cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of a cognitive approach for disseminating semantic knowledge and content in opportunistic networks

In cyber-physical convergence scenarios information flows seamlessly between the physical and the cyber worlds. Here, users' mobile devices represent a natural bridge through which users process acquired information and perform actions. The sheer amount of data available in this context calls for novel, autonomous and lightweight data-filtering solutions, where only relevant information is finally presented to users. Moreover, in many real-world scenarios data is not categorised in predefined topics, but it is generally accompanied by semantic descriptions possibly describing users' interests. In these complex conditions, user devices should autonomously become aware not only of the existence of data in the network, but also of their semantic descriptions and correlations between them. To tackle these issues, we present a set of algorithms for knowledge and data dissemination in opportunistic networks, based on simple and very effective models (called cognitive heuristics) coming from cognitive sciences. We show how to exploit them to disseminate both semantic data and the corresponding data items. We provide a thorough performance analysis, under various different conditions comparing our results against non-cognitive solutions. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of our solution towards a more effective semantic knowledge acquisition and representation, and a more tailored content acquisition.
Dsc Communications Corporation: 1993

This case describes the events that perpetuated DSC's default only six weeks after closing the facility. Although DSC survived the 1991 default, made significant operational improvements and reduced its financial leverage, the case illustrates the importance of event risk. (See also the companion case, F-1071.)
Novel Therapeutic for Systemic Inflammation: Role of MFG-E8

Systemic inflammation associated with diverse clinical conditions is a vital problem in critical care medicine with significant morbidity and mortality. In this chapter, we describe exclusively on systemic inflammation caused by sepsis, ischemia and reperfusion injury, and trauma hemorrhagic shock. Despite all efforts in the clinical arena treatment for these indications remain limited. The only FDA approved drug as a treatment for sepsis, Xigris (drotrecogin alfa [activated]) has recently been voluntarily withdrawn by Eli Lily. There is an unmet and urgent clinical need exists for novel therapies for these conditions. There are pathological similarities as well as differences exist among these conditions. Even though all three pathologies are initiated by different means, all leads to exaggerated inflammatory response and multi-organ failure. Therefore, therapies developed to dampen the exaggerated systemic inflammation could be beneficial for all three pathologies. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) is first identified as a bridging molecule that accelerated the interaction between apoptotic cells and phagocytes and facilitates the engulfment of apoptotic cells. We then, demonstrated that MFG-E8 plays a significant role in sepsis, ischemia and reperfusion injury, and trauma hemorrhagic shock. In this chapter, we will briefly review the different systemic inflammatory conditions and describe the key evidence for the role of MFG-E8 and highlight the notion that MFG-E8 could be developed as a potential therapeutic for these indications.
Vaccines and the looming threat of syphilis

During the past several decades, syphilis has increased in the US and explosively so in China and Russia. While most current cases can be cured by penicillin or second line antibiotics, strains of the syphilis spirochete (Treponema pallidum) resistant to the latter have emerged. And the potential of strains to acquire resistance to penicillin via plasmids has recently been recognized. The 36 million-plus undertreated cases of syphilis in the world represent metaphorically a vast global 37°C incubator allowing exchange of antibiotic resistant genes among the human-borne bacteria and theoretically permitting the emergence of penicillin resistant strains. None has yet been identified but they seem inevitable along with the threat of multi-resistant strains. There is now concern over the lack of new antibiotics to succeed the penicillins. Since such new drugs would likely require a decade or so of research and for federal approval, vaccine-based protection is of immediate consideration here. This approach may exploit the new knowledge about the biology of T. pallidum strains their many complex antigens, serotypes, and the latter’s distribution in populations. Equally important are recent insights into immunology, such as cellular aspects and antigenic competition.
Foreign body injuries in children: Are the younger siblings doomed?

Abstract Background and objectives Foreign body injury (FBI) is a considerable public health issue for children. Although the relationships of FBI with age, gender, and objects of injury have been studied, the extent to which other demographic factors influence FBI is unclear. We hypothesized that the risk for FBI increases with the number of children in the household. Design and settings This was a retrospective analysis of 223 patients aged 2–10 years who presented to the emergency department of an inner-city pediatric hospital and who were found to have FBI. Patients and methods The guardians were contacted via phone to examine the associations of FBI with income, parental educational level, number of children in the household, and birth order while controlling with a matched population of 250 patients. Statistical analyses using frequencies and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results For each increase in the number of children, the risk of FBI increased 1.44-fold (OR = 1.442). With each increase in the number of caregivers, the risk of a FBI decreased 33% (OR = 0.673). With each increase in income category, the risk of a FBI decreased 59% (OR = 0.413). Conclusion The results suggest that an increase in the number of children in a household is associated with a greater risk of FBI.
Intelligent Agent Transparency in Human-Agent Teaming for Multi-UxV Management.

Objective:We investigated the effects of level of agent transparency on operator performance, trust, and workload in a context of human–agent teaming for multirobot management.Background:Participants played the role of a heterogeneous unmanned vehicle (UxV) operator and were instructed to complete various missions by giving orders to UxVs through a computer interface. An intelligent agent (IA) assisted the participant by recommending two plans—a top recommendation and a secondary recommendation—for every mission.Method:A within-subjects design with three levels of agent transparency was employed in the present experiment. There were eight missions in each of three experimental blocks, grouped by level of transparency. During each experimental block, the IA was incorrect three out of eight times due to external information (e.g., commander’s intent and intelligence). Operator performance, trust, workload, and usability data were collected.Results:Results indicate that operator performance, trust, and perce...
Hepatic safety and tolerability of raltegravir among HIV patients coinfected with hepatitis B and/or C.

Background Potential liver toxicity is an important consideration for antiretroviral selection among patients coinfected with HIV and viral hepatitis (B and/or C). We sought to describe the hepatic safety profile of raltegravir in this population. Methods Using data from HIV clinical cohorts at Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we evaluated factors associated with liver enzyme elevations (LEEs) and calculated adverse event incidence rates for patients initiated on raltegravir-containing regimens prior to 1 January 2010. LEEs were graded according to Division of AIDS definitions. Results During the study period, 456 patients received raltegravir - of whom 36% were hepatitis-coinfected (138 HCV, 17 HBV, 11 HBV+HCV). Coinfected patients were more likely to have baseline abnormal LEEs and developed severe (grade 3-4) LEEs at a rate 3.4× that of HIV-monoinfected patients (95% CI 1.28, 9.61). Among all participants, the incidence rate for first occurrence of severe LEEs was 5 per 100 person-years (95% CI 3, 7). In adjusted analyses, coinfected patients had a 2.7-fold increased hazard of severe LEEs (95% CI 1.03, 7.04). 60% of severe abnormalities occurred within 6 months after starting raltegravir; the drug was discontinued in 3 (1.3%) coinfected patients and 18 (6.2%) monoinfected patients. Conclusions Compared with HIV-monoinfected patients, those with HIV-hepatitis coinfection are at increased hazard of developing LEEs on raltegravir, at a level similar to other antiretrovirals. Severe events were uncommon, rarely leading to raltegravir discontinuation. With appropriate monitoring, raltegravir-based therapy is safe in hepatitis-coinfected patients.
Error Analysis of the Inner Resistance of the Circuit Detector Measured by the Homo Deflection Method

In the experiment of measuring the inner resistance of the circuit detector by the homo deflection method,there are two factors which influence measure errors. 1) The difference between R 2′ and R 2 ; if the more the difference of R 2′ and R 2 is, the less the error will be. 2) The parameters of the equipment; to the six different types AC15 circuit detectors,because their parameters are different,their errors are different too. So,when the inner resistances of the circuit detectors are measured by the homo deflection method,above two factors must be considered at the same time. Chosing appropriate parameters of the experiment can reduce the error.
Abstract C77: Oncogenic drivers reactivate kinase-inhibited focal adhesion kinase (FAK) through phosphorylation of effector residues

Introduction: Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a critical signaling molecule showing elevated expression in nearly all tumor types. Phosphorylation of key tyrosine residues within FAK underlies its dual roles as both a kinase and a molecular scaffold that integrates signals from major oncogenes. Though FAK has emerged as a major drug target, inhibitors developed to date singularly target its kinase activity, leaving the scaffolding of oncogenic drivers intact. Our studies demonstrate that cells treated with FAK kinase inhibitors PF-573228, PF-562271, and defactinib retain phosphorylation of several key tyrosine residues downstream of oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Methods: We examined the phosphorylation status of key FAK scaffolding sites Y861 and Y925 in RTK expressing normal and cancer cells treated with FAK kinase inhibitors PF-573228, PF-562271, and defactinib. As Src kinase is known to directly phosphorylate Y861 and Y925, we also tested phosphorylation of these sites by RTKs in Src/Yes/Fyn (SYF) MEFs, which lack the major Src family kinases. Results: In cancer cells treated with FAK kinase inhibitors, multiple RTKs (HER2/3, PDGFR, and EGFR) activated FAK through the phosphorylation of effector tyrosines. Activation of HER2/3 in MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells, PDGFR in U-87 glioblastoma cells, and EGFR in A549 lung cancer cells all stimulated Y861/Y925 phosphorylation in the presence of each of the three FAK kinase inhibitors. Moreover, Y861/Y925 phosphorylation occurred downstream of PDGFR and EGFR in Src-null SYF MEFs, demonstrating that RTK FAK targeting does not require Src. Finally, in vitro studies demonstrated that RTKs can directly phosphorylate these sites on FAK. Conclusion: We have identified a novel mechanism through which FAK retains signaling activity in the presence of kinase inhibitors. Continued FAK signaling in tumor cells which overexpress HER2, EGFR or PDGFR may therefore be a mode of clinical resistance to FAK kinase inhibitors. Citation Format: Sheila Figel, Felicia Lenzo, Timothy Marlowe, William Cance. Oncogenic drivers reactivate kinase-inhibited focal adhesion kinase (FAK) through phosphorylation of effector residues. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr C77.
Aspergillus terreus recovered from a corneal scraping.

A 52 year old, healthy male presented to his optometrist complaining of redness and irritation in the right eye. A foreign body was removed from the eye. The patient was started on ophthalmic solutions of vigamox and systane. At 48 hours, the patient reported increased redness, limited vision, and yellow discharge from the eye. The patient was referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation. Physical assessment revealed a superlative central infiltrate (extreme, centrally located injury that had permeated the cornea), diffuse corneal haze, and edema with a 3- to 4+ conjunctival injection and a 1 millimeter hypopyon (an effusion of pus into the anterior chamber of the eye).1 Corneal scrapings were collected for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and fungal cultures. The patient was then prescribed vancomycin, tobramycin, and natamycin ophthalmic eyedrops. On day three, fungal culture results indicated possible fungal forms seen. On day 12, results from the fungal culture of the corneal scraping revealed the causative agent to be Aspergillus terreus. Voriconazole eyedrops were added to the treatment regimen and continued for 10 weeks. The physician order for a fungal culture as well as laboratory data providing the final identification of Aspergillus terreus and laboratory comments indicating an elevated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (> 2 μg/mL) to amphotericin B is associated with treatment failure positively impacted the patient outcome. After completion of the treatment regimen, a photo-therapeutic keratectomy (PTK) was performed in an attempt to remove the dense corneal scarring caused by the fungal infection. ABBREVIATIONS: Photo-therapeutic keratectomy – PTK; invasive aspergillosis –IA; deoxyribose nucleic acid –DNA; real time polymerase chain reaction - rt-PCR; amphotericin B – AMB; intravenous – IV; Food and Drug Administration – FDA; minimal inhibitory concentration – MIC.
Chronic alcohol intoxication primes Kupffer cells and endothelial cells for enhanced CC-chemokine production and concomitantly suppresses phagocytosis and chemotaxis.

Abstract Chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis and are considered to contribute to the migration of leukocytes into the liver during chronic ethanol intoxication. This work tests the hypothesis that chronic ethanol consumption selectively enhances chemokine release by Kupffer cells and hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and migration of inflammatory cells into the liver. Furthermore, enhanced hepatic chemokine secretion may induce an autocrine effect on the ability of Kupffer cells and endothelial cells to chemotax and ingest microbial particles. Male Wistar rats were fed with ethanol in agar block and water for 32 weeks, and were allowed free access to solid food. Results show that after 32 weeks of feeding, leukocyte infiltration and steatosis were observed in the livers of ethanol-fed rats. The majority of the infiltrated cells were CD8+ cells. Serum ALT, endotoxin, MIP-1alpha, MCP-1 and RANTES, (but not CINC and MIP-2) were also increased in the ethanol-fed rats than in the pair-fed group. Isolated Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats were primed for enhanced MIP-1alpha, MCP-1, and RANTES production in vitro, while the endothelial cells were primed for enhanced MIP-1alpha release only. Chronic alcohol intoxication was also associated with increased basal H2O2 formation, enhanced nuclear translocation and binding of NF-kappaB, AP-1 and MNP-1 in Kupffer Cells. Chronic ethanol feeding significantly enhanced MNP-1 binding, but not those of NF-kappaB and AP-1 in endothelial cells. Concomitantly, chemokine-induced chemotaxis, E.coli phagocytosis and f-met-leu-phe-induced superoxide anion production by Kupffer cells were downregulated in the ethanol-fed group. Taken together these data demonstrate that prolonged alcohol consumption may compromise the host to hepatitis as a result of increased chemokine production and at the same time may suppress the innate immune function of hepatic non-parenchymal cells.
Induced Mutations in the Starch Branching Enzyme II (SBEII) Genes Increase Amylose and Resistant Starch Content in Durum Wheat

Starch is the largest component of the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain and consists of approximately 70-80% amylopectin and 20-30% amylose. Amylopectin is a highly-branched, readily digested polysaccharide, whereas amylose has few branches and forms complexes that resist digestion and mimic dietary fiber (resistant starch). Down-regulation of the starch branching enzyme II (SBEII) gene by RNA interference (RNAi) was previously shown to increase amylose content in both hexaploid and tetraploid wheat. We generated ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) mutants for the SBEIIa-A and SBEIIa-B homoeologs in the tetraploid durum wheat variety Kronos (T. turgidum ssp. durum L.). Single-gene mutants showed non-significant increases in amylose and resistant starch content, but a double mutant combining a SBEIIa-A knock-out mutation with a SBEIIa-B splice-site mutation showed a 22% increase in amylose content (P<0.0001) and a 115% increase in resistant starch content (P<0.0001). In addition, we obtained mutants for the A and B genome copies of the paralogous SBEIIb gene, mapped them 1-2 cM from SBEIIa, and generated double SBEIIa-SBEIIb mutants to study the effect of the SBEIIb gene in the absence of SBEIIa. These mutants are available to those interested in increasing amylose content and resistant starch in durum wheat.
Characterizing a novel and sensitive method to measure dsRNA in soil.

Abstract Performing environmental assessments for double-stranded RNA-based agricultural products require the development of sensitive and selective methods to measure biodegradation rates of dsRNAs. We developed and characterized a novel analytical procedure that uses a molecular hybridization assay (QuantiGene®) to accurately measure dsRNA extracted from diverse soils. In this report, we utilize this method to demonstrate that two dsRNAs with distinct size, structure, and sequence degrade rapidly in soil with indistinguishable kinetics.
What is a Trophic Cascade

Few concepts in ecology have been so influential as that of the trophic cascade. Since the 1980s, the term has been a central or major theme of more than 2000 scientific articles. Despite this importance and widespread usage, basic questions remain about what constitutes a trophic cascade. Inconsistent usage of language impedes scientific progress and the utility of scientific concepts in management and conservation. Herein, we offer a definition of trophic cascade that is designed to be both widely applicable yet explicit enough to exclude extraneous interactions. We discuss our proposed definition and its implications, and define important related terms, thereby providing a common language for scientists, policy makers, conservationists, and other stakeholders with an interest in trophic cascades.
Epitaxial graphene (EG)/SiC based Schottky emitter bipolar phototransistors for UV detection and effect of hydrogen intercalation on device I-V characteristics

Wideband gap semiconductor materials such as SiC and GaN are popular for UV detection applications. Also, epitaxial growth of graphene on SiC is suitable for the development of large area electronic and optoelectronic devices based on EG/SiC junctions. Epitaxial graphene(EG) grown on SiC forms a Schottky junction with highly asymmetric barrier for both electrons and holes. We have previously reported a high gain bipolar photo-transistor for UV detector applications. In this present study, we report the current-voltage (I-V) and gain characteristics of these devices before and after hydrogen intercalation process step. It is observed that the gain has decreased after intercalation which is possibly due to reduced minority carrier injection efficiency. Additionally, the device I-V characteristics are measured under sub bandgap blue laser excitation and from these results, the UV-Visible rejection ratio is estimated to be about 4500.
Problem-Centered Supplemental Instruction in Biology: Influence on Content Recall, Content Understanding, and Problem Solving Ability

To address the need for effective, efficient ways to apply active learning in undergraduate biology courses, in this paper, we propose a problem-centered approach that utilizes supplemental web-based instructional materials based on principles of active learning. We compared two supplementary web-based modules using active learning strategies: the first used Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction as a framework for organizing multiple active learning strategies; the second used a traditional web-based approach. Results indicated that (a) the First Principles group gained significantly from pretest to posttest at the Remember level (t(40) = −1.432, p = 0.08, ES = 0.4) and at the Problem Solving level (U = 142.5, N1 = 21, N2 = 21, p = .02, ES = 0.7) and (b) the Traditional group gained significantly from pretest to posttest at the Remember level (t(36) = 1.762, p = 0.043, ES = 0.6). Those in the First Principles group were significantly more likely than the traditional group to be confident in their ability to solve problems in the future (χ2 (2, N = 40) = 3.585, p = 0.09).
Planung und Innovation in Organisationen

Im letzten Kapitel fanden wir es zweckmasig, das Konzept der Rationalitat, das in der Okonomie und in der Statistik verwendet wird, einer Theorie der Rationalitat gegenuberzustellen, die die Grenzen der Macht, der Geschwindigkeit und der Kapazitat der menschlichen kognitiven Fahigkeiten berucksichtigt. Diese Gegenuberstellung trug zum Verstandnis des Mosaiks von Programmen bei, das den Grosteil des menschlichen Verhaltens in Organisationen ausmacht.
Future Approaches and Therapeutic Modalities for Acute Liver Failure

The current gold standard for the management of acute liver failure is liver transplantation. However, because of organ shortages, other modalities of therapy are necessary as a possible bridge. This article discusses the current modalities as well as the future management of acute liver failure. Liver assist devices, hepatocyte transplantation, stem cell transplant, organogenesis, and repopulation of decellularized organs are discussed.
Closed-form solutions to replacement target models of sub-pixel spectral detection

We revisit the replacement target problem in the spectro-optic detection of opaque sub-pixel materials, but with a more general distribution model. For pure target or background pixels we assume independent elliptically contoured distributions with covariance matrices related by a scale factor. An unknown sub-pixel mixing ratio defines a composite hypothesis testing problem, whose generalized likelihood ratio test cannot be expressed in closed form for the usual distribution models. Instead we derive closed-form detectors based on a clairvoyant fusion technique that effects a renormalization of the target probability density functions. These robust algorithms prove in some cases to be nearly indistinguishable from the intractable generalized likelihood ratio test solutions.
Existence and Continuity Properties of Optimal Controls

In the two previous chapters we found necessary conditions for a minimum in problems of calculus of variations and optimal control. We turn now to a different question: does the performance index J in fact attain its minimum value? This is the existence problem.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Trials, Experience and Review

Demonstrating the relationship between Australia antigen and hepatitis B virus in the late 1960’s created a serologic means for detecting hepatitis B infection, disease, carriers, and recovery (1,2). This information provided an impetus for vaccine development even in the absence of a means to propagate the virus in the laboratory. Individuals chronically infected with hepatitis B could be identified and their infected plasma containing infectious hepatitis B virus (HBV) or Dane particles and excess hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) obtained by plasmaphoresis (3). Additional markers (shown in Figure 1) of human hepatitis B infection and recovery were further identified as important serologic markers. These include hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antigen and its antibody (anti-HBc), and the hepatitis Beantigen and its antibody (anti-HBe). By use of these and other tests, it is possible to identify susceptibles from immunes and the probable state of infection of the carriers. Persons who have never had hepatitis B are free of all markers.
Signal velocity and quantum fluctuation in superluminal light pulse propagation

Pulse propagation with a superluminal group velocity is a rather counterintuitive phenomenon that at first might appear to violate the special theory of relativity’s pillar statement that no signal can be transmitted faster than c. However, it has been argued by Sommerfeld and Brillouin [1] and discussed later in a series of works by Chiao et al. ([2] and references therein) that the faster-than-c propagation is perfectly in accord with special relativity. The reason, they noted, is that the signal velocity should be properly defined as the velocity of a step-function-like signal, not that of a smooth pulse. While this argument is certainly a correct one, it is based on the classical wave theory. On the other hand, the phenomenon of gain-assisted superluminal pulse propagation [3] can be studied in the situations when a pulse consists of only a few photons, or when the number of photons is large, but the sensitivity of the light detection system is at or better than the shot photon noise level. In both situations, quantum mechanical treatment of both the light and the medium is necessary to provide a meaningful description of the system’s dynamics. Here we report the results of such a study [4].
Go-Shops vs. No-Shops in Private Equity Deals: Evidence and Implications

Go-shop provisions have changed the way in which private equity firms execute public-company buyouts. While there has been considerable practitioner commentary on go-shops in the three years since they first appeared, this paper presents the first systematic empirical evidence on this new dealmaking technology. Contrary to the claims of prior commentators, I find that: (1) go-shops yield more search in aggregate (pre- and post-signing) than the traditional no-shop route; (2) pure go-shop deals, in which there is no pre-signing canvass of the marketplace, yield a higher bidder 17% of the time; and (3) target shareholders receive approximately 5% higher returns through the pure go-shop process relative to the no-shop route. I also find no post-signing competition in go-shop management buyouts (MBOs), consistent with practitioner wisdom that MBO's give incumbent managers a significant advantage over other potential buyers. Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that the Delaware courts should generally permit go-shops as a means of satisfying a sell-side board's Revlon duties, but should pay close attention to their precise structure, particularly in the context of go-shop MBOs.
A Comparative Analysis of Two Online Videoconferencing Initiatives for Conversational Practice with Native Speakers

This chapter describes and comparatively analyzes two online videoconferencing initiatives carried out in Spanish courses at the University of Rhode Island (URI), grounding the analysis in current Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), telecollaboration, and language pedagogy research. The study analyzes the similarities and differences between the two experiments and the two courses in which they were integrated, underscoring limitations faced in the planning and implementation of both programs as well as strategies used to overcome challenges and actively engage learners in meaningful and productive conversation practice with native speakers of their L2. Using a multifaceted theoretical framework, the chapter situates these initiatives both in the unique contexts of the courses in which they were integrated, as well as in the broader context of large-scale programmatic goals. The study provides an outline and analysis of the specific features of each of the two experiments in order to illustrate the advantages that telecommunication tools and design options may offer in different settings. The primary purpose of the chapter is to underscore the benefits and challenges associated with the design and implementation of online interpersonal communication initiatives. The goal is to help language educators make well-informed decisions as to which tool and design features will be most useful toward achieving concrete learning outcomes in particular learning contexts.
Unsupervised Learning to Rank Aggregation using Parameterized Function Optimization

This paper proposes a novel unsupervised rank aggregation method using parameterized function optimization (PFO). This algorithm derives a parameterized rank aggregation model by minimizing the energy of weighted standard deviations of rank lists associated with different rankers or attributes. Parameters, in this problem, are weights representing the impact of rank lists on the final aggregated rank. The proposed learning to rank aggregation method is efficient (linear time complexity) and its accuracy compares favorably with pairwise preference methods (with polynomial time complexity). Two rounds of experiments are run to show the success of PFO in rank aggregation: one on the learning to rank (LETOR) benchmark dataset to show its success in unsupervised rank aggregation and the other on three university ranking datasets to solve a practical problem in education. The experimental results on the LETOR show that PFO significantly outperforms the baseline results and show promising performances in comparison with recent high performance methods developed for unsupervised rank aggregation. The university ranks obtained by our model compare favorably with the ranks reported by well-known organizations. Success of the PFO model for performing unsupervised rank aggregation, specifically on practical problems, supports the use of the algorithm in difficult ranking scenarios without ground truth.
Quantifying the effects of ultraviolet type C radiation on the mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube sheet for space-based applications

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have high strength, stiffness, durability, electrical and thermal conductivity, and most notably are of lighter weight when compared to advanced composite materials. It is the purpose of this investigation to determine the possible detrimental effects on the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of CNT sheets subjected to ultraviolet type C (UVC) radiation under vacuum. Monotonic tensile tests were performed pre- and post-treatment to determine the effects of UVC exposure on the overall mechanical properties, while the effects of UVC exposure on the electrical conductivity were measured before and after tensile testing. The CNT sheets were exposed to UVC under vacuum in order to simulate the conditions a spacecraft could encounter in low earth orbit. The mechanical properties of the CNT sheets did not change in a statistically significant way after being exposed to UVC radiation. UVC radiation did not cause significant detrimental effects on the CNT sheets. The conductivity of the bulk material was not significantly affected by either UVC exposure or tensile testing. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy verified that the effects of UVC exposure on the specimens’ microstructure were minimal.
Transition to suicide attempt from recent suicide ideation in U.S. Army soldiers: Results from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS).

Background Most people with suicide ideation (SI) do not attempt suicide (SA). Understanding the transition from current/recent SI to SA is important for mental health care. Our objective was to identify characteristics that differentiate SA from 30-day SI among representative U.S. Army soldiers. Methods Using a unique case-control design, soldiers recently hospitalized for SA (n = 132) and representative soldiers from the same four communities (n = 10,193) were administered the same questionnaire. We systematically identified variables that differentiated suicide attempters from the total population, then examined whether those same variables differentiated all 30-day ideators (n = 257) from the total population and attempters from nonattempting 30-day ideators. Results In univariable analyses, 20 of 23 predictors were associated with SA in the total population (0.05 level). The best multivariable model included eight significant predictors: interpersonal violence, relationship problems, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder (all having positive associations), as well as past 12-month combat trauma, intermittent explosive disorder (IED), and any college education (all having negative associations). Six of these differentiated 30-day ideators from the population. Three differentiated attempters from ideators: past 30-day PTSD (OR = 6.7 [95% CI = 1.1-39.4]), past 30-day IED (OR = 0.2 [95% CI = 0.1-0.5]), and any college education (OR = 0.1 [95% CI = 0.0-0.6]). The 5% of ideators with highest predicted risk in this final model included 20.9% of attempters, a four-fold concentration of risk. Conclusions Prospective army research examining transition from SI to SA should consider PTSD, IED, and education. Combat exposure did not differentiate attempters from ideators. Many SA risk factors in the Army population are actually risk factors for SI.
Associations of food insecurity and psychosocial measures with diet quality in adults aging with HIV.

People aging with HIV face social stressors which may negatively affect their overall nutrition. Here, we assess relationships between self-reported measures of depression, perceived stress, social...
Ovarian cancer treatment: Is the standard of care met in a public hospital system?

e16524 Background: Women who are economically disadvantaged or are members of under-represented minority groups have worse ovarian cancer outcomes. Public hospitals, which serve patients regardless...
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Imatinib Administration in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract Background: Generic imatinib mesylate (IM) is an effective therapy and is the least costly tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has the potential to improve the adherence to IM therapy as well as helps oncologists to make an informed decision. This eventually leads a delayed switching to 2ndor 3rdgeneration (2G or 3G) TKIs that dramatically increase the treatment cost. The objective of this study was to determine the short- and lifetime cost-effectiveness of TDM for generic IM administration in patients newly diagnosed with CML. Methods: We built a Markov model to compare CML related healthcare costs, quality adjusted life years (QALY), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and overall survival (OS) between the two monitoring strategies, TDM vs. standard care without TDM (NTDM). Future cost and QALY gained were discounted with an annual rate of 3%. Markov states for chronic phase include normal IM dose (400mg), IM dose escalation (600mg), IM dose reduction (300mg), 2GTKI, 3GTKI. Post TKI phases include accelerate phase, blast phase and post-transplant phase with an assumption that patients need 3GTKI along with a chemotherapy until they receive hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Outcome of this study was an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER). A potential reason for the response or intolerance to IM was informed by a known plasma concentration (Cp) from the TDM arm, that helps a treatment decision between the IM dose change and switching to 2GTKI. In the NTDM arm, response and intolerance rate was influenced by Cp, but clinical decision was blinded from the Cp. The outcomes were calculated over the initial 5 years and accumulated until all patients die. The influence of a changes in generic IM price were tested. Results: Over the initial 5 years, TDM was associated with a drop in the cost (- $6,510) with a trivial decrease in QALY (-0.007) compared to NTDM. The cost-saving continued over the 30 years after the TKI therapy begins. TDM resulted in a lifetime cost increased by $2,358, which was associated with a delayed progress to the post-TKI phases and treatment cost over the extended life years gained. TDM leads an increase in lifetime QALY by 0.149, calculating an ICER of $15,834. When the cost of generic IM further dropped to the 50% of the current whole-sale price, TDM saves the lifetime cost by $11,705. Ten-year survival rates and median OS favored TDM (87.1% and 19.5 years) over NTDM (86.4% and 19 years). Conclusion: TDM has a potential to save the medical expenses for CML care over the first 5 years without influences after the TKI treatment begins. When current generic price maintained, TDM is a cost-effective strategy over a lifetime. Addition drop in the generic IM price could lead a saving in the CML care cost with a gain in the QALY over the lifetime. Download : Download high-res image (172KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Current paradigms and new perspectives on fetal hypoxia: implications for fetal brain development in late gestation

The availability of oxygen to the fetus is limited by the route taken by oxygen from the atmosphere to fetal tissues, aided or diminished by pregnancy-associated changes in maternal physiology and, ultimately, a function of atmospheric pressure and composition of the mother's inspired gas. Much of our understanding of the fetal physiological response to hypoxia comes from experiments designed to elucidate the cardiovascular and endocrine responses to transient hypoxia. Complementing this work is equally impactful research into the origins of intrauterine growth restriction in which animal models designed to restrict the transfer of oxygen from the maternal to the fetal circulation were used. A common assumption has been that outcomes measured after a period of hypoxia are related to cellular deprivation of oxygen and reoxygenation: an assumption based on a focus on what we can see "under the streetlights." Recent studies demonstrate that availability of oxygen may not tell the whole story. Transient hypoxia in the fetal sheep stimulates transcriptomics responses that mirror inflammation. This response is accompanied by the appearance of bacteria in the fetal brain and other tissues, likely resulting from a hypoxia-stimulated release of bacteria from the placenta. The appearance of bacteria in the fetus after transient hypoxia complements the recent discovery of bacterial DNA in the normal human placenta and in the tissues of fetal sheep. An understanding of the mechanism of the physiological, cellular, and molecular responses to hypoxia requires an appreciation of stimuli other than cellular oxygen deprivation: stimuli that we would have never known about without looking "between the streetlights," illuminating direct responses to the manipulated variables.
A Tripartite, Hierarchical Sigma Factor Cascade Promotes Hormogonium Development in the Filamentous Cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes capable of oxygenic photosynthesis, and frequently, nitrogen fixation as well. As a result, they contribute substantially to global primary production and nitrogen cycles. Furthermore, the multicellular filamentous cyanobacteria in taxonomic subsections IV and V are developmentally complex, exhibiting an array of differentiated cell types and filaments, including motile hormogonia, making them valuable model organisms for studying development. To investigate the role of sigma factors in the gene regulatory network (GRN) controlling hormogonium development, a combination of genetic, immunological, and time-resolved transcriptomic analyses were conducted in the model filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme, which, unlike other common model cyanobacteria, retains the developmental complexity of field isolates. The results support a model where the hormogonium GRN is driven by a hierarchal sigma factor cascade, with sigJ activating the expression of both sigC and sigF, as well as a substantial portion of additional hormogonium-specific genes, including those driving changes to cellular architecture. In turn, sigC regulates smaller subsets of genes for several processes, plays a dominant role in promoting reductive cell division, and may also both positively and negatively regulate sigJ to reinforce the developmental program and coordinate the timing of gene expression, respectively. In contrast, the sigF regulon is extremely limited. Among genes with characterized roles in hormogonium development, only pilA shows stringent sigF dependence. For sigJ-dependent genes, a putative consensus promoter was also identified, consisting primarily of a highly conserved extended -10 region, here designated a J-Box, which is widely distributed among diverse members of the cyanobacterial lineage.IMPORTANCE Cyanobacteria are integral to global carbon and nitrogen cycles, and their metabolic capacity coupled with their ease of genetic manipulation make them attractive platforms for applications such as biomaterial and biofertilizer production. Achieving these goals will likely require a detailed understanding and precise rewiring of these organisms' GRNs. The complex phenotypic plasticity of filamentous cyanobacteria has also made them valuable models of prokaryotic development. However, current research has been limited by focusing primarily on a handful of model strains which fail to reflect the phenotypes of field counterparts, potentially limiting biotechnological advances and a more comprehensive understanding of developmental complexity. Here, using Nostoc punctiforme, a model filamentous cyanobacterium that retains the developmental range of wild isolates, we define previously unknown definitive roles for a trio of sigma factors during hormogonium development. These findings substantially advance our understanding of cyanobacterial development and gene regulation and could be leveraged for future applications.
Midbrain dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability and drug craving are associated with mesocorticolimbic gray matter volume in methamphetamine users.

Midbrain dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability and drug craving are associated with mesocorticolimbic gray matter volume in methamphetamine users
Stress-Induced Performance Shifts in 3D DRAMs

3D-stacked DRAMs can significantly increase cell density and bandwidth while also lowering power consumption. However, 3D structures experience significant thermomechanical stress due to the differential rate of contraction of the constituent materials, which have different coefficients of thermal expansion. This impacts circuit performance. This article develops a procedure that performs a performance analysis of 3D DRAMs, capturing the impact of both layout-aware stress and layout-independent stress on parameters such as latency, leakage power, refresh power, area, and bus delay. The approach first proposes a semianalytical stress analysis method for the entire 3D DRAM structure, capturing the stress induced by through-silicon-vias (TSVs), micro bumps, package bumps, and warpage. Next, this stress is translated to variations in device mobility and threshold voltage, after which analytical models for latency, leakage power, and refresh power are derived. Finally, a complete analysis of performance variations is performed for various 3D DRAM layout configurations to assess the impact of layout-dependent stress. We explore the use of alternative flexible package substrate options to mitigate the performance impact of stress. Specifically, we explore the use of an alternative bendable package substrate made of polyimide to reduce warpage-induced stress, and show that it reduces stress-induced variations and improves the performance metrics for stacked 3D DRAMs.
Immunophenotypic characterization and clinical outcome in cats with lymphocytosis.

Background Lymphocytosis is relatively common in cats, but few studies describe lymphocyte populations or the clinical course associated with different immunophenotypic expansions. Hypothesis/objectives We hypothesized that cats frequently develop non-neoplastic lymphocytosis and that different neoplastic immunophenotypes have variable prognoses. We aimed to characterize the lymphocyte expansions in a large population of cats with lymphocytosis and to assess clinical presentation and outcome in a subset. Animals Three cohorts of cats older than 1 year with lymphocytosis (>6000/μL) were examined to define immunophenotypic categories (n = 146), evaluate outcome (n = 94), and determine prevalence of immunophenotypes (n = 350). Methods Retrospective study of cats with blood submitted for flow cytometry. Medical records (n = 94) were reviewed for clinical data, treatment, and survival information. Results Five major immunophenotypic categories were identified: B cell, heterogeneous (≥2 lineages expanded), CD4+ T cell, CD4-CD8- (double negative [DN]) T cell, and CD5-low-expressing T cell. B-cell and heterogeneous phenotypes were more consistent with a non-neoplastic process, having polyclonal antigen receptor gene rearrangements, younger age at presentation, lower lymphocyte counts, and prolonged survival. The neoplastic phenotypes, CD4+ T cell, DN T cell, and CD5 low T cell, had different median survival times (752 days [n = 37], 271 days [n = 7], 27.5 days [n = 12], respectively). Among CD4+ T-cell cases, cats with abdominal lymphadenopathy, intestinal involvement, or both and females had shorter survival. Among 350 cats with lymphocytosis, CD4+ T-cell lymphocytosis was most common, followed by heterogeneous and B-cell phenotypes. Conclusions and clinical importance Neoplastic CD4+ T-cell lymphocytosis is common in cats and has a prolonged clinical course compared to aberrant T-cell phenotypes. Cats with heterogeneous and B-cell lymphocyte expansions commonly have non-neoplastic disease.
Modulation of BDNF-TRKB Interactions on Schwann Cell-induced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Dispersion In Vitro.

Background/aim Perineural invasion (PNI) is a significant pathological feature in head and neck cancer. The molecular mechanisms of PNI are poorly understood. Contrary to the previous belief that cancer cells invade nerves, recent studies have shown that Schwann cells (SC) can dedifferentiate, intercalate between cancer cells, and promote cancer dispersion. Communication between cells through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation of its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TRKB) may contribute to these cellular events. We aimed to determine the effect of TRKB inhibitor ANA-12 on the direction of cell migration and degree of SC-induced oral cancer cell dispersion. Materials and methods Cell migration and dispersion assays were performed in vitro using murine SC and oral carcinoma cell lines. Assays were performed with and without ANA-12. Results Although SCs preferentially migrated towards cancer cells in control medium, there was minimal SC-associated cancer cell dispersion. In contrast, treatment with ANA-12 reduced migration of SCs and cancer cells towards each other and initiated more SC-associated cancer cell dispersion. Conclusion This pilot study shows that BDNF-TRKB signaling may have a role in regulating interactions between SC and oral cancer cells that affect cell migration, intercalation, and cancer cell dispersion. Further research into these interactions may provide important clues about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of PNI.