cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrimination of consonant articulation location by tactile stimulation of the forearm

In this paper, we evaluate the ability of four able-bodied participants to discriminate the articulation location for spoken consonants, using tactile cues presented on the dorsal side of their forearm. Additionally, we determine the processing capability of the dorsal forearm's skin with a tactile sleeve worn by ten participants using two psychophysical studies. Our first study shows that 2–3 tactors arranged along the length of the forearm can be reliably identified by human users, when only the location of vibration is varied. Our second study indicates that the physical placement of localized vibrations map linearly to the perceived physical arrangement. Based on these findings, the subsequent speech experiment uses six tactors placed equidistant from each other and maps location of the constriction inside the mouth as directional cues on the forearm. Results of the speech study show that participants are able to indicate which of two randomly presented tactile cues (derived from consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) non-sense syllables) has the preceding consonant closer to the lips. The discrimination performance is better (i) with fricatives than plosives, (ii) when the consonants are produced further apart inside the mouth, and (iii) when both place and manner of articulation feature is varied. The study also shows that discrimination performance with cues applied to the forearm is inferior to that with the fingerpads utilized in a previous study.
Three’s Not a Crowd: Plans, Roles, and Focus in the Arts

Colleges and universities, as well as employers, attend to the “extras”—the extracurricular that take place outside and beyond grades and jobs. Final admission judgments and job interview questions often center on the sports, artistic, or service dimensions that individuals include in their applications or resumes. Parents, politicians, and educators know and unquestioningly accept the nonstandard and unquantifiable nature of the social benefits of these extras. Yet almost nothing is known about the learning—cognitive and situative—that actually goes on beyond classroom hours on sports teams, in community organizations, or through voluntary community service. Schools and families, as the critical duo of learning source and assessor of the knowledge and skills of the young, receive the vast majority of public attention and funding initiatives. The third arena of learning, that which takes place beyond classroom and home, is generally left unattended, minimally supported, and almost completely unexamined. I...
Comparison of Incision Closures With Subcuticular and Percutaneous Staples

Objective Incision closures should yield safe, effective healing with excellent cosmesis. Subcuticular absorbable staples may combine the advantages of subcuticular suturing with the efficiency of percutaneous stapling. This study compares absorbable subcuticular staples with percutaneous metal staples as a means of incision closure in facial rejuvenation surgery. Methods Sixteen patients undergoing endoscopic eyebrow-lift and/or rhytidectomy were studied. Each patient had 50% of their temporal and postauricular skin incisions closed with subcuticular staples oversewn with 5-0 plain gut and the remaining 50% closed with percutaneous metal staples. Incisions were evaluated intraoperatively and at regular intervals for 1 year postoperatively. Intraoperative assessments included device handling, bleeding, tension, and cosmesis. Postoperative assessments included incision integrity, inflammation, and cosmesis. Patients were also interviewed regarding incision appearance and comfort. Results During the early postoperative period, metal staples produced greater incisional erythema and crusting. Subcuticular staples produced better tissue eversion, less erythema, equivalent if not superior comfort, and shorter office visits. These differences faded over time. The need to properly engage the subcuticular stapler in the dermis was the principal impediment to optimal stapler use. Conclusions Subcuticular staples represent a safe, comfortable, and potentially more rapid alternative to percutaneous staples. Modifications of the subcuticular stapler device are required before its full potential can be realized.
Quantification of Activated NF-κB/RelA Complexes Using ssDNA Aptamer Affinity – Stable Isotope Dilution—Selected Reaction Monitoring—Mass Spectrometry

Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) is a family of inducible transcription factors regulated by stimulus-induced protein interactions. In the cytoplasm, the NF-κB member RelA transactivator is inactivated by binding inhibitory IκBs, whereas in its activated state, the serine-phosphorylated protein binds the p300 histone acetyltransferase. Here we describe the isolation of a ssDNA aptamer (termed P028F4) that binds to the activated (IκBα-dissociated) form of RelA with a KD of 6.4 × 10−10, and its application in an enrichment-mass spectrometric quantification assay. ssDNA P028F4 competes with cognate duplex high affinity NF-κB binding sites for RelA binding in vitro, binds activated RelA in eukaryotic nuclei and reduces TNFα-stimulated endogenous NF-κB dependent gene expression. Incorporation of P028F4 as an affinity isolation step enriches for serine 536 phosphorylated and p300 coactivator complexed RelA, simultaneously depleting IκBα·RelA complexes. A stable isotope dilution (SID)-selected reaction monitoring (SRM)- mass spectrometry (MS) assay for RelA was developed that produced a linear response over 1,000 fold dilution range of input protein and had a 200 amol lower limit of quantification. This multiplex SID-SRM-MS RelA assay was used to quantify activated endogenous RelA in cytokine-stimulated eukaryotic cells isolated by single-step P028F4 enrichment. The aptamer-SID-SRM-MS assay quantified the fraction of activated RelA in subcellular extracts, detecting the presence of a cytoplasmic RelA reservoir unresponsive to TNFα stimulation. We conclude that aptamer-SID-SRM-MS is a versatile tool for quantification of activated NF-κB/RelA and its associated complexes in response to pathway activation.
Non‐fickian diffusion in thin polymer films

SYNOPSIS Diffusion of penetrants through polymers often does not follow the standard Fickian model. Such anomalous behavior can cause difficulty when designing polymer networks for specific uses. One type of non-Fickian behavior that results is so-called case I1 diffusion, where Fickian-like fronts initially move like fi with a transition to a non-Fickian concentration profile and front speed for moderate time. A mathematical model is presented that replicates this behavior in thin polymer films, and an analysis is performed that yields relevant dimensionless groups for study. An unusual result is derived In certain parameter ranges, the concentration profile can change concavity, reflecting Fickian behavior for short times and non-Fickian behavior for moderate times. Asymptotic and numerical results are then obtained to characterize the dependence of such relevant quantities as failure time, front speed, and mass transport on these dimensionless groups. This information can aid in the design of effective polymer protectant films. 0 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Robust full duplex radio link

This paper presents demonstration of a real-time full duplex point-to-point link, where transmission and reception occurs in the same spectrum band simultaneously between a pair of full-duplex radios. This demo first builds a full duplex radio by implementing self-interference cancellation technique on top of a traditional half duplex radio architecture. We then establish a point-to-point link using a pair of these radios that can transmit and receive OFDM packets. By changing the environmental conditions around the full-duplex radios we then demonstrate the robustness of the self-interference cancellation to adapt to the changing environment.
Offshore sediment overpressures of passive margins: Mechanisms, measurement, and models

[1] Fluid pressure in excess of hydrostatic equilibrium, or overpressure, in offshore environments is a widespread phenomenon that contributes to the migration and storage of fluids, solutes, and energy and to the potential mechanical instability of these sediments. Overpressure exists in deep and shallow systems and is most likely to be found where low-permeability ( mm/yr), tectonic loading, and lateral fluid transfer) and thermal and chemical processes (e.g., aquathermal expansion, hydrocarbon generation, mineral diagenesis, and organic maturation). In systems where near-lithostatic overpressures are generated, potentially unstable sediments are created. Failures of these sediments can create large-scale natural disasters, generate fractures, and damage seafloor and subseafloor infrastructure. Detailed characterization of overpressured systems has been accomplished through geological and geotechnical analyses, including investigation of physical-mechanical properties (mainly porosity, consolidation state, and shear strength), inversion of geophysical data (e.g., compressional and/or shear velocities), measurement of in situ properties, and postevent analyses. Process-based models have been developed to explain the origin of overpressure in terms of rate of overpressure genesis. This allows identification of potentially unstable zones and assessment of the potential for failure. Future development in measurements and in coupling of models will lead to more accurate analysis and prediction of fluid pressure in offshore sediments, which in turn will facilitate better hazard analyses and will enable safer and more cost-effective offshore drilling practices and other offshore infrastructure development.
360-Degree Strategic Leadership Team Alignment: Profile of an Intervention Program

This paper summarizes a 360-degree strategic consultation designed to align and develop the facilities management (FM) department executive team at a business university. The two-year program presented here defines specific tools and the process used. The authors are the facilitator and the executive team leader. We combined customized, qualitative methods with a quantitatively scored and normed survey instrument. Results showed that (1) the methodology and assessments were effective; (2) most team members improved targeted leadership capabilities; and, (3) issues identified here must be resolved before the goal of team alignment is achieved. We discuss what worked, remaining issues to be solved, and offer recommendations for using a 360- degree program as a strategic leadership alignment tool.
Fusing similarities and kernels for classification

The problem of fusing indefinite similarity information and positive semidefinite similarity information together for classification is considered. The proposed solution jointly (i) learns a spectrum modification to make the indefinite similarity positive semidefinite, (ii) learns a conic combination of multiple given positive semidefinite kernels, and (iii) learns the parameters of a discriminative classifier. We show that the proposed fusion method can be formulated as a convex optimization problem. This work extends previous work in multiple kernel learning. Though applicable to other kernel methods, the focus is on the support vector machine. Experiments with four real data sets show that the proposed method is consistently among the best performers.
Cultivation of Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis from Bovine Fecal Specimens and a Suggested Standardized Procedure

Paratuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous enter- paratuberculosis from fecal specimens and to suggest itis of ruminants caused by a small, fastidious, acid- a standardized cultivation procedure. fast bacillus, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. The disease now called paratuberculosis was described in 1826 as an enteritis found in some cattle with chronic diarrhea. 3 Johne and Frothingham further described the Review of the literature Isolation of the organism now known as M. paratuberculosis was first reported in 1910, 39 and the comdisease in 1895 and demonstrated the presence of acid- plete description of the procedure was reported in fast bacilli in affected intestine. 3 The first successful 1912.40 An inspissated egg-base medium containing isolation of this organism was in 1910 by Twort, who Mycobacterium tuberculosis was used. The authors innamed in Mycobacterium enteriditis chronicae pseu- cluded M. tuberculosis because they recognized that dotuberculosis bovis johne. 39,40 The name of the organ- some type of “necessary foodstuff needed to support ism has since been changed to Mycobacterium para- growth of M. paratuberculosis was missing from the tuberculosis, 1 and the clinical disease is called Johne’s medium. They theorized that this “foodstuff’ could disease. 3 be supplied by another acid-fast organism, such as M. Many tests have been developed to aid in diagnosis tuberculosis. After successfully isolating M. paratuberof paratuberculosis; however, isolation of M. paratu- culosis on egg medium containing M. tuberculosis, they berculosis from tissue or fecal specimens is regarded substituted the timothy grass bacillus (M. phlei) for M. as the definitive diagnostic test in cattle. 3,5 Cultivation tuberculosis and observed growth that was superior. of M. paratuberculosis from fecal specimens is the most The “necessary foodstuff’ was extracted from M. phlei frequently used diagnostic test and is the standard for using hot ethanol and was used in medium instead of a suspension of M. phlei to support growth of M. para
A perturbation approach for consistent initialization of index-1 explicit differential–algebraic equations arising from battery model simulations

a b s t r a c t Estimation of consistent initial conditions is very crucial for the successful solution of differential–algebraic equation (DAE) systems that arise in many fields of science and engineering. In this paper, an efficient perturbation approach for initialization of DAE systems of index-1 is proposed and implemented for DAE models governing batteries. In addition, different existing solvers are compared for consistent initialization of DAE systems. The proposed approach does not necessarily require a nonlinear solver for initialization and builds on the applicability and usability of robust and efficient explicit, linearly implicit and semi-implicit integrators in time. Three different problems are presented wherein the proposed approach is observed to work for a wider range of inconsistent initial conditions compared to other existing generally used routines. It is also observed that the present approach is computationally efficient compared to the other existing approaches in a given environment.
Visceral granulomas caused by migrating larvae of Ascaris lumbricoides.

This report is concerned with the finding of extensive visceral parasitization by larvae of Ascaris lumhricoides in a patient in the New Jersey area who was a transient farm worker from Puerto Rico. The life cycle of the nematode, 4sca m lumhricoides, 1 ' 2 begins with the inges­ tion of fully embryonated eggs that have been accidentally acquired from pol­ luted soil or from food and drink contaminated by viable embryonated eggs. The action of the digestive juices and other factors on the shell of the ova liberates the larvae in the small intestine, following which they migrate through the intes­ tinal mucosa and are carried by the lymphatics and blood vessels to the liver, the heart and the lungs. It is in the alveoli of the lungs that the larval forms of the parasite undergo 2 molts and when they reach the stomach they are resistant to the gastric juice. The larvae that survive, pass from the trachea to the esophagus and stomach and into the intestinal tract, where they develop into adult males and females. The pathology of ascaris infections has been divided into 3 phases; namely, changes associated with the presence of adult worms in the small-bowel tract, with larvae in the lungs and with migrating larvae in the viscera. It is largely with this last phase that we are concerned in this paper. REPOR T OF CASE
Providers’ perspectives on preconception counseling and safer conception for HIV-infected women

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Unplanned pregnancy among HIV-infected women can have negative health consequences for women, partners, and neonates. Despite recommendations, preconception counseling (PCC) appears to be infrequently addressed in HIV care. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices among health-care providers regarding PCC, safer conception and pregnancy among HIV-infected women. Methods: Physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners (n = 14) providing obstetric/gynecological and HIV care in urban south Florida public and private hospitals completed structured qualitative interviews. Dominant themes arising included provider perceptions of patient knowledge and practices, provider knowledge and attitudes regarding safer conception, and provider practices regarding reproductive health. Results: Providers perceived patients to have limited reproductive knowledge. Patients’ internalized HIV stigma was a barrier to patient initiation of conception-focused discussions. Provider k...
Mobilization of Hematopoietic Cells Prior to Autologous or Allogeneic Transplantation

Several adhesion molecules, including LFA-1, VLA-4, CXCR4, c-kit, CD44, and Mac-1, are known to anchor stem cells to the bone marrow microenvironment, and disruption of the interactions between these adhesion molecules and their ligands by both chemotherapy and cytokines may promote stem and progenitor cell egress into the peripheral circulation. For instance, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are mobilized after exposure to antibodies which interrupt the interaction of the β1 integrin VLA-4, expressed on HPCs, and its ligand, VCAM-1, expressed on endothelial and stromal cells [24, 25].
Cardiac arrhythmias associated with treadmill claudication testing

Eighty-one consecutive patients of an average age of 58.years with suspected lower limb arterial disease underwent standard 5-minute treadmill claudication testing. Prior to, during, and ajler testing the patients were monitored electrocardiographically. The number of electrocardiographic abnormalities seen in 81 patients undergoing study increased from 33 (40.@%) at rest to 49 (60.5%) with exercise. The commonest abnormalities encountered with exercise were the development and increased incidence of paroxysmal beats and ST-T wave changes which, in some instances, became life-threatening, aborting the test. Since the princi$al hazard for patients with ciaudication appears to derive from an increased propensity to cardiac mortality and morbidity, rather than from the consequences of impaired circulation to the limb, electrocardiographic monitoring during treadmill claudication testing, though Little practiced, is strongly advised.
Using Bipartite Anomaly Features for Cyber Security Applications

In this paper we use anomaly scores derived from a technique for bipartite graphs as features for a supervised machine learning algorithm for two cyber security problems: classifying Short Message Service (SMS) text messages as either spam or non-spam and detecting malicious lateral movement within a network. While disparate problems, both spam and lateral movement detection can be viewed as bipartite graphs and we can compute bipartite anomaly scores for each situation. The bipartite anomaly scores by themselves are not very predictive, but used as auxiliary features can boost the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of a supervised classifier. We examine the UCI SMS Spam Collection Data Set for the SPAM problem and use an authentication graph from Los Alamos National Laboratory. We create features by dimensionality reduction through principal component analysis (PCA) on the message-term or user-computer matrix, and then augment those features with anomaly scores. By using the anomaly scores we are able to improve the area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) up to 27.5% for the spam data and 21.4% for the authentication data.
Automation in Structural Health Monitoring Using Laser Doppler Vibrometer

This paper presents the development of an automated structural health monitoring strategy based on structural dynamic response over a wide range of frequency. A piezoceramic actuator is used to excite the structure for low frequency vibration modes as well as guided wave propagation studies. A quantifiable measure of damage is defined based on ratios of distributed strain energy between the damaged and undamaged states of the structure. The knowledge of the undamaged structure is synthesized by spatial decimation of measured responses of the structure in its current state. First, a quick assessment is made by measuring low frequency vibration modes over a coarse grid set to determine the presence and general location of damage followed by high frequency guided wave inspection using detailed grid set over the suspect region to characterize the damage. The automation features of the developed technique have been demonstrated on a plate-like structure.
Criteria for Unstable Tearing of Elastomers

Abstract 1. Unstable, or stick-slip, tearing has been evaluated in a series of unfilled elastomers. It was found that unstable tearing in these materials occurs only in well defined regions of temperature and rate. The behavior of the material in these regions follows a definite time-dependent pattern, suggesting the existence of simple time-temperature correspondence. This has been demonstrated by showing that the same shift factors that superpose other viscoelastic functions also describe the time-dependent nature of unstable tearing. Previous work showed that the magnitude of unstable tearing could be controlled by test-specimen geometry. It is concluded in this work that the mechanistic origin of unstable tearing can be traced to viscoelastic processes of the rubbery network. The combined results of these 2 studies show that unstable tearing is a characteristic feature of the polymer network which may be controlled or eliminated by test-specimen design. 2. For the amorphous elastomers investigated, it...
Interlocutory Review of Orders Denying Remand Motions

When can an appellate court review a district court’s denial of a remand motion before a final judgment? Surprisingly little has been written on this topic, especially compared to how much has been written on the review of a district court’s grant of a remand motion. But recent developments in the Fifth Circuit, including a case in which we participated as amicus, provide a fine case study for addressing these questions. Our goal here is to guide judges and lawyers in answering the opening question. Our short answer is that a remand denial is not inherently different than the typical interlocutory ruling, and therefore a party must follow the ordinary appellate methods prescribed by Congress: either await final judgment or obtain certification under 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b). Mandamus review is generally unavailable because the petitioner has an adequate remedy by appeal. Neither the time, hassle and expense of enduring trial, nor the possibility that the appeal might ultimately prove unsuccessful, render the appellate remedy inadequate.
Resistive configurable associative memory for approximate computing

Modern computing machines are increasingly characterized by large scale parallelism in hardware (such as GPGPUs) and advent of large scale and innovative memory blocks. Parallelism enables expanded performance tradeoffs whereas memories enable reuse of computational work. To be effective, however, one needs to ensure energy efficiency with minimal reuse overheads. In this paper, we describe a resistive configurable associative memory (ReCAM) that enables selective approximation and asymmetric voltage overscaling to manage delivered efficiency. The ReCAM structure matches an input pattern with pre-stored ones by applying an approximate search on selected bit indices (bitline-configurable) or selective pre-stored patterns (row-configurable). To further reduce energy, we explore proper ReCAM sizing, various configurable search operations with low overhead voltage overscaling, and different ReCAM update policies. Experimental result on the AMD Southern Islands GPUs for eight applications shows bitline-configurable and row-configurable ReCAM achieve on average to 43.6% and 44.5% energy savings with an acceptable quality loss of 10%.
Simultaneous determination of 7 phenolic compounds in cosmetics by capillary column-GC

Objective To establish a capillary column-gas chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of 7 phenolic compounds in cosmetics. Methods The phenolic compounds in cosmetics were ultrasonically extracted with ethanol and then centrifuged at 10 000 r / min for 5 min under 18 ℃( diameter is 10 cm),and separated with a HP-5 capillary column( 30 m × 0. 32 mm,0. 25 μm) after removing the interference of complex compounds in cosmetic metrix,and detected by flame ionization detector( FID,280 ℃) with the oven temperature of 130 ℃,the column flow rate of 0. 87 ml / min,the injection inlet temperature of 190 ℃,and the split ratio of 50∶1. Results The concentration of the 7 phenolic compounds were among5. 00 μg / ml-160 μg / ml,the regression equation showed good linear relationship and the correlation coefficients( r) were ≥0. 999 2. The detection limits of the method was among 0. 59 μg / ml-1. 45 μg / ml. When the amount of sample was 1. 0 g,the detection concentration of the method was among 5. 9 mg / kg-14. 5 mg / kg. The average recovery was among 94. 1%-110. 0%. The relative standard deviations within days were among 2. 8%-6. 7% and 5. 0%-11. 8%( n = 7) between days,respectively. Conclusion The method is simple,sensitive,accurate,and of strong anti-interference,which is suitable for the simultaneous determination of 7 phenolic compounds in cosmetics.
The Study on Compound Sandwich Package Material Synchronous On-line Knitting Machine

In this paper,the weaving principle of compound package material synchronous knitting machine is analyzed, the mathematical model describing net forming path is set up, and the relation affecting the quality net forming is analyzed and summarized. It gave a theoretical base for the application and dissemination of on-line knitting machine and its innovation.
Abstract IA31: Control of TGF-β responsiveness and epithelial plasticity

TGF-β signaling inhibits cell growth in epithelial cells and thus acts as tumor suppressor, yet increased TGF-β signaling often promotes cancer progression through effects on the tumor micro-environment and effects on the carcinoma cells that can lead to epithelial plasticity responses and increased invasion. The responsive epithelial or carcinoma cells can regulate their cell surface levels of TGF-β receptors, and thus enhance their responses to TGF-β. In addition to transcription control of TGF-β receptor expression, the cells can rapidly mobilize TβRII and TβRI from a large intracellular receptor pool to the cell surface, and thus enhance their TGF-β responsiveness. For example, high glucose, as seen in hyperglycemia, rapidly induces high levels of cell surface receptors that increase the cell’s TGF-β responsiveness, resulting in extracellular matrix production and increased cell size. Similarly, increased cell surface TGF-β receptor levels and TGF-β responsiveness also occur in response to insulin, which is therapeutically used against diabetes-associated hyperglycemia. The insulin-induced increase in cell surface levels requires activation of Akt, which then phosphorylates the membrane-associated RabGAP AS160, thus alleviating AS160-mediated retention of vesicles containing TβRII and TβRI, and allowing them to reach the cell surface. Additionally, the levels of functional TGF-β receptor complexes at the cell surface is controlled by TACE-mediated ectodomain shedding, which is activated in response to Erk and p38 MAPK activation. We will discuss the physiological implications of these multiple levels of control of TGF-β receptor cell surface presentation and TGF-β responsiveness in cancer cell behavior and cancer progression. Finally, the epithelial plasticity response to TGF-β is also controlled by the direct interaction of activated Smad3 with a methyltransferase, which consequently controls the histone modifications of the gene encoding the transcription factor Snail, a master regulator that drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus, Smad-mediated changes of histone methylation complement direct Smad-mediated transcription effects in the control of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Citation Format: Rik Derynck, Erine Budi, Baby-Periyanayaki Muthusamy, Yoko Katsuno, Dan Du. Control of TGF-β responsiveness and epithelial plasticity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Developmental Biology and Cancer; Nov 30-Dec 3, 2015; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(4_Suppl):Abstract nr IA31.
Multi-model comparison on the effects of climate change on tree species in the eastern U.S.: results from an enhanced niche model and process-based ecosystem and landscape models

Context. Species distribution models (SDM) establish statistical relationships between the current distribution of species and key attributes whereas process-based models simulate ecosystem and tree species dynamics based on representations of physical and biological processes. TreeAtlas, which uses DISTRIB SDM, and Linkages and LANDIS PRO, process-based ecosystem and landscape models, respectively, were used concurrently on four regional climate change assessments in the eastern United States. Objectives. We compared predictions for 30 species from TreeAtlas, Linkages, and LANDIS PRO, using two climate change scenarios on four regions, to derive a more robust assessment of species change in response to climate change. Methods. We calculated the ratio of future importance or biomass to current for each species, then compared agreement among models by species, region, and climate scenario using change classes, an ordinal agreement score, spearman rank correlations, and model averaged change ratios. Results. Comparisons indicated high agreement for many species, especially northern species modeled to lose habitat. TreeAtlas and Linkages agreed the most but each also agreed with many species outputs from LANDIS PRO, particularly when succession within LANDIS PRO was simulated to 2300. A geographic analysis showed that a simple difference (in latitude degrees) of the weighted mean center of a species distribution versus the geographic center of the region of interest provides an initial estimate for the species’ potential to gain, lose, or remain stable under climate change. Conclusions. This analysis of multiple models provides a useful approach to compare among disparate models and a more consistent interpretation of the future for use in vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning.
Instant Cities on the Wet Coastal Zones-Tunisia

Abstract Since the early 2000's, the Tunisian wet coastal zones are much sought-after from Global Real Estate Developers, to develop on it several mega project of Instant Cities. As a contractor teacher for 17 years at ENAU, National Higher School of Architecture and Urbanism, I had had opportunity to lead numerous workshops and research projects with my graduating students on this theme. Based on extensive documentation and context analysis of these several projects, the research work had consisted in proposing alternative project that would insure the objective of economical profit, while preserving the role of these sites as important natural water storage and as natural protection against flooding. The Panel we are submitting is a presentation of a selection of the most significant and creative proposals of my students.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Surgical Technique and Perioperative Care

Obesity is a global epidemic with multiple associated comorbid conditions. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the gold standard operation in the fight against obesity. This review outlines the common technical aspects of the procedure, as well as the evidence based recommendations for preoperative and postoperative care.
Cytochemical Analysis of Callose Localization in Lilium longiflorum Pollen Tubes

Callose, a s, 1-3 glucan as a component of plant cells has received sporadic attention. Here, we report an attempt to determine whether aniline blue and lacmoid are indeed specific for visualizing callose. We also re-evaluate, based on a check for stain specificity, the localization of callose in elongatingLz'/z'wm Iongifiorum, cv. 'Ace' pollen tubes. Specificity of these stains was checked by chemical and enzymatic extraction procedures which solubilize proteins and polysaccharides. Results herein question the generally accepted validity of the fluorescent-aniline blue method for detecting callose. Lacmoid either possesses an affinity for both callose and protein or for callose as a glycoprotein. As for callose localization, the walls of the non-growing region of the lily pollen tube contain callose, probably as a glycoprotein. Presence of the callosic glycoprotein in the wall of the growing tube-tip is dependent on tube length. Callose plugs exhibiting an affinity for aniline blue or lacmoid were never seen. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed non-stainable wall ingrowths in fixed-tubes and free-moving cytoplasmic masses within living tubes.
38INDO WE NEED A NEW TAXONOMY FOR PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACT Our current ability to diagnose and grade clinically localized, hormone naive prostate cancer has served us well. The Gleason grading system, developed empirically, is one of the most robust pathology tumor grading schemes. Hormone naive prostate cancer, unlike some other common cancers (e.g., renal, breast, and ovarian), presents with little histologic variability, presenting most commonly as an adenocarcinoma and rarely with variant histology (e.g., small cell or pure ductal). However, we are now in a new era where a variety of hormonal treatments has led to longer patient survival and the emergence of less common prostate cancer variants characterized best by both histologic and molecular alterations. Metastatic prostate cancer biopsies following treatment now create a need for a new taxonomy for prostate cancer to capture the range of disease not previously appreciated by pathologists, oncologists, or oncologic surgeons. Defining castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) may require including information regarding androgen receptor signaling (e.g., AR status and/or AR signaling signatures), ETS fusions (e.g., TMRPSS2-ERG, BRAF), PTEN/PI3K/AKT, P53, and RB status. Defining neuroendocrine transdifferentiation is also emerging as an important subclass of advanced prostate cancer with distinct histologic and molecular features including amplification of AUKRA/MYCN and loss of AR. Finally, efforts in precision medicine with next generation sequencing are identifying subclasses of prostate cancer that demonstrate significant alterations in DNA damage repair. For example, tumors harboring PTEN/p53 or SPOP mutations may benefit from the use of PARP inhibitors in co-targeting therapeutic strategies creating a synthetic lethal phenotype similar to BRCA1 mutations. Taken together, a future prostate cancer taxonomy must include reproducible histologic definitions useful in the setting of treated disease as well as robust molecular testing. Future clinical trials such as those conducted by PCF/Stand-Up-2-Cancer teams should pave the way for the empirical development of a new prostate cancer molecular-based taxonomy. Disclosure: The author has declared no conflicts of interest.
First Trimester Maternal Glycated Hemoglobin and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Do Not Predict Third Trimester Glucose Intolerance of Pregnancy.

Early pregnancy prediction of third trimester glucose intolerance may identify a population of women whose trajectory toward gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is modifiable. We assessed whether first trimester glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), markers of insulin resistance, predicted third trimester glucose intolerance. Nondiabetic women with singleton pregnancies enrolled in a prospective observational study, 11 0/7 to 14 6/7 weeks. At enrollment, maternal characteristics, medical history, and blood samples were collected for HbA1c and SHBG. Two-step GDM screening was performed, 22 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks. A 50 g oral glucose tolerance test ≥130 mg/dL defined screen positive, or glucose intolerance. Carpenter-Coustan criteria diagnosed GDM. Means HbA1c and SHBG were compared between glucose-intolerant versus normoglycemic women, and GDM versus no GDM women. We report unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of regression analyses. Adjusted mo...
Perception as Input and as Reason for Action

John McDowell (1979) suggests that virtuous agents have a perceptual sensitivity allowing them to determine reliably what to do in any specific context of deliberation. Moreover, the reliable perception yields an accurate depiction not only of the facts of the situation but of the morally right act to do. Finally, the reliably kind behavior of a kind personis not the outcome of a blind, non-rational habit or instinct, like the courageous behaviour- so called only by courtesy- of a lioness defending her cubs. Rather, that the situation requires a certain sort of behaviour is … his reason for behaving in that way, on each of the relevant occasions (331). Perception delivers a reason for action.
Critical care nephrology in 2016: Managing organ dysfunction in critical care

Approaches to effectively prevent and manage organ dysfunction in critically ill patients remain elusive. Key studies in 2016 highlighted the challenges in finding effective treatments for renal failure in sepsis and assessed the optimal timing of renal replacement therapy initiation in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
Simulations of a Cold-Air Pool in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley: Sensitivity to Land Use and Snow Cover

Obtaining realistic land-surface states for initial and boundary conditions is important for the numerical weather prediction of many atmospheric phenomena. Here we investigate model sensitivity to land use and snow cover for a persistent wintertime cold-air pool in northern Utah during 1–8 January 2011. A Weather Research and Forecast model simulation using the 1993 United States Geological Survey land-use and North American Mesoscale model reanalysis snow-cover datasets is compared to an improved configuration using the modified 2011 National Land Cover Database and a more realistic representation of snow cover. The improved surface specification results in an increase (decrease) in urban land cover (Great Salt Lake surface area), and changes to the snow-cover initialization, depth, extent, and albedo. The results obtained from the model simulations are compared to observations collected during the Persistent Cold-Air Pool Study. The changes in land use and snow cover and the resulting impacts on the surface albedo and surface heat fluxes contributed to near-surface air temperature increases of 1– $$2\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ in urban areas and decreases of 2– $$4\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ in areas surrounding the Great Salt Lake. Although wind speeds in the boundary layer were overestimated in both simulations, shallow thermally-driven and terrain-forced flows were generally lessened in intensity and breadth in response to the decreased areal extent of the Great Salt Lake and increases in the urban footprint.
Abstract 444: Angiotensinogen Inhibition Reduces Atherosclerosis and Body Weight Gain Induced by High-Carbohydrate Diet

Background and Objective: Angiotensinogen (AGT) is the unique precursor of the renin angiotensin system. Our previous studies demonstrated that inhibition of AGT markedly reduced development of atherosclerosis and ablated body weight gain induced by a saturated fat-enriched diet. In addition to high fat intake, high carbohydrate consumption is an important component of contemporary diets. The purpose of this study was to determine whether AGT inhibition prevented atherosclerosis and obesity in LDL receptor -/- mice fed a high carbohydrate diet. Methods and Results: Eight week old male LDL receptor -/- mice were randomized to receive either control or AGT antisense oligonucleotides (ASO; 50 mg/kg/week intraperitoneal injection; N = 10 mice/group). Feeding a high carbohydrate diet was initiated after 6 weeks of ASO injection, and maintained for 12 weeks with continuous ASO injection. AGT-ASO administration profoundly reduced plasma AGT concentrations (Control vs AGT ASO: 3582 ± 117 vs 227 ± 15 ng/ml; P Conclusions: AGT inhibition reduces high carbohydrate diet-induced atherosclerosis and body weight gain.
Finding Their Way Back In: Family Reintegration Following Guard Deployment

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of this study was to describe deployed National Guard members' and their families' perceptions of their experience with family reintegration, and the causes and conditions of challenges reintegration presents after deployment. Methods: A total of 26 National Guard members and 19 family members participated in individual (n = 22), couples (n = 6), or focus group (n = 17) interviews. In-depth interviews were used to assess needs and maximize input from military families regarding deployment-related experiences and reintegration issues. Qualitative coding and analysis of data were completed using NVivo. Results: Finding their way back in is the key process that the military members must complete to successfully reestablish their desired social connections with the family and reclaim their place within the family. Several conditions shape the degree of challenges with reintegration that veterans and their family will encounter. These include preparation for deployment, length and ty...
Evaluating network-level predictors of behavior change among injection networks enrolled in the HPTN 037 randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Little is known about ways network-level factors that may influence the adoption of combination prevention behaviors among injection networks, or how network-oriented interventions might moderate this behavior change process. Methods A total of 232 unique injection risk networks in Philadelphia, PA, were randomized to a peer educator network-oriented intervention or standard of care control arm. Network-level aggregates reflecting the injection networks’ baseline substance use dynamics, social interactions, and the networks exposure to gender- and structural-related vulnerabilities were calculated and used to predict changes in the proportion of network members adopting safer injection practices at 6-month follow-up. Results At follow-up, safer injection practices were observed among 46.31% of a network’s members on average. In contrast, 25.7% of networks observed no change. Controlling for the effects of the intervention, significant network-level factors influencing network-level behavior change reflected larger sized injection networks (b = 2.20, p = 0.013) with a greater proportion of members who shared needles (b = 0.29, p 0.001) and engaged in poly drug use at baseline (b = 6.65, p = 0.021). Changes in a network’s safer injection practices were also observed for networks with fewer new network members (b = −0.31, p = 0.008), and for networks whose members were proportionally less likely to have experienced incarceration (b = −0.20, p = 0.012) or more likely to have been exposed to drug treatment (b = 0.17, p = 0.034) in the 6-months prior to baseline. A significant interaction suggested the intervention uniquely facilitated change in safer injection practices among female-only networks (b = −0.32, p = 0.046). Conclusions Network-level factors offer insights into ways injection networks might be leveraged to promote combination prevention efforts.
US Government Regulations and International Standards Related to Food Analysis

Various kinds of standards set for certain food products by federal agencies make it possible to get essentially the same food product whenever and wherever purchased in the USA. Knowledge of government regulations relevant to the chemical analysis of foods is extremely important to persons working in the food industry. Federal laws and regulations reinforce the efforts of the food industry to provide wholesome foods, to inform consumers about the nutritional composition of foods, and to eliminate economic frauds. In some cases, they dictate what ingredients a food must contain, what must be tested, and the procedures used to analyze foods for safety factors and quality attributes. This chapter describes the US federal regulations (except nutrition labeling, which is covered in Chap. 3) as they relate to food composition and analysis. The chapter also includes information about specifications for foods purchased by government agencies, along with food standards and safety practices established by international organizations.
A step-by-step guide to office-based sperm retrieval for obstructive azoospermia

A variety of surgical options exists for sperm retrieval in the setting of obstructive azoospermia (OA). With appropriate preparation, the majority of these techniques can safely be performed in the office with local anesthesia and with or without monitored anesthesia care (MAC). The available techniques include percutaneous options such as percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), as well as open techniques that include testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA). In addition to providing a step-by-step description of each available approach, we introduce and describe a new technique for sperm retrieval for OA called minimally invasive epididymal sperm aspiration (MIESA). The MIESA utilizes a tiny keyhole incision, and the epididymis is exposed without testicular delivery. Epididymal aspiration is performed in the style of MESA, except using loupe magnification rather than an operating microscope. MIESA is a safe, office-based procedure in which millions of motile sperm can be retrieved for cryopreservation. While we prefer the MIESA technique for OA, there remain distinct advantages of each open and percutaneous approach. In the current era of assisted reproductive technology, sperm retrieval rates for OA should approach 100% regardless of the technique. This reference provides a roadmap for both advanced and novice male reproductive surgeons to guide them through every stage of sperm retrieval for OA, including preoperative evaluation, patient selection, procedural techniques, and complications. With the incredible advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF), combined with innovative surgical treatment for male factor infertility in recent years, OA is no longer a barrier for men to become biologic fathers.
A benchmark for cooperative learning agents

Introduction Cooperative multi-agent systems are of current interest due to their relevance to both robotics and networking. Researchers often create machine learning environments to explore these domains; however, the lack of reuse of previous environments prevents comparisons between the works of research groups. Further, while a growing understanding of the relationships between problem domains and machine learning techniques has emerged over time, there have been few attempts to systematically measure the performance of machine learning techniques as domain characteristics vary. Our primary goal is to create TASER, the Team Agent Simulator for Efficient Research—a non-trivial simulation system aimed at the efficient comparison of machine learning algorithms given a wide variety of conditions, concentrating on cooperative tasks. Our secondary goal is the adoption of TASER by other researchers.