cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distinct Histopathologic and Molecular Alterations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: c-MYC Amplification is Common and Associated with Mucinous/Signet Ring Cell Differentiation.

Background Chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a significant risk factor for the development of intestinal adenocarcinoma. The underlying molecular alterations in IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinoma remain largely unknown. Methods We compared the clinicopathologic and molecular features of 35 patients with 47 IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinomas with a consecutive series of 451 patients with sporadic colorectal carcinoma identified at our institution and published data on sporadic colorectal carcinoma. Results c-MYC amplification was the most frequent molecular alteration identified in 33% of IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinoma that is a significantly higher frequency than in sporadic colorectal carcinoma (8%) (P = 0.0001). Compared to sporadic colorectal carcinoma, IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinomas more frequently demonstrated mucinous differentiation (60% vs 25%, P < 0.001) and signet ring cell differentiation (28% vs 4%, P < 0.001). Mucinous and signet ring cell differentiation were significantly associated with the presence of c-MYC amplification (both with P < 0.05). HER2 positivity (11%), KRAS exon 2 or 3 mutation (10%), and IDH1 mutation (7%) were less commonly observed in IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinoma. There was an association between poor survival and HER2 status with 3 of 4 patients having HER2-positive adenocarcinoma dead of disease at last clinical follow-up; however, no statistically significant survival effect was identified for any of the molecular alterations identified. Conclusions We demonstrate that IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinomas have a high frequency of c-MYC amplification that is associated with mucinous and signet ring cell differentiation. Many of the identified molecular alterations have potential therapeutic relevance, including HER2 amplification, IDH1 mutation, and low frequency KRAS mutation.
A Low-Profile UHF SATCOM Antenna

A low-profile circularly polarized stacked patch antenna with U-slots was designed, fabricated, and measured at 240–300 MHz for satellite and communications applications. U-slots on the driven patch are proposed, and its design is optimized to improve the bandwidth of the antenna. In addition, the −10 dB return loss has been compromised in favor of a wider, stable, and acceptable performance bandwidth. The proposed antenna has a size of $0.36\lambda _{c} \times 0.36\lambda _{c} \times 0.035\lambda _{c}$ . A bandwidth of 22% and gain of 3.5 dBiC with axial ratio below 2.5 dB are achieved in the 240–300 MHz band.
Dutch Economic Growth in Comparative-Historical Perspective, 1500–2000

Our knowledge of nineteenth century Dutch economic performance has been greatly improved by recent research. However, the interpretation of long-run Dutch economic development requires a reexamination of the concepts and generalizations used by economists, which derive mostly from the study of other nations, especially Britain. This article proposes both a reassessment of Dutch economic performance in the very long run, and a reconsideration of the concept of modern economic growth.
Chemistry of the Heterocyclic Moiety of Purine Nucleosides and Some Closely Related Analogs

This presentation will be confined to some of the more interesting chemistry involving only the heterocyclic moiety of preformed purine nucleosides, purine nucleotides and some closely related analogs. The preformed compounds which are required as the starting materials for the discussion in this specific area are either naturally occurring, provided by fermentation processes or prepared by total synthesis. Since we will be specifically using preformed bicyclic heterocycles prepared by one of the above procedures, it is imperative that substituents should already be residing on the heterocyclic ring amenable toward functionalization. It was very difficult to decide how to initiate a discussion of this type since the chemical interconversions will be interrelated to such a degree that the specific type of group being introduced may have actually been the precursor for the starting material of the reaction being discussed. Therefore, we shall on ap arbitrary basis start with the conversion of certain exocyclic oxygen atoms into other functional groups, e.g. sulfur, halogens, etc., which are in turn susceptible toward displacement by various nucleophiles.
And Yet It Moves: Exotic Atoms and the Invariance of Charge

If I had to describe in a word what physics is all about, I am tempted to say “motion”—as construed, of course, in a suitably broad sense to include not only the movement of particles but also such phenomena as the flow of fluids, the propagation of waves, the conversion of heat to work, and the transitions between quantum states. The word “physics,” according to my unabridged English dictionary, traces its origin to a Greek term meaning “natural things,” which seems appropriate enough, as far as it goes. Actually, in some ways it goes too far, for one can accommodate all of the life sciences in that definition— and, in fact, the term “physic” once meant medicine or the art of healing. The Japanese refer to physics as “butsurigaku,” derived from “study of transformation.” That also has some good points, but reminds me too much of chemistry. I will stay with “motion.”
Operations to Replace or Bypass the Esophagus Colon or Jejunum Interposition

Esophageal replacement by colon or jejunal interposition is used in selected cases of benign disease to avoid long-term morbidity associated with gastric pull-up. This chapter details the construction of these conduits.
HOW DO BLACK NULLIPAROUS WOMEN COGNITIVELY CONSTRUCT BIRTH

A focused ethnography was conducted to determine the cognitive constructions about birth described by nulliparous Black women in an urban area of the Southwestern US; also, during postpartum, how do these women reconcile expectations with the actual birth? Semi-structured interviews were conducted before birth and after birth. Women, 16 or older, 17 33 weeks carrying a singleton fetus and without anomalies or problems like pre-gestational diabetes, NYHA Cardiac Class III/IV, cancer, renal failure, or sickle cell anemia that eliminated vaginal birth were sequentially recruited and sampled in an affiliated ultrasound clinic. Women scheduled for an anatomy scan were approached. Eleven women enrolled. Participants were 17 to 30 years old, with 11 to 22 years of schooling. Gestational age at enrollment was 17+5 to 31+5 weeks. Two women were college graduates. Four women were employed, and all used Medicaid to pay for care. Seven women received SNAP and/or WIC benefits. Three of the 4 employed women received this assistance. Three women did not have their mother in their lives. The sample was purposefully analyzed for age, education and maternal presence, and a natural spread of ages and situations was found, making purposeful sampling unnecessary. Initial interviews lasted 12.5 to 41 minutes. Post-delivery interviews lasted 24 to 54 minutes, and occurred 13 to 25 days postpartum. The researcher transcribed all interviews, and used Atlas.ti to assist in analysis and organization.
The Role of Narratives in Professional Formation for Students

Rational decision-making and “top down approaches” that use deductive reasoning for making clinical treatment decisions do not address the complexity, ambiguities, uncertainties and unpredictabilities of clinical practice. Contemporary research indicates that expert practitioners draw from multiple methods of clinical reasoning including the use of narrative reasoning (Edwards, Jones, Carr, Braunack-Mayer, & Jensen, 2004; Edwards & Jones, 2007; Jensen, Gwyer, Hack, & Shepard, 2007). To the extent that clinicians use narrative to gain a more holistic understanding of the lived experiences of patients with diseases and to clarify the contextual nature of their physiological changes, they are more likely to develop an empathetic, patient-centred relationship (Charon, 2006).
Safety and Effectiveness of Medical Device Therapy

When enough females and males are enrolled in clinical trials, much more relevant information is available on potential sex differences in device safety and effectiveness. Unfortunately, females have largely been underrepresented in clinical studies of cardiac medical device therapies for heart failure. In this chapter, sex differences in heart failure characteristics and cardiac electrophysiology and their influence on the safety, effectiveness, and application of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) will be discussed. In this way, the research community will hopefully become more appreciative of the potential differences in device effects between females and males.
Abstract IA36: Structural and social determinants of cancer disparities

Biologic and behavioral factors are considered the predominant contributors to incidence of cancer from most sites, and interactions between behavior and biology are well described. Contributions from social determinants of health to cancer rates and outcomes have mostly focused on access to preventive services and screening and to quality of cancer-related health care once diagnosed. For example, presentation with advanced stages of disease is most often ascribed to inadequate early detection when screening tests are recommended or to delay in consulting for symptoms when present. Both African American and Latina women have higher breast cancer mortality after completion of treatment for early-stage disease, in part as a result of inadequate annual screening following cure. Other factors such as health literacy, limited English proficiency, and low numeracy may exacerbate race/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in cancer clinical care based on poor or ineffective communication. Structural determinants of cancer disparities refer to the built environment, the social and political system in which the patient lives, and the geographic location of home and health care. For example, an unsafe neighborhood may interfere with medical visits, obtaining medications and tests, and maintaining health-promoting activities after cancer diagnosis. Lack of adequate transportation and geographic isolation will further exacerbate access to care barriers. Race/ethnic minorities disproportionately engage with the criminal justice system, and this may interfere with obtaining quality clinical care. On the other hand, some concentrated minority neighborhoods may have tightly-woven social networks and provide community collective efficacy that can help patients and survivors going through treatment and survivorship care. Social and structural determinants of health can impact cancer outcomes across the continuum, from risk to death. Moreover, these characteristics are often highly correlated and can interact to influence disparate cancer outcomes above and beyond their individual health effects. The intersectional approach considers the impact on health and health equity of intersecting social positions and processes. To date, the intersectional approach has primarily been applied to qualitative research. In this panel, we will discuss the social and structural determinants, and the interaction among these determinants, of cancer disparities drawing on examples from the authors9 work and the published literature. Citation Format: Eliseo J. Perez-Stable, Scarlett Lin-Gomez, Scarlett Lin-Gomez, Arleen Brown. Structural and social determinants of cancer disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr IA36.
The acyl-CoA Synthetase, pudgy , Promotes Sleep and Is Required for the Homeostatic Response to Sleep Deprivation.

The regulation of sleep and the response to sleep deprivation rely on multiple biochemical pathways. A critical connection is the link between sleep and metabolism. Metabolic changes can disrupt sleep, and conversely decreased sleep can alter the metabolic environment. There is building evidence that lipid metabolism, in particular, is a critical part of mounting the homeostatic response to sleep deprivation. We have evaluated an acyl-CoA synthetase, pudgy (pdgy), for its role in sleep and response to sleep deprivation. When pdgy transcript levels are decreased through transposable element disruption of the gene, mutant flies showed lower total sleep times and increased sleep fragmentation at night compared to genetic controls. Consistent with disrupted sleep, mutant flies had a decreased lifespan compared to controls. pdgy disrupted fatty acid handling as pdgy mutants showed increased sensitivity to starvation and exhibited lower fat stores. Moreover, the response to sleep deprivation is reduced when compared to a control flies. When we decreased the transcript levels for pdgy using RNAi, the response to sleep deprivation was decreased compared to background controls. In addition, when the pdgy transcription is rescued throughout the fly, the response to sleep deprivation is restored. These data demonstrate that the regulation and function of acyl-CoA synthetase plays a critical role in regulating sleep and the response to sleep deprivation. Endocrine and metabolic signals that alter transcript levels of pdgy impact sleep regulation or interfere with the homeostatic response to sleep deprivation.
Abstract 2824: Modulation of oral cancer cells survival and invasiveness by fusobacteria

Oral cancer represents a significant health burden worldwide while periodontitis is a common chronic infection of the periodontium. Many studies have suggested the association between periodontal disease and oral cancer. Studies have shown that biofilms on oral cancer lesions are rich in anaerobic bacteria, known to be associated with periodontal disease. This establishes that periodontal bacteria are present in the oral cancer microenvironment and likely directly interact with cancer cells. Therefore, it is vital to understand the interactions between the oral bacteria and cancer cells in order to improve treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of periodontal bacteria on oral cancer cells. Three oral cancer cell lines (OQ01, BHY and HN) were polyinfected with 4 bacteria associated with chronic periodontitis (Tanneralla forsynthia, Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum). Likely because BHY and HN already have a high baseline level of IL-8, OQ01 alone showed significantly enhanced IL-8 secretion (P Citation Format: Amani Harrandah, Sasanka S. Chukkapalli, William JR Dunn, Ann Progulske-Fox, Edward K. Chan. Modulation of oral cancer cells survival and invasiveness by fusobacteria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2824.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: From bedside to bench and back

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a complex Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) that was almost universally fatal until the advent of the Norwood operation in 1981. Children with HLHS who largely succumbed to the disease within the first year of life, are now surviving to adulthood. However, this survival is associated with multiple comorbidities and HLHS infants have a higher mortality rate as compared to other non-HLHS single ventricle patients. In this review we (a) discuss current clinical challenges associated in the care of HLHS patients, (b) explore the use of systems biology in understanding the molecular framework of this disease, (c) evaluate induced pluripotent stem cells as a translational model to understand molecular mechanisms and manipulate them to improve outcomes, and (d) investigate cell therapy, gene therapy, and tissue engineering as a potential tool to regenerate hypoplastic cardiac structures and improve outcomes.
Application of Flow Cytometry As Novel Technology in Studying the Effect of Droplet Size on Lipid Oxidation in Oil-in-Water Emulsions.

Despite several published studies, the impact of emulsion droplet size on lipid oxidation rates is unclear. This could be because oil-in-water emulsions are typically polydisperse and the oxidation...
Effect of synthesis pH and EDTA on iron hexacyanoferrate for sodium-ion batteries

Iron hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF) particles were synthesized at room temperature with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at varying pH. The presence of EDTA produced faceted particles and increasing synthesis pH resulted in slower reaction kinetics and larger particles with lower water content and fewer anion vacancies determined by TGA and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Electrochemical testing of sodium metal half cells revealed higher capacity in FeHCF particles grown at lower pH with EDTA, obtaining a maximum discharge capacity of 151 mA h g−1 with 79% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and a rate capability of 122 mA h g−1 at 3.2 A g−1. In contrast, particles grown at higher pH had stunted low-spin Fe redox activity but with improved long-term cyclic stability. These findings demonstrate that small changes in synthesis pH can greatly affect the growth and electrochemical properties of FeHCF when using a pH sensitive chelating agent such as EDTA.
A method for quantifying pigment position in retinal pigment epithelium

Abstract In wildtype mice, the pigment granules in the retinal pigment epithelium aggregate in the dark towards Bruch's membrane and disperse towards the photoreceptors in the light. We have developed a repeatable method amenable for quantifying pigment position in the RPE from wild type mice by estimating the population density of pigment granules, or pigment density, within 4 μm2 areas in the basal part of cells examined by transmission electron microscopy. To measure pigment position, 2 μm × 2 μm squares were aligned along the apical ends of the basal microvilli. The pigment granules within each 4 μm2 area were counted, and the average pigment density was calculated for each mouse. The average pigment density for light-adapted mice (n = 3 mice) was 1.3 pigment granules/μm2 (± 0.2 pigment granules/μm2). For dark-adapted wildtype mice (n = 3 mice), pigment density was 1.9 pigment granules/μm2 (± 0.3 pigment granules/μm2). Pigment density was statistically significantly different (p
Influences of Performance Close to and Far from Aspiration on Business and Geographic Divestitures

Combining resource-based view and the behavioral theory of the firm, we examine influences of performance close to and far from aspirations in both negative and positive attainment discrepancies on...
E-025 Transorbital endovascular embolization of carotid-cavernous fistulas: a case series

Introduction/Purpose Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are typically managed by embolization, with varied approaches described. Direct transorbital venous access may be utilized if anatomic constraints limit fistulous access via standard venous or arterial access. We present eight cases of successful CCF obliteration through direct transorbital puncture of the cavernous sinus or through indirect cannulation via the superior or inferior ophthalmic veins. Materials and Methods Patient data was gathered through retrospective chart review from August 2017 to December 2019. Demographics, fistula type, treatment method, obliteration status, and complications were recorded. Results Eight patients (M:4, F:4, age 44 ± 15 years) were identified who underwent a transorbital approach for treatment of CCF. Six CCFs were spontaneous, and two were deemed to be traumatic in nature following motor vehicle accidents. One patient had a direct fistula (Barrow type A), while the remainder had indirect fistulas (Barrow types B, C, D). Three patients underwent a direct transorbital embolization; one underwent transarterial embolization followed by transorbital embolization; one underwent transarterial embolization, attempted transvenous embolization, followed by a direct transorbital embolization; one underwent attempted transvenous embolization followed by direct transorbital embolization; and two underwent transarterial embolization, followed by transvenous embolization, followed by direct transorbital embolization. Fistulous occlusion was achieved in all patients following transorbital embolization. Seven patients demonstrated complete resolution of ophthalmic symptoms with normalization of intraocular pressures. One of these patients required an immediate post-operative lateral canthotomy due to transient elevated intraocular pressure from complete occlusion of the inferior orbital vein, though no visual sequelae were noted at follow up and intraocular pressure normalized over the following weeks. One patient who underwent multiple interventions—and ultimately fistula obliteration—progressed to blindness in the affected eye as her treatment course was prolonged. Conclusion Direct percutaneous transorbital puncture is a generally safe and effective means of accessing and treating CCFs. Ophthalmologic cut-down is unnecessary in most cases, and inaccessibility of the superior or inferior orbital veins can be overcome through direct transorbital puncture of the cavernous sinus. Disclosures B. King: None. J. Steinberg: None. A. Wali: None. R. Rennert: None. D. Santiago-Dieppa: None. J. Pannell: None. A. Khalessi: None. S. Olson: None.
Cost Comparison of Capacitive Deionization and Reverse Osmosis for Brackish Water Desalination

Although the energy efficiency of brackish water capacitive deionization (CDI) and reverse osmosis (RO) have been extensively compared, their relative costs remain poorly defined. We develop a para...
A Systematic Review of Surface Contamination, Stability, and Disinfection Data on SARS-CoV-2 (Through July 10, 2020).

We conducted a systematic review of hygiene intervention effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, including developing inclusion criteria, conducting the search, selecting articles for inclusion, and summ...
Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Recurrent Post-Transplant Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Post-transplant primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation. The optimal therapy for post-transplant PCNSL is not well established and generally includes reduction of immunosuppression and chemotherapy. Progression after front-line chemotherapy is common, and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a standard salvage treatment as there is a concern that localized treatment fields would not prevent out-of-field recurrences. However, WBRT is associated with neurotoxicity and morbidity in these patients with inherently poor prognoses. Here, we report a patient with local recurrence of post-transplant PCNSL who was treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). He had no clinical toxicity from treatment and maintained pre-treatment neurocognition and performance status. Local control was achieved for 20 months following SRT, at which point he developed an in-field recurrence. He restarted lymphoma therapy but died one month later from fungal pneumonia. For central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, further data are needed to optimize tumor control and toxicity outcomes and identify patients in whom localized radiotherapy fields may be beneficial, avoiding the potential toxicity of WBRT.
Working from Home and Changes in Work Characteristics during COVID-19

A relatively high proportion of U.S. workers started working from home during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. There has been extensive tracking of employment trends, but it is less clear wha...
Future Health Implications

Many factors contribute to the long-term outcomes for children adopted internationally. For families considering growing their families via adoption, they must consider the physical and mental health outcomes. While most do, some children adopted internationally do not transition successfully to adulthood (i.e. living independently). Early studies show both physical and psychological reasons for this. Families should prepare emotionally and financially as they prepare for international adoption. As those who were adopted internationally approach adulthood, they will need ongoing support as they seek answers to their unique questions and explore feelings regarding their placement.
Discrete Time Quanitized Data Controllers

This paper develops a new technique to the digital control of continuous systems. The new method is based on a table look up algorithm. To minimize the number of entries in the table a grid embedding process is proposed. Using this process, an accurate, fast, and low cost controller can be constructed using a table of only a few thousand entries. The paper derives the control strategy, proposes a digital circuit to implement the controller, and simulates the performance of the close loop system. The output of the close loop system is compared against that of an optimally regulater system. The comparison shows that the new controller performs very close to that of an equivalent optimal controller.
Evaluating Automatic Brain Tissue Classifiers

We present a quantitative evaluation of MR brain images segmentation. Five classifiers were tested. The task was to classify an MR image into four different classes: background, cortical spinal fluid, gray matter and white matter. The performance was rated by first estimating a ground truth (EGT) using STAPLE and then analyzing the volume differences as well as the Dice similarity measure between each of the 5 classifiers.
Neural mechanisms for self-motion perception in area MST.

Research on the neural circuitry responsible for perception of self-motion has focused on the medial superior temporal area, particularly the dorsal division (MSTd). Cells in this area are selective for the location of the focus of expansion and to pursuit eye movements, two signals necessary for recovering the direction of self-motion (Gibson, 1950). Research reviewed here shows many interesting correlates between the perception of self-motion and the activity of MST neurons. In particular, the focus tuning curves of these cells adjust to take into account motions during eye movements using extra-retinal signals, similar to the results of human perceptional experiments. Eye rotations due to head movements are also compensated for perceptually, and the focus tuning of MST neurons are also compensated for during head-generated eye rotations. Finally, the focus tuning curves compensate for both the direction and the speed of eye rotations, similar to that found in psychophysical studies. However, there are also several aspects of MSTd activity that do not completely mesh with the perception of self-motion; these differences suggest that area MSTd is not the final stage or the only locus of brain activity which accounts for this percept. Finally we offer a “gain field” model, which explains how area MSTd neurons can compensate for gaze rotations.
Sulfonate S: A major form of forest soil organic sulfur

Several forests of varying elevations, soils and vegetation were studied to evaluate the relative importance of sulfonate S, amino acid S, and ester sulfate as constituents of soil organic S. Suflonate S exceeded 40% of total S in the O1 horizon of all but one site examined, and comprised at least 50% of total S in the O2 horizons of 14 out of 18 study sites examined. Sulfonate pool sizes, on a percentage basis, tended to decrease with increasing sample depth within the mineral horizons, but sulfonate S was still a major form of organic S in the C horizon. Amino-acid S pool sizes were, as a general rule, lower than those for sulfonate in the O1 and O2 horizons, and lower than those for both ester sulfate and sulfonate when mineral soil horizons were considered. In no case did amino-acid S represent>25% of total S. Amino-acid S decreased with increasing depth at all but one site examined. Ester sulfate pool sizes were generally less than those of sulfonate S and greater than those of amino-acid S. This trend was observed with the O1, O2, and A horizons, but it was not apparent with samples from the intermediate and lowest soil horizons, where ester sulfate levels exceeded those for sulfonate S in 4 out of 8 and 5 out of 14 sites, respectively, in these latter horizons. Although there were some exceptions, collectively, the data suggest that sulfonate S is a major form of organic S in forest soils, irrespective of depth.
Modification of β-Defensin-2 by Dicarbonyls Methylglyoxal and Glyoxal Inhibits Antibacterial and Chemotactic Function In Vitro.

Background Beta-defensins (hBDs) provide antimicrobial and chemotactic defense against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) acts against gram-negative bacteria and chemoattracts immature dendritic cells, thus regulating innate and adaptive immunity. Immunosuppression due to hyperglycemia underlies chronic infection in Type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia also elevates production of dicarbonyls methylgloxal (MGO) and glyoxal (GO). Methods The effect of dicarbonyl on defensin peptide structure was tested by exposing recombinant hBD-2 (rhBD-2) to MGO or GO with subsequent analysis by MALDI-TOF MS and LC/MS/MS. Antimicrobial function of untreated rhBD-2 vs. rhBD-2 exposed to dicarbonyl against strains of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in culture was determined by radial diffusion assay. The effect of dicarbonyl on rhBD-2 chemotactic function was determined by chemotaxis assay in CEM-SS cells. Results MGO or GO in vitro irreversibly adducts to the rhBD-2 peptide, and significantly reduces antimicrobial and chemotactic functions. Adducts derive from two arginine residues, Arg22 and Arg23 near the C-terminus, and the N-terminal glycine (Gly1). We show by radial diffusion testing on gram-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and gram-positive S. aureus, and a chemotaxis assay for CEM-SS cells, that antimicrobial activity and chemotactic function of rhBD-2 are significantly reduced by MGO. Conclusions Dicarbonyl modification of cationic antimicrobial peptides represents a potential link between hyperglycemia and the clinical manifestation of increased susceptibility to infection, protracted wound healing, and chronic inflammation in undiagnosed and uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes.
Finite-temperature auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo technique for Bose-Fermi mixtures

We present a quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) technique for calculating the exact finite-temperature properties of Bose-Fermi mixtures. The Bose-Fermi auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (BFAFQMC) algorithm combines two methods, a finite-temperature AFQMC algorithm for bosons and a variant of the standard AFQMC algorithm for fermions, into one algorithm for mixtures. We demonstrate the accuracy of our method by comparing its results for the Bose-Hubbard and Bose-Fermi-Hubbard models against those produced using exact diagonalization for small systems. Comparisons are also made with mean-field theory and the worm algorithm for larger systems. As is the case with most fermion Hamiltonians, a sign or phase problem is present in the BFAFQMC algorithm. We discuss the nature of these problems in this framework and describe how they can be controlled with well-studied approximations to expand the BFAFQMC algorithm's reach. This algorithm can serve as an essential tool for answering many unresolved questions about many-body physics in mixed Bose-Fermi systems.
Camera calibration for synthetic digital tomography

A method for calibrating camera geometry is described. This method has been used to implement synthetic tomography on a commercially available full-field digital mammography system. The method utilizes a phantom containing six point-like calibration objects whose positions are approximately known. The image of five calibration objects in a given projection allows an associated projection matrix to be determined up to one free parameter. By using the positions of the shadows of the sixth calibration object in three or more views, one can fit the remaining free parameter associated with each view and the position of the sixth calibration object relative to the first five. Uncertainty in the position or geometry of the phantom does not affect the geometric consistency, thus tomograms produced by back-projection suffer no blurring from errors in the determination of camera geometry. Uncertainties in the position or geometry of the phantom result in proportionate translations or distortions of the tomograms. For a tomogram corresponding to a plane containing an object, the positions of the backprojections of the shadows of the object are consistent to the same precision as the measurements of the shadows in each projection, i.e., the positions of the backprojections differ by about the size of the pixel spacing in the detector.
Workflow overhead analysis and optimizations

The execution of scientific workflows often suffers from a variety of overheads in distributed environments. It is essential to identify the different overheads and to evaluate how optimization methods help reduce overheads and improve runtime performance. In this paper, we present an overhead analysis for a set of workflow runs on cloud and grid platforms. We present the overhead distributions and conclude that they satisfy an exponential or uniform distribution. We compare three methods to calculate the cumulative sum of the overheads based on how they overlap. In addition, we indicate how experimental parameters impact the overhead and thereby the overall workflow performance. We then show how popular optimization methods improve runtime performance by reducing some or all types of overheads.
Impact of antenatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure on pregnancy outcomes in mice

Objective This study investigates fluoxetine (FLX) exposure as an etiology for altered gestational length and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Study Design Two experiments were performed exposing mice to drinking water (H 2 O) or H 2 O+FLX. Primary outcomes included gestational length, litter size, and live birth rate. In experiment 1, time-mated dams were monitored for spontaneous birth, and gestational length was calculated. In experiment 2, dams were dissected on day 14 to verify litter size and qualities of embryo implantation. Results There was no difference in gestational length between H 2 O dams (480.7 ± 13.2 hours) and H 2 O+FLX dams (483.5 ± 10.1 hours), P = .70. Mean litter size was decreased in H 2 O+FLX dams (4.1 ± 1.3/litter) compared to H 2 O dams (5.5 ± 1.9/litter), P = .04. H 2 O+FLX dams were less likely to have live births (25.4%) compared to H 2 O dams (49.3%), P = .01. Conclusion Antenatal FLX exposure did not statistically alter gestational length, but did affect litter size and spontaneous loss in mice. This warrants further investigation.
Buñuel, Eisenstein, and the ‘Montage of Attractions’: An Approach to Film in Theory and Practice

The now abundant amount of criticism dedicated to Luis Bunuel can generally be divided into two categories: (1) treatment of his filmography; and (2) biographical criticism that is preoccupied with...
Safe Operations of Unmanned Systems for Reconnaissance in Complex Environments Army Technology Objective (SOURCE ATO)

This paper examines the systems, hardware, and software engineering efforts required to overcome the challenges of operating autonomously around dynamic objects in complex environments. To detect these dynamic objects, the SOURCE ATO will utilize ARL/GDRS developed moving obstacle detection algorithms that will run on the Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) hardware.1 These algorithms use data from multiple sensors including laser detection and ranging (LADAR), Electro-optic, and Millimeter-Wave Radar (MMWR) to produce detections. This limits erroneous identifications that occur when using only one sensor. This paper describes co-development of Safe Operation Technologies between the SOURCE ATO and the ANS development program. This approach allows a more rapid development cycle, which will enable both current and future ground combat vehicle systems the flexibility to readily adopt emerging software, process hardware, and sensor technologies.
Thermal stability of exchange-coupled magnetic grains

We analyzed the effects of exchange interactions on the thermal stability of magnetic grains in perpendicular recording media. We modeled the magnetic properties of single-domain, uniformly oriented grains using the master equation formalism and the mean-field theory for systems with anisotropy. In the absence of applied fields and for exchange fields much smaller than the anisotropy field, the relaxation time of the system increases linearly with the exchange field amplitude. In the presence of applied fields, exchange interactions and thermal fluctuations improve the switching dynamics of the system leading to a reduction in the energy barrier distribution width and a reduction in the switching field amplitude. For both cases, we propose analytic expressions for the thermal dependence of the relaxation time and the switching field.
Alkene Based Monolayer Films As Anti Stiction Coatings For Polysilicon MEMS

Abstract This paper describes a new class of anti-stiction coatings for polysilicon MEMS. This class of molecular film is based on the free radical reaction of a primary alkene (e.g. 1-octadecene C16H33CHCH2) with hydrogen terminated silicon [1] , [2] . The new coating has several key advantages over the previously reported octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS) based self-assembled monolayers (SAM) [3] , [4] : (1) the coating does not produce HCl at any stage in the monolayer formation whereas chlorosilane based chemistry does. (2) The coating does not require the formation of an intervening charge-trapping oxide layer. (3) The film formation procedure for alkene based monolayers is simpler than for chlorosilane based SAMs for two main reasons. First, the surface re-oxidation step is entirely eliminated. Second, the coating solution does not need to be conditioned before use, since water is not a reagent in this process. (4) The coating process is much more robust since it is essentially insensitive to relative humidity. (5) The coated structures have many fewer particulates in comparison to those coated with OTS. (6) The coating process can be made selective to coat only exposed silicon by generating radicals using a radical initiator. The coating has been evaluated in several ways, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle analysis, work of adhesion by cantilever beam array technique and coefficient of static friction using a sidewall testing device. The octadecene film is compared to the OTS SAM with respect to anti-stiction properties. XPS data confirm the absence of oxygen in both freshly prepared samples and in samples aged for more than 4 months in laboratory ambient. Water and hexadecane contact angles, and work of adhesion data are similar to those of OTS. AFM shows that the samples, which receive 1-octadecene films, accumulate far fewer particles during processing than those which receive the OTS SAM treatment. Based upon the data presented here, we find that the anti-stiction properties of films produced with the alkene chemistry are indeed comparable to those produced with the chlorosilane SAMs, but without many of the limitations imposed by the chlorosilane chemistry.
Disabling and fatal occupational claim rates, risks, and costs in the Oregon construction industry 1990-1997

This study estimated injury and illness rates, risk factors, and costs associated with construction work in Oregon from 1990-1997 using all accepted workers' compensation claims by Oregon construction employees (N = 20,680). Claim rates and risk estimates were estimated using a baseline calculated from Current Population Survey data of the Oregon workforce. The average annual rate of lost-time claims was 3.5 per 100 workers. More than 50% of claims were by workers under 35 years and with less than 1 year of tenure. The majority of claimants (96.1%) were male. There were 52 total fatalities reported over the period examined, representing an average annual death rate of 8.5 per 100,000 construction workers. Average claim cost was $10,084 and mean indemnity time was 57.3 days. Structural metal workers had the highest average days of indemnity of all workers (72. 1), highest average costs per claim ($16,472), and highest odds ratio of injury of all occupations examined. Sprains were the most frequently reported injury type, constituting 46.4% of all claims. The greatest accident risk occurred during the third hour of work. Training interventions should be extensively utilized for inexperienced workers, and prework exercises could potentially reduce injury frequency and severity.
Parallel recording of electron energy loss spectra

Abstract Two silicon photo diode array devices were tested as parallel recording detectors for electron energy loss spectrometry (EELS). The direct bombardment of a Reticon photodiode array detector with high energy electrons (80 keV) causes an irreversible increase in diode dark current. The dark current saturates the detector amplifier after a dose of 10 −6 C/diode making it unsuitable for EELS. A scintillator coupled SIT vidicon is sensitive enough to count two high energy electrons with a spatial resolution of 100 μm, corresponding to 5 eV energy resolution with the electron optical system described. The large pixel-to-pixel gain variation inherent in the scintillator and vidicon can be reduced by averaging the spectrum over a large area of the target perpendicular to the dispersion direction. The L-edge of calcium for a 4 × 10 −3 weight fraction concentration biological specimen is observable in a 40 s parallel recorded spectrum. The minimum detectable concentration of calcium is estimated tobe ten times better for EELS than EDS X-ray analysis.
Myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in intact versus skinned rat ventricular muscle.

The Ca2+ sensitivity of myofilaments was compared before and after skinning in the same rat trabeculae at a diastolic sarcomere length of 2.2 to 2.3 microns. Trabeculae from rat right ventricle were loaded with fura-2 salt by iontophoretic microinjection, and [Ca2+]i was determined from the epifluorescence at 510 nm when excited at 340 and 380 nm. Steady-state activation was achieved by stimulating the muscle at 10 Hz after 10 to 20 minutes of application of ryanodine (5 mumol/L). The muscles were then skinned with Triton X-100 (1%) for 15 to 25 minutes and subsequently activated with solutions containing varied [Ca2+]. The intact force-[Ca2+] relation was highly cooperative (Hill coefficient, 4.87 +/- 0.35; n = 10), with a low [Ca2+]i required for half-maximal activation (K1/2) (0.62 +/- 0.03 mumol/L). After skinning, the Hill coefficient fell to 2.72 and the K 1/2 shifted rightward to 2.2 mumol/L in the presence of 1.2 mmol/L free Mg2+. Because of uncertainty regarding the appropriate [Mg2+], we measured [Mg2+]i at 0.72 +/- 0.06 mmol/L (n = 11) with Mg-fura-2 salt. When activating solutions were modified to contain [Mg2+] = 0.5 mmol/L, the force-[Ca2+] relation was shifted to the left (K 1/2 = 0.93 +/- 0.1, n = 10) with a Hill coefficient of 3.75 +/- 0.37, but the changes were not sufficient to superimpose with the intact force-[Ca2+] relation (P < .05 versus intact). These results suggest that, despite the significant effect of Mg2+ on the force-[Ca2+] relation in skinned muscles, the Ca2+ responsiveness of the myofilaments is still altered by skinning.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Wind deposition of mud aggregates and their role in development of lamellae in the Fair Oaks Dunes, Indiana

Abstract Three parabolic dunes from the Fair Oaks Dune field in northern Indiana were excavated, in order to study the properties and genesis of lamellae. Reddish lamellae with sharp upper boundaries and diffuse lower boundaries are intercalated with yellowish sand layers within the upper 3–5 m of each dune. The thicknesses of the lamellae decrease from > 2 cm in the east (Winamac dune) to + and Mg + led to breakdown of mud aggregates and clay dispersion from clay rich sand laminae through clay-poor sand laminae. The reddish color of lamellae results from oxidation of mafic grains. Sand-size mud aggregates were lighter than quartz or feldspar grains and were carried further downwind and, as a result, the clay in the dunes, and the thickness of the lamellae, increases to the east. At 5.6 m depth in the Winamac dune we found the straight depositional laminae transitioning into wavy lamellae. This is the most direct evidence of depositional lamellae (petrogenic) formation in the literature to date.
Behavior of silicon drift detectors in large magnetic fields

A 45/spl times/45 mm rectangular n-type silicon drift detector was studied in magnetic fields ranging from 0 to 4.7 T and for drift fields from 200 to 380 V/cm. Transport properties of electrons in silicon (Hall mobility, drift mobility and magnetoresistance) were determined by pulsing the detector with a Nd:YAG laser at different drift lengths and measuring both the transverse deflections of the signal and the increases in drift time versus applied magnetic field. The width of the signal in both the drift and anode direction increased with magnetic field. The magnetic field was aligned parallel and normal to the the drift direction. The detector was found to operate well for conditions expected in future experiments at the RHIC collider and experiment E896 at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering and the promise of designer flies on demand

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has attracted significant attention for its potential to transform genome engineering. We and others have recently shown that the RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease can be employed to engineer the Drosophila genome, and that these modifications are efficiently transmitted through the germline. A single targeting RNA can guide Cas9 to a specific genomic sequence where it induces double-strand breaks that, when imperfectly repaired, yield mutations. We have also demonstrated that 2 targeting RNAs can be used to generate large defined deletions and that Cas9 can catalyze gene replacement by homologous recombination. Zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) have shown similar promise in Drosophila. However, the ease of producing targeting RNAs over the generation of unique sequence-directed nucleases to guide site-specific modifications makes the CRISPR/Cas9 system an appealingly accessible method for genome editing. From the initial planning stages, engineered flies can be obtained within a month. Here we highlight the variety of genome modifications facilitated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system along with key considerations for starting your own CRISPR genome engineering project.
Development of olfactory receptor neuron selectivity in the rat fetus.

Abstract 3-Olfactory receptor neurons begin to differentiate from stem cells on day E10 of embryonic life in the rat. By day E16, the receptor epithelium is well populated. On this day single neuron action potentials could be recorded with some ease and the electro-olfactogram was well developed. The receptor neurons were functional in that they responded to the vapors of odorous substances. However, they were not selective. Each cell responded to nearly all of the substances in the stimulus set. The first synaptic connections between receptors and mitral cells are established on day E18. The olfactory marker protein is reported to appear first in the receptors on the same day. By day E21, single unit responses changed dramatically. The cells became selective, responding to about half of the substances in our set. The electro-olfactogram reached its limiting amplitude well before this time.