cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopy for the Assessment of Melanomas

The mortality rate due to cutaneous malignant melanoma has been growing worldwide ' ' '' . Successful management of melanoma depends on early diagnosis and excision. Prior to excision the diagnostic accuracy of identifying a pigmented skin lesion as malignant or benign relies essentially on the practitioner expertise. However, for non-specialists, many pigmented skin lesions are difficult to classify, especially when they present unusual features^. Chen et al. have reported that the probability of primary-care physicians to correctly determine that a pigmented lesion may be malignant and to make the appropriate management decision (either to order a biopsy or to refer the patient to a melanoma specialist) can be as low as 0.42^. Melanoma can sometimes be confused, even for the skin-cancer specialist, with other types of pigmented lesions (melanocytic nevi)^. Early melanoma diagnosis is mostly based on the visual features of the suspected lesions such as the asymmetry, border, color and dimension (ABCD)^. Several computerized imaging techniques that could help in recognizing these criteria have been developed . Applying the ABCD criteria, a spectrophotometric imaging technique that uses selected spectral bands from
Configuring a powered knee and ankle prosthesis for transfemoral amputees within five specific ambulation modes.

Lower limb prostheses that can generate net positive mechanical work may restore more ambulation modes to amputees. However, configuration of these devices imposes an additional burden on clinicians relative to conventional prostheses; devices for transfemoral amputees that require configuration of both a knee and an ankle joint are especially challenging. In this paper, we present an approach to configuring such powered devices. We developed modified intrinsic control strategies—which mimic the behavior of biological joints, depend on instantaneous loads within the prosthesis, or set impedance based on values from previous states, as well as a set of starting configuration parameters. We developed tables that include a list of desired clinical gait kinematics and the parameter modifications necessary to alter them. Our approach was implemented for a powered knee and ankle prosthesis in five ambulation modes (level-ground walking, ramp ascent/descent, and stair ascent/descent). The strategies and set of starting configuration parameters were developed using data from three individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputations who had previous experience using the device; this approach was then tested on three novice unilateral transfemoral amputees. Only 17% of the total number of parameters (i.e., 24 of the 140) had to be independently adjusted for each novice user to achieve all five ambulation modes and the initial accommodation period (i.e., time to configure the device for all modes) was reduced by 56%, to 5 hours or less. This approach and subsequent reduction in configuration time may help translate powered prostheses into a viable clinical option where amputees can more quickly appreciate the benefits such devices can provide.
Intergovernmental Support of Technological Innovation in Local Government.

This paper examines the influence that intergovernmental support has on the adoption of new technologies within and among four areas of local government—fire protec tion, traffic control, solid waste management, and air pollution control. Interviews were conducted with more than 80 program managers in 20 cities throughout the United States. The interviews focused on the respondents'perceptions of the influences that funds, rules, technical assistance, and attitudes held by higher level officials have on local decisions to adopt new technical innovations. Two findings emerged: (1) intergovernmental influences do not impact in a uniform fashion on local decisions to innovate, and (2) such influences are often attenuated or minimized by local circumstances. Finally, the paper explores the policy implications of these findings.
Making Sense of a 'Misunderstanding of the Planning Process': Examining the Relationship Between Zoning and Rezoning Under the Change-or-Mistake Rule

In some states, zoning is marked by the persistence of the so-called “change or mistake rule." In contrast to the traditional deference afforded to local zoning decisions, this rule limits the freedom of local governments to make site-specific zoning amendments by burdening the applicant to justify the rezone with evidence of a mistake or a substantial change in circumstances since the initial zoning designation was adopted. Despite being chastised in the courts and labeled in legal literature as a “clear misunderstanding of the planning process,” the rule has endured for over a half a century. This article explores the criticisms of and justifications for the change or mistake rule in order to identify the understanding that supports its continued application. Specifically, this article argues that the change or mistake rule was intended as a mediator between two fundamental purposes of zoning - maintaining communities that have sufficient flexibility to implement a new community vision, while providing stability and certainty as a planning device.
Ectopic pregnancy and gynaecological tuberculosis

SummaryA study has been made of ectopic pregnancy occurring in 711 patients with proved gynaecological tuberculosis, who were investigated between 1 January 1951 and 31 December 1989. Ten patients each had a single tubal pregnancy before attending the clinic. There were 27 further extra-uterine pregnancies in 23 patients after treatment.
Store Vulnerability Window (SVW): Re-Execution Filtering for Enhanced Load Optimization

The load-store unit is a performance critical component of a dynamically-scheduled processor. It is also a complex and non-scalable component. Several recently proposed techniques use some form of speculation to simplify the load-store unit and check this speculation by re-executing some of the loads prior to commit. We call such techniques load optimizations. One recent load optimization improves load queue (LQ) scalability by using re-execution rather than associative search to check speculative intra- and inter- thread memory ordering. A second technique improves store queue (SQ) scalability by speculatively filtering some load accesses and some store entries from it and re-executing loads to check that speculation. A third technique speculatively removes redundant loads from the execution engine; re-execution detects false eliminations. Unfortunately, the benefits of a load optimization are often mitigated by re-execution itself. Re-execution contends for cache bandwidth with store commit, and serializes load re-execution with subsequent store commit. If a given load optimization requires a sufficient number of load re-executions, the aggregate re-execution cost may overwhelm the benefits of the technique entirely and even cause drastic slowdowns. Store Vulnerability Window (SVW) is a new mechanism that significantly reduces the re-execution requirements of a given load optimization. SVW is based on monotonic store sequence numbering and an adaptation of Bloom filtering. The cost of a typical SVW implementation is a 1KB buffer and a 16-bit field per LQ entry. Across the three optimizations we study, SVW reduces re-executions by an average of 85%. This reduction relieves cache port contention and removes many of the dynamic serialization events that contribute the bulk of re-executionýs cost, allows these load optimizations to perform up to their full potential. For the speculative SQ, this means the chance to perform at all, as without SVW it posts significant slowdowns.
Low-pass interference filters for submillimeter astronomy.

Low-pass (long-wave transmitting) interference filters, suitable for broadband photometric observations, previously have been constructed from series of capacitive grids stretched on thin Mylar. These filters have the desired optical properties of high transmission, sharp cut-ons, and good blocking at short wavelengths. Their designs, however, do not scale from one wavelength to another and their performance can deteriorate at low temperatures due to differential contraction of the dielectric backing and the supporting structure. The deviation of these early filters from the predicted scaling was due primarily to the difference in refractive index between the backing material and the medium between the grids. In the present paper, filters are described in which dielectric spacers are used, instead of air, as the medium between the grids. This technique has improved the scaling and has reduced the distortion from differential contraction.
Optimal performance of regenerative cryocoolers

Abstract The key component of a regenerative cryocooler is its regenerative heat exchanger. This device is subject to losses due to imperfect heat transfer between the regenerator material and the gas, as well as due to viscous dissipation. The relative magnitudes of these losses can be characterized by the ratio of the Stanton number St to the Fanning friction factor f . Using available data for the ratio St / f , results are developed for the optimal cooling rate and Carnot efficiency. The variations of pressure and temperature are taken to be sinusoidal in time, and to have small amplitudes. The results are applied to the case of the Stirling cryocooler, with flow being generated by pistons at both sides of the regenerator. The performance is found to be close to optimal at large ratio of the warm space volume to the regenerator void volume. The results are also applied to the Orifice Pulse Tube Refrigerator. In this case, optimal performance additionally requires a large ratio of the regenerator void volume to the cold space volume.
Homemade [fabrication technology]

This paper describes the efforts of several universities to investigate technologies and materials that could lead to general-use, compact fabbers machines that rapidly create useful items on demand from computer-generated design specifications. Compact and yet capable fabbers point the way toward a future where the term "online shopping" takes on a whole new meaning. Although many technical hurdles must be cleared before home fabbing can become a reality, it's already possible to see its huge implications for engineers, designers and distributors.
Two-year drinking water carcinogenicity study of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) in Wistar rats.

Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) has been used as a gasoline additive to reduce tailpipe emissions and its use has been discontinued. There remains a concern that drinking water sources have been contaminated with MTBE. A two-year drinking water carcinogenicity study of MTBE was conducted in Wistar rats (males, 0, 0.5, 3, 7.5 mg ml−1; and females, 0, 0.5, 3, and 15 mg ml−1). Body weights were unaffected and water consumption was reduced in MTBE-exposed males and females. Wet weights of male kidneys were increased at the end of two years of exposure to 7.5 mg ml−1 MTBE. Chronic progressive nephropathy was observed in males and females, was more severe in males, and was exacerbated in the high MTBE exposure groups. Brain was the only tissue with a statistically significant finding of neoplasms. One astrocytoma (1/50) was found in a female rat (15 mg ml−1). The incidence of brain astrocytomas in male rats was 1/50, 1/50, 1/50 and 4/50 for the 0, 0.5, 3 and 7.5 mg ml−1 exposure groups, respectively. This was a marginally significant statistical trend, but not statistically significant when pairwise comparisons were made or when multiple comparisons were taken into account. The incidence of astrocytoma fell within historical control ranges for Wistar rats, and the brain has not been identified as a target organ following chronic administration of MTBE, ethyl tert-butyl ether, or tertiary butyl alcohol (in drinking water) to mice and rats. We conclude that the astrocytomas observed in this study are not associated with exposure to MTBE. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biology and host specificity of Plectonycha correntina Lacordaire (Chrysomelidae), a candidate for the biological control of Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis (Basellaceae)

Field surveys conducted in Argentina proved Plectonycha correntina Lacordaire (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to be a promising biocontrol agent against the Neotropical perennial climber, Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis (Basellaceae), a serious environmental weed in Africa and Australasia. Larvae and adults feed on the leaves. The host range was evaluated by no-choice larval survival tests and adult feeding and oviposition choice tests. Sixteen plant test species were selected from the Basellaceae (4 species), Portulacaceae (4), Crassulaceae (3), Cactaceae (3) and Aizoaceae (2) families. Larval development could only be completed on species of Basellaceae (A. cordifolia, Anredera krapovickasii (Villa) Sperling, Basella alba Linne, Ullucus tuberosus Caldas). The other test plant species sustained larval development for less than 96 hours. In multiple-choice tests involving plant species outside the Basellaceae, both in the presence and in the absence of A. cordifolia, P. correntina showed an almost complete preference for its natural host. Larvae that emerged from the few eggs laid on Talinum paniculatum (Jacquin) Gaertner (Portulacaceae) and Pereskia grandifolia Haworth (Cactaceae) died within 48 hours, without feeding. In the test among the Basellaceae, feeding and oviposition preference of P. correntina for A. cordifolia and B. alba were significantly higher than for A. krapovickasii and U. tuberosus. In multiple-choice and paired-choice feeding and oviposition tests, and in fecundity tests, P. correntina displayed a significantly greater preference for Madeira vine than for B. alba. The results indicate that the host range of P. correntina is restricted to the Basellaceae, with A. cordifolia as its primary host. Consequently, we consider P. correntina a safe and promising biocontrol agent for Madeira vine in countries such as Australia and New Zealand where no other Basellaceae occur.
U.S. Geological Survey study on groundwater depletion

The total depletion of groundwater in the United States from 1900 to 2008 was about 1000 cubic kilometers, more than twice the amount of water in Lake Erie, according to a 10 May report by the U.S. Geological Survey, Groundwater Depletion in the United States (1900–2008), that includes an evaluation of long-term cumulative depletion volumes in 40 separate aquifers in the United States. “This large volume of depletion represents a serious problem in the United States because much of this storage loss cannot be easily or quickly recovered and affects the sustainability of some critical water supplies and base flow to streams, among other effects,” the report notes. For more information, see http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2013/5079/.
Physician social networks and variation in rates of complications after radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives Variation in care within and across geographic areas remains poorly understood. The goal of this article was to examine whether physician social networks—as defined by shared patients—are associated with rates of complications after radical prostatectomy. Methods In five cities, we constructed networks of physicians on the basis of their shared patients in 2004-2005 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data. From these networks, we identified subgroups of urologists who most frequently shared patients with one another. Among men with localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy, we used multilevel analysis with generalized linear mixed-effect models to examine whether physician network structure—along with specific characteristics of the network subgroups—was associated with rates of 30-day and late urinary complications, and long-term incontinence after accounting for patient-level sociodemographic, clinical factors, and urologist patient volume. Results Networks included 2677 men in five cities who underwent radical prostatectomy. The unadjusted rate of 30-day surgical complications varied across network subgroups from an 18.8 percentage-point difference in the rate of complications across network subgroups in city 1 to a 26.9 percentage-point difference in city 5. Large differences in unadjusted rates of late urinary complications and long-term incontinence across subgroups were similarly found. Network subgroup characteristics—average urologist centrality and patient racial composition—were significantly associated with rates of surgical complications. Conclusions Analysis of physician networks using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data provides insight into observed variation in rates of complications for localized prostate cancer. If validated, such approaches may be used to target future quality improvement interventions.
Large-signal linearity of scaled MOS transistors

The tendency toward linearity between saturated drain current and gate-to-source voltage exhibited by small-dimension MOS transistors is explored from the standpoint of possible exploitation in analog MOS circuits. Nonlinearity is calculated using a simple MOS model which includes the high field dependence of inversion-layer carrier mobility. The nonlinearity for devices with a wide range of channel lengths and gate dielectric thicknesses was measured and is compared to results from the model. Some problems associated with the use of short-channel MOS transistors in analog circuits are discussed.
Pulsed laser CVD investigations of single-wall carbon nanotube growth dynamics

The nucleation and rapid growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were explored by pulsed-laser assisted chemical vapor deposition (PLA-CVD). A special high-power, Nd:YAG laser system with tunable pulse width (>0.5 ms) was implemented to rapidly heat (>3×104°C/s) metal catalyst-covered substrates to different growth temperatures for very brief (sub-second) and controlled time periods as measured by in situ optical pyrometry. Utilizing growth directly on transmission electron microscopy grids, exclusively SWNTs were found to grow under rapid heating conditions, with a minimum nucleation time of >0.1 s. By measuring the length of nanotubes grown by single laser pulses, extremely fast growth rates (up to 100 microns/s) were found to result from the rapid heating and cooling induced by the laser treatment. Subsequent laser pulses were found not to incrementally continue the growth of these nanotubes, but instead activate previously inactive catalyst nanoparticles to grow new nanotubes. Localized growth of nanotubes with variable density was demonstrated through this process and was applied for the reliable direct-write synthesis of SWNTs onto pre-patterned, catalyst-covered metal electrodes for the synthesis of SWNT field-effect transistors.
Defensive Behavior of Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) toward Humans

Venomous snakes are often perceived as aggressive antagonists, with the North American cottonmouth having a particularly notorious reputation for such villainy. We designed tests to measure the suite of behavioral responses by free-ranging cottonmouths to encounters with humans. When confronted, 23 (51%) of 45 tested tried to escape, and 28 (78%) of 36 tested used threat displays and other defensive tactics; only 13 of 36 cottonmouths bit an artificial hand used in the tests. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom about aggressive behavior in an animal perceived as more dangerous than it is. Changing irrational negative attitudes about venomous snakes is a necessary step toward quelling the recently documented global decline in reptiles.
Vaccines for melanoma: translating basic immunology into new therapies

Summary Advances in molecular biology and immunology in the past 10–15 years have allowed for a greater understanding of the molecules present on melanoma cells that are recognised by the immune system. The rising incidence of melanoma, combined with lack of efficacy of cytotoxic therapies, means there is a significant need for the development of effective immunotherapies. We discuss three types of vaccine for melanoma, which are currently in phase III clinical trials: allogeneic and autologous cellular vaccines, and carbohydrate vaccines. We also discuss several new areas of vaccine development, including DNA vaccines, dendritic-cell-based vaccines, peptide vaccines, and heat-shock protein vaccines. Although initial clinical trials have shown the safety and immunological efficacy of vaccines for melanoma, the true clinical benefit of these strategies will only be revealed in large randomised trials.
The Informal Economy: Predicting an Entrepreneur's Decision to Legally Register

The informal economy remains an understudied and misunderstood phenomenon. This research responds to recent calls by management scholars to examine the informal economy within the bottom of the pyr...
How They Decide: A Case Study Examining the Decision-Making Process for Keeping or Cutting Music in a K–12 Public School District

This study was designed to examine the decision-making process for keeping or cutting the music program in one selected public school district. Lekbery School District, in the Detroit suburb of Lekbery, Michigan, had not made extreme cuts to the music program in over 10 years, nor had it specifically targeted the music program when budgets cuts did occur. Qualitative data collected through interviews and documents indicated that Lekbery Schools District’s administrators had committed to offering a well-rounded education to all of their students and that music education played a large part in that education. For decision making regarding funding and support for music education, decision makers considered (a) their personal values and philosophies of music education, (b) the values and demands of the community, (c) the quality of teaching that Lekbery could afford and provide, (d) the aesthetic and utilitarian purposes of keeping music education in the curriculum, (e) the economic value that music added, an...
Kit signaling through PI 3‐kinase and Src kinase pathways: an essential role for Rac1 and JNK activation in mast cell proliferation

The receptor tyrosine kinase Kit plays critical roles in hematopoiesis, gametogenesis and melanogenesis. In mast cells, Kit receptor activation mediates several cellular responses including cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis induced by growth factor deprivation and gamma-irradiation. Kit receptor functions are mediated by kinase activation, receptor autophosphorylation and association with various signaling molecules. We have investigated the role of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and Src kinases in Kit-mediated cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis induced both by factor deprivation and irradiation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). Analysis of Kit-/- BMMC expressing mutant Kit receptors and the use of pharmacological inhibitors revealed that both signaling pathways contribute to these Kit-mediated responses and that elimination of both pathways abolishes them. We demonstrate that the PI 3-kinase and Src kinase signaling pathways converge to activate Rac1 and JNK. Analysis of BMMC expressing wild-type and dominant-negative mutant forms of Rac1 and JNK revealed that the Rac1/JNK pathway is critical for Kit ligand (KL)-induced proliferation of mast cells but not for suppression of apoptosis. In addition, KL was shown to inhibit sustained activation of JNK induced by gamma-irradiation and concomitant irradiation-induced apoptosis.
Terrain-Induced Turbulence over Lantau Island: 7 June 1994 Tropical Storm Russ Case Study

Abstract Numerical simulations of terrain-induced turbulence associated with airflow over Lantau Island of Hong Kong are presented. Lantau is a relatively small island with three narrow peaks rising to between 700 and 950 m above mean sea level. This research was undertaken as part of a project to better understand and predict the nature of turbulence and shear at the new airport site on the island of Chek Lap Kok, which is located to the lee of Lantau. Intensive ground and aerial observations were taken from May through June 1994, during the Lantau Experiment (LANTEX). This paper focuses on flow associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Russ on 7 June 1994, during which severe turbulence was observed. The nature of the environmental and topographic forcing on 7 June 1994 resulted in the turbulence and shear being dominated by the combination of topographic effects and surface friction. High-resolution numerical simulations, initialized using local sounding data, were performed using the Clark model. ...
Novel fracture zone identifier attribute using geophysical and well log data for unconventional reservoirs

AbstractWe have characterized a promising geothermal prospect using an integrated approach involving microseismic monitoring data, well logs, and 3D surface seismic data. We have used seismic as well as microseismic data along with well logs to better predict the reservoir properties to try and analyze the reservoir for improved mapping of natural and induced fractures. We used microseismic-derived velocity models for geomechanical modeling and combined these geomechanical attributes with seismic and log-derived attributes for improved fracture characterization of an unconventional reservoir. We have developed a workflow to integrate these data to generate rock property estimates and identification of fracture zones within the reservoir. Specifically, we introduce a new “meta-attribute” that we call the hybrid-fracture zone-identifier attribute (FZI). The FZI makes use of elastic properties derived from microseismic as well as log-derived properties within an artificial neural network framework. Temporal ...
Chapter 12 – Neurophysiological Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Publisher Summary The transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique of brain stimulation that is increasingly investigated as a clinical tool for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. The growing interest in this technique underscores the importance of elucidating its underlying neurophysiology. Studies from electrophysiology and transcranial magnetic stimulation have shown that tDCS can modulate cortical- excitability in a polarity-dependent fashion. tDCS is shown to modulate activity in both the motor and visual cortices, and more recently is shown to directly influence excitability of the spinal cord. Anodal tDCS is shown to increase intracortical facilitation and diminish intracortical inhibition, while cathodal tDCS is shown to have the reverse effect. tDCS is also shown to modulate transcallosal inhibition and may be a promising tool for enhancing the effects of paired-associative stimulation. Neuropharmacological studies suggest that the immediate effects of tDCS are due to modulation of neuronal membrane potentials at subthreshold levels, thus increasing or decreasing the rate of action potential firing.
Using packet sniffing to teach networking concepts

Packet sniffers can be used effectively to teach and learn networking concepts regardless of the technical background of the student. Packet sniffing scenarios are presented to reinforce the student's understanding of the layered network model and protocols by: (1) examining the format of a protocol data unit (PDU) at each layer in the 5 layer network model, (2) examining message exchanges for both connectionless/unreliable and connection oriented/reliable protocols, and (3) examining messages passed for a simple client/server application. This paper is primarily for the instructor whose primary area of expertise is not networking and may be unfamiliar with packet sniffing and would like to engage the student via active learning.
Retinal Axons and the Basal Lamina

Fish and amphibians continue to add new neurons for years after they hatch and begin to live independently. This post-hatching neurogenesis has been studied mostly in the visual system, particularly in the retina. The continuous addition of new neurons to a retina that was already functioning adequately presents a number of interesting developmental questions, among which is how the axons of the retinal ganglion cells find their way to the brain. In the process of asking that question, in fish, my collaborators and I discovered that the new axons all grow along the basal lamina that surrounds the central nervous system. This physical association between a nerve cell and a part of the extracellular matrix is a very appropriate one to be discussed in this particular workshop.
STATUS OF BLOOD BANKING AND THE BLOOD SUPPLY IN AFGHANISTAN

BACKGROUND: As a result of more than 20 years of war in Afghanistan, its blood supply system has been damaged. We carried out an assessment of that blood supply system to determine the type and extent of assistance needed to increase blood availability and safety. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An assessment tool was developed, daily activities in Afghanistan were observed, and key personnel were interviewed. RESULTS: Because there was no donor recruitment organization, most blood was obtained by the family replacement system. There was an inadequate supply of stored blood, which led to use of blood before screening test results for transfusion-transmitted disease were complete. Whole blood was provided but blood components were not produced. Blood was tested intermittently for human immunodeficiency virus Types 1 and 2, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis using agglutination-based screening methods. CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated staff is in place but to strengthen the blood supply system in Afghanistan, it will be important to address infrastructure and facilities, organization, standard operating methods, supplies and equipment, training, quality assurance, and transfusion medicine education.
3D measurements of live cells via digital holographic microscopy and terahertz spectroscopy

This is a study of the central nervous system (CNS) cells, including brain micro vascular endothelial cells (BMV) that constitute the blood brain barrier, and C6 glial cells that are the predominant cell in the brain. The cells are exposed to various chemicals by non-invasive, label-free methods. Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a technique that records an interference pattern between an object and reference waves, so that the computationally reconstructed holographic image contains both amplitude and phase information, and 3D images are obtained. The measurement of cell cultures by digital holographic microscopy yields information about cell death mechanisms, since these processes are correlated with individual cell volume. Our in-house DHM combines a visible (red) laser source with a conventional microscope base, and LabVIEW-run data processing. Terahertz spectral signatures are associated with structural changes in molecules and provide complementary information about cells. Both CNS cells BMV and C6 cells are treated with the drug “Methamphetamine" (METH), which induces apoptosis in neuronal cells and exhibits decrease in cell volume, a characteristic of cells undergoing apoptosis (induced cell death). METH can cause CNS cell death by cross-talk between mitochondria-, endoplasmic reticulum-, and receptor-mediated apoptotic events, all of which results in drug induced changes in neuroplasticity and significant neuropathology. Doxorubicin (DOX), a popular anticancer drug, is used as a control. We observe that METH treatment resulted in more pronounced cell volume shrinkage in both the BMV and C6 cells, as compared to DOX-induced cell apoptosis.
Outcome of EMR as an alternative to surgery in patients with complex colon polyps.

Background and Aims Patients with complex colon polyps were traditionally referred for surgery to avoid adverse events associated with endoscopic resection. Recent advances in endoscopic imaging as well as endoscopic hemostasis and clip closure allow for the use of EMR as an alternative to surgery for such lesions. To determine the outcome of treatment of complex colon polyps with EMR as an alternative to surgery, we conducted a retrospective observational study. Methods Two hundred three patients with complex colon polyps were referred to an EMR center as an alternative to surgery. Patients underwent a protocol-driven EMR. The primary endpoint was the complete resection rate. Secondary endpoints were safety, residual adenoma rate, and incidence of missed synchronous polyps. Results EMR was performed in 155 patients and was deferred in 48 patients who were referred to surgery. EMR specimens revealed benign polyps in 149 and cancer in 6 patients. EMR adverse events occurred in 7 patients, requiring hospitalization in 5 of them. None of the patients died as a result of their adverse events. Surveillance colonoscopy at 4 to 6 months after resection of a benign lesion in 137 patients revealed residual adenoma at the scar site in 6 patients and additional synchronous precancerous lesions in 117 patients that were not removed by the referring endoscopist. None underwent surgery for failure of EMR. The overall precancerous lesion burden was 2.83 per patient, the adenoma burden was 2.13 per patient, and the serrated polyp burden was .69 per patient. Conclusions EMR can be used instead of surgery for complex colon polyps in 75% of patients with few adverse events and few residual adenomas at resection sites. In addition, careful repeat examination of the entire colon for synchronous lesions overlooked by the referring endoscopist is required for most patients. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01827241.)
Antithromboplastic Activity of Monosodium Alpha Tocopherol Phosphate and Inositol Phosphatide

SummaryExperimental studies on mice showed that the typical reaction of these animals to the injection of thromboplastin can be prevented if monosodium alpha tocopherol phosphate or inositol phosphatide is incubated with the thromboplastin before it is injected. When fibrinogen is added to the test solution, the inhibitory effect of each of these substances is lost. It is possible that alterations in surface tension may explain these phenomena.
Steroid Use and School Violence, School Violent Victimization and Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents

ABSTRACTSchool violence, school violent victimization, and suicidal ideation among adolescents are serious public health concerns. This pilot study investigated the influence of steroid use on problem behaviors. Secondary data analyses of the 2014 PRIDE Questionnaire were performed based on information collected from 38,414 high school adolescents. Results indicated high rates of school violence, school violent victimization, and suicidal ideation. Steroid use was directly related to all three problem behaviors. Results varied based on sex, race, grade level, and ethnicity. Health professionals, schools, and prevention specialists may benefit from the findings of this study. Examination of other factors related to steroid use in relation to the aforementioned problem behaviors is imperative.
Cellular localization of amino acid carriers in renal tubules.

SummaryDetermination of the mean transit time of aspartate from glomerulus to ureter, in presence or absence of a competitive inhibitor of aspartate reabsorption (glu–tamate), provides evidence that the carrier system responsible for aspartate reabsorption is localized on the luminal cell membrane.
Age and Sleep Modify Finger Temperature Responses to Facial Cooling

BACKGROUND The increased incidence of hypothermia with age suggests that healthy 80-year-olds might show impaired responsivity to transient, localized thermal stimulation. Such a deficit might be particularly clear during sleep, when behavioral thermoregulation is less likely. METHODS We examined finger temperature cooling in response to local cooling of the face--a response presumed to be centrally mediated. Nineteen healthy 80-year-olds (12 female) and twenty-seven 20-year-olds (10 female) were exposed to repetitive 20-minute cooling and rewarming cycles across a night of sleep deprivation and a night of sleep occurring three nights later. We sought to determine whether thermal responsivity was altered by age and sleep, but by design avoided inducing core temperature hypothermia. RESULTS In response to facial cooling during sleep deprivation, finger temperature decreased significantly more in the young than in old. This suggested relatively greater heat retention in the young. During non-REM sleep the thermal responsivity of both groups decreased and age-related differences were no longer present. Changes in core temperature induced by the stimulation were minimal. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the capability of retaining heat via peripheral vasoconstriction while awake decreases with age. Despite this vulnerability, responsivity during non-REM sleep as well as average core temperature were comparable between age groups.
The Causes of Coal Rock Crack under the Influence of Adoption and Its Characteristic Analysis

After mining will cause the overlying strata movement and broken, and form fractures.In this paper.Called the dynamic 3D crack existing space in the overlying strata with the working face advancing Coal Rock Crack.Analysis the causes of Coal Rock Crack under the influence of adoption and the basic conditions and characteristics. Provides foundation of the coupling of gas, coal gas outburst zone prediction and gas prevention.Providesscientific basis.ofexploring and usingthegasin CoalRock Crack, and Theearly realization ofsafetyminingofcoaland gas
Does Ventilatory Time Retain Its Validity in Predicting Neurodevelopmental Outcome at Two Years of Age in High-Risk Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Survivors?

Objective To evaluate if in high-risk non–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-treated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors, ventilatory time (VT) is correlated to and can be used as clinical marker of neurodevelopmental delay at 2 years of age. Study Design Cohort study was conducted between 2008 and 2012. Mental, motor, and language development were assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III. The correlation between VT and neurodevelopmental outcome (NDO) was analyzed using Pearson's test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the accuracy and best cutoff value of VT to predict the risk of neurodevelopmental delay. Statistical significance was set at p Results A total of 49 patients form the subject of this study. VT during first admission was inversely correlated with cognitive ( r = –0.4116; p = 0.0033), motor ( r = –0.4241; p = 0.0024), and language development ( r = –0.3564; p = 0.0119). Using ROC curve analysis, VT was a significant predictor for neurodevelopmental delay in the cognitive (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.864, sensitivity: 100; specificity: 66.67; p p Conclusion Within a population of high-risk non-ECMO-treated CDH survivors, VT appears to retain its validity as a clinical marker of adverse NDO in cognitive and motor domains.
Ischemic stroke in a patient with moderate to severe inherited factor VII deficiency

Thrombosis is known to occur in patients with rare inherited bleeding disorders, usually in the presence of a thrombotic risk factor such as surgery and/or factor replacement therapy, but sometimes spontaneously. We present the case of a 72-year-old African American male diagnosed with congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency after presenting with ischemic stroke, presumably embolic, in the setting of atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis. The patient had an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0 at presentation, with FVII activity of 6% and normal Extem clotting time in rotational thromboelastometry. He was treated with aspirin (325 mg daily) and clopidogrel (75 mg daily) with no additional bleeding or thrombotic complications throughout his admission. This case provides further evidence that moderate to severe FVII deficiency does not protect against thrombosis.
In Vivo Imaging of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engraftment in the Mouse Tibia Bone

Abstract Abstract 1286 A fundamental question in stem cell biology is where stem cells reside and how stem cell niches control stem cell activity. Although the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) is well characterized, our current knowledge of where and how transplanted HSPCs become engrafted is very limited. HSPC transplantation is now routinely done in clinics to correct a variety of bone marrow deficiencies. Considering its extensive use, understanding the HSPC engraftment process has now become critical if we are to improve the treatment strategies. A key to understanding HSPC engraftment is to be able to observe the process in vivo. We aimed to visualize fluorescent HSCs in the mouse tibia bone directly by grinding one side of the tibia until the bone was sufficiently thin for direct observation. By making a “window” into the tibia bone, we were able to observe the early engraftment process of a single HSC forming a colony in real time with high resolution. The Sca-1+, c-Kit+, Lin- (SKL) cells preferred to lodge and proliferate mainly on the osteoblastic niche. In contrast, further purified SKL, CD48-, CD150+ population (SLAM-SKL) was mostly observed in the perivascular niche. When mice were co-transplanted with DsRed+ SKL and GFP+ SLAM-SKL populations, SKL cells were 5–7 times more than SLAM-SKL cells in the bone marrow at Day 7. However, contribution of each population to the blood circulation at the same time was similar, which suggests that the SLAM-SKL cells engrafted in the perivascular niche can produce blood much quicker. We were not only able to observe the engrafted cells but also visualize donor derived cells circulating in the bone marrow in real time. Our study shows a novel technique to understand and highlight the dynamic process of the stem cell engraftment in complex microenvironment of the bone marrow. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Acute Effects of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks on Biomarkers of Myocardial Injury, Apoptosis, Heart Failure, and Systemic Inflammation

Background Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are potentially associated with myocardial injury, altered hemodynamics, apoptosis, and inflammatory signaling. Their precise cellular impact can be explored after defibrillation testing (DFT) via biomarkers. We evaluated changes in biomarkers after ICD shocks during DFT. Methods We prospectively enrolled outpatients presenting for first implantation of a cardiac device. Biomarkers indicative of myocardial injury, inflammation, and apoptosis were measured before and after implantation, and compared between patients receiving DFT (DFT+) to those not (DFT-). Results Sixty-three patients were enrolled, 40 in the DFT+ group and 23 in the DFT- group. Average levels of troponin I, hsCRP, Calprotectin, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and sFas increased by >50% after cardiac device implantation compared to baseline. Increase in troponin never exceeded the 50-fold upper limit of normal (2 ng/mL). Troponin trended higher in the DFT+ group at 8 hours (median 0.18 ng/mL, interquartile range [IQR] 0.11-0.48) versus the DFT- group (0.10 ng/mL, IQR 0.06-0.28, P = 0.0501); NTproBNP had a similar trend (P = 0.0581). sFas significantly increased in the DFT+ group from baseline (median 4663 pg/mL, IQR 2908-5679) to 24 hours (5039 pg/mL, IQR 3274-6261; P = 0.0338) but not in the DFT- group (P = 0.4705). Conclusion DFT testing is associated with acutely increased plasma levels of troponin and sFas, a biomarker of apoptosis, along with a trend toward higher NTproBNP.
Term limits and voter turnout in presidential democracies:an empirical analysis

This article considers the relationship between term limits and voter turnout in presidential democracies. Based on our analysis of a cross-national dataset of presidential elections held between 1950 and 2004, we find that voter turnout is lower in elections in which term limits prevent an incumbent president from running for office. We further demonstrate that term limits contribute to the sharpest declines in voter turnout among those states at lower levels of relative democratic achievement. We suggest that recent theoretical work on both retrospective voting and clientelism offer plausible explanations for these empirical findings.
Weather-proof Quantum Communications

We identify a weather-proof channel for quantum communications using 3950 nm photons, and report on their generation and detection via parametric conversion with a measured coincidence to accidental ratio of 54±7 and spectral brightness of 4.4×102 pair/s/nm/mW.
Macroeconomic Indicator Forecasting with Deep Neural Networks

Economic policymaking relies upon accurate forecasts of economic conditions. Current methods for unconditional forecasting are dominated by inherently linear models that exhibit model dependence and have high data demands. We explore deep neural networks as an opportunity to improve upon forecast accuracy with limited data and while remaining agnostic as to functional form. We focus on predicting civilian unemployment using models based on four different neural network architectures. Each of these models outperforms benchmark models at short time horizons. One model, based on an Encoder Decoder architecture outperforms benchmark models at every forecast horizon (up to four quarters).
A rare cause of chest pain: Cardiac synovial sarcoma

Abstract A 30-year-old male presented to the emergency department complaining of chest pain. Workup revealed a large cardiac mass causing compression of the cardiac chambers as the cause of his chest discomfort. This mass was subsequently diagnosed as a cardiac synovial sarcoma. Cardiac synovial sarcomas are very rare, primary malignant tumors of the heart, accounting for less than one percent of all cardiac tumors (Lv et al.,2010, Talukder et al., 2010). While only a few cases have been documented in the literature, this particular case demonstrates the importance of the continued work up for etiology of chest pain once more common etiologies like coronary heart disease (CHD) have been excluded, independent of patient age or comorbidities.
Starvation, Stress Resistance, and Cancer

Cancer cells are characterized by dysregulation in signal transduction and metabolic pathways leading to increased glucose uptake, altered mitochondrial function, and the evasion of antigrowth signals. Fasting and fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs) provide a particularly promising intervention to promote differential effects in normal and malignant cells. These effects are caused in part by the reduction in IGF-1, insulin, and glucose and the increase in IGFBP1 and ketone bodies, which generate conditions that force cancer cells to rely more on metabolites and factors that are limited in the blood, thus resulting in cell death. Here we discuss the cellular and animal experiments demonstrating the differential effects of fasting on normal and cancer cells and the mechanisms responsible for these effects.
Women of color candidates: examining emergence and success in state legislative elections

Scholars conclude that increasing the number of elected women of color is vital to achieving gender and racial parity in U.S. politics. Many challenges remain, however, in order for women candidate...