cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypovascular Renal Tumors: An Aggressive Diagnostic Approach Required

AbstractThe value of a fine needle aspiration biopsy for confirmation of malignancy is demonstrated in 3 cases of angiographically hypovascular renal tumors. In 2 cases ultrasound examination suggested solid lesions but in 1 case it was predominantly sonolucent. Reliable documentation in the literature indicates that the risk of spreading tumor cells and, hence, of decreasing the survival rate is negligible.
Calculated vs. analyzed composition of four modified fat diets

Controlled diets can be calculated from food tables with nutrient contents which generally agree with analyzed values.
EDITOR'S REMARKS: HYPERBOLIC PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: A FEW OPENING COMMENTS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents some remarks pertaining to hyperbolic partial differential equations. The deterministic models of biological populations are highly simplified in nature. Although analytic solutions to the simplified equations have been demonstrated, the situations described by these early equations are so far from those observed in natural populations and in natural systems in general. In many cases, the behavior of the laboratory populations grown under strictly controlled conditions has been quite different from that predicted by the theoretical models that were proposed to describe the specific behavior. Discrete models are not only found in demography, and ecology for extensive bibliographies but also in cell kinetics and cellular aging.
Observation of motorcycle helmet use rates in Michigan after partial repeal of the universal motorcycle helmet law

Motorcycle crashes result in a significant health burden, including many fatal injuries and serious non-fatal head injuries. Helmets are highly effective in preventing such trauma, and jurisdictions that require helmet use of all motorcyclists have higher rates of helmet use and lower rates of head injuries among motorcyclists. The current study examines helmet use and characteristics of helmeted operators and their riding conditions in Michigan, following a weakening of the state's universal motorcycle helmet use law in April 2012. Data on police-reported crashes occurring during 2012-14 and from a stratified roadside observational survey undertaken in Southeast Michigan during May-September 2014 were used to estimate statewide helmet use rates. Observed helmet use was more common among operators of sports motorcycles, on freeways, and in the morning, and least common among operators of cruisers, on minor arterials, and in the afternoon. The rate of helmet use across the state was estimated at 75%, adjusted for roadway type, motorcycle class, and time of day. Similarly, the helmet use rate found from examination of crash records was 73%. In the observation survey, 47% of operators wore jackets, 94% wore long pants, 54% wore boots, and 80% wore gloves. Protective clothing of jackets and gloves was most often worn by sport motorcycle operators and long pants and boots most often by riders of touring motorcycles. Findings highlight the much lower rate of helmet use in Michigan compared with states that have a universal helmet use law, although the rate is higher than observed in many states with partial helmet laws. Targeted interventions aimed at specific groups of motorcyclists and situations where helmet use rates are particularly low should be considered to increase helmet use.
The Myth of Universality in Transnational Organizational Science

The purpose of this chapter is to examine, from a transnational perspective, the universality myth in applied organizational science. Accordingly, the first section considers the notion of organizational science in a transnational business environment. The second explores the concept of myth and the meaningfulness of any knowledge underpinned by it in organizational science. The third focuses on the myth of universality in organizational science, in general, and transnational organizational science, in particular. The fourth section uses the parochial-ethnocentric management context to illustrate the challenge of the universality myth in transnational organizational science. The fifth presents some of the emerging issues and perspectives reflected by this chapter and detailed by the other chapters in this volume. A summary follows as the final section of the chapter. Throughout, the discussion points to, or focuses on, important research and practice issues, perspectives, and implications for management in the international, cross-cultural, multicultural world of organizations.
A high dose of isoniazid disturbs endobiotic homeostasis in mouse liver

Overdose of isoniazid (INH), an antituberculosis drug, can be life-threatening because of neurotoxicity. In clinical practice for management of INH overdose and acute toxicity, the potential of INH-induced hepatotoxicity is also considered. However, the biochemical basis of acute INH toxicity in the liver remains elusive. In the current study, we used an untargeted metabolomic approach to explore the acute effects of INH on endobiotic homeostasis in mouse liver. We found that overdose of INH resulted in accumulation of oleoyl-l-carnitine and linoleoyl-l-carnitine in the liver, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. We also revealed the interactions between INH and fatty acyl-CoAs by identifying INH-fatty acid amides. In addition, we found that overdose of INH led to the accumulation of heme and oxidized NAD in the liver. We also identified an INH and NAD adduct in the liver. In this adduct, the nicotinamide moiety in NAD was replaced by INH. Furthermore, we illustrated that overdose of INH depleted vitamin B6 in the liver and blocked vitamin B6-dependent cystathionine degradation. These data suggest that INH interacts with multiple biochemical pathways in the liver during acute poisoning caused by INH overdose.
The availability of the thermal resistance model in flip-chip packages

Thermal resistance model is very simple and good tool for thermal analysis of package system. In this study, thermal resistance model was compared with simulation tool and real measurement values of flip-chip package which was made by using DTSA (Diode Temperature Sensor Array). Especially, a micro thermocouple sensor array - DTSA - has been developed to investigate the temperature distributions of underfill in flip-chip package. Various fillers were used with underfill resin system, silica, diamond, and alumina. The temperature distribution of flip- chip package was changed with various underfill system. ICEPAK simulation tool predicted the change of temperature distribution of package well and using same physical dimension, we made a thermal resistance model circuit and calculated thermal resistance values with various underfill system's thermal conductivity values which were measured with the laser flash method. Finally, measured values with DTSA was compared with ICEPAK simulated values and thermal resistance model. All three different method's thermal resistance values of maximum temperature were lay 20degC/W ~ 25degC/W. Thermal resistance model predicted the thermal resistance of DTSA flip-chip package well.
Growing role of electrical machines and drives in electrification

Over the last few decades, there has been serious effort to replace mechanical and hydraulic systems with electrical systems. This effort also includes replacing fixed-speed and old electrical drives with higher-performance variable-speed drives. This is mainly due to the higher reliability, efficiency and robustness of electrical systems. This trend of “more electric” systems could be seen across a wide range of applications. These include traction, aerospace, actuation, mining, oil & gas, and industrial applications as examples. This push for electrification posed a lot of challenges to develop electrical systems that meet the demanding requirements of the various applications including harsh environments, high power density, high efficiency and fault tolerance in safety-critical applications. At the heart of the electrification effort is the development of advanced electrical machines and drives. This paper will provide an overview of the various applications where electrification is taking place. The presentation will focus on electrical machines and drives that have been developed or are currently under development. The paper will also cover some general trends and potential areas of research.
What is it that was Really Said

The series of lectures on which this essay is based was developed for an audience with a heterogeneous scientific background which varied from music theory to psychiatry to organic chemistry. The intent of the series was to draw parallels between different disciplines and to perhaps uncover an underlying unity. Instead of this, we in fact uncovered the self-imposed limitations that scientific investigators have established in their efforts to make sense out of complex systems and processes. Starting with the first of the modern scientists (Newton) I have attempted to show how the evolution of a linear world view has dominated scientific thinking in natural philosophy. The efforts of Newton to understand mechanistic relations and those of Gauss to interpret large data sets, along with their contemporaries, have contributed to this limited and limiting view of the world. It is not my intent to in any way minimize the monumental contributions of these two great men to our understanding of the physical world. But I do wish to emphasize the influence that this style of thought has had outside the physical sciences. For example, it was this perspective that prompted Descartes to say: “If we really knew all the parts of the seed of any particular animal, man, for example, we could deduce from that alone, by certain and mathematical reasoning, the shape and conformation of each of his limbs.”
Radiative Effects of Stratospheric Seasonal Cycles in the Tropical Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere

AbstractWater vapor and ozone are powerful radiative constituents in the tropical lower stratosphere, impacting the local heating budget and nonlocally forcing the troposphere below. Their near-tropopause seasonal cycle structures imply associated “radiative seasonal cycles” in heating rates that could affect the amplitude and phase of the local temperature seasonal cycle. Overlying stratospheric seasonal cycles of water vapor and ozone could also play a role in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere heat budgets through nonlocal propagation of radiation. Previous studies suggest that the tropical lower stratospheric ozone seasonal cycle radiatively amplifies the local temperature seasonal cycle by up to 35%, while water vapor is thought to have a damping effect an order of magnitude smaller. This study uses Aura Microwave Limb Sounder observations and an offline radiative transfer model to examine ozone, water vapor, and temperature seasonal cycles and their radiative linkages in the lower stratosp...
Make to Relate: Analyzing Narratives of Community Practice

ABSTRACTAs young people design, build, and problem solve within maker spaces and clubs, they talk about making. We analyze short interviews with young people involved in maker clubs, conducted during public presentations, and hypothesize a progression through frames of participation. Moving from exploration, to exchange, and on to deliberate engagement, these frames reflect changes in the nature of participation, appropriation of community practices, and adoption of making as a tool for identity work and interest development.
Firearm injuries due to legal intervention in children and adolescents: a national analysis.

Abstract Background Firearm injuries related to legal intervention have come under scrutiny because of recent events. Methods The Kids' Inpatient Database (1997-2012) was searched for firearm injuries due to legal interventions ( International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, Clinical Modification E970) requiring inpatient admission in children aged versus strict gun law states. Results Overall, 275 cases were identified, with a 7.5% mortality rate. Incidence peaked at 1.0 per 100,000 admissions in 2006, significantly increased from a low 0.2 per 100,000 admissions in 1997, P P = 0.03. Conclusions An analysis of this very specific injury mechanism demonstrates important findings, which are difficult to collect from conventional data sources. Future research will contribute to the objective analysis of this politically charged subject.
Improving Diabetes-Related Parent-Adolescent Communication With Individualized Feedback.

Objective To pilot a brief individualized feedback intervention to improve the communication skills of parents with an adolescent with type 1 diabetes. Methods Parent-adolescent dyads (N = 79) discussed a diabetes-related problem, while an interventionist rated the parent's communication skills to give feedback to the parents. Parents were then randomized to a brief feedback session to target person-centered communication skills or an educational session. Dyads discussed another diabetes care problem to assess for change in communication skills. Independent raters coded parent communication skills from video recordings to rate behaviors in the service of examining possible changes in communication skills. Dyads completed ratings of perceived closeness and empathy after each conversation. Results Controlling for overall positive communication at baseline, parents who received feedback showed more improvement in specific person-centered communication skills than parents in the control group. Adolescents in the feedback group reported greater increases in parental empathy and intimacy from pre- to postmanipulation than the control. Conclusions The feedback intervention showed preliminary efficacy for increasing person-centered communication skills and perceived empathy and intimacy.
Sensors in the Engineering of Modern Mechatronic Systems

Abstract Sensors represent an indispensable element in modern mechatronic systems. Convergence of enabling technologies such as the Internet, communications, information technology and miniaturization technology combined with broadening applications are driving vigorous research and development of new sensors. New sensor technologies bring paradigm shifts in the way we design engineering and mechatronic systems. Recent efforts by the US National Science Foundation to promote research on sensors will be described.
Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid was recently recognized as a distinct type of coronoid fracture resulting from a varus posteromedial rotational injury force. Very few reports are available to help guide the management of these injuries. METHODS: Eighteen patients with a fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process were treated over a six-year period. Twelve patients were treated for the acute fracture, and six were managed after initial treatment elsewhere. All but three patients (two with concomitant fracture of the olecranon and one with a second fracture at the base of the coronoid) had avulsion of the origin of the lateral collateral ligament complex from the lateral epicondyle. The initial treatment was operative in fifteen patients and nonoperative in three. The coronoid fracture was secured with a plate applied to the medial surface of the coronoid in nine patients, a screw in one patient, and sutures in one patient. It was not repaired in the remaining seven patients. RESULTS: At the final evaluation, an average of twenty-six months after the injury, six patients had malalignment of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid with varus subluxation of the elbow, which was due to the fact that the fracture had not been specifically treated in four patients and to loss of fracture fixation in two patients. All six had development of arthrosis and a fair or poor result according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. The remaining twelve patients had good or excellent elbow function. CONCLUSIONS: Anteromedial fractures of the coronoid are associated with either subluxation or complete dislocation of the elbow in most patients. Secure fixation of the coronoid fracture usually restores good elbow function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION: “Fracture of the Anteromedial Facet of the Coronoid Process” (2006;88:2216-24).
Recent advances in FDTD modeling of electromagnetic wave propagation in the ionosphere

Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) modeling of electromagnetic wave propagation in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide has gained significant interest over the past two decades. Initially, FDTD modeling capabilities were largely limited to two-dimensional models assuming a plasma ionosphere (but incapable of accounting for Faraday rotation), or to threedimensional global models assuming a simple, isotropic conductivity profile ionosphere. Two algorithm developments have recently advanced the state-of-the-art in electromagnetic wave calculation capabilities in the ionosphere: (1) A new, three-dimensional efficient FDTD magnetized plasma model. (2) A Stochastic FDTD (S-FDTD) model of magnetized ionospheric plasma. The first capability permits longer-distance, higher frequency and higher altitude propagation studies by greatly reducing the memory requirements and simulation time relative to previous plasma models. The second capability introduces for the first time a way of solving for not only mean electromagnetic field values, but also their variance. This paper provides an overview of these two recent advances.
HIV-1 Resistance to the Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are widely used to treat and prevent HIV-1 infection. Most first-line antiretroviral therapies typically include two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors with one NNRTI (nevirapine (NVP), efavirenz or rilpivirine (RPV)). Etravrine has been approved for the treatment of HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy-experienced individuals, including those with prior NNRTI exposure. In the HIV-1 prevention arena, single-dose NVP is used to prevent mother-to-child transmission ((MTCT)); the ASPIRE and Ring studies are evaluating whether a vaginal ring containing dapivirine can prevent HIV-1 infection in women; a microbicide gel formulation containing the urea-PETT derivative MIV-150 is in a phase I study to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and acceptability; and a long-acting RPV formulation is under development for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Given their widespread use, particularly in resource-limited settings, there is concern in regard to overlapping resistance between the different NNRTIs. In this chapter we comprehensively review the mechanisms of action and resistance to the NNRTIs that are used clinically. A better understanding of NNRTI resistance—including the mechanisms involved—is important for (1) predicting response to treatment; (2) surveillance of transmitted drug resistance; and (3) development of new classes of NNRTIs with higher genetic barriers to resistance.
Vocabulary growth functions

This paper outlines techniques developed for use in the field of statistical linguistics - in particular, the modelling of 'vocabulary growth' functions, which descriptionbe the relationship between the total number of words counted in a text, and either the number of unique words or the number of words of a particular frequency. Many models have been suggested, however, the majority of these suffer from various theoretical and practical drawbacks. The model proposed by Sichel, which is based on a probability theory, includes many previously-used distributions as limiting or special cases. This model allows for estimation of the total active vocabulary of an individual and has been shown to descriptionbe real data very well. In the present work, Sichel's theory is extended and a new algorithm proposed for estimating model parameters in the 'non-stationary' case, where an author's active vocabulary increases as more observations are taken.
Three problems with the conventional delta-model for biomass sampling data, and a computationally efficient alternative

Ecologists often analyse biomass sampling data that result in many zeros, where remaining samples can take any positive real number. Samples are often analysed using a “delta-model” that combines t...
Adding access to a video magnifier to standard vision rehabilitation: initial results on reading performance and well-being from a prospective, randomized study.

PURPOSE Both optical and electronic magnification are available to patients with low vision. Electronic video magnifiers are more expensive than optical magnifiers, but they offer additional benefits, including variable magnification and contrast. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of access to a video magnifier (VM) added to standard comprehensive vision rehabilitation (VR). METHODS In this prospective study, 37 subjects with central field loss were randomized to receive standard VR (VR group, 18 subjects) or standard VR plus VM (VM group, 19 subjects). Subjects read the International Reading Speed Texts (IReST), a bank check, and a phone number at enrollment, at 1 month, and after occupational therapy (OT) as indicated to address patient goals. The Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire, a version of the Activity Inventory (AI), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were administered at enrollment, 1 month, after OT, 1 month later, and 1 year after enrollment. Assessments at enrollment and 1 month later were evaluated. RESULTS At 1 month, the VM group displayed significant improvement in reading continuous print as measured by the IReST (P = 0.01) but did not differ on IVI, AI, or DASS. From enrollment to 1 month all subjects improved in their ability to spot read (phone number and check; P < 0.01 for both). The VM group improved in their ability to find and read a number in a phone book more than the VR group at 1 month after initial consultation (P = 0.02). All reported better well-being (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS All subjects reported better well-being on the IVI. The VM group read faster and was better at two spot reading tasks but did not differ from the VR group in other outcome measures.
Research Evidence on Mass Mediated Health Communication Campaigns

This review paper presents a comprehensive compilation of research evidence describing the impact of health communication campaigns through the mass media. Drawing from diverse sources, it organize...
3D-MICE: integration of cross-sectional and longitudinal imputation for multi-analyte longitudinal clinical data.

Objective A key challenge in clinical data mining is that most clinical datasets contain missing data. Since many commonly used machine learning algorithms require complete datasets (no missing data), clinical analytic approaches often entail an imputation procedure to "fill in" missing data. However, although most clinical datasets contain a temporal component, most commonly used imputation methods do not adequately accommodate longitudinal time-based data. We sought to develop a new imputation algorithm, 3-dimensional multiple imputation with chained equations (3D-MICE), that can perform accurate imputation of missing clinical time series data. Methods We extracted clinical laboratory test results for 13 commonly measured analytes (clinical laboratory tests). We imputed missing test results for the 13 analytes using 3 imputation methods: multiple imputation with chained equations (MICE), Gaussian process (GP), and 3D-MICE. 3D-MICE utilizes both MICE and GP imputation to integrate cross-sectional and longitudinal information. To evaluate imputation method performance, we randomly masked selected test results and imputed these masked results alongside results missing from our original data. We compared predicted results to measured results for masked data points. Results 3D-MICE performed significantly better than MICE and GP-based imputation in a composite of all 13 analytes, predicting missing results with a normalized root-mean-square error of 0.342, compared to 0.373 for MICE alone and 0.358 for GP alone. Conclusions 3D-MICE offers a novel and practical approach to imputing clinical laboratory time series data. 3D-MICE may provide an additional tool for use as a foundation in clinical predictive analytics and intelligent clinical decision support.
Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin-C: Outcomes and Risk Factors for Failure in Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma.

Purpose There are no reported large series of trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) in Western patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Our study evaluates long-term tonometric outcomes of trabeculectomy in PACG. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study. The primary outcomes were the Kaplan-Meier success rates on survival analyses using 3 criteria, with or without adjunctive medication: (A) intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤18 mm Hg and IOP reduction of 20%; (B) IOP≤15 mm Hg and IOP reduction 25%; and (C) IOP≤12 mm Hg and IOP reduction 30%. In total, 136 eyes (102 patients) with PACG who underwent trabeculectomy MMC were included. The Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for failure with multivariate analysis (P Results The qualified success rates (±SD) after 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up for criterion A were 92% (±2.2%), 78% (±3.8%), and 72% (±4.3%); for criterion B, 86% (±3.0%), 65% (±4.4%), and 59% (±4.7%); and for criterion C, 62% (±4.2%), 40% (±4.5%), and 32% (±4.4%). Baseline factors associated with failure were: family history, absence of laser peripheral iridotomy, higher IOP, and presence of a crystalline lens. Conclusions Trabeculectomy with MMC effectively reduces IOP in PACG. Long-term IOP reduction is achieved for target IOP levels in the mid-teens. Presence of a crystalline lens, lack of iridotomy and higher preoperative IOP were associated with higher risks of failure.
Case Study: Maternity Care for a Liberian Woman

Bendu is a 33-year-old woman whose husband and two of her six children died during the Ebola crisis. Her husband was a subsistence farmer, and they lived in a rural, remote village in central Liberia. After her husband and children died, Bendu was unable to make enough money to care for herself and the rest of her family by working the farm. Her children had to stop attending school because she didn’t have the money for books or school uniforms. Many of the villagers stigmatized her and her children as Ebola survivors and would not help the family. Neighboring families who once shared parenting responsibilities and supported one another shunned Bendu and her children. She was very isolated and alone. In addition, Bendu was pregnant when her husband died and is now nearing her seventh month gestation.
Pulmonary Cytopathology in Neonatal and Pediatric Age Groups

Cytologic evaluation of several types of specimens from the lower respiratory tract is routinely performed in adult pulmonary medicine. It is primarily used for working up patients with respiratory symptoms, especially those suspected of harboring cancer. Because of the excellent diagnostic yield and high accuracy rate, pulmonary cytopathology has become an indispensable diagnostic tool. In the pediatric population, however, the use of cytopathology is very limited. The possible reasons are: 1. Most pulmonary diseases in the general pediatric population are infectious. The majority are either bacterial or viral in origin, self-limiting, or transient, and are empirically treated based on clinical judgment. In more severe cases, the offending organisms are isolated, cultured, and have specific therapy instituted. Invasive diagnostic procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy or fine needle biopsy for cytopathologic study) are generally not sought. Sputum samples are difficult to obtain from children because of their inability to expectorate. 2. Several pulmonary diseases are diffuse and interstitial in nature, where cytopathology may not be diagnostically useful. 3. Solitary lung lesions (neoplasms or localized inflammatory processes), where a fine needle aspiration biopsy would be most diagnostic, are uncommon in the pediatric age group compared with adults. In the pediatric population, thoracotomy and open biopsy are still preferred to fine needle biopsies by many clinicians and surgeons. 4. Until recently bronchoscopy was not a popular procedure in pediatric practice because of the large size of bronchoscopes. Relative inexperience on the part of pulmonologists to perform the procedure in this age group also contributed to the underutilization of cytopathology laboratory services. 5. Lack of interest in the descipline of cytopathology by some pathologists to aggressively recommend and offer cytopathology services.
Determining Stresses Thermoelastically around Neighboring Holes whose Associated Stresses Interact

Since stresses at a geometric discontinuity can be influenced by the neighboring structural compliance, this paper emphasizes determining the individual components of stress in a finite tensile plate containing two different-size neighboring holes. Stresses associated with the respective holes interact. Relatively little information is available for such cases, purely analytical solutions are extremely difficult for finite geometries, and numerical approaches are challenging if the external loading is not well known. An effective method for determining stresses in perforated finite plane-problems is to synergize measured temperature information with a series representation of an Airy stress function. A separate stress function is employed here with each hole. The coefficients of the stress functions are evaluated from the recorded temperatures, imposing the traction-free conditions analytically at the edge of the holes, as well as satisfying stress compatibility between the holes. The number of Airy coefficients utilized is substantiated experimentally. TSA results agree with those from FEM and commercial strain gages. The technology has implications relative to reducing stress concentration factors.
Abstract 3097: Chemo prevention effect of Withaferin A, a natural compound, on mouse models of colorectal carcinogenesis

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in United States as well as worldwide. Development of sporadic CRC takes an average of 15-20 years, so establishing preventive measures are possible. We are interested in a dietary compound, Withaferin-A (WA), which possesses both chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive properties. WA9s effect was studied on both colitis-mediated colon and spontaneous-intestinal carcinogenesis mouse models. Methods: In the present study, two animal models of colon cancer were used to study the chemo- preventive effect of WA. In intestinal tumorigenesis model C57BL/6-ApcMin/+ , mice at six weeks of age were orally fed with the vehicle or WA (4mg/kg body weight of mice) for five days per week for 12-14 weeks. The other model used was AOM/DSS (Azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium), which induces gut inflammation and tumorigenesis. Intraperitoneal injection of AOM (8mg/kg) was followed by three cycles of DSS. WA (3mg/kg body weight of mice) was administered five times per week for 8-10 weeks. After completion of the studies, the tumor tissues were subjected to histopathological and molecular analysis. An unpaired Student9s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Oral administration of WA to ApcMin/+ mice leads to a significant decrease in the number of intestinal polyps and colon tumors (colon: 42%, p=0.025), proximal: 53%, p=0.0063, middle: 27.84%, p= 0.28, distal: 32.8, p= 0.001) when compared to vehicle-treated mice. Similarly, in AOM/DSS, oral administration of WA reduced polyp multiplicity by 40% (p= 0.02) compared to vehicle-treated controls. Moreover, the treatment group of both colon cancer models showed inhibition of pro-survival signaling markers (Notch1, pAKT and NFκB) as well as a decrease in proliferative markers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that WA effectively suppresses intestinal polyp development and colitis-mediated colon carcinogenesis, suggesting a preventive and therapeutic role in colon cancer models. These findings warrant further investigation to develop novel strategies to achieve maximum benefit of dietary agents for cancer chemoprevention. Citation Format: Deeksha Pal, Balaji Chandrasekaran, Becca Von Baby, Houda Alatassi, Murali Ankem, Chendil Damodaran. Chemo prevention effect of Withaferin A, a natural compound, on mouse models of colorectal carcinogenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3097.
Consortia and Collaboration in Environmental Sciences

Consortia are a voluntary partnership that builds knowledge and community. The idea of consortia originated from Japan and British business models. Changes in the laws in the USA in the 1980s allowed for business consortia to form in the USA. Academic consortia often use shared resources to work on large projects or solve big problems. Best practices are (1) defining metrics of success and failure in the planning stages, (2) bringing the best scientists to the group and trusting them to participate and communicate, (3) sharing data and discussing ownership and authorship often, and (4) creating policies that reduce the impact of Rogue Researchers and Rogue Writers. Inclusivity should be intentional from the outset of the consortium and revisited periodically.
Fannie C. Williams (1882–1980)

This chapter highlights the accomplishments and historical significance of Fannie C. Williams, who established Child Health Day in 1928. She also instituted kindergarten and standardized testing in New Orleans Public Schools. The chapter also offers a critical analysis of the role Ms. Williams had in contributing to the growth and development of education in the African American community, especially as it relates to education policies and practices in twentieth-century America.
Evaluating the Implementation of Deep Learning in LibreHealth Radiology on Chest X-Rays

Respiratory diseases are the dominant cause of deaths worldwide. In the US, the number of deaths due to chronic lung infections (mostly pneumonia and tuberculosis), lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has increased. Timely and accurate diagnosis of the disease is highly imperative to diminish the deaths. Chest X-ray is a vital diagnostic tool used for diagnosing lung diseases. Delay in X-Ray diagnosis is run-of-the-mill milieu and the reasons for the impediment are mostly because the X-ray reports are arduous to interpret, due to the complex visual contents of radiographs containing superimposed anatomical structures. A shortage of trained radiologists is another cause of increased workload and thus delay. We integrated CheXNet, a neural network algorithm into the LibreHealth Radiology Information System, which allows physicians to upload Chest X-rays and identify diagnosis probabilities. The uploaded images are evaluated from labels for 14 thoracic diseases. The turnaround time for each evaluation is about 30 s, which does not affect clinical workflow. A Python Flask application hosted web service is used to upload radiographs into a GPU server containing the algorithm. Thus, the use of this system is not limited to clients having their GPU server, but instead, we provide a web service. To evaluate the model, we randomly split the dataset into training (70%), validation (10%) and test (20%) sets. With over 86% accuracy and turnaround time under 30 s, the application demonstrates the feasibility of a web service for machine learning based diagnosis of 14-lung pathologies from Chest X-rays.
Association between DNA methylation in obesity-related genes and body mass index percentile in adolescents

Childhood obesity remains an epidemic in the U.S. and worldwide. However, little is understood regarding the epigenetic basis of obesity in adolescents. To investigate the cross-sectional association between DNA methylation level in obesity-related genes and body mass index (BMI) percentile, data from 263 adolescents in the population-based Penn State Child Cohort follow-up exam was analysed. Using DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes, epigenome-wide single nucleotide resolution of DNA methylation in cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and surrounding regions was obtained. We used multivariable-adjusted linear regression models to assess the association between site-specific methylation level and age- and sex-specific BMI percentile. Hypergeometric and permutation tests were used to determine if obesity-related genes were significantly enriched among all intragenic sites that achieved a p < 0.05 throughout the epigenome. Among the 5,669 sites related to BMI percentile with p < 0.05, 28 were identified within obesity-related genes. Obesity-related genes were significantly enriched among 103,466 intragenic sites (Phypergeometric = 0.006; Ppermutation = 0.006). Moreover, increased methylation on one site within SIM1 was significantly related to higher BMI percentile (P = 4.2E-05). If externally validated, our data would suggest that DNA methylation in obesity-related genes may relate to obesity risk in adolescents.
Expected Monetary Impact of Oncotype DX Score-Concordant Systemic Breast Cancer Therapy Based on the TAILORx Trial.

Background TAILORx demonstrated that women with node-negative, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers and Oncotype DX recurrence scores (RS) of 0-25 had similar 9-year outcomes with endocrine vs chemo-endocrine therapy; evidence for women aged 50 years and younger and RS 16-25 was less clear. We estimated how expected changes in practice following the trial might affect US costs in the initial 12 months of care (initial costs). Methods Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), SEER-Medicare, and SEER-Genomic Health Inc datasets were used to estimate Oncotype DX testing and chemotherapy rates and mean initial costs pre- and post-TAILORx (in 2018 dollars), assuming all women received Oncotype DX testing and score-suggested therapy posttrial. Sensitivity analyses tested the impact on costs of assumptions about compliance with testing and score-suggested treatment and estimation methods. Results Pretrial mean initial costs were $2.816 billion. Posttrial, Oncotype DX testing costs were projected to increase from $115 to $231 million and chemotherapy use to decrease from 25% to 17%, resulting in initial care costs of $2.766 billion, or a net savings of $49 million (1.8% decrease). A small net savings was seen under most assumptions. The one exception was if all women aged 50 years and younger with tumors with RS 16-25 elected to receive chemotherapy, initial care costs could increase by $105 million (4% increase). Conclusions Personalizing breast cancer treatment based on tumor genetic profiles could result in small cost decreases in the initial 12 months of care. Studies are needed to evaluate the long-term costs and nonmonetary benefits of personalized cancer care.
On the use of adjustable-speed pumped hydro storage operation in the U.S electricity market

Abstract Interest has been growing in the use of existing pumped hydroelectric (energy) storage (PHS) to follow the increasing variability and uncertainty of intermittent renewable resources, and to add adjustable-speed (AS) PHS capacity to the system as the need for flexible and cheap energy rises. This paper models the operation of AS PHS in the day-ahead energy market. Two optimization models (suboptimization and full optimization) are developed and compared under different renewable penetration levels, while also considering conventional generation cycling costs and network constraints. AS PHS is modeled and tested in the Western Energy Coordinating Council (WECC) system, and the optimizations are demonstrated using MATPOWER software. Results show that full optimization of AS PHS, while considering cycling cost, results in the best AS PHS value, considering energy costs, and AS PHS revenue in renewables-penetration cases.
Gut Microbiota: From the Forgotten Organ to a Potential Key Player in the Pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease

More than 300 years ago, Antony van Leewenhoeck first described observing single-celled microorganisms, which he termed "animalcules," examining his saliva under a microscope. Although the idea of the coexistence of microorganisms in our body is not new, we have only recently been able to investigate their ecological relationship to our body, with the development of high-throughput molecular techniques. The diverse microorganism communities residing in our guts are established and maintained by complex interactions among microorganisms and their host. Notably, their alteration has been implicated in influencing various diseases including neurological diseases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia characterized by a progressive decline in memory and thinking severe enough to interfere with daily life. Despite the great progress in linking genetic risk factors with AD pathogenesis, treatments targeted at AD pathology and its modifiers have not yet resulted in a disease-modifying therapy. There is mounting evidence that the gut microbiota interacts with AD pathogenesis by disrupting neuroinflammation and metabolic homeostasis-the gut microbiota has gone from being the forgotten organ to a potential key player in the AD pathology.
A novel method for measuring ultra-trace levels of U and Th in Au, Pt, Ir, and W matrices using ICP-QQQ-MS employing an O2 reaction gas

Increased demand for improving ultra-low background detection capabilities for rare-event fundamental physics applications has resulted in the need for fast, convenient and clean assay methodologies that either preclude or reduce chemical sample pre-processing. A novel method for the measurement of ultra-trace concentrations (fg g−1 level) of natural 232Th and 238U and non-natural tracer isotopes 229Th and 233U was demonstrated in a solution of 10 μg g−1 each of Au, Pt, Ir, and W in 2% HNO3 using an ICP-QQQ-MS. Polyatomic interference across an m/z range of 227–239 was characterized: the major interferent with 229Th+ is 194Pt35Cl+; interferents with 232Th+ are 184W16O3+, 183W16O3H+, 192Pt40Ar+, 196Pt36Ar+, 195Pt37Cl+, and 197Au35Cl+; those with 233U+ are 193Ir40Ar+, 197Au36Ar+, and 184W16O3H+; and that with 238U+ is 198Pt40Ar+. Scanning the selected m/z range of 227–270 showed that higher oxide polyatomic species from the matrix elements either did not form or did not create a significant background on the target analyte masses. All measured concentrations in standard solutions matched the target values within the 98% confidence interval. The Th measurements were 80% accurate or better at the 10 fg g−1 level and above, and the U measurements were 90% accurate or better at the 10 fg g−1 level and above. Measurements at the 1 fg g−1 level were consistent with target values within 1 standard deviation, although the standard deviations of all three replicates were greater than 20% of the measured concentration value. Method detection limits in the matrix solutions were calculated to be 2.74 fg Th and 12.9 fg U. In an electronic sample, which typically has 0.1% precious metal content, our method would give detection limits of 274 fg Th and 1291 fg U given a maximum of 10 μg g−1 coinage metal matrix. This method is but one example of how state-of-the-art quadrupole mass spectrometry and collision reaction cell technology can be leveraged to develop novel analytical capability at ultra-trace levels.
Whole blood haemostatic function throughout a 28-day cold storage period: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been renewed interest in whole blood (WB) transfusion, particularly in damage control resuscitation, in part due to the ability to provide the adequate ratio of blood components in a single transfusion. However, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that WB units maintain their haemostatic function during storage, which could compromise their quality and efficacy if transfused. Here, we evaluate the in vitro haemostatic function of stored WB units over a 28-day refrigeration period. METHODS Standard WB units were collected from healthy volunteers and stored at 4°C for 28 days. Samples were collected from each unit on several days throughout the storage period and tested for complete blood count (CBC), WB aggregation, clot kinetics as measured by thromboelastography (TEG), closure time and plasma-free haemoglobin. RESULTS Throughout the storage period, there were gradual, significant decreases in platelet count and function, including WB aggregation in response to collagen (P < 0·05) and closure time with epinephrine (P < 0·0005). Plasma-free haemoglobin increased substantially (by 163%) throughout the storage period. However, TEG results remained relatively stable for 3 weeks, indicating possible preservation of haemostatic function during that time. CONCLUSION This study shows that clot kinetics (as measured by TEG) in WB units stored at 4°C are preserved for up to 21 days. However, high levels of free haemoglobin raise concern for the potential risks of transfusing stored WB. Clinical studies are required to evaluate optimal storage times and outcomes of patients resuscitated with WB as compared to blood components.
Implementing Building-Level SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Surveillance on a University Campus

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of ongoing challenges and presents an increased risk of illness in group environments, including jails, long term care facilities, schools, and, of course, residential college campuses. Early reports that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detectable in wastewater in advance of confirmed cases sparked widespread interest in wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) as a tool for mitigation of COVID-19 outbreaks. One hypothesis was that wastewater surveillance might provide a cost-effective alternative to other more expensive approaches such as pooled and random testing of groups. In this paper, we report the outcomes of a wastewater surveillance pilot program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a large urban university with a substantial population of students living in on-campus dormitories. Surveillance was conducted at the building level on a thrice-weekly schedule throughout the universitys fall residential semester. In multiple cases, wastewater surveillance enabled identification of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases that were not detected by other components of the campus monitoring program, which also included in-house contact tracing, symptomatic testing, scheduled testing of student athletes, and daily symptom reporting. In the context of all cluster events reported to the University community during the fall semester, wastewater-based testing events resulted in identification of smaller clusters than were reported in other types of cluster events. Wastewater surveillance was able to detect single asymptomatic individuals in dorms with total resident populations of 150-200. While the strategy described was developed for COVID-19, it is likely to be applicable to mitigation of future pandemics in universities and other group-living environments.
Personal Bankruptcy Protection and Household Debt

Increasing personal bankruptcy protection can increase credit demand while reducing borrowers’ access to credit. Using changes in bankruptcy protection across US states over time, we show that these laws increase borrowers’ holdings of unsecured credit, but not secured debt. We also find an increased interest rate for unsecured credit only. These effects are driven by home owners in lower-income areas. We find on average no measurable increase in delinquency rates of households in the subsequent three years. These results suggest that increased bankruptcy protections did not reduce the aggregate level of household debt, but affected the composition of borrowing.