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Algorithms for detecting point targets in hyperspectral imaging commonly employ the spectral inverse covariance matrix to whiten inherent image noise. Since data cubes often lack stationarity, segmentation appears to be an attractive preprocessing operation. Surprisingly, the literature reports both successful and unsuccessful segmentation cases, with no clear explanations for these divergent outcomes. This paper elucidates the conditions under which segmentation might improve detector performance. Focusing on a representative algorithm and assuming a target additive model, the study examines all influential factors through theoretical analysis and extensive simulations. The findings offer fundamental insights and practical guidelines for characterizing segmented datasets, enabling a thorough evaluation of segmentation's utility for detector performance. They outline the range of target scenarios and parameters where segmentation may prove beneficial and help assess the potential impact of proposed segmentation strategies on detection outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gender affirmation is a process by which gender-diverse individuals are supported in their gender identity. Parents are critical in how gender-diverse youth, including Black and Latine transgender/nonbinary youth (BLTY), access various forms of gender affirmation—for example, social and medical transition. Culturally relevant supports are needed to bolster how BLTY and their parents navigate gender affirmation. Purpose This study aimed to explore recommendations for aiding BLTY and parents in navigating the youth's gender journey. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of BLTY, BLTY, and BLT young adults (BLTYAs) recruited from clinics, community organizations, and social media. Interviews focused on gender affirmation and recommendations to promote BLTY's gender affirmation. Primary and secondary analysts coded transcripts using a priori and emergent codes. For this analysis, excerpts pertaining to recommended supports were analyzed to identify themes. Results Ten parents of BLTY, 10 BLTY (14–18 years), and 23 BLTYAs (18–30 years) participated. Participants provided recommendations at different socio-ecological levels. On the societal level, participants recommended improvements in media representation of racial and ethnic minority gender-diverse individuals. For organizations, participants recommended more clinicians who shared minoritized identities, clinicians knowledgeable in gender-affirming care, affordability of gender-affirming services, and school-based education regarding gender diversity. On interpersonal/individual levels, they suggested culturally informed peer support among BLTY and parents, including support groups, peer mentors, and camps with individuals who share their minoritized identities. Conclusions Participants provided salient insights to supporting gender affirmation of BLTY, which can inform intervention development for BLTY and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is a potential technology for converting the principal greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), into carbon monoxide (CO) by employing renewable energy. SOECs have great potential, including high‐energy efficiency, fast electrode kinetics, and competitive cost; however, this technology still has challenges in developing highly active, robust CO2 cathode electrocatalysts. In this work, we report the Ni‐doped lanthanum strontium calcium titanate (La0.20Sr0.25Ca0.45Ni0.05Ti0.95O3−δ) cathode for application as the cathode of CO2 electrolysis with gadolinia‐doped ceria (Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95) electrolyte in SOEC. The exsolution of Ni nanoparticles is achieved by a simple in situ growth method at 800 °C. The Ni doping in LSCT significantly improved the electrochemical activity of the catalyst by increasing oxygen vacancies, and the Ni metallic nanoparticles can afford much more active sites for CO2 reduction. The CO2 electrolysis mechanism is studied by the distribution of relaxation time analysis of impedance spectroscopy. Ni‐LSCT renders a higher activity for electrolysis of CO2 with an exceptionally high reduction current density of 3.89 A cm−2 at 2.5 V potential applied and 800 °C temperature with GDC (Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95) electrolyte. Ni doping is a crucial factor in controlling the electrochemical performance and catalytic activity in SOEC and GDC electrolytes, which is further helped by the high ionic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Individuals with obesity experience body weight shame and are highly self-critical. • To date no Randomized Control Trials (RCT) have examined the efficacy of CFT in this context. • CFT significantly reduced body weight shame and self-criticism. • CFT significantly improved self-compassion and self-reassurance. • Post-intervention results of CFT largely maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Adults living in larger bodies (Body Mass Index > 30) often experience body weight shame, are highly self-critical, and are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. To date, there have been no RCTs examining the efficacy of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to help those experiencing body weight shame. The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of CFT as a 12-session group intervention to reduce body weight shame for individuals living in larger bodies. The study used an RCT design with participants randomized to the CFT (n = 28) or waitlist control (n = 27) condition. Participants in both groups were assessed at pre- and postintervention, with the CFT group alone assessed at 3- and 6-month follow-up intervention. Both self-report and a physiological measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity were used (i.e., heart rate variability). Results indicated that CFT had a significant positive impact at postintervention compared to the control group for body weight shame (internal and external), increasing self-compassion, reducing fears of compassion (self, other, and receiving), reducing self-criticism, and reducing external shame. Although there were no significant group effects at postintervention on depression and anxiety, 66% of participants had clinical improvement on depression in the CFT group compared to 8% in the control group at postintervention. CFT did not shift baseline heart rate variability at postintervention. The evidence from this RCT supports CFT as an efficacious intervention to reduce body weight shame for individuals with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay between the therapeutic relationship and experiential techniques is powerful. The whole is more than the sum of its parts. Therapeutic relationship predicts therapy outcomes, especially when this involves shared goals, agreed methods, and a strong interpersonal bond. When patients feel safely held in a therapeutic relationship, they feel more confident and willing to participate in experiential techniques. Conversely, the therapist's careful, purposeful implementation of techniques can help strengthen the therapeutic relationship. While the interplay between relationship and technique can be complicated, resulting in rupture, carefully repairing ruptures can both strengthen the relationship and increase willingness to engage with techniques. We comment on five case studies from this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session. We review the literature regarding this interplay between relationship and technique, summarize the case studies and lessons learned, consolidate the findings into a framework, and propose avenues for future therapy consideration and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stereotypical co-precipitation method was used to prepare MgO–ZnO (MZ) nanocomposite. To improve the efficiency of the photodegradation mechanism under natural sunlight irradiation, coupling of wide band gap semiconducting materials like ZnO and MgO was chosen. Surface morphology reveals the formation of nanoplates and its thickness is around 35–100 nm which is suitable for the absorption of photons during the photocatalysis mechanism. The MZ nanocomposite's absorption peak was obtained in the visible region and therefore the photodegradation experiment was carried out for both cationic and anionic dyes and it completely degraded after 20 min of sunlight irradiation. After 5 times of reusability over, rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) dye, the photocatalytic efficiency varied from 96.24 to 91%, 91.16–85% and 98.26–92%, respectively. These nanomaterials also exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against B.subtilis and E.coli bacteria. It was found that the antibacterial efficiency was increased with an increasing concentration of MgO, ZnO and MZ. The results clearly indicate that the prepared MZ showed improved antibacterial capabilities when compared to pure MgO and ZnO, implying that microbial growth in the ecosystem can be reduced by employing MZ. MZ nanomaterial-based photocatalysts discover a new paradigm for the industrial wastewater treatment process in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the high prevalence of eating disorders in gender diverse adolescents, little is known about the characteristics of gender diverse youth with eating disorders who require inpatient medical stabilization. The primary objective of this study was to describe the medical, anthropometric, and psychiatric characteristics of gender diverse adolescents hospitalized for eating disorders and compare these characteristics to cisgender peers hospitalized for eating disorders. The secondary objective was to evaluate percent median body mass index as one marker of malnutrition and treatment goal body mass index as a recovery metric between patients' birth-assigned sex and affirmed gender using standardized clinical growth charts. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 463 patients admitted to an inpatient eating disorders medical unit between 2012 and 2020. To compare medical, anthropometric, and psychiatric data between gender diverse and cisgender patients, chi-square/Fisher's exact and t-tests were used. Clinical growth charts matching the patients' birth-assigned sex and affirmed gender identity were used to assess percent of median body mass index and treatment goal body mass index. Results: Ten patients (2.2%) identified as gender diverse and were younger than cisgender patients [13.6 (1.5) years vs. 15.6 (2.7) years, p = 0.017]. Gender diverse patients were hospitalized with a higher percent median body mass index compared to cisgender peers [97.1% (14.8) vs. 87.9% (13.7), p = 0.037], yet demonstrated equally severe vital sign instability such as bradycardia [44 (8.8) beats per minute vs. 46 (10.6) beats per minute, p = 0.501], systolic hypotension [84 (7.1) mmHg vs. 84 (9.7) mmHg, p = 0.995], and diastolic hypotension [46 (5.8) mmHg vs. 45 (7.3) mmHg, p = 0.884]. Gender diverse patients had a higher prevalence of reported anxiety symptoms compared to cisgender patients (60% vs. 28%, p = 0.037). Conclusions: Gender diverse patients demonstrated complications of malnutrition including vital sign instability despite presenting with a higher weight. This is consistent with a greater proportion of gender diverse patients diagnosed with atypical anorexia nervosa compared to cisgender peers. Additionally, psychiatric comorbidities were present among both groups, with a larger percentage of gender diverse patients endorsing anxiety compared to cisgender patients. Plain English Summary: Gender diverse is a term that includes gender identities such as (but not limited to) transgender, non-binary, and gender fluid. Eating disorders are becoming increasingly recognized among this population. In recent years there has been a better understanding of the risk factors and screening for eating disorders in the outpatient setting for gender diverse adolescents. However, the medical, anthropometric, and psychiatric characteristics of gender diverse adolescents with eating disorders requiring inpatient medical stabilization are poorly understood. This study examines these characteristics in gender diverse adolescents hospitalized for eating disorder-related medical complications from 2012 to 2020. Gender diverse adolescents presented for medical hospitalization with signs of malnutrition, including vital sign instability and laboratory abnormalities, as well as additional psychiatric diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. Understanding the medical, anthropometric, and psychiatric presentation of this population can lead to more tailored and comprehensive care with the potential to reduce the risks of adverse health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damage caused by natural disasters in rural areas differs in nature extent, landscape, and structure, from the damage caused in urban environments. Previous and current studies have focused mainly on mapping damaged structures in urban areas after catastrophic events such as earthquakes or tsunamis. However, research focusing on the level of damage or its distribution in rural areas is lacking. This study presents a methodology for mapping, characterizing, and assessing the damage in rural environments following natural disasters, both in built-up and vegetation areas, by combining synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) and optical remote sensing data. As a case study, we applied the methodology to characterize the rural areas affected by the Sulawesi earthquake and the subsequent tsunami event in Indonesia that occurred on 28 September 2018. High-resolution COSMO-SkyMed images obtained pre- and post-event, alongside Sentinel-2 images, were used as inputs. This study's results emphasize that remote sensing data from rural areas must be treated differently from that of urban areas following a disaster. Additionally, the analysis must include the surrounding features, not only the damaged structures. Furthermore, the results highlight the applicability of the methodology for a variety of disaster events, as well as multiple hazards, and can be adapted using a combination of different optical and SAR sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Blood vessels called telangiectasia are visible in skin lesions with the aid of dermoscopy. Telangiectasia are a pivotal identifying feature of basal cell carcinoma. These vessels appear thready, serpiginous, and may also appear arborizing, that is, wide vessels branch into successively thinner vessels. Due to these intricacies, their detection is not an easy task, neither with manual annotation nor with computerized techniques. In this study, we automate the segmentation of telangiectasia in dermoscopic images with a deep learning U‐Net approach. Methods: We apply a combination of image processing techniques and a deep learning‐based U‐Net approach to detect telangiectasia in digital basal cell carcinoma skin cancer images. We compare loss functions and optimize the performance by using a combination loss function to manage class imbalance of skin versus vessel pixels. Results: We establish a baseline method for pixel‐based telangiectasia detection in skin cancer lesion images. An analysis and comparison for human observer variability in annotation is also presented. Conclusion: Our approach yields Jaccard score within the variation of human observers as it addresses a new aspect of the rapidly evolving field of deep learning: automatic identification of cancer‐specific structures. Further application of DL techniques to detect dermoscopic structures and handle noisy labels is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Performance comparison of LSCT-based cathode materials for CO 2 reduction in SOEC. • Exsolution of Ceria nanospheres enhances the electrocatalytic activity. • DRT analysis is conducted to distinguish a series of reaction processes in SOEC. • LSCT-based materials are established as electro-catalysts for CO 2 reduction. • Experimental data is simulated with an electrochemical model. The CO 2 electrochemical reduction process has been executed utilizing a solid oxide electrolysis cell, incorporating advanced cathode materials: A-site deficient calcium-doped lanthanum strontium titanate (La 0.2 Sr 0.25 Ca 0.45 TiO 3-δ , LSCT) and cerium (5 mol%)-doped lanthanum strontium calcium titanate (Ce 0.05 La 0.2 Sr 0.2 Ca 0.45 TiO 3-δ , Ce-LSCT). In both electrochemical setups, La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3-δ (LSM) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were employed as the anode and electrolyte, respectively. The electrocatalytic efficacy of LSCT was notably enhanced in a hydrogen-rich environment, evidenced by a reduction in cathode polarization resistance from 36.7 to 10.43 Ω.cm2, concurrent with an increase in H 2 concentration from 30 % to 50 %. Additionally, the replacement of 5 mol% strontium with cerium in the LSCT cathode composition resulted in a further decrease of polarization resistance to 4.88 Ω.cm2 at a CO 2 /H 2 molar ratio of 50/50. In a reductive atmosphere, Ceria (CeO 2) nanospheres were observed to exsolve from their lattice sites within the Ce-LSCT cathode, as verified through FE-SEM and HR-TEM analyses. These in-situ exsolved CeO 2 nanoparticles actively contributed to the electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction, achieving a superior current density of 1.01 A/cm2, surpassing the 0.69 A/cm2 recorded for the LSCT cathode. This was observed at an operational voltage of 2.5 V and a temperature of 800 °C. These outcomes suggest the potential of LSCT as a cathode material in CO 2 reduction reactions, with Ce-doping offering a pathway to further augment its electrocatalytic capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: While motivation and action are core components of compassion and self-compassion, no other measure thoroughly assesses these aspects, or offers a measure of change in compassionate action over time. In a novel application of the language of motivation and action described in motivational interviewing theory and research, this study developed the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales (CMAS), and examined its psychometric characteristics. Method: A sample of 621 participants was recruited to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on the CMAS for both Compassion and Self-Compassion Scales. Results: The analyses supported a factor structure of the CMAS of three subscales, Intention, Distress Tolerance, and Action, for Compassion (12-items) and Self-Compassion (18-items) Scales. The confirmatory factor analysis supported stability of the factor structures of the CMAS scales. Psychometric evaluation revealed that the CMAS scales had good internal consistency, and satisfactory construct and concurrent validity with other psychometrically valid measures of compassion and mental health. Conclusion: The CMAS offers a brief, user friendly, public domain measure of compassionate and self-compassionate motivation and action, which was psychometrically strong. Potential uses of the measure as both a research and clinical tool, and implications for further research, are discussed. Key Points What is already known about this topic: Motivation and action are core components of compassion and self-compassion, however, no other measure thoroughly assesses these aspects, or offers a measure of change in compassionate action over time. Motivational Interviewing is a theoretical and evidence-based model describing the language of motivation and action, and offers a novel framework for assessing these components in compassion and self-compassion Developing a questionnaire assessing compassion motivation and action, as well as changes in compassionate action over time, will be an important development for both clinical and research applications. What this paper adds: This study is the first to draw on a sophisticated and well-established model of motivation and action, and apply it to assessing these components in compassion and self-compassion, to develop the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales (CMAS). The factor analysis of the two scales, CMAS Compassion Scale (12-items) and CMAS Self-Compassion Scale (18-items), revealed three factors: Intention, Distress Tolerance, and Action. The resultant CMAS scales and factors were psychometrically strong, and the scales may be used to assess motivation and action at intake, and as a repeated assessment of change in compassionate and self-compassionate action across an intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancers affecting women globally. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) assessment using histopathological examination of cervical biopsy slides is subject to interobserver variability. Automated processing of digitized histopathology slides has the potential for more accurate classification for CIN grades from normal to increasing grades of pre-malignancy: CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3. Methodology: Cervix disease is generally understood to progress from the bottom (basement membrane) to the top of the epithelium. To model this relationship of disease severity to spatial distribution of abnormalities, we propose a network pipeline, DeepCIN, to analyze high-resolution epithelium images (manually extracted from whole-slide images) hierarchically by focusing on localized vertical regions and fusing this local information for determining Normal/CIN classification. The pipeline contains two classifier networks: (1) a cross-sectional, vertical segment-level sequence generator is trained using weak supervision to generate feature sequences from the vertical segments to preserve the bottom-to-top feature relationships in the epithelium image data and (2) an attention-based fusion network image-level classifier predicting the final CIN grade by merging vertical segment sequences. Results: The model produces the CIN classification results and also determines the vertical segment contributions to CIN grade prediction. Conclusion: Experiments show that DeepCIN achieves pathologist-level CIN classification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been clear for several years now that what NATO purports to stand for and what certain member states practice, do not fully align. From the beginning in 1949, when treaty values and strategic imperatives have been conflicted, the strategic imperatives have almost always, albeit temporarily on an "exceptional" basis, taken precedence over the values. While not new, these tensions today are greater than at any time in NATO's history. In our view, they could become an existential threat. We use a case study from NATO's history to examine the case of Turkey today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the case of a 28‐year‐old woman diagnosed with major depressive disorder, with strong features of perfectionism, shame, and self‐criticism, treated via 12 sessions of compassion‐focused therapy (CFT). CFT is an integrative therapeutic approach that draws upon evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and applied psychological processes from neuroscience, clinical and social psychology. The effectiveness of compassion focused approaches with perfectionism and self‐criticism across a range of clinical disorders is becoming increasingly well‐established. Given this mounting evidence, a four‐phase, 12‐session CFT treatment plan was developed for this case: (1–2) establishing the therapeutic relationship; (3–4) psychoeducation regarding the evolutionary model of compassion; (5–8) compassionate mind training and skills development; (9–11) working with perfectionism, shame, and self‐criticism. A follow‐up session focused on envisioning a compassionate future. Therapeutic process and clinical outcome will be discussed, as well as implications for using CFT in clinical practice, especially where perfectionism, shame, and self‐criticism are part of the clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Compassion, a social mentality, is shaped by social context. Social roles may facilitate or hinder compassionate motivations directed to others, received from others, or expressed to oneself. As such, cultural differences may emerge in compassion competencies and fears of compassion. However, current research has been limited in understanding such cultural differences in compassion competencies and fears of compassion, and the relationships among them. The current study aimed to explore cultural differences between Australians (as an example of a loose/individualistic culture) and Singaporeans (as an example of a tight‐collectivist culture) on compassion competencies and fears of compassion, and whether the relationships between compassion competencies and fears of compassion, and the relationships between compassion variables and psychological outcomes, differ. Method: In a cross‐sectional design, a total of 435 participants took part in this study, were allocated to their self‐identified culture (Australians and Singaporeans), and completed self‐report measures of compassion competencies, fears of compassion, psychopathology and positive affect. Results: There were significant differences on compassion competencies and fears of compassion between Australians and Singaporeans. There were also significant differences between Australians and Singaporeans in the inter‐correlations among the flows of compassion and fears of compassion, however the relationships between the compassion variables and psychological outcomes did not significantly differ across culture in general. Conclusions: Tight/collectivist cultural norms may hinder expression of compassion towards others, but may facilitate increased self‐compassion as compared to loose cultural norms. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of sociological research has shown that racial identification is not only fluid, but crucially depends on other individual- and societal-level factors. When such factors are also associated with socioeconomic outcomes such as earnings, estimates of the disadvantage experienced by individuals because of how they identify racially obtained from standard regression models may be biased. We illustrate this potential bias using data from a large-scale survey conducted by the Mexican census bureau. This survey is the first by the government agency since the country's independence to include a question on black identification. We find evidence of a substantial bias in estimates of racial disadvantage. Results from our initial models treating racial self-identification as an exogenous predictor indicate that black men have higher earnings than non-black men. However, when we use an instrumental variables model that treats racial self-identification as endogenous, that is, as a function of the same unobserved characteristics as individuals' earnings, we find a significant negative effect of black identification on earnings. While previous studies have acknowledged the endogeneity of race, ours is the first to explicitly model racial self-identification as an endogenous predictor to obtain an unbiased estimate of its effect on individuals' socioeconomic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed study of external quantum efficiency η[sub QE] is reported for AlGaInP-based microcavity light-emitting diodes (MCLEDs). Unlike conventional light-emitting diodes (LEDs) the extraction efficiency Text and far field profile depend on the linewidth of the intrinsic spontaneous emission and wavelength detuning between cavity mode and peak electroluminescence. This dependence makes it difficult to estimate the intrinsic spectrum, hence the performances of MCLEDs. By using a nondestructive deconvolution technique, the intrinsic spectra of a MCLED and a reference LED (with the same active regions) could be determined at different current densities. This allowed precise calculation of γ[sub ext] for both devices (values close to 11% were found for the MCLED), and hence of their apparent internal quantum efficiencies η[sup app, sub int]. At 55 A/cm[sup 2], values of 90% and 40% t were determined for the LED and MCLED, respectively. In order to explain this difference, we measured η[sub QE] for devices with different sizes. From a fitting procedure based on a simple model taking into account the device size, we found that the radiative efficiencies of LEDs and MCLEDs were close to 90%. We concluded that the low &eta[sup app, sub int] of MCLED was due to a bad current injection, t and especially to electron leakage current, as confirmed by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a simple analytical expression for the extraction efficiency of planar dielectric microcavity light-emitting diodes (MCLEDs) based on two distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs). The calculations take into account the optical properties of the resonator (reflectivities and index contrast of the DBRs, cavity length, refractive index of the outside medium), as well as the spectral properties of the active material. The impact of these factors on the extraction efficiency is investigated and compared to the results of exact numerical calculations. Simple design rules for optimizing the extraction efficiency of MCLEDs are derived and discussed for display and fiber coupling applications. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a method to compute master stability islands (MSIs) for amplitude death in networks of delay-coupled oscillators using critical curves. We first demonstrate how critical curves can be used to compute boundaries and contours of MSIs in delay-coupling parameter space and then provide a general study on the effects of the oscillator dynamics and network topology on the number, size, and contour types of all MSIs. We find that the oscillator dynamics can be used to determine the number and size of MSIs and that there are six possible contour types that depend on the choice of oscillator dynamics and the network topology. We introduce contour sequences and use these sequences to study the contours of all MSIs. Finally, we provide example MSIs for several classical nonlinear systems including the van der Pol system, the Rucklidge system, and the Rössler system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Post-harvest processing was optimized for flavor and consumer acceptability. • Volatiles associated with off-odors were elevated in stored fresh-cut watermelon. • Modified atmosphere packaging did not improve watermelon's perceived freshness. • Post-cut spray sanitation was detrimental to flavor and taste. • Volatile changes correlated to acceptability can be used to raise product quality. Shelf-life improvement of fresh-cut produce such as watermelon can be guided by optimizing flavor and consumer liking, while ensuring microbial quality. In this study, the impacts of postharvest processing and packaging technologies on consumer acceptability and flavor profiles of fresh-cut watermelon were evaluated. The treatments included post-cut sanitation spray (with and without), modification of the headspace gas composition (ambient and modified atmosphere), lidding film permeability (perforated and non-perforated), storage temperature (3 and 7 °C) and storage period (1, 6 and 8 d). Odor-active compounds of both fresh and stored watermelon were identified by olfactometry. Changes in key odor-impact volatile compounds were measured using solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry. Changes in the volatile composition of samples stored at 3 °C were correlated to the consumer sensory scores for color, fresh appearance, odor, firmness, flavor, and taste. Fresh-cut watermelon packed in ambient air, sealed with non-perforated lidding film, and stored at 3 °C for both 6 and 8 d received the highest flavor and overall liking scores compared to modified atmosphere (5 %O 2 and 10 %CO 2). Further improvement of flavor freshness and overall acceptability was achieved when the post-cut sanitation step was removed. Results indicated that the shelf-life, as judged by overall perceived quality, can be increased from 6 to 8 d by manipulation of processing and storage conditions without compromising flavor and consumer acceptance. The study confirmed the usefulness of linking consumer acceptability to volatile measurement as a research tool to optimize product improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loving-kindness meditation (LKM), a meditative practice directing caring feelings toward self and others, is a popular, evidence-base approach to increasing well-being. Music listening is also a popular form of emotion regulation used to enhance well-being. This interdisciplinary study evaluated a novel intervention called Convergence—combining LKM with accompanying classical guitar music—and its effects on adults' well-being, mindfulness, compassion and self-compassion outcomes. Convergence was compared to active control groups LKM-only and Music-only regarding their relative effectiveness in improving these outcomes. Participants (N = 78; aged 18 to 69 years; 90% females; recruited from the general public) were assigned to either the Convergence, LKM-only, or Music-only condition. Each condition received a 2-hour workshop, involving psychoeducation, three prerecorded meditations, and group enquiry and discussion. Participants were assessed at pre-program, post-program, and 4-week follow-up. Findings revealed that Convergence, LKM-only and Music-only were equally effective interventions, producing improvements in dependent variables with small effect sizes. There was no additive effect of the components when delivered together as Convergence. Significant correlations were found between the amount of home practice, and mindfulness and self-compassion at follow-up. LKM, music listening and Convergence all provide brief, evidence-based alternatives for improving well-being. Practical and theoretical implications are provided, as well as recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a model of gas composition and plasma properties in sealed cw carbon dioxide lasers. Purpose of the experiment; Structure of the laser model; Overview of the plasma processes.

Employing a laser based time-of-flight mass spectrometer system, ion dip spectra for phenol (Ph), Ph(H2O)1, Ph(H2O)3, and Ph(H2O)4 were obtained in the range of 500–1300 cm-1 from a variety of initially pumped states. Dramatic enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio of the cluster ion dip spectra relative to that of the bare phenol is attributable to the increase in the excited state singlet lifetime of the hydrated phenol chromophore. Several dips in the Ph(H2O)1 spectrum exceed the ‘‘saturation’’ limit of 50%, indicating that significant relaxation of the downpumped ground state is occurring via low frequency vibrational modes of the H2O solvent ‘‘bath.’’ Excitation of the hydrogen bond stretch (σ 10=156 cm-1 ) in the S1 state of the Ph(H2O)1 cluster reveals that the ground state (S0) hydrogen bond stretch, σ 01, is 151(±1) cm-1, a mode which appears to be built off of phenol fundamental and combination bands. A second intermolecular band is also evident at 141(±2) cm-1. There is no evidence of an analogous wag mode when pumping the S1 bend (β10), suggesting that the intermolecular modes in S1 are highly coupled. Attempts to obtain ion dip spectra for Ph(H2O)2 went unrewarded, presumably due to the anomalously short S1 lifetime of the Ph(H2O)2 cluster. Spectra for Ph(H2O)3 and Ph(H2O)4 were obtained which show prominent phenol bands, with low frequency (∼10 cm-1 ) progressions built off of these bands. The intermolecular hydrogen bond stretch for Ph(H2O)3 and Ph(H2O)4 in the ground state are 189(±1) cm-1 and 185(±1) cm-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the implementation of ion dip spectroscopy in a supersonic molecular beam time-of-flight mass spectrometer as a powerful mass-selective method for observing ground-state vibrational levels in van der Waals clusters. Ion dip spectra of phenylacetylene and phenylacetylene-NH3 are demonstrated in the range of 900–1100 cm-1, showing prominent dips at 978.0, 1002.8, and 1028.0 cm-1. These dips have been tentatively assigned as 1301 3511, 1101 3510, and 3512, respectively, in phenylacetylene. Shifts in the 3512 and 11013510 vibrational bands of the complex are observed while the 13013511 band of the complex is either shifted or attenuated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is undergoing a paradigm shift in its approach to racial inequality. Once eschewing race, legislators and other policy makers are now vigorously implementing racial quotas in public institutions of higher education. In this paper, we explore public opinion on racial quotas using the 2010 and 2012 AmericasBarometer. In 2010, a surprising majority of Brazilians strongly supported these policies. Afro-Brazilians and individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to express strong support compared to whites and those with higher levels of education. In 2012, a question format change that set up a zero-sum game scenario between afro-Brazilians and others resulted in a dramatic fall in that support. Interestingly, those 2012 results show that education, and not race, contours support. We discuss possible explanations for these particular patterns of public opinion on racial quotas in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of literature posits that a population’s denial of the salience of racial discrimination acts as a mechanism of its perpetuation. Moreover, scholars locate a population’s propensity to deny racial discrimination in contemporary ideologies of racial mixing or ethnic fusion. Most quantitative studies of public opinion on these issues are limited to Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. This study examines the case of Jamaica. We first (1) examine the extent of Jamaica’s contemporary racial inequality using national census data. We then (2) use nationally representative data from the AmericasBarometer social survey to determine the extent to which a recognition of racial discrimination characterizes Jamaican public opinion. Finally, we (3) explore the salience of an ideology of racial mixing in Jamaica and (4) test whether that ideology affects the likelihood that Jamaicans acknowledge contemporary racial discrimination. Our findings document dramatic social inequality by skin colour in Jamaica and suggest that a majority embrace an ideology that racial mixing is negatively associated with Jamaicans’ recognition of racial discrimination. We discuss our findings and their implications for understanding ideologies of racial mixing and racial inequality in the Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Definitions of compassion include aspects of motivation, commitment, and action. Compassion‐based interventions designed to cultivate compassion and self‐compassion incorporate various practice and behavioural change goals. This article proposes that motivational interviewing (MI), which has been extensively used as a prelude to other psychological and health‐related treatments to enhance behavioural change outcomes, could be used in a similar way to enhance outcomes of compassion‐based interventions. Methods: This article provides an overview of definitions of compassion, common compassion‐based interventions as well as their structure and behaviour change components, and describes MI as an approach to enhancing motivation, commitment, and action around these behaviour change components. Results: Three main compassion‐based interventions were reviewed, namely Compassion‐Focused Therapy, Mindful Self‐Compassion, and Compassion Cultivation Training. It was identified that at least four aspects of motivation, commitment, and action could be the focus of MI as a prelude to these interventions, including attendance at sessions, meditation self‐practice, active engagement with the suffering of self and others, and embodiment of compassionate action in daily life. Transcripts of example MI conversations in the context of compassion‐based interventions have been provided, as well as recommendations regarding assessing motivation and commitment in this context. Conclusions: MI is proposed to be a promising prelude to compassion‐based interventions, to enhance compassion motivation and commitment, and increase the likelihood of embodying compassionate action in daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : We aimed to evaluate the effect of online modules -as stand-alone training -on paediatric transgenderrelated self-perceived knowledge, objective knowledge, and clinical self-efficacy of learners. We previously evaluated the online modules as part of a larger curriculum that included observation in a paediatric transgender clinic, and assessed change in self-perceived knowledge. Methods : Paediatric interns, psychiatry interns, fourth-year medical students and nurse practitioner students were administered assessments before and after the completion of six online modules focused on medical and psychosocial considerations for transgender youth. The assessments queried learner demographics and transgender clinical exposure. Nine items tested transgenderrelated objective knowledge. Twenty-four items asked learners to rate self-perceived transgender-specific knowledge (1, not at all knowledgeable; 5, completely knowledgeable). Thirteen self-effi cacy items asked learners to rate confidence in their ability to evaluate and counsel these youth (0, not at all confident; 10, completely confi dent). Overall and subscores were calculated for each domain. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare the pre-and postmodule scores. Results : Thirty-six learners were eligible to join the study and 86% (n = 31) participated. Among the participants, 90% (n = 28) completed both assessments. The median number of transgender patients seen before the curriculum was one, and 10% had past experience in a transgender clinic. Comparing pre-and post-module scores, the overall objective knowledge scores increased from 22 to 56% (p < 0.001), selfperceived knowledge scores increased from 1.8 to 3.8 (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy scores increased from 3.5 to 7.0 (p < 0.001). Discussion : This study suggests that e-learning was an effective stand-alone intervention to enhance transgender-related knowledge and self-effi cacy in interdisciplinary learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor coupling is one of the best incredible ways to improve the photo-absorption range from UV to the visible region. Here, we prepared various proportions of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) and thus determined the best ratio suitable for photo-activated applications. Sol–gel synthesis method is used for the preparation of TiO2 and TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles. TiO2/ZnO composites are prepared in ratios 9:1, 8:2 and 7:3, respectively. HR-SEM micrograph reveals the conversion of surface morphology from rod to plate after addition of ZnO. The peak of photoluminescence spectra lies between 451 and 494 nm, which shows the photocatalyst can absorb photons in the visible region. The photocatalytic degradation of the samples was investigated using a model thiazine dye. The light medium used for the degradation is sunlight. UV spectroscopy results obtained from the sample TiO2/ZnO taken in the ratio 8:2 show an enhanced efficiency. The least absorbance was shown clearly with an efficient degradation of 95.11%. Photocatalysis procedure was repeated with the same photocatalyst up to five times, and dye degradation efficiency was not decreased. Durability of TiO2/ZnO paves the way for applications like anti-microbial activity, energy conservation and waste water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child sexual abuse can have long-term negative impacts across psychological, physical, and interpersonal domains. Some of the common issues for survivors of sexual abuse include shame and self-blame, attachment-based difficulties, avoidant coping strategies, and reduced capacity for self-compassion. Compassion-focused therapy is a transdiagnostic intervention that specifically responds to these concerns. Compassion-focused therapy was originally developed for clients who experience high levels of shame and self-criticism and aims to strengthen the soothing and affiliative system through the cultivation of compassion. This article will highlight the theoretical alignment between some of the common issues and impacts associated with experiences of sexual abuse, with the core underlying principles of compassion-focused therapy. This includes (a) the capacity of the therapy’s evolutionary framework to reduce perceptions of self-blame, (b) the cultivation of compassion to respond to feelings of shame, (c) acknowledgment of the role of early attachment experiences and facilitation of corrective affiliative experiences, (d) regulation of the threat-based system following trauma, and (e) provision of an alternative to avoidant-based coping by responding to distress with compassion. It is proposed that the theoretical framework and core focus and aims of compassion-focused therapy are highly applicable for survivors of sexual abuse and therefore holds significant promise as a treatment option for this client group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy with T cells genetically modified to express chimeric Ag receptors (CARs) that target tumor-associated molecules have impressive efficacy in hematological malignancies. The field has now embraced the challenge of applying this approach to treat common epithelial malignancies, which make up the majority of cancer cases but evade immunologic attack by a variety of subversive mechanisms. In this study, we review the principles that have guided CAR T cell design and the extraordinary clinical results being achieved in B cell malignancies targeting CD19 with a single infusion of engineered T cells. This success has raised expectations that CAR T cells can be applied to solid tumors, but numerous obstacles must be overcome to achieve the success observed in hematologic cancers. Potential solutions driven by advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, T cell biology, and improved tumor models that recapitulate the obstacles in human tumors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To show bioequivalence of generic and brand name drugs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a statistical comparison of three pharmacokinetic values that measure aspects of the drugs' concentrations. These three values are related to calculus. We show that there is good reason why the FDA considers these values, as any two of the three is enough to recover the concentration of the drug over time for an orally taken drug using a single-compartment model. The results hinge on applications of the LambertW function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for reducing dwellings’ energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. This review was performed to provide a steppingstone for identifying new methods for studying everyday home energy use and comfort. First, an overview of comfort is given as seen from different disciplines, depicting the subjective and multidimensional nature of comfort. This is followed by the biological component of comfort, reflected as an emotional, behavioural, and physiological reaction to environmental stimuli. Subsequently, links between comfort, health, and wellbeing are introduced. The second part of the review focuses on energy and buildings, with the connection between energy and behaviours-detailing possible explanations of performance gaps, and the pathways from energy to health. To conclude, human sensation of comfort is more complex than the perception of thermal, acoustical, visual stimuli, or air quality environment. Comfort is a reaction to the environment that is strongly influenced by cognitive and behavioural processes. Habits and controllability have been identified as paramount in the links between comfort and energy consumption. In this holistic view of comfort linked to health, comfort is referred to as ‘wellbeing’. The first steps for new directions of the study of comfort and energy are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fuzzy logic-based color histogram analysis technique is presented for discriminating benign skin lesions from malignant melanomas in dermoscopy images. The approach extends previous research for utilizing a fuzzy set for skin lesion color for a specified class of skin lesions, using alpha-cut and support set cardinality for quantifying a fuzzy ratio skin lesion color feature. Skin lesion discrimination results are reported for the fuzzy clustering ratio over different regions of the lesion over a data set of 517 dermoscopy images consisting of 175 invasive melanomas and 342 benign lesions. Experimental results show that the fuzzy clustering ratio applied over an eight-connected neighborhood on the outer 25% of the skin lesion with an alpha-cut of 0.08 can recognize 92.6% of melanomas with approximately 13.5% false positive lesions. These results show the critical importance of colors in the lesion periphery. Our fuzzy logic-based description of lesion colors offers relevance to clinical descriptions of malignant melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background People suffering from an eating disorder ( ED), or more generally with eating, body image, and weight concerns, have been found to experience high levels of self-criticism, self-directed hostility, and shame. Furthermore, these individuals tend to have difficulties generating and activating affiliative and self-soothing emotions. Methods Compassion focused therapy ( CFT) specifically addresses these issues, and CFT for eating disorders ( CFT-E) was designed to incorporate the development and practice of compassion for self and others into standard ED treatment programs to assist with these issues. Results This article describes (1) the theoretical rationale for cultivating compassion for self and others as part of ED treatment, (2) the adaptation and incorporation of CFT-E within ED treatment programs, and (3) a qualitative review of the current evidence base for CFT-E. Conclusions Finally, the article will explore recent and potential future developments in CFT-E, and recommendations for the use of CFT-E in clinical practice, including its application for those who present with other eating and weight concerns (such as being overweight or obese), and various modes of inpatient and community-based delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents guideline summary for molecular biomarkers for the evaluation of colorectal cancer (CRC). Topics discussed include impact of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody therapy on patients with CRC who carry activating mutations of KRAS, importance of microsatellite instability testing for the selection of patients for immunotherapy, and factors involved in laboratory testing of molecular biomarkers.

Objectives.--To develop evidence-based guideline recommendations through a systematic review of the literature to establish standard molecular biomarker testing of colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues to guide epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies and conventional chemotherapy regimens. Methods.--The American Society for Clinical Pathology, College of American Pathologists, Association for Molecular Pathology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an expert panel to develop an evidence-based guideline to establish standard molecular biomarker testing and guide therapies for patients with CRC. A comprehensive literature search that included more than 4,000 articles was conducted. Results.--Twenty-one guideline statements were established. Conclusions.--Evidence supports mutational testing for EGFR signaling pathway genes, since they provide clinically actionable information as negative predictors of benefit to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapies for targeted therapy of CRC. Mutations in several of the biomarkers have clear prognostic value. Laboratory approaches to operationalize CRC molecular testing are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop evidence-based guideline recommendations through a systematic review of the literature to establish standard molecular biomarker testing of colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues to guide epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies and conventional chemotherapy regimens. Methods: The American Society for Clinical Pathology, College of American Pathologists, Association for Molecular Pathology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an expert panel to develop an evidence-based guideline to establish standard molecular biomarker testing and guide therapies for patients with CRC. A comprehensive literature search that included more than 4,000 articles was conducted. Results: Twenty-one guideline statements were established. Conclusions: Evidence supports mutational testing for EGFR signaling pathway genes, since they provide clinically actionable information as negative predictors of benefit to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapies for targeted therapy of CRC. Mutations in several of the biomarkers have clear prognostic value. Laboratory approaches to operationalize CRC molecular testing are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint blockade is effective in treating many human cancers. In this issue of Cell , Luoma et al. show that tissue-resident memory T cells in head and neck cancers rapidly respond to immune checkpoint blockade, and they identify specific CD8+ T cells in pretreatment blood that predict pathologic tumor regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2016 IEEE Educational Activities Board (EAB), chaired by IEEE Educational Activities Vice President S. K. Ramesh, upon the recommendation of the EAB Awards and Recognition Committee (ARC) has named the recipients of the 2016 IEEE EAB Awards. EAB Awards recognize and honor individuals and companies for major contributions to engineering and technical education. Awards are given for meritorious activities in accreditation, continuing education, educational innovation, preuniversity education, service to the IEEE EAB, standards education, employee professional development, and informal education systems, as well as related achievements that advance the practice of engineering and engineering education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To test the relationship between patient experience, as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), and actual quality of care, as measured by 30-day readmission rates. Data Sources: Both HCAHPS data and outcome data reported to the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Study Design: This secondary, nationwide (N = 4060), hospital-level study focused only on acute care hospitals. HCAHPS question 22 "Would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family?" was used to determine level of overall satisfaction, and 30-day readmission rates, as reported to the CMS, was used as a proxy for actual quality of care. Principal Findings: A statistically significant relationship was found between patient experience and actual quality outcomes. Conclusion: The results of this study reinforce the inclusion of patient experience in Medicare's Value Based Purchasing program as a matter of good public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenozoic Susitna basin lies within an enigmatic lowland surrounded by the Central Alaska Range, Western Alaska Range (including the Tordrillo Mountains), and Talkeetna Mountains in south-central Alaska. Some previous interpretations show normal faults as the defining structures of the basin (e.g., Kirschner, 1994). However, analysis of new and existing geophysical data shows predominantly (Late Oligocene to present) thrust and reverse fault geometries in the region, as previously proposed by Hackett (1978). A key example is the Beluga Mountain fault where a 50-mGal gravity gradient, caused by the density transition from the igneous bedrock of Beluga Mountain to the >4-km-thick Cenozoic sedimentary section of Susitna basin, spans a horizontal distance of ∼40 km and straddles the topographic front. The location and shape of the gravity gradient preclude a normal fault geometry; instead, it is best explained by a southwest-dipping thrust fault, with its leading edge located several kilometers to the northeast of the mountain front, concealed beneath the shallow glacial and fluvial cover deposits. Similar contractional fault relationships are observed for other basin-bounding and regional faults as well. Contractional structures are consistent with a regional shortening strain field inferred from differential offsets on the Denali and Castle Mountain right-lateral strike-slip fault systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have measured the partition coefficient of Pb (Kd Pb ) between FeS melt and basalt melt at temperatures of 1250–1523 °C, pressures of 1.0–3.5 GPa and oxygen fugacities at iron–wustite and wustite–magnetite. The total observed range of Kd Pb is 4.0–66.6, with a strong negative dependence on pressure and a strong negative dependence on FeO of the silicate melt (Fe +2 only). The FeO control was constrained over a wide range of FeO (4.2–39.5%). We found that the effect of oxygen fugacity can be subsumed under the FeO control parameter. Prior work has established the lack of a significant effect of temperature (Kiseeva and Wood, 2015; Li and Audétat, 2015). Our data are parameterized as: Kd Pb = 4.8 + (512 − 119* P in GPa)*(1/FeO − 0.021). We also measured a single value of Kd Pb between clinopyroxene and basalt melt at 2.0 GPa of 0.020 ± 0.001. This experimental data supports the “natural” partitioning of Pb measured on sulfide globules in MORB (Patten et al., 2013), but not the low Kd Pb of ∼3 inferred from sulfides in abyssal peridotites by Warren and Shirey (2012). It also quantitatively affirms the modeling of Hart and Gaetani (2006) with respect to using sulfide to buffer the canonical Nd/Pb ratio for MORB and OIB (Hofmann, 2003). For the low FeO and pressure of segregation typical of MORB, Kd Pb ∼ 45, and the Nd/Pb ratio of erupted basalts will be the same as the Nd/Pb ratio of the mantle source. The remaining puzzle is why MORB and OIB have the same Nd/Pb when they clearly have different FeO and pressure of melt segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address long-standing debates on the utility of racial categories and color scales for understanding inequality in the United States and Latin America, using novel data that enable comparisons of these measures across both broad regions. In particular, we attend to the degree to which color and racial category inequality operate independently of parental socioeconomic status. We find a variety of patterns of racial category and color inequality, but that in most countries accounting for maternal education changes our coefficients by 5% or less. Overall, we argue that several posited divergences in ethnoracial stratification processes in the United States, compared with Latin America, might be overstated. We conclude that the comparison of the effects of multiple ethnoracial markers, such as color and racial categories, for the analysis of social stratification holds substantial promise for untangling the complexities of “race” across the Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being empirically designed based on a simple understanding of TCR signaling, T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been remarkably successful in treating patients with advanced refractory B cell malignancies. However, many challenges remain in improving the safety and efficacy of this therapy and extending it toward the treatment of epithelial cancers. Other aspects of TCR signaling beyond those directly provided by CD3ζ and CD28 phosphorylation strongly influence a T cell's ability to differentiate and acquire full effector functions. Here, we discuss how the principles of TCR recognition, including spatial constraints, Kon/Koff rates, and synapse formation, along with in-depth analysis of CAR signaling might be applied to develop safer and more effective synthetic tumor targeting receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the effect of constraints on the number of non-negative integer solutions of x+y+z = n, relating the number of solutions to linear combinations of triangular numbers. Our approach is geometric and may be viewed as an introduction to proofs without words. We use this geometrical perspective to prove identities by counting the number of solutions in two different ways, thereby combining combinatorial proofs and proofs without words. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 52-year-old male with headache who was diagnosed with mutation in JAK2 exon 12. It informs that the a 200-fold increase in microRNA 125b-1 was detected after performing quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Also discussed are the impact of MicroRNA 125b-1 on acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) associated with chromosomal translocation.

The adoptive transfer of T cells engineered to express artificial chimeric antigen receptors CARs) that target a tumor cell surface molecule has emerged as an exciting new approach for cancer immunotherapy. Clinical trials in patients with advanced B cell malignancies treated with CD19-specific CAR-modified T cells (CAR-T) have shown impressive antitumor efficacy, leading to optimism that this approach will be useful for treating common solid tumors. Because CAR-T cells recognize tumor cells independent of their expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, tumors that escape conventional T cells by downregulating HLA and/or mutating components of the antigen processing machinery can be eliminated. The ability to introduce or delete additional genes in T cells has the potential to provide therapeutic cell products with novel attributes that overcome impediments to immune mediated tumor elimination in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. This review will discuss recent concepts in the development of effective and safe synthetic CARs for adoptive T cell therapy (ACT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context .- Advances in molecular biomarkers of the gastrointestinal tract have contributed to a decline in the incidence of and mortality from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The discovery and clinical validation of new biomarkers are important to personalized cancer therapy, and numerous clinical trials are currently ongoing to help identify individualized therapy affecting these biomarkers and molecular mechanisms they represent. Distinct molecular pathways leading to cancers of the colorectum, esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and pancreas have been identified. Using biomarkers in these pathways to direct patient care, including selection of proper molecular testing for identification of actionable mutations and reporting the results of these biomarkers to guide clinicians and genetic counselors, is paramount. Objective .- To examine and review select clinically actionable biomarkers of the colon, esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and pancreas, including present and future biomarkers with relevant clinical trials. Data Sources .- Extensive literature review and practical and consultation experience of the authors. Conclusions .- Although numerous biomarkers have been identified and are currently guiding patient therapy, few have shown evidence of clinical utility in the management of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Inconsistent results and discordant proposed algorithms for testing were identified throughout the literature; however, the potential for biomarkers to improve outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancer remains high. Continued advances through high-quality studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]