cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Close to the Nipple: Does This Increase the Risk of Nodal Metastasis at Diagnosis?

Abstract Background Previous studies of patients with invasive breast cancer examined, with mixed results, tumour location as a predictor of axillary lymph node metastasis. This study assessed whether tumour location in relation to the nipple impacts the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of the medical records and available imaging of 285 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between January 2001 to June 2007 at Boston University Medical Center. The incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis was correlated with tumour location in relation to the posterior nipple line to control for variation in breast size. Bivariate analysis identified significant variables that were applied to a multiple logistic regression model. Results Axillary lymph node metastasis was not significantly associated with tumour proximity to the nipple. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, known prognostic factors for axillary metastasis, such as surgical size, lymphovascular invasion, and age of diagnosis, were significant, whereas breast density, palpability, and histologic grade were no longer significant. Conclusions Our study found that there was no evidence that correlates intramammary tumour proximity to the nipple with the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis at diagnosis. However, known prognostic factors, such as lymphovascular invasion, surgical size, and younger age at diagnosis, are strong independent predictors for axillary lymph node involvement.
Towards a theory of mathematics homework as a social practice

This article presents a theoretical conceptualization of mathematics homework as a social practice. Rather than considering homework as a task or an artifact, this approach frames homework in terms of the social contexts in which students participate and how students participate in those contexts. This perspective has long been suggested by homework researchers but has not been developed as a framework for understanding homework. Drawing from Wenger’s (1998) social theory of learning and research grounded in sociocultural theory, this conceptualization makes central meaning making and identity development, and puts forth meaning and identity as lenses for understanding students’ participation in the practice of mathematics homework. To further develop this conceptualization of homework, I draw on data from an ethnographic study of the role and meaning of mathematics homework in the lives of middle school students. Case studies of two students are presented to demonstrate the relationships among the meaning of homework, students’ identities, and their participation in the practice of homework. One student’s experiences support him in identifying as a capable mathematics student who is bound for continued academic success through high school to college. Thus, he comes to take on mathematics homework as a means to learn and succeed. The other student’s experiences support him in building an identity that leads him to reject homework. This conceptualization of homework and the case study data have implications for the practice of homework and for theories of students’ motivational dispositions in the context of mathematics homework and learning in general.
Long-wavelength optical coherence tomography at 1.7 µm for enhanced imaging depth

Multiple scattering in a sample presents a significant limitation to achieve meaningful structural information at deeper penetration depths in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Previous studies suggest that the spectral region around 1.7 µm may exhibit reduced scattering coefficients in biological tissues compared to the widely used wavelengths around 1.3 µm. To investigate this long-wavelength region, we developed a wavelength-swept laser at 1.7 µm wavelength and conducted OCT or optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) for the first time in this spectral range. The constructed laser is capable of providing a wide tuning range from 1.59 to 1.75 µm over 160 nm. When the laser was operated with a reduced tuning range over 95 nm at a repetition rate of 10.9 kHz and an average output power of 12.3 mW, the OFDI imaging system exhibited a sensitivity of about 100 dB and axial and lateral resolution of 24 µm and 14 µm, respectively. We imaged several phantom and biological samples using 1.3 µm and 1.7 µm OFDI systems and found that the depth-dependent signal decay rate is substantially lower at 1.7 µm wavelength in most, if not all samples. Our results suggest that this imaging window may offer an advantage over shorter wavelengths by increasing the penetration depths as well as enhancing image contrast at deeper penetration depths where otherwise multiple scattered photons dominate over ballistic photons.
Big data in gastroenterology research

In epidemiological research, large datasets are essential to reliably capture small variations among comparative groups or detect new unsuspected associations. Although large databases of web-search information, social media, airline traffic and telephone records are already widely used to capture social trends, large databases in medical research are just emerging. With the universal use of electronic medical records underway, vast amounts of health-related information will become available for biomedical research. Accepting such new research tools-based on the analysis of large pre-existing datasets rather than hypothesis-driven, in-depth prospective study-will require a new mindset in clinical research, as data might be 'messy' and only associations, but not causality, can be detected. In spite of such limitations, the utilization of these new resources for medical research harbours great potential for advancing knowledge about digestive diseases.
Synthesis and evaluation of an aromatic polymer-coated zirconia for reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

We synthesized a novel aromatic polymer-coated zirconia-based RPLC stationary phase by chemical adsorption of a copolymer of chloromethylstyrene and diethoxymethylvinylsilane onto zirconia (CMS/VMS-ZrO2). Characterization of the pore structure of the support by nitrogen porosimetry and inverse size-exclusion chromatography indicates that CMS/VMS-ZrO2 maintains the well-defined pore structure of the base material. Flow studies show that CMS/VMS-ZrO2 has good mass transfer characteristics. The reversed-phase retention characteristics of the new support are comparable to those of conventional silica-bonded phases. We have also evaluated the mechanical, thermal, and pH stability of CMS/VMS-ZrO2. The results show that CMS/VMS-ZrO2 is stable over a very wide range of pH (pH = 1−13) and at temperatures as high as 160 °C. Chromatographic separations of some low molecular weight aromatic analytes on CMS/VMS-ZrO2 and octadecyl-bonded silica phases indicate that there are some subtle but significant differences in t...
A piezoelectric cryogenic heat switch

We have measured the thermal conductance of a mechanical heat switch actuated by a piezoelectric positioner, the PZHS (PieZo electric Heat Switch), at cryogenic temperatures. The thermal conductance of the PZHS was measured between 4 K and 10 K, and on/off conductance ratios of about 100–200 at lowest and highest measures temperature were achieved when the positioner applied its maximum force of 8 N, respectively. We discuss the advantages of using this system in cryogenic applications, and estimate the ultimate performance of an ideal PZHS.
Hydrogen Motion in Magnesium Hydride by NMR

In coarse-grained MgH2, the diffusive motion of hydrogen remains too slow (<10^5 hops s^−1) to narrow the H NMR line up to 400 °C. Slow-motion dipolar relaxation time T1D measurements reveal the motion, with hopping rate ωH from 0.1 to 430 s^−1 over the range of 260 to 400 °C, the first direct measurement of H hopping in MgH2. The ωH data are described by an activation energy of 1.72 eV (166 kJ/mol) and attempt frequency of 2.5 × 10^15 s^−1. In ball-milled MgH2 with 0.5 mol % added Nb2O5 catalyst, line-narrowing is evident already at 50 °C. The line shape shows distinct broad and narrow components corresponding to immobile and mobile H, respectively. The fraction of mobile H grows continuously with temperature, reaching ∼30% at 400 °C. This demonstrates that this material’s superior reaction kinetics are due to an increased rate of H motion, in addition to the shorter diffusion paths from ball-milling. In ball-milled MgH2 without additives, the line-narrowed component is weaker and is due, at least in part, to trapped H2 gas. The spin−lattice relaxation rates T1^−1 of all materials are compared, with ball-milling markedly increasing T1^−1. The weak temperature dependence of T1^−1 suggests a mechanism with paramagnetic relaxation centers arising from the mechanical milling.
Physical Injury, PTSD Symptoms, and Medication Use: Examination in Two Trauma Types

Physical injury is prevalent across many types of trauma experiences and can be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and physical health effects, including increased medication use. Recent studies suggest that PTSD symptoms may mediate the effects of traumatic injury on health outcomes, but it is unknown whether this finding holds for survivors of different types of traumas. The current study examined cross-sectional relationships between injury, PTSD, and pain and psychiatric medication use in 2 trauma-exposed samples, female survivors of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs; n = 315) and intimate partner violence (IPV; n = 167). Data were obtained from participants at 2 trauma research clinics who underwent a comprehensive assessment of psychopathology following the stressor. Regression with bootstrapping suggested that PTSD symptoms mediate the relationship between injury severity and use of pain medications, R(2) = .11, F(2, 452) = 28.37, p .05). Results confirm an association between posttraumatic psychopathology and medication usage and suggest that MVA and IPV survivors alike may benefit from assessment and treatment of emotional distress after physical injury. Language: en
Lessons learned from the general dynamics reliability, availability, and maintainability in computer-aided design-RAMCAD program

RAMCAD is an acronym that stands for "Reliability, Availability and Maintainability in Computer Aided Design". The objective of this contract is to integrate stand-alone, off-the-shelf, commercially available or public domain reliability, maintainability and supportability (RM&S) software into a computer-aided design environment. The paper describes the RAMCAD contract and its objectives and provides a technical discussion on selected lessons learned and critical issues from implementing standards on the RAMCAD contract. Lessons-learned topics address system portability, common user interface, database access, networking concurrent engineering workstation requirements, and concurrent engineering design process changes. >
Marketing as a profession: on closing stakeholder gaps

Historically, “closing the gap” or “bridging the divide” between marketing academe and marketing practice has been one of the most hotly debated issues in marketing. This article, based on the professional discipline view of marketing, maintains that the “gap” debate would be more informed by the identification of the multiple stakeholders of marketing academe, the explication of the duties and responsibilities of marketing academe to each group of stakeholders, and the evaluation of the extent to which marketing academe is fulfilling its duties and responsibilities.
Helicase Motif Ia Is Involved in Single-Strand DNA-Binding and Helicase Activities of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Origin-Binding Protein, UL9

UL9 is a multifunctional protein essential for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication in vivo. UL9 is a member of the superfamily II helicases and exhibits helicase and origin-binding activities. It is thought that UL9 binds the origin of replication and unwinds it in the presence of ATP and the HSV-1 single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein. We have previously characterized the biochemical properties of mutants in all helicase motifs except for motif Ia (B. Marintcheva and S. Weller, J. Biol. Chem. 276:6605-6615, 2001). Structural information for other superfamily I and II helicases indicates that motif Ia is involved in ssDNA binding. By analogy, we hypothesized that UL9 motif Ia is important for the ssDNA-binding function of the protein. On the basis of sequence conservation between several UL9 homologs within the Herpesviridae family and distant homology with helicases whose structures have been solved, we designed specific mutations in motif Ia and analyzed them genetically and biochemically. Mutant proteins with residues predicted to be involved in ssDNA binding (R112A and R113A/F115A) exhibited wild-type levels of intrinsic ATPase activity and moderate to severe defects in ssDNA-stimulated ATPase activity and ssDNA binding. The S110T mutation targets a residue not predicted to contact ssDNA directly. The mutant protein with this mutation exhibited wild-type levels of intrinsic ATPase activity and near wild-type levels of ssDNA-stimulated ATPase activity and ssDNA binding. All mutant proteins lack helicase activity but were able to dimerize and bind the HSV-1 origin of replication as well as wild-type UL9. Our results indicate that residues from motif Ia contribute to the ssDNA-binding and helicase activities of UL9 and are essential for viral growth. This work represents the successful application of an approach based on a combination of bioinformatics and structural information from related proteins to deduce valuable information about a protein of interest.
Physical impairment and disability: relationship to performance of activities of daily living in community-dwelling older men.

Background and Purpose. The decline of physical function of older adults, associated with loss of independent living status, is a major public health concern. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of physical impairment and disability to performance of activities of daily living (ADL) among community-dwelling older adults. Subjects and Methods. Eighty-three community-dwelling older men who were referred to a comprehensive outpatient geriatric evaluation program (mean age=75.5 years, SD=7.0, range=64–97) were examined. Measurements of physical impairment (muscle force production, flexibility, and fitness) and physical disability (gait speed, stride length, risk for recurrent falls, and physical function) were recorded. Results. A stepwise linear regression was used to determine the relationship of physical impairments and disability measures with ADL. The results indicated that walking speed, fall risk, and muscle force contributed independently to the characterization of the activities of daily living of the community-dwelling older men studied (adjusted R 2=.68; F=56.81; df =3,80; P <.001). Using a principal components factor analysis, 4 domains were identified that explained 68.2% of the variance in performance of ADL: (1) mobility/fall risk=26.5%, (2) coordination=15%, (3) fitness=14.7%, and (4) flexibility=12.0%. Discussion and Conclusion. The identification of domains of physical function may be useful to physical therapists in the development of interventions targeted for physical impairments and disabilities that contribute to deficits in performance of ADL. Targeting interventions for physical impairments and disabilities related to function may improve the effectiveness of physical therapist interventions and reduce the loss of independence among community-dwelling older people.
Rethinking the Significance of Workers' Control in the Russian Revolution

Drawing upon recent Western and Soviet research, this paper reevaluates workers' control during and after the Russian Revolution. The old dichotomies of anarchic organization from below and authoritarian centralization from above are much too simplistic to capture the complex dynamic that characterized the movement and the tasks of institution-building. Workers' control, while hardly ideal, displayed many very positive characteristics of organization, co-ordination, discipline, maintaining production, as well as democratic control, representation, bargaining and dignity. In addition, although the conditions of revolution and civil war limited democratic possibilities, the potential of workers' control for medium-term development were considerably greater than recognized by Bolshevik ideology, and presented one element in a realistic nonStalinist industrialization strategy in the 1920s and beyond.
Grateful and Sanctified: Exploring the Parent–Child Context

This study tested links between gratitude and sanctification of the current parent–child relationship for 452 college students and 194 of their parents. Intrapersonal religiousness and spirituality have clear links to gratitude, but there is a dearth of studies that explore sanctification of the family context in relation to gratitude. The cognitive process of sanctifying a family relationship that hinges on perceiving the parent–child relationship as having significant spiritual qualities may have important implications for gratitude. Thus, sanctifying a family relationship may be a contributor to gratitude. To test this assumption, an incremental validity model was employed. Hierarchical regression analyses predicting college students’ and parents’ gratitude were conducted, but only parents’ reports of parent–child relationship sanctification through manifestation of God was significant after controlling for gender, parents’ general religiousness/spirituality, and parent–child relationship quality. A di...
Epigenetic alterations in aging

Aging is a multifaceted process characterized by genetic and epigenetic changes in the genome. The genetic component of aging received initially all of the attention. Telomere attrition and accumulation of mutations due to a progressive deficiency in the repair of DNA damage with age remain leading causes of genomic instability. However, epigenetic mechanisms have now emerged as key contributors to the alterations of genome structure and function that accompany aging. The three pillars of epigenetic regulation are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA species. Alterations of these epigenetic mechanisms affect the vast majority of nuclear processes, including gene transcription and silencing, DNA replication and repair, cell cycle progression, and telomere and centromere structure and function. Here, we summarize the lines of evidence indicating that these epigenetic defects might represent a major factor in the pathophysiology of aging and aging-related diseases, especially cancer.
Ribosome RNA assembly intermediates visualized in living cells.

In cells, RNAs likely adopt numerous intermediate conformations prior to formation of functional RNA–protein complexes. We used single-nucleotide resolution selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) to probe the structure of Escherichia coli 16S rRNA in healthy growing bacteria. SHAPE-directed modeling indicated that the predominant steady-state RNA conformational ensemble in dividing cells had a base-paired structure different from that expected on the basis of comparative sequence analysis and high-resolution studies of the 30S ribosomal subunit. We identified the major cause of these differences by stopping ongoing in-cell transcription (in essence, an in-cell RNA structure pulse–chase experiment) which caused the RNA to chase into a structure that closely resembled the expected one. Most helices that formed alternate RNA conformations under growth conditions interact directly with tertiary-binding ribosomal proteins and form a C-shape that surrounds the mRNA channel and deco...
Build Direction for Improved Process Plan in Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing

Building a multi material or heterogeneous object with an additive manufacturing system is fairly new but emerging concept. Current additive manufacturing process plan assume mono-material part in the algorithm. An object with multi-features or inhomogeneous architecture can be decomposed into two dimensional heterogeneous layers with islands where each island represents associated feature’s properties. The material deposition path-plan in such multifeature/multi-contour layers requires more resources and may affect the part integrity, quality, and build time. This research presents a framework to determine the optimum build direction for heterogeneous object by differentiating the slice based on the resources requirement. The computational algorithm for the heterogeneous object quantifies the build direction considering the feature characteristics and manufacturing attributes in order to bundle the slices based on the heterogeneity. The proposed methodology is illustrated by an example with 50% homogeneous slices along the optimum build direction. The outcome would certainly benefit the process plan for multi-material additive manufacturing techniques.
Optimal Consumption and Investment with Capital Gains Taxes

This article characterizes optimal dynamic consumption and portfolio decisions in the presence of capital gains taxes and short-sale restrictions. The optimal decisions are a function of the investor's age, initial portfolio holdings, and tax basis. Our results capture the trade-off between the diversification benefits and tax costs of trading over an investor's lifetime. The incentive to rediversify the portfolio is inversely related to the size of the embedded gain and investor's age. Contrary to standard financial advice, the optimal equity holding increases well into an investor's lifetime in our model due to the forgiveness of capital gains taxes at death.
Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior Evaluation of Grainex Mar-M 247 for NASA’s High Temperature High Speed Turbine Seal Test Rig

The fatigue crack growth behavior of Grainex Mar-M 247 is evaluated for NASA s Turbine Seal Test Facility. The facility is used to test air-to-air seals primarily for use in advanced jet engine applications. Because of extreme seal test conditions of temperature, pressure, and surface speeds, surface cracks may develop over time in the disk bolt holes. An inspection interval is developed to preclude catastrophic disk failure by using experimental fatigue crack growth data. By combining current fatigue crack growth results with previous fatigue strain-life experimental work, an inspection interval is determined for the test disk. The fatigue crack growth life of the NASA disk bolt holes is found to be 367 cycles at a crack depth of 0.501 mm using a factor of 2 on life at maximum operating conditions. Combining this result with previous fatigue strain-life experimental work gives a total fatigue life of 1032 cycles at a crack depth of 0.501 mm. Eddy-current inspections are suggested starting at 665 cycles since eddy current detection thresholds are currently at 0.381 mm. Inspection intervals are recommended every 50 cycles when operated at maximum operating conditions.
Greenhouse gas emission reductions as a motivator of e85 purchases across market segments

Climate change has become a concern of both policy makers and consumers. Transportation constitutes a key source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; hence, alternative transportation fuels with reduced GHG emissions are of increasing interest as a potential strategy for decreasing emissions. However, consumer views on achieving emission reductions through the use of alternative fuels have not been widely studied. Understanding consumer preferences related to alternative fuels is relevant as new fuel options become available. This study uses a two-step cluster analysis of opinion variables to segment consumers into four market segments (Potential activists, Environmentals, Neutrals, and National interests). Cluster profiles are examined based on demographics and opinion variables related to concerns about national security, food versus fuel, perceived effects of personal actions, perceived effects of other's actions, and environmental issues. Willingness to pay (WTP) for reductions in GHG emissions through purchases of ethanol blends is estimated via conjoint analysis from a national survey. Estimates reveal that WTP varies in significance and magnitude across the four segments. In particular, the Environmentals market cluster is the only cluster consistently willing to pay a premium for emission reductions. Market opinion clusters play a significant role in WTP for emission reductions through purchases of E85. Results suggest the existence of a potential niche market consisting of consumers with strong environmental concerns who are willing to pay a premium for renewable fuels in order to reduce GHG emissions.
Lingual force detection system

The tongue is an organ of great significance in the processes of both swallowing and speech. Any disorder of the tongue's function (dysphagia, lateral sclerosis), with regard especially to the forces it produces, can drastically impair an individual by leaving them unable to swallow or talk. Up to this point, few systems have been created to quantitatively measure tongue force. Here we describe development of a new device that measures and outputs tongue force and endurance at six strategically positioned points in the mouth. Two mouth guards were fitted with six (three per guard) thin, highly sensitive sensors that independently output tongue force at each location. To ensure proper sensor readings, that is, reliable contact between the tongue and the sensor, each sensor was placed between a hard backing plate of stainless steel and a pliable puck constructed from silicone rubber. Forces were output to a computer using National Instruments' ELVIS system and a novel user friendly interface created using NI's LabVIEW. The proposed system can be utilized as a first step in diagnosis and treatment planning for speech rehabilitation and therapy. In future studies, collected data will be compared with control data (obtained previously from healthy volunteers) to diagnose potential tongue weakness and pinpoint its location in the mouth (whether unilateral or diffuse).
Using the “wife-beater” shirt to teach about hegemony and counterhegemony

Courses: Media Criticism, Media and Society, and Media and GenderObjectives: Students will gain a better understanding of how hegemony operates through culturally accepted norms that allow oppressive practices to endure in society. Students will then develop their own “culture jam” campaign to show them how counterhegemonic discourse can operate within the same contested spaces of popular culture to sometimes reform the status quo.
Genome Sequences of Two Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato Race 1 Strains, Isolated from Tomato Fields in California.

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato race 1 strains have evolved to overcome genetic resistance in tomato. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of two race 1 P. syringae pv. tomato strains, A9 and 407, isolated from diseased tomato plants in California.
SECURITY MECHANISMS AND ANALYSIS FOR INSECURE DATA STORAGE AND UNINTENDED DATA LEAKAGE FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Using one mobile programming language like Objective-C, Swift or Java is challenging enough because of the many things that need to be considered from a security point of view, like the programming language secure guidelines and vulnerabilities. With the introduction of Swift in 2014 it’s now possible to build Swift/Objective-C mobile applications. Building a mobile application using two languages also adds a greater attack surface for hackers because of the need for developers to stay up to date on vulnerabilities on more than one language and operating system. To our best knowledge, since as of today, there is no academic-research based effort comparing Swift, Objective-C and Android from a programming language and platform security point of view. Our comparative analysis covers a subset of OWASP top ten mobile vulnerabilities and seeing how Swift, Objective-C and Android programming languages safeguard against these risks and how the built-in platform security mechanisms for Android and Apple for the chosen subset of OWASP vulnerabilities compare when placed side-by-side.
3.07 – MRI of the Brain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides exquisite details of tissue contrast with multiplanar capability, and is an indispensable neuroimaging tool in routine clinical evaluation of disease as well as neuroscience research. Furthermore, with the development of advanced imaging techniques, MRI offers much more information beyond morphologic delineation. The use of functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, perfusion imaging, and spectroscopic imaging allows interrogation of brain function, connectivity, metabolism, hemodynamic properties, and diffusion-related phenomena. This chapter provides an overview of the applications of clinical and advanced MRI techniques to examine brain anatomy, brain development and aging, and a number of brain pathologies in adults and children.
Osteitis pubis as a complication of transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate.

AbstractWe report a case of osteitis pubis complicating transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate. This case best supports direct trauma to the symphysis pubis as an etiology. A literature review of osteitis pubis is presented.
Terahertz nonlinearities in semiconductor quantum wells

Results for terahertz/optical sum/difference-frequency generation (terahertz-sideband generation) in quantum wells are presented. This may provide the basis for frequency-shifting devices in the near infrared or visible with shifts on the order of 1 THz.
Natural History of Amyloidosis Isolated to Fat and Bone Marrow Aspirate

Background: Light chain Amyloidosis (AL) is characterized by deposition of light chain derived amyloid fibrils in major organs and/or soft tissue. An observational study on natural history and outcome of localized immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis without vital organ (liver, heart, kidney, peripheral and autonomic nervous system) involvement has shown extremely low rate of progression (1%) to systemic amyloidosis at a median follow-up of 74.4 months (Mahmood S et al. The Lancet Haematology; 2015; 6:e241-e250). There is, however, limited evidence in published literature on natural history of AL amyloidosis confined to fat and/or bone marrow biopsy, without involvement of vital organs or other soft tissues. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with AL amyloidosis limited to fat and/or bone marrow aspirate in a single-institution database. Patients were evaluated for progression to systemic amyloidosis. Statistical analysis was done using JMP 10.0.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). Results: We identified 117 patients, with a median age of 70 years, who had light chain amyloidosis detected in abdominal fat aspirate and/or bone marrow biopsy, without systemic involvement. Amyloid was seen in fat only in 39%, marrow only in 54% and in both sites in 7%. The median follow up was 45.6 months (95% CI-38.1-57.7) from detection of amyloid. Of these, 64% were alive at the time of analysis. Among 117 patients, 65 were treated for a diagnosis of another plasma cell disorder made prior to or concurrent with detection of amyloid. The remaining 52 patients only had isolated fat or marrow amyloid. Among 65 patients with another diagnosis of plasma cell disorder requiring treatment, 3 progressed to systemic amyloidosis, one each with cardiac, renal and lymph node (LN) involvement detected at 32, 42 and 65 months respectively from the detection of amyloid. The first 2 patients had underlying multiple myeloma, and the third patient with LN involvement had underlying Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Among 52 patients without another diagnosis of a plasma cell disorder requiring treatment, at a median follow up of 32 months, no progression to systemic amyloidosis was observed. Median overall survival (OS) in 117 patients from detection of amyloid, using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, was 60.2 months (95% CI-48.9-146.1). Conclusion: Our study highlights the fact that isolated amyloidosis detected in fat and/or bone marrow aspirate, in the absence of another plasma cell dyscrasias that require therapy, is unlikely to progress to systemic amyloidosis. Watchful waiting might be considered in such patients after a thorough evaluation to rule out systemic involvement. Disclosures Gertz:Smith Kline: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria; millenium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Sampling-based distributed Kernel mean matching using spark

Limited access to supervised information may forge scenarios in real-world data mining applications, where training and test data are interconnected by a covariate shift, i.e., having equal class conditional distribution with unequal covariate distribution. Traditional data mining techniques assume that both training and test data represent an identical distribution, therefore suffer in presence of a covariate shift. Kernel Mean Matching (KMM) is a well known approach that addresses covariate shift by weighing training instances appropriately. However, it has time complexity cubic in the size of training data, which is computationally impractical for large or streaming datasets due to limited scalability. In this paper, we present a sampling-based algorithm to address the limited scalability problem of KMM. Moreover, we show that the approach is highly parallelizable, and therefore propose a distributed algorithm for estimating training instance weights efficiently using Spark. Experiment results on benchmark datasets show that the proposed approach achieves competitive estimation accuracy within much lower execution time compared to the KMM algorithm. Moreover, it indicates that larger size of training data results into a higher accuracy with minimal effect on execution time of the proposed approach.
A Little Help From the Follicles: Understanding the Germinal Center Response to Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Infection and Prophylactic Vaccines

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of AIDS. There are currently more than 35 million people living with HIV infection worldwide, and more than 2 million new infections occur each year. The global pandemic caused by HIV-1 is the subject of numerous research projects, with the development of a prophylactic vaccine and a therapeutic cure being the ultimate goals. The classic paradigms of vaccinology have proven incapable of producing a viable vaccine due to the complexity of the virus’ replication cycle, its genetic diversity, and a lack of understanding of the immune correlates of protection. Here, we briefly discuss recent vaccine approaches and the immune correlates of protection from HIV-1 infection with a focus on the role of the germinal center as a reservoir of replication-competent virus and its role in the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies in response to vaccination.
EM-CAD for complex electronics systems: A journey from order to chaos

In this paper, we present recent progress in the first-principles modeling and quantitative statistical analysis of complex electronics systems. The scientific contributions are twofold: (i) high-performance and scalable algorithms to conquer the computational complexity of extreme-scale simulations on massively parallel computing platforms; (ii) hybrid deterministic and stochastic formulations for the statistical characterization of the in-situ performance and system behavior. The work overcomes some key challenges in the in-situ verification of complex electronic systems in realistic circumstances, and significantly advance electromagnetic- and multiphysics-based computer-aided design (EM-CAD) for IC, electronics and microwave applications.
Abstract 2047: The muscarinic receptor antagonist, benztropine, blocks the expansion of a temozolomide resistant subpopulation of glioma cells

Virtually all malignant gliomas become drug-resistant and recur after initial treatment, recurrent tumors are fatal within two-years, and no therapies exist that cure gliomas. The recognition that subpopulations of primitive cells with an oligodendrocyte precursor-like (OPC-like) phenotype capable of resisting standard therapy and contributing to recurrence, frames the question of whether adjuvant therapies designed to modify or eliminate OPC-like cells could slow the progression of glioma. Agents that force the differentiation of treatment-resistant OPC-like glioma cells, a phenomenon that requires cessation of proliferation, are compelling candidates for targeting OPC-like GSCs. Recently, it was observed that OPC proliferation was driven by activation of the M1, M3 and M4 muscarinic receptors. In another report, a large-scale drug screen designed to seek drugs to induce OPC differentiation in the context of multiple sclerosis identified a muscarinic receptor antagonist, benztropine (a.k.a. Cogentin), as a promoter of OPC differentiation and cell cycle exit. We have conducted studies in glioma cell lines supporting a role for benztropine in suppressing the development of drug-resistance to the standard glioma chemo-therapeutic temozolomide (TMZ). Upon treatment with TMZ, we identified the emergence of an OPC-like subpopulation of glioma cells identifiable by the co-expression of CD44, CD15 and PDGFRa. Treatment with pre-inhibitory doses of benztropine significantly reduced the TMZ IC50 in all glioma lines examined in association with blocking emergence of the CD44/CD15/PDGFR-positive subpopulation. Ongoing studies are designed to determine the tumor initiating potential of the CD44/CD15/PDGFR-positive subpopulation and whether benztropine will suppress the development of TMZ resistance in animal models of glioma. Citation Format: Damian A. Almiron Bonnin, Joseph M. Howard, Alison L. Young, Mark A. Israel, Matthew C. Havrda. The muscarinic receptor antagonist, benztropine, blocks the expansion of a temozolomide resistant subpopulation of glioma cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2047. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2047
Independent Word Discovery for People with Aphasia

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices help people with speech-language impairments due to aphasia express themselves more independently and fluently. However, current AACs are still limited in that they must be pre-programmed with common words or phrases prior to use. When people with aphasia encounter unexpected and unplanned situations or contexts, they may have difficulty using their AAC device to generate the desired speech. We present the design of an AAC application that uses image recognition technology to give people with aphasia just in time access to words. Our design automatically carries out an extensive retrieval of words associated with a captured image. The relevance, accuracy and usefulness of each word can then be verified independently by the user through an intensive retrieval of images associated with each word.
Clinical Approaches to Male Factor Infertility

Over the last several decades, male fertility has declined significantly worldwide including in the United States. Much effort has primarily focused on identifying etiologies and targeting potential areas to improve semen parameters in the management of male factor infertility. In this chapter, we systematically and comprehensively discussed the evaluation and therapeutic options of male factor infertility in this modern era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Effects of Future Connected Autonomous Vehicles on Freeway Congestion using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping

Continuing population growth and urbanization are projected to add 2.5 billion people to the world's urban population by 2050 [1]. It is evident that this will increase traffic congestion especially in the urban areas, which will bring economic, safety, environmental and quality of life challenges. There are various organizations looking for possible solutions to reduce the impact of future congestion by long term planning [2], most of these studies don't take into account emergence of disruptive technologies. The concept of vehicles with autonomous driving and online connectivity capabilities, namely, connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) is an emerging technology [3] which may contribute to the solution of this problem through adoption. This paper aims to shed light on effect of different levels of CAV adoption on congestion through scenario planning with fuzzy cognitive mapping. Different future scenarios on CAV adoption based on research and development being done on CAV technology [3] are run through a fuzzy cognitive model of congestion developed through detailed literature review. Results indicate CAV adoption provides an opportunity for reducing congestion. Therefore suggesting, investing in CAV enabling upgrades of existing roads, and giving incentives for CAV adoption, is a viable option for city planners' and local governments' project portfolios to reduce congestion.
Sub-population differences in the relationship between the neighborhood environment and Latinas' daily walking and vehicle time.

Abstract Background Over 60% of Latinas report not meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines of 150 min/week. Ecological models of health posit that intrapersonal and environmental factors interact with one another to influence physical activity. Understanding their interactions in relation to transportation behaviors may inform interventions to increase Latinas’ physical activity. Purpose To 1) objectively estimate walking and vehicle time in Latinas, 2) examine the association of, and interactions between, intrapersonal (socio-demographics and weight status) and neighborhood environmental correlates with objective daily walking and vehicle time. Methods A subsample of Latinas (n = 87) participating in a health intervention wore an accelerometer and GPS device for at least two valid wear days at baseline. The Personal Activity Location and Measurement System (PALMS) software estimated daily walking and vehicle time. Participants’ anthropometrics were measured, and they completed a survey assessing socio-demographic characteristics and perceived neighborhood environment. Generalized linear mixed models examined main effects and interactions of four intrapersonal and five environmental factors on daily walking and vehicle time. Results On average, participants walked 16 min/day and spent 69 min/day in a vehicle. Overweight/obesity was negatively associated with walking time (p = .04) and positively associated with vehicle time (p = 0.01). Household income was positively associated with vehicle time (p = 0.02). For daily walking time, two interactions were significant: perceived access to destinations X household income (p = 0.01), and perceived sidewalk maintenance X acculturation (p = 0.01). For daily vehicle time, two interactions were significant: perceived access to destinations X weight status (p Conclusion Latinas participated in relatively low walking time and high amounts of vehicle time. Findings suggest intrapersonal sub-group differences in the association of the neighborhood environment with walking and vehicle time. Improving neighborhood environments to promote walking and reduce vehicle time may help improve Latinas’ overall physical activity.
Coevolution of the Toll-Like Receptor 4 Complex with Calgranulins and Lipopolysaccharide

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induces inflammation in response to both pathogen- and host-derived molecules. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) recognition by TLR4 has been shown to occur across the amniotes, but endogenous signaling through TLR4 has not been validated outside of placental mammals. To determine whether endogenous danger signaling is also shared across amniotes, we studied the evolution of TLR4-activation by the calgranulin proteins (S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12), a clade of host molecules that potently activate TLR4 in placental mammals. We performed phylogenetic and syntenic analysis and found MRP-126-a gene in birds and reptiles-is likely orthologous to the mammalian calgranulins. We then used an ex vivo TLR4 activation assay to establish that calgranulin pro-inflammatory activity is not specific to placental mammals, but is also exhibited by representative marsupial and sauropsid species. This activity is strongly dependent on the cofactors CD14 and MD-2 for all species studied, suggesting a conserved mode of activation across the amniotes. Ortholog complementation experiments between the calgranulins, TLR4, CD14, and MD-2 revealed extensive lineage specific-coevolution and multi-way interactions between components that are necessary for the activation of NF-κB signaling by calgranulins and LPS. Our work demonstrates that calgranulin activation of TLR4 evolved at least ~320 million years ago and has been conserved in the amniote innate immune system.
First-Principles Integrated Adsorption Modeling for Selective Capture of Uranium from Seawater by Polyamidoxime Sorbent Materials.

Nuclear power is a relatively carbon-free energy source that has the capacity to be utilized today in an effort to stem the tides of global warming. The growing demand for nuclear energy, however, could put significant strain on our uranium ore resources, and the mining activities utilized to extract that ore can leave behind long-term environmental damage. A potential solution to enhance the supply of uranium fuel is to recover uranium from seawater using amidoximated adsorbent fibers. This technology has been studied for decades but is currently plagued by the material’s relatively poor selectivity of uranium over its main competitor vanadium. In this work, we investigate the binding schemes between uranium, vanadium, and the amidoxime functional groups on the adsorbent surface. Using quantum chemical methods, binding strengths are approximated for a set of complexation reactions between uranium and vanadium with amidoxime functionalities. Those approximations are then coupled with a comprehensive aqueo...
Lightweight Cardinality Estimation in LSM-based Systems

Data sources, such as social media, mobile apps and IoT sensors, generate billions of records each day. Keeping up with this influx of data while providing useful analytics to the users is a major challenge for today's data-intensive systems. A popular solution that allows such systems to handle rapidly incoming data is to rely on log-structured merge (LSM) storage models. LSM-based systems provide a tunable trade-off between ingesting vast amounts of data at a high rate and running efficient analytical queries on top of that data. For queries, it is well-known that the query processing performance largely depends on the ability to generate efficient execution plans. Previous research showed that OLAP query workloads rely on having small, yet precise, statistical summaries of the underlying data, which can drive the cost-based query optimization. In this paper we address the problem of computing data statistics for workloads with rapid data ingestion and propose a lightweight statistics-collection framework that exploits the properties of LSM storage. Our approach is designed to piggyback on the events (flush and merge) of the LSM lifecycle. This allows us to easily create an initial statistics and then keep them in sync with rapidly changing data while minimizing the overhead to the existing system. We have implemented and adapted well-known algorithms to produce various types of statistical synopses, including equi-width histograms, equi-height histograms, and wavelets. We performed an in-depth empirical evaluation that considers both the cardinality estimation accuracy and runtime overheads of collecting and using statistics. The experiments were conducted by prototyping our approach on top of Apache AsterixDB, an open source Big Data management system that has an entirely LSM-based storage backend.