cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fc-γ Receptor Cross-Linking by Immune Complexes Induces Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in U937 Cells via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase

Abstract —Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) secreted by macrophages potentially contributes to plaque rupture. Because large quantities of immunoglobulin G and ICs (ICs), including low density lipoprotein–containing ICs (LDL-ICs), are present in atherosclerotic lesions, we examined the effect of LDL-ICs on macrophage MMP-1 expression. With the use of ICs prepared with human LDL and rabbit anti-LDL antiserum, our enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Northern blots showed that MMP-1 secretion and expression by U937 histiocytes were induced by LDL-ICs. Furthermore, our results showed that blocking of Fc-γ receptor I and II (FcγRI and FcγRII) inhibited 70% and 55%, respectively, of the LDL-IC–induced secretion of MMP-1. Finally, our data showed that both PD98059, an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and Ro-31-2880, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited LDL-IC–stimulated MMP-1 secretion in a dose-dependent manner, with 96% and 95% inhibition, respectively, at the respective doses of 50 μmol/L and 80 nmol/L. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that LDL-ICs induce macrophage MMP-1 secretion by cocross-linking FcγRI and FcγRII and triggering a protein kinase C–dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. These results suggest that LDL-ICs and other ICs localized in atherosclerotic plaques may be potent stimulators for macrophage MMP-1 expression and may contribute to plaque rupture and acute coronary events.
Query optimization in microsoft SQL server PDW

In recent years, Massively Parallel Processors have increasingly been used to manage and query vast amounts of data. Dramatic performance improvements are achieved through distributed execution of queries across many nodes. Query optimization for such system is a challenging and important problem.In this paper we describe the Query Optimizer inside the SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse product (PDW QO). We leverage existing QO technology in Microsoft SQL Server to implement a cost-based optimizer for distributed query execution. By properly abstracting metadata we can readily reuse existing logic for query simplification, space exploration and cardinality estimation. Unlike earlier approaches that simply parallelize the best serial plan, our optimizer considers a rich space of execution alternatives, and picks one based on a cost-model for the distributed execution environment. The result is a high-quality, effective query optimizer for distributed query processing in an MPP.
The Use of Skype as a Synchronous Communication Tool between Foreign Language College Students and Native Speakers.

The rapid growth and interest of college students in Computer Mediated Communication and social media have impacted the second language learning and teaching process. This article reports on a pilot project that attempts to analyze the use of Skype as a synchronous communication tool in regard to the attitudes of students in learning a foreign language when interacting with native speakers and engaging in conversation. The participants are Spanish foreign language students at Fordham University in New York City and English foreign language speakers at a Jesuit university in Bogota, Colombia. Students were paired up and required to set up online conversation meetings. The results of the pedagogical experience of this pilot project suggest that students felt more interested in engaging in conversation with native speakers and exchanging personal and academic information as well as other aspects of their culture using the target language rather than completing language laboratory activities or writing compositions.
Infections related to TNF-α inhibitors

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab represent a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of immunologically mediated inflammatory diseases. These agents are already approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and have been used ‘off-label’ in numerous other inflammatory diseases that have been difficult to treat with conventional therapies. Aside from their cost, the principal downside of these agents has been concern regarding infectious complications. Although there are numerous case reports of adverse infectious events, most controlled trials of TNF-inhibitors in rheumatic, cutaneous and gastrointestinal diseases failed to show an increase in the frequency of serious infectious complications beyond that seen with the usual immunosuppressive regimens. Recently, more data have become available from patient cohorts receiving these agents in clinical practice, which have allow...
A reliability assessment methodology for distribution systems with distributed generation

Reliability assessment is of primary importance in designing and planning distribution systems that operate in an economical manner with minimal interruption of customer loads. With the advances in renewable energy sources, distributed generation (DG), is forecasted to increase in distribution networks. This paper presents a new methodology that can be used to quantitatively analyze the reliability of such distribution systems and can be applied in preliminary planning studies for such systems. The method uses a sequential Monte Carlo simulation of the distribution system's stochastic model to generate the operating behavior. This is combined with a path augmenting Max flow algorithm to evaluate the load status for each state change of operation in the system. Overall system and load point reliability indices such as hourly loss of load, frequency of loss of load and expected energy unserved can be computed using this technique. The reliability indices can be compared for different scenarios and strategies for placement of DG using this methodology.
MicroRNA biogenesis and cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a recently discovered family of short non-protein-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Recent studies of miRNAs highlight a requirement for cell viability. Posttranscriptional silencing of target genes by miRNAs occurs either by targeting specific cleavage of homologous mRNAs, or by targeting specific inhibition of protein synthesis. We recently identified a multisubunit protein complex termed Microprocessor that is necessary and sufficient for processing miRNA precursor RNAs. Microprocessor contains Drosha, an RNase III endonuclease, and DGCR8, a gene deleted in DiGeorge syndrome. We consider recent findings that link miRNA perturbation to cancer.
Enhancing potency of siRNA targeting fusion genes by optimization outside of target sequence

Canonical siRNA design algorithms have become remarkably effective at predicting favorable binding regions within a target mRNA, but in some cases (e.g., a fusion junction site) region choice is restricted. In these instances, alternative approaches are necessary to obtain a highly potent silencing molecule. Here we focus on strategies for rational optimization of two siRNAs that target the junction sites of fusion oncogenes BCR-ABL and TMPRSS2-ERG. We demonstrate that modifying the termini of these siRNAs with a terminal G-U wobble pair or a carefully selected pair of terminal asymmetry-enhancing mismatches can result in an increase in potency at low doses. Importantly, we observed that improvements in silencing at the mRNA level do not necessarily translate to reductions in protein level and/or cell death. Decline in protein level is also heavily influenced by targeted protein half-life, and delivery vehicle toxicity can confound measures of cell death due to silencing. Therefore, for BCR-ABL, which has a long protein half-life that is difficult to overcome using siRNA, we also developed a nontoxic transfection vector: poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) nanoparticles that release siRNA over many days. We show that this system can achieve effective killing of leukemic cells. These findings provide insights into the implications of siRNA sequence for potency and suggest strategies for the design of more effective therapeutic siRNA molecules. Furthermore, this work points to the importance of integrating studies of siRNA design and delivery, while heeding and addressing potential limitations such as restricted targetable mRNA regions, long protein half-lives, and nonspecific toxicities.
Randomized controlled expressive writing pilot in individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers

Background Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their caregivers are at risk for emotional distress and hypercortisolism. Expressive writing is an effective complementary intervention to ameliorate the psychological and physiological effects of chronic illness. This pilot study aimed to evaluate feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an expressive writing intervention for individuals with PD and their caregivers.
Classical Probability and Its Renaissance

The classical approach to probability attempts to assess unique probabilities for random events even in the absence of extensive prior knowledge or information concerning a random experiment. In its early formulation by Laplace, through the principle of nonsufficient reason, equiprobable events were identified by the absence of reasons to expect the contrary—a balance of ignorance. Later rephrasing by Keynes as the principle of indifference or of sufficient reason avoided certain paradoxes by restricting the determination of equiprobability to cases where there was a balance of knowledge or information concerning the tendency for events to occur or propositions to be true. Difficulties in assessing equiprobable events in complex experiments, problems with paradoxical conclusions, and questions of justification of the principle of indifference have led to axiomatic reformulations. The use of the principles of invariance and the information–theoretic principles of maximum entropy and mutual information seems to have enlarged the domain of classical probability to include unequal probability assignments. Decision theory has also provided some instances where a pragmatic justification for the classical approach can be developed. This chapter illustrates the classical argument of probability and presents the assignments of equiprobability. The hallmark of the so-called classical or Laplacian approach to probability is the conversion of either complete ignorance or partial, symmetric knowledge concerning which of a set of alternatives is true into a uniform probability distribution over the alternatives. The core of this approach is either the principle of nonsufficient reason or the principle of indifference. The chapter also presents the axiomatic formulations of the classical approach.
Host Range, Virulence, and Genetic Variability of AgrobacteriumTumefaciens Strains from New York Vineyards

Crown gall, caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (AT) is an important disease on grapevines in New York State. Our recent research has focused on the variability of grapevine Agrobacterium strains with regard to host range and tumor size induction. The presence of specific loci on the Ti-plasmid has also been examined in relation to strain virulence. Seventy-eight Agrobacterium strains previously isolated from grapevine galls, sap, or roots, from vineyard soil, dormant cuttings, or from callus of forced cuttings were inoculated to six indicator plants (Helianthus, Lycopersicon, Vitis, Nicotiana, Datura, and Kalanchoe). Nineteen strains were nonpathogenic on all six hosts. Eight of nine biovar 1 strains caused galls on six hosts. A biovar 2 strain was pathogenic only on Vitis and Nicotiana. The majority of biovar 3 strains (from 41–45 out of 49 total strains) were pathogenic on Helianthus, Lycopersicon, Vitis, and Nicotiana but less than one-half of the strains caused galls on Datura and Kalanchoe. Some biovar 3 strains were pathogenic on only three of the six plant species tested; others caused galls on all six.
EFFECT OF INSULIN ON PLASMA FREE FATTY ACIDS OF NORMAL SUBJECTS.

Abstract The total and individual free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations of plasma specimens from 20 normal fasting subjects were estimated before and after the administration of insulin or saline. Following insulin, there was a marked fall in the total FFA in each of the 7 individual fatty acids measured. The use of an internal standard in the gas-liquid chromatography procedure made possible the estimation of absolute concentrations of the FFA as well as percentage composition. The disparity between the values for total FFA concentration obtained by titration and by gas-liquid chromatography is discussed.
Historic Instruments: Survival or Disappearance?

Although my interest in the history of chemistry and the related sciences goes back more years than I can remember, the urge to study this history did not become serious until around 1960. Then I read Ernest Child’s book, “The Tools of the Chemist,” now long out of print (1). I was intrigued by Child’s statement that the first precision balances used in America were those of the London maker, Robinson. I must say at the outset that I have not yet found a Robinson balance in this country. As far as I can tell, nor has anyone else! I had been a frequent visitor to the Science Museum in London since boyhood, and was well aware of the Museum’s fine collection of precision balances. So I began my searches there, and eventually wrote a Museum paperback on the subject (2). When I started, I knew nothing about Robinson, except that there were none of his balances in the Museum collections. Now there are two or, more correctly, one plus another made to Robinson’s design.
Acculturative Forces: Nigeria in Transition

Since the Yoruba of Nigeria have been subjected to influence by Moslem and Christian missionaries, and nationalist intellectuals, there has been monumental change in traditional culture. Practical and theoretical research findings on this aspect of sociocultural transition have revealed dramatic, colorful, inevitably painful social modifications with persistence and a continuous post hoc ergo propter hoc situational complex as shown in this monograph.
A USB Storage Device Monitor and Control System Based on the WDF Filter Driver

WDF is the next generation of driver development model launched by Microsoft.Its KMDF framework supports an object-oriented,event-driven framework for the kernel model driver development.The article analyzes the primary principle of the WDF driver model and the filter driver technology,and design and implement a USB storage monitoring system.Test shows that the system can control the use of the USB storage device effectively in a multiple operating system Intranet environment.
A Performance Evaluation Method and Empirical Research for R&D Personnel in High-tech Enterprises: Based on the Perspective of Individual Advantage Characteristic Recognition for Hierarchical Structure

Aiming at the disadvantages of existing RD personnel performance comprehensive evaluation methods, a kind of RD personnel performance evaluation method based on individual advantage characteristic recognition guiding by Jingyou thinking is proposed. Facing to hierarchical structure index system, and according to the ideal point utility model and 2-norm distance, the individual advantage characteristic structures which are the most beneficial to show each RD person's performance value are identified layer by layer, and the conclusions of individual agent and democratic agent evaluation are respectively given based on the recognition results above. Finally, taking the RD staff in a high-tech enterprise as a study sample, an empirical study is made. The results show that the method is simple, scientific and effective, and can make full use of information, provide objective and accurate decision basis for individual performance management.
Respiratory patterns during progressive asphyxia in newborn rabbits

During acute progressive asphyxia an abrupt transition occurs from regular respiratory efforts to primary apnea and gasping. To study this transition we measured inspiratory duration (TI), expiratory duration (TE), maximal inspiratory tracheal pressure (Pmax), electromyographic activity (EMG) of different muscle groups, and the electrocorticogram (ECoG) of 3- to 5-day-old rabbits following airway occlusion at functional residual capacity (FRC). The onset of primary apnea was associated with other central nervous system events as indicated by decerebrate posture and maximal EMG activity which were followed by relaxation, loss of EMG activity, and an isoelectric ECoG. Indices of inspiratory drive (Pmax and Pmax/TI) were preserved or accentuated following primary apnea despite a reduction of overall respiratory activity (frequency X Pmax). The onset of primary apnea appears to be due to interruption of the respiratory cycling controls rather than failure of the respiratory center which regulates inspiratory ...
Fat supplementation of diets containing a high level of oats for growing-finishing swine.

Two 2 x 2 factorial arrangement trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fat supplementation in improving the energy value of diets containing a high level of a fibrous feedstuff (oats) for growing-finishing swine. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were used that contained either 0 or 40% ground oats and either 0 or 3% added fat. Each trial used 120 pigs (27 kg) with each treatment assigned to five pens of six pigs each. Growing diets (.80% lysine for basal diet) were given from 27 to 55 kg live weight and finishing diets (.64% lysine) from 55 to 102 kg. Diets were formulated to a constant calculated ME to lysine ratio within the growing and finishing phases. Apparent digestibilities of DM and energy were determined for the growing and finishing diets by the indigestible marker (chromic oxide) method. The inclusion of oats in the diets resulted in poorer (P less than .01) feed conversion efficiency and reduced (P less than .01) apparent DM and energy digestibilities. The addition of fat improved (P less than .01) feed conversion efficiency but had no effect (P greater than .10) on DM or energy digestibility. The improvements noted for feed conversion efficiency were similar (P greater than .10) regardless of the dietary oat content. The 3% dietary fat supplementation was equally effective in improving feed conversion efficiency whether the diets did contain or did not contain ground oats for growing-finishing swine.
Compulsory drug detention centers in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos: health and human rights abuses.

Background According to official accounts, in 2012 more than 235,000 people were detained in over 1,000 compulsory drug detention centers in East and Southeast Asia. Methods Between July 2007 and May 2013, in-depth interviews were conducted with 195 individuals recently released from drug detention centers in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Results Individuals reported being held for up to five years in drug detention centers without clinical determination of drug dependency or due process, and being denied evidence-based drug treatment as well as other basic health services. Many individuals reported being forced to perform arduous physical exercise or military-style drills. Forced labor was reported by all individuals having been detained in Vietnam, and some held in Cambodia and China. Physical—and less often, sexual—abuse was reported among those held in each country. Conclusions Long-term, compulsory detention for treatment of drug dependency is counter to established principles of medical care and violates a wide range of human rights, including the right to health. Individuals held in drug detention centers in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos are subject to torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
Current Trends in Russian Scientific and Educational Development in the Context of Worldwide Globalization

Abstract The article deals with the current trends in educational development in Russia in the context of the reforming. The aim of the Europeanisation of Russian education is analyzed from different points of view. Reforming is a trait of educational globalization, causing the integration of educational systems. It is also a part of Russian officials’ policy. In case of the unification of Russian educational standards with the European ones, education in Russia will probably become one of the world-leading. The article states that the new educational trends and reforming are caused by the process of educational globalization. The article gives an analysis of the negative implications of globalization which should be limited to some part to save national identity. The article reviews some peculiarities of the implementation of the Bologna Process in Russia. Critically judging current educational tendencies, the authors offer an alternative way to the reforming of Russian educational system.
Inflammatory Cell Phenotypes in AAAs Their Role and Potential as Targets for Therapy

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized by chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. AAA is typically an asymptomatic disease and caused ≈15 000 deaths annually in the United States. Previous studies have examined both human and murine aortic tissue for the presence of various inflammatory cell types. Studies show that in both human and experimental AAAs, prominent inflammatory cell infiltration, such as CD4+ T cells and macrophages, occurs in the damaged aortic wall. These cells have the ability to undergo phenotypic modulation based on microenvironmental cues, potentially influencing disease progression. Proinflammatory CD4+ T cells and classically activated macrophages dominate the landscape of aortic infiltrates. The skew to proinflammatory phenotypes alters disease progression and plays a role in causing chronic inflammation. The local cytokine production and presence of inflammatory mediators, such as extracellular matrix breakdown products, influence the uneven balance of the inflammatory...
Detection algorithms for hyperspectral imaging applications: a signal processing perspective

The purpose of this paper is to present a unified, simplified, and concise, overview of spectral target detection algorithms for hyperspectral imaging applications. We focus on detection algorithms derived using established statistical techniques and whose performance is predictable under reasonable assumptions about hyperspectral imaging data. The emphasis on a signal processing perspective helps to, better understand the strengths and limitations of each algorithm, avoid unrealistic performance expectations, and apply an algorithm properly and sensibly.
Evaluating increased resource use in fibromyalgia using electronic health records

OBJECTIVE The management of fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic musculoskeletal disease, remains challenging, and patients with FM are often characterized by high health care resource utilization. This study sought to explore potential drivers of all-cause health care resource utilization and other factors associated with high resource use, using a large electronic health records (EHR) database to explore data from patients diagnosed with FM. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of de-identified EHR data from the Humedica database. Adults (≥18 years) with FM were identified based on ≥2 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for FM (729.1) ≥30 days apart between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 and were required to have evidence of ≥12 months continuous care pre- and post-index; first FM diagnosis was the index event; 12-month pre- and post-index reporting periods. Multivariable analysis evaluated relationships between variables and resource utilization. RESULTS Patients were predominantly female (81.4%), Caucasian (87.7%), with a mean (standard deviation) age of 54.4 (14.8) years. The highest health care resource utilization was observed for the categories of "medication orders" and "physician office visits," with 12-month post-index means of 21.2 (21.5) drug orders/patient and 15.1 (18.1) office visits/patient; the latter accounted for 73.3% of all health care visits. Opioids were the most common prescription medication, 44.3% of all patients. The chance of high resource use was significantly increased (P<0.001) 26% among African-Americans vs Caucasians and for patients with specific comorbid conditions ranging from 6% (musculoskeletal pain or depression/bipolar disorder) to 21% (congestive heart failure). Factors significantly associated with increased medications ordered included being female (P<0.001) and specific comorbid conditions (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Physician office visits and pharmacotherapy orders were key drivers of all-cause health care utilization, with demographic factors, opioid use, and specific comorbidities associated with resource intensity. Health systems and providers may find their EHRs to be a useful tool for identifying and managing resource-intensive FM patients.
Women's Studies and Men's Studies: Friends or Foes?:

The article identifies some major issues at play in the conversation between women's and men's studies scholars and activists. This is done from a profeminist perspective, laying out potential poin...
Collaborating with a Dynamically Autonomous Cognitive Robot

Abstract Achieving effective cooperation between robots and humans requires the design of a natural, human-centric interface and autonomous robot behaviors whereby a human can communicate and interact with a robot almost as efficiently as he/she would with another human. In this interaction the human acts as a supervisor and collaborator with the robot, rather than strictly as a teleoperator. This requires that a number of capabilities be built into the robot and robot interface, including voice recognition, natural language and gesture understanding, a cognitive model, and behaviors supporting dynamic autonomy. This paper describes the design and implementation of such a system.
Ultrawide Thermo-optic Tuning of PbTe Meta-Atoms.

Subwavelength Mie resonators have enabled new classes of optical antenna and nanophotonic devices and can act as the basic meta-atom constituents of low-loss dielectric metasurfaces. In any application, tunable Mie resonances are key to achieving a dynamic and reconfigurable operation. However, the active tuning of these nanoantennas is still limited and usually results in sub-linewidth resonance tuning. Here, we demonstrate the ultrawide dynamic tuning of PbTe Mie resonators fabricated via both laser ablation and a novel solution-processing approach. Taking advantage of the extremely large thermo-optic (TO) coefficient and a high refractive index of PbTe, we demonstrate high-quality factor Mie resonances that are tuned by several linewidths with temperature modulations as small as ΔT ∼ 10 K. We reveal that the origin for this exceptional tunability is due to an increased TO coefficient of PbTe at low temperatures. When combined into metasurface arrays, these effects can be exploited in ultranarrow active...
An analytical model of maximum potential intensity for tropical cyclones incorporating the effect of ocean mixing

An analytical model of maximum potential intensity (PI) for tropical cyclones (TCs) incorporating wind-induced ocean cooling is developed on the basis of Emanuel's PI theory. The model consists of a one-dimensional ocean and an axisymmetric TC vortex that is translating at a constant speed. The model advances upon previous approaches by accounting for TC size and shape. The PI is determined at the radius of maximum winds by radially integrating the effect of ocean mixing using a specified wind profile. The resulting analytic ocean cooling agrees well with numerical solutions, and the new PI model better captures maximum intensities of observed TCs compared with Emanuel's original PI. It is also shown that the degree of cooling (i.e., ocean's feedback to atmosphere) can be quantified by a dimensionless parameter, representing the ratio of atmospheric forcing to ocean stability.
“Now that we can ask and tell: The social movement legacy of the DADT repeal”

The 2010 Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act, along with the 2016 DOD announcement regarding the impending inclusion of transgender soldiers, created the possibility of open and unsanctioned military service for LGBTQs for the first time in US history. This article provides an overview of how these policy changes came about, from the emergence of DADT to the legal and activist challenges to its legitimacy, including its ultimate repeal and the subsequent move to extend open service to transgender people. After summarizing what we know so far about how the repeal has (and has not) changed the experience of service for LGBTQs, I consider how these policy changes have been received and interpreted by LGBTQ activists and scholars. Open military service is either viewed as one of the most exciting or the most damning developments of LGBTQ organizing in the 21st century, according to the two most prominent activist perspectives. This review outlines the key arguments of each perspective and concludes by considering the value of reconciling these disparate vantage points when analyzing the future of LGBTQ social movement strategy.
Effects of varying sampling frequency on the analysis of continuous ECG data streams

A myriad of data is produced in intensive care units (ICU) even for short periods of time. This data is frequently used for monitoring patient’s immediate health status, not for real-time analysis because of technical challenges in real-time processing of such massive data. Data storage is also another challenge in making ICU data useful for retrospective studies. Therefore, it is important to know the minimal sampling frequency requirement to develop real-time analysis on ICU data and to develop a data storage plan. In this study, we have applied the Probabilistic Symbolic Pattern Recognition (PSPR) method in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) screening problem by analyzing electrocardiogram signals at different sampling frequencies varying from 128 Hz to 8 Hz. Our results show that using PSPR method, we can obtain a classification accuracy of 82.67% in identifying PAF subjects even when the test data is sampled at 8 Hz frequency (73.33% for 128 Hz). This classification accuracy drastically improved to 92% when other descriptive features were used along with PSPR features. The PSPR’s PAF screening ability at low sampling frequency indicates its potential for real-time analysis and wearable embedded computing applications.
Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferation: An Overview

Peroxisomes, single-membrane-bound cytoplasmic structures, are widely distributed in most animal and plant cells (Beevers 1979; Tolbert 1981). The identification and descriptions of the morphology of peroxisomes present in various eukaryotic cells are based on the assumption that they indeed represent subcellular organelles in which catalase is demonstrable by cytochemical or immunochemical procedures (Novikoff and Goldfischer 1968; Reddy et al. 1982; Bendayan and Reddy 1982; Usuda et al. 1988). Peroxisomes from the liver and kidney of rats and some other mammals have been shown to possess one or more H2O2-producing oxidases (Tolbert 1981; Usuda et al. 1986), but very little information exists regarding the presence of at least one such oxidase in organelles that have been identified as peroxisomes by catalase cytochemistry in other cell types. The availability of antibodies to some of the peroxismal oxidases (Osumi et al. 1984; Usuda et al. 1988) should make possible the immunocyto-chemical analysis of the distribution of these enzymes in various tissues. Recently it has been shown that urate oxidase is present only in the liver peroxisomes and not in other tissues of rat (Usuda et al. 1988).
Athletics and Gender

Sports and athletics have historically been dominated by men, but the inclusion of women since the late nineteenth century has challenged the field's long-standing association with masculinity, including the stereotypes of aggression, competitiveness, and physical sacrifice. Female athletes of the twentieth century demonstrated through skill and persistence that stereotypes based on biological differences are not necessarily accurate, nor should they be used to exclude or discriminate against anyone wishing to participate in sports. This inclusionary trend in sports is not only allowing modern women greater athletic opportunities than ever before, but it is also relaxing the stoic, self-sacrificing expectations for male athletes. Keywords: biological determinism; gender difference; gender equality; health; sports; athletics
Corneal ectasia associated with postoperative hypotony.

Importance Although post-operative hypotony is common, many ophthalmologists argue that ocular hypotony is relatively inconsequential and question its occurrence as a surgical complication. Corneal changes related to ocular hypotony has seldom been described. Objective To describe corneal topographical changes and ectasia occur in patients who experienced hypotony after glaucoma filtering procedures. Design Prospective case series on adults who presented to the University of Illinois glaucoma service from October 2016 to September 2017 who had undergone glaucoma drainage surgeries with at least 3 months of ocular hypotony. Setting Single, referral center. Participants Adults who had undergone glaucoma drainage surgeries with at least two separate post-operative intraocular pressure readings of 5 mmHg or less measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry in one or both eyes were included. Patient with less than 3 months of persistent hypotony and/or had undergone previous corneal surgeries, had a history of corneal ectasia prior to glaucoma filtering surgeries, or had a history of uveitis were excluded. Intervention/Exposures Slit lamp photography, corneal topography, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography were obtained from all patients at the time of enrollment. Main Outcomes The development of irregular astigmatism on topography, corneal ectasia on OCT and changes in best-corrected spectacle visual acuity. Results A total of nine eyes of seven patients were included. Significant associations between age, thin central corneal thickness and the development of irregular corneal astigmatism were found (p Conclusions and Relevance We illustrate the development of decreased visual acuity associated with irregular corneal astigmatism and the potential for the development of irreversible corneal thinning as complications of persistent hypotony post glaucoma filtering surgeries.
Storage Hierarchy Technology and Organization

The storage subsystem of a data processing system comprises those components that store programs and data. This includes the spectrum from bulk storage with its own microprograms to the buffer stores (cache stores) and registers located in the Central Processing Unit (Fig. 1). Present storage subsystems are almost exclusively implemented in the form of several independent storage hierarchies with their own address spaces. The cost of the storage subsystem can be more than 50 % of the total system hardware cost (Fig. 2).
Corticosteroid Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Adults

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) was first described by Landres et al. in 1978 and is characterized by eosinophils in the squamous epithelium or deeper layers of the esophagus. The exact pathogenesis of EoE remains unclear, limiting the optimization of treatment strategies for the disease. Eosinophils, while present at low levels throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, are absent from the esophagus in health. However, eosinophils are seen in conditions other than EoE, including gastroesophageal reflux, collagen vascular diseases, Crohn’s disease, infections, and achalasia. Eosinophils release inflammatory mediators which cause mucosal injury and lead to a chronic inflammatory state. This in turn leads to structural and functional abnormalities in the esophagus and likely the clinical manifestations of EoE. However, the exact pathogenesis of this inflammatory response remains poorly understood, with most investigators supporting an allergen-related immune response. Consequently, treatment strategies have focused on this pathway, with strategies including elimination diet, leukotriene receptor inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies showing variable success. This chapter will focus on the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of EoE in the adult population. The role of corticosteroids in other eosinophilic inflammatory conditions such as asthma is well described. Corticosteroids are believed to be effective in the treatment of eosinophil-derived inflammation by a variety of proposed mechanisms. Consequently, its use has been extended to the treatment of EoE.
A method to extract realistic artifacts from electrocardiogram recordings for robust algorithm testing.

Abstract Objective Recordings of signal noise and artifacts can be added to clean electrocardiogram (ECG) records to assess the performance of ECG and arrhythmia analysis algorithms in the presence of noise. We present a method to estimate device-specific signal noise and artifacts from ECG records. This method can be applied to obtain noise estimates from healthy subjects on any ECG lead, allowing a simple device-specific recording. The proposed approach is assessed using the MIT-BIH Noise Stress Test Database recordings combined with simulated ECGs. Methods The proposed noise-estimation method is based on the subtraction of a time-aligned median beat from a noisy ECG recording. To test our method, electrode motion and muscle artifact noise from MIT-BIH Noise Stress Test database were added to simulated ECG signals at signal-noise ratios (SNR) from −6 to 20 dB. A comparison between noise and estimated noise signal statistical characteristics was made including root-mean squared error and assessment of the power content in three frequency bands (cardiac [0.5–5 Hz], mid [5–25 Hz], and high [25–40 Hz]). Results Visual assessment and frequency analysis demonstrate the good quality of noise estimation. Root-mean squared error between noise and estimated noise signals was Conclusion Estimating noise from ECG records is a viable approach to generate noise and artifacts-only signals. These signals are device-specific and easy to collect from healthy subjects without requiring special electrode set-ups. Therefore, they may be suitable for use with annotated ECG databases to assess the robustness of ECG analysis algorithms in the presence of noise.
Attractiveness of the New European Market to Small U.S. Exporters

The integration of selected west-European countries into a single market has caused concerns about U.S. exporters’ access to the new European market. This article examines strategic export planning for the European market of small U.S. exporters in manufacturing industries on the basis of the strategic market planning framework developed by Abell and Hammond (1979). The proposed model incorporates market attractiveness as a predictor variable in addition to more traditional company background variables in examining export planning status of small U.S. exporters. Findings of a survey conducted in a Midwestern state among active exporters of manufactured goods demonstrate how company characteristics and market attractiveness are related to export planning status. Most exporting manufacturers have responded actively to changes in the European market by completing and enacting strategic export plans. Factors that influence exporters’ strategic export planning behavior are entry barriers, changes in European m...
Abstract 031: County Poverty Disproportionately Effects Mortality in Heart Failure Compared to Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Regional poverty has been associated with worse outcomes in stroke, myocardial infarction and overall cardiovascular mortality. There is paucity of data regarding regional socioeconomic...
Globalization and Informal Entrepreneurship: A Cross-Country Analysis

This paper provides a comprehensive empirical analysis on the relationship between globalization and informal entrepreneurship. The impact of globalization on informal entrepreneurship was analyzed using cross-country data. Using ordinary least squares and instrumental variables techniques, the results showed that globalization reduces informal entrepreneurship. This finding was robust to various sensitivity analyses including an alternate measure of globalization, an alternate measure of informal entrepreneurship, controlling for additional covariates, accounting for endogeneity of globalization, correcting for outliers, and considering nonlinearities. Furthermore, employing quantile regression analysis, the results suggested that globalization was most effective when informal entrepreneurship was most prevalent. Consequently, nations would benefit with regard to less underground entrepreneurship from policies that promote globalization through such things as removing barriers to trade, improving the transmission of information and promoting involvement in international organizations.
Endoscopic endonasal resection versus open surgery for pediatric craniopharyngioma: comparison of outcomes and complications.

Objective Craniopharyngioma represents up to 10% of pediatric brain tumors. Although these lesions are benign, attempts at gross-total resection (GTR) can lead to serious complications. More conservative approaches have emerged but require adjuvant radiation. Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) aimed at GTR has the potential to result in fewer complications, but there has been limited comparison to open surgery. The authors performed a review of these two approaches within their institution to elucidate potential benefits and complication differences. Methods The authors performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing resection of craniopharyngioma at their institution between 2001 and 2017. Volumetric analysis of tumor size and postoperative ischemic injury was performed. Charts were reviewed for a number of outcome measures. Results A total of 43 patients with an average age of 8.2 years were identified. Open surgery was the initial intervention in 15 and EES in 28. EES was performed in patients 3-17 years of age. EES has been the only approach used since 2011. In the entire cohort, GTR was more common in the EES group (85.7% vs 53.3%, p = 0.03). Recurrence rate (40% vs 14.2%, p = 0.13) and need for adjuvant radiation (20.0% vs 10.7%, p = 0.71) were higher in the open surgical group, although not statistically significant. Pseudoaneurysm development was only observed in the open surgical group. Volumetric imaging analysis showed a trend toward larger preoperative tumor volumes in the open surgical group, so a matched cohort analysis was performed with the largest tumors from the EES group. This revealed no difference in residual tumor volume (p = 0.28), but the volume of postoperative ischemia was still significantly larger in the open group (p = 0.004). Postoperative weight gain was more common in the open surgical group, a statistically significant finding in the complete patient group that trended toward significance in the matched cohort groups. Body mass index at follow-up correlated with volume of ischemic injury in regression analysis of the complete patient cohort (p = 0.05). Conclusions EES was associated with similar, if not better, extent of resection and significantly less ischemic injury than open surgery. Pseudoaneurysms were only seen in the open surgical group. Weight gain was also less prevalent in the EES cohort and appears be correlated with extent of ischemic injury at time of surgery.
Management of acute stroke.

Stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of permanent disability in adults. Timely recognition and treatment is imperative to reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Patients with acute ischemic stroke should be evaluated for administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA); those who do not qualify for t-PA should receive aspirin therapy in the absence of a contraindication. In all stroke patients, intravenous hydration with normal saline should be administered, hypoxia should be corrected with supplemental oxygen, and hyperglycemia and fever should be treated aggressively. Blood pressure management should be individualized on the basis of stroke pathophysiology and specific treatment plan (e.g., planned thrombolysis) following published guidelines. Evaluation of stroke etiology should be undertaken, and the results should be used to guide secondary stroke prevention efforts.
Predicting Male vs. Female from Task-fMRI Brain Connectivity

A number of behavioral and cognitive functions of brain differ between male and female. Occurrences of psychiatric disorders, e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, depression and schizophrenia also vary from male to female. Understanding the unique cognitive expressions in gender-specific brain functions may lead to insights into the risks and associated responses for a certain external simulation or medications. Previously resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (r-fMRI) has been used extensively to understand gender differences using functional network connectivity analysis. However, how the brain functional network changes during a cognitive task for different genders is relatively unknown. This paper makes use of a large data set to test whether task-fMRI functional connectivity can be utilized to predict male vs. female. In addition, it also identifies functional connectivity features that are most predictive of gender. The cognitive task-fMRI data consisting 475 healthy controls is taken from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) database. Pearson correlation coefficients are extracted using mean time-series from anatomical brain regions. Partial least squares (PLS) regression with feature selection on the correlation coefficients achieves a classification accuracy of 0.88 for classifying male vs. female using emotion task data. In addition it is found that inter hemispheric connectivity is most important for predicting gender from task-fMRI.
Co-Administration of Injected and Oral Vaccine Candidates Elicits Improved Immune Responses over Either Route Alone

Infectious diseases continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and although efficacious vaccines are available for many diseases, some parenteral vaccines elicit little or no mucosal antibodies which can be a significant problem since mucosal tissue is the point of entry for 90% of pathogens. In order to provide protection for both serum and mucosal areas, we have tested a combinatorial approach of both parenteral and oral administration of antigens for diseases caused by a viral pathogen, Hepatitis B, and a fungal pathogen, Coccidioides. We demonstrate that co-administration by the parenteral and oral routes is a useful tool to increase the overall immune response. This can include achieving an immune response in tissues that are not elicited when using only one route of administration, providing a higher level of response that can lead to fewer required doses or possibly providing a better response for individuals that are considered poor or non-responders.
Handling Uncertainty When Getting Contradictory Advice from Experts

Suppose you want to solve a computational problem \(\Pi \) for an instance x, but your computational power is not sufficient to compute \(\Pi (x)\). You communicate with experts in \(\Pi \) who claim to know the value of \(\Pi \) for every instance. However, when you ask them about \(\Pi (x)\), their answers turn out to be different. How can you determine which of the answers are correct? A possible approach is to apply selectors recently introduced in [11]. Selectors use the interactive proof techniques and downward self-reducibility to identify errors in multi-oracle computations. This paper is a brief survey of complexity-theoretic concepts and results that underlie applications of selectors for handling uncertainty with expert advice.