cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Cecostomy (LAPEC) in Children and Young Adults

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy (LAPEC) procedure both in children and young adults, along with review of their pre-operative motility profiles, antegrade continence enema (ACE) regimen, and postoperative complications. This retrospective review investigated 38 patients (32 children and 6 young adults) that underwent the LAPEC procedure. Primary outcomes evaluated were success versus failure of the procedure and post-operative complications. Success was defined as daily stool evacuation with minimal to no fecal incontinence per week. Mean follow up time was 25.8 ± 22.4 months. Indications for LAPEC included slow transit constipation or colonic neuropathy (n = 22), other types of constipation (n = 5), and a variety of congenital disorders (n = 11). The overall success rate was 95% (36/38 patients) with the two failures in children, both attributed to inability to use the tube due to underlying behavioral disorders or severe anxiety. Five patients above age 18 had leakage compared to 6 in the under age 18 group (83% vs. 19, P = 0.003). There were no other significant complications. LAPEC is a safe and effective means of addressing refractory constipation and fecal incontinence in children and young adults who have failed medical management with minimal post-operative complications.
Safety and Efficacy of Bilateral Submental Cryolipolysis With Quantified 3-Dimensional Imaging of Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening

ImportanceCryolipolysis is a popular, well-tolerated nonsurgical procedure that uses controlled cooling to selectively destroy fat cells. Central submental cryolipolysis has been reported to be saf...
Multiple "Old Ages": The Influence of Social Context on Women's Aging Anxiety.

Objectives Dominant views of aging generate anxiety for many adults-especially women, who face greater disadvantages in later life compared with men. However, little is known about changes in these concerns over time and their variation across women. Employing a feminist perspective on age relations, our study examines three social contexts affecting women's aging anxiety-social location, health, and social relationships. Method Using a sample of women (n = 905) from Midlife in the United States (1995-1996; 2004-2006), logistic regression models examine predictors of over-time patterns in three aging anxiety sources-declining attractiveness, declining health, and reproductive aging. Results Women report more declining-health anxiety, and it remains more stable over time than do declining-attractiveness and reproductive aging anxiety-both of which tend to decrease with age. The effects of social context vary across anxiety sources; however, more favorable over-time patterns are often associated with more disadvantaged social locations (i.e., older ages, non-white, lower socioeconomic status)-but better health and social relationships. Discussion Our study, the first to examine over-time patterns in aging anxiety, illustrates women's multiple "old ages"-a reality manifesting in not only objective conditions of later life but also perceptions of aging. It provides insight on social and cultural processes shaping aging perceptions.
Leave Us the World: Apophasis, Dissent and the Pluralist Politics of Charles Bernstein’s Poetry

Charles Bernstein makes prominent use in his poetry of the strategy of apophasis—a rhetorical figure of negation wherein an individual denies saying something in the exact moment of saying it. Lagapa contends that Bernstein’s denials are elaborate rhetorical gestures that not only explain his poetic methods but also initiate a debate about the purpose and politics of poetry. Such contentiousness is key to a utopian poetics. Bernstein understands the discipline of poetry as composing one large polis, in which argument is essential to poetry’s vitality and a vibrant, democratic political process. Lagapa argues that a dissenting, pluralist arena constitutes what would be an ideal world for Bernstein, in which poetics and politics might be perpetually and vehemently contested for the sake of social progress.
Enhanced Selective Cytotoxicity in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Using EGF-Conjugated Liposome-Encapsulated Curcumin

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers. Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the cell surface significantly enhances the tumor resistance, which makes the treatment even more challenging. Curcumin, a polyphenol found in turmeric (Curcumin longa), has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth, metastasis, and invasion of cancer cells via the EGFR signaling pathways. Our purpose is to develop an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-conjugated liposome-encapsulated curcumin (EGF-LP-Cur) to target the EGFR. As a result, the prepared liposomal EGF-LP-Cur had spherical vesicles with diameters of around 120 nm and contained high concentrations of curcumin and controlled concentrations of EGF. It was demonstrated to be stable in term of size and zeta potential within 21 days. The targeted formulation produced a significant increase of cytotoxicity on EGFR-overexpressed human pancreatic cancer cells as compared to the non-targeted one (p < 0.05). This is a promising candidate for the drug development in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, which remains challenging.
Constructive knowledge and the justified true belief paradigm

Abstract In this paper we analyze the foundations of epistemology from a constructive Brouwerian position. In particular, we consider the famous tripartite account of knowledge as justified true belief, JTB, traditionally attributed to Plato as well as counter-examples by Russell and Gettier. We show that from an intuitionistic perspective, when the constructive character of truth is taken into account, both Russell and Gettier examples no longer refute the principle that JTB yields knowledge. Moreover, we argue that JTB yields knowledge could be accepted given some natural constructivity assumptions.
Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma of the Thyroid Mimicking Locally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report:

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) harboring ETV6 gene rearrangements was first described in the salivary gland with a relatively favorable prognosis and a possible molecular therapeutic target with pan-Trk inhibitors. Recently, primary MASC of the thyroid gland has been reported. We report a case of a 4.0 cm MASC arising from the left thyroid of a 58-year-old female with extrathyroidal extension. Initially, it was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration as suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and subsequently called a poorly differentiated carcinoma on resection. A final diagnosis of primary MASC of the thyroid was confirmed after an expanded immunohistochemical panel and identification of an ETV6 gene rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Morphologically, the tumor was composed of solid, microcystic and focally papillary growth with dense fibrotic stroma and necrosis. Overlapping cytological features with PTC were identified, including foci of enlarged cells with irregular nuclear membranes/grooves. However, most of the cells contained prominent nucleoli with intraluminal and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic secretions. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were strongly positive for pancytokeratin, cytokeratin 7, PAX8, mammaglobin, and GCDFP-15, with rare staining for GATA3 and S100 and negative for TTF-1 and thyroglobulin. We report a rare case of a primary thyroid MASC, initially misdiagnosed as PTC. Pathologists should be aware of this entity and, given the similarities to PTC, have a high index of suspicion, prompting the addition of immunohistochemical and molecular studies. Furthermore, an accurate diagnosis is important because of the possible prognostic and treatment implications.
THE EFFECT OF TACKLING TRAINING ON HEAD ACCELERATIONS IN YOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL.

Background Many organizations have introduced frameworks to reduce the incidence of football related concussions through proper equipment fitting, coach education, and alteration of tackling technique. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of training in a vertical, head up tackling style on the number of head accelerations experienced while tackling in a controlled laboratory situation. The authors hypothesized that training in a head up tackling technique would reduce the severity of head acceleration experienced by participants. Design Controlled Laboratory Study. Methods Twenty-four participants (11.5 ± 0.6 years old, 60.5 ± 2.2 in, 110 ± 18.4 lbs.) with previous playing experience completed a one-day training session on tackling technique utilizing a tackling dummy. A subgroup of these participants completed an additional two days of training with a 48 hour retention test. Head accelerations were analyzed at baseline and end of training. Feedback consisted of verbal feedback utilizing the Qualitative Youth Tackling Scale (QYTS) and video tackling playback. Results A significant reduction in the number of peak linear head accelerations over 10 g and peak rotational head accelerations over 1885 deg/s2 were found in dummy tackling after training in both the one day and three day training regimens. A significant change in QYTS tackling form score was found between pretest and post-test (p = 0.004). Participants with larger steps had a 2.28, 4.42 and 4.14 increased odds ratio of sustaining head accelerations over 10, 15 and 20 g respectively. Conclusions Training in a vertical, head up tackling style decreased the number of head accelerations over threshold values sustained while tackling; decreased step length may be the driving factor in the effectiveness of this tackling form. Level of evidence Level 3b.
Gankyrin Promotes Tumor-Suppressor Protein Degradation to Drive Hepatocyte Proliferation.

Background & Aims Uncontrolled liver proliferation is a key characteristic of liver cancer; however, the mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood. Elucidation of these mechanisms is necessary for the development of better therapy. The oncogene Gankyrin (Gank) is overexpressed in both hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma. The aim of this work was to determine the role of Gank in liver proliferation and elucidate the mechanism by which Gank promotes liver proliferation. Methods We generated Gank liver-specific knock-out (GLKO) mice and examined liver biology and proliferation after surgical resection and liver injury. Results Global profiling of gene expression in GLKO mice showed significant changes in pathways involved in liver cancer and proliferation. Investigations of liver proliferation after partial hepatectomy and CCl 4 treatment showed that GLKO mice have dramatically inhibited proliferation of hepatocytes at early stages after surgery and injury. In control LoxP mice, liver proliferation was characterized by Gank-mediated reduction of tumor-suppressor proteins (TSPs). The failure of GLKO hepatocytes to proliferate is associated with a lack of down-regulation of these proteins. Surprisingly, we found that hepatic progenitor cells of GLKO mice start proliferation at later stages and restore the original size of the liver at 14 days after partial hepatectomy. To examine the proliferative activities of Gank in cancer cells, we used a small molecule, cjoc42, to inhibit interactions of Gank with the 26S proteasome. These studies showed that Gank triggers degradation of TSPs and that cjoc42-mediated inhibition of Gank increases levels of TSPs and inhibits proliferation of cancer cells. Conclusions These studies show that Gank promotes hepatocyte proliferation by elimination of TSPs. This work provides background for the development of Gank-mediated therapy for the treatment of liver cancer. RNA sequencing data can be accessed in the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus: GSE104395.
Osteoporosis and Hip Fracture

Recent studies have identified multiple factors contributing to osteoporosis and hip fracture in women. It is now possible to identify individuals who are at increased risk of osteoporotic fractures through bone densitometry, so that appropriate measures for the prevention and restoration of bone loss can be instituted. Although largely experimental, such measures are available. Prevention of hip fracture, however, may best be accomplished by preventing falls or the trauma associated with the fall in those identified at increased risk. Promising interventions are also available to reduce those risks, e.g., exercise programs, cataract surgery, and environmental modification such as hand rails and foam-backed carpeting. A major factor contributing to fall-associated fractures is a decline in mental function. Here too there may be effective measures to alter this decline in mental function and specifically the central integration of sensory input. Clinicians await with great interest the results of the proposed intervention studies of the Women's Health Initiative evaluating vitamin D and hormone replacement therapy.
The Future of Maize

In the near future, maize will continue to expand and diversify as a research model, as an industrial resource and as a crop for feed and fuel. The generation of the first maize genome sequence, followed by great improvements in genome sequencing technology, will allow the exceptional genetic diversity of maize to be described in multiple sequenced genomes. Maize will become a premier plant system for association genetics, and reverse genetic tools will continue to improve to a point where the genetic basis of phenotypic variation can be comprehensively defined. As a model for gene function in a complex genomic environment, maize will be without peer, leading to a uniquely deep understanding of the dynamic relationship between chromosome packaging, chromatin structure, epigenetics and the evolution of genetic regulatory circuits. As a crop, maize production will continue to consume more acreage worldwide, with mixed benefits and problems. The relentless narrowing of the commercial maize gene pool and its increased use in borderline environments will enhance the potential for both local and worldwide crop failures as the environment changes and when new pathogen races jet through a susceptible global germplasm. The recent preciptious shift to maize grain as an ethanol source is a mistake driven by politics and profit. One hopes that wisdom will prevail in the near future. Moreover, it is vital that the current maize-to-ethanol boom will not obscure the long-term value of maize as an industrial feedstock. Maize already has many uses, from adhesives to plastics, and food scientists will continue to expand this cornucopia. The great diversity, ease of genetic study, and talented research community in maize will ensure its continued place in the first line of model systems for plant biology.
Interaction of Gram-Positive Microorganisms with Complement

Gram-positive bacteria present a remarkable contrast in many ways to the gramnegative organisms that are the subject of the other papers in this volume. The complex outer membrane of the gram-negative organisms, which is the focus of complement attack, does not exist for those that are gram positive. Rather, the peptidoglycan layer, which underlies the outer membrane in gramnegative organisms, is very often the outermost structure of the gram-positive bacteria. In general, this peptidoglycan is very hypertrophied in gram-positive bacteria — its thickness in Streptococcus pneumoniae, for example, can reach 160 nm as opposed to an average thickness of perhaps only 3 nm in enteric gram-negative organisms. It is this very thick cell wall, which is responsible for the retention of gentian violet by these organisms during gram staining, that defines them as gram positive. This cell wall can act as a barrier to attack by the lytic components of complement. In general, therefore, gram-positive organisms are not directly killed by complement and are defined as serum resistant. The mechanism of serum resistance, however, differs for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and the serum resistance of the gram-positive bacteria is critically dependent on their thick peptidoglycan layer. For example, although a C5b-9 membrane attack complex forms normally on the pneumococcal surface and apparently inserts normally into the cell wall, the peptidoglycan layer is too thick for the C5b-9 to reach the plasma membrane of gram-positive organisms (Joiner et al. 1983).
Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Prevalence, Health Impact and Treatment

Over 1.4 million adults in the United States are living with congenital heart disease (CHD), which can vary widely in disease burden and risk for future cardiovascular complications. As a result, some CHD survivors may experience greater emotional distress, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. This review summarizes the developing research literature on the prevalence, health impact, as well as screening and treatment of depressive and anxiety symptoms among adult CHD survivors. Additionally, the review will highlight findings from the acquired heart disease literature, a well-studied area that can inform research and clinical care practices for CHD survivors with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. The review concludes with considerations for depression and anxiety screening in medical settings and identifying referral resources for treatment.
The role of galactomannan Aspergillus antigen in diagnosing acute invasive fungal sinusitis.

Background Pathologic diagnosis remains the gold standard for final diagnosis of acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS); however, other less invasive tests could suggest the presence of AIFS in at-risk populations where early diagnosis is crucial. Serum galactomannan Aspergillus antigen has been shown to correlate with a diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; however, it has not adequately been evaluated in regard to AIFS. The objective of this study is to evaluate the statistical relevance of galactomannan in predicting diagnosis of AIFS. Methods This study was a retrospective review of pathologic records using Co-Path from 2006 to 2017, incorporating 2 separate searches with designated criteria identifying patients who received pathologic evaluation for invasive fungal sinusitis. Electronic medical records were subsequently reviewed. After exclusions isolating at-risk populations and removing duplications, 78 cases were reviewed using the indicated search criteria. Of these, 38 met further criteria of having had both pathologic evaluation and galactomannan analysis. Statistical variables were assessed, as well as all-cause mortality. Peak and closest galactomannan levels were evaluated. Results Overall, galactomannan had a sensitivity of 44.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.5% to 64.3%), specificity of 100% (95% CI, 66.4% to 100%), positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI, 74.3% to 100%), and negative predictive value of 36% (95% CI, 18.0% to 57.5%). No significant association was observed in galactomannan status and mortality in this patient population. Conclusion Positive serum galactomannan can be an indication of AIFS in patients with a high clinical suspicion. In our study, a positive galactomannan always correlated with a positive pathologic diagnosis. However, given its low sensitivity, one must use caution in relying on galactomannan as a screening tool in diagnosis of AIFS.
Demand Control-Flow Analysis

Points-to analysis manifests in a functional setting as control-flow analysis. Despite the ubiquity of demand points-to analyses, there are no analogous demand control-flow analyses for functional languages in general. We present demand 0CFA, a demand control-flow analysis that offers clients in a functional setting the same pricing model that demand points-to analysis clients enjoy in an imperative setting. We establish demand 0CFA’s correctness via an intermediary exact semantics, demand evaluation, that can potentially support demand variants of more-precise analyses.
The Fadification of Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) certainly exhibits many of the charac­ teristics of this trajectory. First, interest in EI has shown this same pattern of explosive growth. Prior to 1995, there were only a handful of researchers seriously interested in EI, and there were few EI tests, training programs, or interventions. In mid-2005, a Google search us­ ing the keywords “emotional intelligence” produced 4,380,00 hits.
Task-agnostic self-modeling machines

A robot modeled itself without prior knowledge of physics or its shape and used the self-model to perform tasks and detect self-damage.
IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA ASSOCIATED WITH SUB-CLINICAL CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN THE ABSENCE OF TRADITIONAL RISK FACTORS? A META-ANALYSIS OF 2053 PATIENTS

It has been postulated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) induces atherosclerosis through direct and indirect atherogenic mechanisms. However, OSA patients carry a higher burden of conventional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Therefore, whether OSA is uniquely associated with atherosclerosis or it
Summary of Working Group 4: Beam-driven Acceleration

A summary of presentations, posters and discussions of the Beam-driven Acceleration Working Group during the 2018 Advanced Accelerator Concepts conference.
Using a Relational Database to Improve Mortality and Length of Stay for a Department of Surgery: A Comparative Review of 5200 Patients:

The emphasis on high-quality care has spawned the development of quality programs, most of which focus on broad outcome measures across a diverse group of providers. Our aim was to investigate the ...
Remote sensing as the foundation for high-resolution United States landscape projections – The Land Change Monitoring, assessment, and projection (LCMAP) initiative

Abstract The Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) initiative uses temporally dense Landsat data and time series analyses to characterize landscape change in the United States from 1985 to present. LCMAP will be used to explain how past, present, and future landscape change affects society and natural systems. Here, we describe a modeling framework for producing high-resolution (spatial and thematic) landscape projections at a national scale, using a unique parcel-based modeling framework. The methodology was tested by modeling 11 land use scenarios and 3 climate realizations for the U.S. Great Plains. Results demonstrate 1) an ability to balance competing land-use demands from quite variable, complex scenarios, 2) urban growth that matches theoretical future patterns, 3) the value of remote sensing data sources for model parameterization and for deriving landscape parcels, and 4) a pragmatic approach that facilitates the development of high thematic- and spatial-resolution projections at a national scale.
EOLIA trial: the future of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome therapy?

In the EOLIA trial, early use of ECMO did not significantly improve mortality at 60 days in patients with severe ARDS, but when used as a rescue modality ECMO might help improve survivalhttp://bit.ly/2XOjwSE
Increased Rate of Complications following Trigger Finger Release in Diabetic Patients.

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of diabetes on complications after open trigger finger release compared with a cohort matched for age, sex, race, and body mass index class. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of diabetic patients who underwent trigger finger release at an academic institution within the past 10 years. Exclusion criteria included rheumatoid arthritis, malignancy, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, connective tissue disorders, or systemic steroid use. These patients were then matched by age, sex, race, and body mass index class to nondiabetic patients who underwent trigger finger release during the same period. One hundred thirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria and were matched with controls. Complications included superficial or deep infection, delayed wound healing, limited range of motion at 6 weeks, pain requiring medication at 6 weeks, and return to the operating room. Results In adjusted analyses, diabetic patients had a significantly higher rate of all-cause complication following trigger finger release compared with matched nondiabetic controls at an odds ratio of 2.1. Diabetic patients also had a significantly higher rate of limitation in postoperative range of motion compared to the controls with an odds ratio of 2.4. Conclusion This retrospective case-control study identified that diabetic patients undergoing trigger finger release are at increased risk of all-cause postoperative complications and, specifically, range of motion limitation when compared with similar patients without diabetes. Clinical question/level of evidence Risk, II.
Syntheses, spectroscopic, redox, and structural properties of homoleptic Iron(III/II) dithione complexes

Two sets of FeIII/II dithione complexes [FeII(iPr2Dt0)3][PF6]2 ([1][PF6]2), [FeII(Me2Dt0)3][PF6]2 ([2][PF6]2), and [FeIII(iPr2Dt0)3][PF6]3 ([3][PF6]3), [FeIII(Me2Dt0)3][PF6]3 ([4][PF6]3), and compound [FeIII(iPr2Dt0)3][FeCl4][PF]2 ([3][FeCl4][PF6]2) were synthesized from N,N′-diisopropyl piperazine-2,3-dithione (iPr2Dt0) and N,N′-dimethyl piperazine-2,3-dithione (Me2Dt0) ligands. Complexes [1][PF6]2–[4][PF6]3 have been characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-visible spectroscopies, and by electrochemistry. The molecular structures of [2][PF6]2 and [3][FeCl4][PF6]2 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Complexes [2][PF6]2 and [3][FeCl4][PF6]2 both crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n. Both complexes exhibit distorted octahedral geometry and the three coordinated ligands in each complex exhibit different dithione folding. Complexes [1][PF6]2–[4][PF6]3 exhibit a single FeIII/II based couple and three quasi-reversible ligand-based redox couples. The electronic spectra of [1][PF6]2–[4][PF6]3 show intense MLCT bands that indicate strong mixing between metal and ligand orbitals. DFT calculations were used to provide a framework for understanding the electronic origin of their redox chemistry and spectroscopic features.
Optimum Code Design Using Genetic Algorithm in Frequency Hopping Dual Function MIMO Radar Communication Systems

We consider a code-shift keying (CSK) dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) system where the radar implements frequency hopping wideband signal that is modulated by the communication symbols. Each symbol is represented by a phase coded waveform with derivative phase shift keying (DPSK) modulation. The information sequences are multiplied with the FH waveforms in fast-time and are transmitted through the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar platforms. We use the genetic algorithm (GA) to design the optimum CSK sequences to reduce the radar range sidelobes modulation (RSM) which is imperative for clutter mitigation. It is shown that the optimal CSK sequences yield a substantial reduction in the range sidelobe level (RSL) fluctuations by simultaneously reducing the DFRC system's RSLs. Additionally, the proposed DFRC system with the optimized waveform design provides good spectrum containment and achieves high communication data rates by enabling the repeated use of hopping code values in the FH code design.
The clinical value of donor-derived cell-free DNA measurements in kidney transplantation.

Abstract Early diagnosis is critical to minimizing the damage rejection can do to the transplanted kidney. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) represents non-encapsulated fragmented DNA that is continuously shed into the bloodstream from the allograft undergoing injury, with a half-life of about 30 min. This article reviews the available evidence regarding the diagnostic value of dd-cfDNA in kidney transplantation, as a result of which two assays, Allosure and Prospera, have garnered Medicare approval. We provide information on important scenarios and contexts including antibody-mediated rejection, T-cell mediated rejection, pre-test probability of rejection, timing of the test, repeat transplants, and background cell-free DNA levels to help our understanding of the test characteristics and utility of these assays in clinical practice. Data on multimodality assays including gene expression profiles and serial monitoring of dd-cfDNA in high risk situations are emerging.
Revenue Analysis of Stationary and Transportable Battery Storage for Power Systems with High Penetration of Renewable Sources: A Market Participant Perspective.

The power system needs more transmission capacity to deal with the increasing integration of renewable energy resources. The battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are effective to enhance the grid capacity and relieve the transmission congestion. A comprehensive revenue analysis of BESSs is critical for market participants to install such systems in a market-based power system. Taking PJM as an example, this paper carries out a thorough revenue analysis for the entire system. Highly profitable nodes in the system are revealed and characterized for BESS participants. A comparison study of stationary and transportable BESSs shows the transportable energy storage can produce higher potential revenue in the energy and regulation markets. Based on the results of the revenue analysis and characterization of commercial pricing nodes, an optimal placement algorithm is proposed for finding the profitable sites for market participants to install BESSs in the system and the algorithm is validated with real PJM market data.
Enhancing climate resilience of irrigated agriculture: A review.

1. Abstract Emerging evidence showing trends in climate change with a strong likelihood those changes will continue elevates the importance of finding affordable adaptations by irrigated agriculture. Successful climate adaptation measures are needed to affordably sustain irrigated agriculture in the face of elevated carbon emissions affecting the reliability of water supplies. Numerous potential adaptation options are available for adjusting irrigated agricultural systems to implement climate risk adaptation. This work focuses on addressing the gap in the literature defined by a scarcity of reviews on measures to elevate the capacity of irrigated agriculture to enhance its climate change resilience. Accordingly, the original contribution of this work is to review the literature describing measures for enhancing climate resilience by irrigated agriculture. In addition, it describes the role of economic analysis to discover affordable measures to enhance resilience by irrigated agriculture. It achieves those aims by posing the question “What principles, practices, and recent developments are available to guide discovery of measures to improve resilience by irrigated agriculture to adapt to ongoing evidence of climate change?” It addresses that question by reviewing several risk reduction measures to control the economic cost of losses to irrigators in the face of growing water supply unreliability. Following this review, a role for optimizing a portfolio of climate adaptation measures is described, followed by a discussion of potential contributions that can be made by the use of hydroeconomic analysis. Results provide a framework for economic analysis to discover economically attractive methods to elevate resilience of irrigated agriculture.
Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis in Obese Youth Is Modulated by a Common Variant in the GCKR Gene

Objective: This study's aim was to evaluate whether the GCKR rs1260326 variant increases hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Setting and Design: To test this hypothesis, 14 adolescents, seven homozygous for the common allele (CC) and seven homozygous for the risk allele (TT), underwent measurement of hepatic DNL during the fasting state and after consumption of a carbohydrate (CHO) drink (75 g glucose and 25 g fructose). DNL was assessed through incorporation of deuterium in the palmitate contained in the very low-density lipoprotein. Results: Subjects with TT demonstrated higher fasting fractional DNL (P = .036) and a lower increase in fractional DNL after the CHO challenge (P = .016). With regard to absolute lipogenesis, TT subjects had both higher fasting rates (P = .015) and 44% greater area under the curve of absolute lipogenesis during the study (P = .016), compared to CC subjects. Furthermore, subjects carrying the TT genotype showed higher basal rates of glucose oxidation (P = .0028) and a lower ab...
Viewing an Interdisciplinary Human-Centered Design Course as a Multiteam System: Perspectives on Cooperation and Information Sharing

Many design projects, including human-centered design (HCD) projects, incorporate multiple teams cooperating within what is referred to as a Multiteam System (MTS) environment. These teams mutually rely on resources and processes provided by other teams. As an MTS increases in complexity, knowledge is distributed to more individuals. While effectively distributed knowledge increases creativity and productivity, it is also can hinder team effectiveness. Team members may fail to exchange relevant information or to integrate pertinent information into reasoning for design decisions. Our research addresses information sharing among teams and individuals in HCD by examining interactions between and within the MTS (i.e., instructional team, novice designer or student team, and stakeholder team) in an interdisciplinary design course. Specifically, we used a thematic analysis of design reviews to investigate the influence of information requests toward the quality of the information exchanged, the influence of meeting structure and flow on design team interactions and meeting outcomes, and the influence of information sharing on cooperation within the HCD process. The findings align with previous studies about information sharing in a MTS and also contribute to a broad understanding of how an integrated interpretation of information sharing can influence a cooperative design process, such as HCD. Our analysis also suggests that designers must promote a cooperative decision-making process by eliciting open and unique information relevant to the design goals. Finally, design educators can support the development of novice engineers by improving their understanding of how to elicit information from, and share information, with other teams and stakeholders.
Schools and health education: What works, what is needed, and why?

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide a rationale for and background to the present contributions in this special issue on school health education.Design/methodology/approach – The paper argues that health promotion in schools has a vital place to play in improving the health of children, summarises the key themes that emerge from the five papers in the issue and contextualizes them within the current health promotion literature.Findings – The issue makes clear that there are several important ways in which health educators can foster the wellbeing of school health children who merit further research and the attention of policy makers. All have something to say about children in the classroom setting, and in particular their exposure to personal and situational events that can impact on their wellbeing and educational attainment, and possibilities for developing the knowledge, skills, motivation, and support they need to choose health‐enhancing behaviors. They comment particularly on the nee...
Modeling the A1 binding site in photosystem: I. Density functional theory for the calculation of “anion − neutral” FTIR difference spectra of phylloquinone

Abstract A phylloquinone molecule occupies the A1 binding site in photosystem I. Previously we have obtained (A1− − A1) FTIR difference spectra using labeled and unlabeled photosystem I particles, and proposed assignments for several of the bands in the spectra [V. Sivakumar, R. Wang, G. Hastings, Biochemistry 44 (2005) 1880.]. Our aim here is to provide calculated infrared difference spectra that can be usefully compared to the experimental spectra, in order to test or verify the previously proposed band assignments. Here we use density functional theory, as implemented in Gaussian 03, to calculate the harmonic vibrational frequencies and intensities of 2,3-dimethyl,1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) and phylloquinone (PhQ), in both the neutral and anionic forms. The harmonic vibrational frequencies and intensities of neutral and anionic DMNQ and PhQ molecules that have been 2H, 13C, 15N and 18O labeled are also calculated. In all calculations the B3LYP method and the 6-31+G(d) basis is used. Previous harmonic vibrational frequency calculations of quinone type molecular systems have been undertaken using the lower level 6-31G(d) basis. However, we show that vibrational frequency calculations for quinones are best undertaken using the 6-31+G(d) basis. From the calculated results infrared spectra and “anion minus neutral” infrared difference spectra are constructed that can be usefully compared to several types of experimental spectra. Calculated isotope-induced band-shifts closely agree with the experimentally observed band-shifts for quinones in vitro. In addition, differences in the magnitude of isotope-induced band-shifts observed for neutral and anionic quinones in vitro are also accurately predicted. The calculations therefore support the validity of previously reported quinone anion infrared spectra. Finally, the calculated spectra are used to critically assess the validity of several proposed band assignments in (A1− − A1) FTIR difference spectra.
Federal participation in LEED

The federal government has been an active participant in the development and use of USGBC's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Green Building Rating System (LEED). This paper presents a review of this participation and some expectations for ongoing partnership.
Determining fetal lung maturity: a sensitive surfactant method.

Abstract The presence of fetal lung surfactant in amniotic fluid is indicative that fetal lungs are sufficiently mature for delivery without subsequent respiratory distress. However, current methods for detecting surfactant fail to positively distinguish saturated phosphatidylcholine (primarily dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine) from the many similar phosphatidylcholines also present in amniotic fluid. As a result small amounts of this lipid are obscured by the presence of the other lipids and delivery of many patients is delayed unnecessarily. A sensitive method is here described in which extraneous phosphatidylcholines are oxidized while the saturated phosphatidylcholines remain intact for positive determination by thin-layer chromatography. The method is insensitive to contaminating lipids from blood or meconium and provides an unequivocal test for the presence of disaturated phosphatidylcholine in a relatively short time. About one half of the patients tested in whom lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios were 1.4 to 1.7 had this surfactant lipid present in their fluids and presumably could have been delivered immediately.
Abstract P5-05-11: Growth hormone receptor silencing sensitizes triple negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer, which, accounts for approximately, 15% of breast cancers diagnosed in women. TNBCs lack expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2). So, there are no targeted therapies available for TNBCs and chemotherapy is the main choice for the treatment. Although the tumors respond initially, large numbers of patients develop recurrence due to chemoresistance. Growth hormone receptor (GHR) is a class I cytokine receptor, which plays vital role in the development of chemoresistance. Studies have shown that silencing of GHR sensitizes breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study we investigated the impact of GHR silencing in TNBC cells and further analyzed the possible mechanisms associated with GHR silencing induced sensitization. GHR was silenced using small interfering RNAs in metastatic breast cancer cells MDA MB 231 and MDA MB 468. Molecular analyses were performed to determine apoptosis, cytotoxicity, colony formation, invasion and migration in GHR knockdown cells. Silencing of GHR induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in TNBC cells. Migratory and invasive potentials were drastically reduced in GHR silenced cells. Moreover, epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers were significantly down regulated by GHR siRNA treatment. GHR targeting significantly increased the efficiency of docetaxel against TNBC cells. Inhibition of GHR also inhibited the expression of BCRP, which is frequently associated with the development of chemoresistance in breast cancer. Further, treatment with GH induced the overexpression of drug transporter proteins involved in chemoresistance. Inhibition of GHR in breast cancer cells reverted the expression of these proteins and sensitized the cells to docetaxel. These findings support the hypothesis that targeting GHR could have a potential new therapeutic approach to overcome chemoresistance in TNBCs. Citation Format: Arunkumar Arumugam, Ramadevi Subramani, Sushmita Nandy, Rebecca Lopez-Valdez, Rajkumar Lakshmanaswamy. Growth hormone receptor silencing sensitizes triple negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-05-11.
A Search for Chemical Signatures of Galactic Mergers

We present preliminary abundance analyses of a group of high-velocity metal-poor stars. This report describes our work in progress. We examine the derived abundances in the context of previous studies of metal-poor stars with unusual abundances and/or extreme galactocentric orbits. Included in this sample are BD+80 245, a star previously known to have unusually low alpha-element abundances, and G4-36, a new low-alpha star.
Maternal and Fetal Circulating Levels of Thymosin α1 During Parturition

The thymus directs T-lymphocyte development and contributes to the maintenance of immune homeostasis, in part, through its production of peptides known as thymosins. In pregnancy, maternal serum levels of thymosin alpha 1 have been reported to be low at midgestation and to increase by term, suggesting that maternal levels represent fetal levels. To evaluate this further, we obtained maternal venous and newborn mixed cord blood from 90 pregnancies between 20 and 42 weeks of gestation at delivery. An ELISA was used for thymosin alpha 1 assay, and analysis was by paired t test and regression. Maternal and newborn levels were independent of gestational age, but an apparent association (r = 0.51) between the two was inconclusive. Maternal levels (1,207 +/- 947 pg/ml) tended to be higher than those of healthy adults (1,043 +/- 576 pg/ml). Mixed umbilical cord serum levels (1,466 +/- 940 pg/ml) were higher than maternal levels (P less than or equal to 0.005). Although maternal thymosin alpha 1 levels may reflect fetal levels, immunological perturbations related to parturition appear to influence both.
Search vs. symbolic techniques in satisfiability solving

Recent work has shown how to use OBDDs for satisfiability solving. The idea of this approach, which we call symbolic quantifier elimination, is to view an instance of propositional satisfiability as an existentially quantified propositional formula. Satisfiability solving then amounts to quantifier elimination; once all quantifiers have been eliminated we are left with either 1 or 0. Our goal in this work is to study the effectiveness of symbolic quantifier elimination as an approach to satisfiability solving. To that end, we conduct a direct comparison with the DPLL-based ZChaff, as well as evaluate a variety of optimization techniques for the symbolic approach. In comparing the symbolic approach to ZChaff, we evaluate scalability across a variety of classes of formulas. We find that no approach dominates across all classes. While ZChaff dominates for many classes of formulas, the symbolic approach is superior for other classes of formulas.
AIR POLLUTION AND ASTHMA EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS IN RENO, NEVADA

The association between air pollution and the daily number of emergency room (ER) visits for asthma was assessed in Reno, Nevada, for the period 1992-1994. All three hospitals in the region were included. There was a total of 1593 ER visits for asthma during this period of time. The air pollution variables were collected from seven monitoring stations, including particulate matter (PM-10), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Levels of pollution were moderately elevated (the average concentrations of PM-10, CO, and O3 3 were 38.0 g/m, 4.55 ppm, and 51.0 ppb, respectively). Weighted least-squares (WLS) regression and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time-series analyses were applied and compared. After adjusting for such factors as day of the week, seasonal variation, and weather, both modeling methods showed that the daily 1-h maximum O3 concentration was a significant predictor of asthma ER visits, although ARIMA increased the magnitude of the estimated response after controlling the aut...
Caffeine has similar pharmacokinetics and behavioral effects via the IP and PO routes of administration

Caffeine administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) or orally (p.o.) decreased the reinforcement rate and increased the nonreinforced response rate in a dose-related fashion under a differential reinforcement of low rate schedule (DRL 45-s) in 3-h sessions. These effects were similar following both routes of caffeine administration. The parallel pharmacokinetics for i.p. and p.o. caffeine were each determined and related to the respective effects of caffeine on reinforcement rate. Serum caffeine concentrations were similar across the session after the absorption phase for a given dose. Consequently, the effect remained in approximately the same range within a dose, and no single dose possessed a full concentration-effect relation for the two routes. The effects of i.p. and p.o. caffeine on reinforcement rate plateaued at doses higher than 40 mg/kg, which produced a serum caffeine concentration of approximately 25 microg/ml regardless of the route of administration. The EC50 values were 7.34 and 9.93 microg/ml for i.p. and p.o. caffeine, respectively. This study as well as our previous studies demonstrated that the i.p. route is dependable for studying caffeine dose response relations but not for studying other drugs (e.g., midazolam). The possible mechanism accounting for this difference is discussed.
Evaluation of the Humphrey A.D.E. breathing system

A new breathing circuit (the Humphrey A.D.E., double lever model) was evaluated in adults to determine (1) the fresh gas flow (FGF) needed to achieve normocapnia during controlled ventilation and to just induce rebreathing during spontaneous ventilation, (2) end-expired CO2 (PECO2) at those FGF values, (3) the standard deviation of FGF requirements for controlled and spontaneous breathing (reliability of recommended FGF settings) and (4) the magnitude of change in PECO2 produced by varying FGF from the recommended values (sensitivity of the system). The FGFs that provided normocapnia with controlled ventilation and just induced rebreathing with spontaneous ventilation were 67 ± 10 and52 ± 7 ml·kg-1·min-1 (mean ± SD), respectively. PeCO2 values were 36.0 ± 0.3 and 41.6 ± 3.9 mmHg respectively. During controlled ventilation low reliability was offset by low sensitivity so that PeCO2 changed little when FGF was raised or lowered from recommended values (0.2 mmHg/ml·kg-1·min-1). In contrast, during spontaneous ventilation low reliability was additive with high sensitivity when using FGFs lower than the mean value that just induced rebreathing. A threshold was reached where lowering FGF from recommended values caused large changes in PeCO2 (1.1 mmHg/ml·kg-1·min-1). It is concluded that the FGF recommended by Humphrey for controlled ventilation is satisfactory. However, the FGF recommended by Humphrey for spontaneous ventilation may result in hypercapnia in some patients. This can be prevented either by using a higher FGF of 66 ml·kg-1· min-1 routinely in all patients or by using lower flows with CO2 monitoring.