cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytogenetic changes associated with myelodysplastic syndrome affecting bone marrow engraftment analysis

In vitro amplification of polymorphic genetic markers, especially short tandem repeats (STRs), has become standard laboratory practice in the monitoring of allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients. After initial analysis of donor and recipient samples at multiple loci before transplantation, one or more loci are used to follow engraftment status in subsequent specimens. We describe an unusual pattern of STRs in a transplanted patient with a prior history of refractory acute myelogenous leukemia. DNA chimerism studies showed a lack of engraftment at 1 and 2 months after transplantation. Atypical minor peaks occurred at each of three STR loci in the pre-transplant and 2-month post-transplant recipient samples. However, these peaks were of equal amplitude as the major corresponding allele in the 1-month post-transplant sample. A history of myelodysplasia with specific chromosomal deletions before the patient's acute myelogenous leukemia diagnosis appears to explain the spurious peaks. STR analysis of blood and archival paraffin-embedded tissues collected from the patient at various time points before transplantation reflected the evolution, progression, and response to therapy of the myelodysplasia. The case illustrates the need for comprehensive evaluation of pertinent clinical and laboratory data during engraftment monitoring to identify potential sources for error in interpretation of STR analysis.
Combining color and geometry for the active, visual recognition of shadows

Shadows are a frequent occurrence, but they cannot be infallibly recognized until a scene's geometry and lighting are known. We present a number of cues which together strongly suggest the identification of a shadow and which can be examined with low cost. The techniques are: a color image segmentation method that recovers single material surfaces as single image regions irregardless of the surface partially in shadow, a method to recover the penumbra and umbra of shadow; a method for determining whether some object could be obstructing a light source. The last cue requires the examination of well understood shadows in the scene. Our observer is equipped with an extendable probe for casting its own shadows. Actively obtained shadows allow the observer to experimentally determine the location of the light sources in the scene. The system has been tested both indoors and out. >
Space-time reversal techniques for wideband MIMO communication

This paper presents a framework for space-time reversal (STR) techniques in wideband MIMO communication systems for both single- and multi-user scenarios. We initially develop and analyze the STR framework in a point-to-point system which serves as a foundation and benchmark for multiuser scenarios. We also investigate an iterative STR scheme and discuss its connections to communication on the eigen modes of the space-time channel. We then explore the applicability of STR techniques in a multiuser setting, both in the broadcast and multiple-access modes. We present an initial set of observations on the convergence of the iterative STR technique in multiuser scenarios and using insights obtained in the single user setting, we propose and compare two different signaling mechanisms for multiuser systems that reliably separate the transmissions to/from different users. The relevant metrics in all the above scenarios are quantified analytically and illustrated with realistic simulation results.
Similarity Solutions for the Population Balance Equation Describing Particle Fragmentation

Similarity solutions are obtained to the population balance equation describing particulate systems undergoing fragmentation. The solutions are restricted only by the requirement that the breakage rate of particles of volume v be of the form φ(v) = Avb and the breakage distribution function of the form ω(u, v) = ƒ(v/u)/u, where u is the volume of the fragmenting particle. Under such conditions, the moments of the distribution asymptotically approach the form Ni(t) α t (1−i)/b , and the particle size distribution function is shown to obey a first-order linear ordinary integro-diflerential equation. For the case ƒ(v/u) = γ(v/u)γ−2, analytical solutions to the above equation were obtained. Complete solutions as well as asymptotic behavior are given. The results are potentially applicable to a wide range of particle fragmentation problems, including char/ash fragmentation during pulverized coal combustion, explosively generated aerosol formation, ore comminution, powder crushing and grinding, floe breakage, a...
Optimization of the pilot-to-data power ratio for DS-CDMA with linear interference suppression

We consider a direct sequence (DS-) CDMA system with orthogonally multiplexed pilot signals and minimum mean square error (MMSE) data and channel estimation. Large system analysis is used to optimize the pilot-to-data power ratio (PDR). Specifically, the PDR is selected to minimize the probability of error subject to a transmitted power constraint. Both flat and frequency-selective fading channels are considered. When the MMSE filter averages over the channels of the interferers, the optimal PDR is less than that for the matched filter. That is, the MMSE filter benefits from allocating more power to the data. For the case considered, when the MMSE filter directly incorporates channel estimates, the optimal PDR is greater than that for the matched filter.
Lymph node ratio predicts recurrence and survival after R0 resection for non-small cell lung cancer.

Background Current TNM non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) staging uses only the anatomic location of lymph nodes to define N status. Several other cancer staging systems have found lymph node ratio (LNR)—the number of positive lymph nodes/total lymph nodes resected—to be a better predictor of survival after resection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate LNR as a predictor of recurrence and survival after R0 resection for NSCLC. Methods A total of 1,143 consecutive patients underwent R0 resection for NSCLC between 1999 and 2008 at a high-volume single institution with 26% (n = 302) having N1 and N2 disease. The primary endpoints of the study were long-term survival and recurrence as a function of LNR. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were utilized to assess associations between LNR, N status, and pathologic stage with survival and recurrence after lung cancer resection. Results Median follow-up was 44 months and was complete in 97% of patients. Nodal status of patients in this study was as follows: N0 disease, 73.5%; N1 disease, 18.7%; and N2 disease, 7.8%. There were 132 recurrences in patients with nodal disease (43.7%). The pathologic stage of patients in the study was as follows: stage IIA, 47%; stage IIB, 17%; stage IIIA, 35%; and stage IIIB, 1%. Mean total number of lymph nodes sampled was 11.1 ± 6.0 and mean number of positive lymph nodes 2.4 ± 2.0. Upon statistical modeling, LNR was found to be independently associated with decreased survival after resection for NSCLC (hazard ratio 2.63, confidence interval: 1.41 to 4.91, p = 0.002). Conclusions In patients undergoing resection for NSCLC, increasing lymph node ratio is independently associated with decreased survival and decreased time to recurrence after R0 resection.
Superoxide signaling in perivascular adipose tissue promotes age‐related artery stiffness

We tested the hypothesis that superoxide signaling within aortic perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) contributes to large elastic artery stiffening in old mice. Young (4–6 months), old (26–28 months), and old treated with 4-Hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPOL), a superoxide scavenger (1 mm in drinking water for 3 weeks), male C57BL6/N mice were studied. Compared with young, old had greater large artery stiffness assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV, 436 ± 9 vs. 344 ± 5 cm s-1) and intrinsic mechanical testing (3821 ± 427 vs. 1925 ± 271 kPa) (both P < 0.05). TEMPOL treatment in old reversed both measures of arterial stiffness. Aortic PVAT superoxide production was greater in old (P < 0.05 vs. Y), which was normalized with TEMPOL. Compared with young, old controls had greater pro-inflammatory proteins in PVAT-conditioned media (P < 0.05). Young recipient mice transplanted with PVAT from old compared with young donors for 8 weeks had greater aPWV (409 ± 7 vs. 342 ± 8 cm s-1) and intrinsic mechanical properties (3197 ± 647 vs. 1889 ± 520 kPa) (both P < 0.05), which was abolished with TEMPOL supplementation in old donors. Tissue-cultured aortic segments from old in the presence of PVAT had greater mechanical stiffening compared with old cultured in the absence of PVAT and old with PVAT and TEMPOL (both, P < 0.05). In addition, PVAT-derived superoxide was associated with arterial wall hypertrophy and greater adventitial collagen I expression with aging that was attenuated by TEMPOL. Aging or TEMPOL treatment did not affect blood pressure. Our findings provide evidence for greater age-related superoxide production and pro-inflammatory proteins in PVAT, and directly link superoxide signaling in PVAT to large elastic artery stiffness.
A Theology of Illness: Franz Kafka's "A Country Doctor"

Franz Kafka's "A Country Doctor,"the story of a physician whose life is predicated on duty and responsibility, and yet who ultimately fails as healer and physician, is one of the first modernist stories about doctoring. In this perplexing story Kafka struggles to find the meaning of "duty" in a doctor's life as well as the relationship of "duty" to Kafka's concept of "faith." Kafka may have borrowed many of the concepts and images in his story from Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morals. But unlike Nietzsche, who was an atheist, Kafka was a religious skeptic. This story reflects his ambivalence toward his Jewish faith. He argues for the importance of faith by confronting its absence: How are we to live without it? Without faith, can physicians perform their duty to heal? Kafka believes that illness is fundamentally spiritual in origin, that physicians need moral knowledge to truly heal, and that the practice of medicine should be an act of faith.
Serial anthropometry predicts peripheral nerve dysfunction in a community cohort.

Background Obesity is a risk factor for glucose intolerance, but the independent role of obesity in the development of peripheral neuropathy is unclear. This study assessed the impact of body size trajectories on prevalent nerve dysfunction in community-dwelling women with and without glucose intolerance.
Platelet adhesion and activation on an amphoteric chitosan derivative bearing sulfonate groups

To improve blood compatibility of chitosan, a linear cationic polymer of d-glucosamine, we have synthesized an amphoteric derivative containing sulfonate functional groups. Unlike chitosan which is soluble only in acidic pH (<5.0), the sulfonated derivative was soluble over a wide pH range. Elemental analysis of N-sulfofurfuryl chitosan showed 5.20% sulfur content and the degree of substitution analysis confirmed 23.4% sulfofurfuryl substitution. Widescan electron spectroscope for chemical analysis (ESCA) showed the presence of sulfur (3.30%) and sodium (6.00%) on N-sulfofurfuryl chitosan surface. High resolution S2p spectra was entirely due to the -S-0- functional moiety of the sulfonate residues. As compared with an average of more than 73.0 platelets per 25 000 mm2 on unmodified chitosan, only 4.50 platelets were present on the sulfonated chitosan derivative. The extent of platelet activation was also significantly reduced on the N-sulfofurfuryl chitosan surface. N-sulfofurfuryl chitosan, an amphoteric watersoluble derivative, does appear to possess non-thrombogenic properties and may be suitable for some blood-contacting applications. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Cost-effectiveness of community-based management of acute malnutrition in Malawi

This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) to prevent deaths due to severe acute malnutrition among children under-five. The analysis used a decision tree model to compare the costs and effects of two options to treat severe acute malnutrition: existing health services with CMAM vs existing health services without CMAM. The model used outcome and cost data from a CMAM programme in Dowa district, Malawi and a set of key assumptions regarding treatment-seeking behaviour and mortality outcomes. Under our 'base case' scenario, we found that CMAM cost US$42 per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted (2007 US$) and US$493 per DALY averted under an assumed 'worst case' scenario for each variable. The results suggest that CMAM was highly cost-effective in the 'base case' as defined by the World Health Organization, as the cost per DALY falls well below Malawi's 2007 gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$250, and is within the range of DALYs reported for other child health interventions. Under a hypothetical 'worst case' for all variables, the model indicates CMAM is still cost-effective. The results indicate the decision to scale-up CMAM within essential health services in Dowa was a cost-effective one and that scaling up CMAM in similar contexts is also likely to be cost-effective. However, several contextual and programmatic factors should be considered when generalizing to diverse contexts.
Correlation detection of signals perturbed by a random channel

We show that the concept of correlation detection of deterministic signals in additive Gaussian noise can be extended in a natural manner to the detection of signals that are transmitted through a "Gaussian" random channel besides being corrupted by additive Gaussian noise. Such situations are typical in communication over scatter-multipath channels (with or without a specular component). In the deterministic case, the receiver essentially crosscorrelates the received signal with the signal before the additive noise was introduced. When a random channel is present, however, this latter signal, i.e., the output of the random channel, is not known at the receiver, However, knowing the statistics of the channel and the noise, the receiver can make an estimate of it from the received signal on the hypothesis that a particular signal was transmitted. The optimum receiver then crosscorrelates this estimate with the received signal.
Maternal and newborn outcomes following uterine rupture among women without versus those with a prior cesarean.

Objective: To compare outcomes from uterine ruptures (UR) among women without versus with a prior cesarean. Method: This case–control study matched on gestational age +/– 1 week and birth year +/– 2 years using a variable numbers of controls (maximum = 4) for each case. All URs in Massachusetts between 1990 and 1998 were identified using ICD-9 codes from linked hospital discharge and birth/fetal death certificate files and confirmed by medical record review. Complete hospitalization records were abstracted. Maternal outcomes were hysterectomy, transfusion, ICU admission, shock, assisted ventilation, and hospital length of stay. Infant outcomes were 5 min Apgar less than 3 or need for ventilation at birth, death, or poor prognosis at discharge. Results: The UR incidence in women without a prior cesarean was 7 per 100,000 births. Of the 49 women without a prior cesarean and a UR, 36 women met study criteria and were matched to 140 controls. Women without a prior cesarean had more severe maternal morbidity (...
Pre- and Postsurgical Approaches to the Treatment of the Adult with Hemiplegia Having Motor Balancing Surgery of the Upper Extremity

This paper describes both the pre and post surgical treatment of the adult hemiplegic who has a disabling spasticity in the upper extremity. This includes discussion of general criteria for selection used y the therapist as well as guidelines for therapy after surgery. Emphasis is on close collaboration with the surgeon and in meeting the daily functional needs of the patient.
Making writing assessment meaningful

One of the most important concepts we teach in our technical writing classes is audience analysis-who the audience members are, what they do, what they need from the writer to do their job. These concepts also apply to grading student assignments. In addition to an assessment of their performance on an assignment, the students need feedback that would help them learn and help them improve their performance. In addition, perhaps most important, they need to "buy into" the evaluation so they will accept and use the feedback rather than dismiss it as being nothing more than "the teacher's opinion". That analysis led the author to the practice she has been gradually incorporating in all her classes: student generation of evaluation criteria for each writing assignment. The author describes the procedure and enumerates what she considers to be its strengths.
Establishing Efficacy of Human Products Using Animals The US Food and Drug Administration’s “Animal Rule”

In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration issued regulations to allow the approval of human drugs and biological products based on animal efficacy studies when human efficacy studies would be unethical or not feasible. These regulations are intended to assist in the approval process for products aimed at preventing or treating human diseases caused by nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical agents that have the potential to harm a significant percentage of the US population. This article discusses the criteria that must be met to use the Animal Rule to demonstrate efficacy in place of human clinical trials.
What does nurse turnover rate mean and what is the rate

Registered nurse turnover is an important indicator of the nurse job market. Despite its wide use as a measure for health-care system analysis, there is a lack of consistency in the definition of turnover. Some definitions include any nurse leaving an organization; others may include involuntary and voluntary leaving. These inconsistent definitions also result in various turnover rates. The RN Work Project is a 10-year panel study of new nurses. Data were collected from the new nurses, rather than from a specific organization. About 17.5% of new nurses leave their first job within 1 year of starting their jobs. Consistent and accurate measurement of turnover is an important step in addressing organizational work environments and policies about the nursing workforce.
Porous-coated femoral components in a canine model for revision arthroplasty.

UNLABELLED Six dogs had a total hip arthroplasty during which the femoral component was coated with methacrylate and inserted in the femoral canal, after the canal had been reamed to a larger diameter than that of the femoral stem (including the coating). Thus, the implant was loose and motion was present between it and the femur in each animal. Five dogs had a revision to a prosthesis with a porous polysulfone-coated stem. This prosthesis was not cemented in place. One dog was killed before the revision for the purpose of histological examination. Although bone was present in the porous surface of all five stems at the revision, the amount was scant in three. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A model is described for the study of cemented hip-replacement prostheses that have failed. Although variable amounts of ingrowth of bone were observed after the revision to the porous-coated prostheses without bone cement, further study is needed to determine whether adequate ingrowth of bone occurs in this model.
Autoimmunity to citrullinated proteins and the initiation of rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the second most common human autoimmune disease, are primarily focused on the joints, causing disability and requiring life-long treatment to ameliorate signs and symptoms. The etiology of RA is unknown; however, important discoveries in two areas have been made which provide hope that the causal mechanisms can be identified. First, the most severe form of this disease is associated with the presence of humoral and cellular autoimmunity to citrullinated proteins and peptides. Second, in the natural history of RA, autoimmunity to citrullinated antigens appears years before the onset of clinically apparent disease. Herein is described a model in which to consider how these two features are linked during very early disease development.
Control versus causation of addiction

Heyman explains useful ways to bring addictive drug use under environmental control. We doubt that relapse is explained by drug features such as immediate reinforcement, clouding of judgment, and so forth. Relapse may require explanation in terms of enduring sensitization of incentive neural substrates, but even if its causal assumptions are wrong, Heyman's model makes useful predictions for behavioral control.
Applications of Limits and Derivatives

The Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) is the first application considered that uses concepts from the last three chapters. It is often considered an “obvious” result that has some important uses. The hypotheses in the IVT are very important and must be properly stated. The idea of the IVT is that a continuous function f(x) on an interval [a, b] cannot skip any values between f(a) and f(b), intermediate values. We consider one application of the IVT, the bisection method for finding zeroes of a function.
Changes in intracuff pressure of cuffed endotracheal tubes while positioning for adenotonsillectomy in children.

SummaryBackground When using cuffed endotracheal tubes (cETTs), changes in head and neck position can lead to changes in intracuff pressure. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of neck extension, shoulder roll placement, and Crowe-Davis retractor use during adenotonsillectomy on the intracuff pressure of cETTs in children. Methods Patients <18 years of age undergoing adenotonsillectomy under general anesthesia following the placement of a cETT were included in the study. After inflation of the cuff to seal the trachea, using the leak test, baseline intracuff pressure was recorded and then continuously monitored. After neck extension, placement of a shoulder roll, insertion of the Crow-Davis retractor, suspension from a Mayo stand, and positioning for surgery, the intracuff pressure was recorded again. Results The study cohort included 84 patients, ranging in age from 0.9 to 17 years (5.7 ± 3.9 years). In 46 patients (54.8%), the intracuff pressure increased from baseline after positioning for adenotonsillectomy. In 12 of these patients (14.3%), the intracuff pressure was >30 cmH2O. The intracuff pressure decreased in 28 patients (33.3%), while no change was noted in 10 patients (11.9%). Overall, the general trend was an increase in intracuff pressure from 15.9 ± 7.8 cmH2O to 18.9 ± 11.6 cmH2O. Conclusion Both increases and decreases in the intracuff pressure may occur following positioning of the pediatric patient for adenotonsillectomy. An increase in intracuff pressure may result in a higher risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa. A decrease in the intracuff pressure can result in an air leak resulting in inadequate ventilation, increased risk of aspiration, and even predispose to airway fire if oxygen-enriched gases are used. Continuous intracuff pressure monitoring or rechecking the intracuff pressure after positioning for adenotonsillectomy may be indicated.
Video mosaics

We present a method for creating a video mosaic, a two-dimensional arrangement of small source videos (tiles) that suggests a larger, unified target video. We develop a distance measure to assess the match between source and target based on average color and also three-dimensional wavelet decomposition signatures in the YIQ color space. We also introduce a dynamic programming algorithm that automatically chooses the smaller tiling sub-sequences from a large collection of candidate source video sequences to best match the target video. After the selection process, the color in the tiling videos is automatically adjusted to better suggest the target video. Finally, our method also supports the use of different tiling shapes to create an additional level of visual interest.
Modified target cancellation in hemispatial neglect.

A 70-year-old woman developed left hemispatial neglect following a right parietal haemorrhage (figure 1A). On a standard target cancellation task, she neglected 6/10 left-sided stimuli (figure 1B,C and see online supplementary video). However, on a modified target cancellation task (erasing targets …
Personal Learning Environments: A Solution for Self-Directed Learners.

In this paper I discuss personal learning environments and their diverse benefits, uses, and implications for life-long learning. Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) are Web 2.0 and social media technologies that enable individual learners the ability to manage their own learning. Self-directed learning is explored as a foundation for the use of PLEs. I outline the optimal criteria for social media tools to be used as PLEs: they must be easy to use, open, dynamic, and offer collaboration options. I discuss individual PLE tools with examples and possible uses. I list implications for educators and individual learners. I conclude the discussion with ideas for future study of PLEs in formal and informal learning.
Generation Investment Decision-making Under Uncertain Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation Policy

The impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission,CO2 in particular,on global climate warming,has become a focus of concern of many countries,especially developed ones. In view of the fact that different mechanisms for mitigating the CO2 emission have been employed or proposed in different countries or regions,and those already implemented are still in an evolutionary procedure,the future CO2 emission prices would be highly uncertain. Given this background,an effort is made for investigating the problem of generation investment decision-making in electricity market environment with uncertainties from the climate change policy for limiting the CO2 emission. The fuel prices,electricity prices and CO2 emission prices are respectively modeled based on their change characteristics. Under the existing real option approach (ROA) based methodological framework for the generation investment decision-making problem,a mathematical model accommodating multiple kinds of uncertainties and the solving method are developed. Finally,the proposed model and method are illustrated by a numerical example with different scenarios.
DETERMINATION OF SERUM SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR AND TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LEUKEMIA

Objective:To investigate the levels of serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL 2R) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF α)and their clinical significance.Methods:The serum levels of sIL 2R and TNF α in 58 children with AL before and after chemotherapy and 20 healthy ones were determined by ELISA and RIA.There were 27 children with acute lemphoblastic leukemia (ALL,20 patients at acute stage and 7 in remission),31 children with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL,28 patients at acute stage and 3 in remission).Results:The levels of sIL 2R and TNF α were significantly higher in children with AL at acute stage than in remission,no significant difference existed in levels of serum sIL 2R and TNF α between the patients with AL in remission and healthy ones.After chemotherapy,the levels of serum sIL 2R and TNF α in patients with AL in remission decreased to that in normal control.Before chemotherapy no significant difference existed to that in the levels of serum sIL 2R and TNF α between the patients died and those in remission .Conclusions: The levels of serum sIL 2R and TNF α in children with AL at acute stage are significantly high.Determination of the levels of serum sIL 2R and TNF α in children with AL may be useful to monitor the severity of the AL in children and to evaluate the effect of therapy.
Tuberculous Epididymo-Orchitis: A Case Report

Abstract We report a case of tuberculous epididymo-orchitis. The patient presented with scrotal swelling. The final pathological diagnosis was confirmed after surgical intervention.
Innate immunity and chronic rhinosinusitis: What we have learned from animal models

Objective Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disease characterized by dysregulated inflammation. Abnormalities in innate immune function including sinonasal epithelial cell barrier function, mucociliary clearance, response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), and the contribution of innate immune cells will be highlighted in this review. Data sources PubMed literature review. Review methods A review of the literature was conducted to determine what we have learned from animal models in relation to innate immunity and chronic rhinosinusitis. Results Dysregulation of innate immune mechanisms including sinonasal barrier function, mucociliary clearance, PAMPs, and innate immune cells such as eosinophils, mast cells, and innate lymphoid cells may contribute to CRS pathogenesis. Sinonasal inflammation has been studied using mouse, rat, rabbit, pig, and sheep explant or in vivo models. Study using these models has allowed for analysis of experimental therapeutics and furthered our understanding of the aforementioned aspects of the innate immune mechanism as it relates to sinonasal inflammation. These include augmenting mucociliary clearance through activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and study of drug toxicity on ciliary beat frequency. Knockout models of Toll-like receptors (TLR) have demonstrated the critical role these PRRs play in allergic inflammation as loss of TLR2 and TLR4 leads to decreased lower airway inflammation. Mast cell deficient mice are less susceptible to ovalbumin-induced sinonasal inflammation. Conclusion Animal models have shed light as to the potential contribution of dysregulated innate immunity in chronic sinonasal inflammation.
TET2 Regulates CD8+ T Cell Differentiation

Abstract Regulation of DNA methylation is critical for proper T cell differentiation and function. Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells undergo global remodeling of DNA methylation following viral infection, suggesting that DNA methylation may direct antigen-specific T cell responses. TET2 is a member of the Ten-Eleven-Translocation (TET) family, which converts 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and subsequent intermediates ultimately leading to DNA demethylation. How TET2 regulates T cell differentiation and function is unknown. Here we demonstrate that TET2 expression is regulated by TCR signaling in primary murine T cells. Furthermore, using a novel flow cytometric assay to measure 5hmC levels on a single cell basis, we find that TCR signaling also regulates TET activity as evidenced by a rapid increase in global 5hmC levels after TCR stimulation that is blunted in TET2-deficient T cells. To determine the role of TET2 in T cell responses, we generated mice deficient in TET2 in the T cell compartment (TET2fl/flCD4Cre+) mice. These mice develop grossly normal thymic and peripheral T cell subsets. Given the regulation of TET2’s expression and activity by TCR stimulation, we used a murine model of acute viral infection, specifically LCMV-Armstrong, to test if TET2 regulates antigen-specific T cell responses in vivo. Following viral challenge, TET2fl/flCD4Cre+ mice have similar antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion and effector responses but exhibit significantly enhanced memory CD8+ T cell differentiation compared to control mice. These data demonstrate that TET2 plays a critical role in directing CD8+ T cell differentiation and function. Studies are ongoing to identify specific TET2 regulated genes important in the development of CD8+ T cell memory. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Measurement of Operator Training Benefits

Benefits from operator training programs need to be measured to justify training budgets. Training benefits can be measured by both quantitative and qualitative procedures. Actual benefits from operator training programs are measured in terms of money saved on plant operation and maintenance, improved operator performance on certification examinations, better quality plant effluents, achievement of optimum chemical dose and favorable impressions on regulatory agency personnel. Benefits from training are also described on the basis of public satisfaction, public image, protection of capital investment, compliance with regulations, safety, staff selection and promotion and operator self-esteem.
Pressure reconstruction during water impact through particle image velocimetry: Methodology overview and applications to lightweight structures.

Abstract As composite structures are increasingly integrated in marine vessels, the need for a thorough, physically based understanding of fluid-structure interactions during hull slamming becomes a compelling issue. During sea keeping and maneuvering, hull slamming is responsible for highly impulsive loading conditions, which may result into undesired vibrations, fatigue, and, potentially, failure. Despite significant progress in experimental mechanics, detailed measurements of the spatio-temporal evolution of the hydrodynamic loading during hull slamming are not currently available. Here, we summarize recent progress by our group on the use of particle image velocimetry toward an improved understanding of hull slamming. Our research puts forward a purely data-driven methodology to reconstruct the pressure field generated during hull slamming from the direct measurement of the velocity field in the fluid flow. Beside methodological aspects of our work, we detail the implementation of the approach to address few exemplary open problems in hull slamming research.
Farms Productivity Developments Based on Malmquist Production Indices

The aim of the article was to evaluate production efficiency changes of agricultural enterprises specialized in livestock production and identify its determinants. The total factor productivity (TFP) was used to analyse the changes as determined by the DEA Malmquist index. Evaluated sample contained panel data of 440 farms (114 organic and 326 conventional) based on FADN survey in the period 2011 - 2015. The results showed very little difference in technical efficiency between groups and relatively negligible changes over the time. About 69% of organic farms reached the productivity growth with the change in TFP of 3.17%. A total of 59% of conventional farms were managed with increasing productivity and the TFP change by 1.48%. Differences between groups were given mainly by Utilized agricultural area per farm, level of Total production, Livestock output, sum of Current subsidies per hectare, and by FNVA / AWU.
Eigenmode analysis of compressional poloidal modes in a self-consistent magnetic field

In this study, we simulate a self-consistent magnetic field that satisfies force balance with a model ring current that is radially localized, axisymmetric and has anisotropic plasma pressure. We find that the magnetic field dip forms near the high plasma pressure region with β >∼ 0.6, and the formed magnetic dip becomes deeper for larger plasma β and lower anisotropy. We perform linear analysis on these self-consistent equilibria for second harmonic compressional poloidal modes of sufficiently high azimuthal wave number. We investigate the effect of anisotropic pressure on the eigenfrequency of the poloidal modes and the characteristics of the compressional magnetic field component. We find that the eigenfrequency is reduced at the outer edge of the thermal pressure peak and increased at the inner edge. The compressional magnetic field component occurs primarily within 10 degrees of the equator on both the inner and outer edges, with stronger compressional magnetic field component on the outer edge. Larger β and smaller anisotropy can increase the change of eigenfrequency and the strength of the compressional magnetic field component. The critical condition on plasma β and pressure anisotropy of an Alfven ballooning-instability is also identified.
The association between fatty acid index and in vitro fertilization outcomes

Fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in oocyte competence and early implantation of the embryo. Our hypothesis-generating study sought to determine if individual fatty acids expressed as a percentage of total erythrocyte fatty acids are associated with embryo quality and other in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. This was a prospective cohort study at an academic fertility center. Sixty women undergoing their first IVF cycle were recruited. Serum measurements of 22 fatty acids were obtained. We calculated each fatty acid as a percentage of total fatty acids, defined as the index for that individual fatty acid. Omega-3 index had no correlation with IVF outcomes. A negative correlation was found between the trans fatty acid index, elaidic acid (EA), and IVF outcomes, including fertilization rate (r = − 0.261, p = 0.04), blastocyst conversion rate (r = − 0.41, p = 0.001), and number of usable blastocysts and embryos (r = − 0.411, p = 0.001). There was no correlation between EA index and number of oocytes retrieved, embryo grade, or clinical pregnancy. No consistent correlations were observed with the additional fatty acids analyzed. No correlation was observed between omega-3 index and IVF outcomes. Elevated erythrocyte EA index, the major trans fatty acid commonly consumed in hydrogenated oils, margarine, and fried foods, was negatively correlated with number of usable blastocysts and embryos, blastocyst conversion, and fertilization rate. Our findings suggest preliminary evidence that trans fat may be negatively associated with IVF outcomes.
High Power Kick: Content Analysis of the USWNT 2015 World Cup Victory on American Front Pages

The 2015 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup final, won by the United States women’s national team (USWNT), was the most-watched soccer match (men or women) i...
Diagnostics of Inguinal Hernias

For generations, careful physical examination of the groin in patients presenting with inguinal pathology has been regarded as an essential surgical skill. Already in the eighteenth century, the famous Dutch surgeon Petrus Camper emphasized: “Among the defects of our body there are none of any more concern therefore requiring precise investigation, than hernias” [12]. In current surgical practice, the presence of an inguinal hernia can be diagnosed quite accurately by history and physical examination, and additional diagnostic modalities are seldom needed [17, 28]. The presenting symptom of a groin hernia is either discomfort or pain in the groin in the majority of patients [10]. Approximately one third of all patients is asymptomatic at presentation and presents with the sign of a non-tender bulge in the groin.
Copper Transport in Mammals

Copper is an important essential trace element for all living organisms needed for the activity of a variety of enzymes involved in critical areas of metabolism (Linder, 1991a; Linder and Hazegh-Azam, 1996). These include cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal enzyme of respiration; lysyl oxidase, essential for cross linking of elastin; dopamine-monooxygenase, required for synthesis of catecholamines; and several enzymes involved in anti-oxidant defense, notably ceruloplasmin, Cu/Zn Superoxide dismutase, and copperthionein. In most creatures including mammals, copper enters cells and organisms primarily or exclusively via absorption from the digestive tract. Adult humans consume in the range of 0.6–1.6 mg Cu per day, and a large proportion of this (60–70%) is absorbed. However, in considering the daily absorption, transport and metabolism of dietary copper, it is important to note that this occurs in the context of an even larger flux of copper from the body itself into the gastrointestinal tract, and back. This is surmised from the data on copper concentrations and daily volumes of GI fluids shown in Table 1. From these, it seems that almost 5 mg of Cu are secreted daily into the adult digestive tract as part of these various fluids. With the addition of dietary copper, a total of about 6 mg Cu daily thus enters the GI tract. Clearly, most of this is reabsorbed: only about 1 mg is lost in the feces; and dietary copper is only a small proportion of the total fluxing in and out of the digestive tract. Absorption and reabsorption of copper occur primarily in the small intestine, and the copper absorbed is in ionic form.
Sonora: A Prescriptive Model for Message Authoring on Twitter

Within social networks, certain messages propagate with more ease or attract more attention than others. This effect can be a consequence of several factors, such as topic of the message, number of followers, real-time relevance, person who is sending the message etc. Only one of these factors is within a user’s reach at authoring time: how to phrase the message. In this paper we examine how word choice contributes to the propagation of a message.
Hydroxyurea-induced HbF production in anemic primates : augmentation by erythropoietin, hematopoietic growth factors, and sodium butyrate

Hydroxyurea, a cell-cycle-specific cytotoxic agent, has been shown to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production. This property makes it an attractive drug for treatment of sickle cell disease and severe beta thalassemia. Its potential efficacy is limited because of a variable and often suboptimal response. Combinations of hydroxyurea and other drugs may induce more clinically significant increases in HbF. We have utilized chronically phlebotomized rhesus monkeys, treated with oral hydroxyurea, to investigate the capacity of several other agents to further augment HbF synthesis. Recombinant human erythropoietin, in super-pharmacologic doses, increased F-reticulocyte production when given on a weekly sequential schedule (3 of 7 days) with hydroxyurea (4 of 7 days), but it was less effective on an alternate day schedule when hydroxyurea was given daily. Neither recombinant human interleukin 3 (IL-3) nor recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), when infused individually, increased F-reticulocytes in animals receiving daily hydroxyurea. Sequential, overlapping infusions of IL-3 and GM-CSF produced a small but statistically significant increase in F-reticulocytes in one of two hydroxyurea-treated animals. Infusions of sodium butyrate produced a substantial augmentation in F-reticulocyte production in animals chronically treated with hydroxyurea. Thus, our studies have identified several agents that may prove useful in combination with hydroxyurea to achieve clinically beneficial levels of HbF.
Reward processing and irritability in young adults.

Abstract Despite increasing interest in the mechanisms of irritability, little research in this domain has been conducted with adults. The present study evaluates relationships among trait irritability, reward responsivity, and frustrative non-reward in a non-clinical sample of young adult females (n = 58) using a paradigm that has been used successfully in pediatric populations with clinically significant irritability. Similar to prior work in these pediatric populations, the frustration manipulation increased self-reported frustration and decreased task accuracy on trials requiring spatial attention shifts. Higher trait irritability was associated with smaller FRN amplitudes to loss feedback. Trait irritability was unrelated to the FRN to reward feedback and the reward positivity ERP. These findings provide preliminary evidence linking irritability with aberrant frustrative non-reward in a healthy young adult sample.
Content-Specific Leadership: Identifying Literature-Based Implications for Principal Preparation:

Principals are increasingly called upon to support effective instruction and student learning across content areas. Content and process standards emphasize the need for leadership that addresses te...
Review of elastomer seal assemblies in oil & gas wells: Performance evaluation, failure mechanisms, and gaps in industry standards

Abstract Elastomer seal assemblies are critical components for maintaining well integrity. Evidence suggests that failure of seal can lead to health, safety, and environmental consequences such as blowouts and oil spill. Regulators and the industry have acknowledged the need for improving design and qualification of elastomer seals, particularly for high pressure and high temperature applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of literature, research studies, and industry standards relevant to elastomer seal assemblies used in the oil and gas wells. The paper aims to investigate failure modes and various parameters influencing the performance of seal assemblies. The ultimate objective of the review is to discuss gaps in industry standards and propose major areas of research for improving seal reliability. The industry standards primarily focus on material testing and lack sufficient guidance on equipment level design of elastomer seals. Seal qualification processes are not customized according to design, scale, and function of seal assembly. Research efforts need to be extended beyond material testing to design aspects of seal equipment such as energization method, design of housing and supporting components, functional failures, etc. There is also an imperative need for reliable techniques to extrapolate lab-scale results to field-scale applications spanning years of service.