cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Salivary heterotopia of the parathyroid gland: A report of two cases and review of the literature

Two cases of periparathyroid salivary gland heterotopia are described. A review of the records of the Department of Pathology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, over a 4-year period, identified 759 surgical specimens containing parathyroid gland tissue. Of these, 2 (0.26%) contained foci of ectopic salivary gland tissue. Both cases were associated with cyst formation. To date, 9 additional cases of heterotopic salivary gland tissue associated with the parathyroid gland have been described in the literature.
Geographic Variation In The Appropriate Use Of Cesarean Delivery

ABSTRACT: There is enormous geographic variation in the use of cesarean delivery: For births over 2,500 grams, adjusted cesarean rates vary fourfold between low- and high-use areas. Even for births...
Factors in the Causation of Female Cancers and Prevention

In this chapter, we discuss risk factors that influence the onset of female cancers. Particular emphasis is given to breast and ovarian cancers and how dietary strategies may help to reduce the risk. Reviewed topics include cancer statistics in Western and developing countries; dietary patterns that modulate the risk of cancers in female carriers of mutations in susceptibility genes and selected polymorphisms; effects of fruits and vegetables on cancer risk. We also discuss the role of diet–hormone receptor status interactions and the impact of energy balance and obesity on cancer risk and prevention. A review of the major intervention trials on diet and breast cancer indicate that dietary fat reduction and increased fruits, vegetable, and fiber intake do not provide the basis for conclusive dietary recommendation. Data are currently lacking concerning the role of healthy dietary patterns and specific nutrients in the etiology of breast cancer. Evidence from cohort and case–control studies suggests that non-starchy vegetables may protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer. There is limited but consistent evidence that carrots, containing high levels of carotenoids, including β- and α-carotene, and certain antioxidants, may be protective against cervical cancer. Results of case–control studies indicate that red meat consumption is positively associated with endometrial cancer due to heme-iron, the generation of N-nitroso compounds, and the production of heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The response to certain food components and mutagens is influenced by the interaction with genetic background including mutations in tumor susceptibility genes and polymorphisms for metabolizing genes. Future research is necessary to gain knowledge of the causal relationships between obesity, energy balance, physical activity, and the cancer process. Although caloric restriction is consistently associated with reduced mammary tumor development, it is not clear how it influences the metastatic process.
Spectral characteristics of chlorites and Mg-serpentines using high- resolution reflectance spectroscopy

High-resolution reflectance spectroscopy is used to determine the spectral characteristics of serpentines and chlorites. The structure and chemistry of hydrous layered silicates are reviewed. The possibility of distinguishing between isochemical end-members of the Mg-rich serpentine group and the capability of recognizing spectral variations in chlorites as a function of Fe/Mg ratio are demonstrated. Consideration is given to the application of the findings to terrestrial, asteroid, and meteorite studies.
A STUDY OF SPATIAL FEATURES OF CLONES IN A POPULATION OF BRACKEN FERN, PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM (DENNSTAEDTIACEAE)

Allozymes were used to study the spatial attributes of clones (genets) comprising a population of Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. latiusculum (Desv.) Underw. ex Heller (bracken fern) in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Ramets (individual leaves) were sampled at intervals of 165 m (or less in some cases) and genotyped for six polymorphic isozyme loci to produce a map depicting the spatial patterning of genets. Forty-five distinct genotypes were detected, 14 of which were sampled more than once, five of these more than four times. Genotype proportions at all loci except Pgm-1 conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Estimation of allele frequencies in the population used a "round-robin" approach that removed any upward bias for rare alleles that distinguish genets. Based on these allele frequencies, the probability that each genotype could arise independently and be sampled was calculated. Some genotypes represented by widely separated ramets had very low probabilities of re-encounter, documenting fragmentation of widespread genets. Coarse-scale mapping indicated a population consisting of many small genets and a few very large ones (up to 1,015 m across). The larger genets tended to be irregular in shape, fragmented, and overlapping. Fine scale mapping of individual fronds in spatially discrete patches of ramets revealed extensive intergrowth of genets, indicating that P. aquilinum exhibits a "guerrilla-type" clonal morphology.
Fracture and Fatigue Tests and Analysis of Composite Sandwich Structure

A composite sandwich system is investigated in this research. Quasi-static fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth experimental and analytical approaches are the focus. The particular system studied is comprised of a Nomex (aramid fiber) honeycomb core with graphite/epoxy facesheets (skins).A modified version of the double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen geometry is used for experimentation. The critical strain energy release rate, Gc, is used to characterize the fracture toughness of the facesheet-core joint. Fatigue crack growth testing is also performed. Novel analytical and experimental techniques are coupled and utilized to address challenges presented by the material system, especially difficult crack visualization. Crack length and growth can be estimated with an empirical approach, employing a compliance calibration. Experiments can also be simulated once several constants are estimated, aiding design. Many of these techniques can be generalized to other adhesive DCB experimentation.Results sho...
The library as heterotopia: Michel Foucault and the experience of library space

Purpose – Using Michel Foucault’s notion of heterotopia as a guide, the purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of considering the library as place, and specifically as a place that has the “curious property of being in relation with all the other sites, but in such a way as to suspect, neutralize, or invent the set of relations that they happen to designate, mirror, or reflect” (Foucault, 1986a, p. 24). Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon a range of literary examples and from biographical accounts of authors such as Alan Bennett, Michel Foucault, and Umberto Eco to show how the library space operates as a heterotopia. Findings – The paper finds that drawing together the constructs of heterotopia and serendipity can enrich the understanding of how libraries are experienced as sites of play, creativity, and adventure. Originality/value – Foucault’s concept of heterotopia is offered as an original and useful frame that can account for the range of experiences and associations uni...
A thin-film piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE based implantable pressure sensor using lithographic patterning

We report a thin PVDF-TrFE (polyvinyledenedifluoride-tetrafluoroethylene) copolymer film pressure sensor, fabricated using the standard lithography process for cost-effective batch process, film uniformity, and high resolution of polymer patterning. PVDF-TrFE copolymer, a semi-crystalline material, was spin-coated into thin films (1 µm thick or less) to tap the near βphase formation. Such thin films, curing in the vacuum oven, offer significant piezoelectricity owing to the residual stress between the thin film and the substrate. Pressure measurements demonstrated that the dual film can achieve 0.6 – 1 V output voltages for 0 – 5 psi pressures, as normal physiological pressure range, with fast recovery time of around 0.2 second, and 9 % low output variation.
A Communicative Analysis of a Sexual Health Screening Intervention Conducted in a Low-Income Housing Complex

Providing free HIV screening within public housing sites offers the potential for increased participation of at-risk populations. Residential-based screening, however, raises concerns about privacy because of the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and even to the testing for HIV. This study examined the effectiveness of offering HIV screening within a public housing high-rise in upstate New York. Through interviews with both women who obtained testing and those who did not, this study explored the tension between convenience and privacy concerns. The findings suggest that offering HIV screening where people live could encourage participation in the screenings, as well as lead to a destigmatization of HIV testing over time. Some women chose to eschew the convenience of on-site testing in favor of a more private venue for screening, whereas some women responded positively to the accessibility of on-site testing, using communicative strategies to manage privacy concerns.
Self-Healing Metals and Metal Matrix Composites

Self-healing in inorganic materials is a relatively new area in materials science and engineering that draws inspiration from biological systems that can self-repair damage. This article reviews the preliminary attempts to impart self-healing behavior to metals. Several challenges yet exist in the development of metallic alloys that can self-repair damage, including surface bonding issues, such as liquid/solid contact angle (wetting) and oxidation, and practical issues, such as capillary pressure for delivery of a liquid metal to a damaged area or crack, and the overall mechanical properties of a composite system. Although the applied research approaches reviewed have obtained marginal success, the development of self-healing metallic systems has the potential to benefit a wide range of industrial applications and thus deserves greater investment in fundamental research.
Model-independent prediction methods in pharmacokenetics: Theoretical Considerations

Abstract A method is described whereby steady-state blood levels after continuous or multiple dosing, cumulative excretion data, or the limit of any other convergent series may be predicted. The method requires no prior pharmacokinetic information and is, to a large extent, model independent. The method is based on the transformation of a convergent sequence {Xn} to a new sequence {X'n} which undergoes accelerated convergence based on extrapolation of errors to zero. The limitations of the method are discussed in terms of the particular sequence being investigated, model complexity, and the relative magnitude of absorption, distribution, and elimination rate constants.
Modulation of trigeminal sensory neuron activity by the dual cannabinoid-vanilloid agonists anandamide, N-arachidonoyl-dopamine and arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide

Peripheral cannabinoids have been shown to suppress nociceptive neurotransmission in a number of behavioral and neurophysiological studies. It is not known, however, whether cannabinoids exert this action through direct interactions with nociceptors in the periphery and/or if other processes are involved. To gain a better understanding of the direct actions of cannabinoid-vanilloid agonists on sensory neurons, we examined the effects of these compounds on trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in vitro. AEA (EC50=11.0 μM), NADA (EC50=857 nM) and arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide ACEA (EC50=14.0 μM) each evoked calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release from TG neurons. The TRPV1 antagonists iodo-resiniferatoxin (I-RTX) and capsazepine (CPZ) each obtunded AEA-, NADA-, ACEA- and capsaicin (CAP)-evoked CGRP release with individually equivalent IC50's for each of the compounds (I-RTX IC50 range=2.6–4.0 nM; CPZ IC50 range=523–1140 μM). The pro-inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 significantly increased the maximal effect of AEA-evoked CGRP release without altering the EC50. AEA, ACEA and CAP stimulated cAMP accumulation in TG neurons in a calcium- and TRPV1-dependent fashion. Moreover, the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine significantly inhibited AEA- and CAP-evoked CGRP release. The pungency of AEA, NADA, ACEA and CAP in the rat eye-wipe assay was also assessed. Interestingly, when applied intraocularly, NADA or CAP each produced nocifensive responses, while AEA or ACEA did not. Finally, the potential inhibitory effects of these cannabinoids on TG nociceptors were evaluated. Neither AEA nor ACEA decreased CAP-evoked CGRP release. Furthermore, neither of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonists SR141716A nor AM251 had any impact on either basal or CAP-evoked CGRP release. AEA also did not inhibit 50 mM K+-evoked CGRP release and did not influence bradykinin-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation. We conclude that the major action of AEA, NADA and ACEA on TG neurons is excitatory, while, of these, only NADA is pungent. These findings are discussed in relation to our current understanding of interactions between the cannabinoid and vanilloid systems and nociceptive processing in the periphery. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 1118–1130. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705711
Direct Analysis and Design of Steel Frames Accounting for Partially Restrained Column Base Conditions

The 2005 AISC specification provides a new method for stability design of steel frame structures termed the direct analysis method (DM). This paper addresses the consideration of partial base fixity using the DM. A refined model of the column base moment-rotation response is developed using an adaptation of the component method (CM) of Eurocode 3 plus a representation of the foundation stiffness. The paper also summarizes and applies an extension of the DM for frames containing web-tapered members. An example clear-span gable frame is checked using several models of its nominally simple four-bolt base detail: ideally pinned, elastic based on G=10 from the AISC sidesway-uninhibited alignment chart, and elastic-perfectly plastic using the CM. It is demonstrated that the member strength unity checks and the frame deflections obtained by modeling of the column bases as elastic based on G=10 are accurate to slightly optimistic compared to the refined base model. It is found that the contribution of the signifi...
KERATINOCYTE GENE TRANSFER AND GENE THERAPY

Gene therapy has moved beyond the pre-clinical stage to the treatment of a variety of inherited and acquired diseases. For such therapy to be successful, genes must be efficiently delivered to target cells and gene products must be expressed for prolonged periods of time without toxic effects to the host. This may be achieved by means of an in vivo strategy where genes are transferred directly into a host cell, or by means of an ex vivo approach through which cells are removed, cultured, targeted for gene delivery, and grafted back to the host. Several obstacles continue to delay safe and effective clinical application of gene therapy in a variety of target cells. The limited survival of transplanted cells, transient expression of transferred genes, and difficulties in targeting stem cells are technical issues requiring further investigation. Epidermal and oral keratinocytes are potential vehicles for gene therapy. Several features of these tissues can be utilized to achieve delivery of therapeutic gene products for local or systemic delivery. These qualities include: (1) the presence of stem cells; (2) the cell-, strata-, and site-specific regulation of keratinocyte gene expression; (3) tissue accessibility; and (4) secretory capacity. Such features can be exploited by the use of gene therapy strategies to facilitate: (1) identification, enrichment, and targeting of stem cells to ensure the continued presence of the transferred gene; (2) high-level and persistent transgene expression using keratinocyte-specific promoters; (3) tissue access needed for culture and grafting for ex vivo therapy and direct in vivo gene transfer; (4) secretion of transgene product for local or systemic delivery; and (5) monitoring of genetically modified tissue and removal if treatment termination is required. Optimal gene therapy strategies are being tested in a variety of tissues to treat dominant and recessive genetic disorders as well as acquired diseases such as neoplasia and infectious disease. This experience provides a basis for the application of such clinical studies to a spectrum of diseases effecting epidermal and oral keratinocytes. Gene therapy is in an early stage yet holds great promise for its ultimate clinical application.
Potassium channel activators in vascular smooth muscle.

Ion channels play an important role in the function of all cells. They are involved in the determination of resting membrane potential, intracellular ion levels, action potential generation, and stimulus-response coupling. Over the last ten years, interest in ion channels as targets for therapeutic drug development has steadily increased. The Na+ channel was the first recognized as the site of action of therapeutically important compounds such as the local anesthetics. Over the last decade, Ca2+ channels have been the prominent site for the development of new modulatory agents. This activity has witnessed the development of numerous compounds with varying tissue specificity that modulate Ca2+ channel function. More recently, K+ channels have also become an important site of interest for the development of new therapeutic compounds (1). While K+ channel blockers have been available for many years, compounds that appear to function as K+ channel activators have been synthesized only recently.
A School-Level Proxy Measure for Individual-Level Poverty Using School-Level Eligibility for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

BACKGROUND Socioeconomic status (SES) impacts health outcomes. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), like many school-based data sources, lacks individual-level poverty information. We propose using school-level percentages of student eligibility for free/reduced-price meals (%FRPM) as a proxy for individual-level poverty. METHODS Using the New York City (NYC) 2009 YRBS, we created school-level poverty quartiles to append to individual YRBS records by ranking schools by %FRPM. We compared this with 2 other school-level poverty measures using students' home and school neighborhood-level poverty and measured the association of these 3 school-level proxies with individual's household income. Last, we evaluated health outcomes by race/ethnicity and poverty to demonstrate the importance of accounting for poverty. RESULTS The school-level measure that used %FRPM had the strongest association with household income. When the school-level individual poverty proxy was included in illustrative analyses using YRBS data, patterns by poverty within race/ethnicity emerged that were not seen when looking at race/ethnicity alone. CONCLUSIONS Using a poverty measure to analyze school-based data will provide a better understanding of the impact of SES on health outcomes. Based on our evaluation, when individual-level information is not available, we propose using school-level %FRPM, which are publicly available throughout the United States.
Effect of Casing Recess and Tip Clearance on the Efficiency of High Pressure Turbine Stage with Contoured Endwall NGV

For the present work high pressure turbine stage is studied for various casing recess and tip clearance configurations. For the present work a linear casing (G = 6%) and variants of casing recess have been studied. For the later configuration three tip clearance gaps (G = 0, 3, and6%), three casing recess locations (dx = 32%, 36.8%, 42%) and three casing recess depths (R/H = 8.8%, 11.4% and 14%) have been simulated. For the linear casing case efficiency is (84%). The maximum efficiency is 89.219% for which G =3%, R/H = 11.4% and dx = 36.8%. For the three set of calculations the maximum efficiency is achieved for G=3%. For all tip clearance heights the relative maximum efficiencies are achieved for dx = 36.8%, which illustrates that there is one critical location of casing recess for a particular geometry for which maximum efficiency exist. The overall gain in efficiency is 6.21% as compared to original configuration (linear or sloped casing). For G = 6% the efficiency improvement is 5.44% (dx = 36.8%) as compared to linear casing, this is due to the correct matching of NGV and rotor flow. It also shown in this work that subject high pressure turbine has achieved its desired performance by these modifications and there is major improvement due to casing recess.
Handling of Some Problems in Actual Application of Power System State Estimation

The practicality of the advanced application software in energy management system(EMS) is an essential condition of an up-to-standard and first-class power enterprise.As the centerpiece of EMS,the practicality of state estimation software considerably promotes the basic automation of power system.In combination with the implementation of EMS advanced application software in regional power network of Shanwei,Guangdong,this paper puts forth some suggestions on handling the problems in such aspects as network modeling and meter placement in the application of state estimation.It is held that network modeling,meter placement and metrical quality are the key to the application of state estimation.
Effects of Sodium Nitro-prusside on the Granulosa Apoptosis Rate of Porcine Preantral Follicles

In order to understand the effects of nitric oxide(NO) on granulose apoptosis of porcine preantral follicles at four days of the culture,we treated the follicles with different concentrations of sodium nitro-prusside(0,0.001,0.01,0.1 and 1.0 mmol/L SNP),a nitric oxide donor.The results indicated that 1.0 mmol/L SNP was significantly higher than other treatments(P0.05),0.001 mmol/L SNP was significantly lower than other treatments(P0.05).In conclusion,high concentrations of SNP in culture medium can significantly stimulate follicles granulose apoptosis,low concentrations of SNP inhibit follicles granulose apoptosis.
Minstrel remixed: procedurally generating stories

We are recreating, investigating, and defining new uses for one of the most influential artificial intelligence projects of the past 25 years: Scott Turner's Minstrel, which is regarded as a landmark in both the story generation and computational creativity communities. We compare our new system, Minstrel Remixed, with the implementation of the original, and discuss the various additions made during our rational reconstruction which facilitate investigations into the inner workings of the system. In conclusion, we evaluate the performance of Minstrel Remixed and determine that its results are quite close to those of the original.
Treatment Adherence in Late-Life

Publisher Summary Eighty percent of older adults have at least one chronic illness, and 50% have two or more. Adherence to treatment plans for these chronic illnesses is imperative for effective symptom and disease management, as well as for containing health care costs. Adherence behavior is highly variable, dependent on a multiplicity of individual, provider, and system-level factors. This chapter reviews adherence determinants in the context of theoretical models of illness beliefs and behavior change, along with methods and tools for assessing adherence behavior and associated constructs. With life expectancy and chronic illness prevalence increasing, understanding treatment adherence becomes paramount to improving health outcomes and quality of life for older adults, and health care costs for all. Treatment adherence is multi-faceted and not comprehensively conceptualized by any single model. Multiple individual, provider, and systems-level factors must be taken into account to fully understand why older adults may or may not adhere to a treatment plan. Many assessments are available to measure these factors, including those that measure attitudes, beliefs, performance, or behavior, using self-report, observational, electronic, or physiological methods. As with most treatment modalities, however, the relationship between patient and provider appears to be key in maximizing treatment adherence. Consistent with the Recovery model, identifying and working within the patient's goals for treatment and for life, which may reflect their socioeconomic status, culture, education, health literacy, cognitive status, and personality, is most likely to lead to adherence to an agreed upon plan.
Theoretical energy calibration of multiple-pixel events in a wide band-gap semiconductor detector with pixellated electrodes

The observed energy resolution of pixellated wide band-gap semiconductor detectors degrades as the number of triggered pixels increases. For multiple pixel events, one of the biggest barriers to overcome during the energy reconstruction is the effects of weighting potential cross-talk. The current calibration method determines a set of correction coefficients to convert each measured signal to an estimated energy deposition as a function of lateral separation between the interaction pixels and their centroid interaction depth. Theoretically, an energy calibration procedure can be implemented that will correct for weighting potential cross-talk as a function of the individual interaction depths and lateral pixel separation, as well as variation of amplifier gain for different pixel electrodes. An analysis of this theoretical calibration has been performed to better understand characteristics of this energy reconstruction method. This paper describes the results using actual measured data on the linear relationship between multiple-pixel anode signals.
Convex optimization for energy-efficient traffic control

This article presents a convex optimization approach to reduce fuel consumption of traffic flow on highways through speed limit control. By implementing Greenshields fundamental diagram, the solution to Moskowitz equations is expressed as linear equations with respect to vehicle inflow and outflow, which leads to generation of a linear traffic flow model. In addition, we build a quadratic function to estimate fuel consumption rate based on COPERT model. The energy-efficient traffic control problem is formulated as a convex quadratic optimization problem. Simulation results demonstrate significant reduction of fuel consumption, alleviation of congestion, and improved robustness using the proposed approach under high traffic demands.
Single-cell epigenomic variability reveals functional cancer heterogeneity

Cell-to-cell heterogeneity is a major driver of cancer evolution, progression, and emergence of drug resistance. Epigenomic variation at the single-cell level can rapidly create cancer heterogeneity but is difficult to detect and assess functionally. We develop a strategy to bridge the gap between measurement and function in single-cell epigenomics. Using single-cell chromatin accessibility and RNA-seq data in K562 leukemic cells, we identify the cell surface marker CD24 as co-varying with chromatin accessibility changes linked to GATA transcription factors in single cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of CD24 high versus low cells prospectively isolated GATA1 and GATA2 high versus low cells. GATA high versus low cells express differential gene regulatory networks, differential sensitivity to the drug imatinib mesylate, and differential self-renewal capacity. Lineage tracing experiments show that GATA/CD24hi cells have the capability to rapidly reconstitute the heterogeneity within the entire starting population, suggesting that GATA expression levels drive a phenotypically relevant source of epigenomic plasticity. Single-cell chromatin accessibility can guide prospective characterization of cancer heterogeneity. Epigenomic subpopulations in cancer impact drug sensitivity and the clonal dynamics of cancer evolution.
Treatment of Poikiloderma with Fractional Resurfacing

Poikiloderma, by definition, occurs in the setting of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, atrophy, and telangiectasias. There are numerous entities where poikiloderma is present, the most common being a result of chronic photodamage and is termed poikiloderma of Civatte (PC). PC was initially described by Civatte in 1923. Recently, histologic evaluation has confirmed the aforementioned characteristics, in addition to degeneration of collagen bundles and solar elastosis.1
Selecting a Multicriteria Inventory Classification Model to Improve Customer Order Fill Rate

Multicriteria models have been proposed for inventory classification in previous studies. However, it is important to make a decision when a particular multicriteria inventory classification model should be preferred over other models and also if the highest performing model remains the highest performing at all times. Companies always look for ways to improve customer order fulfillment process. This paper shows how better inventory classification can improve customer order fill rate in variable settings. The method to compare the inventory classification models with regard to improving customer order fill rate is proposed. The cut-off point is calculated which indicates when a model currently in use should be dropped in favor of another model to increase revenue by filling more orders. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to determine how holding cost and demand uncertainty affect the performance metric. Finally, regression analysis and hypothesis testing inform the decision-maker of how a model’s performance differs from other models at various values of holding cost and standard deviation of demand.
The Methylcytosine Dioxygenase TET2 Regulates CD8 + T Cell Memory Differentiation

DNA methylation is one of the major epigenetic mechanisms that control T cell differentiation. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of methylcytosine dioxygenases converts 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and other oxidized methylcytosines, intermediates in active DNA demethylation. Here we demonstrate that TET2 regulates CD8 + T cell differentiation in vivo following acute viral infection. At steady-state, mice with a T-cell specific deletion of TET2 have intact thymic and peripheral T cell populations. However, following acute viral infection with LCMV-Armstrong, TET2 loss promotes early acquisition of a memory CD8 + T cell fate in a cell-intrinsic manner without disrupting antigen-driven cell expansion or effector function. Integration of genome-wide methylation analysis and expression data suggest that TET2 loss leads to hypermethyation of the PRDM1 genomic locus (encoding Blimp-1) and alters the relative expression of Blimp-1 and Bcl-6, two antagonistic transcriptional repressors known to direct CD8 + T cell memory differentiation. Together, our data indicate that TET2 is an important regulator of CD8 + T cell fate decisions. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Targeted identification of TE insertions in a Drosophila genome through hemi-specific PCR

Transposable elements (TEs) are major components of eukaryotic genomes and drivers of genome evolution, producing intraspecific polymorphism and interspecific differences through mobilization and non-homologous recombination. TE insertion sites are often highly variable within species, creating a need for targeted genome re-sequencing (TGS) methods to identify TE insertion sites. We present a hemi-specific PCR approach for TGS of P-elements in Drosophila genomes on the Illumina platform. We also present a computational framework for identifying new insertions from TGS reads. Finally, we describe a new method for estimating the frequency of TE insertions from WGS data, which is based precise insertion sites provided by TGS annotations. By comparing our results to TE annotations based on whole genome re-sequencing (WGS) data for the same Drosophila melanogaster strain, we demonstrate that TGS is powerful for identifying true insertions, even in repeat-rich heterochromatic regions. We also demonstrate that TGS offers enhanced annotation of precise insertion sites, which facilitates estimation of TE insertion frequency. TGS by hemi-specific PCR is a powerful approach for identifying TE insertions of particular TE families in species with a high-quality reference genome, at greatly reduced cost as compared to WGS. It may therefore be ideal for population genomic studies of particular TE families. Additionally, TGS and WGS can be used as complementary approaches, with TGS annotations identifying more annotated insertions with greater precision for a target TE family, and WGS data allowing for estimates of TE insertion frequencies, and a broader picture of the location of non-target TEs across the genome.
Crack Path Selection in Thermally Loaded Borosilicate/Steel Bibeam Specimen

We have developed a novel specimen for studying crack paths in glass. Under certain conditions, the specimen reaches a state where the crack must select between multiple paths satisfying the K II = 0 condition. This path selection is a simple but challenging benchmark case for both analytical and numerical methods of predicting crack propagation. We document the development of the specimen, using an uncracked and instrumented test case to study the effect of adhesive choice and validate the accuracy of both a simple beam theory model and a finite element model. In addition, we present preliminary fracture test results and provide a comparison to the path predicted by two numerical methods (mesh restructuring and XFEM). The directional stability of the crack path and differences in kink angle predicted by various crack kinking criteria is analyzed with a finite element model.
Redefining Preaching: A Beginning

Scholarly disagreement about preaching has suffered confusion due to definitions of the subject that do not sufficiently consider the diversity of that interdisciplinary field of study. This article provides a summary of historical perspectives that is more comprehensive than any such summary in recent literature. That overview leads to suggestions for investigating what preaching is and does.
Field-aged asphalt binder performance evaluation for Evotherm warm mix asphalt: Comparisons with hot mix asphalt

Abstract Evotherm is one of the chemical warm mix asphalt (WMA) technologies that has been widely used in sustainable asphalt pavement construction. But the long-term performance of such warm mix asphalt pavement has not been studied comprehensively. This study investigated the field-aged asphalt binder performance with three different Evotherm additives (ET, DAT and 3G) based on fourteen field projects across the United States. Their performance was compared with corresponding HMA control binder. Asphalt binders were extracted and recovered, and were subjected to tests including continuous grading high temperature and low temperature, multiple stress creep recovery, and fracture. The results showed that after 2–6 years of field aging, the HMA binder had relative higher continuous grading high temperature than the Evotherm binder. All HMA and Evotherm binders regardless of types were m-value controlled, indicating of a significant aging level. The thermal cracking resistance of both HMA and Evotherm binders were similar and quite poor. The failure strain value of HMA binder is comparable with that of Evotherm binder at 20 °C as well as at 5 °C. The addition of Evotherm additive did not compromise the elastic response of polymer-modified binders.
Visible Hearts, Visible Hands: A Smart Crowd Donation Platform

On existing crowdfunding platforms, the allocation of money is often not regulated, which leads to less-than-ideal distribution of resources. For example, recent donations to hurricane victims through their crowdfunding campaigns often lead to overfunding of certain victims while underfunding others. Inspired by algorithms from economic theories, we proposed a Smart Crowd Donate system encourages donors to express preferences to multiple projects and reallocates funds dynamically across these preferences over time. We conducted a user study in which recruited 452 participants to simulate a small scale of crowdfunding. The findings of our user study supported the idea that the Smart Crowd Donate system has potential to efficiently distribute funds to projects and allows more projects to receive the amount of money they need.
A blueprint for market construction? Spatial data infrastructure(s), interoperability, and the EU Digital Single Market

Abstract Geographers have recently turned increased attention to the spatial dimensions of markets. However, digital information markets, positioned at the leading edges of capitalism, remain under-examined from this perspective. Contrary to the aspatiality suggested by metaphors of information networks such as ‘the cloud’, a salient element of these markets is their close linkage with legal regimes bound to territorial jurisdictions. Addressing this linkage through a Polanyian economic geographic approach, the present article examines the recent initiative by the European Commission to build a territorially unified digital market spanning the entire European Union, and its relationship with a previous pan-European project aimed at developing unified standards for geospatial data: INSPIRE, the EU’s spatial data infrastructure. The analysis focuses on interoperability, or the ability of systems to communicate with each other, and centers on the specific mechanisms of legal and technical interoperability in two EU member states: the UK and Germany. These two types of interoperability are considered key factors in the social and institutional embeddedness of markets – and as a consequence, their spatial constitution. Through this examination, the article shows that, while digital information markets ostensibly ‘flatten space’ and allow market actors to overcome geographical barriers, their very constitution is the result of particular sets of policies, institutional features, and political negotiations that require both technical and political agreements to achieve integration across multiple scales of territorial jurisdictions.
Combined Ex Vivo Hypothermic and Normothermic Perfusion for Assessment of High-risk Deceased Donor Human Kidneys for Transplantation

Author(s): Kabagambe, Sandra K; Palma, Ivonne P; Smolin, Yulia; Boyer, Tristan; Palma, Ivania; Sageshima, Junichiro; Troppmann, Christoph; Santhanakrishnan, Chandrasekar; McVicar, John P; Jen, Kuang-Yu; Nuno, Miriam; Perez, Richard V | Abstract: BackgroundDespite careful clinical examination, procurement biopsy and assessment on hypothermic machine perfusion, a significant number of potentially useable deceased donor kidneys will be discarded because they are deemed unsuitable for transplantation. Ex vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) may be useful as a means to further assess high-risk kidneys to determine suitability for transplantation.MethodsFrom June 2014 to October 2015, 7 kidneys (mean donor age, 54.3 years and Kidney Donor Profile Index, 79%) that were initially procured with the intention to transplant were discarded based on a combination of clinical findings, suboptimal biopsies, long cold ischemia time (CIT) and/or poor hypothermic perfusion parameters. They were subsequently placed on EVNP using oxygenated packed red blood cells and supplemental nutrition for a period of 3 hours. Continuous hemodynamic and functional parameters were assessed.ResultsAfter a mean CIT of 43.7 hours, all 7 kidneys appeared viable on EVNP with progressively increasing renal blood flow over the 3-hour period of perfusion. Five of the 7 kidneys had excellent macroscopic appearance, rapid increase in blood flow to 200 to 250 mL/min, urine output of 40 to 260 mL/h and increasing creatinine clearance.ConclusionsFavorable perfusion characteristics and immediate function after a 3-hour course of EVNP suggests that high-risk kidneys subjected to long CIT may have been considered for transplantation. The combined use of ex vivo hypothermic and normothermic perfusion may be a useful strategy to more adequately assess and preserve high-risk kidneys deemed unsuitable for transplantation. A clinical trial will be necessary to validate the usefulness of this approach.
Vitamin K Cycles and γ-Carboxylation of Coagulation Factors

The vitamin K cycle consists of two enzymes, vitamin K oxido reductase (VKOR) and γ-glutamyl carboxylase (VKGC). VKGC acts on vitamin K-dependent (VKD) substrates using co-substrates: reduced vitamin K (KH2), O2, and CO2 to convert glutamic acid (Glu) to γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla). The posttranslational modification of Glu to Gla is required for the activity of VKD proteins. VKD proteins participate in a broad range of physiologies including proteins involved in hemostasis, calcification, and cell growth. Concomitant with the carboxylation reaction, KH2 is converted to vitamin K epoxide (KO). After carboxylation, reduced VKOR converts KO to vitamin K and regenerates KH2, allowing the cycle to continue. Presumably, a third enzyme, which reduces a single disulfide bond in VKOR after each reaction cycle is also required. The details of these reactions are the subject of this chapter.
ON LINEAR SHIFT-VARIANT DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING

Abstract The present paper reviews recent developments in the area of linear shift-variant (LSV) digital filters. The discussion encompasses the problem of determining filter characteristics in both time and frequency domains. In addition, important properties of LSV digital filters are explored. Based on these properties, synthesis and implementation techniques of LSV digital filters are examined.
Following a Group of Targets in Large Environments

The problem of following multiple coherent targets using a camera is called the group following problem. While camera tracking is a popular subject in literature, the group following problem has not gained much attention despite that there are many scenarios where it is desired for a moving sensor to maximize its visibility of a group of moving targets. In this work, we address the scalability issue by investigating the idea of cached visibility. We will discuss two camera motion planners called cached intelligent observers (cio). In our experimental results, we show that cached visibility provides better balance between efficiency and performance than existing methods, particularly in large complex environments.
Abstract 1447: Aberrant tryptophan catabolism marked by high kynureninase expression contributes to immunosuppression and poor outcome in lung adenocarcinoma

Low tryptophan levels promote tumor immune evasion by suppressing immune function. Elucidation of the immunomodulatory effects of altered tryptophan catabolism has relevance to cancer immunotherapy. Previous studies have largely focused on the role of the rate-limiting enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan depletion in the microenvironment. However, IDO1 levels are highly heterogeneous in different cancers, and numerous other downstream tryptophan catabolites have also been shown to have immunomodulatory activity. We surveyed the proteomes of 123 cancer cell lines for regulators of tryptophan metabolism which revealed overexpression of kynureninase (KYNU) in KEAP1 mutant lung adenocarcinomas. Functional analysis indicated that KYNU expression is regulated through nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like (Nrf2) activation. KYNU-high cell lines exhibited increased secretion of KYNU-derived anthranilate/3-hydroxyanthranilate. Ex-vivo studies using isolated PBMCs demonstrated that 3-hydroxyanthranilate reduced CD8+ T-cell viability. KYNU mRNA expression in three independent datasets of lung adenocarcinomas and additionally KYNU protein expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissue microarrays revealed that high KYNU expression predicts poor survival and disease recurrence. Our findings indicate that KYNU promotes immune suppression and is an independent prognostic marker for lung adenocarcinoma. Citation Format: Edwin J. Ostrin, Johannes F. Fahrmann, Ichidai Tanaka, Muge Celiktas, Clemente Aguilar, Mitzi Aguilar, Jennifer B. Dennison, Eunice Murage, Satyendra C. Tripathi, Oliver Delgado, Hong Wang, Jaime Rodriguez-Canales, Carmen Behrens, Ignacio I. Wistuba, Ayumu Taguchi, Samir M. Hanash. Aberrant tryptophan catabolism marked by high kynureninase expression contributes to immunosuppression and poor outcome in lung adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1447.
CPAs' Evaluations of Accounting Graduates: An Empirical Investigation of Face-to-Face and Online Degrees

Student demand for online education is strong, with percentage growth in online education far outpacing percentage growth in higher education as a whole. Given the significance of the investment that students make in their education, questions arise as to whether CPAs recruiting for an entry-level accounting position view face-to-face and online degrees from traditional and online universities equally. This research addresses these questions through an experimental design in which the instructional context (the delivery method and type of institution) is manipulated at three levels. Results indicate that CPAs are most likely to pursue a candidate having earned a degree in a face-to-face classroom setting from an institution with a traditional campus. CPAs are more likely to pursue a candidate who earned a degree online from a university with a traditional campus than a candidate who earned a degree online from a university without a traditional campus. Additional data lends insight into possible sources of these differences. For example, CPAs view face-to-face education as superior on several dimensions of skill development. CPAs also have more confidence in rigor, academic integrity, and the level of career preparation of candidates when the degree is earned in a face-to-face setting.
Energy Efficiency and the Real Estate Lifecycle: Stakeholder Perspectives

Author(s): Mathew, Paul; Coleman, Phil; Page, Janie; Regnier, Cynthia; Shackelford, Jordan; hopkins, Greg; Jungclaus, Matt; Olgyay, Victor
A standardized imaging protocol improves quality and reduces practice variability in echocardiographic assessment of ventricular function by first-year pediatric cardiology fellows.

BACKGROUND Echocardiography education for pediatric cardiology fellows has been a recent focus leading to the implementation of "boot camps." Less is described about continuing education through fellowship and improving image quality. We noticed practice variation in echocardiograms assessing ventricular function performed on nights and weekends. Thus, we implemented a standardized protocol and assessed its impact on imaging and reporting completeness. METHODS We created an imaging protocol for the assessment of ventricular function in the acute setting. The protocol included demographic information, a list of images to be obtained, and the methods to quantify ventricular function. The protocol was explained to first-year fellows and distributed on an electronic quick reference card. Echocardiograms independently performed by first-year fellows during their first 4 months of on-call time were assessed pre- and postintervention using a standard rubric. RESULTS Compliance with demographic reporting was high pre- and postintervention, but significantly improved after the standardized protocol (P < 0.001). Use of the protocol increased the median number of unique images obtained per echocardiogram from 13 to 17 (out of 23 required views, P < 0.001). Particularly improved was the performance of quantitative evaluations of function, including Simpson's method for left ventricular ejection fraction (four chamber: 40% vs 67%, P < 0.001; two chamber: 33% vs 67%, P < 0.001) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (45% vs 80%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The introduction of a standardized imaging protocol and its distribution to first-year fellows resulted in improvements in echocardiographic reporting completeness and increased the quality of information obtained by providing more quantitative assessments of ventricular function.