cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arabian Upper Paleolithic

The interior of the Arabian peninsula was, as it is today, hyperarid. Despite its aridity, the area supported a variety of scattered plant covers and grasses. Small lakes created by runoff from stabilized dunes provided regular sources of water for animals and humans. A great diversity of arid-adapted animal species was present, including oryx, gazelle, ostrich, and camel.
Cognitive Educational Objectives for the Case Study Method

The value and advantages of using case analysis in business courses are clear. The objectives to be accomplished by cases, however, are not so clear. In many instances, cases are selected in a rather casual and haphazard manner, resulting in a less-than-optimal accomplishment of established objectives. Case selection can be made more deliberate, systematic, scientific, and meaningful by first establishing the cognitive education objectives to be achieved by their use.
What Determines the Relationalness of Local Government Contracting

In this paper, we examine the governance structures employed to manage local service delivery contracts with an eye towards two specific concerns. First, we contend that public managers likely employ dual regimes in which contract writing is more formal in nature than is the management style adopted during contract implementation. We also explore the determinants of such mechanisms. We find some evidence to support our contention in that managers frequently contact and communicate with their vendors despite the presence of clearly and formally written contracts. We further find that the formalness versus relationalness of written contract features is influenced by different factors (service characteristics, market conditions, vendor ownership) than is management style (reputation, management capacity, expectations of continuing relationships).
Disciplining Pain: Masculinity and Ideologies of Repair in a Colombian Military Hospital

Colombia, a country at civil war for over 50 years, has one of the highest rates of landmine injury in the world. This article is based on ethnographic research conducted at the Amputation and Reha...
Like family: Network coevolution and the emergence of altruism

ABSTRACTAltruism is difficult to explain in an evolutionary context—the mechanisms of selection appear to favor selfishness. Existing scholarly work addressing this puzzle relies on structural and behavioral assumptions that severely limit generalizability. The model presented in this article circumvents the need for such assumptions by incorporating an evolving network component to natural selection. Through a process of coevolution of individual and relational traits, many of the exogenous assumptions of previous models of the evolution of cooperation are realized endogenously within a simulated population. Such endogeneity allows a more precise examination of conditions under which cooperation arises, but also a clearer understanding of how those conditions themselves arise. The model is specified analytically, and interpretation is carried out on simulated outcomes.
Investigating alcohol-induced congenital heart defects using optical coherence tomography(Conference Presentation)

Fetal alcohol syndrome commonly results in neurological and craniofacial defects, additionally, as high as 54% of live-born children with this syndrome also possess cardiac abnormalities. We have previously shown that CNCC-ablated embryos exhibit similar structural and functional phenotypes as ethanol-exposed embryos. Here, we present progress on two fronts toward understanding the association between CNCC dysfunction and FAS-related CHDs. We have developed a technique for measuring the thickness of the cardiac cushions throughout the heart. These values were then mapped onto a surface mesh of the myocardial wall for 3-D visualization. The cushions were observed to be significantly reduced in the outflow tract of CNCC-ablated embryos. We also observed a correlation between abnormal pulsed Doppler waveforms and increased separation of the atrioventricular inferior and superior cushions. This correlation between function and structure will enable rapid phenotyping of perturbed embryos. Finally, we present our preliminary results using methyl donors to rescue ethanol-exposed embryonic CHDs. Betaine was administered along with the ethanol injection to embryos at 21 hours of development. The embryos were then analyzed at day 8 for survival and heart morphology. The administration of betaine resulted in a significant increase in survival and normalization of atrioventricular valve leaflet volume and interventricular septum thickness.
Comparison of Lightning Location System Observation with Satallite Lightning Observation in Three Gorges Area Within Western Hubei

In order to research the lightning activity regularity in Three gorges area,lightning location system(LLS) data in 2005~2008 years were matched with space flash observations of lightning image sensor(LIS) data.Based on LIS data,the paired LLS data were sought within 5 ms time interval.From the 2264 LIS lightning data,391 sets of data were successfully matched.The mean value of the positional error distance of matched data was 0.114°(about 11 km),and the standard deviation was 0.087,fully demonstrating that the LIS data and the LLS data corresponded well,and had a high degree of accuracy and consistency.The inter-cloud(IC) and cloud-to-ground(CG) lightning ratio Z1 could be calculated by matched data,which was higher than Z0 calculated through the traditional mean flash density data.Then,the value of actual measurements by Prentice was between Z0 and Z1,because a poor CG detection efficiency of LIS on the bottom of clouds or low altitude resulted in differences in calculation results.The matching data also could be used to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of IC and CG lightning ratio Z1,and it could be found that the maximum values of Z1 exceeded 10 in February,May and September.The related coefficient of Z1 with average altitude was-0.33.Studies show that the lightning data-matching method based on real-time data analysis could better reflect the local temporal and spatial law of thunderstorms.
The Role of Emotion in Decision and Moral Evaluation

In Chapter 2, I argued that, in order for us to make sense of the world’s meaning and significance, some parts of our surroundings must assume greater importance than others. As Pirsig (1974) writes in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: All the time we are aware of millions of things around us …d not possibly be conscious of these things and remember all of them because our mind would be so full of useless details we would be unable to think. From all this awareness we must select … a handful of sand from the endless landscape of awareness around us and call the handful of sand the world. (p. 69)
Beyond Travel: Regis’ Service Oriented Field Experience (SOFE) Program

This is a program description of the Service Oriented Field Experience (SOFE), which is a unique blended experiential learning capstone course within the Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM) at Regis University. The SOFE course blends aspects of social justice and nonprofit leadership into an eight-week course that focuses on the mission driven nature of the social sector throughout the world. While appropriating theories of experiential learning, the course builds on Jesuit pedagogical principles of experience, reflection, and action, and it includes deliberate exposure of Nonprofit/Nongovernmental (NP/NGO) leaders into contexts other than their own as a model for leadership development and growth. Leaders learn from this process about the complexity of social and other needs and the innovative approaches for solving them. These global connections support possible long-term engagement with these issues beyond the travel experience.
Divided Wisconsin: Partisan Spatial Electoral Realignment

When the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates head into the general election this fall, they will be courting votes from a statewide electorate that has dramatically shifted over time,...
Conjugate Eye Deviation on CT Associated With Worse Outcomes Despite IV Thrombolysis.

Introduction:Rapid stroke management has significant implications in patient outcomes. Ipsilateral computed tomography conjugate eye deviation (CT-CED) has been associated with worse outcomes but has never been evaluated as predictive of vascular occlusion. To test the hypothesis that CT-CED is a marker for vascular occlusion, we evaluated patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA).Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with IV tPA at a large tertiary care hospital over an 18-month period. A waiver of informed consent was granted. Two examiners evaluated baseline brain CTs blinded to the location of infarct to assess the presence of CT-CED and follow-up imaging for the location of infarct and the presence of intracranial large vessel occlusion. Demographics, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scales (mRSs), and hospital length of stay (LOS) were collected.Results:Among 104 patients t...
Butterflies regulate wing temperatures using radiative cooling

We discovered that the spatial distribution of coloration and emissivity of butterfly wings help regulate wing temperatures, and that the spatial variation of thermal emissivity is mainly controlled by nano-structures of the wing scales.
Aldosterone breakthrough in dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Abstract Introduction Aldosterone breakthrough (ABT) is the condition in which angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin receptor blockers fail to effectively suppress the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. The objective of this study was to determine if ABT occurs in dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease receiving an ACEI, using the urine aldosterone to creatinine ratio (UAldo:C) as a measure of renin angiotensin aldosterone system activation. Animals, Materials and Methods This study includes 39 dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. A UAldo:C cut-off definition (derived from a normal population of healthy, adult, and client-owned dogs) was used to determine the prevalence of ABT in this population. Spearman analysis and univariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between UAldo:C and ABT (yes/no) and eight variables (age, serum K+ concentration, serum creatinine concentration, ACEI therapy duration and ACEI dosage, furosemide therapy duration and furosemide dosage, and urine sample storage time). Finally, the UAldo:C in dogs receiving spironolactone, as part congestive heart failure (CHF) therapy, was compared to dogs with CHF that were not receiving spironolactone. Results The prevalence of ABT was 32% in dogs with CHF and 30% in dogs without CHF. There was no relationship between either the UAldo:C or the likelihood of ABT and the eight variables. Therapy with spironolactone lead to a significant elevation of the UAldo:C. Discussion Using the UAldo:C and a relatively stringent definition of ABT, it appears that incomplete RAAS blockade is common in dogs with MMVD receiving an ACEI. The prevalence of ABT in this canine population mirrors that reported in humans. While the mechanism of ABT is likely multifactorial and still poorly understood, the proven existence of ABT in dogs offers the potential to improve the prognosis for MMVD with the addition of a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker to current therapeutic regimens. Conclusions Approximately 30% of dogs being treated for heart disease and CHF satisfied the definition of ABT. Identifying patient subpopulations experiencing ABT may help guide future study design and clinical decision-making.
Freire, Paulo (1921–1997)

Paulo Freire was a philosopher of education who promoted literacy as a vehicle for academic and social advancement. Freire was very aware of the role education played in either empowering or disenfranchising poorer people and sought to rectify injustices through education both in Brazil and abroad. Freire worked in the labor and mass-education movements as well as the World Congress of Churches, always promoting literacy and education programs.
Low Temperature Spectroscopy of Cytochromes of Chemoautotrophic Organisms

Various metabolic states of chemoautotrophic organisms can be identified by corresponding reduction states of their cytochrome content. These reduction states of the cytochromes can easily be observed, qualitatively as well as quantitatively, by means of low temperature spectroscopy. Due to the inherent characteristics like high resolution and the requirement for only concentrations of light absorbing molecular species, this method permits insight in, until recently, unknown interactions of cytochromes of intact cells and of cytochrome containing cell fractions. Physical phenomena that are involved in the low temperature spectroscopy of cellular and particulate matter will be discussed. Special attention will be given to the biochemical interferences of the partially organic solvents as used in low temperature spectroscopy with the enzymic systems of living cells.
Cost Analysis of Vaginal Mid Urethral Sling Suburethral Removal

Abstract Introduction For cost analysis of mid urethral sling surgery there is a lack of data on costs associated with long-term complications. Therefore, we studied the costs related to a vaginal suburethral synthetic sling removal procedure over 2 consecutive years. Methods From a prospectively maintained database of consecutive women who underwent 1 vaginal suburethral synthetic sling removal only, we analyzed the cost of suburethral synthetic sling removal for 2013 and 2014. Costing data were obtained for operating room expenses, medical and surgical supplies, pharmacy, anesthesia supplies, and room and bed. Professional fees for the suburethral synthetic sling removal procedure were obtained from the Medicare fee-for-service schedule. Costs for 2013 were adjusted by 3% to match 2014 costs. Results From 2013 to 2014 a total of 46 women underwent suburethral synthetic sling removal. Mean ± SD length of surgery was 62 ± 22 minutes and median length of stay was 1 day (range 0 to 2). Costs for medical and surgical supplies decreased significantly from 2013 to 2014 while operating room and total cost increased during that time. No significant differences were found among payer types. With the 3% inflation adjustment for 2013 the mean total cost based on these factors was $3,714 ± $941, with a median cost of $3,556. Of the 46 women 13 were treated on an outpatient basis and the median cost was reduced at $3,030. Conclusions At our tertiary care center the mean total cost of suburethral synthetic sling removal was $3,714, with a slight total cost increase from 2013 to 2014 but a cost saving for those treated as outpatients. This information will be useful for inclusion in the overall cost of mid urethral sling procedures.
Pharmacological thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke treatment: Gender differences in clinical risk factors.

Abstract Background In a stroke population, women have a worse outcome than men when untreated. In contrast, there is no significant difference in treated patients. In this study, we determined whether clinical variables represent a promising approach to assist in the evaluation of gender differences in a stroke population. Methods We analyzed data from ischemic stroke patients’ ≥18 years-old from the stroke registry on rtPA administration and identified gender differences in clinical factors within inclusion and exclusion criteria in a stroke population that received rtPA. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for patient demographic and clinical variables. Results Of the 241 eligible stroke patients’ thrombolytic therapy, 49.4% were females and 50.6% were males. Of the 422 patients that did not receive rtPA, more women (235) were excluded from rtPA than men (187) (P Conclusions Despite similarities in different areas of stroke care for both men and women, more women with diabetes, previous history of stroke and higher NIH scores are more likely to be excluded from thrombolytic therapy. Men with a previous history of stroke, hypertension and higher NIH scores are more likely to be excluded rtPA even after adjustment for confounding variables.
On the maximal ideal space of even quasicontinuous functions on the unit circle

Let PQC stand for the set of all piecewise quasicontinuous functions on the unit circle, i.e., the smallest closed subalgebra of \( L^{\infty}\,(\mathbb{T})\) which contains the classes of all piecewise continuous functions PC and all quasicontinuous functions \( QC \, = \, (C\,+\,H^{\infty})\,\cap\,(C\,+\,\overline{H^\infty})\). We analyze the fibers of the maximal ideal spaces M(PQC) and M(QC) over maximal ideals from \(M(\widetilde{QC})\) where \(\widetilde{QC}\) stands for the C* algebra of all even quasicontinuous functions. The maximal ideal space \(M(\widetilde{QC})\) is described and partitioned into various subsets corresponding to different descriptions of the fibers.
Numerical study focusing on the entropy analysis of MHD squeezing flow of a nanofluid model using Cattaneo–Christov theory

The present study gives an account of the heat transfer characteristics of the squeezing flow of a nanofluid between two flat plates with upper plate moving vertically and the lower in the horizontal direction. Tiwari and Das nanofluid model has been utilized to give a comparative analysis of the heat transfer in the Cu-water and Al2O3–water nanofluids with entropy generation. The modeling is carried out with the consideration of Lorentz forces to observe the effect of magnetic field on the flow. The Joule heating effect is included to discuss the heat dissipation in the fluid and its effect on the entropy of the system. The nondimensional ordinary differential equations are solved using the Keller box method to assess the numerical results which are presented by the graphs and tables. An interesting observation is that the entropy is generated more near the lower plate as compared with that at the upper plate. Also, the heat transfer rate is found to be higher for the Cu nanoparticles in comparison with ...
Some Big Broad

awhile to read a sentence over again it is so much like one of my sen tences. Uses three dots liberally?just like me and Celine ... John Cage suggests that the hard work of the serious artist is equivalent to playing chess. Why do you play chess all the time, I can hear some father say ing. It's time to grow up and go to work. Like somebody might have told Fragonard, Drop that pink paint brush! Or Mozart? Why must you always compose in pink? ... Mozart, your nudes will live after you. Edith Oravez has brought them to life. Drop your pink brush. That's what people tell me. Lafe said, But how does your hero make his money? But Tm on the ground floor of the revolution of the novel. More Juno! Catullus' title. That's all right. Something was going on then. I thought it was over and I was only hanging on, that's what I thought, kicking a dead horse. I should know better. I told myself a long time ago. Keep kicking the dead horse. You never know where you might get to! I told myself! The modern novel a monster. Robbe Grillet has puffed me full of confidence. Yes, yes, Tm an exponent of the nouveau roman ... any school that will have me ... my own influ ence felt around here ... I hope it widens ... a celestial body ... exploding, spiraling nova ... that's me .. .on fire ... yeah yeah yeah! Going for bear, yeah! Into the fray ... and all of that... back to back ... coming going along ... I like it like that... Celine has shown us how ... (from letters to the editor and "Renata Is Crying: A Nostalgia for Mona and Those Times")
The method of the real: What do we intend with ethnographic infrastructure?

What is the source of ethnographic truth? One might just as well ask what is the real economy, for neither has a clear-cut empirical referent. Critical efforts to counter economic abstractions or f...
Proposed Mechanism for Photomodulation of Carbon Metabolism Enzyme Activity in Chloroplasts and Cyanobacteria

When light activation of one of the Calvin cycle enzymes was first observed some 23 years ago (1) almost every plant physiologist was sure that protein synthesis rather than post translational covalent modification was responsible. Now it is almost universally accepted that light does control the activity of reductive pentose phosphate cycle enzymes, probably through covalent modification involving protein cys groups. But the mechanism, and indeed the function, of light modulation remains the subject of debate. Here I will consider briefly the scope of light modulation of carbon metabolism enzymes in green plants, and then in more detail proposals for the mechanism.
Abstract 10326: Inappropriate Shocks in MADIT-CRT: Predictors and Outcome

BACKGROUND: ICD patients commonly experience inappropriate therapy (IT) including inappropriate shocks (IS). IS were associated with an increase in the risk of mortality in MADIT II and SCD-HeFT, but whether this would pertain in MADIT-CRT9s less symptomatic HF population (NYHA I-II) is unknown. Early cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices suffered from double-counting of RV and LV activations, but the relative incidence of IT or IS in ICD and modern CRT devices is unknown. We evaluated the incidence of IT and IS in ICD versus CRT in MADIT-CRT. We further assessed whether the mortality rate was increased following IS or IT. Methods: Committees adjudicated HF and ICD events (appropriate vs inappropriate). RESULTS: The IS event rate was not different in ICD vs CRT (Figure). At 3-years the IT event rate was 14% and 13% in ICD and CRT arm patients respectively. SVT was the most common reason for IT, followed by AF then abnormal sensing. Using multivariate analysis, predictors of IT included age over 65, enrollment at non-US center, and absence of statin therapy; IS predictors on the other hand were age, prior hospitalization and absence of statin therapy. Patients experiencing IT or IS were more likely to experience a HF event, but after adjustment for covariates, including appropriate therapy, neither HF/death nor death alone was associated with IT or IS. Appropriate therapy, on the other hand, was associated with a nearly twofold higher risk of either the composite event of HF or death or death alone. When analyzed separately, ischemic HF patients who experienced IT were 3.3 times as likely to die (p=0.008) and ischemic IS recipients had a trend toward more HF or death events (HR 1.97, CI 0.91-4.26, p=0.083). CONCLUSIONS: IT and IS occurred with similar frequency in the ICD and CRT arms. Overall, patients experiencing IT or IS were not more likely to experience HF or death, although the subgroup of patients with ischemic HF tended to have worse outcomes after IT or IS.
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) alone or in synergistic combination with IL-2 for in vitro activation of human bone marrow: Differential effects at different time points

IL-12 augments many effector functions associated with T and NK cells including induction of cytotoxic activity and secretion of various cytokines. In addition, synergistic responses with IL-2 in most of the functions attributed to that cytokine make IL-12 an attractive candidate to have a potential role as an immunotherapeutic agent. We have evaluated the effect of rhIL-12 either alone or in combination with IL-2 on the generation of cytotoxic effectors from normal human bone marrow. IL-12 induced cytotoxic effectors against NK sensitive targets within 24 h of stimulation and this activity was maintained in cultures with IL-12 supplementation for up to 2 weeks tested. The decline in NK activity seen in control cultures over a period of 2 weeks was thus not observed in IL-12 stimulated cultures. In addition, a small increase was also observed in cytotoxic activity against NK resistant Daudi cell targets. IL-12, when combined with a low to intermediate dose of IL-2, led to enhancement in IL-2 induced cytotoxicity against both NK sensitive and resistant targets. However an increase in cytotoxicity against NK resistant targets was evident only after 1 week of stimulation. Cellular yield and number of hematopoietic precursors (LTC-IC, CFU-GM, BFU-e) in IL-12 stimulated cultures was comparable to or higher than control cultures at all the three time points (days 1, 7, 14) tested. In contrast, cultures stimulated with a combination of IL-12/IL-2 showed an increased number of hematopoietic precursors at day 1 followed by a marked decrease in the number of these precursors at day 7 and day 14. The several-fold higher levels of inhibitory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-β detected in these combination cultures may be responsible for this biphasic behavior of hematopoietic precursors in combination cultures. Thus, IL-12 has differential effects alone or in combination with IL-2 on lymphoid and myeloid cells.
Husserl’s Phenomenological Method

In Chapter One of my study of Husserl’s phenomenological account of intentionality, I will be concerned with providing an account of his phenomenological method in view of the matters themselves. My account will, above all, be preoccupied with what I consider to be the all important problem of the phenomenological “beginnings” of this method. My efforts at clarifying these beginnings will attempt to do so by bringing into bold phenomenal reliefs the peculiar point of departure (Ansatzpunkt) of Husserl’s phenomenological method. Toward this end I will trace out the initial formulation of this method as it emerges from out of the critique of what he takes to be sensationalist empiricism. My discussion will first try to show that and how this critique leads to Husserl’s initial uncovering of the key elements of his method: e.g., lived-experiences, phenomenologically immanent reflection as opposed to, and differentiated from, ontologically mediated “inner” perception or reflection, and the “breakthrough discovery” of the “seeing of essences” (Wesensschau). Having shown this, I will then proceed to sketch the general lines of Husserl’s abstractive and reductive purification of lived-experiences, in an effort to show how these methodical moves lead to the pure phenomenological uncovering of the essence and eidos of intentionality.
Light Scattering from Single — Particle Electron and Hole Excitations in Semiconductors

Light scattering from single-particle electron excitations has been observed in GaAs, InP, CdTe, and AlSb, as well as from holes in p-type GaAs and n-type epitaxial GaAs.
Hybrid femoropopliteal procedures are associated with improved perioperative outcomes compared with bypass

Abstract Objective Hybrid procedures have gained momentum as less invasive operations that can potentially improve outcomes for patients. However, there is a paucity of data comparing hybrid procedures with traditional bypass. This study compares the perioperative outcomes of hybrid and bypass surgery for femoropopliteal (FP) revascularization. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program files (2012-2015) were reviewed, and three groups of patients undergoing isolated FP revascularization were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. All patients underwent femoral endarterectomy. The hybrid group (HYB) had a concomitant antegrade endovascular FP intervention and was compared with patients with concomitant FP bypass with vein (BPV) and FP bypass with nonvein graft (BPG). The demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes of the three groups were analyzed. The χ2 and analysis of variance tests with post hoc analysis were used. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of readmission, reoperation, and mortality. Results There were 1480 patients in the analysis. Compared with patients undergoing BPV and BPG, patients in the HYB group tended to be older (P = .016) and were less likely to be smokers (P Conclusions Hybrid procedures have favorable perioperative outcomes compared with open bypass for FP revascularization. Additional research on the long-term outcomes of hybrid procedures is needed.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas Reveals HPV, TP53, Smoking and Alcohol-Related Allele-Based Acquired Uniparental Disomy Genomic Alterations

Smoking and alcohol intake are major risk factors in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Although the link between TP53 mutation and smoking has been well established, very little is known about the link between acquired uniparental disomy (aUPD) and smoking and/or alcohol consumption or other clinical characteristics. We used TCGA genomic data to investigate whether smoking, alcohol intake, clinical and demographic variables, HPV status and TP53 mutation are associated with aUPD at specific chromosomal regions. In multivariate analysis, we found association between aUPD regions and risk factors and clinical variables of disease. aUPD regions on chromosome 4q, 5q, 9p, 9q, 13q, 17p and CDKN2A occurred significantly more often in patients with TP53-mutated HNSCC than in those with wild-type HNSCC, while aUPD regions on chromosome 9p and at CDKN2A were significantly more frequent in females than in males. Besides, aUPD occurred more frequent in HPV-positive than in HPV-negative samples with all HNSCC and larynx cancers on chromosome 9q 15q and 17p. Moreover, aUPD on CDKN2A region occurred more often in alcohol drinkers than nondrinkers in patients with all HNSCC and oral cavity cancers, while aUPD region on chromosome 5q occurred less in alcohol drinkers than nondrinkers in patients with all HNSCC and oral cavity cancers. Similarly, aUPD region on chromosome 5q occurred less in smokers than nonsmokers in patients with all HNSCC and oral cavity cancers. In conclusion, aUPD regions are not random, and certain regions are associated with risk factors for disease, and with TP53 mutation status.
Abstract B141: Anti-tumor immune responses elicited by mesothelin virus-like particles vaccine effectively controls pancreatic cancer in animal models

Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer, but is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in America. This disparity is directly related to three factors: the difficulty in early detection of the disease, pancreatic cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy, and a tendency for the cancer to metastasize early and quickly. Here, we propose a novel immunotherapy to bypass pancreatic cancer’s resistance to standard chemotherapy. We have developed a virus-like particle (VLP) based on an HIV backbone Gag and pancreatic cancer-associated protein mesothelin (MSLN). Vaccination of C57BL/6 mice with MSLN VLP can efficiently activate the immune system and reduce and in some cases eliminate the host’s pancreatic cancer. Our results show that MSLN VLPs induce both humoral and cytotoxic specific response against MSLN in mouse pancreatic cancer models. Specifically, after vaccination with MSLN VLPs, significant increases in CD8+ MSLN specific T-cells and increases in serum anti-MSLN IgG were detected. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the serum of pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and B cell stimulator IL-5. Consistent with the increased IL-5, we observed a significant increase in tumor infiltrating B cells in the MSLN VLP immunized groups, but neither Gag VLP control nor unimmunized mice. Furthermore, while all tumor-bearing mice generated some antibodies towards MSLN, our MSLN VLP immunized mice had significantly higher serum titers of IgG1, IgG2B, and IgG3. Both Gag VLP and MSLN VLP immunized mice had a decreased tumor volume compared to control, but passive transfer of sera only from MSLN VLP immunized mice decreased tumor volume and increased survival of unimmunized tumor bearing mice, while Gag VLP immunized mice had much less effect. Overall, we have developed a promising vaccine for pancreatic cancer warranting additional studies with adjuvants and combination treatments with standard-of-care chemotherapy. Citation Format: Qizhi Cathy Yao, Ethen Poteet, Zhengdong Liang, Phoebe Lewis, Zhiyin Yu, Changyi Chen. Anti-tumor immune responses elicited by mesothelin virus-like particles vaccine effectively controls pancreatic cancer in animal models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B141.
Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utilities in Alopecia: A Systematic Review.

Background The use of platelet-rich plasma is becoming more prevalent in the field of dermatology. Variable preparation techniques and treatment methods have been described with reported success in alopecia. Objective To consolidate the available evidence of platelet-rich plasma and its utility in the treatment of alopecia for the practicing dermatologist. Methods Evaluating the available evidence up to May 31, 2018, a search was conducted in the PubMed database for "platelet rich plasma" or "platelet releasate" or "platelet gel" or "PRP" and "dermatology" or "skin" or "hair" or "cutaneous." Results Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria for analysis including 3 alopecia areata studies with a total of 71 patients and 16 androgenetic alopecia studies with a total of 389 patients. Although the heterogeneity of the studies prevented direct comparisons and subsequent statistical analysis, the majority demonstrated that platelet-rich plasma produced successful hair growth in androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Conclusion This review advocates for the use of platelet-rich plasma in 3 to 4 monthly sessions for the treatment of alopecia. Future studies should include a detailed description of the platelet-rich plasma isolation process to allow for comparison among studies, provide reproducibility, and generate a standardized treatment protocol.
7,10-BIS(2-MERCAPTO-2-METHYL)PROPYL-7,10-DIAZAPALMITIC ACID : A NOVEL, N2S2 LIGAND FOR TECHNETIUM-99M

Abstract 7,10-Bis(2-mercapto-2-methyl)propyl-7,10-diazapalmitic acid (7) was synthesized and evaluated as a new ligand for technetium-99m (99mTc). The title fatty acid analog, an achiral, bis(aminoethanethiol) derivative in which the amines are tertiary, gave a stable complex with 99mTc. The biodistribution of 99mTc-labeled 7 in rats is reported.
Lifespan Development, Theory of

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by U.M. Staudinger, volume 13, pp. 8844–8848, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
A Critical Analysis of Medicare Claims for Otolaryngology Procedures.

ObjectiveThis study was performed to outline and analyze the overall Medicare landscape with respect to otolaryngologists and beneficiaries, services, and reimbursements.MethodsThis is a retrospect...
Vehicle Escape Dynamics on an Arbitrarily Curved Surface

This paper derives a planar model for a vehicle on an arbitrarily curved surface. The goal is to investigate different strategies that may be used to free a vehicle from a ditch. More specifically, extricating a modern vehicle typically requires someone to get behind the vehicle and assist in pushing it out of the ditch. Due to human limitations in power output, the individual learns to rhythmically time their push, or applied force, to build momentum and achieve escape.
Special Considerations for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

When undergoing exercise testing adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) require special considerations. The major difference in testing adults with CHD versus testing adults with acquired heart disease is the indication for testing. In acquired heart disease, testing is usually undertaken to evaluate for myocardial ischemia. The reason for exercise testing in adults with CHD varies widely. However, its primary purpose is rarely the assessment of coronary artery disease, and more frequently relates to overall functional status and problems caused by the underlying CHD.
Cultural Dimensions, Consumption of Opioid Pain Medications, and Designing Educational Information Products

This article examines the connection of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions with the consumption of opioid pain medications by country. Correlation analysis shows a significant correlation of the increased consumption with the individualism-collectivism dimension, with a higher score for individualism correlated with higher consumption. The examination of this finding reveals that the need for independence, autonomy, self-reliance, and control—traits that are more typical for individualism—can explain this correlation. The article describes the implications of this finding for designing educational information products for opioid awareness campaigns and provides directions for future research.
Misdemeanor Courts, Due Process, and Case Outcomes:

Very little research on courts and sentencing outcomes focuses on misdemeanor courts despite the fact that most crime processed through the criminal justice system is misdemeanor in nature. In fact...
Consumer expectations and attitudes toward nanomaterials in foods

Abstract Many food companies are developing nanotechnology-modified food packaging and it is critical to understand the informational and attitudinal factors that influence public acceptance of nanopackaging. This chapter first reviews the market situation for nanotechnology in the food packaging industry, including the benefits and potential risks of nanotechnology application in the food industry, the market trend for nanotechnology in food, consumer acceptance of nanotechnology in food, and the possible factors affecting consumer acceptance. Then a case study will be presented that uses an experimental auction with real nanopackaged products to test and compare consumer acceptance of nanopackaged food products with information from various sources. The case study results indicate consumer acceptance for and attitude toward nanopackaged food products are changing corresponding to the information perceived: for plain-labeled food products, a reliance on government regulation was the only determinant influencing participants’ willingness to pay; after general information about nanotechnology was given, participants were willing to pay more for nanopackaged products. This was affected by their general attitude toward new food technology and concerns about environment/health.
Feasibility and delivery of patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice among racially diverse bladder and prostate cancer patients

Abstract Objective To assess the feasibility of enrollment and collecting patient-reported outcome (PRO) data as part of routine clinical urologic care for bladder and prostate cancer patients and examine overall patterns and racial variations in PRO use and symptom reports over time. Subjects/Patients and Methods We recruited 76 patients (n = 29 Black and n = 47 White) with prostate or bladder cancer at a single, comprehensive cancer center. The majority of prostate cancer patients had intermediate risk (57%) disease and underwent either radiation or prostatectomy. Over half (58%) of bladder cancer patients had muscle invasive disease and underwent cystectomy. Patients were asked to complete PRO symptom surveys using their preferred mode [web- or phone-based interactive voice response (IVR)]. Symptom summary reports were shared with providers during visits. Surveys were completed at 3 time points and assessed urinary, sexual, gastrointestinal, anxiety/depression, and sleep symptoms. Feasibility of enrollment and survey completion were calculated, and linear mixed effects models estimated differences in outcomes by race and time. Results Sixty three percent of study participants completed all PRO measures at all 3 time points. Black patients were more likely to select IVR as their survey mode (40% vs. 13%, P Conclusions Reported preferences for survey mode and completion rates differ by race, which may influence survey completion rates and highlight potential obstacles for equitable implementation of PROs into clinical care.
Multislot and Multistream Quickest Change Detection in Statistically Periodic Processes

Mixture-based algorithms are proposed for detecting a change in the distribution of a statistically periodic process in multislot and multistream settings. In the multislot change detection problem, the distribution of the observed process can change in any subset of time slots in each period. In the multistream change detection problem, there are parallel streams of observations, and the change can affect an arbitrary subset of streams. It is shown that the algorithms are asymptotically optimal in a Bayesian setting.
SATB homeobox 1 regulated genes in the mouse ectoplacental cone are important for placental development

ABSTRACT SATB homeobox 1 (SATB1) is abundantly expressed in the stem-state of trophoblast cells but downregulated during trophoblast differentiation. It is also expressed in high levels in the mouse ectoplacental cones (EPCs). We detected that SATB1 is involved in maintaining the self-renewal of trophoblast stem cells and inhibiting trophoblast differentiation. In this study, we have identified SATB1-regulated genes in the mouse EPC and analyzed their potential functions. A total of 1618 differentially expressed genes were identified in Satb1null EPCs by mRNA sequencing. Remarkably 90% of the differentially expressed genes were found to be upregulated in Satb1null EPCs suggesting a transcriptional repressor role of SATB1 in mouse trophoblast cells. Ingenuity Pathway Analyses demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes in Satb1null EPCs are particularly linked to WNT and TGFβ signaling pathways, which regulate self-renewal of stem cells and cell differentiation. Moreover, twenty-six of the EPC genes that are known to be involved in placental development including Eomes, Epas1, Fgfr2, Cdkn1c, and Plac9 were found dysregulated in Satb1null EPCs due to the loss of SATB1 expression. These genes are particularly involved in the formation of labyrinthine zone. Our results emphasize that SATB1-regulated genes in the mouse EPC contribute to key roles in the regulation of trophoblast differentiation and placental development.
Content of Home-Based Dementia Care: Adverse Consequences of Unmet Toileting Needs:

Despite high-intensity caregiving support, those with dementia may experience adverse consequences because the care they receive does not match their care needs. This study evaluates the relationsh...
Design Principles and Function of Mechanical Fasteners in Nature and Technology

Probabilistic mechanical fasteners are used to provide secure, reversible, and repeatable attachments in both nature and industry. Since the first observation of this mechanism in nature, which led to the creation of hook-and-loop fasteners, there has been a multitude of variations on the basic hook-and-loop design. However, few fastener designs have looked back to nature for inspiration in creating novel products or improving existing fasteners. Given the diverse probabilistic mechanical fasteners employed in nature, there is opportunity to further the research and development of these underdeveloped fasteners. To this end, we present a framework which describes the theory, design considerations, modelling, and mechanical testing required to study probabilistic mechanical fasteners. We further provide a comparison of the performance of existing probabilistic mechanical fasteners found in nature and industry as a reference for novel bio-inspired designs. Finally, we discuss current areas of application and future opportunities for fastener innovation.
Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Disease

Abbreviations ACC American College of Cardiology AF Atrial fibrillation AVR Aortic valve replacement AHA American Heart Association CABG Coronary artery bypass grafting CAD Coronary artery disease CMR Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (imaging) CRT Cardiac resynchronization therapy CT Computed tomography DOAC Direct oral anticoagulant DT Deceleration time EROA Effective regurgitant orifice area GDMT Goal directed medical therapy HF Heart failure LA Left atrium/atrial LV Left ventricle/ventricular LVEF Left ventricular ejection fraction LVESD Left ventricular end-systolic dimension LVOT Left ventricular outflow tract MR Mitral regurgitation MS Mitral stenosis MV Mitral valve MVA Mitral valve area MVP Mitral valve prolapse MVR Mitral valve replacement NYHA New York Heart Association PASP Pulmonary artery systolic pressure PHT Pressure half time PISA Proximal isovelocity hemispheric surface area PMBC Percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy RA Right atrium/atrial RV Right ventricle/ventricular TEE Transesophageal echocardiography TR Tricuspid regurgitation TS Tricuspid stenosis TV Tricuspid valve TTE Transthoracic echocardiography VKA Vitamin K antagonist VTI Velocity time integral
Microbial Species that Initially Colonize the Human Gut at Birth or in Early Childhood Can Stay in Human Body for Lifetime.

In recent years, many studies have described the composition and function of the human microbiome at different body sites and suggested a role for the microbiome in various diseases and health conditions. Some studies, using longitudinal samples, have also suggested how the microbiome changes over time due to disease, diet, development, travel, and other environmental factors. However, to date, no study has demonstrated whether the microorganisms established at birth or in early childhood, either transmitted from parents or obtained from the environment, can stay in the human body until adult or senior age. To directly answer this question is difficult, because microbiome samples at childhood and at later adulthood for the same individual will need to be compared and the field is not old enough to have allowed for that type of sample collection. Here, using a metagenomic approach, we analyzed 1004 gut microbiome samples from senior adults (65 ± 7.8 years) from the TwinsUK cohort. Our data indicate that many species in the human gut acquired in early childhood can stay for a lifetime until senior ages. We identified the rare genomic variants (single nucleotide variation and indels) for 27 prevalent species with enough sequencing coverage for confident genomic variant identification. We found that for some species, twin pairs, including both monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins, share significantly more rare variants than unrelated subject pairs. But no significant difference is found between MZ and DZ twin pairs. These observations strongly suggest that these species acquired in early childhood remained in these persons until senior adulthood.
Machine Learning and Statistical Models for the Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated disease affecting approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. Its cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. MS tends to be more prevalent in countries that are farther from the equator. Moreover, smoking and obesity are believed to increase the risk of developing the disease. This article builds machine learning and statistical models for the MS prevalence in a country in terms of its distance from the equator and the smoking and adult obesity prevalence in that country. To build the models, the center of population of a country is approximated by finding a point on the surface of the Earth that minimizes a weighted sum of squared distances from the major cities of the country. This study compares the predictive performance of several machine learning models, including first and second order multiple regression, random forest, neural network and support vector regression.
Gamma-Ray-Induced Error Pattern Analysis for MLC 3-D NAND Flash Memories

This article analyzes the data corruption pattern in the shared pages of multi-level cell (MLC) 3-D NAND memory under ionizing radiation from a Co-60 gamma-ray source for up to 20 krad(Si) dose. The results show that the radiation-induced error pattern between the shared pages follows a unique correlated behavior. We also find that the error locations within a given page remain uncorrelated, meaning that the occurrence of an error does not force a cluster of errors under ionizing radiation.