cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Modification of the Heineke–Mikulicz Concept Applied to the Treatment of Congenital Anal Stenosis

Abstract Introduction: Anal stenosis is a rarely seen type of anorectal malformation for which a variety of treatments have been described, including cutback anoplasty, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), and a formal anoplasty, all done with or without colostomy, with inpatient stays and a significant anorectal dissection. The aim of this video is to demonstrate the use of an innovative and less invasive technique to treat congenital anal stenosis in a 2-year-old boy. Materials and Methods: The patient presented with recurrent episodes of constipation and fecal impaction from birth. He was found on examination to have anal stenosis, with a 2 mm depth of narrowed area and healthy rectum more proximal to this. Under general anesthesia, he was positioned prone, traction silk stitches were placed on the anal skin circumference, and radial incisions were made using cautery on the skin and adjoining mucosa, sequentially, at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions to release the stenosed ring. The resultin...
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Use in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Objectives This study evaluated the impact of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) on mortality in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Background The burden of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with LVADs is high. Prior studies assessing the impact of ICD on survival of patients with LVADs have yielded conflicting results. Methods Relevant studies from January 2000 through October 2015 were identified in the databases PubMed and OVID. Weighted relative risks were estimated using random effects meta-analysis techniques. Results Six observational studies (n = 937) were included. Patients were 53 ± 12 years of age, and 80% were male. Bridge-to-transplantation was the indication for LVAD use in 93% of the patients. A continuous-flow (CF) LVAD was present in 39% of patients. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 16 ± 6%. An ICD was present in 355 patients (38%). During a mean follow-up of 7 months, 241 patients (26%) died (16% in the ICD group vs. 32% in the no-ICD group). Presence of an ICD was associated with a 39% relative risk reduction in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46 to 0.82; p Conclusions ICD use was associated with a significant reduction in mortality in LVAD patients, however, this effect was not significant in patients with CF-LVADs. Although these data support the use of ICDs, larger randomized trial data are strongly warranted to evaluate ICD effectiveness in patients with current generation LVADs.
Dispute Resolution in the Established Relationship

Dispute-resolution machinery, whether it is devised by private parties or imposed by legislation, generally focuses on two quite different problems. The first relates to disputes that arise during the term of the collective bargaining agreement, usually involving its interpretation. These are called “rights” disputes; the question is what resolution should be made where the parties disagree as to the application or interpretation of the agreement. The second area is “interest” disputes, that is, disputes that arise over the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement (generally after the expiration of the old one). These disputes, frequently resolved under guidelines or criteria established by the parties or by legislation, generally concern wages and other economic issues that go right to the core of the bargaining relationship. The mode of dispute resolution can vary. In the United States we have generally utilized mediation, fact-finding, or arbitration. Mediation involves the intervention of a third party, appointed by labor and management or by government, whose role it is to attempt to get the parties to resolve their differences amicably. The mediator has no authority to do anything – even to make recommendations to the parties as to how the matter should be resolved. Mediators often play innovative and important roles in the resolution of disputes, although sometimes they simply carry coffee from the labor side to the management side. But the third party’s function is to clarify the issues, appeal to the parties’ reasoning processes by using the arts of persuasion, and (when specifically authorized by the parties) to make recommendations to them. The mediator must have the parties’ confidence. They must be able to entrust their secrets and confidences to the mediator, without fear that this information will be leaked to the other side. A skillful mediator is able to make use of such information in offering suggestions, structuring the dialogue, or formulating proposals.
Estimation of scattering centers using equally or unequally spaced stepped frequency radar data

This paper utilizes a recently developed frequency estimation algorithm [3] in identifying the scattering centers of a target as seen by stepped-frequency radar. This approach can be applied whether the recorded data is equally spaced (even with some missing) or not equally spaced. The technique is tested using two synthetic scattering models, then applied to real radar backscatter recorded in a compact range at high SNR. The results show that it is possible to extract relevant scattering information under various data scenarios.
Platoon: A Virtual Platform for Team-oriented Cybersecurity Training and Exercises

Recent years have witnessed a flourish of hands-on cybersecurity labs and competitions. The information technology (IT) education community has recognized their significant role in boosting students' interest in security and enhancing their security knowledge and skills. Compared to the focus on individual based education materials, much less attention has been paid to the development of tools and materials suitable for team-based security practices, which, however, prevail in real-world environments. One major bottleneck is lack of suitable platforms for this type of practices in IT education community. In this paper, we propose a low-cost, team-oriented cybersecurity practice platform called Platoon. The Platoon platform allows for quickly and automatically creating one or more virtual networks that mimic real-world corporate networks using a regular computer. The virtual environment created by Platoon is suitable for both cybersecurity labs, competitions, and projects. The performance data and user feedback collected from our cyber-defense exercises indicate that Platoon is practical and useful for enhancing students' security learning outcomes.
Examining the Utility of Model Calibration and Verification as a Means of Testing Archaeological Computational Models

The increasing sophistication and complexity of archaeological models has precluded easy testing of such models, and oftentimes requires assessments that can be as lengthy and complicated as the initial model design and execution. Here, a multi-criteria decision-based model developed to simulate hunter-gatherer land use decisions in the Post-Glacial Netherlands is discussed. To approximate when and where uncertainty occurs, a sensitivity analysis is implemented that involves varying input parameter weights to determine those parameters with the greatest potential impact on model output. This process incorporates linked combinations of statistical and qualitative tests that are unique to each stage of the modeling. While the sensitivity analysis described allows modellers to become better acquainted with both their models and data – and the inherent limitations that lie therein – the utility of such a heuristic exercise is debatable. Thus, another approach is proposed that involves running two spatial analyses that target the same question of human land use decision-making from different directions and harnessing different data. This procedure has the ability to provide archaeological modellers with a better approximation of the robustness of each spatial analysis, especially when the two analyses converge upon similar answers. When the spatial analyses do not produce similarly patterned results, we know it is time to go “back to the drawing board” and reassess the meta-issue of whether the questions we are asking can be answered via our modeling abstractions. These issues are of no small import because if archaeological models are to resonate with researchers conducting similar simulative and decision-based models in other fields, then we must implement comparable post-process tests on our models too.
PKC-η-MARCKS Signaling Promotes Intracellular Survival of Unopsonized Burkholderia thailandensis.

Pathogenic Burkholderia rely on host factors for efficient intracellular replication and are highly refractory to antibiotic treatment. To identify host genes that are required by Burkholderia spp during infection, we performed a RNA interference (RNAi) screen of the human kinome and identified 35 host kinases that facilitated Burkholderia thailandensis intracellular survival in human monocytic THP-1 cells. We validated a selection of host kinases using imaging flow cytometry to assess efficiency of B. thailandensis survival in the host upon siRNA-mediated knockdown. We focused on the role of the novel protein kinase C isoform, PKC-eta in Burkholderia infection and characterized PKC-η/MARCKS signaling as a key event that promotes the survival of unopsonized B. thailandensis CDC272112 within host cells. While infection of lung epithelial cells with unopsonized Gram-negative bacteria stimulated phosphorylation of Ser175/160 in the MARCKS effector domain, siRNA-mediated knockdown of PKC-η expression reduced the levels of phosphorylated MARCKS by >3-fold in response to infection with Bt CDC2721121. We compared the effect of the conventional PKC-alpha and novel PKC-eta isoforms on the growth of B. thailandensis CDC2721121 within monocytic THP-1 cells and found that ≥ 75% knock-down of PRKCH transcript levels reduced intracellular bacterial load 100% more efficiently when compared to growth in cells siRNA-depleted of the classical PKC-α, suggesting that the PKC-eta isoform can specifically mediate Burkholderia intracellular survival. Based on imaging studies of intracellular B. thailandensis, we found that PKC-η function stimulates phagocytic pathways that promote B. thailandensis escape into the cytoplasm leading to activation of autophagosome flux. Identification of host kinases that are targeted by Burkholderia during infection provides valuable molecular insights in understanding Burkholderia pathogenesis, and ultimately, in designing effective host-targeted therapies against infectious disease caused by intracellular pathogens.
P3.215 Characterise the temporal evolution of hiv incidence among stable couples in sub-saharan africa

Introduction We quantified and characterised the temporal evolution of the contribution of several types of sexual-partnership HIV statuses to total HIV incidence in representative countries at different HIV epidemic scales in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A pair-based mathematical model was constructed to accommodate for movement of individuals between different forms of sexual partnerships and HIV infection statuses. Stable couples (SCs) were divided into sero-concordant negative (SCNCs), sero-discordant (SDCs), and sero-concordant positive couples. Throughout epidemic phases, historical and future trends (1980–2030) of sources of HIV incidence by partnership status were projected based on nationally-representative epidemiologic and demographic data. Results As the epidemics emerged and peaked, HIV incidence resulting among SDCs increased from 6%–32% to 19%–44% of total HIV incidence, mostly due to transmissions within the SDCs. As the epidemics started their natural and further decline with antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up, this proportion declined in intermediate and high HIV-prevalence countries, but increased in low HIV-prevalence countries. As the epidemics emerged and peaked, HIV incidence resulting among SCNCs from extramarital sex declined from 54%–80% to 35%–73% of total HIV incidence. As the epidemics started their decline, this proportion increased in intermediate and high HIV-prevalence countries, but declined in low HIV-prevalence countries. HIV incidence resulting among individuals not in SCs was 9%–29% of total HIV incidence and was stable throughout the epidemics, but larger with higher HIV prevalence. Conclusion The contribution of different forms of sexual-partnership HIV statuses to total HIV incidence was dependent on HIV epidemic phase and scale. Throughout the epidemics, more than two thirds of HIV incidence occurred among individuals engaged in SCs. The majority of incidence among SCs was due to extramarital sex. To achieve reductions in HIV incidence, prevention approaches should target both SCs and individuals not in SCs.
Tandem Aromatization of Oxygenated Furans by Framework Zinc In Zeolites. A Computational Study

We have performed electronic structure calculations to characterize the active site of the zeolite CIT-6 (isomorphically substituted Zn-Beta) and to study the Diels–Alder dehydrative aromatization of methyl-5-(methoxymethyl)-furoate (MMFC) and of the dimethyl ester of 2,5-furan-dicarboxylic acid (DMFDC) with ethylene. Three types of active sites have been investigated: a site where the framework charge was balanced by two protons (Z0); a site with an H+ and a Li+ as counter-cations (Z1); and an active site with two Li+ counter-cations (Z2). Using NBO and Bader analysis, we conclude that Zn incorporation into the zeolite framework is not through covalent bonding to framework oxygen atoms but rather is through ionic bonding. Despite the ionic character of the active site and the generally strong Lewis acidic nature of Zn(II) cations, we find no catalysis of the Diels–Alder reaction for the two furans tested. On the other hand, the dehydration of the Diels–Alder cycloadduct can be either Bronsted or Lewis ac...
Coprolites: Taphonomic and Paleoecological Implications

Recent paleontological collections at Laetoli and Kakesio have yielded a number of coprolites of medium- to large-sized carnivores, and a rare collection of ruminant coprolites. The carnivore coprolites appear to belong to a diversity of taxa, including canids, felids and hyaenids. Their occurrence confirms other lines of evidence that carnivores played an important role in the accumulation and composition of the fossil remains at Laetoli. Ruminant coprolites are extremely rare in the African fossil record, and are the result of unusual preservational conditions. The dung can be attributed to medium- to large-sized ruminants, including Giraffa stillei and at least two species of bovids. The consistency of most of the ruminant dung and the occasional presence of seeds indicates that deposition occurred primarily during or soon after the rainy season, a finding consistent with the sedimentological evidence. The presence of seeds and of coarse particles of herbaceous and woody plant material in several coprolites supports stable isotope and mesowear studies indicating that the ruminants at Laetoli were predominantly mixed feeders.
The Clinician's Toolkit: Laboratory Tests in the Diagnosis of Childhood Tuberculosis Infection and Disease

Smear microscopy and culture—the mainstay of tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics for the past century—fail to diagnose the majority of childhood TB cases. Promising new tests are becoming rapidly available, but their utility in childhood TB fails to surpass the accuracy of an astute clinician. In this review, we detail conventional and newer tests available for the diagnosis of TB infection and TB disease and their use in children, as well as potential others in development.
Amylin and diabetic cardiomyopathy – amylin-induced sarcolemmal Ca2 + leak is independent of diabetic remodeling of myocardium

Amylin is a pancreatic β-cell hormone co-secreted with insulin, plays a role in normal glucose homeostasis, and forms amyloid in the pancreatic islets of individuals with type-2 diabetes. Aggregated amylin is also found in blood and extra-pancreatic tissues, including myocardium. Myocardial amylin accumulation is associated with myocyte Ca2+ dysregulation in diabetic rats expressing human amylin. Whether deposition of amylin in the heart is a consequence of or a contributor to diabetic cardiomyopathy remains unknown. We used amylin knockout (AKO) mice intravenously infused with either human amylin (i.e, the aggregated form) or non-amyloidogenic (i.e., monomeric) rodent amylin to test the hypothesis that aggregated amylin accumulates in the heart in the absence of diabetes. AKO mice infused with human amylin, but not rodent amylin, showed amylin deposits in the myocardium. Cardiac amylin level was larger in males compared to females. Sarcolemmal Ca2+ leak and Ca2+ transients were increased in myocytes isolated from males infused with human amylin while no significant changes occurred in either females injected with human amylin or in rat amylin-infused mice. In isolated cardiac myocytes, the amylin receptor antagonist AC-187 did not effectively block the interaction of amylin with the sarcolemma. In conclusion, circulating aggregated amylin accumulates preferentially in male vs. female hearts and its effects on myocyte Ca2+ cycling do not require diabetic remodeling of the myocardium. This article is part of a Special issue entitled Cardiac adaptations to obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance, edited by Professors Jan F.C. Glatz, Jason R.B. Dyck and Christine Des Rosiers.
The use of test scores from large-scale assessment surveys: psychometric and statistical considerations

Economists are making increasing use of measures of student achievement obtained through large-scale survey assessments such as NAEP, TIMSS, and PISA. The construction of these measures, employing plausible value (PV) methodology, is quite different from that of the more familiar test scores associated with assessments such as the SAT or ACT. These differences have important implications both for utilization and interpretation. Although much has been written about PVs, it appears that there are still misconceptions about whether and how to employ them in secondary analyses. We address a range of technical issues, including those raised in a recent article that was written to inform economists using these databases. First, an extensive review of the relevant literature was conducted, with particular attention to key publications that describe the derivation and psychometric characteristics of such achievement measures. Second, a simulation study was carried out to compare the statistical properties of estimates based on the use of PVs with those based on other, commonly used methods. It is shown, through both theoretical analysis and simulation, that under fairly general conditions appropriate use of PV yields approximately unbiased estimates of model parameters in regression analyses of large scale survey data. The superiority of the PV methodology is particularly evident when measures of student achievement are employed as explanatory variables. The PV methodology used to report student test performance in large scale surveys remains the state-of-the-art for secondary analyses of these databases.
Eugenol-modified polysiloxanes as effective anticorrosion additives for epoxy resin coatings

A series of polysiloxanes appended with eugenol functionalities has been synthesized through Pt-catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions. These eugenol-modified polysiloxanes were blended with commercial epoxy resins as anticorrosion additives at a low loading percent (2.5 wt%), and the properties of the resulting coatings were investigated by chemical, electrochemical and microscopic characterizations. It was found that the eugenol-modified polysiloxane additives can significantly increase the performance of epoxy resin coatings in terms of thermal stability, hydrophobicity and resistance to water penetration. Our studies demonstrate that eugenol-modified polysiloxanes are a new class of anticorrosion material with potential applications in marine corrosion control and protection.
Subcutaneous ICD screening with the Boston Scientific ZOOM programmer versus a 12-lead ECG machine.

Background The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) requires preimplant screening to ensure appropriate sensing and reduce risk of inappropriate shocks. Screening can be performed using either an ICD programmer or a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. It is unclear whether differences in signal filtering and digital sampling change the screening success rate. Methods Subjects were recruited if they had a transvenous single-lead ICD without pacing requirements or were candidates for a new ICD. Screening was performed using both a Boston Scientific ZOOM programmer (Marlborough, MA, USA) and General Electric MAC 5000 ECG machine (Fairfield, CT, USA). A pass was defined as having at least one lead that fit within the screening template in both supine and sitting positions. Results A total of 69 subjects were included and 27 sets of ECG leads had differing screening results between the two machines (7%). Of these sets, 22 (81%) passed using the ECG machine but failed using the programmer and five (19%) passed using the ECG machine but failed using the programmer (P Conclusion There can be occasional disagreement in S-ICD patient screening between an ICD programmer and ECG machine, all of whom passed with the ECG machine but failed using the programmer. On a per lead basis, the ECG machine passes more subjects. It is unknown what the inappropriate shock rate would be if an S-ICD was implanted. Clinical judgment should be used in borderline cases.
Potential of Microalgal Bioproducts: General Perspectives and Main Challenges

Microalgae have received considerable attention due to several applications in which they can be used, such as bioremediation and the production of high-value products. Microalgal biomass is known for its richness and variety of bioproducts such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, pigments and antioxidants. They can be used for several purposes, for example, in the production of biofuels, food nutrition (human and animal), pharmacology and cosmetology. However, despite the importance of these applications, there are still certain difficulties to produce microalgae bioproducts in large-scale. The high general cost of microalgal production is one of the major disadvantages, since cultivation, extraction and biorefining steps are necessary. Unfortunately, these processes are frequently not compensated by the final product sales price. The identification of the target compounds present in biomass as well as the costs involved in these steps are necessary to promote microalgal development for agricultural, commercial and industrial applications. To focus on the main aspects related to the bioproducts present in biomass, this review aims to demonstrate the main concepts regarding bioproducts and microalgae, the relevant data about the sectors of application, and the main challenges and perspectives associated with these subjects by using bibliometric mapping.
Dynamic Clustering of Dyneins on Axonal Endosomes: Evidence from High-Speed Darkfield Imaging.

Abstract One of the fundamental features that govern the cooperativity of multiple dyneins during cargo trafficking in cells is the spatial distribution of these dyneins on the cargo. Geometric considerations and recent experiments indicate that clustered distributions of dyneins are required for effective cooperation on micron-sized cargos. However, very little is known about the spatial distribution of dyneins and their cooperativity on smaller cargos, such as vesicles or endosomes
Issues in the Institutional Review Board Review of PET Scan Protocols

The lack of reliable information on the use of medications for children has been addressed in the United States through two legislative initiatives: the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) of 2002 (1) and the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) of 2003 (2). These two initiatives have stimulated pediatric pharmaceutical research, resulting in valuable information to guide the appropriate use of many medications (3). In addition, the National Institutes of Health now requires (as of 1998) that children be included in research unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them (4). The resulting increase in pediatric research has led to concerns that the regulations governing pediatric research provide insufficient protection. This chapter refers to only the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations governing research with children (21 CFR 50 and 56), as the use of radiopharmaceuticals in PET scanning is regulated by the FDA. Comparable regulations are found in 45 CFR 46, subparts A and D.
Why do neural transplants survive? An examination of some metabolic and pathophysiological considerations in neural transplantation.

Abstract Neural transplantation continues to be a growing field that has advanced beyond animal experimentation and into the clinic where trials in patients with Parkinson's disease are moving forward (14, 30). The remarkable continuity of the brain grafting paradigm owes to the fact that experimentation and data collection may lend themselves to many disciplines and up-to-date technical analyses. Such procedures can represent significant advances in our knowledge of brain development and disorders but extensive investigation remains to be done to ascertain more precisely the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which neural grafts function. There are still many issues in transplantation that need to be resolved, not the least of which is cell survival and enhancement of graft functional capacity. There have been reports that only about 5-10% of dopaminergic neurons in mesencephalic grafts survive (22) and while the numbers of surviving neurons in cortical grafts is not known, recent studies have indicated that surviving neurons may have abnormal cellular aspects such as immature dendrites (32), inhibited axonal outgrowth (47), or reduced glycolytic activity (43). In the following commentary, possible cellular mechanisms of graft survival will be explored. It will be suggested that based on what is known about both cerebrovascular pathology and normal brain metabolic development, coupled with the mechanisms of graft vascularization, it is unlikely that neural grafts should survive or, at best, survive exhibiting only a modicum of activity. It will be further suggested that the answer "...because it is fetal brain..." to the question—why (or how) do neural grafts survive?—is an inadequate and presently unexplained one. The survival and growth of neural grafts is quite complex and may represent, at least in some aspects, unique forms of development, metabolism, and pathology, all of which may differ markedly from the normal in situ situation.
A microreactor for in-situ hydrogen production by catalytic methanol reforming

A detailed study of the theoretical and experimental issues involved in the design and operation of a silicon-based methanol microreformer is presented in this paper. Thermal simulations for heat loss from the reformer chip and calculations involving the endothermic heat effect of the reforming reaction were carried out to estimate the total power requirement for continuous operation of the reformer. Micromachining technology was utilized to fabricate a prototype silicon microchannel based reformer of channel cross-section 1000μm x 230μm with a copper layer of thickness ∼ 33nm as catalyst. The reactor chip was interfaced with the tubing for reactant and product transport using a stainless steel housing machined to exact dimensions and flexible graphite pads to provide gas-tight seals and excellent thermal contact between the chip and the housing for external heating of the reformer. Runs of this prototype microreformer were carried out using a custom made experimental setup for generation of the reactant mixtures, temperature control of the microreactor and online measurement of the product gas composition. Results from test runs of the microreformer are presented and strategies for improving the hydrogen yield are discussed.
Fractal Nature of Surface Geometry in a Developed Sea

The spectral density function for spatial variations of the sea surface elevation field is characterized by a power law in the high-frequency range. Commonly used spectral models, the Pierson-Moskovitz or the JONSWAP spectrum, are based on the Phillips law that gives ω−q in the frequency domain and k−p in the wavenumber domain, with q = 5 and p = 4. Other power laws of spectrum decay, for instance ω−4 and k−7/2, have also been proposed in the literature. The surface geometry corresponding to such laws possesses many features of a fractal: the field of its slope is discontinuous in the mean-square and the surface itself exhibits a cascade pattern with an infinite number of superimposed wavelets of decreasing size, etc. A new approach to analyzing such broad-band fields is presendy proposed, as based on the decomposition of a surface into the narrow-band (averaged) part \( \bar \zeta \) and the broad-band (“microscopic”) part ζ′. The latter component is considered in the “fractal” limit of a small surface patch. Employing the Karhunen-Loeve expansion, the microscopic field is expanded in series of “universal” orthogonal functions whose elementary properties are investigated numerically, and simplifications yielded by this representation are discussed.
Mo’ Money, No Problem: The Impact of Financial Shocks on Representation

While scholars have discussed what is necessary for passive representation to translate to active representation, few have considered how context may change the bureaucrat’s decision to act on beha...
Abstract P189: The Prorenin Receptor and its Soluble From Stimulate Hepatic Triglyceride and Cholesterol Metabolism in Male Mice

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that mice lacking adipose prorenin receptor (PRR) have elevated ...
Typical physics Ph.D. admissions criteria limit access to underrepresented groups but fail to predict doctoral completion

This study aims to understand the effectiveness of typical admissions criteria in identifying students who will complete the Physics Ph.D. Multivariate statistical analysis of roughly one in eight physics Ph.D. students from 2000 to 2010 indicates that the traditional admissions metrics of undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Quantitative, Verbal, and Physics Subject Tests do not predict completion as effectively admissions committees presume. Significant associations with completion were found for undergraduate GPA in all models and for GRE Quantitative in two of four studied models; GRE Physics and GRE Verbal were not significant in any model. It is notable that completion changed by less than 10% for U.S. physics major test takers scoring in the 10th versus 90th percentile on the Quantitative test. Aside from these limitations in predicting Ph.D. completion overall, overreliance on GRE scores in admissions processes also selects against underrepresented groups.
Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 triggers adenosine-mediated NETosis and TNF production in patients with DADA2

Reduction of adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) activity due to autosomal-recessive loss-of-function mutations in the ADA2 gene (previously known as CECR1) results in a systemic vasculitis known as deficiency of ADA2 (DADA2). Neutrophils and a subset of neutrophils known as low-density granulocytes (LDGs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of vasculitis, at least in part, through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The study objective was to determine whether neutrophils and NETs play a pathogenic role in DADA2. In vivo evidence demonstrated NETs and macrophages in affected gastrointestinal tissue from patients with DADA2. An abundance of circulating LDGs prone to spontaneous NET formation was observed during active disease in DADA2 and were significantly reduced after remission induction by anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. Increased circulating LDGs were identified in unaffected family members with monoallelic ADA2 mutations. Adenosine triggered NET formation, particularly in neutrophils from female patients, by engaging A1 and A3 adenosine receptors (ARs) and through reactive oxygen species– and peptidylarginine deiminase–dependent pathways. Adenosine-induced NET formation was inhibited by recombinant ADA2, A1/A3 AR antagonists, or by an A2A agonist. M1 macrophages incubated with NETs derived from patients with DADA2 released significantly greater amounts of TNF-α. Treatment with an A2AAR agonist decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines in DADA2 monocyte-derived macrophages. These results suggest that neutrophils may play a pathogenic role in DADA2. Modulation of adenosine-mediated NET formation may contribute a novel and directed therapeutic approach in the treatment of DADA2 and potentially other inflammatory diseases.
Securing Big Data: New Access Control Challenges and Approaches

Recent cyber attacks have shown that the leakage/stealing of big data may result in enormous monetary loss and damage to organizational reputation, and increased identity theft risks for individuals. Furthermore, in the age of big data, protecting the security and privacy of stored data is paramount for maintaining public trust, and getting the full value from the collected data. In this talk, we first discuss the unique security and privacy challenges arise due to big data and the NoSQL systems designed to analyze big data. Also we discuss our proposed SecureDL system that is built on top of existing NoSQL databases such as Hadoop and Spark and designed as a data access broker where each request submitted by a user app is automatically captured. These captured requests are logged, analyzed and then modified (if needed) to conform with security and privacy policies (e.g.,[5]), and submitted to underlying NoSQL database. Furthermore, SecureDL can allow organizations to audit their big data usage to prevent data misuse and comply with various privacy regulations[2]. SecureDL is totally transparent from the user point of view and does not require any change to the user's code and/or the underlying NoSQL database systems. Therefore, it can be deployed on existing NoSQL databases. Later on, we discuss how to add additional security layer for protecting big data using encryption techniques (e.g., [1, 3, 4]). Especially, we discuss our work on leveraging the modern hardware based trusted execution environments (TEEs) such as Intel SGX for secure encrypted data processing. We also discuss how to provide a simple, secure and high level language based framework that is suitable for enabling generic data analytics for non-security experts who do not have security concepts such as "oblivious execution''. Our proposed framework allows data scientists to perform the data analytic tasks with TEEs using a Python/Matlab like high level language; and automatically compiles programs written in our language to optimal execution code by managing issues such as optimal data block sizes for I/O, vectorized computations to simplify much of the data processing, and optimal ordering of operations for certain tasks. Using these design choices, we show how to provide guarantees for efficient and secure big data analytics over encrypted data.
Validating loci associated with bovine respiratory disease complex in pre‐weaned Holstein calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is considered one of the most economically important diseases in the cattle industry. Ultimately, the selection of cattle that are less susceptible to disease will allow producers to reduce the prevalence of BRD and lessen its economic impact. The objective of this study was to validate previously identified loci associated with susceptibility to BRD in an independent population of 140 pre-weaned Holstein calves from Wisconsin (WI). Using the McGuirk health scoring system, calves were classified as either clinically affected with BRD (n = 35) or healthy (n = 105). Additive genotypic tests were performed for genomic regions previously associated with susceptibility to BRD in calves from California (CA) and New Mexico (NM). Using this method, 4 loci (P < 0.01) consisting of 10 SNP were validated in the WI population, including 2 loci from CA, 1 locus from NM, and 1 locus from a combined CA + NM population. Most of the positional candidate genes and transcription factor binding site motifs associated with these loci have functions related to innate and adaptive immune responses. The validation of loci associated with susceptibility to BRD in independent populations allows producers to more reliably select cattle that are less susceptible to BRD, improving animal welfare, decreasing the annual revenue losses, and lowering the prevalence of the disease.
CD3+CD4-CD8- Double-negative αβ T cells attenuate lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract Objective Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common complication after lung transplantation, and immune cells have been implicated in modulating outcomes. We hypothesized that a newly described subset of αβ T-cell receptor positive cells; that is, CD4–CD8– (double negative [DN]) T cells, are found in lungs and can protect against lung IRI. Methods Ischemia was induced in C57BL/6 mice by left pulmonary artery and vein occlusion for 30 minutes followed by 180 minutes of reperfusion. These mice were paired with sham hilar dissected surgical controls. In mice undergoing IRI, adoptive transfer of DN T cells or conventional T cells was performed 12 hours before occlusion. Flow cytometry was used to quantify T cells and inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic signaling pathways were evaluated with immunoblotting. Lung injury was assessed with Evans blue dye extravasation. Results DN T cells were significantly higher (5.29% ± 1% vs 2.21% ± 3%; P Conclusions DN T cells traffic into lungs during IRI, and have tissue protective functions regulating inflammation and apoptosis. We propose a potential novel immunoregulatory function of DN T cells during lung IRI.
Impact of camera focal length and sUAS flying altitude on spatial crop canopy temperature evaluation

Abstract Thermal image quality is critical to accurately quantify spatial and temporal growth and stress patterns of field crops. Image data quality from a thermal sensor can be impacted by several factors including environment, flying altitude, and camera focal length. Often times the thermal sensor selection is based upon price or ease of availability for research. Metrics are available to select the flight altitude based on thermal sensor focal length for desired ground resolution, however, no study has been conducted to provide the relative difference in image data, quality and efficiency of generating a thermal orthomosaic. Therefore, this study was conducted with the goal to compare the accuracy of canopy temperature quantification and assess the quality of thermal orthomosaic when using a thermal sensor of different focal lengths and image acquisition at varying flying altitudes of an sUAS. Three thermal infrared cameras were selected with focal lengths of 9 mm, 13 mm, and 19 mm. All three cameras were flown at altitudes of 20 m, 50 m, and 80 m, to collect aerial imagery of a 7,000 m2 soybean field. The cameras were mounted on a rotary quadcopter. All flights were conducted at 3 m/s flying speed and 1 s shutter trigger interval. A ground reference system comprising of a panel and water bath system with measured actual temperature provided ground truth data for thermometric transformations. Imagery data were compared to assess differences in the number of images collected, percentage overlap required for 1 s shutter trigger interval, quality of orthomosaic and accuracy of canopy temperatures. Results showed that 13 mm focal length and 50 m altitude resulted in a finer resolution orthomosaic which can provide robust and accurate information on canopy temperature. The selection of such a system of camera lens angle and altitude can provide accurate, reliable and rapid canopy temperature quantification.
HeartMate II Risk Score (HMRS) and MELD-Xi Scores Do Not Predict Mortality in HeartMate 3 LVAD Patients

Purpose Heartmate II risk score (HMRS) and MELD-Xi score are validated mortality risk predictors in Heartmate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Prognostic utility of these risk scores remains unknown in patients considered for Heartmate 3 (HM3) LVAD therapy. Methods HMRS were calculated for 175 consecutive patients who underwent HM3 LVAD implantation at a single academic institution. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic- and cox-regression models were developed to assess the impact of HMRS and MELD-Xi scores on short- and long-term outcomes in HM3 patients. Results Mean HMRS and MELD-Xi scores in HM3 population was 1.38±0.57 and 14.4±0.28, respectively. Pre-implant HMRS was not predictive of RVAD use (OR 1.25, p=0.392), CVVHD (OR 1.16, p=0.722), in-hospital mortality (OR 1.52, p=0.409), or 90-day mortality (OR 1.44, p=0.457). Pre-implant MELD-Xi score showed trend towards increased RVAD use (OR 1.09, p=0.056) and need for CVVH (OR 1.14, p=0.064), however was not predictive of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.02, p=0.836), or 90-day post-LVAD mortality (OR 0.958, p=0.636). Area under curve (AUC) for in-hospital mortality was 0.531 for HMRS and 0.525 for MELD-Xi score (Figure) . There was no difference in post-implant survival (88.6% vs. 85.7%, log-rank p=0.569), freedom from GI bleeding (73.5% vs. 65.1%, log-rank p =0.257) or freedom from stroke (93.3% vs. 90.8% log-rank p = 0.478) at 2-year follow-up in patients with below average vs. above average HMRS. Similarly, There was no difference in post-implant survival (91.3% vs. 82.3%, log-rank p=0.121), freedom from gastrointestinal bleeding (72.2% vs. 65.2%, log-rank p =0.257) or freedom from stroke (92.0% vs. 92.4% log-rank p = 0.820) at 2-year follow-up in patients with below average vs. above average MELD-Xi score. Conclusion HMRS and MELD-Xi scores do not predict mortality in patients undergoing HM3 implantation. New prediction models are required to optimize patient selection and outcomes in HM3 patients.
Is the Face an Air Bag for the Brain and Torso?—The Potential Protective Effects of Severe Midface Fractures:

We investigated the patterns of injury associated with major midface trauma. Our hypothesis is that midface injuries are associated with a decrease in certain traumatic brain injuries as well as major torso injuries. The registry of our Level I trauma center was queried for all adult patients treated over 25 years from 1989 to 2013. Patients with midface fractures were identified based on the ICD-9 code. Associated injuries were defined based both on individual ICD-9 codes as well as the Barell Injury Matrix. Injury etiology was defined based on e-codes. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Wilcoxon test. A total of 29,152 patients were identified. Excluding pediatric patients, those with exclusively penetrating trauma, and patients with incomplete data, 20,971 patients were included for subsequent analysis. Midface fractures were identified in 752 patients. Patients with Le Fort fractures were more likely to be male, have a higher Injury Severity Score, a lower arrival Glasgow Coma Scale, and more likely to require intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation, with a longer hospital length of stay. Patients with midface fractures had significantly fewer subdural hematomas, subarachnoid hemorrhages, spine fractures, and were less likely to have associated abdominal and pelvic injuries. Patients with midface fractures were more likely to require facial reconstruction procedures and craniotomy. Patients presenting with midface fractures after blunt trauma have a distinctly different pattern of injuries. One potential mechanism for this is a deceleration effect, where midface impact and resulting fractures dissipate some of the energy.
The impact of age on outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting

As the population ages, increasing number of older patients are undergoing adult cardiac surgery. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of age on postoperative outcomes in patients that undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients that are ≥70 years old who underwent CABG were selected from the Nationwide/National Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2015 using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes. The patients who were 70–79 years old were compared to patients aged 80–89 years old to determine if the age difference of the patients had an impact on surgical outcomes. In addition, a secondary endpoint is to compare surgical outcomes between the 2 genders of the patients 80–89 years old. The rates of postoperative complications, and mortality were compared. A total of 67,568 patients were identified who were ≥ 70 years old and underwent CABG. Compared to the Septuagenarians, the Octogenarians were more likely to develop cardiac complications (OR [odds ratio] =1.20, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.12–1.23. They were also more likely to develop renal complications (P < 0001), and respiratory complications (P < 0001). The Octogenarians were also more likely to bleed postoperatively (P < 0.0001) and have a higher mortality (P < 0001). Furthermore, the female Octogenarians had a higher mortality (OR 1.25 95% CI 1.07–1.46) compared to males in the same age group. The patients who were ≥ 80–89 years old had worse postoperative outcomes. The Octogenarians who were females had a higher mortality compared to their male counterparts.
Predicting Applicant Admission Status for Georgia Tech's Online Master's in Analytics Program

This work reports on progress made towards building an equitable model to predict the success of an applicant to Georgia Tech's Online Master's in Analytics program. As a first step, we have collected and processed data on 9,044 applications and have trained a predictive model with a ROC-AUC score of 0.81, which predicts whether an applicant would be admitted to the program. Our next steps will include using applicant data to model the successful completion of the Analytics program's three core courses, graduation, and finally job placement. In addition, we plan to expand our feature processing and incorporate techniques to ensure that our models do not discriminate based on demographic factors. In the long run, we hope that the results of this study can be used to improve the course contents, selection of offered courses, and prerequisite training, and even give guidance toward the selection of the applicants.
Upper adjacent segment disease following cervical laminoplasty: Report of two cases and a literature review

Abstract Adjacent segment disease is a well-recognized adverse event developing after spinal fusion surgery. However, there are few reports evaluating adjacent segment disease following cervical laminoplasty because of the advantage of laminoplasty in preserving mobility of the treated segments. We report two cases of adjacent-level segment disease following cervical laminoplasty. Case 1: An 89-year-old man who was performed C2/C7 partial laminectomy and C3–C6 laminoplasty 9 years earlier experienced walking disturbance. Neuroimaging revealed atlantoaxial dislocation, and he underwent C1–C2 posterior cervical spinal fusion, which improved his ambulatory status to baseline. Case 2: A 77-year-old man who was performed C2/C7 partial laminectomy and C3–C6 laminoplasty 12 years earlier presented with gait disturbance. Neuroimaging demonstrated severe spinal cord compression resulting from a retro-odontoid pseudotumor. Therefore, occipital bone–C2 posterior fusion was performed, which resulted in clinical improvement. Although adjacent segment disease following cervical laminoplasty is a rare complication, we should carefully follow patients postoperatively after cervical laminoplasty because compression of the upper spinal cord might cause severe neurological deficits.