cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crop-Identification Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data for Indian Region

Real-time monitoring of agricultural crops is an important exercise because of the huge economic impact. Identification of crop during early stage of the crop cycle can help formulate better agriculture policies and management strategies. In this context, the objective of this article is to evaluate the potential of Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Sentinel-2 optical imagery in crop identification for an Indian region. A multi-class classification algorithm based on random forest is applied to the features extracted from the above mentioned satellite data sets. Initial experimental suggest that the Sentinel-1 SAR data is promising in achieving high classification accuracy (85%).
Real-time robotic airway measurement: An additional benefit of a novel steady-hand robotic platform

OBJECTIVE Describe the secondary capability of a robotic system to provide real-time measurements of airway dimensions with high fidelity. METHODS Seven unique phantoms of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) were modeled using a computer-aided design tool and were three dimensionally printed. These stenoses were of different dimensions and orientations, and some were purposefully oblique. The dimensions of the stenoses were then measured with the novel Robotic ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Microsurgery System (REMS; Galen Robotics, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) because it is capable of tool position memory in three dimensional (3D) space. Five participants (two laryngologists, two otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residents, one neurotology fellow) measured each axis of stenosis (anteroposterior, lateral, and craniocaudal) three times for each of the seven stenosis phantoms. These measurements were then compared to the known design dimensions. Mean magnitude of error (MOE) and interrater reliability (IRR) using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were then calculated. RESULTS Mean MOE and standard deviation for all measurements was 0.306 ± 0.247 mm. Mean MOE was 0.374 ± 0.292 mm, 0.300 ± 0.237 mm, and 0.244 ± 0.185 mm for the anteroposterior, lateral, and craniocaudal dimensions of stenosis, respectively. Eighty-two percent of all measurements had MOE < 0.5 mm. ICC was 0.945 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.847-0.989), 0.995 (95% CI: 0.984-0.999), and 0.993 (95% CI: 0.987-0.999) for anteroposterior, lateral, and craniocaudal dimensions, respectively, indicating excellent agreement among participants. CONCLUSION The REMS can be used to reliably and accurately measure airway dimensions in 3D regardless of the orientation of stenosis. This ability may be easily extrapolated to the measurement of any airway lesion during laryngotracheal surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 129:324-329, 2019.
Sketch: Poetry as Play—Using Riskless Poetry Writing to Support Instruction

The virtual world has become our reality. However, studies show that digital life fosters an addictive self-reference that incapacitates individuals from engaging with others in person. Ironically, one effective way of helping students return to the real world is through play. This pen portrait will show how I have used riskless poetry writing to help students “see” more clearly both the natural world and the spiritual realm. Crossing the threshold of fear the first week, they become passionate. Students learn to contemplate as they observe and articulate perceptions; they pause to ponder as they exchange insights on each other’s anonymous verse.
Seeing is believing: sites/sights of agricultural improvement in Germany (1840–1914)

This article explores the visual culture of rural improvement in Germany, manifested in agricultural exhibitions, model farms and test plots. It argues that, following the English example, nineteenth-century experts increasingly believed that such material sites were the most effective way to persuade small farmers to embrace change and increase productivity. The presumption was that farmers were habitually keen observers who preferred to learn by seeing and that visual displays would alleviate their characteristic mistrust and build confidence in scientific advisers. The fact that these efforts coincided with the professionalisation of agronomy, the increased influence of scientists in rural policymaking and the rise of elite agricultural institutions revises the existing narrative of the spread of agricultural knowledge in Germany. Based on archival evidence from north-western Prussia, it is clear that many small cultivators responded enthusiastically to these sites, defying stereotypes of ‘dull-wittedness’ and ingrained suspicion of the new.
Trust It or Not: Effects of Machine-Learning Warnings in Helping Individuals Mitigate Misinformation

Despite increased interests in the study of fake news, how to aid users' decision in handling suspicious or false information has not been well understood. To obtain a better understanding on the impact of warnings on individuals' fake news decisions, we conducted two online experiments, evaluating the effect of three warnings (i.e., one Fact-Checking and two Machine-Learning based) against a control condition, respectively. Each experiment consisted of three phases examining participants' recognition, detection, and sharing of fake news, respectively. In Experiment 1, relative to the control condition, participants' detection of both fake and real news was better when the Fact-Checking warning but not the two Machine-Learning warnings were presented with fake news. Post-session questionnaire results revealed that participants showed more trust for the Fact-Checking warning. In Experiment 2, we proposed a Machine-Learning-Graph warning that contains the detailed results of machine-learning based detection and removed the source within each news headline to test its impact on individuals' fake news detection with warnings. We did not replicate the effect of the Fact-Checking warning obtained in Experiment 1, but the Machine-Learning-Graph warning increased participants' sensitivity in differentiating fake news from real ones. Although the best performance was obtained with the Machine-Learning- Graph warning, participants trusted it less than the Fact-Checking warning. Therefore, our study results indicate that a transparent machine learning warning is critical to improving individuals' fake news detection but not necessarily increase their trust on the model.
Multiparticle erosion of Pyrex glass

Multiparticle erosion tests were performed on Corning 7740 Pyrex glass using alumina powder of two grit sizes. Erosion was measured as a dimensionless parameter in terms of the loss in weight of the target per unit weightof particles impinged. The erosion characteristics of the Pyrex glass were investigated over a range of particle velocities, angles of impingement, and times of erosion. It was found that maximum erosion occurred at a normal angle of impact for the 240-grit powder (mean particle size = 30 μm); however, with the 400-grit powder (mean particle size = 10 μm), the maximum was found to occur at a slightly lower angle of about 80 deg. At all angles of impingement it was found that amount of erosion decreased as the erosion time increased. Erosion (E) was found to be dependent on the average particle velocity (V) by a power relationship of the form EαV n where n is a material constant. The values of the velocity exponent, n, in the present experiments were found to be between 2.2 and 2.7 and were independent of time of erosion. The time (t) dependence of erosion was also found to obey a power law relationship of the form Eαt c where c is a material constant. The time exponent c was found to be -0.1 under all conditions of velocity, particle size, and angle of impingement. The decrease in erosion with increase in time has been interpreted in terms of a change in the surface roughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to establish that the effective average angle of impingement decreased as time of erosion increased until a constant surface roughness was achieved, at which time it was found that the average angle of impingement was about 55 deg instead of 90 deg. The experimental data obtained in the present work are discussed in terms of existing theories for the erosion of brittle materials.
Association Between Diaphragmatic Paralysis and Ipsilateral Cervical Spondylosis on MRI

Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP) is an important cause of dyspnea with many underlying etiologies; however, frequently no cause is identified despite extensive investigation. We hypothesized that cervical spondylosis (CS), as manifest by cervical neuroforaminal stenosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is an underrecognized cause of unilateral DP. A retrospective study was performed assessing cervical spine imaging utilization in the investigation of unilateral DP, and the contribution of CS to its pathogenesis. To assess the relationship between CS and DP, comparison was made between severity of ipsilateral and contralateral foraminal stenosis on cervical spine MRI in individuals with idiopathic DP, and to controls with DP of known etiology. Record searches identified 334 individuals with DP who were classified as idiopathic (n = 101) or DP of known etiology (n = 233). Of those with idiopathic DP, only 37% had undergone cervical spine imaging. Cervical spine MRIs, available for 32 individuals from the total cohort identified (n = 15 idiopathic DP, n = 17 DP of known etiology), were reviewed and severity of CS graded (0–2). In idiopathic DP, CS was significantly more severe (grade 2 stenosis) on the side of DP at C3–C4 (73% affected vs 13% unaffected side; p = 0.031) and C4–C5 (60% affected vs 20% unaffected side; p = 0.0039), while no difference was observed in DP of known etiology. Overall severity of CS across all cervical spine levels was significantly worse in idiopathic DP versus those with DP of known etiology. In unilateral idiopathic DP, severity of CS is associated with DP laterality and is an underrecognized cause of diaphragmatic dysfunction. We propose that evaluation of ‘idiopathic’ DP should routinely include cervical spine imaging, preferably by MRI.
3D acoustic propagation through an estuarine salt wedge at low-to-mid-frequencies: Modeling and measurement.

The estuarine salt wedge presents a dynamic and highly refractive waveguide, the acoustic propagation characteristics of which are controlled by the water column sound speed gradient and boundary interactions. Acoustically, the salt wedge consists of two isospeed layers separated by a thin, three-dimensional (3D), high-gradient layer. The behavior of a broadband (500–2000 Hz) acoustic field under the influence of an estuarine salt wedge in the Columbia River estuary is explored using two 3D acoustic propagation models: 3D rays and 3D parabolic equation. These model results are compared to data collected during the field experiment. Results demonstrate that the dominant physical mechanism controlling acoustic propagation in this waveguide shifts from 3D bottom scatter in a non-refractive waveguide (before the entrance of the salt wedge) to 3D acoustic refraction with minimal bottom interaction in a refractive waveguide (when the salt wedge occupies the acoustic transect). Vertical and horizontal refraction in the water column and out-of-plane scattering by the bottom are clearly evident at specific narrowband frequencies; however, these mechanisms contribute to, but do not account for, the total observed broadband transmission loss.
An analysis on the slaking and disintegration extent of weak rock mass of the water tunnels for hydropower project using modified slake durability test

Water tunnels built for hydropower passing through weak and heterogeneous rock mass pose challenges associated to slaking and disintegration, as they are first exposed to dry condition during excavation and are then filled with water to produce hydropower energy. Over the period of operational life, these tunnels are drained periodically for inspections and repair leading to drainage and filling cycles. The weakening of rock mass caused by cycles of drying, saturation and drainage may lead to the propagation of instabilities in the tunnels. Therefore, it is important to study the slaking and disintegration behavior of the weak rock mass consisting of clay and clay-like minerals. This paper assesses the mineralogical composition of flysch and serpentinite from the headrace tunnel of Moglice Hydropower Project in Albania. Further, to determine the slaking and disintegration behavior of these rocks, extensive testing using both the ISRM, Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 16(2):143-151, (1979) suggested test method and a modified variant of this test are performed. Finally, comprehensive assessments, discussions and comparisons are made. It is found that the modified slake durability test better suits for the tunnels built as water conveying systems such as hydropower tunnels.
Reduced Transition Temperature in Al:ZnO/VO2 Based Multi-Layered Device for low Powered Smart Window Application

The metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) closest to room temperature of 68–70 °C as shown by vanadium oxide (VO2), compared with other transition metal oxides, makes it a potential candidate for smart window coating. We have successfully fabricated a potential smart window device after the optimum design of a multilayered thin film structure made out of transparent conducting oxide (aluminum doped zinc oxide) and pure VO2 using pulsed laser deposition technique. This comprehensive study is based on two different configurations for multi-layered structure approach, with the intention to reduce the transition temperature, as well as to maintain the MIT properties that would strengthen the potential of the structure to be used for a smart window device. By creating a multi-layered structure, we were able to create a low powered device that can operate less than 15 V that leads to significant decline in the infrared transmission by a magnitude of over 40% and provided sufficient heat to trigger the MIT at a temperature around 60 °C, which is almost 10 °C lower than its bulk counterpart. This finding would positively impact the research on VO2 thin films, not only as smart windows but also for numerous other applications like bolometers, infrared detectors, Mott transistors and many more.
Europa's surface water ice crystallinity: Discrepancy between observations and thermophysical and particle flux modeling

Abstract Physical processing of Europan surface water ice by thermal relaxation, charged particle bombardment, and possible cryovolcanic activity can alter the percentage of the crystalline form of water ice compared to that of the amorphous form of water ice (the “crystallinity”) on Europa’s surface. The timescales over which amorphous water ice is thermally transformed to crystalline water ice at Europan surface temperatures (80–130 K) suggests that the water ice there should be primarily in the crystalline form, however, surface bombardment by charged particles induced by Jupiter’s magnetic field, and vapor deposition of water ice from Europan plumes, can produce amorphous water ice surface deposits on short timescales. The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether the Europan surface water ice crystallinity derived from ground-based spectroscopic measurements is in agreement with the crystallinity expected based upon temperature and radiation modeling. Using a 1D thermophysical model of Europa’s surface, we calculate an integrated full-disk crystallinity of Europa’s leading hemisphere by incorporating the thermal relaxation of amorphous to crystalline water ice and the degradation of crystalline to amorphous water ice by irradiation. Concurrently, we derive the full-disk crystallinity of Europa’s leading hemisphere using a comparison of near-infrared ground-based spectral observations from Grundy et al. (1999), Busarev et al. (2018), and the Apache Point Observatory in Sunspot, NM, with laboratory spectra from Mastrapa et al. (2008) and the Ice Spectroscopy Lab at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We calculate a modeled crystallinity significantly higher than crystallinities derived from ground-based observations and laboratory spectra. This discrepancy may be a result of geophysical processes, such as by vapor-deposited plume material, or it may arise from assumptions and uncertainties in the crystallinity calculations.
Constructing My World: A Case Study Examining Emergent Bilingual Multimodal Composing Practices

An extensive focus on written language in early literacy instruction and assessment for emergent bilinguals places students at a disadvantage since they are learning English as a new language. Typically, classroom instruction has a narrow view of literacy and is dominated by a focus on tested skills, with little emphasis on the diverse backgrounds and experiences of today’s students. In order to value the rich meaning-making process that emergent bilinguals bring with them to the classroom, this article explores the ways in which technology affords multimodal composing opportunities. A case of one emergent bilingual, Alon, whose home language is Tagalog, is presented to showcase his text productions as responses to children’s literature. The findings help extend an understanding of articulating meaning through talk, contributions of written language, and the importance of the visual mode. This case helps educators see the need to take into account a cohesive portrait of composing processes as a way to make sense of the strengths of emergent bilingual students in English-only classrooms.
The Role of Sex on Officer Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence: An Empirical Analysis of Mechanisms of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is serious social concern and is often perpetrated by police officers. Research suggests that 20–40% of police families experience IPV. The purpose of this study is ...
The Pediatric Burn: Current Trends and Future Directions

Management of the pediatric burn patient presents a variety of clinical challenges for the pediatric anesthesiologist. Despite the high incidence of burn injuries, standard management strategies are far from universal. The complex physiologic changes presented by burn injuries present airway management and resuscitation challenges and mandate careful consideration of adequate nutritional support. Long hospital stays with frequent operations and dressing changes necessitate creative approaches to anxiolysis and pain control. Underutilized modalities warranting further research include regional anesthesia and nonpharmacologic approaches, such as virtual reality. Further research and collaboration between burn centers are needed to standardize care for this population.
44613 Plan for a Retrospective Evaluation of a Multi-Modal Weight-centric Prediabetes Intervention

ABSTRACT IMPACT: By demonstrating the feasibility of a multimodal, interdisciplinary intervention for prediabetes, the current project aims to provide a template for the prevention of diabetes and associate comorbid conditions. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To determine if a multi-modal, interdisciplinary intervention delivered to a group of prediabetic patients will result in reduced rates of diabetes progression. This project is a retrospective evaluation that will exam the feasibility and possibly efficacy of this intervention. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We will enroll 50 participants for the clinic, aged 21-60 inclusive. Patients will have a Body Mass Index >27kg/m2 with a diagnosis of prediabetes. Patients must be non-pregnant, using approved contraception, and agree to not become pregnant for 1 year after enrollment. After enrollment, the initial treatment period is for 1 year and includes a 12 week low calorie diet plan, a 6-month intensive behavioral and lifestyle modification plan followed by a 6 month behavior reinforcement extension. Weight management medications may be used if appropriate for the patient from a clinical perspective during the 6-month intensive behavioral/lifestyle modification. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: It is anticipated that there will be decreased weight with a mean weight loss goal of approximately >10%. Furthermore, it is expect that there will be improvement of other markers of metabolic disease. These include improvement of lipid values (LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol) as well as blood pressure with expected blood pressures of below 130/80 in greater than 50% of participants. Finally, It is expected that 50% or greater participants will have improvement of glycemic control. It is anticipated that greater than 50% of participants will have improvement of glycemic control and achieve normoglycemia. These values will be determined based upon fasting glucose or A1c. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The significance of this intervention is enormous. By demonstrating feasibility in this trial, we can work toward both assessing efficacy and possibly dissemination of this model program. If these interventions provide durable changes at scale, this could help slow the epidemic of obesity and obesity related comorbid conditions.
Safety, Feasibility, and Patient-Rated Outcome of Sonolucent Cranioplasty in Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgery to Allow for Transcranioplasty Ultrasound Assessment.

Objective We sought to analyze the safety and feasibility of elective sonolucent cranioplasty in the setting of extracranial-to-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery to monitor bypass patency using ultrasound. Methods Patients who underwent direct EC-IC bypass surgery agreed to sonolucent cranioplasty at the time of surgery and received a sonolucent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implant. Besides monitoring clinical outcome, all patients received transcranioplasty ultrasound (TCUS) on postoperative day 1 and at last follow-up. In addition, bypass patency was confirmed using catheter angiogram and fit of implant using computed tomography. Patient-rated outcome was assessed through phone questionnaire. Results EC-IC bypass surgery with PMMA cranioplasty was successful in all 7 patients with patent bypasses on postoperative angiogram. Direct TCUS was feasible in all patients, and bypass patency was monitored. There were no complications such as postoperative hemorrhagic/ischemic complications related to the bypass procedure in this patient population, as well as no complications related to the PMMA implant. Postoperative computed tomography showed favorable cosmetic results of the PMMA implant in both the pterional area for superficial temporal artery−middle cerebral artery bypasses and parietooccipital area for occipital artery−middle cerebral artery bypasses as confirmed by high-rated overall patient satisfaction with favorable cosmetic, pain, and sensory patient-rated outcomes. Conclusions In this study we were able to show that this novel technique is safe, allows for patency assessment of the EC-IC bypass using bedside TCUS technique, and is cosmetically satisfying for patients.
Immunotherapy via PD-L1-presenting biomaterials leads to long-term islet graft survival

Antibody-mediated immune checkpoint blockade is a transformative immunotherapy for cancer. These same mechanisms can be repurposed for the control of destructive alloreactive immune responses in the transplantation setting. Here, we implement a synthetic biomaterial platform for the local delivery of a chimeric streptavidin/programmed cell death-1 (SA-PD-L1) protein to direct "reprogramming" of local immune responses to transplanted pancreatic islets. Controlled presentation of SA-PD-L1 on the surface of poly(ethylene glycol) microgels improves local retention of the immunomodulatory agent over 3 weeks in vivo. Furthermore, local induction of allograft acceptance is achieved in a murine model of diabetes only when receiving the SA-PD-L1-presenting biomaterial in combination with a brief rapamycin treatment. Immune characterization revealed an increase in T regulatory and anergic cells after SA-PD-L1-microgel delivery, which was distinct from naive and biomaterial alone microenvironments. Engineering the local microenvironment via biomaterial delivery of checkpoint proteins has the potential to advance cell-based therapies, avoiding the need for systemic chronic immunosuppression.
No Prisoner Left Behind? Enhancing Public Transparency of Penal Institutions

Prisoners suffer life-long debilitating effects of their incarceration, making them a subordinated class of people for life. This article examines how prison conditions facilitate subordination and concludes that enhancing transparency is the first step towards equality. Anti-subordination efforts led to enhanced transparency in schools, a similar but not identical institution. This article argues that federal school transparency measures provide a rudimentary and balanced framework for enhancing prison transparency.
Tissue Oxygen Profiling Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Oximetry to Improve Wound Healing After Radiation

The objective of this study is to describe the oxygen profile obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry of tissue after radiation, surgery, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its relationship to wound healing in a rodent model. The study design is rodent model for wound healing. A rodent model for wound healing was used for oxygen measurements before and after various treatments. EPR measurements and biopsies of normal vs irradiated and flap vs non-flap tissues were taken at 1–3-week intervals for 12 weeks. Wound healing was evaluated by gross photos, histology, and immunostaining. Student’s t test and a linear mixed model were used to compare oxygen levels and gross healing with radiation exposure. A Proportional Odds model was also used to calculate odds ratio toward better wound-healing rate with radiation exposure. In the rodent model, at 1–3 weeks after irradiation, the mean tissue oxygen measurement was significantly lower in irradiated versus non-irradiated leg tissue. There was a significant difference in oxygenation between flap and non-flap tissue in an irradiated bed at 1 and 3 weeks after surgery. On gross evaluation, wound healing from z-plasty flap was significantly worse in irradiated tissue compared to non-irradiated tissue. A rodent model for wound healing showed that radiation resulted in decreased tissue oxygenation at 1–3 weeks after irradiation. Wound healing was compromised in irradiated tissue at earlier time points when tissue oxygenation was lower. Oxygen profiling with EPR oximetry can be used to identify timing of oxygen interventions to improve wound healing. Level of evidence is NA, animal studies.
Louisiana Medicaid access for treatment and care for hepatitis C virus (LA-MATCH) project: A cross-sectional study protocol.

Introduction This article presents the Louisiana Hepatitis C Elimination Program’s evaluation protocol underway at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–New Orleans. With the availability of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, the elimination of Hepatitis C (HCV) has become a possibility. The HCV Elimination Program was initiated by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Office of Public Health (OPH), LDH Bureau of Health Services Financing (Medicaid), and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC) to provide HCV treatment through an innovative pricing arrangement with Asegua Therapeutics, whereby a fixed cost is set for a supply of treatment over five years. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study design will be used. Data will be gathered from two sources: 1) an online survey administered via REDCap to a sample of Medicaid members who are receiving HCV treatment, and 2) a de-identified data set that includes both Medicaid claims data and OPH surveillance data procured via a Data Use Agreement between LSUHSC-NO and Louisiana Medicaid. Discussion The evaluation will contribute to an understanding of the scope and reach of this innovative treatment model, and as a result, an understanding of areas for improvement. Further, this evaluation may provide insight for other states considering similar contracting mechanisms and programs.
A Comprehensive Update of the Incidence and Demographics of Laryngoceles in Adults.

OBJECTIVE To provide updated data on the incidence, types, and demographics of laryngoceles in the adult population. METHODS We searched the medical archives of our institute for computed tomography (CT) studies acquired between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2017 in which the term "laryngocele" appeared in the radiology reports. Two of the authors reviewed relevant images for the presence, type, distribution, and laterality of true laryngoceles. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records and the incidence was calculated. RESULTS Laryngoceles were detected in 53 out of the 79 893 patients with relevant CT data, which equates to an incidence of 151 per 2.5 million (0.06:1000) patients per year. The male:female ratio was 3:1, average age was 60 (±18) years, and incidence peaked among patients in the sixth decade of life. Nine patients (17%) had known laryngeal cancer; however, the majority of the cohort did not have follow up clinic visits. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that the incidence of laryngoceles is much greater than previously reported. In most cases, the diagnosis of a laryngocele was an incidental radiological finding. Male gender predilection and age at presentation are in agreement with previous reports. Association of laryngoceles with laryngeal cancer could not be calculated due to low rates of follow ups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Breast Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Reduces Organ at Risk Exposure, Treatment Time and Duration in Partial Breast Irradiation.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Interest has rapidly grown in past years in reducing the duration and volume of adjuvant radiation therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer. One such technique that accomplishes both is breast SBRT. We undertook an IRB-approved prospective clinical trial of 30 Gy/5fx SBRT to study local recurrence outcomes and skin toxicity in women who were suitable for partial breast irradiation (PBI) according to ASTRO guidelines. Here we report the plan quality, organ-at-risk dosimetry, and treatment efficiency for the treated patients. MATERIALS/METHODS We accrued 20 women to the trial, with 19 treatments available for analysis at time of submission. 16 were treated in prone, and 3 in the supine position. Women had bioabsorbable fiducial markers placed at time of surgery, which we used for cavity delineation, patient alignment, and intrafraction triggered imaging. We added a 1cm CTV and 0.3cm PTV expansion to the cavity. Plans were delivered in five consecutive days. In addition to trial outcomes, we catalogued plan quality according to conformity (RTOG), R50 (V50%/V100%), OAR exposure, as well as treatment delivery time. Plans were delivered with 7-13 co-planar IMRT fields (median MUs/fx = 2189) with 10MV FFF beams on an Edge linear accelerator. RESULTS Median lumpectomy cavity size was 7.2 ± 3.6 cc. Median PTV size was 78.3 ± 25.7 cc. Conformity (RTOGmedian = 1.04 ± 0.03) and gradient (R50median = 3.1 ± 0.4) of all plans were excellent. Heart dose was low for left and right-sided plans (103.4 ± 52.9 & 59.14 ± 21.7) was cGY respectively. Mean ipsilateral breast dose was 750 ± 257 cGY, mean contralateral breast dose was 142 ± 74 cGY. Median beam & total treatment times 4.5 ± 2.4 and 12.7 ± 10.2 min per fraction. CONCLUSION Breast SBRT is an exceptional and convenient means of adjuvantly treating lumpectomy cavities with partial breast irradiation that spares OARs including non-at-risk ipsilateral breast tissue and allows patients to finish their treatment courses within one week with little to no additional time on the treatment table. Bioabsorbable fiducial markers facilitated lumpectomy cavity delineability and were also useful for patient positioning and intrafraction motion monitoring. Future work will assess the viability of condensing treatment to a single fraction to further reduce treatment burden on patients.
Treatment Responses in Adult Brainstem Gliomas with IDH1/2 Mutations (P3.127)

OBJECTIVE: Report clinical presentation and treatment responses for two adults with IDH-mutated brainstem gliomas. BACKGROUND: Adult brainstem gliomas are rare tumors and as a result, treatment protocols have not been established. DESIGN/METHODS: We reviewed clinical, radiographic, pathologic and treatment response characteristics for two adult patients with IDH-mutated brainstem gliomas. RESULTS: Case 1 is a 42-year-old man who presented with a one year history of right 6th and 7th cranial nerve palsies. MRI showed a non-enhancing mass in the right pons, measuring 3.1x2.9x2.2 cm. He underwent stereotactic biopsy which revealed a WHO grade III anaplastic oligodendroglioma with codeletion of 1p36 and 19q13 and IDH2 R172M mutation. He was treated with concurrent radiation and temozolomide for 6 weeks and showed partial radiographic response. He remains clinically and radiographically stable following 12 cycles of adjuvant temozolomide. Case 2 is a 48-year-old man with a six month history of worsening exertional headache. MRI showed a mildly-enhancing diffuse pontine lesion measuring 6.6x3.4x4.8 cm. Stereotactic biopsy revealed a WHO grade II astrocytoma with IDH1 R132C mutation and MGMT promoter methylation was present. There was deletion of 19q, but 1p remained intact. He received 5400 cGy over 6 weeks and no chemotherapy. He has been clinically and radiographically stable for one year. CONCLUSIONS: Adult brainstem gliomas are uncommon and those with IDH1/2 mutations are exceedingly rare. There is no standardized protocol for treatment of these tumors in adults and current strategies are extrapolated from data on supratentorial tumors. Our series reports treatment response for two patients with brainstem glioma. Disclosure: Dr. Hodges has nothing to disclose. Dr. Malafronte has nothing to disclose. Dr. Skinner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carter has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gilhooly has nothing to disclose. Dr. Theeler has nothing to disclose.
Chapter 13 Induction and Isolation of Mutants in Tetrabymena

Publisher Summary This chapter describes induction and isolation of mutants in Tetrahymena . Tetrahymena pyriformis is a unicellular animal well suited to studies of cell and molecular biology. It can be grown in pure culture to high concentrations, in practically unlimited volumes, with a remarkably short-vegetative doubling time (down to 2 hours under favorable conditions) and is thus extremely useful for the production and purification of cellular organelles and macromolecules. It is also well suited for genetic studies, having a diploid germ line with only five pairs of chromosomes, which are transmitted during conjugation according to the standard rules of the Mendelian genetics. The cells can be cloned efficiently, and conjugation is under precise experimental control. Clones can be readily frozen and indefinitely stored under liquid nitrogen. The chapter covers the methods used in the induction and isolation of Tetrahymena mutants, including (1) recent technical advances in handling the large numbers of cells required to isolate rare mutants and (2) recently developed strategies designed to increase the frequency of mutants. The chapter also describes elements of the Tetrahymena genetics, genetic analysis, and uses of the mutants. Design of conditions for isolating desired mutants is discussed in the chapter along with the limitations of the use of mutants.
Efficacy of cyclophosphamide in toxic epidermal necrolysis. Clinical and pathophysiologic aspects.

In this article we describe the immunocytochemical and electron microscopic findings in five patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis. They indicate the occurrence of necrotic keratinocytes with nuclear disintegration associated with apposed dendritic cells with the nuclear chromatin configuration of T lymphocytes. These findings, including the presence of blebbing of the keratinocytes and membrane defects associated with cytoplasmic processes from these apposed lymphoid cells, fit known electron microscopic criteria that suggest the involvement of T lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis of drug-altered target keratinocytes in toxic epidermal necrolysis. The effector cell appears to be a dendritic subset, with the phenotypic characteristics (CD3 + , CD4 - , CD8 + , CD2 + , DR + ) of a T cell subset. There is some evidence that tumor necrosis factor α, secreted by activated macrophages, may play a role in necrolysis of the epidermis. The dramatic response of our patients to cyclophosphamide, which is known to inhibit cell-mediated cytotoxicity by inhibiting both the recognition and lethal hit stages, together with the rapid regrowth of the epidermis within 4 days to a week in patients who received adequate dosage of the drug, supports the preceding concepts.
What Roles Can Nonrecurring Items Play

Prior research on accounting conservatism suggests two distinct roles that nonrecurring items can play for firms with a high level of intangibles. One is for market participants to assess the value of operating activities and the other is to provide incentives for managers. For the valuation role, I find convincing evidence that special items and discontinued operations contain useful information about unrecorded intangibles. Discontinued operations signal a downward adjustment of the value of intangibles and special items signal an upward adjustment. In contrast, for the incentive role, I find only weak evidence of a relationship between the use of market-based compensation and the ability of nonrecurring items to explain goodwill. My findings have important implications for standard setters and accounting researchers because they indicate that even when core earnings cannot convey adequate information about important intangible projects, investors can assess the value of intangibles and related managerial decisions from reports of special items and discontinued operations. They also indicate that reliability is an important attribute for incentive relevance, and suggest the presence of a tradeoff between value relevance and reliability of special items and discounted operations in a compensation contracting.
The free factory: cutting cycle time and gaining output

In 1992 Texas Instruments launched a program to maximize the throughput in its existing wafer fabrication facilities by improving yields, reducing cycle times and increasing the predictability of the manufacturing process. It was a monumental effort, involving everyone in TI's Semiconductor Group worldwide, from process technicians on the factory floor, to design engineers, to R&D scientists to top executives. TI's "Free Fab" initiative was aimed at every process, every manufacturing step from design to finished product in every TI semiconductor manufacturing facility worldwide. The challenges were diverse spanning standardized commodity product processes as well as customized product processes, like digital signal processors. The results have been dramatic. By 1994, TI had gained the equivalent of a complete factory in output and, by end of 1995 a second "free" factory had been gained, all from productivity improvements. Cycle times have been cut from 140 days on a custom product to 60 days and on-time delivery is the best in the industry at over 95 percent. While the results are significant, the bigger challenge now is keep the organization focused on continued improvement in yields, cycle times and predictability.
6-Thioguanine inhibition of parathyroid hormone-related protein expression is mediated by GLI2.

Background: Breast cancer cells frequently metastasize to bone, where they up-regulate their expression of the transcription factor GLI2 and the downstream osteolytic factor parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). The guanosine nucleotide 6-thioguanine (6-TG) inhibits PTHrP expression and blocks osteolytic bone destruction in mice inoculated with bone metastatic cells; however, the mechanism by which 6-TG inhibits PTHrP remains unclear. We hypothesized that 6-TG inhibition of PTHrP is mediated through GLI2 signaling. Materials and Methods: Human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and RWGT2 squamous-cell lung carcinoma cells were treated with 100 μM 6-TG and examined for GLI2 mRNA expression and stability by Q-PCR, promoter activity by luciferase assay, and protein expression by Western blot. Results: 6-TG significantly blocked GLI2 mRNA and protein expression, but did not affect stability. Additionally, 6-TG directly inhibited GLI2 promoter activity, and when cells were transfected with constitutively expressed GLI2, the inhibitory effect of 6-TG on PTHrP expression was abolished. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate that 6-TG regulates PTHrP in part through GLI2 transcription, and therefore the clinical use of 6-TG or other guanosine nucleotides may be a viable therapeutic option in tumor types expressing elevated levels of GLI proteins.
Negative dystonia of the palate: A novel entity and diagnostic consideration in hypernasal speech

Objective To present the first documented series of patients with negative dystonia (ND) of the palate, including clinical symptoms, functional MRI findings, and management options. Study Design Case series ascertained from clinical research centers that evaluated patients with both hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movement disorders. Methods Between July 1983 and March 2013, data was collected on patient demographics, disease characteristics, functional MRI findings, long-term management options, and outcomes. We sought patients whose clinical examination demonstrated absent palatal movement on speaking, despite normal palatal activity on other activities. Results Five patients (2 males, 3 females) met clinical criteria. All patients presented with hypernasal speech without associated dysphagia. Clinical examination revealed absent palatal movement on speaking despite intact gag reflexes, normal palate elevation on swallowing, and normal cranial nerve examinations. Other cranial and/or limb dystonias were present in four patients (80.0%). Three patients (60.0%) had previously failed oral pharmacologic therapy. Two patients underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, which demonstrated an overall decrease of cortical and subcortical activation during production of symptomatic syllables and asymptomatic coughing. Management included speech therapy (all patients) and palatal lift (2 patients) with limited improvement. Calcium hydroxyapatite injection (1 patient) into the soft palate and Passavants' ridge was beneficial. Conclusions This is the first report of ND of the palate. Characteristic findings were task-specific absent palatal movement with speech, despite normal movement on swallowing, coughing, and an intact gag reflex, as well as disorder-specific decreased brain activation on functional MRI. A diagnosis of ND of the palate should be considered for patients who present with hypernasal speech. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:1426–1432, 2015
Construction and Analysis of an Integrated Regulatory Network Derived from High-Throughput Sequencing Data

We present a network framework for analyzing multi-level regulation in higher eukaryotes based on systematic integration of various high-throughput datasets. The network, namely the integrated regulatory network, consists of three major types of regulation: TF→gene, TF→miRNA and miRNA→gene. We identified the target genes and target miRNAs for a set of TFs based on the ChIP-Seq binding profiles, the predicted targets of miRNAs using annotated 3′UTR sequences and conservation information. Making use of the system-wide RNA-Seq profiles, we classified transcription factors into positive and negative regulators and assigned a sign for each regulatory interaction. Other types of edges such as protein-protein interactions and potential intra-regulations between miRNAs based on the embedding of miRNAs in their host genes were further incorporated. We examined the topological structures of the network, including its hierarchical organization and motif enrichment. We found that transcription factors downstream of the hierarchy distinguish themselves by expressing more uniformly at various tissues, have more interacting partners, and are more likely to be essential. We found an over-representation of notable network motifs, including a FFL in which a miRNA cost-effectively shuts down a transcription factor and its target. We used data of C. elegans from the modENCODE project as a primary model to illustrate our framework, but further verified the results using other two data sets. As more and more genome-wide ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq data becomes available in the near future, our methods of data integration have various potential applications.
ASSESSMENT OF NORMAL AND MUTANT HUMAN PRESENILIN FUNCTION IN CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

We provide evidence that normal human presenilins can substitute for Caenorhabditis elegans SEL-12 protein in functional assays in vivo . In addition, six familial Alzheimer disease-linked mutant human presenilins were tested and found to have reduced ability to rescue the sel-12 mutant phenotype, suggesting that they have lower than normal presenilin activity. A human presenilin 1 deletion variant that fails to be proteolytically processed and a mutant SEL-12 protein that lacks the C terminus display considerable activity in this assay, suggesting that neither presenilin proteolysis nor the C terminus is absolutely required for normal presenilin function. We also show that sel-12 is expressed in most neural and nonneural cell types in all developmental stages. The reduced activity of mutant presenilins and as yet unknown gain-of-function properties may be a contributing factor in the development of Alzheimer disease.
RAPID IDENTIFICATION OF Salmonella AND RELATED FOODBORNE BACTERIA BY FIVE BIOCHEMICAL MULTITEST SYSTEMS

An evaluation was made of five commercially available “multitest systems” suggested for biochemically differentiating members of the Enterobacteriaceae. Three biochemical kits (Enterotube, PathoTec Rapid I-D System, and Modified Expanded R/B Enteric Differential System) gave incorrect identification for two of 110 Salmonella cultures, whereas two kits (API-20 Enteric and Minitek Differential System) gave correct identification of all 110 Salmonella cultures. The PathoTec Raoid I-D Svstem gave incorrect identification for two of 15 non-Salmonella, whereas the remaining four kits gave incorrect identification for three of these cultures. The overall average correlation for all biochemical tests or substrates evaluated within each system was as follows: API, 99%; Enterotube, 99%; Minitek, 99%; PathoTec, 97%; and R/B, 96%.
Sandwich test specimens for measuring interface crack toughness

Abstract A crack lying along one interface on an elastic sandwich structure is analyzed. When the thickness of the middle layer is small compared with the other length scales of the structure, a universal relation is found between the actual interface stress intensity factors at the crack tip and the apparent mode I and mode II stress intensity factors associated with the corresponding problem for the crack in the homogeneous material. Therefore, if the apparent stress intensity factors are known, for example calculated from the applied loads as if the structure was homogeneous, this information can be immediately converted into the interface stress intensity factors with the universal relation. This observation provides the theoretical basis for developing sandwich specimens for measuring interface crack toughness. The universal relation reveals the extent to which the asymmetry inherent to a bimaterial interface induces asymmetry in the near tip crack field. In particular, the result of the study can be used to infer whether stress intensity factors for a homogeneous body can be used with good approximation in place of the actual interface stress intensity factors. A proposal for simplifying the approach to interfacial fracture is made which plays down the role of the so-called oscillatory interface singularity stresses.