cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Creativity in Multi Objective Problem Solving

Problem solving is one of the main activities in achieving design and research goal. While problem solving in general is an activity aiming at transforming unacceptable state of reality to acceptable state of reality, problem solving in engineering is usually a means for tackling other activities such as design and research. By breaking down design and research into a set of engineering problem solving activities, the goals of complicated design and research projects can be achieved. For this reason, the transitions from design or research to problem solving in some cases are unidentifiable. The identification of the problem solving activity goals and the transition between the three activities, however, are essentials for creativity and achieving the desired objectives especially when dealing with conflicting objectives and constraints.In this paper, design, research, and problem solving are distinguished as realization activities performed in different reality domains with different beginning and ending states. These three activities use modeling and simulation as basic elements of mapping between realities to perform analysis and integration. While analysis and simulation are mainly the analytical actions, modeling and integration are mainly the creative actions. With these distinctions, the identification of problem solving activity goals, and transitions between activities, can be easily realized. Also, creativity and dealing with conflicting objectives can be greatly facilitated. To demonstrate these concepts and their implications some illustrative examples are discussed.© 2012 ASME
Design and implementation of a portable and adaptable load balancing framework

Scaling applications to large networks and an increasing number of users has been since years a technical challenge. Today, well known technologies exist to scale applications to local networks but scaling to large networks with high latency is still a challenge. Load balancing at the middleware level allows more flexibility (in terms of granularity and distribution) than existing solutions based at lower system levels. However, it requires an execution infrastructure and mechanisms to be integrated seamlessly.DLBS (Dynamic Load Balancing Service) brings new solutions regarding large scale load balancing for middleware-based applications. DLBS offers a multi-criteria and easily customizable load balancing service. It consists of a scalable monitoring infrastructure, a connection manager (integrated into the middleware) and customizable load balancing strategies.In order to stay efficient, implementation of a low level service requires a low overhead. DLBS aims to be a generic load balancing service. Easy and efficient portability with a CORBA Object Request Broker has been possible thanks to aspect-oriented programming.
Determination of In Vivo Bmax and Kd for 11C-GR103545, an Agonist PET Tracer for κ-Opioid Receptors: A Study in Nonhuman Primates

The κ-opioid receptors (KOR) are involved in mood disorders and addictive conditions. In vivo imaging studies of this receptor in humans have not been reported because of the lack of a selective ligand. We used a recently developed selective KOR agonist tracer, 11C-GR103545, and performed a study in rhesus monkeys to estimate the in vivo receptor concentration (Bmax) and dissociation equilibrium constant (Kd). Methods: Four rhesus monkeys underwent 12 scans with 11C-GR103545 on a PET scanner under baseline and self-blocking conditions. The injected mass was 0.042 ± 0.014 μg/kg for the baseline scans and ranged from 0.16 to 0.3 μg/kg for the self-blocking scans. The radiotracer was administered in a bolus-plus-infusion protocol, and cerebellum was used as the reference region in kinetic analysis. Binding potential (BPND) values were computed as [(CROI/CREF) − 1], where CROI and CREF are the mean of the radioactivity concentrations from 90 to 120 min after tracer administration in a given region of interest (ROI) and in the cerebellum. In 6 scans, arterial input functions and free fraction in plasma (fp) were measured. In addition, a 2-tissue-compartment model was used to compute the volume of distribution in the cerebellum (VT_REF), which was then used to estimate the free–to–nondisplaceable concentration ratio (fND) as fp/VT_REF. A Scatchard plot was used to estimate Bmax, and KdND = Kd/fND, the Kd value with respect to the cerebellar concentration. Individual data were first analyzed separately and then pooled together. When KdND was allowed to vary among ROIs, results were variable; therefore, KdND was constrained to be constant across ROIs, whereas Bmax was allowed to be ROI-dependent and animal-dependent. Results: A global estimate of 1.72 nM was obtained for KdND. Estimated Bmax ranged from 0.3 to 6.1 nM across ROIs and animals. The Kd estimate of 0.048 nM, obtained by correcting KdND by the factor fND, was in good agreement with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.018 nM determined from functional assays in rabbit vas deferens and inhibition constant (Ki) of 0.02 nM measured in radioligand competition assays using cloned human receptors. On the basis of these data, a suitable tracer dose of 0.02 μg/kg was selected for use in humans. Conclusion: The use of a bolus-plus-infusion protocol with the KOR agonist tracer 11C-GR103545 permitted the successful estimation of Bmax and KdND in vivo. On the basis of the estimated Kd value, a tracer dose of 1.4 μg (3.38 nmol) for an average body weight of 70 kg was chosen as the mass dose limit in human studies using this novel agonist radiotracer.
Automated change detection using Synthetic Aperture Sonar imagery

When resurveying a seafloor area of interest during change detection operations, an automated method to match found bottom objects with objects detected in a previous survey allows the surveyor to quickly sort new objects from old. The change detection system developed at the Naval Research Laboratory contains modules for automatic object detection, feature matching using shadow outlining, scene matching using control-point matching, and visualization capabilities. This system was developed for sidescan sonar surveys using instrumentation such as the high-frequency Marine Sonic Technology sidescan sonar. In this paper, the authors describe modifications to the sidescan-based system required to perform change detection using Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) bottom imagery.
Simulation Output Analysis Using Standardized Time Series

The method of standardized time series STS was proposed by Schruben as an approach for constructing asymptotic confidence intervals for the steady-state mean from a single simulation run. The STS method "cancels out" the variance constant while other methods attempt to consistently estimate the variance constant. Our goal in this paper is to generalize the STS method and to study some of its basic properties. Starting from a functional central limit theorem FCLT for the sample mean of the simulated process, a class of mappings of C[0,1] to ℝ is identified, each of which leads to a STS confidence interval. One of these mappings leads to the batch means method. A lower bound is obtained for the expected length of the asymptotic as the run size becomes large STS confidence intervals. This lower bound is not attained, but can be approached arbitrarily closely, by STS confidence intervals. Methods that consistently estimate the variance constant do realize this lower bound. The variance of the length of a STS confidence interval is of larger order in the run length than is that for the regenerative method.
The relation of adiposity to cognitive control and scholastic achievement in preadolescent children

Adiposity may be negatively associated with cognitive function in children. However, the findings remain controversial, in part due to the multifaceted nature of cognition and perhaps the lack of accurate assessment of adiposity. The aim of this study was to clarify the relation of weight status to cognition in preadolescent children using a comprehensive assessment of cognitive control, academic achievement, and measures of adiposity. Preadolescent children between 7 and 9 years (n = 126) completed Go and NoGo tasks, as well as the Wide Range Achievement Test 3rd edition (WRAT3), which measures achievement in reading, spelling, and arithmetic. In addition to BMI, fat mass was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data were analyzed with multiple regression analysis, controlling for confounding variables. Analyses revealed that BMI and fat mass measured via DXA were negatively associated with cognitive control, as children with higher BMI and fat mass exhibited poorer performance on the NoGo task requiring extensive amounts of inhibitory control. By contrast, no relation of weight status to performance was observed for the Go task requiring smaller amounts of cognitive control. Higher BMI and fat mass were also associated with lower academic achievement scores assessed on the WRAT3. These data suggest that adiposity is negatively and selectively associated with cognitive control in preadolescent children. Given that cognitive control has been implicated in academic achievement, the present study provides an empirical basis for the negative relationship between adiposity and scholastic performance.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF THE Sr ANALOGUE OF CURITE

The structure of the synthetic analogue of curite, Sr 2.82(H2O)2[(UO2)4O3.82(OH)3.18]2, Z = 2, orthorhombic, space group Pnam, a 12.3143(7), b 12.9609(8), c 8.4053(5) A, V 1341.5(2) A 3 , has been refined to an agreement index ( R) of 5.30% for 1369 unique observed (|Fo| ≥ 4sF) reflections measured using monochromatic MoKa X-radiation and a CCD-based detector. The crystal was synthesized from a mixture of uranyl nitrate and SrCl 2 reacted at 185°C for 5 days. The structure determination has demonstrated that the title compound is isostructural with the Pb uranyl oxide hydrate curite. On this basis, a complex series of Sr uranyl oxide hydrates with various Sr:U ratios, analogous to the Pb uranyl oxide hydrate minerals, may exist.
CORRELATED GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF JUVENILE SPECTACLED EIDERS: EVIDENCE OF HABITAT LIMITATION?

Abstract ABSTRACT We studied the growth andsurvival of Spectacled Eider (Somateriafischeri) ducklings to30 days of age along the lower KashunukRiver on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from 1995 to2000. We replicated this study at a second site,Kigigak Island, in 1999 and 2000. Age-adjustedestimates of duckling mass and survival at30 days posthatching were highly variable.Duckling survival was consistently higher onKigigak Island in 1999 and 2000, averaging67%, while survival on the Kashunuk Riveraveraged 45% during the same time period.Duckling survival was negatively related tohatching date. At the Kashunuk River site our datasupported models that indicated age-adjusted massvaried with habitat type and declined with hatchingdate. Ducklings from Kashunuk River were heavier in1999, while ducklings from Kigigak Island wereheavier in 2000. However, we found a positivecorrelation between 30-day duckling survival andage-adjusted mass, suggesting a localizedenvironmental effect on both parameters. Weconclude that pre...
Chiroptical Properties of Compounds Containing CO Groups

1 Introduction 2 The Octant Rule 3 Compilation of Ketone and Aldehyde CD 4 Unsaturated Ketones 5 Compilation of Unsaturated Ketone and Aldehyde CD 6 Exciton Chirality 7 Addendum 8 Acknowledgments Keywords: octant rule - successful and longest serving chirality rule in interpreting ORD and CD spectra; octant consignate and dissignate perturbations; ketone and aldehyde CD compilation; unsaturated ketones; unsaturated ketone compilation; chromophoric derivatives for optically transparent amino group; cottonogenic reagent for secondary amines; exciton chirality
Nanoscale Surface Creasing Induced by Post-polymerization Modification

Creasing in soft polymeric films is a result of substantial compressive stresses that trigger instability beyond a critical strain and have been directly related to failure mechanisms in different materials. However, it has been shown that programming these instabilities into soft materials can lead to new applications, such as particle sorting, deformable capillaries, and stimuli-responsive interfaces. In this work, we present a method for fabricating reproducible nanoscale surface instabilities using reactive microcontacting printing (μCP) on activated ester polymer brush layers of poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate). The sizes and structures of the nanoscale creases can be modulated by varying the grafting density of the brush substrate and pressure applied during μCP. Stress is generated in the film under confinement due to the molecular weight increase of the side chains during post-polymerization modification, which results in substantial in-plane growth in the film and leads to the observed nanoscale ...
Indoor Human Navigation Systems {a Survey

Whereas outdoor navigation systems typically rely upon GPS, indoor systems have to rely upon dierent techniques for localizing the user, as GPS signals cannot be received indoors. Over the past decade various indoor navigation systems have been developed. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of existing indoor navigation systems and analyzes the dierent techniques used for: (1) locating the user; (2) planning a path; (3) representing the environment; and (4) interacting with the user. Our survey identies a number of research issues that could facilitate large scale deployment of indoor navigation systems.
Simulation and visualization of industrial processes in unity

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) have been combined with 3D visualization and used for optimization, troubleshooting, and training with a variety of industrial processes. The Unity 3D game engine has been used to create interactive and immersive 3D environments to visualize and communicate simulation results between users of varying experience and expertise. Simulation results are integrated with photorealistic 3D models of equipment and facility environments, and combined with a game-like interface to review equipment failures and provide interactive training scenarios. The development and functionality of several projects from the steel and power industries are discussed.
Letter by Philip Regarding Articles, "Clinical and Hemodynamic Outcomes up to 7 Years After Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement in the US Melody Valve Investigational Device Exemption Trial" and "Pediatric Transcatheter Valve Replacement: Guests at Our Own Table?".

I read with much interest the recent article and editorial by Cheatham et al1 and Petit2 in Circulation evaluating the long-term outcomes after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in 171 patients. In 148 patients who received the transcatheter pulmonary valve, 32 patients underwent right ventricular outflow tract reintervention for obstruction (n=27, with stent fracture in 22), endocarditis (n=3, 2 with stenosis and 1 with pulmonary regurgitation), or right ventricular dysfunction (n=2). Their work is in keeping with the current research efforts that have reorientated from establishing …
Hot or Not?: Moving Forward from Weiser's Vision of Ubiquitous Computing

I read Mark Weiser's inspiring vision of ubiquitous computing, or ubicomp, when I joined the faculty in the College of Computing in 1994, and have been pursuing applications of ubicomp ever since. While the grand idea of ubiquitous computing can still inspire lots of research, there are several new technologies that Weiser did not discuss that can and will influence computing research and its application in the coming years. Weiser described a 3rd generation of computing; I will describe both a 4th generation which has already emerged over the past decade, and a 5th generation that may soon emerge. I will highlight some interaction and applications challenges for these new generations of computing.
Teaching power electronics with the aid of spreadsheets

The subject of power electronics forms the basis for the conversion of electric power from one form to the other using electronic devices. Traditionally, students encountering this subject for the first time have been frustrated by the level of mathematics required to perform harmonic analysis, solve differential equations and obtain power-related quantities. In recent times, computer simulation software, such as PSpice, has been used as an instructional tool for introductory power electronic courses. Although PSpice can increase the student's ability to comprehend the operation of several power electronic circuits by inspecting voltage and current waveforms, its use for the analysis of these waveforms may leave students unaware of the pertinent mathematical procedures and their limitations. This paper shows that using a spreadsheet program, the student can comprehend the fundamental principles required for analysing voltage and current waveforms in nonlinear circuits without getting bogged down by complicated mathematics.
Degenerate Pathways for Metallacycle Ring Inversions: A Common Phenomenon Consistent with the Principle of Microscopic Reversibility

Competing degenerate pathways for ring inversion in organometallic complexes are proposed to be ubiquitous examples that adhere to the principle of microscopic reversibility. The NMR spectra for ring inversion of two chromium arene dicarbonyl pyridyl chelates ([Cr{η6-C6H5(CH2)n(2-Py-κN)}(CO)2]; 2-Py = 2-pyridyl, n = 2 (1), and 3 (2)) and a manganese cyclopentadienyl dicarbonyl methyl sulfide chelate ([Mn{η5-C5H4COC(SCH3)2(SCH3-κS)}(CO)2] (3)) were characterized via variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy and DFT theoretical calculations.
The Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems Program at the U.S. National Science Foundation: lessons learned in interdisciplinary funding program development and management

The U.S. National Science Foundation has conducted a Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems competition since 2001 to support research that examines processes functioning within relevant natural systems and human systems as well as the ways that natural system processes affect human systems and human systems affect natural system dynamics. Among keys to this program's success have been its provision of a stable target for researchers while remaining open to new approaches and ideas, and its attention to challenges associated with its distinctive position in the NSF administrative structure.
The effects of density change on turbulence level in supersonic boundary layers

An attempt was made to predict the effects of bulk expansion and compression on turbulence levels in supersonic boundary layers. Both vorticity transport equation and angular momentum conservation law were used. For the compression case, the present analysis predicted the amplification of turbulence level quite well when the effects of extra strain rate due to streamline curvature is small. In a compression case with negligible streamline curvature and shock wave, it could be said that 90 to 95% of the increase in the total turbulence levels is due to the bulk compression, When these effects are present, the contribution of the bulk compression on the total turbulence level was reduced to about 80 to 85%. The general trend of turbulence amplification with increasing flow turning/deflection angle by the present analysis agrees well with that of other researchers, and seems to closely relate to the linear increase in the mean density. For the expansion case, however, a quantitative comparison was challenging because the available experimental data was taken too close to the end of the perturbation region and/or did not show a relaxation behavior. In both compression and expansion flows, the bulk dilatation was found to the dominant factor responsible for the changed turbulence intensity. j’ Copyright
Multistage Hierarchical Optimization for Land Use Allocation to Control Nonpoint Source Water Pollution

To effectively and systematically analyze this complex spatial watershed system, a hierarchical optimization approach is proposed. A top-down land allocation scheme is applied to determine an optimal land allocation, and then to identify spatial locations of protected lands at a high level of spatial resolution (30 m cell). At the top level, the stormwater runoff simulation model is used to generate peak discharge pseudo data, that are input to a regression analysis, where the functional relationship between peak discharge and land-use variables is approximated as a quadratic function (R=0.98%). This function is then used in an optimization model to allocate future land uses (urban, conservation, and agriculture at the subwatershed /catchement level), in a way that minimizes the resulting peak discharge at the watershed outlet. Then, an integrated hydrological-land use optimization (IHLUO) model scheme is developed to (1) investigate the NPS pollution generation/transport mechanisms and spatial variability/interdependencies of land use change impacts on watershed hydrology, (2) systematically evaluate different land-use patterns and their response to rainfall, and (3) search for the optimal land-use pattern at the cell level. The results are very promising, with a 44% reduction of the peak discharge rate as compared to the rate corresponding to the current land-use pattern. The most downstream and upstream areas are to be protected with more conservation, and most urban activities are allocated to the minimal impact subwatershed. Sensitivity analyses are performed and suggest maintaining at least 30% of the land in a conservation state, developing no more than 12% for urban purposes, and no more than 70% for agricultural purposes. The proposed methodology is applied to the Old Woman Creek watershed, located in the southwestern basin of Lake Erie (Ohio).
Bed Bugs: Prevalence in Low-Income Communities, Resident's Reactions, and Implementation of a Low-Cost Inspection Protocol.

We examined bed bug prevalence in 2,372 low-income apartments within 43 buildings in four New Jersey cities using a combination of resident interviews, brief visual inspections, and monitoring with Climbup Insect Interceptors. Infestation rates ranged from 3.8 to 29.5% among the buildings, with an overall infestation rate of 12.3%. Within each apartment, the bed area trapped significantly more bed bugs per trap than the sofa (or upholstered chair) area. African American residents had a proportionally higher number of bed bug infestations than white residents. Women were more likely to report bed bug bite symptoms than men. Only 68% of the residents who experienced bed bug infestations reported symptoms after being bitten ( n = 475). Among those with self-reported symptoms ( n = 319), the frequency of the reported symptoms was: pain 90%, itchiness 20%, welts 13%, and insomnia 8%. Fifty-nine percent of the residents ( n = 539) who experienced bed bug infestations applied insecticides to control bed bugs. Climbup interceptors detected 89 ± 1% and brief visual inspections detected 72 ± 3% of the infestations. Only two out of 291 infestations were not detected by brief visual inspection or interceptors. Assuming US$50 per hour labor rate, the average per apartment cost for the building-wide bed bug monitoring protocol was US$12 per apartment. Forty-nine percent of the infestations detected by the protocol were in apartments whose residents were unaware of the bed bug activity.
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis: current trends and the role of the head and neck surgeon.

Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (LCH)—once called histiocytosis X—is a complex reticuloendothelial disease that often involves the head and neck. We discuss the current nomenclature of this disease ...
Phenylephrine contracts rat tail artery by one electromechanical and three pharmacomechanical mechanisms

There are at least four mechanisms hypothesized to account for excitation-contraction coupling in arterial smooth muscle. 1) Contractile agonists and changes in extracellular [K+] ([K+]o) induce co...
Dexmedetomidine and delirium in the ICU.

Delirium is a common problem encountered in the care of critically ill patients. It is characterized by an acute onset of impaired cognitive functioning that has a fluctuating course with impairment in a patient’s ability to process information (1). There are many proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms for delirium including decreased cholinergic activity, increased dopaminergic activity and changes in serotonergic activity (2). ICU patients seem to be at high risk of developing delirium. There are many risk factors for the development of delirium that commonly occur in ICU patients including fever, sepsis, pressor requirements and the use of medications such as benzodiazepines, opiates and anticholinergics (2). Mechanically ventilated patients appear to be at especially high risk for developing delirium during their stay in the ICU (1). There is strong evidence that in mechanically ventilated patient’s delirium is an independent predictor of mortality and prolonged hospitalization (3).
Neural Network and Perturbation Theory Hybrid Models for Eigenvalue Prediction

Although artificial neural networks (ANNs) are powerful tools in terms of their high posttraining computational speed and their flexibility to construct complex nonlinear mappings from relatively few known data samples, a survey of past applications ofANNs to the area of core parameter prediction reveals drawbacks such as low prediction accuracy, lack of robust generalization, large network dimensionality, and typically high training requirements. This study provides a brief survey of past and recent applications ofANNs to direct core parameter predictions as well as an alternate hybrid approach that avoids the aforementioned shortcomings of ANNs by combining the mathematical rigor of generalized perturbation theory along with the strong qualities of ANNs in error prediction situations. The results presented focus exclusively on the neutron diffusion 's fundamental mode eigenvalue (i.e., l/k eff ) and demonstrate the viability of computationally inexpensive adaptive ANN error controllers for perturbation theory applications.
Evolve or Die: High-Availability Design Principles Drawn from Googles Network Infrastructure

Maintaining the highest levels of availability for content providers is challenging in the face of scale, network evolution and complexity. Little, however, is known about failures large content providers are susceptible to, and what mechanisms they employ to ensure high availability. From a detailed analysis of over 100 high-impact failure events in a global-scale content provider encompassing several data centers and two WANs, we quantify several dimensions of availability failures. We find that failures are evenly distributed across different network types and planes, but that a large number of failures happen when a management operation is in progress within the network. We discuss some of these failures in detail, and also describe our design principles for high availability motivated by these failures, including using defense in depth, maintaining consistency across planes, failing open on large failures, carefully preventing and avoiding failures, and assessing root cause quickly. Our findings suggest that, as networks become more complicated, failures lurk everywhere, and, counter-intuitively, continuous incremental evolution of the network can, when applied together with our design principles, result in a more robust network.
Minimally Invasive Resection of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: a Multi-Institutional Study of 201 Patients

Minimally invasive surgery for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is controversial. We sought to evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcomes following minimally invasive (MIS) and open resection (OA) of ACC in patients treated with curative intent surgery. Retrospective data from patients who underwent adrenalectomy for primary ACC at 13 tertiary care cancer centers were analyzed, including demographics, clinicopathological, and operative outcomes. Outcomes following MIS were compared to OA. A total of 201 patients were evaluated including 47 MIS and 154 OA. There was no difference in utilization of MIS approach among institutions (p = 0.24) or 30-day morbidity (29.3 %, MIS, vs. 30.9 %, OA; p = 0.839). The only preoperatively determined predictor for MIS was smaller tumor size (p < 0.001). There was no difference in rates of intraoperative tumor rupture (p = 0.612) or R0 resection (p = 0.953). Only EBL (p = 0.038) and T stage (p = 0.045) were independent prognostic indicators of overall survival after adjusting for significant factors. The surgical approach was not associated with overall or disease-free survival. MIS adrenalectomy may be utilized for preoperatively determined ACC ≤ 10.0 cm; however, OA should be utilized for adrenal masses with either preoperative or intraoperative evidence of local invasion or enlarged lymph nodes, regardless of size.
Orthobiologics in the Foot and Ankle

Many allogeneic biologic materials, by themselves or in combination with cells or cell products, may be transformative in healing or regeneration of musculoskeletal bone and soft tissues. By reconfiguring the size, shape, and methods of tissue preparation to improve deliverability and storage, unique iterations of traditional tissue scaffolds have emerged. These new iterations, combined with new cell technologies, have shaped an exciting platform of regenerative products that are effective and provide a bridge to newer and better methods of providing care for orthopedic foot and ankle patients.
Stopping bleeding is not enough to FIX hemarthropathy.

In this issue of Blood , [Sun et al][1] demonstrate that replacing factor IX (FIX) for short periods of time does not prevent long-term arthropathy in a mouse model of hemophilia B.[1][2] ![Figure][3] Abnormal bone wound healing using microCT in hemophilia B mice. In (A) hemostatically
Abstract P252: Loss of HMGB2 Induces Chromatin Remodeling and Hypertrophic Growth in Cardiomyocytes

Nuclear DNA is packaged around the octameric nucleosome core particle, constituting the basic building block of chromatin. Non-nucleosome chromatin structural molecules have been shown to induce higher order packaging of DNA into structurally compact and inactive heterochromatin, or loosely packed and active euchromatin. These chromatin remodeling events are thought to establish a cell type specific pattern of gene expression. During the development of cardiac hypertrophy and failure, genes normally only expressed during development are re-activated. While a number of transcription factors involved in these changes in fetal gene expression have been identified, the means for genome-wide structural remodeling of DNA are unknown. To identify factors controlling genomic plasticity in cardiomyocytes, we used mass spectrometry to quantify chromatin-associated proteins from cardiac nuclei during stages of hypertrophy and failure in the mouse. Adult mice were subjected to cardiac pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction. Chromatin was fractionated from cardiac nuclei and DNA-bound proteins were acid extracted and analyzed by mass spectrometry. We measured chromatin occupancy patterns for >300 proteins during distinct stages of heart failure. To explore the isoform specific roles of individual chromatin structural proteins, we used siRNA to knock-down expression of two high mobility group proteins (HMGB1 and 2) exhibiting altered expression in the hypertrophic heart. Loss of HMGB2 (but not HMGB1) induced robust hypertrophic growth in cardiomyocytes. qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that HMGB2 is responsible for some but not all changes in the fetal gene program (ANF increased 150% and SERCA decreased 20%, whereas α- and β-MHC were unchanged). To further explore the endogenous regions of the genome under control of HMGB2 packing, we performed microarrays following HMGB2 knockdown. Hypertrophy or HMGB2 knock-down induced global chromatin remodeling conducive to gene expression, as measured by histone post-translational modifications and the ratio of core to linker histones. These studies reveal a novel role of HMGB2 to inhibit hypertrophic growth and provide insights into general principles for genome-wide chromatin remodeling.
Vaccination of horses with Lyme vaccines for dogs induces short-lasting antibody responses

Borrelia burgdorferi can induce Lyme disease. Approved Lyme vaccines for horses are currently not available. In an effort to protect horses, veterinarians are using Lyme vaccines licensed for dogs. However, data to assess the response of horses to, or determine the efficacy of this off-label vaccine use are missing. Here, antibodies against outer surface protein A (OspA), OspC, and OspF were quantified in diagnostic serum submissions from horses with a history of vaccination with canine Lyme vaccines. The results suggested that many horses respond with low and often short-lasting antibody responses. Subsequently, four experimental vaccination trials were performed. First, we investigated antibody responses to three canine vaccines in B. burgdorferi-naive horses. One killed bacterin vaccine induced antibodies against OspC. OspA antibodies were low for all three vaccines and lasted less than 16weeks. The second trial tested the impact of the vaccine dose using the OspA/OspC inducing bacterin vaccine in horses. A 2mL dose produced higher OspA and OspC antibody values than a 1mL dose. However, the antibody response again quickly declined, independent of dose. Third, the horses were vaccinated with 2 doses of a recombinant OspA vaccine. Previous vaccination and/or environmental exposure enhanced the magnitude and longevity of the OspA antibody response to about 20weeks. Last, the influence of intramuscular versus subcutaneous vaccine administration was investigated for the recombinant OspA vaccine. OspA antibody responses were not influenced by injection route. The current work highlights that commercial Lyme vaccines for dogs induce only transient antibody responses in horses which can also be of low magnitude. Protection from infection with B. burgdorferi should not be automatically assumed after vaccinating horses with Lyme vaccines for dogs.
Time of Application Influences Translocation of Auxinic Herbicides in Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

The efficacy of WSSA Group 4 herbicides has been reported to vary with dependence on the time of day the application is made, which may affect the value of this mechanism of action as a control option and resistance management tool for Palmer amaranth. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effect of time of day for application on 2,4-D and dicamba translocation and whether or not altering translocation affected any existing variation in phytotoxicity seen across application time of day. Maximum translocation (Tmax) of [14C]2,4-D and [14C]dicamba out of the treated leaf was significantly increased 52% and 29% to 34% in one of two repeated experiments for each herbicide, respectively, with application at 7:00 AM compared with applications at 2:00 PM and/or 12:00 AM. Applications at 7:00 AM increased [14C]2,4-D distribution to roots and increased [14C]dicamba distribution above the treated leaf compared with other application timings. In phytotoxicity experiments, dicamba application at 8 h after exposure to darkness (HAED) resulted in significantly lower dry root biomass than dicamba application at 8 h after exposure to light (HAEL). Contrasts indicated that injury resulting from dicamba application at 8 HAEL, corresponding to midday, was significantly reduced with a root treatment of 5-[N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenylethyl)methylamino]-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropylvaleronitrile hydrochloride (verapamil) compared with injury observed with dicamba application and a root treatment of verapamil at 8 HAED, which corresponded to dawn. Overall, time of application appears to potentially influence translocation of 2,4-D and dicamba. Furthermore, inhibition of translocation appears to somewhat influence variation in phytotoxicity across times of application. Therefore, translocation may be involved in the varying efficacy of WSSA Group 4 herbicides due to application time of day, which has implications for the use of this mechanism of action for effective control and resistance management of Palmer amaranth.Nomenclature: 2,4-D; 5-[N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenylethyl)methylamino]-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)- 2-isopropylvaleronitrile hydrochloride; dicamba; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.
Living With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Near the End of Life: Family Caregivers' Perspectives.

Purpose/objectives To explore family caregivers' perspectives of caring for patients with terminal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as patients approached the end of life. . Research approach Longitudinal, qualitative descriptive design. . Setting Oregon Health and Science University in Portland and Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System in Oregon. . Participants 13 family caregivers with a mean age of 56 years (range = 22-68 years). The majority of family caregivers were female (n = 10) and identified as White (n = 11). . Methodologic approach Interview data were collected from family caregivers once a month for as many as six months, for a total of 39 interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. . Findings Five core categories and nine subcategories were identified. From the time of the terminal diagnosis to the end of life, family caregivers felt unprepared, uncertain, and in need of information. They struggled with whether symptoms were HCC- or cirrhosis-related. . Interpretation Nurses can support family caregivers by eliciting their knowledge and concerns, and attending to symptom presentation and interpretation and to treatment challenges. Understanding challenges caregivers experience is crucial for developing interventions that address their desire for information, support, and help along the HCC disease trajectory. . Implications for nursing Nurses play a critical role in preparing caregivers to understand the importance of pain assessment and management and early referral to palliative care.
DC2 and KCP2 mediate the interaction between the oligosaccharyltransferase and the ER translocon.

In metazoan organisms, the STT3A isoform of the oligosaccharyltransferase is localized adjacent to the protein translocation channel to catalyze co-translational N-linked glycosylation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. The mechanism responsible for the interaction between the STT3A complex and the translocation channel has not been addressed. Using genetically modified human cells that are deficient in DC2 or KCP2 proteins, we show that loss of DC2 causes a defect in co-translational N-glycosylation of proteins that mimics an STT3A-/- phenotype. Biochemical analysis showed that DC2 and KCP2 are responsible for mediating the interaction between the protein translocation channel and the STT3A complex. Importantly, DC2- and KCP2-deficient STT3A complexes are stable and enzymatically active. Deletion mutagenesis revealed that a conserved motif in the C-terminal tail of DC2 is critical for assembly into the STT3A complex, whereas the lumenal loop and the N-terminal cytoplasmic segment are necessary for the functional interaction between the STT3A and Sec61 complexes.
Electrophilic Reactions of Silyl Enol Ethers

The electron rich C-C double bond of silyl enol ethers is extremely susceptible to attack by electrophiles. Electrophiles regiospecifically attack the C-C double bond of trimethylsilyl enol ethers to yield a trimethylsilyloxy stabilized carbocation. Usually, the nucleophilic anion associated with the electrophile attacks the silyl center of this intermediate to yield a substituted ketone in which the electrophile is bonded to the α position.
Abstract ES4-2: Adjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancers: is less more?

The use of trastuzumab-based chemotherapy has dramatically improved outcome for patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Given the excellent outcomes seen to date and the toxicities associated with therapy, it is critical to establish whether additional therapies can further improve outcome, and conversely if there are patients who would have a favorable outcome with less therapy. The addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab-based chemotherapy results in improved survival for patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer and higher response rates in the pre-operative setting. Although results of the AFFINITY trial demonstrated improved outcome for adding pertuzumab to trastuzumab-based chemotherapy, the benefit was largely restricted to patients with node-positive breast cancer. Additionally, it is unclear if patients treated pre-operatively require the continued addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab. Neratinib, a pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reduces recurrence rate when used following adjuvant trastuzumab, but the benefit appears restricted to hormone receptor-positive breast cancers and diarrhea is a significant issue with this agent. In contrast, de-escalating treatment for patients with stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer with the use of paclitaxel and trastuzumab is associated with extremely favorable outcomes. To date, the treatment of HER2-positive early stage breast cancer has not taken hormone receptor status into account when selecting HER2-directed therapies. Breast cancers that express both hormone receptors and HER2 are heterogeneous and a significant proportion have a luminal A phenotype, suggesting the possibility that combined estrogen receptor and HER2 inhibition may be especially important, given the crosstalk between these pathways. Further evaluation of non-chemotherapeutic approaches in triple positive breast cancers is justified. Citation Format: O9Regan RM. Adjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancers: is less more? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES4-2.
Eternal Law and Environmental Policy: Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, and a Thomistic Approach to Climate Change

The inspiration and methodology for Pope Francis’s environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, has been credited to various philosophical and theological sources. One such influence that may not have received the attention that it deserves (though it is consistent with Pope Francis’ background and training as a Jesuit) is the moral theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In particular, the encyclical’s attention to climate change and its biological, economic, moral, and social implications for the planet are highly consistent with an underappreciated category of law within the Thomistic tradition, which is the eternal law. Understanding this influence provides broader insights into the reconciliation of faith and reason in support of the sort of environmental and social justice policies that this encyclical appears to promote.
Better Absorbents for Ammonia Separation

Making ammonia from renewable wind energy at a competitive price may be possible if the conventional ammonia condenser is replaced with an ammonia absorber. Such a process change requires an ammonia selective absorbent. Supported metal halide sorbents for this separation display outstanding dynamic capacity close to their equilibrium thermodynamic limits. Alkaline earth chlorides and bromides supported on silica and zeolite Y are the most promising. MgCl2 and CaBr2 at 40% loading on silica show capacities of 60−70 mgNH3/gsorbent at 150 °C and 4 bar. Overall, cations with smaller atomic numbers show more affinity to ammonia; bromides hold ammonia more strongly than chlorides. Different solvents and metal halide mixtures do not show significant changes in the absorption capacity. These absorbents can be incorporated into ammonia reaction-absorption syntheses to achieve faster production rates.
Processor dependent bias of spatial spectral estimates from coprime sensor arrays

Coprime sensor arrays (CSAs) can estimate the directions of arrival of O ( M N ) narrowband plane wave sources using only O ( M + N ) sensors with the CSA product processor. Processing data from a finite aperture array effectively smears the true spatial power spectral density (PSD) with a kernel function determined by both the array geometry and the processing of the signals observed by the array. This paper examines the asymptotic behaviors of the kernel functions resulting from two different processors applied to a CSA sampling geometry in the limit of large aperture. The kernel functions of the product processed CSA and conventionally beamformed coprime sensor arrays (CBF CSA) are compared to the baseline of the kernel of a densely populated uniform line array (ULA) of similar aperture. At the limit of large aperture, the product processed CSA estimate is asymptotically unbiased like the ULA, while the CBF CSA estimate is not. The PSD estimates computed from the CSA processors are compared when spatially correlated Gaussian noise is an input to the array to highlight the bias issues.Coprime sensor arrays (CSAs) can estimate the directions of arrival of O ( M N ) narrowband plane wave sources using only O ( M + N ) sensors with the CSA product processor. Processing data from a finite aperture array effectively smears the true spatial power spectral density (PSD) with a kernel function determined by both the array geometry and the processing of the signals observed by the array. This paper examines the asymptotic behaviors of the kernel functions resulting from two different processors applied to a CSA sampling geometry in the limit of large aperture. The kernel functions of the product processed CSA and conventionally beamformed coprime sensor arrays (CBF CSA) are compared to the baseline of the kernel of a densely populated uniform line array (ULA) of similar aperture. At the limit of large aperture, the product processed CSA estimate is asymptotically unbiased like the ULA, while the CBF CSA estimate is not. The PSD estimates computed from the CSA processors are compared when ...
The clinical presentation and operative management of nodular and diffuse substernal thyroid disease

Patients with substernal thyroid disease, defined by the presence of enlarged thyroid tissue below the plane of the thoracic inlet, were identified from a prospective database maintained for patients who have undergone thyroidectomy at our institution since 1990. Substernal thyroid disease was present in 116 (30%) of 381 patients, anterior mediastinal in 109 (94%), and posterior mediastinal in seven (6%). Indications for surgery included compressive symptoms in 75 (65%) patients, an abnormal fine-needle biopsy in 45 (39%), progressive thyroid enlargement in 41 (35%), thyrotoxicosis in 11 (10%), and superior vena cava syndrome in two (1.7%). A median sternotomy and thoracotomy were performed in one patient each for a primary intrathoracic goiter. In all other patients thyroidectomy was accomplished through a cervical incision. Parathyroid autotransplantation was performed in 41 (37%) patients with retrosternal disease compared with 57 (22%) with disease confined to the neck (P < 0.01). Twenty-five patients (22%) had malignancy; four of these had unresectable disease. Postoperative complications included transient hypocalcemia (n = 46), transient hoarseness (n = 7), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 1), and wound infection (n = 1). One patient died from aspiration pneumonia. In summary, substernal thyroid disease is typically present in the anterior mediastinum and with rare exceptions can be resected through a cervical incision. Parathyroid devascularization is more common with resection of a substernal goiter and autotransplantation can prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism.
Energy Compartmentation and Active Transport in Proximal Kidney Tubules

The primary work of the kidney is active transport.1 It is a long-standing observation that a linear relationship exists between the rate of sodium reabsorption by the whole kidney and its rate of oxygen consumption.2,3 Since the oxygen is consumed at the mitochondria and the energy for active transport is used by the Na,K-ATPase located at the plasma membrane on the basolateral side, a basic question in cellular physiology concerns the mechanism whereby the two processes are linked. The answer to this question leads directly to energy compartmentation.