cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IFN Regulatory Factor 4 and 8 Promote Ig Light Chain κ Locus Activation in Pre-B Cell Development

Previous studies have shown that B cell development is blocked at the pre-B cell stage in IFN regulatory factor (IRF)4 (pip) and IRF8 (IFN consensus sequence binding protein) double mutant mice (IRF4,8(-/-)). In this study, the molecular mechanism by which IRF4,8 regulate pre-B cell development was further investigated. We show that IRF4,8 function in a B cell intrinsic manner to control pre-B cell development. IRF4,8(-/-) mice expressing a Bcl-2 transgene fail to rescue pre-B cell development, suggesting that the defect in B cell development in IRF4,8(-/-) mice is not due to a lack of survival signal. IRF4,8(-/-) pre-B cells display a high proliferation index that may indirectly inhibit the L chain rearrangement. However, forced cell cycle exit induced by IL-7 withdrawal fails to rescue the development of IRF4,8(-/-) pre-B cells, suggesting that cell cycle exit by itself is not sufficient to rescue the development of IRF4,8(-/-) pre-B cells and that IRF4,8 may directly regulate the activation of L chain loci. Using retroviral mediated gene transduction, we show that IRF4 and IRF8 function redundantly to promote pre-B cell maturation and the generation of IgM(+) B cells. Molecular analysis indicates that IRF4, when expressed in IRF4,8(-/-) pre-B cells, induces kappa germline transcription, enhances V(D)J rearrangement activity at the kappa locus, and promotes L chain rearrangement and transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay further reveals that IRF4 expression leads to histone modifications and enhanced chromatin accessibility at the kappa locus. Thus, IRF4,8 control pre-B cell development, at least in part, by promoting the activation of the kappa locus.
Fluid shear stress induces the phosphorylation of small heat shock proteins in vascular endothelial cells

The small molecular mass heat shock protein of 27 kDa (HSP27) has been shown to influence actin filament dynamics and endothelial cell behavior in ways similar to those observed during laminar flow...
Effects of Dietary Amines on the Small Intestine in Calves Fed Soybean Protein

An experiment was conducted using 16 Holstein male calves from 4 to 21 d of age to compare 1) the effects of an all-milk protein milk replacer (MPR) and a milk replacer with 20% of the protein from soy protein concentrate (SPC) on morphological and enzymic small intestinal variables, and 2) the effects of SPC plus putrescine (SPP) or SPC plus ethylamine (SPE) on intestinal variables. Small intestinal absorption, based on xylose absorption tests, was greater in calves fed MPR than in those fed SPC (P less than 0.01) and was intermediate in SPP- and SPE-fed calves. Small intestinal segments were surgically excised from the proximal and distal jejunum of all calves at 7, 14 and 21 d of age. Villus length tended to be greatest in calves fed MPR, and mitotic index was least in SPC-fed calves (P less than 0.05). Mucosal protein concentration was 46, 41, 44 and 44 micrograms/mg mucosa for calves fed MPR, SPC, SPP and SPE, respectively. The ratio of mucosal protein:RNA was greatest in calves fed MPR, least in those fed SPC at d 7 (P less than 0.01) and d 14 (P less than 0.05), and intermediate in calves fed SPP and SPE. In proximal jejunum, activity of mucosal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, EC 4.1.1.17; the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis) in calves fed SPP was less than 50% of that in calves fed MPR, SPC or SPE. The activity of lactase (EC 3.2.1.108) and ODC in distal jejunum was 50% less in calves fed soybean protein than in those fed MPR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analysis on pesticide residues in some vegetables in Changping District of Beijing from 2010-2012

[Objective]To understand the status of pesticide residues in vegetables in Changping District of Beijing,provide a basis for the government to carry out the effective supervision.[Methods]From 2010 to 2012,150 samples of vegetables were randomly collected in Changping District,to test the residues of organophosphorus pesticide,pyrethroid and organochlorine pesticide. [Results]Among 150 vegetable samples,the pyrethroid was detected in 25 samples,and 2 samples exceeded the standard,which the detection rate and over standard rate was 16. 67% and 1. 33% respectively. The organophosphorus pesticide was detected in 7 samples,and 2 samples exceeded the standard,which the detection rate and over standard rate was 4. 67% and 1. 33% respectively. The organochlorine pesticide was detected in 1 sample,and no sample exceeded the standard,which the detection rate was 0. 67%. [Conclusion]There are different levels of pesticide pollution in the vegetables of Changping District. It is necessary to enhance the monitoring and security management during vegetable cultivation and sale,and forbid the use of high-toxic pesticides from the source,to ensure the safety of consumers.
The Cost of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Disruptive Behavior: A Review of the Literature

This purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, with a specific focus on cost analyses. In general the literature shows that while there has been substantial research on Oppositional Defiant Disorder there has been little focus on the costs involved. A search of the major databases in psychology and the social sciences yielded only seven articles even marginally appropriate for a review of costs associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and related disruptive behavior. Interestingly, only two of these studies investigated treatment costs specifically associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. These studies showed that the treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is much less expensive than the treatment of Conduct Disorder and family therapy is the most cost effective approach. Overall, the review showed that there is a dearth of literature related to treatment costs, which leads to the conclusion that much more research is needed on the cost of treating Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
A Framework for Identifying Causal Factors of Delay in Nuclear Power Plant Projects

Abstract Nuclear power plant projects have unique characteristics (e.g., variability of projects portfolio, processes and procedures, security and safety requirements) that affect precise estimation of project schedule and cost. Inaccurate estimation may result in delay and cost overrun, and accordingly jeopardizing the nuclear power plant's operating license. To reliably estimate projects schedule and cost, the causal factors of delay in nuclear power plant projects need to be carefully investigated and analyzed. This study presents a framework for identifying causal factors of delay for operable nuclear power plants projects. This framework is designed in three main stages: (1) collecting data on projects that experienced delay for various reasons (e.g., missing schedule updates, design errors, scope change); (2) identifying the reasons for delay into standard common causal factors; and (3) analyzing the identified causal factors of delay and their impact on projects schedule and cost performance. This framework will assist decision-makers (e.g., nuclear project managers and project controllers) in identifying and evaluating the nuclear projects causal factors of delay to improve the reliability of projects schedule and cost estimation.
Effects of Soil Moisture Variations on Deposition Velocities Above Vegetation

The parameterized subgrid-scale surface flux (PASS) modelprovides a simplified means of using remote sensing data from satellites and limited surface meteorological information to estimate the influence of soil moisture on bulk canopy stomatalresistances to the uptake of gases over extended areas.PASS-generated estimates of bulk canopy stomatal resistance were usedin a dry deposition module to compute gas deposition velocitieswith a horizontal resolution of 200 m for approximately 5000 km2 of agricultural crops and rangeland. Results were compared with measurements of O3 flux and concentrations made during April and May 1997 at two surface stations and from an aircraft. The trend in simulated O3 deposition velocityduring soil moisture drydown over a period of a few days matchedthe trend observed at the two surface stations. For areas underthe aircraft flight paths, the variability in simulated O3 deposition velocity was substantially smaller than the observedvariability, while the averages over tens of kilometers were usually in agreement within 0.1 cm s-1. Model results indicated that soil moisture can have a major role in depositionof O3 and other substances strongly affected by canopy stomatal resistance.
WE-FG-206-06: Dual-Input Tracer Kinetic Modeling and Its Analog Implementation for Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (DCE-) MRI of Malignant Mesothelioma (MPM)

Purpose: To use dual-input tracer kinetic modeling of the lung for mapping spatial heterogeneity of various kinetic parameters in malignant MPM Methods: Six MPM patients received DCE-MRI as part of their radiation therapy simulation scan. 5 patients had the epitheloid subtype of MPM, while one was biphasic. A 3D fast-field echo sequence with TR/TE/Flip angle of 3.62ms/1.69ms/15° was used for DCE-MRI acquisition. The scan was collected for 5 minutes with a temporal resolution of 5ߝ9 seconds depending on the spatial extent of the tumor. A principal component analysis-based groupwise deformable registration was used to co-register all the DCE-MRI series for motion compensation. All the images were analyzed using five different dual-input tracer kinetic models implemented in analog continuous-time formalism: the Tofts-Kety (TK), extended TK (ETK), two compartment exchange (2CX), adiabatic approximation to the tissue homogeneity (AATH), and distributed parameter (DP) models. The following parameters were computed for each model: total blood flow (BF), pulmonary flow fraction (γ), pulmonary blood flow (BF_pa), systemic blood flow (BF_a), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), permeability-surface area product (PS), fractional interstitial volume (vi), extraction fraction (E), volume transfer constant (Ktrans) and efflux rate constant (kep). Results: Although the majority of patients had epitheloid histologies, kinetic parameter values varied across different models. One patient showed a higher total BF value in all models among the epitheloid histologies, although the γ value was varying among these different models. In one tumor with a large area of necrosis, the TK and ETK models showed higher E, Ktrans, and kep values and lower interstitial volume as compared to AATH and DP and 2CX models. Kinetic parameters such as BF_pa, BF_a, PS, Ktrans values were higher in surviving group compared to non-surviving group across most models. Conclusion: Dual-input tracer kinetic modeling is feasible in determining micro-vascular characteristics of MPM. This project was supported from Cycle for Survival and MSK Imaging and radiation science (IMRAS) grants
Time-Minimal Motion: Applications

We have shown some basic properties of accessibility in Chap. 3. In this chapter, we describe a number of extensions and applications that make use of the concept of accessibility. Some results can be derived using the Time-Minimal Motion theorem proved in Chap. 3 by making some modifications to, or observations about, Propositions 1 and 3. For example, we show that some speedup is possible for the case in which all the obstacles are convex. Also, we further extend the use of accessibility to deal with more complex classes of dynamic environments. They involve time-minimal motion when the destination point can move faster than the robot, motion planning in the presence of obstacles that have piecewise linear motions, motion planning in the environment that contains rotating obstacles, motion planning among obstacles that split and merge, etc.
Automatic authentication of smartphone touch interactions using smartwatch

In this demo, we will display a smartphone authentication system that can automatically validate every touch interaction made on a smartphone using a smart watch worn by the phone's owner. The IMU sensors on a smart watch monitor the motion of the hand for specific signal characteristics, which is relayed to the phone. If the signal features match certain criteria then the touch is authenticated and the phone responds appropriately. If not, the phone's screen remains locked/unresponsive to the touch action. The challenge here is to be able to validate every touch gesture within acceptable limits of human perception.
Automatic chamber measurements of net ecosystem (CO2) exchange at a subarctic Mire in Northern Sweden

Permafrost stores 50% of the global soil organic carbon [1]. Increasing climate temperatures in the arctic region have given rise to permafrost thaw, exposing once stable organic carbon to decomposition, and potentially altering the global carbon budget. In this study, we present a secondary data analysis of high frequency net ecosystem (CO2) exchange measurements made using a quantum cascade laser spectrometer (Aerodyne Research Institute) connected to a nine member autochamber system positioned in the three dominant vegetation communities at Stordalen Mire in Northern Sweden (68° 21′N, 18° 49′E). Over DOY 121 - 260 during the year 2013, the magnitude of net ecosystem (CO2) exchanged followed the moisture gradient with increasing CO2 uptake from the dry Palsa site (− 0.3 ± 1.6 mg C m−2 h−1), to the wet intermediate melt feature with Sphagnum spp. (− 22.1 ± 0.9 mg C m−2 h−1), to the fully wet Eriophorum spp. site (− 49.9 ± 4.2 mg C m−2 h−1), with highest uptake occurring in the fully thawed Eriophorum/ Sphagnum (Ch. 9) collar (− 87.2 ± 6.0 mg C m−2 h−1) (overall mean ±1 SE, n = 1267, 2334, 1211, 772). All mean fluxes were statistically different from each other (p < 0.0001). At all sites, PAR was the best environmental predictor of NEE. Although increased warming has resulted in permafrost thaw, any possible loss of old carbon in the form of CO2 from thawing or thawed sites was more than offset by a greater net uptake of CO2 occurring in the wetter sites.
Plastomes of the green algae Hydrodictyon reticulatum and Pediastrum duplex (Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyceae)

Background Comparative studies of chloroplast genomes (plastomes) across the Chlorophyceae are revealing dynamic patterns of size variation, gene content, and genome rearrangements. Phylogenomic analyses are improving resolution of relationships, and uncovering novel lineages as new plastomes continue to be characterized. To gain further insight into the evolution of the chlorophyte plastome and increase the number of representative plastomes for the Sphaeropleales, this study presents two fully sequenced plastomes from the green algal family Hydrodictyaceae (Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyceae), one from Hydrodictyon reticulatum and the other from Pediastrum duplex. Methods Genomic DNA from Hydrodictyon reticulatum and Pediastrum duplex was subjected to Illumina paired-end sequencing and the complete plastomes were assembled for each. Plastome size and gene content were characterized and compared with other plastomes from the Sphaeropleales. Homology searches using BLASTX were used to characterize introns and open reading frames (orfs) ≥ 300 bp. A phylogenetic analysis of gene order across the Sphaeropleales was performed. Results The plastome of Hydrodictyon reticulatum is 225,641 bp and Pediastrum duplex is 232,554 bp. The plastome structure and gene order of H. reticulatum and P. duplex are more similar to each other than to other members of the Sphaeropleales. Numerous unique open reading frames are found in both plastomes and the plastome of P. duplex contains putative viral protein genes, not found in other Sphaeropleales plastomes. Gene order analyses support the monophyly of the Hydrodictyaceae and their sister relationship to the Neochloridaceae. Discussion The complete plastomes of Hydrodictyon reticulatum and Pediastrum duplex, representing the largest of the Sphaeropleales sequenced thus far, once again highlight the variability in size, architecture, gene order and content across the Chlorophyceae. Novel intron insertion sites and unique orfs indicate recent, independent invasions into each plastome, a hypothesis testable with an expanded plastome investigation within the Hydrodictyaceae.
The ministry of friendship1

It is important for the church to take seriously the words of Jesus, ‘I no longer call you servants, but friends’ (John 15:15) and locate servanthood – and ministry as a whole – within the context ...
Effect of charcoal rot on selected putative drought tolerant soybean genotypes and yield

Abstract Charcoal rot (CR), caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is a pervasive disease of economic significance on soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Similarly, drought is the leading cause of yield loss in soybean worldwide. In this study, CR severity and seed yield were determined in irrigated and non-irrigated environments in 2011, 2012, and 2013 for thirteen soybean genotypes, nine of which were previously determined to be drought tolerant (DT). The objectives were to determine the severity of CR in the putative DT genotypes and to determine the over-all effect of CR on yield in irrigated and non-irrigated environments. Colony Forming Units (CFUs) at reproductive stage R7 were used to assess disease severity and classify each genotype's response to CR. A stress tolerance index (STI) was used to determine the relative impact of soil moisture stress (i.e. no irrigation) on the 13 genotypes. Over all three years in both irrigated and non-irrigated environments, five genotypes were consistently rated as moderately resistant to CR (MRCR) and three genotypes were consistently rated as susceptible to CR (SCR), whereas the responses of the remaining five genotypes varied between MRCR and SCR. Averaged over the three years, there was a wide range (0.36–1.09) of STI values among genotypes. Even though there was a consistent trend, there was a very weak relationship between STI and CFU's at the R7 growth stage. Regression analysis indicated that as CFUs at R7 increased, seed yield decreased, although the relationship was not significant in every year and irrigation environment. Nonetheless, across all years and irrigation environments, a pooled (global) slope indicated a yield loss of 11.5 kg ha−1 for every 1000 CFUs at R7. These data indicated that as CFUs at R7 increased, seed yield decreased in both irrigated and non-irrigated environments. However, as the relationship between CR disease severity and DT was minimal, it may be necessary to select for resistance to both traits using environments where both soil moisture stress and CR are high.
Characteristics of Follicular Variant Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Pediatric Cohort.

Context In adults, noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) is considered a low risk for metastasis and persistent/recurrent disease. Objective The goal of this study was to assess the clinical, sonographic, and histopathologic features of FVPTC in a pediatric cohort. Design A retrospective review of subjects <19 years of age with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2010 and July 2015. Setting Multidisciplinary academic referral center. Patients Patients with FVPTC, defined as a tumor ≥1 cm in the largest dimension with predominant follicular growth, complete lack of well-formed papillae, and nuclear features of PTC. Main Outcome Measures Tumor size and location, presence of a tumor capsule, capsule and vascular invasion, lymph node invasion, and distant metastasis. Results Eighteen patients with FVPTC were identified from a case cohort of 110 patients with PTC. On histopathology, 13 (72%) had unifocal nodules and 14 (78%) had completely encapsulated FVPTC. Capsule invasion was frequent (nine of 14; 64%), and vascular invasion was found in one-third of patients (six of 18; 33%). No lymph node metastases were found in the 13 patients (72%) who had a central neck lymph node dissection. One patient with vascular invasion had distant metastases. Conclusion When strictly defined, FVPTC in pediatric patients has a low risk for bilateral disease and metastasis. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether lobectomy with surveillance is sufficient to achieve remission in pediatric patients with low-risk FVPTC.
PET-based neuroimaging biomarkers: The pivotal role of brain atlases in accurate quantification

1283 Learning Objectives To describe the evolution of common brain atlases from Talariach to probabilistic functional atlas (PFA) and identify alternative approaches for accurate quantification. The common coordinate system has evolved in accordance with clinical applications, but has limitations such as warping after registration. Alternative subject-specific segmentation may lead to more accurate PET biomarker identification and quantification. The following points should be reviewed. 1. Introduction a) Neuroimaging biomarkers: Their importance in 2 domains: understanding biology/drug development and evaluating clinical pathology b) Applied PET imaging in neuroscience c) Methods of quantification 2. Impact of registration on common coordinate systems 3. Historical evolution of “brain atlas concept”: a) Talariach & Tournoux 1988 AC-PC coordinate system b) MNI 250 T1, 305 T1, and ICBM 152 T1 population models c) Nowinski electrophysiological PFA atlas 4. Techniques using common brain atlases a) Processes of registration for PET quantification (SPM, FSL, etc) b) Warping from registration 5. Alternative methods: From voxel-based analysis to locally segmented global quantification a) Single subject segmentation (Free Surfer, etc)
Daron Acemogu and James A Robinson (Eds.), (2012). Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty. New York, NY: Crown Books.

Channeling many of the thoughts of the Austrian economists Joseph Schumpeter and Friedrich Hayek, Acemoglu (MIT) and Robinson (Harvard) have collaborated on a remarkable historical interpretation o...
Labeling Biotech Foods

Whether biotech agricultural products should be labeled has become an issue of contention both within the United States and between the United States and its trading partners.1 Economists tend to argue that labeling and product differentiation of biotech and nonbiotech commodities and food products would expand consumer welfare. Such labeling would increase consumer choice and allow consumers to participate in determining the mix of biotech and nonbiotech products that are produced.
Chronic Exposure to Altered Gravity During the Pregnancy-to-Lactation Transition Affects Abundance of Cytoskeletal Proteins in the Rat Mammary Gland

The mammogenic, lactogenic, and lactopoetic effects of prolactin (PRL) in the mammary gland are mediated through a specific cytokine receptor, the PRL-receptor (PRLR). PRLR is anchored to the cytoskeleton and its activation, and subsequent signal transduction, is dependent on an integral/intact cytoskeletal organization. Previous studies revealed a down-regulation of PRLR and reduced metabolic output in the mammary gland of rats exposed to hypergravity (HG). Therefore, the objective of this study was to use quantitative immunohistochemistry to determine the effects of HG exposure during pregnancy on the pre- and postpartum abundance of the cytoskeletal proteins in the rat mammary gland. Pregnant rats were exposed to either 2xg [HG] or 1xg [Stationary control (SC)] from days 11 to 20 of gestation (G20) through postpartum days 1 (P1) and 3 (P3). Spectral characterization and quantitation of each antigen (actin, tubulin, cytokeratin, and vimentin) per lobule (n=3-7 lobules/micrograph; 4 micrographs/slide) was computed using the CRi Nuance multispectral system. At G20 and P3, increased (p<0.001) amounts of actin, tubulin, cytokeratin, and vimentin were detected in HG rats. Tubulin, cytokeratin, and vimentin were overexpressed (p<0.01) in HG group compared to SC at P1. These results suggest that atypical composition of cytoskeletal proteins contribute to the aberrant lactogenic signal transduction and associated reduced postpartum mammary metabolic output in rats exposed to altered inertial environment.
CD8α+ Dendritic Cells Dictate Leukemia-Specific CD8+ T Cell Fates

APCs are essential for the orchestration of antitumor T cell responses. Batf3-lineage CD8α+ and CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs), in particular, are required for the spontaneous initiation of CD8+ T cell priming against solid tumors. In contrast, little is known about the APCs that regulate CD8+ T cell responses against hematological malignancies. Using an unbiased approach, we aimed to characterize the APCs responsible for regulating CD8+ T cell responses in a syngeneic murine leukemia model. We show with single-cell resolution that CD8α+ DCs alone acquire and cross-present leukemia Ags in vivo, culminating in the induction of leukemia-specific CD8+ T cell tolerance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the mere acquisition of leukemia cell cargo is associated with a unique transcriptional program that may be important in regulating tolerogenic CD8α+ DC functions in mice with leukemia. Finally, we show that systemic CD8α+ DC activation with a TLR3 agonist completely prevents their ability to generate leukemia-specific CD8+ T cell tolerance in vivo, resulting instead in the induction of potent antileukemia T cell immunity and prolonged survival of leukemia-bearing mice. Together, our data reveal that Batf3-lineage DCs imprint disparate CD8+ T cell fates in hosts with solid tumors versus systemic leukemia.
Galvanic corrosion behavior at the Cu-Al ball bond interface: Influence of Pd addition and chloride concentration

Abstract The ball-bond interface between Cu wire and Al pad is a layered structure consisting of Cu, Cu9Al4, CuAl2, and Al. Bond failure often occurs between the Cu9Al4-CuAl2 layer due to the high galvanic corrosion rate and high concentration of interfacial voids. Pd-coated Cu wire and molding compound with low chloride concentration are two common practices used to enhance the bond reliability. However, the mitigating mechanisms of these two methods have not been fully revealed. In this study, electrochemical techniques including zero-resistance ammetry and polarization were used to characterize the effect of Pd addition and chloride concentration on the bond corrosion and failure behavior. Results show adding Pd and reducing chloride concentration reduced the galvanic corrosion rate between Cu and Cu9Al4. Moreover, the galvanic effect disappeared completely with a high amount of Pd addition such as 9 wt% in an electrolyte with a low chloride concentration such as 1 ppm NaCl. By reducing the chloride concentration, the galvanic corrosion rate between Cu9Al4 and CuAl2 was reduced due to a lower anodic dissolution rate of CuAl2. However, Pd addition increases the galvanic corrosion rate between Cu9Al4 and CuAl2 due to a higher cathodic activity of Cu9Al4. But, Pd is known to reduce the intermetallic growth rate and the associated internal stress buildup. Therefore, the concentration of voids at the Cu9Al4-CuAl2 interface was reduced and lead to lower bond failure rate.
Genetic Testing to Guide Risk-Stratified Screens for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer screening modalities and guidelines continue to evolve and are increasingly based on risk factors, including genetic risk and a personal or family history of cancer. Here, we review genetic testing of high-penetrance hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, for the purpose of identifying high-risk individuals who would benefit from earlier screening and more sensitive methods such as magnetic resonance imaging. We also consider risk-based screening in the general population, including whether every woman should be genetically tested for high-risk genes and the potential use of polygenic risk scores. In addition to enabling early detection, the results of genetic screens of breast cancer susceptibility genes can be utilized to guide decision-making about when to elect prophylactic surgeries that reduce cancer risk and the choice of therapeutic options. Variants of uncertain significance, especially missense variants, are being identified during panel testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. A finding of a variant of uncertain significance does not provide a basis for increased cancer surveillance or prophylactic procedures. Given that variant classification is often challenging, we also consider the role of multifactorial statistical analyses by large consortia and functional tests for this purpose.
(369) Cell Specific Role of HDAC6 in Chemotherapy-Induced Mechanical Allodynia and Loss of Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious healthcare issue that can impair cancer treatment and reduce quality of life for cancer survivors. Currently there is no FDA-approved medication to manage CIPN, emphasizing the urgent need to identify novel mechanism-based interventions for CIPN. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is an attractive target, given its pathogenic role in both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We show that cisplatin enhances HDAC6 expression and decreases acetylation of the HDAC6 substrate α-tubulin in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 with ACY-1215, an HDAC6 inhibitor that is currently in clinical trials as add-on cancer therapy, prevented cisplatin-induced mechanical allodynia, loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs), and mitochondrial dysfunction in the DRG neurons and peripheral nerves in male and female mice. Genetic deletion of HDAC6 also protected against all CIPN signs. Interestingly, cell specific deletion of HDAC6 in Advilin-positive sensory neurons prevented loss of IENFs and mitochondrial deficits in the peripheral nerves, but not mechanical allodynia or DRG neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction. We previously showed that T cells are required for spontaneous resolution of mechanical allodynia in CIPN. Here we assessed the contribution of T cells to the beneficial effects of HDAC6 inhibition. HDAC6 inhibition during chemotherapy in T cell deficient Rag2−/− mice also prevented IENF loss and mitochondrial dysfunction in the peripheral nerves, but not mechanical allodynia or DRG mitochondrial deficits. Reconstitution with T cells normalized the protective effects of ACY-1215. Adoptive transfer of HDAC6 deficient T cells to Rag2−/− mice failed to protect against CIPN, indicating targeting HDAC6 in T cells alone was not sufficient. Taken together, our findings identify cell specific mechanisms for the protective effects of HDAC6 inhibition on cisplatin-induced mechanical allodynia and IENF loss. Our findings also strengthen the rationale for using HDAC6 inhibitors like ACY-1215 for CIPN prevention.
Exponential Lower Bounds for Quasimodes of Semiclassical Schrödinger Operators

We prove quantitative unique continuation results for the semiclassical Schr- ¨ operator on smooth, compact domains. These take the form of exponentially decreasing (in h) local L2 lower bounds for exponentially precise quasimodes. We also show that these lower bounds are sharp in h, and that, moreover, the hypothesized quasimode accuracy is also sharp.
Improvement after Bariatric Surgery in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Novel Treatment Target

Introduction The complex interaction between obesity and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains ill defined.There is a paucity of evidence that weight loss per se, can positively impact the hemodynamics of a patient with significant pulmonary hypertension. Herein, we present the first case of hemodynamic and functional improvement following bariatric surgery in a patient with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and morbid obesity. Case A 66 year old male with a medical history significant for multiple pulmonary embolism (PE) and morbid obesity was evaluated for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Echocardiogram and right heart catheterization were significant for severe pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, he was started on pulmonary hypertension medical therapy with riociguat and ambristentan, in addition to anticoagulation. He experienced a dramatic clinical response to medical therapy. Despite hemodynamic improvement, the patient remained symptomatic with significant fatigue, exertional dyspnea, and poor functional status as highlighted by a six minute walk distance of only 128 meters. Patient was referred for bariatric surgery with a gastric sleeve, after which he successfully lost 95 pounds in six months. Post operative right heart catheterization demonstrated normal PVR and cardiac output. His echocardiogram revealed normal RV size and function. His six minute walk distance also nearly quadrupled from 128 meters to 512 meters, consistent with WHO Functional Class I. Conclusion We report the first case of hemodynamic improvement in pulmonary vascular disease following massive weight loss. This case illustrates the interplay of obesity and pulmonary hypertension while also highlighting the major cardiovascular benefits of bariatric surgery in this population. Weight loss accomplished through surgical means may augment the existing PH treatment paradigm.
Examining the Factor Structure of the Survey of Attitudes towards Statistics among Undergraduate Health Science Students.

Recent studies report that students’ attitudes toward statistics play an important role in their statistics achievement. The goal of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Survey of Attitudes Towards Statistics (SATS-28) among undergraduate health science students enrolled in an introductory statistics course. Most students held positive attitudes towards statistics. The average SATS scores were above neutral. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the four-factor structure of the questionnaire (Affect, Cognitive Competence, Value, and Difficulty), albeit with a few modifications. The RMSEA value of 0.065 was below the suggested cutoff of 0.07. Cronbach’s alpha for the entire scale was .907, which was well above the recommended cutoff value of 0.7. The study provided evidence for the appropriate metric properties of the SATS-28 as a valid instrument for measuring the statistics attitudes of a sample of first year students at the University of Minnesota Rochester.
Cuba and the Imperial Solution

This chapter reads U.S. plans to acquire Cuba as an immunitary response to mounting conflicts between North and South. A critical analysis of literary works about the possible annexation of the island reveals anxieties that the expansionist solution would simply intensify the nature of the contest over national sovereignty.
A STUDY OF THE DEFENSIVE BEHAVIORS OF FREE-RANGING DEKAY’S BROWNSNAKES, STORERIA DEKAYI (HOLBROOK, 1836)

The defensive behaviors of free-ranging Dekay’s Brownsnakes, Storeria dekayi, were studied at a site in Erie County, Pennsylvania, USA. Twenty-nine unique sequences of defensive behavior were documented. A total of 50 individual snakes (26 males and 24 females) provided 88 observations during the initial phase, of which 78% (n = 69) were of snakes that remained in place. Snakes were tapped with the investigator’s hand to elicit defensive behaviors during the contact phase. Snakes were more than twice as likely to attempt to flee during the contact phase (46%) than during the initial phase (22%). During the contact phase, mean surface body temperatures were significantly higher in snakes attempting to flee (22.3 ± 1.3 °C) than those that remained in place (16.1 ± 2.2 °C). The most frequently observed response during the contact phase was dorso-ventral flattening of the head and body (n = 42). During capture, most snakes (94%) smeared their cloacal contents on themselves and the investigator’s hand.
Optimized Power Management Unit for IoT Applications

Power Management Units (PMU) are rapidly being developed to provide a significant amount of power for sensors in Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. This paper presents a novel optimized PMU design for IoT applications, which can be used as a part of energy harvesting system that can be composed of solar cells, wind turbine, thermal energy, and vibration. Hence the proposed design can be used as a feasible energy harvester, where notable power efficiency is achieved here over traditional PMU designs under the same circumstances. The optimized PMU is developed using a buck-boost DC-DC converter. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) is then applied to optimize the parameters of PMU, including buck-boost DC-DC converter, and control circuitry to achieve maximum power point and improve the overall efficiency.
Recent advances in additive manufacturing of active mechanical metamaterials

Abstract Active mechanical metamaterials are emerging materials receiving tremendous attention in the past decades. Additive manufacturing (AM, or 3D printing) techniques empower the rational design and fabrication of complex, multiscale architectures that enable unprecedented mechanical properties and functionality of metamaterials. Moreover, the use of smart or stimuli-responsive materials for AM of active mechanical metamaterials offers new capabilities to program the mechanical, acoustic, or other functional properties. Herein, we present an overview of recent advances in AM of active mechanical metamaterials. The primary AM techniques used for mechanical metamaterial fabrication are discussed first. Several mechanical metamaterial structures and designs enabled by AM are summarized. Active mechanical metamaterial designs utilizing different stimuli, such as solvents, heat, and magnetic field, are introduced. Additionally, some functional applications of active material systems to create transforming mechanical metamaterials are included. Finally, the outlook and challenges for future research in this field are provided.
Examining relationships among strategies of social information seeking on Facebook and perceived accuracy of information through warranting value and source trust

Strategies of information seeking (IS) about other people on social network sites have been examined in various interpersonal relationships. However, research has yet to account for whether, how, o...
How skilled are skilled facilities? Post-discharge complications after colorectal cancer surgery in the U.S.

Abstract Background Characteristics and indications for discharging patients to home or a specific facility type have been studied; however, critical evaluation of these facilities through analysis of post-discharge complications and readmission rates is mandatory. The aim of this study was to compare complications occurring after discharge to home, skilled, and unskilled care facilities to identify potential pitfalls. Methods All adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent surgery for colon or rectal cancer from 2012 to 2017 as reported in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database were included. Patients were categorized according to the discharge destination into: home, skilled care (rehabilitation center, separate acute care, skilled facility), and unskilled care (multilevel senior community, facility which is home, unskilled facility). Demographics, surgical risk factors and predischarge complications were compared between the three groups. Primary endpoints were overall, major, surgical, and medical complications occurring post-discharge, within 30 days of surgery. Further assessed were specific complications, readmission, length of stay, and 30-day mortality. Results A total of 108,617 patients were identified. Of them, 100,478 (92%) discharged to home, 7313 (7%) to skilled, and 826 (1%) to unskilled care. Of patients discharged to skilled care, 1928 (26%) discharged to rehabilitation centers, 368 (5%) to separate acute care, and 5017 (69%) to skilled facilities. Adjusted overall, major, surgical, and medical post-discharge complications were highest among patients discharged to skilled care destinations. Subgroup analysis revealed separate acute care (inter-hospital transfer) to be associated with the highest morbidity. Main reasons for readmission were primarily related to surgical site infection and intestinal obstruction among the three main destinations, whereas readmissions for systemic sepsis and medical complications were more frequent in patients admitted to skilled care. Conclusion This study identified higher rates of post-discharge complications associated with skilled care destinations, despite risk adjustment. This over-morbidity is potentially related to prevailing medical complications and inter-hospital transfers. Further studies are needed to better understand those findings and to improve quality of post-acute care and related outcomes.
Adaptive random sampling for traffic volume measurement

Traffic measurement and monitoring are an important component of network management and traffic engineering. With high-speed Internet backbone links, efficient and effective packet sampling techniques for traffic measurement and monitoring are not only desirable, but also increasingly becoming a necessity. Since the utility of sampling depends on the accuracy and economy of measurement, it is important to control sampling error. In this paper, we propose an adaptive packet sampling technique for flow-level traffic measurement with stratification approach. We employ and advance sampling theory in order to ensure the accurate estimation of large flows. With real network traces, we demonstrate that the proposed sampling technique provides unbiased estimation of flow size with controllable error bound, in terms of both packet and byte counts for elephant flows, while avoiding excessive oversampling.
Beyond Bitcoin: The Economics of Digital Currencies and Blockchain Technologies (Chapter 5: The Rich Land of Crypto)

Concluding thoughts and outlook for the future of the technology. For Chapter 1 (Introduction), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135021. For Chapter 2 (Means of Exchange: Ever-present Competition), https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135028. For Chapter 3 (Platform-based Currencies), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135030. For Chapter 4 (Bitcoin and Emergence of Cryptocurrencies), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135043. For Chapter 5 (The Rich Land of Crypto), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135057. For Chapter 6 (Smart Contracts and Blockchain), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3894110. For Chapter 7 (Enterprise Blockchains), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3894117. For Chapter 8 (Conclusions: Future Full of Possibilities), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3894118.
Endoscopic therapy for early esophageal cancer and premalignant lesions in barrett's esophagus

The major medical consequence of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the potential risk of development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is the management of this cancer risk and early cancers that is the focus of endoscopic therapies. As the risk of cancer increases, the types of endoscopic therapies that can be applied become more invasive. These therapies involve removal of the esophageal mucosa and portions of the submucosa, thermal therapies to cauterize the neoplastic tissue, and the use of photochemical therapies that cause localized tissue necrosis. Case series suggest that these treatments are effective and in selected patients can be used in lieu of surgery or in patients who are not surgical candidates. However, randomized controlled trials are lacking.
On the number of radially symmetric solutions to Dirichlet problems with jumping nonlinearities of superlinear order

This paper is concerned with the multiplicity of radially symmetric solutions u(x) to the Dirichlet problem ∆u+ f(u) = h(x) + cφ(x) on the unit ball Ω ⊂ RN with boundary condition u = 0 on ∂Ω. Here φ(x) is a positive function and f(u) is a function that is superlinear (but of subcritical growth) for large positive u, while for large negative u we have that f ′(u) < μ, where μ is the smallest positive eigenvalue for ∆ψ + μψ = 0 in Ω with ψ = 0 on ∂Ω. It is shown that, given any integer k ≥ 0, the value c may be chosen so large that there are 2k+1 solutions with k or less interior nodes. Existence of positive solutions is excluded for large enough values of c.
Cytokines cause cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells to secrete metalloproteinases and to contract collagen gels.

PURPOSE Because retinal pigment epithelial cells in epiretinal membranes remodel and contract their surrounding extracellular matrix, investigations were performed to determine if these cells can produce matrix metalloproteinases and contract collagen gels in vitro in the presence of serum or cytokines. METHODS Cells were grown on collagen gels and their production of metalloproteinases was measured using zymography. RESULTS Cells grown in a three-dimensional collagen gel culture system produce several latent metalloproteinases that are secreted into the gel and the surrounding medium. These include molecules of 49, 56, 66, and 100 kD. In addition, an enzyme that is probably the active form of the 66 kD enzyme is present. When interleukin 1 beta is added to the cultures, latent 49 kD and 100 kD gelatinase production is greatly stimulated and an active form of both enzymes is also observed in the medium. In contrast, transforming growth factor beta has no stimulatory effect. The cells contract the collagen gel but this is small without cytokines; however, contraction is greatly enhanced in the presence of serum or interleukin 1 beta plus transforming growth factor beta. Contraction is unlikely to be the result of metalloproteinase action on the underlying extracellular matrix because complete inhibition of these enzymes has little effect. CONCLUSIONS These results show that cytokines can cause cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells to produce metalloproteinases that can, when activated, degrade most collagens and other structural molecules in extracellular matrix. In addition, they can stimulate the contraction of extracellular matrix constituents but there is not a simple causal relationship between matrix remodeling and contraction.
A Scalable Key Agreement Scheme for Large Scale Networks

Key agreement is a central problem to build up secure infrastructures for networks. Public key technology is not suitable because of its computation inefficiency and the lack of central authorities in distributed scenarios. Conventional distributed symmetric key agreement models try to achieve key agreement between any pair of nodes without interactions. They are lack of scalability because of their memory cost of N − 1 in a network of N nodes and thus only suitable and optimum in small networks. In this paper, we propose a novel symmetric key agreement scheme, which is scalable for large scale networks with very small memory cost per node. We show that for a network of nodes our scheme has only [See the PDF File] memory cost per node, where k ≥ 1. Conventional distributed models can be derived as special cases of our scheme.