cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Hypoglycemia is a major barrier to achieving glycemic goals in patients with diabetes. Both acute and chronically recurrent hypoglycemic events appear to have long-term consequences for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Chronically recurrent hypoglycemia may lead to an impairment of the counterregulatory system, with the potential for the development of hypoglycemia unawareness syndrome, increased severe hypoglycemia-associated hospitalization, and increased mortality. Hypoglycemic events may also have negative implications in cardiovascular disease and/or dementia. Avoidance of hypoglycemia by treating with appropriate, individualized regimens for patients with T2DM should be a primary focus of physicians. Utilizing traditional agents (eg, metformin and thiazolidinediones) that do not promote hypoglycemia, in combination with newer agents such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and incretin mimetics, could offer a therapeutic advantage when trying to help patients reach their hemoglobin A1c goal without the added risk of hypoglycemia.
Computing Two-Terminal Reliability in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Most of the existing techniques for network reliability evaluation are based on assumptions that all the nodes are perfect and the communication links are static and irreplaceable, However, these assumptions are not applicable for mobile ad hoc networks because of the rapid changes in connectivity and link characteristics due to nodes' mobility. Reliability computations in mobile ad hoc networks should consider the failures of nodes and links in addition to the dynamic of network connectivity caused by nodes' mobility. In this paper, we consider the computation of the two-terminal reliability in ad hoc networks by extending the algorithm proposed by Rai et al. to handle imperfect nodes and the dynamic network connectivity. The effect of nodes failure rates and the mobility pattern on the two-terminal reliability are presented.
How often is a work-up for Legionella pursued in patients with pneumonia? A retrospective study

Background It is unclear how often patients with pneumonia are assessed for Legionella in endemic areas. Additionally, the sensitivity of the IDSA/ATS criteria for recommended Legionella testing is undefined.
A role for cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of cancer ☆ ☆☆ ★

Abstract Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is being intensively evaluated as a pharmacologic target for both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Aberrant COX-2 expression was initially described in colorectal cancers and has now been detected in many human tumors, including breast cancers. Strikingly, forced expression of COX-2 in murine mammary gland drives tumor formation. Moreover, knocking out COX-2 protects against the formation of intestinal and skin tumors in animal cancer models. Consistent with these findings, selective COX-2 inhibitors possess anticancer properties. For example, selective COX-2 inhibitors reduce the formation and growth of experimental breast and colon cancers. Importantly, selective COX-2 inhibitors do not inhibit platelet function and cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects (peptic ulcer disease) than traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clinical trials are warranted to define the role of selective COX-2 inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 11):111-119. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Optimal covering polynomial sets and soft-decision error-trapping decoding

The covering polynomial method is an effective and simple way to decode cyclic codes. Essentially the idea is to augment an error-trapping decoder by adding a small search through error patterns in the information positions. Although it works best with codes having relatively small rate and correcting a small number of errors, it can be effectively extended to other cases with proper choices of the covering polynomial sets. Our goal is to find the minimal set of covering polynomials that traps all error patterns of given weight /spl tau/ for given (n,k) cyclic code. >
Hyperbaric oxygen suppresses paclitaxel-induced cold allodynia in rats (1061.2)

HBO2 treatment can relieve chronic pain (Thompson et al., Neurosci Res 66:279, 2010). Previously, we reported that HBO2 suppressed PAC-induced mechanical allodynia (Zhang et al., FASEB J 26:662.9, ...
Integrated Management of Insect and Mite Pests in Commercial Apple Orchards in Massachusetts

An integrated program of arthropod pest management was conducted in 8 commercial apple orchard blocks (ca. 4 ha each) in Massachusetts in 1978 and in 16 such blocks in 1979. The overall approach was use of visual traps, pheromone traps, and visual inspection of fruit and foliage in intensive weekly or semi-weekly sampling of pest and beneficial predator populations, use of economic threshold levels of principal pests, and advisement to growers of need, optimal timing, and type of pesticide to be applied for pest control. Compared with check blocks (which were treated with pesticide according to a traditional preventative-type program), integrated pest management blocks (both years combined) evidenced only 60% as much fruit injury, received only 63% as many insecticide and 37% as many miticide treatments, had substantially greater numbers of beneficial predators of pest mites and aphids, and realized a net benefit of $278.18/ha (exclusive of scouting and program management costs).
Recursive calculation of the two-dimensional maximum likelihood position estimate for a scintillation camera

Maximum likelihood position estimation of a scintillation event in a gamma-ray imaging detector has been described using two independent one-dimensional estimates in x and y. This approximation is only valid when the sampled light-spread function is separable, and spatial distortion is observed when this constraint is violated. Recursive calculation of the 2-D position estimate using a sequence of one-dimensional estimates was investigated. Mean phototube response functions were computed from Monte Carlo simulations of the light-spread function, and position was estimated for scintillation events using recursive estimation. After three steps the maximum errors were mod delta x mod =0.04 mm and mod delta y mod =0.06 mm for the case of noise-free data and when mean response functions were known at each estimated location. Using response functions interpolated over 6-mm intervals gave increased distortion with average x and y errors of 0.097 and 0.082 mm, respectively. >
Solar and heliospheric geoeffective disturbances

Abstract The past decade has brought advances in several areas of solar-terrestrial physics which, when combined, provide nearly all of the pieces necessary for predicting geomagnetic storms. Advances in techniques for observing the Sun in X-rays and white light allow identification of solar disturbances headed toward Earth. Advances in our understanding of how the resulting heliospheric disturbances reflect aspects of the Sun's magnetic field allow predictions of their magnetic topology and, hence, provide some measure of the geoeffective southward component which they carry. Advances in our understanding of the relationship between transient heliospheric disturbances and high-speed streams and how storm strength depends upon solar wind density and the magnetic polarity of streams allow substantial refinement for prediction schemes.
Ecological context and the importance of body and gnathopod size for pairing success in two amphipod ecomorphs

Ecological context generates interspecific variation in mating behavior by imposing differential constraints on the action of sexual selection, but operation of these constraints in nature is not well understood. We used field and laboratory studies to examine the importance of body size and size of sexually dimorphic appendages, the gnathopods, for pairing success in two freshwater amphipod species within the Hyalella azteca species complex. We focused on a large-bodied species found in habitats where ecological factors tend to favor large body size, and a small-bodied species in habitats where small body size is favored by size-selective predation. A field study indicated that although male pairing success was greater for larger males in both species, pairing success increased throughout the range of variation in male size in the large species, whereas, in the small species, pairing success was low for smaller individuals, but roughly constant across intermediate to larger sizes. A laboratory mate choice experiment was consistent with the field study, finding that females of the large species exhibited a preference for larger males that was independent of absolute male size, but females of the small species were indifferent when choosing between males of intermediate to larger size. Species also differed in the direction of sexual size dimorphism in the field, with males being the larger sex in the large species but the smaller sex in the small species, a pattern consistent with the species differences in mate preference. Large gnathopod size relative to body size was associated with enhanced pairing success across all body sizes for the large species, but, in the small species, large gnathopod size enhanced pairing success only in smaller males. Species differences in mating behavior appear consistent with change driven by differing forms of the interaction between sexual and natural selection.
Projected Benefits of Active Surveillance for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Intensive Care Units

Hospitals use many strategies to control nosocomial transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Strategies include “passive surveillance,” with isolation of patients with known previous or current VRE colonization or infection, and “active surveillance,” which uses admission cultures, with subsequent isolation of patients who are found to be colonized with VRE. We created a mathematical model of VRE transmission in an intensive care unit (ICU) using data from an existing active surveillance program; we used the model to generate the estimated benefits associated with active surveillance. Simulations predicted that active surveillance in a 10-bed ICU would result in a 39% reduction in the annual incidence of VRE colonization when compared with no surveillance. Initial isolation of all patients, with withdrawal of isolation if the results of surveillance cultures are negative, was predicted to result in a 65% reduction. Passive surveillance was minimally effective. Using the best available data, active surveillance is projected to be effective for reducing VRE transmission in ICU settings.
First-Principles Study of Boron Diffusion in Silicon

In this Letter we investigate boron diffusion as a function of the Fermi-level position in crystalline silicon using ab initio calculations. Based on our results, a new mechanism for B diffusion mediated by Si self-interstitials is proposed. Rather than kick out of B into a mobile channel, we find a direct diffusion mechanism for the boron-interstitial pair for all Fermi-level positions. Our activation energy of $3.5--3.8$ eV, migration barrier of $0.4--0.7$ eV, and diffusion-length exponent of $\ensuremath{-}0.6$ to $\ensuremath{-}0.2$ eV are in excellent agreement with experiment.
Phonon-induced optical transitions in color centers in ionic solids

Abstract A theoretical study is made of phonon-induced optical transitions in color centers in ionic solids. The results of the theory of Conway et al. applied to substitutional Ag+ are studied, and it is argued that the theory tends to predict mixings larger than observed. Indeed, when the theory is then applied to the F center, absurd results are obtained. An alternative approach, based on the electron-lattice Hamiltonian of Frohlich, is developed and applied to the F center. The results obtained are much better, although the mixing is probably still too large. The experimental status of several systems is discussed.
A Comparative Study of Embedded and Anesthetized Zebrafish in Vivo on Myocardiac Calcium Oscillation and Heart Muscle Contraction

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been used as a model for studying vertebrate development in the cardiovascular system. In order to monitor heart contraction and cytosolic calcium oscillations, fish were either embedded in methylcellulose or anesthetized with tricaine. Using high-resolution differential interference contrast and calcium imaging microscopy, we here show that dopamine and verapamil alter calcium signaling and muscle contraction in anesthetized zebrafish, but not in embedded zebrafish. In anesthetized fish, dopamine increases the amplitude of cytosolic calcium oscillation with a subsequent increase in heart contraction, whereas verapamil decreases the frequency of calcium oscillation and heart rate. Interestingly, verapamil also increases myocardial contraction. Our data further indicate that verapamil can increase myocardial calcium sensitivity in anesthetized fish. Taken together, our data reinforce in vivo cardiac responses to dopamine and verapamil. Furthermore, effects of dopamine and verapamil on myocardial calcium and contraction are greater in anesthetized than embedded fish. We suggest that while the zebrafish is an excellent model for a cardiovascular imaging study, the cardio-pharmacological profiles are very different between anesthetized and embedded fish.
Status of the synchrotron radiation monitors for the APS facility rings

Initial results from the optical synchrotron radiation (OSR) monitors for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) have been obtained. Data using electron beams on the positron accumulator ring (PAR) at 400 MeV, the injector synchrotron (IS) up to 7-GeV, and the main storage ring (SR) at 4.5 and 7 GeV address both transverse profiles and/or longitudinal bunch length. Recent measurements on OSR transported outside of the PAR and IS enclosures include transverse damping information. Streak camera and photodiode detectors have been used to measure bunch length compression /spl sigma//sub t/=1000 to 400 ps on the PAR and damping on the IS of /spl sigma//sub t/=200 to 75 ps, First transverse images have been recorded on the main ring from a single turn and for stored beam.
Edible Coatings on Frozen King Salmon: Effect of Whey Protein Isolate and Acetylated Monoglycerides on Moisture Loss and Lipid Oxidation

Whey protein isolate (WPI) and acetylated monoglyceride (AMG) coatings were evaluated for effectiveness against moisture loss and lipid oxidation of frozen King salmon. A model gel material was also used to screen coatings for effectiveness against moisture loss. Coatings of low-melting-point AMG used alone or after applying WPI solution or WPI powder were effective in reducing the rate of moisture loss by 4265% during the first 3 wk of storage. Onset of lipid oxidation was delayed and peak peroxide values were reduced in samples coated with WPI solution/antioxidant overspray or those containing low-meltingpoint AMGs. No differences in effectiveness were found among the coating treatments.
The Politics of Subnational Undemocratic Regime Reproduction in Argentina and Mexico

This article studies the continued existence of subnational undemocratic regimes in Argentina and Mexico, two countries that have recently experienced national democratization. The first part of the article offers a conceptualization of subnational democracy and measures its territorial extension across all subnational units. The second part explores a common, albeit not systematically tested explanation about subnational undemocratic regime continuity, namely, that these regimes persist because they meet national incumbents’ strategic political needs. This claim is tested using statistical analyses to contrast patterns of spending across undemocratic subnational units during the presidencies of Menem (1989-1999), De la Rua (2000-2001), Duhalde (2002), and Kirchner (2003-2007) in Argentina, and Fox (2000-2006) in Mexico. Contradicting conventional wisdom, the results show that presidents only reproduce a handful of subnational undemocratic regimes, as not all of them can meet presidential needs. In addition, the results reveal that the strategic calculation of presidents regarding this reproduction is dictated by factors that have been largely overlooked by the literature.
Applying Succession Management Benefits For Leadership Continuity

Faced with increasing numbers of employees retiring and dwindling replacements, corporations are implementing succession management programs at all levels of the organization to build structural leadership for internal employee advancement, and ensure leadership continuity. There is a need for succession planning management in public service agencies. This article discusses succession management benefits, and incorporation of strategic human resource management tools for leadership continuity in anticipation for retirements and replacements, and suggests future research directions.
International Real Estate Portfolio Construction: Conditional and Unconditional Methods

Executive Summary. In recent years, investors have become increasingly interested in the potential benefits of international real estate investments. However, very little empirical evidence exists ...
The Conservative Case for Progressive Taxation

This article explores whether conservatives, in particular classical or institutional conservatives, should support the radical tax reform currently being promoted by various elements of the Republican party, or should instead support continuation of progressive income taxation. The article looks first at the different types of conservative thought prevalent today, and then briefly reviews both the current progressive income tax system and the various, mostly consumption-tax based, reform proposals. The article then compares the current system and the proposed consumption-based reforms based on the main tenents of classical conservative thought as set forth by Russell Kirk. The article then argues that the progressive income tax is consistent with natural law; that it does not in practice promote a narrowing uniformity or a classeless society (and in fact does promote social peace); and that it does not destroy private property to any significantly greater extent than any other form of taxation. The article concludes by pointing out that tax reform advocates are all tradition-destroying utilitarian economists at heart, and that prudent institutional conservatives should thus resist change and support an institution, our current income tax, that successfully raises revenue and keeps the social peace.
Parahippocampal Cortex Processes the Nonspatial Context of an Event

Parahippocampal cortex (PHc) is known to process spatial information, both in perceptual and episodic memory studies. However, recent theories propose an expanded role for PHc in processing context information in general, whether spatial or nonspatial. The current study used a source memory paradigm to investigate encoding and retrieval of nonspatial context information. Human participants were asked to judge lexical aspects of word stimuli and to retrieve those judgments during a later memory test. Anterior PHc showed significantly greater activation for items associated with correct source judgments than items associated with incorrect source judgments during both encoding and retrieval phases. These findings suggest that the role of PHc in episodic memory cannot be limited to spatial information.
A College Teaching Course for Future Ph.D.'s in Mathematics

(1974). A College Teaching Course for Future Ph.D.'s in Mathematics. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 81, No. 10, pp. 1105-1110.
Range-Gated Intensified CCD Imager for Single-Ended Atmospheric Characterization

Real-time measurement of local atmospheric propagation channel conditions with range-gated intensified-CCD imager applied to optical turbulence and atmospheric extinction and scattering characterization. Results of lab experiment, field test, and wave-optics propagation simulations are presented
Real Time in Situ Chemical Characterization of Submicrometer Organic Particles Using Direct Analysis in Real Time-Mass Spectrometry

Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) is used to analyze the surface chemical composition of nanometer-sized organic aerosol particles in real time at atmospheric pressure. By introducing a stream of particles in between the DART ionization source and the atmospheric pressure inlet of the mass spectrometer, the aerosol is exposed to a thermal flow of helium or nitrogen gas containing some fraction of metastable helium atoms or nitrogen molecules. In this configuration, the molecular constituents of organic particles are desorbed, ionized, and detected with reduced molecular ion fragmentation, allowing for compositional identification. Aerosol particles detected include alkanes, alkenes, acids, esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and amino acids. The ion signal produced by DART-MS scales with the aerosol surface area rather than volume, suggesting that DART-MS is a viable technique to measure the chemical composition of the particle interface. For oleic acid, particle size measurements of the aerosol stream exiting the ionization region suggest that the probing depth depends upon the desorption temperature, and the probing depth is estimated to be on the order of 5 nm for a 185 nm diameter particle at a DART heater temperature of 500 °C with nitrogen as the DART gas. The reaction of ozone with submicrometer oleic acid particles is measured to demonstrate the ability of this technique to identify products and quantify reaction rates in a heterogeneous reaction.
The Paradox of Soft Skills versus Technical Skills in is Hiring

This paper calls attention to a paradox in the recruiting and hiring literature in IS and offers a possible reconciliation of the paradox based on recent advances in behavioral decision theory. The paradox is the contradictory demand for IT/IS technologies as advertised job skills in contrast to soft skills as actual or implicit hiring criteria. The specific purpose of this research is to introduce a model that may explain and reconcile the use and importance of both technical skills and soft skills in the hiring of IS personnel. This model utilizes a variant of emerging behavioral decision theory, called Image Theory to develop a two-stage process of IS hiring where the first stage utilizes technical skills for filtration and the second stage utilizes soft skills for the choice in actual hiring. This model of IS hiring decision making may serve as a starting point for future research on the demand for IS job skills.
Biologic features of 403 pediatric leukemia in Children's Hospital in Zhejiang Province in East China

Objective: To investigate the subtype distribution of pediatric leukemia in East China and improve the prognosis of pediatric leukemia patient in our country by studying the biologic features of Pediatric leukemia in Children's Hospital in Zhejiang Province.Methods: We retrospectively studied the records of 403 consecutive patients with childhood leukemias who were initially diagnosed at our hospital during the past three years from November 2005 to October 2008.Results: Of the 403 patients,68.73%(277) patients were diagnosed as ALL,25.56%(103) as AML,4.96%(20) as CML and 0.74%(3) as AHL(acute hybrid leukemia),with the median age of 5.17 years old.The ratio of male to female was 1.82 ∶ 1.The median age of 277 ALL patients was 4.75(0.32-14) years old,with the ratio of male to female was 1.80 ∶ 1(1.2-1.6 ∶ 1 in American).The ratio of B to T lineage ALL was 5.63 ∶ 1(5.67-9 ∶ 1 in developed countries) with the median ages of 4.32,8.74(0.32-14,1.38-13.52) years old for B and T lineage ALL,respectively.TEL / AML1,BCR / ABL fusion genes were detected in 15.9%(25 /157) and 5.41%(10 /185) of the B lineage ALL respectively,while 6.06%(2 /33) and 3.03%(1/33) of the T lineage ALL were found positive for these two fusion genes,respectively.The median age of 103 AML patients is 6.63 years old while the ratio of male to female was 1.78 ∶ 1(1.3-2.4 ∶ 1in American) with the most common type of M2.AML1 / ETO fusion gene was detected in 50%(13 /26) and 25.40%(16 /63) in the M2 patients and the overall AML patients respectively while PML / RARa was identified in 66.67%(10 /15) in the M3 subtype.Conclusion: Our study has revealed that the biologic features vary in some extent from the data reported in literatures of both at home and abroad indicating the characteristics in different region,different ethic origin and different environmental exposures,which may provide some insights of pediatric leukemia of this particular region in eastern China.
Seven elements affecting governance and performance in the water sector

Abstract A number of studies have emphasized that governance has many components, including accountability, autonomy, role clarity, policy coherence (especially as related to objectives), stakeholder participation/engagement, professionalism (capacity), and transparency. This study identifies seven elements affecting infrastructure performance: institutions, interests (stakeholders), information, incentives, ideas, ideals (priorities placed on objectives), and individuals (leadership). It describes how these seven interrelated elements determine how effectively a regulatory system responds to challenges.
Hexokinase and G6PDH Catalyzed Reactions of Glucose Measurement

Abstract The purpose of this lab is for you to gain an understanding of how glucose concentration can be accurately determined based on your hands-on experience. Here, you use glucose-specific enzyme to measure the glucose concentrations in cell culture media and juice. Enzymatic glucose measurement is more accurate than traditional chemicalreducing methods, particularly when other reducing chemicals are present in the samples. In this lab, you are asked to generate a standard curve and calculate your sample concentrations based on the standard curve and your sample measurements. The learning objectives are to 1. Learn how to make a standard curve 2. Learn and understand how to dilute samples for an accurate measurement 3. Understand how to use the standard curve to calculate sample concentration 4. Understand why sample absorptions need to be corrected by subtracting various backgrounds.
Superoxide and the Superoxide Dismutases: An Introduction by Irwin Fridovich

The univalent reduction of molecular oxygen to superoxide is the facile pathway for oxygen reduction because of the spin restriction facing its divalent reduction by pairs of spin-opposed electrons. The reactivity of superoxide, and of its conjugate acid the hydroperoxyl radical, threatens aerobic life. Defenses are essential and these are provided by superoxide dismutases (SODs) that efficiently catalyze the conversion of superoxide into oxygen plus hydrogen peroxide. Several SODs are known. These include the Cu,ZnSODs, MnSODs, FeSODs, and NiSODS. An adequate defense against the toxicity of oxygen must also include enzymes that scavenge H2O2, such as the catalases and peroxidases, as well as enzymes that allow repair of that damage that does occur despite the protective actions of the defensive enzymes.
Dielectric measurements on particles using dielectrophoretic levitation

Both analytical and experimental results indicate the sensitivity of dielectrophoretic levitation to the shape and spacing of electrodes. In selection of an electrode configuration, several factors are important. First, the range of realizable static levitation positions between the release point and the field null must be maximized. The result is increased sensitivity of the measurement and improved visibility of levitated particles or bubbles. Second, the “voltage efficiency” must be good. Good voltage efficiency means that particles can be levitated without recourse to excessively high voltages. For an electrode configuration such as the ring/plane system of Figure 2, where an approximate analytical solution is possible, the various tradeoffs can be examined employing a desk-top calculator with an x−y plotter. Despite some deficiencies in the analytical expression, i.e., Equation (5), the trends and tradeoffs identified by the analysis are verified by experimental measurement. For more practical electrode configurations such as those depicted in Figure 5, an experimental approach is the only convenient way to determine performance. Of the configurations tested so far, that shown in Figure 5b seems to be best. While its voltage efficiency is only 94%,compared to an equivalent ring/plane system, it does offer much better sensitivity and more convenient particle visibility (unobscured by any electrode structure). Other interesting electrode structures come to mind, and these all require the same experimental approach of mapping out the electric field gradient (∂E Z 1/∂z) before their merits can be assessed.
Comparing Acquisition of Exchange-Based and Signed Mands With Children With Autism

Therapists and educators frequently teach alternative-communication systems, such as picture exchanges or manual signs, to individuals with developmental disabilities who present with expressive language deficits. Michael (1985) recommended a taxonomy for alternative communication systems that differentiated between selection-based systems in which each response is topographically identical (e.g., card selection and exchange systems) and topography-based systems in which each response is topographically distinct (e.g., signed language). We compared the efficiency of training picture exchanges and signs with 3 participants who presented with severe language deficits; all participants acquired the picture-exchange responses more readily.
The association of layperson characteristics with the quality of simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance

Background Few studies have examined the association of layperson characteristics with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provision. Previous studies suggested provider characteristics, including age and gender, were associated with CPR quality, particularly chest compression (CC) depth. We sought to determine the association of subject characteristics, including age and gender with layperson CPR quality during an unannounced simulated CPR event. We hypothesized shallower CC depth in females, and older-aged subjects. Methods As part of a larger multicenter randomized controlled trial of CPR training for cardiac patients' caregivers, CPR skills were assessed 6 months after training. We analyzed associations between subject characteristics and CC rate, CC depth and no-flow time. Each variable was analyzed independently; significant predictors determined via univariate analysis were assessed in a multivariate regression model. Results A total of 521 laypersons completed a 6-month CPR skills assessment and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 51.8±13.7 years, 75% were female, 57% were Caucasian. Overall, mean CC rate was 88.5±25.0 per minute, CC depth was 50.9±2.0 mm, and mean no-flow time was 15.9±2.7 sec/min. CC depth decreased significantly in subjects >62 years (P Conclusion We found that layperson age >62 years and female gender are associated with shallower CC depth.
Sociology, Theory, and the Feminist Sociological Canon: Questioning the Use of “Doing Gender” as a Sociological Theory

In this article, I revisit the concept of “doing gender” to query whether the framework as directly articulated by West and Zimmerman is meant to be a description of social life (a social theory) o...
Stitching Codeable Circuits: High School Students’ Learning About Circuitry and Coding with Electronic Textiles

Learning about circuitry by connecting a battery, light bulb, and wires is a common activity in many science classrooms. In this paper, we expand students’ learning about circuitry with electronic textiles, which use conductive thread instead of wires and sewable LEDs instead of lightbulbs, by integrating programming sensor inputs and light outputs and examining how the two domains interact. We implemented an electronic textiles unit with 23 high school students ages 16–17 years who learned how to craft and code circuits with the LilyPad Arduino, an electronic textile construction kit. Our analyses not only confirm significant increases in students’ understanding of functional circuits but also showcase students’ ability in designing and remixing program code for controlling circuits. In our discussion, we address opportunities and challenges of introducing codeable circuit design for integrating maker activities that include engineering and computing into classrooms.
Abstract 2420: Integrative analyses of gene expression, DNA methylation, genotype and copy number alterations characterize X-chromosome inactivation in ovarian cancer

Introduction: In females, X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) epigenetically silences transcription of one copy of the X chromosome. Which chromosome is silenced is randomly selected, and is tissue- and cell-specific. While some genes are known to escape XCI under normal conditions, aberrant XCI patterns are thought to occur in female-specific cancers, although the role of XCI in ovarian tumorigenesis and progression is largely unknown. The process of XCI is complex, and integration of gene expression, DNA methylation, and copy number data can inform the XCI status of individual genes and chromosome-wide XCI patterns for individual patients. Methods: We evaluated gene- and chromosome-level patterns of XCI by integrating RNA sequence, copy number alteration, genotype, and DNA methylation data to study XCI escape patterns in tumor samples from 99 ovarian cancer patients. We measured allele-specific expression (ASE) for 397 X-linked genes to identify the active alleles for each tumor. Combining ASE data with knowledge of copy number status, we used a Bayesian beta-binomial mixture model to estimate which genes escaped XCI for each patient, and validated our findings using DNA methylation data. To assess global XCI patterns, we performed cluster analyses on the ASE and methylation data, after adjusting for loss of heterozygosity. We examined the relationship between the clusters and clinical factors, including overall survival and time to recurrence. Results: DNA promoter methylation demonstrated inverse regional correlations with ASE. Cluster analyses using ASE and methylation data demonstrated evidence of two tumor clusters, representing normal XCI and global XCI dysregulation. The dysregulated XCI cluster (N=52) was associated with lower X-inactive specific transcript expression as expected (p Conclusions: We identified discrepant gene-level XCI tumor classifications compared to normal tissue and identified a group of patients with chromosome-wide XCI dysregulation associated with worse clinical prognosis. This provides evidence of the role of XCI in ovarian cancer and highlights the need to integrate multiple genomic data types to study XCI. Citation Format: Stacey J. Winham, Nicholas B. Larson, Sebastian M. Armasu, Zachary C. Fogarty, Melissa C. Larson, Kimberly R. Kalli, Kate Lawrenson, Simon Gayther, Brooke L. Fridley, Ellen L. Goode. Integrative analyses of gene expression, DNA methylation, genotype and copy number alterations characterize X-chromosome inactivation in ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2420. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2420
Crater relaxation on Titan aided by low thermal conductivity sand infill

Abstract Titan's few impact craters are currently many hundreds of meters shallower than the depths expected. Assuming these craters initially had depths equal to that of similar-size fresh craters on Ganymede and Callisto (moons of similar size, composition, and target lithology), then some process has shallowed them over time. Since nearly all of Titan's recognized craters are located within the arid equatorial sand seas of organic-rich dunes, where rain is infrequent, and atmospheric sedimentation is expected to be low, it has been suggested that aeolian infill plays a major role in shallowing the craters. Topographic relaxation at Titan's current heat flow was previously assumed to be an unimportant process on Titan due to its low surface temperature (94 K). However, our estimate of the thermal conductivity of Titan's organic-rich sand is remarkably low (0.025 W m−1 K−1), and when in thick deposits, will result in a thermal blanketing effect that can aid relaxation. Here, we simulate the relaxation of Titan's craters Afekan, Soi, and Sinlap including thermal effects of various amounts of sand inside and around Titan's craters. We find that the combination of aeolian infill and subsequent relaxation can produce the current crater depths in a geologically reasonable period of time using Titan's current heat flow. Instead of needing to fill completely the missing volume with 100% sand, only ∼62%, ∼71%, and ∼97%, of the volume need be sand at the current basal heat flux for Afekan, Soi, and Sinlap, respectively. We conclude that both processes are likely at work shallowing these craters, and this finding contributes to why Titan overall lacks impact craters in the arid equatorial regions.
Hyperelliptic Curves and Quadratic Residue Codes

For an odd prime p and a nonempty subset S⊂GF(p), consider the hyperelliptic curve X S defined by $$y^2=f_S(x),$$ where f S (x)=∏a∈S(x−a). Since the days of E. Artin in the early 1900s, mathematicians have searched for good estimates for the number of points on such curves. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, A. Weil developed good estimates when the genus is small relative to the size of the prime p. When the genus is large compared to p, good estimates are still unknown.
Evaluation of Mycotoxin Production by Two Isolates of Aspergillus Flavus on Illicit Marihuana

The widespread distribution of the Aspergilli in nature has resulted in the vulnerability of many agricultural commodities to possible contamination with potentially toxin-producing species. Poor handling practices during the illicit processing and storage of marihuana plant material increase the likelihood of contamination with low levels of secondary fungal metabolites, mycotoxins, which have been shown to have deleterious effects in both animals and humans (Busby and Wogan, 1984; Dvorackova et al., 1981; Dvorackova, 1976; IARC, 1976; Newberne and Butler, 1969).
Osseointegrated Transcutaneous Device for Amputees: A Pilot Large Animal Model

Traditional above-the-knee amputation prosthetics utilize a stump-socket interface that is well-known for skin/socket problems, sitting difficulty, disuse osteopenia, and increased work of ambulation. As a result, we evaluated a novel osseointegrated transcutaneous implant in a large animal. The implant was designed to promote osseointegration at the bone-implant interface and minimize complications. As proof of concept, four Dorset sheep underwent a two-stage surgery for forelimb placement of an osseointegrated transcutaneous implant utilizing Compress® technology (Biomet, Inc., Warsaw, IN). Two sheep received a long anchor plug (90 mm long x 9 mm in diameter) and two received a short anchor plug (46 mm long x 9 mm in diameter). Sixteen weeks after the initial surgery, the operative limbs, along with the attached implant, underwent radiographic and histological analysis for osseointegration. Periprosthetic fractures occurred in the two animals that received the longer internal prosthesis; one healed with splinting and the other animal underwent a second surgical procedure to advance the amputation site more proximal. No fractures occurred in the shorter internal prosthesis group. There was no histological evidence of infection and none of the transcutaneous adapters failed. Bone-implant osseointegration was demonstrated in two of three limbs that underwent histological analysis. This unique implant demonstrated osseointegration without transcutaneous adapter failure, all while displaying minimal infection risk from the outside environment. Although it involved short-term follow-up in a limited number of animals, this pilot study provides a platform for further investigation into the valid concept of using Compress® technology as an endo-exo device.
Ambient particulate matter enhances the pulmonary allergic immune response to house dust mite in a BALB/c mouse model by augmenting Th2- and Th17-immune responses

Ambient particulate matter (PM) exacerbates airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity in asthmatic patients. Studies show that PM has adjuvant-like properties that enhance the allergic inflammatory response; however, the mechanisms through which PM enhances these processes remain elusive. The objective of the study was to examine how ambient PM enhances the allergic immune response. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) or HDM and ambient particulate matter (PM, 2.5 μm; Sacramento, CA) to assess how PM modulates the development of adaptive immune responses against allergens. Both groups were challenged with HDM only. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was analyzed for extent of airway inflammation. Lung tissue was used for histological analysis, mucosubstance quantification, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) localization/quantification. Gene expression was analyzed in whole lung to characterize immune markers of inflammation: cytokines, chemokines, antioxidant enzymes, and transcription factors. Cytokine and chemokine protein levels were quantified in whole lung to confirm gene expression patterns. Compared to HDM-only sensitization, exposure to PM during HDM sensitization led to significant immune cell recruitment into the airway subepithelium, IgE gene expression, mucosubstance production, and Th2-associated cytokine expression. HO-1 levels were not significantly different between the treatment groups. Gene expression profiles suggest that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content in PM activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and enhanced Th17-responses in the mice that received HDM and PM compared to mice that received HDM-only. The findings suggest that PM enhances allergic sensitization via enhancement of Th2-mediated inflammation and that AhR activation by PAHs in PM promotes Th17-immune responses.
Abstract P1-08-18: Initiating adjuvant endocrine therapy: Choice of drugs and changes in the patent status of aromatase inhibitors

Background : Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and tamoxifen are guideline recommended adjuvant endocrine therapies for postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer. Before 2010, all AIs were brand-name, while tamoxifen was generic. In June 2010, anastrozole became the first AI with generic versions available. Generic exemestane became available in April 2011, and generic letrozole in June 2011. We study the associations between the generic drug availability, choice of drug initiated and changes in out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for elderly women in the Medicare program newly diagnosed with HR+ breast cancer. Methods : From the SEER-Medicare linked database, we selected women whose first HR+ breast cancer was diagnosed at age 65 or older between 2007 and 2013, and who had Medicare Part D (pharmacy) coverage in the 12 months following the diagnosis (or until death). Results : Prior to the availability of all generic AIs, the average monthly OOP costs of AIs were as high as $150 with a yearly repeating pattern of highs and lows. Consistent with Part D benefit design, the average monthly OOP costs for patients were the lowest around February and the highest around October. The percent of patients who initiated endocrine therapy was stable (60%). After all AIs had generic versions available, the OOP costs decreased, and fluctuations of the average monthly OOP costs disappeared. The OOP costs for the two AIs with the highest market shares stabilized to around $10. The average monthly OOP costs of tamoxifen were constantly around $10. Compared to the dramatic changes in the OOP costs of AIs, the changes in utilization were modest. The percent of patients who initiated any drug increased to 70% in 2012-14. The percent of patients choosing anastrozole, exemestane and tamoxifen increased by 3-5%, while letrozole decreased by 10%, compared to that in 2007-2009. Increases in anastrozole were only substantial before generic letrozole was available (June 2010-May 2011). Conclusions : With generic entry, dramatic decreases in the prices and increases in initiations would be expected. We saw dramatic decreases in average monthly OOP costs. Changes in choice of AI were modest, especially considering tamoxifen initiation also increased after all generic AIs were available. Citation Format: Qin X, Huckfeldt P, Virnig BA. Initiating adjuvant endocrine therapy: Choice of drugs and changes in the patent status of aromatase inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-18.
Total plasma heme concentration increases after red blood cell transfusion and predicts mortality in critically ill medical patients

BACKGROUND Relationships between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, circulating cell-free heme, and clinical outcomes in critically ill transfusion recipients are incompletely understood. The goal of this study was to determine whether total plasma heme increases after RBC transfusion and predicts mortality in critically ill patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of 111 consecutive medical intensive care patients requiring RBC transfusion. Cell-free heme was measured in RBC units before transfusion and in the patients' plasma before and after transfusion. RESULTS Total plasma heme levels increased in response to transfusion, from a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 35 (26-76) μmol/L to 47 (35-73) μmol/L (p < 0.001). Posttransfusion total plasma heme was higher in nonsurvivors (54 [35-136] μmol/L) versus survivors (44 [31-65] μmol/L, p = 0.03). Posttransfusion total plasma heme predicted hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per quartile increase in posttransfusion plasma heme, 1.76 [1.17-2.66]; p = 0.007). Posttransfusion total plasma heme was not correlated with RBC unit storage duration and weakly correlated with RBC unit cell-free heme concentration. CONCLUSIONS Total plasma heme concentration increases in critically ill patients after RBC transfusion and is independently associated with mortality. This transfusion-associated increase in total plasma heme is not fully explained by RBC unit storage age or cell-free heme content. Additional studies are warranted to define mechanisms of transfusion-related plasma heme accumulation and test prevention strategies.
Evaluation of selective outcome reporting bias in efficacy endpoints in print and television advertisements for oncology drugs.

e18179Background: Drug advertisements marketed to consumers and healthcare providers have been the subject of recent debate, and the efficacy endpoints that underpin these advertisements may sway p...