proportions who underwent active treatment (low [30%] v intermediate [35%]; log-rank P .88). Among men undergoing surgery, none were node positive and none had biochemical recurrence within 3 years. Conclusion Selected men with intermediate-risk features be appropriate candidates for AS, and are not necessarily more likely to progress. AS for these men may provide an opportunity to further reduce overtreatment of disease that is unlikely to progress to advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol 29:228-234. © 2010 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
Distribution of Acidic‐ and Neutral Peptidases in Germinating Barley

Activities of barley peptide hydrolases A (acidic peptidase) and H (neutral peptidase) were examined in the growing embryo and in the embryoless tissues of Himalaya barley incubated for 70 hours. Tissues examined were roots, shoots, embryo residue (scutellum + seutellar node + coleorhiza) and the embryoless portion of the kernel. Activity of the hydrolase A increased mainly in the embryo residue during 0 to 30 hours but little thereafter. Activity of hydrolase B increased mainly in the embryo residue but did so linearly over the 70 hour period. A small linear increase occurrence in the embryoless portion during this lime.
Durability of Adhesive Bonds between Glass or Metal Substrates and a Polybutadiene-Polyurethane.

Abstract : The durability of polybutadiene-polyurethane joints or glass or metals in water at room and elevated temperatures was studied. The effects of silane pretreatment of the surface and of surface morphology on adhesion were examined. The durability of the joint was related to the number of chemical bonds that could form between the polyurethane and the surface and to the type of surface treatment given to the surface. Proper treatment led to significant enhancement of durability of the joints. The polyurethane was prepared from ARCO's hydroxyterminated polybutadiene (R-45HT), toluene diisocyanate, trimethylolpropane, and N,N-bis(2-hydroxypropy)aniline. (Author)
Role of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling and Cell–Cell Adhesions in Endothelial Cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding induces phosphorylation of VEGF receptor (VEGFR)2 in tyrosine, which is followed by disruption of VE-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contacts of endothelial cells (ECs), thereby stimulating EC proliferation and migration to promote angiogenesis. Tyrosine phosphorylation events are controlled by the balance of activation of protein tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Little is known about the role of endogenous PTPs in VEGF signaling in ECs. In this study, we found that PTP1B expression and activity are markedly increased in mice hindlimb ischemia model of angiogenesis. In ECs, overexpression of PTP1B, but not catalytically inactive mutant PTP1B-C/S, inhibits VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, as well as EC proliferation, whereas knockdown of PTP1B by small interfering RNA enhances these responses, suggesting that PTP1B negatively regulates VEGFR2 signaling in ECs. VEGF-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and EC migration are not affected by PTP1B overexpression or knockdown. In vivo dephosphorylation and cotransfection assays reveal that PTP1B binds to VEGFR2 cytoplasmic domain in vivo and directly dephosphorylates activated VEGFR2 immunoprecipitates from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Overexpression of PTP1B stabilizes VE-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesions by reducing VE-cadherin tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas PTP1B small interfering RNA causes opposite effects with increasing endothelial permeability, as measured by transendothelial electric resistance. In summary, PTP1B negatively regulates VEGFR2 receptor activation via binding to the VEGFR2, as well as stabilizes cell-cell adhesions through reducing tyrosine phosphorylation of VE-cadherin. Induction of PTP1B by hindlimb ischemia may represent an important counterregulatory mechanism that blunts overactivation of VEGFR2 during angiogenesis in vivo.
Reducing fabrication variability in analog IC technology by the statistical error propagation method using simple test structures

The statistical error propagation method is used to analyze the parametric variance of current gain and breakdown voltage in bipolar analog integrated circuits in terms of the relative variance of four process factors; emitter sheet resistance, based sheet resistance, buried layer sheet resistance, and epitaxial thickness. The dominant level of device parameter variance and the dominant process factors to which the device is sensitive are identified, using simple test structures, thereby facilitating the tightening of variability of the device parameter. This technique is useful for integrating the device data into the process control analysis and separating the effects of the critical process factors in a fabrication environment. How the process variance of analog integrated circuits is improved by this method is demonstrated. >
Experiential-Learning Activities in Undergraduate Developmental Psychology

In two studies, I examined student responses to an increased emphasis on exiperiential actvites in a required underaduate developmental psychology course. For four experiential sections (n = 143), each class topic was related to a specific, real-world application. Four other sections (n = 187) were taught primarily by lecture, with one out-of-class observation assignment. The experiential sections rated the value of and interest in the subject matter higher and the courtesy and consideration of the instructor significantly more positively than did the lecture sections. Students in the two types of sections did not differ significantly in achievement. A follow-up study identified the origin of change in attitudes toward the course.
Trait-based representation of biological nitrification: model development, testing, and predicted community composition

Trait-based microbial models show clear promise as tools to represent the diversity and activity of microorganisms across ecosystem gradients. These models parameterize specific traits that determine the relative fitness of an ‘organism’ in a given environment, and represent the complexity of biological systems across temporal and spatial scales. In this study we introduce a microbial community trait-based modeling framework (MicroTrait) focused on nitrification (MicroTrait-N) that represents the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) using traits related to enzyme kinetics and physiological properties. We used this model to predict nitrifier diversity, ammonia (NH3) oxidation rates and nitrous oxide (N2O) production across pH, temperature and substrate gradients. Predicted nitrifier diversity was predominantly determined by temperature and substrate availability, the latter was strongly influenced by pH. The model predicted that transient N2O production rates are maximized by a decoupling of the AOB and NOB communities, resulting in an accumulation and detoxification of nitrite to N2O by AOB. However, cumulative N2O production (over six month simulations) is maximized in a system where the relationship between AOB and NOB is maintained. When the reactions uncouple, the AOB become unstable and biomass declines rapidly, resulting in decreased NH3 oxidation and N2O production. We evaluated this model against site level chemical datasets from the interior of Alaska and accurately simulated NH3 oxidation rates and the relative ratio of AOA:AOB biomass. The predicted community structure and activity indicate (a) parameterization of a small number of traits may be sufficient to broadly characterize nitrifying community structure and (b) changing decadal trends in climate and edaphic conditions could impact nitrification rates in ways that are not captured by extant biogeochemical models.
A high efficiency complementary GaAs power FET technology for single supply portable applications

A high efficiency enhancement mode power heterostructure FET has been developed for single supply portable applications. The device requires only a single 3 V supply for operation, making it an ideal candidate for portable applications. At 850 MHz, a 1.0 /spl mu/m/spl times/12 mm N-type FET exhibited a power output of +30.7 dBm, power gain of 10.6 dB, and a power-added efficiency of 60%, at a drain to source voltage of 3 V, and drain to source quiescent current of 150 mA. This device was fabricated on a standard Complementary GaAs (CGaAs) process flow, which is capable of simultaneously building low-voltage, low-power digital circuits (200 MHz), high-speed digital circuits (5 GHz), and RF power circuits (900 MHz).
Gay On-Screen: The Relationship Between Exposure to Gay Characters on Television and Heterosexual Audiences' Endorsement of Gay Equality

The current study, grounded in the parasocial contact hypothesis, employed a survey of emerging adults to investigate the relationship between exposure to gay characters on television and heterosexuals' endorsement of gay equality. A positive relationship existed between exposure to on-screen gay characters and gay equality endorsement. The relationship was stronger for racial minority participants than for White participants, and for participants who had no or few interpersonal relationships with openly gay individuals than for participants who had more than three respective relationships. Results are discussed in terms of the parasocial contact hypothesis and television as an agent of social change.
Permeation Through SrCe0.9Eu0.1O3 − δ / Ni – SrCeO3 Tubular Hydrogen Separation Membranes

Thin-film (∼30 μm) SrCe 0.9 Eu 0.1 O 3―δ membranes on tubular porous Ni―SrCeO 3 supports were developed to investigate hydrogen permeability. Appreciable and stable hydrogen permeation through these thin-film membranes was observed under humid hydrogen conditions, and their [P H2 ] 1/4 dependence on hydrogen permeation flux agrees with Norby and Larring's model [Solid State Ion., 136/137, 139 (2000)] in which protons and electrons are the dominant charge carriers. The magnitude of the activation energy for hydrogen permeation flux suggests that the hydrogen permeation flux is limited by electronic conductivity. Hydrogen permeation fluxes of 7 cm 3 /min were achieved from 97% H 2 and 3% H 2 O at 900°C. On a membrane-area-normalized basis, this corresponds to a H 2 flux of 0.6 cm 3 /min cm 2 . The hydrogen permeation is stable in humid hydrogen but degrades in dry hydrogen due to SrCeO 3 decomposition in very low P O2 .
Countering the Effects of Tropical Deforestation with Modern Technology

Through history, humans have mistreated forests by clearing extensive areas without giving attention to the regeneration of new tree crops. The vast tropical lands of Central America were once deforested to support the civilizations that existed before the European discovery of America. Today, ecologists studying forests in Panama or Costa Rica find charcoal, ruins, and human artifacts in the soil profiles of, what appear to be, virgin forests. The dramatic return of forests occurred not because of human management, but because humans abandoned the lands.
Use Patterns and Costs of Isolated Limb Perfusion and Infusion in the Treatment of Regional Metastatic Melanoma: A Retrospective Database Analysis.

Isolated limb perfusion and infusion (ILP/ILI) are therapies for regional metastatic melanoma that allow high doses of anticancer drugs to be delivered directly into the circulation of an affected limb, thereby minimizing systemic drug toxicity. This procedure can lead to high response rates and is recommended in patients with Stage III unresectable metastatic melanoma. However, limited information is available on patterns of use and costs. This study examined patterns of ILP/ILI use and associated costs in patients with melanoma in the United States (US). Retrospective, observational study, using administrative claims data from the MarketScan® databases, was performed in patients with a diagnosis of melanoma (ICD-9-CM: 172.xx, V10.82) who underwent ILP/ILI (CPT-4: 36823) between January 1, 2002 and March 31, 2013. Patient characteristics, use patterns, length of hospital stay, and costs (per 2014 US $) of ILP/ILI were assessed. One hundred and thirteen patients met the study criteria and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 61.4 years (standard deviation [SD] 13.8) and 38.9% of patients were male; the mean baseline Charlson Comorbidity Index was 0.19; 34.5% of patients were Medicare beneficiaries. The majority of patients (87.6%) had melanoma of the lower limb, 11.5% of the upper limb, and 0.9% of both limbs; 60.2% had lymph node metastasis and 56.6% had skin metastasis. Four patients (3.5%) underwent multiple ILP/ILI. The mean (±SD) length of hospital stay was 5.6 (±3.5) days and the mean (±SD) cost was US$36,758 (±27,124) per ILP/ILI procedure. Isolated limb perfusion and infusion in patients with melanoma were associated with long hospital stays and high costs. These results provide useful source data for the economic evaluation of treatment options for regional metastatic melanoma. This study was funded by Amgen, Inc.
Theoretical molecular aspects of colloidal calcium phosphate in bovine milk

A simplified model for the colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) nanocluster was developed from an active role of phosphate in the precipitation of casein (CN)/Ca mixtures and the composition of casein micelles (CM). The possible shape of the CCP nanocluster was selected as a tetrahedron, and we estimated that 4 CN molecules were involved in crosslinking a single CCP nanocluster. Similar values were obtained for the number of CN molecules involved in stabilizing the nanocluster when the number of CNs attached onto each nanocluster surface was deduced from the composition of CM. If one phosphoserine cluster consisted of 3 phosphoserine residues, the theoretical molecular weight and volume for the nanocluster were estimated to be 4,898 g/mol and 2.88 nm3, respectively. It was also shown that the position of Ca present in our model were reasonably located to accommodate the serine phosphate in CN molecule.
Emergency Physicians' Experience with Advance Care Planning Documentation in the Electronic Medical Record: Useful, Needed, and Elusive.

Abstract Objective: For patients' preferences to be honored, emergency department (ED) physicians must be able to find and use advance care planning (ACP) information in the electronic medical record (EMR). ED physicians' experiences with ACP EMR documentation and their documentation needs are unknown. Methods: We surveyed 70 ED physicians (81% response rate) from a tertiary and county ED. Our primary outcome was confidence finding and using ACP EMR documentation (percentage reporting very/extremely on a five-point Likert scale). Secondary outcomes included frequency of use and perceived usefulness of types of ACP documentation. Suggestions for improvement were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Participants' mean age was 36 years (± 9) and 54% were women. Thirty-one percent reported being very/extremely confident they could find ACP EMR documentation, and 55% felt very/extremely confident they could use it to care for patients. Yet 74% needed it ≥1 time/week and 43% ≥5 times/week. Partici...
SU-F-R-10: Selecting the Optimal Solution for Multi-Objective Radiomics Model

Purpose: To develop an evidential reasoning approach for selecting the optimal solution from a Pareto solution set obtained by a multi-objective radiomics model for predicting distant failure in lung SBRT. Methods: In the multi-objective radiomics model, both sensitivity and specificity are considered as the objective functions simultaneously. A Pareto solution set with many feasible solutions will be resulted from the multi-objective optimization. In this work, an optimal solution Selection methodology for Multi-Objective radiomics Learning model using the Evidential Reasoning approach (SMOLER) was proposed to select the optimal solution from the Pareto solution set. The proposed SMOLER method used the evidential reasoning approach to calculate the utility of each solution based on pre-set optimal solution selection rules. The solution with the highest utility was chosen as the optimal solution. In SMOLER, an optimal learning model coupled with clonal selection algorithm was used to optimize model parameters. In this study, PET, CT image features and clinical parameters were utilized for predicting distant failure in lung SBRT. Results: Total 126 solution sets were generated by adjusting predictive model parameters. Each Pareto set contains 100 feasible solutions. The solution selected by SMOLER within each Pareto set was compared to the manually selected optimal solution. Five-cross-validation was used to evaluate the optimal solution selection accuracy of SMOLER. The selection accuracies for five folds were 80.00%, 69.23%, 84.00%, 84.00%, 80.00%, respectively. Conclusion: An optimal solution selection methodology for multi-objective radiomics learning model using the evidential reasoning approach (SMOLER) was proposed. Experimental results show that the optimal solution can be found in approximately 80% cases.
Bone Marrow Failure

This chapter highlights the issues related to bone marrow failure. Bone marrow failure is an isolated quantitative failure of one cell line, a single cytopenia, or as pancytopenia, an acquired or inherited failure of all three cell lines with a hypoplastic or aplastic marrow, or due to an inherited qualitative failure of the bone marrow. Bone marrow failure may also be due to invasion of the bone marrow by nonneoplastic or neoplastic conditions, primary or metastatic. The inherited bone marrow failure syndromes are divided into those resulting in pancytopenia. However, it has become evident that most of the single-cell cytopenias may manifest abnormalities in other hematopoietic cell lines. Some common causes of single cell line failure and generalized bone marrow failure are Diamond–Blackfan anemia, Pearson syndrome, drugs, Infection, Thymoma, malnutrition, and hematologic conditions. The proposed treatments available for the bone marrow failure are packed red cell transfusion, prednisone, hematopoietic stem cell transfusion, and alternate therapy.
Quark Cluster Model for High Energy Reactions with Nuclei

This paper reviews the consequences of multi-quark correlations in nuclei which arise through the particular cluster decomposition of the nuclear ground state specified by the quark cluster model (QCM). The critical radius of a three quark cluster, R c , controls the formation probability of larger clusters. The value of R c = 0.50 fm is fixed by fits to deep inelastic lepton nucleus scattering data. The QCM prediction for the ratio of nuclear structure functions in the x > 1 domain is discussed as a critical test of the model. We also present an extended discussion of the application of the QCM to the nuclear Drell-Yan process.
5.02 – Water Chemistry Control in LWRs

Water chemistry has an important influence on corrosion of the most important materials. In particular, alloys susceptible to intergranular attack and stress corrosion cracking are significantly impacted by water chemistry, most notably sensitized 304 stainless steel in BWRs and nickel-based alloys in PWRs. This chapter describes the development of water chemistry strategies to mitigate material degradation in BWRs and PWR primary systems as well as secondary systems, including steam generators. Primary system water chemistry choices may be constrained by fuel performance and radiation field concerns. Water chemistry guidelines to optimize between the sometimes-conflicting requirements are described.
THE PREDICATE CALCULUS IN AI

This chapter describes the predicate calculus in aritifcial intelligence. A language, such as the predicate calculus, is defined by its syntax. To specify a syntax, one must specify the alphabet of symbols to be used in the language and how these symbols are to be put together to form legitimate expressions in the language. The legitimate expressions of the predicate calculus are called the well-formed formulas. The elementary components of the predicate calculus language are predicate symbols, variable symbols, function symbols, and constant symbols set off by parentheses, brackets, and commas, in a manner to be illustrated by examples. A predicate symbol is used to represent a relation in a domain of discourse. For example, if one wants to represent the fact that someone wrote something. One might use the predicate symbol WRITE to denote a relationship between a person doing the writing and a thing written. One can compose a simple atomic formula using WRITE and two terms, denoting the writer and what is written.
Relationship of symptoms with sleep-stage abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

Background : Patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) present with a variety of sleep-related symptoms. In polysomnography, sleep architecture is almost always abnormal, but it is not known which of the sleep-stage abnormalities are related to symptoms. Finding key sleep-stage abnormality that cause symptoms may be of therapeutic importance to alleviate symptoms. So far the mainstay of treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) therapy, but many patients are non-compliant to it. Correcting the sleep-stage abnormality that cause symptoms by pharmacotherapy may become an important adjunct to CPAP/BIPAP therapy. Methods : A cross-sectional study. Adult subjects who attended a sleep laboratory for diagnostic polysomnography for a period of 1 month were recruited consecutively. OSAHS was diagnosed using American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Subjects filled a questionnaire for symptoms prior to polysomnography. Results : Thirty subjects, of whom 83.3% were obese, met diagnostic criteria, with males constituting 46.7% and females constituting 53%. Mean age was 53.40±11.60 years. Sleep architecture comprised N1 19.50±19.00%, N2 53.93±13.39%, N3 3.90±19.50%, and rapid eye movement 8.92±6.21%. Excessive fatigue or sleepiness, waking up tired, falling asleep during the day, trouble paying attention, snoring and insomnia were significantly related to decreased N3 sleep. Conclusions : Most of the symptoms in OSAHS in adults are related to decreased stage N3 sleep. If confirmed by larger controlled studies, correcting N3 sleep deficiency by pharmacotherapy may become an important adjunct to CPAP/BIPAP therapy to alleviate symptoms.
Review: Masterworks of American Avant-Garde Experimental Film 1920–1970, produced by David Shepard and curated by Bruce Posner

David Shepard, producer Bruce Posner, curator Masterworks of American Avant-Garde Experimental Film 1920–1970 Flicker Alley, 2015, 418 min., Blu-ray/DVD combination (NTSC), $49.95, http://www.flickeralley.com In 1961, the New American Cinema Group, under the leadership of filmmaker Jonas Mekas, made the following announcement: “Official cinema all over the world is running out of breath. It is morally corrupt, aesthetically obsolete, thematically superficial, temperamentally boring… . We don't want false, polished, slick films—we prefer them rough, unpolished, but alive; we don't want rosy films—we want them the color of blood.”1 This statement not only helped set the tone for the vibrant independent film culture that flourished in New York and beyond during the second half of the twentieth century but also strongly validated the equally defiant efforts of numerous independent filmmakers working over the many decades prior. The history of American cinema is rich with examples of vibrant alternative practices from the beginning of the twentieth century onward, and a new Blu-ray/DVD compilation titled Masterworks of American Avant-Garde Experimental Film 1920–1970 now provides us with digital reproductions of some of its most important examples. Presented by Flicker Alley, a multiyear recipient of the National Society of Film Critics Film Heritage Award for its publications of rare cinema, in association with Blackhawk Films Collection and Filmmakers Showcase, this set offers thirty-seven short films ranging in length from four minutes to twenty minutes. Several have not been previously available in digital formats, and many have been significantly restored or redigitized via 1080p high-definition or 2K digital transfers from their original 35 mm or 16 mm formats.2 Due to the fugitive nature of film as a medium, stopping the “color of blood” from turning rosy over time often takes a heroic effort. David Shepard, the anthology's producer, and Bruce Posner, its curator, both have been leaders in the ongoing preservation, restoration, and distribution of historical works of cinema—with Shepard being particularly attentive to silent cinema and Posner …
Hardballs and softballs: Modulating adversarialness in journalistic questioning

The design of questions in news interviews and news conferences has proven to be an illuminating window into the tenor of press-state relations. Quantitative studies have charted aggregate variations in adversarial questioning, but less is known about variations in the intensity of adversarialness within any particular question. Such variation is captured by the vernacular distinction between “hardball” versus “softball” questions. Hardballs advance an oppositional viewpoint vigorously, while softballs do so at most mildly. In this paper we investigate recurrent language practices through which journalists modulate the oppositionality of a question, thereby either hindering or facilitating response. The objective is to better understand how adversarialness is enacted in direct encounters between politicians and journalists.
Variations in pre-service teachers’ career exploration and commitment to teaching

The purpose of this study was to investigate various career paths pre-service teachers explore and the processes of establishing their commitment to becoming a teacher. A mixed-methods design was e...
Planning as Persuaded Storytelling: The Role of Genre in Planners’ Narratives

AbstractGenre is one of narrative’s key structuring tools, bounding and delimiting texts. When planners write within a given genre, they tacitly endorse specific conventions. By conforming to these conventions, planners reproduce the historical and linguistic arrangements that led to the ratification and codification of certain types of narratives. This paper explores how two of the author’s prior publications fit uncomfortably within the ambit of specific genres. It suggests ways to push back against the limits of genre, to produce texts more responsive to a project of mutual learning between authors and readers. Through recognition, interrogation, and transformation of genre, authors can advance the project of planning for the common good.
Crisscross Horizontal and Vertical Alignments: Faultlines and Informal Status Hierarchy

The intra-group structures and dynamics of group processes in diverse work groups have been examined in both the faultlines and status literature. Although researchers have called for an integratio...
Polyphenols: Novel Signaling Pathways.

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the leading cause of death globally. The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors including hypertension, hyperglycemia, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increased visceral adiposity, is a significant risk factor for the development of CVD. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often referred to as the hepatic manifestation of MetS, is a constellation of progressive liver disorders closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. NAFLD initially presents as relatively benign, non-progressive hepatic steatosis, but it may, in certain individuals, progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no validated treatments for NAFLD. Polyphenols are important bioactive dietary compounds and may represent a natural complementary and integrative therapy for the treatment of CVDassociated risk factors, including elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as NAFLD. Understanding their molecular mechanisms of action is important in the design of future human intervention studies. Methods Several studies utilizing in vitro and in vivo models have helped to identify underlying molecular mechanisms of action of polyphenols. Results This review will highlight recent advances regarding the molecular actions of dietary procyanidins, with a special focus on those originating from procyanidin-rich grape seed extracts, with a focus on the signaling pathways utilized to exert beneficial metabolic effects. Conclusion Modulation of nuclear receptor activity and histone deacetylase inhibition has been identified as underlying mechanisms contributing to procyanidin-mediated amelioration of dyslipidemia and steatosis.
From Brexit to Trump: Anthropology and the rise of nationalist populism

Brexit and Donald Trump's election victory are symptoms of a new nationalist populism in western Europe and the United States. This political and ideological movement has arisen in reaction to reconfigurations of power, wealth, and identity that are endemic to global neoliberalism. In the United States, however, the media's dominant “blue-collar narrative” about Trump's victory simplifies the relationship between neoliberalism and nationalist populism by ignoring the role of the petty bourgeoisie and the wealthy in Trump's coalition. An anthropology of Trump requires ethnographies of communities largely shunned by anthropologists as well as reflexivity about the unintended role of universities in producing support for Trump.
Photoshop Distilled: Basic Black and White Image Adjustment for Microscopists

Ready or not, digital imaging in the microscope lab Is here to stay. While I am one of those fogies who insist that digital images are nowhere near as good as photographic prints, I've also bowed to the inevitable, and am beginning to find ways to assist the clients in our multi-user facility with their digital imaging needs, We can acquire digital images from our FESEM, from our light microscope with a CCD, and from a flatbed scanner. Clients use their images for image analysis, transport to others scientists via the Internet or World Wide Web, for reports, slides, overhead transparencies, and publication, Generally, these images need to be manipulated for use, just as one would manipulate a photographic print to correct any deficiencies in exposure or area of view. Adobe PhotoShop is the software of choice for image adjustment, accounting for more than 80% of the digital image-editing software market.