cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a selective and differential medium for the primary isolation of Peptostreptococcus micros

Peptostreptococcus micros, an anaerobic gram-positive coccus, has been associated with periodontal and endodontic lesions, including those refractory to treatment, as well as many human polymicrobial infections in other body locations. A selective and differential medium for the primary isolation of P. micros was developed and evaluated. Columbia CNA agar, a selective medium for gram-positive cocci, was supplemented with glutathione and lead acetate (P. micros medium: PMM). P. micros has a characteristic of rapidly utilizing the reduced form of glutathione to form hydrogen sulfide, which reacts with lead acetate producing a black precipitate in the medium. When grown on PMM, P. micros can be easily identified by its typical colonial morphology and the presence of a black precipitate directly under the colony. PMM was compared for the growth of P. micros with phenylethyl alcohol agar (PEA) and Columbia base medium (CBM) with 80 strains of P. micros and 30 strains of other gram-positive cocci. All P. micros isolates tested grew and showed the typical morphology of P. micros on PMM. Using colony counts on CBM as controls, there was an average 81.8% recovery in the number of P. micros colonies on PMM, in contrast to an average 6.1% recovery on PEA. Subgingival plaque and tongue samples from 12 adult periodontitis and 6 early-onset periodontitis patients were cultured onto PMM for the isolation of P. micros. P. micros was isolated on PMM and identified biochemically and enzymatically from both adult periodontitis and early-onset periodontitis patients with higher percentages isolated from the diseased periodontal pockets of adult periodontitis patients; furthermore, this is the first isolation of P. micros from tongue samples taken from periodontally diseased patients. This medium in cultural studies will further our understanding and assist future investigations of P. micros involved in disease processes.
Management Strategies for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer

Locally advanced prostate cancer represents a subpopulation of prostate cancer diagnosed in patients who are either untouched by screening efforts or whose disease has an unusually rapidly progressive natural history. The diagnostic work-up for the locally advanced patient is distinct from that of early stage disease in several respects in that it is related principally to ruling out metastases. The typical metastatic work-up consists of a serum alkaline phosphatase, bone scan, CT of the abdomen/pelvis, and chest x-ray. Once metastatic disease has been ruled out, individual components of the management of locally advanced prostate cancer patients may include surgery (palliative or curative), external beam radiation therapy (with photons or particles) or brachytherapy (with low-dose rate/permanent or high-dose rate/temporary radiation sources), and hormone therapy. Unlike in early stage disease, observation/watchful waiting is typically not a treatment option in locally advanced prostate cancer. Of the curative local control modalities, the one most commonly used, and the one which has emerged as the clinical standard, is photon external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Numerous randomised studies have shown that androgen ablation has an established role in conjunction with radiotherapy for locally advanced disease — the current standard of care is thus photon EBRT plus neoadjuvant and adjuvant androgen ablation. Long-term androgen ablation appears to be better than short-term ablation, even when hormone complications are considered. EBRT is typically delivered to the prostate, seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes, although in some circumstances local fields to the prostate and seminal vesicles may be adequate. New treatment planning and delivery techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy and organ motion tracking, are being developed to reduce the morbidity of radiotherapy while permitting a higher delivered dose. Further work is necessary to determine the precise sequencing and duration of hormone therapy in conjunction with radiotherapy and the optimum radiotherapy treatment volume. Additional work is also needed to determine the precise groups benefiting from other local control modalities such as surgery and brachytherapy. Finally, novel investigational strategies such as chemotherapy and gene therapy are being applied in an attempt to improve outcomes of locally advanced prostate cancer patients.
Consumers as Collaborators in Research and Action

SUMMARY This paper discusses the role of consumers as collaborators in disability research conducted in the community. A comprehensive model of participatory action research is described and illustrated with research and training projects conducted in a collaborative arrangement between researchers and a Consumer Empowered Team. The paper describes how adherence to the model could be conducted in actual research and training settings and produce outcomes valued by the consumers at whom the interventions were targeted. The advantages and caveats to using the consumer as collaborator approach are discussed.
Frontal plane ankle proprioceptive thresholds and unipedal balance

Reliable unipedal balance is fundamental to safe ambulation. Accordingly, older persons with peripheral neuropathy (PN), who are at increased risk for falls, demonstrate impaired unipedal balance. To explore the relationship between afferent function and unipedal balance, frontal plane proprioceptive thresholds at the ankle were quantified in 22 subjects (72.5 6.3 years; 11 with PN and 11 matched controls) while they were standing using a foot cradle system and a staircase series of 100 rotational stimuli. PN subjects, as compared to controls, demonstrated shorter median unipedal balance times (3.4 2.7 vs. 14.3 8.9 s; P 0.0017) and greater (less precise) combined ankle inversion/eversion proprioceptive thresholds (1.17 0.36 vs. 0.65 0.37°; P 0.0055). Combined ankle inversion/ eversion proprioceptive thresholds explained approximately half the vari- ance in unipedal balance time (R2 0.5138; P 0.0004). Given prior work demonstrating a similarly strong relationship between ankle torque genera- tion and unipedal balance, neuropathy-associated impairments in ankle frontal plane afferent and efferent function appear to be equally responsible for the inability of older persons with PN to reliably balance on one foot. They therefore provide distinct targets for intervention.
Guest Editorial: Remote Sensing for Coupled Natural Systems and Built Environments

This PDF file contains the editorial “Guest Editorial: Remote Sensing for Coupled Natural Systems and Built Environments” for JRS Vol. 4 Issue 01
Identifying the function of small G-protein Rab27A in the secretion in mouse pancreatic acinar cells

Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Background: Previous studies have shown that the small G-protein Rab27A regulates the intracellular trafficking of secretory granules in various cell types, including islet beta cells. However, its role in mouse pancreatic acini is poorly understood. We utilized ashen mice, which lack Rab27A to investigate the function of Rab27A in pancreatic acinar cells. Aim: To investigate the effects of Rab27A deficiency on pancreatic acinar cell physiology and function. Methods: Isolated pancreatic acini were prepared from ashen or wildtype (WT) mouse pancreases by collagenase digestion and CCKor carbachol-induced amylase secretion was measured. Expression of Rab27A, Rab27B, Rab3D and digestive enzymes were measured by western blot. GTP-bound states of Rab27B and Rab3D in ashen or WT mouse acini were assessed by GST-pulldown assay. Localization of Rab27B and Rab3D in ashen and WT pancreases was shown by immunofluorescence. Results: Expression of Rab27A was detected in isolated WT mouse pancreatic acinar cells by western blot and RT-PCR. Expression of Rab27B was slightly increased in ashen mouse acini, while Rab3D and digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, chymotrypsin and elastase) were not affected. The GTP-bound states of Rab27B and Rab3D in ashen and WT mouse acini also remained constant. Acini from ashenmice showed lower basal level of amylase release but no obvious change in the entire dose response curves of CCKor carbachol-stimulated amylase release. Localization of Rab27B, Rab3D and amylase by immunohistochemistry was not obviously changed in acinar cells from both mice. Localization of Rab27A could not be determined using available antibody. Conclusions: Rab27A is present in mouse pancreatic acinar cells but not involved in the final secretory steps of zymogen granule secretion.
Endovascular management of intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms.

Object. Intracranial vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysms often present with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and dramatic neurological injury. The authors reviewed the management of 23 cases in an effort to evaluate treatment efficacy and outcomes. Methods. The records of 23 patients who underwent endovascular treatment were reviewed to determine symptoms, type of therapy, complications, and clinical outcomes. All patients were evaluated using records kept in a prospectively maintained database. Ten men and 13 women (age range 35–72 years; mean age 49 years) were treated over an 8-year period. Twelve patients presented with poor-grade SAH, five with good-grade SAH, three with headache, and two with stroke. The other patient’s aneurysm was discovered incidentally. Treatment included coil occlusion of the artery at the aneurysm in 21 patients and stent-assisted coil placement in two. Parent artery sacrifice was successful in all cases, whereas both patients treated with stent-assisted coil insertion suffered recurrences. No patient sustained permanent complications as a result of treatment. Two patients died due to the severity of their original SAH. Findings were normal in 14 patients on follow-up review (including five of the 12 presenting with poor-grade SAH), five had fixed neurological deficits but were able to care for themselves, and one was permanently disabled. Conclusions. Despite their often aggressive neurological presentation, intracranial VA dissecting aneurysms can be managed safely with coil occlusion of the lesion and/or parent artery. Even patients presenting in poor neurological condition may improve dramatically.
In vivo molecular contrast optical coherence tomography for vasculature imaging and increased molecular specificity

We present a novel Pump-Probe Optical Coherence Tomography (PPOCT) system, capable of imaging both methylene blue and hemoglobin simultaneously. In vivo images of Zenopus tadpole vasculature were obtained using hemoglobin as the contrast agent.
The Occupational Assimilation of Hispanic Immigrants in the U.S.: Evidence from Panel Data

This study focuses on the occupational component of the labor market adjustment of Hispanic immigrants. The author asks whether Hispanic immigrants assimilate with natives and what factors influence occupational attainment. The findings suggest that years since migration narrow the socioeconomic gap between Hispanic immigrants, their U.S.-born Hispanic counterparts, and non-Hispanic whites. The level of human capital affects the rate of occupational mobility and determines whether convergence occurs in the groups’ socioeconomic occupational status. The occupational status of Hispanic immigrants with low human capital remains fairly stable and does not converge with that of non-Hispanic whites. However, those with high human capital experience upward occupational mobility. In part, their occupational assimilation is driven by the acquisition of human capital among younger Hispanic immigrants.
Solid-State Characterization of AG337 (Thymitaq), a Novel Antitumor Drug

AG337 (Thymitaq) is an antitumor compound synthesized by Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., using protein structure-based drug design. AG337 is a hydrochloride salt with a molecular formula of C14H12N4OS·2HCl. This compound was subjected to thermal analyses, Karl Fischer titrimetry, powder X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and FTIR. On the basis of the Karl Fischer and thermo-gravimetric analysis, it was concluded to be a dihydrate. The differential scanning calorimetric studies revealed, that on heating, AG337 dehydrates and form a metastable form with a melting point of 213 °C followed by crystallization into a stable form at 261 °C. This stable form was finally melted at 312 °C with decomposition. On the basis of the FTIR and HPLC studies, it was concluded that the final exothermic peak at 320 °C was due to sample decomposition. The powder X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the existence of these two polymorphs of AG337. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the crystal habits of both the polymorphs were quite different. FTIR spectra of both the polymorphs showed pronounced difference in the range of 600–1800 cm−1.
Judicial Selection and Death Penalty Decisions

Most U.S. state supreme court justices face elections or reappointment by elected officials, and research suggests that judicial campaigns have come to resemble those for other offices. We develop predictions on how selection systems should affect judicial decisions and test these predictions on an extensive dataset of death penalty decisions by state courts of last resort. Specifically, the data include over 12,000 decisions on over 2000 capital punishment cases decided between 1980 and 2006 in systems with partisan, nonpartisan, or retention elections or with reappointment. As predicted, the findings suggest that judges face the greatest pressure to uphold capital sentences in systems with nonpartisan ballots. Also as predicted, judges respond similarly to public opinion in systems with partisan elections or reappointment. Finally, the results indicate that the plebiscitary influences on judicial behavior emerge only after interest groups began achieving success at targeting justices for their decisions.
On the estimation of magnetotelluric response functions using the singular value decomposition

Summary Rigorous methods for computing magnetotelluric response function estimates and their variances from electromagnetic field measurements using the singular value decomposition (SVD) are presented. The relative noise level between the electric and magnetic field components is treated as a free variable, and is shown profoundly to affect both the response function estimates and their variances. In general, the variances decrease to a minimum as the field components share noise more equally. A statistical parameter for checking the validity of the usual magnetotelluric assumptions (two-dimensional conductivity structure and homogeneous source fields) as a function of frequency is developed and applied to the estimation of the ratio of electric and magnetic field noise in data. The method is illustrated using both synthetic and real magnetotelluric data. Results from a seafloor experiment in the NW Pacific show that the response functions obtained primarily from the east electric and north magnetic fields are better determined than the conjugate function, reflecting higher field coherences, but yields no significant statistical difference between the principal components of the response tensor. The ratio of magnetic to electric field noise appears to increase at frequencies below 0.5 cph, and evidence for source field complications, as suggested by high vertical to horizontal magnetic field coherence, is widespread and may reflect ocean-generated electromagnetic fields.
A spring model for whole-hand virtual grasping

We present a physically-based approach to grasping and manipulation of virtual objects that produces visually realistic results, addresses the problem of visual interpenetration of hand and object models, and performs force rendering for force-feedback gloves, in a single framework. Our approach couples a simulation-controlled articulated hand model to tracked hand configuration using a system of linear and torsional virtual spring-dampers. We discuss an implementation of our approach that uses a widely available simulation tool for collision detection and response. We pictorially illustrate the resulting behavior of the virtual hand model and of grasped objects, discuss user behavior and difficulties encountered, and show that the simulation rate is sufficient for control of current force-feedback glove designs. We also present a prototype system for natural whole-hand interactions in a desktop-sized workspace.
Amplifiers for High-Peak Power Nd : Glass Laser Systems

The most important elements in any high-power laser system are the amplifiers that are used to boost the initial oscillator power to the desired output level. Optimization of the performance of such amplifiers leads to maximum system performance at minimum cost. In this chapter we investigate the general characteristics and present operating conditions for disk, active-mirror and rod amplifiers. It will be shown how it is possible to design an optimum amplifier by varying such parameters as disk doping, flashlamp bank energy, and pulsewidth. Also to be considered here are the present limits to achievable energy storage in amplifiers due to ASE or PO. We will also discuss the thermal-cycling time and storage efficiency of all three types of amplifiers. Short-pulse damage and nonlinear effects will not be discussed in this chapter but will be covered in detail in Chaps.6–7.
New grid scheduling and rescheduling methods in the GrADS project

The goal of the Grid Application Development Software (GrADS) Project is to provide programming tools and an execution environment to ease program development for the Grid. This paper presents recent extensions to the GrADS software framework: a new approach to scheduling workflow computations, applied to a 3-D image reconstruction application; a simple stop/migrate/restart approach to rescheduling Grid applications, applied to a QR factorization benchmark; and a process-swapping approach to rescheduling, applied to an N-body simulation. Experiments validating these methods were carried out on both the GrADS MacroGrid (a small but functional Grid) and the MicroGrid (a controlled emulation of the Grid).
A Real-Time Algorithm for Long Range Signal Strength Prediction in Wireless Networks

Prediction of rapidly time variant fading channel conditions enables adaptive data transmission in wireless systems, which in turn improves the quality of service for end users and reduces the power consumption for data transmissions. In this paper, we construct an accurate, low-complexity, on-line prediction mechanism for the long range prediction of wireless link quality. Our method is independent of the propagation environment and distance between user nodes and the access points. The proposed method uses past measurements of the received signal strength as its input, and uses a combination of segmentation, filtering and regression to predict the future trend in the received signal strength. An adaptive windowing mechanism is designed to adapt to abrupt changes in the data trace, which considerably reduces the prediction error. The algorithm is tested on real life networks in diverse environments. The prediction results are compared with one of the best existing channel prediction algorithm. We show that our algorithm can be used as a robust and comparatively more accurate predictor.
Autonomic multi-agent management of power and performance in data centers

The rapidly rising cost and environmental impact of energy consumption in data centers has become a multi-billion dollar concern globally. In response, the IT Industry is actively engaged in a first-to-market race to develop energy-conserving hardware and software solutions that do not sacrifice performance objectives. In this work we demonstrate a prototype of an integrated data center power management solution that employs server management tools, appropriate sensors and monitors, and an agent-based approach to achieve specified power and performance objectives. By intelligently turning off servers under low-load conditions, we can achieve over 25% power savings over the unmanaged case without incurring SLA penalties for typical daily and weekly periodic demands seen in webserver farms.
Critical analysis of 14nm device options

Modeling challenges and solutions for silicon based high performance device options at the 14nm node are presented. A variety of devices are being considered, using a variety of methods to analyze the devices objectively. Partially depleted silicon on insulator (PDSOI) devices are compared against extremely thin (ETSOI) and FinFET devices.
Social Media and Heritage Preservation

What is the role of social media in conversations about heritage and heritage preservation? In conjunction with traditional forms of media, social media has captured and critiqued the deliberate destruction and tragic reality resulting from the armed conflict in the Middle East. This reality became even more tragic in August (2015) following the murder of prominent Syrian archaeologist, Khaled al-Assad, after his refusal to reveal the location of hidden artifacts to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In addition to the invaluable cost of human life, cultural heritage assets have also become targets for militant groups, such as ISIS. Multiple videos have surfaced over the past months and through various media formats of ISIS members destroying museums, archaeological sites, historic centers, libraries, and other heritage resources. The integration of social media has introduced new elements into heritage discourse. Using new mechanisms to record and discuss the destruction of heritage has also raised questions that consider ways in which heritage is preserved. Such as: How can a broader range of options for addressing the crisis of heritage destruction in Iraq be solicited, particularly at a local level, and possibly incorporated? What can enhance public discourse on heritage in the face of loss of life and destruction of tangible resources? There have been international and national responses in the wake of this devastation and tragedy in many affected countries, including Iraq. The United National Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added Ashur (Qal’at Shergat) and Samarra Archaeological City, two of Iraq’s World Heritage Sites, to the World Heritage in Danger list in 2003 and 2007, respectively. The Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has also publically condemned the destruction of these locations, going as far as to classify these actions as “war crimes” (Ferran and Williams 2015). In addition to UNESCO, many other organizations have joined the conversation. The International Committee of the Blue Shield (ICBS) and The Antiquities Coalition are two of the many nonprofit organizations that have organized action against the heritage destruction in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. These groups have collaborated with various experts and local military forces to promote global awareness and organize action against this crisis. These agencies, as well as UNESCO, have utilized social media platforms to extend their messages
Modelling Tidal Flow from Harbors

Problems concerned with the tidal flow of water into and out of harbors are difficult to solve mathematically. For the case of flow in a channel the Froude number may be considered to be the most important parameter, and it is therefore necessary to determine an expression for the velocity of flow in the channel connecting the harbor to the sea. For the case considered herein, it is assumed that there is a large harbor connected to the sea by a wide channel of uniform cross section and length L .
Mathematical Methods for Estimating Proper Thermal Processes and Their Computer Implementation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses on the mathematical methods for estimating proper thermal processes and their computer implementation. The basic principles for determining proper heat processes are described in the first section. It explains the published procedures for determining proper heat processes. The computerized estimation of heat processes is discussed at length. The chapter looks into the programs for estimating parametric values and programs for estimating heat processes without manual calculations. Mathematical procedures for heat process evaluation have been modified and improved by many research workers. Although most of the major problems were solved by these workers, further research which needs to be done in the future is discussed in this chapter.
The role of tensile stress in the mechanism of femoral fractures.

1. Static and dynamic loading tests were made on fifty femora from dissecting-room, adult cadavera of known sex, age, and race. The cause of death was also known, and no grossly pathological bones were used. All bones were not loaded to failure. 2. Most of the bones were "stresscoated" so that the tensile deformation pattern produced during the tests was obtained. 3. In each test the magnitude, point of application, direction, and type of force, as well as the orientation of the bone, were the controlled variables. These factors, however, were not uniform in all tests. 4. Vertical transverse fractures of the femoral neck were produced by static vertical loading of the fensoral head. No torsional force was involved. 5. Static vertical loading of the femur clearly demonstrated its behavior as an elastic body. 6. Subcapital, intertrochanteric, abduction, horizontal, and oblique fractures of the neck were obtained by static and dynamic loading of the greater trochanter, with the bone in slightly different positions. No torsion was involved in the fracture mechanism. 7. Spiral fractures of the shaft were produced by static torsion loading. 8. Transverse fractures of the shaft were produced by cross-bending loads. 9. The "stresscoat" deformation patterns obtained in the fractured bones clearly demonstrated that, with the possible exception of the abduction type, each of the various kinds of fractures arose from the failure of the bone as the result of the tensile strain. 10. Contrary to a rather general belief, transverse fractures of the femoral neck are not produced by torsional forces. There is no mechanism in the living body that can produce torsional strain in the femoral neck. 11. Shearing force is also not involved in the fracture mechanism although, depending upon the obliquity of the fracture line, it can be a serious factor in the treatment of such fractures. 12. Spiral fractures of the shaft are merely other examples of the failure of the bone as the result of the tensile strain. They do not arise from shearing stress.
A Systematic Review of Acquired Uterine Arteriovenous Malformations: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Transcatheter Treatment

Objective An acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare cause of vaginal bleeding and, although hysterectomy is the definitive therapy, transcatheter embolization (TCE) provides an alternative treatment option. This systematic review presents the indications, technique, and outcomes for transcatheter treatment of the acquired uterine AVMs. Study Design Literature databases were searched from 2003 to 2013 for eligible clinical studies, including the patient characteristics, procedural indication, results, complications, as well as descriptions on laterality and embolic agents utilized. Results A total of 40 studies were included comprising of 54 patients (average age of 33.4 years). TCE had a primary success rate with symptomatic control of 61% (31 patients) and secondary success rate of 91% after repeated embolization. When combined with medical therapy, symptom resolution was noted in 48 (85%) patients without more invasive surgical procedures. Conclusion Low-level evidence supports the role of TCE, including in the event of persistent bleeding following initial embolization, for the treatment of acquired uterine AVMs. The variety of embolic agents and laterality of approach delineate the importance of refining procedural protocols in the treatment of the acquired uterine AVM. Condensation A review on the management of patients with acquired uterine AVMs.
The Study of Dynamic Systems Using Structural Equations Analysis

Structural equations modeling involves laying out the relationships among events or phenomena along a time horizon based on theory. The model or schematic representation of these relationships then can be expressed in a system of structural equations. Solving for the parameters in these structural equations allows one to determine the usefulness of the theory, which guided the development of the model.
Osmotic microenvironments within tissue culture well plates are an important cause of variability in plant protoplast cultures

To determine if the medium osmolality of plant protoplast cultures in 24-well tissue culture plates changes sufficiently during the culture period to affect development of the protoplasts the osmolality and the division of the protoplasts was monitored within the plates over a three week period. Large increases in osmolality were measured in cell-free experiments indicating that overall evaporation from the plates was substantial. The amount of evaporation from a given culture well depended on the position of the well within the plate; three microenvironments corresponding to the corner, edge, and middle positions of the plate consistently developed. Water placed in the recessed area between each culture well moderated the desiccation of the medium but did not eliminate the formation of microenvironments. The osmolality of the medium in protoplast cultures was higher than in the cell-free experiments but similar trends in terms of plate position were recorded. After 3 weeks of incubation of plates with water added between the wells, the osmolality of the medium in the protoplast cultures had increased 209 mOsm in the corner wells, had increased 77 mOsm in the edge wells, and had decreased 39 mOsm in the middle wells. As a result, there was a three-fold higher incidence of division of the protoplasts in the middle wells than in the corner wells. The non-uniformity of medium osmolality in protoplast cultures within tissue cultures well plates is important in experimental design, in the reproducibility of procedures between different laboratories, and in the preparation of replenishment medium for protoplast cultures to minimize osmotic shock.
Practical Approach to Processing Osteosarcomas in the Surgical Pathology Laboratory

The pathologic assessment of definitive surgical specimens in patients treated for osteosarcoma can be rapidly accomplished using a few pieces of special equipment. Rapid decalcification with formi...
Genetic programming for experimental big data mining: A case study on concrete creep formulation

Abstract This paper proposes a new algorithm called multi-objective genetic programming (MOGP) for complex civil engineering systems. The proposed technique effectively combines the model structure selection ability of a standard genetic programming with the parameter estimation power of classical regression, and it simultaneously optimizes both the complexity and goodness-of-fit in a system through a non-dominated sorting algorithm. The performance of MOGP is illustrated by modeling a complex civil engineering problem: the time-dependent total creep of concrete. A Big Data is used for the model development so that the proposed concrete creep model—referred to as a “genetic programming based creep model” or “G-C model” in this study—is valid for both normal and high strength concrete with a wide range of structural properties. The G-C model is then compared with currently accepted creep prediction models. The G-C model obtained by MOGP is simple, straightforward to use, and provides more accurate predictions than other prediction models.
Abstract 3316: The effects of dopamine receptor 2 on breast cancer tumor initiating cells

Despite advances in early detection and treatment of breast cancers, metastatic disease remains a significant problem and a large cause of mortality in the US. Although tumors are characterized as a mass of uncontrolled cell division, it is thought that only small populations of cells, known as tumor initiating cells (TICs), are primarily responsible for metastasis. TICs are less differentiated than most tumor cells and many TICs show an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recently, the FDA-approved drug thioridazine, a dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) antagonist, has been shown to inhibit pluripotency gene expression only in transformed stem cells. To test whether DRD2 can regulate TICs in breast cancer cells, two main assays were performed. The tumorsphere assay is used to measure TIC activity within a population of cells in vitro. In this assay, single cells are cultured in suspension, in the absence of serum. Cells must escape anoikis and grow without cell-cell contacts or the assortment of factors contained in serum. However, the gold standard in vivo assay to measure tumor initiation is the transplantation assay at limiting dilutions. Cells are injected into immunocompromised mice in decreasing numbers and the number of tumors each population of cells is capable of forming is measured. In this study the tumorsphere assay and transplantation assay both show that DRD2 supports TICs in breast cancers. Interestingly, our data suggest that DRD2 regulates TICs and cellular differentiation through the activity of the STAT3 transcription factor. Activation of STAT3 has been shown to induce gene expression changes that support TICs and upregulate the pluripotency factor OCT4. STAT3 activity can also induce EMT and resistance to some therapeutics. By inducing the expression of its own activator, IL-6, STAT3 can initiate a feed forward loop to maintain continual expression to promote TICs, EMT, and drug resistance. Halting the continual activation of STAT3 in these cells should be an important objective. Our data supports the concept that DRD2 may represent a new, and druggable target for therapies to decrease metastasis and/or recurrence by interfering with STAT3 and inhibiting TIC-like activities. Citation Format: Matthew Tegowski, Charlene Santos, Albert Baldwin. The effects of dopamine receptor 2 on breast cancer tumor initiating cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3316.
Characterizing and Reducing Cross-Platform Performance Variability Using OS-Level Virtualization

Independent validation of experimental results in the field of parallel and distributed systems research is a challenging task, mainly due to changes and differences in software and hardware in computational environments. In particular, when an experiment runs on different hardware than the one where it originally executed, predicting the differences in results is difficult. In this paper, we introduce an architecture-independent method for characterizing the performance of a machine by obtaining a profile (a vector of microbenchark results) that we use to quantify the variability between two hardware platforms. We propose the use of isolation features that OS-level virtualization offers to reduce the variability observed when validating application performance across multiple machines. Our results show that, using our variability characterization methodology, we can correctly predict the variability bounds of CPU-intensive applications, as well as reduce it by up to 2.8x if we make use of CPU bandwidth limitations, depending on the opcode mix of an application, as well as generational and architectural differences between two hardware platforms.
Fundamental Mechanisms in Venous Thrombosis

Publisher Summary Venous thromboembolic disease represents an ideal opportunity for advancing the understanding of inflammation within the vascular system. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and its acute and chronic sequelae are a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and cost to the public. Patients managed with present optimal therapy have a 20% incidence of thrombus extension or recurrence. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) can complicate both unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin therapy resulting in arterial and venous thrombotic complications. Heparin-based therapies also raise valid concerns regarding side effects such as the loss of bone mineral density and alopecia. Systemic thrombolytic therapy has not demonstrated consistent efficacy due to difficulties in patient selection and an unacceptable risk of catastrophic bleeding complications. Catheter-directed thrombolysis in the first week following ileofemoral DVT formation has a lower incidence of bleeding complications, and has demonstrated benefits in terms of venous patency and a decreased incidence of CVI. The development of new therapies for the treatment of VTE and the prevention of its sequelae will require a more thorough understanding of venous thrombosis, propagation, and resolution. The goals of any new therapy should be a reduction in hemorrhagic complications and increased efficacy.
Emulsifier-Free All-Sulfonate Polystyrene Colloids from a New Peroxide Initiator

A new initiator, disodium Bis(4-sulfomethyl benzoyl) peroxide, has been synthesized and used for the emulsion polymerization of styrene in the absence of emulsifiers. The effects of variation of ionic strength, monomer, and initator concentrations on the size and final number of latex particles synthesized at 85°C have been studied. It was found that the particle size increased with increasing ionic strength and amount of monomer and decreased with increasing initiator concentration. The ion-exchanged latices were characterized by means of HOTS, conductometric and potentio-metric titrations for particle size and surface charge densities. From the titration curves, only strong acid surface groups were found on the latex particles. The latex surfaces were analyzed by ion scattering spectroscopy and were found to contain carbon, sodium, oxygen, and sulfur.
Sézary Syndrome: Clinical and Biological Aspects.

Sezary syndrome (SS) is a rare and aggressive type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) characterized by an intensely pruritic, exfoliative rash, known as erythroderma, with cutaneous and systemic dissemination of clonal CD4+ T cells into the blood and lymph nodes. This review aims to present recent advancements in the biological and clinical aspects of SS. We begin by providing an overview of the diagnostic criteria for SS and reviewing some of its epidemiological and clinical aspects. We then discuss updates in the etiology of this elusive disease and the genetic and molecular landscapes that define it. Finally, we provide a short overview of the current therapeutic strategies for SS as well as recent advances in the prognosis of this disease. A brief set of recommendations is provided regarding future directions in research and therapy.
Should All Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receive an Oral Anticoagulant in the Era of Non-Vitamin K Anticoagulants?

Oral anticoagulants (OAC) decrease the thromboembolic risk of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) at the expense of increased bleeding. Over the years, several risk stratification schemes for both stroke and bleeding risk have been devised, among which lately the respective CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores predominate. However, even when the bleeding risk score is high, the guidelines recommend not to withhold OAC at least for patients with high stroke risk, but to attempt to concomitantly modify the conditions contributing to the high bleeding risk. The CHA2DS2-VASc score has been considered more reliable than other scores in identifying “truly low-risk” patients who do not require OAC, in whom the risk of bleeding may negate the protective effect of OAC. Some have suggested more complex schemes to better identify very low risk patients, but these schemes may lead to more extensive and costly assessments to decide on a relatively simple question, i.e. the need or not for anticoagulation therapy. In the era of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), this may not be necessary any more, and a simple recommendation of providing every AF patient with OAC therapy may turn out to be a more practical and realistic approach, as long as these newer agents remain safe and effective.
At the boundary of action and dream: Surrealism and the battle for post-Liberation France:

Upon their return from exile after World War II, Surrealist writers and artists encountered a Parisian intellectual climate transformed by the legacy of the Resistance and nascent Cold War politica...
NK Cell-Mediated Rejection of Bone Marrow Cells- In Vivo Evidence of NK Cell Subset Licensing.

Abstract 3537 Poster Board III-474 Natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to attack virally-infected and transformed cells as well allogeneic bone marrow cells (BMC) but not normal self-tissues. The mechanism of missing self recognition and self tolerance of NK cells is poorly understood. NK cells exist as subsets based on expression of inhibitory receptors (Ly49 in mouse, KIR in man) that bind MHC class molecules. In vitro data have shown that murine NK cell subsets bearing Ly49 receptors for self MHC class I molecules have intrinsically higher effector function, supporting the hypothesis that NK cells undergo a host MHC class I-dependent functional education, allowing the NK cells bearing the appropriate Ly49 receptors to preferentially mediate effector function. Thus far, no in vivo evidence for this preferential licensing or arming has been shown. We assessed the intrinsic response potential of the different Ly49 + NK cell subsets in BMC rejection without having the complicating effects of binding MHC on the target cell (which delivers potent inhibitory signals to the NK cell) by using β2-microglobulin deficient (β2m −/− ) mice as donors which totally lack class I MHC molecules. Using syngeneic, congenic, and allogeneic strains of mice as recipients and depleting the different Ly49 subsets, we found that NK cell subsets whose Ly49 molecules have been shown to bind “self-MHC Class I” (ie Ly49G2 in H2 d and Ly49C in H2 b haplotypes) were found to be the dominant subset responsible for mediating the rejection of the β2m −/− BMC. This provides the first in vivo evidence for host MHC class I-dependent functional education (licensing or arming). Importantly, we also demonstrated that prior activation of the NK cells in vivo could override this licensing effect and allow the “non-licensed subset” to mediate rejection. The pattern of NK mediated rejection ability by Ly49 subsets was observed in B10D2 allogeneic H2 d strain mice but not observed in BALB/c allogeneic H2 d strain mice indicating that licensing ability was not solely dependent on host MHC expression and supporting the role of MHC class I–independent system for NK-cell self-tolerance. Interestingly, all H2d strain mice (B10.D2, BALB/c, and B6D2F1) were able to resist significantly greater amounts of B2m-/ - BMC than H2b strain mice indicating that the rheostat hypothesis regarding Ly49 affinities for MHC and NK cell function impacts BMC rejection capability. These results demonstrate that both MHC and non-MHC genes on the host has multiple effects on NK cell subset-mediated BMC rejection and that licensing or arming of Ly49 NK cell subsets can be observed in vivo. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Epidemiology of Blunt Lower Urinary Tract Trauma With and Without Pelvic Fracture.

Objective To assess the contemporary epidemiology of blunt trauma lower urinary tract injury (LUTI) and to evaluate outcomes in patients with and without associated pelvic fracture (PF). Methods Patients presenting to our level I trauma center with PF and/or LUTI from blunt trauma from 2000 to 2014 were identified in our institutional trauma registry. Demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture configurations, hospital course, and outpatient disposition were analyzed. Results Of 5518 PF patients, 233 (4.2%) had LUTI. Thirty-four patients had non-PF LUTI. There were 3.2% of men and 3.3% of women with PF who had bladder injuries ( P = .94). Urethral injury was more common in men (2.0% vs 0.05%; relative risk 43.1). Pubic arch fractures were present in 87% of patients with urethral injuries, although only 1.5% of patients with pubic arch fractures had urethral injury. Isolated acetabular fractures were never associated with urethral injury and associated with only 2.6% of bladder injuries. Extraperitoneal bladder ruptures were more common in the PF group as compared to the non-PF LUTI group (39.1% vs 14.7%, P P P = .01), respectively. Conclusion These data suggest that the contemporary incidence of PF LUTI is lower than previously reported. The presence of PF in patients with LUTI is associated with more severe overall injuries, longer hospital stays, and increased rates of inpatient complications.
Impact of antibody subclass and disulfide isoform differences on the biological activity of CD200R and βklotho agonist antibodies

Agonism of cell surface receptors by monoclonal antibodies is dependent not only on its ability to bind the target, but also to deliver a biological signal through receptors to the cell. Immunoglobulin G2 antibodies (IgG2s) are made up of a mixture of distinct isoforms (IgG2-A, -B and A/B), which differ by the disulfide connectivity at the hinge region. When evaluating panels of agonistic antibodies against CD200 receptor (CD200R) or βklotho receptor (βklotho), we noticed striking activity differences of IgG1 or IgG2 antibodies with the same variable domains. For the CD200R antibody, the IgG2 antibody demonstrated higher activity than the IgG1 or IgG4 antibody. More significantly, for βklotho, agonist antibodies with higher biological activity as either IgG2 or IgG1 were identified. In both cases, ion exchange chromatography was able to isolate the bioactivity to the IgG2-B isoform from the IgG2 parental mixture. The subclass-related increase in agonist activity was not correlated with antibody aggregation or binding affinity, but was driven by enhanced avidity for the CD200R antibody. These results add to the growing body of evidence that show that conformational differences in the antibody hinge region can have a dramatic impact on the antibody activity and must be considered when screening and engineering therapeutic antibody candidates. The results also demonstrate that the IgG1 (IgG2-A like) or the IgG2-B form may provide the most active form of agonist antibodies for different antibodies and targets.