cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parity and risk of lung cancer in women.

B210 Background: Epidemiologic patterns of lung cancer incidence suggest that women may be at increased risk for lung cancer as compared to men after controlling for smoking and other factors. Reproductive lifestyle factors could in part explain the apparent increased susceptibility of lung cancer among females. Given the role of estrogen in the etiology of other cancers, and the relationship between number of births and endogenous estrogen levels, we hypothesized that parity may be associated with lung cancer risk in women. Methods: Data from 1075 female cases and 867 female controls enrolled in the Lung Cancer Susceptibility Study at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1992 through 2004 were available for the main analysis of the association between parity (parous vs. nulliparous) and lung cancer risk. Information on number of children was available for the subset of this population recruited for the study between 1992 and 2002, comprising 689 cases and 788 controls. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Nulliparity was more prevalent among cases as compared to controls, corresponding to a statistically significant crude odds ratio of 0.63 (p
Drugs to Avoid in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF): Contraindicated Medications and Interactions

Following diuretics, vasodilators are the most commonly used intravenous (IV) therapy for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), but strong evidence is lacking for the use of nitrates, nitroprusside, and nesiritide on clinical outcomes and therefore these drugs are most commonly used for symptomatic improvement. The long-term use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is associated with improved symptoms and lower mortality in patients with systolic heart failure. However, the benefits of early IV ACE inhibitors in ADHF have not been established and may actually be harmful. In the CONSENSUS 2 trial, early IV enalapril was studied in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In patients with AMI and ADHF, IV enalapril was associated with decreased survival 180 days after AMI. The American College of Emergency Physicians supports the early use of IV ACE inhibitors, while the European Society of Cardiology does not. Until studied further, IV ACE inhibitors should be avoided in the setting of ADHF.
Effects of tibial intraosseous and intravenous administration of Hextend on time of administration and hemodynamics in a hypovolemic swine model.

Objective: To determine if there were significant differences between the tibial intraosseous (TIO) and intravenous (IV) administration of Hextend relative to time and in hemodynamics in a hypovolemic model. Setting: Vivarium. Subjects: Yorkshire swine; sample size was based on a power of 80 percent, α of 0.05, and a large effect size of 0.6. Swine were randomly assigned to one of three groups: TIO (n = 7), IV (n = 7), and control (n = 7). Intervention: Swine were exsanguinated 30 percent of their blood volume. Hextend (500 mL) was administered either by the TIO or IV route; the control group received none. Main Outcome: Time of administration of Hextend; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume (SV) data were collected every 2 minutes and compared by group over 8 minutes. Results: An independent t test determined that there was no significant difference between groups relative to time of administration (p = 0.001). A repeated analysis of variance found that there were no significant differences in SBP, DBP, MAP, HR, CO, and SV between the TIO and IV groups over 8 minutes (p > 0.05) but significant differences between both TIO and IV compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: TIO is an effective and easily used method to administer Hextend for patients in hypovolemic shock. Based upon the findings of this study, the TIO route might be considered the first choice for rapid vascular access and the administration of Hextend.
The impact of obesity on pediatric inpatients with urinary tract infections in the United States.

Summary Introduction Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common infectious disorders, and obesity is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Several studies have suggested that childhood obesity may be associated with the development of UTI. However, the potential effects of obesity on the clinical outcomes of UTI in children remain unknown. Materials and methods Hospital discharge records for patients aged 18 years or younger with a diagnosis of UTI were extracted from the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, and classified each patient as obese or not. We compared the total hospitalization costs, total length of hospital stay in days, and risks of hypertension, acute kidney injury, and septicemia between obese and non-obese patients, using propensity score matching and stabilized inverse probability weighting methods. Results Of 51,918 patients with UTI, 1488 were obese and 50,430 were non-obese. A multivariable logistic regression model calculated propensity scores using baseline characteristics as dependent variables. One-to-one propensity matching created 1488 pairs. In the propensity-matched analyses, a significant difference was observed between the obese and the non-obese for risks of hypertension (8.1% vs. 1.8%; risk ratio 4.44; 95% CI 2.95–6.71). The total mean hospitalization cost in the obese group was 1.29 times higher than that in the non-obese group (95% CI 1.13–1.47). The total mean length of hospital stay in the obese group was 1.29 times longer than that in the non-obese group (95% CI 1.16–1.44). Stabilized inverse probability weighting analyses showed similar results to the propensity matched analyses (Table), except for a significant result for the risk ratio for acute kidney injury (risk ratio 1.64; 95% CI 1.18–2.26. Conclusions These findings indicate that obesity may be an important risk factor for hypertension and acute kidney injury among hospitalized children with UTI. Obesity may also be an economically complicating factor for their hospitalizations, which indicates the importance of the prevention for obesity. Table . Hospitalization costs and risks of hypertension and acute kidney injury, using propensity score matching and stabilized inverse probability weighting methods PS matching analyses Stabilized IPW analyses Exponentiated coefficients 95% CI p -value Exponentiated coefficients 95% CI p -value Hospitalization costs 1.29 1.13–1.47 1.26 1.10–1.44 0.001 Risk ratio 95% CI p -value Risk ratio 95% CI p -value Hypertension 4.44 2.95–6.71 5.45 4.29–6.91 Acute kidney injury 1.49 0.97–2.24 0.056 1.64 1.18–2.26 0.003
MATLAB Implementation of the Extended Ash Algorithm for Finding Root Loci

Abstract This paper describes extensions to the Ash algorithm for finding root loci, and the implementation of this Extended Ash algorithm within Matlab. The Ash algorithm is a method for finding the root locus of a linear system that finds each point on the locus within a specified computational area by following each branch in that area from beginning to end. Given a point on the locus and the slope angle of that point, it uses a Newton-Raphson iteration scheme to find the next point. It includes special features for finding breakaway points (points where two or more branches intersect) to high accuracy. The Extended Ash algorithm includes enhancements to the original algorithm which improve its efficiency and accuracy. This report describes the important features of the extended algorithm and describes its Matlab implementation. Also included are the results of several test problems that serve to compare the performance of the Matlab implementation of the Extended Ash algorithm with the built-in Matlab function
Database of dynamic signatures generated by regulatory networks (DSGRN)

We present a computational tool DSGRN for exploring network dynamics across the global parameter space for switching model representations of regulatory networks. This tool provides a finite partition of parameter space such that for each region in this partition a global description of the dynamical behavior of a network is given via a directed acyclic graph called a Morse graph. Using this method, parameter regimes or entire networks may be rejected as viable models for representing the underlying regulatory mechanisms.
El Niño and Coral Reef Development in the Galápagos Islands

Among the unusual sights in the Galapagos Islands is Urvina Bay where trees spring from coral heads and iguanas roam among corals. In 1954, the upward movement of magma suddenly raised a portion of Urvina Bay more than 6 m above sea level and drove the shoreline 1.2 km seaward. The uplifted coral communities at Urvina Bay provide an opportunity to determine how Galapagos reefs develop.
New pinhole sulcus implant for the correction of irregular corneal astigmatism.

Purpose To evaluate the effect on visual acuity of the implantation of a new intraocular pinhole device (Xtrafocus) in cases of irregular corneal astigmatism with significant visual impairment. Setting University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Design Prospective case series. Methods Pseudophakic eyes of patients with irregular corneal astigmatism were treated with the pinhole device. The causes of irregular corneal astigmatism were keratoconus, post radial keratotomy (RK), post-penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), and traumatic corneal laceration. The device was implanted in the ciliary sulcus in a piggyback configuration to minimize the effect of corneal aberrations. Preoperative and postoperative visual parameters were compared. The main outcome variables were manifest refraction, uncorrected and corrected distance and near visual acuities, subjective patient satisfaction, and intraoperative and postoperative adverse events and complications. Results Twenty-one patients (ages 35 to 85 years) were included. There was statistically significant improvement in uncorrected and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities. The median CDVA improved from 20/200 (range 20/800 to 20/60) preoperatively to 20/50 (range 20/200 to 20/20) in the first month postoperatively and remained stable over the following months. Manifest refraction remained unchanged, while a subjective visual performance questionnaire revealed perception of improvement in all the tested working distances. No major complication was observed. One case presented with decentration of the device, which required an additional surgical intervention. Conclusions The intraocular pinhole device performed well in patients with irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus, RK, PKP, and traumatic corneal laceration. There was marked improvement in visual function, with high patient satisfaction.
Pedagogies and Literacies, Disentangling the Historical Threads: An Interview with Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis.

In this discussion with educational researchers and New London Group conveners, Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis, we discuss the origins, life, and future of the New London Group‘s multiliteracies fram...
Distribution of the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) within California as of 2015

The goals of this study were to map the distribution of the invasive eastern gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, in California as of 2015 and to assess range expansion since the first documented sightings within the state. Range maps exist, but the last update by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife was in 2007. An assessment of the rate of range expansion over time has not been conducted, but comparisons between the locations of initial sightings and the current distribution are included. Location data were obtained from museum specimens, wildlife rehabilitation centers, a roadkill database, and research-grade citizen observations. Range maps were produced with ArcGIS software. Populations of eastern gray squirrels are currently concentrated around Sacramento and Davis, the western side of San Francisco Bay, within as well as north and east of Santa Cruz, within Monterey, north of the Golden Gate Bridge through Marin County as well as around Santa Rosa, and around the Bellota/Stockton area. Isolated populations on the eastern side of San Francisco Bay occur around Berkeley, Hayward, and Pleasanton. Observations extend into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range from north of the American River to south of the San Antonio River. We suggest that the eastern gray squirrel might become more damaging to the two native diurnal species of tree squirrels in California, Sciurus griseus and Tamiasciurus douglasii, than the introduced eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger).
Recent Architectural and Planning Strategies on Native American Lands

Native American reserves are currently considered quasi-independent political entities with varying degrees of autonomy within the U.S. federal system. Significant 1996 legislation resulted in increased Native control over what is built on their lands. Individual tribes can now hire architects and contractors, as well as employ new systems of financing and culture-sensitive building codes. We discuss, with examples, why cultural issues are critical to design in Native communities, and their built interpretation by both Native and non-Native architects. We also examine issues relating to urban planning, sustainability, and financial strategies in light of these enhanced opportunities.
Understanding Young Fertility in the Context of Economic Disadvantage

This chapter notes the strong association between young fertility and economic disadvantage. Three research areas are described relating to young fertility that I believe may warrant additional attention. First, it would be useful to know more about the process and antecedents of young fertility, particularly in light of the gap between the perceived financial prerequisites for marriage among low-income couples and the lack of such prerequisites for childbearing. Second, it is important to understand more about the nature and dynamics of young childrearing in the context of complex personal and family circumstances, such as multipartnered fertility, high rates of paternal incarceration, unstable couple relationships, and likely repartnering. Third, the broader implications of young fertility are not well understood, particularly the extent to which young fertility may be part of the process of growing stratification and inequality, both within and across generations.
The Control of Visual Attention: Toward a Unified Account

Abstract Visual attention is deployed through visual scenes to find behaviorally relevant targets. This attentional deployment—or attentional control—can be based on either stimulus factors, such as the salience of an object or region, or goal relevance, such as the match between an object and the target being searched for. Decades of research have measured attentional control by examining attentional interruption by a completely irrelevant distracting object, which may or may not capture attention. Based on the results of attentional capture tasks, the literature has distilled two alternative views of attentional control and capture: one focused on stimulus-driven factors and the other based on goal-driven factors. In the current paper, we propose an alternative in which stimulus-driven control and goal-driven control are not mutually exclusive but instead related through task dynamics, specifically experience. Attentional control is initially stimulus-driven. However, as participants gain experience with all aspects of a task, attentional control rapidly becomes increasingly goal-driven. We present four experiments that examine this experience-dependent attentional tuning. We show that to resist capture and be highly selective based on target properties, attention must be configured to aspects of a task through experience.
Realistic Skin Rendering on GPU

Realistic rendering of layered translucent materials, such as human skin, combines knowledge from mathematics, physics, and biology. Several years ago the best-known examples of human skin had used several minutes for each image rendering. In last years GPU development accompanied with programming tools and methods evolution allows obtaining realistic skin look with real-time application performance. The presented paper describes the most important steps in translucent materials modeling and rendering, surveys the technique components and considers new tendencies in GPU-based skin modeling implementation, analyses advantages and drawbacks of the most popular approaches. The paper describes in details the new method that combines translucent shadow map for the irradiance calculation and the dipole model for diffuse component computation. The method improves modeling accuracy and can be used for parameterized meshes. The algorithm combines power of contemporary GPU and mathematically accurate modeling of light transport in human skin.
Human Memory Systems: A Framework for Understanding the Neurocognitive Foundations of Intuition

A neurocomputational framework is described for characterizing how intuitive and deliberate processing are accomplished in the human brain. The framework is derived from memory systems theory and supported by research findings on contrasts between implicit versus explicit (nonconscious versus conscious) memory. Implicit intuition and deliberate deduction depend on separate types of memory supported by distinct brain networks. For optimal decision making, training should be designed to accommodate the operating characteristics of both types of memory. Furthermore, reliance on explicit memory can inhibit the use of implicit intuition, so training must facilitate effective interactions between the two types of mechanism. To aid investigations of these effects, we introduce a Mixture-of-Experts model that characterizes the interaction between memory systems — the PINNACLE model (Parallel Interacting Neural Networks Competing in Learning). This model captures the separate neural networks that reflect implicit and explicit processing, as well as their interaction, and it can thus guide the development of training approaches to maximize the benefits of concurrent use of both intuition and deliberation in decision making.
Grigori Perelman: A New Clay Problem

This chapter continues the discussions of the three previous ones, and speculates on which other open mathematical problem should be anointed as the replacement for the Clay problem whose solution was completed by Perelman. Seven candidates are discussed.
CHAPTER 4 – Mechanisms of Gametic Approach in Plants*

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the mechanism of gametic approach in plants. The chemotactic and chemotropic reactions contribute to the sexual reproduction of an extensive variety of plants. The chapter provides an overview of the fertilization process that takes place in plants. In contrast to animals, for which the terms “sperm” and “egg” can be used without serious difficulty throughout the kingdom, plants have been much more experimental in the evolution of the kind of cells or structures that contain the gametic nuclei and that are involved in the transport of the nuclei until they are in the same cytoplasmic matrix. The chapter describes five types of systems having at least one motile gamete.
Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries in Central Texas

Abstract Purpose Identify children at greatest risk for dog bite injuries and to provide injury prevention recommendations. Methods A retrospective review of patients aged ≤ 18 years treated for dog bite injuries from October 2011 to October 2016 was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, parental presence, time of injury, dog breed and ownership status, injury location and characteristics, need for operative intervention, and hospitalization. Results One-hundred and two patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 5.84 years, and 43.1% were preschool-aged (2–5 years). Parental presence was reported in 43.6% of cases, and most attacks occurred in the evening (46.8%). Injuries often involved the head–neck region (92.1%), and 72.5% were of major severity. Pet dogs were responsible for 42% of injuries, and pit bull was the most-identified breed (36.2%). Most injuries occurred while the child was at home (57.8%) and was petting or playing with the dog (28.4%). Intervention in the operating room was required in 34.3% of patients. Major injury was more likely to require operative intervention (p = 0.015) but was not associated with patient age, sex, pet status, or the need for hospitalization. Conclusions Preschool-aged children are more likely to be injured by dog bites, and dog bites can result in major injury to the head and neck region. Prevention efforts should focus on dog training, public education (children and adults), vigilant adult supervision, and a zero-tolerance policy. Level of clinical evidence Level IV—case series with no comparison group. Type of study Prognostic.
Big Beautiful Heart

The author considers the nature of death and life through a concrete poem created from emails.
Let Your Past Struggles Serve as Your Future Fortitude: The Sinuous Journey of a Dreamer and a Doctor

Immigration to the United States can often be a traumatic and difficult experience for families. Unfortunately, status and responsibilities of being undocumented presents obstacles that can be difficult to overcome for many young people. This young author describes the sacrifices her parents made for her to have educational opportunities and the struggles she went through to achieve her dreams of becoming a doctor. She skillfully highlights how being undocumented places additional barriers that often limit the chances of success and thriving.
The Importance of Feeling Cared for: Does a Student’s Perception of How Much a Professor Cares About Student Success Relate to Class Performance?

Research indicates that there are many key things a professor may do to contribute to the success of a college student. Teaching style, instructor enthusiasm for the subject, and knowledge of a pro...
An evaluation of the Mn–Ga system: Phase diagram, crystal structure, magnetism, and thermodynamic properties

Abstract The Ni–Mn-Ga alloy system is attractive due to its functional properties with potentials in various applications. However, the fundamental alloy thermodynamics of the binary Mn–Ga system is still lack of investigation. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the Mn–Ga is performed in this work. Different versions of Mn–Ga phase diagrams available in the literature are reviewed. A new version of the Mn–Ga phase diagram is recommended along with possible invariant reactions. The crystal structure, magnetic transition, and thermochemical properties of intermetallic compounds are reviewed by considering available experimental and modeling such as ab initio calculations. In fact, more experimental information on the Mn-rich side is required in order to perform CALPHAD thermodynamic modeling for a reliable database. Further experiments are recommended to study the high-temperature phase equilibria between liquid, (γMn), (δMn) and Mn2Ga(h), phase reactions between Mn8Ga5 and Mn7Ga6, and invariant reactions involving the MnGa phase. Nevertheless, the summarized information on phase equilibria, phase diagram, crystallography, magnetic transition temperature, magnetic moment, heat capacity, and enthalpy of formation can support the future thermodynamic investigation of the Mn–Ga system, which is critical for the materials design and discovery of Ni–Mn-Ga alloys.
Outcome of patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) followed at the University of Cincinnati (UC)

21160 Background: LABC poses a difficult clinical challenge . The correlation of complete clinical (cCR) and pathological response rates (pCR) based on molecular tumor characteristics with outcome ...
Clinical Impact of Corrections to Infliximab and Adalimumab Monitoring Results with the Homogeneous Mobility Shift Assay.

An upward drift for both infliximab and adalimumab concentrations measured by the homogenous mobility shift assay (HMSA) was previously reported. We aimed to investigate the impact of this drift on clinical care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This was a retrospective, multicenter study. Providers reviewed the individual patient data and drug concentrations before and after the laboratory corrections and then documented whether a different clinical decision would have been made had the corrected drug concentration been originally reported. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of a documented treatment change with treatment failure, defined as drug discontinuation for primary nonresponse, loss of response, or serious adverse event, adjusting for confounding factors. The study population consisted of 479 patients (infliximab, n = 219; adalimumab, n = 260). Upon review, 14.9% (71/479) patients would have had a different treatment decision made had the corrected drug concentration been initially reported. After a median follow-up of 10.6 months, 25.7% of patients (123/479) had treatment failure. A theoretical different clinical decision based on the corrected drug concentrations was not associated with treatment failure (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.452; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.805–2.618; p = 0.216), which was consistent for both infliximab (adjusted HR: 1.977; 95% CI: 0.695–5.627; p = 0.201) and adalimumab (adjusted HR: 1.484; 95% CI: 0.721–3.054; p = 0.284). The drift in infliximab and adalimumab concentrations in the HMSA assay affected treatment decisions in 15% of cases. However, this discrepancy was not associated with a higher cumulative probability for treatment failure.
Trimester-specific thromboelastic values and coagulation activation markers in pregnancy compared across trimesters and compared to the nonpregnant state.

Introduction Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) rapidly identifies deficits underlying coagulopathy during massive hemorrhage. Prompt coagulopathy correction is balanced with the risk of blood product overutilization, making the ability to quickly target therapy highly desirable. However, data about ROTEM reference ranges in pregnancy are limited. We hypothesized that ROTEM parameters change across trimesters of pregnancy and differ from the nonpregnant state. Also, we sought to identify which hemostatic test best predicts coagulation activation during pregnancy. Methods A prospective cohort study in healthy pregnant patients in the first (n = 34), second (n = 34), and third trimesters (n = 41) against healthy, nonpregnant controls (n = 33) was performed. Citrated blood was collected, and ROTEM, complete blood count, and plasma-based assays of coagulation were performed. Mean ± SD or median [IQR] were compared across trimesters and between each trimester against the nonpregnant state. ROTEM parameters vs. plasma-based assays were also compared. Results Maximum clot firmness and A10 in FIBTEM correlated strongly with fibrinogen level. INTEM and EXTEM values demonstrated only weak to modest correlation with corresponding tests using plasma assays. Thrombin antithrombin complex (TAT) increased from the first trimester onward, whereas other coagulation activation markers did not show difference compared with control group. Conclusion Rotational thromboelastometry parameters differ variably across trimesters of pregnancy and compared with the nonpregnant state. The development and use of pregnancy-specific values are critical to the proper clinical interpretation of ROTEM in women with serious hemorrhage during different stages in pregnancy. TAT was the earliest laboratory marker for coagulation activation among others.
Early Developmental EEG and Seizure Phenotypes in a Full Gene Deletion of Ubiquitin Protein Ligase E3A Rat Model of Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with unique behavioral phenotypes, seizures, and distinctive electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns. Recent studies identified motor, social communication, and learning and memory deficits in a CRISPR engineered rat model with a complete maternal deletion of the Ube3a gene. It is unknown whether this model recapitulates other aspects of the clinical disorder. We report here the effect of Ube3a maternal deletion in the rat on epileptiform activity, seizure threshold, and quantitative EEG. Using video-synchronized EEG (vEEG) monitoring, we assessed spectral power and epileptiform activity early postnatally through adulthood. While EEG power was similar to wild-type (WT) at 1.5 weeks postnatally, at all other ages analyzed, our findings were similar to the AS phenotype in mice and humans with significantly increased δ power. Analysis of epileptiform activity in juvenile and adult rats showed increased time spent in epileptiform activity in AS compared with WT rats. We evaluated seizure threshold using pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), audiogenic stimulus, and hyperthermia to provoke febrile seizures (FSs). Behavioral seizure scoring following PTZ induction revealed no difference in seizure threshold in AS rats, however behavioral recovery from the PTZ-induced seizure was longer in the adult group with significantly increased hippocampal epileptiform activity during this phase. When exposed to hyperthermia, AS rat pups showed a significantly lower temperature threshold to first seizure than WT. Our findings highlight an age-dependence for the EEG and epileptiform phenotypes in a preclinical model of AS, and support the use of quantitative EEG and increased δ power as a potential biomarker of AS.
A focused simulation-based optimization of print time and material usage with respect to orientation, layer height and support settings for multi-pathological anatomical models in inverted vat photopolymerization 3D printing.

3D printing of anatomical models requires multi-factorial decision making for optimal model manufacturing. Due to the complex nature of the printing process, there are frequently multiple potentialities based on the desired end goal. The task of identifying the most optimal combination of print control variables is inherently subjective and rests on sound operator intuition. This study investigates the effect of orientation, layer and support settings on print time and material usage. This study also presents a quantitative optimization framework to jointly optimize print time and material usage as a function of those settings for multi-pathological anatomical models. Seven anatomical models representing different anatomical regions (cardiovascular, abdominal, neurological and maxillofacial) were selected for this study. A reference cube was also included in the simulations. Using PreForm print preparation software the print time and material usage was simulated for each model across 4 orientations, 2 layer heights, 2 support densities and 2 support tip sizes. A 90–10 weighted optimization was performed to identify the 5 most optimal treatment combinations that resulted in the lowest print time (90% weight) and material usage (10% weight) for each model. The 0.1 mm layer height was uniformly the most optimal setting across all models. Layer height had the largest effect on print time. Orientation had a complex effect on both print time and material usage in certain models. The support density and the support tip size settings were found to have a relatively minor effect on both print time and material usage. Hollow models had a larger support volume fraction compared to solid models. The quantitative optimization framework identified the 5 most optimal treatment combinations for each model using a 90–10 weighting for print time and material usage. The presented optimization framework could be adapted based on the individual circumstance of each 3D printing lab and/or to potentially incorporate additional response variables of interest.
Dose reduction in digital radiography based on the significance of marginal contrast detectability.

The performance of three digital detectors was measured at two exposure index (EI) levels in terms of the effect on features at the borderline of detectability. The null hypothesis was that there would be no statistically significant difference in the CNR of marginally visible features of a baseline- (2.2 µGy) and reduced dose (1.4 µGy) images. The experiment used three digital detectors and a phantom composed of an aluminum contrast-recovery plate, with features of varying diameters and hole depths, which was placed between the detector/grid and 5-20 cm Lucite. Exposures were made using a kVp between 55 and 110 corresponding to the Lucite thickness and a mAs producing an EI of approximately 220 or 140. Images were acquired for all detectors, EI values, and all Lucite thicknesses, then scored by a team of physicists and technologists in terms of feature visibility for each feature size. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated for each feature using an ROI over the feature and a local background annulus. The uncertainty in the CNR was determined by sampling the background at each feature size, finding residuals from an overall background fit, and then calculating a standard deviation in the noise for each size. The marginal feature pair for each feature size bracketed the reader score. The difference between the CNR values of corresponding marginal features in EI-paired images was significant (P 0.05) for marginal features of the other two. Based on both reader scoring and CNR measurements of phantoms, patient doses can be lowered by 30% for those two detectors without a statistically significant difference in lesion perceptibility of the marginally visible feature, while for the other detector there was a statistically significant change in marginal feature detectability and dose reduction was not recommended.
Constrained generative adversarial network ensembles for sharable synthetic medical images.

Purpose: Sharing medical images between institutions, or even inside the same institution, is restricted by various laws and regulations; research projects requiring large datasets may suffer as a result. These limitations might be addressed by an abundant supply of synthetic data that (1) are representative (i.e., the synthetic data could produce comparable research results as the original data) and (2) do not closely resemble the original images (i.e., patient privacy is protected). We introduce a framework that generates data with these requirements leveraging generative adversarial network (GAN) ensembles in a controlled fashion. Approach: To this end, an adaptive ensemble scaling strategy with the objective of representativeness is defined. A sampled Frechet distance-based constraint was then created to eliminate poorly converged candidates. Finally, a mutual information-based validation metric was embedded into the framework to confirm there are visual differences between the original and the generated synthetic images. Results: The applicability of the solution is demonstrated with a case study for generating three-dimensional brain metastasis (BM) from T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI studies. A previously published BM detection system was reported to produce 9.12 false-positives at 90% detection sensitivity based on the original data. By using the synthetic data generated with the proposed framework, the system produced 9.53 false-positives at the same sensitivity level. Conclusions: Achieving comparable algorithm performance relying solely on synthetic data unveils a significant potential to eliminate/reduce patient privacy concerns when sharing data in medical imaging.
Articular Cartilage Friction, Strain, and Viability Under Physiological to Pathological Benchtop Sliding Conditions

In vivo, articular cartilage is exceptionally resistant to wear, damage, and dysfunction. However, replicating cartilage’s phenomenal in vivo tribomechanics (i.e., high fluid load support, low frictions and strains) and mechanobiology on the benchtop has been difficult, because classical testing approaches tend to minimize hydrodynamic contributors to tissue function. Our convergent stationary contact area (cSCA) configuration retains the ability for hydrodynamically-mediated processes to contribute to interstitial hydration recovery and tribomechanical function via ‘tribological rehydration’. Using the cSCA, we investigated how in situ chondrocyte survival is impacted by the presence of tribological rehydration during the reciprocal sliding of a glass counterface against a compressively loaded equine cSCA cartilage explant. When tribological rehydration was compromised during testing, by slow-speed sliding, ‘pathophysiological’ tribomechanical environments and high surface cell death were observed. When tribological rehydration was preserved, by high-speed sliding, ‘semi-physiological’ sliding environments and suppressed cell death were realized. Inclusion of synovial fluid during testing fostered ‘truly physiological’ sliding outcomes consistent with the in vivo environment but had limited influence on cell death compared to high-speed sliding in PBS. Subsequently, path analysis identified friction as a primary driver of cell death, with strain an indirect driver, supporting the contention that articulation mediated rehydration can benefit both the biomechanical properties and biological homeostasis of cartilage.
Reduced Levels of Drp1 Protect against Development of Retinal Vascular Lesions in Diabetic Retinopathy

High glucose (HG)-induced Drp1 overexpression contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and promotes apoptosis in retinal endothelial cells. However, it is unknown whether inhibiting Drp1 overexpression protects against the development of retinal vascular cell loss in diabetes. To investigate whether reduced Drp1 level is protective against diabetes-induced retinal vascular lesions, four groups of mice: wild type (WT) control mice, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, Drp1+/- mice, and STZ-induced diabetic Drp1+/- mice were examined after 16 weeks of diabetes. Western Blot analysis indicated a significant increase in Drp1 expression in the diabetic retinas compared to those of WT mice; retinas of diabetic Drp1+/- mice showed reduced Drp1 level compared to those of diabetic mice. A significant increase in the number of acellular capillaries (AC) and pericyte loss (PL) was observed in the retinas of diabetic mice compared to those of the WT control mice. Importantly, a significant decrease in the number of AC and PL was observed in retinas of diabetic Drp1+/- mice compared to those of diabetic mice concomitant with increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes, Bax, cleaved PARP, and increased cleaved caspase-3 activity. Preventing diabetes-induced Drp1 overexpression may have protective effects against the development of vascular lesions, characteristic of diabetic retinopathy.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Brain Metastases at Presentation: A Population-Based Study

Objective/Background The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of household income disparities in the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presenting with brain metastasis on a population-based level. Methods This is a population-based cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010–2016 including 15,808 NSCLC patients presenting with brain metastasis. Results This study comprises 15,808 adult patients with NSCLC presenting with brain metastases having an age range 64 ± 10 years with 51% male, 76% white, 52% married, 61% insured, and with 85% of lung adenocarcinoma histopathology. The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates for living in the lower household income quartile were 21%, 10%, and 3%, respectively, for the second quartile 24%, 10%, and 3%; for the third quartile 28%, 14%, and 4%; and for the top quartile 31%, 17%, and 4%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that living in a higher quartile household income county is associated with increased survival (P Conclusions This population-based study suggests that living in higher median household income counties is associated with increased survival time and reduced risk of mortality for patients with NSCLC who have brain metastases present at diagnosis, independent of other factors. These findings underscore the importance of ensuring adequate and easy access to care for all patients, irrespective of their economic background.
Power-Generating Electrochemical Anion Exchange CO2 Separator for Practical AEMFC Application

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have been widely touted as a low- cost alternative to existing proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, one of the limitations of this technology has been the severe performance penalty related to the introduction of CO2 to the cell (typically from air in the cathode feed). A low cost, low energy solution is needed that is able to remove CO2 from the incoming air before it is fed to the AEMFC system.1,2 Many approaches to removing CO2 from the cathode inlet would consume valuable energy and complicate the systems-level balance-of-plant. However, recently3, an electrochemical approach was proposed that i) is able to generate power; and ii) takes advantage of the carbonation phenomena that harms AEMFCs. Such a device can be called an anion exchange CO2 separator (AECS).An AECS operates on the same principles as an AEMFC. H2 is fed to the anode and O2/air is fed to the cathode. As OH- is formed from the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode, it is converted to carbonates by reaction with carbon dioxide. The carbonates are transported to the anode by migration where they are eventually released as CO2. Ideally, an AECS operates on waste H2 and a high concentration CO2 stream leaves the anode and an air stream devoid of CO2 leaves the cathode. By design, the AECS is smaller than the primary AEMFC. Because carbonates are present, the AECS operates at a lower power density than the AEMFC, but the method has the promise to use waste to generate energy while removing CO2.In this work, the effectiveness of an AECS in lowering the CO2 concentration of an incoming stream of 400ppm air is investigated. Several parameters are changed, including the AECS active area and anode flowrate. The primary focus of these experiments was to develop operating conditions that lead to very low ppm CO2 concentrations leaving the AECS cathode. In addition to showing significant CO2 removal, we also show an AECS that operates with a stable output for over 150 h. Finally, AEMFC operation on AECS-purified industrial air is successfully demonstrated.References Zheng, T. J. Omasta, X. Peng, L. Wang, J. R. Varcoe, S. Pivovar, and W. E. Mustain, Energy Environ. Sci., 12, 2806–2819 (2019).R. Gerhardt, L. M. Pant, H.-S. Shiau, and A. Z. Weber, ECS Trans., 86, 15–24 (2018).Yan, B. Setzler, Y. Zhao, M. S. R. Carbonell, and S. Gottesfeld, U.S. Patent No. 10,811,711. 20 Oct. 2020.
Abstract PO-125: The role of KDM6A in pancreatic cancer immune microenvironment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with a 10% 5-year survival rate. Immunosuppressive myeloid cells, including tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), contribute to tumor development and treatment resistance. Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) is one of the most frequently mutated epigenetic genes and a tumor suppressor in PDAC. However, the molecular mechanisms by which KDM6A contributes to PDAC development and whether KDM6A impacts the tumor immune microenvironment are unknown. This study established a genetically engineered pancreas-specific Kdm6a-knockout Ptf1aCre;LSL-KrasG12D/+;LSL-p53R172H/+ (KPC) PDAC mouse model to investigate the influence of KDM6A loss on PDAC development and tumor immune microenvironment. We found that KDM6A loss accelerated PDAC progression and increased metastases. Pancreata of mice with Kdm6a deficiency developed aggressive undifferentiated PDACs. Additionally, KDM6A loss led to increased infiltration of TANs and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. Mechanistically, we used Bru-seq technology to investigate the impact of KDM6A on nascent RNA transcription. We demonstrated that many chemotactic cytokines related to neutrophil recruitment, specifically CXCL1, were upregulated in KDM6A-knockout PDAC cells. We further confirmed increased CXCL1 mRNA and protein levels in KDM6A-deficient human and mouse PDAC cells. In addition, immunohistochemical staining also confirmed the upregulated CXCL1 expression in both human and murine PDAC cells with KDM6A loss. TANs were found to express CXCR2, the receptor of CXCL1, by immunofluorescent analysis. To further confirm that cancer cells with KDM6A loss can attract neutrophils in vitro, we performed chemotaxis assays using both human neutrophils derived from PLB-985 cells and mouse primary neutrophils isolated from bone marrow and conditioned media from KDM6A- knockout or knockdown PDAC cells. We found that PDAC cells with KDM6A loss promoted neutrophil recruitment in vitro compared to KDM6A-retained PDAC cells. Furthermore, the CXCL1 neutralizing antibody reversed the chemotactic property of KDM6A-deficient PDAC cells, confirming that CXCL1 is the primary chemokine mediating the neutrophil recruitment. In summary, these findings shed light on the mechanism by which KDM6A loss promotes PDAC development, regulates tumor immune microenvironment, and suggests that the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis may be a candidate target for the treatment of PDAC, especially those with KDM6A mutations. Citation Format: Lin Jin, Jing Yang, Zhujun Yi, Hong S. Kim, Feng Tian, Jiaqi Shi. The role of KDM6A in pancreatic cancer immune microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2021 Sep 29-30. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(22 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-125.
Risk of death from cardiovascular disease associated with low-level arsenic exposure among long-term smokers in a US population-based study

High levels of arsenic exposure have been associated with increases in cardiovascular disease risk. However, studies of arsenic's effects at lower exposure levels are limited and few prospective studies exist in the United States using long-term arsenic exposure biomarkers. We conducted a prospective analysis of the association between toenail arsenic and cardiovascular disease mortality using longitudinal data collected on 3939 participants in the New Hampshire Skin Cancer Study. Using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounders, we estimated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with the risk of death from any cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, in relation to natural-log transformed toenail arsenic concentrations. In this US population, although we observed no overall association, arsenic exposure measured from toenail clipping samples was related to an increased risk of ischemic heart disease mortality among long-term smokers (as reported at baseline), with increased hazard ratios among individuals with ≥ 31 total smoking years (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.27), ≥ 30 pack-years (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.45), and among current smokers (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.75). These results are consistent with evidence from more highly exposed populations suggesting a synergistic relationship between arsenic exposure and smoking on health outcomes and support a role for lower-level arsenic exposure in ischemic heart disease mortality.
Region Extraction and Verification for Spatial and Spatio-temporal Databases

Newer spatial technologies, such as spatio-temporal databases, geo-sensor networks, and other remote sensing methods, require mechanisms to efficiently process spatial data and identify (and in some cases fix) data items that do not conform to rigorously defined spatial data type definitions. In this paper, we propose an $O(n \lg n )$ time complexity algorithm that examines a spatial configuration, eliminates any portions of the configuration that violate the definition of spatial regions, and constructs a valid region out of the remaining configuration.