cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Mentoring in the Success of Women Leaders of Color in Higher Education.

While numerous scholars have investigated the role of mentoring in the success of women of color in faculty positions, few have examined how mentoring affects the development of women leaders of color in higher education. Using qualitative data gathered from interviews with women leaders of color at Hispanic-serving institution, this study presents findings from cross-case studies to provide insights into perceptions of mentoring and various types of mentorship across the different levels within the organization. Supported by the empirical data, this paper challenges traditional notions of mentoring and advocates for a more critical approach to mentoring to reflect the multidimensionality of the mentoring process and explores how mentoring can be used as a strategy to facilitate institutional change.
COSTS AND BENEFITS OF FORAGING ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED DISPERSAL IN THE SPIDER ANELOSIMUS STUDIOSUS (ARANEAE, THERIDIIDAE)

In the theridiid spider, Anelosimus studiosus, most juveniles remain in their natal web, forming temporary colonies in which individuals cooperate in web maintenance and prey capture until they disperse at maturity. There is natural variation in age at dispersal, and subadult spiders removed from their natal webs build webs and continue to develop. To explore the costs and benefits of delayed dispersal, we compared the rate of prey capture and developmental rate for individuals in colonies and those isolated at the fourth instar. Rate of prey capture by colonies increased with colony size and age; this result was driven primarily by the enhanced capture of large prey by larger and older colonies. The presence of juveniles increased the overall productivity of webs, an effect which remained after the juveniles were removed from the web. Despite the overall increase in prey capture, per-individual prey capture decreased with colony size. The variance in prey capture success decreased significantly with colony size, but not with colony age. Spiders in colonies captured more prey per juvenile than singletons experimentally dispersed at the fourth instar; however, this did not result in increased development rate of colonial juveniles over isolated juveniles. These data suggest that juvenile A. studiosus benefit from delayed dis- persal by acquiring more resources and acquiring them more steadily. The productivity of webs of females whose juveniles were removed at the fourth instar remained higher than those of similarly aged females who never produced juveniles. This suggests that delayed dispersal of juveniles enhances the resources which the female could allocate to her next egg mass.
Mood changes during three conditions of alcohol intake.

Mood changes were measured in 12 college students at different BACs under different conditions: intravenous injections, social drinking, and isolated drinking. As BACs increased, the subjects tende...
Autoradiographic patterns of (3H)uridine incorporation during the development of the mollusc, Acmaea scutum.

SUMMARY Autoradiographic experiments on eggs and embryos of the gastropod mollusc, Acmaea scutum, have provided information on the time of initiation of [ 3 H]uridine incorporation into RNA, the relative degree to which different embryonic regions are participating, and the relative rates of incorporation at different times of development. The unfertilized egg does not incorporate exogenous [ 3 H]uridine. After fertilization the first indication of incorporation in the stages examined was at the beginning of the sixth cleavage. There is a marked increase in the level of incorporation during the sixth cleavage which marks the beginning of gastrulation in these embryos. After this stage there is a gradual increase in incorporation per embryo, throughout development to the mid-veliger. Very little indication of significant differences in the level of incorporation among the cells of any embryo was found. The most pronounced exception was the lower activity of the anterior ectodermal cells of the trochophore larva. At later stages the derivatives of these cells were as active as the cells of other regions.
A Phase II trial of induction Cisplatin, 5-FU, Leucovorin, and Interferon α-2B (PFL-α) followed by concurrent Hydroxyurea, 5-FU and radiation for Stage IV squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (HNC)

The combination of Cisplatin and Infusional fluorouracil has been widely used for the treatment of locally advanced squamous head and neck cancer, at diagnosis and recurrence [1–4]. When applied in the Neo-Adjuvant setting, it has resulted in high response rates and probably a reduced incidence of distant metastases. Overall survival, however, has not been proven to be increased and therefore use of this drug combination remains investigational in primary management [5, 6).
Book Review: Dimensions of Constitutional Change

In most federal systems, constitutional decision-making occurs at both the national and subnational levels, and therefore, a more complete and accurate understanding of constitutional law requires careful study of subnational constitutional dynamics as well as the relationship between national and subnational issues. This articles reviews Constitutional Dynamics in Federal Systems – Subnational Perspectives (Michael Burgess & G Alan Tarr, eds., 2012) (“Constitutional Dynamics”), which includes studies analyzing issues of constitutional change in eleven different political systems from the unique perspective of subnational law and politics. The article contends that this bottom-up perspective reveals two important themes. First, subnational politics have become a hotbed for popular constitutional involvement and activism. Drawing on the studies presented in Constitutional Dynamics, the article discusses the mechanisms for direct democracy that appear across federal systems and then explores several unique incentives that may explain why there is generally greater popular involvement in constitutional politics at the subnational level than at the national level. Second, the article identifies two pathways of bottom-up constitutional change within federal systems. Bottom-up constitutional change can occur when subnational units formally adopt new constitutional laws that percolate through the federal system and result in constitutional change at the national level. In those instances, subnational constitutions facilitate systemic change because they provide an institutional home for a new norm to germinate. Bottom-up change can also occur more aggressively when subnational groups capitalize on opportunities such as constitutional litigation and political campaigning to bring issues to the national agenda. In those instances, subnational constitutions provide an entry point for groups to bring conflicts and reform proposals within the existing political system.
Immunosuppression in Pancreas Transplantation: What Has Changed in 20 Years?

Pancreas transplantation offers a functional cure for many patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Although the outcomes of pancreas transplants were originally plagued with high rates of acute cellular rejection, innovations in immunosuppression regimens over the last two decades have helped steadily improve the graft survival of pancreas transplants. This review surveys the latest trends in immunosuppressive management for pancreas transplant recipients, discussing the controversies and weighing the evidence supporting induction therapy, steroid avoidance/withdrawal, mTOR inhibitors, and new regimens based on costimulatory blockade agents.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm; surgical management.

The operative death rate for resection of nonruptured aneurysm of the abdominal aorta has been reduced to less than 10 percent, but the figure for treatment of ruptured aneurysm has remained high. Long-term follow-up indicates that patients surviving operation have a near-normal life expectancy. Operative technic and postoperative complications are discussed.
Application of ROF Communication Technology in Intelligent Community

According to the basic structure and technical characteristics of radio over fiber(RoF) system,this paper proposes the communication network architecture and the specific solution of the intelligent community based on RoF technology,achieves the multi-service access in the intelligent community,and discusses the technical problems of the practical application.Due to its significant technology advantages,RoF will play an important role in the future power communication access network construction.
The Predictive Value of Flow Cytometry and Urinary Cytology in the Followup of Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

AbstractTo determine the predictive value of flow cytometric deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy and urine cytology in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, a retrospective analysis was performed on 181 patients who presented for evaluation of presumed superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Of the patients 91 were confirmed to have superficial transitional cell carcinoma and were systematically followed with cystoscopy, flow cytometry and urine cytology from 1984 until 1989. They underwent 637 evaluations (mean 7 evaluations per patient). At initial evaluation, flow cytometry had 81% sensitivity and 57% specificity, while urine cytology was 75% sensitive and 94% specific. During the followup flow cytometry was 76% sensitive and 36% specific. Urine cytology was less sensitive (40%) but more specific (81%) than flow cytometry in followup evaluation. These results were similar whether intravesical chemotherapy or bacillus Calmette-Guerin was administered. To as...
The effect of local extent of the tumor on prognosis in osteosarcoma

The effect of local extent of the tumor on disease-free survival was studied in fifty-one patients who had an osteosarcoma, all of whom were treated according to the same protocol. Disease-free survival was defined as the interval between entry into the protocol and local recurrence, metastasis, or death (whichever occurred first). All patients had a Stage-IIB intramedullary osteosarcoma--that is, a high-grade malignant tumor (Stage II) with cortical penetration (B). The tumors were subdivided on the basis of the amount of local extension: E1--the tumor touches but does not elevate or penetrate the periosteum; E2--the tumor elevates but does not penetrate the periosteum; E3--the tumor penetrates into, but not through, the periosteum; E4--there is minimum extraperiosteal extension without invasion of another structure, such as a muscle, tendon, or ligament; E5--the tumor invades one additional structure (a muscle, ligament, or tendon); and E6--the tumor invades two or more structures adjacent to the bone. When the tumor had invaded two or more adjacent structures (E6), the instantaneous risk of failure was estimated to be 5.9 times greater than when the tumor had a lesser extent (E1 through E5). The relative prognostic importance of the amount of local extension, the size of the tumor, and the sex and age of the patient was compared with forward step-wise Cox multivariate analysis. Only the amount of local extension had a significant effect on disease-free survival. The estimated cumulative probabilities of disease-free survival at five years, according to the Kaplan-Meier method, were 49.1 +/- 8.5 per cent for patients who had a Stage-IIB tumor, 79.8 +/- 9.3 per cent for those who had a Stage-IIB but not E6 tumor, and 17.6 +/- 11.3 per cent for those who had a Stage-IIB E6 tumor. These data suggest that, with respect to prognosis, there are two distinct subgroups of Stage-IIB osteosarcomas that can be objectively defined by the amount of local extension.
Efficient, unified architecture for modern multi-channel digital radar processing

While the speed of signal processing hardware continues to grow, the desire for processing multi-channel digitized data is also increasing rapidly. In this paper we present a novel technique that combines the processing of two channels of data to realize significant improvements in computational efficiency that can facilitate multi-channel radar processing. The technique processes channels in pairs, taking advantage of certain properties of the Fourier transform, and performs digital downconversion in the frequency domain. Remaining in the frequency domain, we can then combine multiple functions that are often performed in series. These include pulse compression, channel equalization and time delaying. An example is included to demonstrate the computational savings realized.
Assessing teachers' mobile device skills and the integration of technology into their lives

The role of technology in education is growing increasingly significant. It has implications for classroom teaching practices, assessment and systems level decision making. The success of technology programs in schools greatly depends on the attitudes and skills of teachers. This study evaluated the validity of two newly developed survey instruments for assessing an individual’s skills and attitude towards mobile technology. It also looked at the relationship between those two constructs and group differences. There was a significant correlation between an individual’s skills with mobile technology and their willingness to integrate the technology into their daily lives. Regression analysis revealed that an individual’s skills with their device was the only significant predictor of their level of integration. Finally, skills were rated higher for individuals who used both smartphones and tablet computers versus individuals who only used smartphones. These results strengthen the validity of the two survey instruments and add to the research base for integrating mobile technology into education.
Visual Images of Community: Implications for Communication Research

This chapter gathers a body of literature from fields that examine communities visually. Works from anthropology, sociology, and documentary photography are brought together to show how such work is relevant to communication studies and, more specifically, to the study of communication and community. The literature is organized into four categories along two dimensions: small scope and large scope as well as gemeinschaft and gesellschaft (small-scope/gemeinschaft, large-scope/gemeinschaft, small-scope/gesellschaft, and large-scope/gesellschaft). This typology is examined for its theoretical qualities and the implications it has for the study of visual images. The second part of the essay examines the visual study of community within the communication field with emphasis on theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues as well as issues pertaining to photographic truth. Visual research methods have the potential to change the way communication and community inquiry are conducted and the way communication...
Study of a dry room in a battery manufacturing plant using a process model

Abstract The manufacture of lithium ion batteries requires some processing steps to be carried out in a dry room, where the moisture content should remain below 100 parts per million. The design and operation of such a dry room adds to the cost of the battery. This paper studied the humidity management of the air to and from the dry room to understand the impact of design and operating parameters on the energy demand and the cost contribution towards the battery manufacturing cost. The study was conducted with the help of a process model for a dry room with a volume of 16,000 cubic meters. For a defined base case scenario it was found that the dry room operation has an energy demand of approximately 400 kW. The paper explores some tradeoffs in design and operating parameters by looking at the humidity reduction by quenching the make-up air vs. at the desiccant wheel, and the impact of the heat recovery from the desiccant regeneration cycle.
The “What Did You Expect?” Method

How many times have you fretted over the resubstitution of x’s and \(\sqrt {1 - {x^{2,}}s} \) for cos’s and sec’s in a trig-substitution integral, only to realize when it’s all done that you’re just back with the same square root as you started with?
Site Selection for Oviposition and Larval Feeding by the Tufted Apple Bud Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Apple in Pennsylvania

Intensive sampling was used to characterize the size and leaf type for tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis (Walker), egg mass deposition, and to determine the association and site of larval feeding on fruit and foliage in Pennsylvania apple orchards. Results suggest tufted apple bud moth prefer to oviposit on smaller leaves (<20 cm2), and egg mass size was 0.16 cm2 during first brood and 0.12 cm2 during second brood. Significantly more first and second brood egg masses were oviposited on leaves within nonfruiting spurs than on either vegetative shoots or fruiting spurs. Both larval broods were found in association with leaves only rather than leaves and fruit. Fruit injury due to larval feeding during both broods occurred more on the calyx (sepals) surface area than the side or stem surface areas of the fruit. In cultivar comparisons of fruit, more surface injury was located on the site of the fruit from ‘Stayman’ trees than for ‘Golden Delicious’ trees.
The sum-capacity of the symmetric linear deterministic Complete K-user Z-Interference Channel

We consider a K-user interference channel in which the channel gains from transmitter i to receiver j > i are 0, resulting in a type of Z interference channel which we term the Complete K-user Z Interference Channel which has not been explicitly studied. We first consider the symmetric linear high SNR deterministic approximation of the Gaussian noise channel. For this model, we provide an outer bound which may be achieved, thereby obtaining the sum-capacity. The outer bound is obtained by providing two types of side-information: the first reduces the channel model to one in which each receiver sees a sum of the direct and interference terms, the second is reminiscent of the Etkin-Tse-Wang side-information for the interference channel. It is noted that the sum-capacity is a function of the number of users K and is larger than the “W” curve for the fully connected K-user interference channel, but reduces to it as K → ∞.
Malignant Phyllodes Tumor Presenting in Bone, Brain, Lungs, and Lymph Nodes.

Introduction: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare fibroepithelial tumors of the breast which are classified as benign, borderline, or malignant. Malignant PTs account
Book review: review of particle filters for random set models

Branko Ristic has given us a superb new book that combines two hot topics (particle filters and random sets) into a delicious feast of algorithms, Monte Carlo simulations, important applications, and mathematics that is new for normal engineers, all served up with clarity and thoroughness. The seminal research on random sets applied to tracking and data fusion problems is due to Ron Mahler [1]. It is clearly a good idea to apply random sets to such problems; in fact, it is hard to avoid using them either implicitly or explicitly. For example, the set of hypotheses for the well-known multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT) algorithms are random sets. The set of hypotheses for MHT is obviously random, because it depends on the measurements (which are random owing to noise errors and random target states). This is exactly the viewpoint adopted in [5], in which one is forced to compute equivalence classes of random sets in order to obtain a set of hypotheses that is mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive, as required for any rational probability model of the situation (Bayesian or otherwise). It turns out that “fuzzy sets” correspond to equivalence classes of random sets, as explained by Goodman [6]. The set of particles in particle filters is also random, because it is generated from random numbers, but almost no papers explicitly use non-trivial random set theory for particle filter design. In fact, there are very few papers that explicitly talk about random sets and particle filters together, with the conspicuous exception of [20]. Nevertheless, random sets are a mature and well documented mathematical tool, as shown in [1], [2], [3], and [4]. You should not be afraid of random set mathematics; Ron Mahler has written a series of highly accessible tutorials on using random finite sets which avoid the pathologies and complexity of random unfettered sets (e.g., [26] and [28]).
Independent and Differential Effects of Obesity and Hypertension on Cognitive and Functional Abilities.

Objective The primary aim of this study was to identify the independent and differential associations of obesity and hypertension with cognitive, physical, and directly observed functional abilities among middle age and older adults. Method Participants were 119 adults between the ages of 51 and 89, who underwent a cross-sectional assessment of cognitive, physical, functional and relevant health-related variables. Results Obesity predicted significantly poorer executive functions (β = -.301, t = -3.86, p .05). Results from the path analysis revealed that executive functions mediated the association between obesity and poorer directly observed functional abilities. Additionally, obesity had a direct and indirect (through mobility) effect on self-reported basic activities of daily living. Conclusions These findings suggest a link between obesity, executive functions, and limitations in physical function and instrumental activities of daily living among middle age and older adults, however, longitudinal research is needed to further delineate the trajectory of these factors.
Role of clinical suspicion in pediatric blunt trauma patients with severe mechanisms of injury

Abstract Objectives In adult patients with blunt trauma, severe mechanism of injury leads to routine pan-computed tomography (CT). Due to concerns about the risk of radiation, we sought to determine whether clinical suspicion could identify children requiring radiographic imaging. Methods A prospective study was conducted in a pediatric emergency department of a Level 1 trauma center. Patients ≤ 14 years presenting with blunt trauma due to predefined severe mechanisms were eligible. Physicians recorded their suspicions for clinically significant injury (CSI). Imaging was obtained at the physician's discretion. CSI was defined as injury requiring intervention or hospital admission ≥ 24 h. Both admitted and discharged patients were contacted ≥ 2 weeks after presentation to document undetected injuries. Results 837 patients were eligible; 753 were enrolled. 159 patients were excluded because the mechanism did not meet severity criteria. Follow-up was completed for 529/594 remaining patients. Physicians were suspicious of all injuries in 71/75 patients with CSI and had no suspicions in 382/454 without CSI. The 75 injured patients had 153 CSIs; positive suspicion of CSI was recorded for 149 injuries. The four patients who sustained unsuspected injuries had multiple other suspected injuries. Of the 594 patients, 42 received focused CT and 14 underwent pan-CT. No patient had previously undetected injuries on follow-up. Conclusion In our study, clinical suspicion was able to identify children with CSI. If further studies support our findings, using clinical suspicion rather than mechanism alone to guide radiographic imaging may avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
Midnight in America: The Political Conventions in 2016

In this chapter, Rachel L. Holloway analyzes the political conventions of 2016. Both Trump and Clinton faced significant rhetorical challenges in the conventions. Both were widely unpopular among Americans and both faced divisions within their party. The conventions provided an opportunity for the candidates to unify party supporters and broaden appeals to general voters. Holloway analyzes the themes, strategies, speakers, and messages of both conventions. The conventions were very much in contrast. The Democrats effectively managed and enhanced the communication potential of a nominating convention through strategic and well-orchestrated presentations. The Republican convention was less successful largely void of party leadership participation and painted a dark and angry perception of America. The parties offered opposing explanations and responses to the nation’s challenges.
A native predator utilising the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) as a food source

ABSTRACTThe nest provisions of a native predator species Bicyrtes quadrifasciata (Say) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) were surveyed and examined for the presence of nymphs of Halyomorpha halys, which is an invasive pest of many economically important agricultural crops in the U.S.A. We found 96% of the nest provisions of B. quadrifasciata were H. halys indicating the potential of B. quadrifasciata in biocontrol of this pest. Potential of B. quadrifasciata in regulating population dynamics of H. halys is discussed.
Sex-specific disease-associated modules for depression.

A recent study reveals sexually dimorphic disease-associated gene-expression modules and hub genes in postmortem brains from female and male individuals with depression. These modules are conserved in mouse models of depression.
Helicobacter pylori and Other Gastritides

Gastritis is defined as any inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach diagnosed pathologically. The term is also used variably in endoscopy to describe redness, erosions, and submucosal hemorrhages in the stomach but these changes do not uniformly correlate with pathological gastritis. Based on clinical history a distinction between acute and chronic gastritis is made. From a pathological standpoint, acute gastritis is mostly self-limited and resolves spontaneously, while chronic gastritis does not. Gastritis may be further subclassified pathologically as atrophic or non-atrophic. Atrophic gastritis is defined by the loss of gastric glands from the mucosa and has important implications because it is a step on the pathway to gastric cancer.
Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Atrial Fibrillation Outcomes Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Background: Moderate to heavy alcohol use has been shown to be associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence. However, the relationship between alcohol use and AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is not well known. Objective: We sought to study the impact of different alcohol consumption levels on outcomes after AF ablation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 226 consecutive patients undergoing first time PVI for AF. Clinical data were collected including alcohol intake classified into 3 groups: none-rare ( 7 drinks/ week). Patients were followed for recurrences within the first 3 months (blanking period; early recurrence) and after 3 months up to 1 year (late recurrence) after the ablation. Results: Paroxysmal and persistent AF had early recurrence rates of 29.1% and 32.2%, and late recurrence rates of 30.2% and 44.1%, respectively. The none-rare alcohol group had a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (p=0.007). Neither moderate or heavy alcohol consumption, in reference to the none-rare group, was significantly predictive of early or late AF recurrence on adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis (p>0.05). Conclusion: Despite known associations between alcohol and incidence of AF, alcohol consumption is not associated with early or late AF recurrence after PVI in this cohort.
Fulminant hepatic failure in the setting of progressive ANCA-associated vasculitis associated with a rare alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotype, ’PiEE'

Abnormalities in alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) proteins are risk factors for human disease. While the most common is AAT deficiency, a genetic disorder associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, additional disorders associated with AAT abnormalities are increasingly recognised. We describe a middle-aged woman who presented with fulminant hepatic and multiorgan failure. Evaluation revealed the patient to have a rare AAT phenotype PiEE. Her clinical presentation was consistent with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, and her history suggested features of panniculitis. This is the first description of this rare homozygous AAT phenotype and possible disease associations with the 'E' protein. Given that abnormal AAT are under-recognised, and that new mutations and phenotypes continue to be identified, we will need to expand on our knowledge base and report clinical manifestations associated with these abnormal phenotypes.
Comparative Evaluation of Nonprocedural Nephrostomy-Related Complications in Patients with Ureteric Obstruction due to Cancer versus Other Causes: Is the Protocol of Routine 3-month Nephrostomy Exchange Optimal for Both Disease Processes?

Purpose To evaluate nonprocedural percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) complications and assess whether the protocol of routine 3-month exchange of PCN is optimal in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) and benign ureteral obstruction (BUO). Materials and Methods Retrospective study of 103 patients with a mean age of 48 years (36 men, 67 women) who underwent PCN placement and subsequent PCN exchanges between January 2011 and January 2014 at the institution was conducted. Comparisons of the number of catheter days for those with routine exchange and emergency exchange due to tube obstruction, infection, and mechanical failures were made in patients with MUO and BUO. Results Of the 256 PCN exchange procedures, 139 were performed in the cancer cohort and 117 in the noncancer cohort. Complications requiring emergent exchanges were more common in cancer patients, particularly due to obstruction, which accounted for 57% of exchanges in MUO with a median onset of 50 days. In contrast, the majority of noncancer patients in this study did not require emergent exchange before 3 months. Routine exchanges accounted for 43% and 55% of exchanges in MUO and BUO, respectively. In both the groups, only a small proportion of emergent tube exchanges occurred beyond 105 days. Conclusion A routine 3-month nephrostomy exchange protocol may not be ideal for all patients. The optimal timing for exchange of nephrostomy appears to be earlier for patients with MUO compared with those with BUO. A prospective study is required to define an optimal policy for postprocedural nephrostomy tube care in both the cohorts.
Some scientific judgments in the assessment of the risk of environmental contaminants.

The assessment of risk due to environmental contaminants depends, in part, on scientific data. When such data are incomplete, as is usually the case, assumptions based on scientific judgments are made to analyze the consequences. Specifically, when health related data needed to assess the risk posed by environmental contaminants are missing or incomplete, it becomes necessary to make assumptions using scientific judgment to estimate the risk. Different scientists can and do make different assumptions, and the resulting differences in opinion can result in controversy. The present discussion presents a few of the consensus judgments of the Science Advisory Board (SAB) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning the health effects and risk for such environmental contaminants as 1,2-dichloroethylene, dichloromethane, para-dichlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls, perchloroethylene, and xylene, as well as the implications of the more likely cancer mechanisms, the exposure routes, and pharmacokinetics to the risk assessment process. In some of these examples, the scientific data have been developed to the extent that specific judgments by groups such as the SAB can result in greater confidence that one is correct in the assessment of risk. Because of the uncertainties in current scientific knowledge for many environmental contaminants, judgments differ and there ismore » no right or wrong opinion.« less
A USE OF CELLULAR AUTOMATA TO OBTAIN FAMILIES OF FRACTALS

This paper is intended to be a simple exposition of how to use cellular automata to generate a family of related fractals. We shall discuss the nature of cellular automata and show how they may be used to obtain interesting limit sets. In the process we shall find some numbers in various ways, and then we shall try to relate the different numbers so obtained. Proofs will only be suggested, and the reader will be referred elsewhere for details. In this paper the emphasis will be on clarifying the general line of the argument.
Semiconductor Device Technology

In the previous Chapter, we have reviewed the various techniques used to synthesize semiconductor crystals and thin films. This represented only the first step in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. Several additional steps are necessary before a final product can be obtained, which will be described in this and the following Chapter.
Abstract 277: Gaining insights into pancreatic cancer intervention with bitter melon, a natural agent, in combination with gemcitabine using patient derived xenografts

Pancreatic cancer (PanC) remains the 4th leading cause of cancer related-deaths in U.S. resulting in a dismal survival rate of Citation Format: Deepanshi Dhar, Dileep Kumar, Stacey Bagby, Todd M. Pitts, Wells A. Messersmith, Komal Raina, Rajesh Agarwal. Gaining insights into pancreatic cancer intervention with bitter melon, a natural agent, in combination with gemcitabine using patient derived xenografts [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 277.
Clinical phenotypes and management concepts for severe, established bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Abstract With advances in care, the bronchopulmonary dysplasia phenotypes have evolved, so that infants who would have died in previous eras are now surviving with significant pulmonary and neurologic morbidities. The spectrum of bronchopulmonary dysplasia phenotypes is broad, however, ranging from very mild to very severe disease, and management strategies used in previous eras of care may not be appropriate for the most severe phenotypes. The pathophysiology depends largely on the gestational age at birth, but disease progression and long-term outcome depends on the net sum of antenatal, perinatal and postnatal exposures. There is no single management strategy for the wide spectrum of clinical presentations of BPD; care must be individualized. Regardless of the phenotype, the support apparatus should match the disease physiology. Here we describe an interdisciplinary approach to management in terms of achieving clinical stability and progress along a continuum, from diagnosis at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age to convalescence. The clinical trajectory depends on the balance of factors related to support of respiration, healing of the lungs, and return of organ growth and development. The overall treatment strategy should optimize positive influences that lead to a pro-growth state, while minimizing exposures that interfere with lung growth and development. This is best achieved by use of a multi-disciplinary team, with feedback loops that inform clinical decision-making regarding respiratory stability, tolerance for cares and activities, the clinical response to changes in the care plan, and progress in growth and development.
The Impact of Tropospheric and Stratospheric Tropical Variability on the Location, Frequency, and Duration of Cool-Season Extratropical Synoptic Events

AbstractCool-season occurrences of blocks, extratropical cyclones that undergo explosive cyclogenesis, and tropical cyclones (TCs) that undergo extratropical transition (ET) from 1980 to 2015 are a...
Development and validation of risk-adjustment models for elective, single-level posterior lumbar spinal fusions.

Background: There is a paucity of literature examining the development and subsequent validation of risk-adjustment models that inform the trade-off between adequate risk-adjustment and data collection burden. We aimed to evaluate patient risk stratification by surgeons with the development and validation of risk-adjustment models for elective, single-level, posterior lumbar spinal fusions (PLSFs). Methods: Patients undergoing PLSF from 2011–2014 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). The derivation cohort included patients from 2011–2013, while the validation cohort included patients from 2014. Outcomes of interest were severe adverse events (SAEs) and unplanned readmission. Bivariate analysis of risk factors followed by a stepwise logistic regression model was used. Limited risk-adjustment models were created and analyzed by sequentially adding variables until the full model was reached. Results: A total of 7,192 and 4,182 patients were included in our derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Full model performance was similar for the derivation and validation cohorts in both 30-day SAEs (C-statistic =0.66 vs . 0.69) and 30-day unplanned readmission (C-statistic =0.62 vs . 0.65). All models demonstrated good calibration and fit (P≥0.58). Intraoperative variables, laboratory values, and comorbid conditions explained >75% of the variation in 30-day SAEs; ASA class, laboratory values, and comorbid conditions accounted for >80% of model risk prediction for 30-day unplanned readmission. Four variables for the 30-day SAE models (age, gender, ASA ≥3, operative time) and 3 variables for the 30-day unplanned readmission models (age, ASA ≥3, operative time) were sufficient to achieve a C-statistic within four percentage points of the full model. Conclusions: Risk-adjustment models for PLSF demonstrated acceptable calibration and discrimination using variables commonly found in health records and demonstrated only a limited set of variables were required to achieve an appropriate level of risk prediction.
2011 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference Track Summaries

Issues addressed in the Core Curriculum and General Education track at this year's conference are more important than ever. With the release of Academically Adrift (Arum and Roksa 2011), increasing budget shortfalls as a result of the economic recession, and calls for assessment and accountability, higher education and its usefulness have come under scrutiny. While this increasing scrutiny is a concern that others besides those in political science should address, our field's expertise within the political arena would suggest that we have insight into political decision-making and can act as experts that translate information from the classroom to the real world in a variety of ways.
Inflammation potentiates miR-939 expression and packaging into small extracellular vesicles

Extracellular RNA in circulation mediates intercellular communication in normal and pathological processes. One mode of circulating miRNA transport in bodily fluids is within 30–150 nm small extrac...
Phase-modulated axilenses for infrared multiband spectroscopy.

We design and characterize compact phase-modulated axilens devices that combine efficient point focusing and grating selectivity within four-level phase mask configurations. Specifically, we select and characterize in detail two device configurations designed for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) operation in the $ 6\,\,\unicode{x00B5}{\rm m}\! -\! 12\,\,\unicode{x00B5}{\rm m} $6µm−12µm wavelength range. These devices are ideally suited for monolithic integration atop the substrate layers of infrared focal plane arrays (IR-FPAs) for use in multiband LWIR photodetection. We systematically study their focusing efficiency, spectral response, and crosstalk ratio, and we demonstrate a single-component microspectrometer. Our design method leverages the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld (RS) diffraction theory that is validated numerically using the finite element method (FEM). The proposed devices are broadband and polarization insensitive and add fundamental spectroscopic capabilities to miniaturized optical components for a number of applications in LWIR detection and spectroscopy.
Chapter 60 – Lipid Digestion

: Lipid digestion begins in the mouth and stomach, but most occurs in the small intestine. Bile salts are required for the emulsification of most dietary lipids in the duodenum. Pancreatic lipase, unlike the proteases, is secreted in an active form. Pancreatic phospholipase is a PLA2. Pancreatic cholesterol esterase hydrolyzes fatty acids from dietary cholesterol esters in the intestinal lumen. Lipid absorption requires “mixed micelles”. Pancreatic lipase, unlike lipoprotein lipase, releases fatty acids from carbons 1 and 3 of triglyceride, but leaves a fatty acid in the 2 position. The “monoglyceride acylation pathway” is the major route for triglyceride formation within jejunal mucosal cells. Short- and medium-chain fatty acids are not resynthesized into triglyceride in mucosal cells of the small intestine. Steatorrhea may occur secondary to either liver, pancreatic, or small bowel disease.
The impact of urban sprawl on forest landscapes in Southeast Michigan, 1985–2015

Urban sprawl typically consists of low-density urban development dominated by single-family housing and automobile-oriented land use patterns. Sprawl impacts landscape structure and composition, especially along the urban periphery. However, few studies have simultaneously examined sprawl at the building level and by building type (e.g. single family, multi-family) and its relationship to forest landscapes within an urbanizing region. (1) To map and quantify 30-years of sprawl and assess its impacts on forest landscapes in southeast Michigan, a seven-county region centered on the City of Detroit (2) to investigate how different building types, densities, and distances affect forest structure. We used the Random Forests algorithm to analyze high resolution remote-sensing imagery and computed three landscape metrics of forest fragmentation and cohesion, incorporating data on built types and densities. Finally, we investigated the relationship between single-family housing sprawl and forest landscape functionality. The built-up expansion was correlated with an increase in overall tree canopy in the region. However, multilevel analysis revealed these same forest landscapes became less cohesive and more fragmented over time as a result of urban sprawl. Additional correlation tests revealed an increase in patch density and decrease in effective mesh size (meff) and patch cohesion in areas proximate to low-density single-family housing. The analysis documents how urban sprawl negatively impacts forested landscapes. Single-family housing in particular had a detrimental impact on the functionality of adjacent forested landscapes. High thematic resolution enables policy-makers and planners to identify specific policies and interventions to increase landscape functionality.
Optimizing immunization protocols to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies

Natural infections and vaccination with a pathogen typically stimulate the production of potent antibodies specific for the pathogen through a Darwinian evolutionary process known as affinity maturation. Such antibodies provide protection against reinfection by the same strain of a pathogen. A highly mutable virus, like HIV or influenza, evades recognition by these strain-specific antibodies via the emergence of new mutant strains. A vaccine that elicits antibodies that can bind to many diverse strains of the virus-known as broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs)-could protect against highly mutable pathogens. Despite much work, the mechanisms by which bnAbs emerge remain uncertain. Using a computational model of affinity maturation, we studied a wide variety of vaccination strategies. Our results suggest that an effective strategy to maximize bnAb evolution is through a sequential immunization protocol, wherein each new immunization optimally increases the pressure on the immune system to target conserved antigenic sites, thus conferring breadth. We describe the mechanisms underlying why sequentially driving the immune system increasingly further from steady state, in an optimal fashion, is effective. The optimal protocol allows many evolving B cells to become bnAbs via diverse evolutionary paths.
Deep learning for detecting congenital heart disease in the fetus.

New advances in machine learning could facilitate and reduce disparities in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital health disease, the most common and lethal birth defect.
Formation of Surface Impurities on Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt Oxides in the Presence of CO2 and H2O.

Surface impurities involving parasitic reactions and gas evolution contribute to the degradation of high Ni content LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) cathode materials. The transient kinetic technique of temporal analysis of products (TAP), density functional theory, and infrared spectroscopy have been used to study the formation of surface impurities on varying nickel content NMC materials (NMC811, NMC622, NMC532, NMC433, NMC111) in the presence of CO2 and H2O. CO2 reactivity on a clean surface as characterized by CO2 conversion rate in the TAP reactor follows the order: NMC811 > NMC622 > NMC532 > NMC433 > NMC111. The capacity of CO2 uptake follows a different order: NMC532 > NMC433 > NMC622 > NMC811 > NMC111. Moisture pretreatment slows down the direct CO2 adsorption process and creates additional active sites for CO2 adsorption. Electronic structure calculations predict that the (012) surface is more reactive than the (1014) surface for CO2 and H2O adsorption. CO2 adsorption leading to carbonate formation is exothermic with formation of ion pairs. The average CO2 binding energies on the different materials follow the CO2 reactivity order. Water hydroxylates the (012) surface and surface OH groups favor bicarbonate formation. Water creates more active sites for CO2 adsorption on the (1014) surface due to hydrogen bonding. The composition of surface impurities formed in ambient air exposure is dependent on water concentration and the percentage of different crystal planes. Different surface reactivities suggest that battery performance degradation due to surface impurities can be mitigated by precise control of the dominant surfaces in NMC materials.
Pursuing Precision: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Pediatric Solid Tumors

Receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for the growth and proliferation of many different cancers and therefore represent a potential vulnerability that can be therapeutically exploited with small molecule inhibitors. Over forty small molecule inhibitors are currently approved for the treatment of adult solid tumors. Their use has been more limited in pediatric solid tumors, although an increasing number of single-agent and combination studies are now being performed. These agents have been quite successful in certain clinical contexts, such as the treatment of pediatric tumors driven by kinase fusions or activating mutations. By contrast, only modest activity has been observed when inhibitors are used as single agents for solid tumors that do not have genetically defined alterations in the target genes. The absence of predictive biomarkers has limited the wider applicability of these drugs and much work remains to define the appropriate patient population and clinical situation in which receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors are most beneficial. In this manuscript, we discuss these issues by highlighting past trials and identifying future strategies that may help add precision to the use of these agents for pediatric extracranial solid tumors.
The Myths and Mysteries of the Corporate Income Tax

These slides are from the 2021 Musgrave Lecture, "The Myths and Mysteries of the Corporate Income Tax," sponsored by CESifo and the International Institute of Public Finance.