cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spot pricing of secondary spectrum access in wireless cellular networks

Recent deregulation initiatives enable cellular providers to sell excess spectrum for secondary usage. In this paper, we investigate the problem of optimal spot pricing of spectrum by a provider in the presence of both nonelastic primary users, with long-term commitments, and opportunistic, elastic secondary users. We first show that optimal pricing can be formulated as an infinite horizon average reward problem and solved using stochastic dynamic programming. Next, we investigate the design of efficient single pricing policies. We provide numerical and analytical evidences that static pricing policies do not perform well in such settings (in sharp contrast to settings where all the users are elastic). On the other hand, we prove that deterministic threshold pricing achieves optimal profit amongst all single-price policies and performs close to global optimal pricing. We characterize the profit regions of different pricing policies, as a function of the arrival rate of primary users. Under certain reasonable assumptions on the demand function, we prove that the profit region of threshold pricing is optimal and independent of the specific form of the demand function, and that it includes the profit region of static pricing. In addition, we show that the profit function of threshold pricing is unimodal in price. We determine a restricted interval in which the optimal threshold lies. These properties enable very efficient computation of the optimal threshold policy, which is far faster than that of the global optimal policy.
Localization of the Carbohydrate Recognition Sites of the Insulin-like Growth Factor II/Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor to Domains 3 and 9 of the Extracytoplasmic Region

The insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor is a multifunctional receptor that binds to a diverse array of mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) modified proteins as well as nonglycosylated ligands. Previous studies have mapped its two Man-6-P binding sites to a minimum of three domains, 1-3 and 7-9, within its 15-domain extracytoplasmic region. Since the primary amino acid determinants of carbohydrate recognition by the insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor are predicted by sequence alignment to the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor to reside within domains 3 and 9, constructs encoding either domain 3 alone or domain 9 alone were expressed in a Pichia pastoris expression system and tested for their ability to bind several carbohydrate ligands, including Man-6-P, pentamannosyl phosphate, the lysosomal enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, and the carbohydrate modifications (mannose 6-sulfate and Man-6-P methyl ester) found on Dictyostelium discoideum lysosomal enzymes. Although both constructs were functional in ligand binding and dissociation, these studies demonstrate the ability of domain 9 alone to fold into a high affinity (K(d) = 0.3 +/- 0.1 nm) carbohydrate-recognition domain whereas the domain 3 alone construct is capable of only low affinity binding (K(d) approximately 500 nm) toward beta-glucuronidase, suggesting that residues in adjacent domains (domains 1 and/or 2) are important, either directly or indirectly, for optimal binding by domain 3.
Laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery in obese patients: Comparison to open surgery

AbstractPurpose: The efficacy and morbidity of laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery in comparison to open surgery in obese patients are unknown. This retrospective study was performed to compare the outcome of laparoscopic versus open renal and adrenal surgery in the markedly and morbidly obese patient (body mass index 30 or greater).Materials and Methods: The study group comprised all obese patients undergoing laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery (laparoscopic group) from August 1997 to February 1998 at our institution. The majority of procedures were performed using a retroperitoneoscopic approach via the flank. These patients were compared with all obese patients undergoing open renal and adrenal surgery (open group) from 1994 to 1998. Open group patients with factors precluding laparoscopic surgery were excluded from the study (mass greater than 10 cm., renal vein and/or inferior vena caval thrombus and extension outside Gerota's fascia).Results: There were 21 obese patients in each group and base...
Arterio-Venous Fistula: Two Cases Realistic Numerical Blood Flow Simulations

Patients with ESRD ";End-stage renal disease"; require hemodialysis. The most desirable form of vascular access is the arterio-venous fistula (AVF). It is placed surgically joining an artery and a vein together. We propose an investigation protocol to understand the correlation between hemodynamics in this vessel and the associated clinical complications. Realistic 3D reconstruction of the fistula is the result of segmenting CT angiography images for two cases. Then the geometrical model is preprocessed by hybrid meshing and CFD results are confronted with medical image data such as calcifications.
Breast-related effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators and tissue-selective estrogen complexes

A number of available treatments provide relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, as breast safety is a major concern, new options are needed, particularly agents with an improved mammary safety profile. Results from several large randomized and observational studies have shown an association between hormone therapy, particularly combined estrogen-progestin therapy, and a small increased risk of breast cancer and breast pain or tenderness. In addition, progestin-containing hormone therapy has been shown to increase mammographic breast density, which is an important risk factor for breast cancer. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) provide bone protection, are generally well tolerated, and have demonstrated reductions in breast cancer risk, but do not relieve menopausal symptoms (that is, vasomotor symptoms). Tissue-selective estrogen complexes (TSECs) pair a SERM with one or more estrogens and aim to blend the positive effects of the components to provide relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis without stimulating the breast or endometrium. One TSEC combination pairing conjugated estrogens (CEs) with the SERM bazedoxifene (BZA) has completed clinical development and is now available as an alternative option for menopausal therapy. Preclinical evidence suggests that CE/BZA induces inhibitory effects on breast tissue, and phase 3 clinical studies suggest breast neutrality, with no increases seen in breast tenderness, breast density, or cancer. In non-hysterectomized postmenopausal women, CE/BZA was associated with increased bone mineral density and relief of menopausal symptoms, along with endometrial safety. Taken together, these results support the potential of CE/BZA for the relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis combined with breast and endometrial safety.
Regulation of TNF mediated antiapoptotic signaling in human neutrophils: role of δ-PKC and ERK1/2

TNF is implicated in the suppression of neutrophil apoptosis during sepsis. Multiple signaling pathways are involved in TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling; a role for the MAP kinases (MAPK), ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK has been suggested. Antiapoptotic signaling is mediated principally through TNF receptor-1 (TNFR-1), and the PKC isotype-delta (delta-PKC) is a critical regulator of TNFR-1 signaling. delta-PKC associates with TNFR-1 in response to TNF and is required for NFkappaB activation and inhibition of caspase 3. The role of delta-PKC in TNF-mediated activation of MAPK is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the MAPK, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK are involved in TNF antiapoptotic signaling and whether delta-PKC is a key regulator of MAPK activation by TNF. In human neutrophils, TNF activated both p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 principally via TNFR-1. The MEK1/2 inhibitors PD098059 and U0126, but not the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, decreased TNF antiapoptotic signaling as measured by caspase 3 activity. A specific delta-PKC antagonist, V1.1delta-PKC-Tat peptide, inhibited TNF-mediated ERK1/2 activation, but not p38 MAPK. ERK1/2 inhibition did not alter recruitment of delta-PKC to TNFR-1, indicating delta-PKC is acting upstream of ERK1/2. In HL-60 cells differentiated to a neutrophilic phenotype, delta-PKC depletion by delta-PKC siRNA resulted in inhibition of TNF mediated ERK1/2 activation but not p38 MAPK. Thus, ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK, is an essential component of TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling. In human neutrophils, delta-PKC is a positive regulator of ERK1/2 activation via TNFR-1 but has no role in p38 MAPK activation.
Prognosis and risk factors for early-stage adenoid cystic carcinoma of the major salivary glands

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is characterized by slow growth, frequent local recurrences, and distant metastasis (DM). However, these findings frequently are reported in patients with advanced-stage tumors, but the outcomes of early-stage tumors are poorly defined. We sought to evaluate the risk factors for the development of DM in early-stage ACC.We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 60 patients who were diagnosed with clinical early-stage (T1-2/N0) ACC to determine the risk factors for development of DM and survival of these patients.DM was detected in 12 (20%) of the patients, with a median latency of 31.5 months after diagnosis. Univariate analysis revealed that DM was associated with age ≥45 years, pathologically positive lymph nodes, extracapsular spread (ECS) from lymph nodes, high-grade histology, and solid tumor subtype. Multivariate analysis revealed solid tumor subtype and ECS to be significantly associated with DM. Disease-specific survival rates at 5 and 10 years for patients with DM were 80% and 40%, respectively, and were both 100% for patients without DM.Although the majority of patients with clinical early-stage ACC of the major salivary glands have favorable prognosis, a significant percentage of patients will develop DM. Solid tumor subtype and nodal ECS were independent predictors of DM in early-stage ACC of major salivary glands. Other clinical and pathological variables may also contribute. These subgroups had poor overall and disease-specific survival. Such patients should be observed closely for the development of DM. Systemic therapy should be considered at the time of diagnosis.
Dancing on the deck of the Titanic? Adult education, the nation-state and new social movements

This article begins with a discussion of the implications of CONFINTEA VI having been organised in Brazil – the author uses the term “Brazilian effect” – and the role of social movements challenging neoliberalism. Next, drawing from the experience of Latin America, this paper analyses the counter-hegemonic practice of the new social movements. The concluding section highlights the dilemmas faced by UNESCO in trying to create a democratic and efficient process of policy-making and institutional service in adult education in the nation-states. Furthermore, the proposal of popular education portrayed by the new social movements is described as a tool for empowerment. CONFINTEA VI’s recommendation of moving from rhetoric to action in adult education programmes, practices and policies demands that we take the agendas of the new social movements in the post-neoliberalism era seriously.
Photonic integration using asymmetric twin-waveguide (ATG) technology: part II-devices

Asymmetric twin-waveguide (ATG) technology has been shown to be a versatile and high-performance platform for the integration of a wide range of photonic integrated circuits. Following the conceptual and theoretical description in the preceding paper, here we discuss several archetype ATG-based photonic integrated devices and circuits. We present results on the three basic device classes that span the entire range of photonic component needs: light emitters, detectors, and light transporting devices (e.g., waveguides) that have been realized using the twin waveguide platform. Specifically, we discuss Fabry-Pe/spl acute/rot and wavelength-tunable lasers, high-bandwidth p-i-n photodiodes, a polarization-insensitive arrayed waveguide grating receiver with integrated p-i-n photodiodes, as well as combinations of functions including integrated electroabsorption-modulated lasers, and a semiconductor optical amplifier integrated with a p-i-n photodiode. Finally, we address potential integration challenges and novel applications of the ATG scheme, and avenues for improvement.
Parry Fractures and Female-Directed Interpersonal Violence: Implications from the Late-Archaic Period of West-Tennessee

The recognition of a high frequency of 'parry' fractures in the females from the Late Archaic Period (2500-1000/500 BC) west Tennessee site of Eva prompted a more thorough examination of female-directed interpersonal violence in prehistoric Tennessee sites. The study examined forearm fractures in eight (N = 308) Late Archaic Period hunter-gatherer sites and five (N = 501) Mississippian Period (c. AD 1200-1600) agriculturalist sites. On the basis of chi-square test results, there does not appear to be any gender bias in forearm fracture occurrence in the Archaic Period. The high frequency of female 'parry' fractures at Eva was an artefact of the ratio of females to males. More importantly, craniofacial trauma data do not support an aetiology that would explain mid-shaft forearm fractures as a result of interpersonal violence. Language: en
TCR Agonist and Antagonist Exert In Vivo Cross-Regulation When Presented on Igs

Ig-PLP1 and Ig-PLP-LR are chimeric Igs expressing proteolipid protein (PLP)-derived T cell agonist (PLP1) and antagonist (PLP-LR) peptides, respectively. Both chimeras, like free PLP1 and PLP-LR peptides, induce in vivo-specific T cell responses. However, the responses induced by Ig-PLP1 and Ig-PLP-LR were cross-reactive with both PLP1 and PLP-LR peptides, while those induced by free peptides were not. Surprisingly, despite the cross-reactivity of the responses, when Ig-PLP1 and Ig-PLP-LR were administered together into mice, a dose-dependent down-regulation of both T cell responses and a reduction of IL-2 production to background levels was observed. In contrast, when T cells induced by either Ig chimera were stimulated in vitro with mixtures of free PLP1 and PLP-LR peptides, there was no down-regulation of proliferation or decrease in IL-2 production. These data indicate that Ig-PLP1 and Ig-PLP-LR exert adverse reactions on one another at the level of naive T cells, resulting in an opposite antagonism. However, naive T cells experiencing either chimera develop into cross-reactive cells, acquire resistance to TCR triggering by closely related but different peptides, and support responsiveness.
A simple thinning technique for transmission electron microscopy observation of an AlCu alloy

During the course of a study of the age-hardening characteristics of AI-4 wt.% Cu alloy under stress the need for thinning this alloy for transmission electron microscopy became apparent. Although ~me microscopic ~vestigation of A1-Cu alloys has been reported in the literature [1, 2], no standard procedure for preparing thin foils was to be found. In the following we describe in detail a quick and effective method of preparing t,hin foils of this al~ioy. First, a specimen (approximately ~ in. square and 0.01 in. thick) is cut from the age-hardened single crystal using ~n A1203 cut-off wheel (0.015 in. thick). While mounted on a small metal bloct: ~vith wax the specimen is very slowly wet-ground (using only 400 and 600 grade silicon carbide paper on polishing wheels) to a thickness of approximately 0.005 in. Exl~re.rne caution is r.ecessary in order to prevent introducing any deformation iin the specimen. The specimen is then mounted in a holder ctevised by Goodell [3], as :shown in Fig. 1. The specimen holder is simpb a long (approx. 9 in.) stainless steel rod ~ 'J in. diam) with a housing at one end to hold two round stainless steel inserts. The specimen is held betweei~ these two inserts. The above assembiy is lacquered with a paint (trade name Microstop) to prevent it from being attacked by the electrolyte (see Fig. 1). Important to note here is that the central portion of the inserts is left unlacquered. This ensures a free flow zone around that area of the specimen which is to be ~hinned [4]. As a result, the electrolyte action usually produces a fairly large thinned region around the central hole, thus providing a large overall
Shipboard Maintenance: What Do Surface Warfare Officers Need to Know—and When Do They Need to Know It?

As the Navy has moved into the 21st century and the War on Terror has unfolded, the challenges to ship maintenance management have never been greater. These challenges include: a continuing high operating tempo compounded by less predictable schedules and coupled with fewer, shorter scheduled opportunities to conduct maintenance; a fleet of fewer albeit more capable-and therefore more complex-ships; a trend toward smaller, perhaps less stable crews to operate and maintain the ships; and continuing competition for the available budget dollars between operations and maintenance, as well as between current and future readiness concerns. In an era of "operations focused maintenance," what is the role of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) in managing their shipboard maintenance? What do they need to know, and when do they need to know it? This paper addresses these questions and related issues and offers, where applicable, some near-term and long-term recommendations for improvement.
A Study of Magnetic Sawing in an Aluminum Bar

Magnetic sawing is a phenomenon that can severely damage electrical conductors. In this process, high local current densities melt the conductor and eject the liquid metal through magnetic forces. This is exacerbated at the interface between dissimilar metals. To further characterize magnetic sawing, we used a new technique with alternating strips of copper conductors and G-10 insulators placed onto an aluminum alloy bar. When a current of 1.7 MA was applied to the copper strips and aluminum, the bar experienced severe magnetic sawing. We repeated the experiment with different current pulses to study the effects of electrical action. Results show that increasing the action greatly increases the severity of the damage
Mount Johnson, Quebec —An example of silicate-liquid immiscibility?

Mount Johnson, a member of the Monteregian Hills petrographic province in Quebec, is a cylindrical, pluglike intrusion in which the silicic peripheral unit (pulaskite) appears to have been emplaced prior to the more mafic transition and core units (essexite). Liquid immiscibility has been invoked to explain this emplacement sequence. The partitioning of trace elements between ocelli-matrix pairs (which have been shown to be the result of liquid immiscibility) from two Monteregian sills is compared to the partitioning of the same elements between peripheral-unit rocks and transition-unit rocks at Mount Johnson. In general, the low-field strength elements are relatively enriched in the silicic material and the high-field strength elements are relatively enriched in the mafic material. The distribution of the trace elements is quite similar for the sills and Mount Johnson. It is concluded that two magmas were involved in the formation of Mount Johnson. The first magma split into two immiscible liquids to form the peripheral-unit and transition-unit rocks, and the second magma was subsequently intruded up the center of the conduit to form the core-unit rocks.
Papillary tumor of the pineal region with extended clinical and radiologic follow-up.

BACKGROUND Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a rare neoplasm with only anecdotal data to guide the treatment. Results of treatment with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have been reported to have varying degrees of success. Here we report a patient with a PTPR, who underwent subtotal resection, gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery, and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy. CASE DESCRIPTION During 9 years of clinical and radiographic follow-up, the patient has had regression of residual tumor and remains asymptomatic. CONCLUSION When gross total resection of a PTPR is not possible, treatment with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery and temozolomide chemotherapy may provide long-term tumor control.
Patch-clamping drosophila sensory neurons

Electrophysiological studies provide essential clues about the regulation and physiological function of ion channel proteins. Probing ion channel activity in vivo, though, often is challenging. This can limit the usefulness of such model organisms as Drosophila for electrophysiological studies. This is unfortunate because these genetically tractable organisms represent powerful research tools that facilitate elaboration of complex questions of physiology. Here, we describe a recently developed method for recording ion channel activity in Drosophila sensory neurons. This approach is based on patch-clamping primary neuron cultures from Drosophila embryos. Such cultures allow the study of ion channels in different genetic backgrounds. In addition to describing how to prepare a primary neuronal cell culture from Drosophila embryos, we discuss, as an example of utility, analysis of Na(+) currents in cultured class IV multidendritic (md) sensory neurons with the patch clamp technique. Excitability of md sensory neurons, manifested as action potential firing, is revealed with whole-cell current-clamping. Voltage-clamping class IV md neurons revealed the activity of the voltage-gated Na(+) channel, paralytic. Moreover, challenging class IV md neurons with acidic pH activates acid-sensing inward Na(+) currents. Genetic manipulation of Drosophila combined with this electrophysiological readout of activity identifies pickpocket1 (Ppk1), a member of the Deg/ENaC channel family, as responsible for conducting an acid-sensing Na(+) current in class IV md sensory neurons.
Abstract A2-35: Discovery of differentiation therapeutics using a systems biology approach

Accurately assessing the changes in cellular differentiation status in response to drug treatments or genetic manipulations is crucial for understanding the tumorigenesis process and developing novel therapeutics for human cancer. Here we have developed a novel systems biology approach, called the Lineage Maturation Index (LMI), to define the changes in differentiation state of cancer cells based on their gene expression profiles. We have been focusing on hematopoietic malignancies, but this approach is applicable to many human cancer types. We define the expression profile of N genes within a cell to be a point in an N-dimensional space. A lineage vector is derived from a progenitor cell (such as a hematopoietic stem cell) to a mature cell (such as a granulocyte) based on the expression of these N genes. By projecting the expression profile of an unknown cell onto the lineage vector, an LMI can be computed for the differentiation state of this specific cell. Upon drug treatments or genetic manipulations, a shift in LMI from stem cells towards mature cell types indicates differentiation. We have confirmed that the LMI approach can track the differentiation of normal hematopoietic cells. We have further shown that differentiation is a major consequence of various targeted therapies against leukemia irrespective of the driving oncogenes. Most importantly, we have used this approach to analyze the Connectivity Map HL60 leukemia data set for drugs that can induce leukemia cells to differentiate. In addition to drugs known to have differentiation activities (such as all-trans retinoic acid and etoposide), we discovered that several novel drugs (such as dihydroergotamine, mebendazole, and clonidine) have potent differentiation activities in leukemia cells. Currently, we are expanding our study into multiple types of solid tumors, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Our LMI approach is highly robust in characterizing differentiation of the cancer cells and discovering novel differentiation therapies for human cancer. Citation Format: Yulin Li, Jun Seita, Dean Felsher, David Dill. Discovery of differentiation therapeutics using a systems biology approach. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translation of the Cancer Genome; Feb 7-9, 2015; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(22 Suppl 1):Abstract nr A2-35.
Shoreline Change at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

The Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin was completed in 1991. The groin was built to provide protection to the bridge crossing the inlet. A detailed monitoring program has analyzed shoreline position with the use of aerial photographs collected every two months. To date, no adverse impacts of the groin have been found on the shoreline within a 6 mile distance downdrift of the groin.
Focused real-time dynamic programming for MDPs: squeezing more out of a heuristic

Real-time dynamic programming (RTDP) is a heuristic search algorithm for solving MDPs. We present a modified algorithm called Focused RTDP with several improvements. While RTDP maintains only an upper bound on the long-term reward function, FRTDP maintains two-sided bounds and bases the output policy on the lower bound. FRTDP guides search with a new rule for outcome selection, focusing on parts of the search graph that contribute most to uncertainty about the values of good policies. FRTDP has modified trial termination criteria that should allow it to solve some problems (within E) that RTDP cannot. Experiments show that for all the problems we studied, FRTDP significantly outperforms RTDP and LRTDP, and converges with up to six times fewer backups than the state-of-the-art HDP algorithm.
Glucocorticoids stimulate Na+/H+ antiporter in OKP cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that systemic administration of glucocorticoids stimulates proximal tubule acidification in part by increasing Na+/H+ antiporter activity; however, these studies ...
Spin-Flip Raman Scattering

The polarization selection rules, resonance enhancement and spontaneous linewidth of spin-flip Raman scattering in InSb in the 5μm near resonance regime are reviewed. The suitability of the InSb spin-flip Raman laser for spectroscopic applications is discussed.
Microfauna Within Biological Soil Crusts

Biocrusts serve as unique habitat for a broad range of microfauna, including protozoa, nematodes, tardigrades, rotifers, mites, collembolans, and even larger arthropods and mollusks. These microfauna feed on the bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, and plant roots that are found in the biocrusts, and the consumer food web as a whole performs several important functions, such as cycling nutrients, dispersing propagules, and moderating their microbial prey populations. Many species of biocrust microfauna tolerate periods of drought in an anhydrobiotic dormant state, so they are typically active only during brief windows of time. Most microfaunal groups tend to be more abundant, species rich, and diverse in mature, late-successional stage biocrusts that are dominated by diverse microflora (such as lichens, mosses, fungi, and cyanobacteria) than in early successional stage biocrusts that are dominated by less diverse microflora (such as cyanobacteria alone). Biocrust microfauna are susceptible to the same surface disturbances that affect biocrust microflora, such as physical trampling or altered temperature and summer precipitation, but the specific ecosystem consequences of altered community composition due to surface disturbances are still largely unknown. To fully understand the ecosystem consequences of biocrust microfauna, we propose that the three main research needs in the future are to: (1) identify specific feeding behaviors of individual species, (2) increase the taxonomic resolution of ecological studies to the level of species, and (3) identify the ecologically relevant genetic and genomic aspects of microfaunal adaptations to the biocrust habitat.
Efficacy of Organic Acids Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 Attached to Beef Carcass Tissue Using a Pilot Scale Model Carcass Washer1

The efficacy of organic acids for controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 attached to beef carcass tissue was determined using a pilot scale model carcass washer. Lean or adipose surface tissues from beef carcasses were inoculated with three strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Pseudomonas fluorescens . After spraying either water, 1, 3, or 5% acetic, lactic, or citric acids at 24°C, tissues were incubated for 24 h at 4°C and bacterial populations enumerated. Statistical analyses of the data indicated that acid type was not a significant treatment factor (p ≥ = 0.05); however, concentration, tissue type, and bacterial strain were significant (p ≤ = 0.0001) factors that influenced the reduction of bacterial populations on lean or adipose tissue. Of the concentrations tested on lean tissue, spray treatments with 5% were the most effective for reducing populations of E. coli O157:H7 or P. fluorescens . Differences in the resistances of the E. coli O157:H7 strains to acid washing also were observed. The magnitude of bacterial population reductions was consistently greater on adipose versus lean tissue for all bacterial strains. Surface pH data indicated that reductions of bacterial populations may have been due to the effects of acidic pH. This study demonstrates that, while organic acids did reduce populations of E. coli O157:H7 on red meat, treatments did not completely inactivate the pathogen.
Detailed prospective peer review in a community radiation oncology clinic

Abstract Purpose In 2012, we instituted detailed prospective peer review of new cases. We present the outcomes of peer review on patient management and time required for peer review. Methods and materials Peer review rounds were held 3 to 4 days weekly and required 2 physicians to review pertinent information from the electronic medical record and treatment planning system. Eight aspects were reviewed for each case: 1) workup and staging; 2) treatment intent and prescription; 3) position, immobilization, and simulation; 4) motion assessment and management; 5) target contours; 6) normal tissue contours; 7) target dosimetry; and 8) normal tissue dosimetry. Cases were marked as, "Meets standard of care," "Variation," or "Major deviation." Changes in treatment plan were noted. As our process evolved, we recorded the time spent reviewing each case. Results From 2012 to 2014, we collected peer review data on 442 of 465 (95%) radiation therapy patients treated in our hospital-based clinic. Overall, 91 (20.6%) of the cases were marked as having a variation, and 3 (0.7%) as major deviation. Forty-two (9.5%) of the cases were altered after peer review. An overall peer review score of "Variation" or "Major deviation" was highly associated with a change in treatment plan ( P Conclusions Prospective peer review is feasible in a community radiation oncology practice. Our process led to changes in 9.5% of cases. Peer review should focus on technical factors such as target contours and dosimetry. Peer review required 7 minutes per case.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Bone Marrow Hemophagocytosis: A 5-Year Institutional Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Objective The purpose of this study was to correlate the significance of bone marrow hemophagocytosis and analyze outcome data in patients with suspected hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) at a tertiary care hospital during the course of 5 years. Methods The pathology database of State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, was searched for the terms "hemophagocytosis," "hemophagocytic syndrome," and "hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis" encompassing the period January 2009-December 2014. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy specimens, along with ancillary laboratory studies, clinical course, and outcome data, were reviewed for each case. Results Of the 23 patients included in our study, HLH was diagnosed in 14 (60.8%). Bone marrow hemophagocytosis (HPC) was seen in a higher proportion of patients (78.5%) who were diagnosed as having HLH; however, 55.5% of the patients who were not diagnosed as having HLH also showed evidence of bone marrow HPC. Patients with malignancy-associated HLH had a markedly worse outcome compared with patients with nonmalignancy-associated HLH. Conclusions Although bone marrow HPC is fairly sensitive, it is not specific to establish a diagnosis of HLH. A high index of clinical suspicion together with early diagnosis and treatment is imperative to improve outcomes in patients suspected of having HLH.
Active site of bee venom phospholipase A2: the role of histidine-34, aspartate-64 and tyrosine-87.

In bee venom phospholipase A2, histidine-34 probably functions as a Bronsted base to deprotonate the attacking water. Aspartate-64 and tyrosine-87 form a hydrogen bonding network with histidine-34. We have prepared mutants at these positions and studied their kinetic properties. The mutant in which histidine-34 is changed to glutamine is catalytically inactive, while the mutants in which aspartate-64 is changed to asparagine or alanine (interfacial turnover numbers are reduced by 50-100-fold) or in which tyrosine-87 is changed to phenylalanine (no change in turnover number) retain good activity. The interfacial Michaelis constants are changed by less than 10-fold for all mutants. Molecular simulations suggest that mutation of aspartate-64 and tyrosine-87 should yield enzymes that retain a native-like structure and support catalysis. The pKa of the histidine-34 imidazole was deduced from the pH-rate profile and from the pH dependence of the rate of histidine-34 alkylation by 2-bromo-4'-nitroacetophenone. The pKa is increased about one-half unit by the tyrosine-87 mutation and reduced about one-half unit by the aspartate-64 to asparagine mutation, while in the aspartate-64 to alanine mutant the pKa is unchanged. These pKas are generally consistent with results of electrostatic calculations and suggest that the hydrogen bond between aspartate-64 and histidine-34 is not unusually strong. The hydrogen bonding network linking tyrosine-87 to aspartate-64 and aspartate-64 to histidine-34 is not critical for catalysis.
Relation of Body Mass Index and Gender to Left Atrial Size and Atrial Fibrillation.

Increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity are associated with greater risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether this correlation is independent and gender specific remains unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize the relation between BMI, left atrial (LA) size, and presence of AF and determine whether this association is gender specific. We prospectively studied 499 patients who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram at an academic tertiary care medical center. Clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained. The primary outcome of interest was the presence of AF. Of 499 patients studied, 240 (48.1%) were men and 259 (51.9%) were women. Of these, 151 (30.1%) had normal BMI, 181 (36.3%) were overweight, and 167 (33.5%) were obese. Obese patients were younger and had larger LA diameters, LA areas (LAAs), and LA volumes (LAVs). Rates of AF were similar among the BMI classes in the overall population and in men and women separately. In multivariate analysis, BMI and gender were both independently associated with LA diameter, LAA, and LAV. Age (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04, p = 0.023) and LA diameter (odds ratio 2.52, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.97, p <0.001) were the only determinants of the presence of AF in the overall population. BMI and gender were not independently associated with AF. In this observational study, our findings demonstrate that higher BMI and male gender were independently associated with greater LA diameter, LAA, and LAV. Older age and greater LA diameter were independently associated with higher rates of AF, whereas BMI and gender were not.
Accommodation Use during Content Area Instruction for Students with Reading Difficulties: Teacher and Student Perspectives.

Accommodations are often necessary to help students with reading difficulties access instructional materials that facilitate learning across content areas. However, the extent to which students wit...
Treatment Strategies for Hypercholesterolemia

Background Atherosclerotic disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adults and is generally thought of as only affecting adults. However, the pathologic changes in vessels leading to atherosclerosis, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, have been shown to begin in early adolescence. Objectives There is a growing body of literature suggesting that earlier treatment, through lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy, can help reduce this risk. A growing number of children are presenting with elevated cholesterol because of the increased prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Methods In addition, an increasing number of children are living with previously fatal diseases that increase the risk of atherosclerosis, either because of the disease process or as adverse effect of the treatment, such as human immunodeficiency virus, Kawasaki disease, and cardiac transplantation. Result and conclusion In addition, specific disorders of cholesterol metabolism, such as Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) may be encountered in a pediatric practice.
Origin of the Mashava Igneous Complex, south central Zimbabwe: Evidence from Prince Mine chromite compositions

Abstract Electron microprobe analyses were performed on chromites from Mashava Igneous Complex (MIC), a Neoarchean ultramafic complex located in the western extremity of the Masvingo greenstone belt (MGSB) in Zimbabwe. In backscattered electron images (BSEs), the massive, layered, and sometimes serpentinite hosted chromite crystals are rimmed by a thin lighter-colored zone enriched in Fe relative to the much larger cores. Chromium number, Cr#, and magnesium number, Mg#, from the darker grain cores range from values of 70.0 to 75.8 and 69.0 to 80.6, whereas the narrow lighter colored rims have chromium numbers that range from 90.7 to 99.6 and 58.5 to 69.3, respectively. These Mg#s are much higher than those typical of layered intrusions, and are interpreted to be a consequence of the initial high magnesium concentrations of the bulk ultramafic magma of the MIC. On a plot of Cr2O3 versus TiO2, MIC chromites plot within the field of komatiites, whereas on plots of Cr# versus Mg# the chromites plot in the stratiform field. However, on both TiO2 (wt%) and Al2O3 (wt%) versus Cr2O3 (wt%) plots, MIC samples fall within the fields of podiform chromites. The high Cr# of MIC chromite cores suggest arc affinities based on their inferred Al2O3-TiO2 contents of parental melts to the chromites. It is therefore proposed that MIC formed at a convergent boundary and was later accreted to its present position at the margin of the MGSB, or formed entirely due to subduction processes, which may also have formed this part of the MGSB. The ferritchromite rims likely formed during subsequent metamorphism under at least greenschist facies metamorphism, which likely also resulted in the formation of chrysotile asbestos.
Design Considerations of Monolithically Integrated Voltage Regulators for Multicore Processors

Presented in this paper are design considerations for a Monolithically Integrated Voltage Regulator (MIVR) targeting a 32mm2 multicore processor test chip taped-out in TSMC 28nm process. This is the first work discussing the utilization of on-die magnetic core inductors to support >50A of load current. 64 inductors with switching frequency of 140MHz are strategically grouped into eight interleaving phases to achieve 85% efficiency and minimize on-die voltage drop.
Type I gastric ulcer treated by parietal cell vagotomy and mucosal ulcerectomy.

BACKGROUND Type I gastric ulcers occur at the gastric incisura and do not coexist with duodenal or pyloric ulcers. Antrectomy and Billroth I anastomosis are the most frequent operations used for treatment of patients with this lesion. STUDY DESIGN Postoperative results, including recurrence, were evaluated in 48 patients with a Type I gastric ulcer who were treated by parietal cell vagotomy and mucosal excision of the ulcer and had a mean follow-up of eight years. RESULTS There was no operative mortality and no major operative complications occurred. The patients have had follow-up examination for a mean of eight years. All but four patients were in Visick I and II categories when last examined. Four patients were in category IV because they required a second gastric operation. The cumulative probability of recurrent ulcer rate calculated by life table analysis was 6.5 plus or minus 9.5 (standard error of the mean) percent at nine years. CONCLUSIONS Parietal cell vagotomy and ulcerectomy is an excellent operation for patients with Type I gastric ulcers and provides an alternative to antrectomy for patients with this lesion.
Iron alloy Fischer-Tropsch catalysts: I: Carburization studies of the FeNi system

Abstract The formation of carbides on a series of Fe SiO 2 , Ni SiO 2 , and 4 Fe:Ni SiO 2 catalysts has been investigated in both isothermal (255 °C) and temperature-programmed (25–600 °C) experiments. Both CO and 3H 2 :CO were employed as reaction gases. With the exception of Ni SiO 2 in 3H 2 :CO, carbide formation was observed in all instances, although Fe SiO 2 in CO was incompletely carburized under the conditions of the experiments. Decomposition of Ni 3 C formed with Ni SiO 2 was noted above 350 °C; however in the bimetallic catalyst the mixed-metal carbide formed (M 2 C to M 3 C) was stabilized to about 500 °C. In 3H 2 :CO the rates of carbide formation and coking on 4 Fe:Ni SiO 2 are both enhanced relative to Fe SiO 2 . A surface reaction model accounting for the observed carburization behavior and in agreement with activation energy measurements is proposed.
Measuring a Place’s Exposure to Facilities Using Geoprocessing Models: An Illustration Using Drinking Places and Crime

The prominent role of facilities in influencing ‘why crime happens where it does’ has been widely recognized and vigorously researched. Criminological theories which focus on opportunity such as routine activity theory and crime pattern theory have provided the basis for such inquiries. Some of these investigations have targeted the role of facilities in fueling higher crime levels at places. They have usually developed facility-focused measures that quantify each facility’s influence based on the crime experienced by the places located near it. Measures are calculated only at the locations with facilities present. However, improvements in data sources and software have allowed researchers to examine the population of small units of geography rather than focusing on only those with a facility present. Thus it is now possible to quantify the cumulative effect of nearby facilities on the crime rates of geographies of such street blocks and addresses. This chapter begins by discussing the traditional methods for exploring the relationship between facilities and crime. Next, the theoretical case for more sophisticated distance and activity-level based measures is made. The critical role of geoprocessing models in automating complex analysis processes is explained and a model developed to create three different exposure measures. Data describing the locations of drinking places and street block level crime are used to illustrate how measures produced by the model can be used to explore the relationships between exposure to facilities and an outcome such as crime. The output measures from the model are evaluated using descriptive statistics and then used as independent variables in an ordinary least squares regression. Local variation in the measures is examined using a bivariate LISA to highlight areas of negative and positive spatial autocorrelation between exposure to bars and crime. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings and probable next steps.
CoolPIM: Thermal-Aware Source Throttling for Efficient PIM Instruction Offloading

Processing-in-memory (PIM) is regaining attention as a promising technology for improving energy efficiency of computing systems. As such, many recent studies on 3D stacking-based PIM have investigated techniques for effectively offloading computation from the host to the PIM. However, the thermal impacts of such offloading have not been fully explored. This paper provides an understanding of thermal constraints of PIM in 3D-stacked designs and techniques to effectively utilize PIM. In our experiments with a real Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) prototype, we observe that compared to conventional DRAM, HMC reaches a significantly higher operating temperature, which causes thermal shutdowns with a passive cooling solution. In addition, we find that even with a commodity-server cooling solution, when in-memory processing is highly utilized, HMC fails to maintain the temperature of the memory dies within the normal operating range, which results in higher energy consumption and performance overhead. Thus, we propose CoolPIM, a collection of thermal-aware software-and hardware-based source throttling mechanisms that effectively utilize PIM by controlling the intensity of PIM offloading in runtime. Our evaluation results demonstrate that CoolPIM achieves up to 1.4X and 1.37X speedups compared to non-offloading and naive offloading scenarios.
Lagrangian Data-Driven Reduced Order Modeling of Finite Time Lyapunov Exponents

There are two main strategies for improving the projection-based reduced order model (ROM) accuracy: (i) improving the ROM, i.e., adding new terms to the standard ROM; and (ii) improving the ROM basis, i.e., constructing ROM bases that yield more accurate ROMs. In this paper, we use the latter. We propose new Lagrangian inner products that we use together with Eulerian and Lagrangian data to construct new Lagrangian ROMs. We show that the new Lagrangian ROMs are orders of magnitude more accurate than the standard Eulerian ROMs, i.e., ROMs that use standard Eulerian inner product and data to construct the ROM basis. Specifically, for the quasi-geostrophic equations, we show that the new Lagrangian ROMs are more accurate than the standard Eulerian ROMs in approximating not only Lagrangian fields (e.g., the finite time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE)), but also Eulerian fields (e.g., the streamfunction). We emphasize that the new Lagrangian ROMs do not employ any closure modeling to model the effect of discarded modes (which is standard procedure for low-dimensional ROMs of complex nonlinear systems). Thus, the dramatic increase in the new Lagrangian ROMs' accuracy is entirely due to the novel Lagrangian inner products used to build the Lagrangian ROM basis.
Arterial Duplex as an Adjunct to Assist Decision Making in the Management of Arterial Trauma

Historically, imaging in vascular trauma has been performed to confirm the diagnosis and plan intervention and, in majority of cases, has included arterial or computed tomography (CT) angiography. In the operating room, angiography is generally performed for control occasionally to treat the injury, and to confirm success of the intervention. These techniques do not offer a method of following the patient and are limited in many settings. Intra-operative and bedside duplex ultrasound offers a means in some settings of real-time assessment and for following the outcomes of interventions. We present 2 cases that illustrate a possible for role for duplex ultrasound in the setting of trauma.
Positive exposure to Muslims and perceptions of a disdainful public: A model of mediated social dissent

ABSTRACTMuslims are routinely and distortedly associated with danger and terrorist activity in the media. Such depictions have clear implications for the social behaviors oriented toward this socia...