cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Accuracy 3D Quantum Dot Tracking with Multifocal Plane Microscopy for the Study of Fast Intracellular Dynamics in Live Cells

Single particle tracking in three dimensions in a live cell environment holds the promise of revealing important new biological insights. However, conventional microscopy-based imaging techniques are not well suited for fast three-dimensional (3D) tracking of single particles in cells. Previously we developed an imaging modality multifocal plane microscopy (MUM) to image fast intracellular dynamics in three dimensions in live cells. Here, we introduce an algorithm, the MUM localization algorithm (MUMLA), to determine the 3D position of a point source that is imaged using MUM. We validate MUMLA through simulated and experimental data and show that the 3D position of quantum dots can be determined over a wide spatial range. We demonstrate that MUMLA indeed provides the best possible accuracy with which the 3D position can be determined. Our analysis shows that MUM overcomes the poor depth discrimination of the conventional microscope, and thereby paves the way for high accuracy tracking of nanoparticles in a live cell environment. Here, using MUM and MUMLA we report for the first time the full 3D trajectories of QD-labeled antibody molecules undergoing endocytosis in live cells from the plasma membrane to the sorting endosome deep inside the cell.
Effect of Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation on the Electromechanical Window in Patients with either Type 1 or Type 2 Long QT Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Background Left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) exerts significant antifibrillatory effects in patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS). Recently, electromechanical window (EMW) has emerged as a novel torsadogenic marker in LQTS, superior to QT interval (QTc) in distinguishing symptomatic from asymptomatic patients. Objective To explore the hypothesis that LCSD improves EMW most favorably in patients with LQT1. Design From September 2006 to July 2015, 44 LQT1 and 25 LQT2 patients underwent LCSD. Subset analysis was performed on the six LQT1 and seven LQT2 patients who had echocardiograms both pre-LCSD and ≥3 months post-LCSD. EMW is defined as the time difference (ms) between aortic valve closure and the end of the QT interval, measured from an ECG on the concurrent echocardiogram. Results Compared to published normal EMW values of 22 ± 19 ms, pre-LCSD EMW mean values were −78 ± 36 ms in LQT1 and −71 ± 35 ms in LQT2 (P < .001). Following LCSD, there was a 57 ± 35 ms decrease in QTc in LQT1 (P = .16) and 23 ± 21 ms decrease in QTc in LQT2 (P = .3). Overall, there was a 35 ± 57 ms mean improvement in EMW post-LCSD (P = .04). Five of the 6 (83%) LQT1 subjects had a favorable EMW change post-LCSD (mean improvement 56 ± 25 ms, P = .04). Five of the 7 (71%) LQT2 subjects had a favorable EMW change post-LCSD (mean improvement 18 ± 19 ms, P = .2). Conclusions The precise mechanism of the LCSD therapeutic effect in LQTS patients is not fully understood. This pilot study raises the possibility that LCSD's antitorsadogenic effect in patients with LQT1 could be conferred in part by restoration of electromechanical order, evidenced by normalization of the EMW.
Variation improvement for manufacturable FINFET technology

This works examines the sources of electrical variation for FinFET technology based on silicon data from 90nm contacted poly pitch, dual-epitaxy, and RMG (replacement metal gate) transistor. A simple statistical model is used to predict electrical variation based on physical variation that can be measured much earlier in the processing flow. The model is also used to define specification and control limits for physical variation to support the electrical variation specified in SPICE models. Gate stack, Junction, and Gate height variation are identified to be the key contributors to threshold voltage variation for FinFET technology. A case study is also presented on controlling gate height to the desired specification limits by improving across chip, within wafer, wafer to wafer, and lot to lot variation at multiple process steps.
PROTECTION OF FUNCTIONAL AND VASCULAR INTEGRITY OF THE SPLEEN IN TRAUMATIC SHOCK BY DENERVATION.

SummaryIn dogs with part of the spleen denervated, the morphologic and functional injury that shock inflicts is restricted to the non-denervated part of the spleen. The de-nervated part escapes injury because denervation prevents release of norepinephrine from its stores. It is the norepinephrine released in the innervated tissue that accounts for the injury to this tissue, including its vascular muscle, and hence for the progressive failure of the circulation of the non-denervated animal. The circulating catecholamines do not play a significant role in production of this injury or in the vascular collapse and death.
Unique Ultrafast Visible Luminescence in Monolayer-Protected Au25 Clusters

The luminescence of quantum-sized metal clusters has enthralled the scientific community in recent years. In this study, ultrafast luminescence dynamics of hexanethiol (C6S)- and glutathione (GS)-protected Au25 clusters are investigated with time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. The focus of the present investigation is to understand the dynamics of higher excited states and also the relaxation of core Au states to Au semi-ring states in Au25L18 (“L” is the protecting ligand) clusters. Comparative luminescence measurements on larger monolayer-protected gold clusters (2.2 nm Au(C6S) and 2.2 nm Au(GS)) and gold nanoparticles (3 nm Au(C6S) and 13 nm Au(citrate-stabilized)) are also carried out. The investigated Au25L18 clusters have shown a low quantum-yield visible photoluminescence in addition to near-infrared luminescence, which is used as a probe to follow the dynamics of core Au states. The luminescence decay traces of Au25L18 clusters have shown unique ultrafast growth and decay kinetics that are ab...
Similar proportions of stool specimens from hospitalized children with and without diarrhea test positive for Clostridium difficile.

Background:Many laboratories use polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays to detect the Clostridium difficile toxin B gene (tcdB) in stool. However, PCR testing experience in pediatric patients is limited. We compared the detection of C. difficile by PCR in hospitalized children with and without
Public Health in France

L'A. etudie l'histoire et le developpement de la sante publique en France, depuis la monarchie des Bourbons qui promut la sante et la protection des sujets du roi, jusqu'au XX e siecle
Child sexual abuse prevention: Guidelines for the school psychologist.

The management of child sexual abuse is conceptualized within a preventive framework. Guidelines are presented for practicing school psychologists and educators to plan and implement sexual abuse p...
Quantitative x-ray Analysis: Applications in Machining of Porous Metallic Foams☆

Abstract In the present study, surface integrity in the face milling of open-cell aluminum metal foams was studied at full-volume using micro-computed tomography. Morphological damage to the pore-strut network of the foam was characterized as a function of machining parameters. Post-mortem surface integrity characteristics including effective pore size, foam porosity, and depth of the deformation-affected zone were characterized using the voxel-based data. The machined surface exhibits spatially-graded characteristics, featuring distinct regions of foam-strut bending/buckling and fracture. Implications of these observations for understanding effects on performance relative to structural bio-medical applications and integrity optimization strategies are described.
Reaction: Students, Problem Posing, and Problem Solving

This chapter summarizes and responds to the content of the chapters in this section, all of which deal with students and their perspectives on problem posing and problem solving. Issues related to learning mathematical problem solving that are dealt with in the chapters concern addressing the cognitive demands that problems make, helping groups of students work on problems, promoting inductive and analogical reasoning, dealing with learning difficulties, and using information technology in solving problems. Issues related to learning how to pose mathematical problems concern helping students represent problems and formulate related problems. Each chapter in the section provides rich ideas for future research.
Health Indicators Within EHR Systems in Primary Care Settings: Availability and Presentation

Prevention of disease, in addition to disease treatment, is recognized as an important component of a physician’s role. High-quality prevention services can be used to detect diseases at an early stage, maintain the health of the population, and reduce healthcare costs. Precise and convenient measurement of the quality and delivery of prevention services, however, has not been adequately achieved. In this regard, primary care providers are the main workforce for the delivery of prevention services, and electronic health record (EHR) systems are the routine tools used for such delivery. In this paper, we review and summarize the currently used health indicators for measuring an individual’s health status. We then visit and interview four primary care providers, who use four different EHR/EMR systems, to check the availability and presentation of these health indicators in these systems. We find that there are very limited health indicators available in all four systems. A re-examination of the EHR standards, to include more health indicators to measure prevention, is needed.
TPX2 as a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives Our aims were to determine if targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) is correlated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) histology and oncologic outcomes using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and an institutional tissue microarray (TMA). Methods Clinicopathological data obtained from the TCGA consisted of 415 samples diagnosed with ccRCC. A TMA was constructed from tumors of 207 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for ccRCC. TPX2 expression by immunohistochemistry on TMA was assessed by a genitourinary pathologist. Clinical data were extracted and linked to TMA cores. TPX2 and Aurora-A mRNA coexpression were evaluated in the TCGA cohort. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank statistics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard models. Results Median follow-up time for the TCGA cohort was 3.07 years. Aurora-A and TPX2 mRNA coexpression were significantly correlated (Pearson correlation = 0.918). High TPX2 mRNA expression was associated with advanced stage, metastasis, poor OS, and RFS. Median follow-up time for the TMA cohort was 5.3 years. Elevated TPX2 protein expression, defined as greater than 75th percentile staining intensity, was identified in 47/207 (22.7%) patients. Increased TPX2 immunostaining was associated with poor OS (P = 0.0327, 53% 5-year mortality), cancer-specific survival (P Conclusions We show TPX2, a regulator of Aurora-A, is associated with high grade and stage of ccRCC, and is an independent predictor of recurrence. Future studies are warranted testing its role in ccRCC biology, and its potential as a therapeutic target.
CO2 driven endotracheal tube cuff control in critically ill patients: A randomized controlled study.

Background To determine the safety and clinical efficacy of an innovative integrated airway system (AnapnoGuard™ 100 system) that continuously monitors and controls the cuff pressure (Pcuff), while facilitating the aspiration of subglottic secretions (SS). Methods This was a prospective, single centre, open-label, randomized, controlled feasibility and safety trial. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of device related adverse events (AE) and serious AE (SAE) as a result of using AnapnoGuard (AG) 100 during mechanical ventilation. Secondary endpoints were: (1) mechanical complications rate (2) ICU staff satisfaction; (3) VAP occurrence; (4) length of mechanical ventilation; (5) length of Intensive Care Unit stay and mortality; (6) volume of evacuated subglottic secretions. Sixty patients were randomized to be intubated with the AG endotracheal-tube (ETT) and connected to the AG 100 system allowing Pcuff adjustment and SS aspiration; or with an ETT combined with SS drainage and Pcuff controlled manually. Results No difference in adverse events rate was identified between the groups. The use of AG system was associated with a significantly higher incidence of Pcuff determinations in the safety range (97.3% vs. 71%; p<0.01) and a trend to a greater volume of aspirated SS secretions: (192.0[64–413] ml vs. 150[50–200], p = 0.19 (total)); (57.8[20–88.7] ml vs. 50[18.7–62] ml, p = 0.11 (daily)). No inter-group difference was detected using AG system vs. controls in terms of post-extubation throat pain level (0 [0–2] vs. 0 [0–3]; p = 0.7), hoarseness (42.9% vs. 75%; p = 0.55) and tracheal mucosa oedema (16.7% vs. 10%; p = 0.65). Patients enrolled in the AG group had a trend to reduced VAP risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP) (14.8% vs. 40%; p = 0.06), which were more frequently monomicrobial (25% vs. 70%; p = 0.03). No statistically significant difference was observed in duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and mortality. Conclusions The use AG 100 system and AG tube in critically ill intubated patients is safe and effective in Pcuff control and SS drainage. Its protective role against VAP needs to be confirmed in a larger randomized trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01550978. Date of registration: February 21, 2012.
Identification of Vaccinia Virus Replisome and Transcriptome Proteins by Isolation of Proteins on Nascent DNA Coupled with Mass Spectrometry.

ABSTRACT Poxviruses replicate within the cytoplasm and encode proteins for DNA and mRNA synthesis. To investigate poxvirus replication and transcription from a new perspective, we incorporated 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) into nascent DNA in cells infected with vaccinia virus (VACV). The EdU-labeled DNA was conjugated to fluor- or biotin-azide and visualized by confocal, superresolution, and transmission electron microscopy. Nuclear labeling decreased dramatically after infection, accompanied by intense labeling of cytoplasmic foci. The nascent DNA colocalized with the VACV single-stranded DNA binding protein I3 in multiple puncta throughout the interior of factories, which were surrounded by endoplasmic reticulum. Complexes containing EdU-biotin-labeled DNA cross-linked to proteins were captured on streptavidin beads. After elution and proteolysis, the peptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify proteins associated with nascent DNA. The known viral replication proteins, a telomere binding protein, and a protein kinase were associated with nascent DNA, as were the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and intermediate- and late-stage transcription initiation and elongation factors, plus the capping and methylating enzymes. These results suggested that the replicating pool of DNA is transcribed and that few if any additional viral proteins directly engaged in replication and transcription remain to be discovered. Among the host proteins identified by mass spectrometry, topoisomerases IIα and IIβ and PCNA were noteworthy. The association of the topoisomerases with nascent DNA was dependent on expression of the viral DNA ligase, in accord with previous proteomic studies. Further investigations are needed to determine possible roles for PCNA and other host proteins detected. IMPORTANCE Poxviruses, unlike many well-characterized animal DNA viruses, replicate entirely within the cytoplasm of animal cells, raising questions regarding the relative roles of viral and host proteins. We adapted newly developed procedures for click chemistry and iPOND (Isolation of proteins on nascent DNA) to investigate vaccinia virus (VACV), the prototype poxvirus. Nuclear DNA synthesis ceased almost immediately following VACV infection, followed swiftly by the synthesis of viral DNA within discrete cytoplasmic foci. All viral proteins known from genetic and proteomic studies to be required for poxvirus DNA replication were identified in the complexes containing nascent DNA. The additional detection of the viral DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and intermediate and late transcription factors provided evidence for a temporal coupling of replication and transcription. Further studies are needed to assess the potential roles of host proteins, including topoisomerases IIα and IIβ and PCNA, which were found associated with nascent DNA.
Seasonal Variation in the Utility of a Status Signaling System: Plumage Ornament Predicts Foraging Success Only During Periods of High Competition

Status signals allow competitors to assess each other’s resource holding potential and reduce the occurrence of physical fights. Because status signals function to mediate competition over resources, a change in the strength of competition may affect the utility of a status signaling system. Status signals alter competitor behavior during periods of high competition, and thus determine access to resources; however, when competition is reduced, we expect these signals to become disassociated from access to resources. We investigated seasonal changes in status signaling of the male black-crested titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus), a species that experiences substantial changes in population density and competition for food over the annual cycle. We compared the size of the prominent head-crest to foraging success at community-used feeding stations; we tested this relationship when competition was seasonally high, and when competition was seasonally low. We then experimentally decreased the number of feeders to increase competition (during the season of low-competition), and again tested whether male crest size predicted access to feeders. When competition was seasonally high, males with longer crests had greater access to feeders, but this pattern was not apparent when competition was seasonally low. When competition was experimentally increased, males with longer crests were again more successful at maintaining access to feeders. These findings provide evidence of a context-dependent status signaling system, where the status signal only mediates access to resources during periods of high competition. We discuss possible hypotheses for why the signaling system may not be functional, or detectable, during periods of low competition, including that competitors may interact less frequently and so have reduced opportunity for signaling, or that status signals are disregarded by receivers during periods of low competition because signalers are unlikely to escalate a contest into a fight. In any case, these results indicate that resource availability affects a status signaling system, and that the potential for status signaling persists in this system between seasons, even though such signaling may not be overtly present or detectable during periods of low competition.
A path following method for identifying static equilibrium in multi-body-dynamic systems

Determining states of static equilibrium for multi-body-dynamic (MBD) systems can be challenging and may result in convergence failure for nonlinear static solvers. Analysts are often faced with uncertainty in regards to the values of candidate equilibrium states or whether a state of minimum potential energy was found. In the event of static solver failure or uncertainty with regards to a candidate solution, equilibrium could be obtained through a dynamic simulation which may require the addition of artificial damping. However, this method can have significant computational expense as compared to static solution procedures. Using MBD systems representing a pendulum, two variations of a spring supported arch, and a seven-body mechanism, arc-length solvers were found suitable for identifying equilibrium states through a robust production of static solution curves thereby avoiding dynamic simulation. Using these examples, a procedure for finding the correct equilibrium state for general systems is proposed.
Percutaneous Thoracic Pedicle Screws

Percutaneous thoracic pedicle screw insertion and fusion in the thoracic spine is a challenging minimally invasive procedure and necessitates pre-operative computer tomography (CT)- based planning and/or intra-operative fluoroscopic or CT navigation. Specific advantages of the percutaneous over open approach make it more appealing for select patients and experienced surgeons. Benefits of percutaneous thoracic instrumentation include reduced blood loss, decreased rate of infection, reduced length of hospital stay, earlier mobilization and return to work [1]. Improvement in intra-operative imaging techniques and robotics have increased the safety and accuracy of instrumentation placement. In this chapter we discuss the three options for instrumentation placement: x-ray fluoroscopy, navigated computer assisted, and robotic assisted.
Correlation Awareness in Low-Rank Models: Sampling, Algorithms, and Fundamental Limits

The role of correlation awareness in low-rank compressive inverse problems is studied in this article. In such inverse problems, the ultimate goal is to estimate certain physically meaningful parameters from measurements collected across space and time. The spatiotemporal correlation structure of the data can be judiciously exploited to design highly efficient samplers that allow reliable parameter estimation from compressed measurements. For a large class of spectrum estimation problems (including source localization and line spectrum estimation), certain structured samplers, based on the idea of difference sets, will be shown to be optimal and outperform random samplers. Using these samplers, it is even possible to localize more sources than the number of physical sensors. The underlying principles are also extended to sparse estimation problems under the Bayesian framework. Fundamental performance limits in terms of Cramer-Rao bounds (CRBs) are studied in a new underdetermined regime, and certain saturation effects that only occur in this regime are discussed.
Machine Learning Applied to Cyber Operations

Cyber attacks have evolved from operational to strategic events, with the aim to disrupt and influence strategic capability and assets, impede business operations, and target physical assets and mission critical information. With this emerging sophistication, current Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are also constantly evolving. As new viruses have emerged, the technologies used to detect them have also become more complex relying on sophisticated heuristics. Hosts and networks are constantly evolving with both security upgrades and topology changes. In addition, at most critical points of vulnerability, there are often vigilant humans in the loop.
Increased α-2,8-sialyltransferase 8B (ST8SIA2) expression in schizophrenia superior temporal gyrus

Reduced polysialylation of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in schizophrenia has been suggested to contribute to abnormal neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental features of this illness. The posttranslational addition of sialic acid is mediated by sialyltransferases, and polysialylation (the addition of ≥ 8 α-2,8-linked sialic acid residues) is catalyzed by three enzymes: ST8SIA2 (also called STX), ST8SIA4 (also called PST), and/or ST8SIA3. ST8SIA2 and ST8SIA4 are the primary mediators of NCAM polysialylation. The gene encoding ST8SIA2 maps to schizophrenia risk locus 15q26, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SNP haplotypes of the ST8SIA2 gene have been associated with schizophrenia in multiple populations. The current study in elderly schizophrenia (N = 16) and comparison (N = 14) subjects measured the protein expression of NCAM, polysialylated-NCAM (PSA-NCAM), and three poly-α-2,8-sialyltransferases (ST8SIA2, ST8SIA3, and ST8SIA4) in postmortem superior temporal gyrus. Although expression of NCAM, PSA-NCAM, ST8SIA3, and ST8SIA4 were not different in schizophrenia, increased protein levels of ST8SIA2 were identified. It has been reported that ST8SIA2 mutations associated with increased schizophrenia risk impair PSA-NCAM synthesis, suggesting that increased protein expression of ST8SIA2 may represent a compensatory mechanism in the face of impaired enzyme function. This interpretation is further supported by our finding that the relationship between ST8SIA2 enzyme expression and PSA-NCAM levels are different between schizophrenia and comparison subjects. Together these findings suggest a possible neurodevelopmentally-regulated mechanism which could contribute to abnormal synaptic plasticity evident in schizophrenia.
Inflammation-induced Gro1 triggers senescence in neuronal progenitors: effects of estradiol

Inflammation has been proposed to contribute to the decline in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Proinflammatory cytokines activate transcription of chemokine growth-regulated oncogene α (Gro1) in human and murine hippocampal neuronal progenitor cells (NPC). The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of Gro1 on hippocampal neurogenesis in the presence of inflammation. Human hippocampal NPC were transfected with lentivirus expressing Gro1, and murine NPC and hippocampal neuronal HT-22 cells were treated with Gro1 protein. A plasmid expressing mGro1 was electroporated in the hippocampus of newborn mice that were sacrificed 10 days later. Adult male and female mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 mg/kg, i.p in five daily injections) or normal saline. Adult male mice were implanted with pellets releasing 17-β estradiol (E2; 2.5 mg/pellet, 41.666 μg/day release) or placebo for 6 weeks and challenged with LPS or normal saline as above. In both experiments, mice were sacrificed 3 h after the last injection. Hippocampal markers of neurogenesis were assessed in vitro and in vivo by Western blot, real-time PCR, and immunohisto/cytochemistry. Gro1 induced premature senescence in NPC and HT-22 cells, activating senescence-associated β-galactosidase and the cell cycle inhibitor p16 and suppressing neuroblast proliferation and expression of doublecortin (DCX) and neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin (Tuj-1), both neuroblast markers, while promoting proliferation of neural glial antigen 2 (Ng2)-positive oligodendrocytes. Gro1 overexpression in the hippocampus of newborn mice resulted in decreased neuroblast development, as evidenced by decreased DCX expression and increased expression of platelet-derived growth factor α receptor (PDGFαR), a marker of oligodendrocyte precursors. In adult mice, Gro1 was induced in response to LPS treatment in male but not in female hippocampus, with a subsequent decrease in neurogenesis and activation of oligodendrocyte progenitors. No changes in neurogenesis were observed in females. Treatment with E2 blunted LPS-induced Gro1 in the male hippocampus. Inflammation-induced Gro1 triggers neuroblast senescence, thus suppressing new neuron development in the hippocampus. Sex-dependent differences in Gro1 response are attributed to estradiol, which blunts these changes, protecting the female hippocampus from the deleterious effects of inflammation-induced Gro1 on neurogenesis.
Sino-US relations and the role of emotion in state action

It is rare to see an analysis of international relations which focuses on the role of emotion. As its title suggested, emotion could play a role in an arena in which actions are considered to be ra...
Similarity Forests

Random forests are among the most successful methods used in data mining because of their extraordinary accuracy and effectiveness. However, their use is primarily limited to multidimensional data because they sample features from the original data set. In this paper, we propose a method for extending random forests to work with any arbitrary set of data objects, as long as similarities can be computed among the data objects. Furthermore, since it is understood that similarity computation between all O(n2) pairs of n objects might be expensive, our method computes only a very small fraction of the O(n2) pairwise similarities between objects to construct the forests. Our results show that the proposed similarity forest approach is very efficient and accurate on a wide variety of data sets. Therefore, this paper significantly extends the applicability of random forest methods to arbitrary data domains. Furthermore, the approach even outperforms traditional random forests on multidimensional data. We show that similarity forests are robust to the noisy similarity values that are ubiquitous in real-world applications. In many practical settings, the similarity values between objects are incompletely specified because of the difficulty in collecting such values. Similarity forests can be used in such cases with straightforward modifications.
Intelligent Operation of Small-Scale Interconnected DC Grids via Measurement Redundancy

Interconnected dc grids are studied in this paper, which comprise resistive and constant-power loads (CPLs) fed by photovoltaic (PV) units. All the sources and CPLs are connected to the grid via dc–dc converters. Nonlinear behavior of PV units in addition to the effect of negative-resistance CPLs can destabilize the dc grid. Thus, the decentralized nonlinear model and intelligent control are proposed using adaptive output-feedback controller to stabilize the grid. The use of the output-feedback control makes possible the utilization of other available signals, in case of loss of main signal, at the converter location and creates measurement redundancy that improves reliability of the dc network. The switching between measured signals of different types are performed through using the neural network (NN) controllers without the need to further tuning. The stability of the entire network is assured through Lyapunov stability method while each converter employs only local measurements. The adaptive NNs are utilized to overcome the unknown dynamics of the dc–dc converters at distributed energy resources and CPLs and those of the interconnected network imposed on the converters. Simulation and experimental results are provided on a small-scale dc grid to show the effectiveness of the developed model and the proposed controller.
Timing of Orogenic Events in the U.S. Appalachians

In the New England Appalachians, where the cover sequences are reasonably complete and where many plutons exist, time brackets for deformational features are well established. Defor-mational events occur over a short duration of time and appear as distinct events. These events are more-or-less synchronous across the orogen. To the south in the Middle and Southern Appalachians, where the cover sequences to a considerable extent have been removed by erosion, deformations are less well bracketed in time, and ambiquity exists over large tracts as to the age of the deformational features observed in the rocks. These difficulties inhibit any attempt to test synchroniety along the orogen.
Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and a Polybrominated Biphenyl and Risk of Thyroid Cancer in Women: Single and Multi-Pollutant Approaches.

Background: Thyroid cancer incidence is the most rapidly increasing malignancy; rates are three times higher in women than men. Thyroid-hormone disrupting flame-retardant chemicals, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), may contribute to this trend. Methods: We investigated the relationship between PBDE/PBB exposure and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in 250 incident female papillary thyroid cancer cases and 250 female controls frequency-matched on age. Interviews and post-diagnostic serum samples were collected from 2010-2013. Serum samples were analyzed for 11 congeners. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) using single-pollutant logistic regression models for continuous and categorical lipid-adjusted serum concentrations of PBDE/PBB, adjusted for age, alcohol consumption, and education. We applied three multi-pollutant approaches (standard multi-pollutant regression models, hierarchical Bayesian modeling [HBM], principal components analysis [PCA]) to investigate associations with PBDE/PBB mixtures. Results: In single pollutant models, a decreased risk was observed at the highest (>90th percentile) versus lowest (
The usefulness of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 and androgen receptor in diagnosing solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas on cytopathology.

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is an uncommon tumor that is challenging to diagnose on cytology due to morphologic overlap with other pancreatic neoplasms. Recently, putative diagnostic markers for SPN have been reported in the surgical pathology literature, with nuclear positivity for lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) and androgen receptor (AR) identified in >90% and >80% of cases, respectively. In the current study, the authors sought to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of LEF1 and AR on SPN cytology specimens and available corresponding surgical resection specimens. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibodies against LEF1 and AR on 19 SPN cytology cases and 15 corresponding follow-up surgical resection specimens from 2 institutions. To evaluate specificity, the authors stained 23 non-SPN tumors diagnosed on cytology with corresponding surgical specimens (4 acinar cell carcinomas, 9 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and 10 ductal adenocarcinomas). Positivity for LEF1 and AR was defined as any nuclear staining within neoplastic nuclei. RESULTS LEF1 was found to be positive in 18 of 19 cytology cases (94.7%) and 15 of 15 corresponding surgical resection specimens (100%). AR was positive in 4 of 16 cytology cases (25.0%) and 4 of 15 corresponding surgical resection specimens (26.7%). Among non-SPN tumors, LEF1 demonstrated a specificity of 87% whereas the specificity for AR was 100%. CONCLUSIONS LEF1 for SPN on cytology material was found to demonstrate a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 87%. Although AR was found to have a specificity of 100%, its sensitivity was lower (25%). LEF1 could be a valuable immunostain on cytology cell block material for the diagnosis of SPN. However, the same may not hold true for AR.
Utilizing Medical Students as Internal Assets to Enhance Gross Anatomy Laboratory Learning

Identification of cadaveric structures during anatomy summative practical examinations is a challenge for first-year medical students. To assist in cultivating this skill, we offered 12 formative laboratory activities (anatomy boot camps [ABCs]) that approximated the summative practical examination format using reciprocal and near-peer teaching. Students assisted in crafting the formative practical examination, then engaged in a self-review by scoring their individual answer sheets. Students performing below designated thresholds (≤60%) were offered laboratory review sessions led by medical student upperclassmen. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the performance of participants who attended the ABC sessions leading up to each summative examination. Correlation analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between student participation in ABCs summative examinations. Voluntary surveys were administered to assess the perceived value of the experience. Mann-Whitney U tests indicated students who attended the ABC review preceding three of the four summative practical and two of the four written examinations scored consistently higher on these examinations than students who chose not to attend. Correlation analysis revealed that as the overall frequency of ABC attendance increased, students' performance on the summative practical and written examinations increased significantly (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that the provision of supplemental learning experiences, such as the ABCs, contributes to improved student learning outcomes. This sentiment was echoed in student surveys. This activity, which combines multiple peer teaching approaches, appears to be an effective strategy for guiding and enhancing student success in the anatomy practical examinations. Clin. Anat. 33:286-292, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Rare Presentation of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection.

Abstract Background Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus spread by intimate contact. It is known to cause infectious mononucleosis. Complications, including hematologic pathology and splenic rupture, are uncommon. This report is a case of EBV-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia and biliary stasis. Case Report An 18-year-old man presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. He did not have risk factors for liver injury or hepatitis. His vital signs were notable for a fever. On examination, he was obviously jaundiced, but not in distress. Laboratory evaluation showed hemolytic anemia and biliary stasis. Ultimately, his inpatient workup yielded positive EBV serology and a positive direct agglutinin test with cold agglutinins. He made a full recovery with supportive care. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? EBV is a widely disseminated herpesvirus. Infectious mononucleosis is a common presentation of acute infection, and treatment of EBV-related diseases are largely supportive. Complications, such as splenic rupture and hematologic pathology, are uncommon. Biliary stasis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in the form of cold agglutinin disease secondary to EBV is rare, and typically resolves with supportive care and cold avoidance. More advanced treatment methods are available in the setting of severe hemolysis. Elevated transaminases, direct hyperbilirubinemia, or evidence of hemolytic anemia in the setting of a nonspecific viral syndrome should raise suspicion for EBV infection. Rapid recognition can lead to more prompt prevention and treatment of other EBV-related complications.
Enhanced Performance of GaAs Solar cell on Roll-to-Roll Processed Flexible Epi-Ready Metal Tape by Hydrogen Passivation

We have demonstrated GaAs single-junction solar cells on epi-ready low-cost flexible metal tape and studied the impact of hydrogen passivation. In our process, single-crystalline-like germanium films are grown on flexible metal tape over which epitaxial (Al)GaAs semiconductor thin films are grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). As-deposited GaAs comprises of micrometer-sized grains with a high density of low-angle grain boundaries ( OC ) was found to increase from 380mV to 806mV and leakage current was reduced by two orders of magnitude after passivation.
Chance-constrained water pumping managing power distribution network constraints

We formulate a chance-constrained optimization problem to schedule water distribution network (WDN) pumping subject to water and power distribution network (PDN) constraints while managing water demand uncertainty. In addition to an optimal pumping schedule, we also determine optimal control policy parameters used to compute real-time control actions to compensate for demand forecast error. The resulting problem includes nonconvex constraints, and so conventional solution approaches for chance-constrained problems do not work. We heuristically apply a scenario-based method and investigate the control policy's performance to ensure all WDN and PDN constraints are satisfied despite uncertainty. Through case studies with a detailed model of a coupled WDN/PDN, we find that WDN pumping can be scheduled and controlled to manage PDN voltage constraints and that the scenario-based method provides feasible real-time control actions for many realistic water demand scenarios but more work is needed to identify computationally tractable approaches with probabilistic guarantees.
Chapter 186 – Orientation

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the orientation maneuvering, the way in which organisms direct their course of movement. If an organism is to aim its course, it must align its body's long axis with its intended track. Although orientation maneuvers thus involve an organism's orientation of body position, this article is concerned mainly with movements in location that range in scale from millimeters to thousands of kilometers. A minute parasitoid wasp may walk to a resource, such as a prospective host, only millimeters away. On the other hand, movements of insects also can cover considerable distances, such as the long-distance migration of several thousands of kilometers that is undertaken in autumn by monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) flying from northeastern North America to their overwintering site in central Mexico. The mechanisms that insects and other organisms use to accomplish such feats are enormously variable. Moment-to-moment steering typically relies on simultaneous inputs from multiple sensory modalities, such as chemical cues, light, sound, and wind. Most organisms use some stored information about very recent encounters with these cues and the organism's past position. In many parasitic and social Hymenoptera, learned information, including spatial maps and landmarks, plays a crucial role in these insects “knowing” either where they have been or their destination.
Abstract 1378: Targeting the metabolic-epigenetic axis to sensitize HR-proficient ovarian cancer to PARP inhibitors

Overexpression of the oncogene cyclin E1 is considered one of the initiating factors in fallopian tube transformation and ovarian tumorigenesis. Patients with high cyclin E1 expression have worse overall survival than patients with low expression. Cyclin E1 overexpression increases expression of DNA damage response (DDR) genes in order to tolerate DNA damage and bypass senescence, a state of cell cycle arrest. However, the mechanism by which cyclin E1-high cells transcriptionally increase DDR gene expression to bypass senescence remains unclear. We found that cyclin E1 overexpression alters the metabolic-epigenetic axis through wildtype isocitrate dehydrogenase I (wtIDH1), a TCA cycle enzyme. Upregulation of wtIDH1 in cyclin E1-high cells increased the transcription of multiple DDR genes related to homologous recombination (HR), including BRCA1, BRCA2, and RAD51. Published data from our lab demonstrates that wtIDH1 primarily converts isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) in cyclin E1-high ovarian cancer cells, and suppression of wtIDH1 and αKG pools induces senescence through increased repressive histone marks. Our current data suggest that wtIDH1 is both necessary and sufficient for HR gene expression in cyclin E1-high cells in part through modulation of histone methylation. Functionally, inhibition of wtIDH1 in cyclin E1-high fallopian tube cells induced senescence via decreased HR and marked accumulation of DNA damage. Cyclin E1-high ovarian cancer tumors are HR-proficient and resistant to emerging poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Interestingly, inhibition of both wtIDH1 and PARP in combination increased apoptosis of cyclin E1-high ovarian cancer cells in vitro, suggesting this may be a novel therapy for HR-proficient ovarian cancers. Together, our data suggest that wtIDH1-mediated metabolism affects the epigenome in cyclin E1-high cells, which contributes to both fallopian tube transformation and HR-proficiency. Targeting wtIDH1 with current FDA-approved inhibitors may therefore be a rational therapeutic strategy for cyclin E1-high ovarian cancer patients. Citation Format: Erika S. Dahl, Kelly E. Leon, Chi-Wei Chen, Qingyuan Jia, Raquel Buj, Nathaniel W. Snyder, Katherine M. Aird. Targeting the metabolic-epigenetic axis to sensitize HR-proficient ovarian cancer to PARP inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1378.
Modulating Chiroptical Coupling and Light-Valley Interactions with Active Chiral Metamaterials

Active modulation of near-field chiroptical couplings and handedness-selective valley behaviors in a monolayer semiconductor is achieved using plasmonic moire chiral metamaterials (MCMs) with strong and dynamically tunable optical chirality.
Anatomy and evolution of a DNA replication origin

DNA amplification occurs at the DNA puff II/9A locus in the fungus fly Sciara coprophila. As a foundation to study the molecular mechanism for the initiating events of II/9A DNA re-replication, we have sequenced 14 kb spanning a DNase hypersensitive site (DHS) upstream of the 1 kb amplification origin and through transcription units II/9–1 and II/9–2 downstream of the origin. These elements are annotated as well as the ORC binding site at the origin and the transition point (TP) between continuous and discontinuous DNA syntheses that marks the origin of bidirectional replication at the nucleotide level. A 9 bp motif found at the TP is repeated near the other end of the 1 kb ORI and may identify a putative second TP. The steroid hormone ecdysone induces DNA amplification as well as transcription and puffing at locus II/9A. Within the 14 kb, several matches to the ecdysone response element (EcRE) consensus sequence were identified, including some in the amplification origin region. EcRE O-P is at a central axis of a remarkable symmetry, equidistant to the TPs that are themselves equidistant to EcRE O-1 and EcRE O-2. DNA sequence alterations have occurred throughout the II/9A region in a newly discovered polymorphism (#2). Polymorphism #2 is not specific to developmental stage, sex, or tissue, and it does not impair DNA amplification. The DHS, both 9 bp TP sequences, and EcREs O-1, O-P, and O-2 are conserved between the polymorphism #1 and #2 sequences, suggesting their functional importance and retention during evolutionary selection. Moreover, a 72 bp sequence in the Sciara DHS at DNA puff II/9A is conserved in DNA puff C-3 of Rhynchosciara americana. Comparisons are discussed between the Sciara II/9A amplicon and the chorion locus amplicon on the third chromosome of Drosophila.
TRIP GENERATION OF ADULT WORKERS: A CASE OF GHANA

Understanding the travel behaviour of road users is important in the development of transportation plans. In Ghana, most studies focus on mode choice modelling with truly little studies on trip generation. This paper examines the influence of household and individual characteristics together with other explanatory variables on trip generation using data from the 2012 Ghana Transport Indicator Database Survey which was conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service. Linear regression models were used to model the number of trips by car, bicycle, motorcycle, foot, taxi and bus for all working adults. The results from the study show that gender, age, education level and residential location all show a significant impact on the number of trips generated for the different trip modes. From the results, the cultural background of a worker also significantly affect bicycle trips a worker make. Also, adult household is that reside in the city center make fewer trips by car than similar adults that live outside the city center. The number of trips generated by an adult worker can also be used to explain the perception variables estimate. The model results can also be used to make trip generation prediction in developing transportation plans for Ghana
METHYLMALONIC ACID Borden Award Address

Methylmalonate studies have led to some understanding of vitamin B12 metabolism as well as certain inborn errors of metabolism. These, in turn, have served as models of a group of diseases related to acidosis, so that the study of organic aciduria at present is similar to that of amino aciduria 20 years ago. Techniques for studying these have been developed. Many unanswered questions remain. (1) What does methylmalonate do? Does it, itself, cause the acidosis? Does it cause a deficiency of succinate in the oxidative cycle? (2) Are more direct ways of increasing succinate available? (3) What is the relation of methylmalonate to combined system disease or vitamin B12 neuropathy? (4) Are enzymes defective or absent? (5) What is the significance of methylmalonate in the newborn? (6) How does one counsel or treat families which include members with methylmalonic aciduria?