cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3534: Inhibition of melanoma cell survival through p62/LC3B autophagic signaling

The primary objectives of this study were i) systematic evaluation of the differences in basal autophagic activity between melanocytes and malignant melanoma cells to determine whether these differences may be selectively targeted using the ROS inducer, Nexrutine (NX); ii) determination of NX selectivity in inhibiting melanoma cell survival and iii) specific involvement of autophagy signaling protein, SQSTM1/p62 in NX-mediated autophagic cell survival. NX is obtained from the bark of the cork tree, Phellodendron amurense. A panel of melanocyte and melanoma cells was evaluated for basal autophagy level and effect of NX treatment, including protein levels and turnover of p62 and LC3B (+/- CQ), and number of autophagic puncta per cell. Trypan blue, MTT, and Annexin V-APC were used to evaluate the effect of NX on cell death, proliferation and apoptosis. Genetic approach using siRNA for p62 and overexpression using HA-p62 followed by survival, proliferation, and autophagy measurements were used to further evaluate the possibility of p62 as a molecular target for inhibition of autophagy seen using NX. We found that i) melanoma cells displayed high autophagic flux compared with melanocytes, ii) NX treatment a) inhibited autophagy in melanoma cells, b) inhibited melanoma cell survival, and c) induced apoptosis in melanoma cells, iii) knockdown of p62 resulted in a lesser inhibition of cell viability and autophagy after NX treatment in high p62-expressing melanoma cells, and iv) overexpression of p62 sensitized low p62-expressing normal melanocytes and melanoma cells to NX-mediated cell death and autophagy inhibition, suggesting that p62 is a bonafide molecular target of NX. Overall, we show that Nexrutine is able to inhibit the inherent high level of pro-survival autophagy in melanoma cells, leading to loss of cell viability and induction of apoptosis, while melanocytes remain unaffected by NX at the same doses. Further, SQSTM1/p62 was found to be a critical mediator of the NX-mediated inhibition of autophagy and cell viability. This study demonstrates that NX maybe a promising novel, non-toxic agent for melanoma. Supported by R21 CA125719 & ACRCF (RG); NIDCR T32 DE14318/COSTAR (HGH) Citation Format: Heather G. Hambright, Addanki P. Kumar, Rita Ghosh. Inhibition of melanoma cell survival through p62/LC3B autophagic signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3534.
Association of tree nut and coconut sensitizations.

Abstract Background Coconut ( Cocos nucifera ), despite being a drupe, was added to the US Food and Drug Administration list of tree nuts in 2006, causing potential confusion regarding the prevalence of coconut allergy among tree nut allergic patients. Objective To determine whether sensitization to tree nuts is associated with increased odds of coconut sensitization. Methods A single-center retrospective analysis of serum specific IgE levels to coconut, tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, pistachio, and walnut), and controls (milk and peanut) was performed using deidentified data from January 2000 to August 2012. Spearman correlation (ρ) between coconut and each tree nut was determined, followed by hierarchical clustering. Sensitization was defined as a nut specific IgE level of 0.35 kU/L or higher. Unadjusted and adjusted associations between coconut and tree nut sensitization were tested by logistic regression. Results Of 298 coconut IgE values, 90 (30%) were considered positive results, with a mean (SD) of 1.70 (8.28) kU/L. Macadamia had the strongest correlation (ρ = 0.77), whereas most other tree nuts had significant ( P P P Conclusion Our findings suggest that although sensitization to most tree nuts appears to correlate with coconut, this is largely explained by sensitization to almond and macadamia. This finding has not previously been reported in the literature. Further study correlating these results with clinical symptoms is planned.
SO 2 Adsorption on CeO 2 (100) and CeO 2 (111)

The adsorption and reaction of sulfur dioxide, SO2, was studied on oxidized and reduced CeOX(100) and compared to previous results on CeOX(111). SO2 adsorbs on oxidized CeO2(100) as sulfite, SO3 2−, at 200 K and sulfite is the only adsorbate observed on the surface at any temperature. The sulfite desorbs monotonically from 200 to 700 K. The adsorption and desorption of SO2 does not result in any change in the Ce4+ oxidation state. SO2 also adsorbs as sulfite on reduced CeO1.7(100) at 200 K. There is also a small amount of elemental sulfur, S0, formed. As the sample is heated the sulfite decomposes into sulfide, S2−. Roughly 25 % of the adsorbed S either desorbs or diffuses into the bulk of the reduced ceria. The decomposition, and resulting formation of S2− and O2−, re-oxidize some of the Ce3+ to Ce4+. Unlike what has been observed following the adsorption and reaction of many other molecules, the adsorption and reaction of SO2 is virtually identical on CeOX(100) and CeOX(111).
Pulse inversion Doppler for blood flow detection in the macro- and microcirculation

Current techniques for imaging ultrasound contrast agents make no distinction between low velocity microbubbles in the microcirculation and higher velocity microbubbles in the larger vasculature. A combination of RF and Doppler filtering on a low-MI pulse inversion acquisition is presented that differentiates low velocity microbubbles, perfusion, from the higher velocity microbubbles in larger vessels. Both fundamental and harmonic Doppler signals from microbubbles are compared against conventional color Doppler signals. Due to the lower transmit amplitude and enhanced backscatter from microbubbles, the signal to clutter ratios for both the fundamental (-11 dB) and harmonic (-4 dB) vascular flow signals were greater than conventional power Doppler (-51 dB) without contrast agent. Clinical results demonstrated the feasibility and potential utility of displaying in real-time both perfusion and vascular flow using ultrasound contrast agents.
Deregulation of MicroRNA Underlies Severe Congenital Neutropenia Pathogenesis

The zinc finger protein Growth factor independent-1 (Gfi1) is a transcriptional repressor that regulates hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance and granulocytic lineage differentiation. Humans with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) display mutations in GFI1 (encoding GFI1N382S) which generate dominant negative acting proteins. GFI1N382S proteins sequester limiting cofactors to deregulate a subset of GFI1 target genes. Here we show that Gfi1 is a master regulator of microRNAs and suggest that that transcriptional control of microRNA genes is critical for GFI1N382S-associated SCN phenotypes. First, the expression of Gfi1 and miR21 and miR-196 is reciprocal: 1) in wild type and Gfi1−/− marrow cells, 2) during normal differentiation from common myeloid progenitors (CMP) to granulocyte monocyte progenitors (GMP), 3) during treatment-induced differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cell lines, and 4) upon conditional deletion of Gfi1 in primary sorted murine CMP and GMP. Biochemical analyses reveal that miR21 and miR-196 are direct transcriptional targets of Gfi1. Subsequently, forced expression of wild type Gfi1 rescues expression of microRNA in Gfi1−/− Lin- bone marrow cells, while forced expression of Gfi1N382S in wild type Lin- bone marrow cells significantly deregulates miR-21 and miR-196 expression. Similarly, we demonstrate elevated miR21 and miR196b levels in CD34+ cells from a GFI1N382S SCN patient. Flow cytometric analysis and colony assays reveal that the overexpression or knockdown of either miR induces changes in myeloid development, but that co-expression of both miR (as seen in Gfi1−/− mice and GFI1N382S SCN patients) completely blocks G-CSF-induced granulopoiesis. These data provide a molecular understanding of SCN disease pathogenesis.
Producing communities and commodities: Safaricom and commercial nationalism in Kenya:

This research analyses Safaricom, one of the most established mobile operators in Kenya. Alongside the provision of mobile services, Safaricom has closely engaged with the government of Kenya, even getting involved in the nation’s politics. This study examines Safaricom’s advertisements from 2010-2014 to explore its use of national sentiment in its marketing. We argue that the ads reflect a commitment to promoting the country and its products through discourses of ‘commercial nationalism’, which present Safaricom as a driver of economic growth and development in Kenya. These discourses link Kenyan identity and distinctiveness to consumerism, commercial and economic success, profit and upward social mobility.
Law enforcement and cardiovascular risk: Findings of a cross-sectional study from Rural Karnataka

Background: Police personnel experience job-related factors that put them at risk of heart disease. Close encounter with difficult situations and unpredictability of working hours pose them with high stress which can increase the chance of heart disease. Aims and Objective: The current study aims to find out the prevalence of individual and aggregated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and a10 year risk prediction of a fatal or non-fatal cardiac events using the Framingham risk score. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 60 police personnel of Devanahalli Taluk in Bangalore rural district. The study comprised a pre tested semi structured questionnaire; body mass index, waist circumference, waist hip ratio systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, and random plasma glucose estimation. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated for Framingham risk score with individual CVD risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression was done to measure the association of CVD risk factors with Framingham risk score. Results: The prevalence of aggregated cardiovascular risk was high, 85% of them had a combination of 2 or more risk factors. Greater age (> 50 years), smoking, waist circumference, waist hip ratio and presence of hypertension were significantly associate with high 10 year CVD risk categories. Age and systolic blood pressure showed a significant positive correlation with CVD risk. Conclusion: An alarming 40% of the police personnel had a high risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiac event in the next 10 years. This warrants the need for regular CVD risk factor screening and targeted health education programs along with lifestyle modification counselling. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 49-54
Analyzing Military Connectedness and Children's Individual Adaptation with Multinomial Propensity Score Matching.

Research demonstrates students with a family member serving in the military often experience deleterious effects on their developmental outcomes. This study addresses two knowledge gaps in this are...
A mobile pool of contaminated sediment in the Penobscot Estuary, Maine, USA.

Abstract The natural recovery of estuaries from contamination is largely determined by the timescale over which contaminated sediment is exported or buried and replaced by cleaner sediment that enters from the watershed or the ocean. That timescale depends on the size of the “pool” of contaminated sediment that resides in the estuary. The larger the pool, the longer the recovery timescale for a given rate of sediment input. A field study was undertaken as part of a study of mercury contamination in the Penobscot estuary to assess the mechanisms affecting the transport and fate of contaminated sediment. Based on measurements of water properties, currents and sediment transport and seabed samples analyzed for sediment properties and contaminant concentrations, a “mobile pool” of contaminated sediment with relatively uniform geochemical characteristics along a 20-km reach of the estuary was identified. This pool of sediment is mobilized seasonally by resuspension and trapping processes associated with salinity fronts that vary in location with discharge conditions. Sediment is transported down-estuary during high discharge and up-estuary during low discharge, with seasonal, bi-directional transport of sediment in the estuary significantly exceeding the annual input of new sediment from the watershed. This continual, bi-directional transport leads to homogenization of the chemical properties of the mobile sediment, including contaminant concentrations. The large mass of mobile sediment relative to the input of sediment from the watershed helps explain the long recovery timescale of contaminants in the Penobscot estuary.
Evaluation of a reservation-based intersection control algorithm for hurricane evacuation with autonomous vehicles

Abstract A reservation-based intersection control algorithm was implemented for hurricane evacuation in a connected and autonomous vehicle environment. The autonomous reservation-based intersection control (AReBIC) algorithm receives and processes reservation requests from approaching vehicles in real-time and routes them free of conflict. The proposed algorithm was implemented in a simulation model of a road network in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The AReBIC algorithm outperformed the next best optimal signal control on all operational measures. The average speeds more than doubled and total delay decreased by 80%. While the total number of conflicts were comparable for AReBIC and optimal signal control, AReBIC traded the more severe crossing conflicts with less severe rear-end conflicts. The same superior performance of AReBIC was realized when transit signal priority was implemented in the study network. While the results are promising, a few practical issues should be addressed prior to any real-world implementation of reservation-based intersection control during evacuation. These issues include, latency and accuracy of communications, accommodation of pedestrians, accounting for incidents, and cybersecurity.
Reversibly Bound Kinesin-1 Motor Proteins Propelling Microtubules Demonstrate Dynamic Recruitment of Active Building Blocks.

Biological materials and systems often dynamically self-assemble and disassemble, forming temporary structures as needed and allowing for dynamic responses to stimuli and changing environmental conditions. However, this dynamic interplay of localized component recruitment and release has been difficult to achieve in artificial molecular-scale systems, which are usually designed to have long-lasting, stable bonds. Here, we report the experimental realization of a molecular-scale system that dynamically assembles and disassembles its building blocks while retaining functionality. In our system, filaments (microtubules) recruit biomolecular motors (kinesins) to a surface engineered to allow for the reversible binding of the kinesin-1 motors. These recruited motors work to propel the cytoskeletal filaments along the surface. After the microtubules leave the motors behind, the trail of motors disassembles, releasing the motors back into solution. Engineering such dynamic systems may allow us to create material...
Photoactivatable Sensors for Detecting Mobile Zinc

Fluorescent sensors for mobile zinc are valuable for studying complex biological systems. Because these sensors typically bind zinc rapidly and tightly, there has been little temporal control over the activity of the probe after its application to a sample. The ability to control the activity of a zinc sensor in vivo during imaging experiments would greatly improve the time resolution of the measurement. Here, we describe photoactivatable zinc sensors that can be triggered with short pulses of UV light. These probes are prepared by functionalizing a zinc sensor with protecting groups that render the probe insensitive to metal ions. Photoinduced removal of the protecting groups restores the binding site, allowing for zinc-responsive changes in fluorescence that can be observed in live cells and tissues.
High Performance Vertical GaN-on-GaN p-n Power Diodes With Hydrogen-Plasma-Based Edge Termination

This letter reports the first implementation of a hydrogen-plasma-based edge termination technique (HPET) in vertical GaN p-n power diodes grown on bulk GaN substrates using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The device with a 9- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick drift layer exhibited a high breakdown voltage ( ${V}_{\textsf {bd}}$ ) of 1.57 kV, a low ON-resistance ( ${R}_{\mathrm{ ON}}$ ) of 0.45 $\text{m}\Omega ~ \cdot $ cm2 (or 0.70 $\text{m}\Omega ~\cdot $ cm2 with current spreading considered) and a high Baliga’s figure-of-merit ( ${V}^{\textsf {2}}_{\textsf {bd}}/{R}_{\mathrm{ ON}}$ ) of 5.5 GW/cm2 (or 3.6 GW/cm2) without passivation or field plate, which are close to the theoretical limit of GaN. This technique enabled a significant reduction in leakage current (~106 times at −300 V) and a huge enhancement in ${V}_{\textsf {bd}}$ (from ~300 V to 1.57 kV). Furthermore, the device showed good forward characteristics with a turn-ON voltage of 3.5 V, an ON-current of ~2 kA/cm2 (or 1.3 kA/cm2), an ON/OFF ratio of ~109, and an ideality factor of 1.4. This work shows the HPET can serve as an effective, low cost, and easy-to-implement edge termination technique for high voltage and high power GaN p-n power diodes.
Predictors of hospital stay in normotensive acute pulmonary embolism: a retrospective pilot study.

Introduction: The aim of our study is to determine the clinical, biochemical, and imaging factors that affect the duration of hospital stay in patients admitted with normotensive acute pulmonary embolism. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study conducted in a community hospital in New York metropolitan area for patients admitted from October 2015 to October 2017. Results: A total of 79 patients were included, the mean age was 55.76 (SD = 17.33), 29 cases were males (37%) and 50 cases were females (63%). Among all patients, 17 cases had short length of stay (LOS) (≤2 days) and 62 cases had long LOS (>2 days). There were statistically significant differences in age (p = .041), presence of lung disease (p = .036), number of comorbidities (p = .043), and pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) scores (original and simplified; p = .002 and .001, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that PESI score significantly predicted long LOS (OR 1.067, 95% CI [1.001, 1.137], p = .048). Similarly, sPESI significantly predicted long LOS (OR 0.223, 95% CI [0.050, 0.999], p = .050). Both regression models were adjusted for age, lung disease, and number of comorbidities. Conclusion: Both original and simplified PESI scores were statistically significant predictors of duration of hospital stay. Patients with multiple comorbidities or with chronic lung disease were also likely to have prolonged hospital stay. None of the cardiac biomarkers affected the duration of hospital stay, neither did the presence of right ventricular dysfunction nor treatment modality.
A new method for analyzing and visualizing plasma simulations using a phase-space tessellation

We apply a novel phase-space interpolation technique referred to as the simplex-in-cell (SIC) method to analyze two- and three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of electromagnetic plasmas. SIC relies on a discretization of the initial phase-space distribution function into simplices, which allows an approximation to the full, continuously defined distribution function to be constructed at any later time in the simulation. This allows densities, currents, and even full momentum distribution functions to be measured at any point in the simulation domain without averaging over control volumes. The SIC approach applies to any PIC simulation for which a tessellation of the initial particle distribution can be constructed. In this study, we use outputs from standard PIC simulations of the Weibel instability and compare physical quantities such as charge and current densities calculated in postprocessing using SIC and standard particle deposits. Using 2D simulations with 1–65 536 particles-per-cell, we find that SIC eliminates discrete particle noise and in some cases can reach a given noise level using ∼1000 times fewer simulation particles than with standard particle deposition schemes. In regions of low density, such as between current filaments, SIC is able to capture small amplitude features even with fewer particles than gridpoints due to the deformable nature of the SIC volume elements. By calculating momentum distributions, we show how SIC can capture low density tails in the spectrum using far fewer particles than are necessary for standard particle deposits. We calculate the charge density on spatial grids of increasing resolution to demonstrate the ability of SIC to reveal fine-scale details that are not accessible with standard particle deposits. Finally, we show how SIC can be extended to 3D and give an example of its use to calculate the charge density from 3D PIC simulations of the Weibel instability. These results motivate the future implementation of SIC directly in the simulation force calculation for a novel low-noise electromagnetic plasma simulation method.
Differential effects of citrus peel extracts on growth of Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum, andP. expansum☆

Abstract Most pathogenic species of Penicillium have a limited host range, suggesting unique adaptations to particular hosts. P. digitatum and P. italicum are primarily pathogens of mature citrus fruit, while P. expansum has a broad host range, but does not infect citrus. One possible basis of host specificity is that the pathogens are physiologically adapted to grow in the presence of the many bioactive compounds present in the citrus peel. To test this, peels from the fruit of seven Citrus sp. were extracted with 80% ethanol, concentrated and standardized. Growth of P. digitatum, P. italicum and P. expansum on potato dextrose broth, alone, or plus extract, was quantified by measuring conversion of the vital stain, thiazol blue. All citrus peel extracts stimulated growth of P. digitatum andP. italicum at greater dilution and to a greater degree than P. expansum. ‘Marsh’ grapefruit extract was separated into hexanes, ethyl acetate and aqueous partitioning fractions. The aqueous fraction was active at the greatest dilution tested, the hexanes fraction was active only at the highest concentration tested, while the ethyl acetate fraction had no stimulatory activity. When the aqueous and hexanes fractions were combined, growth increased tremendously, indicating a synergistic effect. The primary growth stimulating component in the hexanes fraction of grapefruit was identified as nootkatone. Growth ofP. digitatum and P. italicum is stimulated by components present in citrus peel. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
A Co/Autoethnography of Feminist Teaching

We approach self-study as the people we are: We take from our self-studies what we can. We are reminded of Deleuze (1990/1995) writing about the students who took his courses: “nobody took in everything, but everyone took what they needed or wanted, what they could use” (as quoted by St. Pierre, 2004, p. 139).
Screening designs for model selection

The problem of designing an experiment for selecting a good model from a set of models of interest is discussed in the setting where all factors have two levels. The models considered involve main effects and a few two-factor interactions. Two criteria for the selection of designs for model screening are introduced. One criterion selects designs that allow the maximum number of distinct models to be estimated (estimation capacity). The other maximizes the capability of the design to discriminate among competing models (model discrimination). Two-level orthogonal designs for 12, 16, and 20 runs that are optimal with respect to these criteria are constructed and tabulated for practical use. In addition, several approaches are discussed for the construction of nonorthogonal designs. The chapter includes new results on orthogonal designs that are effective for model discrimination.
A toolkit for evaluating spatially targeted urban redevelopment incentives: Methods, lessons, and best practices

This article offers a comprehensive and practical guide to program evaluation methods as they apply to spatially targeted urban redevelopment incentives (STURIs). We review the basic workings of se...
Teach For America and Teacher Quality: Increasing Achievement Over Time:

Teach For America (TFA), a prominent alternative teacher certification program, has evolved substantially since it began in 1989. However, most studies ignore this potential variation when evaluati...
Outcomes of combination therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma - A retrospective study.

IntroductionRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a highly vascularized and immunogenic tumor. At the time of this study, there was limited published data on the combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors a...
Lung Cancer Recurrence: 18F-FDG PET/CT in Clinical Practice.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to summarize the clinical utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of lung cancer recurrence with an emphasis on typical anatomic and metabolic patterns...
A review of novel STING bulking agents.

Summary Objective The objective of this study was to review the literature to compare the efficacy and complications of polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) with the current standard of care, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA), when used to treat VUR in the paediatric population. Methods PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched. Keywords included Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), endoscopic; endoscopic injection, endoscopic treatment, dulking material, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer, polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer, Deflux, Dexell, Vantris, Bulkamid, outcome, treatment and children. Prospective or retrospective studies comparing PAHG/PPC directly with Dx/HA were included for review. Results Four studies were identified comparing PPC with Dx/HA. All studies showed superior efficacy (on micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) at 3 months) of PPC over Dx/HA. However, 1 study identified a significantly higher rate of vesicoureteric junction obstruction (VUJO) in the PPC group. One study was identified comparing PAHG with Dx/HA which showed similar efficacy on 3-month MCUG. Conclusions Current data suggest PPC confers a higher resolution rate of VUR and PAHG confers comparable resolution rates for VUR compared with Dx/HA in the paediatric population. However, the incidence of late-onset VUJO in one study is concerning, and high-quality randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed before making further recommendations.
Hydrogels for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

Skeletal muscle is made up of hundreds of multinucleated, aligned fibers that work together during contraction. While smaller injuries are typically able to be repaired by the body, large volumetric muscle loss (VML) typically results in loss of function. Tissue engineering (TE) applications that use cells seeded onto hydrogels are one potential option for regenerating the lost tissue. Hydrogels are described as soft crosslinked polymeric networks with high water content that simulates the body’s natural aqueous environment. They can be formulated from many different starting materials into biocompatible, biodegradable systems. Fabrication methods such as electrospinning, freeze-drying, molding, and 3D printing can be used with the hydrogel solution to form 3D structures. In this review, natural, semi-synthetic, synthetic, and composite hydrogels for skeletal muscle regeneration are discussed. It was ascertained that the majority of the current research focused on natural polymeric hydrogels including collagen, gelatin, agarose, alginate, fibrin, chitosan, keratin, and combinations of the aforementioned. This category was followed by a discussion of composite hydrogels, defined in this review as at least one synthetic and one natural polymer combined to form a hydrogel, and these are the next most favored materials. Synthetic polymer hydrogels came in third with semi-synthetic polymers, chemically modified natural polymers, being the least common. While many of the hydrogels show promise for skeletal muscle regeneration, continued investigation is needed in order to regenerate a functional muscle tissue replacement. Skeletal muscle tissue engineering focuses on regenerating large amounts of skeletal muscle tissue lost due to tumor removal, traumatic injuries, and/or disease. Neither natural repair processes by the body nor current medical interventions are able to completely restore function after volumetric muscle loss. Thus, scientists are investigating alternative approaches to regenerate the lost muscle, restore function, and increase patient quality of life. This review paper summarizes the research from 2013 to early 2018 using hydrogels, a soft material with a high water content, as a tool to regenerate muscle. The review is categorized into hydrogels made from natural materials, semi-synthetic materials, synthetic materials, and composite materials (at least one natural and one synthetic material combined).
Linear accelerator-based single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy for symptomatic vertebral body hemangiomas: The Mayo Clinic experience

Abstract Symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas (SVHs) are rare benign tumors that when symptomatic require procedural intervention or radiotherapy (RT). Although conventionally-fractionated RT has been an alternative to surgical resection, there is very little data on stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for SVHs. Six consecutively treated patients with SVHs underwent definitive single-fraction SBRT from 2010 to 2018 at our institution. The RT planning parameters, treatment, outcome, and toxicities are reported for 6 patients with 6 total SVHs treated with single-fraction SBRT. Each patient presented with back pain and received single-fraction SBRT to a thoracic vertebral body hemangioma. One patient had received radiofrequency ablation prior to SBRT. The median SBRT dose was 18 Gy (range, 13–20). Following SBRT, 4 (67%) patients reported improvement in presenting symptoms and 2 patients (33%) were refractory. There were no acute or chronic toxicities associated with SBRT including esophagitis, vertebral compression fractures, or myelopathy. To date, this is the largest series of single-fraction SBRT for SVHs. Single fraction SBRT appears to be a feasible option for SVHs. Further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings and optimize dose fractionation.
Reply to Koonin et al.: Evolution of proteins is Darwinian

I am grateful to Koonin et al. (1) for highlighting the question of whether positive Darwinian evolution occurs at the molecular level, or only neutral evolution (generally accepted). In a series of papers, I have displayed evidence for positive Darwinian evolution of proteins, using a new hydropathic method based on statistical physics (self-organized criticality) (2) and (synchronizable) network theory (3, 4). While the main structural features of proteins have been formed over long times, the recent evolution of many proteins shows features evolving with function in a way not explained by conservation of the protein fold. A classic example is hen egg white, whose peptide backbone has remained … [↵][1]1Email: jcphillips8{at}comcast.net. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Development and testing of the AXBT Realtime Editing System (ARES)

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Physical Oceanography at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution September 2020.
Outcome of Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention With Modular Component Exchange in Acute Culture-Negative Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

Abstract Background Modular component exchange and culture-directed antibiotic treatment is routinely employed for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, as many as 7%-23% of PJIs have been reported to yield negative culture results. The efficacy of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) with modular component exchange in the setting of acute culture negative PJI remains largely unknown. The aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of DAIR with modular component exchange in acute culture-positive and culture-negative PJI. Methods A total of 149 consecutive patients with primary total joint replacements (90 total knee arthroplasties and 59 total hip arthroplasties) who underwent DAIR with modular component exchange for acute PJI with at least 3 years of follow-up were evaluated: (1) 46 culture-negative PJI patients and (2) 103 culture-positive PJI patients. Reinfection and aseptic revision rates along with complication rates were compared. Results The reinfection rate for DAIR in acute culture-negative PJI was 13.0% compared to 19.4% in culture-positive PJI (P = .48). Mean survival time from reinfection between culture-negative (7.7 ± 0.4 years) and culture-positive (7.4 ± 0.3 years) PJI groups did not differ significantly (P = .40). Aseptic revision rates were 8.7% and 4.9% (P = .46), respectively, with loosening being the primary reason for implant failure in both cohorts. Conclusions Despite lack of an identifying organism to guide postoperative antibiotic therapy, DAIR with modular component exchange for acute culture-negative PJI was associated with similar reinfection rates compared to acute culture-positive PJI, suggesting that culture negativity may not be a contraindication to DAIR in patients with acute PJI.
Intensive but tender care for infant ALL.

In this issue of Blood, Tomizawa et al report remarkably improved outcomes for 90 infants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by providing excellent supportive care while receiving intensive chemotherapy and the use of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) for specific high-risk groups.
Consensus-based recommendations in respiratory medicine

When conducted by experts in a field, a Delphi-like process called the CORE process can yield recommendations that are highly concordant with guideline recommendations that have been informed by a systematic review of the literaturehttps://bit.ly/3klCSua
Improving Operating Room Efficiency Using the Six Sigma Methodology.

Abstract Objective To help improve operating room efficiency in a tertiary care facility, Six Sigma analysis was utilized. Six Sigma is a technique driven by data, methodology, and a philosophy of continuous improvement to help create a system in which 99.99966% of products are free from defects. This process helps to reduce variability and waste in production, while increasing quality and decreasing cost of the final product. Methods The steps of define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) methodology were used. Variables measured included close-to-cut time, patient-out to patient-in time, and room utilization. Statistical analysis was conducted, while an individual was sent to shadow various levels of operating room personnel to help recognize possible shortcomings in the system, including communication and coordination errors. Results Baseline results were recorded for each surgical specialty to help determine the specific needs of each OR team. Changes in workflow, such as staggered start anesthesia times, were recommended for each level of personnel based on statistical analysis and observation. Results were followed for several years with initial data showing success of the process. However, ongoing construction and resistance to change has prevented further review. Conclusion While Six Sigma can be a valuable tool, it is essential to have a proper leadership team that includes all stake holders. The process requires horizontal and vertical leadership as well as buy-in from all individuals affected by the process. The synergy of these factors is key for success.
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Failure to Wean from ECMO: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory complications and other systemic illnesses. Respiratory dynamics in an obese patient, combined with modified lung physiology of ARDS, present a significant challenge in managing obese patients with ARDS. Many physicians think of obesity as a relative contraindication to ECMO. We performed a meta-analysis to see the effect of obesity on weaning from ECMO and survival to hospital discharge. Methods We searched online databases for studies on ECMO and obesity. The search yielded 49 citations in total; after extensive review, six studies were assessed and qualified to be included in the final analysis. Patients were stratified into BMI >30 kg/m2 (obese) and BMI < 30 kg/m2 (nonobese). Results In meta-analysis, there was a total sample population of 1285 patients, with 466 in the obese group and 819 in the nonobese group. There was no significant difference in weaning from ECMO when compared between obese and nonobese patients, with a risk ratio of 1.03 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.94-1.13 (heterogeneity: chi2 = 7.44, df = 4 (p=0.11), I2 = 46%). There was no significant difference in survival rates between obese and nonobese patients who were treated with ECMO during hospitalization, with a risk ratio of 1.04 and 95% CI of 0.86-1.25 (heterogeneity: Tau2 0.03, chi2 = 14.61, df = 5 (p=0.01), I2 = 66%). Conclusion Our findings show no significant difference in survival and weaning from ECMO in obese vs. nonobese patients. ECMO therapy should not be withheld from obese patients, as obesity is not a contraindication to ECMO.
Severe Granulomatous Rosacea with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Rosacea and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) are chronic inflammatory dermatoses. To our knowledge, no cases of granulomatous rosacea (GR) associated with CLE have been previously reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 38-year-old female patient who presented to our clinic with a diffuse scaly facial erythema, with the codiagnoses of GR and CLE later confirmed with clinicopathological correlation.
The American Economy and Institutions with Sino-US Trade

This chapter outlines economic characteristics that shape the Sino-US trading relationship and gives an overview of trade policymaking in both countries. Although this chapter focuses on the United States, much of it is relevant to other Western countries. The purpose of this chapter is twofold—(1) to lay a foundation for the theory in subsequent chapters and (2) to refute common political, often populist, arguments about the harm of trade with China and its causes. Trade is a positive sum game, but it imposes some overlooked costs. These costs are a result of the specifics of the trade policymaking processes in each country which produce a playing field asymmetrically tilted in China’s favor.
Response to Friedman on Narveson on Abortion

Friedman (2017) is a response to Narveson (2016). The former starts out with the following words:
The impact of TiN capping Layer on NiSi, CoSi/sub 2/, and Co/sub x/Ni/sub 1-x/Si/sub 2/ FUSI metal gate work function adjustment

The impact of TiN capping layer on dual work functions of Ni, Co, and Co-Ni fully silicided (FUSI) metal gates was investigated. It was found that the TiN capping layer significantly altered the distribution of both n- and p-dopants during the FUSI process, which in turn changed the work functions of both As-doped and B-doped in the three FUSI metal gate systems. The work function tuning was found to have a linear relationship with the change of dopant level at the silicides/dielectric interface after adding TiN capping layer. The investigation of TiN capping layer on FUSI provided some insights on work function tuning mechanism in FUSI systems. This work also suggested a new methodology for optimizing the nMOS and pMOS work functions for CMOS device applications.
Matching an opponent's performance in a real-time, dynamic environment

In this paper, we explore high-level, strategic learning in a real-time environment. Our long-term goal is to create a computer game that provides a continuous challenge without ever being too difficult that discourages players or too easy that it bores players. Towards this goal, we propose an agent that is able to observe its environment, measure its performance against the human player(s), and carries out appropriate actions to maintain that challenge. The agent also learns about its reasoning process through reinforcement. We have applied our methodology to the video game Unreal Tournament 2003. The preliminary results are encouraging.
Nash Equilibrium (Pure and Mixed)

This article defines and examines the Nash equilibrium solution concept for noncooperative strategic form games. Examples of canonical (2 × 2) bimatrix form games are used to demonstrate that a noncooperative strategic form game may have a unique pure or mixed strategy Nash equilibrium (Prisoners' Dilemma and Matching Pennies, respectively), may have both pure and mixed strategy Nash equilibria (Battle of the Sexes), or an infinite number of Nash equilibria. Nash's application of the Kakutani fixed point theorem to prove the existence of equilibria is discussed and applied to specific games. Motivated by the possible multiplicity of Nash equilibria in noncooperative strategic form games, the number of equilibria, the construction of games with a unique, prespecified equilibrium, and the calculation of equilibria are considered. The article concludes with a short description of the attempts to refine the Nash equilibrium concept, including perfect and proper equilibria, as well as evolutionary stability. Keywords: Nash equilibrium; mixed strategy; best-response correspondence; equilibrium refinement; bimatrix games
THE IMPACT OF SUBJECT MATTER AND EDUCATION COURSEWORK ON TEACHING PERFORMANCE

As a part of the effort to evaluate the effectiveness of teacher education program, Arkansas Tech University assessed the extent to wich education and subject matter coursework predict the teaching performance of student teachers completing the program. The findings of this study add to the body of research indicating that teacher education makes a difference in teaching performance.
Hepatic Stellate Cells and Liver Fibrosis

Abstract Substantial evidence now exists to recognize hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as the main matrix-producing cells in the process of liver fibrosis. Liver injury of any etiology will ultimately lead to activation of HSCs, which undergo transdifferentiation to fibrogenic myofibroblast-like cells. Quantitative analysis of HSC activation by immunohistochemistry has been shown to be useful in predicting the rate of progression of liver fibrosis in some clinical situations. In the activation process, transforming growth factor β is thought to be the main mediator of fibrogenesis and platelet-derived growth factor is the major inducer of HSC proliferation. Different platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor β inhibitors have been shown to effectively prevent liver fibrosis in animal models and represent promising therapeutic agents for humans.
The role of frontal dysfunction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Among diverse postulations concerning the etiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), frontal dysfunction remains strong. The influences of frontal systems on attention, particular...
Survey on data-driven industrial process monitoring and diagnosis

Abstract This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the methods and applications of data-driven fault detection and diagnosis that have been developed over the last two decades. The scope of the problem is described with reference to the scale and complexity of industrial process operations, where multi-level hierarchical optimization and control are necessary for efficient operation, but are also prone to hard failure and soft operational faults that lead to economic losses. Commonly used multivariate statistical tools are introduced to characterize normal variations and detect abnormal changes. Further, diagnosis methods are surveyed and analyzed, with fault detectability and fault identifiability for rigorous analysis. Challenges, opportunities, and extensions are summarized with the intent to draw attention from the systems and control community and the process control community.
RELATIONAL DISTANCE IN MANAGING CONFLICT

This study assessed the extent to which providing a problem-solving structure to conflicting dyads might impact members' use of language to mark their relational distance. It was hypothesized that conflicting subjects instructed to use a set of decision rules to resolve the conflict would use less immediate and more formal relational code choices than conflicting subjects free to resolve the conflict in any manner they chose. This hypothesis was confirmed for the immediacy, but not the formality variable. The discussion section suggested that because decision rules may encourage conflicting dyads to use less “liking” language to resolve their dispute, such rules may serve to discourage participants from creating more integrative solutions to conflicts.
An integration of habitat evaluation, individual based modeling, and graph theory for a potential black bear population recovery in southeastern Texas, USA

Population recovery is difficult for species that require large contiguous areas of habitat, particularly within areas of heterogeneous land ownerships. Ecologically, potential for recovery success requires assessment of quantity, quality, and distribution of available habitat. Our objective was to evaluate habitat for a possible Louisiana black bear recovery in southeastern Texas. First, we categorized land cover and identified remote areas of highly suitable habitat. Next, we used the individual based simulation model J-walk to estimate ability of female black bears to move among remote habitat patches. Then, we applied graph theory to J-walk output to evaluate overall connectivity of remote habitat. An estimated 225,626 ha of remote habitat were identified in 901 patches, most of which was located within the eastern half of the study area. Network analysis showed specific areas where targeted conservation efforts may help black bear population expansion throughout the study region. Ultimately, enough habitat area exists to sustain a black bear population and it is best connected among public and private lands largely within the eastern half of the study area. Habitat evaluation will need to be revisited if black bears establish themselves locally and actual habitat use data become available. Regardless, our analysis demonstrates an important first step that may be incorporated into a larger adaptive management framework, updated, and replicated as more-detailed habitat suitability and land use data are available.
Advanced control of crystallization processes

Abstract A key bottleneck in the production of pharmaceuticals and many other products is the formation of crystals from solution. The control of the crystal size distribution can be critically important for efficient downstream operations such as filtration and drying, and product effectiveness (e.g., bioavailability, tablet stability). This paper provides an overview of recent developments in the control of crystallization processes, including activities in sensor technologies, model identification, experimental design, process simulation, robustness analysis, and optimal control.
Recent Advances in Two Dimensional Femtosecond Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (2D-FSRS)

2D-FSRS can be implemented as either a 5th- or 7th-order nonlinear spectroscopy to probe vibrational anharmonicity with femtosecond laser pulses. Herein, we explore the effects of phasematching, concentration and pulse chirp on the Raman signal.