cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cleaning and querying noisy sensors

Sensor networks have become an important source of data with numerous applications in monitoring various real-life phenomena as well as industrial applications and traffic control. Unfortunately, sensor data is subject to several sources of errors such as noise from external sources, hardware noise, inaccuracies and imprecision, and various environmental effects. Such errors may seriously impact the answer to any query posed to the sensors. In particular, they may yield imprecise or even incorrect and misleading answers which can be very significant if they result in immediate critical decisions or activation of actuators. In this paper, we present a framework for cleaning and querying noisy sensors. Specifically, we present a Bayesian approach for reducing the uncertainty associated with the data, that arise due to random noise, in an online fashion. Our approach combines prior knowledge of the true sensor reading, the noise characteristics of this sensor, and the observed noisy reading in order to obtain a more accurate estimate of the reading. This cleaning step can be performed either at the sensor level or at the base-station. Based on our proposed uncertainty models and using a statistical approach, we introduce several algorithms for answering traditional database queries over uncertain sensor readings. Finally, we present a preliminary evaluation of our proposed approach using synthetic data and highlight some exciting research directions in this area.
A critical role for macrophages in neovessel formation and the development of stenosis in tissue-engineered vascular grafts

The primary graft-related complication during the first clinical trial evaluating the use of tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) was stenosis. We investigated the role of macrophages in the formation of TEVG stenosis in a murine model. We analyzed the natural history of TEVG macrophage infiltration at critical time points and evaluated the role of cell seeding on neovessel formation. To assess the function of infiltrating macrophages, we implanted TEVGs into mice that had been macrophage depleted using clodronate liposomes. To confirm this, we used a CD11b-diphtheria toxin-receptor (DTR) transgenic mouse model. Monocytes infiltrated the scaffold within the first few days and initially transformed into M1 macrophages. As the scaffold degraded, the macrophage infiltrate disappeared. Cell seeding decreased the incidence of stenosis (32% seeded, 64% unseeded, P=0.024) and the degree of macrophage infiltration at 2 wk. Unseeded TEVGs demonstrated conversion from M1 to M2 phenotype, whereas seeded grafts did not. Clodronate and DTR inhibited macrophage infiltration and decreased stenosis but blocked formation of vascular neotissue, evidenced by the absence of endothelial and smooth muscle cells and collagen. These findings suggest that macrophage infiltration is critical for neovessel formation and provides a strategy for predicting, detecting, and inhibiting stenosis in TEVGs.—Hibino, N., Yi, T., Duncan, D. R., Rathore, A., Dean, E., Naito, Y., Dardik, A., Kyriakides, T., Madri, J., Pober, J. S., Shinoka, T., Breuer, C. K. A critical role for macrophages in neovessel formation and the development of stenosis in tissue-engineered vascular grafts.
FICTITIOUS PLAY FOR FINDING SYSTEM OPTIMAL ROUTINGS IN DYNAMIC TRAFFIC NETWORKS

We introduce a novel procedure to compute system optimal routings in a dynamic traffic network. Fictitious play is utilized within a game of identical interests wherein vehicles are treated as players with the common payoff of average trip time experienced in the network. This decentralized approach via repeated play of the fictitious game is proven to converge to a local system optimal routing. Results from a large-scale computational test on a real network are presented.
Primary care physician communication at hospital discharge reduces medication discrepancies

BACKGROUND Medication discrepancies are common as patients transition from hospital to home. Errors with post-discharge medication regimens may play a role in hospital readmissions. OBJECTIVES To determine whether primary care physician (PCP) contact with patients at hospital discharge impacts the frequency of medication discrepancies at 24 hours post-discharge. DESIGN With the PCP-Enhanced Discharge Communication Intervention, PCPs were asked to speak with treating hospitalists and contact patients within 24 hours of hospital discharge (either in person or by phone) to discuss any hospital medication changes. Research staff enrolled subjects during their hospitalization and telephoned subjects 48 hours post-discharge to determine medication discrepancies and PCP contact. PARTICIPANTS One hundred fourteen community-dwelling adults, admitted to acute medicine services >24 hours on ≥5 medications. RESULTS Of the 114 subjects enrolled in the hospital, 75 subjects completed 48 hours postdischarge phone interviews. Of the 75 study patients, 39 patients (50.6%) experienced a total of 84 medication discrepancies (mean, 2.1 discrepancies/patient). Subjects who were contacted by their PCP at discharge were 70% less likely to have a discrepancy when compared with those not contacted (P = 0.04). Males were 4.34 times more likely to have a discrepancy (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION PCP communication with patients within 24 hours of discharge was associated with decreased medication discrepancies. Our results further demonstrate the importance of PCP involvement in the hospital discharge process. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:672–677. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
A WDM Banyan Switching Network for Multicast Optical Cross-Connects

In this paper, we investigate the problem of designing a WDM switching network with multicast capability. We propose, for the first time, a WDM Banyan switching network that is capable of replicating input signals on "different" wavelengths. Wavelength conversion in the proposed Banyan network occurs between two predefined wavelengths, and hence, the conversion cost is reduced. The new Banyan network can be used to construct wide-sense and strict-sense nonblocking WDM Mmulticast optical cross connects (MC-OXCs).
Clinical and radiographic results of cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a comparative study with 2 to 5 years of follow-up

Background Most studies of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) involve cemented humeral stems. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the results of cementless RTSA, using a porous-coated stem designed for uncemented fixation, with cemented RTSA. Methods A prospective database of patients undergoing RTSA was retrospectively reviewed for patients with a diagnosis of cuff tear arthropathy or severe rotator cuff deficiency with minimum 2-year follow-up. Of these, 37 patients had cemented RTSA and 64 patients had cementless RTSA. Outcome measures included Constant-Murley scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, visual analog pain scale scores, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and radiographic evidence of complication. Results Compared with preoperative values, both cohorts demonstrated significant improvements ( P P > .05) in comparing the changes in these values after surgery between the cemented and cementless cohorts. On radiographic evaluation, there was no evidence of loosening or humeral components “at risk” of loosening in either group. There was no significant difference ( P = 1.0) in the incidence of humeral component radiolucent lines between the cemented and uncemented cohorts. There was no significant difference ( P = .30) in the incidence of scapular notching between the cemented (n = 8) and uncemented (n = 10) cohorts. Conclusion Cementless fixation of a porous-coated RTSA humeral stem provides clinical and radiographic outcomes equivalent to those of cemented stems at minimum 2-year follow-up. With advantages such as simplified operative technique, no cement-related complications, greater ease of revision, and long-lasting biologic fixation, uncemented fixation may provide several benefits over cemented fixation.
A Functional Theory of Organizational Stratification

This paper examines the differential rewards of positions on baseball teams in relation to a functional theory of organizational stratification. The results indicate that rewards are best explained by multiplicative interaction between positions' contributions to team success (functional importance) and the exclusiveness-interchangeability of people and positions (uniqueness). The paper also indicates the amenability of other kinds of organizations to the same type of analysis, and concludes with a discussion of the (limited) possibilities of generalizing from such organizational studies to stratification at the societal level.
Steady viscous flow past a sphere at high Reynolds numbers

Numerical solutions are presented for steady incompressible flow past a sphere. At high Reynolds numbers (results are presented up to R = 5000), the wake is found to resemble a Hill's spherical vortex.
Regional Cyclical Instability: An Empirical Examination of Wage, Hours and Employment Adjustments, and an Application of the Portfolio Variance Technique

KURRE J. A. and WELLER B. R. (1989) Regional cyclical instability: an empirical examination of wage, hours and employment adjustments, and an application of the portfolio variance technique, Reg. Studies 23, 315–329. We investigate issues related to regional cyclical instability through an examination of twenty-five years of monthly data for the Erie, Pennsylvania, regional economy. The first portion of the analysis examines the relationship among wages, hours worked per week, and employment in the manufacturing industries. Over the study period, Erie manufacturers tended to adjust to cyclical fluctuations primarily by hiring and firing, and to a lesser extent, by adjusting hours worked per week. The study finds no evidence of cyclical adjustments in nominal wages. The paper then demonstrates the use of the portfolio variance technique in measuring and analysing regional cyclical instability in employment. The portfolio variance measure focuses on interindustry relationships with respect to both the degre...
Software On Demand: An Early Childhood Numeracy Partnership

In collaboration with preservice elementary teachers and in-service kindergarten teachers, the authors engaged in small-scale, demand-side production of educational software focused on numeracy skills. That is, the authors built applications designed to address children’s specific learning needs as they surfaced in the classroom and were identified by the teachers. Details about the design and rationale of the software, the collaborative development process, indications about its impact on teachers’ practice, and discussion about the potential of this approach to educational software production are shared.
Caregiver burden after receiving a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder

Abstract The study examined factors impacting caregiver burden following diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Primary caregivers of children diagnosed with an ASD within the past 6 months (n = 78) were assessed on variables thought to influence outcomes associated with family stress as proposed within the double ABCX model of family adaptation, i.e., severity of autistic symptoms, additional life demands, social support, appraisal, and coping strategies. Burden was measured across three domains: individual caregiver, marital relationship, and the family as a whole. Most families reported high levels of burden following their child's diagnosis. Symptom severity, additional pile-up demands, social support, and the use of passive avoidant coping strategies were strong and consistent predictors of increased burden.
Petrofabric Analysis of Marbles from Mid-Strathspey and Strathavon

Petrofabric analyses of marble specimens from three widely separated localities in Mid-Strathspey and Strathavon are recorded. Preferred orientation of [0001] in the constituent grains of calcite conforms to a B-tectonite pattern, the symmetry axis (B) of which coincides with the b axis of the megascopic fabric (lineation and fold axis) at each locality. Development of {011¯2} lamellae in calcite grains is attributed to late minor compression, the direction of which is more or less horizontal and trends between N.E.–S.W. and E.N.E.–W.S.W.
Progress and bottleneck in induced pluripotency

With their capability to undergo unlimited self-renewal and to differentiate into all cell types in the body, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from somatic cells of individual patients with defined factors, have unlimited potential in cell therapy and in modeling complex human diseases. Significant progress has been achieved to improve the safety of iPSCs and the reprogramming efficiency. To avoid the cancer risk and spontaneous reactivation of the reprogramming factors associated with the random integration of viral vectors into the genome, several approaches have been established to deliver the reprogramming factors into the somatic cells without inducing genetic modification. In addition, a panel of small molecule compounds, many of which targeting the epigenetic machinery, have been identified to increase the reprogramming efficiency. Despite these progresses, recent studies have identified genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of iPSCs as well as the immunogenicity of some cells derived from iPSCs. In addition, due to the oncogenic potential of the reprogramming factors and the reprogramming-induced DNA damage, the critical tumor suppressor pathways such as p53 and ARF are activated to act as the checkpoints that suppress induced pluripotency. The inactivation of these tumor suppression pathways even transiently during reprogramming processes could have significant adverse impact on the genome integrity. These safety concerns must be resolved to improve the feasibility of the clinic development of iPSCs into human cell therapy.
Grounding Service-Learning in the Digital Age: Exploring a Virtual Sense of Geographic Place Through Online Collaborative Mapping and Mixed Media

A sense of place has been an integral part of service-learning since the field’s inception; it describes one’s attachment to a particular geographic place and is often a precursor to engaging in action to care for localities and their inhabitants. But practicing service-learning in online environments requires reconsidering this core value. Should the field celebrate the “liberation” of service-learning from geographical constraints, as some authors suggest, or reclaim a geographically bounded sense of place as an essential part of service-learning? The authors recommend finding ways to cultivate a virtual sense of geographic place in online learning environments to enhance a critical understanding of physical localities, better prepare service-learners to enter service sites, and deepen connections among participating students. By providing examples of online collaborative mapping and virtual community projects, this paper considers some implications for theorizing sense of place for online and face-to-face service-learning in the digital age.
A cell-centered Lagrangian Godunov-like method for solid dynamics

This work presents a spatially and temporally second-order cell-centered Lagrangian formulation (CCH) suitable for elasto-plastic materials on unstructured polyhedral cells in multiple dimensions. In the development of our scheme, we follow a mimetic approach, based upon the finite volume method, as a guide to the derivation of the difference equations. In doing so, we consider not only the governing equations, but a number of ancillary relationships. The finite volume equations for solids are cast in Lagrangian form with particular attention to the discrete form of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. We expand upon previous work and propose a new entropy production expression. A new tensor dissipation model is presented that guarantees the viscous stress tensor is symmetric. The new tensor dissipation model shows increased mesh robustness. In the second-order formulation, a limiter for the stress gradient is presented, as well as a vorticity limiter for the velocity gradient. Numerical results are demonstrated for common test problems involving both gas and solid constitutive models.
Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome

The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is considered to be a major signal transduction pathway during embryonic development, but it usually shuts down after birth. Aberrant Sonic hedgehog (Shh) activation during adulthood leads to neoplastic growth. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is driven by this pathway. Here, we summarize information related to the pathogenesis of this neoplasm, discuss pathways that crosstalk with Shh signaling, and the importance of the primary cilium in this neoplastic process. The identification of the basic/translational components of Shh signaling has led to the discovery of potential mechanism-driven druggable targets and subsequent clinical trials have confirmed their remarkable efficacy in treating BCCs, particularly in patients with nevoid BCC syndrome (NBCCS), an autosomal dominant disorder in which patients inherit a germline mutation in the tumor-suppressor gene Patched (Ptch). Patients with NBCCS develop dozens to hundreds of BCCs due to derepression of the downstream G-protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Ptch mutations permit transposition of SMO to the primary cilium followed by enhanced expression of transcription factors Glis that drive cell proliferation and tumor growth. Clinical trials with the SMO inhibitor, vismodegib, showed remarkable efficacy in patients with NBCCS, which finally led to its FDA approval in 2012.
Stereo display for chest CT

Based on the need to increase the efficacy of chest CT for lung cancer screening, a stereoscopic display for viewing chest CT images has been developed. Stereo image pairs are generated from CT data by conventional stereo projection derived from a geometry that assumes the topmost slice being displayed is at the same distance as the screen of the physical display. Image grayscales are modified to make air transparent so that soft tissue structures of interest can be more easily seen. Because the process of combining multiple slices has a tendency to reduce the effective local contrast, we have included mechanisms to counteract this, such as linear and nonlinear local grayscale transforms. The physical display, which consists of a CRT viewed through shutter glasses, also provides for real-time adjustment of displayed thickness and axial position, as well as for changing brightness and contrast. While refinement of the stereo projection, contrast, and transparency models is ongoing, subjective evaluation of our current implementation indicates that the method has considerable potential for improving the efficiency of the detection of lung nodules. A more quantitative effort to assess its impact on performance, by ROC type methods, is underway.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Is the Growth of Small Firms Constrained by Internal Finance

This paper examines the long-standing theory that the growth of small firms is often constrained by the quantity of internal finance. Under plausible assumptions, when financing constraints are binding, an additional dollar of internal finance should generate slightly more than an additional dollar of growth in assets. This quantitative prediction should not hold for the relatively small number of firms which access external equity. We test these predictions with a panel of more than 1, 600 small firms and find that the growth of most firms is constrained by internal finance. Our results have implications for several different research literatures, including models of firm growth.
Environmental impacts of food supply and obesogenic severity worldwide

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the severity of obesogenic societies is associated with more significant environmental impacts, and whether these impacts are associated with the production, supply, and consumption of animal foods more so than with plant foods. Design/methodology/approach – This ecological study was based on analyses of available data regarding populations of countries throughout the world. The study analyzed indicators related to food production, food supply, the anthropometric traits of malnutrition, and ecological impacts. Data were analyzed via scatter plots and Pearson’s correlation. Findings – Food supply, when compared with food production, is more significantly associated with environmental impacts. Also, the supply of meats, when compared with the supply of cereals, has a stronger association with environmental impacts and obesogenic severity. Meat supply is strongly associated with the ecological footprint (r=0.782, p < 0.001), with CO2 emissions (r=...
The Balance Sheets of Low-Income Households: What We Know About Their Assets and Liabilities.

This report synthesizes current research and other available information on the assets and liabilities of low-income households into a variety of portraits. These data allow practitioners and researchers to begin to form a comprehensive representation of the balance sheets of low-income households and sets the stage for future research and policy discussion around the finances of low-income households.
Temperature coefficient of frequency modeling for CMOS-MEMS bulk mode composite resonators

CMOS-MEMS resonators, which are promising building blocks for achieving monolithic integration of MEMS structure, can be used for timing and filtering applications, and control circuitry. SiO2 has been used to make MEMS resonators with quality factor Q > 104, but temperature instability remains a major challenge. In this paper, a design that uses an embedded metal block for temperature compensation is proposed and shows sub-ppm temperature stability (−0.21 ppm/K). A comprehensive analytical model is derived and applied to analyze and optimize the temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of the CMOS-MEMS composite material resonator. Comparison with finite element method simulation demonstrates good accuracy. The model can also be applied to predict and analyze the TCF of MEMS resonators with arbitrary mode shape, and its integration with simulation packages enables interactive and efficient design process.
'I'Se a Man': Political Awakening and the 1942 Riot in the Bahamas

This article is an effort to retell the story of the 1942 riot in the Bahamas. Although the riot was triggered by a labour dispute, it was the first sign of political awakening in the colony's Black community. It was the first in a series of tremors along the fault line that divided the rich White from the poorer Black Bahamians, and was arguably the start of a political movement that eventually led to majority rule and independence.
Introduction to themed issue: “Green security in protected areas”

Abstract This introduction to the themed issue discusses the articulation of protected areas, conservation, and security in issue contributions. Protected areas are presented as localized sites to address global crises, such as anthropogenic climate change and the “war on terror.” When they are sites for securitization and militarization, protected areas articulate state and subject formations through violence. As threat discourses have amplified in recent years, communities once deemed putative eco-destroyers have been interpellated as potential threats in wars on drugs and/or terror. The themed issue reveals that reframing environmental crime as organized crime has significant implications for expanding claims of what counts as legitimate use of force in protected areas policing, as well as potential prosecutions. It is apparent that security for one group may hinge on the insecurity of another group at different historical and political moments. In this special issue we challenge conservation actors as well as those critical of conservation to ask: for whom does conservation provide security, under what circumstances, and at what cost?
Canonical Autocorrelation Analysis

We present an extension of sparse Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) designed for finding multiple-to-multiple linear correlations within a single set of variables. Unlike CCA, which finds correlations between two sets of data where the rows are matched exactly but the columns represent separate sets of variables, the method proposed here, Canonical Autocorrelation Analysis (CAA), finds multivariate correlations within just one set of variables. This can be useful when we look for hidden parsimonious structures in data, each involving only a small subset of all features. In addition, the discovered correlations are highly interpretable as they are formed by pairs of sparse linear combinations of the original features. We show how CAA can be of use as a tool for anomaly detection when the expected structure of correlations is not followed by anomalous data. We illustrate the utility of CAA in two application domains where single-class and unsupervised learning of correlation structures are particularly relevant: breast cancer diagnosis and radiation threat detection. When applied to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer data, single-class CAA is competitive with supervised methods used in literature. On the radiation threat detection task, unsupervised CAA performs significantly better than an unsupervised alternative prevalent in the domain, while providing valuable additional insights for threat analysis.
Label-free molecular beacons for biomolecular detection

Biomolecular detection and imaging methods provide quantitative measurements essential for biological research. In this context, molecular beacon based sensors have emerged as powerful, no-wash imaging agents, providing target-specific fluorescent activation for nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. Conventional molecular beacons require double-labeled DNA sequences, which are costly and time-consuming to prepare. To address this issue, we developed DNA based label-free molecular beacons consisting of two regions: a signal-generating region based on human telomeric G-quadruplex sequence that activates Thioflavin T fluorescence and a target recognition sequence designed to interact in a molecular beacon format. We demonstrated the utility of these probes for the selective detection of DNA, RNA, and protein. Multiple probes were applied against a single target to achieve improved brightness in fluorescence detection of nucleic acid targets. This label-free strategy provides a straightforward, cost-e...
Interstitial lung disease in primary Sjögren syndrome.

Background Primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) has been associated with various histologic patterns of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods We retrospectively identified 18 patients with pSS and suspected ILD who underwent lung biopsies (14 surgical biopsies and 9 bronchoscopic biopsies) at our institution during a 13-year period from 1992 through 2004. Histopathologic findings were analyzed and correlated with radiologic features and outcome. Results Median age was 62 years (range, 34 to 78 years), and 15 patients (83%) were women. Most patients presented with dyspnea and cough. Chest radiographs demonstrated bilateral infiltrates, and high-resolution CT revealed abnormalities of various types including ground-glass, consolidation, reticular, and nodular opacities. The major histopathologic patterns included nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) [five patients], organizing pneumonia (OP) [four patients], usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) [three patients], lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (three patients), primary pulmonary lymphoma (two patients), and diffuse interstitial amyloidosis (one patient). In four patients (three with OP and one with amyloidosis), the diagnosis was established on transbronchial biopsy results. Treatment commonly included prednisone with or without another immunosuppressive agent. During the follow-up period (median, 38 months), most patients improved or remained stable except three patients with UIP, one patient with NSIP, and one patient with amyloidosis. Seven patients (39%) died, including three deaths from acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. Conclusions A variety of histologic patterns can be seen in patients with pSS-associated ILD. Those with UIP tended to have progression of lung disease. Death from acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia may occur in patients with pSS-associated ILD.
New combinations in Odontostemma (Caryophyllaceae)

Sixty-three new combinations in Odontostemma (Alsineae, Caryophyllaceae) are made to accommodate placement of all currently recognized taxa of Arenaria subg. Odontostemma within the genus Odontostemma.
Communication education outreach in elementary school classrooms

In recent years, service‐learning has become widespread within higher education. With dual components of service and learning, such courses are of particular interest to the field of communication and its tradition of preparing students for a role in public life. This essay describes an example of one particular type of service‐learning course, “Communication Education Outreach.” In the course, university students utilize their knowledge and skill in speech communication to teach oral communication to elementary school students. This article includes a rationale for the course, and descriptions of its structure, objectives, readings, assignments, evaluative procedures, and logistic challenges. It concludes with a discussion of the value and success of the course.
Chinese L2 Learners’ Depth of Vocabulary Knowledge and Its Role in Reading Comprehension

Using a Chinese Word Associates Test (WAT-C), this study examined the vocabulary depth of second language learners of Chinese and its contribution to the learners’ reading comprehension. Results showed no significant effects of word frequency, word class (i.e., adjectives vs. verbs), and type of association relationships (i.e., paradigmatic vs. syntagmatic) on learners’ WAT-C performance. More important, vocabulary depth was found to be a significant and unique predictor of reading comprehension over and above vocabulary size. On the other hand, the relative contributions of vocabulary depth and size depended on what types of texts were read and what comprehension skills were assessed. Specifically, for the long passage comprehension task with questions testing literal comprehension, vocabulary size was a more important predictor, whereas for the short passage comprehension task with questions testing inferencing, vocabulary depth was a more important predictor. These findings were discussed in light of the different levels of lexical complexity between the short and long passages and the different cognitive processing demands the questions of the two comprehension tasks placed on learners
Biclonal (CD34+ CD42b+) Myeloblastic and Megakaryoblastic Transformation of Chronic Myeloproliferative/Myelodysplastic Disorders

Despite the widespread use of molecular and genetic assays (i.e. JAK2V617F, FLT-3, bcr-abl, PML-RARalpha) for diagnoses of myeloid neoplasms, some disease entities remain difficult to define. For instance, distinguishing between blastic phase of bcr-abl negative chronic myeloproliferative disease, unclassifiable (CMPD-U), transformed myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease-unclassifiable (MDS/MPD-U), acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AML FAB-M7), and idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) per the 2001 WHO classification system remains challenging. Common to all of these diagnoses are marrow dysplasia, presence of immature myelocytic and megakaryocytic cells, and reticulin myelofibrosis. Here we describe our institute experience with 11 patients (pts) who presented between 2004–2008 with acute myeloid neoplasms characterized by prominent myeloblastic and megakaryoblastic cell populations with myelofibrosis. Morphological diagnoses were: MDS-refractory anemia with excess blasts (n=1), blastic phase of MPD/MDS with myelofibrosis (n=5), atypical or mixed acute myelocytic and megakaryoblastic leukemia (n=4), and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (n=1). Median age at diagnosis was 69 years (range 20–89). Six pts were male (55%) and five female. The majority presented with pancytopenia with a median white blood cell count of 2.55 × 109/l (range Conclusions: Acute bcr-abl negative myeloid disorders displaying biclonal CD34+ myeloblastic and CD42b+ megakaryoblastic cell populations with myelofibrosis most likely represent leukemic evolution from prior chronic (undiagnosed) MPD or MDS/MPD. Dual immunohistochemical staining for CD34/CD42b is invaluable in distinguishing between the two immature blastic populations with coexpression of both markers on some cells suggestive of a common leukemia stem cell origin. Clinical outcomes of these patients are poor, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the best long-term treatment option if remission can be achieved.
Limit Theorem for Countable Systems of Stochastic Differential Equations

We consider infinite systems of stochastic differential equations used to describe the motion of interacting particles in random media. It is assumed that the mass of each particle approaches zero and the density of particles infinitely increases in a proper way. It is proved that the sequence of corresponding measure-valued processes converges in distribution. We also prove the existence and uniqueness of a strong solution for the limit equation.
Effect of PEDF on the migration, M1 polarization, and phagocytic activity in macrophages: A new way to inhibit PCa?

e16058 Background: Macrophages have been described as one of the main inflammatory components involved in prostate cancer (PCa) development. PEDF (Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor) is a secreted angio-inhibitor with differentiation and suggested immune-modulating activities. PEDF expression has been shown to be down-regulated in PCa compared to normal tissues. Previously, we have demonstrated that PEDF re-expression in PCa cells curbs tumor growth in vivo and prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Others have shown that PEDF increased the recruitment of tumor-cytotoxic macrophages into MatLyLu rat prostate tumors suggesting a link between PEDF and inflammation in PCa. However, PEDF modes of action on macrophages still remain unknown and need further investigation. Methods: THP-1, RAW264.7 and primary macrophages treated with PEDF, its derived active P18 peptide or ctrl were used as models. Migration was assessed using Boyden chamber and 3D PCa spheroid assays. M1/tumor-cytotoxic polarization was te...
Implementation of reflexive genomic profiling in non-squamous NSCLC: Results of single center experience.

e13010Background: Identification of oncogenic driver mutations (ODM) and targeted therapies have increased the number of treatment options for patients (pts) with non-squamous non-small cell lung c...
Three-Phase Melting Curves in the Binary System of Carbon Dioxide and Water

Invariant, three-phase melting curves, of ice VI in equilibrium with solid CO2, of ice VII in equilibrium with solid CO2, and of solid CO2 in simultaneous equilibrium with a majority aqueous and a majority CO2 fluid, were explored in the binary system of carbon dioxide and water. Diamond-anvil cells were used to develop pressures of 5 GPa. Water exhibits a large melting temperature depression (73°C less than its pure melting temperature of 253°C at 5 GPa) indicative of large concentrations of CO2 in the aqueous solution. The melting point of water-saturated CO2 does not show a measureable departure from that of the pure system at temperatures lower than ~200°C and only 10°C at 5 GPa (from 327°C).
Genetic variants and acute kidney injury: A review of the literature

Abstract Purpose Limited data exists on potential genetic contributors to acute kidney injury. This review examines current knowledge of AKI genomics. Materials and methods 32 studies were selected from PubMed and GWAS Catalog queries for original data studies of human AKI genetics. Hand search of references identified 3 additional manuscripts. Results 33 of 35 studies were hypothesis-driven investigations of candidate polymorphisms that either did not consistently replicate statistically significant findings, or obtained significant results only in few small-scale studies. Vote-counting meta-analysis of 9 variants examined in > 1 candidate gene study showed ≥ 50% non-significant studies, with larger studies generally finding non-significant results. The remaining 2 studies were large-scale unbiased investigations: One examining 2,100 genes linked with cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory syndromes identified BCL2, SERPINA4, and SIK3 variants, while a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified variants in BBS9 and the GRM7 | LMCD1-AS1 intergenic region. All studies had relatively small sample sizes ( Conclusions Most studies of AKI genetics involve hypothesis-driven (rather than hypothesis-generating) candidate gene investigations that have failed to identify contributory variants consistently. A limited number of unbiased, larger-scale studies have been carried out, but there remains a pressing need for additional GWA studies.
Development of Isolated SenseGaN current monitoring for boundary conduction mode control of power converters

This paper presents the design of the Isolated SenseGaN (Iso-SenseGaN) current sensing technique using Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors. The isolation technique for the SenseGaN brings an opportunity for integration of sensing element with the power modules, and enables many control schemes in power converters. This could effectively open broader area for smart device monitoring, implementation of current controlling techniques at high frequency, and proper feedback for diagnostics/prognostics developments. In this work, the focus is on the practical challenges for the SenseGaN technique and presenting the inductor-based galvanic isolation. Using the current mirroring method, the authors defined a cursor for detection of the power converter operation mode, i.e., Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) vs. Boundary Conduction Mode (BCM) in a DC-DC boost and a DC-AC converter a real-time setup.
Nutrition, Intrauterine Growth Retardation and the Placenta

Fetal malnutrition may be viewed as any condition which will reduce the final quantity of nutrients reaching the fetus. Theoretically, the fetus may be malnourished because not enough nutrients are available in the maternal blood, because the placenta is not adequately supplied with maternal blood, or because the placenta is unable to extract and transport nutrients from the maternal circulation.
Oxygen Delivery Systems and the Anesthesia Workstation

The term anesthesia workstation is defined as a system for the administration of anesthesia to patients. It consists of the anesthesia gas supply device (i.e., the anesthesia machine), anesthesia ventilator, monitoring devices, and protection device(s) [1]. Because otolaryngologists operate in close proximity to the head, neck, and airway, anesthesiologists are usually required to manage otolaryngologic patients away from their equipment. Emergent situations such as airway loss, electrical power outages, fires and equipment failures in the operating room must be immediately addressed to assure patient safety and prevent adverse outcomes [2]. Given these unique situations, otolaryngologists need to be familiar with the anesthesia machine and workstation should they be called upon to assist their anesthesia colleagues during routine care and intraoperative emergencies. Additionally many otolaryngology patients have significant pulmonary, cardiovascular, and airway pathology requiring the need for supplemental oxygen in the perioperative period. A working knowledge of various oxygen delivery systems is critical for the proper care and wellness of their perioperative patient. Therefore, it is important that every otolaryngologist gains a familiarity with the devices and technology that deliver oxygen to patients. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce otolaryngologist to the basic principles of the anesthesia workstation, anesthesia gas delivery system, and oxygen supply equipment while serving as a basic overview of these devices for the practicing anesthesiologist.
Predicting cognitive data from medical images using sparse linear regression

We present a new framework for predicting cognitive or other continuous-variable data from medical images. Current methods of probing the connection between medical images and other clinical data typically use voxel-based mass univariate approaches. These approaches do not take into account the multivariate, network-based interactions between the various areas of the brain and do not give readily interpretable metrics that describe how strongly cognitive function is related to neuroanatomical structure. On the other hand, high-dimensional machine learning techniques do not typically provide a direct method for discovering which parts of the brain are used for making predictions. We present a framework, based on recent work in sparse linear regression, that addresses both drawbacks of mass univariate approaches, while preserving the direct spatial interpretability that they provide. In addition, we present a novel optimization algorithm that adapts the conjugate gradient method for sparse regression on medical imaging data. This algorithm produces coefficients that are more interpretable than existing sparse regression techniques.
Application of a Micro-Cold Atmospheric Plasma Device (μCAP) in Vitro and Vivo for Brain Cancer Therapy

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has received great attention due to their remarkable abilities in plasma medicine. Many scientists have successfully elucidated the potential of CAP as a novel technology against cancer1. CAP may be generated by a range of different plasma devices such as plasma jet, dielectric barrier discharge, corona discharge, gliding arc, etc2. However, most cancers occur inside the body and plasma direct irradiation is impractical as a clinical cancer therapy due to its high voltage, the formation of discharge in the organ, gas delivery, and plasma probe volume3,4. In addition, the heat inside the organ should be controllable and normal tissue should be protected from damage. In recent years, tiny, flexible, and easy to handle CAP devices have been considered for use in medical applications. In this context, here we developed a Micro-CAP (uCAP) device employing helium gas. The main objective was to investigate the effect of uCAP on glioblastoma cancer cells (U87) and glioblastoma tumors in the murine brain.
Use of Telemedicine to Screen Patients in the Emergency Department: Matched Cohort Study Evaluating Efficiency and Patient Safety of Telemedicine.

Background: Early efforts to incorporate telemedicine into Emergency Medicine focused on connecting remote treatment clinics to larger emergency departments (EDs) and providing remote consultation services to EDs with limited resources. Owing to continued ED overcrowding, some EDs have used telemedicine to increase the number of providers during surges of patient visits and offer scheduled “home” face-to-face, on-screen encounters. In this study, we used remote on-screen telemedicine providers in the “screening-in-triage” role. Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficiency and patient safety of in-person screening and telescreening. Methods: This cohort study, matched for days and proximate hours, compared the performance of real-time remote telescreening and in-person screening at a single urban academic ED over 22 weeks in the spring and summer of 2016. The study involved 337 standard screening hours and 315 telescreening hours. The primary outcome measure was patients screened per hour. Additional outcomes were rates of patients who left without being seen, rates of analgesia ordered by the screener, and proportion of patients with chest pain receiving or prescribed a standard set of tests and medications. Results: In-person screeners evaluated 1933 patients over 337 hours (5.7 patients per hour), whereas telescreeners evaluated 1497 patients over 315 hours (4.9 patients per hour; difference=0.8; 95% CI 0.5-1.2). Split analysis revealed that for the final 3 weeks of the evaluation, the patient-per-hour rate differential was neither clinically relevant nor statistically discernable (difference=0.2; 95% CI –0.7 to 1.2). There were fewer patients who left without being seen during in-person screening than during telescreening (2.6% vs 3.8%; difference=–1.2; 95% CI –2.4 to 0.0). However, compared to prior year-, date-, and time-matched data on weekdays from 1 am to 3 am, a period previously void of provider screening, telescreening decreased the rate of patients LWBS from 25.1% to 4.5% (difference=20.7%; 95% CI 10.1-31.2). Analgesia was ordered more frequently by telescreeners than by in-person screeners (51.2% vs 31.6%; difference=19.6%; 95% CI 12.1-27.1). There was no difference in standard care received by patients with chest pain between telescreening and in-person screening (29.4% vs 22.4%; difference=7.0%; 95% CI –3.4 to 17.4). Conclusions: Although the efficiency of telescreening, as measured by the rate of patients seen per hour, was lower early in the study period, telescreening achieved the same level of efficiency as in-person screening by the end of the pilot study. Adding telescreening during 1-3 am on weekdays dramatically decreased the number of patients who left without being seen compared to historic data. Telescreening was an effective and safe way for this ED to expand the hours in which patients were screened by a health care provider in triage.
Proceedings of the 8th workshop on Parallel/High-Performance Object-Oriented Scientific Computing

While object-oriented programming has been embraced in industry, particularly in the form of C++, Java, and Python, its acceptance by the parallel scientific programming community is for various reasons tentative. Nonetheless, various factors practically dictate the use of language features that provide higher level abstractions than do C or older FORTRAN standards. These include increasingly complex physics models, numerical algorithms, and hardware, e.g. deep memory hierarchies, ever-increasing numbers of processors, and the advent of multi- and many-core processors and heterogeneous architectures. This workshop, the eighth in the series since 1998, seeks to bring together researchers and practitioners in this growing vield to `compare notes' on their work. The emphasis is on identifying specific problems impeding greater acceptance and widespread use of object-oriented programming in scientific computing; proposed and implemented solutions to these problems; and new or novel frameworks, approaches, techniques, or idioms for parallel/high-performance objectoriented scientific computing. Presentations of work in progress have been welcome, but recently the workshop has attracted a greater fraction of full research papers.
The Transformative Power of Engaged Thinking for Peace Education

In this chapter, “The Transformative Power of Engaged Thinking for Peace Education” offers an engaging critique in thinking about critical thinking and education. Robert Gould suggests an expanded notion of critical thinking that includes thinking together, not just thinking alone or thinking from nowhere for everywhere wherein he states, it seems that thinking together is at the heart of cosmopolitanism, where we first respectfully welcome the other, then proceed to think across the differences of culture, history, and psychology. If the challenge of peace education is to help us learn to think and connect across difference, then we must look at a central difficulty in the way we teach critical thinking (both formal and informal logic). If critical thinking means careful thinking, then we are not careful enough when we solely focus on how to develop a position on a subject or argument. Unfortunately, according to Gould, the way we conventionally teach critical thinking amounts to argument construction—not connection across difference.