cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fracture of the scapula with intrathoracic penetration. A case report.

Fracture of the scapula is a rare injury in adolescents. The most common etiology is a motor-vehicle accident or another type of high-velocity blunt trauma. There is a high prevalence of associated injuries, many of which may be life-threatening. Operative treatment has been recommended only in the case of a displaced fracture of the glenoid neck or step-off within the glenohumeral joint. We report an additional operative indication: a fracture of the body of the scapula with penetration of the thoracic cavity by a fracture fragment. Our search of the literature did not reveal any previous report of this injury. A thirteen-year-old boy was struck by a dump truck while riding a bicycle. He lost consciousness and was hypotensive at the scene of the accident. A pneumothorax was diagnosed on arrival to the hospital. After endotracheal intubation and placement of a chest tube, the patient was transferred to the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics for definitive care. Physical examination revealed bilateral subcutaneous emphysema palpated over the anterior chest wall, multiple abrasions, and contusions about the thorax and the left upper extremity. A large hematoma was noted in the area of the symphysis pubis. Blood was noted at the external meatus. Orthopaedic examination revealed swelling and contusion about the posterior part of the left shoulder with no palpable osseous instability. There was a smooth range of motion, without crepitus, to 90 degrees of abduction. A full passive range of motion of the shoulder was not attempted, but the elbow and the wrist had a full, smooth passive range of motion and the vascular status of the extremity was intact. As the patient had been pharmacologically paralyzed at the referring hospital, a full motor and sensory examination was not initially possible at our institution. The records from the initial examination did …
Pre-IVF Evaluation of the Infertile Man

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have revolutionized the treatment of male factor infertility. However, it is still critically important to fully evaluate the male with a well-considered history, comprehensive physical examination, and appropriate hormonal and genetic assays in order to arrive at as precise a diagnosis as possible prior to the institution of therapy. This allows the couple to be fully informed about the options available to them, including ones that may result in an improvement in sperm parameters and fertility, result in subsequent natural conception, a move to intrauterine insemination from anticipated IVF, or an enhancement of IVF/ICSI success. Conditions or syndromes with general health implications are discovered with a complete work-up and the genetic basis of many can be elucidated. If the perspective is that the potential child that we are helping to create is part of the total equation, then any genetic maladies that might be transmitted to him/her should be determined and the couple educated about them with the options to possibly prevent that transmission discussed.
Hepatocyte growth factor and alternative splice variants - expression, regulation and implications in osteogenesis and bone health and repair.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into multiple cell types, including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. These pluripotent cells secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which regulates cell growth, survival, motility, migration, mitogenesis and is important for tissue development/regeneration. HGF has four splice variants, NK1, NK2, NK3, and NK4 which have varying functions and affinities for the HGF receptor, cMET. HGF promotes osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs into bone forming cells, playing a role in bone development, health and repair.Areas Covered: This review will focus on the effects of HGF in osteogenesis, bone repair and bone health, including structural and functional insights into the role of HGF in the body.Expert Opinion: Approximately 6.2 million Americans experience a fracture annually, with 5-10% being mal- or non-union fractures. HGF is important in priming MSCs for osteogenic differentiation in vitro and is currently bei...
Poster child: Ready for a close-up

Checkpoint inhibitors are antibodies that block inhibitory signals, thereby activating the immune system. As the disease where checkpoint inhibitors first proved their mettle, melanoma is the “poster child” for checkpoint blockade. Yet, the majority (60 to 70%) of patients do not respond to treatment. A deeper understanding of the factors that correlate with response could help to prospectively identify patients likely to benefit from treatment, and could also shed light on future rational combinations of agents in order to increase response rates. Hugo et al. sequenced whole exomes of samples from patients before treatment with the programmed cell death 1 (PD1) antagonists nivolumab or pembrolizumab and found that mutational load significantly correlated with survival. RNA sequencing showed that “mesenchymal and inflammatory” tumor phenotypes correlated with resistance to PD1 blockade. Specifically, this meant that mesenchymal transition genes, immunosuppressive genes (such as IL10 ), and monocyte/macrophage chemotactic genes were enriched in nonresponding patients. Interestingly, genes related to T cells—a major target of PD1 activity—were not differentially expressed in responders compared with nonresponders. This overall pattern could be further broken down into 26 transcriptomic signatures that were co-enriched in most nonresponding tumors. The authors termed this the “innate anti-PD1 resistance signature” (IPRES). IPRES was not differentially expressed in a control cohort of patients treated with inhibitors of CTLA4—another immune checkpoint protein—suggesting divergent mechanisms of resistance for different types of checkpoint blockade. Future studies will need to decipher whether and which components of the IPRES are causal and which are merely associated with checkpoint inhibitor failure. A robust association may help to prospectively assign patients to the treatment best suited for them, but a mechanistic understanding will ultimately point toward future rational combinations of checkpoint inhibitors with other immunotherapeutic agents to enhance response and survival. W. Hugo et al ., Genomic and transcriptomic features of response to anti-PD-1 therapy in metastatic melanoma. Cell 165 , 35–44 (2016). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(16)30215-X
Laser Cladding of Two Hardfacing Alloys Onto Cylindrical Low Alloy Steel Substrates With a High Power Direct Diode Laser

Blown-powder laser cladding is an efficient method for enhancing the surface properties of engineering components while preserving the properties of the base material. High power direct diode lasers (HPDDLs) offer wide beams with nearly uniform intensity distribution, allowing the deposition of wide clad tracks with flatter profiles than those produced with a Gaussian beam. In this work, a 4.0 kW HPDDL is used to perform blown-powder cladding on AISI 4140 and AISI 5150 steel shafts. The first part of the experiments concerns two-layer circumferential tracks created from two commonly used hardfacing alloys: Stellite 6 (Co-Cr alloy) and Nistelle 625 (Ni-Cr alloy). The effects of laser power and powder feed rate on the clad geometry are assessed. Increasing the powder feed rate and holding constant all other parameters decreases the track width-to-thickness aspect ratio. All tracks exhibit dendrite microstructures that are characteristic of powder-based clad tracks. The tracks exhibit no cracks or porosity. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis reveals dilution of five percent or less between the clad and substrate materials. The second part of the experiments concerns overlapping of single-layer clad tracks in a continuous helical pattern on the substrate to form a layer that covers a large area. Clad layer thickness and inter-track porosity are measured to determine the optimum degree of overlap for producing a high-quality clad layer. The thickness of the resulting Stellite 6 and Nistelle 625 clad layers decreases as the overlap percentage decreases. No inter-track, interfacial, or bulk pores are present for any tests, comprising overlap percentages of 50% and lower.© 2007 ASME
Charge Recombination to Oxidized Iodide in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The goal of this study was to determine whether electrons injected into TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) react with di-iodide, I2•–, a known intermediate in sensitized iodide oxidation. The approach was to utilize time-resolved absorption spectroscopy to quantify the yield of I2•– disproportionation under conditions where I2•– reduction by electrons photoinjected into TiO2, TiO2(e–)s, could be competitive. The DSSC was based on [Ru(dtb)2(dcb)]2+, where dtb is 4,4′-(C(CH3)3)2-2,2′-bipyridine and dcb is 4,4′-(COOH)2-2,2′-bipyridine, sensitized mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films sintered onto an optically transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive substrate. A transparent Pt counter-electrode and a 0.5 M LiI/0.05 M I2/acetonitrile electrolyte completed the DSSC. After pulsed 532 nm laser excitation, the first iodide oxidation product observed spectroscopically was I2•–. Under all conditions studied, there was no direct evidence for the reaction between TiO2(e–) and I2•–, and the ...
The kiss principle in survey design: Question length and data quality

Writings on the optimal length for survey questions are characterized by a variety of perspectives and very little empirical evidence. Where evidence exists, support seems to favor lengthy question...
Spurious Periodicity in Christiano-Fitzgerald Filtered Time Series

This paper studies the cyclical properties of time series filtered by the (CF2003) filter. I show that in the presence of a stochastic trend the Christiano-Fitzgerald filter imposes spurious periodicity onto the series, i. e. the filter imparts cyclicality where there is none. This is due to a common defect among band-pass filters which allows cyclical components of the error term to pass through the filter to the estimated cycle. In practice, this leads to business cycle estimates of higher amplitude and longer duration.
A wave propagation method in local angle domain

A phase-space(local angle domain) marching algorithm of wave propagation is proposed in the general frame case,based on the wave equation for inhomogeneous media.The approach presents more freedom when choosing frame or orthogonal basis of one-way wave marching algorithm.Employing the Gabor-Daubechies tight frame which does not vary with frequency and depth but has the characteristic of scale-variability,the specific expression of one-way wave propagator and corresponding marching algorithm of wave field are derived.The high-frequency asymptotic expansion of the propagator based on Gabor-Daubechies tight frame is discussed in detail.Consequently the approximate analytic representation of the propagator in the situation of high-frequency and a small step size is obtained and its validity conditions are provided.The results of wave propagation using the accurate propagator and the high-frequency asymptotic one are compared for several heterogeneous models,which demonstrate that the wave fields are almost the same in certain conditions.
Monitoring Data Analysis on Personal Dosage Received by Radiation Workers in YangP u District Shanghai during 2009-2012

Objective To assess the personal dosage level of external exposure for radiation workers in yangpu. Methods Thermoluminescence dosimetry was applied to measure the personal external radiation dosage of workers exposed to radiation.Results Totally 2540 radiation workers were monitored from 2009 to 2012. The average annual effective dosage was 0. 75 m Sv / a. The workers receiving annual dosage equivalent less than 2 m Sv accounted for 99. 17%. The average annual individual effective dosage was higher in the nuclear medicine workers than those of other professions. Conclusion Most of the radiation workers in Yang Pu District are safe in the working conditions according to the related national standards. The radiation protection of nuclear medicine should be focused in the future.
Anatomical localization and some pharmacological effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in human and monkey corpus cavernosum.

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is hypothesized to be a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmitter important in the physiology of penile erection. To further explore this concept, anatomical localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, in vitro muscle bath studies and in vivo injection experiments were undertaken in the monkey and man. Using immunohistochemical techniques vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was localized at the light microscopic level to nerves within the monkey and human penis. Ultrastructurally, a modified peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique was used to identify large vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-positive vesicles within peptidergic and cholinergic varicosities. In the in vitro muscle bath, the addition of 10–7 M vasoactive intestinal polypeptide did not alter the baseline tension of strips of monkey and human corpus cavernosum. During contraction produced by norepinephrine stimulation, however, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (10–7 M) caused relaxation of the monkey (41 ± 18 per cent, no. = 8) and human (23 ± 8 per cent, no. = 5) corpus cavernosum. Intracorporal injection of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (0.75 × 10–9 to 3.75 × 10–9 moles/kg.) had no effect on the monkey penis. Administration of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (1.25 × 10–9 to 2.5 × 10–9 moles/kg.) into the internal iliac artery of the monkey, while having no effect on the flaccid penis, caused detumescence of the erect penis obtained by cavernous nerve stimulation (2–5 V, 40 Hz, 2 msec.). Although vasoactive intestinal polypeptide can be found within the nerves of the penis, its apparent in vitro and in vivo effects raise further questions concerning the role of this peptide in penile erection.
Effect of intravascular complement activation on granulocyte adhesiveness and distribution

The effects of manipulations that activate complement (C) by the alternate pathway upon the concentration of circulating granulocytes and their adhesiveness were studied in rabbits and humans under several conditions. Whether C is preactivated in vitro and then infused intravenously, activated in vivo by administration of cobra venom factor, or activated during extracorporeal circulation in human hemodialysis, a close correlation between changing granulocyte adhesiveness and granulocyte levels is noted. Shortly after C activation, circulating granulocytes disappear, while their adhesiveness (measured by nylon fiber filtration) increases strikingly. Thereafter, when circulating granulocytes return and actually rebound to above-baseline levels, their adhesiveness declines in parallel. The results suggest that activated C components induce stickiness of granulocytes, which engenders their sequestration. When C-activated plasma is infused intravenously, granulocytes are sequestered selectively in the pulmonary circulation. When C is activated throughout the entire body by the intravenous infusion of cobra venom factor, granulocytes sequester nonselectively. In the former instance, animals develop hypoxemia; in the latter instance, hypoxemia is not observed. Thus granulocytes made hyperadhesive sequester in the first capillary network traversed, and selective organ dysfunction may occur. The results help to explain the recently reported pulmonary leukostasis and dysfunction accompanying hemodialysis.
The M quadruplets. II. The interpretation of quantitative differences.

Early students of the M quadruplets considered that the dermatoglyphic traits and physical measurements corroborated a monozygotic origin. More careful analysis in terms of variance shows that the ridge counts, at least, are quite inconsistent with data from monozygotic twins. However, when several quantitative measures are considered together by a method of combined relative likelihoods of separate pair differences, the evidence against monozygosity is less impressive than the contrary evidence from qualitative traits including blood groups. It is concluded that quadruplets tend to vary more than twins and/or that some genotypes are much more variable than others, at least with respect to dermal ridge counts.
Smart Structures Technology to Monitor Through-the-Thickness Behavior of Composites

Mechanical loads on composite structures can generate localized regions of high stress gradients (e.g., free edge stresses in delamination coupons) which can result in complex progressive damage, potentially leading to structural failure. There is therefore a need to develop an improved theoretical model for transverse stress predictions in composites as well an experimental technique to monitor through-the-thickness strains/stresses so as to validate the theoretical predictions.
Decentralizing Religious and Secular Accommodations

It is common for governments to accommodate religious practices by carving out exemptions to otherwise generally applicable laws that expressly or implicitly favor religion. Such exemptions, however, raise a difficult problem of defining religious (or anti-religious) “coercion.” If the state enforces its laws without any accommodation, the constituents of religious bodies (shareholders, officers, employees, etc.) may be forced to violate their conscience. If the state makes an exception for religiously motivated organizations, then the constituents of such bodies (employees, customers, tenants, etc.) will be stripped of otherwise applicable protections from those bodies’ power.This chapter argues that the decentralization of religious accommodations to subnational governments can be a way to extend equal concern and respect to rival and reasonable conceptions of religious liberty. Analyzing the American version of federalism epitomized by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in Hobby Lobby and City of Boerne v. Flores, as such a form of equal concern and respect, the chapter, the chapter suggests that American federalism protects equality in the allocation of the right to resolve reasonable disagreements over the content of liberty and equality in the context of religion. One can understand such a right as an instance of what Jeremy Waldron has called the “right of rights” – that is, the right of individuals to enjoy an equal share of power to define rights.
Impact of Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Health Informatics

The Healthcare Reform is complex with many facets of assumptions, facts, figures and expectations. In this paper the author discusses the potential impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Ambulatory and Non-ambulatory care settings while expecting 25-30 million new patients to enter our healthcare system by 2016.[1] Applying the theory of "episode multiplier" that might induce over 90-100 million new patient episodes, appointments, contacts and other provider-patient encounters. It will be rather impossible for existing healthcare workforce to handle the volume and manage protocols without monumental increase in Health IT and Information Technology (IT) based automation, the use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) and a connected healthcare infrastructure. In summary, the use of Information Technology in healthcare sector will spur, needing more IT, Health IT and EHR professionals in a short time span. This trend calls for Competency Based Learning (CBL) and a serious restructuring of health sciences based technology training for institutions of higher education and workforce certification programs.
“Dangerous Nation”: The American Power Exception

If anything has inspired faith in America’s exceptional qualities, it is the country’s extraordinary power. Its early leaders envisioned the nation’s growth to unrivaled strength. In the 1830s Tocqueville already thought that Russia and the United States seemed called, as if by a design of Providence, “to hold in [their] hands one day the destinies of half the world” (Tocqueville 2010: 656). Throughout the nineteenth century, the expansion of the American continental empire fit that expectation, enabling the U.S. to take on a distinctive global role around 1900.
Identification of Molecular and Biological Predictors of Genomic Complexity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Unbiased quantitative assessments of genomic complexity in CLL using SNP arrays have identified high genomic complexity (≥3 subchromosomal lesions per genome) as a strong negative independent prognostic factor for short time to first therapy (TTFT) and short time to subsequent therapy (TTST) in CLL. In the present study, we have analyzed various variables as potential predictors for genomic complexity in CLL, including ZAP-70 status, CD38 status, IgVH mutation status, p53 aberrations (exon 5–9 sequence mutations or absent expression), CLL FISH categories (del17p, del11q, trisomy 12, and del13q14 type I or del13q14 type II, based on SNP arrays), MDM2 SNP309 allele status and the fraction of CLL cells alive 40 hours post-irradiation using univariate (N=178 cases) and multivariate (N=138 to 166 cases, depending on the included variables) analysis. Data on irradiation-induced ATM autophosphorylation are nearing completion and will be analyzed once available. SNP array-based genomic complexity was analyzed either as a dichotomous variable (<3 versus ≥3 subchromosomal lesions per genome) or as a quantitative variable and was based on either losses only (~85% of all lesions in CLL) or as total complexity (losses, gains and UPD). Results: Using the dichotomous genomic complexity score based on losses, the percentage of cells alive post-irradiation (odds ratio [OR] 3.26, p<0.0001), CD38 expression (OR=3.42, p=0.006), ZAP-70 expression (OR=4.06, p=0.005), IgVH-unmutated (OR=3.54, p=0.008), p53 aberrations (OR=13.2, p<0.0001), del13q14 type II (OR=3.42, p=0.015), del17p (OR=21, p<0.0001) and del11q (OR=6.6, p=0.002) all emerged as significant predictors of genomic complexity in univariate analysis. For multivariate analysis, various models were built incorporating factors with significant univariate associations and alternatively incorporating either del17p, p53 aberrations or the fraction of CLL cells alive post-irradiation (all three variables are p53 status-dependent) into the model. Using the dichotomous genomic complexity score based on losses, the fraction of cells alive post-irradiation, del17p, del11q, del13q14 type II, p53 aberrations and CD38 expression, emerged as significant independent predictors of genomic complexity in multivariate analysis. ZAP-70, IgVH status and del13q14 type I were not independent predictors. Using quantitative genomic complexity based on losses, the fraction of cells alive post-irradiation, del17p, del11q, del13q14 type I or II, and p53 aberrations emerged as significant predictors of genomic complexity in multivariate analysis. ZAP-70, CD38 expression and IgVH status were not independent predictors. In summary, multiple markers independently predict for genomic complexity in CLL, facilitating identification of genes/mutations ( p53 , ATM , Rb and others) involved in conferring unstable genomes in CLL. This analysis identifies SNP array-based genome interrogations as a single test uniquely able to capture genomic complexity in CLL.
In-Plane 2H-1T' MoTe2 Homojunctions Synthesized by Flux-Controlled Phase Engineering.

The fabrication of in-plane 2H-1T′ MoTe2 homojunctions by the flux-controlled, phase-engineering of few-layer MoTe2 from Mo nanoislands is reported. The phase of few-layer MoTe2 is controlled by simply changing Te atomic flux controlled by the temperature of the reaction vessel. Few-layer 2H MoTe2 is formed with high Te flux, while few-layer 1T′ MoTe2 is obtained with low Te flux. With medium flux, few-layer in-plane 2H-1T′ MoTe2 homojunctions are synthesized. As-synthesized MoTe2 is characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Kelvin probe force microscopy and Raman mapping confirm that in-plane 2H-1T′ MoTe2 homojunctions have abrupt interfaces between 2H and 1T′ MoTe2 domains, possessing a potential difference of about 100 mV. It is further shown that this method can be extended to create patterned metal–semiconductor junctions in MoTe2 in a two-step lithographic synthesis. The flux-controlled phase engineering method could be utilized for the large-scale controlled fabrication of 2D metal–semiconductor junctions for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.
The use of a novel perfusion-based cadaveric simulation model with cerebrospinal fluid reconstitution comparing dural repair techniques: a pilot study.

Abstract Background Context Watertight dural repair is crucial for both incidental durotomy and closure after intradural surgery. Purpose The study aimed to describe a perfusion-based cadaveric simulation model with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reconstitution and to compare spine dural repair techniques. Study Design/Setting The study is set in a fresh tissue dissection laboratory. Sample Size The sample includes eight fresh human cadavers. Outcome Measures A watertight closure was achieved when pressurized saline up to 40 mm Hg did not cause further CSF leakage beyond the suture lines. Methods Fresh human cadaveric specimens underwent cannulation of the intradural cervical spine for intrathecal reconstitution of the CSF system. The cervicothoracic dura was then exposed from C7–T12 via laminectomy. The entire dura was then opened in six cadavers (ALLSPINE) and closed with 6-0 Prolene (n=3) or 4-0 Nurolon (n=3), and pressurized with saline via a perfusion system to 60 mm Hg to check for leakage. In two cadavers (INCISION), six separate 2-cm incisions were made and closed with either 6-0 Prolene or 4-0 Nurolon, and then pressurized. A hydrogel sealant was then added and the closure was pressurized again to check for further leakage. Results Spinal laminectomy with repair of intentional durotomy was successfully performed in eight cadavers. The operative microscope was used in all cases, and the model provided a realistic experience of spinal durotomy repair. For ALLSPINE cadavers (mean: 240 mm dura/cadaver repaired), the mean pressure threshold for CSF leakage was observed at 66.7 (±2.9) mm Hg in the 6-0 Prolene group and at 43.3 (±14.4) mm Hg in the 4-0 Nurolon group (p>.05). For INCISION cadavers, the mean pressure threshold for CSF leakage without hydrogel sealant was significantly higher in 6-0 Prolene group than in the 4-0 Nurolon group (6-0 Prolene: 80.0±4.5 mm Hg vs. 4-0 Nurolon: 32.5±2.7 mm Hg; p Conclusions We described the feasibility of using a novel cadaveric model for both the study and training of watertight dural closure techniques. 6-0 Prolene was observed to be superior to 4-0 Nurolon for watertight dural closure without a hydrogel sealant. The use of a hydrogel sealant significantly improved watertight dural closures for both 6-0 Prolene and 4-0 Nurolon groups in the cadaveric model.
Evidence for hydraulic fracturing at Gale crater, Mars: Implications for burial depth of the Yellowknife Bay formation

Abstract NASA's Curiosity rover identified a formerly habitable environment within strata informally known as the Yellowknife Bay formation. The stratigraphic relationship, and thus depositional age, of these rocks relative to other geologic units in Gale crater is not clear from orbital data alone. If part of lower Aeolis Mons (informally known as Mount Sharp), the Yellowknife Bay rocks have been deeply buried and exhumed prior to 3.2–3.3 Ga. If part of younger alluvial fan deposits, however, they likely have never experienced more than ∼100 m of burial. Knowledge of burial history can thus constrain the stratigraphic placement of Yellowknife Bay and the habitable environment preserved therein. The mechanics of natural hydraulic fractures observed in mudstone at YKB allow us to evaluate its burial history and imply a minimum burial depth of 1.2 km. This is consistent with burial by the entirety of lower Mount Sharp and a depositional age of ∼ 3.6 – 3.8 Ga, providing observation-based evidence that Mount Sharp was once much more laterally extensive than its present form. Rocks of the Yellowknife Bay formation thus represent the oldest strata that Curiosity will encounter during its journey in Gale crater, and any additional habitable environments discovered along Curiosity's future path represent conditions at younger times.
On the Necessity of the Circle Criterion

Abstract The circle criterion claims that system v = G w , w = φ ( v , t ) is absolute stable in the class M of bounded nonlinearities: | ω ( v , t ) | / | ω ( v ) | ≤ 1 if ‖ G ‖ ∞ ≤ 1 . It’s well-known that this stability criterion is essentially sufficient. A. Megretski posed following problem: does there exist a constant С such that any system with stable transfer function G is not absolute stable in the class M if ‖ G ‖ ∞ > C . In the paper it is proved that for the set of systems of order less than arbitrary fixed number n such a constant exists.
Endoscopic Dissolution of Gastric Lipoma with Argon Plasma Coagulation

A 47-year-old patient presented from outside the hospital for evaluation of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The endoscopic workup suggested a gastric antral subepithelial lesion with an overlying arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed the lesion to be a lipoma. Given the patient's anemia and blood transfusion requirements, the AVM was treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). During this treatment, desiccation of fat was noted with a significant decrease in the size of the subepithelial lesion (the gastric lipoma). While the APC therapy was intended for management of the overlying AVM, it resulted in the partial dissolution of the gastric lipoma, proving to be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
Large scale port scanning through tor using parallel Nmap scans to scan large portions of the IPv4 range

Performing port scans through Tor is a way to hide the source's IP address from the target. Researchers hoping to source their own scans benefit from a means of scanning that helps them to anonymize themselves from targets that may potentially retaliate as the result of being scanned. Though effective in providing anonymization during scanning, it is not scalable to the point of scanning the entire IPv4 Address space on multiple ports, as scans take considerably longer to execute through Tor. This paper specifically explores using a third-party data source to target specific areas of interest in the IPv4 range and then scanning those areas anonymously with parallelized scanners as an effective way to anonymously collect internet scan data. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
Red blood cell sedimentation of Apheresis Granulocytes.

Sedimentation of Apheresis Granulocyte components removes red blood cells. It is used to increase the blood donor pool when blood group–compatible donors cannot be recruited for a patient because of a major ABO incompatibility or incompatible red blood cell antibodies in the recipient. Because granulocytes have little ABO and few other red blood cell antigens on their membrane, such incompatibility lies mostly with the contaminating red blood cells. Video Clip S1 shows the process of red blood cell sedimentation of an Apheresis Granulocyte component. This video was filmed with a single smart phone attached to a commercial tripod and was edited on a tablet computer with free software by an amateur videographer without prior video experience.
Activity of Nitazoxanide Against Viral Gastroenteritis: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Nitazoxanide is an oral anti-parasitic agent that has been found to have broad antiviral activity. Its role in the treatment of viral gastroenteritis is not well-studied. Given the worldwide prevalence of viral gastroenteritis, particularly in developing nations, a systematic review of this topic would be valuable. Methods: A formal literature search with the assistance of a reference librarian included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case reports. Studies were included if they pertained to nitazoxanide use for viral gastroenteritis and excluded if nitazoxanide was used for parasitic or other viral illnesses. Results: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5 randomized controlled trials (2 in Egypt and 1 each in Peru, India, and Bolivia) were included in the systematic review. Four of the studies enrolled children only; one study included adults. All studies noted a statistically significant reduction in time from the first dose of nitazoxanide to resolution of illness (approximately one to 2 days) in patients compared to the receiving placebos (approximately 3 days). There were 9 case series or reports on nitazoxanide use for viral gastroenteritis in immunocompromised hosts; of these, only one case reported a noticeable effect of nitazoxanide in reducing symptom duration and severity. Conclusion: Despite the limited number of studies and the potential risk of bias introduced by the funding source, a benefit of nitazoxanide in reducing duration of illness from viral gastroenteritis was demonstrated for immunocompetent children. Randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the role of nitazoxanide for treating viral gastroenteritis in immunocompromised hosts.
Teradyne: hitting the great wall

Synopsis This case presents a problem with competing in the Chinese market faced by Jeff Hotchkiss in early 2000s, then President of the Assembly Test Division (ATD) at Teradyne. Teradyne is the world’s largest producer of automatic test equipment for electronic assembly on production lines. Hotchkiss needed to find a solution to prevent ATD from continued loss of market share in equipment sales and loss of service revenue in China. Various factors to be considered include customer differentiation and service supply chain configuration. Research methodology This case is a field researched case. The research team met with Teradyne’s division president and top management team, and was given access to the documents including customer feedback. Relevant courses and levels Graduate or undergraduate: operations management, supply chain management.
An improved survival estimator for censored medical costs with a kernel approach

Cost assessment serves as an essential part in economic evaluation of medical interventions. In many studies, costs as well as survival data are frequently censored. Standard survival analysis tech...
Chapter Three Aging and Schematic Influences on Memory

Summary Variations in content knowledge have been shown to be related to both individual and developmental differences in memory performance. The availability of relevant knowledge appears to influence the efficiency of encoding and retrieval operations and to provide a meaningful interpretive structure for storing information in memory. The present chapter explores the possibility that adult age differences exist in the extent to which knowledge influences memory performance. One specific approach to the study of knowledge effects on memory–schema theory–is discussed and used as a framework for examining the relevant literature on memory and aging. It is concluded that the relation between the individual's knowledge and the nature of the memory task is more important in determining performance in older than in younger adults. Although uncertain at present, it appears as if the age differences may be related to both the relative efficiency of knowledge-based memory processes and age-related variations in memory styles.
Physical and mechanical characteristics of tibias from transgenic mice expressing mutant bovine growth hormone genes.

>> Physical and mechanical characteristics of tibia from mice expressing either the M4, M11, or G119K mutant bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene and displaying large, near-normal, or small-size phenotypes, respectively, were compared to those of nontransgenic, control mice (NTC). Three animals of each strain were euthanized at 28, 38, 48, 58, and 68 days of age. Variables were regressed against age to establish the pattern of change throughout the experiment, and the regression results are presented. Tibias from G119K were shorter (13.1 mm) and lighter (37.3 mg) than those from other strains, and M4 tibias were heavier (87.9 mg) and longer (16.6 mm) at 70 days of age. The ratio of tibia length to body weight suggests longitudinal bone growth was not reduced as much as overall growth in G119K mice. The external and internal dimensions of the G119K tibias were smaller than the other strains whereas the M4 tibias were somewhat larger. Differences in physical dimensions between the NTC and M11 mice did not greatly affect bone mechanical characteristics. Tibias from M4 mice resisted more load at both flexure and breaking compared to the other strains. At 50 days of age, stress at flexure was greater at all ages for G119K mice (12.4 kg/mm 2 ) and was decreased in M4 mice (8.5 kg/mm 2 ). The bGH mutations produce different effects on bone growth and its mechanical characteristics. There also may be differential tissue responsiveness to the mutant bGH analogs, as longitudinal growth was not as affected as empty body growth in the G119K mice. These transgenic mouse strains provide valuable models to study bone growth, formation, and reformation in response to GH regulation, and more importantly, the M4 and G119K mice may serve as a model in which the priorities for GH action on bone vs muscle may be determined. [E.B.M. 2001, Vol 226:133–139]
Allergy Testing in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

There is strong clinical and mechanistic evidence that allergies play a key role in the EoE. Food allergies have been found to be a consistent trigger in the majority of both pediatric and adult patients. However, the food allergies are not “classic” food allergies as they are not IgE-mediated as the symptoms are delayed and removal of IgE-positive foods does not lead to resolution of symptoms and normalization of biopsies. Therefore, EoE appears to be a mixed IgE and non-IgE mediated food reaction. The testing for allergies in particular food allergies is not perfect. Skin testing and atopy patch testing can have both false positive and negatives. But, in general, if a food is negative on both skin and atopy patch testing, it is unlikely that such food is causing disease, with the exception of milk. We use SPT and APT to guide us in developing a treatment plan. If history and/or skin test confirm environmental allergies, they should be treated aggressively with inhaled/nasal steroids, to minimize the potential facilitation of Eosinophils recruitment in the esophagus, due to a concomitant airways inflammation and consequent eotaxin production.
ION CHANNELS | Sodium Channel Mutations that Cause GEFS+

Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus is caused by mutations in one of five different ion channel subunits, with the majority of the mutations in the SCN1A gene encoding the Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel. The functional effects of many of those mutations have been determined by expression in Xenopus oocytes, which has shown that some mutations increase sodium channel activity whereas others decrease it. Computer modeling was used to predict how the alterations might alter neuronal excitability, and has shown that most (but not all) mutations lead to increased repetitive firing. The effects of the mutations are now being examined in native cells by construction and analysis of mouse models.
Open problems in neutrino physics

Three open problems in neutrino physics are mentioned. A brief review of neutrino- less double beta decay (DBD) is given. The question of quenching of gA is discussed. Other possible scenarios, Majoron emission, sterile neutrinos and non-standard mechanisms, are presented and their implication to DBD discussed.
A Case of Gastric Metastatic Melanoma 15 Years after the Initial Diagnosis of Cutaneous Melanoma

Melanoma is the most common cancer to metastasize to the gastrointestinal tract; however, metastasis to the stomach is a rare occurrence. We present the case of a patient with a history of melanoma of the chest wall 15 years prior to presentation who initially presented to the hospital with sepsis but was later found to have metastatic melanoma in the gastric cardia. This case illustrates the rare occurrence of metastatic melanoma to the stomach which occurred 15 years after the initial skin diagnosis of melanoma was made, its endoscopic appearance, and how the nonspecific symptoms frequently lead to a delayed diagnosis or one that is not made at all until after autopsy. For these reasons, endoscopy should be promptly performed if there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal metastatic melanoma.
Abstract 5242: NFĸB pathway activation is a key determinant of tamoxifen tolerance and recurrence in breast cancer

Nearly 75% of breast tumors express estrogen receptor (ER) and will be treated with endocrine therapies, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Despite their proven success, it is estimated that up to 50% of tumors fail on endocrine therapy and recur as aggressive therapy-resistant tumors. Therefore, preventing recurrence remains a major clinical problem. One hypothesis is that recurrences are driven by cells that survive therapeutic intervention. This poorly understood population is referred to as minimal residual disease that consists of drug-tolerant cells capable of surviving by entering a state of negligible growth. In trying to model tamoxifen tolerance and minimal residual disease in vitro, we have utilized the clonogenic assay where ER+ breast cancer cells9 clonal growth and survival in the presence of tamoxifen is examined. Tamoxifen-tolerant cells show activation of the pro-inflammatory NFĸB pathway measured by an NFĸB-reporter, elevated expression of bona-fide target genes, and enhanced nuclear localization of p65 and p50, two major transcription factors of the NFĸB pathway. Tamoxifen does not directly activate the NFĸB pathway, but rather cells with high NFĸB activity proliferate independently of tamoxifen despite retaining ER expression. Mechanistically, NFĸB-dependent ER phosphorylation at S305 residue may contribute to failure to respond to tamoxifen. More importantly blocking NFĸB with multiple NFĸB inhibitors is sufficient to eradicate this population of tamoxifen-tolerant cells, suggesting NFĸB is required and can be exploited for therapy. We find that dimethyl fumarate, an FDA-approved anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory drug, which we have established as an effective NFĸB inhibitor in breast cancer cells, prevents recurrence modeled both in vitro and in vivo. Altogether this work shows a novel role for the NFĸB pathway in promoting a population of cells that are tamoxifen tolerant and capable of seeding recurrent breast cancer disease. Furthermore, therapeutic targeting by an NFĸB inhibitor such as dimethyl fumarate can be used to eradicate residual disease and prevent breast cancer recurrence. Citation Format: Irida Kastrati, Svitlana D. Brovkovych, Joshua D. Stender, Elaine T. Alarid, Jonna Frasor. NFĸB pathway activation is a key determinant of tamoxifen tolerance and recurrence in breast cancer [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 5242.
Variation in microbial community structure correlates with heavy-metal contamination in soils decades after mining ceased

Abstract Microorganisms play vital roles in Earth's biogeochemical cycles. Identifying disturbances in microbial communities due to anthropogenic contamination can provide insights into the health of ecosystems. Picher, Oklahoma, was the site of large-scale mining operations for Pb, Zn, and other heavy metals until the mid-1950s, operating within the Tri-State Mining District (TSMD) of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Although mining ceased decades ago, high concentrations of heavy metals (>1000 ppm) remain in area soil and water systems. Previously, we mapped metal concentrations on samples collected from mine tailings in Picher and along cardinal-direction transects within an 8.05-km radius of the town. To elucidate changes in microbial community structure due to regional metal contamination, 16S rRNA gene sequences and qPCR calculations of total Bacteria and Archaea were analyzed against these metal concentrations. Bacteria were negatively and significantly correlated with Pb, Cd, Zn, and Mg; however, Archaea was only significantly and positively correlated with pH. Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes showed significant differences in microbial communities of chat and west transect samples. Comparison of soil chemistry with community structure indicated that Al, Pb, Cd, and Zn significantly impacted community composition and distribution of individual OTUs. Mapping the distribution of heavy-metal contamination and microbial communities in these soils represents the first step in understanding effects of long-term, heavy-metal contamination at a basic trophic level.
NASA's Centennial Challenge for 3D-Printed Habitat: Phase II Outcomes and Phase III Competition Overview

The 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge is part of NASA's Centennial Challenges Program. NASA's Centennial Challenges seek to accelerate innovation in aerospace technology development through public competitions. The 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, launched in 2015, is part of the Centennial Challenges portfolio and focuses on habitat design and development of large-scale additive construction systems capable of fabricating structures from in situ materials and/or mission recyclables. The challenge is a partnership between NASA, Caterpillar (primary sponsor), Bechtel, Brick and Mortar Ventures, and Bradley University. Phase I of the challenge was an architectural concept competition in which participants generated conceptual renderings of habitats on Mars which could be constructed using locally available resources. Phase II asked teams to develop the printing systems and material formulations needed to translate these designs into reality. Work under the phase II competition, which concluded in August 2017 with a head to head competition at Caterpillar's Edward Demonstration Facility in Peoria, Illinois, is discussed, including the key technology development outcomes resulting from this portion of the competition. The phase III competition consists of both virtual and construction subcompetitions. Virtual construction asks teams to render high fidelity architectural models of a habitat and all the accompanying information required for construction of the pressure retaining and load bearing portions of the structure. In construction phase III, teams are asked to scale up their printing systems to produce a 1/3 scale habitat on-site at Caterpillar. The levels of the phase III construction competition (which include printing of a foundation and printing and hydrostatic testing of a habitat element) are discussed. Phase III construction also has an increased focus on autonomy, as these systems are envisioned for robotic precursor missions which would buildup infrastructure prior to the arrival of crew. Results of the phase III competition through July 2017 (which includes virtual construction level 1) are discussed. This Centennial Challenge enables an assessment of the scaleability and efficacy of various processes, material systems, and designs for planetary construction. There are also near-term terrestrial applications, from disaster response to affordable housing and infrastructure refurbishment, for these technologies.
Deconstructing the academic caste system

In his new book, Herb Childress, a former academic turned consultant, offers a thoughtful, passionate, and evocative thesis that mixes personal accounts of his own experiences with interviews with faculty and administrators and a research-informed critique of the systemic changes that have led to the proliferation and exploitation of contingent faculty in academia.