cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modified progressive edge-growth algorithm based LDPC coded-modulation for 400 Gb/s optical transport

We propose a polarization-multiplexed iterative polar quantization (IPQ)-based LDPC-coded-modulation scheme suitable for beyond 400 Gb/s serial optical transmission. The component LDPC codes are designed using modified progressive edge-growth (MPEG) algorithm. The proposed scheme employs 32-IPQ-based-modulation.
Entomogenous Nematodes as Biological Control Agents of European Chafer and Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Larvae Infesting Turfgrass

In laboratory studies, infective juveniles of Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (=Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser) (All strain) and Heteorhabditis heliothidis (Khan, Brooks & Hirschmann) were tested for their ability to control third-instar European chafer (EC), Rhizotrogus majalis (Razoumowsky), in soil at rates from 19.4-310.0 nematodes per cm2 of soil surface. H. heliothidis provided better control of EC larvae than S. feltiae over the range of rates tested. After 25 d, treatment with H. heliothidis provided 94% control of larvae at the lowest rate tested (19.4 per cm2). In a field test in turf against a mixed population of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, and EC larvae, H. heliothidis (310 per em2) provided >60% control (47 d after treatment), which was equivalent to the control achieved with the labeled rates of chlorpyrifos, trichlorfon, and isofenphos against this combination of white grubs.
Implementation of culturally targeted patient navigation system for screening colonoscopy in a direct referral system

Low-income minorities often face system-based and personal barriers to screening colonoscopy (SC). Culturally targeted patient navigation (CTPN) programs employing professional navigators (Pro-PNs) or community-based peer navigators (Peer-PNs) can help overcome barriers but are not widely implemented. In East Harlem, NY, USA, where approximately half the residents participate in SC, 315 African American patients referred for SC at a primary care clinic with a Direct Endoscopic Referral System were recruited between May 2008 and May 2010. After medical clearance, 240 were randomized to receive CTPN delivered by a Pro-PN (n = 106) or Peer-PN (n = 134). Successful navigation was measured by SC adherence rate, patient satisfaction and navigator trust. Study enrollment was 91.4% with no significant differences in SC adherence rates between Pro-PN (80.0%) and Peer-PN (71.3%) (P = 0.178). Participants in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction and trust. These findings suggest that CTPN Pro-PN and Peer-PN programs are effective in this urban primary care setting. We detail how we recruited and trained navigators, how CTPN was implemented and provide a preliminary answer to our questions of the study aims: can peer navigators be as effective as professionals and what is the potential impact of patient navigation on screening adherence?
Delayed maturity associated with southern green stink bug (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) injury at various soybean phenological stages.

Delayed maturity in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., occurred in response to infestation by southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), in 4 yr of field studies. Maturity delays followed stink bug infestation that occurred only during the pod set and filling stages (R3–R5.5), and infestations at R3–4 and R5 resulted in delayed maturity more consistently than did infestation at R5.5. Infestation levels of six stink bugs per 0.3 m of row for 7–14 d generally were required to delay soybean maturity. The greatest impact on seed yield and quality parameters followed stink bug infestations that occurred during R3–R5.5, which corresponded closely with the periods of infestation that resulted in delayed maturity. If both delayed maturity and yield reduction are considered, the pod elongation through late pod filling stages were most critical for protecting soybeans from southern green stink bugs.
Cancer Cachexia (CC)

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a pathological loss of striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac) and fat stores, manifesting in the cardinal features of emaciation, weakness affecting functional status, impaired immune system, metabolic dysfunction, and poor quality of life.
A Race Against the Clock: Auctioneer Strategies and Selling Mechanisms in Live Outcry Auctions

Using data from an original survey of practicing auctioneers, this paper examines the effect of binding time constraints on the auctioneer’s selling strategy in an outcry auction. We present a time-allocation model in which the length of time allocated to the sale of an item must be traded off against its realized price. This is applied to (1) the relationship between time allocation and the ex ante value of an item; (2) the effect of the reported variation over time of the number of bidders present, on both the time allocation and the order in which items of differing value are presented for sale; and (3) the auctioneer’s use of various bidding processes, such as batching and selling by choice, from the perspective of the auctioneer’s time-revenue tradeoff. Our results corroborate and provide theoretical underpinning for observed auctioneer behavior.
Kinesin-1–powered microtubule sliding initiates axonal regeneration in Drosophila cultured neurons

Understanding the mechanism underlying axon regeneration is of great practical importance for developing therapeutic treatment for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Dramatic cytoskeleton reorganization occurs at the injury site, and microtubules have been implicated in the regeneration process. Previously we demonstrated that microtubule sliding by conventional kinesin (kinesin-1) is required for initiation of neurite outgrowth in Drosophila embryonic neurons and that sliding is developmentally down-regulated when neurite outgrowth is completed. Here we report that mechanical axotomy of Drosophila neurons in culture triggers axonal regeneration and regrowth. Regenerating neurons contain actively sliding microtubules; this sliding, like sliding during initial neurite outgrowth, is driven by kinesin-1 and is required for axonal regeneration. The injury induces a fast spike of calcium, depolymerization of microtubules near the injury site, and subsequent formation of local new microtubule arrays with mixed polarity. These events are required for reactivation of microtubule sliding at the initial stages of regeneration. Furthermore, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway promotes regeneration by enhancing microtubule sliding in injured mature neurons.
Priorities in behavioral science education: views of practicing family physicians.

Background and objectives The behavioral science curriculum in family practice residency programs consists of a wide range of diverse topics. Because of time limitations, not all topics receive equal emphasis. The goal of the present study was to replicate a previous study with family physicians practicing in a different geographical area. Methods Questionnaires were mailed to a sample of 543 family physicians in Mississippi. Respondents were asked to rate each of 28 behavioral science topics according to the priority to be given in residency education. Results One hundred eighty-five surveys were returned for a 34% response rate. The rank order of topics in the present study was highly similar to the rank order in the original study. Female physicians had higher overall mean ratings. Conclusions This sample of family physicians in Mississippi provided similar ratings to those in a previous study of family physicians trained and/or practicing in Colorado. The results support that, regardless of geographic location and practice characteristics, family physicians hold similar opinions about which behavioral science topics should receive highest priority in residency training. The behavioral science curriculum in family practice residency programs consists of a wide range of diverse topics. Because of time limitations, not all topics receive equal emphasis. Published resources provide helpful lists of topics and teaching strategies but do not specify which areas should be given priority. Consequently, behavioral science teachers may have difficulty prioritizing the topics because there is no agreement on the core competencies to be given highest priority in residency education. In a previous study, investigators sent a survey to practicing family physicians to determine the topics of behavioral science considered to be most important in residency education. The physicians were able to identify specific topics to be given higher priority. While these previous results were useful, the study was limited by the homogeneity of the sample. All the family physicians had trained or were currently practicing in the state of Colorado. The goal of the present study was to replicate the original study with family physicians practicing in a different geographical area.
Is your research reproducible

The XRDS blog highlights a range of topics from conference coverage, to security and privacy, to CS theory. Selected blog posts, edited for print, are featured in every issue. Please visit xrds.acm.org/blog to read each post in its entirety. If you are interested in joining as a student blogger, please contact us.
Comparing American Gastroenterological Association Pancreatic Cyst Management Guidelines with Fukuoka Consensus Guidelines as Predictors of Advanced Neoplasia in Patients with Suspected Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms

Background In 2015, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) published guidelines to provide recommendations for management of suspected pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs). The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of these with the Fukuoka consensus guidelines in predicting advanced neoplasia (AN) in patients with suspected PCNs. Study Design We performed a retrospective study of 239 patients who underwent surgical resection for suspected mucinous PCN at a tertiary care center from 2000 to 2014. Surgical pathology was the gold standard. The AGA and Fukuoka criteria were applied, and their performance in predicting AN, defined as invasive cancer or high-grade dysplasia (HGD), was assessed. Results Advanced neoplasia was found in 71 of 239 (29.7%) patients (28 invasive cancer, 43 HGD). The Fukuoka "high-risk" (FG-HR) and AGA "high-risk" (AGA-HR) criteria identified patients with AN with sensitivities of 28.2% and 35.2%, specificities of 95.8% and 94.0%, positive predictive values of 74.1% and 71.4%, and negative predictive values of 75.9% and 77.5%, respectively. Overall, there was no significant difference between the guidelines for prediction of AN. There were 7 and 6 cases with invasive cancer, and 23 and 24 cases with HGD missed by the FG-HR and AGA-HR guidelines, respectively. Conclusions In a retrospective analysis, the AGA guidelines are not superior to the Fukuoka guidelines in identifying AN in suspected PCNs. Both sets of guidelines have fair PPV for detection of AN, which would lead to avoidable resections in patients without AN. Additionally, the high-risk features of both guidelines do not accurately identify all patients with AN.
CO2 Reduction on Cu at Low Overpotentials with Surface-Enhanced in Situ Spectroscopy

In situ surface-enhanced spectroscopic and reactivity investigations of the electrochemical reduction of CO2 at low overpotentials ( −0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode.
How are Vaccines Assessed in Clinical Trials

Summary A vaccine clinical development paradigm has evolved over the past four decades that involves a succession of clinical trials of increasing size and complexity. If successful, they lead to licensure of the vaccine by a national regulatory agency. Phase 1 trials enroll small numbers of participants to address preliminarily the vaccine’s safety and ability to stimulate relevant immune responses. Phase 2 trials (typically placebo-controlled) further examine the vaccine’s safety and immunogenicity and identify the immunization schedule to be used in the target population. Large-scale Phase 3 trials evaluate the vaccine’s efficacy and further assess safety. Large lot-consistency trials examine the consistency of manufacture of different lots of the vaccine. Assessment of the vaccine continues even after licensure. Post-licensure Phase 4 studies assess the safety and impact on disease burden following large-scale use of the vaccine thereby evaluating the vaccine’s performance under real-life conditions in large numbers of recipients.
The Impact of the Gender Differences Controversy on Female-Specific Physical Dating Violence Prevention Programming

Clear evidence indicates that college women perpetrate physical dating violence at rates similar to or higher than men. However, programs focused on preventing physical dating violence perpetration by women are scarce. We propose that the misperception that physical perpetration is a male-dominated problem contributes to this lack of emphasis on preventing women’s physical violence. We believe that failing to focus on programming that targets women’s perpetration further contributes to the misperception that men are the primary perpetrators of violence and limits our prevention efforts. We suggest possible solutions to address this misperception and aid in the implementation of female-inclusive violence programming.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia with t(6;9)(p23;q34).

Abstract The t(6;9)(p23;q34) is found in Complete Remission 1 year (%) 2 years (%) Median (weeks) p-value t(6;9) 54 35 53 Diploid 56 37 59 0.772 Favorable 79 54 187 0.017 Other 48 30 50 0.682 Poor-risk 22 11 24 0.021 Overall Survival 1 year (%) 2 years (%) Median (weeks) p-value t(6;9) 66 35 67 Diploid 53 34 60 0.741 Favorable 84 67 233 Other 41 24 40 0.15 Poor-risk 19 7 19
Additional carnivorans from the early Hemingfordian Miller Local Fauna, Florida

ABSTRACTOne new species of ailurid and two new genera and species of oligobunine mustelids are recognized from the early Hemingfordian (He1) Miller Local Fauna, Dixie/Levy County, Florida (U.S.A.). The ailurid is congeneric with the European early Miocene Amphictis but is smaller than the Old World species. One new oligobunine is a small hypercarnivore with a reduced metaconid and talonid on m1 and is related to Promartes and Oligobunis. The second is a small hypocarnivore with an enlarged metaconid on m1 and a relatively large m2 and is is related to Brachypsalis. Four other mustelids new to the Miller Local Fauna are the oligobunines cf. Brachypsalis sp. and cf. Oligobunis sp. and the leptarctines Craterogale cf. simus and Leptarctus ancipidens. These small carnivorans most closely resemble those of the early Hemingfordian Runningwater Formation of the better known northern Great Plains faunas and add further support that the Miller Local Fauna is older than the late early or early late Hemingfordian Th...
Phenotype, function, and differentiation potential of human monocyte subsets

Human monocytes have been grouped into classical (CD14++CD16-), non-classical (CD14dimCD16++), and intermediate (CD14++CD16+) subsets. Documentation of normal function and variation in this complement of subtypes, particularly their differentiation potential to dendritic cells (DC) or macrophages, remains incomplete. We therefore phenotyped monocytes from peripheral blood of healthy subjects and performed functional studies on high-speed sorted subsets. Subset frequencies were found to be tightly controlled over time and across individuals. Subsets were distinct in their secretion of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β in response to TLR agonists, with classical monocytes being the most producers and non-classical monocytes the least. Monocytes, particularly those of the non-classical subtype, secreted interferon-α (IFN-α) in response to intracellular TLR3 stimulation. After incubation with IL-4 and GM-CSF, classical monocytes acquired monocyte-derived DC (mo-DC) markers and morphology and stimulated allogeneic T cell proliferation in MLR; intermediate and non-classical monocytes did not. After incubation with IL-3 and Flt3 ligand, no subset differentiated to plasmacytoid DC. After incubation with GM-CSF (M1 induction) or macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) (M2 induction), all subsets acquired macrophage morphology, secreted macrophage-associated cytokines, and displayed enhanced phagocytosis. From these studies we conclude that classical monocytes are the principal source of mo-DCs, but all subsets can differentiate to macrophages. We also found that monocytes, in particular the non-classical subset, represent an alternate source of type I IFN secretion in response to virus-associated TLR agonists.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Bioengineered Tracheal Grafts: Preclinical Results and Potential for Human Use

Background We aimed to develop a process using three-dimensional (3D) printing to create bioengineered tracheal grafts (BETGs) for reconstruction of anterior tracheal defects in a large-animal model (porcine) that would have translational relevance for potential human use. Methods Preoperative computed tomographic scans were used to create virtual 3D models of the animal airways. Anatomically scaled tracheal grafts were subsequently developed using 3D-printed polycaprolactone and extracellular matrix. A 4-cm anterior tracheal defect (about 50% of the length of the subject trachea) was surgically created in 4-week-old female Yorkshire pigs and reconstructed using the customized grafts. Gross and microscopic analyses of the grafts were performed. Results The BETGs were implanted in 7 animals. There was adequate graft–native trachea size match at the operation. The trachea was successfully reconstructed in all cases. Gross examination at autopsy showed a structurally intact, well-incorporated graft. Histologic evaluation showed respiratory mucosal coverage and vascularity of the graft. Five of 7 animals outlived the 3-month study period. The animals had approximately 100% growth during the study period. Conclusions We report of a 3D-printed BETG to repair long-segment anterior tracheal defects in a large-animal model. Although the study duration is short, this work presents an efficient strategy for tracheal graft bioengineering with potential translational relevance for human use.
A Sequential Adjoint Variable Method in Design Sensitivity Analysis of NVH Problems

A design sensitivity analysis of a sequential structural-acoustic problem is presented. A frequency response analysis is used to obtain the dynamic behavior of an automotive structure, while the boundary element method is used to solve the pressure response of an interior, acoustic domain. For the purposes of design sensitivity analysis, a direct differentiation method and an adjoint variable method are presented. In the adjoint variable method, an adjoint load is obtained from the acoustic boundary element re-analysis, while the adjoint solution is calculated from the structural dynamic re-analysis. The evaluation of pressure sensitivity only involves a numerical integration process for the structural part. The proposed sensitivity results are compared to finite difference sensitivity results with excellent agreement.
Are Simulated and Observed Twentieth Century Tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Trends Significant Relative to Internal Variability

Historical trends in the tropical Pacific zonal sea surface temperature gradient (SST gradient) are analyzed herein using 41 climate models (83 simulations) and 5 observational datasets. A linear inverse model is trained on each simulation and observational dataset to assess if trends in the SST gradient are significant relative to the stationary statistics of internal variability, as would suggest an important role for external forcings such as anthropogenic greenhouse gasses. None of the 83 simulations have a positive trend in the SST gradient, a strengthening of the climatological SST gradient with more warming in the western than eastern tropical Pacific, as large as the mean trend across the 5 observational datasets. If the observed trends are anthropogenically forced, this discrepancy suggests that state-of-the-art climate models are not capturing the observed response of the tropical Pacific to anthropogenic forcing, with serious implications for confidence in future climate projections. There are caveats to this interpretation, however, as some climate models have a significant strengthening of the SST gradient between 1900-2013 C.E., though smaller in magnitude than the observational datasets, and the strengthening in 3 out of 5 observational datasets is insignificant. When combined with observational uncertainties and the possibility of centennial timescale internal variability not sampled by the LIM this suggests that confident validation of anthropogenic SST gradient trends in climate models will require further emergence of anthropogenic trends. Regardless, the differences in SST gradient trends between climate models and observational datasets are concerning and motivate the need for process-level validation of the atmosphere-ocean dynamics potentially relevant to climate change in the tropical Pacific.
A more direct way to measure glomerular albumin permeability—even in human glomeruli!

Existing methods to measure glomerular permeability are limited to relative measures using changes in size of isolated glomeruli in response to changes in oncotic pressure. Further, these techniques are not easily adapted for use with human glomeruli. In the current issue, Desideri and colleagues validate a sophisticated new technique with great promise for future understanding of the glomerular filtration barrier.
Spray Triode Electrostatic Agricultural Atomizer: Development Update

A new method for the electrostatic atomization of oil-based agricultural products was introduced in ASTM's Fifth Symposium on Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems. This atomization method involves the direct injection of charge (electrons) into the flowing spray fluid within the spray head and immediately prior to the exit port. The highly charged fluid, on exiting, forms a self-dispersive charged droplet plume. Preliminary test data obtained using a prototype charge injection device, the Spray Triode atomizer, have shown that this method offers promise for the effective, precise, and predictable dispersal of oil-based agricultural fluids. As a result of additional test characteristics, coupled with an available analytic, predictive model of Spray Triode atomizer operation, a number of design improvements have been instituted. Operational characteristics, including droplet size distribution data, are presented for various hydrocarbon oils. The data indicate that Spray Triode devices have a range of inherent capabilities that meet some agricultural product application needs. The assistance of formulators and applicators in defining these needs is solicited.
PEGylated Pharmaceutical Nanocarriers

Surface coating of various pharmaceutical nanocarriers with polyethylene glycol (PEGylation) is the most popular and elaborated method to prepare drug delivery systems capable of prolonged circulation time in the blood. Prolonged circulation is often required to provide a sufficient time for effective accumulation of drug-loaded nanocarriers in target organs or tissues. This chapter considers key properties of PEG and some other polymers, which can be used to prepare long-circulating nanocarriers, and discusses the most important biological and pharmacological consequences of PEGylation and prolonged circulation. Special attention is paid to the preparation, properties, and application of long-circulating PEGylated liposomes, a popular and clinically approved drug delivery system. PEGylated polymeric nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, dendrimers, and other pharmaceutical nanocarriers are also described. The combination of longevity and specific targeting ability (attachment of both protecting polymer and targeting ligand to the surface of nanocarriers) is discussed as the next step in the development of effective drug delivery systems.
Ovarian effects of radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy damage.

Abstract Oncologic therapy including chemotherapy and radiation can have a significant impact on ovarian function for young women and girls. Poor health outcomes and loss of fertility are major considerations. The effect of radiation and chemotherapy on ovarian function varies depending on patient age, therapy type and dosage, and cancer type. Surgical and medical interventions are available to reduce the morbidity of premature ovarian failure associated with cancer-directed therapy. Fertility preservation is an important consideration, and several options are available for it; therefore, early consultation with a reproductive or oncofertility specialist is an essential part of oncologic care in young women or girls. This chapter will focus on the effects of radiation and chemotherapy on ovarian function and strategies to improve the reproductive care in women with cancer.
Neuroimaging of Traumatic Skin Injuries and Associated Lesions

The skin, by virtue of being the largest organ in the human body and being exposed to the surroundings, is the generally first point of impact with trauma. Injury to the skin commonly is an indicator of trauma to underlying organs. Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in evaluating the extent of injury beyond the skin. This chapter reviews the clinical and imaging findings related to penetrating trauma, blunt trauma, thermal injury, and birth injury, non-accidental trauma, and associated complications involving the head and neck, such as fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, brain injuries, retained foreign bodies, orbital injuries, infection, and vascular compromise.
Effect of aboveground mass removal on toxicity of Geyers larkspur, with important implications for grazing management

The many species of larkspur (Delphinium spp. L.) are among the most dangerous poisonous plants on rangelands in the western United States, causing death losses estimated at 2-5% (up to 15%) per year for cattle grazing in larkspur habitat. Other effects, such as altered grazing management practices and consequent lost forage quantity and quality, are significant but poorly understood. Current best management practice recommendations are based on seasonal avoidance, with little evidence that this is practical or effective. Our ongoing research has presented evidence that instead it may be possible to manage grazing such that all cattle eat some larkspur, but none eat a fatal dose. This raises the question of the potential response of larkspur to being grazed. In this study we examine the response of Geyers larkspur (D. geyeri Greene ) to two seasons of 25% or 75% aboveground plant mass removal. The 75% treatment led to significantly lower alkaloid concentrations (mg/g) and pools (mg per plant), while the 25% treatment had a lesser effect. Combined with lessons from previous studies, this indicates that Geyers larkspur plants subject to aboveground mass removal such as may occur via grazing can be expected to become significantly less dangerous to cattle. We suggest that the mechanisms for this reduction are both alkaloid removal and reduced belowground root mass, as significant evidence indicates that alkaloids are synthesized and stored in the roots. These results continue to build support for our theory that the solution to the seemingly intractable challenge of larkspur poisoning lies not in avoidance but in the skill of managers and the wisdom of herds.
Civil Monetary Penalties Resulting From Violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Involving Psychiatric Emergencies, 2002 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE The objective was to describe characteristics of civil monetary penalties levied by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) related to violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) involving psychiatric emergencies. METHODS Descriptions of EMTALA-related civil monetary penalty settlements from 2002 to 2018 were obtained from the OIG. Cases related to psychiatric emergencies were identified by inclusion of key words in settlement descriptions. Characteristics of settlements involving EMTALA violations related to psychiatric emergencies including date, amount, and nature of the allegation were described and compared with settlements not involving psychiatric emergencies. RESULTS Of 230 civil monetary penalty settlements related to EMTALA during the study period, 44 (19%) were related to psychiatric emergencies. The average settlement for psychiatric-related cases was $85,488, compared with $32,004 for non-psychiatric-related cases (p < 0.001). Five (83%) of the six largest settlements during the study period were related to cases involving psychiatric emergencies. The most commonly cited deficiencies for settlements involving psychiatric patients were failure to provide appropriate medical screening examination (84%) or stabilizing treatment (68%) or arrange appropriate transfer (30%). Failure to provide stabilizing treatment was more common among cases involving psychiatric emergencies (68% vs. 51%, p = 0.041). Among psychiatric-related settlements, 18 (41%) occurred in CMS Region IV (Southeast) and nine (20%) in Region VII (Central). CONCLUSIONS Nearly one in five civil monetary penalty settlements related to EMTALA violations involved psychiatric emergencies. Settlements related to psychiatric emergencies were more costly and more often associated with failure to stabilize than for nonpsychiatric emergencies. Administrators should evaluate and strengthen policies and procedures related to psychiatric screening examinations, stabilizing care of psychiatric patients boarding in EDs, and transfer policies. Recent large, notable settlements related to EMTALA violations suggest that there is considerable room to improve access to and quality of care for patients with psychiatric emergencies.
Symmetry problems for the Helmholtz equation

Abstract Let D be a bounded domain in R 2 with a smooth boundary S , N be the unit normal to S pointing out of D , k > 0 is a constant. The class of over-determined problems of the type: ∇ 2 u + k 2 u = c 0 i n D , u | S = c 1 , u N | S = c 2 , is studied. Here u N | S is the normal derivative of u on S and c j , j = 0 , 1 , 2 , are constants. This problem was not studied as far as the author knows. Our result is the following theorem. Theorem. If | c 1 − c 0 k 2 | + | c 2 | > 0 and the above problem has a solution then D is a ball. This theorem contains several earlier results, proved by the author, including the refined Schiffer’s conjecture and the refined Pompeiu problem. This paper continues the author’s investigations of symmetry problems for partial differential equations.
A case of class 3 MEK1 mutated metastatic colorectal cancer with a non-durable tumor marker response to MEK and ERK inhibitors

Class 3 MEK1 mutations disrupt the negative regulatory helix region of MEK1 and drive constitutive activation of both pMEK and pERK that is independent of RAF and of MEK phosphorylation. Targeting MEK with trametinib resulted in mixed clinical responses in class 3 MEK1 mutated Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). The ERK inhibitor, ulixertinib, demonstrated limited anti-tumor activity in non-characterized MEK1 mutated solid tumors, with 2 out 4 patients experiencing stable disease (SD). Here, we present the case of a 52-year-old female with metastatic colon cancer harboring a MEK1E102_I103del (class 3 mutation) who progressed on standard chemotherapy and showed no response to the MEK inhibitor trametinib, the ERK inhibitor ulixertinib, and the combination of ulixertinib and the anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab. Despite progressive disease (PD), the patient exhibited a steep but short-lived tumor marker response to MEK and ERK inhibition, suggesting the emergence of early mechanisms of resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition. This report presents the first case in the literature investigating a MEK inhibitor and an ERK inhibitor (alone and in combination with anti-EGFR therapy) in metastatic colorectal cancer harboring a class 3 MEK1 mutation (E102-I103 deletion).
TCT-442 The Volume-Outcomes Relationship Between Mitral Valve Surgery and MitraClip Procedure in a U.S. Registry

Major societies’ guidelines require at least 25 surgical mitral valve procedures per year for establishing a transcatheter mitral valve repair program (MitraClip). This study sought to evaluate the effect of the surgical mitral valve procedures on MitraClip procedural outcomes. The study
Differences in Pressure Recovery Between Balloon Expandable and Self-expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valves

Pressure recovery downstream of the aortic valve constitutes an important factor affecting the calculation of pressure gradient (PG) across the valve and therefore the accuracy of the calculated aortic valve area. Some clinical studies hypothesized that stent and valve cusps design contribute to flow acceleration and Doppler-measured valve gradients across the balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve. This study aims at elucidating the physical mechanisms behind pressure recovery variations between Edwards SAPIEN 3 and Medtronic Evolut TAVs through the measurements of sensitive and precise axial pressure profiles. A 23 mm Edwards SAPIEN3 and a 26 mm Medtronic Evolut were deployed in a pulse duplicator. A Millar catheter was used to record 50 cycles of pressure data along the centerline of the valve chamber upstream and downstream of the valve. The peak PG obtained with SAPIEN at vena contracta (VC) is 18.83 ± 0.75 mmHg and after recovery, 9.56 ± 0.78 mmHg. For Evolut at VC, peak PG is 18.25 ± 0.63 mmHg and after recovery, 10.3 ± 0.57 mmHg. The differences in peak PG at VC and at the recovery were statistically significant (p < 0.001). With SAPIEN 3 at VC, the mean PG obtained is 10.11 ± 0.63 mmHg and after recovery 7.06 ± 0.46 mmHg. For Evolut, mean PG at VC is 10.45 ± 0.67 mmHg and after recovery 7.99 ± 0.61 mmHg. The differences between the mean PG between the two valves was not statistically significant at VC (p = 0.71) but significant post-recovery (p < 0.00001). While gradients at the VC are higher with the SAPIEN 3, the net gradient after pressure recovery is significantly lower compared to Evolut TAV. Efficiency of pressure recovery significantly depends on valve type due to stent interference with the recovering blood flow.
Phase-decorrelation OCT for detection of corneal softening in an enzymatic ex vivo model of ectasia (Conference Presentation)

Nearly all benchtop studies of corneal biomechanics have relied on protocols which stiffen the cornea, such as riboflavin-UV crosslinking, as a way of providing contrast and validation of biomechanical measurements. However, there are strong clinical motivations to detect softening of the cornea. In this work, we present the evidence that phase-decorrelation OCT (PhD-OCT) is able to detect a small degree of corneal softening due to enzymatic digestion. This benchtop study supports the idea that PhD-OCT may detect keratoconus and early ectasia clinically.
Large-scale analysis of the position-dependent binding and regulation of human RNA binding proteins.

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play essential roles in the regulation of RNA metabolism. Recent studies have disclosed that RBPs achieve their functions via binding to their targets in a position-dependent pattern on RNAs. However, few studies have systematically addressed the associations between the RBP’s functions and their positional binding preferences. Here, we present large-scale analyses on the functional targets of human RBPs by integrating the enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (eCLIP-seq) datasets and the shRNA knockdown followed by RNA-seq datasets that are deposited in the integrated ENCyclopedia of DNA Elements in the human genome (ENCODE) data portal. We found that (1) binding to the translation termination site and the 3′ untranslated region is important to most human RBPs in the RNA decay regulation; (2) RBPs’ binding and regulation follow a cell-type specific pattern. These analysis results show the strong relationship between the binding position and the functions of RBPs, which provides novel insights into the RBPs’ regulation mechanisms.
Effects of intermetallic compounds on the thermophysical properties of uranium –palladium alloys

Abstract The formation and migration of high-yield lanthanide fission products during reactor operation and fuel reprocessing stages continues to be a critical area of concern for evaluating the performance of metallic fast-reactor nuclear fuels, particularly the formation of lanthanide-Fe eutectic compounds at the fuel-clad interface. Palladium has been shown to be an effective fuel additive for reducing fuel-clad chemical interaction (FCCI) by binding up lanthanide fission products and preventing their interaction with cladding materials, yet very little data exists for thermodynamic and thermal transport properties of actinide-palladium alloys. To better understand the effect of U–Pd intermetallic compounds on the thermophysical properties of metallic uranium, the phase transition temperatures (Ttr) and enthalpies (ΔHtr), specific heat capacities (Cp), thermal diffusivities (D), and the densities (ρ) as a function of temperature were experimentally measured or calculated for a series of alloys in the U–Pd binary system in a temperature range from 300 to 1173 K. These values were used to calculate the thermal conductivity (k) as a function of temperature for each composition and are reported in this paper. The addition of Pd led to an increased weight fraction of UPd3 as well as a substantial reduction in both D and ρ, and a small decrease in Cp at most temperatures measured. Consequently, the addition of 5 and 10 wt % Pd to U lead to a net decrease in k values of 23 and 40%, respectively, across the entire temperature range.
Modeling Human Helpfulness with Individual and Contextual Factors for Robot Planning

Robots deployed in human-populated spaces often need human help to effectively complete their tasks. Yet, a robot that asks for help too frequently or at the wrong times may cause annoyance, and a robot that asks too infrequently may be unable to complete its tasks. In this paper, we present a model of humans’ helpfulness towards a robot in an office environment, learnt from online user study data. Our key insight is that effectively planning for a task that involves bystander help requires disaggregating individual and contextual factors and explicitly reasoning about uncertainty over individual factors. Our model incorporates the individual factor of latent helpfulness and the contextual factors of human busyness and robot frequency of asking. We integrate the model into a Bayes-Adaptive Markov Decision Process (BAMDP) framework and run a user study that compares it to baseline models that do not incorporate individual or contextual factors. The results show that our model significantly outperforms baseline models by a factor of 1.5X, and it does so by asking for help more effectively: asking 1.2X times less while still receiving more human help on average.
Retinal ganglion cell death in experimental glaucoma and after axotomy occurs by apoptosis.

Purpose To investigate whether retinal ganglion cell death in experimental glaucoma and after axotomy occurs by apoptosis. Methods Chronic elevated eye pressure was produced in 20 monkey eyes, and the optic nerve was transected unilaterally in the orbit of 10 monkeys and 14 rabbits. Sixteen monkey and 14 rabbit eyes were studied as normal controls. Analytic methods included light and electron microscopy, histochemistry for DNA fragmentation (TUNEL method), and DNA electrophoresis in agarose gels. Results Dying ganglion cells in the experimental retinas exhibited morphologic features of apoptosis, including chromatin condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies. Cells with a positive reaction for DNA fragmentation were observed in eyes subjected to axotomy and experimental glaucoma but were only rarely encountered in control eyes. No evidence of internucleosomal fragmentation was detected electrophoretically, possibly because of the small proportion of cells that were dying at any given time. Conclusion Some retinal ganglion cells injured by glaucoma and by axotomy die by apoptosis.
Topological methods reveal high and low functioning neuro-phenotypes within fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), due to mutations of the FMR1 gene, is the most common known inherited cause of developmental disability as well as the most common single-gene risk factor for autism. Our goal was to examine variation in brain structure in FXS with topological data analysis (TDA), and to assess how such variation is associated with measures of IQ and autism-related behaviors. To this end, we analyzed imaging and behavioral data from young boys (n = 52; aged 1.57–4.15 years) diagnosed with FXS. Application of topological methods to structural MRI data revealed two large subgroups within the study population. Comparison of these subgroups showed significant between-subgroup neuroanatomical differences similar to those previously reported to distinguish children with FXS from typically developing controls (e.g., enlarged caudate). In addition to neuroanatomy, the groups showed significant differences in IQ and autism severity scores. These results suggest that despite arising from a single gene mutation, FXS may encompass two biologically, and clinically separable phenotypes. In addition, these findings underscore the potential of TDA as a powerful tool in the search for biological phenotypes of neuropsychiatric disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4904–4915, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On some singular limits of homogeneous semigroups

This paper is based upon some handwritten notes Philippe sent us in late 1996, following his visit to UC Berkeley. He was interested in a scaling argument from our paper with Feldman [E-F-G], and in his notes extended this trick to cover general nonlinear evolutions governed by homogeneous accretive operators. We reproduce his proof in §2 below, and add some commentary and a few Pde examples
Microbiological Safety of Fresh-Cut Produce: Where Are We Now?

This chapter focuses on understanding and addressing the food safety needs of the fresh-cut-produce sector. The properties that make fresh-cut fruits and vegetables unique also pose equally unique challenges for their commercial development. Temperature control is an important factor for maintaining the quality and shelf lives of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Vegetable commodities include tomato, zucchini, pepper, sweet potato, and jicama. In contrast to those of the whole-produce commodity, shelf life and microbiological safety of fresh-cut produce are severely jeopardized when the produce is stored at temperatures permissive of bacterial growth (above 4№C). Another factor that is crucial to the microbiological safety of fresh-cut produce is the sanitization of equipment and containers used for cutting, dicing, and storage. Bacteriophages possess attributes to control foodborne pathogens in a novel manner by infecting bacterial cells, lysing the cells, and liberating more phage, which in turn can infect the surrounding target bacterium population. Among the greatest concerns with human pathogens on fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are enteric pathogens (e.g., E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella) that have the potential for growth prior to consumption, have low infective doses, or grow under refrigeration storage conditions (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes). Future changes to enhance food safety of ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruits and vegetables require a better understanding of risks associated with microbial adaptation to stress tolerance and higher economic incentives for producers to implement better sanitation strategies.
Varying interpolation and amalgamation in polyadic MV-algebras

We prove several interpolation theorems for many-valued infinitary logic with quantifiers by studying expansions of MV-algebras in the spirit of polyadic and cylindric algebras. We prove for various reducts of polyadic MV-algebras of infinite dimensions that if is the free algebra in the given signature, , is in the subalgebra of generated by , is in the subalgebra of generated by and , then there exists an interpolant in the subalgebra generated by and such that . We call this a varying interpolation property because the integer depends on the inequality . We also address cases where this interpolation property fails, but other weaker (also varying) ones hold. One such interpolation theorem says that though an interpolant may not be found as above, an interpolant can always be found if finitely many universal quantifiers are applied to making it smaller and the same number of existential quantifiers are applied to making it bigger. This number of quantifiers also varies; it depends on the inequality . Se...
Can Terrorism Ever Be Morally Justified

It is disappointing that much of what has been written that purports to deal with terrorism ends up not pertaining to terrorism at all, but only to particular forms of violent activity-either state or individual. Perhaps this is due at least in part to writers not devoting sufficient attention to the exploration of the definitional conditions of terrorism. For example, in Leon Trotsky’s work, Terrorism and Communism? “terrorism” is not defined. Nor is terrorist activity contrasted with other significant forms of violence such as revolution, assassination, etc. Although Trotsky argues that the communist revolution does not “logically” require the revolutionaries’ employment of terrorism, it does require that any means necessary are to be used to secure revolutionary power, even by terrorism. Terrorism, for Trotsky, is a form of justified violence when it is a matter of self-defense and is an act of intimidation by revolutionary forces against an oppressive state: If human life in general is sacred and inviolable, we must deny ourselves not only the use of terror, not only war, but also revolution itself. … As long as human labor power, and, consequently, life itself, remain articles of sale and purchase, of exploitation and robbery, the principle of the “sacredness of human life” remains a shameful lie, uttered with the object of keeping the oppressed slaves in their chains.