cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Identity Formation of American-born Chinese Youth in the 1930s:A Review of Lei Jie-qiong's Master Thesis and Its Historical Implications

Through a careful analysis of Lei Jie-qiong's Master thesis written in 1931,this article examines the self-identity of American-born Chinese youth in the 1930s.A number of issues are discussed,such as how the early academic research on ethnic Chinese was influenced by the Chicago School,the growth of American-born Chinese youth as a social group,ethnic Chinese family life under the ethnic pressure,Chinese students at American public schools,discrimination against American-born Chinese in employment,students and why they wanted to go back to China.The author argues that as long as the social status of Chinese American community as a whole remained low,the self-identity of Chinese youth could never get rid of the lingering shadow of "being foreigners".Acquiring and replicating White Americans' language,mindset,social manners and behaviour was merely a superficial change,which could not make them accepted by American society.In a racially stratified society,being culturally American is different from being racially American.
Magnetic ordering in A2FeBr5·H2O (A = Cs, Rb)

Abstract The three orthogonal susceptibilities of Cs 2 FeBr 5 ·H 2 O and Rb 2 FeBr 5 ·H 2 O are reported. Both substances show evidence of substantial short-range order. The cesium salt orders at 14.2 K, and the rubidium salt at 22.9 K.
Research on the methods to evaluate critical height of embankment on soft ground considered effect of reinforced cushion

Critical height is a key problem in embankment on soft ground engineering.When embankment height is less than the critical height,settlement and stability of foundations can be controlled.The effect of the reinforced cushion is considered little in the previous theoretical formula.This paper studies the critical height when the reinforced cushion play the role,based on the diffusion theory and the deloading of synthetic materials' friction drag.At last,the choice of the parameter is discussed.
NF‐κB and androgen receptor variant 7 induce expression of SRD5A isoforms and confer 5ARI resistance

BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is treated with 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARI). These drugs inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone resulting in apoptosis and prostate shrinkage. Most patients initially respond to 5ARIs; however, failure is common especially in inflamed prostates, and often results in surgery. This communication examines a link between activation of NF-κB and increased expression of SRD5A2 as a potential mechanism by which patients fail 5ARI therapy. METHODS Tissue was collected from “Surgical” patients, treated specifically for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to advanced BPH; and, cancer free transition zone from “Incidental” patients treated for low grade, localized peripheral zone prostate cancer. Clinical, molecular and histopathological profiles were analyzed. Human prostatic stromal and epithelial cell lines were genetically modified to regulate NF-κB activity, androgen receptor (AR) full length (AR-FL), and AR variant 7 (AR-V7) expression. RESULTS SRD5A2 is upregulated in advanced BPH. SRD5A2 was significantly associated with prostate volume determined by Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS), and with more severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) determined by American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS). Synthesis of androgens was seen in cells in which NF-κB was activated. AR-FL and AR-V7 expression increased SRD5A2 expression while forced activation of NF-κB increased all three SRD5A isoforms. Knockdown of SRD5A2 in the epithelial cells resulted in significant reduction in proliferation, AR target gene expression, and response to testosterone (T). In tissue recombinants, canonical NF-κB activation in prostatic epithelium elevated all three SRD5A isoforms and resulted in in vivo growth under castrated conditions. CONCLUSION Increased BPH severity in patients correlates with SRD5A2 expression. We demonstrate that NF-κB and AR-V7 upregulate SRD5A expression providing a mechanism to explain failure of 5ARI therapy in BPH patients. Prostate 9999: XX–XX, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Prospective Study of the Lymphedema and Fibrosis Continuum in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and nature of internal, external, and combined lymphedema and fibrosis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Materials and Methods: We obtained consent from 100 patients newly diagnosed with having cancer of the head and neck for a 4-year, prospective, longitudinal descriptive study. Recruitment began in August 23, 2010, and the study was completed in April 24, 2014. Eighty-three were evaluated at regular intervals from preradiation therapy to 18 months post-treatment. Percentage developing external, internal, or both types of lymphedema and/or fibrosis and trajectories of the severity of external, internal, or both types of lymphedema and/or fibrosis were determined. Results: Before treatment, lymphedema rates were the following: external: 62.7%, internal: 41.7%, or combined: 29.2%, and/or fibrosis: 42.2%. Ranges of lymphedema late-effect rates were even higher: external: 81.9%–90.1%, internal: 80.4%–89.4%, combined: 70...
Earth–Moon L1 libration point orbit continuous stationkeeping control using time-varying LQR and backstepping

Different periodic-gain stationkeeping control strategies in Earth–Moon L1 libration point orbits are proposed based on continuous LQR control and Floquet theory. The strategies are based on time-periodic infinite horizon LQR and backstepping technique with time-invariant LQR. Furthermore, a dead-band periodic-gain controller is proposed to account for the limited lifespan of the thrusters. The proposed controllers are shown to be more fuel efficient than conventional feedback linearization for the same settling time envelope of the tracking error.
Reliability of biomechanical variables during wheelchair ergometry testing

Wheelchair ergometer testing is used to characterize wheelchair propulsion mechanics. The reliability of kinematic and kinetic measures has not been investigated for wheelchair ergometer testing. In this study, test-retest reliability of biomechanical measurements on a wheelchair ergometer was determined during a submaximal endurance test. Ten nondisabled subjects (seven male, three female), inexperienced in wheelchair propulsion, completed three separate submaximal fatigue tests. An instrumented wheelchair ergometer was used to measure handrim kinetics while three-dimensional kinematic data were collected. Analysis of variance was used to determine if measurement differences existed across the tests. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the reliability of the measurements. The majority of handrim and temporal variables were found to be reliable. Joint kinematic variables were less reliable, especially those involving wrist movements in the fatigued state. It was concluded that most biomechanical variables obtained during wheelchair ergometry were reliable.
Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy—An Important Contributor to the Diagnosis of Sjögren Syndrome

Purpose Sjogren syndrome (SS), although commonly associated with xerostomia and xerophthalmia, can present with extraglandular manifestations that make definitive diagnosis difficult. The 2 leading diagnostic classification systems include a positive minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) result as a major inclusion criterion. The purpose of this study was to better define the role of the MSGB in establishing a diagnosis of SS in a cohort of referred patients. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of patients referred to the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Boston, MA) over a 5-year period to establish a diagnosis of SS. Inclusion criteria were complete information regarding presenting symptoms, reason for referral, and findings at MSGB. Incomplete records and referral for reasons other than presumptive SS resulted in exclusion. The MSGB and its role in definitive diagnosis based on accepted classification systems were evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Other variables of interest (demographics, pattern of referral, and symptomology) are described for the cohort. Results Eighty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 48.3 years (range, 19 to 74 yr) and 75 were women (86.2%). Fifteen MSGB results (17.2%) were positive based on the focus score histologic criteria. In 12 of 15 cases, the positive MSGB result allowed for a definitive diagnosis (80%). In 3 cases, other criteria allowed diagnosis without the contribution of the MSGB (sensitivity of MSGB, 80.0%; specificity, 87.5%; positive predictive value, 57.1%; negative predictive value, 95.5%). Conclusion The MSGB is an important contributor to a diagnosis of SS. When serology was negative, the MSGB often was the criterion that allowed the diagnosis to be established. It is the most frequently positive of the major criteria used by the 2 classification systems in current use.
Changes in immune cell distribution and their cytokine/chemokine production during regression of the rhesus macaque corpus luteum.

Our previous flow cytometry results demonstrated a significant increase in neutrophils, macrophages/monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells in dispersed rhesus monkey corpora lutea (CL) after progesterone (P4) levels had fallen below 0.3 ng/ml for ≥3 days during the natural menstrual cycle. In this study, immunohistochemistry revealed the CD11b+ cells (neutrophils, macrophages/monocytes) present in the CL after luteal P4 synthesis ceased were distributed throughout the tissue. CD16+ cells (presumptive NK cells) were observed mainly near the vasculature in functional CL, until their numbers increased and they became widely distributed in regressing CL. To determine if the immune cells that enter luteal tissue during structural regression are functionally different from those that are present during peak function, CD11b+ or CD16+ populations were enriched from mid-late stage (functional) and regressing (days 1.8 ± 0.3 postmenses) CL using antibody-conjugated magnetic microbeads. Flow cytometry analyses revealed the majority of CD11b+ cells expressed CD14, a protein mainly produced by macrophages/monocytes. The antibody-enriched and depleted fractions were cultured for 24 h, and the media then analyzed for the production of 29 cytokines/chemokines. From the mid-late CL, the CD11b+-enriched fraction produced three cytokines/chemokines, whereas CD16+-enriched cells only produced the chemokine CCL2. However, CD11b +-enriched cells isolated from regressed CL produced eight cytokines/chemokines. The CD16+-enriched cells isolated from regressing CL produced significant levels of only three cytokines. Thus, the CD11b+ cells that appear in the rhesus macaque CL after functional regression produce several cytokines/chemokines that likely play a role in orchestrating structural regression.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts prognosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Background Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association between the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the outcomes of patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastases. However, the predictive ability of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, especially those treated with preoperative chemotherapy, has been less well described. Methods The clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival, and recurrence free survival of all patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma resected between 2000–2015, were compared between those with elevated (≥3.0) and normal ( Results Among 119 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 64 (53.8%) had neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio P P = .049 and .038). Among 43 patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy and resection, 21 (48.8%) had neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio P = .002 and P = .004). On multivariate analysis, a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥3.0 was associated significantly with worse overall survival among all patients as well as overall survival and recurrence free survival among the subgroup who received preoperative chemotherapy. Conclusion Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated independently with worse survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing resection or neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to resection.
Wage and non-wage compensation among young alcoholic and heavy drinking women: A preliminary analysis

The association between drinking and selected job characteristics among women aged 24 to 31 is examined. Using the 1989 NLSY, women are classified as alcohol abusers or dependent based on DSM-III-R criteria or as heavy drinkers based on reported frequency of six or more drinks. Heavy drinking is negatively associated with wage and non-wage compensation. These effects diminish when human capital measures are controlled. Current alcoholism and current and past heavy drinking are strongly negatively associated with years of schooling. The association between alcoholism and job compensation and characteristics is not as strong as that seen for heavy drinking. It is not known if this is a consequence of errors in identifying alcoholic women in population-based surveys.
Primary Effect of SERCA 2a Gene Transfer on Conduction Reserve in Chronic Myocardial Infarction.

Background SERCA 2a gene transfer ( GT ) improves mechano-electrical function in animal models of nonischemic heart failure Whether SERCA 2a GT reverses pre-established remodeling at an advanced stage of ischemic heart failure is unclear. We sought to uncover the electrophysiological effects of adeno-associated virus serotype 1. SERCA 2a GT following myocardial infarction ( MI ). Methods and Results Pigs developed mechanical dysfunction 1 month after anterior MI , at which point they received intracoronary adeno-associated virus serotype 1. SERCA 2a ( MI + SERCA 2a) or saline ( MI ) and were maintained for 2 months. Age-matched naive pigs served as controls (Control). In vivo ECG -and-hemodynamic properties were assessed before and after dobutamine stress. The electrophysiological substrate was measured using optical action potential ( AP ) mapping in controls, MI , and MI + SERCA 2a preparations. In vivo ECG measurements revealed comparable QT durations between groups. In contrast, prolonged QRS duration and increased frequency of R' waves were present in MI but not MI + SERCA 2a pigs relative to controls. SERCA 2a GT reduced in in vivo arrhythmias in response to dobutamine. Ex vivo preparations from MI but not MI + SERCA 2a or control pigs were prone to pacing-induced ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Underlying these arrhythmias was pronounced conduction velocity slowing in MI versus MI + SERCA 2a at elevated rates leading to ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Reduced susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation in MI + SERCA 2a pigs was not related to hemodynamic function, contractile reserve, fibrosis, or the expression of Cx43 and Nav1.5. Rather, SERCA 2a GT decreased phosphoactive CAMKII -delta levels by >50%, leading to improved excitability at fast rates. Conclusions SERCA 2a GT increases conduction velocity reserve, likely by preventing CAMKII overactivation. Our findings suggest a primary effect of SERCA 2a GT on myocardial excitability, independent of altered mechanical function.
Future characteristics of African Easterly Wave tracks

African Easterly Waves (AEWs) impact Sahel rainfall and tropical cyclones (TCs). Gaining a detailed understanding of AEW behavior within global climate models can yield higher confidence in Sahel rainfall and TC projected trends. This study uses a Hovmoller tracking technique to track AEWs at 850 hPa in three reanalysis products and simulations from the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). AEW track characteristics are compared between reanalysis and CMIP5 historical simulations to establish historical biases. The resolution of the models is found to be more important in reducing biases in northern track AEWs compared to southern track AEWs, but large biases exist in the genesis and dissipation of AEWs over land and ocean. The tracking technique was then applied to future simulations (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5). Between 1980–2000 and 2080–2100, models project an average increase of 1.5 AEWs (range of − 5.0 to + 7.6 AEWs) in the northern track, including an increased frequency of higher intensity waves. Projections of southern track AEWs are more varied compared to the northern track, with a projected model mean decrease of 1.1 AEWs but with a range of − 11.5 to + 11.6 AEWs in individual models. There is an indication of a shift in seasonality of southern track AEWs towards the later summer months, which may impact the timing of the Atlantic TC season. No clear differences were found in projected changes between models characterized as having high or low biases in the historical period.
Vulnerability Assessment for Unmanned Systems Autonomy Services Architecture

Unmanned Systems Autonomy Services (UxAS) is a set of networked software modules that collaboratively automate mission-level decision making for unmanned systems. Proposed, developed, and publicized by United States Air Force Research Laboratory (U.S. AFRL), UxAS has strong and promising implications in practice and it can be easily extended to support emulation and practical deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Therefore, performing vulnerability assessment for UxAS is of significant importance. In this project, we first leveraged the threat-driven method to identify security requirements that focus on UxAS’ confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Next, we designed and developed fuzz tests to evaluate whether UxAS satisfies these requirements. Our experiments have shown that the current version of UxAS is vulnerable to a variety of attacks such as denial of service, message injection/replay, service self-destruct, and timing-based side-channel attacks. Finally, we studied the root-causes for these vulnerabilities and proposed mitigation strategies.
A Crowdsourcing Approach to Understand Weight and Weight Loss in Men

Obesity and overweight are key contributors to chronic disease and pose a large public health challenge, with approximately 74% of American men classified as overweight or obese (Flegal et al., 2012). In the United States in 2008, the medical costs associated with obesity reached $147 billion, and annual estimated medical costs are currently $1500 higher for individuals with obesity (Finkelstein et al., 2009). In 2013, approximately $2.4 billion was spent on weight loss services provided by over 29,000 companies, and 85% of consumers of the services were women (IBISWorld, 2013). Men who are overweight or obese are generally recognized as a hard to involve, yet high-risk group for obesity-related chronic disease treatment (Morgan et al., 2011a; Young et al., 2012). A variety of studies have demonstrated that men are less likely to perceive themselves as overweight, and therefore are less likely to attempt weight loss or participate in a weight loss program (Andersson and Rossner, 1997; Brown et al., 2015; Collins et al., 2011; Lemon et al., 2009; Morgan et al., 2011a; Young et al., 2012). In a systematic review of weight loss interventions conducted online, notably <23% of the 5700 participants were men (Neve et al., 2010). However, while both qualitative and quantitative studies suggest limitations to the current literature related to weight loss interventions, there is less information on why men may be reluctant to seek out weight loss treatment in the first place. This illustrates a visible and pressing need to identify novel approaches and program elements that can effectively engage men in initial weight loss and successful long-term weight maintenance. Crowdsourcing has the ability to generate large amounts of data from a broader and more diverse population of men, thus ameliorating some of the limitations and bias inherent in other previously collected data. Crowdsourcing is a strategic model used to draw insights from an interested group of individuals who are able to suggest solutions beyond those offered by traditional forms of research. In other words, the crowd “solves” the problem that has scientific professionals puzzled (Howe, 2006). Web-based crowdsourcing is an inexpensive, fast method to build new hypotheses and uncover unforeseen problems that experts may have previously overlooked (Swan, 2012). Crowdsourcing is a mixed methods approach with a form of qualitative methodology (the questions being submitted by the subjects) and a quantitative component (the numerical scoring of the answers to posed questions). Therefore, crowdsourcing provided the ideal methodology to use in this study where professionals are “stumped” about the issues surrounding male participation in weight loss interventions and are looking to generate new questions that haven't come with a more traditional type of qualitative research methodology. The goal of the study was to utilize crowdsourcing to detect possible unexpected or new predictors of barriers to weight loss in men in order to guide future intervention design and successful recruitment of men to a weight loss study.
Persuading tourists to stay – Forever! A destination marketing perspective

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between tourism and retirement migration – a neglected area of academic research – and discusses how destination marketers can attract the growing segment of migrating retirees. The focus of the empirical study is the state of South Carolina in the United States, with surveys administered to three separate unique samples: potential retirees who reside outside the state; tourists visiting the state; and existing retirees. The results show the economic potential for converting more visitors into retirees. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Measuring Water Permeation Through EPDM Rubber Hoses

Knowledge of the rates of water permeation through rubber hoses as a function of internal pressure, ambient temperature and relative humidity is important for designing water-cooled systems. The high-performance mainframe hardware, critical to cloud-computing, keeps shrinking, reducing the volume of space available for the cooling system, which, therefore, must shrink accordingly to fit in the tighter spaces in the frames. To determine the minimum size of the reservoir needed to replenish the water lost over the life of the machine, information on water permeations rates through rubber hoses is critical. The paper will present a novel technique for measuring water permeation rates using the concept of the water permeating out of a water-filled hose raising the relative humidity in a sealing box containing the hose. Results of permeation rate measurements through $\frac{1}{4}-\text{inch}, \frac{1}{2}-\text{inch},\frac{3}{4}-\text{inch}$ inch and l-inch internal diameter EPDM hoses as a function of internal pressure and relative humidity at 40°C ambient temperature will be presented. The physics of water permeation through rubber hoses will be discussed.
Cost Effectiveness of Transplant, Conventional Chemotherapy, and Novel Agents in Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review

Treatments for multiple myeloma (MM) have been rapidly evolving. Newly developed treatment regimens are likely to be more effective but also cost more than conventional therapies. We conducted a systematic review to compare the cost effectiveness of different classes of MM treatment. We searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for studies published during 1990–2018 comparing the cost effectiveness of transplant, chemotherapeutic and novel MM treatments. Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed for eligibility by two investigators. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the 16-item, validated Quality of Health Economics Studies instrument. Twenty-four publications were included in the systematic review and summarized according to treatment regimen and line. For first-line treatment, transplant was the most cost-effective option for transplant-eligible MM patients [the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $4053–€45,460 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, and $3848–$72,852 per life-year gained (LYG)], and the ICER for novel agents compared with conventional chemotherapy was $59,076 per QALY and $220,681 per LYG. For second-line treatment, in comparisons of novel agent-based regimens, ICERs were inconsistent. However, bortezomib-based regimens, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone were each cost effective compared with dexamethasone alone (ICERs showed cost saving, £30,153 per QALY gained, and €39,911 per LYG, respectively). For transplant-eligible MM patients, transplant is a cost-effective first-line treatment. More cost-effectiveness analyses comparing novel agents in the first-line treatment regimen are warranted to determine which agent or regimen is the most cost effective. In the second-line setting, it is unclear which novel agent-based regimen is most cost effective, but bortezomib-based regimens, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone were each cost effective compared with dexamethasone alone.
Strengthening Security for Gene Synthesis: Recommendations for Governance.

Since the inception of gene synthesis technologies, there have been concerns about possible misuse. Using gene synthesis, pathogens—particularly small viruses—may be assembled “from scratch” in the...
An indirect role for upstream stimulatory factor in glucose-mediated induction of pyruvate kinase and S14 gene expression.

Transcription of the L-type pyruvate kinase (L-PK) and S14 genes is induced in hepatocytes in response to increased glucose metabolism. The regulatory sequences of these genes responsible for induction by glucose have been mapped to related E-box containing motifs in the promoters. Similarly, L-PK promoter activity is stimulated in a differentiated pancreatic β-cell line, INS-1, in response to elevated glucose. By mutational analysis, we demonstrate that the sequence requirements for glucose induction in the INS-1 cell are identical to those observed in the hepatocyte, suggesting that the same transcriptional factor(s) is responsible for regulation of L-PK expression in the two cell types. One nuclear factor that binds to the glucose regulatory sequences of both of these genes is the Upstream Stimulatory Factor (USF), a ubiquitous E-box binding protein. Mice deleted for the USF2 gene display a severely delayed response to carbohydrate feeding (Valletet al. [26]). This observation, however, does not differentiate between a direct and an indirect role for USF in the process. To gain further insight into the possible involvement of USF in glucose signaling, we have used a recombinant adenoviral construct that expresses a dominant negative form of USF. This dominant negative can dimerize with endogenous USF and is shown to inhibit DNA binding of USF in hepatocytes and INS-1 cells. However, expression of the dominant negative USF did not block the ability of glucose to stimulate L-PK or S14 gene expression in hepatocytes or L-PK promoter activity in INS-1 cells. We conclude that USF does not act by binding to the glucose regulatory sequences of the S14 or L-PK genes and the role of USF in the process of glucose induction is indirect.
A method for quantitative three-dimensional fiber tractography using optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) is an effective tool for volumetric imaging of collagen fiber networks, but current processing algorithms struggle to create three-dimensional models of these networks due to limited contrast and tissue complexity. We present an automated image processing algorithm that overcomes these challenges to enable quantitative visualization of three-dimensional fiber networks from OCT volumes. Samples are processed by segmenting the tissue volume surface and dividing the sample into “processing patches” which are optimally sized and oriented to fit an arbitrary volume. Fiber orientation analysis and particle filtering are used to create orientation-encoded fiber tractography. The method is demonstrated on five ex-vivo human uterine samples which were imaged as mosaic volumes using a commercial SD-OCT system, providing the first view of the three-dimensional structure of the human uterine collagen fiber network on a centimeter scale.
Unpacking the idea of democratic community consent-based siting for energy infrastructure

We highlight issues relevant to a consent-based siting process for energy facilities with the intent to inform government officials, planners, and stakeholders on potential critical issues and chal...
Cancer Radiotherapy: General Considerations and Human Radiobiology

Advancements in oncologic therapies have led to increasing numbers of long-term cancer survivors and thus more patients for whom radiation therapy is indicated as part of their comprehensive treatment plan. Here we provide an overview of the biologic mechanisms underlying radiation therapy, before examining the various radiotherapy modalities currently available in clinical practice, including modern innovations such as stereotactic ablative techniques, advanced image guidance, and proton beam therapy. We also discuss an exciting, relatively novel indication for radiation therapy that holds promise for improving patient outcomes and further expanding the field of radiotherapy: local consolidation in the definitive management of oligometastatic disease.
Ipilimumab and Nivolumab-Induced Colitis in a Patient With Recurrent Metastatic Melanoma

Ipilimumab and nivolumab are immune checkpoint inhibitors that have recently been used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma and other cancers. Immune-mediated colitis is one of their adverse events that need to be differentiated from low-grade diarrhea as one of the most common side effects. A 51-year-old woman with relapsed metastatic melanoma presented with intractable diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and generalized abdominal pain. The patient had been treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab in the past two months. The infectious workup was inconclusive. Colonoscopy demonstrated severe colitis, and biopsies were consistent with colitis. Combination chemotherapy was stopped. The patient was treated with intravenous and oral steroids, and her symptoms improved. A combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab increases the chance of immune-mediated colitis, and steroids should be started promptly to avoid complications such as bowel perforation and toxic megacolon.
Neuromuscular blockade with atracurium for ophthalmic surgery in horses-Effects on surgical and anesthetic characteristics and recovery quality.

Objective To study the surgical, anesthetic and recovery qualities of horses receiving either a neuromuscular blocking agent (atracurium) or intravenous lidocaine (treatment groups A and L, respectively). Animals studied A total of thirty horses presented for ocular surgery were used in this study. Procedure Horses were randomly assigned to receive either atracurium (group A) or a lidocaine constant rate infusion (group L). Surgical quality was graded on a scale from 1 (excellent)-5 (poor). While anesthetized, the heart rate, oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure, and end-expiratory carbon dioxide and desflurane concentration were monitored and recorded every 5 minutes. Recovery was scored on a scale from 10 (best)-115 (worst). Results Horses in treatment group A needed significantly less desflurane then horses in treatment group L (p = 0.04). Horses in treatment group A had a significantly better surgery score of 1 (1-2) (median and range) then horses in treatment group L (2.5; 1-5) (p = 0.02). The quality of recovery was significantly better in horses in treatment group A compared with treatment group L, and horses needed significantly less time to reach the standing position. Conclusions Atracurium and lidocaine CRI are safe methods of anesthesia for equine patients undergoing ocular surgery. Horses receiving atracurium needed less desflurane and had better surgery and recovery scores than horses receiving a lidocaine constant rate infusion.
Calcified lymph nodes in the setting of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A predictor of HPV positivity?

Abstract Purpose Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important cause of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and accounts for a large majority of new cases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between nodal calcification and HPV positivity in the setting of metastatic HNSCC. Methods Consecutive patients with HNSCC who underwent CT were retrospectively identified. Patients were then divided into two groups: those with HPV-positive HNSCC and those with HPV-negative HNSCC. Demographic, clinical, and CT data were compared between the two groups to determine factors associated with HPV-positive HNSCC. Results A total of 179 patients with HNSCC were included in the final analyses, 104 (58%) of whom had HPV-positive tumors. Univariate analyses demonstrated that those with HPV-positive HNSCC were more likely to have calcified lymph nodes (p = 0.044). Analyses also confirmed previously known associations with male gender (p = 0.001), primary oropharyngeal tumors (p Conclusion In addition to known clinical and imaging factors associated with HPV-positive metastatic HNSCC, such as male gender, oropharyngeal primary location, and cystic lymph nodes, the presence of calcifications within cervical lymph nodes, although infrequent, provides an additional useful feature to predict HPV positivity in HNSCC. Additionally, if calcified lymph nodes are present, then a primary oropharyngeal tumor site should be considered.
A national survey of barriers and facilitators to medications for opioid use disorder among legal-involved veterans in the Veterans Health Administration

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are clinically effective at treating OUD among legal-involved populations. However, research shows that legal-involved veterans who receive care through t...
LAS UNIDADES DE PLANIFICACIÓN Y GESTIÓN TERRITORIAL COMO DIRECTRIZ PARA LA ZONIFICACIÓN URBANA

This current article, derived from a piece of research, introduces in the theoretical and methodological frameworks, the results of a study of the Land Planning Units and of Management as an Operational Instrument for the Rural-Urban decisionmaking, the Territorial Ordering Plan –TOP– and Municipal Development Plan – MDP–, instruments of approach in the short, medium and long terms; in this order, the zoning of the territory becomes an alternative to raise and to strengthen the Management Units and the Territorial Planning, where the institutional framework must be consolidated from the incorporation of public, private actors and sectors, and the civil society.
A novel concept for hyperspectral remote sensing

Frequency modulation (FM) reticles can be used to create hyperspectral imaging systems that operate simultaneously from the ultraviolet to the far infrared (IR) region of the optical spectrum. If an optical material that transmits the bands to be imaged can be produced, an imager can be constructed using FM reticle techniques that will image all bands simultaneously. An example of a broadband material is barium fluoride. A hyperspectral reticle imager could consist of the following components: a barium fluoride entrance window, reflective imaging optics, a metal reticle, a beam splitting filter to separate the visible and IR energy, barium fluoride or reflective condensing optics, two diffraction gratings, a silicon linear array for the UV to near IR, and an InSb/HgCdTe sandwich linear array for the middle and far IR. A system diagram is shown. >
Improving informed consent: the medium is not the message.

An important type of research on informed consent involves empirically testing interventions designed to improve the consent process. Here we report on the experience of eight teams that conducted research involving interventions designed primarily to impact one of three categories: decision-making, knowledge, and the therapeutic misconception. Comments © The Hastings Center. Reprinted by Permission. This article originally appeared in IRB: Ethics and Human Research Special Supplement, Volume 25, Issue 5, September 2003, pages S11-S19. Publisher URL: http://www.thehastingscenter.org/publications/irb/irb.asp Author(s) Patricia Agre, Frances A. Campbell, Barbara D. Goldman, Nancy Kass, Maria L. Boccia, Laurence B. McCullough, Jon F. Merz, Suzanne M. Miller, Jim Mintz, Bruce Rapkin, Jeremy Sugarman, James Sorenson, and Donna Wirshing This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/bioethics_papers/9 Improving Informed Consent: The Medium Is Not the Message Patricia Agre; Frances A. Campbell; Barbara D. Goldman; Maria L. Boccia; Nancy Kass; Laurence B. McCullough; Jon F. Merz; Suzanne M. Miller; Jim Mintz; Bruce Rapkin; Jeremy Sugarman; James Sorenson; Donna Wirshing IRB: Ethics and Human Research, Vol. 25, No. 5, Supplement. (Sep. Oct., 2003), pp. S11-S19. Stable URL: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0193-7758%28200309%2F10%2925%3A5%3CS11%3AIICTMI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0 IRB: Ethics and Human Research is currently published by The Hastings Center. Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/about/terms.html. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use. Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained at http://www.jstor.org/journals/hastings.html. Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. JSTOR is an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to and preserving a digital archive of scholarly journals. For more information regarding JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. http://www.jstor.org Mon Mar 12 10:00:36 2007
Arctic Switch Fabric

The Arctic Switch Fabric technology is a scalable network technology based on the Arctic router chip. Switch Fabrics are fat tree networks that are capable of providing high performance even under a heavy load of large (96 byte) packets. They have a number of diag- nostic features that make them well suited for experimental computer systems. Switch Fabrics will be used in the StarT-Jr, StarT-Voyager, and Xolas computer systems at MIT. This paper describes the overall characteristics of Switch Fabrics and describes the three layers of Fabric components. These are the 16-leaf network, the four-leaf board, and the Arctic router chip.
Cadmium-substituted skeletal troponin C metal binding investigations and sequence assignment of the cadmium-113 resonances.

The binding of cadmium to the calcium binding subunit of skeletal troponin (STnC) has been reinvestigated using direct binding methods and fluorescent derivatives. These data provide straightforward explanations of the observed titration behavior in the 113Cd NMR (Ellis, P.D., Strang, P., and Potter, J.D. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 10348-10356). Further, fluorescent derivatives of skeletal troponin C provide an excellent means of establishing a sequence assignment for the resonances observed in the 113Cd NMR. The results of these experiments demonstrate that sites I and II, the Ca2+ regulatory sites, can be assigned to resonances at -108.5 and -101.5 ppm, respectively. Sites III and IV, the structural sites, are assigned to resonances -112.8 and -106.8 ppm, respectively. These data are discussed in terms of recent structural findings and speculations.
The Clinical Assessment of Energy Expenditure in Pathological Gait

Purpose: The aim of this study was to validate the accuracy of a new type of portable gas-analysis system (the Sensormedics VmaxST system) for the measurement of oxygen-uptake (VO2) at expenditure levels that are reached during walking in patients with gait pathology. The criterion method was the Douglas Bag (DB), which is considered to be the gold standard. Methods: Accuracy evaluations were made in two trials, randomly using the VmaxST and the DB method. Ten healthy adult subjects participated in the trials (age: 28.8 (4.3) yrs; body mass: 75 (13.3) kg; height: 179.3 (8.9) cm). Each trial consisted of two time periods: 5 minutes of resting in a comfortable chair and 5 minutes of cycling at an 80-Watt workload. During the fifth minute of each block, mean minute ventilation (VE), VO2, and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were measured or calculated for both systems. Furthermore, energy expenditure (EE) values were calculated, and net values were computed by subtracting resting values from exercise values. Results: No significant differences were found between the VmaxST and the DB method for the primary outcome parameters: EENET and VO2NET. Significantly higher values were found for resting and exercise values. However, these differences were very small. Conclusion: The validity of the VmaxST is sufficient for use in clinical gait studies to determine the energy cost (EC) of walking, especially when net values are used.
PGE2 triggers recovery of transmucosal resistance via EP receptor cross talk in porcine ischemia-injured ileum.

16,16-Dimethyl-PGE2 (PGE2) may interact with one of four prostaglandin type E (EP) receptors, which signal via cAMP (via EP2 or EP4 receptors) or intracellular Ca2+ (via EP1 receptors). Furthermore, EP3 receptors have several splice variants, which may signal via cAMP or intracellular Ca2+. We sought to determine the PGE2 receptor interactions that mediate recovery of transmucosal resistance (R) in ischemia-injured porcine ileum. Porcine ileum was subjected to 45 min of ischemia, after which the mucosa was mounted in Ussing chambers. Tissues were pretreated with indomethacin (5 μM). Treatment with the EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 agonist PGE2 (1 μM) elevatedR twofold and significantly increased tissue cAMP content, whereas the EP2 and EP4 agonist deoxy-PGE1 (1 μM) or the EP1 and EP3 agonist sulprostone (1 μM) had no effect. However, a combination of deoxy-PGE1 and sulprostone stimulated synergistic elevations in R and tissue cAMP content. Furthermore, treatment of tissues with deoxy-PGE1 and the Ca2+ ionophore ...
In vivo 1H MRS and 31P MRSI of the response to cyclocreatine in transgenic mouse liver expressing creatine kinase

Hepatocyte transplantation has been explored as a therapeutic alternative to liver transplantation, but a means to monitor the success of the procedure is lacking. Published findings support the use of in vivo (31)P MRSI of creatine kinase (CK)-expressing hepatocytes to monitor proliferation of implanted hepatocytes. Phosphocreatine tissue level depends upon creatine (Cr) input to the CK enzyme reaction, but Cr measurement by (1)H MRS suffers from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We examine the possibility of using the Cr analog cyclocreatine (CCr, a substrate for CK), which is quickly phosphorylated to phosphocyclocreatine (PCCr), as a higher SNR alternative to Cr. (1)H MRS and (31)P MRSI were employed to measure the effect of incremental supplementation of CCr upon PCCr, γ-ATP, pH and Pi /ATP in the liver of transgenic mice expressing the BB isoform of CK (CKBB) in hepatocytes. Water supplementation with 0.1% CCr led to a peak total PCCr level of 17.15 ± 1.07 mmol/kg wet weight by 6 weeks, while adding 1.0% CCr led to a stable PCCr liver level of 18.12 ± 3.91 mmol/kg by the fourth day of feeding. PCCr was positively correlated with CCr, and ATP concentration and pH declined with increasing PCCr. Feeding with 1% CCr in water induced an apparent saturated level of PCCr, suggesting that CCr quantization may not be necessary for quantifying expression of CK in mice. These findings support the possibility of using (31)P MRS to noninvasively monitor hepatocyte transplant success with CK-expressing hepatocytes.
Differential LRRK2 expression in the cortex, striatum, and substantia nigra in transgenic and nontransgenic rodents

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are found in a significant proportion of late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Elucidating the neuroanatomical localization of LRRK2 will further define LRRK2 function and the molecular basis of PD. Here, we utilize recently characterized monoclonal antibodies to evaluate LRRK2 expression in rodent brain regions relevant to PD. In both mice and rats, LRRK2 is highly expressed in the cortex and striatum, particularly in pyramidal neurons of layer V and in medium spiny neurons within striosomes. Overall, rats have a more restricted distribution of LRRK2 compared with mice. Mice, but not rats, show high levels of LRRK2 expression in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Expression of the pathogenic LRRK2-G2019S protein from mouse bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) constructs closely mimics endogenous LRRK2 distribution in the mouse brain. However, LRRK2-G2019S expression derived from human BAC constructs causes LRRK2 to be expressed in additional neuron subtypes in the rat such as striatal cholinergic interneurons and the substantia nigra pars compacta. The distribution of LRRK2 from human BAC constructs more closely resembles descriptions of LRRK2 in humans and nonhuman primates. Computational analyses of DNA regulatory elements in LRRK2 show a primate-specific promoter sequence that does not exist in lower mammalian species. These noncoding regions may be involved in directing neuronal expression patterns. Together, these studies will aid in understanding the normal function of LRRK2 in the brain and will assist in model selection for future studies.
Implementation of feedback linearizable controllers

We consider an nth-order SISO continuous nonlinear system of the form x equals f(x) + g(x).u with output y equals h(x) where x and u represent the states and the input, the objective is to transform the system in the state-apace using nonlinear feedback and a diffeomorphism (nonlinear transformation) to a linear system from input to output. This is the so-called Input- Output Feedback Linearization (IOFL) problem. In general, we assume the equations describing the system are not in normal (canonical) form. Assuming that the states x are measurable and the relative degree of the system is equal to the system order (n), a diffeomorphism z equals (phi) (x) can be found such that the system can be linearized in new coordinates z using only a nonlinear state feedback. Based on the traditional approaches in feedback linearization theory, the computation of the IOFL control law requires the exact knowledge of f, g, and h. If these are not known or partially known, an adaptive network can be used to learn such a control law. We employ high-order three layer networks to learn the IOFL control law based on a new method inspired by direct adaptive control architecture, details of which have been published elsewhere. The weights of the network (the controller) are adjusted using generalized delta rule algorithm. A linear reference model of order n is used as a teacher such that the closed-loop response of the resulting system follows the linear system response when both are excited with the same input. The diffeomorphism is implemented using a state variable filter (Paynter filter). Here we intend to report the experimental results obtained for a single link manipulator with flexible joint that is a feedback linearizable system. The transformation of nonlinear systems to linear ones is of interest since linear systems have been widely studied and there is a rich theoretical background as well as sophisticated design tools for controller synthesis. This new approach enables the discovery of IOFL control law without the exact knowledge of the system equations.