cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Exploration of Virtual-Storage-Based Load Management: Poster Abstract

Utilities practice a demand-response, central-generation dispatch model where the amount of energy generated at any instant is controlled to meet customer load. Increases in energy demand and intermittent sources like renewables makes this approach unsustainable. Load management, where demand is adjusted to meet forecasted supply, offers a promising alternative. Storage is essential to this approach. We present preliminary results in our explorations in load management on a residential microgrid testbed using the home as a storage device. A preliminary precool test is carried out on the house. This virtual storage precool strategy is shown to provide considerable cost and energy savings compared to a baseline scenario.
Paratubal Cyst Size Correlates With Obesity and Dysregulation of the Wnt Signaling Pathway.

Abstract Study Objective Paratubal cysts (PTCs) occur in 7%-10% of women, regardless of age. Although common, PTCs often are found incidentally because of the potential for these cysts to be asymptomatic. The specific aims of the study were to determine if PTC number and size correlated with signs of hyperandrogenism and obesity, as well as to investigate the molecular profiles of these PTCs in samples derived from female adolescents. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures A prospective cohort study was performed in a single children's hospital. Girls 18 years of age or younger who underwent surgery for PTC suspected on the basis of the presence of a persistent adnexal cyst on imaging or a concern for adnexal torsion involving a cyst were consented to participate in the study. Results Nineteen patients met enrollment criteria with a mean age at menarche of 11.2 ± 1.3 years. Most of the patients (84%; n = 16/19) had adnexal torsion at the time of diagnosis of PTC. Irregular menses and hirsutism was found in 52.6% (n = 10/19) of the patients, among whom 36.8% (n = 7/19) were obese. The mean PTC size was 10.4 ± 4.3 cm with 57.9% (n = 11/19) of the cohort having more than 1 PTC. When patients were compared on the basis of their body mass index, the size of PTCs was significantly larger in the overweight/obese group. The wingless-type (WNT) signaling members catenin beta 1 (CTNBB1) and wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 7A (WNT7A) were upregulated in 86% (n = 12/14) and 79% (n = 11/14) of the patients, respectively. WNT7A was significantly upregulated in girls with 1 cyst and low body mass index. Conclusion A correlation exists between obesity, cyst size, and hyperandrogenism. Activation of the WNT/CTNBB1 pathway via WNT7A might play a role in PTC development.
Influence of disorder on electromagnetically induced transparency in chiral waveguide quantum electrodynamics

We study single-photon transport in a one-dimensional disordered lattice of three-level atoms coupled to an optical waveguide. In particular, we study atoms of Λ-type that are capable of exhibiting electromagnetically induced transparency and separately consider disorder in the atomic positions and transition frequencies. We mainly address the question of how preferential emission into waveguide modes (chirality) can influence the formation of spatially localized states. Our work has relevance to experimental studies of cold atoms coupled to nanoscale waveguides and has possible applications to quantum communications.
Measuring trends in discrimination with field experiment data.

The passage of major civil rights legislation was accompanied by a large improvement in the economic circumstances of African-Americans (1), and the public consensus against discrimination has grown over time (2). However, the significant postwar progress of African-Americans appears to have slowed or even stagnated over the last several decades (3, 4). The slowing progress of African-Americans in the United States raises questions concerning the persistence of racial discrimination in the United States. A recent study in PNAS (5) examines whether discrimination in hiring has declined over time by conducting a meta-analysis of testing studies or field experiments of discrimination. The study does not find a change in the level of hiring discrimination against African-Americans since 1989, but finds some evidence of declines in discrimination against Hispanics. To my knowledge, that paper (5) represents the first attempt to measure changes in discrimination by combining data from many different testing efforts or field experiments. Previous attempts to measure changes in discrimination using testing data have relied on replication of earlier testing efforts. For example, the 2000 Housing Discrimination Study (6) measures changes in housing discrimination relative to the 1989 study. However, to accurately measure change, the researchers were required to minimize the number of differences between the studies by restricting the choice of sites or metropolitan areas, limiting changes to the survey instruments, and reanalyzing the 1989 data to match proposed analyses for 2000. By the 2010 study (7), the housing market and the US metropolitan environment had changed so much that these restrictions were not viable and attempts to directly measure changes were abandoned. Further, comparing only two points in time can confound cyclical or temporary changes in the market or economic environment with changes in discrimination. For example, the 2000 study was conducted in the middle of a … [↵][1]1Email: stephen.l.ross{at}uconn.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Case 5: BRUE in an Infant Found to Have Feeding Difficulties.

1. Nastassia Bommel, MS, DO* 2. Samira Kannarkatt, MD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI A 9-week-old girl born at term presents to the emergency department after a perceived brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) subsequent to feeding. Shortly after feeding and being placed in her bassinet, she was observed to be blue, limp, and diaphoretic, with an expression of distress. She has a long history of grunting with labored breathing after feeding. The pregnancy and birth history is normal. Her vital signs are as follows: weight, 11.9 lb (5.4 kg); length, 24 in (61 cm); temperature, 97.7°F (36.5°C); heart rate, 171 beats/min; respiratory rate, 64 breaths/min; and oxygen saturation, 98% on a 1-L nasal cannula. Physical examination is significant for tachypnea, nasal flaring, and grunting, with scattered wheezes heard over both lungs. The results of the remainder of her examination are within normal limits. Initial laboratory results show venous pH 7.2; carbon dioxide, 17 mEq/L (17 mmol/L); anion gap, 20 mEq/L (20 mmol/L); white blood cell count, 9.8 × 103/μL; hemoglobin, 9.4 g/dL (94 g/L); hematocrit, 27.9%; and platelet count, 333 × 106 …
Protocolized warfarin reversal with 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate versus 3-factor prothrombin complex concentrate with recombinant factor VIIa

Abstract Introduction Life-threatening bleeding can complicate warfarin therapy. Rapid anticoagulant reversal via replacement of vitamin-K dependent clotting factors is essential for hemostasis. We compare two methods of rapid factor replacement for warfarin reversal. Methods A retrospective cohort study of warfarin-treated patients experiencing life-threatening bleeding who received a reversal protocol comprised of 4F PCC or 3F PCC and rFVIIa was performed. Demographic, clinical and anticoagulant reversal information, and all adverse events attributed to warfarin reversal were recorded. Results 195 patients were included in final analysis. While baseline demographics were similar between groups, the 3F-PCC group had a longer ICU LOS and higher in-hospital mortality (p Pre-reversal INR was similar between both groups, but post-reversal INR was significantly lower in the 3F-PCC group, 0.8 versus 1.3 (p Discussion A 4F PCC reversal strategy is efficacious in INR reversal and provides lower thromboembolic risk as compared to 3F PCC with rFVIIa.
Seasonal Variability of Airborne Particulate Matter and Bacterial Concentrations in Colorado Homes

Aerosol measurements were collected at fifteen homes over the course of one year in Colorado (USA) to understand the temporal variability of indoor air particulate matter and bacterial concentrations and their relationship with home characteristics, inhabitant activities, and outdoor air particulate matter (PM). Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations averaged (±st. dev.) 8.1 ± 8.1 μg/m3 and 6.8 ± 4.5 μg/m3, respectively. Indoor PM2.5 was statistically significantly higher during summer compared to spring and winter; outdoor PM2.5 was significantly higher for summer compared to spring and fall. The PM2.5 I/O ratio was 1.6 ± 2.4 averaged across all homes and seasons and was not statistically significantly different across the seasons. Average indoor PM10 was 15.4 ± 18.3 μg/m3 and was significantly higher during summer compared to all other seasons. Total suspended particulate bacterial biomass, as determined by qPCR, revealed very little seasonal differences across and within the homes. The qPCR I/O ratio was statistically different across seasons, with the highest I/O ratio in the spring and lowest in the summer. Using one-minute indoor PM10 data and activity logs, it was observed that elevated particulate concentrations commonly occurred when inhabitants were cooking and during periods with elevated outdoor concentrations.
Electric Fields Detected on Dye-Sensitized TiO2 Interfaces: Influence of Electrolyte Composition and Ruthenium Polypyridyl Anchoring Group Type

Electric fields at the dye-sensitized interface of anatase TiO2 nanocrystallites interconnected in a mesoporous thin film are reported using carboxylic acid-derivatized and phosphonic acid-derivatized ruthenium polypyridyl complexes. Systematic investigations with [Ru(dtb)2(dpb)](PF6)2, where dtb is 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine and dpb is 4,4′-bis-(PO3H2)-2,2′-bipyridine, were carried out in conjunction with its carboxylic acid structural analogue. Electric fields attributed to cation adsorption were measured from a bathochromic (red) shift of the sensitizer’s UV–visible absorption spectra upon replacement of neat acetonitrile solution with metal cation perchlorate acetonitrile electrolyte. Electric fields attributed to TiO2 electrons were measured from the hypsochromic (blue) shift of the absorption spectra upon electrochemical reduction of the sensitized TiO2 thin films. Electric fields, induced by either cation adsorption or electrochemically populated electrons, increase in magnitude following t...
Diagnostic value of somatosensory evoked potential changes during carotid endarterectomy for 30-day perioperative stroke.

Abstract Objectives Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) have proven useful as an intraoperative modality to predict perioperative stroke during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, the predictive value of SSEPs for predicting stroke 30 days postoperatively remains unclear. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative SSEP change in predicting the risk of stroke in the postoperative period beyond 24 h but within 30 days. Our secondary aim is to evaluate the predictive value of each subcategory of SSEP change. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of 25 prospective/retrospective studies from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase regarding SSEP monitoring for postoperative outcomes in symptomatic and asymptomatic CEA patients. Results A 8307-patient cohort composed the total sample population, of which 54.17% had symptomatic CS. For SSEP change and stroke greater than 24 h but within 30 days, the diagnostic odds ratio was 8.68. The diagnostic odds ratio was 3.88 for transient SSEP change and stroke; 49.29 for persistent SSEP change and stroke; 36.45 for transient SSEP loss and stroke; and 281.35 for persistent SSEP loss and stroke. Conclusions Patients with SSEP changes are at increased risk of perioperative stroke within the entire 30-day period. There is a noticeable step-wise increase in the predicted risk of stroke with the severity of SSEP changes. Significance SSEP changes can serve as a predictor for 30-day perioperative stroke during CEA.
Evidence of Science and Engineering Practices in Preservice Secondary Science Teachers’ Instructional Planning

There is a current national emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Additionally, many states are transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which encourage teachers to incorporate engineering in science classrooms as well as have their students learn science by doing science. Methods courses are also shifting to adequately prepare preservice science teachers in these areas. This study examines preservice science teachers’ pre- and post-ideal inquiry-based lesson plan scenarios before and after intervention in their Secondary Science Methods I and II courses. These preservice science teachers participated in a variety of opportunities to practice authentic science inquiry (ASI) pedagogical techniques as well as integrated STEM topics, with a particular emphasis on computer programming throughout their 80 h of Methods instruction. ASI is a type of inquiry where students learn science by conducting science research in a grade-appropriate manner. Thirty-eight preservice teachers’ scenarios were analyzed using a rubric from Spuck (2014) to determine the degree to which the ten components of ASI were included in scenarios pre- to post-instruction. Trends in ASI component inclusion are discussed. These findings indicate that preservice science teachers are proficient at writing inquiry-based lessons where they planned opportunities for their future students to collaborate, use scientific instrumentation, and collect and analyze data, but need additional support with developing student activities where students create testable questions, revise their question and methods, participate in peer review, and disseminate their results to their peers or the larger scientific community. Overall, the results suggest Methods instruction should reinforce preservice teachers’ focus on planning lessons which include opportunities for all ASI components. Interventions in the aforementioned areas of weak inclusion may be beneficial to preservice teachers.
Assessing Teachers' Epistemological and Ontological Worldviews

This chapter focuses on issues surrounding the assessment of teachers’ epistemological and ontological beliefs. Epistemology is the study of beliefs about the origin and acquisition of knowledge. Ontology is the study of beliefs about the nature of reality. Previous research has focused primarily on epistemological beliefs using self-report Likert scales. We discuss several limitations of this approach, including lack of agreement about the dimensionality of epistemological beliefs. Few studies have examined teachers’ ontological beliefs, nor have any studies investigated the joint contribution of epistemological and ontological beliefs. The present chapter proposes an integrated, holistic system in which teachers rate themselves using the two-dimensional scale shown in Fig. 2.1. Teachers are asked to situate their epistemological and ontological beliefs on scales ranging from realist to relativist perspectives (see Instructions). We report on the feasibility of using the two-dimensional system, including potential strengths and weaknesses of the system, and directions for future research.
Effect of chronic nicotine on brain stimulation reward: I. Effect of daily injections

Previous work has shown that nicotine facilitates brain stimulation reward (BSR) but that the maximum effect obtainable with nicotine is similar to that seen with nonaddictive compounds. This study examined whether repeated nicotine injections would enhance the facilitatory action of nicotine on BSR. Rats with lateral hypothalamic stimulating electrodes were tested using a threshold-tracking procedure. This procedure determined the minimum stimulation frequency (i.e. stimulation threshold) necessary to maintain 30 presses/min during 30-min test sessions. Rats were injected daily with nicotine bitartrate (0.5 mg/kg, s.c., dose expressed as free base weight) or physiological saline (1 ml/kg, s.c.) immediately before testing for 21 consecutive days. Nicotine lowered thresholds across the 21-day injection regimen. Neither tolerance nor sensitization to this effect was apparent. The magnitude of threshold lowering produced by nicotine was similar to that previously reported for acute nicotine and for mild stimulants with low addiction liabilities (i.e. caffeine and pseudoephedrine). This finding suggests that even under chronic administration, nicotine's profile in this animal model is that of a substance with a low addiction liability.
Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Composition in Soil Carbon Dioxide and Free Oxygen within Deep Ultisols at the Calhoun CZO, South Carolina, USA

In order to evaluate effects of three land uses on isotopic compositions of CO2 and O2 of soil air to 5 m soil depth, a field study was conducted in the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory, located in the subtropical climate of the Southern Piedmont of South Carolina, USA. Soil gas reservoirs were installed in ecosystems with three different land uses, each replicated three times: (i) reference hardwood stands that were never cultivated; (ii) currently cultivated plots; (iii) pine stands, which had been used for growing cotton in 19th century but were abandoned in about the 1930s and 1940s when they were regenerated with pines that are today 70–80 yr old. In addition to soil CO2 and O2 concentration measurements, soil gas samples were analyzed for Δ14C, δ13C, and δ18O. Stable carbon isotopic composition becomes lighter with the depth in soils of all three land uses: in the cultivated site δ13C decreases from –18‰ at 0.5 m to –21‰ at 5 m, in pine site from –22 to –25‰, and in hardwood from –21.5 to –24.5‰, respectively. Δ14C increased with depth from 40 to 60‰ in the top 0.5 m to about 80–140‰ at 5 m depending on land use. While surficial soils had relatively similar Δ14C in CO2, between 40 to 60‰ at 0.5 m, at 3 and 5 m, cultivated soils had the highest Δ14C, hardwood the lowest, and pine in between, a pattern that emphasizes the importance of contemporary respired CO2 in hardwood stands. Oxygen isotopic composition of CO2 did not change with depth, whereas free O2 was greatly enriched in lower horizons of forest soils, which we attribute to strong fractionation by respiration.
Pediatric Anaerobic Infections: Diagnosis and Management

Pediatric anaerobic infections : , Pediatric anaerobic infections : , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز
Professional vertigo in neoliberal higher education

ABSTRACTIn a number of publications, Bonnie Urciuoli has explored the ways in which neoliberal discourses have come to be used in contexts of higher education, particularly in representations of students marked by race and class. I reflect on my own work with an organisation utilising neoliberal discourses for the representation of students in order to show that the organisation engages other types of people on campus, such as faculty members, but fails to provide them a tenable subject position. I engage with Urciuoli’s work in order to ask why the contradictions faculty members face in their work with the organisation do not pose a threat to the organisation’s activities and reproduction.
Thermoelectric transport at F 4 TCNQ–silicon interface

Hybrid organic-inorganic materials are among the latest class of materials proposed for thermoelectric applications. The organic-inorganic interface is critical in determining the effective transport properties of the hybrid material. We study the thermoelectric properties of the tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ)–silicon interface. Transfer of electrons from silicon to F4TCNQ results in holes trapped within the screening length of the interface that can move parallel to the interface. We measure the response of these trapped charges to applied temperature differential and compare the thermoelectric transport properties of the silicon with and without F4TCNQ. The results confirm the presence of interface charges and demonstrate an enhanced interface thermoelectric power factor. These outcomes of this study could be used in designing 3D hybrid structures with closely packed interfaces to replicate a bulk thermoelectric material.
Impact of Deterrence and Inertia on Information Security Policy Changes

This study examines the impact of deterrence and inertia on information security policy changes. Corporations recognize the need to prioritize information security which sometimes involves designin...
Immunological and Phenotypic Considerations in Supplementing Cardiac Biomaterials with Cells

The use of implantable biomaterials in cardiovascular system is growing, in part because of the improvement of biotechnology. These biomaterials provide opportunities for effective treatment of cardiovascular diseases with minimal associated morbidities. However, in doing so, there are concerns regarding the immune responses to these implants, and in particular, long-term reactions are crucial. The relatively recent advent of tissue engineered implants promises to revolutionize patient specific devices, yet it comes with the added complexity of understanding host–implant compatibility. In this chapter, we discuss the current comprehension related to immune reactions to implants, both cell-based and acellular. Tissue and organ rejection in the cardiovascular setting are discussed together with the immunologic considerations for grafts, patches, and heart valves. We explore the use of stem cells in cardiovascular bioprostheses as well as their associated advantages and potential risks. Lastly, potential future directions of tissue-engineered cardiac bioprostheses are discussed.
Repeated Exposure to Low-Sodium Cereal Affects Acceptance but Does not Shift Taste Preferences or Detection Thresholds of Children in a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND Although salt taste preference is malleable in adults, no research to date has focused on children, whose dietary sodium intake exceeds recommended intake and whose salt taste preferences are elevated. OBJECTIVE This proof-of-principle trial determined whether 8-wk exposure to low-sodium cereal (LSC) increased children's acceptance of its taste and changed their salty and sweet taste preferences. METHODS Children (n = 39; ages 6-14 y; 67% female) were randomly assigned to ingest LSC or regular-sodium cereal (RSC) 4 times/wk for 8 wk. The cereals, similar in sugar (3 g/cup compared with 2 g/cup) and energy content (100 kcal/cup) yet different in sodium content (200 mg sodium/cup compared with 64 mg sodium/cup), were chosen based on taste evaluation by a panel of children. Mothers completed daily logs on children's cereal intake. At baseline and after the exposure period, taste tests determined which cereal children preferred and measured children's most preferred amount of salt (primary outcomes), and most preferred amount of sucrose and salt taste detection thresholds (secondary outcomes). Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted on primary and secondary outcomes, and generalized estimating equations were conducted on amount of cereal ingested at home over time. RESULTS Both treatment groups accepted and ate the assigned cereal throughout the 8-wk exposure. There were no group × time interactions in salt detection thresholds (P = 0.32) or amount of salt (P = 0.30) and sucrose (P = 0.77) most preferred, which were positively correlated (P = 0.001). At baseline and after the exposure, the majority in both groups preferred the taste of the RSC relative to LSC (P > 0.40). CONCLUSIONS Children showed no change in salt preference but readily ate the LSC for 8 consecutive weeks. Findings highlight the potential for reducing children's dietary salt intake by incorporating low-sodium foods in the home environment without more preferred higher-salt versions of these foods. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02909764.
A Partial Simulation Study of Phantom Effects in Multilevel Analysis of School Effects: The Case of School Socioeconomic Composition:

Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) is often used to estimate the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) on academic achievement at different levels of an educational system. However, if a prior acad...
Effects of Mental Health on the Costs of Care for Chronic Illnesses.

Objective:The study examined whether comorbid low mental health functioning inflates the cost of treating a chronic disease.Methods:Data were from the 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (N=33,89...
Extension of emission expectation maximization lookalike algorithms to Bayesian algorithms.

We recently developed a family of image reconstruction algorithms that look like the emission maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (ML-EM) algorithm. In this study, we extend these algorithms to Bayesian algorithms. The family of emission-EM-lookalike algorithms utilizes a multiplicative update scheme. The extension of these algorithms to Bayesian algorithms is achieved by introducing a new simple factor, which contains the Bayesian information. One of the extended algorithms can be applied to emission tomography and another to transmission tomography. Computer simulations are performed and compared with the corresponding un-extended algorithms. The total-variation norm is employed as the Bayesian constraint in the computer simulations. The newly developed algorithms demonstrate a stable performance. A simple Bayesian algorithm can be derived for any noise variance function. The proposed algorithms have properties such as multiplicative updating, non-negativity, faster convergence rates for bright objects, and ease of implementation. Our algorithms are inspired by Green’s one-step-late algorithm. If written in additive-update form, Green’s algorithm has a step size determined by the future image value, which is an undesirable feature that our algorithms do not have.
Magnet-less Non-Reciprocal Bandpass Filters With Tunable Center Frequency

This paper reports on the RF design of non-reciprocal magnet-less bandpass filters (BPFs) with continuously tunable center frequency. It is shown that by modulating the resonant frequencies of the BPF resonators with progressively shifted AC signals, the RF signal propagation in the overall BPF is enabled in one direction—e.g., from port 1-to—2-whereas it is sufficiently suppressed in the reverse one. The operating principles of the magnet-less non-reciprocal BPF concept are demonstrated through circuit-based analysis of a three-resonator BPF. For practical validation purposes, a lumped-element proof-of-concept prototype was designed, manufactured, and tested at 140 MHz. It demonstrated minimum in-band insertion loss in the forward direction of 3.7 dB, maximum isolation of up to 52.8 dB in the reverse direction, and center frequency tuning from 136 MHz to 163 MHz (1.2:1 tuning).
aNy-way Independent Component Analysis

Multimodal data fusion is a topic of great interest. Several fusion methods have been proposed to investigate coherent patterns and corresponding linkages across modalities, such as joint independent component analysis (jICA), multiset canonical correlation analysis (mCCA), mCCA+jICA, disjoint subspace using ICA (DS-ICA) and parallel ICA. JICA exploits source independence but assumes shared loading parameters. MCCA maximizes correlation linkage across modalities directly but is limited to orthogonal features. While there is no theoretical limit to the number of modalities analyzed together by jICA, mCCA, or the two-step approach mCCA+jICA, these approaches can only extract common features and require the same number of sources/components for all modalities. On the other hand, DS-ICA and parallel ICA can identify both common and distinct features but are limited to two modalities. DS-ICA assumes shared loading parameters among common features, which works well when links are strong. Parallel ICA simultaneously maximizes correlation between modalities and independence of sources, while allowing different number of sources for each modality. However, only a very limited number of modalities and linkage pairs can be optimized. To overcome these limitations, we propose aNy-way ICA, a new model to simultaneously maximize the independence of sources and correlations across modalities. aNy-way ICA combines infomax ICA and Gaussian independent vector analysis (IVA-G) via a shared weight matrix model without orthogonality constraints. Simulation results demonstrate that aNy-way ICA not only accurately recovers sources and loadings, but also the true covariance/linkage patterns, whether different modalities have the same or different number of sources. Moreover, aNy-way ICA outperforms mCCA and mCCA+jICA in terms of source and loading recovery accuracy, especially under noisy conditions.
Melanoma: Mutations in Multiple Pathways at the Tumor-Stroma Interface

The preceding chapters catalog mutations in cancer genes that affect tumor microenvironment. From the signaling standpoint, most of them could be mapped to several key pathways known to play an important role in cancer (Vogelstein and Kinzler, 2004): (1.) The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathway involving cognate soluble ligands (HGF, PDGF, etc.), RTKs themselves (c-Met, IGF-R, PDFG-R, c-Kit, etc), Ras-family members (Ki,- Ha-, and N-), small GTPases (e.g., RhoH), and their downstream effectors c-Raf and MAP kinases; (2.) The p53 pathway, controlled to a large extent by the ink4a locus; (3.) The HIF1 pathway, including the VHL tumor suppressor; (4.) The APC pathway, including the cadherin/catenin axis and c-Myc; (5.) The TFGβ pathway; and last but not least (6.) The PI3K pathway, including the key enzymes AKT and PTEN.
Sediment suspension and bed morphology in a mean shear free turbulent boundary layer

We experimentally characterize turbulence in boundary layers generated by different levels of nearly isotropic homogeneous turbulence over flat impervious boundaries and over non-cohesive sediment beds with and without ripples. We use randomly actuated synthetic jet arrays (RASJA – Variano & Cowen, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 604, 2008, pp. 1–32) to generate high Reynolds number ( ) turbulence with negligible secondary mean flows or mean bed shear. The isotropic region and the boundary layer connecting this isotropic region to the bed are investigated using particle image velocimetry measurements. Surprisingly, we observe the development of ripples on the sediment bed ( ). We draw comparisons between the mean shear free turbulent boundary layer formed above a flat stationary solid boundary (Johnson & Cowen, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 835, 2018, pp. 217–251) and its sediment counterpart by considering statistical metrics including root mean square velocity fluctuations, turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation rates, production, integral scales, Reynolds stresses and spatial spectra. Using an 8 × 8 RASJA, we find the damping of turbulence and dissipation rates at flat and rippled sediment beds with low levels of suspended sediments relative to an impermeable glass bed, whereas with a 16 × 16 RASJA we find the enhancement of turbulence and dissipation rates of a resuspending sediment bed relative to an impermeable glass bed. We hypothesize that this may be a result of a change in direction of the bed-normal mean flows at the porous boundary. We explore a relationship between the integral length scale of the turbulence with the resulting sediment ripple spacing by varying the mean on-time of the RASJA algorithm.
S16.4 Designing an approach to deal with extragenital sexually transmitted infections: do we have the data we need?

This symposium entitled ‘Anatomical Sites of Infection: Biomedical, Modeling, Behavioral, and Programmatic Considerations for STI Prevention’ will focus on the implications that extragenital (defined as infections that occur outside of the cervix and urethra) sexually transmitted infections have for various dimensions of STI care and prevention. These infections are common, particularly among men who have sex with men (rectal and pharyngeal) and heterosexual women (both sites as well). Yet, we have little understanding of the pharmacokinetics of commonly used antimicrobials at these sites, the natural history of the infections at these sites, and as a critical corollary, how much of a role these sites have in providing a meaningful reservoir for sustaining transmission in populations at risk. We need to have a better understanding of these parameters before we can intelligently design screening protocols and intervention studies. This presentation will explore these issues and allow ample time for discussion of these challenges. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Preoperative chemotherapy for advanced endometrial cancer-registry analysis of outcomes.

6088Background: Hysterectomy followed by risk-adjusted adjuvant treatment is the standard of care for staging and treatment of locally advanced endometrial cancer. Up-front surgery is difficult in ...
Comprehensive molecular genetic studies of Epstein-Barr virus-negative aggressive Natural killer-cell leukemia/lymphoma

EBV-negative aggressive NK-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ANKL) is a recently recognized, rare NK-cell neoplasm that preferentially affects non-Asians and has a fulminant clinical course. Little is known about the genetic alterations of this disease. In this study, we performed comprehensive molecular genetic studies, including chromosomal analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray, and next-generation sequencing (NGS), on 4 patients diagnosed in our institution. The results demonstrated that our EBV-negative ANKLs have highly complex genomic profiles characterized by near-triploid/near-tetraploid karyotype (3 of 3) with numerous structural abnormalities, inactivation of TP53 (3 of 3), overexpression of c-Myc (4 of 4), strong expression of PD-L1 in neoplastic cells (2 of 4), and gain of the 11q23-ter region (2 of 2). Our study provides important insights of EBV-negative ANKL, which share many of the genetic features with their EBV-positive counterpart. The strong expression of Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors may be further explored as a potential therapeutic option for this highly aggressive, chemotherapy-resistant NK-cell neoplasm.
Evaluating soil water routing approaches in watershed‐scale, ecohydrologic modelling

Soil water dynamics are central in linking and regulating natural cycles in ecohydrology, however, mathematical representation of soil water processes in models is challenging given the complexity of these interactions. To assess the impacts of soil water simulation approaches on various model outputs, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool was modified to accommodate an alternative soil water percolation method and tested at two geographically and climatically distinct, instrumented watersheds in the United States. Soil water was evaluated at the site scale via measured observations, and hydrologic and biophysical outputs were analysed at the watershed scale. Results demonstrated an improved Kling–Gupta Efficiency of up to 0.3 and a reduction in percent bias from 5 to 25% at the site scale, when soil water percolation was changed from a threshold, bucket‐based approach to an alternative approach based on variable hydraulic conductivity. The primary difference between the approaches was attributed to the ability to simulate soil water content above field capacity for successive days; however, regardless of the approach, a lack of site‐specific characterization of soil properties by the soils database at the site scale was found to severely limit the analysis. Differences in approach led to a regime shift in percolation from a few, high magnitude events to frequent, low magnitude events. At the watershed scale, the variable hydraulic conductivity‐based approach reduced average annual percolation by 20–50 mm, directly impacting the water balance and subsequently biophysical predictions. For instance, annual denitrification increased by 14–24 kg/ha for the new approach. Overall, the study demonstrates the need for continued efforts to enhance soil water model representation for improving biophysical process simulations.
Assessing the use of finite element analysis for mechanical performance evaluation of intervertebral body fusion devices.

Author(s): Baumann, Andrew P; Graf, Thomas; Peck, Jonathan H; Dmitriev, Anton E; Coughlan, Dezba; Lotz, Jeffrey C | Abstract: BackgroundIntervertebral body fusion devices (IBFDs) are a widely used type of spinal implant placed between two vertebral bodies to stabilize the spine for fusion in the treatment of spinal pathologies. Assessing mechanical performance of these devices is critical during the design, verification, and regulatory evaluation phases of development. While traditionally evaluated with physical bench testing, empirical assessments are at times supplemented with computational models and simulations such as finite element analysis (FEA). However, unlike many mechanical bench tests, FEA lacks standardized practices and consistency of implementation.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were twofold. First, to identify IBFD 510(k) submissions containing FEA and conduct a comprehensive review of the elements provided in the FEA reports. Second, to engage with spinal device manufacturers through an anonymous survey and assess their practices for implementing FEA.MethodsFirst, a retrospective analysis of 510(k) submissions for IBFDs cleared by the FDA between 2013 and 2017 was performed. The contents of FEA test reports were quantified according to FDA guidance. Second, a survey inquiring about the use of FEA was distributed to industry and academic stakeholders. The survey asked up to 20 questions relating to modeler experience and modeling practices.ResultsSignificant gaps were present in model test reports that deemed the data unreliable and, therefore, unusable for regulatory decision-making in a high percentage of submissions. Nonetheless, the industry survey revealed most stakeholders employ FEA during device evaluation and are interested in more prescriptive guidelines for executing IBFD models.ConclusionsThis study showed that while inconsistencies and gaps in FEA execution do exist within the spinal device community, the stakeholders are eager to work together in developing standardized approaches for executing computational models to support mechanical performance assessment of spinal devices in regulatory submissions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predictive Model Determines Hamstring Autograft Size for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients Under 18 Years Old.

Purpose To evaluate the predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging in determining hamstring autograft size preoperatively for pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods We conducted an analysis of patients younger than 18 years who underwent quadrupled hamstring autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Semitendinosus tendon (ST) and gracilis tendon (GT) cross-sectional areas were measured on preoperative knee magnetic resonance imaging scans. Height, weight, body mass index, and sex were analyzed using ordinal regression analysis. A classification and regression tree (CART) was constructed to identify predictors of the predetermined intraoperative graft size of 8 mm or greater. Sensitivity and specificity were determined based on specified predictors. Results This study included 102 patients (52 female and 50 male patients). The average age was 15.8 ± 1.4 years. At the time of surgery, 38 patients (37.3%) had open physes, with an average age of 13.4 ± 0.96 years. Of the 102 patients, 55 (53.9%) had 8-mm or larger grafts, 31 (30.4%) had 7.5-mm grafts, and 16 (15.7%) had 7-mm or smaller grafts. In 12 patients (31.6%) with open physes, the graft size was less than 8 mm. Male patients were more likely to have 8-mm or larger grafts (P < .001), as were patients with a greater height (170.1 ± 7.3 cm vs 161.1 ± 12.0 cm, P = .013) and those with a greater weight (79.7 ± 23.4 kg vs 57.1 ± 16.2 kg, P = .005). For all patients, predictive modeling determined that if the cross-sectional areas of the ST and GT were 31.2 mm2 or greater, then 87.5% of patients would have a graft size of 8 mm or greater with an 80% sensitivity and 74% specificity. Similarly, if the cross-sectional areas of the ST and GT were 31.4 mm2 or greater in patients with open physes, then 100% of patients would have a graft size of 8 mm or greater with a 46% sensitivity and 99% specificity. Conclusions A preoperative summation of the cross-sectional areas of the ST and GT greater than 31 mm2 in patients younger than 18 years with open or closed physes can help the surgeon preoperatively predict which patients will have an intraoperative graft size of 8 mm or greater. The risk factors for a smaller graft size include female sex, a shorter height, and a lighter weight. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) promotes anaphase entry after DNA replication stress in budding yeast

A pathway required for the efficient recovery from DNA replication stress in budding yeast was uncovered. During this recovery, PP2A promotes the sequential reversal of Cdk1 phosphorylation by Swe1...
Elimination of Constraint Equations from Flexible Mechanical Systems

A method for modeling planar and spatial mechanisms is presented which is capable of efficiently predicting the nonlinear transient response of flexible systems. Large deformations are assumed and nonlinear geometric properties are encorporated. In this research, each element of a mechanism is treated as an individual body, with its own flexible and rigid body modes. Constraints are used to enforce compatibility conditions between the individual bodies which make up a mechanism. One of the unique features of this study is how the constraint equations are handled. They are initially introduced into the global system of equations using Lagrange multipliers. The classical solution technique is to numerically solve for the Lagrange multipliers and the generalized coordinates together. In this study the Lagrange multipliers are first analytically eliminated from the equations of motion. As a result the constraint equations are encorporated directly into the system of ordinary differential equations of motion, without the need to solve for the Lagrange multipliers.
Krakatoa: decompilation in java (dose bytecode reveal source?)

This paper presents our technique for automatically decompiling Java bytecode into Java source. Our technique reconstructs source-level expressions from bytecode, and reconstructs readable, high-level control statements from primitive goto-like branches. Fewer than a dozen simple code-rewriting rules reconstruct the high-level statements.
Transgenic thymocytes are refractory to transformation by the human T-cell leukemia virus type I tax gene.

Abstract Previous transgenic work demonstrated transforming activity of the human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax protein in fibroblasts. In the present study, a Thy-1-based vector was used to express Tax in thymocytes. These mice developed no functional or neoplastic abnormalities of T cells but developed fibroblastic tumors with a longer latency than in the previous model.
A smoke-free chemical dependency unit: The Cleveland clinic experience

An attempt to eliminate smoking from the CCF chemical dependency unit resulted from an institutional mandate that the campus be smoke-free. Initially, patients were given the option of either not smoking or smoking outside with staff supervision. Those who opted for smoking cessation received no specific treatment for nicotine addiction, but were only given snacks, therapeutic activities, and stress management techniques to aid in their effort. The initiative failed. Patient and staff resistance, hazardous conditions due to surreptitious smoking, and interference with other treatment components led to suspension of the policy. A second attempt, thought to be a superior design, included therapeutic interventions similar to traditional addiction treatment; however, it also failed to produce nicotine recovery in most patients. It was noted that patients with such adverse consequences from nicotine as emphysema or cancer could be motivated to recover from nicotine addiction and were helpful in motivating those without consequences to stop smoking. Significantly, despite several patients' refusal to enter or continue in treatment due to the no smoking policy, unit census actually increased.
Ultrastructure of the human endometrial stroma cell during the menstrual cycle.

Abstract The ultrastructure of endometrial stromal cells of normal healthy women in reproductive age is described on days 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 of the menstrual cycle. The stromal cells, in the course of the normal menstrual cycle, undergo distinctive ultrastructural changes that can be correlated with states of proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. On day 5, the stromal cells are essentially immature, resembling stem cells. On day 10 the cells show the beginning of differentiation toward a fibroblast. Day 15 is characterized by the highest rate of proliferation of the cycle. By day 20 evidence of proliferation has disappeared and most cells now present a fully differentiated fibroblastic morphology. Day 25 demonstrates full maturation of the superficial stromal cells to become predecidual cells.
Evidence of biological activity in Hawaiian subsurface basalts

[1] The Hawaii Scientific Drilling Program (HSDP) cored and recovered igneous rock from the surface to a depth of 3109 m near Hilo, Hawaii. Much of the deeper parts of the hole is composed of hyaloclastite (fractured basalt glass that has been cemented in situ with secondary minerals). Some hyaloclastite units have been altered in a manner attributed to microorganisms in volcanic rocks. Samples from one such unit (1336 m to 1404 m below sea level) were examined to test the hypothesis that the alteration was associated with microorganisms. Deep ultraviolet native fluorescence and resonance Raman spectroscopy indicate that nucleic acids and aromatic amino acids are present in clay inside spherical cavities (vesicles) within basalt glass. Chemical mapping shows that phosphorus and carbon were enriched at the boundary between the clay and volcanic glass of the vesicles. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) reveals two to three micrometer coccoid structures in these same boundaries. ESEM-linked energy dispersive spectroscopy demonstrated carbon, phosphorous, chloride, and magnesium in these bodies significantly differing from unoccupied neighboring regions of basalt. These observations taken together indicate the presence of microorganisms at the boundary between primary volcanic glass and secondary clays. Amino acids and nucleic acids were extracted from bulk samples of the hyaloclastite unit. Amino acid abundance was low, and if the amino acids are derived from microorganisms in the rock, then there are less than 100,000 cells per gram of rock. Most nucleic acid sequences extracted from the unit were closely related to sequences of Crenarchaeota collected from the subsurface of the ocean floor.