cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Codistribution of TAP and the granule membrane protein GRAMP-92 in rat caerulein-induced pancreatitis

The pathological activation of zymogens within the pancreatic acinar cell plays a role in acute pancreatitis. To identify the processing site where activation occurs, antibodies to the trypsinogen ...
Measuring the Dielectric Properties of Nanostructures using Optical Reflection and Transmission: Bismuth Nanowires in Porous Alumina

This paper develops a method to deduce the dielectric function of nanostructures smaller than the chosen wavelength of light. It modifies the Maxwell - Garnett Effective Medium Theory equations to calculate the dielectric function of a metal embedded inside a dielectric. Specifically, reflection and transmission measurements of an array of bismuth nanowires in an anodized porous alumina template are used to calculate the frequency - dependent di-electric function of the nanowires. The spectra are taken using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy covering the 500 to 4000 cm−1 frequency range. These data are used to determine the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function of the composite materials. Next, the percentage of the total volume occupied by either Bi or air in the porous alumina (the “filling factor”) was found by scanning electron microscopy. The modified Maxwell-Garnett (M-G) equations specify how to use the filling factor and the dielectric function of the composite material to calculate the dielectric function of the alumina. Finally, the modified M-G equations are used a second time to calculate the dielectric function of Bi nanowires using the dielectric function of alumina, the dielectric function of the filled template, and the filling factor. The resulting dielectric function of Bi nanowires is then compared to theoretical predictions.
Seismic Reflection: Upstream, Downstream, And On Earthen Dams And Dikes

High-resolution seismic reflection has been used successfully to characterize material and investigate a variety of problems associated with earthen dams and abutments. Limitations and challenges of seismic reflection when interrogating these structures and lithologies are nontrivial and require very critical thinking. Seismic reflection has proved an effective tool for mapping confining units for integration into the cutoff wall at the Keechelus Dam in Cle Elum, Washington; mapping lithologies and bedrock structures for earthquake retrofitting at Bend, Oregon; delineating karst in bedrock beneath the dam core responsible for subsidence on the upstream side of a major flood control structure at Clearwater Dam, Missouri; and detecting high permeability zones within a glacial outwash embankment of a water retention dam near Enumclaw, Washington. Extreme geometries and material variability associated with any man-made structure are the most formidable challenge to seismically imaging. Inconsistent source wavelets, out-of-the-plane energy, extreme statics (topography and velocity based), and source noise (disproportionately high percentage of surface waves) are all problems that are not unique to earthen dams, dikes, and levees, but they are certainly more prevalent with those types of structures. Success of the technique in these settings is source characteristics and spatial oversampling.
Validation of a culture-contextualized measure of family engagement in the early learning of low-income Latino children.

Given the increased numbers of Latino children entering the U.S. educational system, there is a need to develop culturally contextualized models to understand the ways Latino parents participate in and support their children's school experiences. Current tools used to measure family engagement have been developed primarily with monolingual English-speaking European American families and thus might not accurately capture the engagement behaviors unique to other ethnic and linguistic groups. The present study builds upon prior mixed-methods research, involving a total of 763 Latino parents, which employed an emic approach to understand family engagement conceptualizations for a pan-Latino population and to develop a new measure for use with this heterogeneous group. In this follow-up study, we examined, with an additional 463 Latino caregivers, the construct validity of a revised 43-item measure across 2 language versions: Parental Engagement of Families from Latino Backgrounds (PEFL-English) and Participacion Educativa de Familias Latinas (PEFL-Spanish). The 4 dimensions of family engagement empirically identified in the prior development study were confirmed with this multicity, independent sample of low-income Latino families. Family engagement dimensions demonstrated relations with recency of immigration, home language, employment, education, and caregiver age, as well as caregiver-reported levels of social support. Findings are discussed with respect to future directions for early childhood research and practice.
Paper Conspiracies and the End of All Good Order: Perceptions and Speculation in Early Capital Markets

This paper will explore how the rise of businessmen and the creation of early capital markets were viewed by those in the throes of dynamic economic change. It will look at the rise of modern markets in the Netherlands (17th century) and England and France (early 18th century). During this period of approximately 100 years, the economies of Northwest Europe underwent a fundamental change as domestic and international trade burgeoned. The Commercial and Financial Revolutions were underway. Land, which had been a primary locus of production, wealth and status, suddenly found itself in strenuous competition with banknotes, joint-stock shares, futures, and other newfangled-forms of commercial paper circulating in urban centers. The new paper currency and other forms of intangible property funded new commercial enterprises, created vast amounts of new wealth, and threatened the status quo. The paper will use Tulip Mania and the South Sea and Mississippi Company Bubbles to illustrate the threats posed by the new forms of property and new economic relationships. It will rely on contemporary accounts, current economic history and research, and works of fiction that capture the mores and psychology of the new markets. And it will show how the perceptions of people four hundred years ago still influence our view of capital markets and businesspeople.
A NONLINEAR QUASI-STATIC MODEL OF INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS

Biomathematical models of intracranial aneurysms can provide qualitative and quantitative information on stages of aneurysm development through elucidation of biophysical interactions and phenomena. However, most current aneurysm models, based on Laplace's law, are renditions of static, linearly elastic spheres. The primary goal of this study is to: 1. develop a nonlinear constitutive quasi-static model and 2. derive an expression for the critical size/pressure of an aneurysm, with subsequent applications to clinical data. A constitutive model of an aneurysm, based on experimental data of tissue specimens available in the literature, was incorporated into a time-dependent set of equations describing the dynamic behavior of a saccular aneurysm in response to pulsatile blood flow. The set of differential equations was solved numerically, yielding mathematical expressions for aneurysm radius and pressure. This model was applied to clinical data obtained from 24 patients presenting with ruptured aneurysms. Aneurysm development and eventual rupture exhibited an inverse relationship between aneurysm size and blood pressure. In general, the model revealed that rupture becomes highly probable for an aneurysm diameter greater than 2.0 mm and a systemic blood pressure greater than 125 mmHg. However, an interesting observation was that the critical pressure demonstrated a minimal sensitivity to the critical radius, substantiating similar clinical and experimental observations that blood pressure was not correlated, to any degree, with aneurysm rupture. Undulations in the aneurysm wall, presented by irregular multilobulated morphologies, could play an important role in aneurysm rupture. However, due to the large variation in results, more extensive studies will be necessary for further evaluation and validation of this model.
Intraerythrocytic crystals in a white patient with hemoglobin C in the absence of other types of hemoglobin.

Tetragonal crystals of hemoglobin were observed in approximately 2 per cent of erythrocytes of a sixteen-year-old white male of Italian parentage, who had hemoglobin C in the absence of A, S, and F. The clinical and hematological features of the patient described are similar to those with "pure" hemoglobin C disease reported by others. The essential features are: chronic anemia of a mild degree, congestive splenomegaly, evidences of increased red cell destruction, hyperplastic marrow with increased numbers of immature erythrocytes in the peripheral blood, target cells and increased erythrocyte resistance to hyptonic saline solutions. Electrophoretic analysis of hemolysates of both parents, one brother and a maternal uncle revealed hemoglobin A and C. The hemolysate of one sister revealed only hemoglobin A. None of the relatives examined had hemoglobin S or F and none showed hematologic abnormalities.
Clathrates and beyond: Low-density allotropy in crystalline silicon

In its common, thermodynamically stable state, silicon adopts the same crystal structure as diamond. Although only a few alternative allotropic structures have been discovered and studied over the past six decades, advanced methods for structure prediction have recently suggested a remarkably rich low-density phase space that has only begun to be explored. The electronic properties of these low-density allotropes of silicon, predicted by first-principles calculations, indicate that these materials could offer a pathway to improving performance and reducing cost in a variety of electronic and energy-related applications. In this focus review, we provide an introduction and overview of recent theoretical and experimental results related to low-density allotropes of silicon, highlighting the significant potential these materials may have for technological applications, provided substantial challenges to their experimental preparation can be overcome.
‘Aylmer’s Field’

Certainly one should note in ‘Aylmer’s Field’ the poet’s emphasis throughout on the spectre of Darwinism and the value associated with the hearth and the family. From the very beginning we are told of the fragility of our ‘frames’, and throughout the idyl the contrast is made between the bestial and the human. The introduction of Sir Aylmer makes clear his connection to non-human, material things; we see him only in terms of his ‘capacious hall’, the ‘hundred shields’, his ‘blazing wyvern’. From the beginning he is also directly associated with the bestial, with the hunt and killing. In this respect he is somewhat reminiscent of the narrator in Maud. Sir Aylmer and a neighbour talk of ‘the latest fox—where started—killed’; they go on: and did Sir Aylmer know That great pock-pitten fellow had been caught? Then made his pleasure echo, hand to hand, And rolling as it were the substance of it Between his palms a moment up and down— ‘The birds were warm, the birds were warm upon him; We have him now:’ (p. 1167) At one of the climactic moments of the idyl, when he and his wife warn Leolin to stay away from Edith, we find Tennyson’s description in the same vein: ‘Him glaring, by his own stale devil spurred,/And, like a beast hard-ridden, breathing hard’ (p. 1168).
Economics Quest for Relevance

This chapter provides a bird’s-eye overview of milestone works that resulted in shifts in the focus of economic theory, starting with Adam Smith all the way to contemporary economics. The chapter notes the tug-of-war between the struggle for relevance and the wish to strengthen the rigor of economic analysis. An important argument in the book is that in recent times the pursuit of rigor has been at the expense of relevance, which partly explains why policymakers failed to recognize the warning signs of the Great Recession in a timely manner.
Procedures for estimating desirable initial states of a production line: a comparative study

Two procedures for estimating initial states of a production line that ensure the line has a high probability of meeting the specified production target during a scheduled production shift are presented. The problem of determining desirable initial states is important in low variety, high volume production systems such as those from the automobile industry. One procedure is derived from design of experiments (DOE) theory whereas the other uses a genetic algorithm (GA). In the study it was determined that both procedures are straightforward to implement and produce good solutions to the problem. The results from the procedures are compared and their benefits and disadvantages are discussed.
Fair Adaptive Resouce Allocation Scheme for an OpenFlow-Based Virtual Network

In an OpenFlow-based network, the resources arepartitioned in slices. For isolation reasons, each slice has its ownforwarding plane and therefore its own flow table. The searchmemory is so pre-partitioned between the slices. This pre-setmechanism for memory slicing would easily crash the controllerbecause of only one of the slices memory overload. To solvethis problem, we propose, in this paper, a linear program forfair search memory allocation between the slices and a method to control the allocation stability based on a per-slice ageing function.
Evaluation of a Web-Based Training in Smoking Cessation Counseling Targeting U.S. Eye-Care Professionals.

Background. Smoking causes blindness-related diseases. Eye-care providers are uniquely positioned to help their patients quit smoking. Aims. Using a pre-/postevaluation design, this study evaluated...
The racial mundane: Asian American performance and the embodied everyday

Ju Yon Kim’s The Racial Mundane: Asian American Performance and the Embodied Everyday provides a crucial theorization of Asian American racialization and the performance of everyday life. Moving aw...
Pharmacist Involvement in Care Transitions in an Academic Medical Center

Background Care transitions pose increased risks for medication errors Pharmacists are uniquely suited to provide assistance with medication reconciliations and medication counseling during care transitions Objective The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist reviewing discharge medication reconciliations and providing medication counseling at the time of hospital discharge Methods This retrospective chart review includes adult patients discharged from a range of medicine services from August to February at a large academic medical center The primary outcome was day hospital readmission rate and secondary outcomes included time to hospital readmission frequency of medication errors type of medication errors and frequency of errors per pharmacologic class Results In the final analysis patients were included The majority of patients in the intervention group had at least one medication error and the most common error occurred with cardiovascular agents There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding day hospital readmissions Conclusion Although the findings did not show significant differences a pharmacist was able to identify medication errors in most patients Additionally a lack of difference in hospital readmissions is clinically significant given the intervention group had higher acuity of health care needs
Cytology and high risk HPV testing in cervical cancer screening program: Outcome of 3-year follow-up in an academic institute.

Background Combination of cervical cytology and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing, co-testing, has been increasingly used in screening cervical cancers. The present study summarized the outcome of co-testing by reviewing 3-year clinical and pathological follow-up information. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified via computerized search and were grouped based on the cytologic diagnosis and HR-HPV status as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM)/HPV–, NILM/HPV+, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US)/HPV–, ASC-US/HPV+, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)/HPV–, LSIL/HPV+, atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H)/HPV–, ASC-H/HPV+, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)/HPV–, and HSIL/HPV+. The patients' pertinent past medical history and follow-up information were analyzed. Results During 3-year follow-up period, histologically proven HSIL was found in 5 of 1565 (0.3%) patients with NILM/HPV–, 7 of 141 (5.0%) with NILM/HPV+, 2 of 502 (0.4%) with ASC-US/HPV–, 30 of 274 (10.9%) with ASC-US/HPV+, 1 of 81 (1.2%) with LSIL/HPV–, 28 of 159 (17.6%) with LSIL/HPV+, 3 of 18 (16.7%) with ASC-H/HPV–, 34 of 69 (49.3%) with ASC-H/HPV+, 7 of 7 (100%) with HSIL/HPV–, and 35 of 56 (62.5%) HSIL/HPV+. In reviewing 12 HSIL cases that were originally diagnosed as NILM, 7 remained as NILM, and the other 5 were reclassified as 1 HSIL, 1 ASC-H, and 3 ASC-US, respectively. In 18 HSIL cases with negative HR-HPV, 12 patients had a prior history of positive HR-HPV testing and/or positive p16 IHC stain in the follow-up cervical biopsy. Conclusion HR-HPV testing plays an important role in cervical cancer screening by identifying HSIL in patients with ASC-US, LSIL, and NILM. Co-testing is an optimal method to identifying the patients with higher risk for developing cervical abnormalities.
Neuropathology and Molecular Studies of a Patient with Tourette Syndrome and Huntington Disease

This paper reviews the association of Huntington's Disease (HD) and tic disorder or Tourette Syndrome (TS) We also present the results of a follow-up study of a male with childhood-onset TS and adult-onset HD who died at 45 years of age. The developmental course and results of neuropathologic and molecular studies of this patient are reported. This is the first case of childhood onset of TS with adult onset of HD reported who has come to autopsy. A developmental model for childhood and adult neuropsychiatric disorders is presented.
Flowering in grassland predicted by CO2 and resource effects on species aboveground biomass

Continuing enrichment of atmospheric CO2 may change plant community composition, in part by altering the availability of other limiting resources including soil water, nutrients, or light. The combined effects of CO2 enrichment and altered resource availability on species flowering remain poorly understood. We quantified flowering culm and ramet production and biomass allocation to flowering culms/ramets for 10 years in C4 -dominated grassland communities on contrasting soils along a CO2 concentration gradient spanning pre-industrial to expected mid-21st century levels (250-500 μl/L). CO2 enrichment explained up to 77% of the variation in flowering culm count across soils for three of the five species, and was correlated with flowering culm count on at least one soil for four of five species. In contrast, allocation to flowering culms was only weakly correlated with CO2 enrichment for two species. Flowering culm counts were strongly correlated with species aboveground biomass (AGB; R2 = .34-.74), a measure of species abundance. CO2 enrichment also increased soil moisture and decreased light levels within the canopy but did not affect soil inorganic nitrogen availability. Structural equation models fit across the soils suggested species-specific controls on flowering in two general forms: (1) CO2 effects on flowering culm count mediated by canopy light level and relative species AGB (species AGB/total AGB) or by soil moisture effects on flowering culm count; (2) effects of canopy light level or soil inorganic nitrogen on flowering and/or relative species AGB, but with no significant CO2 effect. Understanding the heterogeneity in species responses to CO2 enrichment in plant communities across soils in edaphically variable landscapes is critical to predict CO2 effects on flowering and other plant fitness components, and species potential to adapt to future environmental changes.
Q -Value Measurements at the University of Pittsburgh

The 15 MeV deuteron beam from the University of Pittsburgh cyclotron is being used to determine neutron binding energies by measuring Q-values for (d, p) and (d, t) reactions. Thin—and in many cases, isotopically enriched—targets are irradiated by the magnetically focussed and analysed beam; reaction products are magnetically analysed and detected by photographie plates. The absolute energy calibration is achieved by running a spectrum from 57Fe (d, p) or (d, t) adjacent to each run on an unknown without making any changes other than shifting the plate and target holders. The nearest well known particle groups from the 57Fe reactions were used as standards. The energy resolution was typically 60 keV.
TALOS - Mobile Surveillance System for Land Borders and Large Areas

This paper presents the concept of an innovative, transportable and fast deployable land border and large area surveillance system, based on mobile unmanned vehicles (UVs). The system has been designed, developed and tested, within the course of realisation of a research project entitled Transportable Autonomous Patrol for Land Border Surveillance System – TALOS, executed under the EU 7th Framework Programme, in Security priority. In result of the TALOS project a technology demonstrator was developed, which consists of two unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and a command and control centre. The system robots feature a high degree of autonomy and are equipped with the multi-sensor data acquisition systems. The data are processed and integrated, including their fusion with navigation device information and accurate terrain data-bases. The Command, Control and Communication Centre, where large amounts of system information is displayed and managed, utilises advanced Man Machine Interface (MMI). This paper describes the developed system demonstrator and its features, as well as the TALOS system integration process.
Stiglers Ernährungsmodell, Beispiel einer Formulierung und Lösung

Eine der ersten Anwendungen des Simplexalgorithmus war die Bestimmung eines ausreichenden Speiseplans bei moglichst niedrigen Kosten1. Im Herbst 1947 unternahm J. Laderman vom Mathematical Tables Project des National Bureau of Standards die erste grosere Berechnung auf diesem Gebiet, um die neu vorgeschlagene Simplexmethode auszuprobieren. Es handelte sich um ein System von neun Gleichungen in 77 Unbekannten. Mit Hilfe von Handrechenmaschinen waren ungefahr 120 Personen-Arbeitstage erforderlich, um eine Losung zu erhalten.
Super Bright Luminescent Metallic Nanoparticles

It is found that, by curing the surface defects that quench photoexcited carriers, luminescence efficiency of metallic nanoparticles can be dramatically increased. For Ag nanoparticles, as much as 300 times increase in photoexcitation induced luminescence is observed upon surface adsorption of ethanethiol. The same treatment increases Au nanoparticle luminescence efficiency by a factor of 3. A model based on the elimination of surface defects by the sulfur–metal bond formed upon thiol adsorption can quantitatively account for the observations, which also indicate that nanoparticles without proper surface treatment typically have low luminescence quantum yields.
The Role of Perpetrator Alcohol Use in the Injury Outcomes of Intimate Assaults

Little research has been conducted on the role of perpetrator alcohol use in the injury outcomes of intimate assaults, although alcohol use by an intimate partner may be related to more severe assault outcomes (physical injury and need for medical attention) than is no alcohol use. The role of perceived perpetrator alcohol use in the injury outcomes of intimate assaults (N = 909) was analyzed using 1992–1996 National Crime Victimization Survey data. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that perpetrator alcohol use was associated with increased likelihood of physical injury and marginally associated with more medical attention seeking by the victim when demographic variables and assault characteristics were controlled. Suggestions for future research on the relationship between alcohol and intimate assault outcomes are presented.
Heteroaromatic analogs of the resveratrol analog DMU-212 as potent anti-cancer agents

Abstract Heteroaromatic analogs of DMU-212 (8–15) have been synthesized and evaluated for their anti-cancer activity against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines. These novel analogs contain a trans-3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl moiety attached to the C2 position of indole, benzofuran, benzothiazole or benzothiophene ring (8, 11, 13 and 14, respectively) and showed potent growth inhibition in 85% of the cancer cell lines examined, with GI50 values
The role of brain reward pathways in stress resilience and health

While it is well established that stress can increase risk for a broad range of health and disease outcomes (e.g., major depression, cardiovascular disease), less is known about factors supporting resilience. An emerging literature indicates that activation of the brain's reward system can mitigate subsequent stress responses to a broad range of stressors in animals and humans, suggesting reward pathways as a novel mechanistic target for fostering resilience under stress. This perspective will: 1) describe the emerging evidence linking primary and secondary rewards with stress buffering effects; 2) identify plausible neurobiological mechanisms; and 3) introduce new links between brain reward activation and reduced stress-related health and disease outcomes. We conclude with a discussion of research opportunities and clinical implications of brain reward effects.
Targeted Evaluation of Utility-Scale and Distributed Solar Forecasting

In this paper, we evaluate one-year of measured and forecasted data for PV generation, load and net load for multiple scenarios: a single substation, aggregated substations and a 2.1MW PV farm. By examining systematic deviations between the forecasted and actual power generation, we found we could identify spatial and temporal patterns in forecast errors that can be used to improve the accuracy of the forecasting tools. We also found there are seasonal changes that impact the accuracy of the forecasting results that should be considered.
Abstract IA08: Engineering T cells to resist and convert immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments

A major challenge in adoptive T-cell therapy for solid tumors is the harsh immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Soluble factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) play key roles in tumor immune evasion. Here, we report methods by which CARs can be engineered to respond to soluble antigens, and describe a novel TGF-β binding chimeric antigen receptor that rewires the T-cell response to TGF-β, converting this potent immunosuppressive molecule into a stimulant. We additionally elucidate mechanistic details of how CARs can be triggered by soluble ligands, as well as methods by which the signaling strength and ligand sensitivity of such CARs can be tuned. Given the modular nature of the engineered receptor, this work informs future efforts to redirect T-cell responses to extracellular soluble molecules. Citation Format: ZeNan L. Chang, Michael H. Lorenzini, Yvonne Y. Chen. Engineering T cells to resist and convert immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2017 Oct 1-4; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2018;6(9 Suppl):Abstract nr IA08.
Iterative Design and Pilot Testing of the Developing Talkers Tiered Academic Language Curriculum for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

AbstractCurricula are one of the most widely used educational inputs, yet few are developed and evaluated scientifically with a dearth of programs targeting academic language. This manuscript describes an iterative approach to the development of a tiered academic language curriculum supplement for prekindergarten (pre-K) and kindergarten (K) students. A series of four studies were conducted to iteratively design the curriculum following a framework for developing research-based curriculum; however, we modified the framework to focus on efficiently preparing a curriculum for large-scale use by teachers with diverse competency levels. Findings from the first three iterative design studies include the benefit of overdevelopment to retain only the strongest content and the need to consider both beginner and more advanced teachers as end users. Results of the final pilot (N = 1,193 students) show strong effects on taught vocabulary words (pre-K: d = 1.29; K: d = 0.84). Teachers had positive responses to the cu...
Validation and Extension of the Ventral Hernia Repair Cost Prediction Model.

Abstract Background Repair of ventral and incisional hernias remains a costly challenge for health care systems. In a previous study of a single surgeon's elective open ventral hernia repair (VHR) practice, a cost model was developed, which predicted over 70% of hospital cost variation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ventral hernia cost model with multiple surgeons' elective open VHR cases and extending to include nonelective and laparoscopic VHR. Materials and methods With the University of Kentucky Institutional Review Board approval, elective and emergent cases of open and laparoscopic VHR performed by multiple surgeons over 3 y were identified. Perioperative variables were obtained from the local American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database and electronic medical record review. Hospital cost data were obtained from the hospital cost accounting system. Forward multivariable regression of log-transformed costs identified independent cost drivers (P for entry 0.10). Results Of the 387 VHRs, 74% were open repairs; mean age was 55 y, and 52% of patients were female. For open, elective cases (n = 211; mean cost of $19,145), the previously reported six-factor cost model predicted 45% of the total cost variation. With all VHRs included, additional variables were found to independently drive costs, predicting 59% of the total cost variation from the base cost. The biggest cost drivers were inpatient status (+$1013), use of biologic mesh (+$1131), preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome/sepsis (+$894), and preoperative open wound (+$786). Conclusions Ventral hernia repair cost variability is predictable. Understanding the independent drivers of cost may be helpful in controlling costs and in negotiating appropriate reimbursement with payers.
Reoperative Anti-Reflux Surgery and Revisional Paraesophageal Hernias

With growing concern over the side effects of long-term proton pump inhibitor use, the surgical management of reflux disease has recently become increasingly popular, especially with the development of the laparoscopic approach. Anti-reflux surgery and paraesophageal hernia repair require technical expertise. These operations have a known failure rate over time, and many patients will go on to require a subsequent intervention. Patients with development of new symptoms after surgery or worsening symptoms should be evaluated for a revisional operation. The workup of these patients can often guide management and surgical planning and may aid in identifying patients that will respond to medical therapy. Once the decision is made to take the patient to the operating room, reoperative surgery can present challenges with difficult dissection and alterations in anatomy. Essential operative steps should include efforts to restore “normal” anatomy, which can include taking down the fundoplication and cruroplasty, evaluation for a short esophagus, recreating the fundoplication, posterior cruroplasty with or without biologic mesh reinforcement, and intraoperative endoscopy. The following chapter will detail the workup for a patient being evaluated for revisional anti-reflux surgery or a patient with a recurrent paraesophageal hernia, as well as essential operative steps and outcomes.
Control of Circulating Current to Minimize the Rating of the Energy Storage Device in Modular Multilevel Converters

The circulating current is a negative sequence current at double the fundamental frequency in a Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC). Conventionally, many types of research are conducted to suppress the circulating current in an MMC to reduce the converter loading. However, this paper studies rather than suppressing the circulating current, decoupling control algorithm between circulating current and AC, DC sides of the converter improves the average and RMS current such that performance of the converter increases while rating of the devices minimize. The Sub-Module (SM) capacitor voltage ripple significantly reduces so that the cost of a large scale MMC application decrease. The proposed control algorithm uses AC power as a circulating current reference, so the amplitude and phase of the output currents need not to be calculated. The studies are performed in Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) with FPGA based MMC support unit.
Abstract P5-12-12: Prospective evaluation of adherence to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy among Hispanic/Latino women with breast cancer (BC) living in the border city of El Paso, Texas

Background: Adjuvant therapy with AI improve survival and is recommended to all postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive BC. A typical duration of the therapy is from 5 to 10 years. Despite clinically proven efficacy early discontinuation rate approaching 10% per year. The purpose of this study was to determine the adherence level through the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) among women with breast cancer treated at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC EP). Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained prior to initiating this prospective study. 133 postmenopausal women were consented and participated in this study. Patients seen at the TTUHSC EP who was diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer and who were on adjuvant AIs, were given the MMAS-8 questionnaire, and a demographics questionnaire. In order to identify reasons for non-adherence to AIs, all patients were also asked to identify the reason why they did not take their medication if applicable.Results: One hundred thirty-three patients were enrolled, median age 64 (range 41 - 89), 110 (90.2%) identified themselves as Hispanic/Latino. 58.2% have an income of 15K or less. 39% completed eighth grade or less, 34.5% completed high school, and 12% obtained a technical degree. Mean duration of AI therapy was 6.5 years. The majority of patients have high or intermediate levels of adherence 88%. Only 12 % had a low level of adherence. 7 (5.6%) patients scored two or below in the intentional adherence scale, and 18 (13.5%) scored two or below in the unintentional adherence scale (maximum scale is four). Conclusions: Our results indicate that the majority of patients treated at TTUHSC EP have a high or intermediate level of adherence to AI therapy. The main reason listed for non-adherence were mostly unintentional: forgetfulness and missing getting refills on time. Citation Format: Alexander Philipovskiy, Aleli Campbell, Brenda Castillo, Rosalinda Heydarian, Sumit Gaur, Alok Dwivedi, Zeina Nahleh. Prospective evaluation of adherence to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy among Hispanic/Latino women with breast cancer (BC) living in the border city of El Paso, Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-12-12.
Management of Atrial Fibrillation

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potent predictor of first and recurrent stroke, affecting more than 2.7 million Americans. An estimated 14–38% of patients with ischemic stroke have AF. The frequency of ischemic stroke events in patients with AF is directly proportional to the mean age of populations studied. Of note, this data may be an underestimation due to the difficulty of detecting asymptomatic or paroxysmal AF. The presence of AF greatly increases the risk of ischemic stroke, and this effect is seen more prominently as age increases and in female populations. The prevalence of ischemic stroke associated with AF is less than 10% in patients under the age of 50, but rises to over 50% in patients above 90 years of age. In general, ischemic stroke patients with AF tend to be older, female, and have more comorbidities than patients with ischemic stroke without AF.
Using Revealed Preference Methods to Estimate the Value of Reduced Mortality Risk: Best Practice Recommendations for the Hedonic Wage Model

AbstractThe hedonic wage model provides a key input into benefit–cost analyses of public policies that are aimed at reducing mortality risks: an estimate of the value of reduced mortality risk (VRM...
Improving performance status documentation by hematology-oncology fellows.

250Background: Accurate performance status (PS) documentation is essential as poor PS is a strong predictor of treatment-related toxicity. At our institution, a baseline chart review revealed missi...
Broadly cross-reactive human antibodies that inhibit genogroup I and II noroviruses

The rational development of norovirus vaccine candidates requires a deep understanding of the antigenic diversity and mechanisms of neutralization of the virus. Here, we isolate and characterize a panel of broadly cross-reactive naturally occurring human monoclonal IgMs, IgAs and IgGs reactive with human norovirus (HuNoV) genogroup I or II (GI or GII). We note three binding patterns and identify monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that neutralize at least one GI or GII HuNoV strain when using a histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) blocking assay. The HBGA blocking assay and a virus neutralization assay using human intestinal enteroids reveal that the GII-specific mAb NORO-320, mediates HBGA blocking and neutralization of multiple GII genotypes. The Fab form of NORO-320 neutralizes GII.4 infection more potently than the mAb, however, does not block HBGA binding. The crystal structure of NORO-320 Fab in complex with GII.4 P-domain shows that the antibody recognizes a highly conserved region in the P-domain distant from the HBGA binding site. Dynamic light scattering analysis of GII.4 virus-like particles with mAb NORO-320 shows severe aggregation, suggesting neutralization is by steric hindrance caused by multivalent cross-linking. Aggregation was not observed with the Fab form of NORO-320, suggesting that this clone also has additional inhibitory features.
Automated extraction of clinical traits of multiple sclerosis in electronic medical records

Objectives The clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly variable, and research data collection is costly and time consuming. We evaluated natural language processing techniques applied to electronic medical records (EMR) to identify MS patients and the key clinical traits of their disease course. Materials and methods We used four algorithms based on ICD-9 codes, text keywords, and medications to identify individuals with MS from a de-identified, research version of the EMR at Vanderbilt University. Using a training dataset of the records of 899 individuals, algorithms were constructed to identify and extract detailed information regarding the clinical course of MS from the text of the medical records, including clinical subtype, presence of oligoclonal bands, year of diagnosis, year and origin of first symptom, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, timed 25-foot walk scores, and MS medications. Algorithms were evaluated on a test set validated by two independent reviewers. Results We identified 5789 individuals with MS. For all clinical traits extracted, precision was at least 87% and specificity was greater than 80%. Recall values for clinical subtype, EDSS scores, and timed 25-foot walk scores were greater than 80%. Discussion and conclusion This collection of clinical data represents one of the largest databases of detailed, clinical traits available for research on MS. This work demonstrates that detailed clinical information is recorded in the EMR and can be extracted for research purposes with high reliability.
Hypnosis as an adjunct therapy for asthma: Case report

This study reports the effect of hypnotherapy in an asthmatic. The patient had moderately severe asthma with frequent attacks despite multiple medications. He received four weekly hypnosis sessions, and was then followed bimonthly for a year. The patient's course was followed by subjective daily scoring of wheezing severity, daily recording of peak expiratory flow rate by a Wright minispirometer, and once a month recording of his Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second/Forced Vital Capacity (FEV 1 /FVC), and Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate (MMRF). The severity rating showed improvement at one year when the start of therapy was compared to pretherapy ( P 1 /FVC and MMFR before and after therapy. School attendance and academic performance improved during the year of therapy. Hypnotherapy may be a helpful adjunct in asthma therapy during adolescence.
A low-cost, 61-channel µECoG array for use in rodents

Micro-Electrocorticography (µECoG) offers a minimally invasive, high resolution interface with large areas of cortex. A wide variety of µECoG designs have been developed and customized [1]–[4], including active, multiplexed arrays [5] and arrays on dissolving substrates for increased conformal contact [6]. However, designing and fabricating customized µECoG arrays requires access to microfabrication facilities, which many neuroscience labs do not have. Microfabrication is also typically labor intensive and expensive. Commercial µECoG arrays with 64 electrodes and coarser dimensions cost approximately $1000, limiting their suitability for chronic implantation in large numbers of animals. Here we present a high density (406 µm spacing), flexible (∼30 µm thin), 61-contact µECoG electrode array fabricated using a low-cost, commercial manufacturing process. The array costs just $26 when ordered in quantities of 100, with the cost per electrode increasing slightly when lower quantities are ordered. Fine pitch wires minimize the size of the interconnections, enabling chronic implantation in rodents. In-house post-processing of the fabricated µECoG arrays added optional electrode coatings, such as platinum black, to reduce the electrode impedance. Our electrode design and manufacturing process dramatically improves the accessibility and reduces the cost of high-volume, high-resolution neuroscience.
A study of aging of lead aerosols. II. A numerical model simulating coagulation and sedimentation of a leaded aerosol in the presence of an unleaded background aerosol.

Abstract A numerical model incorporating the mechanisms of thermal coagulation and gravitational sedimentation was constructed to simulate the aging of the lead aerosol size distribution in the presence of a background aerosol. This model showed that coagulation principally removed lead particles from the smallest size ranges and added them to the range from 0.05 ≤ r ≤ 0.5 μm from which removal by coagulation occurred very slowly. Gravitational sedimentation was an important removal mechanism only for large particles ( r > 1 μm ).
Insulin use is associated with poor limb salvage and survival in diabetic patients with chronic limb ischemia.

Objective The goal was to compare the outcomes in patients with disabling claudication (DC) or critical limb ischemia (CLI) to determine if diabetics (DM) have poorer patency, limb salvage (LS), and survival rates than nondiabetic patients and if the diabetic regimen affects these outcomes. Methods All patients who presented with DC or CLI between June 2001 and September 2008 were included. Non-DM patients were compared with those with DM who are currently managed by diet only or oral medications (D-OM), oral medications plus insulin (OM+INS), or insulin alone (INS). Results Of the 746 patients (886 limbs), there were 406 patients (464 limbs) in non-DM, 96 patients (135 limbs) in D-OM, 98 patients (118 limbs) in OM+INS, and 146 patients (185 limbs) in INS groups. There were more patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, and renal insufficiency in the DM group than non-DM, with the INS group having the highest incidence of renal insufficiency/dialysis (46%/20%). Gangrene and foot sepsis were significantly more frequent in patients in OM+INS (45%/3%) and INS (50%/6%) than non-DM (15%/0.2%) and D-OM groups (25%/1%; P P P P = .094). Primary patency (PP) was worse in endovascular-treated patients on insulin than non-DM and D-OM patients ( P Conclusions Diabetic patients who present with limb ischemia can be subdivided into three distinct subgroups based on their diabetic regimen. The survival and LS rates of those controlled with diet or OM are nearly identical to nondiabetics, both of which are significantly better than OM+INS or INS. The PP rate in endovascular-treated patients is worse in patients who are on insulin. Being on insulin is independently associated with decreased survival and limb loss but not PP.
Algebraic methods for a direct calculus of observables in the theory of nuclear band structure

Abstract The basis for much of our present understanding of nuclear structure derives from the study of mean field approximations (such as Hartree-Fock or Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer) and of small deviations from the mean field (random phase approximation and the cranking model). This review is devoted to the study of a theoretical framework (and of some applications of it) which provides not only a sound derivation of all these approximations but a basis for going beyond them. The approach may be characterized broadly as the application of Heisenberg matrix mechanics to the nuclear many-body problem. It utilizes a calculus for matrix elements of suitably chosen simple operators between exact eigenstates of the Hamiltonian. In the first class of investigations, in which single fermion operators were chosen as the suitable operators, one ends with a theory providing a justification for and generalization of various core-particle coupling models and a basis for nuclear field theory. In a further group of studies of matrix elements of multipole and/or pair operators, the collective behavior of even nuclei can be examined, divorced from their coupling to neighboring odd nuclei. Various investigations carried out over two decades are described, including theoretical foundations, applications to schematic models, and applications to vibrational and rotational problems. A common theoretical thread is that the calculations are done uniformly in fermion shell model space in a representation in which the Hamiltonian is diagonal. In the concluding remarks, we point to new developments which may alter these considerations profoundly by enlarging the framework in which they may be carried out.
Perturbation theory for stellar interior problems

A rather general first order linearized perturbation theory is derived with which one can calculate a quasi-static equilibrium stellar interior model if given an initial approximation thereto. The process developed is applicable to both static and evolutionary models, wherein slightly different physical assumptions (e.g. gas characteristics) or physical conditions (e.g. matter composition) are imposed. The correction to the given model is obtained through bi-directional quadrature with fitting at an intermediate position; however, no trial integrations are necessary.