cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Both EphA2 and EphA1 are sufficient in mediating suppression of Erk activity in MEFs

4496 Eph receptors are the largest family of membrane bound receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that have been implicated in various developmental processes as well as tumorigenesis. But the role of Eph kinases in tumor progression is controversial since on one hand it has been shown to inhibit or attenuate growth factors dependent MAPK activity and on the other hand, they are overexpressed and in some cases mutated in various types of tumors. However, in contrast to other RTKs, activation of Eph receptors fails to promote cell proliferation, or to transform rodent fibroblasts, indicating that Eph kinases may initiate signaling pathways that are distinct from those transmitted by other RTKs. We have previously reported that activation of EphA kinases by their ligand ephrinA1 inhibits the ras/Erk signaling cascade(Nature Cell Biology;3;p527). To characterize further regarding which EphA kinase/s are involved in this regulation, we established primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from the EphA2 knock out (KO) mice. Here we show that disruption of EphA2 abolishes the inhibitory effect of ephrinA1 on Erk1/2 activity. More importantly, restoration of EphA2 expression rescued the inhibitory effect of ephrinA1 on Erk1/2 activity. In addition, deletion and site directed mutation analysis revealed that catalytic activity of kinase domain of EphA2 is required for Erk1/2 inhibition. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ephrinA1 is also capable of mediating EphA1 activation induced Erk1/2 inhibition. In summary, our data establishes that EphA1 and EphA2 are sufficient in mediating suppression of Erk1/2 activity in MEFs, and suggest that this activation of EphA kinases can be attractive targets for cancer therapy.
New theory of superfluid He 4

It is proposed that regions of low and high mass density exist in liquid helium and moreover are spatially well-ordered in the superfluid state with the result that the ground-state wave function ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}$ is periodic. A ground-state energy 8.1% lower than that determined by Monte Carlo procedure for a pair-correlated wave function $f({r}_{\mathrm{ij}})$ by McMillan is obtained with ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{0}=\left[\ensuremath{\Pi}\stackrel{}{igj}[f({r}_{\mathrm{ij}})]\right]\left[1+B \ensuremath{\Sigma}\stackrel{}{igj}\frac{cos2{k}_{0}{r}_{\mathrm{ij}}}{{k}_{0}{r}_{\mathrm{ij}}}\right]$ with $B=0.054\ensuremath{\pi}$ and ${k}_{0}=2\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{6.8}$ ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. A mean-field theory of the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ transition has been formulated. The nature of the superfluid state is a consequence of the spatial periodicity of the wave function and a simple physical picture of the roton is presented as well as a rigorous roton wave function.
Academic competencies for the twenty-first century: plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose? / Competencias académicas para el siglo XXI: plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose?

AbstractThe academy has a reputation of resisting change; the assumption is that the faculty are unwilling to consider alterations to the tempo, pattern, texture and content of the academy. While many basic structures within the academy remain in place, there are in fact multiple surface-level changes that have impacted academe over the years. This article focuses on what academic life is about and how it is changing in the twenty-first century. The author highlights the changing nature of peer review and how early-career scholars might be best served with a thoughtful and relevant mentoring from senior scholars in order to improve their skills. The author concludes with what he sees as fundamental changes to academic life that will be forthcoming.
THE EFFECT OF CRYSTALLINE DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL ON MILK SECRETION IN THYROPARATHYROIDECTOMIZED LACTATING RATS.

SummaryDaily administration of 100 μg crystalline dihydrotachysterol/100 g BW from day 4 to 20 of lactation in conjunction with 3.0 μg L-thyroxine/100 g BW was able to maintain lactational performance in thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Milk yields of the thyroparathyroidectomized animals were elevated to the level of the sham-operated group by day 14 of lactation but litter weights of the thyroparathyroidectomized animals were smaller than the sham-operated controls. It is suggested that the role of crystalline dihydrotachysterol in maintaining milk secretion is mediated by the mobilization of a level of serum calcium adequate for the synthesis of milk.
Implantation of 1.5 MeV Ag + Ions in Silica Glass

Ag+ ions were implanted in silica glass at an acceleration energy of 1.5MeV. It is found that Ag atoms are present in both the metallic and ionic states. Ag atoms in the metallic state increase when the Ag atom concentration increases. It is shown that the structure of damaged glass recovers monotonically from the surface to the inside of the glass. The state of the Ag atoms does not depend on the glass structure damaged by ion implantation.
Microscopic real-space resistance mapping across CdTe solar cell junctions by scanning spreading resistance microscopy

We report on scanning spreading resistance microscopy on cross sections of thin-film CdTe devices. The results show the capability of identifying the multiple layers, the depletion region, and the nonuniform doping. We observe carrier injection and depletion region movement by laser illumination or by electrically biasing the device, directly revealing the underlying physics of the solar cell junction in real space with resolutions of nanometer scale.
The Equity Capital Puzzle: A Consumption-Based Model

This paper examines Bansal, Fang, and Yaron's (2007) equity capital puzzle, which shows that expanding sectors in the economy do not provide increasing risk-reward compensation to investors who tie up larger fractions of their wealth in those sectors. I show the puzzle for broad definitions of net corporate payout (including all cashflows from the corporate sector) and aggregate wealth (including human capital). I then propose a continuous-time representative agent model with habit formation pricing kernel and heteroskedastic output processes for which sectoral share dynamics is linked to the state of the economy, solve it in semi-closed form, and calibrate it to the data. The model, which has simple ingredients, can quantitatively account for the basic properties of the asset markets and the equity capital puzzle.
3D volume data reconstruction based on approximate distance functions

Based on the research of volume reconstruction algorithm using constant distance function in virtual endoscope,the rapid scanning algorithm on Generalized Polygon area that satisfied real-time request has been proposed.The algorithm redefines the distance between dot and contour,adds a vertical scan to the level and utilizes two direction approximate distances to achieve volume reconstruction.The experiments show that our method is efficient and is easy to implement,and can meet the requirement of virtual endoscope in real time.
Investigation on the host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Tonghua city

Objective To understand the host animal species composition of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Tonghua city and provide scientific basis for prevention.Methods Rat density was investigated by night trap method.Results Of 1 330 traps placed in the scene,124 rats were captured,rat density was 9.32%.These rats were identified as 2 families 5 genera 8 species.In room,Rattus norvegicus was the dominant species;in filed,Apodemus agrarius was the dominant species.Conclusion Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Tonghua have the epidemiological feature of multi-host.Thus,the preventive strategy should be taken according to this feature.
Integrated solution for E-gov network architecture design

In this paper, electronic government network architecture is divided into 4 layers: the central metropolitan area network, the provincial metropolitan area network, the municipal metropolitan area network and county metropolitan area network. Then takes east africa country E-gov network architecture and design as an example, the integrated solution for E-gov network has been introduced systematically. First of all, we introduce the construction of E-ov network to IP network design and equipment selection, design of VPN wireless network and wired broad and transmission, and network safety and cloud characteristics; secondly, the design of E-gov system data center architecture is discussed; finally, the top business application of the network architecture of E-gov network system design ( UC, E-mail, VC, UP, etc.) is elaborated.
Acute Abdominal Pain Following Optical Colonoscopy: CT Findings and Clinical Considerations

OBJECTIVE. Optical colonoscopy is a common procedure; more than 14 million are performed annually in the United States. Serious colonoscopy complications are uncommon, but they can be life-threatening if not quickly recognized. CONCLUSION. Optical colonoscopy complications that can be detected at CT include bowel perforation, postprocedural hemorrhage, postpolypectomy syndrome, splenic injury, appendicitis, and diverticulitis. Radiologist awareness of optical colonoscopy complications seen at CT is imperative for appropriate diagnosis and prompt patient management.
Evaluation of Calcium Propionate and Propylene Glycol Administered into the Esophagus of Dairy Cattle at Calving11Supported in part by a gift from Kemin Industries, Inc., Des Moines, IA 50301-0070.

Abstract A field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral drenching with additional energy or energy plus calcium on blood parameters and performance of fresh cows. Treatments were 9.5 L water (control), 9.5 L water plus 300 mL (310 g) propylene glycol (PG), or 9.5 L water plus 0.68 kg calcium propionate (CP). Cows received the assigned drench within 4 h of calving and again 24 h post-calving. Animals were bled prior to each drench and on d 4 and 10 of lactation. Animals were fed and managed by parity (primiparous vs multiparous) in a commercial setting. Health events were recorded during calving and for the first 15 d in milk (DIM). Milk records were evaluated from monthly test weights the first 4 mo in lactation. The addition of PG or CP did not affect either plasma calcium or glucose (P>0.05). Plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels were lower in animals receiving the PG drench as compared with animals receiving either the control or CP treatment (P
Biomedical Engineering Clinical Innovations: Is the Past Prologue to the Future?

The medical device industry, defined here as implanted therapeutic or restorative technologies, is roughly 50 years old. The first commercially available cardiac pacemaker to treat complete heart block was implanted in 1958 in Sweden followed by the first ball and cage prosthetic heart valve in 1960. From these tentative beginnings, medical device industry sales by U.S. companies were estimated to be $77 billion in 2003. Significant technology sectors now include mechanical and tissue prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardioverter-defibrillators to convert chaotic heart rhythms, cardiac re-synchronization devices to manage heart failure, vascular stents to treat occluded coronary and peripheral arteries, neurostimulation devices for certain central nervous system disorders, artificial joints and spinal implants for degenerative conditions, intraocular implants for cataracts, to cite representative examples. While financial metrics provide an indication of the direct economic impact of medical devices, a more relevant measure is the effect medical technologies have on reduction in patient morbidity and mortality, improved well-being, and increased quality of life.
System for Automatic Camera Calibration Robust Against Blur and Lighting Conditions Changes

This paper presents a system for precise intrinsic and extrinsic camera calibration for monocular and stereo cameras. The presented approach is based on some well established research in the field and utilizes calibration patterns. The novelty of the presented method is the automatic detection of motion blur, that is common to the process of calibration based on moving the camera or the calibration object, especially under bad lighting conditions. The method allows for sub-pixel re-projection precision for cameras with perspective lenses and can be extended to omnidirectional cameras as well.
Amine-functionalized, multi-arm star polymers: A novel platform for removing glyphosate from aqueous media

We describe a novel method for efficiently removing glyphosate from aqueous media via adsorption onto highly functionalized star-shaped polymeric particles. These particles have a polystyrene core with more than 35 attached methacrylate polymer arms, each containing a plurality of pendant amines (poly(dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate): PDMAEMA) that are partially protonated in water. Kinetic studies demonstrate that these star-polymers successfully remove up to 93% of glyphosate present in aqueous solution (feed concentration: 5 ppm), within 10 min contact time, outperforming activated carbon, which removed 33% after 20 min. On these star-polymers, glyphosate adsorption closely follows the Langmuir model indicating monolayer coverage at most. Ionic interaction between the protonated amines and glyphosate's dissociated carboxylic and phosphoric acid groups lead to effective glyphosate capture even at feed concentrations below 1 ppm. Surface charge of these star polymers and dissociation of glyphosate are both influenced by pH, thus glyphosate removal efficiency increases from 63% to 93% when pH increases from 4.2 to 7.7. NMR studies conducted with butylamine as a proxy for these polymeric particles confirm that the amine group binds with both glyphosate's carboxylic and phosphoric acid groups when its concentrations are in a 2:1 or higher molar ratio with glyphosate.
A Review of Bacterial Interactions With Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of Medical, Veterinary, and Forensic Importance

Blow flies are commonly associated with decomposing material. In most cases, the larvae are found feeding on decomposing vertebrate remains; however, some species have specialized to feed on living tissue or can survive on other alternate resources like feces. Because of their affiliation with such septic environments, these insects have close associations with microbes. Historically, a tremendous amount of research focused on these insects due to their veterinary importance. Within the past 40 yr, efforts have expanded this research to include areas such as systems ecology, forensics, and even wound debridement (maggot) therapy. Initial research efforts examining the relationship between microbes and these insects were hampered by the technology available. However, with the advent of high-throughput sequencing and modern molecular techniques, new avenues of research examining these interactions have opened up. The purpose of this article is to highlight the research exploring the interactions between microbes and blow flies with regards to blow fly biology, the application of such information to benefit humanity, and potential future pathways of research.
Next generation sequencing of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma.

// Elizabeth J. Davis 1 , Yi-Mi Wu 2 , Dan Robinson 2 , Scott M. Schuetze 1 , Laurence H. Baker 1 , Jyoti Athanikar 2 , Xuhong Cao 2 , Lakshmi P. Kunju 2 , Arul M. Chinnaiyan 2 , Rashmi Chugh 1 1 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 2 Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Correspondence to: Rashmi Chugh, email: rashmim@umich.edu Keywords: extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, next generation sequencing, EWSR1-NR4A3 Received: July 29, 2016 Accepted: January 09, 2017 Published: February 21, 2017 ABSTRACT Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is an indolent translocation-associated soft tissue sarcoma with a high propensity for metastases. Using a clinical sequencing approach, we genomically profiled patients with metastatic EMC to elucidate the molecular biology and identify potentially actionable mutations. We also evaluated potential predictive factors of benefit to sunitinib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with reported activity in a subset of EMC patients. Between January 31, 2012 and April 15, 2016, six patients with EMC participated in the clinical sequencing research study. High quality DNA and RNA was isolated and matched normal samples underwent comprehensive next generation sequencing (whole or OncoSeq capture exome of tumor and normal, tumor PolyA+ and capture transcriptome). The expression levels of sunitinib targeted-kinases were measured by transcriptome sequencing for KDR, PDGFRA/B, KIT, RET, FLT1, and FLT4 . The previously reported EWSR1-NR4A3 translocation was identified in all patient tumors; however, other recurring genomic abnormalities were not detected. RET expression was significantly greater in patients with EMC relative to other types of sarcomas except for liposarcoma (p<0.0002). The folate receptor was overexpressed in two patients. Our study demonstrated that similar to other translocation-associated sarcomas, the mutational profile of metastatic EMC is limited beyond the pathognomonic translocation. The clinical significance of RET expression in EMC should be explored. Additional pre-clinical investigations of EMC may help elucidate molecular mechanisms contributing to EMC tumorigenesis that could be translated to the clinical setting.
Learning and attention reveal a general relationship between neuronal variability and perception

The trial-to-trial response variability that is shared between pairs of neurons (termed spike count correlations or r SC ) has been the subject of many recent studies largely because it might limit the amount of information that can be encoded by neuronal populations. Spike count correlations are flexible and change depending on task demands. However, the relationship between correlated variability and information coding is a matter of current debate. Here we simultaneously measured the effects of perceptual learning and attention, two processes that improve performance on visual tasks but operate on very different timescales, on behavioral performance and neuronal population responses in visual area V4, using the same task, subjects, trials, and neuronal populations. We found that there is a single, robust relationship between correlated variability in neuronal populations and behavioral performance, even though correlated variability changes rapidly with attention and slowly with perceptual learning. Further, this correlated variability is oriented along the dimensions in population space used by the animal on a trial-by-trial basis to make perceptual decisions. In conclusion, it appears that there is a common computation through which the correlated variability of neuronal populations affects perceptual performance.
Imaging Findings of Benign Enhancing Foramen Magnum Lesions

We are grateful to McGuinness et al for their interesting and clinically applicable article “Benign Enhancing Foramen Magnum Lesions: Clinical Report of a Newly Recognized Entity.”[1][1] In a series of 14 patients, the authors documented the stereotypical appearance of 16 small, enhancing
A multi-phase VCO quantizer based adaptive digital LDO in 65nm CMOS technology

A digital low-dropout (DLDO) voltage regulator circuit is proposed utilizing a multi-phase VCO based time quantizer. This high-resolution quantizer requires much lower sampling clock frequency compared to the previously proposed 1-bit comparator based architectures and thereby ensures stability over a wide operating condition, while reducing the dynamic power consumption at the same time. The DLDO operates at an input voltage range of 0.6V to 1.2V and delivers a maximum 115mA current with a 50mV dropout, simulated in a 65nm LP CMOS technology. A dynamically adaptive sampling clock can reduce the output voltage droop by 40–60% and provides 3.5–6.5 times faster settling compared to a baseline DLDO design that uses a fixed sampling clock frequency. The FOM calculated at 0.9V output is 0.53ps. The maximum current efficiency is 99.3%.
Actuarial Improvements of Standard Formula for Non-life Underwriting Risk

Solvency II Directive introduced a new framework in order to develop new risk management practices to manage risk and to define a minimum capital requirement. To this aim, Commission Delegated Regulation provided the final version of the standard formula. Capital requirement is obtained via a modular structure where each source of risk must be first measured and then aggregated under a linear correlation assumption. As the results of main Quantitative Impact Studies have shown, premium and reserve risks represent a key driver for non-life insurers. In this regard, we focus here on the valuation of the capital requirement for this specific sub-module. Some inconsistencies of the approach provided by Solvency II will be highlighted. We show that some assumptions of the standard formula may lead to an underestimation of the capital requirement for small insurers.
Enhancing Performance Stability of Electrochemically Active Polymers by Vapor‐Deposited Organic Networks

Performance stability of electrochemically active polymers (EAPs) remains one of the greatest and long-standing challenges with regard to EAP-based technologies for a myriad of energy, biomedical, and environmental applications. The performance instability of EAPs originates from their structural alteration under repeated charge–discharge cycling and/or flexing. In this work, a conceptually new “soft confinement” strategy to enhance EAP performance stability, including cyclic and mechanical, by using rationally designed, vapor-deposited organic networks is presented. These chemically cross-linked networks, when in contact with an electrolyte solution, turn into ultrathin, elastic hydrogel coatings that encapsulate conformally the EAP micro-/nanostructures. Such hydrogel coatings allow easy passage of ions that intercalate with EAPs, while simultaneously mitigating the structural pulverization of the EAPs and/or their detachment from substrates. Fundamentally distinct from extensively studied “scaffolding” or “synthetic” approaches to stabilizing EAPs, this soft confinement strategy relies on a postmodification step completely decoupled from the EAP synthesis/fabrication, and enjoys the unique advantage of substrate-independency. Hence, this strategy is broadly applicable to various types of EAPs. The proposed stability enhancement strategy is demonstrated to be effective for a range of EAP systems with differing chemical and morphological characteristics under various testing conditions (repeated charging/discharging, bending, and twisting).
The New Frontier: the Intestinal Microbiome and Surgery

The microbiome exerts a remarkable effect on human physiology. The study of the human-microbiome relationship is a burgeoning field with great potential to improve our understanding of health and disease. In this review, we address common surgical problems influenced by the human microbiome and explore what is thus far known about this relationship. These include inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal neoplasms, and diverticular disease. We will also discuss the effect of the microbiome on surgical complications, specifically anastomotic leak. We hope that further research in this field will enlighten our management of these and other surgical problems.
Experimental and Theoretical Validation of System Variables That Control the Position of Particles at the Interface of Immiscible Liquids.

We construct a mathematical model describing the equilibrium flotation height of a spherical particle at the interface of immiscible liquids. The behavior of such a system depends on several experimentally measurable parameters, which include surface tensions, densities of all phases, and system scale. These parameters can be absorbed into three quantities that entirely determine the equilibrium position of the particle: the contact angle between the interface and particle, the Bond number, and the ratio of particle buoyant density to liquid phase densities—a new, dimensionless number that we introduce here. This experimentally convenient treatment allows us to make predictions that apply generally to the large parameter space of interesting systems. We find the model is in good agreement with experiments for particle size and interfacial tension spanning 3 orders of magnitude. We also consider the low interfacial tension case of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) theoretically and experimentally. Such sys...
Full 3D spatial decomposition for the generation of navigation meshes

We present a novel algorithm developed for decomposing world-space into arbitrary sided high-order polyhedrons for use as navmeshes or other techniques requiring 3D world spatial decomposition. The Adaptive Space Filling Volumes 3D (ASFV3D) algorithm works by seeding world-space with a series of unit cubes. Each cube is then provided with the opportunity to grow to its maximum extent before encountering an obstruction. ASFV3D implements an automatic subdividing system to convert cubes into higher-order polyhedrons while still maintaining the convex property. This allows for the generation of navigation meshes with high degrees of coverage while still allowing the use of large navigation regions—providing for easier agent navigation in virtual worlds. Compared to the Space-filling Volumes and Automatic Path Node Generation navigation mesh decomposition methods, ASFV3D provides more complete coverage and a less complex navigation mesh.
Monoclonal Anti-keratin (AE1) Reactivity in Routinely Processed Tissue from 166 Human Neoplasms

A large number of human neoplasms were tested for their keratin expression in routinely processed tissues by a simple, three-stage immunoperoxidase method using a broadly reactive monoclonal anti-keratin antibody AE1, which recognizes a number of keratin polypeptides distributed in a wide variety of epithelia. All carcinomas, with the exception of hepatocellular, adrenocortical, and basal cell carcinomas and occasional renal cell, pulmonary small-cell, and pulmonary large-cell anaplastic carcinomas, reacted with this antibody irrespective of differentiation, in most instances displaying staining of strong or moderate intensity in the majority of tumor cells. Equivocal results were obtained in some seminomas and dysgerminomas. Malignant melanoma, large-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, malignant histiocytosis, and stromal mesenchymal elements in all tumors did not show any reactivity with AE1. Even after routine processing, the determinant detected by AE1 is conserved and restricted to epithelial neoplasms. This suggests that AE1 would be valuable in the diagnostic distinction of anaplastic carcinoma from lymphoma and melanoma in routinely processed tissues.
Theory and Modeling of Oxide Semiconductors

Modeling plays a central role in analyzing and predicting the properties of materials, and first-principles calculations have made major contributions to unraveling the behavior of oxide semiconductors. We review recent progress in the understanding of electronic structure, optical properties, and conductivity of oxides. The discussion is illustrated with the specific examples of ZnO, Ga2O3, In2O3, SnO2, and TiO2; this set of materials allows an analysis of similarities and differences across a range of metal–oxygen coordination, crystal structure, and orbital character of the conduction band. We address the causes of unintentional n-type conductivity, intentional doping with impurities, and the prospects of obtaining p-type doping. Particular attention is devoted to hydrogen impurity, which is often unintentionally incorporated and greatly affects the electronic properties. A unifying picture is drawn, based on the position of the band structures on an absolute energy scale.
Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry for High Mass Applications

Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) has enormous potential as an analytical mass spectrometry, especially for the analysis of large molecules [1,2,3]. The potential advantages of this instrument over magnetic sector and time-of-flight instruments are the available mass range and ultra-high mass resolution. In addition, as with the time-of-flight system, the FTMS experiment utilizes a pulsed, low duty cycle ionization source which should result in greater sensitivity than can be obtained with CW ionization sources.
Enhancing Protein Stability with Genetically Encoded Noncanonical Amino Acids.

The ability to add noncanonical amino acids to the genetic code may allow one to evolve proteins with new or enhanced properties using a larger set of building blocks. To this end, we have been able to select mutant proteins with enhanced thermal properties from a library of E. coli homoserine O-succinyltransferase (metA) mutants containing randomly incorporated noncanonical amino acids. Here, we show that substitution of Phe 21 with (p-benzoylphenyl)alanine (pBzF), increases the melting temperature of E. coli metA by 21 °C. This dramatic increase in thermal stability, arising from a single mutation, likely results from a covalent adduct between Cys 90 and the keto group of pBzF that stabilizes the dimeric form of the enzyme. These experiments show that an expanded genetic code can provide unique solutions to the evolution of proteins with enhanced properties.
Impact of Abstract Algebra on Teachers’ Understanding of and Approaches to Instruction in Solving Equations

Every 5 years, the College Board of the Mathematical Sciences (CBMS) executes a national survey of undergraduate mathematical and statistical sciences in 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. The 2010 report stated that among 4-year institutions with secondary pre-service teaching certification programs, 89% of all mathematics departments require their students to take modern algebra (Blair et al., Statistical abstract of undergraduate programs in the mathematical sciences in the United States: Fall 2010 CBMS survey. American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 2013). Professional mathematics societies, such as the Mathematics Association of America, also advocate that future high school mathematics teachers take advanced courses, such as abstract algebra. Despite this requirement and advocacy, there is a need for more research on how knowledge of mathematical content is employed in teaching practice, as well as how secondary teachers view their university courses as relevant to their teaching (Zazkis and Leikin, Mathematical Thinking and Learning 12:263–281, 2010). This chapter presents results from a study investigating how a professional development workshop focused on abstract algebra impacted teachers’ understanding of secondary mathematics. After presenting the nature of the workshop and discussing the design and redesign of the workshop materials, we discuss how teachers’ involvement affected their mathematical understandings, as well as their views on how they might teach students about particular content. Specifically, we describe how instruction in and exposure to the abstract algebraic structures of groups, rings, and fields influenced teachers’ understanding of and approaches to teaching students about the mathematical properties used to solve equations in secondary algebra classrooms.
Bowel and bladder reproducibility in image-guided SBRT prostate: Results of a patterns of practice survey.

76Background: Use of prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa) is increasing. Given the high dose (>5Gy) per fraction (Fx) being delivered, SBR...
Experimental evolution of phytoplankton fatty acid thermal reaction norms.

Temperature effects on the fatty acid (FA) profiles of phytoplankton, major primary producers in the ocean, have been widely studied due to their importance as industrial feedstocks and to their indispensable role as global producers of long-chain, polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), including omega-3 (ω3) FA required by organisms at higher trophic levels. The latter is of global ecological concern for marine food webs, as some evidence suggests an ongoing decline in global marine-derived ω3 FA due to both a global decline in phytoplankton abundance and to a physiological reduction in ω3 production by phytoplankton as temperatures rise. Here, we examined both short-term (physiological) and long-term (evolutionary) responses of FA profiles to temperature by comparing FA thermal reaction norms of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana after ~500 generations (ca. 2.5 years) of experimental evolution at low (16°C) and high (31°C) temperatures. We showed that thermal reaction norms for some key FA classes evolved rapidly in response to temperature selection, often in ways contrary to our predictions based on prior research. Notably, 31°C-selected populations showed higher PUFA percentages (including ω3 FA) than 16°C-selected populations at the highest assay temperature (31°C, above T. pseudonana's optimum temperature for population growth), suggesting that high-temperature selection led to an evolved ability to sustain high PUFA production at high temperatures. Rapid evolution may therefore mitigate some of the decline in global phytoplankton-derived ω3 FA production predicted by recent studies. Beyond its implications for marine food webs, knowledge of the effects of temperature on fatty acid profiles is of fundamental importance to our understanding of the mechanistic causes and consequences of thermal adaptation.
Gestational binge alcohol-induced alterations in maternal uterine artery transcriptome

Binge alcohol exposure during pregnancy results in diminished vessel function and altered proteome in the maternal uterine artery. We aimed to utilize high throughput RNA-seq deep-sequencing to characterize specific effects of binge alcohol exposure during pregnancy on the uterine artery transcriptome, and gain insight into mechanisms underlying alcohol-mediated uterine artery dysfunction. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats assigned to Pair-Fed Control or Alcohol groups, received a once-daily orogastric gavage in a binge paradigm. RNA-sequencing using Illumina NextSeq 500, identified 13,941 genes; 40 significantly altered genes were altered by log2(fold change) > 2; 27 genes were upregulated and 13 were downregulated in the Alcohol group. Transcripts altered included those which encode for aldehyde dehydrogenases, matrix metalloproteases, and molecules vital for vasodilation and vascular remodeling. Biological pathways that were disproportionally altered by alcohol were proline and citrulline biosynthesis/metabolism. Disruption of these pathways suggests candidate mechanism(s) for alcohol-mediated impairments to the proteome and vascular function.
I'm Drowning in Squirrels!: How Children Embody and Debug Computational Algorithms Through Designing Mixed Reality Games

As mobile technologies become more ubiquitous, design work at the intersection of mixed reality and embodied learning is growing. While much of this work focuses on designing technologies and environments for children, we contribute a unique perspective of children as designers of these technologies. In this paper, we explore how children embody and debug computational algorithms through designing their own mixed reality games. We conducted two afterschool workshops with 19 middle school aged children (3 girls, 16 boys, ages 10-13) during which participants designed mobile, location-based games with mixed reality technologies about local plants and animals. Findings reveal how participants across workshops embody a key game mechanic (digitally spawning characters in the real world) by engaging in an iterative digital-to-physical-to-digital debugging process that led to their understanding of the underlying computational algorithm. We further present design considerations for authoring platforms that allow children to design with mixed reality, place-based technologies.
The utility of external beam radiation and intracystic 32P radiation in the treatment of craniopharyngiomas.

Background. The management of craniopharyngiomas has historically been controversial in terms of the extent of initial surgical resection and the use of additional treatments. Various options include radical excision versus a more conservative surgical approach followed by external beam radiation; most recently, intracystic 32 P radiation has been used in selected patients. Methods. We reviewed our experience with 25 patients with craniopharyngiomas treated between 1984 and 1999 to assess the effectiveness of external beam radiation and intracystic 32 P radiation therapy in preventing progression and recurrence of local disease. Results. All patients underwent surgery as a component of initial therapy for their histologically-proven craniopharyngiomas. Fifteen patients additionally received external beam radiation. Forty-five percent of patients who underwent incomplete resections followed by external beam radiation required additional therapy. In contrast, 80% of patients who had incomplete resections without post-operative external beam radiation required further treatment. Seven patients had intracystic 32 P colloid injections. Neither of the two patients receiving 32 P intracystic radiation as part of their initial therapy needed further treatment. Only one of the five patients receiving 32 P intracavitary radiation for disease progression following initial therapy required further intervention. Of the remaining four patients, three enjoyed responses to treatment and one had stable disease. Conclusions. Our observations support the use of external beam radiation for prevention of tumor progression in adults unable to receive a complete surgical resection. Our results additionally suggest that intracystic 32 P radiation results in control of cystic components of craniopharyngiomas in the majority of cases.
A New Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) System for Powering Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in Cavity-Based Equipment

We introduce a new cavity-based wireless power transmission (WPT) system that could be applied to any cavity-based equipment regardless of its shape and size. The proposed scheme provides uniform and selective powering modes. In either powering mode, the field is isotropic, which removes the WPT-restrictions on placement and orientation of the energy harvester. The design process has three main steps, randomness creation, frequency selection, and waveform generation. We validate the proposed scheme in a lab lyophiliser’s (freeze-drier) chamber. First, we create a random electromagnetic environment using mechanical stirring. Then, we evaluate this randomness in terms of the average to minimum power ratio. To select an appropriate frequency for the WPT system, we consider randomness and power uniformity. To maintain randomness, we extract the lowest usable frequency of the chamber using a Goodness of Fit test; this is found to be 6 GHz. As for the power uniformity, we plot the standard deviation (STD) of a large sample of the received powers at different locations. This plot is used to select the frequency based on an arbitrary uniformity level in terms of STD. At 6 GHz a 2.5 dB standard deviation is calculated. To enable the selective powering mode, we propose the electromagnetic time reversal (EMTR) technique. We show that EMTR can, theoretically, focus 97% of the energy on 0.5λ-diameter area in an ideally random environment.
Best practices for engineering AI-infused applications: lessons learned from Microsoft teams

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are some of the newest trends to hit the software industry, compelling organizations to evolve their development processes to deliver novel products to their customers. In this talk, I describe a study in which we learned how Microsoft software teams develop AI/ML-based applications using a nine-stage AI workflow process informed by prior experiences developing early AI applications (e.g. search and NLP) and data science tools (e.g. application telemetry and bug reporting). Adapting this workflow into their pre-existing, well-evolved, Agile-like software engineering processes and job roles has resulted in a number of engineering challenges unique to the AI/ML domain, some universal to all teams, but others related to the amount of prior AI/ML experience and education the teams have. I tell you about some challenges and the solutions that teams have come up with. The lessons that Microsoft has learned can help other organizations embarking on their own path towards AI and ML.
Sleep Facilitates Coping: Moderated Mediation of Daily Sleep, Ethnic/Racial Discrimination, Stress Responses, and Adolescent Well-Being

Using a daily diary design and actigraphy sleep data across 2 weeks among 256 ethnic/racial minority adolescents (Mage = 14.72; 40% Asian, 22% Black, 38% Latinx; 2,607 days), this study investigated how previous-night sleep (duration, quality) moderated the same-day associations between ethnic/racial discrimination and stress responses (rumination, problem solving, family/peer support seeking) to predict daily well-being (mood, somatic symptoms, life satisfaction). On days when adolescents experienced greater discrimination, if they slept longer and better the previous night, adolescents engaged in greater active coping (problem solving, peer support seeking), and subsequently had better well-being. Adolescents also ruminated less when they slept longer the previous night regardless of discrimination. Findings highlight the role of sleep in helping adolescents navigate discrimination by facilitating coping processes.
Positioning the Bariatric Surgical Patient

An important part of every bariatric patient’s perioperative management is proper positioning. When placed in a non-physiologic position, the obese patient can experience significant cardiopulmonary dysfunction. A spontaneously breathing obese patient should never lie supine, whether before, during, or immediately after surgery. Tilting the operating room table to the reverse Trendelenburg position during induction of anesthesia increases the patient’s oxygen reserves, which results in a longer safe apnea period. This position also facilitates bag-mask assisted ventilation. Ramping the patient’s upper body and head improves the view during direct laryngoscopy resulting in greater success with tracheal intubation. Standard operating room tables are not safe for extremely obese patients, so special attention is important when moving the table or when changing patient position to avoid accidents. For any surgical position, all dependent pressure points must be adequately padded and the patient’s head, neck, and extremities supported to prevent perioperative neurologic and muscle injuries.
Evaluating Cost Effectiveness and Optimal Timing of Pavement Preventive-Maintenance Treatments in Wet-Freeze Climates

AbstractPreventive-maintenance treatments help preserve pavements and delay deterioration caused by traffic loads and environmental conditions. However, guidance is needed to ensure cost effectiven...
Pituitary Metastatic Composite Tumors: A Case Report with Next-Generation Sequencing and Review of the Literature.

Background. While pituitary tumors are well understood, little research has been done on metastasis from primary tumors into pituitary adenomas, also known as composite tumors. Because only 34 cases of composite tumors have been reported to date, we hope to better characterize these tumors by reviewing cases reported in the literature and reviewed our own documented case, which includes next-generation sequencing. Case Presentation. A 74-year-old man presented to the emergency department with left vision loss for 3 months. He had a history of colon cancer treated with colectomy and clear cell renal carcinoma treated with left nephrectomy. A preoperative MRI demonstrated growth of a peripherally enhancing, centrally necrotic mass with sellar expansion measuring . Given these findings, an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection was performed. Histological assessment revealed a composite tumor: one neoplasm was a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma, and another neoplasm was a clear cell carcinoma. Next-generation sequencing demonstrated that the tumors shared mutations in VHL and Notch2. The patient died 2 months later from systemic metastatic cancer. Conclusion. From our literature review, most metastatic lesions in these composite tumors originated from neoplasms of the lung and kidney. Approximately 63% patients presented with ophthalmoplegia as the initial symptom while 23% displayed hormonal abnormalities. Postoperative mortality had a median of 3.5 months. In our patient, the presence of VHL and Notch2 mutations in both tumors highlights the possibility of using next-generation sequencing to help identify therapeutic targets even in complex composite neoplasms.
Exposure and Recovery of the Gulf Toadfish (Opsanus beta) to Weathered Deepwater Horizon Slick Oil: Impacts on Liver and Blood Endpoints.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous contaminants that can be responsible for a variety of deleterious effects on organisms. These adverse outcomes are relatively well studied, but at concentrations rarely found in the environment. Among the documented effects of sublethal acute PAH exposure are reductions in osmoregulatory capacity and immune function, and changes in the function of critical metabolic organs such as the liver. Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) were exposed to control seawater (0.006 µg tPAH50 /L) or water accommodated fractions of Deepwater Horizon spill oil diluted to 3 flow-through exposure regimes (0.009, 0.059, and 2.82 µg tPAH50 /L) for 7 d, with a recovery period of equal duration. We hypothesized that these chronic exposures would induce the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated pathways and result in significant impacts on markers of osmoregulatory, immune, and metabolic function. We further hypothesized that measurable reversal of these impacts would be observed during the recovery period. Our results indicate that activation of cytochrome P 450 (CYP)1A1 was achieved during exposure and reversed during the recovery phase. The only significant deviations from controls measured were a reduction in plasma glucose in fish exposed to medium and high levels of PAH after 7 d of exposure and a reduction in plasma osmolality fish exposed to high levels of PAHs after 7 d of recovery, when CYP1A1 messenger (m)RNA levels had returned to control levels. Our study illustrates a disconnect between the activation of CYP1A1 in response to environmentally realistic PAHs concentrations and several physiological endpoints and supports the idea that the AhR might not be associated with mediating osmoregulatory, immune, and metabolic changes in Gulf toadfish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1075-1086. © 2020 SETAC.
Successive estimations of bilateral bounds and trapping/stability regions of solution to some nonlinear nonautonomous systems

Estimation of the degree of stability and the bounds of solutions to nonautonomous nonlinear systems present major concerns in numerous applied problems. Yet, current techniques frequently yield overconservative conditions which are unable to effectively gage these characteristics in time-varying nonlinear systems. This paper develops a novel methodology providing successive approximations to solutions that are stemmed from the trapping/stability regions of these systems and estimate the errors of such approximations. In turn, this leads to successive approximations of both the bilateral bounds of solutions and the boundaries of trapping/stability regions of the underlying systems. Along these lines we formulate enhanced stability/boundedness criteria and contrast our inferences with inclusive simulations which reveal dependence of the trapping/stability regions upon the structure of time-dependent components and initial time moment.