cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of IGF2 imprinting is associated with abrogation of long-range intrachromosomal interactions in human cancer cells

Nuclear architecture and chromatin geography are important factors in the regulation of gene expression, as these components may play a vital epigenetic role both in normal physiology as well as in the initiation and progression of malignancies. Using a modification of the chromosome conformation capture (3C) technique, we examined long-range chromatin interactions of the imprinted human IGF2 gene. We demonstrate that numerous intrachromosomal interactions occur along both parental alleles in normal tissues, where the IGF2 is paternally expressed, as well as in normal liver where gene expression is biallelic. Long-range and allele-specific interactions occur between the IGF2/H19 imprinting control region-1 (ICR1) and ICR2, a region which regulates an imprinted gene cluster nearly a megabase distant from IGF2. Loss of genomic imprinting is a common epigenetic event in cancer, and long-range interactions have not been examined in malignant cells. In cancer cell lines in which IGF2 imprinting is maintained (MOI), essentially all of the 3C interactions seen in normal cells were preserved. However, in cells in which IGF2 imprinting was lost (LOI), nearly all of the long-range chromatin interactions involving IGF2 were abrogated. A three-dimensional computer model depicts the physical interactions between the IGF2 promoter and ICR1 in MOI cells, while the model of LOI lung cancer cells is flattened with few long-range interactions. This dramatic change in the three-dimension configuration of the chromatin at the IGF2 locus in LOI cancer cells suggests that the loss of imprinting may lead to a variety of changes in gene expression in addition to changes in IGF2 transcription.
FDTD analysis of a metal-strip-loaded dielectric leaky-wave antenna

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is used to analyze a dielectric leaky-wave antenna comprising metal strips etched on a rectangular dielectric rod. The radiation patterns of the leaky-wave antenna with and without the transition are determined by using FDTD. The effects of the launching discontinuity on the performance of the antenna are discussed. In addition, the application of the perfectly matched layer (PML) technique to the three-dimensional (3-D) dielectric waveguide and its performance, compared to those of the Mur's (1981) first-order and super-absorbing Mur's first-order absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs) are described. In addition, the effects caused by perturbation on the wave propagation characteristics of dielectric waveguide are also discussed. The FDTD results are verified by a W-band experiment and found to be in good agreement.
Treatment of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-Related Complex with a Regimen of 3′-Azido-2′,3′-Dideoxythymidine (Azidothymidine or Zidovudine) and Acyclovir: A Pilot Study

On the basis of observation that acyclovir potentiates the in-vitro antiviral activity of 3-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (also known as azidothymidine or zidovudine) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we administered a regimen of azidothymidine and acyclovir to eight patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex. An oral regimen of 100 mg of azidothymidine and 800 mg of acyclovir every 4 hours was in general well tolerated, with the principal toxicity being megaloblastic erythroid changes. The pharmacokinetics of the two drugs were independent of each other. Six patients received the drug combination for at least 10 weeks; all had increased numbers of T4+ lymphocytes (P = 0.028), and two of three assessable patients had reversal of anergy. Two patients tested positive for serum HIV p24 antigen at entry, but became negative with treatment. Data for this small group suggest that this drug combination can be tolerated in patients with severe HIV infections; this study can be used as a basis for larger studies of this drug combination.
Saccades reduce latency and increase velocity of ocular accommodation.

Abstract Horizontal vergence can be stimulated binocularly with disparity (disparity vergence) or monocularly with accommodation (accommodative vergence). The latter results from a neural cross-coupling that causes both horizontal vergence and accommodation to respond when either one is stimulated [Alpern, M., & Ellen, P. (1956). American Journal of Ophthalmology, 42, 289–303]. The velocity of disparity and accommodative vergence is enhanced when accompanied by saccades [Enright, J. T. (1984). Journal of Physiology (London) 350, 9–31; Enright, J. T. (1986). Journal of Physiology (London) 371, 69–89]. Based upon the coupling between accommodation and vergence, we predicted that accommodation should also be facilitated by saccades. An SRI Dual Purkinje Eyetracker was used to measure left and right eye position, and the accommodation of the left eye, in response to stimulation. Horizontal saccades were stimulated by targets separated by 2–6° and accommodation was stimulated monocularly over a range of ±2 diopters (D). When saccades occurred within 0–400 ms following a monocular step stimulus to accommodation, latency of accommodation decreased and the associated accommodative-vergence response was synchronized with the saccade. Saccades also enhanced the velocity of accommodation and accommodative-vergence, and this facilitation increased with saccade amplitude. Transient vergence responses that are normally associated with saccades [Erkelens, C. J., Steinman, R. M., & Collewijn, H. (1989). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B. Biological Sciences, 236, 441–465; Maxwell, J. S., & King, W. M. (1992). Journal of Neurophysiology, 68 (4), 1248–1260] did not affect accommodation when it was not stimulated by defocus. Because saccades and accommodation utilize separate plants and final common pathways, the synchronization of saccades and accommodation and the enhanced velocity of accommodation and accommodative-vergence must occur at more central sites. Possibilities include the superior colliculus, which represents both accommodation and saccades [Nagasaka, Y., & Ohtsuka, K., (1998). Investigative Opthalmology AVRO supplement], vestibular nuclei which project to regions near the oculomotor nuclei [Lang, W., Buttner-Ennever, J. A., & Buttner, U. (1979). Brain Research, 177, 3–17], and interactions between omni pause neurons and near response cells of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) [Mays, L. E., & Gamlin, P. D. R. (1995a). Current Opinions in Neurobiology, 5, 763–768; Mays, L. E., & Gamlin, P. D. R. (1995b). Eye movement research: Mechanisms, processes and applications. New York: Elsevier] which represent both accommodation and vergence [Judge, S. J., & Cumming, B. G. (1986). Journal of Neurophysiology, 55, 915–930; Zhang, Y., Mays, L. E., & Gamli, P. D. R. (1992). Journal of Neurophysiology, 67, 944–960].
Primary hepatic lymphoma: Report of two cases diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is a rare disease which tends to progress slowly in the absence of other disorders and remains confined to the liver until late in its course. We report two patients with PHL diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Histopathologically, PHL can be misdiagnosed as poorly differentiated carcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma. On FNA, cellular smears with artifactual grouping of malignant cells may result in similar errors. Since PHL has an excellent prognosis and is not usually the working diagnosis in patients who present with a solitary liver mass, a high index of suspicion is necessary to make the diagnosis. We report two cases of PHL in which the diagnosis of lymphoma was rendered on FNA. In one patient, who carried a clinical diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma for 18 mo, FNA showed large-cell lymphoma, B-cell type. Subsequent extensive workup did not reveal extrahepatic disese. The other patient, followed for sclerosing cholangitis, was clinically thought to have developed cholangiocarcinoma. FNA revealed high grade lymphoma, B-cell type. We present the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings and differential diagnoses of PHL as well as the various clinical settings in which PHL has been described. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimal hybrid push/pull control strategies for a parallel multistage system: Part II

A multistage production/inventory system is modelled. The system structure, which has the form of an assembly network, is abstracted from the production process of a typical integrated iron and steel works. The system is modelled as a Markov Decision Process (MDP). Combinations of Just-In-Time (pull) and MRP (push) policies are used as alternatives in the MDP. Optimal hybrid strategies are developed. In part II, we extend our observations to a more general case.
The responsibility of the dentist toward laboratory procedures in fixed and removable partial denture prosthesis

I F IT were put as a question, “What is the responsibility of the dentist toward laboratory procedures in fixed and removable partial denture prosthesis?“, the answer would be, “complete responsibility.” The next question might be, “To assume this responsibility, what must he do ?” He must perform all portions of the treatment which require his special skill and knowledge and he may delegate that which he wishes to the hands of others, but he must supervise and direct what he delegates. In this day, great concern is being given to the manpower problem in dentistry and to the impending shortage of adequate dental care that is accompanying the population explosion. The education of a sufficient number of dentists to meet anticipated needs seems to be impracticable, and the most feasible solution seems to be in the greater utilization of auxiliary personnel to relieve the dentist of routine procedures which can be delegated to others. Rockefeller, the Senior, when questioned on how he had achieved his success, replied that he never did what he could hire someone else to do. Basically, that is what dentistry must do to provide the public with the service that it is demanding from the profession. The dental profession should and does support every effort on the part of dental assistants, hygienists, and laboratory technicians in the direction toward increasing their numbers, skills, and proficiency. Full use of their abilities will help immeasurably in resolving our manpower problems.
Child and parent reactions to participation in clinical research.

Abstract Background Psychological and psychiatric research studies in medical settings often enroll children who are ill, injured, coping with pain or undergoing stressful medical procedures. Yet empirical evidence to date regarding the effects of research on these participants is scarce. This study assessed reactions of injured children and their parents to research participation and examined associations with demographic, injury and acute stress variables. Methods Administered standard research reactions questionnaires to 203 injured children (5–17) and 200 parents participating in a study of acute posttraumatic stress. Results Fifty-two percent of children and 74% of parents were glad they had participated; 77% of children and 90% of parents felt good about helping others. Self-reported distress from study participation was uncommon (5% of children and parents). Child age was associated with more positive appraisals of the research process and with greater trust in and information about elements of informed consent. Conclusions Participation in a research interview following traumatic injury had little risk of generating distress for children or parents. The most commonly reported positive aspect of research participation was feeling good about helping others. This study supports the feasibility of incorporating standardized assessment of participant reactions in clinical research protocols.
Adverse consequences of intimate partner abuse among women in non-urban domestic violence shelters

Abstract Objective: This study examined the health consequences of having experienced both sexual and physical abuse relative to women experiencing physical abuse but not sexual abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 women seeking refuge in battered women’s shelters. Controlling for sociodemographics, logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the consequences of experiencing both sexual and physical abuse. Results: Compared to women experiencing physical abuse, women experiencing both sexual and physical abuse were more likely to have a history of multiple sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in their abusive relationships, have had an STD in the past 2 months, be worried about being infected with HIV, use marijuana and alcohol to cope, attempt suicide, feel as though they had no control in their relationships, experience more episodes of physical abuse in the past 2 months, rate their abuse as more severe, and be physically threatened by their partner when they asked that condoms be used. Conclusions: Given the prevalence of adverse health outcomes, domestic violence shelters could counsel women to avoid using alcohol/drugs as a coping strategy, educate women about alternative healthy coping strategies, counsel women about methods of STD prevention that they can control, and provide STD screening and treatment.
Rationalization for the molecular weight distributions of Coal pyrolysis liquids

A model for coal thermal depolymerization is described and used to predict molecular weight distributions (MWD) of primary coal pyrolysis liquids. The model assumes that rupture of kinetically similar bonds in the coal is the preferred pathway for release of oligomers which ultimately become tars or extractables. The analysis provides the liquids MWD as a probability function of finding different oligomers composed of whole integer numbers of monomers and it is in excellent qualitative agreement with measured MWDs of coal pyrolysis liquids. The predicted MWDs are of the form of the gamma distribution function (GDF), and its parameters are interpreted in terms of the postulated chemistry of coal thermal depolymerization. Consequently, successful empirical correlations of experimental data on coal pyrolysis liquids MWDs with the GDF are better understood. Thus a protocol is provided to predict MWDs of pyrolysis liquids from knowledge of coal molecular structure.
Measurement-based estimates of extreme wave conditions for the Gulf of Mexico

During 2004 and 2005, four severe hurricanes - Ivan, Dennis, Katrina, and Rita - occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. These hurricanes created winds and waves that were close to or exceeded the calculated 100 years return period conditions. As a result, new estimates of extreme metocean conditions are needed for many offshore engineering applications. Recently, such estimates have been derived by Berek et al. (2007) using hindcast (modeled) data. In some regions of the Gulf, these new (proposed) estimates suggest a substantial increase, relative to the American Petroleum Institute's current estimates of the 100-year design conditions, the maximum wave heights increasing by as much as 6.4 m and the wind speeds by 5 m/s. We have therefore reexamined the problem and obtained additional estimates in the Gulf of Mexico using other methods. To overcome difficulties associated with synthetic data which can generally subject to modeling related errors, we use buoy data. At several locations, nearly 32 years of data are available. (According to a rule of thumb, extrapolations to three or four times the data length are appropriate). In the context of statistical modeling of extremes, the basic problem is ill-posed. Various difficulties and the need for multiple or even non-standard tools have been noted in the literature. Instead of the traditional methodology of using one or more distribution (e.g. Gumbel, Weibull, Frechet, etc.), we used the Generalized Extreme Value distribution, which eliminates the need for identifying the most appropriate distribution. Also, to increase the utility and value of possibly short datasets, we use the r-largest order statistic (instead of the annual maximum traditionally used). This approach is intended to make more efficient use of the data and to mitigate concerns about small dataset length. Using these methods, estimates of the significant wave heights and wind-speeds are derived for the Gulf of Mexico and compared with the estimates of Berek et al. (2007). Besides traditional statistical aspects, factors such as long-term trends in wave height changes must also be considered. In the literature, such trends have been noted off both US coasts. We estimate an average increase of 3.5 cm/year in the annual maximum significant wave heights; Komar and Allan (2007) give an estimate of 1.7 cm/year for the location of a buoy in the mid-Atlantic. Based on these our study has made initial attempts to include an appropriate ldquotrend parameterrdquo in the n-year return period calculation.
On the Differential Equation f'=f o g Where g o g = I

(1969). On the Differential Equation f'=f o g Where g o g = I. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 195-200.
Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Device for Particulate Metals

A microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) fabricated by wax printing was designed to assess occupational exposure to metal-containing aerosols. This method employs rapid digestion of particulate metals using microliters of acid added directly to a punch taken from an air sampling filter. Punches were then placed on a μPAD, and digested metals were transported to detection reservoirs upon addition of water. These reservoirs contained reagents for colorimetric detection of Fe, Cu, and Ni. Dried buffer components were used to set the optimal pH in each detection reservoir, while precomplexation agents were deposited in the channels between the sample and detection zones to minimize interferences from competing metals. Metal concentrations were quantified from color intensity images using a scanner in conjunction with image processing software. Reproducible, log–linear calibration curves were generated for each metal, with method detection limits ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 μg for each metal (i.e., tota...
Report from the conference on ultrasound-assisted liposuction safety and effects

The authors report on the Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) Safety and Effects conference held in St. Louis, Missouri, in November 1998. The meeting was convened to discuss how internal UAL works (its physics and mechanisms of action), gain a basic knowledge of the interaction between acoustic energy and tissue, identify safety concerns potentially related to thermal effects and free radical production, and define future research questions. Those attending represented multiple scientific disciplines: plastic surgery, physics, lipid chemistry, cancer biology, and medical biophysics. Participants agreed that scientists do not yet understand the mechanisms of UAL action, although multiple mechanisms are probably involved, such as mechanical forces, cavitation, and thermal effects. Additional research has revealed that long-term complications or negative bioeffects—including DNA damage and oxidation-free radical attack—are probably not serious safety concerns with UAL. Several areas deserving future investigation were proposed.
Peptide Binding for Bio-Based Nanomaterials

Peptide-based strategies represent transformative approaches to fabricate functional inorganic materials under sustainable conditions by modeling the methods exploited in biology. In general, peptides with inorganic affinity and specificity have been isolated from organisms and through biocombinatorial selection techniques (ie, phage and cell surface display). These peptides recognize and bind the inorganic surface through a series of noncovalent interactions, driven by both enthalpic and entropic contributions, wherein the biomolecules wrap the metallic nanoparticle structure. Through these interactions, modification of the inorganic surface can be accessed to drive the incorporation of significantly disordered surface metal atoms, which have been found to be highly catalytically active for a variety of chemical transformations. We have employed synthetic, site-directed mutagenesis studies to reveal localized binding effects of the peptide at the metallic nanoparticle structure to begin to identify the biological basis of control over biomimetic nanoparticle catalytic activity. The protocols described herein were used to fabricate and characterize peptide-capped nanoparticles in atomic resolution to identify peptide sequence effects on the surface structure of the materials, which can then be directly correlated to the catalytic activity to identify structure/function relationships.
Networked communication and the reprise of tolerance theory: Civic education for extreme speech and private governance online

AbstractDigital intermediaries such as Facebook and Twitter have the power to remove extreme or harmful speech from their platforms after individual users have “flagged” that speech. Such power over the public discourse in the hands of individuals and digital intermediaries raises concerns for online freedom of expression. This article asks: how can First Amendment principles be applied to assess this system of private governance of extreme speech? This article argues that Lee Bollinger’s tolerance theory offers the best interpretation of First Amendment principles to apply to assessing this system due to its unique focus on individual intolerance toward extreme speech.
Two case reports of false positive findings at Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy with pathologic correlation.

1262 Objectives 99mTc-pertechnetate Meckel diverticulum scintigraphy (MDS) has overall sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 95%, and accuracy of 90% for detecting Meckel diverticulum with functioning gastric mucosa (1). Known false positives include duplication cyst with ectopic gastric mucosa, bowel inflammation and peptic ulcer(2,3). Our objective is to present examples of false positives with pathologic correlation. Methods Imaging, histopathology, and medical records from two cases of false positives at MDS were retrospectively reviewed. Results Our first case is a 5-1/2-month-old male presenting with hematochezia requiring transfusion. Initial radiographs showed nonspecific absence of right lower quadrant bowel gas. Ultrasound evaluation was negative for intussusception but showed nonspecific fluid-filled thick-walled bowel loops in the right lower abdomen. Upper GI fluoroscopic study and colonoscopy were negative. Subsequent MDS demonstrated abnormal accumulation of radiotracer in the right lower abdomen, simultaneous with normal gastric mucosa uptake, but atypical for Meckel’s diverticulum. The patient was taken to the operating room for exploratory laparotomy. Jejunal duplication with adhesions causing obstruction was discovered. Partial small bowel resection, including duplicated bowel, with adhesiolysis was performed. At pathology, small bowel duplication containing ectopic gastric mucosa with ulceration was confirmed. Our second case is a 2-year-old male with arthrogryposis, chronic esophageal dilatation and reflux esophagitis, presenting with hematemesis and coffee ground output from G-tube. Esophageal dilatation was obvious on chest radiographs and CT exams. Multiple prior endoscopic esophageal biopsies were positive for inflammatory change only. Concern for ectopic gastric mucosa in the esophagus prompted MDS to direct repeat biopsy. Imaging findings were suggestive of ectopic gastric mucosa in the lower esophagus. Subsequent biopsy again showed inflammatory changes without evidence of ectopic gastric mucosa. Conclusions Duplication cyst with ectopic gastric mucosa, bowel inflammation and ulcer are all causes of false positive findings with MDS. These two cases provide good examples with confirmation at histopathology. RESEARCH SUPPORT: N/A $$graphic_AB02F3E6-DBD5-434F-AF3C-410137DA58CE$$ $$graphic_16C560C9-219D-4B11-843A-64B1F4FA194D$$
Modeling of 3D woven composites using the digital element approach for accurate prediction of kinking under compressive loads

Abstract Model definition accuracy dictates the reliability of a predictive analysis for 3D woven composites (3DWC). The traditional modeling approach is based on analysis of ideal geometry with user specified imperfections. In that case, co-relating the actual imperfections arising from manufacturing processes with that of the model becomes an iterative process. In this study, a digital element (DE) approach is implemented for creating the woven architecture of the composite. This technique simulates the individual fibers and their interactions allowing the user to create a reference unit cell with imperfect geometry induced during manufacturing stages of 3DWCs. Thus the response and strength analysis account for the unique weaving signature and provide better predictions without the necessity to run iterative analysis procedures required for idealized geometry models. X-ray CT images or detailed statistical data for variations in specimen geometry are not required which makes this approach more attractive in terms of cost and creation time. A representative model created using the DE approach is used for prediction of compressive failure of 3DWC without having to seed imperfections for failure initiation. The analysis also captures the formation of a kink band as observed in experimental tests. Results of this study are compared with the experimental results and simulation results of idealized geometry reported previously in literature.
School Health Education

Good health is a necessary condition for educational achievement. Health-education programs have been used to promote student health in schools. When theoretically sound curricula are appropriately implemented, school health education can change intrapersonal factors that affect health behavior. But school health education alone is not sufficient to develop sustained, health-enhancing behavior change. A larger health-promotion enterprise must be undertaken by schools to support the behavior-change goal of health education. This article discusses the elements needed for successful school health-education programs and the school and community contexts that maximize their effectiveness.
Stretchable Optical Fibers: Threads for Strain-Sensitive Textiles

Soft, stretchable, sewable, and strain-sensitive optical fibers are reported. Intrinsically stretchable optical waveguides capable of >100% strain are formed by coating a commercially available elastic urethane fiber (“Stretch Magic”) with a silicone cladding having a lower refractive index. These 1–2 mm diameter fibers can be attached to textiles using a sewing machine. Because the attaching threads create microbends in the fiber, the sewn fibers are prestrained for monotonic intensity-versus-strain behavior. Installed in a stretchable piece of athletic tape, they detect strains originating from changing muscle shapes during weight-bearing activity.
Commentary on “carbon balance effects of US biofuel production and use,” by DeCicco et al. (2016)

In their recent publication “Carbon balance effects of U.S. biofuel production and use,” DeCicco et al. present an empirical assessment of net CO2 emission effects over the period 2005–2013 after the US renewable fuel standard (RFS) came into existence and conclude that biofuels have resulted in a net increase in CO2 emissions over the period. The analysis presented by DeCicco et al. relies on three key assertions. First, that if biofuel carbon combustion emissions are not completely offset by additional net ecosystem production (NEP), then the biofuel should not receive full biogenic carbon credit. Second, that changes in agricultural NEP related to biofuel production can be accurately estimated from national-level agricultural production statistics. Third, that agricultural NEP is a pertinent measure of biofuel global warming impacts. We show that following the conventional definition of NEP the combustion of biofuel by definition leads to an exactly equal increase in NEP; therefore, the first assertion is not meaningful. Regarding the second assertion, we show that estimation of biofuel-related NEP changes from agricultural production statistics is not a robust methodology. Finally, we argue that agricultural NEP is an important parameter for estimating land-use change effects, but in isolation is an irrelevant GHG metric for current biofuels. We find that the conclusions above from DeCicco et al. are unfounded and do not invalidate the application of biogenic carbon offsets in life cycle assessments of biofuels currently used in national and international regulations.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: February 2018: Timed Barium Swallow: Diagnostic Role and Predictive Value in Untreated Achalasia, Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction and Non-Achalasia Dysphagia.

Continuing Medical Education Questions: February 2018: Timed Barium Swallow: Diagnostic Role and Predictive Value in Untreated Achalasia, Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction and Non-Achalasia Dysphagia
The Comparative Reproducibility and Validity of a Non-Nutritive Sweetener Food Frequency Questionnaire.

In order to better assess non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption, measurement tools with greater utility are needed. The objective of this investigation is to determine the reproducibility and validity of a newly developed NNS food frequency questionnaire (NNS-FFQ) that measures five types of NNS (saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose and erythritol). Adult participants (n = 123, 56% female, 75% Caucasian, mean age = 36.8 ± 16.6) completed the NNS-FFQ twice and had 24-h dietary recalls three times over a two-week study period. Reproducibility between two administrations of the NNS-FFQ was assessed via Bland–Altman plots, Spearman’s correlations (rs) and paired samples t-tests. Bland–Altman plots, Cohen’s κ, Spearman’s correlations (rs), and paired samples t-tests compared NNS intake between the two methods for validity. For reproducibility analyses, Bland–Altman analyses revealed agreement levels above the 95% acceptance level for total NNS (99.2%), erythritol (99.2%), and aspartame (96.7%). Agreement levels for acesulfame potassium (94.3%), saccharin (94.3%), and sucralose (94.3%) were slightly below the acceptable level. For validity analyses, Bland–Altman analyses revealed agreement levels above the 95% acceptance level for total NNS (95.1%), sucralose (95.9%), saccharin (95.9%), and erythritol (95.1%). Agreement levels for aspartame (94.3%) and acesulfame potassium (92.7%) were slightly below the acceptable level. Although less than desirable agreement was found between the methods for aspartame and acesulfame potassium, some variance was expected due to the habitual nature of the NNS-FFQ as compared to the recent intake reported by recalls. Within the context of this constraint, the NNS-FFQ demonstrates acceptable reproducibility and validity. The NNS-FFQ is a brief questionnaire that could be administered among diverse participants at the individual and population levels to measure habitual NNS intake.
G protein-coupled receptors in arthropod vectors: omics and pharmacological approaches to elucidate ligand-receptor interactions and novel organismal functions.

Regulation of many physiological processes in animals, certainly those controlled by neuropeptide hormones, involves G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Our work focusing on endocrine regulation of diuresis and water balance in mosquitoes and ticks started in 1997 with the kinin receptor, at the dawn of the omics era. After the genomic revolution, we began work on the endocrinology of reproduction in the red imported fire ant. We will use the template of this comparative work to summarize key points about GPCRs and signaling, and emphasize the most recent developments in the pharmacology of arthropod neuropeptide GPCRs. We will discuss omics’ contributions to the advancement of this field, and its influence on peptidomimetic design while emphasizing work on blood feeding arthropods.
Migraine in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) (P3.126)

Objective: Headache characteristics were prospectively studied in 41 consecutive patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Background: POTS, the most prevalent form of orthostatic intolerance, is a heterogeneous disorder that is associated with a number of symptoms, including headache. The prevalence and clinical features of headache and how it relates to clinical signs and symptoms in POTS patients have not been widely reported. Design/Methods: Forty-one consecutive new patients undergoing an evaluation for POTS were included in this study. All patients underwent a clinical interview including evaluation of headache, completed a composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS) questionnaire, illness intrusiveness scale questionnaire, autonomic testing, and routine laboratory studies. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in the study; 36 were female, mean age 25, with a mean autonomic symptom duration of 4.6 years. All but 2 patients reported a history of headache, 73% of patients reported a headache onset prior to age 20, and 12% reported headache onset in conjunction with autonomic symptoms. Chronic migraine (CM) was diagnosed in 25 (61%), episodic migraine (EM) in 12 (29%), new persistent daily headache in 1 patient, and orthostatic headache in 1 patient. When compared with EM, those with CM had higher COMPASS scores, higher scores on illness intrusiveness scale, lower supine norepinephrine values, and were more likely to have abnormal blood pressure profile with the Valsalva maneuver on autonomic testing. Conclusions: Headache is present in nearly all patients with POTS. CM was present in nearly 2/3’s of the patients in this cohort and was associated with more severe autonomic symptoms, greater perception of symptom disability, lower supine norepinephrine levels, and greater likelihood of blood pressure abnormality with the Valsalva maneuver, relative to patients with EM. Disclosure: Dr. VanderPluym has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hoffman-Snyder has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khoury has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goodman has nothing to disclose.
Asymptomatic left ventricular mass: prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

![Figure][1] An asymptomatic 20-year-old man was found to have marked repolarization abnormalities on a screening electrocardiogram (A) . Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a 3.8 × 2.3 cm echo-bright mass near the left ventricular apex contained within the inferior-inferolateral wall (B
Choosing the right input in cell signaling

Over the evolutionary history of multicellular animals, several ancient signaling pathways have been conserved and reused for a myriad of functions. One such pathway is the Wnt signaling pathway, the almost ubiquitous roles of which include vital processes such as organogenesis, stem cell maintenance, and regeneration (1). This diversity of functions of the Wnt pathway may explain the diversity of ligands and receptors that activate these processes. In humans, there are 19 Wnt ligands, 10 Frizzled (FZD) receptors, and two lipoprotein receptor–related protein (LRP) co-receptors, as well as other receptors, such as RAR-related orphan receptor and receptor-like tyrosine kinase (2). Despite this diversity, binding interactions between Wnt ligands and FZD receptors are highly conserved (1), so that multiple Wnt ligands can bind to a FZD, and each Wnt ligand can bind to multiple FZDs to elicit cellular responses (3). Given this promiscuity, it is an ongoing pursuit to understand how cells can selectively respond to a specific Wnt ligand. On page 663 of this issue, Eubelen et al. (4) pursue this question and resolve the mechanism of how WNT7 selectivity is achieved. Resolving the mechanism for ligand discrimination has implications for understanding information flow in cell signaling and reveals new therapeutic opportunities.
Characteristic Classes, Lattice Points, and Euler-MacLaurin Formulae

In this paper I would like to survey and strengthen some of the connections between topology and other areas of mathematics, pure and applied, and areas beyond mathematics as well. One type of problem that appears in many areas of mathematics, applied mathematics, physics, economics, and probably other sciences concerns the summing of the values of a function over a discrete set of points in a prescribed region of space. Slightly more precisely, let L be a lattice in Euclidean space ℝ n , such as the set of points with integral co-ordinates. Let S ⊂ ℝ n be a region, and let f be a (reasonable) function. Then how can one write (or approximate) the sum ∑n∊L∩S f(x) in terms of quantities that are continuous or continuously computed from f and the (static) geometry of the region S? For example, if f ≡ 1, one is asking for a computation of #(L ∩ S), the number of lattice points in S, in terms of its geometry.
Local impedance measurements from closed orbit distortion due to wake fields at CESR

Abstract Short range transverse wake fields are excited by charged particles passing through a vacuum chamber. The wake fields can act back on a bunch of particles and alter its trajectory. We have measured the distortion of the closed orbit due to transverse wake fields in the Cornell Electron–positron Storage Ring. A transverse monopole wake field is induced by an asymmetric impedance associated with the insertion of a single vertical scraper. A transverse dipole wake field is generated by displacing the bunch from the symmetry axis of the chamber. The orbit is offset vertically through the gap of a pair of symmetrically inserted scrapers and also in a narrow-gap undulator chamber. A fit to the distorted orbits yields the average kick of the transverse monopole wake of the asymmetric scrapers and the kick factor of the symmetric scrapers; the scraper results are in reasonable agreement with the values from numerical simulation of the wake fields. The kick factor extracted from the closed orbit distortion of the dipole wake induced by the narrow-gap undulator chamber is significantly greater than that predicted by the numerical simulation. Possible sources of the discrepancy are discussed.
Decompression and Dynamic Transpedicular Stabilization Using Polyetheretherketone Rods and Pedicle Screws vs. Decompression Alone for Single-Level Spinal Canal Stenosis with Listhesis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background Spinal stenosis is frequently caused by spondylolisthesis, and surgical treatment may be indicated. However, whether decompression alone or decompression with dynamic stabilization offers better surgical outcomes remains unclear. We compared the clinical and radiologic results of patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis and grade 1 spondylolisthesis undergoing microsurgical decompression alone or decompression with transpedicular dorsal dynamic stabilization. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients undergoing microsurgical decompression and dorsal dynamic transpedicular stabilization using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods in one center from 2011 to 2017. Twenty patients with the same diagnosis undergoing microsurgical decompression alone were used as controls. Reoperation of the index and neighboring segments, back/leg pain, neurologic deficits, and the use of pain medication were assessed. For stabilization patients, radiographic progression of degeneration in the neighboring segments, listhesis degree in the index segment, and implant failure were assessed. Results All patients had good clinical outcomes at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. In stabilization patients, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for leg pain decreased from 5 points (median) to 1.6 at 3 months and 0.6 at 1 year postoperatively. In controls, the VAS score improved from 4.8 points to 1.1 at 3 months and 0.3 at 1 year postoperatively. The VAS score for back pain in stabilization patients decreased from 7.6 points (median) to 1.7 at 3 months and 0.1 at 1 year postoperatively. In controls, it decreased from 7.7 points to 1.1 at 3 months and 0.2 at 1 year postoperatively. In patients with additional dynamic stabilization, a longer hospital stay (stabilization group: 8.7 ± 4.1; control: 6.2 ± 1.6 days), longer operative time (stabilization group: 132.7 ± 41.3; control: 83.2 ± 31.7 minutes), and higher complication rates (revision surgery performed in two stabilization patients) were found. Conclusion No indications in our study showed that additional dynamic stabilization with PEEK rods offers any advantage over decompression alone.
A 20–44-GHz Image-Rejection Receiver With >75-dB Image-Rejection Ratio in 22-nm CMOS FD-SOI for 5G Applications

This article presents a 20–44-GHz image-rejection receiver in GlobalFoundries 22-nm fully-depleted silicon-in-insulator (FD-SOI). The receiver includes a wideband LNA with a three-pole high-pass rejection filter coupled to a double-balanced mixer with a wideband LO driver and an intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier. At an IF of 16 GHz, the image band at dc −12 GHz is filtered by the LNA response and is greater than 75 dB over the entire 20–44-GHz range. The receiver results in a gain of 24–28.5 dB and a noise figure (NF) of 3.3–5 dB at 20–44 GHz and achieves an error vector magnitude (EVM) of 3.6%–3.7% at the carrier frequency of 28 and 39 GHz with 2-Gbaud symbol rate at 64-QAM waveform. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first wideband image-rejection receiver that covers the entire millimeter-wave 5G band based on GF 22-nm CMOS FD-SOI.
2032-P: Adipose Tissue Inflammation after Weight Loss

Background: Studies of changes in adipose tissue (AT) inflammation after weight loss have conflicting results. Our aim was to evaluate the changes in AT macrophages, senescence and AT insulin resistance after weight loss. Methods: Twenty-five participants (18 women) with obesity underwent a lifestyle intervention weight loss program and abdominal-femoral AT biopsies. AT insulin resistance was estimated calculating the insulin concentration that suppresses lipolysis by 50% (IC50) during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Immunohistochemistry was used to estimate total adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) content (CD68+), pro-inflammatory ATM (CD14+), anti-inflammatory ATM (CD206+). Senescent cells in AT were identified by senescence associated β-galactosidase staining. All parameters were assessed before and after weight loss. Results: Median BMI was 34 kg/m2 (IQR, 32-35). A median percent weight loss of 10.2% (IQR, 6.5-12.1) resulted in a mean IC50 reduction of -6.2 ± 13 µIU/mL, p=0.03. There was no significant change in ATM content in the abdominal or femoral fat depots after weight loss, except for an increase in CD68 ATMs (mean change 4.5 ± 7.1 ATM/100 adipocytes, P=0.02) in the femoral depot. The proportion of senescent pre-adipocytes in abdominal and femoral depots remained unchanged after weight loss. In the abdominal depot, there was no relationship between IC 50 and CD68 or CD206 ATMs after weight loss, R2= 0.11, P=0.15 and R2= 0.08, P =0.22, for CD68 and CD206 ATMs respectively. There was a weak negative relationship between CD14 ATMs and IC 50 (R2=0.2, P =0.04). In the femoral depot, there was a weak negative relationship between IC 50 and CD68 ATMs (R2=0.23, P=0.04), and no relationship between IC 50 and CD14 ATMs (R2= 0.2, P=0.06) or CD206 ATMs after weight loss (R2= 0.06, P=0.33). Conclusion: Moderate weight loss is not associated with reduction in ATM content or senescent pre-adipocytes, despite an improvement in AT insulin resistance. Our results suggest that recruitment of some populations of ATMs increases after weight loss. Disclosure A.E. Espinosa De Ycaza: None. E. Sondergaard: None. M. Morgan-Bathke: None. D.A. Delivanis: None. B.G. Carranza Leon: None. K. Lytle: None. M.D. Jensen: None.
Automatically Resolving Intertrack Interference With Convolution Neural Network Detection Channel in TDMR

Convolution neural network (CNN) is used as the data detection channel for two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR). We demonstrate that by only feeding interfered multireader signals as well as the target binary data at supervised learning, it is possible for CNN to automatically resolve the intertrack interference (ITI) in a noisy environment without any physical modeling. It is worth mentioning that throughout the entire training/learning process, CNN never receives ITI-free waveforms as target nor is explicitly “instructed” to resolve ITI. We illustrate that the nonlinear detection capability plays the most important role for CNN to effectively “learn” the right correlation between multiple read channels under heavy noise. Therefore, ITI can be completely eliminated as long as the noise exhibits similar correlation, while the white electronic noise completely disturbs this correlation and “decorrelates” the channels, hence posing most serious limitations toward ITI mitigation capability for CNN.
Sexual Health in the Neurogenic Patient

In this review, the current literature addressing sexual health in common neurologic conditions will be summarized. Conditions discussed include stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and spina bifida. There is an increasing awareness of sexual dysfunction in patients with neurologic injury and of the role of sexual therapy in improving quality of life. Sexual health in a neurogenic patient is dependent upon a variety of factors. Determining the most influential sources of sexual dysfunction is important for providing effective treatment.
Systemic tPA Treatment for Thrombosis in a Patient with Dilated Cardiomyopathy on Berlin Heart

Introduction ite advances in anticoagulation management in pediatric VAD, thrombosis and stroke remain a major concern. For patients with thrombosis who fail intensification of standard anticoagulation options are limited. We present a case of thrombosis in a patient on Berlin Heart LVAD that was successfully treated with systemic alteplase. Case Report The patient is a 2 year old 13.6 kg girl (BSA 0.58) with dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricular systolic heart failure necessitating placement of a Berlin Heart EXCOR LVAD as a bridge to heart transplantation. She was implanted with a 15mL pump at a rate of 100 beats/min. There were no intra-operative complications and anticoagulation was initiated with bivalirudin; target PTT 70-90 sec (achieved consistently by POD#3). On POD#5 she became febrile with rising inflammatory markers and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated. She then required escalating doses of bivalirudin for decreasing PTT values. After negative blood cultures for 24 hours, she completed a course of pulse steroids for possible inflammatory reaction on the pump. She was also started on aspirin and then dipyridamole. By POD#15, she had an escalating respiratory support requirement in the setting of a large pleural effusion and bivalirudin was held briefly for placement of a chest tube. Despite no obvious fibrin or clot in the device or cannulas, an echocardiogram a revealed a 5mm thrombus in the left ventricle adjacent to the inflow cannula. Given the position of the thrombus, clot extraction by surgical or cardiac catheterization was deemed not feasible due to limited ability to perform thrombectomy without embolization. Therefore, we treated medically with systemic alteplase while maintaining the patient on continuous bivalirudin infusion at lower PTTs. We achieved successful resolution of the thrombus by echocardiogram with no significant complications or neurologic deficits. The patient was supported by the Berlin Heart for 5 months until transplant with no other complications. On evaluation of the explanted heart there was no residual thrombus. A head CT performed after heart transplant for follow up of an unrelated concern revealed no evidence of intracranial hemorrhage or infarct. Summary Systemic tPA may be considered as a treatment option in patients with thrombosis on ventricular assist device in lieu of more invasive treatment options.