cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resilient circuits: enabling energy-efficient performance and reliability

Voltage and frequency margins necessary to ensure correct processor operation under dynamic voltage, temperature, and aging variations result in performance and power overheads. Resilient circuit techniques, including embedded error-detection sequentials and tunable replica circuits, allow these margins to be reduced or eliminated, resulting in reliable, energy-efficient operation. Categories and Subject Descriptors B.7.1 [Integrated Circuits]: Types and design styles General Terms Performance, Design, Reliability
Implications of hypoxic microenvironments during invasive aspergillosis

In order to cause disease, all pathogens must tolerate microenvironmental stresses encountered in vivo during infection. One microenvironmental stress that is known to occur at sites of tissue damage is hypoxia. Yet, the occurrence and impact of hypoxic microenvironments during invasive aspergillosis, caused by the mold Aspergillus fumigatus, are essentially unknown. Here, we briefly review the potential implications of hypoxic microenvironments on the Aspergillus–host interaction. We focus on three areas where hypoxia may play a role in determining the outcome of infection: fungal virulence, host immune responses, and efficacy of current antifungal drug treatments.
Unconscious by any other name...

In their Review (Neural bases of the non-conscious perception of emotional signals. Nature Rev. Neurosci. 11, 697–709 (2010))1, Tamietto and de Gelder misunderstand the term 'unconscious' to be “rooted in the psychoanalytic tradition” and to refer only to mental processes that are actively repressed as well as pathological. The descriptive meaning of 'unconscious' (for which the word has been in use over 3 centuries) they claim as the meaning of their new term: 'non-conscious'. This ambitious replacement of 'unconscious' with 'non-conscious' seems to be in order to establish a dichotomy between mental processes understood by psychoanalysis and those understood by neuroscience.
Reimer's Inequality on a Finite Distributive Lattice

We generalize Reimer’s Inequality [6] (a.k.a the BKR Inequality or the van den Berg–Kesten Conjecture [1]) to the setting of finite distributive lattices. (MSC 60C05)
Autophosphorylation of αCaMKII Is Required for Ocular Dominance Plasticity

Abstract Experience is a powerful sculptor of developing neural connections. In the primary visual cortex (V1), cortical connections are particularly susceptible to the effects of sensory manipulation during a postnatal critical period. At the molecular level, this activity-dependent plasticity requires the transformation of synaptic depolarization into changes in synaptic weight. The molecule α calcium-calmodulin kinase type II (αCaMKII) is known to play a central role in this transformation. Importantly, αCaMKII function is modulated by autophosphorylation, which promotes Ca 2+ -independent kinase activity. Here we show that mice possessing a mutant form of αCaMKII that is unable to autophosphorylate show impairments in ocular dominance plasticity. These results confirm the importance of αCaMKII in visual cortical plasticity and suggest that synaptic changes induced by monocular deprivation are stored specifically in glutamatergic synapses made onto excitatory neurons.
Modulation of host osseointegration during bone regeneration by controlling exogenous stem cell differentiation using a material approach

Stem cell-based tissue engineering for large bone defect healing has attracted enormous attention in regenerative medicine. However, sufficient osseointegration of the grafts combined with exogenous stem cells still remains a major challenge. Here, we developed a material approach to modulate the integration of the grafts to the host tissue when exogenous bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were used as donor cells. Distinctive osseointegration of bone grafts was observed as we varied the content of hydroxyapatite (HA) in the tissue scaffolds implanted in a mouse femur model. More than 80% of new bone was formed in the first two weeks of implantation in high HA content scaffolds but host integration was poor, while only less than 5% of the new bone was formed during this time period in the No HA group but the host integration was good. Cell origin analysis leveraging the GFP reporter indicates new bone in the HA containing groups was mainly derived from donor BMSCs. In comparison, both host and donor cells were found on the new bone surface in the No HA groups which led to seamless bridging between host tissue and the scaffold. Most importantly, host integration during bone formation is closely dictated by the content of HA present in the scaffolds. Taken together, we demonstrate a material approach to modulate the osseointegration of bone grafts in the context of an exogenous stem cell-based bone healing strategy which might lead to fully functional bone tissue regeneration.
Relativizing the relativized a priori: Reichenbach’s axioms of coordination divided

In recent years, Reichenbach’s 1920 conception of the principles of coordination has attracted increased attention after Michael Friedman’s attempt to revive Reichenbach’s idea of a “relativized a priori”. This paper follows the origin and development of this idea in the framework of Reichenbach’s distinction between the axioms of coordination and the axioms of connection. It suggests a further differentiation among the coordinating axioms and accordingly proposes a different account of Reichenbach’s “relativized a priori”.
An introspective on the retrospective-approximation paradigm

Retrospective Approximation (RA) is a solution paradigm introduced in the early 1990s by Chen and Schmeiser for solving one-dimensional stochastic root finding problems (SRFPs). The RA paradigm can be thought of as a refined and implementable version of sample average approximation, where a sequence of approximate problems are strategically generated and solved to identify iterates that progressively approach the desired solution. While originally aimed at one-dimensional SRFPs, the paradigm's broader utility, particularly within general simulation optimization algorithms, is becoming increasingly evident. We discuss the RA paradigm, demonstrate its usefulness, present the key results and papers on the topic over the last fifteen years, and speculate fruitful future directions.
Fourier Transform Infrared Determination of Whey Powder in Nonfat Dry Milk

Abstract Infrared spectroscopy was used to measure the level of whey protein concentrate in an adulterated sample of NDM. Three samples of NDM (including high and low heat processed samples) and three whey protein concentrate powders with protein and lactose concentrations similar to those in NDM (34% protein and 50% lactose) were obtained from various sources. One hundred thirty-five blends of NDM containing various concentrations of whey protein concentrate (1.26 to 33.00%) were analyzed at wavelengths between 1400 and 1200cm –1 . There was a strong correlation (r>.99) between predicted and measured concentrations of whey protein in adulterated samples. The detection limit was 5.6% whey protein concentrate. Accuracy was not affected by processing conditions, source of NDM, or origin of whey protein concentrate powder.
A Foaming Esterification Sol-Gel Route for the Synthesis of Magnesia-Yttria Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of MgO with Y2O3 have been produced from the respective nitrates by an esterification reaction with ethylene glycol and citric acid. The evolution of nitrous oxides during the reaction causes the product to foam, and the calcination of this foam gives nanocomposite powders with extremely fine, uniform grains, and phase domains. These microstructures are remarkably stable both under postcalcination heat treatment and during consolidation by hot pressing. These stable microstructures arise as a result of the decomposition sequence: this involves the formation of a metastable amorphous/vitreous intermediate followed by concurrent crystallization and phase separation on the nanoscale.
Changes in ocean circulation and carbon storage are decoupled from air-sea CO 2 fluxes

Abstract. The spatial distribution of the air-sea flux of carbon dioxide is a poor indicator of the underlying ocean circulation and of ocean carbon storage. The weak dependence on circulation arises because mixing-driven changes in solubility-driven and biologically-driven air-sea fluxes largely cancel out. This cancellation occurs because mixing driven increases in the poleward residual mean circulation result in more transport of both remineralized nutrients and heat from low to high latitudes. By contrast, increasing vertical mixing decreases the storage associated with both the biological and solubility pumps, as it decreases remineralized carbon storage in the deep ocean and warms the ocean as a whole.
Study on the use of Microsoft Kinect for robotics applications

The Microsoft X-Box Kinect Sensor is a revolutionary new depth camera that is used in the gaming industry to capture motions of people and players efficiently using the technology of an RGB camera and infrared camera to differentiate depth. In the Microsoft X-Box, Kinect was used to sense 3D perception of human's motions. It can also be used for robotic applications, precisely for indoor navigation through the process of reverse engineering. Certain software packages were made available and are open source from “LibFreenect” for Linux machines, Microsoft's Kinect SDK using the Kinect namespace on Visual Studio 2010 Express (C++, C# or Visual Basic), and Google's released “Robotic Operating System (ROS)”. In order to claim that this sensor is capable of taking on such a task, we must be able to investigate thoroughly all factors that contribute to this and at the same time we must be able to understand its limitations to be applied and integrated properly with certain types of robots for accomplishing our purpose of achieving successful indoor navigation using proper algorithms. In this paper, the results from testing the Kinect sensor on an autonomous ground vehicle was given.
Panel: future trends and research issues in mobile augmented reality

In this panel, the panel members will discuss future research trends in mobile augmented reality. In particular, we will focus on the design challenges of mobile augmented reality (MAR) platform e.g. real-time augmented reality that can help vulnerable populations; augmented reality in medical surgery and applications, and use of MAR in education. We will discuss research issues such as security and privacy of wearable devices like Google Glass, integration of multiple mobile applications within the MAR platform.
Asymptotic Spectral Efficiency of MIMO Ad hoc Networks

In this correspondence, we present an asymptotic analysis of spectral efficiency of MIMO ad hoc networks. We consider a MIMO ad hoc network where L links, each consisting of a transmitter/receiver pair, communicate independent information over the network, simultaneously. Each transmitter node has Nt antennas and each receiver node is equipped with Nr antennas. It is assumed that for each user, perfect channel state information (CSI) is available at its transmitter and receiver. The exact asymptotic spectral efficiency of large MIMO ad hoc networks has been considered to be an unsolved problem until now. A lower bound has been found by Chen and Gans based on using beamforming as a sub-optimal transmission scheme. In this work, we show that the previously presented lower bound is also an upper bound when L goes to infinity, all links use full power and single-user decoding is used; hence, it represents the exact asymptotic spectral efficiency (ASE) of the network. Therefore, the network ASE is equal to the mean value of the largest eigenvalue of the channel covariance matrix which is upper bounded by (?{Nt}+?{Nr})2 for large values of Nt and Nr .
Relationships between lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between measurements of lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle performance during normal standing. In addition, the reliability of the measurements used in this study was examined. Measurements of lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle performance were taken of 31 healthy adults aged 20 to 33 years. Each measurement was taken twice, and the measurements were shown to be reliable. The Spearman's rho correlation of the abdominal muscle performance measurements with pelvic tilt was .18 and with lordosis was .06. The Pearson product-moment correlation of lordosis with pelvic tilt was .32. The results indicate that lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle function during normal standing are not related. This study demonstrates the need for a reexamination of clinical practices based on assumed relationships of abdominal muscle performance, pelvic tilt, and lordosis.
Interface reliability assessments for copper/low-k products

Multiple new materials are being adopted by the semiconductor industry at a rapid rate for both semiconductor devices and packages. These advances are driving significant investigation into the impact of these materials on device and package reliability. Active investigation is focused on the impact of back-end-of-line (BEOL) processing on Cu/low-k reliability. This paper discusses Cu/low-k BEOL interfacial reliability issues and relates key items from the assembly process and packaging viewpoint that should be managed in order to prevent adverse assembly impact on BEOL interfacial reliability. Reliability failure mechanisms discussed include interface diffusion-controlled events such as the well-known example of Cu electromigration (EM), as well as stress-migration voiding. Interface defectivity impact on dielectric breakdown and leakage is discussed. Lastly, assessments of assembly impact on these Cu/low-k interfacial concerns are highlighted.
Mitochondrial phylogenetics of a rare Mexican endemic: Nelson's woodrat, Neotoma nelsoni (Rodentia: Cricetidae), with comments on its biogeographic history

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships of the Mexican endemic and endangered Nelson's woodrat, Neotoma nelsoni (Rodentia: Cricetidae), were examined using three mitochondrial genes (cytochrome-b, 12S ribosomal RNA, and 16S ribosomal RNA) for a total of 2,140 base pairs. Gene-sequences were analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian models of phylogenetic inference. Independent analyses of the three gene-sequences converged on essentially identical gene trees, all showing N. nelsoni to be a sister lineage to N. leucodon from Durango, Mexico. Given the relatively low level of divergence of sequence of cytochrome-b between N. nelsoni and N. leucodon (3.3% using the Kimura two-parameter model, which is less than variation within N. leucodon) and the current absence of reliable diagnostic morphological characters to distinguish N. nelsoni from N. leucodon, N. nelsoni is recognized as a subspecies of N. leucodon. Based on molecular estimates of times of divergence, phyletic diversification in the species-group...
Mucin-Pseudomonas aeruginosa interactions promote biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes chronic lung infections in people suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). In CF airways, P. aeruginosa forms surface-associated communities called biofilms. Compared with free-swimming cultures, biofilms resist clearance by the host immune system and display increased resistance to antimicrobial agents. In this study we developed a technique to coat surfaces with molecules that are abundant in CF airways in order to investigate their impact on P. aeruginosa biofilm development. We found that P. aeruginosa biofilm development proceeds differently on surfaces coated with the glycoprotein mucin compared with biofilm development on glass and surfaces coated with actin or DNA. Biofilms formed on mucin-coated surfaces developed large cellular aggregates and had increased tolerance to the antibiotic tobramycin compared with biofilms grown on glass. Analysis of selected mutant backgrounds in conjunction with time-lapse microscopy revealed that surface-associated motility was blocked on the mucin surface. Furthermore, our data suggest that a specific adhesin-mucin interaction immobilizes the bacterium on the surface. Together, these experiments suggest that mucin, which may serve as an attachment surface in CF airways, impacts P. aeruginosa biofilm development and function.
Fluticasone furoate restores leptin/leptin receptor pathway in nasal epithelial cells

Leptin/leptin receptor pathway has been shown to be involved in the epithelial homeostasis and in tissue repair. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by a IgE-mediated inflammation induced by the allergen exposure, leading to a chronic inflammation with consequential structural abnormalities in the nasal epithelium. Topical corticosteroids are recommended as first-line therapy in AR. The role of the leptin/leptin receptor pathway and the specific effect of fluticasone furoate (FF), a new topical corticosteroid, in the homeostasis of nasal epithelial cells are largely unknown. We aimed to determine whether a nasal epithelial dysfunction of leptin/leptin receptor pathway contributes to AR pathogenesis and to investigate the effect of FF on this pathway. The human nasal epithelial cell line RPMI 2650 was first examined for leptin/leptin receptor expression by immunocytochemistry and by flow-cytometry. Then, the RPMI 2650 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of the allergen extract parietaria judaica (PARJ1), of the fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1 and of FF and analyzed for leptin receptor by flow-citometry and for cell proliferation by clonogenic assay. The RPMI 2650 cells express leptin and leptin receptor. PARJ1 and TGF-β1 significantly decreases the leptin receptor expression and cell proliferation and FF completely abolishes and reverts the effects of both PARJ1 and TGF-β1. In conclusion, allergen exposure and TGF-β1 alter the homeostasis of nasal epithelium by down-regulating leptin/leptin receptor pathway whereas FF is able to restore both this pathway and nasal epithelial homeostasis.
A new species of Agaporomorphus Zimmermann from Venezuela, and a review of the A. knischi species group (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Copelatinae)

A new species, Agaporomorphus colberti Miller and Wheeler, sp. n., is described from specimens from Departamento Amazonas, Venezuela. The new species belongs to the A. knischi Zimmermann species group based on the common presence of a pair of series of fine setae on the dorsal surface of the male median lobe of the aedeagus. Within this group, A. colberti sp. n. is sister to A. knischi and is united with that species based on broadly expanded antennomeres V and VI in the male and other general shape features of the male genitalia. An updated phylogenetic analysis of the genus is provided and the A. knischi species group is briefly reviewed with male genitalia and other relevant features illustrated.
Water-soluble polyelectrolyte complex nanocoating for flame retardant nylon-cotton fabric

Abstract Blends of cotton with synthetic fibers are widely used for various military and industrial applications. Nylon-cotton (NYCO) blends offer high durability and strength from nylon and the softness of cotton, but both fiber types are highly flammable. Previously reported flame retardant coatings for cotton fabric, comprised of a complex of polyethylenimine and a polyphosphate, are not able to protect NYCO textiles, so a new generation of water-soluble polyelectrolyte complex coating is needed. The basis of this new treatment is an aqueous complex of polyethylenimine and ammonium polyphosphate that forms melamine polyphosphate in-situ during exposure to a melamine-containing solution. NYCO fabric was rendered self-extinguishing in a vertical flame test and pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry showed a 28% reduction in total heat release, and a 65% reduction of cotton's peak heat release, with less than 20 wt% coating. The effectiveness of this halogen-free, flame retardant coating is due to condensed phase activity that includes cooling effects and charring. The ease of this coating procedure and the use of more environmentally benign chemicals deposited from aqueous solutions make this an industrially feasible alternative to current treatments.
Comprehensive Cognitive Disputing in RET

Disputing irrational beliefs has always been at the heart of RET. However, my 13 years’ experience in teaching therapists to do RET has revealed that disputing is the art of the science and the hardest thing about RET to teach. Most new therapists learn how to identify the activating event, the emotional consequences, and then the irrational belief. Once the client reveals his or her irrational belief, the therapist asks, “Where’s the evidence?” The client looks confused and says, “I guess there is none.” And the therapist assumes that the client has “got it” and responds, “What other problem would you like to discuss?” As therapists develop more experience, they spend more time disputing. They somehow develop a guide to all of the possible disputes that are available to use with a specific type of problem or a specific irrational belief.
Abstract T P228: Ischemic Stroke Results in Increased Activity of the Neuroprotective Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 in Rat Brain and Serum

Background: Recent studies show that pharmacological induction of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1-7)/mas [ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas] axis, a protective pathway of the renin angiotensin system, elicits neuroprotection in ischemic stroke. However, endogenous levels and activity of the components of this axis in the brain and serum following stroke are not well established. Here, we assessed the post-stroke activity and expression of ACE2 in rat cerebral cortex and serum after ischemic stroke in rats, in the absence or presence of an ACE2 activator. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats underwent sham surgery or endothelin-1-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (ET-1 MCAO). Activity of ACE2 was analyzed within serum and cerebral cortical tissue samples using a fluorometric assay, and mRNA levels were assessed by qRT-PCR. In an additional experiment, rats received daily intraperitoneal administration of diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a putative ACE2 activator, or vehicle after ET-1 MCAO. Data are normali...
h→μ+μ− via gluon fusion at the LHC

Abstract We study the observability of the h → μ + μ − decay in the Standard Model and the MSSM at the LHC. The observation of the hμμ coupling is important to determine whether the Higgs particle that generates mass for the weak bosons is also responsible for mass generation of the second generation of fermions. We find that the signal via the gluon fusion channel is comparable to that from the weak-boson fusion. By combining these two channels, observing h → μ + μ − is feasible at the LHC with a delivered luminosity of 300 fb −1 at 3 σ statistical significance for 110 GeV m h hμμ coupling determination at about 15% accuracy assuming ht t , hb b couplings SM-like. The observation becomes more promising in the MSSM for tan β >8 and M A
Exact algorithms for MRE inference

Most Relevant Explanation (MRE) is an inference task in Bayesian networks that finds the most relevant partial instantiation of target variables as an explanation for given evidence by maximizing the Generalized Bayes Factor (GBF). No exact MRE algorithm has been developed previously except exhaustive search. This paper fills the void by introducing two Breadth-First Branch-and-Bound (BFBnB) algorithms for solving MRE based on novel upper bounds of GBF. One upper bound is created by decomposing the computation of GBF using a target blanket decomposition of evidence variables. The other upper bound improves the first bound in two ways. One is to split the target blankets that are too large by converting auxiliary nodes into pseudo-targets so as to scale to large problems. The other is to perform summations instead of maximizations on some of the target variables in each target blanket. Our empirical evaluations show that the proposed BFBnB algorithms make exact MRE inference tractable in Bayesian networks that could not be solved previously.
Triangulation and Mixed Methods Research: Provocative Positions

Triangulation is a measurement technique often used by surveyors to locate an object in space by relying on two known points in order to ‘‘triangulate’’ on an unknown fixed point in that same space. Early on, social scientists borrowed the concept of triangulation to argue for its use in the validation process in assessing the veracity of social science research results. There are alternative perspectives on the use of triangulation that argue for its usefulness as a ‘‘dialectical’’ process whose goals seek a more in-depth nuanced understanding of research findings and clarifying disparate results by placing them in dialogue with one another. This special issue of the Journal of Mixed Methods Research (JMMR) analyzes and explores the variety of ways triangulation is used in mixed methods research and the range of issues and controversies surrounding triangulation praxis. To date, there are few scholarly in-depth discussions of its deployment in mixed methods research. The choice of triangulation as the topic for this first special issue of JMMR is based on the claims made by many scholars in the field that triangulation provides a justification for the use of mixed methods. The contributors to this volume raise many questions about the meaning of triangulation, its philosophical positioning in the mixed methods community, and strategies for using triangulation in the design of mixed methods studies, analysis and interpretation of data, and making visible subjugated voices. They take provocative positions, suggesting that qualitative, constructivist, and interpretive pathways provide greater potential for research to address the social good than has been possible using mixed methods approaches that are more closely aligned with the postpositivist paradigm. They revisit the ‘‘paradigm wars’’ and ask this question: Are we still stuck with the incompatibility thesis that paralyzed advances in mixed methods in past decades? They explore and critique the potential of alternative methodologies for harnessing the synergy that is said to lie in the application of mixed methods research designs by asking another set of questions: Have members of the mixed methods community done an injustice to pragmatism as a philosophical frame for mixed methods? Is qualitatively framed mixed methods the way forward? Is it possible that qualitatively framed mixed methods are better suited to the ability of mixed methods researchers to demonstrate a causal relationship between variables? How and when should triangulation be brought into mixed methods research to obtain a more nuanced
Syntheses of [6,6]-Fused-Ring 1,2-Azaborines

BN-naphthalene (2) and BN-tetralin (7) have been prepared by a short synthesis from allyltributylstannane (3). The reaction of 3 with BCl3 followed by diallylamine and Et3N afforded (diallylamino)diallylborane (5), which gave 1,4,5,8-tetrahydro[1,2]azaborino[1,2-a][1,2]azaborine (6), on treatment with Grubbs (I) catalyst. The reaction of 6 with Pd gave 2 and 7. The reaction of 7 with Cr(CO)6 gave the corresponding Cr(CO)3 adduct 8, for which a crystal structure has been obtained. The isomerization of 6 to 7 has been examined using DFT calculations.
The Male Reproductive System and Spermatogenesis of the European Pine Shoot Moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae), with Observations on the Effects of Gamma Irradiation

The morphology of the male reproductive system of Rhyacionia buoliana (Schiffermuller), the European pine shoot moth, and the process of spermatogenesis are described. Spermatozoa were first observed in 2-day pupae and the reproductive system was fully formed in 11-day pupae. The gonadal tissue of males irradiated with 36,000 and 54,000 rad as 11-day pupae and as adults was compared with that of untreated individuals. Irradiation caused increased tracheolation of the testicular epithelium, thickening of the walls of the seminal vesicles, dispersion of the spermatocytes from their peripheral location, degeneration of sperm bundles, and vacuolation of the testes.
MTR-05ANTI-ANGIOGENIC STRESS DRIVES A c-Met/ß1 INTEGRIN COMPLEX PROMOTING ALLOSTERIC ACTIVATION DRIVING INVASION

Invasive resistance limits anti-angiogenic therapy's efficacy. We previously reported upregulated c-Met and b1 integrin in bevacizumab-resistant glioblastomas. We hypothesized chemotactic c-Met/HGF and haptotactic b1 integrin physically interact, forming an alliance driving invasive growth. Immunoprecipitated lysates of intracranial xenografts of U87-BevR and U87-BevS, models of bevacizumab-resistance and responsiveness, revealed robust c-Met/b1 integrin interactions in bevacizumab-treated U87-BevRs, and minimal complex in bevacizumab-treated U87-BevS, IgG-treated U87-BevR, or U87-BevS. Proximity ligation assays (PLAs) mirrored results of our immunopreicipitation. In culture, complex formation increased dose-dependently by bevacizumab-induced VEGF depletion, exposure to c-Met ligand HGF, and hypoxia. Complex formation was inhibited by VEGF165, the predominant VEGF isoform, and endothelial cell conditioned medium. Far-western blotting demonstrated only extracellular c-Met domain to bind b1 integrin. The c-Met/b1 integrin interaction led to cross-activation, with increasing concentrations of b1 integrin ligand fibronectin which increased c-Met phosphorylation. This was inhibited with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) knockdown. Complex induction via iDimerize, where b1 integrin/c-Met were tagged with complementary proteins, forming a complex upon heterodimer addition, increased migration substantially (P < 0.05). Site-directed biopsy of bevacizumab-resistant glioblastoma patient revealed increased complex formation progressing from core to enhancing edge to invasive cells outside enhancement. PLAs revealed 20-fold more c-Met/b1 complexes after bevacizumab resistance in patient-specimens compared to bevacizumab-naive glioblastomas at recurrence (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of cMet/b1 integrin from 20 patients taken at diagnosis correlated inversely with survival (P < 0.05). Anti-angiogenic therapy dose on complex formation in vivo by treating xenografts with 3 mg/kg bevacizumab was as effective as 10 mg/kg; however, only the latter contained c-Met/b1 complexes. A patient receiving 5mg/kg of bevacizumab, had no increased complex under PLA. In summary, we have demonstrated a mechanism where b1 integrin forms a complex with c-Met in bevacizumab-resistant glioblastoma, leading to allosteric cross-activation, driving the invasive resistant phenotype.
Evolutionary Programming Based Stratified Design Space Sampling

Recently there have been advances in stratified sampling techniques that attempt to enforce equal distributions not only across the design variables, but also onto the design space itself. This requires a numerically intensive optimization routine. Until now, no optimization strategy was able to distribute sample points evenly in the design space, but Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) act as an enabling technology to spread in such a way that the minimum distance between points is near ideal for the design space. The proposed technique is applied to a standard probabilistic analysis problem, a one-degree of freedom oscillator simulating a blade near harmonic resonance. The Evolutionary Programming results compared to Latin Hyper-cube Sampling indicate a better estimate with a smaller confidence interval.
An Initial Look at the Effects of Interruptions On Strain

Interruptions cost companies millions of dollars per year (Spira & Feintuch, 2005), in lost time and errors. Not only are interruptions detrimental to the immediate productivity of the worker, but they have been suggested to be significant workplace stressors. This study aims to determine whether it is the objective experience of an intrusion that results in strain, as some may suggest or whether, as the transactional model of stress would suggest, it is the perceptions of intrusions that result in strain. Overall, these findings suggest that it is the perception of intrusions, not necessarily the intrusion itself that results in strain. This indicates that when it comes to strain outcomes, it is the subjective, rather than the objective, experience of an intrusion that matters.
Injuries and outcomes associated with recreational vehicle accidents in pediatric trauma.

PURPOSE: To identify injuries and outcomes from Recreational/Off-Highway Vehicles (RV/OHV) accidents at a pediatric trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective pediatric trauma registry was performed to identify patients sustaining injuries from an RV/OHV between January 2007 and July 2015. Vehicles included: all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, utility-terrain vehicles (UTV), golf carts, go-karts, and dune buggies. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-eight patients were injured while on an RV/OHV: 269 ATV, 135 dirt bike, 42 UTV, 38 golf cart, 34 go-kart, and 10 dune buggy. The majority (n=381, 72%) had at least one injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥2; 39% (n=204) had orthopedic injuries and 22% (n=116) had central neurologic injuries. Over three-fourths (n=412, 78%) were admitted. For the 48% (n=253) of patients requiring surgery, 654 surgical procedures were performed. Median hospital charge was $27,565 (IQR: $15,553-$44,935). Excluding golf carts, helmet use was 49% (n=231); 16% (n=76) wore protective clothing. Only 22% (n=26) wore a restraining belt. CONCLUSION: Severe injuries occur in children who ride RV/OHV often warranting admission and surgical intervention. Improved understanding of RV/OHV injuries may guide caregivers in decision-making about pediatric RV/OHV use and encourage use of protective gear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prognosis Study.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Language: en
Radiologic Response to Neoadjuvant Treatment Predicts Histologic Response in Thymic Epithelial Tumors.

Abstract Introduction Neoadjuvant treatment might increase resectability of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). No standardized pathologic grading scheme for tumor response is available. Also, it is unclear whether radiologic treatment response can predict pathologic response. Methods Patients with unresectable TETs who underwent neoadjuvant treatment before surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester (1942–2014) were included. The pathologic tumor response grade (TRG) was based on Mandard grading (1994), ranging from TRG 1 (no viable tumor) to TRG 5 (no regression). TRG was compared with response by computed tomography, including with the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1 (Byrne modification). Results A total of 49 patients, including 29 men, with a median age of 47.6 years and thymomas (n = 28) or thymic carcinomas (n = 21) were included. In five cases, pretreatment tumor type differed from posttreatment diagnosis. Thymic carcinomas had a greater morphologic response to neoadjuvant treatment than did thymomas with a lower percent viable tumor ( p p = 0.0093, p = 0.0042, and p = 0.0021, respectively) and lower percent viable tumor ( p = 0.0041, p = 0.0034, and p =0.0019). TRG correlated with radiologic change in tumor longest diameter and volume (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.59 and 0.61, respectively). Radiologic change in tumor longest diameter and volume reasonably predicted pathologic TRG of 3 to 5 versus 1 or 2 (area under the curve 0.73 and 0.71, respectively). Sixty-seven percent of patients' tumors were completely resected. Conclusions Our proposed histologic TRG for TETs appears easy and reproducible and correlates with radiologic response. Radiologic response is useful to predict pathologic response.
Estimation of cable life and service reliability

This paper proposes a comprehensive method of statistical evaluation of cable life and service reliability, The method is based on Weibull statistics combined with a recently refined model of electrical aging which incorporates an initial dielectric strength into the conventional (Vnt=C) aging law, The method is essentially intended for extruded insulation cables but is applicable to other insulating systems which obey the Weibull statistics and assumed aging model, In addition to its main purpose, the method is suitable for selecting optimal material characteristics and safe voltage stress level for prerequisite cable life and reliability. It also helps to design and plan economically the statistical programs of accelerated aging tests. The paper includes the analysis of cable performance as a function of the stress hazard factor (the ratio of the applied stress and the initial dielectric strength), shape parameter of Weibull failure distributions and the material aging constants. The analyses are performed under the assumption that the material constants remain unchanged throughout the entire life of the insulation. A possible approach to life and reliability prediction for time dependent material parameters concludes the paper.
Relative X-ray transition probabilities to the K-shell

Abstract Accurate measurements over an extended range in Z have been made of the major K X-ray groups. Errors due to scattering and fluorescent excitation have been minimized by the use of carrier-free radioactive sources mounted on thin Mylar films, resulting in very high peak-to-continuum ratios. The measurements of K β K α , K α2 K α1 , K β′1 K α1 and K β′2 K α1 X-ray intensity ratios have been carried out to approximately 2% accuracy. For Z ≧ 38 , a high-resolution Ge(Li) X-ray detector (460 eV FWHM at 6.4 keV) was used; at low Z , a Si(Li) X-ray detector (260 eV FWHM at 6.4 keV and a 0.05 mm Be window) was used. The low-energy efficiency of each detector was evaluated with corrections applied for deadlayer absorptions, K X-ray escape, energy-dependent geometry, and detector shape and mounting. The results are compared with recent relativistic theoretical calculations by Scofield.
Abstract P6-01-20: Effects of local and radiation enhanced TGFβ on the invasive nature of inflammatory breast cancer cells

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is the deadliest form of epithelial breast cancer, accounting for ~10% of breast cancer deaths in the United States. A hallmark of IBC is the formation intralymphatic emboli that are known to be chemotherapy and radiation resistant and contribute to rapid metastasis. This form of breast cancer progresses very quickly, expressing aggressive behavior. IBC and melanoma share a number of similarities in disease presentation and progression. Both spread via dermal lymphatics, form intralymphatic emboli and have a propensity to form cutaneous metastases. Melanoma can also present as “inflammatory melanoma”, which resembles IBC phenotypically. Thus, new leads for studying cutaneous metastasis can be gathered from the melanoma literature. Studies demonstrate a role for transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) in the etiology of melanoma cutaneous metastasis. TGFβ promotes tumor cell invasion and its expression can be induced in the stroma by radiation treatment. Recently, our lab has demonstrated low expression of TGFβ in IBC patients, which we believe promotes cohesive invasion of IBC cells. Stimulation of IBC cells with 2ng/ml of TGFβ causes altered tumor cell behavior such as stimulating single cell invasion. The invasion of KPL4, SUM149 and MDA-MB231 cell lines were significantly higher in TGFβ stimulated cells compared to non-stimulated cells. As in melanoma cells we hypothesize that radiation enhanced local TGFβ production in the stroma. We radiated normal human epidermal fibroblasts cells with 0gy, 0.5gy, 1.0gy, 2.5gy and 5.0gy intensity and observed that the invasion was significantly higher in 1.0gy, 2.5gy and 5.0gy. We have also looked at the levels of TGFβ-1 in different conditioned medium. ELISA results don9t show significant level of increase in TGFβ-1. Since there are two more TGFβ receptors in the TGFβ pathway (TGFβ -2 TGFβ -3), next I will look at the level of TGFβ-2 and 3 on the different intensity of radiation-conditioned medium. Our prediction is that the increase in the invasion of IBC cells is because of TGFβ, which alters the cohesive nature of IBC cells, and enhance single cell invasion. Moreover, radiation increases TGFβ levels in the stroma, which is responsible for rapid metastasis of IBC cells to the skin. Citation Format: Barkataki S, van Golen K. Effects of local and radiation enhanced TGFβ on the invasive nature of inflammatory breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-01-20.
Risk of Acute Kidney Injury after Percutaneous Pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy Using AngioJet in Venous and Arterial Thrombosis.

Background Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy is commonly used to treat acute thrombotic syndromes. AngioJet (AJ) forcibly sprays fibrinolytics to fragment and aspirate thrombus. It is known to cause hemolysis and gross hematuria, yet potential consequences to renal function after AJ remain unstudied. We sought to determine the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) after AJ when compared with other lysis techniques. Methods and Results We retrospectively reviewed patients treated with thrombolysis over 5 years. We identified those treated with AJ or catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). Demographics, indications, procedures, and laboratory values within 3 days were recorded. AKI was defined as an increase >25% above the baseline creatinine within 72 hr of the procedure. IN total, 102 patients (52 AJ, 50 CDT) had no statistical difference in mean age (50 and 51), indication (arterial thrombosis 65% and 88%), or baseline creatinine (0.9 and 1.0 mg/dL), respectively. AKI occurred in 15 (29%) patients treated with AJ versus 4 (8%) of CDT (P = 0.007). Similar numbers of AJ and CDT patients underwent additional open surgical procedures (21% and 30%, respectively, P = not significant). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the odds of AKI were only increased by AJ (odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98–34.17, P = 0.004), open surgery (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.43–20.17, P = 0.013), or a >10% drop in hematocrit (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.15–14.25, P = 0.03). Conclusions In our observational study, AJ is an independent risk factor for AKI. Concomitant open surgery and drop in hematocrit also raise the odds of AKI. Renal injury after AJ is under-reported in the literature, and may be related to hemolysis from the device.
Effects of feeding ground redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii) to gestating ewes on pre- and postpartum performance, serum metabolites and hormones, milk fatty acid composition, and progeny preweaning performance

The objective of this research was to evaluate effects of replacing sorghum × Sudangrass hay with ground juniper in gestating ewe supplements on pre- and postpartum growth performance, serum metabolites and hormonal concentrations, milk fatty acid composition, and progeny preweaning performance. In a completely randomized design, commercial Rambouillet ewes (age = 3 to 5 yr; initial BW = 65.2 ± 1.6 kg) on a base diet of long-stem sorghum × Sudangrass hay were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary supplements in which ground juniper replaced 0% (CNTL), 33% (18JUN), 66% (36JUN), or 100% (54JUN) of the ground sorghum × Sudangrass hay in a pelleted supplement with ground juniper from d 38 ± 4 of gestation to 2 d postpartum. Treatment DM diet intake overall (g/kg BW) in ewes receiving no juniper was similar ( ≥ 0.38) to that of those receiving increasing concentrations of juniper. Changes in ewe BW and BCS were similar ( ≥ 0.24) in ewes throughout gestation. All serum metabolites and hormones were within normal clinical ranges; however, serum IGF-1 decreased linearly ( = 0.003), alanine increased (linear; = 0.003), and serum Na decreased (linear; = 0.049) as the percentage of juniper increased in the diet. Ewe milk fatty acid composition was similar ( > 0.05) for the majority of fatty acids across treatment groups, with the exception of arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) being greater ( < 0.02) in 54JUN vs. CNTL ewe milk. Lamb birth weights were similar ( = 0.13), whereas lamb ADG tended to differ (quadratic; = 0.06) from d 0 to 14, with 18JUN being the least. At weaning, BW tended ( = 0.09) to linearly decrease in lambs born to ewes consuming greater concentrations of juniper but were not different ( = 0.26) between CNTL and 18JUN, 36JUN, and 54JUN. Results indicated that feeding increasing levels of ground juniper in supplements did not negatively alter ewe performance or serum metabolites and hormones measured pre- and postpartum. Lamb birth weight and preweaning performance appeared unaffected by maternal consumption of ground juniper containing supplements. Results also provide novel information regarding the effects of plant secondary compound consumption throughout pregnancy on ewe and progeny performance and health.
Safety and Efficacy of Enoxaparin Compared With Unfractionated Heparin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin approved for prophylaxis in patients at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), offers several advantages compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH). Enoxaparin is primarily excreted through renal elimination and is currently not recommended in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) due to potential increased bleeding complications. To date, there are limited safety and efficacy data supporting the use of enoxaparin in this patient population for VTE prophylaxis. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of enoxaparin with UFH for deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) prophylaxis in medically ill HD patients. Methods and Results: This retrospective cohort study examined medically ill patients who received HD and were concomitantly prescribed enoxaparin or UFH for at least 2 consecutive days for VTE prophylaxis. A total of 225 patients (150 received UFH and 75 received enoxaparin) were evaluated in chronological order. The primary outcome was a composite of major, clinically relevant nonmajor, and minor bleeding based on International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis bleeding definitions. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of a confirmed thrombotic event. Baseline characteristics were similar between the cohorts. One patient in each cohort had a documented bleed (UFH = 0.7%, enoxaparin = 1.3%, P > .05) during the admission assessed; however, neither bleed was related to the prophylactic agent utilized. No patients developed a VTE during the index hospitalization. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that enoxaparin may be as safe and effective as UFH for VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients receiving HD.
Technology Unions: How Technology Employees Can Advocate for Internet Freedom, Privacy, Intellectual Property Reform, and the Greater Good

The acute demand for programming, engineering, and scientific talent has put highly skilled and talented workers at Internet and technology behemoths — e.g., the Apples, Facebooks, and Googles of the world — in a unique position to promote change within their companies that would improve society. Such employees should band together to form technology unions in order to advocate for more responsible and enlightened policies by their employers on issues such as privacy, Internet freedom, and the commons and to encourage their employers to challenge competitors and governments that violate such policies. Given that external factors such as civil society and government have been ineffective in pressuring technology giants towards reform, it is time to generate pressure internally.