cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated pseudo-live testing of firewall configuration enforcement

Network security devices such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems are constantly updated in their implementation to accommodate new features, performance standards and to utilize new hardware optimization. Reliable, yet practical, testing techniques for validating the configuration enforcement after every new software and firmware update become necessary to assure correct configuration realization. Generating random traffic to test the firewall configuration enforcement is not only inaccurate but also impractical as it requires an infeasible number of test cases for a reasonable testing coverage. In addition, in most cases the policies used during testing are manually generated or have limited configuration profiles. We present a framework for automatic testing of the firewall configuration enforcement using efficient and flexible policy and traffic generation. In a typical test session, a large set of different policies are generated based on the access-control list (ACL) grammar and according to custom profiles. Test packets are generated to particularly consider critical segments of the tested policies and to achieve high coverage of the testing space. We also describe our implementation of a fully-automated framework, which includes ACL grammar modeling, the policy generation, test cases generation, capturing and analyzing firewall output, and creating detailed test reports. Our evaluation results show that our security configuration testing is not only achievable but it also offers high coverage with significant degree of confidence.
Hormone replacement therapy and cobalamin status in elderly women.

Serum cobalamin concentrations are frequently low in the elderly but the cause is often not apparent. Because oral contraceptives have been associated with low cobalamin concen- trations in young women, we compared hormone use with cobal- amin status in elderly women to determine whether it could ac- count for their unexplained low cobalamin concentrations. Thirty- eight of the 11 1 women had abnormal cobalamin status (defined by low cobalamin, elevated methylmalonic acid, and/or elevated homocysteine concentrations) and 73 had normal status. There was no difference in hormone use between the two groups: 7 (18.4%) of the 38 cobalamin-deficient subjects used estrogens compared with 20 (27.4%) of the 73 control subjects. No differences in hormone use were apparent either when analysis was confined to abnormal serum cobalamin concentrations alone. Similarly, the 27 women taking hormones and the 84 women not taking hormones did not have significantly different serum cobalamin or serum total homocysteine concentrations. Indeed, hormone users had slightly, though not significantly, higher cobalamin concentrations and lower homocysteine concentrations than nonusers; furthermore, hormone users also had significantly lower serum methylmalonic acid concentrations. Thus, neither cobabamin concentrations nor cobalamin metabolic status were significantly worse in elderly women taking estrogen than in those not taking it (and, if anything, may have been slightly better). Hormone use does not appear to be a significant contributor to the low cobalamin concentrations or the mild metabolic evidence of cobalamin deficiency so often seen in the elderly. Am J Clin Nutr l996;64:856-9.
Characterization of the nasopharyngeal microbiota in health and during rhinovirus challenge.

The bacterial communities of the nasopharynx play an important role in upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Our study represents the first survey of the nasopharynx during a known, controlled viral challenge. We aimed to gain a better understanding of the composition and dynamics of the nasopharyngeal microbiome during viral infection. Rhinovirus illnesses were induced by self-inoculation using the finger to nose or eye natural transmission route in ten otherwise healthy young adults. Nasal lavage fluid samples (NLF) samples were collected at specific time points before, during, and following experimental rhinovirus inoculation. Bacterial DNA from each sample (N = 97 from 10 subjects) was subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing by amplifying the V1-V2 hypervariable region followed by sequencing using the 454-FLX platform. This survey of the nasopharyngeal microbiota revealed a highly complex microbial ecosystem. Taxonomic composition varied widely between subjects and between time points of the same subject. We also observed significantly higher diversity in not infected individuals compared to infected individuals. Two genera – Neisseria and Propionibacterium – differed significantly between infected and not infected individuals. Certain phyla, including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, were detected in all samples. Our results reveal the complex and diverse nature of the nasopharyngeal microbiota in both healthy and viral-challenged adults. Although some phyla were common to all samples, differences in levels of diversity and selected phyla were detected between infected and uninfected participants. Deeper, species-level metagenomic sequencing in a larger sample is warranted.
Detecting the signal of the menstrual cycle in fluorescence spectroscopy of the cervix

Fluorescence spectroscopy of the cervix has been shown to be an effective noninvasive diagnostic tool for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (precancer). To assess the effect of the menstrual cycle on fluorescence spectroscopy, daily measurements were made on ten subjects for the length of their cycle. These measurements were analyzed to determine if there was a statistically significant signal associated with the menstrual cycle. A signal was found for emission wavelengths between 425 and 445 nm inclusive--near the main hemoglobin absorption band, the Soret band, at 420 nm. We suspect that the slight displacement of the Soret band is due to the nearby dominant NAD(P)H peak, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio and affects statistical significance. The signal consists of a reduction in fluorescence intensity for the first few days of the cycle. This analysis indicates that hemoglobin absorption is the main menstrual-cycle effect on the use of fluorescence spectroscopy on the cervix. The effect is confined to a small set of excitation/emission wavelengths and to approximately the first 8 days of the cycle. This suggests that any problems from the menstrual cycle can be avoided with a simple requirement that the device not be used during the period of menstrual bleeding.
OM Forum---The Vital Role of Operations Analysis in Improving Healthcare Delivery

There is now a broad consensus among healthcare professionals that the U.S. healthcare delivery system is woefully inefficient and needs to be radically redesigned. Healthcare costs have always been a driving force in policy and management, but quality has become equally important in driving decisions, particularly since emerging payment systems include metrics on clinical and operational performance. With the increasing use of information technology to capture financial, operational, and clinical data and to coordinate care across time and different venues, there is a growing demand for operations analysts to examine processes of care and provide much-needed insights on how to better utilize resources to improve outcomes while reducing costs. In this paper, I describe some of the essential features of the U.S. healthcare system and some critical issues that provide opportunities for operations researchers to make important contributions.
A Case Study of a Collaborative Speech—Language Pathologist:

This study explored how a school-based speech—language pathologist implemented a classroom-based service delivery model that focused on collaborative practices in classroom settings. The study used ethnographic observations and interviews with 1 speech—language pathologist to provide insights into how she implemented collaborative consultation and classroom-based intervention service delivery models. Five themes emerged: service delivery, curriculum-based intervention, scheduling, collaboration, and advocacy. Though the participant implemented a full range of service delivery models, findings provide helpful ideas for others implementing inclusive and collaborative practices in classroom settings.
An Ab Initio calculation of the spin dipole‐dipole parameters for methylene

The electron spin dipole-dipole interaction in CH2 has been calculated as a function of bond angle with configuration-interaction wave functions built from contracted gaussianlobe basis functions. The values D = 0.781 cm−1 and E = 0.050 cm−1 were obtained for the spin dipole-dipole contribution to these parameters for the best CI wave function at the equilibrium geometry. The angular dependence of D shows that the assumption of perfect orbital following is not valid. Based on previous estimates of the spin-orbit contribution to D, the total D is estimated to be 0.9 ± 0.1 cm−1 which is higher than the current experimental value 0.76 ± 0.02 cm−1.
Three cases of subcutaneous granuloma annulare of the penis: a rare presentation of a common disease.

Objective To describe three patients who presented to a single institution within four years of each other with isolated granuloma annulare of the penis. Granuloma annulare is an inflammatory disease of the dermis that can affect men of any age including childhood. Granuloma annulare of the penis is a remarkably uncommon presentation with only 12 cases previously reported. Methods A retrospective review of pathologic records was conducted confirming three cases of penile granuloma annulare diagnosed at our institution. Results The three cases are described in detail including the history, presentation, histological findings and treatment of each patient. The clinical variants, characteristic histology, classic clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and recurrence following surgery of granuloma annulare are reviewed. Conclusion We describe three individuals from a single institution with isolated granuloma annulare of the penis suggesting this condition is more common than previously thought. Patients with penile granuloma annulare may present to practicing urologists and it is important to be familiar with this idiopathic subcutaneous disorder in order to avoid unnecessary aggressive surgery.
Death Outlook and Social Issues.

The present study examined the hypothesis that there is a relationship between outlook on death and orientation toward mercy killing, abortion, suicide, and euthanasia. Multiple assessments of deat...
Are the Current Dietary Guidelines Regarding Egg Consumption Appropriate

Despite being considered a good or excellent source of 11nutrients (1), egg intake accounted for only 1.3% of the totalenergy consumed by the average American in 2000 (2). Theperception of cholesterol-rich eggs as a “forbidden food” de-veloped in response to the highly publicized 1970s recommen-dation by the American Heart Association (AHA) to restrictegg consumption and limit dietary cholesterol intake to 300mg/d. The dietary cholesterol guidelines are similar in themost recent AHA report; however, their position regardingegg intake has become more speciﬁc (3). This new reportstates that the intake of one yolk a day would be acceptable, ifother cholesterol contributing foods were limited in the diet(3). Although this recommendation may be useful for certainindividuals with a history of elevated plasma cholesterol orestablished coronary heart disease (CHD),
Research Report: Control, Communication, and Power: A Study of the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Enforcement Actions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Two decades after pioneering the use of alternative dispute resolution techniques, practices, and processes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has emerged as the leader among federal agencies. As such, the EPA provides a useful setting for testing conventional wisdom and theories about alternative dispute resolution. This essay takes data collected as a part of an assessment of the agency’s enforcement ADR program and examines how well it reflects or illuminates current theory and conventional wisdom about conflict resolution. In particular, we examine why parties to a dispute choose ADR, and the key elements needed for the successful resolution of environmental conflicts, including the dynamics between the parties at the table and mediator characteristics.
Renal effects of dopamine in vascular surgical patients

Abstract Low-dose dopamine (DA) is often used in surgical patients to induce diuresis when appropriate volume replacement is unsuccessful. Despite wide application, there are little objective data supporting any beneficial effects on renal hemodynamics in this patient population. To better define the response to dopamine in the clinical setting, we studied the renal effects of low-dose DA in 13 patients having vascular surgery. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured by inulin and p -aminohippurate clearance, respectively. Group I (n = 8) included patients in stable condition after operation who were administered intravenous DA, 0.5 μg/kg/min, for 2 hours. RBF significantly increased from 579 ± 85 to 726 ± 114 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ( p 2 ), sodium excretion (164 ± 35 to 239 ± 53 μEq/min), and osmolar excretion (709 ± 78 to 866 ± 93 μOsm/min). There were no changes in urine output (2.17 ± 0.36 to 2.49 ± 0.43 ml/min). Group II (n = 5) consisted of patients having abdominal aortic surgery who were treated with DA, 2.0 μg/kg/min, before and after surgery. Increases in RBF were seen in both the preoperative period (414 ± 59 to 659 ± 96 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , p 2 , p
Mutagenesis of Tyrosine 24 in the VPg Protein Is Lethal for Feline Calicivirus

The genome of feline calicivirus (FCV) is an approximately 7.7-kb single-stranded positive-sense RNA molecule that is polyadenylated at its 3' end and covalently linked to a VPg protein (calculated mass, 12.6 kDa) at its 5' end. We performed a mutational analysis of the VPg protein in order to identify amino acids potentially involved in linkage to the genome and replication. The tyrosine residues at positions 12, 24, 76, and 104 were changed to alanines by mutagenesis of an infectious FCV cDNA clone. Viruses were recovered when Tyr-12, Tyr-76, or Tyr-104 of the VPg protein was changed to alanine, but virus was not recovered when Tyr-24 was changed to alanine. Growth properties of the recovered viruses were similar to those of the parental virus. We examined whether the amino acids serine, threonine, and phenylalanine could substitute for the tyrosine at position 24, but these mutations were lethal as well. A tyrosine at this relative position is conserved among all calicivirus VPg proteins examined thus far, suggesting that the VPg protein of caliciviruses, like those of picornaviruses and potyviruses, utilizes tyrosine in the formation of a covalent bond with RNA.
Adaptive reorder buffers for SMT processors

In SMT processors, the complex interplay between private and shared datapath resources needs to be considered in order to realize the full performance potential. In this paper, we show that blindly increasing the size of the per-thread reorder buffers to provide a larger number of in-flight instructions does not result in the expected performance gains but, quite in contrast, degrades the instruction throughput for virtually all multithreaded workloads. The reason for this performance loss is the excessive pressure on the shared datapath resources, especially the instruction scheduling logic. We propose intelligent mechanisms for dynamically adapting the number of reorder buffer entries allocated to each thread in an effort to avoid such allocations if they detrimentally impact the scheduler. We achieve this goal through categorizing the program execution into issue-bound and commit-bound phases and only performing the buffer allocations to the threads operating in commit-bound phases. Our adaptive technique achieves improvements of 21% in instruction throughput and 10% in the fairness metric compared to the best performing baseline configuration with static ROBs.
Diversity of promoter elements in a Geobacter sulfurreducens mutant adapted to disruption in electron transfer

The delta-proteobacterium, Geobacter sulfurreducens, can obtain energy by coupling the oxidation of organic matter to the reduction of insoluble Fe(III) or the anode of a microbial fuel cell. Because Fe(III) oxide or the anode surface, in contrast to oxygen, nitrate, or sulfate, is not soluble nor can it be reduced readily, Geobacter species have developed mechanisms which allow electrons to be delivered across outer membrane to the cell surface. OmcB is an outer-membrane c-type cytochrome important for G. sulfurreducens Fe(III) respiration. In the absence of OmcB, cells lost the ability to reduce soluble or insoluble Fe(III). However, the omcB deletion mutant can slowly adapt to growth on soluble Fe(III) over prolonged incubation in the medium with acetate as the electron donor. We discuss available information about predicted or experimentally validated promoters and transcription regulatory sites identified upstream of operons with transcriptional expression significantly changed in the adapted omcB mutant. DNA sequences of upstream regions of coregulated operons in the adapted mutant are divergent, suggesting the presence of recognition sites for different transcriptional regulators and indicating that adaptation of the omcB mutant to growth on soluble Fe(III) has shifted the relevant expression networks involved to a more diverse molecular basis.
Strength Degradation of Brittle Surfaces: Blunt Indenters

Indentation fracture mechanics is used to develop a theoretical basis for predetermining the strength properties of brittle surfaces in prospective contact situations. Indenters are classified as blunt or sharp; only the first is considered in the present work. The classical Hertzian cone crack conveniently models the fracture damage incurred by the surface in this class of indentation event. Significant degradation is predicted at a critical contact load; when the load is increased beyond this critical level, further degradation occurs at a relatively slight rate. Bend tests on abraded glass slabs confirm the essential features of the theoretical predictions. The controlling variables in the degradation process, notably starting flaw size and in-denter radius, are investigated systematically. An indication is also given as to optimization of material parameters.
Evaluating the effect of environmental disturbance on the trophic structure of Florida Bay, U.S.A.: Multiple stable isotope analyses of contemporary and historical specimens

Widespread seagrass and sponge mortality and increased water column turbidity caused by phytoplankton blooms and suspended sediments occurred throughout Florida Bay from 1987 to the mid 1990s. This disturbance led to the hypothesis that Florida Bay was shifting from dependence on benthic production to dependence driven primarily by water-column production. We tested this hypothesis by (1) evaluating the current trophic structure of Florida Bay and then (2) comparing it to a reference site in Biscayne Bay populated by dense seagrass beds with no recent history of large-scale seagrass mortality. Additionally, we (3) compared the current trophic structure of Florida Bay to a prior trophic structure recorded in historical specimens collected before the onset of the environmental disturbance. No evidence was found to support the occurrence of a large-scale shift from a seagrass-dominated to a plankton-dominated system. The d 13 C and d 34 S signatures of macroinvertebrates and fishes collected from sites in Florida Bay expressed the strong dominance of benthic production and were similar to values obtained from the Biscayne Bay reference site. Highly mobile apex predators that effectively integrate the signatures of their prey over longer temporal and larger spatial scales had d 13 C signatures that ranged from 213‰ to 211‰ and d 34 S signatures that ranged from 12‰ to 16‰, indicating that the food web of the bay is currently dominated by strong benthic‐pelagic coupling. A comparison between Florida Bay’s historic communities (preserved fish from 1956‐ 1966) and its contemporary communities also supports the conclusion that the fundamental character of the bay remains relatively unchanged.
Effect of Lateral Meniscal Root Tear on the Stability of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knee:

Background:Meniscal root tears are an increasingly recognized subset of meniscal injury. The menisci are critical secondary stabilizers of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The kinematic effect of lateral meniscus posterior root tear in the setting of ACL injury is not known.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tear of the lateral meniscal root on stability of the ACL-deficient knee. The hypothesis was that disruption of the lateral meniscal root will further destabilize the ACL-deficient knee during a simulated pivot shift.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Pivot-shift testing of 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees was performed after attachment of photoreflective flags and preparation of CT scans. Each knee was mounted in a custom activity simulator and dynamically loaded from 15° to 90° of flexion with all the permutations of the following: iliotibial band force (50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 N), internal rotation moments (1, 2, and 3 N·m), and valgu...
Field Test of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) to Control Lodgepole Needle Miner

Pathogenic organisms appear to have good possibilities in helping control the highly destructive lodgepole needle miner, Recurvaria milleri Busck. Currently active since 1947, this insect has killed 1/5 or more of high-elevation (8000 to 10,000 ft) climax-type lodgepole pine forests in the Tuolumne-Merced River watersheds of Yosemite National Park, Calif.
Some Results with Pyrethrum in the Control of Mineola Scitulella Hulst (Lepidoptera, Pyralididae)

Promising results were obtained with sprays containing Pyrethrum in experiments to control Mineola Scitulella Hulst, a pest of the prune in southwestern Idaho, A summary of the life history of the insect is given. The materials tested were Pyrethrum extracts used in combination with kerosene emulsion, soap, and dormant type oil; a Pyrethrum-rotenone preparation; nicotine sulphate and nicotine preparations; lime-sulphur and lead arsenate. Best results were obtained with a kerosene solution of Pyrethrum in a kerosene-soap emulsion spray, which gave a kill of 93%. The larvae became greatly activated in the buds sprayed with this material, the activity ceasing in about two hours, after which time death occurred.
Attention Dysfunction and Substance Abuse

The influence of adolescent attention functioning on the development of substance abuse was studied in 66 high-risk youths over an 8-year period at the University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry.
The contamination status and trend of formaldehyde pollution in residential house after decoration

Objective This study was conducted to determine the contamination status and trend of formaldehyde pollution in air samples taken from some residential houses in Baoshan and to find a solution to control such pollution. Methods Concentrations of formaldehyde were determined in 84 residential houses in Baoshan Shanghai, between October 2011 and November 2012. In addition, temperature was measured in houses, and housing characteristics were documented through a questionnaire filled by corresponding occupants. Results The concentrations of formaldehyde were different among different rooms, and the group of houses concluded decoration for 4 to 12 months had the highest level of formaldehyde, which exceeded the standard concentration by 46.15%. Formaldehyde concentrations were significantly elevated in residential houses with melamine furniture and high temperature. Conclusion The results of this study suggested it was common that formaldehyde concentrations were higher than the standard in Baoshan residential houses. In conclusion, decorating residential houses with wooden furniture could reduce exposure to formaldehyde.
The age of the Universe.

Dating the Universe has always been a tricky business with unsatisfying answers. Astronomers now have a better clock, based on radioactive uranium, that puts the age at around 12.5 billion years.
Examining Generational and Gender Differences in Parent-Young Adult Child Relationships During Co-residence

I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS III CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 5 THE CHANGING COURSE OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY 5 CHANGING FAMILY LIFE COURSE AND GENDER 6 CO-RESIDENCE AND THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP 9 GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES AND CO-RESIDENCE 12 RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES 14 CHAPTER 3: METHODS 16 DATA 16 MEASURES 18 ANALYTIC STRATEGY 20 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS 22 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION 26 GENERATION XERS VERSUS MILLENNIALS: PARENT PERCEPTION OF RELATIONSHIP WITH CORESIDING YOUNG ADULT 26 GENDER AND PARENT-YOUNG ADULT RELATIONSHIPS DURING CO-RESIDENCE 27 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION 32 LIMITATIONS 33
Are antibiotic nails effective in the treatment of infected tibial fractures

Abstract Background Antibiotic-impregnated cement nails are used to treat postoperative deep infections after primary intramedullary nail insertion for the treatment of tibial fractures. Few data exist regarding the efficacy of this treatment strategy. We hypothesized that such treatment with antibiotic nails results in a high rate of infection clearance at intermediate follow-up. Methods We conducted a retrospective review at our Level I trauma center. Patients who received intramedullary nails to stabilize tibial fractures (from 2000 to 2011) and subsequently required antibiotic nails to treat deep postoperative infection (n = 55) were considered for study inclusion. Patients with less than 6 months of follow-up were excluded, leaving 41 patients in the study group (average age, 41 years; average follow-up, 20 months). Results Thirty-one patients (76%) had no evidence of infection after treatment. The 10 patients for whom treatment failed were shown to have infection within the first 6 months. Two experienced persistent infection after antibiotic nail removal, necessitating massive debridement and ring fixator placement. Four patients underwent repeat antibiotic nail insertion after persistent infection. Three infections resulted in eventual above-knee amputations, and one chronic infection resulted in the need for multiple debridement and saucerization procedures. No complications associated with use of the antibiotic nails were observed. Conclusion The use of antibiotic nails for treatment of tibial infections seems to be a reasonable option, clearing 76% of infections at the 6-month time frame. Further investigation is needed to compare this treatment algorithm with other strategies, such as antibiotic treatment without nail removal and massive debridement with ring fixator placement.
Geriatric oncology: The ultimate personalized cancer care

s2a In many aspects, geriatric oncology is the quintessential expression of ASCO's 2009 theme: personalizing cancer care (PCC). PCC has two aspects: the tumor and the patient. Major efforts are con...
Kinetics of the aspartyl transpeptidation of daptomycin, a novel lipopeptide antibiotic

Two degradation products of the lipopeptide antibiotic, daptomycin, were identified and the reaction pathway and kinetics were delineated in aqueous solution at 60°C, pH range 3 to 8 and ionic strength 0.01. The degradation products were 1) a succinimido intermediate (anhydro-daptomycin) formed by attack of side-chain carbonyl on the peptide-bond nitrogen in the asp–gly sequence and 2) a β-asp daptomycin isomer formed by rehydration of the anhydrodaptomycin succinimide. This aspartyl transpeptidation pathway was found to be reversible. Formation of the anhydrodaptomycin from either daptomycin or β-asp daptomycin was pH dependent but the pH–rate profiles for anhydrodaptomycin formation were not mechanistically interpretable. The pH–rate profiles for the formation of daptomycin or β-asp daptomycin from the anhydrodaptomycin were linear with slopes = 1, which is consistent with nucleophilic hydroxide ion attack of the succinimido intermediate at either the α-carbonyl, giving rise to the β-asp daptomycin, or the β-carbonyl, giving rise to daptomycin.
Modeling and validation for zero emission buses

Transportation in the U.S. continues to be dominated by petroleum fuels. Criteria Air Contaminants (CAC) and Green House Gases (GHG) may result in poor air quality and environmental problems. The key to reducing vehicle related emissions is the electrification of transportation technologies. In this study, we explore two zero emission electric bus platforms, an on-route charging solution and a depot charging solution. The powertrain system analysis toolkit (PSAT) is used to develop the detailed bus models. The route profile data captured by GPS data logger are processed and used as the input for the PSAT bus models. The efficiency and driving range of the two bus platforms are compared using the actual GPS route data. In addition, the developed bus models are validated using actual field data captured from real electric buses.
The Dynamic and Transient Immune Microenvironment in Locally Advanced Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Post Chemoradiation.

Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the impact of chemoradiation on the immune microenvironment to influence and optimally design future neoadjuvant clinical trials.Summary Background Data:Programmed death (PD)-1 inhibitors in metastatic gastroesophageal cancer have demonstrated response r
Epigenetic regulation of inflammation in localized aggressive periodontitis.

We have previously demonstrated a Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated hyper-responsive phenotype in our cohort of localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) individuals. However, mechanisms related to this phenotype are still not clear in the literature. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the role of epigenetic regulation, specifically DNA methylation status of genes in the TLR pathway in this cohort. Peripheral blood was collected from 20 LAP patients and 20 healthy unrelated controls. Whole blood was stimulated with 1 μl (100 ng/μl) of purified Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h and cyto/chemokines in the supernatants analyzed by Luminex multiplex assays. Genomic DNA extracted from buffy coats prepared from a second tube of whole blood was used for DNA methylation analysis by pyrosequencing of seven TLR signaling genes (FADD, MAP3K7, MYD88, IL6R, PPARA, IRAK1BP1, RIPK2). Significant differences in the methylation status were observed at specific CpG positions in LAP patients compared to healthy controls and interestingly also between severe and moderate LAP. Specifically, subjects with moderate LAP presented hypermethylation of both the upregulating (MAP3K7, MYD88, IL6R, and RIPK2) and downregulating (FADD, IRAK, and PPARA) genes, while severe LAP presented hypomethylation of these genes. Further analysis on CpG sites with significant differences in methylation status correlates with an increased pro-inflammatory cytokine profile for LAP patients. Our findings suggest that epigenetic modifications of genes in the TLR pathway may orchestrate the thresholds for balancing induction and prevention of tissue destruction during the course of disease, and thus differ significantly at different stages of the disease, where moderate LAP shows hypermethylation and severe LAP shows hypomethylation of several genes. https://clinicaltrials.gov , NCT01330719
Ethical Considerations for the Treatment of Youth in Foster Care

Mental health clinicians treating youth in foster care face several ethical challenges, such as competence for treating youth in foster care, understanding who can provide informed consent, and con...
Imitation and Modeling

The human capacity for imitation exceeds that of other primates. Imitation provides children with an efficient mechanism for learning the behaviors, skills, and customs of their culture. A chief puzzle posed by imitation is the “binding problem”—how the perception of an act leads to the production of a matching response. Progress has been made in specifying the relevant psychological mechanisms (the AIM framework), and work is continuing to uncover neural underpinnings. Children use imitation to learn about tools, objects, people, customs, and rituals. They do not automatically and blindly imitate everything they see. They regulate what, when, and whom to imitate. Imitation is emerging as an interdisciplinary field that unites developmental science, clinical psychology, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and robotics. Work on imitation is shedding new light on theories of action representation, prelinguistic memory, and the origins of social cognition.
DEMENTIA VULNERABILITY: MINORITY GROUPS AND DISEASE PROGRESSION

Concurrent with the increased growth in the minority population of the U.S. is an increase in longevity and subsequent focus on late-life disease progression, especially dementia. As a result of this focus, a variety of related demographic variables, including age, ethnicity, education, and gender have been associated with development of dementia. This study examined the relationship between the aforementioned variables and dementia within the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study, a sub-study of the Health and Retirement Study. Participants were assessed in four waves, and were not reassessed after dementia diagnosis. The current study categorized participants as either demented (n=414) as identified in any wave, or normal (n=117) as identified in the final wave. Cognitively impaired not demented and deceased participants were not considered due to their lack of diagnosis. Cross-sectional weighting was used to include adjustments for sample selection, nonresponse adjustment, and post-stratification to U.S. population controls. Logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed that age (OR=1.247, p<.001), Spanish as a primary language (compared to English) (OR=34.521, p<.001), a different primary language other than Spanish (OR=2.608, p<.001), identification as a non-Hispanic African American/Black (compared to Whites) (OR=1.074, p<.001), and being female (OR=1.237, p<.001) were associated with increased risk of dementia. Years of education (OR=.766, p<.001) and identification as Hispanic (compared to Whites) (OR=.069, p<.001) were associated with decreased risk of dementia. These results are noteworthy as they indicate populations vulnerable to dementia progression, demonstrating the fundamental need for expanded dementia programing and support to best promote quality of life.
Magnitude of the Difference Between Clinic and Ambulatory Blood Pressures and Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background Obtaining 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure ( BP ) is recommended for the detection of masked or white-coat hypertension. Our objective was to determine whether the magnitude of the difference between ambulatory and clinic BP s has prognostic implications. Methods and Results We included 610 participants of the AASK (African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension) Cohort Study who had clinic and ambulatory BPs performed in close proximity in time. We used Cox models to determine the association between the absolute systolic BP ( SBP ) difference between clinic and awake ambulatory BPs (primary predictor) and death and end-stage renal disease. Of 610 AASK Cohort Study participants, 200 (32.8%) died during a median follow-up of 9.9 years; 178 (29.2%) developed end-stage renal disease. There was a U-shaped association between the clinic and ambulatory SBP difference with risk of death, but not end-stage renal disease. A 5- to <10-mm Hg higher clinic versus awake SBP (white-coat effect) was associated with a trend toward higher (adjusted) mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 0.94-3.56) compared with a 0- to <5-mm Hg clinic-awake SBP difference (reference group). A ≥10-mm Hg clinic-awake SBP difference was associated with even higher mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.27-4.22). A ≥-5-mm Hg clinic-awake SBP difference was also associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.05-3.15) compared with the reference group. Conclusions A U-shaped association exists between the magnitude of the difference between clinic and ambulatory SBP and mortality. Higher clinic versus ambulatory BPs (as in white-coat effect) may be associated with higher risk of death in black patients with chronic kidney disease.
Multi-scale geometric methods for data sets II: Geometric Multi-Resolution Analysis

Data sets are often modeled as samples from a probability distribution in RD, for D large. It is often assumed that the data has some interesting low-dimensional structure, for example that of a d-dimensional manifold M, with d much smaller than D. When M is simply a linear subspace, one may exploit this assumption for encoding efficiently the data by projecting onto a dictionary of d vectors in RD (for example found by SVD), at a cost (n+D)d for n data points. When M is nonlinear, there are no “explicit” and algorithmically efficient constructions of dictionaries that achieve a similar efficiency: typically one uses either random dictionaries, or dictionaries obtained by black-box global optimization. In this paper we construct data-dependent multi-scale dictionaries that aim at efficiently encoding and manipulating the data. Their construction is fast, and so are the algorithms that map data points to dictionary coefficients and vice versa, in contrast with L1-type sparsity-seeking algorithms, but like adaptive nonlinear approximation in classical multi-scale analysis. In addition, data points are guaranteed to have a compressible representation in terms of the dictionary, depending on the assumptions on the geometry of the underlying probability distribution.
Evaluating thoracolumbar spine response during simulated underbody blast impact using a total human body finite element model.

Abstract In a study of spine injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) from 2001-09, spinal fractures sustained by mounted soldiers accounted for 26% of all injuries, and of that, 43% were caused by explosions [1]. The thoracolumbar region is the most vulnerable area of the spine [2], and injuries are often incapacitating, making egress from vehicles difficult. Injury prediction from such events continues to remain a challenge due to the limited availability of studies specifically focused on underbody blasts (UBB) and criteria on related injuries. This study focuses on developing and validating the spine response of an updated 50th percentile male Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC) Finite Element (FE) model using instrumented post-mortem human subject (PMHS) laboratory tests under two unique conditions. The model was validated against response corridors created using scaled thoracic (T12, T8, T5, T1) and sacrum (S1) spine Z-axis accelerations obtained from WSU whole-body PMHS tests. The scores for the updated spine model ranged from 0.557 – 0.756 for condition 1 (Seat- 4 m/s in 10 ms; Floor- 6 m/s in 5 ms) and 0.639–0.849 for condition 2 (Seat- 4 m/s in 55 ms; Floor- 8 m/s in 2 ms). The PMHS tests sustained spinal injuries in the thoracolumbar region. The validated model indicates high stress and strain concentrations at the same locations, providing an explanation for the fractures sustained in the PMHS tests.
The Distribution of Underrepresented Minorities in U.S. Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs.

Background Orthopaedic surgery has generally lagged behind other surgical subspecialties with respect to racial and ethnic diversity in its U.S. residency programs. Efforts have been made to increase the number of underrepresented minorities (URMs) applying to orthopaedic surgery residencies; however, the impact on diversity at the residency program level is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether orthopaedic surgery residency programs have become more racially diverse over time. Methods The Graduate Medical Education Track database was queried for individual racial/ethnic identification of orthopaedic surgery residents in U.S. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited programs for 15 consecutive years (2002-2003 through 2016-2017). The number of URMs in each residency program during each academic year was recorded. The number of programs per year with no URMs, 1 URM, 2 URMs, and >2 URMs was recorded, and the change over time was assessed. Results The number of programs per year with >1 URM resident decreased over time, from 61 programs in 2002 to 53 programs in 2016, with the trough being 31 programs in 2010 (p Conclusions The number of residency programs with >1 URM resident has decreased significantly over time, suggesting that diversity at the program level is limited. Program-level diversity should be further examined as a potential barrier to the recruitment of URMs to orthopaedics. Difficulty attracting URM residents to certain programs may have the unintended consequence of effectively limiting potential positions for these candidates, which can decrease the odds of minority students matching into orthopaedics and, therefore, perpetuate the cycle of lack of diversity in our field.
Dream Adjusters: High School Counselors in a Low-Income School District:

Prior research has discussed high school counselors’ role in students’ experience, but counselors’ understandings of their work and of students has received little commentary. We interviewed counse...
Application and Improvement of Ensemble Kalman Filter Method in Production Data Analysis

Production data analysis (PDA) is a subject to determine reservoir properties and predict future performance of single wells. It is normally conducted with either analytical methods or numerical history-matching methods. However, the analytical models normally have limited accuracy due to simplifying assumptions, while the history-match based on numerical simulations sacrifices computation load to increased accuracy. Therefore, in this study, the authors incorporated Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) to improve PDA considering its superior efficiency in predicting system state and uncertainties. In this work, we applied the EnKF algorithm to single-well reservoir models to estimate permeability, skin factor, and drainage area. First, we tested the model accuracy after comparing the EnKF estimates to known reservoir properties. Next, we evaluated the cases with large estimation error and then adjusted the initial uncertainties and covariance of the static parameters. With confirmed improvements of property estimation in synthetic cases, the model is finally applied in a field study for further verifications. The results from this study confirmed that EnKF method could be an efficient solution for the modern PDA. They also indicate that accuracy issues are sometimes present when estimating skin factor and reservoir permeability simultaneously: large error exists in the property estimates, their uncertainties are overly reduced, and thus analysis and predicts are affected. By increasing the initial uncertainty bounds and adding minimum threshold values for the covariance, the property estimates could be improved, and reasonable uncertainty bounds are preserved. The methodology from this study is applicable for full-field evaluations.
Roadmap for a Sustainable Built Environment: A Science-Based Multidisciplinary Research

We present a science-based multi-team, multidisciplinary international research partnership between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and scholarly institutions in Kuwait. This collaborative research and education project known as the first MIT-Kuwait Signature Project (SP1) on “Sustainability of Kuwait’s Built Environment” was sponsored by the KFAS through the Kuwait-MIT Center for Natural Resources and the Environment at MIT. The flagship project aimed at the development of novel methodologies and solutions for the sustainability of physical infrastructure with a multi-scale approach including construction materials, buildings and skyscrapers, and cities to establish a new paradigm in engineering design. The project encompasses three interrelated thrust areas of innovative sustainable construction materials, performance-based engineering for skyscrapers, and energy efficiency and life cycle performance of buildings and cities.
Elective surgery for diverticular disease in U.S. veterans: A VASQIP study of national trends and outcomes from 2004 to 2018.

Abstract Background Treatment for diverticular disease has evolved over time. In the United States, there has been a trend towards minimally invasive surgical approaches and fewer postoperative complications, but no study has investigated this subject in the Veterans Health Administration. Methods This retrospective review identified patients undergoing elective surgery for diverticular disease from 2004 to 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, operative approach, rates of ostomy creation, and 30-day outcomes were compared. The 15-year time period was divided into 3-year increments to assess changes over time. Results 4198 patients were identified. Complication rate decreased significantly over time (28.1%–15.7%, p Conclusions Increased utilization of laparoscopy in veterans undergoing elective surgery for diverticular disease coincided with fewer complications and a shorter length-of-stay. These trends mirror outcomes reported in non-veterans.
Transitional Ecosystems Along the Aegean Sea Coastline of Greece

Transitional ecosystems along the Aegean coastline are formed at the interface between land and sea, connecting the terrestrial and marine environment. They are grouped in four major types: coastal marshes, coastal lagoons, river mouths/estuaries, and river deltas. Along the Aegean coastline, in continental Greece, we identified and mapped 254 large and small coastal wetlands; they cover approximately 60,000 ha. Around half of all coastal wetlands (138 out of 254) are smaller than 8 ha. In terms of surface area, river deltas and lagoons dominate. In terms of numbers, estuaries and coastal marshes prevail. Coastal wetlands are of high importance to biodiversity and offer a variety of ecosystem services. The most significant ones are designated as Ramsar sites, and their vast majority are included in the Natura 2000 network (90% of their surface area). In terms of numbers of sites, a high proportion is found outside the Natura 2000 network (68%, 173 out of 254). This study has offered increased knowledge on coastal wetlands in order to guide their conservation and to foster further research, information, and awareness.
Thiol-promoted catalytic synthesis of high-performance furan-containing lubricant base oils from biomass derived 2-alkylfurans and ketones

About 97% of lubricant base oils are currently sourced from petroleum and the majority of the rest is produced from vegetable oils. We demonstrate a promising catalytic route to produce base oils from lignocellulosic biomass-derived 2-alkylfurans and ketones via carbon–carbon coupling in neat conditions. Among several homogeneous and heterogeneous acid catalysts tested, a perfluorinated sulfonic acid (Aquivion PW79S) exhibits the best catalytic performance and yields up to 90% renewable furan-containing base oils with the use of a thiol promotor. The effects of the acid strength of the catalysts, molecular size and structure of thiols and ketones, and fraction of thiols are studied. Electronic structure calculations elucidate the reaction pathway and indicate that the thiol reduces the barrier of the rate-determining dehydration step. The structure and properties of base oils can be tuned by using different synthons. These base oils have excellent properties and can be competitive with or surpass the commercial synthetic alkylnaphthalene and furan-containing bio-ester base oils.