cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A generic multi-scale modeling framework for reactive observing systems: an overview

Observing systems facilitate scientific studies by instrumenting the real world and collecting corresponding measurements, with the aim of detecting and tracking phenomena of interest. A wide range of critical environmental monitoring objectives in resource management, environmental protection, and public health all require distributed observing systems. The goal of such systems is to help scientists verify or falsify hypotheses with useful samples taken by the stationary and mobile units, as well as to analyze data autonomously to discover interesting trends or alarming conditions. In our project, we focus on a class of observing systems which are embedded into the environment, consist of stationary and mobile sensors, and react to collected observations by reconfiguring the system and adapting which observations are collected next. In this paper, we give an overview of our project in the context of a marine biology application.
Transcriptional Coactivator Complexes

▪ Abstract The last two decades have witnessed a tremendous expansion in our knowledge of the mechanisms employed by eukaryotic cells to control gene activity. A critical insight to transcriptional control mechanisms was provided by the discovery of coactivators, a diverse array of cellular factors that connect sequence-specific DNA binding activators to the general transcriptional machinery, or that help activators and the transcriptional apparatus to navigate through the constraints of chromatin. A number of coactivators have been isolated as large multifunctional complexes, and biochemical, genetic, molecular, and cellular strategies have all contributed to uncovering many of their components, activities, and modes of action. Coactivator functions can be broadly divided into two classes: (a) adaptors that direct activator recruitment of the transcriptional apparatus, (b) chromatin-remodeling or -modifying enzymes. Strikingly, several distinct coactivator complexes nonetheless share many subunits and ap...
A Linear Programming Approach for Automated Localization of Multiple Faults

In this paper, we address the problem of localizing faults by analyzing execution traces of successful and unsuccessful invocations of the application when run against a suite of tests. We present a new algorithm, based on a linear programming model, which is designed to be particularly effective for the case where multiple faults are present in the application under investigation. Through an extensive empirical study, we show that in the case of both single and multiple faults, our approach outperforms a host of prominent fault localization methods from the literature.
On the number of linear extensions in a precedence graph

An algorithm that acts as an oracle by estimating the number of sequential orders possible for a set of tasks and precedence constraints is presented. The basic oracle algorithm always completes in low order polynomial time even when there are an exponential number of orders, and it produces an exact answer for graphs with simple folds. The algorithm is applicable to many practical problems in CAPP and should be of value in searching for efficient sequences of operations. >
ADMINISTRATION OF RAT THYMUS TO PREGNANT RATS AND THE LACK OF EFFECT IN SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS1

IN 1934, Rowntree and his associates reported that daily treatment of rats with an extract of calves‘ thymus caused an acceleration of growth and development in the offspring of these animals. With continued treatment, the effect was found to be enhanced in each succeeding generation (1). This report met with considerable scepticism since it apparently contradicted the theory firmly established by Weismann, that acquired characters cannot be inherited. Many criticisms were directed against the work and several attempts to reproduce the phenomenon in other laboratories failed (2, 3). Nevertheless, the original group of investigators have fortified their claims by other experiments in which the same type of effect, though lesser in degree, has been obtained by weekly implantation of whole rat thymuses into rats (4, 5). Assuming the validity of these experiments, some reasonable explanation of the results should present itself.
Parenteral Iron Therapy in Cancer-Associated Anemia

Anemia is common in cancer patients. Its cause is multifactorial, so a brief workup is always necessary to rule out simple, reversible causes. Anemia of chronic disease/inflammation and chemotherapy-induced anemia are the most common causes. Symptomatic or clinically severe anemia may require treatment with blood transfusion or an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). If ESA therapy is chosen, developing evidence now suggests that, similar to chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis, the addition of intravenous iron can improve the response to ESA because of iron-restricted erythropoiesis, even in the iron-replete patient.
Disease avoidance and ethnocentrism: the effects of disease vulnerability and disgust sensitivity on intergroup attitudes

Extending a model relating xenophobia to disease avoidance [Faulkner, J., Schaller, M., Park, J. H., & Duncan, L. A. (2004). Evolved disease-avoidance mechanisms and contemporary xenophobic attitudes. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 7(4), 333–353.], we argue that both inter- and intragroup attitudes can be understood in terms of the costs and benefits of interacting with the in-group versus out-groups. In ancestral environments, interaction with members of the in-group will generally have posed less risk of disease transmission than interaction with members of an out-group, as individuals will have possessed antibodies to many of the pathogens present in the former, in contrast to those prevalent among the latter. Moreover, because coalitions are more likely among in-group members, the in-group would have been a potential source of aid in the event of debilitating illness. We conducted two online studies exploring the relationship between disease threat and intergroup attitudes. Study 1 found that ethnocentric attitudes increase as a function of perceived disease vulnerability. Study 2 found that in-group attraction increases as a function of disgust sensitivity, both when measured as an individual difference variable and when experimentally primed. We discuss these results with attention to the relationships among disease salience, out-group negativity, and in-group attraction.
Fast online pointer analysis

Pointer analysis benefits many useful clients, such as compiler optimizations and bug finding tools. Unfortunately, common programming language features such as dynamic loading, reflection, and foreign language interfaces, make pointer analysis difficult. This article describes how to deal with these features by performing pointer analysis online during program execution. For example, dynamic loading may load code that is not available for analysis before the program starts. Only an online analysis can analyze such code, and thus support clients that optimize or find bugs in it. This article identifies all problems in performing Andersen's pointer analysis for the full Java language, presents solutions to these problems, and uses a full implementation of the solutions in a Java virtual machine for validation and performance evaluation. Our analysis is fast: On average over our benchmark suite, if the analysis recomputes points-to results upon each program change, most analysis pauses take under 0.1 seconds, and add up to 64.5 seconds.
Propofol Use in the Elderly Population: Prevalence of Overdose and Association With 30-Day Mortality

Abstract Purpose Geriatric patients are more sensitive to the anesthetic effects of propofol and its adverse effects, such as hypotension, than is the general population; thus, a reduced dose (1–1.5 mg/kg) is recommended for the induction of anesthesia. The extent to which clinicians follow established dosing guidelines has not been well described. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of propofol overdose in the elderly population to determine whether propofol overdose occurs and is associated with increased hypotension and 30-day mortality. Methods In this retrospective study in patients who received propofol for the induction of general anesthesia, data on demographic characteristics, preoperative medications, intraoperative management, and 30-day mortality were collected. The dose of propofol used for the induction of anesthesia and the median blood pressure in the pre- and immediate postinduction periods were determined. Hypotension was defined as either: (1) a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of >40% concurrent with a MAP of Findings A total of 17,540 patients were included in the analysis; 4033 (23.0%) were aged >65 years. The median (interquartile range) propofol dose in the group aged >65 years was 1.8 (1.4–2.2) mg/kg, above the recommended dose, in comparison to 2.2 (1.9–2.5) mg/kg in younger patients. On multivariate analysis, increased propofol dose was associated with increased postinduction hypotension, especially in patients over 70 years of age, but not 30-day mortality. Implications Older patients received greater-than-recommended doses of propofol for induction, which may have led to significant dose-dependent hypotension. Despite this finding, the dose of propofol for induction was not independently associated with a greater 30-day mortality rate. More education regarding geriatric concerns is needed for encouraging anesthesiologists to tailor the plan for anesthesia in geriatric patients. However, overall postsurgical mortality is a function of preoperative risk and type surgical procedure.
Task Differences With the Same Load Torque Alter the Endurance Time of Submaximal Fatiguing Contractions in Humans

Endurance time, muscle activation, and mean arterial pressure were measured during two types of submaximal fatiguing contractions that required each subject to exert the same net muscle torque in t...
Distinct Second Extracellular Loop Structures of the Brain Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor: Implication in Ligand Binding and Receptor Function

The G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) second extracellular loop (E2) is known to play an important role in receptor structure and function. The brain cannabinoid (CB(1)) receptor is unique in that it lacks the interloop E2 disulfide linkage to the transmembrane (TM) helical bundle, a characteristic of many GPCRs. Recent mutation studies of the CB(1) receptor, however, suggest the presence of an alternative intraloop disulfide bond between two E2 Cys residues. Considering the oxidation state of these Cys residues, we determine the molecular structures of the 17-residue E2 in the dithiol form (E2(dithiol)) and in the disulfide form (E2(disulfide)) of the CB(1) receptor in a fully hydrated 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine bilayer, using a combination of simulated annealing and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. We characterize the CB(1) receptor models with these two E2 forms, CB(1)(E2(dithiol)) and CB(1)(E2(disulfide)), by analyzing interaction energy, contact number, core crevice, and cross correlation. The results show that the distinct E2 structures interact differently with the TM helical bundle and uniquely modify the TM helical topology, suggesting that E2 of the CB(1) receptor plays a critical role in stabilizing receptor structure, regulating ligand binding, and ultimately modulating receptor activation. Further studies on the role of E2 of the CB(1) receptor are warranted, particularly comparisons of the ligand-bound form with the present ligand-free form.
Risk management of a P/C insurance company scenario generation, simulation and optimization

A large conglomerate such as a property/casualty insurance firm in this case, can be divided along business boundaries. This division might be along commercial lines, homeowner lines and perhaps across countries. An insurance firm's capital can be interpreted as a buffer that protects the company from insolvency and its inability to pay policyholder losses. Rare events have been simulated over the two divisions of an insurance firm. Different risk measures like conditional value at risk (CVaR) have been implemented into the optimization model. Decomposition methods will be applied in the context of decentralized decision making of a multi-divisional firm.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Flushed Stomach-tube Lavage for Collecting Stomach Contents from Dogfish Sharks

Concern over the use of lethal techniques to collect basic biological data from sharks has necessitated the development of nonlethal methods of data collection. We evaluated the nonlethal method of removing stomach contents using acrylic tubes. Stomach contents of Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) captured with bottom trawls and longlines were collected using acrylic tubes flushed with seawater. The largest tube used during the trawl survey was 30 mm in diameter, while a larger tube (37 mm in diameter) was used during longline sampling due to catches of larger dogfish. The average ef- ficiency of stomach content removal was 79.5% overall, and improved to 93% with the addition of the larger tube. Selection of a tube with a diameter 10-20 mm less than mouth width can be reasonably expected to recover over 90% of stomach contents. Stomach- tube lavage is a useful and efficient method for nonlethal sampling of stomach contents from Spiny Dogfish, and perhaps other small sharks.
Association between serrated epithelial changes and colorectal dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background and Aims Serrated epithelial change (SEC) is a histologic finding in longstanding colitis that may be associated with dysplasia. Our primary aim was to determine the incidence of dysplasia and colorectal cancer (CRC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with SEC. Secondary aims were to determine the rate of location concordance between SEC and dysplasia/CRC and to identify other risk factors associated with dysplasia in IBD patients with SEC. Methods A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was performed by searching the Pathology Data System at a single tertiary referral center for a histologic finding of "serrated epithelial change." The patient's first pathology specimen with SEC was designated the index SEC. All subsequent pathology reports were evaluated for the occurrence and location of dysplasia or CRC. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of dysplasia. Results There were 187 patients with confirmed IBD and 1 or more histologic findings of SEC without prior dysplasia. Mean IBD duration was 16 years, and median follow-up time was 28 months. The rate of high-grade dysplasia or CRC was 17 per 1000 patient-years. Thirty-nine of 187 patients (21%) had synchronous or metachronous dysplasia or CRC. Location concordance was 68%. Multivariable analysis found SEC on follow-up examinations, older age at IBD diagnosis, male gender, and a first-degree relative with CRC were associated with dysplasia in IBD patients with SEC. Conclusions This uncontrolled study describes a high frequency of dysplasia in patients with a histologic finding of SEC. SEC seen on successive endoscopic examinations further increased the risk of dysplasia. Further controlled studies are needed to determine if SEC is a precancerous lesion in IBD patients and if SEC can be endoscopically identified.
The Geography of Natural Gas in the United States

(1950). The Geography of Natural Gas in the United States. Economic Geography: Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 162-178.
“Love Your Enemies”: The Adamic Wisdom of Q 6:27–28, 35c–d:

The interpretation of Q 6:27 highlights a perennial problem in biblical scholarship. If Jesus commanded his disciples to love their enemies—and scholars are in virtually unanimous agreement that he...
Synthesis of Naphthalimidedioxime Ligand-Containing Fibers for Uranium Adsorption from Seawater

A novel ligand-functionalized adsorbent material was prepared using a combination of radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) and click chemistry (1,3 cycloaddition reaction). The design of the ligand-containing amidoxime functionality is based on its chelating efficiency with uranium. In this process, RIGP is used to graft polymer chains on fiber substrates, where the fibers are prepared by irradiating and treating polyethylene (PE) with different bulk ratios of vinyl benzyl chloride and acrylic acid or itaconic acid. Furthermore, chemical modifications of these fibers are performed using a two-step process, where novel bisimidoxime ligands are incorporated into fibers. These ligands contain imidedioxime, which is known to be a uranophile. Also, the core structure of the ligand containing three donor atoms facilitates the formation of chelate with uranyl ion in media such as seawater. Density functional theory calculations were performed to quantify the binding strength with the uranyl ion. When tes...
Estimating the number of difficult airway carts needed in an operating suite: Resource planning without compromising patient safety

Abstract Study Objective To determine the number of difficult airway (DA) carts required based on the number of anesthetising locations and patients risk of DA. Design Binomial distributions. Setting and Patients Various hypothetical settings and patient cohorts. Interventions and Measurements Binomial distributions were used to calculate the number of distinct combinations of DAs by number of anesthetising locations assuming an average risk of 10%. The ‘at least' number of DAs was calculated using cumulative probabilities of having exactly two plus more than 2 DAs up to the total number of simultaneously started anesthetising locations o r until the cumulative probability exceeds the 50% threshold, therefore being more likely than not. Main Results The probability of encountering concurrent DAs increases as the number of simultaneously started anesthetising locations increases. For at least 2 concurrent DAs, the probability first exceeds 50% at 17 locations. The corresponding thresholds for at least 3 and 4 concurrent DAs, are 27 and 37 locations respectively. The probability of at least 2 concurrent DAs will exceed 50% when approximately 17 anesthetising sites are started simultaneously and a 10% worst case risk is assumed. Conclusions With continuing resource constraints, proper planning of human and capital resources for DAs needs to be addressed without compromising patient safety. It is recommended that every block of 15–20 sites be equipped with a DA cart, that anaesthesia groups develop and rehearse DA algorithms with available equipment, and that preoperative anaesthesia clinics be used to identify DA therefore providing logistical leverage.
Characterization of five new phleboviruses recently isolated from sand flies in tropical America

Five new phlebotomus fever virus serotypes (Bunyaviridae: Phlebovirus) are described. These viruses, designated Ambe, Ixcanal, Mariquita, Armero, and Durania, were isolated from sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) collected in Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala. Two of the agents were recovered from pools of male sand flies. The new viruses are antigenically related to other members of the phlebotomus fever serogroup by immunofluorescence, but are distinct from the other 39 members of this serogroup by plaque reduction neutralization test.
Expression and characterization of rat kallikrein-binding protein in Escherichia coli.

Rat kallikrein-binding protein is a novel serine-proteinase inhibitor that forms a covalent complex with tissue kallikrein. We have purified rat kallikrein-binding protein and cloned the cDNA and the gene encoding rat kallikrein-binding protein [Chao, Chai, Chen, Xiong, Chao, Woodley-Miller, Wang, Lu and Chao (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 16394-16401; Chai, Ma, Murray, Chao and Chao (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 16029-16036]. In the present study, we have expressed rat kallikrein-binding protein in Escherichia coli with a T7-polymerase/promoter expression system. A high level of expression was detected by an e.l.i.s.a. with an average of 24.2 mg of recombinant rat kallikrein-binding protein per 1 of culture. The recombinant protein appeared as a major protein in a crude extract of Escherichia coli on SDS/PAGE. It showed a molecular mass of 43 kDa and was recognized by polyclonal antibody to the native rat kallikrein-binding protein in Western-blot analysis. The recombinant rat kallikrein-binding protein has been purified to apparent homogeneity by DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, hydroxyapatite Bio-Gel HPHT and Mono P 5/5 column chromatography. The purified recombinant rat kallikrein-binding protein showed immunological identity with the native rat kallikrein-binding protein purified from rat serum, in a specific e.l.i.s.a. To confirm the fidelity of the expression, the N-terminal ten amino acids of the recombinant rat kallikrein-binding protein were sequenced and were shown to match perfectly with those of the native rat kallikrein-binding protein. The purified recombinant rat kallikrein-binding protein formed SDS- and heat-stable complexes with rat tissue kallikrein (rK1) and T-kininogenase (rK10) in vitro, but not with other enzymes in the rat kallikrein gene family, such as tonin (rK2) and S3 protein (rK9), which indicates enzyme-specific binding. The properties of the recombinant rat kallikrein-binding protein including its size, charge, complex formation with target enzymes and immunological characteristics were compared with those of the native protein. This expression system provides a simple way to obtain a large amount of the biologically active recombinant protein, to study structure-function relationships of the rat kallikrein-binding protein and its interaction with its target enzymes.
Colorectal Cancer Trends in California and the Need for Greater Screening of Hispanic Men

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates have decreased dramatically since 1990, both nationally and in California, except among Hispanic men. This study examined trends in CRC incidence, mortality, and survival to determine likely contributing factors for the differential trends between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white men in California. Methods California Cancer Registry data were used to identify 23,157 Hispanic and 114,944 white men diagnosed with CRC between 1990 and 2012. Joinpoint trends in incidence, mortality, and 5-year relative survival were examined by age, stage at diagnosis, and tumor location. Data used in the study were extracted from the California Cancer Registry database and analyzed in 2015. Results Both incidence and mortality rates decreased substantially among white men between 1990 and 2012, but no corresponding decrease was observed among Hispanic men. Both groups experienced similar trends in survival and stage at diagnosis over time. White men had greater declines in CRC incidence and mortality in all age groups, particularly those aged >50 years. Hispanic men had a significantly higher proportion (65%) of tumors in the distal colon than white men (59%). Conclusions CRC incidence and mortality rates have decreased among white men since 1990, but not among Hispanic men. Results from this study suggest lower screening rates may be an important reason why CRC rates in California did not decline in Hispanic men. Effective strategies aimed at both Hispanics and their healthcare providers are needed to increase CRC screening among Hispanic men and reduce their CRC burden.
FGF23/Klotho New Regulators of Vitamin D Metabolism

Publisher Summary Calcium and phosphorous are coordinately regulated to maintain circulating levels necessary for normal biological functions. Complex hormonal pathways control the levels of calcium and phosphate and prevent adverse consequences of calcium and phosphate excess and deficiencies. At present, at least five hormones have been identified, including 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), and Klotho. FGF23 is secreted by osteoblast/osteocytes in bone. 1,25(OH)2D is produced and secreted from the proximal tubule in the kidney through the respective actions of Cyp27B1 to 1α-hydroxylate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) to form 1,25(OH)2D and of Cyp24A1 to 24- hydroxylate 25(OH)D leading to its degradation. The kidney also secretes a soluble form of Klotho, a poorly understood glucosidase and FGFR cofactor that affects calcium, phosphate, and energy homeostasis. The regulation of 1,25(OH)2D production and degradation by these hormones is a central point for integrating and coordinating the functions of PTH, CT, FGF23, and 1,25(OH)2D itself. Despite all the recent discoveries, many questions remain unanswered about the regulation and function of FGF23, the integrative physiology of PTH, FGF23, and vitamin D and the pathological significances of these hormones in various disease states. The existence of biological actions of 1,25(OH)2D and klotho not related to mineral metabolism that include an antiproliferative, prodifferentiating effect on many cell types and immunoregulatory properties, and aging creates a broader role for these factors in health and disease. All such unexplored arenas call for further research.
When are IP rights necessary? Evidence from innovation in IP’s negative space

The law and economics of intellectual property has long rested on a foundational, if implicit, premise: that IP law is best understood by studying how legal rules operate in actual markets for creative work. The assumption that we best understand a body of legal rules by looking at the fields they directly address is eminently reasonable and seemingly so obvious that, until recently, it was almost never questioned. Yet this way of analyzing IP is incomplete. IP rules are purposive; the core goal and rationale of IP is to incentivize creative and innovative production. Looking only at the creative fields that IP law addresses leaves open, or at least incomplete, a host of important and fascinating questions. Can innovation flourish in the absence of IP protection? Can market incentives, psychological factors, social norms, first-mover advantages, or any number of other causes, including path-dependency or even happenstance, serve as whole or partial substitutes for IP rights? And is it possible that, under some conditions and in some industries, IP protection is counterproductive — that is, it inhibits more innovation than it promotes? To begin to answer these questions, we look here at the emerging literature that has grown around what we have previously called the “negative space” of IP: innovative fields that, for historical, doctrinal, or other reasons, are not addressed by IP law, such as fashion, cuisine, tattoo artistry, professional magic, financial services, and sports.
Using classification models for the generation of disease-specific medications from biomedical literature and clinical data repository

Display Omitted Machine learning classifiers can be used to make predictions of the relevance of disease-medication associations.Measures derived from several association mining techniques can be used as features for classification.Combining the features from multiple resources can improve the performance of classification.The classifier built from known associations for some disease(s) can be generalizable to others. ObjectiveMining disease-specific associations from existing knowledge resources can be useful for building disease-specific ontologies and supporting knowledge-based applications. Many association mining techniques have been exploited. However, the challenge remains when those extracted associations contained much noise. It is unreliable to determine the relevance of the association by simply setting up arbitrary cut-off points on multiple scores of relevance; and it would be expensive to ask human experts to manually review a large number of associations. We propose that machine-learning-based classification can be used to separate the signal from the noise, and to provide a feasible approach to create and maintain disease-specific vocabularies. MethodWe initially focused on disease-medication associations for the purpose of simplicity. For a disease of interest, we extracted potentially treatment-related drug concepts from biomedical literature citations and from a local clinical data repository. Each concept was associated with multiple measures of relevance (i.e., features) such as frequency of occurrence. For the machine purpose of learning, we formed nine datasets for three diseases with each disease having two single-source datasets and one from the combination of previous two datasets. All the datasets were labeled using existing reference standards. Thereafter, we conducted two experiments: (1) to test if adding features from the clinical data repository would improve the performance of classification achieved using features from the biomedical literature only, and (2) to determine if classifier(s) trained with known medication-disease data sets would be generalizable to new disease(s). ResultsSimple logistic regression and LogitBoost were two classifiers identified as the preferred models separately for the biomedical-literature datasets and combined datasets. The performance of the classification using combined features provided significant improvement beyond that using biomedical-literature features alone (p-value<0.001). The performance of the classifier built from known diseases to predict associated concepts for new diseases showed no significant difference from the performance of the classifier built and tested using the new diseases dataset. ConclusionIt is feasible to use classification approaches to automatically predict the relevance of a concept to a disease of interest. It is useful to combine features from disparate sources for the task of classification. Classifiers built from known diseases were generalizable to new diseases.
Pure time preference in intertemporal welfare economics

Several areas of welfare economics seek to evaluate states of affairs as a function of interpersonally comparable individual utilities. The aim is to map each state of affairs onto a vector of individual utilities, and then to produce an ordering of these vectors that can be represented by a mathematical function assigning a real number to each. When this approach is used in intertemporal contexts, a central theoretical question concerns the rate of pure time preference, i.e. the evaluative weight to be applied to utility coming at different times. This article criticizes the standard philosophical account of pure time preference, arguing that it ascribes to economists a methodological commitment they need not accept. The article then evaluates three further objections to pure time preference, concluding that it might still be defensible under certain circumstances. I close by articulating a final argument that, if sound, would constitute a decisive objection to pure time preference as it currently figures in much intertemporal welfare economics.
Physicians’ ability to correctly identify values important to cancer patients enrolled in phase I clinical trials.

e13026 Background: ASCO recommends that physicians assess treatment preferences of patients with advanced cancer. To facilitate this process, we developed a tool to assess patients’ treatment-relat...
Feedback control based on estimators applied on welding robot motor

A way to impose a desired behaviour in a system is to reallocate their poles, a well-known technique for this is the Pole Placement Control. In this work, it is made a performance comparison between two state observers for state feedback of this controller: an classic state observer and a proposed alternative which is based on State Variable Filter. This alternative filter improves robustness to the control law due to its independence of system plant. Moreover, the filter has a simple structure. To accomplish performance comparison, the plant of a linear welding robot motor was utilised with their identified parameters. The modelling of this plant is also presented, as well as simulation results.
Advances in the Use of Frontal Sinuses for Human Identification

Abstract The frontal sinus is one of several paranasal sinuses of the cranium. It is located in the frontal bone and completes growth by around the 20th year. Frontal sinuses are highly variable in size and shape, permanent after development is complete, and easily visualized using radiology (including X-rays, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imagings). These features make frontal sinuses ideal structures for personal identification of human remains in cases where antemortem records depicting the frontal sinuses are available for comparison. Frontal sinuses were first used in identification in 1925 and have since been widely studied by forensic anthropologists and radiologists including the development of methods to codify and quantify frontal sinus size and shape. Recent advances include studies on improving comparison methods through standardization, quantification, and automation, as well as improved imaging of frontal sinuses due to advances in forensic radiology. The successful admission of a frontal sinus-based identification following an admissibility hearing further supports the acceptance of frontal sinuses as a reliable and valid method of personal identification.
On the relationship between radial structure heterogeneities and efficiency of chromatographic columns.

Abstract The general dispersion theory of Aris is applied to predict the virtual asymptotic dispersion behavior of packed columns. The derived model is also used to estimate the actual pre-asymptotic dispersion behavior of modern 2.1 mm × 50 mm columns packed with sub-2 μm fully porous particles (FPPs) during the transient dispersion regime. The model accounts for the actual radial distribution of the flow velocity across the column diameter. From the wall to the center of the column, focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) experiments were recently performed to reveal the existence of a thin (0.15dp wide, dp is the average particle diameter) hydrodynamic boundary layer (THBL), a thin (3dp wide) and loose orderly packed layer (TLOPL), a 60dp wide and dense randomly packed layer (WDRPL), and a large (≃460dp) randomly packed bulk central region [ 1 ]. The theoretical calculations of the actual pre-asymptotic reduced van Deemter curves (2.1 mm × 50 mm column, sub-2 μm BEH-C18 FPPs, n-hexanophenone analyte, acetonitrile/water eluent, 80/20, v/v, flow rate from 0.05 to 0.35 mL/min) confirm that the impact of the sole THBL on column dispersion can be neglected. In contrast, the contribution of the TLOPL to the reduced plate height (RPH) is about 0.2 h unit at optimum reduced velocity. Most remarkably, the negative impact of the TLOPL on column performance may be fully compensated by the presence of the adjacent WDRPL if the depth of the velocity well were to be 5% of the bulk velocity. In actual 2.1 mm × 50 mm columns packed with sub-2 μm FPPs, this velocity depth is as large as 25% of the bulk velocity causing a significant RPH deviation of 0.7 h unit from the RPH of the bulk packing free from wall effects. Maximum column performance is expected for a reduction of WDRPL density. This suggests optimizing the packing process by finding the proper balance between the stress gradient across the WDRPL (responsible for the deep velocity well) and the friction forces between the packed particles (responsible for the rearrangement of the particles during bed consolidation). Past and recently reported RPH data support the theoretical insights: the stress gradient/particle friction balance in the WDRPL is better realized when packing superficially porous particles (SPPs) rather than FPPs in 2.1–4.6 mm i.d. columns (the RPH deviation is reduced to 0.4 h unit) or sub-2 μm particles in 100 cm × 75 μm i.d. capillaries combining high slurry concentrations and sonication (the RPH deviation is reduced to only 0.15 h unit).
CD5 transgenic mice.

CD5 is a glycoprotein expressed on all mature T cells [1], a small but distinct subset of B lymphocytes (referred to as Bla cells) [2], some mouse B cell lymphomas and most human chronic lymphocytic leukemias (CLL) [3,4]. Both human and mouse CD5 genes have been cloned. The mouse CD5 cDNA encodes a protein consisting of 471 amino acids which, within the carboxyl terminus, has one potential tyrosine and two potential threonine phosphorylation sites. The sequence surrounding this tyrosine residue is similar to the sequence surrounding the tyrosine autophosphorylation site encoded by the protooncogene c-src and the oncogenes yes and fgr which are conserved in both mouse and human CD5 [5]. As an accessory molecule, CD5 has been shown to be coupled to the TCR/CD3 complex on T cells [6]. Crosslinking of CD5 with anti-CD5 antibody suggests that CD5 may function as a co-stimulatory molecule to augment and sustain T cell proliferation induced by interleukins, lectins, anti-CD3 and alloantigens [8,9]. Both murine and human CD72 have been identified as a ligand for CD5 [10,11]. Recently, CD5 on B cells has also been shown to be associated with the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex and serves as a substrate for BCR-induced tyrosine kinase activity [13]. Despite these findings the function of CD5 on B cells is not well understood though it seems probable that CD5-CD72 interactions may play-a-role in B-B cell as well as in T-B cell interactions.
Genome-wide analysis of the arabidopsis replication timing program

Eukaryotes use a temporally regulated process, known as the replication timing program, to ensure that their genomes are fully and accurately duplicated during S phase. Replication timing programs are predictive of genomic features and activity and are considered to be functional readouts of chromatin organization. Although replication timing programs have been described for yeast and animal systems, much less is known about the temporal regulation of plant DNA replication or its relationship to genome sequence and chromatin structure. We used the thymidine analog, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, in combination with flow sorting and Repli-Seq to describe, at high-resolution, the genome-wide replication timing program for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Col-0 suspension cells. We identified genomic regions that replicate predominantly during early, mid, and late S phase, and correlated these regions with genomic features and with data for chromatin state, accessibility, and long-distance interaction. Arabidopsis chromosome arms tend to replicate early while pericentromeric regions replicate late. Early and mid-replicating regions are gene-rich and predominantly euchromatic, while late regions are rich in transposable elements and primarily heterochromatic. However, the distribution of chromatin states across the different times is complex, with each replication time corresponding to a mixture of states. Early and mid-replicating sequences interact with each other and not with late sequences, but early regions are more accessible than mid regions. The replication timing program in Arabidopsis reflects a bipartite genomic organization with early/mid-replicating regions and late regions forming separate, noninteracting compartments. The temporal order of DNA replication within the early/mid compartment may be modulated largely by chromatin accessibility.
Vertical Distributions of Coccolithophores, PIC, POC, Biogenic Silica, and Chlorophyll a Throughout the Global Ocean.

Coccolithophores are a critical component of global biogeochemistry, export fluxes, and seawater optical properties. We derive globally significant relationships to estimate integrated coccolithophore and coccolith concentrations as well as integrated concentrations of particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) from their respective surface concentration. We also examine surface versus integral relationships for other biogeochemical variables contributed by all phytoplankton (e.g., chlorophyll a and particulate organic carbon) or diatoms (biogenic silica). Integrals are calculated using both 100 m integrals and euphotic zone integrals (depth of 1% surface photosynthetically available radiation). Surface concentrations are parameterized in either volumetric units (e.g., m-3) or values integrated over the top optical depth. Various relationships between surface concentrations and integrated values demonstrate that when surface concentrations are above a specific threshold, the vertical distribution of the property is biased to the surface layer, and when surface concentrations are below a specific threshold, the vertical distributions of the properties are biased to subsurface maxima. Results also show a highly predictable decrease in explained-variance as vertical distributions become more vertically heterogeneous. These relationships have fundamental utility for extrapolating surface ocean color remote sensing measurements to 100 m depth or to the base of the euphotic zone, well beyond the depths of detection for passive ocean color remote sensors. Greatest integrated concentrations of PIC, coccoliths, and coccolithophores are found when there is moderate stratification at the base of the euphotic zone.
Phase I trial of high-dose melphalan, high-dose etoposide and autologous bone marrow re-infusion in solid tumors: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) study.

The purpose of this work was to determine the maximum tolerated (phase II) dose of melphalan and etoposide that can be given in conjunction with autologous BM re-infusion in patients who have refractory or relapsed solid tumors. Twenty-six patients with refractory or relapsed breast cancer (n = 15), small cell lung cancer (n = 1), ovarian cancer (n = 3), colorectal cancer (n = 3) or malignant melanoma (n = 4) were enrolled and treated in this phase I study. Patients ranged in age from 31 to 60 years (median 44.5 years). Melphalan 180 mg/m2 (60 mg/m2/day for 3 consecutive days i.v. over 30 min) and etoposide 1200-3600 mg/m2 (400-1200 mg/m2/day for 3 consecutive days i.v. over 4 h) were given followed by autologous BM infusion 60-72 h after completion of chemotherapy. Ten patients received GM-CSF or G-CSF therapy after marrow re-infusion. Regimen-related toxicities included fever, pancytopenia, mucositis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, esophagitis, hepatic dysfunction and infection. Neutrophils recovered to > 500 x 10(6)/l and platelets recovered to > 20 x 10(9)/l (without transfusions) a median of 17 days and 20.5 days after marrow infusion, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred at an etoposide dose of 3600 mg/m2, since 4 of 6 patients treated at this dose level experienced grade 4 NCI Common Toxicity Criteria (mucositis (n = 3) and infection (n = 1)). Complete responses were noted in 7 patients (breast cancer (n = 5), colorectal cancer (n = 1) and melanoma (n = 1)); partial responses were observed in 5 patients. Melphalan 180 mg/m2 and etoposide 3000 mg/m2 is a potent high-dose chemotherapy regimen with significant antineoplastic activity, particularly for breast cancer, and has acceptable toxicity when administered in conjunction with autologous BM re-infusion.
Effects of an Extreme Flood Event on Federally Endangered Diamond Darter Abundances

Extreme flood events can substantially affect riverine systems, modifying in-stream habitat and influencing fish assemblages and densities. Rare species are especially vulnerable to these disturbance events because of their small population size and often reduced phenotypic heterogeneity. In June 2016 the lower Elk River in West Virginia experienced severe flooding, resulting in a peak discharge that exceeded the 0.005 annual exceedance probability (>200 y flood) in the main stem. We obtained pre-flood and post-flood population count data and estimated abundances for one cohort of the federally endangered Diamond Darter (Crystallaria cincotta) at 15 sites. While both the total count data and total estimated abundance decreased following the flood, our analyses did not indicate the extreme flood event strongly impacted Diamond Darter abundance. This indicates individuals are able to withstand high velocities and resist displacement or mortality. In addition site-level abundances were estimated at three sentinel sites during 2015 and 2016 using a multinomial N-mixture model that accounted for variation in detectability resulting from water temperature. Mean estimated abundance varied among the three sites and between the 2 y. Our results suggest there is substantial variation in year-class strength between the two cohorts we sampled. It is suggested that survey efforts at established sentinel sites be continued on an annual basis in order to help determine factors influencing year-class strength.
Arthropod transcriptional activator protein-1 (AP-1) aids tick-rickettsial pathogen survival in the cold

Ixodes scapularis ticks transmit several pathogens to humans including rickettsial bacterium, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Here, we report that A. phagocytophilum uses tick transcriptional activator protein-1 (AP-1) as a molecular switch in the regulation of arthropod antifreeze gene, iafgp. RNAi-mediated silencing of ap-1 expression significantly affected iafgp gene expression and A. phagocytophilum burden in ticks upon acquisition from the murine host. Gel shift assays provide evidence that both the bacterium and AP-1 influences iafgp promoter and expression. The luciferase assays revealed that a region of approximately 700 bp upstream of the antifreeze gene is sufficient for AP-1 binding to promote iafgp gene expression. Furthermore, survival assays revealed that AP-1-deficient ticks were more susceptible to cold in comparison to the mock controls. In addition, this study also indicates arthropod AP-1 as a global regulator for some of the tick genes critical for A. phagocytophilum survival in the vector. In summary, our study defines a novel mode of arthropod signaling for the survival of both rickettsial pathogen and its medically important vector in the cold.
A Spot Climate Recorder

In agricultural research as well as in applied climatology as a whole, there is an increasing demand for portable meteorological field equipment capable of recording continuously more environmental factors than the conventional hygro-thermograph. The spot climate recorder described can register dry bulb, wet bulb, soil, and black globe temperatures, and wind direction and velocity on either daily or weekly charts, whichever is best for the climate survey. If desired, all these elements can be registered on one chart, but a set of two recorders has been found to be no more expensive and gives the economic advantage of making each useable separately. This is desirable for instance when a network of wind registering stations is needed (including 1 temperature each) but the complete record of moisture, radiation, etc. is sufficient at one station. The wind-recording circuits are designed for low-current drain on a 6-volt storage battery. Rather than draw on this battery to provide aspiration for the dry and w...
Academic and Community Partnerships: Increasing Access Through Collaborative Care

Access to quality dental care for many adults and children remains a serious concern. Many communities throughout the U.S. are at great disadvantage for preventive care and treatment due to payment concerns, location and types of providers, and poor communication between dental providers and primary care professionals. Voids in shared technology and information also persist. Integrating primary care with oral health can boost both preventive care and interventions focused on increasing efficacy and efficiency between dental and primary care professionals in addressing the onset and duration of disease. Academic and community partnerships can help increase access to care and bring together the dental and medical communities for better integration and care coordination. Academic and community partnerships promote the sharing of information, facilitate provision of basic diagnostic services, and bring the bidirectional flow of knowledge, training, and skills to one another in a systematic and sustained manner.