cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Buffered clock tree sizing for skew minimization under power and thermal budgets

In this paper, we study the clock tree sizing problem for thermal-aware skew minimization under power and thermal budgets. Clock wire/buffer sizing affects not only the delay/skew, but also the power dissipation of the clock tree. This effect in turn triggers changes in thermal distribution, making re-computation of the delay/skew necessary. Thus, the interaction among skew, power, and temperature is highly complicated if tied with clock wire/buffer sizing. In order to efficiently combat the time-varying nature of underlying thermal profile, we focus on two kinds of skew, depending on the number of thermal profiles given: skew value and skew range. The former refers to the skew value computed under a single steady-state thermal profile, whereas the latter refers to the skew range computed based on multiple thermal profiles. Our thermal-aware sequential-linear-programming approach maintains near-zero skew value and narrow skew range while keeping the power dissipation and temperature under the given budgets.
Cover Picture: Fabrication of Stable Metallic Patterns Embedded in Poly(dimethylsiloxane) and Model Applications in Non-Planar Electronic and Lab-on-a-Chip Device Patterning (Adv. Funct. Mater. 4/2005)

A composite image is shown that highlights examples of device architectures that either incorporate or exploit polymer-embedded metallic microstructures. In work reported by Nuzzo and co-workers on p. 557, new applications of soft lithography, in conjunction with advanced forms of multilayer metallization, are used to construct these exceptionally durable structures. They are suitable for use in non-planar lithographic patterning, and as device components finding applications ranging from microelectronics to Lab-on-a-Chip analytical systems. This article describes the fabrication of durable metallic patterns that are embedded in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and demonstrates their use in several representative applications. The method involves the transfer and subsequent embedding of micrometer-scale gold (and other thin-film material) patterns into PDMS via adhesion chemistries mediated by silane coupling agents. We demonstrate the process as a suitable method for patterning stable functional metallization structures on PDMS, ones with limiting feature sizes less than 5 μm, and their subsequent utilization as structures suitable for use in applications ranging from soft-lithographic patterning, non-planar electronics, and microfluidic (lab-on-a-chip, LOC) analytical systems. We demonstrate specifically that metal patterns embedded in both planar and spherically curved PDMS substrates can be used as compliant contact photomasks for conventional photolithographic processes. The non-planar photomask fabricated with this technique has the same surface shape as the substrate, and thus facilitates the registration of structures in multilevel devices. This quality was specifically tested in a model demonstration in which an array of one hundred metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) devices was fabricated on a spherically curved Si single-crystalline lens. The most significant opportunities for the processes reported here, however, appear to reside in applications in analytical chemistry that exploit devices fabricated using the methods of soft lithography. Toward this end, we demonstrate durably bonded metal patterns on PDMS that are appropriate for use in microfluidic, microanalytical, and microelectromechanical systems. We describe a multilayer metal-electrode fabrication scheme (multilaminate metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structures that substantially enhance performance and stability) and use it to enable the construction of PDMS LOC devices using electrochemical detection. A polymer-based microelectrochemical analytical system, one incorporating an electrode array for cyclic voltammetry and a microfluidic system for the electrophoretic separation of dopamine and catechol with amperometric detection, is demonstrated.
Regulation of Motivation: Predicting Students' Homework Motivation Management at the Secondary School Level.

This study examines models of variables posited to predict students’ homework motivation management (HMM), based on survey data from 866 8th graders (61 classes) and 745 11th graders (46 classes) in the south-eastern USA. Most of the variance in HMM occurred at the student level, with parent education as the only significant predictor at the class level. At the student level, HMM was positively associated with family help, peer-oriented reasons, learning-oriented reasons, homework interest, arranging the environment and managing time. Girls (compared with boys) and Blacks (compared with Whites) were more likely to manage homework motivation. The gender difference in HMM was more pronounced among Blacks (compared with Whites) and among 8th graders (compared with 11th graders).
Stimulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 improves renal function and attenuates tissue damage after ischemia/reperfusion.

Abstract Background Renal injury as a result of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a major clinical problem with a high mortality rate and a lack of therapeutic treatment. During I/R, cellular homeostasis is disrupted owing to energy depletion, leading to cell death. Fatty acid β-oxidation is the major metabolic pathway for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the kidneys, which is governed by carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1). C75 is a synthetic compound that up-regulates CPT1 activity. Thus, we hypothesized that C75 treatment could increase energy production and alleviate renal I/R injury. Methods We subjected male adult rats to renal I/R by bilateral renal pedicle clamping with microvascular clips for 60 min, followed by administration of 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle) or C75 (3 mg/kg body weight), with 5 animals/group. We collected blood and renal tissues 24 h after reperfusion and subjected them to various measurements and histological examination. Results C75 treatment restored the loss of CPT1 activity and intracellular ATP levels in the kidneys after I/R. Administration of C75 significantly lowered serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels elevated by I/R. C75 treatment preserved morphological features of the kidneys with a significant improvement in the damage score. In addition, C75 treatment inhibited the increase of TNF-α levels in serum and kidneys, and lowered myeloperoxidase activity in the kidneys after I/R. Conclusions Stimulation of CPT1 activity by C75 recovered ATP depletion, improved renal function, attenuated tissue injury, and inhibited proinflammatory cytokine production and neutrophil infiltration after renal I/R injury. Therefore, enhancing the metabolism pathways for energy production may provide a novel modality to treat renal I/R injury.
A new species of Leandra (Melastomataceae, Miconieae) from Atlantic Forest, Southeastern Brazil

A new species of Leandra from the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of the state of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated here. Leandra gynoverrucosa can be recognized by the prominent interpetiolar ridges, leaves with a conspicuous reticulation, long petioles and decurrent base, petals twice as long as the hypanthium, anthers with a wide pore, an internal hypanthium and ovary surfaces covered by small pedicellate glands.
Regulation of Oligodendrocyte Differentiation by Fibroblast Growth Factors

The interface between proliferation and differentiation is a key point of regulation in development. Among elements of the environment that influence these alternative states is a structurally related family of fourteen polypeptides (see references in Coulier et al., 1997), the fibroblast growth factors, half of which are expressed in the brain. These growth factors play crucial roles in both normal physiological (such as embryonic and postnatal development, nervous system differentiation, angiogenesis and wound repair) and pathological (such as tumorogenesis and metastasis) processes (reviewed in Basilico and Moscatelli, 1992; Eckenstein, 1994). The most extensively studied member of this family, FGF-2 (commonly known as basis fibroblast growth factor), targets a broad spectrum of cell types derived from mesoderm and neuroectoderm. It induces a variety of biological activities, such as the inhibition or stimulation of differentiation, proliferation, chemotaxis, enhanced survival and cytoskeletal alterations.
Safety and Outcomes of Percutaneous Biopsy of 61 Hepatic Adenomas.

OBJECTIVE. Given the recent classification of hepatic adenoma (HA) into subtypes and recognition of imperfect specificity of MRI to differentiate HA from focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), there is a resurgent interest in the role of biopsy to diagnose HA. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and outcomes of biopsy of HAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of all patients who underwent hepatic mass biopsy revealing HA from 2000 through 2013 was performed. The biopsy procedure parameters were evaluated. Complications were graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Pathology-specific outcomes related to the diagnosis of HA were assessed. RESULTS. Sixty patients (52 women and eight men) were identified with a mean age of 42 ± 13 (SD) years and a mean follow-up of 2.3 ± 3.0 years after biopsy. One patient had two HAs biopsied during the same procedure, resulting in a total of 61 biopsy-proven HAs. Of the 60 patients, one patien...
Scalability Study of Wireless Mesh Networks with Dynamic Stream Merging Capability

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of users who access online videos from wireless access networks. It is highly desirable that such wireless networks are robust in handling sudden spurts in demand for some videos due to special events. An abrupt increase in the network usage should not significantly impact normal access to other applications. In this work, we tackle this problem in wireless mesh access networks by applying a distributed video sharing technique called Dynamic Stream Merging (DSM). DSM improves the robustness of the access network without directives from the video servers. We perform comprehensive simulation study based on a grid network topology. The experimental results, based on NS2 simulation, indicate that DSM is highly scalable.
Faulting geometry and slip from co-seismic elevation changes: The 18 October 1989, Loma Prieta, California, earthquake

Abstract Leveling surveys conducted before and after the Loma Prieta earthquake provide observations of the co-seismic elevation changes. These data are used to determine the faulting geometry and distribution of slip, considering planar, listric, and negatively listric fault shapes. Both the planar and nonplanar models produce elevation changes consistent with the observations. Most of the observed elevation changes can be modeled with a rupture surface that extends from 4- to 15-km depth. If the rupture surface is planar, the observations require 2.4 m of right-lateral strike slip and 1.7 m of reverse slip on a 34-km-long plane that dips 60°SW. The best-fitting model faults lie above and to the southwest of the aftershock zone. A significantly better fit to the observations is obtained when these fault geometries are allowed to have two rake values, with a larger thrust component northwest of the epicenter and a larger strike-slip component southeast of the epicenter. When a low-modulus layer over a half-space is used for consistency with the seismic P -wave velocity structure, the fault deepens, coming within 3 km of the hypocenter, but still locates several kilometers southwest of most aftershocks.
Recycling of Romanomermis culicivorax (Mermithidae: Nematoda) in rice fields in California, USA.

Several thousand metres of linear transects in rice fields in the Central Valley of California, USA, were inoculated with the postparasitic stage of the mermithid nematode Romanomermis culicivorax during the 1982 and 1983 mosquito breeding seasons. The nematode became established in all sites monitored and provided relatively high levels of control throughout the season following application. Romanomermis culicivorax successfully overwintered in 8 sites inoculated in 1982, providing a range of 0 to 32% sentinel infection in 1983. In 1984, overwintering along 15 transects inoculated in 1982 was documented (0 to 34% parasitism). High levels of recycling occurred along transects in a field that was fallow in 1983, indicating that some of the eggs laid by R. culicivorax may be highly resistant to desiccation. No definite correlation between recycling and biotic or abiotic factors could be made, although there are indications that mosquito larval density may play a pivotal role. Parasite dispersal from the point of application was minimal.
Osteomyelitis caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum. Report of a case.

A case of osteomyelitis of the proximal phalanx of the right toe caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum is reported. This represents an unusual locus of primary infection for this acid-fast, rapid-growing, soil saprophyte.
A Technic for the Inoculation of Bacteria and Other Substances Into Living Cells

The method here described is an outgrowth of the technic for the isolation of single micro-organisms as described in previous papers.1 The new feature makes possible not only the segregation of one or more micro-organisms but the injection of them as well as of measured doses of fluids into the protoplasm or vacuoles of living cells. In order to accomplish this, pipettes have to be constructed of such a fineness as to minimize the injury to the cells injected and of sufficient rigidity to pierce the cell wall. Further, an injection force has to be employed sufficient to overcome cell pressure, capillarity, and any obstruction in the pipette. The first requirement was met by modifying the method of drawing pipettes, and the second by the use of the expansion of mercury as a source of power for injection. Each phase of the method and each part of the apparatus will be described in detail, and, for the most part, in the order that one would follow in carrying out the process. The pipette holder {ph, Fig. 4) is the same as that described for the isolation method. It consists essentially of an attachment to the stage of the microscope which holds the pipette, and by means of screws allows an up-and-down and a lateral movement of the pipette (sv and si, Fig. 4). A double pipette holder, which is described below, may be used in place of the simpler form. Any mechanical stage may be employed which allows a considerable range in both directions. The glass box is prepared as for the isolation method. Two convenient forms have been used, the smaller 60 mm. long by 25 mm. broad by 16 mm. high and a larger one 70 mm. long by 36 mm. wide by 16 mm. high. Water is kept in the bottom of the box and, further to insure moisture, the sides are lined with wet filter paper. A number 2 cover-glass
Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias.

Background and objectives Laparoscopy has quickly become the standard surgical approach to repair paraesophageal hernias. Although many centers routinely perform this procedure, relatively high recurrence rates have led many surgeons to question this approach. We sought to evaluate outcomes in our cohort of patients with an emphasis on recurrence rates and symptom improvement and their correlation with true radiologic recurrence seen on contrast imaging. Methods We retrospectively identified 126 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of a large paraesophageal hernia between 2000 and 2010. Clinical outcomes were reviewed, and data were collected regarding operative details, perioperative and postoperative complications, symptoms, and follow-up imaging. Radiologic evidence of any size hiatal hernia was considered to indicate a recurrence. Results There were 95 female and 31 male patients with a mean age (±standard deviation) of 71±14 years. Laparoscopic repair was completed successfully in 120 of 126 patients, with 6 operations converted to open procedures. Crural reinforcement with mesh was performed in 79% of patients, and 11% underwent a Collis gastroplasty. Fundoplications were performed in 90% of patients: Nissen (112), Dor (1), and Toupet (1). Radiographic surveillance, obtained at a mean time interval of 23 months postoperatively, was available in 89 of 126 patients (71%). Radiographic evidence of a recurrence was present in 19 patients (21%). Reoperation was necessary in 6 patients (5%): 5 for symptomatic recurrence (4%) and 1 for dysphagia (1%). The median length of stay was 4 days. Conclusion Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair results in an excellent outcome with a short length of stay when performed at an experienced center. Radiologic recurrence is observed relatively frequently with routine surveillance; however, many of these recurrences are small, and few patients require correction of the recurrence. Furthermore, these small recurrent hernias are often asymptomatic and do not seem to be associated with the same risk of severe complications developing as the initial paraesophageal hernia.
Platinum Concentration and Pathologic Response to Cisplatin-Based Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Background Platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapy is the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, resistance is a major limitation. Reduced intratumoral drug accumulation is an important mechanism of platinum resistance. Our group previously demonstrated a significant correlation between tissue Pt concentration and tumor response to Pt-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in lung cancer. We hypothesized that increased Pt concentration in radical cystectomy (RC) specimens would correlate with improved pathologic response to Pt-based NAC in MIBC. Methods A cohort of 19 clinically annotated, archived, fresh frozen RC specimens from patients with MIBC treated with Pt-based NAC was identified [ypT0 (pathologic complete response, pCR), N = 4; ≤ypT1N0M0 (pathologic partial response, pPR), N = 6; ≥ypT2 (minimal pathologic response/progression), N = 9)]. RC specimens from 2 patients with MIBC who did not receive NAC and 1 treated with a non-Pt containing NAC regimen were used as negative controls. Total Pt concentration in normal adjacent urothelial tissue and bladder tumors from RC specimens was measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results Total Pt concentration in normal urothelium differed by tumor pathologic response (P = 0.011). Specimens with pCR had the highest Pt concentrations compared to those with pPR (P = 0.0095) or no response/progression (P = 0.020). There was no significant difference in Pt levels in normal urothelium and tumor between pPR and no response/progression groups (P = 0.37; P = 0.25, respectively). Conclusions: Our finding of increased intracellular Pt in RC specimens with pCR following NAC for MIBC compared to those with residual disease suggests that enhanced Pt accumulation may be an important determinant of Pt sensitivity. Factors that modulate intracellular Pt concentration, such as expression of Pt transporters, warrant further investigation as predictive biomarkers of response to Pt-based NAC in MIBC.
Response to Letter Regarding Article "Novel Biomarker of Oxidative Stress Is Associated With Risk of Death in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease".

We thank Drs Giral and colleagues for their interest in our work.1 They raise the important query of whether our findings would still persist after adjustment for γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), given that GGT activity hydrolyzes glutathione (GSH) to produce glutamate+cysteinylglycine. This point, however, is not relevant to our description of GSH/cystine as a useful biomarker of cardiovascular disease, because our samples were all collected with a preservation solution containing a GGT …
In the Archives: A User's Perspective

Radical researchers need to use archives, but can often encounter problems with obtaining access to them. Currently, most of those problems are the result of cut-backs in the financing of non-profit instiutions and public higher education.
A responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogel microsphere

A responsive hydrogel microsphere, which is constituted by poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, was fabricated in an aqueous two-phase system based on the polymer–polymer immiscibility. Characteristics of the hydrogel microsphere, such as the particle size and the morphology of freeze-dried or hydrated natural microspheres in water, tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H2O (1:1 in volume) or acetone/H2O (1:1 in volume), were investigated. The results showed that the swelling ratio and the particle size of the hydrogel microspheres were highly dependent on solvent composition. In addition, these characteristics were dramatically reduced when THF or acetone was added into the aqueous media. Scanning electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy micrographs also visually demonstrated that the regular spherical shape of the microspheres in water turned to irregular in shape when the microspheres were immersed in THF/H2O or acetone/H2O mixtures instead of pure water.
Frequency-dependent dielectric function of semiconductors with application to physisorption

The dielectric function is one of the most important quantities that describes the electrical and optical properties of solids. Accurate modeling of the frequency-dependent dielectric function has great significance in the study of the long-range van der Waals (vdW) interaction for solids and adsorption. In this work we calculate the frequency-dependent dielectric functions of semiconductors and insulators using the $GW$ method with and without exciton effects, as well as efficient semilocal density functional theory (DFT), and compare these calculations with a model frequency-dependent dielectric function. We find that for semiconductors with moderate band gaps, the model dielectric functions, $GW$ values, and DFT calculations all agree well with each other. However, for insulators with strong exciton effects, the model dielectric functions have a better agreement with accurate $GW$ values than the DFT calculations, particularly in high-frequency region. To understand this, we repeat the DFT calculations with scissors correction, by shifting the DFT Kohn-Sham energy levels to match the experimental band gap. We find that scissors correction only moderately improves the DFT dielectric function in the low-frequency region. Based on the dielectric functions calculated with different methods, we make a comparative study by applying these dielectric functions to calculate the vdW coefficients (${C}_{3}$ and ${C}_{5}$) for adsorption of rare-gas atoms on a variety of surfaces. We find that the vdW coefficients obtained with the nearly free electron gas-based model dielectric function agree quite well with those obtained from the $GW$ dielectric function, in particular for adsorption on semiconductors, leading to an overall error of less than 7% for ${C}_{3}$ and 5% for ${C}_{5}$. This demonstrates the reliability of the model dielectric function for the study of physisorption.
Carotid stenosis in women: time for a reappraisal

The treatment approach for patients with internal carotid artery stenosis is receiving increased scrutiny. Major advances in optimal medical therapy have been associated with a declining stroke rate for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis. Customising treatment according to gender is worthy of consideration, since earlier clinical trials showed reduced benefit with carotid endarterectomy in women compared to men. In this review, clinical trial results in women are summarised, studies pertaining to carotid plaque imaging in men and women are discussed and new clinical trials are identified. Finally, the rationale for a women's carotid trial is provided.
Testing a proposed paradigm shift in analysis of phage DNA packaging

We argue that a paradigm shift is needed in the analysis of phage DNA packaging. We then test a prediction of the following paradigm shift-engendering hypothesis. The motor of phage DNA packaging has two cycles: (1) the well-known packaging ATPase-driven (type 1) cycle and (2) a proposed back-up, shell expansion/contraction-driven (type 2) cycle that reverses type 1 cycle stalls by expelling accidentally packaged non-DNA molecules. We test the prediction that increasing the cellular concentration of all macromolecules will cause packaging-active capsids to divert to states of hyper-expansion and contraction. We use a directed evolution-derived, 3-site phage T3 mutant, adapted to propagation in concentrated bacterial cytoplasm. We find this prediction correct while discovering novel T3 capsids previously obscure.
Total skin electron therapy as treatment for epitheliotropic lymphoma in a dog

Background Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon cutaneous neoplasm in dogs. Treatment options are limited. Total skin electron therapy (TSET) has been suggested as a possible therapy for canine MF. Objective To describe the use of TSET as palliative treatment for MF in a dog. Results An adult dog, previously diagnosed with nonepidermolytic ichthyosis, was presented with generalized erythroderma, alopecia and erosions. Histopathology revealed a densely cellular, well-demarcated, unencapsulated infiltrate extending from the epidermis to the mid-dermis compatible with MF. The infiltrate exhibited epitheliotropism multifocally for the epidermis, infundibula and adnexa. Due to a lack of response to chemotherapy, TSET was elected. Six megavoltage electrons were delivered using a 21EX Varian linear accelerator. A dose of 6 Gy was delivered to the skin surface and a 100 cm skin to surface distance was used for dog setup. The treatment time for the cranial half treatment was 3 h. The treatment was divided in two sessions (cranial and caudal halves of the body) 15 days apart. Clinical and histopathological complete remission was achieved and the dog was kept in remission with no additional treatments for 19 months before relapse and development of Sezary syndrome. Conclusion and clinical significance To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case reporting the use of TSET for medically refractory canine MF with post treatment follow-up. This case suggests that the use of TSET may be an effective palliative treatment for canine MF.
Use of Taylor rod-on-anvil impact experiments to investigate high strain rate behavior in polyolefins

Taylor rod-on-anvil impact experiments have been performed on a range of polyolefins. At impact velocity greater than ~250 m/s there are significant differences observed in the deformation behavior between the four polymers, which cannot be explained based on current understanding. During the initial stages of impact, mechno-luminescence is observed in all polymers and at all impact velocities. The location and length scale of this luminescence is consistent with the observed location of temperature increases that approach, and in some instances, exceed the melt point of the polymers.
Os Desafios no Ensino da História

Garantir uma educacao de qualidade para todos e um dever do estado. Municipio e Uniao e se adequam conforme as necessidades e a demanda da legislacao vigente independente de classe social, cultura, economia, politica,localidade e estoria.Para que haja uma educacao de qualidade e fundamental que na transmissao de conhecimentos haja uma compreensao e uma adequacao, que promovam uma reflexao, uma curiosidade,um senso critico e um interesse de participar por parte do aluno desde o ensino infantil.O professor tem papel essencial nesse processo,ja que tem a obrigacao de transmitir os conteudos com clareza e utilizando o cotidiano para uma melhor concretizacao da aprendizagem,provocando uma reflexao e participacao mais efetiva do aluno na escola e na sua localidade.Quando o aluno ingressa no ensino fundamental esta com a sua mente em formacao, o que permite uma ampliacao de suas caracteristicas pessoais que poderao na sua vida adulta ainda serem observadas,ja que a formacao da cidadania que deveria ser iniciada pela familia, tambem e transmitida pela escola.Na formacao do aluno, a disciplina de historia e fundamental pois conhecendo o passado,se entende o presente na busca de um futuro melhor.Isso porque a historia permite a compreensao de acoes e geracoes em tempos diferentes.A disciplina de historia permite a transmissao de fatos que permite o aluno fazer comparacoes com os dias atuais e seu cotidiano despertando assim curiosidades e interesse de ser parte dela, mesmo que no momento seja so na sua localidade e quem sabe futuramente como parte ampla da historia.
Abstract 3124: Expression and therapeutic implications of cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) in osteosarcoma

Overexpression and/or hyperactivation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) has been found in many types of human cancers, and a CDK4 specific inhibitor, palbociclib, has been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of breast cancer. However, the expression and the therapeutic potential of CDK4 in osteosarcoma remain unclear. In the present study, CDK4 was found to be highly expressed in human osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines as compared with normal human osteoblasts. Elevated CDK4 expression correlated with metastasis potential and poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients as determined by immunohistochemical analysis in a human osteosarcoma tissue microarray (TMA). CDK4 inhibition by either palbociclib or specific small interference RNA (siRNA) exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of osteosarcoma cell proliferation and growth, accompanied by suppression of the CDK4/6-cyclinD-Rb signaling pathway. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CDK4 knockdown arrested osteosarcoma cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of CDK4 significantly decreased osteosarcoma cell migration in vitro determined by the wound healing assay. These data highlight that CDK4 may be a potential promising therapeutic target in the treatment of human osteosarcoma. Citation Format: Yubing Zhou, Francis Hornicke, Zhenfeng Duan. Expression and therapeutic implications of cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) in osteosarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3124. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3124
Primary Stroke Prevention: Medical Therapy Versus Revascularization

Asymptomatic carotid-artery atherosclerotic vascular disease identifies patients at heightened risk of major adverse cardiovascular events including ischemic stroke. Observational and registry analyses demonstrate that this risk extends beyond that attributable to carotid atherosclerosis itself and includes events manifesting in other vascular territories, such as myocardial infarction. However, randomized trials aimed specifically at treating carotid stenosis have shown benefit in terms of reducing ischemic stroke in appropriately selected patients. Therefore, the approach to primary prevention in patients with stable carotid disease must include a comprehensive strategy to reduce cerebrovascular-specific and overall cardiovascular risk through lifestyle changes and intensive medical therapies.
Medical genetics and genomics training in obstetrics and gynecology residencies: are we ready for the future?

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the availability and duration of formal medical genetics and genomics (MGG) education during obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residen...
Aura: An incentive-driven ad-hoc IoT cloud framework for proximal mobile computation offloading

Abstract The rapid growth of mobile applications requires enhanced computational resources in order to ensure better performance, security, and usability. In recent years, the proliferation of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices has caused a paradigm shift in computing and communication. IoT devices are making our physical environment and infrastructures smarter, bringing pervasive computing to the mainstream. Given numerous predictions that we will have billions of such devices deployed in the next five years, we have the opportunity to utilize such IoT devices in converting our physical environment into interactive, smart, and intelligent computing infrastructures. In this paper, we present Aura – a highly localized IoT based cloud computing model. Aura allows mobile clients to create ad hoc and flexible clouds using the IoT and other computing devices in the nearby physical environment. Aura provides localized computational capability from untapped computing resources using a task-offloading model for mobile devices. Computations done in Aura are highly flexible, giving clients full control to start, stop, migrate, and restart computations in localized IoT devices as the mobile users move between different physical locations. As an example application of Aura, we have ported a lightweight version of MapReduce to run on IoT devices powered by Contiki OS. The prototype application was utilized to conduct various experimental measurements to evaluate different performance metrics of the proposed system. The paper presents a detailed comparative analysis of Aura with traditional clouds and applications running natively on mobile phones to assert the benefits and feasibility of the model.
Fundus Photography vs. Ophthalmoscopy Outcomes in the Emergency Department (FOTO-ED) Phase III: Web-based, In-service Training of Emergency Providers.

We evaluated a web-based training aimed at improving the review of fundus photography by emergency providers. 587 patients were included, 12.6% with relevant abnormalities. Emergency providers spen...
Measuring the diffusion of technologies through international trade

Technological advancements affect economic growth, income distribution and levels of unemployment. However, quantifying the pace of technological diffusion is problematic. This paper develops a new measure of technological progress by estimating the high-skill content of imports using industry-level, bilateral trade data. Intuitively, during periods of trade liberalization, a higher skill content embodied within imports will lead to a faster change in the arrival rate of new technologies. Trade accelerated since the 1980s and with that came a diffusion of new technologies into developing countries. By utilizing the industry-level trade data in conjunction with the high-skill factor content of each industry, a measure of technological diffusion is developed using a theoretically consistent gravity model. This measure is highly correlated with other measures of technological progress and provides a new data set for a large number of both developed and developing countries. How the high-skill content of imports increased is analyzed for countries across the development spectrum. This measure of technological progress is applied to income inequality. It significantly increases inequality, consistent with theoretical expectations, and provides an additional avenue in how to measure technological progress.
Art spaces, art places : Examining neighborhood preferences of New York arts organizations

This report builds on and extends a diverse literature that examines the location patterns of the arts and creative industries through analysis of a database of arts nonprofit organizations from the New York State Cultural Data Project. We confirm the link between arts organizations and the urban core and creative economy, but challenge the assumption that arts tend to locate in ethnic and disadvantaged neighborhoods. By identifying key neighborhood attributes associated with distinct types of arts organizations, we can better identify potential sites conducive to nurturing additional artistic activity and inform strategies to engage organizations in neighborhoods that are underserved in the arts.
Genetic Approaches for Identifying Kinetochore Components in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

A fundamental aspect of the cell division cycle is the chromosome cycle in which each of the chromosomal DNA molecules undergoes a series of morphological changes and complex movements to ensure faithful distribution at mitosis. The gene products responsible for execution of the chromosome cycle include structural components, such as those that assemble into the mitotic spindle apparatus, and regulatory components, such as those that coordinate the ordered series of events leading to chromosome segregation within the cell cycle. We have been taking several genetic approaches to identify genes encoding determinants critical to the chromosome cycle in the budding yeast, S. cerevisiae.
Oxidative stress associated with aging activates protein kinase Cε, leading to cilia slowing.

Older people are four times more likely to develop pneumonia than younger people. As we age, many components of pulmonary innate immunity are impaired, including slowing of mucociliary clearance. C...
Deciphering the structure of the condensin protein complex

Protein assemblies consisting of structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) and kleisin subunits are essential for the process of chromosome segregation across all domains of life. Prokaryotic condensin belonging to this class of protein complexes is composed of a homodimer of SMC that associates with a kleisin protein subunit called ScpA. While limited structural data exist for the proteins that comprise the (SMC)–kleisin complex, the complete structure of the entire complex remains unknown. Using an integrative approach combining both crystallographic data and coevolutionary information, we predict an atomic-scale structure of the whole condensin complex, which our results indicate being composed of a single ring. Coupling coevolutionary information with molecular-dynamics simulations, we study the interaction surfaces between the subunits and examine the plausibility of alternative stoichiometries of the complex. Our analysis also reveals several additional configurational states of the condensin hinge domain and the SMC–kleisin interaction domains, which are likely involved with the functional opening and closing of the condensin ring. This study provides the foundation for future investigations of the structure–function relationship of the various SMC–kleisin protein complexes at atomic resolution.
State Immunity and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board

Since Congress’s enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, the power and influence of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board as an adjunct to (or substitute for) patent litigation has steadily grown. And just as the PTAB and district courts both face difficult questions of substantive patent law, many of the difficult jurisdictional and procedural issues that have presented in district court litigation have found counterparts in the PTAB, too. One category of such challenges regards the power of the PTAB to hear claims involving other governmental entities. Are the states immune from the power of the PTAB? I conclude that they are not. State sovereign immunity jurisprudence suggests at least three reasons why this is so. First, state sovereign immunity is primarily a limit on Article III's federal judicial power. But the PTAB does not exercise such power. Second, the Supreme Court has explained that the Eleventh Amendment’s penumbras may also shield states from nonjudicial proceedings that closely resemble an ordinary lawsuit. But inter partes review differs from ordinary litigation in several significant, relevant respects. And, third, these distinctions suggest a more novel basis for subjecting states to the PTAB’s jurisdiction. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the federal government’s power to sue the states to protect federal interests. And the federal government has a clear, compelling interest in ensuring that public rights, such as patents, are kept within their legitimate scope. Hence, because inter partes review is instituted by the Director of the Patent Office to cancel patents that may have been granted in violation of federal patent law, the Patent Office may review state-owned patents, state immunity notwithstanding, no less than it can review private patents. Such review helps assure balance between public and private patentees.
The Two Distinct Types of SecA2-Dependent Export Systems

In addition to SecA of the general Sec system, many Gram-positive bacteria, including mycobacteria, express SecA2, a second, transport-associated ATPase. SecA2s can be subdivided into two mechanistically distinct types: (i) SecA2s that are part of the accessory Sec (aSec) system, a specialized transporter mediating the export of a family of serine-rich repeat (SRR) glycoproteins that function as adhesins, and (ii) SecA2s that are part of multisubstrate systems, in which SecA2 interacts with components of the general Sec system, specifically the SecYEG channel, to export multiple types of substrates. Found mainly in streptococci and staphylococci, the aSec system also contains SecY2 and novel accessory Sec proteins (Asps) that are required for optimal export. Asp2 also acetylates glucosamine residues on the SRR domains of the substrate during transport. Targeting of the SRR substrate to SecA2 and the aSec translocon is mediated by a specialized signal peptide. Multisubstrate SecA2 systems are present in mycobacteria, corynebacteria, listeriae, clostridia, and some bacillus species. Although most substrates for this SecA2 have canonical signal peptides that are required for export, targeting to SecA2 appears to depend on structural features of the mature protein. The feature of the mature domains of these proteins that renders them dependent on SecA2 for export may be their potential to fold in the cytoplasm. The discovery of aSec and multisubstrate SecA2 systems expands our appreciation of the diversity of bacterial export pathways. Here we present our current understanding of the mechanisms of each of these SecA2 systems.
ETV6-related thrombocytopenia and leukemia predisposition

Germ line mutations in ETV6 are responsible for a familial thrombocytopenia and leukemia predisposition syndrome. Thrombocytopenia is almost completely penetrant and is usually mild. Leukemia is reported in ∼30% of carriers and is most often B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The mechanisms by which ETV6 dysfunction promotes thrombocytopenia and leukemia remain unclear. Care for individuals with ETV6-related thrombocytopenia and leukemia predisposition includes genetic counseling, treatment or prevention of excessive bleeding and surveillance for the development of hematologic malignancy.
Cortisol, moderated by age, is associated with antidepressant treatment outcome and memory improvement in Major Depressive Disorder: A retrospective analysis.

Abstract Background Studies testing the relationship between cortisol levels, depression, and antidepressant treatment response have yielded divergent results suggesting the possibility of moderators of a cortisol effect. Several studies indicate that age may moderate the relationship between cortisol and depression. In patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), we studied the interactive effects of age and cortisol in association with MDD diagnostic status and mood and memory response to antidepressant treatment. Methods Serum cortisol levels in 66 unmedicated patients with MDD and 75 matched healthy controls (HC) were measured at baseline and retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression was used to determine an association of age, cortisol and their interaction with MDD diagnosis in the pooled sample of MDD and HC participants. Thirty-four of the MDD participants (age range: 19–65 years; median: 36) underwent treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRl) for 8 weeks. Clinician and self-ratings of depression symptoms, as well as tests of verbal and visual delayed recall were obtained at baseline and post treatment. Moderation analyses determined the effect of age on the relationship between baseline cortisol and treatment outcome. Results Cortisol, moderated by age, was associated with MDD diagnosis (p Conclusions Our results add to the body of literature suggesting that age might be an important factor in moderating the relationship between peripheral cortisol levels, depression, cognition, and prognosis. These results indicate that previous disparities in the literature linking peripheral cortisol levels with depression characteristics and treatment response may critically relate, at least in part, to the age of the participants studied.
On the developmental morphology and histochemistry of the galls induced by an agromyzid on the stems ofPongamia glabra Vent. (Fabaceae)

The developmental morphology and histochemistry of the solid indehiscent galls ofPongamia glabra Vent. are presented. Hyperplasy and hypertrophy of the medullary ray and pith cells causes the separation of the vascular cylinder which contributes to the radial enlargement of the stem. Hyperactivity of acid phosphatase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and an increased level of proteins was detected in the gall tissues and has been discussed in relation to the gall development.
Internalized stigma and its correlates among justice-involved individuals with mental illness

In the United States, the number of justice-involved individuals living with mental illnesses is large and growing; however, there is little information about internalized stigma experienced by thi...
Validating the usefulness of the NSI validity-10 with the MMPI-2-RF

Purpose/Aim of the Study: The Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) is a 22-item self-report measure created to quantify the somatosensory, cognitive, and affective symptoms of Post-concussive Sy...
Multi-level Governance of Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study of Country-Wide Adaptation Projects in Samoa

Countries across the Pacific region have experienced a surge in internationally funding for climate adaptation initiatives. In the Independent State of Samoa, two major projects—funded by the Adaptation Fund and the World Bank Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR)—have supported adaptation planning and activity implementation in most villages across the country. These country-wide initiatives range from conducting LiDAR studies and updating Community Integrated Management (CIM) plans to installing rainwater catchment and storage tanks and reforesting water catchment areas. These projects inherently present a multi-level governance challenge because they are developed at the national level, are funded and monitored at the international level, and ultimately implemented in communities. This chapter explores the extent to which interactions across governance levels and scales advance effective adaptation to climate change. Based on in-country interviews, site observations, and observations of the Adaptation Fund’s terminal evaluation process, this chapter presents evidence from these major adaptation initiatives in Samoa to highlight where multi-level governance had been leveraged to enhance the governance of adaptation as well as areas of the projects where this has not occurred. It further examines the trade-offs inherent in efforts to work across governance scales and levels in conducting climate change adaptation.
Vehicle to Grid Frequency Regulation Capacity Optimal Scheduling for Battery Swapping Station Using Deep Q-Network

Battery swapping stations (BSSs) are ideal candidates for fast frequency regulation services (FFRS) due to their large battery stock capacity. In addition, BSSs can precharge batteries for customers and the batteries that are not in charging can provide a stable regulation capacity to the market. However, uncertainties, such as ACE signals and the EV per-hour visit counts, introduce stochastic nonlinear dynamics into the operation of a BSS-based FFRS. Currently, there is no quantification method to ensure its optimal economical operation. To close this gap, in this article, we propose a novel deep Q-learning-based FFRS capacity dynamic scheduling strategy. This method can autonomously schedule the hourly regulation capacity in real time to maximize the BSS's revenue for providing FFRS. Case studies using real-world data verify the efficacy of the proposed work.