cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thin-film nitinol (NiTi): a feasibility study for a novel aortic stent graft material.

Objective Although technological improvements continue to advance the designs of aortic stent grafts, miniaturization of the required delivery systems would allow their application to be available to a wider range of patients and potentially decrease the access difficulties that are encountered. We performed this feasibility study to determine if thin-film NiTi (Nitinol) could be used as a covering for stent grafts ranging from 16 mm to 40 mm in diameter. Specifically, we wished to determine the profile reduction attainable and improve the flexibility of our design. Methods Using a novel hot-sputter deposition technique, we created sheets of thin-film NiTi (TFN) with a tensile strength of >500 Megapascal (MPa) and thickness of 5-10 microns. TFN was used to cover stents, which were then deployed in vitro. Patterned thin film was fabricated via a lift-off technique; grafts were constructed with stents ranging from 16-40 mm and deployed in a pulsatile flow system from the smallest diameter polymer tubing into which the stent and TFN would fit. The bending/stiffness ratio vs similar sized expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stents was also determined. Results TFN was created in both non-patterned and patterned forms, with a tensile strength of >100 MPa for the latter. We created devices that were successfully deployed via delivery systems half the size of fabric-covered stent grafts (ie, the 16 mm stent graft that originally was delivered via a 16French (F) system was reduced to 8F, and the 40 mm stent graft delivered via a 24F system was reduced to 12F). No migration of the devices was observed with deployment in both straight and curved tubing, which was sized so that the stent grafts were oversized by 20%. Both forms of the thin-film were noted to be more flexible than the same sized ePTFE stent graft, and the patterned graft had an additional 15-30% flexibility vs the non-patterned film. Conclusion These in vitro results demonstrate the feasibility of TFN for covering stent grafts designed for placement in the aorta. The delivery profile can be significantly reduced across a wide range of sizes, while the material remained more flexible than ePTFE.
Chromoendoscopy and magnification endoscopy in Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is the premalignant lesion for esophageal and esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus requires endoscopy with biopsy of the abnormal appearing distal esophagus for the confirmation of intestinal metaplasia. Progression of Barrett's esophagus to dysplasia and cancer can occur, and surveillance endoscopy with random biopsies has been suggested. However, the presence of both intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia within columnar-appearing mucosa in the distal esophagus is patchy, and the accuracy of standard endoscopy for detecting these lesions is low. Chromoendoscopy and magnification are among several new techniques being evaluated to improve detection of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. Performance of tissue staining is generally a one to two step process and adds few minutes to overall procedure time. Evaluation of the tissue under high resolution requires a standard endoscope with magnification capability. Current studies show that these techniques are promising, although the results are still preliminary.
Family History and Prostate Cancer Risk

The authors examined the relation between family history of prostate cancer and the risk of this cancer in a population-based case-control study conducted in Massachusetts between December 1992 and October 1994. Cases were all incident cases of prostate cancer in men younger than 70 years (n = 563); controls were men with no history of the disease matched to the cases on age and town of residence (n = 703). Prostate cancer risk was increased among men who reported a history of this cancer in either their fathers or brothers (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-3.3). Risk varied with the number of relatives affected and their relationship to the case. For a history of prostate cancer in one relative, the OR was 2.2 (95% CI 1.5-3.2); if two or more relatives were affected, it was 3.9 (95% CI 1.7-5.2). For prostate cancer in the father, the OR was 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-3.0); for prostate cancer in a brother, it was 3.0 (95% CI 1.8-4.9). Risk was inversely related to the subject's age and to age at diagnosis of prostate cancer in his affected relative. Among probands younger than 60 years, the OR was 5.3 (95% CI 2.5-12); for those 60-64 years of age, the OR was 2.7 (95% CI 1.3-5.5); and for those 65 years of age and older, the OR was 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.5). For prostate cancer diagnosed in a relative before age 65, the OR was 4.1 (95% CI 2.3-7.3); for detection of the disease after age 74, the OR was 0.76 (95% CI 0.38-1.5). The association was present both among men with local and advanced stage disease and among men whose prostate cancer was detected either by screening or because of symptoms. These data provide evidence that after controlling for diet and other potential confounders, familial factors are significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer.
Laboratory proficiency in blood banking: the variability of blood bank reagents--1971 (a follow-up study).

A follow-up statistical analysis of the 1971 College of American Pathologists Comprehensive Blood Bank Survey was made to determine if the variability of blood bank reagents noted in the 1970 Survey had significantly changed between 1970 and 1971. These studies revealed discordant results only in sera used to detect B-positive and A1-negative red cells. No significant differences were found in any of the Rh typing sera. However, there was significant improvement from 1970 to 1971 in all manufacturers' sera as measured by this method.
Differential strengths of positive selection revealed by hitchhiking effects at small physical scales in Drosophila melanogaster.

The long time scale of adaptive evolution makes it difficult to directly observe the spread of most beneficial mutations through natural populations. Therefore, inferring attributes of beneficial mutations by studying the genomic signals left by directional selection is an important component of population genetics research. One kind of signal is a trough in nearby neutral genetic variation due to selective fixation of initially rare alleles, a phenomenon known as “genetic hitchhiking.” Accumulated evidence suggests that a considerable fraction of substitutions in the Drosophila genome results from positive selection, most of which are expected to have small selection coefficients and influence the population genetics of sites in the immediate vicinity. Using Drosophila melanogaster population genomic data, we found that the heterogeneity in synonymous polymorphism surrounding different categories of coding fixations is readily observable even within 25 bp of focal substitutions, which we interpret as the result of small-scale hitchhiking effects. The strength of natural selection on different sites appears to be quite heterogeneous. Particularly, neighboring fixations that changed amino acid polarities in a way that maintained the overall polarities of a protein were under stronger selection than other categories of fixations. Interestingly, we found that substitutions in slow-evolving genes are associated with stronger hitchhiking effects. This is consistent with the idea that adaptive evolution may involve few substitutions with large effects or many substitutions with small effects. Because our approach only weakly depends on the numbers of recent nonsynonymous substitutions, it can provide a complimentary view to the adaptive evolution inferred by other divergence-based evolutionary genetic methods.
Characterization and Design of Three-Phase EMI Noise Separators for Three-Phase Power Electronics Systems

In this paper, three-phase noise is first analyzed using symmetrical component theory. Three-phase noise separators are modeled and characterized using symmetrical component theory and S-parameters. The critical formulas used to evaluate a three-phase noise separator are derived. A function scheme and a circuit structure for three-phase noise separators are proposed based on the theory developed. The technique to design a high-performance three-phase noise separator is explored. A three-phase noise separator prototype is finally built, measured, and evaluated using the theory developed in this paper. The prototype is used in a practical three-phase power electronics system for electromagnetic interference measurement.
Differential sensitivity to acute administration of Ritalin, apormorphine, SCH 23390, but not raclopride in mice selectively bred for hyperactive wheel-running behavior

Rationale Previous studies of mice (Mus domesticus) selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running have suggested that the hyperactivity is associated with dysfunction in the dopaminergic neuromodulatory system and that high-running mice may represent a useful genetic model for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Axona (Accera, Inc): a new medical food therapy for persons with Alzheimer's disease.

Edited by Marian W. Roman, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BCThe University of Tennessee, College of Nursing, Knoxville, Tennessee, USAFor many, the title of this month's column prompts two questions: What is Axon...
Temperature and frequency dependence of the velocity of sound in dielectric crystals

Abstract The temperature and frequency dependence of the velocity of sound in dielectric crystals have been calculated to lowest order in anharmonic terms by using the quasi-harmonic approximation and the phonon Boltzmarm equation. It is assumed that the quasi-harmonic approximation for the stress in a deformed crystal in microscopic equilibrium may be generalized to non-equilibrium situations in a simple way. It is found that at very low frequencies the velocity is determined by the adiabatic elastic constants in agreement with classical continuum theory. At high frequencies, however, the classical isothermal result is not obtained, and in contrast to the classical result it is found that there is a change in velocity in going from low frequencies to high frequencies for pure shear waves. A rough estimate is made of the magnitude of this effect and it is decided that it should be observable under suitable conditions.
Comparison of ciprofloxacin and rifampicin in experimentalLegionella pneumophila pnemnonia

We evaluated intraperitoneal ciprofloxacin and rifampicin alone and as combination therapy in experimentally induced Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in guinea pigs. Intraperitoneal treatment began 48 h after intratracheal inoculation of 3 X 10(6) L. pneumophila and consisted of sterile saline (0.3 ml bid), ciprofloxacin (30 mg/kg bid), rifampicin (10 mg/kg/bid), or ciprofloxacin plus rifampicin (same doses). Animals were treated for five days and survivors killed after 11 days. Quantitative lung cultures were done post mortem. Respective mean and median days of animal survival were increased by treatment with ciprofloxacin plus rifampicin (8.4 and 9.5 days), ciprofloxacin (8.2 and 7.5 days), or rifampicin (8.3 and 7.5 days), compared with controls (5.5 and 5.0 days). Compared with control animals (log rank test) survival was improved by treatment with ciprofloxacin plus rifampicin (P less than or equal to 0.047) ciprofloxacin (P less than or equal to 0.047) or rifampicin (P less than or equal to 0.047). Quantitative lung cultures (cfu/g) were also decreased by treatment with ciprofloxacin plus rifampicin (2.0 X 10(4)), ciprofloxacin (5.4 X 10(4)), or rifampicin (1.7 X 10(4)) compared with controls (3.2 X 10(8)). No differences in survival, quantitative lung cultures, or animal weights were noted between treatment groups. This study demonstrates that ciprofloxacin is as effective as rifampicin in the treatment of experimentally induced L. pneumophila pneumonia and that the combination of ciprofloxacin plus rifampicin has no advantages over single agent therapy in this model.
Adherence to a simplified management algorithm reduces morbidity and mortality after penetrating colon injuries: a 15-year experience.

Background Our previous experience with colon injuries suggested that operative decisions based on a defined algorithm improve outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of this algorithm in the face of an increased incidence of destructive injuries observed in recent years. Study Design Consecutive patients with full-thickness penetrating colon injuries over an 8-year period were evaluated. Per algorithm, patients with nondestructive injuries underwent primary repair. Those with destructive wounds underwent resection plus anastomosis in the absence of comorbidities or large pre- or intraoperative transfusion requirements (more than 6 units packed RBCs); otherwise they were diverted. Outcomes from the current study (CS group) were compared with those from the previous study (PS group). Results There were 252 patients who had full-thickness penetrating colon injuries: 150 (60%) patients had nondestructive colon wounds treated with primary repair and 102 patients (40%) had destructive wounds (CS). Demographics and intraoperative transfusions were similar between CS and PS groups. Of the 102 patients with destructive injuries, 75% underwent resection plus anastomosis and 25% underwent diversion. Despite more destructive injuries managed in the CS group (41% vs 27%), abscess rate (18% vs 27%) and colon-related mortality (1% vs 5%) were lower in the CS. Suture line failure was similar in CS compared with PS (5% vs 7%). Adherence to the algorithm was >90% in the CS (similar to PS). Conclusions Despite an increase in the incidence of destructive colon injuries, our management algorithm remains valid. Destructive injuries associated with pre- or intraoperative transfusion requirements of more than 6 units packed RBCs and/or significant comorbidities are best managed with diversion. By managing the majority of other destructive injuries with resection plus anastomosis, acceptably low morbidity and mortality can be achieved.
Designing Effective Contracts: Exploring the Influence of Framing and Expectations

How a contract influences the exchange and ongoing relationship between parties is an unresolved issue. While some suggest contracts negatively or positively influence the exchange and relationship, we argue that the contract frame determines its impact. Using regulatory focus and expectancy violation theories, we argue that promotion- and prevention-framed contracts induce different emotions, behaviors, and expectations, leading to different exchange outcomes and relationships, depending on the context. By considering contract framing, we provide new research opportunities in areas that use contracts to achieve desired outcomes.
Fish distribution, abundance, and behavioral interactions within a large electric dispersal barrier designed to prevent Asian carp movement

We evaluated the abundance and behavior of wild fish within the electric barrier system in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. This electric barrier system serves to prevent the upstream migration...
Remittances in Pakistan: Why They Have Gone Up and Why They Are Not Coming Down

The flow of workers' remittances to Pakistan has more than quadrupled in the last eight years and shows no sign of slowing down, despite the economic downturn in the Gulf Cooperation Council and other important host countries for Pakistani workers. This paper analyses the forces that have driven remittance flows to Pakistan in recent years. A methodological innovation is that we study the behaviour of per capita remittances and draw a close link between remittances and remitters' earning capacity, in the belief that higher earning power leads to more remittances. Our main conclusions are that (i) the growth in the inflow of workers' remittances to Pakistan is in large part due to an increase in worker migration, (ii) the higher skill levels of migrating workers has helped boost remittances, and (iii) other imporant determinants of remittances to Pakistan are agricultural output and the relative yield on investments in the host and home countries.
Mixed Mode Transmission and Resource Allocation for D2D Communication

In cellular communication systems with optional device-to-device (D2D) links, user equipments (UEs) can operate in either D2D mode or cellular mode for data transport. This work introduces mixed-mode D2D communication in which D2D links can operate in multiple modes through resource multiplexing. Within this framework, we study the problem of maximizing weighted D2D sum rate under cellular rate constraints by optimizing mixed-mode allocation and resource allocation in term of transmit power and subchannel assignment. Due to nonconvex cellular rate constraints and binary constraints of subchannel allocation, this problem is a nonconvex mixed-integer problem that is generally difficult to solve. We propose a two-step approach by introducing energy-splitting variables such that mixed-mode allocation and resource allocation can be decoupled and optimized independently. The resulting algorithm can be distributive, requires little signaling overhead, and has low computational complexity. We present extensive numerical results to demonstrate the practicality of our proposed algorithm with regard to various network parameters.
Highly Emissive Lanthanide Compounds in Sol-Gel Derived Materials

Molecular composites that possess unique emission properties have been prepared by introducing luminescent molecules into sol-gel based silica glasses. The lumophores chosen for study are terbium(III) and europium(III) ions whose emissions are quenched in aqueous and sol-gel environments owing to coordination of water molecules to the lanthanide ion. To overcome the quenching process the ions have been encapsulated within cryptands. The resulting terbium(IU) and europium(III) cryptates possess long-lived excited states in both aqueous solution and solgel glassy matrices. Measurements of the excited state dynamics of these molecularly engineered composites demonstrate the feasibility of tailoring molecules to retain their excited state properties in sol-gel derived glasses.
Oviposition, Survival, Growth, and Observed Population Increase of Lygus hesperus (Heteroptera: Miridae) on Selected Bean Cultivars

Twenty cultivars of three bean species were evaluated for resistance to Lygus hesperus Knight, the principal pest of beans in California. We examined their effect on no-choice ovipositional preference, survival, growth rate, and observed gross rate of increase by the insect. Common bean varieties were preferred by lygus bugs over lima bean and cowpea varieties as an ovipositional site. Lygus bug gross increase was greatest on cowpea cultivars, intermediate on common bean, and least on lima bean. Significant differences in the number of eggs laid by lygus bugs were found among lima bean varieties. Oviposition was greatest on the cultivar ‘Mackie’ and least on ‘Wilbur.’ Gross increase of this insect differed significantly among cowpea varieties. Gross population increase was greatest on ‘California Blackeye 5’ and least on ‘Collossus.’ Nymphal survival and gross increases were greatest on common bean eultivars ‘Aurora’ and ‘Black Turtle Soup 39’ and least on ‘Sutter Pink.’ These differences suggest that breeding bean cultivars resistant to lygus bugs is feasible.
Susceptibility of porcine endogenous retrovirus to anti‐retroviral inhibitors

Background Porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) is an endogenous retrovirus that poses a risk of iatrogenic transmission in the context of pig-to-human xenotransplantation. The lack of a means to control PERV infection in the context of pig-to-human xenotransplantation is a major concern in the field. In this study, we set out to evaluate the ability of currently licensed anti-HIV drugs, and other types of anti-retroviral compounds, to inhibit PERV infection in vitro. Methods We used target cells stably expressing one of the known PERV viral receptors, an infectious molecular clone, PERV-A 14/220, and at least one drug from each class of anti-retroviral inhibitors as well as off-label drugs shown to have anti-viral activities. The susceptibility of PERV-A 14/220 LacZ to the anti-retroviral drugs was determined from infected cells by histochemical staining. Results We extend the results of previous studies by showing that, in addition to raltegravir, dolutegravir is found to have a potent inhibitory activity against PERV replication (IC50 8.634 ±0.336 and IC50 3.06 ± 0.844 nM, respectively). The anti-HIV drug zidovudine (AZT) showed considerable anti-PERV activity with IC50 of 1.923 ±0.691 μM as well. Conclusions The study results indicate that some of the licensed anti-retroviral drugs may be useful for controlling PERV infection. However, the efficacy at nanomolar concentrations put forward integrase inhibitors as a drug that has the potential to be useful in the event that xenotransplantation recipients have evidence of PERV transmission and replication.
Some Baits More Attractive to the Oriental Peach Moth Than Black-Strap Molasses

A number of the bait experiments of previous seasons for Laspeyresia molesta were repeated and in most cases the results obtained were duplicated. Enameled stewpans and wide mouth, glass, quart jars proved to be the most satisfactory containers. Some 250 aromatic chemicals tested. Terpineol and several essential oils (fennel, Bergamot, star anise, anise seed and Pinus sylvestris ) were somewhat attractive to moths. If one compares attractiveness of anyone of these products with that of several fermenting sugar-possessing it is much less. Fermenting fruits (dried fruit in water), particularly prunes, pears and apricots, attract a goodly of moths. Baits made of cheap black-strap molasses (5 to 20 per cent dilutions) are fairly attractive but they usually produce considerable their period attractiveness is not very long. Honey, corn syrups, refiner's syrups and brown sugar (5 or 10per cent solutions) are much more attractive than black-strap molasses. These products an(1othels of a similar nature produce little or no scum when fermentation occurs and their period of attractiveness is of considerable length (several weeks). Fermentation or some change occurs in all baits made of sugar-possessing commercial products before they become very attractive to the oriental peach moth. Several of the common disinfectants delay but do not permanently prohibit fermentation when added to the sugar-possessing products used in the experiments.
Nesting Behavior of Anacrabro ocellatus ocellatus (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

The nesting behavior of Anacrabro o. ocellatus Packard was studied at 5 localities in central New York. Data on its ecology, burrow construction, prey transport, entry and exit, nest structure and dimensions, cell contents, ovi-position, and cell mortality are presented. Nearly all of the prey stored were the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois). Unique aspects of the nesting components of A. o. ocellatus are discussed.
Increased Efforts by Modern States to Improve Their Reputations for Enforcing Women's Human Rights

This study suggests that, since the year 2000, governments have been making greater claims and efforts to enforce women’s human rights. However, their motivations appear to be to improve their reputations in the international community rather than to protect women. The findings indicate that states are submitting reports to the United Nations on their progress eliminating discrimination against women on a timelier basis. Case studies of Eritrea, Thailand, and Yemen find that they report greater efforts to combat human trafficking—which spills across national borders and is thus visible to the international community—than to combat violence against women, a crime that is heinous and pervasive but often happens behind closed doors. This suggests that the nations’ motivations are largely reputational.
Meaning Overrides Frequency in Idiomatic and Compositional Multiword Chunks

In line with usage-based accounts, recent psycholinguistic studies have confirmed that frequency of occurrence impacts processing latencies for multiword strings (e.g., Arnon & Snider, 2010). However, these studies have not been concerned with the meaning of the multiword chunks in question, which is central to accounts of formulaic language rooted in cognitive linguistics (e.g., Wray, 2002). Here, we address this issue by comparing processing latencies for three types of multiword chunks: idiomatic expressions, meaningful compositional phrases, and less meaningful fragments. All three chunk types were matched for wholeand sub-string frequency. Our results show that frequency facilitates processing for all three chunk types, but to a lesser extent than their “meaningfulness” (as assessed in a separate norming study), indicating that the meanings of multiword expressions may have implications for models of language processing which extend beyond those of frequency of occurrence.
Mechanics in the United States

There was relatively little science-based mechanics in the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century. However, the invention of human-powered flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903 and engineering advancements related to World War I (1914–1918) jump-started the growth of science-based mechanics. This was true initially in Europe. The interest in mechanics was due in large part to the desire for a better understanding of aerodynamics. In the United States, it was realized, somewhat belatedly, that there was an urgent need for science-based mechanics, and science-based engineering in general, if the country was to be militarily and economically competitive. The activities in mechanics played a leading role in the establishment of science-based engineering design, manufacturing, and engineering education in the United States. The science-based developments relied much more heavily on mathematics for analytical approaches to the formulation and solution of engineering problems. Prior to these developments, empirical methods (knowledge gained by observation) were the standard approach for understanding physical phenomena. The following paragraphs describe some of the major events that influenced the conversion to science-based mechanics in the United States.
Traumatic Vertebral Artery Dissection

A girl, aged 9 years, with cerebellar infarction following minor neck injury sustained while ice-skating is reported from West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
The Homeownership Experience of Minorities during the Great Recession

It has been argued that during the Great Recession, wealth losses were more concentrated for college-educated Black and Hispanic families than for White and Asian college-educated families and their non-college-educated Black and Hispanic peers. This article explores the extent to which the homeownership experience for families who purchased homes between 2004 and 2008 is a potentially important factor in explaining this finding. During the housing boom, the increase in homeownership for Blacks and Hispanics was very similar, but the second group had a smaller decline. Despite these differences, the Great Recession was far more destructive for these minorities regardless of income. Logit regressions show that underwriting standards and loan structure explain a significant amount of the non-White?White gap in foreclosures. However, geographic concentration was most significant in explaining the gap for Hispanic borrowers. Despite accounting for these factors, sizable gaps in the likelihood of foreclosure remain between Blacks and Hispanics relative to Whites.
CD28 induces mitochondrial respiration through Slp-76 in long-lived plasma cells for reactive oxygen species dependent survival. (LYM2P.737)

Sustained humoral immunity is dependent upon bone marrow (BM) resident long-lived plasma cells (LLPC). We have shown that CD28 signaling in LLPCs is necessary for their survival and antibody production; however, the mechanistic basis for this is unclear. In T cells, CD28 induces glycolysis at the expense of mitochondrial respiration. Surprisingly, CD28 activation drives mitochondrial respiration in LLPCs but not short-lived plasma cells (SLPC) through PLCγ1. Paradoxically, respiration dependent production of reactive oxygen species is required for CD28 mediated survival. Mechanistically, CD28 provides a pro-survival signal in LLPCs through Slp-76, an adaptor protein known to be upstream of PLCγ1 in T cells. CD28 itself drives Slp-76 transcription and subsequent protein expression. Additionally, at the mRNA level Slp-76 is highly expressed in human BM PCs (LLPCs) when compared to splenic PCs (SLPCs). Furthermore, CD28 upregulates the APRIL/BAFF receptor BCMA in LLPCs but not SLPCs. Due to the high levels of Slp-76 seen in LLPCs, but not in SLPCs, we propose a model wherein CD28 induces a longevity program through Slp-76 during plasma cell differentiation that facilitates plasma cell responsiveness to extrinsic survival signals in the bone marrow niche, allowing for a plasma cell to become long-lived. By doing so, CD28 may regulate LLPC induction, function and survival. CD28 therefore represents a novel signaling axis to exploit for the augmentation of vaccine design.
Balancing Anticoagulation Decisions in Patients on Dialysis with Atrial Fibrillation.

For over 20% of 678,000 patients with ESRD in the United States, the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) presents a clinical conundrum.[1][1] Patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) not only have a higher prevalence of AF, but also are at greater risk of heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes[2][2
A Multikinase and DNA-PK Inhibitor Combination Immunomodulates Melanomas, Suppresses Tumor Progression, and Enhances Immunotherapies

Combination therapies have the potential to improve outcomes in melanoma patients but have not yet been clinically efficacious. Here, we used high-throughput flow cytometry-based screening to identify and characterize candidate therapies that might synergize with and augment T-cell immunotherapy efficacy. Two lead therapies, regorafenib (Reg) and NU7441, were selected based on their ability to alter a variety of immunomodulatory proteins, including CD55, CD73, CD155, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), and HLA class I in a heterogeneous panel of melanomas. The therapies also upregulated several melanoma antigens, inhibited proliferation, and perturbed activation of oncogenic signaling pathways in melanomas. T cells treated with the therapies proliferated normally and exhibited a favorably altered phenotype, including increased CD25, CD28, inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), and reduced expression of coinhibitory receptors. Cytokine production was also increased in treated T cells. When administered in mice, REg suppressed melanoma progression in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner when used alone and with various immunotherapies. Additionally, Reg altered the number, phenotype, and function of various T-cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment. These studies reveal that Reg and NU7441 influence the immunobiology of both tumor cells and T cells and enhance the efficacy of various immunotherapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(9); 790-803. ©2017 AACR.
Teaching software project management using project based learning (PBL) and group projects

While not included at some institutions and relegated to 3 (minimum) hours of core coverage by the ACM / IEEE Computer Society model curriculum, project management is becoming an integral component of computer science education. The prevalence of failed software projects dictates a focus on this discipline which provides the tools and processes relevant to effective performance of software creation, research and numerous other activities. Computer science students, however, are typically users of these skills and thus benefit from a practical, hands-on-approach that emphasizes learning usable skills over management theory (which they, generally, lack the foundational knowledge for). This paper compares and contrasts three different approaches taken to given students experience with a software project and its management with three different levels of project management emphasis at the University of North Dakota. Their learning relative to pre-defined outcomes was assessed and other sources of benefit were identified.
Heterovalent II-VI and III-V semiconductor integration: A platform for solar cell and other optoelectronic device applications

Semiconductor electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices have experienced very rapid development for more than half a century. However, there still remains a lack of closely lattice-matched materials and substrates suitable for the monolithic integration of various kinds of semiconductor devices on a single chip. A new material platform: II-VI (MgZnCdHg)(SeTe) and III-V (AlGaIn)(PAsSb) semiconductor materials lattice-matched to GaSb, InAs and InSb substrates, has been proposed to achieve the goal. These materials have direct bandgaps covering a very broad energy spectrum from far IR (∼0 eV) to UV (∼3.4 eV) and small thermal mismatch. Such a unique material platform offers opportunities to study new physics such topological insulation in heterovalent superlattice and enables new light emitting devices, multi-junction solar cells, multi-color photodetectors, resonant tunneling diodes, and facilitates monolithic integration of various materials without misfit dislocations to ensure the best quality for device applications. This talk will focus on the following topics: • Latest progress in the MBE growth of these heterovalent structures and their potential applications in ultrahigh efficiency multijunction solar cells, midwave IR VCSELs etc. • Mg x Cd 1−x Te/Mg y Cd 1−y Te (x=0 and 0.13, y>0.24) heterostructures on InSb substrates with record low interface recombination velocity (∼1 cm/s) and ultra-long lifetime (3.6 μs), and crystalline CdTe solar cells with record high efficiency greater than 20%, and 1.7 eV Mg 0.13 Cd 0.77 Te solar cell with efficiency of 11% for Si based tandem cell application • Monolithically integrated CdTe/InSb dual color photodetectors • A platform to study interfacial topological insulator states in various heterovalent superlattice like CdTe/InSb, ZnTe/GaSb, and ZnSe/GaAs
A prospective study of newly incident cannabis use and cannabis risk perceptions: Results from the United States Monitoring the Future study, 1976–2013

Abstract Background A prevailing epidemiological theory about drug use occurrence among secondary school students is that trends in perceived risk of drug-related harms can drive use. If so, cannabis risk perceptions during one school year should predict newly incident cannabis use in the same school the following year. We aimed to study trends in incidence and epidemiological clustering of cannabis use among United States (US) 12th-graders, and a novel prediction that incidence in school-year ‘t’ is influenced by school-specific cannabis risk perceptions (CRP) of 12th-graders a year prior at ‘t-1’. Methods US schools sampled each year from 1976 to 2013 (∼130 schools per year) yielded an annual nationally representative sample of ∼15–16,000 12th-graders with questionnaire assessments. Analyses involved Alternating Logistic Regressions (ALR) to study trends in school-level clustering and slopes that estimate the degree to which CRP levels at ‘t-1’ might predict newly incident cannabis use at ‘t’. Results School-level CRP levels at ‘t-1’ predict newly incident cannabis use in the next year’s 12th-grade class. For each unit CRP increment, the next year’s class shows tangibly reduced incidence of starting to use cannabis (overall odds ratio, OR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.33). Within-school clustering of newly incident cannabis smoking also can be seen (e.g., pairwise odds ratio, PWOR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.15). Conclusions Programmatic manipulation of perceived risk in one year’s senior class via public health/school alliances might dampen the subsequent risk of newly incident cannabis use in the next year’s class.
Unconventional GTP-Binding Proteins in Plants

G proteins, including monomeric G proteins and heterotrimeric G proteins composed of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits, are molecular switches in cellular signaling. In addition to these classic G proteins, plants have several types of unconventional G proteins, such as extra-large G proteins (XLGs), developmentally regulated G proteins (DRGs), and GPCR-type G proteins (GTGs). XLGs are nuclear-localized proteins with Gα-like C-termini and large, unique, N-terminal extensions. XLGs are involved in regulation of primary root growth, root waving and skewing, and plant responses to sugars, osmotic stress, pathogens, and hormones. DRGs have all the conserved GTPase domain motifs found in conventional G proteins but do not have any other sequence similarities with conventional G proteins. The functions of DRGs in plants remain unknown. GTGs have nine predicted transmembrane domains and exhibit GTP-binding and GTPase activities, as well as ABA-binding. As one class of ABA receptors, GTGs mediate most classic ABA responses. These unconventional G proteins diversify signaling pathways mediated by G proteins in plants.
Creating a Research Agenda Framework for Semiconductor Supply Network Integration

Semiconductor manufacturing is at the heart of the electronics industry, which is the second largest industry in the world, trailing only agriculture. Supply Chain Management (SCM) has been a common buzzword in industry for the last decade and has been discussed in the literature since about 1985. In this chapter, the SCM needs for the semiconductor supply chain (or more accurately supply network) are analyzed. First, an overview of SCM is provided. Then, the challenges of SCM for the semiconductor industry are discussed. Next, a survey that seeks to determine a research agenda for semiconductor supply networks is described and results analyzed. Finally, the survey results are synthesized into a research agenda comprised of seven clusters. The first cluster is concerned with the management of demand and the second is focused on designing the supply network. The next two research clusters describe issues associated with supply network planning and execution, respectively. The last three research clusters are concerned with the infrastructure needed to successfully manage the supply network. Cluster five focuses on the financial infrastructure, cluster six on the IT infrastructure, and cluster seven with the organizational structure.
Molecular Cloning of the Maize R-nj Allele by Transposon Tagging with Ac

The R locus of maize is one of several genes that condition the red and purple anthocyanin pigments throughout the body of the plant and seed. Many alleles of the R locus have been described, each determining a different pattern of pigment distribution in the plant. Genetic studies have lead to the proposal that R is a complex locus containing several similar but functionally distinct modules that regulate anthocyanin expression in specific organs or tissues. We report on the isolation of a segment of DNA from the R locus using the controlling element Activator (Ac)as a transposon tag. Molecular evidence is presented confirming the complex organization of this regulatory locus. The identification of cross-hybridizing restriction fragments corresponding to the tissue-specific R components suggests that these elements, while functionally divergent in tissue-specificity, have retained significant DNA homology and may have evolved from a common ancesteral component at R.
Making Good Choices: A Multistage Conceptual Model for Identifying and Selecting Evidence-Based Practices

Traditionally, organizations select an evidence-based practice or program (EBP) to adopt based on the results from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses as well as whether other similar agencies are adopting the EBP. The listing of EBP in various evidence-based repositories is almost exclusively based on the results of RCT or synthesis studies. The techniques to disseminate the selected EBP generally rely primarily on training, technical assistance, or distribution of intervention manuals. As we have seen in the previous chapters, there are a number of organizational and systems factors that affect the implementation and utilization of EBP. These factors differ greatly across settings and jurisdictions, and may change over time. In essence, the EBP selection process and the implementation process are infrequently linked. This chapter presents a new model for selecting EBP to adopt based on determining its appropriateness and potential for implementation in a given agency or jurisdiction. The Evidence Mapping Model for Organizational Fit model provides a framework for assessing the scientific evidence base, the transportability of an EBP, and the organizational capacity to implement the specific EBP. Each are described in this chapter and lead into a fuller discussion of Evidence-Based Interagency Implementation model presented in Chap. 9.
Case of the Disappearing Metallic Stent

A 60-year-old woman with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary disease, and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presented with a non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. Previous coronary interventions included repeated drug-eluting stents in the proximal to mid
True, true, and unrelated: tubal patency, tubal architecture, and tubal function.

"To understand the actual world as it is, not as we should wish it to be, is the beginning of wisdom." — Bertrand Russell
Synthesis and Application of Methyl N,O-Hydroxylamine Muramyl Peptides

The innate immune system's interaction with bacterial cells plays a pivotal role in a variety of human diseases. Carbohydrate units derived from a component of bacterial cell wall, peptidoglycan (PG), are known to stimulate an immune response. Nonetheless, access to modified late-stage peptidoglycan intermediates is limited due to their synthetic complexity. A method to rapidly functionalize PG fragments is needed to better understand the natural host-PG interactions. Here methyl N,O-hydroxylamine linkers are incorporated onto a synthetic PG derivative, muramyl dipeptide (MDP). The modification of MDP maintained the ability to stimulate a nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) immune response dependent on the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (Nod2). Intrigued by this modification's maintenance of biological activity, several applications were explored. Methyl N,O-hydroxylamine MDP was amendable to N-hydroxylsuccinimide (NHS) chemistry for bioconjugation to fluorophores as well as a self-assembled monolayer for Nod2 surface plasmon resonance analysis. Finally, linker incorporation was applicable to larger PG fragments, both enzymatically generated from Escherichia coli or chemically synthesized. This methodology provides rapid access to PG probes in one step and allows for the installation of a variety of chemical handles to advance the molecular understanding of PG and the innate immune system.
Counseling college students after a positive pregnancy test: Trends in practice.

AbstractObjective: To provide an overview of college health centers’ practices surrounding education, counseling and referral after a patient receives a positive pregnancy test. Participants: Colle...
Analysis of State-Level Drug Pricing Transparency Laws in the United States.

Increasing drug prices strain the budgets of consumers and public payers, including Medicaid. Faced with an opaque drug supply chain, few people outside of the pharmaceutical industry know which supply chain participants are making excess profits and where to target policy solutions.1,2 Some states have responded by passing laws to increase drug price transparency in the supply chain.3 In this study, we analyzed state drug price transparency laws to assess their potential to improve transparency in the drug supply system. Prior research has focused on state laws requiring manufacturers to report research and development expenditures and efforts to control costs through drug importation or manufacturer price controls.3,4 To our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on state laws to improve drug price transparency across the supply chain.
Using Scrum in a quarter-length undergraduate software engineering course

In this paper, we describe the use of Scrum in an upper-division software engineering quarter-length course. We describe tools used to support both the use of Scrum and the overall objectives of an introductory course in software engineering. We do this to provide support for others who want to teach an introductory software engineering course in a format suitable for a course shorter than the typical semester-length course.
Early warning system to identify poor time management habits

Student-centred as well as lifelong learning, require vastly different study skills than those needed to succeed in today's mainly lecturebased engineering classes. This paper presents the result of a survey that assessed the study skills of engineering freshmen. Because surveys do not capture how students actually use their study skills, this study was carried out to discover some facts related to time management. Data collected from 295 students taking Chemistry 101 focused on 30 online homework sets. It was used to search for patterns in the routine that students develop while entering answers as many times as they desired. The aim of the effort was to assess if it could be possible to monitor student habits whilst supporting them, to recognize and overcome detrimental time-management skills early in their college career. The result of the data analysis did point to the fact that procrastinators who achieved poor final grades in chemistry can be identified based on their homework submission patterns. Furthermore, it confirmed the common belief that A students tend to finish their homework earlier and, in this case, also use fewer entries to complete when compared to C and D students.
Can We Bring Culture into the Large-Scale Study of Gentrification? Assessing the Possibilities Using Geodemographic Marketing Data

Despite advances in quantitative methodology, many quantitative gentrification scholars rely on under-theorized and speculative presumptions about who gentrifiers are. This study uses Claritas Pote...
Limitations of ab initio methods to predict the electronic-transport properties of two-dimensional semiconductors: the computational example of 2H-phase transition metal dichalcogenides

Over the last few years, ab initio methods have become an increasingly popular tool to evaluate intrinsic carrier transport properties in 2D semiconductors. The lack of experimental information, and the progress made in the development of DFT tools to evaluate electronic band structures, phonon dispersions, and electron–phonon scattering matrix-elements, have made them a favored choice. However, a large discrepancy is observed in the literature among the ab initio calculated carrier mobility in 2D semiconductors. Some of the discrepancies are a result of the physical approximations made in calculating the electron–phonon coupling constants and the carrier mobility. These approximations can be avoided by using a sophisticated transport model. However, despite using appropriate transport models, the uncertainty in the reported carrier mobility is still quite large in some materials. The major differences observed between these refined model calculations are the ‘flavors’ of DFT (exchange-correlation functional, pseudopotential, and the effect of spin-orbit coupling) used. Here, considering several monolayer 2H-TMDs as examples, we calculate the low- and high-field transport properties using different ‘flavors’ of DFT, and calculate a range for the electron mobility values. We observe that in some materials the values differ by orders of magnitude (For example, in monolayer WS2 the electron low-field mobility varies between 37 $$\hbox {cm}^{2}/(\hbox {V}\,\hbox {s}$$ ) and 767 $$\hbox {cm}^{2}/(\hbox {V}\,\hbox {s}$$ )). We analyze critically these discrepancies, and try to understand the limitations of the current ab initio methods in calculating carrier transport properties.