cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advanced power electronics enabled distribution architectures: Design, operation, and control

This paper explores how highly reliable power distribution architectures can be implemented, operated and controlled. Potential applications for advanced power distribution architectures include advanced micro-grid enabled smart grids, electric ships, and data centers. The analysis discusses power electronics circuit topologies and system wide architecture design. Some of the possible power architectures included radial, ring, and laddered topologies. Some commented relevant alternatives for any of these power architectures include ac and dc distribution systems. Although it is identified that dc architectures are more advantageous than ac power distribution systems in terms of efficiency, availability, flexibility, and components power density, dc systems present issues with fault detection and clearance. An option involving multiple-input multiple-output converters that addressed these issues with dc architectures is commented in this paper. The discussion presents some suitable topologies for these converters including one derived from a multiple-input boost converter and another one realized from a multiple-input fly-back converter. In the proposed architectures multiple-input multiple-output converters are placed in key distribution nodes and act as “power routers” by freely controlling all input and output powers. These power routers allow to address issues related with fault detection and clearance in distributed power architectures through internal over current protection mechanisms.
Melting and crystallization of a polyphosphate

Lithium polyphosphate crystals produced by crystallization during polymerization and crystallization from the polymer melt were analyzed by thermal analysis. The glass-transition and melting temperature, heat of fusion, and entropy of fusion were found to be 336°C, 651.5°C, 21 kJ/mole, and 23 J/deg mole, respectively. Crystallization from the macromolecular melt was followed by thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction, and electron and optical microscopy. It could be shown that chain folding may be the first step to crystallization from the macromolecular melt. Oligomers could not effectively nucleate crystallization. Lithium polyphosphate is shown to present a prime example of the processes involved in crystallization during polymerization and macromolecular melt crystallization.
Inter-spin distance determination using L-band (1-2 GHz) non-adiabatic rapid sweep electron paramagnetic resonance (NARS EPR).

Abstract Site-directed spin-labeling electron paramagnetic resonance (SDSL EPR) provides insight into the local structure and motion of a spin probe strategically attached to a molecule. When a second spin is introduced to the system, macromolecular information can be obtained through measurement of inter-spin distances either by continuous wave (CW) or pulsed electron double resonance (ELDOR) techniques. If both methodologies are considered, inter-spin distances of 8–80 A can be experimentally determined. However, there exists a region at the upper limit of the conventional X-band (9.5 GHz) CW technique and the lower limit of the four-pulse double electron–electron resonance (DEER) experiment where neither method is particularly reliable. The work presented here utilizes L-band (1.9 GHz) in combination with non-adiabatic rapid sweep (NARS) EPR to address this opportunity by increasing the upper limit of the CW technique. Because L-band linewidths are three to seven times narrower than those at X-band, dipolar broadenings that are small relative to the X-band inhomogeneous linewidth become observable, but the signal loss, due to the frequency dependence of the Boltzmann factor, has made L-band especially challenging. NARS has been shown to increase sensitivity by a factor of five, and overcomes much of this loss, making L-band distance determination more feasible [1] . Two different systems are presented, and distances of 18–30 A have been experimentally determined at physiologically relevant temperatures. Measurements are in excellent agreement with a helical model and values determined by DEER.
Recurrent endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma.

Abstract Endocrine mucin–producing sweat gland carcinoma is a rare skin tumor that most commonly involves the eyelid of elderly women. Morphologically and immunohistochemically, it is analogous to endocrine ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast and mammary solid papillary carcinoma; also, like the analogous breast lesion, there is an often associated invasive mucinous carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman with endocrine mucin–producing sweat gland carcinoma of the eyelid that recurred 3 years after an apparently complete excision.
Escapees on the X chromosome

In many organisms, differentiation of the sex chromosome complement resulted in the coordinated regulation of genes on whole chromosomes to equalize gene expression between the sexes. In mammals, X inactivation evolved to restore equal expression of X-linked genes in males and females (1). Although X inactivation consists in the general repression of most genes on the X, some genes escape inactivation (reviewed in ref. 2). Recent advances in the Human Genome Project now allow the inactivation status of many X-linked genes to be systematically studied. In this issue of PNAS, Carrel et al. (3) report such a systematic analysis. Their data are so extensive that they are summarized in the paper but are fully accessible only as a file on the World Wide Web (www.pnas.org/supplementary.shtml).
Diagnostic tests for syphilis: New tests and new algorithms

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. A total of 13,106 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were reported in the United States in 2011 and the rate of infection has increased in subgroups, particularly men who have sex with men. The disease is mainly diagnosed through clinical findings and serologic testing. However, no single serologic test of syphilis is sufficient. Hence, the serologic diagnosis of syphilis requires the detection of 2 types of antibodies (nontreponemal antibodies and treponemal antibodies). The paradigm in syphilis testing has recently shifted in many centers to screen with a treponemal antibody test, reflexing to a nontreponemal test if the treponemal antibody test is positive. This reverse of the traditional algorithm may not be widely recognized among clinicians.
Radiosynthesis of [11C]paclitaxel

[11C]paclitaxel, a potential solid tumor imaging agent, was synthesized by reacting [α-11C]benzoyl chloride with the primary amine precursor of paclitaxel. The time for synthesis, purification, and formulation was 38 min from end of bombardment with an average specific radioactivity of 49.9 GBq/μmol (1349 mCi/μmol) at end of synthesis. The average decay corrected radiochemical yield was 7% with greater than 99% radiochemical purity. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human DNA (cytosme-5)methyftransferase selectively methylates duplex DNA containing mispairs

Abstract The presence of the C.C mispair in a defined duplex oligodeoxynucleotide enhanced its capacity to serve as a substrate for highly purified human DNA methyltransferase. Analysis of tritiated reaction products showed that the C.C mispair acted as a "methylation acceptor" in that it was itself rapidly methylated. The m5C.G base pair also enhanced the capacity of the oligodeoxynucleotide to serve as a substrate for the enzyme. However, this complementary base pair was found to act as a "methylation director". That is, the presence of the m5C in one strand induced the enzyme to rapidly methylate at the cytosine residue on the opposite strand in an adjacent C.G base pair.
Lipid oxidation in seafoods under conventional conditions

Abstract The N‐3 fatty acids in mackerel and cod were not significantly oxidized by baking, broiling or pan frying. However, major amounts of the fish oil were physically lost during cooking. The concentration of the N‐3 fatty acids in the oil released was significantly reduced, demonstrating the possible sensitivity to oxidation once the oil is removed from its natural state. When pollock was deep fat fried without batter, extensive absorption of the frying oil occurred. Batter coating appeared to protect the fillets against loss of moisture, absorption of cooking oil and dilution or loss of flavor volatiles. Frying fish may accelerate or delay oxidation of oil heated to frying temperatures, depending on the conditions of frying. Oxidation of cholesterol in squid occurred upon exposure to the sun and UV and IR lamps.
Synthesis of C-H-O Symbiosis Networks

The concept of synthesizing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C-H-O) SYmbiosis Networks (CHOSYNs) for the design of eco-industrial parks is introduced. Within a CHOSYN, compounds containing C-H-O are exchanged, converted, separated, mixed, and allocated. The use of C-H-O as the basis for integration creates numerous opportunities for synergism because C, H, and O are the primary building blocks for many industrial compounds that can be exchanged and integrated. A particularly attractive feature of the CHOSYN framework is its ability to use atomic-based targets to establish benchmarks for the design of macroscopic systems involving multiple processes. Several structural representations, benchmarking, and optimization formulations are developed to embed potential CHOSYN configurations of interest and to synthesize cost-effective networks. A case study with several scenarios is solved to demonstrate the new concept and tools. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1242–1262, 2015
Hit selection with false discovery rate control in genome-scale RNAi screens

RNA interference (RNAi) is a modality in which small double-stranded RNA molecules (siRNAs) designed to lead to the degradation of specific mRNAs are introduced into cells or organisms. siRNA libraries have been developed in which siRNAs targeting virtually every gene in the human genome are designed, synthesized and are presented for introduction into cells by transfection in a microtiter plate array. These siRNAs can then be transfected into cells using high-throughput screening (HTS) methodologies. The goal of RNAi HTS is to identify a set of siRNAs that inhibit or activate defined cellular phenotypes. The commonly used analysis methods including median ± kMAD have issues about error rates in multiple hypothesis testing and plate-wise versus experiment-wise analysis. We propose a methodology based on a Bayesian framework to address these issues. Our approach allows for sharing of information across plates in a plate-wise analysis, which obviates the need for choosing either a plate-wise or experimental-wise analysis. The proposed approach incorporates information from reliable controls to achieve a higher power and a balance between the contribution from the samples and control wells. Our approach provides false discovery rate (FDR) control to address multiple testing issues and it is robust to outliers.
Toward the Quantification of Predation with Predator Gut Immunoassays: A New Approach Integrating Functional Response Behavior☆

Abstract Immunological methods have been widely used to identify key predator species and qualitatively evaluate predation of target prey. However, despite the quantitative nature of many immunoassays, the translation to number of prey attacked has been problematic because of the many factors that confound interpretation of the strength of the immunoassay response. We developed a new predation model that couples the proportion of predators positive for prey remains determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), predator density, and predator functional response to prey density for estimating total prey attacked. We used single cotton plant arenas in the greenhouse to develop functional response models for two generalist predators, Geocoris punctipes (Say) and Orius insidiosus (Say), preying on Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) eggs. The model was validated and compared with other immunologically based predation models in multiple plant/multiple predator arenas. Our predation model was relatively accurate in predicting the total number of prey attacked by both predator species and was a significant improvement over previous models that rely on simple assumptions regarding predator attack rates. The model also improves the predictive capacity of the functional response model alone by correcting for the number of predators actually consuming prey. Sensitivity analyses indicated that model performance was most sensitive to accurate measurement of input variables such as temperature and the proportion of individuals positive for prey antigens by ELISA and less sensitive to changes in estimates of prey density. Accurate estimation of the functional response parameters is also important, especially for the behavioral parameter defining the decline in plant leaf area searched with increases in prey density. Limitations of the model and application to the field are discussed.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in 716 Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Low Treatment-Related Mortality, Feasibility of Outpatient Transplant, and Effect of a Multidisciplinary Quality Initiative

We report on the feasibility of outpatient transplant in 716 patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma at Mayo Clinic's site in Rochester, MN, from January 1, 2000, through October 31, 2007. We also report on the development and effect of a multidisciplinary quality initiative implemented by the Mayo Clinic Blood and Marrow Transplant Program involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and financial specialists for outpatient management of patients undergoing stem cell transplant. This approach uses an electronic ordering system for diagnostic tests and chemotherapy to minimize medical errors. Analysis of hospitalization trends since inception of the program showed that 278 (39%) of the 716 patients treated completed the transplant procedure as outpatients. The median duration of hospitalization for all patients was 4 days; age and serum creatinine levels were predictive of the need for and duration of hospitalization. We also assessed recent treatment-related mortality rates during a 33-month period after implementation of the program (between January 1, 2005, and October 1, 2007). The 100-day survival rate was 99.5% for patients with low-risk myeloma (transplant during first plateau; n=201) and 97.2% for patients with high-risk myeloma (refractory, relapsing or second or greater plateau; n=71). The overall 100-day survival rate was 98.9%. Our experience shows that outpatient transplant is feasible for all patients with multiple myeloma and results in shorter hospital stays and low treatment-related mortality rates.
Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene expression by oxidized linoleic acid

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with impairments in endothelium-dependent vascular relaxations. Paradoxically, endothelial production of nitrogen oxides is increased in early stages of hypercholesterolemia. Prior work has shown that oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression (eNOS) and has focused on lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) as a component of oxidized LDL which may modulate this effect. Another biologically active component of oxidized LDL is 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE), an oxidized form of linoleic acid. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of HPODE on the expression of eNOS in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Twenty four hour treatment of endothelial cells with HPODE caused a dose-dependent increase in eNOS mRNA levels as assessed by Northern analysis. The time response studies show that HPODE treatment significantly increased eNOS mRNA levels at 12 and 24 h. Concomitant with the increase in eNOS mRNA levels, 20 microM HPODE treatment significantly increased eNOS protein content and enzyme activity. Nuclear run-on studies indicated that the rate of transcription of eNOS gene was significantly elevated 4 h after HPODE treatment when compared to control cultures. Also, actinomycin D studies demonstrated that the half-life of eNOS mRNA was increased from 6 h to 12 h by HPODE treatment. Thus, HPODE-induced up-regulation of eNOS expression is mediated by both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. These observations suggest that endothelial cells may attempt to compensate for oxidative injury by increasing expression of eNOS in early stages of hypercholesterolemia.
Defect reduction in MBE-grown AlN by multicycle rapid thermal annealing

Multicycle rapid thermal annealing (MRTA) is shown to reduce the defect density of molecular beam epitaxially grown AlN films. No damage to the AlN surface occurred after performing the MRTA process at 1520°C. However, the individual grain structure was altered, with the emergence of step edges. This change in grain structure and diffusion of AlN resulted in an improvement in the crystalline structure. The Raman E2 linewidth decreased, confirming an improvement in crystal quality. The optical band edge of the AlN maintained the expected value of 6.2 eV throughout MRTA annealing, and the band edge sharpened after MRTA annealing at increased temperatures, providing further evidence of crystalline improvement. X-ray diffraction shows a substantial improvement in the (002) and (102) rocking curve FWHM for both the 1400 and 1520°C MRTA annealing conditions compared to the as-grown films, indicating that the screw and edge type dislocation densities decreased. Overall, the MRTA post-growth annealing of AlN lowers defect density, and thus will be a key step to improving optoelectronic and power electronic devices.
New Insight into Amyloid-β Fibril Growth and its Inhibition: Kinetic Network Analysis of Multi-Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Formation of amyloid fibrils by amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) in patient brains is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. A major step of Aβ fibril formation is elongation of fibrils by unstructured Aβ peptides, involving Aβ binding and structural transitions. The atomic detail of the structural transitions remains poorly understood. Computational characterization of the structural transitions is limited owing to the long timescale of Aβ fibril elongation. We present here our recent effort in overcoming the computational timescale limit by applying a novel computational approach combining a multi-scale model, enhanced sampling techniques and kinetic network analysis to tackle Aβ fibril elongation [1]. In the framework of this efficient approach, we are able to perform simulations reaching the millisecond timescale and determine in a systematic way detailed transition pathways and kinetics for Aβ fibril elongation. The resulting kinetic model of fibril elongation does not only reveal an atomic picture of pathways of Aβ fibril elongation not seen before, involving special structures of Aβ monomers as important kinetic intermediates, but does explain also a puzzling experimental observation, namely unidirectional growth of Aβ fibrils. Moreover, the kinetic model reveals possible kinetic and thermodynamic effects of ligand binding on fibril growth, providing new insights into inhibitor design.Reference:[1] Han, W.; Schulten, K. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 12450.
Towards the Experiments on High Field Physics

We propose experiments on the collision of high intensity electromagnetic pulses with electron bunches and on the collision of multiple electromagnetic pulses for studying extreme field limits in the nonlinear interaction of electromagnetic waves. The effects of nonlinear QED will be revealed in these laser plasma experiments.
Development of nanopatterned fluorine-doped tin oxide electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells with improved light trapping.

Transparent conductors (TCs) are an important component of optoelectronic devices and nanoscale engineering of TCs is important for optimization of the device performance through improved light trapping. In this work, patterned periodic arrays of nanopillars and nanolines of pitch size of ∼700 nm were created on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) using nanoimprint lithography and reactive ion etching using environmentally friendly gases. The patterned FTO exhibits enhanced light trapping as compared to the unpatterned FTO, which agrees well with simulations based on Finite-Difference Time-Domain method for up to a distance of 4 μm. Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated on the patterned FTO exhibited improved performance (fill factor and power conversion efficiency), which can be attributed to enhanced light absorption in the range 400–650 nm. Further, electrochemical impedance measurements revealed lower recombination resistance for the patterned FTO/TiO2 electrode compared to the unpatterned FTO elec...
Application of Modified Lagrange Interpolation Method in Continuation Power Flow Calculating

The paper expounds a mixing continuous parameters selection-based Lagrange interpolation method and relevant variable step-size strategy for calculating continuation power flow.The purpose of the method is to find a continuation parameter of power flow solutions for a given load change scenario,and improves continuation power How method combining relevant variable step-size strategy.Moreover,this method chooses different continuation parameters in different areas of the PV curves to obtain the Lagrange interpolation coefficient,and then predicts the power flow.The paper compares this method with others which bases on single continuation parameter according to DEEE14-bus and IEEK39-bus system,and the results show that the method proposed in the paper is of high robustness and wide applicability.
Some basic properties of biological tissues for potential biomedical applications of millimeter waves

The paper gives the highlights of the reports in the literature on sharp, distinct resonances in the absorption and action spectra at millimeter wavelengths of various biochemicals, and bacteriological and biological preparations. If true, these properties may be employed for in-vitro diagnostic applications and form a basis for frequency-specific health hazards and for new forms of cancer therapy. Carefully performed experiments in our laboratory have failed to reveal frequency-specific biological effects on BHK-21/C13 mammalian cells, on induction of lambda prophages in lysogenic Escherichia coli and on back-mutation of His Salmonella typhimurium cells. Also on account of the high absorbance of water (13--36 dB/mm) which is an essential part of living tissues, little or no differences have been observed for the absorption spectra biological samples in the 26.5 to 90.0 GHz band. Dielectric characterization of the biological samples is needed and may form a basis for broadband differences in the millimeter wave absorption by various tissues.
Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human colon cancer stem cells independent of p53 status via suppression of c-Myc and cyclin D1

Abstract Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, a widely consumed fruit in South Asia, was evaluated for its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic mechanisms on human colon cancer stem cells (HCCSC). Amla extracts suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis independent of p53, a tumour suppressor gene, in HCCSCs. Further, amla extracts suppressed cell proliferation by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway as seen by decreased nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Additionally, this led to suppressed expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1, key proteins involved in cell proliferation. Inhibition of stem-ness of HCCSCs by amla may be due to its effect on the Wnt/β-catenin signalling. These results indicate that amla suppresses HCCSC proliferation and induces apoptosis independent of p53 status via potentially targeting Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Amla is therefore a promising functional food for preventing colon cancer and might be a novel resource for the food industry.
A Global Challenge: Human Rights and Women

The United Nations, more than any other institution, has provided the foundation upon which human hopes and aspirations rest. In 1948, under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt, the General Assembly of the United Nations presented to the world the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document recognizes in its Preamble the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. And it reaffirms “their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women … ”
Brief Experimental Analyses of Problem Behavior in a Pediatric Outpatient Clinic

Brief versions of experimental analysis procedures have proven to be very useful for evaluating behavior in pediatric outpatient clinics. The first generation of these procedures evaluated antecedent-problem behavior and problem behavior-consequence relations, and often identified the environmental conditions that evoked and/or maintained problem behavior within multielement designs. More recent versions of the procedures have evaluated how distinct variables interact to evoke or maintain problem behavior, the conditions under which other target behaviors, such as academic behaviors, can be improved, and the preferences of children for various components of treatments. In this chapter, we describe how one pediatrics clinic, the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic at the University of Iowa, has implemented brief experimental analyses since the late 1980s. We provide case examples of the procedures and show how the evaluations can be extended to evaluate variables that may interact to evoke or maintain target behavior.
THE SPLIT AND THE END OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL MOVEMENT

Within three years of ratification, the movement that had achieved the Constitution divided into two irreconcilable factions. With the accomplishment of its primary goals, the movement lost its drive. By the adoption of the Eleventh Amendment in 1796, the Congress and the states decided that the just war debts of a state were not enforceable. That adoption is a clear line to mark the end of the constitutional movement.
Constitutive modeling and simulation at room-temperature deformation and failure of polycrystalline Molybdenum

In this paper is presented a systematic experimental investigation of the mechanical response of polycrystalline commercially pure molybdenum (Mo). It was established that the material has ductility in tension at 10-5/s and that the failure strain is strongly dependent on the orientation. A specimen taken along the rolling direction sustains large axial strains (20%), while a specimen cut at an angle of 45o to the rolling direction could only sustain 5% strain. Irrespective of the loading orientation the yield stress in uniaxial compression is larger than in uniaxial tension. While in tension the material has a strong anisotropy in Lankford coefficients, in uniaxial compression it displays weak strain-anisotropy. An elastic- plastic orthotropic model that accounts for all the specificities of the plastic deformation of the material was developed. Validation of the model was done through comparison with data on notched specimens. Quantitative agreement with both global and local strain fields was obtained.
Carbon Sequestration in Turfed Landscapes: A Review

The objective of this chapter is to summarize the findings of the existing literature that studies carbon (C) flux in turfgrass systems. First, studies that evaluate C in the unique parts of the turfgrass system (thatch, specialized stems, clippings, verdure) are relatively scant, with the majority of those few studies focusing on C removal via clipping harvest. In the published literature, average estimates of C in turfgrass verdure (stubble), roots, and underlying soil organic C and inorganic C are 100, 139, 4,300 and 9,000 g m−2, respectively. The degree of C storage in soil varies with the age of the turfgrass sward and its management, and only one published paper has examined differences due to grass species. The very few studies that attempt to quantify C flux in turfed systems indicate that mowing (including the harvest and removal of C in clippings) most affected C release from the turfgrass system. The impact of turfgrass management practices, especially mowing, N fertilization, and irrigation, on C sequestration is the area which needs greatest study. Such work is especially needed in long-term studies with a greater variety of turfgrass species.
Patient Specific Implant Design at Hospital for Special Surgery

Introduction The design and manufacture of patient specific implants at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) was started in the fall of 1976. The first implant designed and manufactured was an extra large total knee. This effort expanded to include all arthroplasty devices including hips, knees, shoulders and elbows along with fracture fixation devices. In the 1980s, the hospital was designing and manufacturing over 100 custom implants per year. This reduced significantly in the 1990s due to the introduction of modular total knee replacements. In 1996, HSS ceased manufacture due to rising costs and a greater regulatory burden. However, implants are still designed at HSS with manufacturing outsourced to commercial companies. Since 1976, the hospital has designed over 2500 implants. Patient Population Currently, we design implants for ∼30 cases per year, hips, knees, and upper extremity devices (mainly elbow). We9ve seen an increase in acetabular revision cases over the last few years and now design about 10 revision acetabular components each year. Regulatory Challenges Patient specific implants can be provided under a variety of regulatory pathways. Some have received 510(k) clearance as the manufacturer has provided a matrix of sizes; if the device fits within the matrix, the device can be supplied commercially. For devices that fall outside of the 510(k) pathway, the process is more complex. The 2012 FDA Safety and Innovation Act attempts to clarify the ambiguous nature of the prior statute in which the number of custom implants allowed of a specific type was unclear, setting the limit to 5 units per year of a particular device type. However, such a low number has led to rationing by the device manufacturers and even cessation of manufacturing of custom implants by one of the major companies. Another option available for obtaining patient specific implants is the Compassionate Use process. This process has been used, for example, when a patient needs a replacement of a part for a device that is not approved for use in the United States. The surgeon can request an exemption from FDA to use the part. To obtain this exemption, the surgeon must provide to FDA a justification letter explaining why using this device is in the best interests of the patient, a letter from a second surgeon who agrees with this conclusion, a letter from the implant company agreeing to manufacture the device, IRB approval from the institution where the device will be implanted, and consent from the patient. Though gathering this information can be time consuming, once the application is submitted, FDA has rapidly responded in providing exemptions (in less than two weeks). Conclusion Even with the increase in modular components and the variety of devices in the commercial market, the need still exists for patient specific implants at HSS. The regulatory environment creates additional challenges to obtaining these devices. In spite of these challenges, we are able to provide the devices required for our patients.
Family-based Breast Cancer Prevention Efforts in Adolescence.

* Abbreviation: ACS — : American Cancer Society Family history is 1 of the strongest predictors of most cancers.1 Yet primary cancer prevention efforts are often not targeted toward individuals at greatest risk. This contrasts with a growing practice of targeting secondary prevention efforts and screening guidelines to those at greatest risk. The lack of targeted primary prevention behavioral interventions likely reflects the reality that all individuals are susceptible to cancer regardless of their family history and that most, if not all, individuals can substantially benefit from reducing cancer risk factors (eg, smoking, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, excessive weight gain) for optimal health and to lower chronic disease burden generally. We suspect, however, that another reason why cancer prevention efforts are not targeted toward those at highest risk is because of the lack of awareness that those at highest risk can benefit from cancer prevention interventions that target modifiable factors, and that their risk is not solely from genes. Using the example of breast cancer, we highlight the limited but growing evidence that even in women at highest risk, modifiable factors still contribute to cancer risk. We then discuss the benefits of considering family-based approaches to complement existing population approaches to cancer prevention. Growing evidence suggests that many of the modifiable risk factors that increase breast cancer also do so in those with a family history of breast cancer. For example, even in women … Address correspondence to Mary Beth Terry, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY 10032. E-mail: mt146{at}columbia.edu
99-P : HLA ALLOIMMUNIZATION FROM RED CELL TRANSFUSIONS IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED TREATED ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Aim HLA alloimmunization from leucodepleted RBC transfusions prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is not well defined. Donor specific HLA antibodies (DSA) are associated with a 2- to -10 fold increase of graft failure of HLA mismatched HSCT, irrespective of the type of graft or patient conditioning. A less explored aspect is the presence of non-DSA antibodies prior to transplantation. Methods We reviewed 212 (114 [54%] M: 98 [46%] F; median age 58 [17-84] years) newly diagnosed AML patients of which 48 (22.6%) underwent HSCT following chemotherapy. All 48 [26 (54%) M: 22 (46%) F], median age 52 (17-73) years were screened for HLA antibodies (LABSCREEN, Luminex) prior to HSCT and received leucodepleted RBC and platelets transfusions. Of the 22 females (median age 48 [19-71] years), 8 had no history of a pregnancy and 14 had a median of 2 (1-3) pregnancies. Results HLA antibodies were found in 18 (37.5%) patients (5 [28%] M:13[72%] F) who received a median of 17 (6-44) RBC and 12 (4-69) platelet transfusions. In 30 (62.5%) patients (21 [70%] M: 9[30%] F) the HLA Antibody screen was negative and they received a median of 15 (5-44) RBC and 8 (2-28) platelet transfusions. The grafts were from 21 matched related/ 23 matched unrelated/ 4 double cords donors. 17 (35%) patients received HLA mismatched transplants (13-1DP mm/3-2 DPmm/1-C mm). The following HLA antibodies were found in males (A∗24:03; B37,57,58,72,78, DR1,4) and in females (A∗68:02, A1,2,3,4,6,11,23,25,29,30,31,33,A∗34:03,43,66,68,69; B∗44:03, B7,45,51,57,58,67,76,78,82; Cw4; DQ4, DQB1∗06:03,06:09,13:03,DQA1∗05; DR4,8,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,52, DRB3∗01:01,03:01,04:02, DP2,10,14,18, 28. Conclusions All of the patients engrafted excepted for one who received a 2 DP mismatched transplant with no pre-transplant HLA antibodies. From this review, HLA alloimmunization secondary to red cell transfusion is only significant in males (p = 0.03) in our patient population. This finding should be however be confirmed in a larger study.
Impact of timing of recurrence following catheter ablation of scar-related ventricular tachycardia on subsequent mortality.

BACKGROUND Catheter ablation (CA) has an established role in scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT), but the risk of recurrences is substantial and the appropriate intensity of postablation monitoring unknown. The implication of timing of postablation VT recurrence has not been adequately investigated. METHODS We studied 120 consecutive patients with scar-related VT (age 60 ± 15 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 39 ± 16%, 52% ischemic etiology) with at least 2 years of follow-up. Timing of VT recurrence was classified as very early ( 6 months). RESULTS At 24 months follow-up, 53 (44%) patients had recurrent VT, with eight (15%) having very early recurrence, 17 (32%) early recurrence, and 28 (53%) late recurrence. Mortality rates at 2 years were significantly higher in patients with very early VT recurrence (38%) compared to those with early (12%), late (7%), and no (3%) recurrences (log-rank P < 0.001). Very early VT recurrence was associated with an increased risk of death (odds ratio = 5.68, 95% confidence interval = 1.06-30.62, P = 0.04), while recurrent VT beyond 6 months was not associated with increased risk of mortality (P = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS Timing of VT recurrence following CA of scar-related VT impacts subsequent risk of mortality. Patients experiencing VT recurrence within 1-6 months from the procedure are at particularly high risk. These data support the importance of intense postablation monitoring for at least 6 months after the procedure to identify patients with early VT recurrence who may benefit from additional therapeutic interventions to improve outcomes.
Preliminary Evidence For The Effects Of Aging And Multiple Sclerosis On Cognitive Performance: An Analysis Based On Effect Size Estimates.

ABSTRACTBackground/Study Context: Although cognitive impairment is common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), there are limited data on older adults with MS. The current pilot study involved a preliminary examination of cognitive impairments across a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment in older adults with MS compared with older adults without MS.Methods: Twenty older adults with MS and 20 older adults without MS (≥60 years of age) underwent cognitive assessments, including the Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The primary analytical model involved independent-samples t tests on the TMT and RBANS scores. The analysis focused on ½ SD (i.e., Cohen’s d of 0.5) for judging the differences as meaningful.Results: Overall, the study hypotheses were supported such that older adults with MS demonstrated decreased cognitive performance that exceeded ½ SD compared with the older adults without MS.Conclusion: This preliminary study...
OR29 Ligation of B4403 with antibody fails to form a signal complex with TLR4 and inhibits HLA-I-mediated P-selectin expression and monocyte adhesion to human endothelial cells

Aim Transplant recipients developing donor specific HLA antibodies are at risk for antibody-mediated rejection . DSA contribute to the process of AMR by binding to the HLA molecules expressed on endothelial cells and triggering signal networks. HLA molecules lack signal motifs in their short cytoplasmic tail. We previously reported that HLA class I recruits integrin beta 4 to induce EC proliferation. However, this signal complex does not regulate HLA-I Ab-stimulated P-selectin expression and monocyte adhesion. We hypothesized that failure of B*44:03 to stimulate monocyte adhesion was due to its inability to recruit TLR4. Methods For HLA I-induced protein complex formation, HAEC were stimulated with F 2 fragment of anti-HLA I mAb W6/32 or mouse IgG as a control and cell lysates were immunoprecipitated with a mouse anti-HLA-B12 mAb recognizing both B*44:02 and B*44:03 alleles. Complex formation between class I and TLR4 and protein phosphorylation were detected by Western Blot. Gene silencing was determined with siRNA transfection. P-selectin cell surface expression was detected by cell-based ELISA. Monocyte adhesion was assessed by CFSE labeling, measured by fluorescence microscopy and analyzed with CellProfiler. Results Treatment of HAEC with anti-B12 mAb stimulated an increase in phosphorylation of FAK, mTOR, S6K, S6RP, ERK and Akt in B*44:02, but not in B*44:03 HAEC. Co-ligation of HLA-A and -B in B*44:03 inhibited HLA-A Ab-triggered activation of signal networks. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed complex formation between HLA I and TLR4 in B*44:02 EC, but not in B*44:03. Furthermore, transfection of EC with TLR4 siRNA inhibited HLA-B12 mAb-induced phosphorylation of Src, FAK, PI3K/Akt, mTOR, S6K, S6RP, and ERK, P-selectin expression, and monocyte adhesion. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that HAEC carrying B*44:03 fail to transduce signals because they are unable to recruit TLR4 to form a signal complex. These data provide insights into the mechanisms of AMR and may explain different outcomes in transplant recipients producing Ab to different HLA alleles. Disrupting complex formation between TLR4 and HLA I may provide a new therapeutic strategy to prevent AMR.
New phase field model for simulating galvanic and pitting corrosion processes

Abstract This manuscript presents a new phase field model for simulating galvanic and pitting corrosion phenomena in metallic materials. The Laplace equation is employed to approximate the electric potential distribution, which determines the phase evolution by relating the anodic current density to the interface kinetics parameter. While the anode is assumed to be nonpolarizable, the nonlinear polarization behavior including the diffusion-limited kinetics is considered as boundary condition on the cathode. Several numerical examples are presented to verify the accuracy of the proposed model. We also demonstrate the application of this model for simulating coupled galvanic-pitting corrosion processes in a hybrid joint and an aluminum composite material under varying environmental conditions. The last example simulates the corrosion of a steel wire, which shows the feasibility of incorporating homogeneous chemical reactions and polarization behavior on the anode into the proposed model.
Direct Aryloxylation/Alkyloxylation of Dialkyl Phosphonates for the Synthesis of Mixed Phosphonates.

A strategy for the direct functionalization strategy of inertial dialkyl phosphonates with hydroxy compounds to afford diverse mixed phosphonates with good yields and functional-group tolerance has been developed. Mechanistic investigations involving both NMR studies and DFT studies suggest that an unprecedented highly reactive PV species (phosphoryl pyridin-1-ium salt), a key intermediate for this new synthetic transformation, is generated in situ from dialkyl phosphonate in the presence of Tf2 O/pyridine.
Pathologic diagnosis of benign glandular lesions of urinary bladder

膀胱可发生各种腺性和假腺样病变,这些病变可从完全良性到生物学行为呈侵袭性的原发或继发恶性肿瘤.膀胱良性腺性病变如囊性膀胱炎和腺性膀胱炎在小的活检标本中可误诊为恶性病变.同样,苗勒起源的异位组织偶可见于膀胱,这些病变应与膀胱真性腺样肿瘤区分开来,否则会引起不适当的治疗.本文就发生于膀胱的各种腺性和腺样病变进行介绍,重点是这些腺样病变的鉴别诊断和临床意义。
High-growth SMEs in Latin America's service sector: Six case studies

This chapter analyses six case studies of high growth and innovative SMEs in the service sector in three Latin American countries (Brazil, Chile and Mexico). The investigation addresses the five central themes studied in the overall HGSME project (i.e. innovation, business practices, networking patterns, financing and the use of intellectual assets). The authors found that there are some common traits influencing the success of the studied SMEs: business relationships with large firms; previous international experiences of the entrepreneurs; and knowledge customisation and adaptation of global businesses to local markets. The study also analyses the environment for entrepreneurship in Latin America, the main characteristics of dynamic entrepreneurship in the region, and puts forward policy recommendations.
An Example of Non-Gaussian Density Process

The Brownian density process is a distribution-valued process which can be defined either as a solution of a stochastic differential equation or as a limit of a functional over an infinite system of Brownian particles. We show that with an appropriate time change the process solves a particular stochastic differential equation with non-Gaussian measure, possibly having infinite second moment.
Characterization of a Heating and Quenching Apparatus for Microgravity Testing

Microgravity experimentation enables new materials to be developed and traditional materials to be improved, which can’t be completed under terrestrial conditions. Recent developments on Heavy Metal Fluoride Glasses (HMFG’s) have shown that, when heated, there is a crystallization dependency on gravity. HMFG’s have the potential for optical transmission from 0.3 μm in the UV to 7 μm in the IR region, enabling fiber optic applications such as fiber amplifiers, radiometry, and mid-IR laser technology for surgery, drilling and cutting. The problem of devitrification from heat processing prevents this material from achieving its theoretical transmission range. Past researchers have shown that crystallization of HMFG’s is suppressed in microgravity and enhanced in hyper-gravity, however further investigation is still needed for a determination of this phenomenon. In this study, a HMFG heating and quenching testing apparatus was characterized and developed for microgravity and hyper-gravity testing. The testing apparatus was developed and characterized for use on a parabolic aircraft that provides a microgravity and hyper-gravity environment for experimental testing. The apparatus was successful in processing HMFG’s, which produced crystalline and non-crystalline glasses for future studies.
Immunoregulatory role of neuropeptides

New discoveries of a feedback loop linking the brain to the immune system and the immune system to the brain, often referred to as the “mind-body” relationships, are beginning to unfold the cellular and molecular bases of our ancient philosophy that all human diseases were simply a matter of mental attitudes (brain-derived) and resistance to environment (immunity-related). While the mind is represented by our brain, the immune system possibly serves as a sensory organ or “mobile brain” that belongs in the body [1–4]. Accumulating evidence suggests that there is a reciprocal structural-functional relationship between immune system and nervous system which includes both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This unique relationship fundamentally implies that brain mechanisms may regulate immune responses and, conversely, that the immunocompetent cells may control the function of nerve cells. Such conceptualization would likely be of utmost pathophysiological significance because it hypothesizes the existence of dysregu-lation of neuro-immune and/or immune-neural pathways in various neuropsychiatric and possibly other diseases [1, 5, 6]. This review article will summarize the immunoregulatory role of some but not all neuropeptides found both in the CNS as well as the PNS.
Projecting future land use/land cover by integrating drivers and plan prescriptions: the case for watershed applications

Watershed planning is a pivotal exercise for all jurisdictions irrespective of size, landscape complexity, or other nuances. As a result of the intricate relationship between land use/land cover (L...