cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Limitation of Performance Enhancement Proxy with specialized oil and gas applications

Although Performance Enhancement Proxy (PEP) has been proven to be an effective solution to address TCP's performance issues over satellite links, it has some limitations in terms of memory that may be a serious problem in cases where a large number of TCP sessions need to be maintained between endpoints. We experienced one of these cases in Saudi Aramco where drilling web-based applications were establishing, maintaining, and closing large numbers of TCP sessions. The applications, possibly due to PEP's failure to hold TCP's end-to-end semantics, were not terminating sessions in a CLOSE_WAIT state. Further, large numbers of terminated sessions were transitioning to TIME_WAIT states. Both session types were staying active long enough to cause the PEP translation table to reach its limit of 500 concurrent sessions and deny any new TCP connections. To address this issue, modifications to our remote terminal PEPs were required to clear these sessions based on timeouts.
Early-Acting Hematopoietic Growth Factors: Biology and Clinical Experience

Secreted protein growth factors that stimulate the self-renewal, prolif- eration, and differentiation of the most primitive stem cells are among the most biologically interesting molecules and at least theoretically have diverse applica- tions in the evolving field of regenerative medicine. Among this class of regulators, the early-acting hematopoietic growth factors and their cellular targets are perhaps the best characterized and serve as a paradigm for manipulating other stem cell based tissues. This chapter reviews the preclinical knowledge accumulated over ∼40 years, since the discovery of the first such growth factor, and the clinical applica- tions of those that, upon testing in humans, ultimately gained regulatory approval for the treatment of various hematological diseases.
Invited editorial on "strain-induced growth of the immature lung".

the histology, morphometry, biochemistry, and mechanics of normal mammalian lungs show that the parenchyma grows and develops extensively, if not primarily, after birth. A variety of experimental postnatal disturbances have then produced abnormalities that have often teased parenchymal growth apart
An Instrument for Measuring Low Frequency Accelerations in Flight

Instruments for measuring the vibratory motions and strains which are directly associated with power plant operation in aircraft have been in service use for some time but equipment for studying the low frequency, high amplitude motions of wings and control surfaces has not been generally available. The measurement of such motions introduces certain problems of instrument design which are discussed in the present paper. An instrument which offers a practical solution of these problems is described and the results of performance tests are discussed. A seismographic system consisting of a mass connected to the vibrating member by means of an elastic coupling and a damper is an essential part of an instrument for measuring vibration in aircraft. The performance characteristics of. such systems are discussed with the aid of non-dimensional curves. By means of these curves the frequency ranges for satisfactory operation of instruments for measuring vibratory displacements, velocities, and accelerations can be quantitatively determined for various degrees of damping. I t is shown that an accelerometer is the most suitable type of equipment for measuring low-frequency, high-amplitude vibrations. The experimental accelerometer developed during the work reported in the present paper uses an oil damped seismographic system with an effective natural frequency of about fifty cycles per second. A variable reluctance system changes the inductance of two coils used as arms of an inductance bridge and thus controls the bridge output. The bridge is supplied from a 600cycle, governor-controlled, motor generator set and feeds into a vacuum tube amplifier which in turn operates an oscillograph. The accelerometer operates with substantially constant sensitivity from zero frequency up to some high-frequency limit which depends upon the damping medium and may be as high as thirty cycles per second under proper conditions. A table is given which summarizes the effect of oil temperature and viscosity on the operating range.
FACE2GPS: Estimating geographic location from facial features

The facial appearance of a person is a product of many factors, including their gender, age, and ethnicity. Methods for estimating these latent factors directly from an image of a face have been extensively studied for decades. We extend this line of work to include estimating the location where the image was taken. We propose a deep network architecture for making such predictions and demonstrate its superiority to other approaches in an extensive set of quantitative experiments on the GeoFaces dataset. Our experiments show that in 26% of the cases the ground truth location is the topmost prediction, and if we allow ourselves to consider the top five predictions, the accuracy increases to 47%. In both cases, the deep learning based approach significantly outperforms random chance as well as another baseline method.
Inhibition of IKK/NF-κB Signaling Enhances Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs; also known as mesenchymal stem cells) represent a promising source for bone regenerative medicine. Despite remarkable advances in stem cell biology, the molecular mechanism regulating differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into MSCs remains poorly understood. Here, we report that inhibition of IκB kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling enhances differentiation of hESCs into MSCs by expediting the loss of pluripotent markers and increasing the expression of MSC surface markers. In addition, a significantly higher quantity of MSCs was produced from hESCs with IKK/NF-κB suppression. These isolated MSCs displayed evident multipotency with capacity to terminally differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vitro and to form bone in vivo. Collectively, our data provide important insights into the role of NF-κB in mesenchymal lineage specification during hESC differentiation, suggesting that IKK inhibitors could be utilized as an adjuvant in generating MSCs for cell-mediated therapies.
Consistency in motivational patterns of undergraduate and graduate business students.

The expressed motives of 33 undergraduate business students were compared with those of 18 graduate students who averaged 5.2 years of post-degree work experience. The forced-choice inventory used differentiates a total of twelve motive areas related to three dimensions: the physical, social, and ideological. Only two of the twelve pairs of means differed at the 5% level of significance, indicating that immediate post-degree work experience does not significantly influence the expressed work motives of business students.
Surface modification and reinforcement of silica aerogels using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes.

This study evaluated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules as useful, multifunctional reinforcing agents of silica aerogels. Silica aerogels have low-density and high surface area, although their durability is often compromised by the inherent fragility and strong moisture absorption behavior of the silica networks. POSS molecules carrying phenyl, iso-butyl, and cyclohexyl organic side groups, and several Si–OH functionalities were incorporated into silica networks via reactions between Si–OH functionalities in POSS molecules and silanes. Solid state 13C and 29Si NMR spectra established that greater than 90% of POSS molecules grafted onto silica networks and led to an increase in fractal dimensions. An almost 6-fold increase in compressive modulus was achieved with less than 5 wt % trisilanol phenyl POSS, and a 50-fold decrease in polarity with negligible changes in density were seen in aerogels modified with less than 5 wt % trisilanol isobutyl POSS.
High-Speed in Situ X-ray Scattering of Carbon Nanotube Film Nucleation and Self-Organization

The production of high-performance carbon nanotube (CNT) materials demands understanding of the growth behavior of individual CNTs as well as collective effects among CNTs. We demonstrate the first use of grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering to monitor in real time the synthesis of CNT films by chemical vapor deposition. We use a custom-built cold-wall reactor along with a high-speed pixel array detector resulting in a time resolution of 10 msec. Quantitative models applied to time-resolved X-ray scattering patterns reveal that the Fe catalyst film first rapidly dewets into well-defined hemispherical particles during heating in a reducing atmosphere, and then the particles coarsen slowly upon continued annealing. After introduction of the carbon source, the initial CNT diameter distribution closely matches that of the catalyst particles. However, significant changes in CNT diameter can occur quickly during the subsequent CNT self-organization process. Correlation of time-resolved orientation dat...
Extraction of active compounds by petroleum ether from fructus Toosendan and analysis with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Fructus Toosendan,as one of galenical familiar local,has been baken and comminuted seriously in this experiment.To the further,satisfactory quantum of petroleum ether solvent is used as extracting agent for 1000 gram of those powder,which acts as leaching process and is operated for three times.As a result,the total mass of educt ingredient,of which the fat-soluble parts of the fructus toosendan extractive is 11.5 gram available.With the help of gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technology,it is consequential for us to see that 46 species compounds among the mixture have been detected in all,and that 19 of them with the high content are separable on that condition.Such active components are 6.71 gram totally.Afterwards,the structures of these active compounds involved are established on principle.Bicyclo10.1.0tridec-1-ene and 4-(4-ethylcyclohexyl)-1-pentyl-tetrahydrobenzene are the chief component,and there are few of amines and steranes existent.However,more than a half of the structures of these active compounds are subject to establish indeed.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Model for Multi-Site Diffeomorphic Image Atlases

Image templates, or atlases, play a critical role in imaging studies by providing a common anatomical coordinate system for analysis of shape and function. It is now common to estimate an atlas as a deformable average of the very images being studied, in order to provide a representative example of the particular population, imaging hardware, protocol, etc. However, when imaging data is aggregated across multiple sites, estimating an atlas from the pooled data fails to account for the variability of these factors across sites. In this paper, we present a hierarchical Bayesian model for diffeomorphic atlas construction of multi-site imaging data that explicitly accounts for the inter-site variability, while providing a global atlas as a common coordinate system for images across all sites. Our probabilistic model has two layers: the first consists of the average diffeomorphic transformations from the global atlas to each site, and the second consists of the diffeomorphic transformations from the site level to the individual input images. Our results on multi-site datasets, both synthetic and real brain MRI, demonstrate the capability of our model to capture inter-site geometric variability and give more reliable alignment of images across sites.
Controlling condensation and frost growth with chemical micropatterns

In-plane frost growth on chilled hydrophobic surfaces is an inter-droplet phenomenon, where frozen droplets harvest water from neighboring supercooled liquid droplets to grow ice bridges that propagate across the surface in a chain reaction. To date, no surface has been able to passively prevent the in-plane growth of ice bridges across the population of supercooled condensate. Here, we demonstrate that when the separation between adjacent nucleation sites for supercooled condensate is properly controlled with chemical micropatterns prior to freezing, inter-droplet ice bridging can be slowed and even halted entirely. Since the edge-to-edge separation between adjacent supercooled droplets decreases with growth time, deliberately triggering an early freezing event to minimize the size of nascent condensation was also necessary. These findings reveal that inter-droplet frost growth can be passively suppressed by designing surfaces to spatially control nucleation sites and by temporally controlling the onset of freezing events.
Strategic Rivalries in World Politics: Defining and identifying strategic rivalries in world politics

We have tried to suggest in the preceding chapter that the analysis of rivalry in world politics possesses some considerable potential for revolutionizing the study of conflict. Rather than assume that all actors are equally likely to engage in conflictual relations, a focus on rivalries permits analysts to focus on the relatively small handful of actors who, demonstrably, are the ones most likely to generate conflict vastly disproportionate to their numbers. For instance, strategic rivals, a conceptualization that will be developed further in this chapter, have opposed each other in 58 (77.3 percent) of 75 wars since 1816. If we restrict our attention to the twentieth century, strategic rivals opposed one another in 41 (87.2 percent) of 47 wars. A focus on the post-1945 era yields an opposing rival ratio of 21 (91.3 percent) of 23 wars. Moreover, their conflicts are not independent across time – another frequent and major assumption in conflict studies. They are part of a historical process in which a pair of states create and sustain a relationship of atypical hostility for some period of time. What they do to each other in the present is conditioned by what they have done to each other in the past. What they do in the present is also conditioned by calculations about future ramifications of current choices.
Stratified Learning for Reducing Training Set Size

Educational standards put a renewed focus on strengthening students' abilities to construct scientific explanations and engage in scientific arguments. Evaluating student explanatory writing is extremely time-intensive, so we are developing techniques to automatically analyze the causal structure in student essays so that effective feedback may be provided. These techniques rely on a significant training corpus of annotated essays. Because one of our long-term goals is to make it easier to establish this approach in new subject domains, we are keenly interested in the question of how much training data is enough to support this. This paper describes our analysis of that question, and looks at one mechanism for reducing that data requirement which uses student scores on a related multiple choice test.
Mitochondrial permeability transition in hepatocytes induced by t-BuOOH: NAD(P)H and reactive oxygen species

Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) induces the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in hepatocytes, leading to cell death. Using confocal microscopy, we visualized pyridine nucleotide oxidat...
A Model of a Synthetic Biological Communication Interface between Mammalian Cells and Mechatronic Systems

The creation of communication interfaces between abiotic and biotic systems represents a significant research challenge. In this work, we design and model a system linking the biochemical signaling pathways of mammalian cells to the actions of a mobile robotic prosthesis. We envision this system as a robotic platform carrying an optically monitored bioreactor that harbors mammalian cells. The cellular, optical signal is captured by an onboard fluorescent microscope and converted into an electronic signal. We first present a design for the overall cell-robot system, with a specific focus on the design of the synthetic gene networks needed for the system. We use these synthetic networks to encode motion commands within the cell’s endogenous, oscillatory calcium signaling pathways. We then describe a potential system whereby this oscillatory signal could be outputted and monitored as a change in cellular fluorescence. Next, we use the changes resulting from the synthetic biological modifications as new parameters in a simulation of a well-established mathematical model for intracellular calcium signaling. The resulting signal is processed in the frequency domain, with specific frequencies activating cognate robot motion subroutines.
Current risk stratification systems are not generalizable across surgical technique in midline ventral hernia repair

Background Current ventral hernia repair risk estimation tools focus on patient comorbidities with the goal of improving clinical outcomes through improved patient selection. However, their predictive value remains unproven. Methods Outcomes of patients who underwent midline ventral hernia repair with retrorectus placement of mid-weight soft polypropylene mesh between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed and compared with predicted wound-related complication risk from 3 tools in the literature: Carolinas Equation for Determining Associated Risk, the Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grade, and a modified VHWG grade. Results A total of 101 patients underwent hernia repair. Mean age was 56 years and mean body mass index was 29 m/kg2 (range, 18-51 m/kg2). We found no significant relationship between the risk estimated by Carolinas Equation for Determining Associated Risk (B = 1.45, P = 0.61) and actual wound-related complications. VHWG grades >1 were not statistically different with regard to rate of wound complication compared with VHWG grade 1 (grade 2: B = 0.05, P = 0.95; grade 3: B = -0.21, P = 0.86; grade 4: B = 2.57, P = 0.10). Modified VHWG grades >1 were not statistically different with regard to rate of wound complication compared with modified VHWG grade 1 (grade 2: B = 0.20, P = 0.80; grade 3: B = 1.03, P = 0.41). Conclusions Current risk stratification tools overemphasize patient factors, ignoring the importance of technique in minimizing complications and recurrence. We attribute our low complication rate to retrorectus placement of a narrow, macroporous polypropylene mesh with up to 45 suture fixation points for force distribution in contrast to current strategies that employ wide meshes with minimal fixation.
Enforcing safety properties in web applications using petri nets

Web applications are often based on the client-server model which relies on concurrent execution of asynchronous processes. Enforcing correctness of concurrent software is notoriously difficult. In general, automatic verification checks if a given system has a certain property, while supervisory control enforces the same property by restricting system behavior. Supervisor control problems are often computationally more tractable to solve than verification problems. Most verification problems are NP -hard, while some supervisory control problems can be solved in polynomial time with the appropriate representation. Here we present two algorithms, one for enforcing mutual exclusion and the other for deadlock prevention for web applications written in Java. We combine these two methods in order to guarantee that a web application or web service comply with given safety properties including freedom from deadlock and system specific mutual exclusion properties.
Modeling of Epigenetic Modification-Induced Changes in CRX-dependent Genes cis-Regulatory Elements

Purpose: DNA methylation is a well characterized epigenetic repressor of mRNA transcription in many plant and vertebrate systems. However, the mechanism of this repression is not fully understood. The process of synthesizing a strand of RNA from DNA, or transcription, is controlled by proteins that regulate RNA polymerase activity by binding to specific gene regulatory sequences. Cone-rod homeobox (CRX) is a well-characterized mammalian transcription factor that controls photoreceptor cell specific gene expression. While much is known about the functions and DNA binding specificity of CRX, less is known about how DNA methylation modulates CRX binding affinity to genomic cis-regulatory elements. Methods: We used bisulfite pyrosequencing of human ocular tissues to measure DNA methylation levels of the regulatory regions of RHO, PDE6B, PAX6, and LINE. To describe the molecular mechanism of repression, we used molecular modeling to illustrate the effect of DNA methylation on human RHO regulatory sequences. Results: In this study, we demonstrate an inverse correlation between DNA methylation in regulatory regions adjacent to the human RHO and PDE6B genes and their subsequent transcription in human ocular tissues. Docking of CRX to our DNA models shows that CRX interacts with the grooves of these sequences, suggesting changes in groove structure could regulate binding. Molecular dynamics simulations of the RHO promoter and enhancer regions show changes in the flexibility and groove width upon epigenetic modification. Models also demonstrate that changes to the local dynamics of CRX binding sites within RHO regulatory sequences which may account for the repression of CRX dependent transcription. Conclusion: Collectively, these data demonstrate epigenetic regulation of CRX binding sites in human retinal tissue and provide insight into the mechanism of this mode of epigenetic regulation to be tested in future experiments.
Tubular graphene sensors formed within planar and helical microfluidic channels

We report a helical shaped graphene strain sensor formed using a simple in situ microfluidic casting method. Fabrication of the sensor involves embedding of a helical thin metal wire into a precursor solution of elastomeric polymer, formation of a helical channel by removing the embedded metal wire from cured elastomer, and in situ casting of a thin graphene coating on the inner surface of the helical channel by filling the channel with aqueous graphene dispersion. The helical shape of the graphene sensor enables a wide detection range for both compressive and tensile strains.
Which pathway to good ideas? A n attention‐based view of innovation in social networks

Research Summary: This study introduces the notion of attention allocation in networks to argue that individuals with different types of network structure produce good ideas via different pathways. Using survey data on communication networks at a software company, we find that people with highly constrained networks generate good ideas by following a logic of interrogation, by which they focus their attention on information from a particular contact. Conversely, individuals with less constrained networks produce good ideas by following a logic of recombination, whereby they divide their attention to information coming from across multiple contacts. The results show that in highly constrained networks, interrogation is a more reliable pathway to good ideas than recombination. We discuss the implications of these findings for behavioral strategy, social networks, and innovation. Managerial Summary: People can develop good ideas when they recombine diverse information inputs shared by non‐redundant communication partners that span multiple local clusters. But, in an organization, most individuals are embedded in constrained networks of people who know each other and thus typically receive redundant information from work colleagues. This study suggests that they can innovate via a different pathway: through interrogation. We find that people who focus their attention on information coming from a particular person succeed at generating good ideas because they deeply interrogate local knowledge and develop domain‐specific insights.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Transgastric ERCP: A Single-Institution Experience.

Background. Laparoscopic-assisted transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LAERCP) is used for treatment in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), where transoral access to the biliary tree is not possible. We describe our technique and experience with this procedure. Methods. Electronic medical record search was performed from September 2012 to January 2016, identifying patients who underwent LAERCP per operative records. Charts were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and outcomes data. Results. Sixteen patients were identified. Average time since bypass was 6.9 years, and length of stay was 3.7 days. Five patients underwent simultaneous cholecystectomy. Eleven patients, or 43%, had cholecystectomy more than 2 years previously. ERCP with sphincterotomy was completed in 15 of 16 patients (94%). Our technique involves access to the bypassed stomach via a laparoscopically placed 15 mm port. We observed one major complication of post-ERCP necrotizing pancreatitis. No minor complications nor mortalities were seen in our series. Conclusion. Biliary obstruction can occur many years after RYGB and cholecystectomy. Our findings suggest that RYGB patients may be at a higher risk of primary CBD stone formation. LAERCP is a reliable option for common bile duct (CBD) clearance; our technique of LAERCP is technically simple and associated with low complication rate, making it appealing to surgeons not trained in advanced laparoscopy.
Quench and stability of Roebel cables at 77 K and self-field: Minimum quench power, cold end cooling, and cable cooling efficiency

Abstract A 9-tape, 14 mm wide ReBCO Roebel cable was soldered onto a U-shaped holder. The critical current, Ic, was measured at 77 K and self-field. The cryostability of the cable was studied in response to the application of local pulses of 1–14 W at several values of i = I/Ic. A detailed analysis of the cable’s cryostability was presented. With a Stekly parameter α = G/Q « 1 and a heat generation margin of ∼190 kW/m2 the present ReBCO cable was shown to be ultra cryostable with respect to internally generated transport-current overload. However, the cable was much less stable against externally and locally applied disturbances because of the tendency to initiate local film boiling. A locally applied 10 W led to a prediction of a film-boiling-cooled zone with a temperature of 181 K. However, when cold-end cooling was considered, the predicted hot spot temperature decreased to 87–115 K depending on the surface-cooling efficiency. Predictions were compared to experiment extracting a cooling efficiency parameter representing the penetration of the cryogen into the cable. Experiment showed the generation of time stable normal zones which were a function of disturbance power. This led to the description of the cable stability in terms of minimum quench power; the results are presented in stability diagrams.
Rimantadine: A Clinical Perspective:

Objective:To provide a review of rimantadine, including its antiviral activity, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage and administration. Information on influenza A virus and clinical features of influenza disease are presented. Comparative data on rimantadine and amantadine are described.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search restricted to English-language literature published from 1966 through 1994 and an extensive review of journals was conducted.Data Extraction:The data on antiviral activity, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and drug interactions were obtained from various articles on rimantadine in open and controlled studies. Controlled double-blind studies were evaluated to assess the efficacy of rimantadine in prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A infection.Data Synthesis:Over 90% of a rimantadine dose was absorbed in 3–6 hours in healthy adults. Steady-state plasma concentrations have ranged from 0.10 to 2.60 μg/mL at doses of 3 mg/kg/d in infants to 100 mg twice ...
Informationstechnologien als Vehikel der Evolution

Die Evolution oder die Umgebungsanpassung von Organismen kann man als einen Erkenntnisakkumulationsprozes oder als Verhaltensentwicklung ansehen, die ein wenigstens zum Uberleben hinreichend zutreffendes Umgebungsverstandnis spiegelt. Geht man von der Voraussetzung aus, das die Welt keine Illusion ist und das auf diesem Planeten zu sehende bluhende Leben wirklich dynamisch und vorwartstreibend ist, so mussen wir schliesen, das Organismen (Er-)Kenntnis der von ihnen bewohnten auseren Wirklichkeit besitzen, die in gewissem Sinne auf einem Mindestniveau zutreffend sind. Eine Bergziege jedenfalls, die nicht in der Lage ware, Luft von Felsen zu unterscheiden, wurde schnell vom Berg fallen.
Distribution of CNS Sites Sensitive to Tryptamine and Serotonin in Pain Processing

Areas sensitive to the antinociceptive effect of intrathecally (IT) administered serotonin (5HT) were compared to sites most sensitive to the hyperalgesic effect of IT tryptamine (TA). Antinociception and hyperalgesia were determined by increases and decreases, respectively, in the latency of the tail-flick response to a radiant heat source. Drugs were injected via permanently indwelling IT cannulas. In general, the injection of TA alone into the thoracic level of the spinal cord produced the most intense hyperalgesia, while injection of 5HT produced the most pronounced antinociception in the lumbosacral area. Methysergide, which had no effect on pain-thresholds by itself, antagonized the antinociceptive effect of 5HT and potentiated TA-induced hyperalgesia in areas sensitive to 5HT-induced antinociception. The apparent hyperalgesic effect of TA is evident when applied to a variety of sites in the CNS, while the antinociceptive effect of 5HT is most effective in the area directly involved in the reflex. This suggests different mechanisms of interaction of these indoleamines with the neuronal substrates involved in nociception.
Emerging opportunities for nanotechnology to enhance water security

No other resource is as necessary for life as water, and providing it universally in a safe, reliable and affordable manner is one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Here, we consider new opportunities and approaches for the application of nanotechnology to enhance the efficiency and affordability of water treatment and wastewater reuse. Potential development and implementation barriers are discussed along with research needs to overcome them and enhance water security. This Perspective provides an overview of the potential aspects of water treatment and cleaning in which nanotechnology could play an important role.
Abstract IA15: Using gene expression analyses to identify MPNST therapeutics

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare soft tissue sarcomas that are a major source of mortality in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. In NF1 patients, these devastating sarcomas often develop in existing benign neurofibroma. We hypothesized that some over-expressed genes in solid tumors would be driver genes and/or mark critical pathways and therapeutic targets. In one approach to identify MPNST driver genes we targeted 130 genes up-regulated in neurofibroma and MPNSTs versus normal cells in a lentiviral short hairpin (sh) RNA screen. A counter-screen in RAS mutant cells excluded common RAS-pathway driven genes. We identified 7 genes specific for survival of MPSNT cells, including the transcription factor MEIS1. In a second approach, we targeted known oncogenes that were expressed at higher levels in MPNST than in normal cells, including Aurora Kinase A. MPNST responded to the Aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib, and the combination of alisertib and HSV1716, a virus derived from HSV-1 and attenuated by deletion of RL1, exhibited significantly increased antitumor efficacy compared to either monotherapy. Supported by NIH-NS-084855 (N.R. and Largaespada, D.), NS-28840 (N.R.), and NS-086219 (N.R. and Cripe, T.P.). Citation Format: Nancy Ratner. Using gene expression analyses to identify MPNST therapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Conference on Advances in Sarcomas: From Basic Science to Clinical Translation; May 16-19, 2017; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(2_Suppl):Abstract nr IA15.
Understanding the psychosocial impact of weight loss following bariatric surgery: a qualitative study

Bariatric surgery leads to changes in mental health, quality of life and social functioning, yet these outcomes differ among individuals. In this study, we explore patients’ psychosocial experiences following bariatric surgery and elucidate the individual-level factors that may drive variation in psychosocial outcomes. Eleven semi-structured focus groups with Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative (MBSC) patients (n = 77). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Data on participant demographic characteristics were abstracted from the MBSC clinical registry. Most focus group participants were female (89%), white (64%), and married (65%). We identified three major themes: (1) change in self-perception; (2) change in perception by others; and (3) change in relationships. Each theme includes 3 sub-themes, demonstrating a range of positive and negative psychosocial experiences. For example, weight loss led to increased self-confidence among many participants while others described a loss of self-identity. Some noted improved relationships with family or friends while others experienced worsening or even loss of relationships due to perceived jealousy. Weight loss following bariatric surgery leads to complex changes in self-perception and inter-personal relationships, which may be proximal mediators of commonly assessed mental health outcomes such as depression. Individuals considering bariatric surgery may benefit from anticipatory guidance about these diverse experiences, and post-surgical longitudinal monitoring should include evaluation for adverse psychosocial events.
Evaluation of Central Venous Access with Accelerated Seldinger Technique Versus Modified Seldinger Technique.

Abstract Background Central vein catheter (CVC) placement using the modified Seldinger technique is a common procedure in the emergency department, but can be time consuming due to the multiple pieces of equipment included in central line kits and the number of steps in the procedure. Preassembled devices combine a needle, guidewire, dilator, and sheath into one unit and potentially simplify the process and reduce time required for CVC placement using the accelerated Seldinger technique. Objective Our aim was to evaluate whether the use of combination central line devices and the accelerated Seldinger technique will reduce the time required to place a CVC and increase the ease of the procedure. Methods This two-arm randomized crossover study comparing the accelerated Seldinger technique to the modified Seldinger technique was performed in a simulation setting. Subjects were selected from among emergency physicians, emergency medicine residents, interns, physician assistants, and medical students. Subjects were timed using the modified and accelerated Seldinger techniques. Ease of use and satisfaction data were collected after both procedures. Results The use of the accelerated Seldinger technique with a combination CVC device was significantly faster compared to the modified Seldinger technique with a standard CVC kit. Procedure time was reduced by 35% (p = 0.001), and ease of use was increased by 7% (p = 0.046), without any increase in errors. Conclusions In the simulated setting, the accelerated Seldinger technique using combination CVC devices is a faster and easier method for CVC placement compared to the modified Seldinger technique.
Inertial Energy Harvesting for Wearables

The growing prevalence and variety of wearable devices has led to a renewed interest in harvesting energy from the motion of the human body. We have been working on inertial energy harvesters in which the human body motion excites a proof mass whose motion is then transduced to electrical power. This paper synthesizes many of our findings over the past few years. We first quantitatively compare different mechanical system architectures concluding that, at least for a walking excitation, a sprung rotational structure has significant performance advantages. Secondly, we consider the theoretical upper bound for inertial rotational energy harvesters and compare existing devices to this upper bound. We highlight factors that can explain the gap between existing device performance and the theoretical maximum. We then consider the practical effects of piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and electrostatic transduction. Finally, we demonstrate a rotational electromagnetic prototype with performance exceeding existing devices, but still well below the theoretical maximum.
The Halo Drive: Fuel-Free Relativistic Propulsion of Large Masses via Recycled Boomerang Photons

Gravitational slingshots around a neutron star in a compact binary have been proposed as a means of accelerating large masses to potentially relativistic speeds. Such a slingshot is attractive since fuel is not expended for the acceleration, however it does entail a spacecraft diving into close proximity of the binary, which could be hazardous. It is proposed here that such a slingshot can be performed remotely using a beam of light which follows a boomerang null geodesic. Using a moving black hole as a gravitational mirror, kinetic energy from the black hole is transferred to the beam of light as a blueshift and upon return the recycled photons not only accelerate, but also add energy to, the spacecraft. It is shown here that this gained energy can be later expended to reach a terminal velocity of approximately 133% the velocity of the black hole. A civilization could exploit black holes as galactic way points but would be difficult to detect remotely, except for an elevated binary merger rate and excess binary eccentricity.
Incorporating Exercise into a Busy Life in Medical School

Medical students have a school schedule that is rigorous and demanding. While learning the skills to counsel and care for a broad range of patients and diseases, self-care and exercise often are not the priority. However, knowing that moderate exercise can improve mood and sleep and lead to a sense of well-being, it should be thought of as an essential part of every medical student’s busy schedule. In this chapter, we review the data regarding health and exercise and provide some solutions for fitting exercise into one’s lifestyle.
Annular and spiral bubble nets: A simulation-focused analysis of humpback whale feeding strategies

Humpback whales can generate bubbly regions (called bubble nets) via their blowholes, which they appear to exploit via loud vocalizations for feeding purposes. We model this phenomenon as the acoustic excitation of an dilute bubble net of radially varying void fraction. A fully coupled phase-averaging approach is used to compute the bubble response and corresponding acoustics. We first assess the possibility of a sophisticated wave-guidance behavior of high-frequency whale vocalizations within the bubble net. For a small range of flow parameters, the reflections associated with the bubbly region result in an observable wave-guidance behavior, though even then these reflections disperse rapidly. In light of this, we also consider multiple whales surrounding the bubble net, each vocalizing towards its center. We show that for physically realistic configurations, including variations in the bubble net void fraction and number of whales, the bubble net can keep its core region substantially quieter than the exterior. Finally, we investigate the ability of spiral, rather than annular, geometries for keeping the bubble-free region quiet.
Body image experiences in the context of chronic pain: An examination of associations among perceptions of pain, body dissatisfaction, and positive body image

Abstract Although body image research has recently begun to examine positive body image and ways to improve body image, it remains unclear the extent to which these findings generalize to individuals who experience chronic pain. With this in mind, this study examined individuals with chronic pain conditions (N = 278, Mage = 36.75, SD = 11.56), including their reports of their ability to control, manage, and accept their pain. Participants also completed assessments of four facets of body image: perceptions of body functionality, body appreciation, appearance evaluation, and body satisfaction. Results indicated that pain acceptance was the most consistent, unique predictor of these body image constructs, after controlling for the other pain facets, as well as body mass index, gender, and age. These findings have implications for improving body image among people with chronic pain; it appears that controlling or altering pain may be less relevant to body image than is how individuals cope with pain.
Cannabis and the Developing Adolescent Brain

This review summarizes (1) recent trends in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabionol [THC] and cannabidiol (CBD) content in cannabis products, (2) mechanism of action of THC and CBD and the neurobiological correlates of cannabis use on the developing adolescent brain, (3) effects of cannabis on psychiatric symptoms and daily functioning in youth (i.e., academic performance, cognition, sleep and driving), (4) cannabis products used to relieve or treat medical issues in youth, and (5) available treatments for cannabis use disorder in adolescence. Despite marked increases in THC content and availability of cannabis, there has been a decline in perceived risk and an increase in use of cannabis extract products among youth in the USA. The primary psychiatric symptoms associated with cannabis use in youth are increased risk for addiction, depressive, and psychotic symptoms. Adolescent cannabis exposure also contributes to impaired cognition, sleep, and driving ability. Cannabis alters endocannabinoid system function which plays a central role in modulating the neurodevelopment of reward and stress systems. However, few studies have examined neurobiological mechanisms underlying the psychiatric and functional sequalae of cannabis exposure in youth. To-date, FDA-approved cannabinoid medications are very limited, none of them supporting their use for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms. Behavioral therapies are currently the mainstay of treating cannabis misuse, with no pharmacotherapies currently approved by the FDA for cannabis use disorder in youth. Here, we summarize the neurobiological, psychiatric, and daily function effects of the most commonly used cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Our current understanding of the effects of cannabis on the developing brain and treatments for cannabis misuse in youth remain limited. Future research aimed at examining the neurobiological effects of cannabis, with objective measures of exposure, over the course of pediatric development and in relation to psychiatric symptoms are needed.
Local Confinement Controls Diffusive Nanoparticle Dynamics in Semidilute Polyelectrolyte Solutions.

We investigate the mobility of polystyrene particles ranging from 100 to 790 nm in diameter in dilute and semidilute sodium polystyrene sulfonate (NaPSS) solutions using fluorescence microscopy. We...
Newton polygons arising from special families of cyclic covers of the projective line

By a result of Moonen, there are exactly 20 positive-dimensional families of cyclic covers of the projective line for which the Torelli image is open and dense in the associated Shimura variety. For each of these, we compute the Newton polygons, and the $$\mu $$ -ordinary Ekedahl–Oort type, occurring in the characteristic p reduction of the Shimura variety. We prove that all but a few of the Newton polygons appear on the open Torelli locus. As an application, we produce multiple new examples of Newton polygons and Ekedahl–Oort types of Jacobians of smooth curves in characteristic p. Under certain congruence conditions on p, these include: the supersingular Newton polygon for genus 5, 6, 7; fourteen new non-supersingular Newton polygons for genus 5–7; eleven new Ekedahl–Oort types for genus 4–7 and, for all $$g \ge 6$$ , the Newton polygon with p-rank $$g-6$$ with slopes 1 / 6 and 5 / 6.
Batch and column studies of radium, actinium, thorium and protactinium on CL resin in nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid

CL resin (TrisKem International) was characterized for separations of radium, actinium, thorium and protactinium. Batch studies are presented for radium, actinium and thorium in HCl and HNO3 as well as for radium, thorium and protactinium in HF. The uptake of thorium from dilute HNO3 (≤ 10−4 M) and dilute HCl (≤ 10−4 M) was found to be very high (Dw > 100 in HNO3 and > 1000 in HCl). Kinetics studies on thorium were performed in HCl and HNO3 to determine suitably for column separations. Six column separation studies are presented including the separation of trace thorium from radium and actinium in dilute HCl and HNO3, the separation of radium from 1 mg 232Th in dilute HCl, the separation of thorium and radium in the presence of HCl and excess Cl−, the separation of radium, protactinium and thorium by retention of protactinium and the separation of protactinium and thorium by retention of thorium.
3DEC modeling on effect of joints and interlayer on wave propagation

Firstly, studies on propagation of one-dimensional normally incident wave in rock mass containing no joint, a single joint and two parallel joints were conducted by Three Dimensional Distinct Element Codes(3DEC). By comparison of the modeling results with the theoretical solutions, it has been found that a good agreement between them has been achieved. It is verified that the 3DEC is capable of modeling wave propagation in rock masses. Secondly, propagation of normally incident P-wave across two parallel joints was studied. The modeling results show that transmission coefficient increases with the increasing ratio of joint spacing to wavelength at first, then decreases with the increasing ratio of joint spacing to wavelength, lastly keeps constant. Finally, effect of interlayer on wave propagation is investigated. It is shown that interlayer results in marked attenuation and leading phase, and that attenuation increases with the increasing frequency and the increasing thickness of interlayer.
Strategic land use analysis for solar energy development in New York State

Abstract This study investigates the spatial characteristics of existing utility-scale solar energy (USSE) development in New York State (NYS) and assesses the land-suitability for the future development of USSE needed to achieve the State’s renewable energy goals using GIS-MCDA techniques. Slope, proximity to electric substations, protected lands, and soil quality were used as criteria to develop land suitability scenarios. 40% of present USSE capacity has been developed on agricultural lands, and 84% of identified land suitable for future USSE development (∼140 GW potential) is agricultural. The USSE potential on non-agricultural land is 22.5 GW – just sufficient to accommodate the development of 21.6 GW, which is the estimated USSE capacity that will be required to achieve NYS’s 2030 goal of 70% renewable electricity. Thus, agricultural lands will be the prime target for future USSE development. Exploring the state-specific synergies for solar-agriculture colocation, preventing the spatially-concentrated development of USSE, and incentivizing the use of unproductive agricultural lands will help mitigate negative impacts of USSE development on agricultural lands.
Teachers Learning to Implement Equitable Classroom Talk

Language in education for children and youth from low-income communities of color, including those learning English as an additional language, has been fraught for decades with ideological entangle...