cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Architectural tradeoffs in field-programmable-device-based computing systems

Reprogrammable Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have enabled the realization of high-performance and affordable reconfigurable computing engines. The authors examine the architectural tradeoffs involved in designing general purpose FPGA-based computing systems with field-programmable gate arrays and field-programmable interconnects. The fact that FPGAs provide both programmable logic and programmable interconnects raises numerous design issues that need to be considered with care. Factors that influence the tradeoffs are routability, rearrangeability and speed. >
Incrementally Learning Rules for Anomaly Detection

LERAD is a rule learning algorithm used for anomaly detection, with the requirement that all training data has to be present before it can be used. We desire to create rules incrementally, without needing to wait for all training data and without sacrificing accuracy. The algorithm presented accomplishes these goals by carrying a small amount of data between days and pruning rules after the final day. Experiments show that both goals were accomplished, achieving similar accuracy with fewer rules.
Children Are Aware of Food Insecurity and Take Responsibility for Managing Food Resources

Child food insecurity is measured using parental reports of children's experiences based on an adult-generated conceptualization. Research on other child experiences (e.g. pain, exposure to domestic violence) cautions that children generally best report their own experiences, and parents' reports of children's experiences may lack adequate validity and impede effective intervention. Because this may be true of child food insecurity, we conducted semistructured interviews with mothers, children (age 9-16 y), and other household adults in 26 South Carolina families at risk for food insecurity. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative process combining a priori with inductive coding. Child interviews revealed experiences of food insecurity distinct from parent experiences and from parent reports of children's experiences. Children experienced cognitive, emotional, and physical awareness of food insecurity. Children took responsibility for managing food resources through participation in parental strategies, initiation of their own strategies, and generation of resources to provide food for the family. Adults were not always aware of children's experiences. Where adult experiences of food insecurity are conditioned on inadequate money for food, child experiences were grounded in the immediate household social and food environment: quality of child/parent interactions, parent affect and behavior, and types and quantities of foods made available for children to eat. The new, child-derived understanding of what children experience that results from this study provides a critical basis from which to build effective approaches to identify, assess, and respond to children suffering from food insecurity.
Subpubic Cartilaginous Cyst--A Rare Periurethral Lesion With Implications for Surgical Approach.

CASE PRESENTATION A 62-year-old African American woman was referred for evaluation of a periurethral vaginal mass that was discovered on workup for vaginal pain. She described her vaginal pain as a sensation of constant pressure in the anterior wall of her vagina that varied in severity throughout the day and had worsened over the past months. Her pain was associated with dyspareunia, as well as bothersome storage and voiding symptoms. Additionally, she had a history of urinary incontinence that occurred with both coughing and sneezing as well as with preceding urgency. Her medical history included hypertension, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux, and asthma, and her surgical history was remarkable for a total abdominal hysterectomy that was performed for uterine fibroids. She never used tobacco products and did not consume alcohol or use illicit drugs. Her three children were delivered vaginally. Family history was notable for a grandmother with uterine cancer. Review of systems was negative for gross hematuria, postvoid dribbling, and vaginal bleeding. Physical examination was remarkable for a 3 cm × 3 cm firm, round, anterior vaginal wall mass, which was tender to palpation and compressing the urethra. Fluid could not be expressed per urethra upon palpation of the mass. Her uterus and cervix were surgically absent, she did not have pelvic organ prolapse, and bimanual exam did not reveal any intrapelvic pathology. Postvoid residual urine was 200 mL, and urine analysis demonstrated 3-5 red blood cells with no pyuria. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 3.0 × 2.4 × 3.2 cm bilobed complex cystic lesion suggestive of urethral diverticulum (Fig. 1), although no clear communication with the urethra could be identified. Additionally, MRI revealed a 1 cm left posterolateral bladder diverticulum. On urodynamic evaluation, she was obstructed according to the Blaivas-Groutz nomogram: her maximum detrusor pressure was 50 cm of water and her peak urinary flow was 2 mL/second. She did not demonstrate stress incontinence or detrusor overactivity.
Examining the spread of high quality reporting through the corporate network

Abstract This paper explores whether high reporting quality spreads through the network formed by shared directors. Consistent with the notion that positive information is generally less impactful than negative information in affecting behavior, I find that a firm's own reporting quality is not affected by sharing a director with a firm that is considered to have high reporting quality. However, I find that a firm's reporting quality improves when the firm shares a director with a high reporting quality firm and a firm that is highly connected in the network (i.e.: central). The results suggest that high reporting quality needs the endorsement of a high status firm such as a central firm to travel through the network. Furthermore, firms that are susceptible to poor reporting are the most receptive to the high reporting quality signal coming through central firms. Altogether, this study documents that central firms are in a position to initiate positive reporting contagion.
Arg-Gly-Asp-dependent occupancy of GPIIb/IIIa by applaggin: evidence for internalization and cycling of a platelet integrin.

Using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy we examined the distribution and cycling of GPIIb/IIIa after binding to applaggin, a high-affinity Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)--containing ligand. Resting, unfixed platelets were incubated with applaggin for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C, and bound applaggin was detected by an affinity-purified rabbit anti- applaggin antibody. Examination of intact cells showed a rim pattern for applaggin, consistent with its binding to the platelet surface. Staining of Triton X-100--permeabilized cells showed an intracellular pool of applaggin. Competition of applaggin binding by either AP-2, an anti-GPIIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody (MoAb) that blocks fibrinogen binding, or the synthetic peptide RGDW eliminated both surface and intracellular staining, indicating that applaggin is binding to GPIIb/IIIa in an RGD-dependent manner. Inhibition of platelet activation by PGE1 and theophylline had no effect on the observed staining patterns, indicating that cellular activation is not required for surface binding and subsequent internalization. To evaluate whether occupancy of functional binding sites on GPIIb/IIIa is required for internalization, we used mAb15, an anti-GPIIIa antibody that neither blocks fibrinogen binding nor induces the expression of ligand-induced binding sites on GPIIb/IIIa. In these studies mAb15 was internalized in a manner analogous to both AP-2 and applaggin, showing that occupancy of the RGD binding site is not required to initiate receptor internalization. To estimate the size of the newly internalized pool of applaggin, 125I-applaggin--binding studies were performed. Displacement of bound 125I-applaggin by excess unlabeled applaggin or EDTA showed that at least 17% of bound applaggin was nondisplaceable when binding was performed under conditions permitting membrane flow and internalization. These data indicate that GPIIb/IIIa is internalized in unstimulated platelets independent of cellular activation or occupancy of the functional binding site(s) of GPIIb/IIIa by RGD-containing ligands. Thus, internalization of GPIIb/IIIa may represent a mechanism by which the surface expression of this adhesion receptor is regulated.
Suppression of adrenal compensatory hypertrophy by hypothalamic lesions.

ConclusionsThe compensatory adrenal hypertrophy which normally follows unilateral adrenalectomy is suppressed in rats with diabetes insipidus produced by hypothalamic lesions.
Mesodermal alterations induced by dimethyl sulfoxide.

SummaryThe observations presented above support the previously advanced concept of the embryogenesis of human and experimental cranioschisis(3-7). They also support the idea that any mesodermal alteration causing its derangement and collapse before the complete closure of the neural tube will necessarily be followed by failure of closure of the neuro-ectoderm, regardless of the nature of the teratogenic agent used. This concept supports the following facts: the closure of the cephalic neuro-ectoderm is a critical and significant period of embryonic development; the cephalic mesoderm plays an important role in its final closure; and cranioschisis (anencephaly), the most commonly induced experimental malformation, is the direct consequence of the failure of the cephalic mesoderm to fulfill its function of enclosing and lodging the cephalic neuro-ectoderm.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of the Gas Phase Reaction SO3 + NH3 + N2 ↔ H3NSO3 + N2

The kinetics of the gas phase reaction SO3 + NH3 + N2 ↔ H3NSO3 + N2 were studied with a flow reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer for detection of SO3 and H3NSO3. The rate coefficient for the association reaction SO3 + NH3 + N2 was measured as a function of temperature (280−340 K) and pressure (20−80 Torr of N2). Analysis of the SO3 decay and H3NSO3 appearance at higher temperatures yielded rate coefficients for H3NSO3 decomposition and the enthalpy of the reaction SO3 + NH3 ↔ H3NSO3: ΔH°298K = −24 ± 1 kcal mol-1.
Activation of the human histamine H2 receptor is linked to cell proliferation and c-fos gene transcription

We examined whether histamine could regulate cell proliferation and expression of the early response gene c-fos in HEK-293 cells stably transfected with the human H2receptor (HEK-H2). Histamine sti...
Instructor strategic ambiguity: delineation of the construct and development of a measure

ABSTRACTThis article presents research to delineate the construct of instructor strategic ambiguity (ISA) and develop a measure. The first study analyzed instructor uses of ambiguity, identified 18 strategies, and classified them into four categories. The second study developed an Instructor Strategic Ambiguity Measure (ISAM) for the college classroom. This 15-item scale consisted of four factors: application, challenge, assignments, and leadership. The ISAM is positively correlated with learner empowerment, learning indicators, need for cognition, and student motivation, which offers evidence of construct validity. The results of the study suggest student perceptions of ISA complement instructor clarity.
Crash analysis of a conceptual electric vehicle with a damage tolerant battery pack

In current electric vehicles, batteries fulfill only the role of power source and are stored within the passenger cabin, protected from external impact loads. This study considers a multifunctional, damage tolerant battery system which combines the energetic material with mechanically sacrificing elements that control mechanical stresses and dissipate energy. With such a multifunctional battery system in place it is proposed to place the battery pack into the secondary safe zone of a unibody-type vehicle. Full-vehicle crash analyses via finite element simulations are conducted for several battery pack configurations, thereby comparing the multifunctional battery system to battery packs with batteries alone and battery packs where cellular solids are used as energy absorbers. The analysis demonstrates the use of a multifunctional (damage tolerant and energy storage capable) battery system to ensure battery safety and aid in the energy absorption in a crash overall. The use of the multifunctional battery systems can aid in solving technology limitations of electric vehicles.
Immune Responses in the Earthworm, Aporrectodea trapezoides (Annelida), Against Rhabditis pellio (Nematoda)

Immune responses of earthworms to nematodes or other metazoan parasites have received little attention. While investigating the behavior of Rhabditis pellio in the earthworm, Apovreotodea trapezoides, Poinar and Thomas (1976) noted that most nematodes occurred in the bladders and tubules of the metanephridia. However, those that entered the coelom were promptly encapsulated and incorporated into “brown bodies.” These “brown bodies” not only contained nematodes but also protozoan cysts and other debris that occurred in the worm’s coelom. It was clear that the “brown bodies” constituted an immune response on the part of the worm which is probably typical for oligochaete annelids. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the ultrastructure of the “brown bodies” of A. trapezoides containing R. pellio.
Ward Clustering Improves Cross-Validated Markov State Models of Protein Folding

Markov state models (MSMs) are a powerful framework for analyzing protein dynamics. MSMs require the decomposition of conformation space into states via clustering, which can be cross-validated when a prediction method is available for the clustering method. We present an algorithm for predicting cluster assignments of new data points with Ward’s minimum variance method. We then show that clustering with Ward’s method produces better or equivalent cross-validated MSMs for protein folding than other clustering algorithms.
Long-Term Outcomes of Huber Opposition Transfer for Augmenting Hypoplastic Thumb Function

Purpose This study was conducted to report the functional outcomes of the Huber opposition transfer (abductor digiti minimi muscle) in types II and IIIA hypoplastic thumbs. Methods Patients who had undergone a Huber opposition transfer with at least 5 years of follow-up were included in this study. There were 21 thumbs included; 12 returned for a detailed evaluation and 9 were included with a medical record review. Outcome measures included range of motion and pinch strength; Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores were collected on those who could return. There were 15 type II and 6 type IIIA thumbs. Results Range of motion was significantly less than normal for both the interphalangeal and the metacarpophalangeal joints. For the returning cohort, key and tripod pinch were 44% and 65% of normal. The median Kapandji score was 9 (range, 6–10). The PODCI scores were high for global, upper extremity function, happiness, and pain. The PROMIS scores were similar to normal, except for parent reports of physical function. For all included patients, there was a revision surgery rate of 22%, primarily related to persistent instability. Conclusions At a minimum 5-year follow-up, the Huber opposition transfer for types II and IIIA thumbs was shown to provide good subjective outcomes, despite limited range of motion and strength. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
FOXA1 and CK14 as markers of luminal and basal subtypes in histologic variants of bladder cancer and their associated conventional urothelial carcinoma

Invasive bladder cancer is diverse, and includes several named histomorphologies that differ from conventional urothelial carcinoma, termed “histologic variants.” By transcriptional analysis, bladder cancers can be divided into luminal and basal subtypes. In this paper, we study associations between markers of transcriptional subtypes and variant histology in a retrospective cohort of 309 cystectomy specimens. Histology slides were methodically reviewed for all cases, and variant histology was documented. Immunohistochemistry for FOXA1 (luminal marker) and CK14 (basal maker) was performed on histologic variants and their associated conventional urothelial carcinomas. Invasive carcinoma was present in 270 of the cystectomy specimens, 35% of which contained a histologic variant. Squamous carcinomas expressed higher CK14 levels than micropapillary, nested, and plasmacytoid carcinomas (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis), keeping with the basal character of squamous carcinoma. Likewise, squamous carcinomas expressed lower FOXA1 levels than micropapillary, nested, and plasmacytoid carcinomas (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis), keeping with the luminal character of micropapillary carcinoma, and suggesting that nested and plasmacytoid cancers have luminal character. FOXA1 was expressed at lower levels in conventional urothelial carcinoma associated with squamous carcinoma than conventional urothelial carcinoma associated with micropapillary carcinoma (p = 0.0072, Wilcoxon rank sum). CK14 expression did not differ between conventional urothelial carcinomas associated with squamous versus micropapillary carcinoma (p = 0.89, Wilcoxon rank sum). Instead, CK14 expression was higher in squamous carcinoma than conventional urothelial carcinoma present in the same bladder (p = 0.014, Wilcoxon rank sum, paired). Overall, the findings show that squamous and micropapillary cancers have different expression patterns of CK14 and FOXA1 and suggest that they arise from distinct precursors.
Comparison of Two Fly Traps for the Capture of Horse Flies (Diptera: Tabanidae)

A 2-yr study was conducted to examine differences between two commercially available horse fly traps, the Epps® Biting Fly Trap (Farnum Co., Phoenix, AZ) and the Horse Pal® (Newman Enterprises, Omr...
Sexual Expression of Nursing Home Residents: Systematic Review of the Literature.

Purpose Living longer, baby boomers will need specialized care offered by nursing homes to manage chronic conditions. This review explores the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences towards older people's sexuality and sexual expression in nursing homes—an important area of research to meet the needs of this emerging population. Design A primary search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PubMed databases and secondary inclusion of cited references covering the period January 2000 to November 2016 identified 12 relevant studies. Methods Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram of the screening process, data were extracted, summarized, and compared, and risk of bias was assessed focusing on ethical considerations, sample size and sampling methods, validity and reliability of data collection instruments, participation, cooperation, and response rate. Findings Overall, sexual expression in older adults is recognized as a basic need that should be supported. Positive attitudes towards sexuality in nursing homes were correlated with a higher level of knowledge about older adults’ sexuality. In addition, positive predictors of attitudes towards sexuality in nursing homes were found to be: age, level of education, and years of experience. Barriers to addressing sexuality in the elderly are the lack of privacy and staff discomfort, which together represent common causes for loneliness and lack of intimacy in nursing homes. Conclusions Nursing research and practice need to shift their focus towards individual needs of nursing home residents to accommodate their values and expectations. Clinical Relevance Care providers must include a thorough assessment of sexual health of older adults living in nursing homes in routine practice, and include sexual health in the treatment plan.
Universal Design: Stop Banning Laptops!

Banning laptops in the classroom constitutes a needless barrier to academic performance that is increasingly common at the university level. In this article, I review the existing literature that is cited to support laptop bans and show how that literature does not, in fact, support such a ban. Further, I report a modest empirical study that reflects that students who use laptops in a large lecture class do as well as students who do not use laptops so long as Internet use of the laptop is clearly and effectively banned. The article concludes that a permissive laptop policy should be on the list of Universal Design features that supports effective learning for all students.
Just a Tool: Instructors’ Attitudes and Use of Course Management Systems for Online Writing Instruction

Abstract This study uses interview and observation data from first-year composition instructors to determine how instructors’ experiences with course management systems (CMSs) influence their teaching practices within those spaces. I determine that although instructors recognize the potential significance of CMSs, there is still a great disparity between instructors’ practices in face-to-face and CMS spaces with many instructors failing to see their use of CMSs as part of their pedagogical practice.
Autoimmunity, Allergies, and Asthma: A Relationship to Vaccines?

Over the past few decades, there is an increasing trend of parents refusing or requesting an alternative regimen for their child’s routine vaccinations. Though previously considered to be most prevalent in areas with limited health care resources or among younger parents with limited insight into the importance of vaccinations, a growing group of dissenters are parents who are older, educated, and more affluent individuals concerned about the purported dangers/risk of routine vaccinations. The focus of this chapter is to review specific concerns that have been raised regarding the relationship between vaccinations and both atopy and autoimmunity. Recent studies have focused on the potential role that various components of the immune system, including T-regulatory cells, toll-like receptors, and dendritic cells, may play in the “hygiene hypothesis” theory and in regulating the development of autoimmunity and atopy. Despite the theory that a limited exposure to pathogens in early life predisposes to autoimmunity and atopy, there is a paucity of evidence to support a higher incidence of atopic and autoimmune conditions in vaccinated children compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. One possible explanation for this negative association may be the inability of vaccinations to completely eliminate pathogenic microbial exposure during childhood, nor was this ever an intention. From the standpoint of exacerbating disease activity by vaccinating patients with underlying autoimmune conditions, supportive evidence is found only with certain vaccinations in limited disease states. Nevertheless, providers must evaluate this potential risk against protecting patients at high risk of infectious complications due to intrinsic immune dysregulation and immunomodulator therapy. Providers may face challenging encounters with parents who are sincerely motivated by concerns about their child’s welfare and reluctant or opposed to current vaccination strategies due to underlying misconceptions. It is imperative that health care providers serve as patient advocates, be receptive to discuss parents’ concerns, allay unwarranted fears, and help resolve misconceptions regarding vaccine safety.
Mapping Techniques for Exploratory Pattern Analysis

We describe a versatile collection of mapping methods for computer-aided pattern analysis, and we report the results of two experiments: one for cluster analysis and the second for classifier design. The first experiment involved sixteen human subjects and the second involved fourteen. The collection of mapping methods includes our innovation — the least squares mapping, which combines a squared error criterion with agglomerative hierarchical clustering. In both of these experiments untrained humans aided by the generalized declustering mapping and our least squares mapping outperformed or equaled automatic clustering and classifier design techniques.
Comparison of phasic blood flow velocity characteristics of arterial and venous coronary artery bypass conduits.

Background. Coronaty artety bypass conduits deived from internal mammary arteries show relative resistance to atherosclerosis and significantly improved long-term patency compared with saphenous vein graft. Atherothrombotic occlusion of venous conduits has previously been correlated with lower flow rates measured intraoperatively. To quantitate coronary bypass conduit flow velocity, we examined the phasic blood flow velocity patterns by intravascular Doppler spectral analysis in patients during cardiac catheterization to test the hypothesis that resting systolic and diastolic phasic blood flow velocity patterns differ significantly between arterial and venous bypass conduits
Influence of a nanotwinned, nanocrystalline microstructure on aging of a Ni-25Mo-8Cr superalloy

Abstract Precipitation pathways in many nickel-based superalloys are highly complex and in some cases proceed very slowly. This behavior has hampered their introduction into some novel application spaces ranging from microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to protective coatings, wherein their high temperature strength and oxidation resistance would otherwise be highly desirable. In this investigation, the microstructure of Ni-25Mo-8Cr superalloy thin films prepared via direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) is shown to be key to manipulating and understanding phase transformations. Specifically, the columnar, highly textured, and nanotwinned grains are shown to facilitate precipitation of the equilibrium DOa (Ni3Mo) phase during a mild heat treatment. Conversely, elimination of the nanotwins through a two-step heat treatment leads to precipitation of metastable Ni2(Mo,Cr) (isomorphous with Pt2Mo and Ni2Cr) precipitates. The straightforward capacity to select one of several possible phase transformation pathways presents an opportunity to create precisely tuned microstructures specific to the desired application, while simultaneously providing unprecedented insight on these complex phase transformations.
Transparency in Troubled Times

Presentation to the Tenth World Conference of the International Ombudsman Institute, Wellington, New Zealand. For delivery on 14 November 2012. Difficult economic times are often threatening to the idea of transparency. Financially troubled governments argue that openness is a luxury, not a necessity. And the political uncertainty that is generated by economic troubles sometimes makes governments hesitant about releasing sensitive information. But the reluctance to maintain transparency can have serious consequences. Secretiveness can undermine the legitimacy of governmental action and contribute to political instability. Indeed, the crisis itself can be regarded as the result of multiple failures of transparency in the private and public sectors. The temptation to view openness as a luxury must be resisted. It is precisely at the moment of economic crisis that the idea of transparency is most important.
Regular cycling between representations of alternatives in the hippocampus

Cognitive faculties such as imagination, planning, and decision-making require the ability to represent alternative scenarios. In animals, split-second decision-making implies that the brain can represent alternatives at a commensurate speed. Yet despite this insight, it has remained unknown whether there exists neural activity that can consistently represent alternatives in <1 s. Here we report that neural activity in the hippocampus, a brain structure vital to cognition, can regularly cycle between representations of alternative locations (bifurcating paths in a maze) at 8 Hz. This cycling dynamic was paced by the internally generated 8 Hz theta rhythm, often occurred in the absence of overt deliberative behavior, and unexpectedly also governed an additional hippocampal representation defined by alternatives (heading direction). These findings implicate a fast, regular, and generalized neural mechanism underlying the representation of competing possibilities.
A Mind of Her Own: Helen Connor Laird and Family, 1888–1982

Review of: "A Mind of Her Own: Helen Connor Laird and Family, 1888–1982," by Helen L. Laird.
Trends and Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with and without Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Analysis

Purpose Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is known to be associated with poor outcomes in patients undergoing Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We sought to determine the trends and predictors of AKI in this patient population. Methods We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from Jan 2006 to Sept 2015 database for patients undergoing LVAD implantation using ICD-9 codes We excluded all the patients with end-stage renal disease . We divided the study sample into two cohorts 1. AKI with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (A-CKD) 2. AKI without CKD (A-NCKD) and analyzed separately. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were identified using appropriate ICD-9 codes. Temporal trends of AKI were graphed, and regression analysis was done to identify comorbidities and social predictors of AKI in both the cohorts. Results There was significant uptrend in incidence of AKI in A-CKD cohort (from 41.7% in 2006 to 76.4% in 2015; p vasopressors use and infections are associated with increased risk of AKI regardless of baseline CKD (all p peripheral arterial disease , coronary artery disease , cardiogenic shock and post procedural bleeding requiring transfusion were additional risk factors for AKI (all p diabetes , chronic pulmonary disease , pulmonary hypertension, acute in-hospital stroke, ventricular fibrillation and cirrhosis increased risk of AKI (all p Conclusion In last decade, there has been a significant uptrend in AKI in patients with CKD. The rate of AKI in the patients without baseline CKD remained stable.
BIG DATA IN AGRICULTURE

We live in a big data age where huge volumes of information are generated, collected, and managed to add value to our daily lives. Today, farmers are deploying enormous amounts of data generated by interconnected devices to get an overall understanding of their farms. If tractors transformed farming in the middle ages, the evolution of big data is revolutionizing the agriculture industry in our time. The big data revolution is modernizing the farming industry at a pace we have never witnessed. This paper provides a brief introduction big data in agriculture.
Two-Staged Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Long-Term Outcome Study in a Young Population

Background and objectives: Differences in patient anatomy and physiology exist between young and older patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Breast cancer has been described as being more aggressive, more likely to receive radiation, contralateral mastectomy, as well as bilateral reconstruction in young patients. Our purpose is to report long-term experience on two-staged implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) in young females, with complication sub-analysis based on obesity and adjuvant radiation. Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review of all consecutive young patients who underwent two-staged IBR at our institution, between 2000 and 2016, was performed. Patients between 15 and 40 years old with least 1-year follow-up were included. Univariate logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created. Results: Overall 594 breasts met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 34 years, and the median follow-up was 29.6 months. Final IBR was achieved in 98% of breasts. Overall, 12% of breasts had complications, leading to explantations of 5% of the devices. Adjuvant radiation was followed by higher rates of total device explantations (p = 0.003), while obese patients had higher rates of total complications (p < 0.001). For each point increase in BMI, the odds of developing complications increased 8.1% (p < 0.001); the cutoff BMI to predict higher complications was 24.81 kg/m2. Conclusions: This population demonstrates high successful IBR completion and low explantation rates. These data suggest that obese women and those with planned adjuvant radiation deserve special counseling about their higher risk of complications.
Efficacy of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy Across the Affective Disorders

This study supports the efficacy of transdiagnostic behavior therapy across various affective disorders, including depression and PTSD. These findings suggest a possible reduction in the number of ...
GlossOnt: a concept-focused ontology building tool

The demand for ontologies is rapidly growing especially due to developments in knowledge management, E-commerce and the Semantic Web. Building an ontology and a background knowledge base manually is so costly and time-consuming that it hampers progress in intelligent information access. Therefore, semi-automatic or automatic construction of ontologies is very useful. This paper presents a concept-focused ontology building method based on text mining technology. The method focuses on a particular domain concept at a time and actively acquires source documents for the ontological knowledge about the concepts. It begins with the analysis of glossary definitions about the target concept by extracting classes and relationships. Then, it generates advanced queries from the result of glossary definition processing and activates a Web search engine to obtain more documents relevant to the target concept. The method extends the ontological knowledge by extracting more domain-specific concepts and relationships from the search documents. By focusing on a specific concept and highly relevant document set, this method suffers less ambiguity and can identify domain concepts and relations more accurately. In addition, by acquiring source documents from the Web on demand, the method can produce up-to-date ontologies.
Abstract WP158: Maximum Tolerated Dose of Exosomes Derived From Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Intra-Arterial Dosing in a Rat Stroke Model

Background: Recent preclinical studies of stroke recovery have explored the possibility of utilizing exosomes (ES) instead of complete cells as therapeutic agents. ES are endosomal origin small-mem...
The Hurdle Technology Metaphor Revisited

In the original and variants of the hurdle technology metaphor, factors affecting a food preservation process’s efficacy are represented by horizontally spaced athletic hurdles that the targeted microbes have to overcome or expire. But while the utility of combined preservation methods and exploiting synergism is not in doubt, there are issues with the hurdles metaphor itself, namely assignment of the same icon to factors of different categories, the lack of clear relationship between the hurdles’ heights, shape, and the distances between them and the actual antimicrobial effect. According to Troller (1983), a more suitable metaphor is a wall constructed from the vertically stacked obstacles whose total height represents the magnitude of the challenge to the microbes’ survival or sustained growth. His idea can be refined by adding a distinction between active lethal or growth suppressing agents, such as heat, ultra high pressure and chemical antimicrobials, and auxiliary non-lethal factors which only affect the former’s efficacy, such as pH, aW, and oxygen tension. In this revised metaphor, those of the first kind are the stacked obstacles forming the wall, and those of the second kind only affect their heights. Since microbial inactivation or growth suppression is manifested in a survival or growth curve, not a number, the role of kinetics, absent in the traditional metaphor, ought to be factored in too. This can be done, by defining the effective combined wall’s height in terms of the microbial population’s size reduction for inactivation, or its growth level for shelf life expiration.
VaPoR: a high-speed validation approach for structural variation using long-read sequencing technology.

Although there are numerous algorithms that have been developed to identify structural variation (SVs) in genomic sequences, there is a dearth of approaches that can be used to evaluate their results. The emergence of new sequencing technologies that generate longer sequence reads can, in theory, provide direct evidence for all types of SVs regardless of the length of region through which it spans. However, current efforts to use these data in this manner require the use of large computational resources to assemble these sequences as well as manual inspection of each region. Here, we present VaPoR, a highly efficient algorithm that autonomously validates large SV sets using long read sequencing data. We assess of the performance of VaPoR on both simulated and real SVs with regards to various features including accuracy and sensitivity of breakpoint evaluation and report a high fidelity rate. Availability: https://github.com/mills-lab/VaPoR
Investigation of the Relationship Between Frequency of Blast Exposure, mTBI History, and Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms.

Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are common conditions among military personnel that frequently co-occur. This study investigated relationships between self-reported blast exposure, mTBI history, and current post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in a population of active duty service members (n = 202) from the Intensive Outpatient Program at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. Materials and methods Participants were divided into four mTBI groups (0, 1, 2, and 3+) and four blast exposure groups (0-10, 11-100, 101-1,000, and 1,000+). Self-reported lifetime mTBI and blast history were obtained via the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. PTSS severity was obtained via the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C). Several secondary measures of depression, anxiety, chronic mTBI symptoms, and sleep were also assessed. Results The total PCL-C scores differed significantly between mTBI groups, with significant differences detected between the 0/1 mTBI groups and the 3+ mTBI groups. Similar group differences were noted across the three PCL-C subgroup scores (avoidance, re-experiencing, and hyperarousal); however, when comparing the proportion of group participants meeting DSM-IV criteria for each symptom cluster, significant differences between mTBI groups were only noted for avoidance (P = .002). No group differences were noted in PTS symptom severity or distribution between blast groups. Conclusions This study demonstrates an association between lifetime mTBI history and PTS symptom severity and distribution but failed to identify the significant group in self-reported symptoms between the blast exposure groups. Results suggest that additional research is needed to understand the neurobiological mechanism behind these associations and the need for the development of precise assessment tools that are able to more accurately quantify significant lifetime sub-concussive and blast exposures experienced by service members in training and combat operations.
Investigating Factors Predictive of Large Cell Transformation and Outcomes From Low Grade Lymphomas.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Relapses of low grade (indolent) lymphomas typically remain low grade, but there is a 1-3% annual risk of transformation to large B-cell lymphoma. Predictive factors at time of initial lymphoma diagnosis and clinical outcomes after transformation remain poorly characterized. In this study we aim to characterize clinical and positron emission tomography (PET) features of a cohort with transformed disease. MATERIALS/METHODS We performed a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with large cell transformation from initial low-grade lymphoma. Patients who did not experience transformation during follow up were referenced as a control. Standardized uptake unit (SUV) parameters from initial staging or low-grade disease follow up diagnostic PET scans were analyzed. Statistical analyses included t-test and Fisher's exact test for significance (SS) using alpha level of 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using Python (version 3). RESULTS We identified 50 patients with a mean age at initial diagnosis of 53 years (range: 16-73). The most common lymphoma types were follicular lymphoma (FL) in 40 (80%) patients, marginal zone (MZL) in 4 (8%), nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) in 3 (6%), 2 (4%) with Waldenstrom's (WM) and one (2%) with primary cutaneous follicle center (PCFCL). Initial lymphoma (non-WM) stages were 23% stage I, 8% stage II, 36% stage III and 33% stage IV. Mean time to transformation was 105 months (range: 5-373). Predominant transformed histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in 42 (84%) patients. Stage at transformation was 30% stage I-II and 70% stage III-IV. Median follow up from time of transformation was 52 months (range: 2-207). 1-year OS from transformation was 85%. 21 (42%) patients had PET-CT scans 7 months to 13 years prior to transformation with mean SUV-max of 12.2 (range: 3.8-30.0). Compared to 21 (1:1) non-transformed control patients with PET scans, a significant difference was found between the mean SUV-max values of 12.2 vs 6.3 (P < 0.001). Further, as an exploratory analysis, we generated a prognostic scoring model for post-transformation outcomes directly proportional to SUV-max squared and inverse to the time to transformation (in months). Among the 21 patients with pre-transformation PET imaging, the 17 who were alive at last follow up had a mean score of 2.4 vs. 64.2 among the 4 patients who died (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION We demonstrate the utility of PET-CT to identify patients with low grade lymphoma at high risk of transformation to large cell lymphoma. Specifically, we observe an increased risk of poor outcomes with increasing SUV-max and shorter time to transformation. If validated, our study may serve to risk stratify patients initially diagnosed with low grade lymphoma.
The Restech Connections CD Project: A Case Study on the Social Construction of Risk

Risk management is an important component in understanding and managing information technology (IT) projects. The traditional view of risk management focuses on a three-stage process: identifying risk, assessing risk, and developing a strategy for dealing with each risk. This, unfortunately, may give project stakeholders a false sense of security. Although the application of risk management philosophies, techniques, tools, and methods to managing IT projects is not new, the idea of viewing risk as a social construction outlines a new paradigm for understanding and managing risk. Since the idea of a social construction view of risk has been introduced only recently, no studies have been published to provide support for the development of a theoretical framework. This study provides a case study of an IT project undertaken at a large university located in the midwestern United States. The challenges and problems encountered by the ResTech Helpdesk staff outline a social construction of risk based on not only the organization itself, but also the characteristics of the project, its stakeholders, and other groups involved. Therefore, many of the challenges of this project would be inherent to a university setting but would not be inherent to most other organizations.
Thin oxide reliability

Dielectric breakdown and oxide and interface charge trapping set the scaling limits for thin oxides. Oxide leakage is far from being the limit. Dielectric breakdown is modeled by hole trapping at "weak" sites with local, above-average current density or large hole trap density. This model predicts a linear relationship between in t BD and 1/F rather than E. It provides a framework for predicting oxide reliability as a function of area and stress condition from limited data. Using this model and the field experience of thin-oxide EEPROM, it is estimated that 0.01% failure per thousand hour is achievable with 9.5 nm oxides at 5V. This is adequate for 1M-bit DRAMs. Charge trapping and interface trap generation sets slightly less restrictive limit for gate oxides. "Defect" reduction holds promise for improving oxide reliability. New dielectrics will probably be necessary at 4M-bit level unless 10 µm2capacitors are available or cell operation is changed. 6.5 nm oxide should be acceptable for 3.3V operation. Again EEPROMs will provide the real-life test for production thin oxide at that thickness.
The brain Kv1.1 potassium channel: in vitro and in vivo studies on subunit assembly and posttranslational processing

While combined cloning, mutagenesis, and electrophysiological techniques have provided great insight into K+ channel structure/function relationships, little is known about K+ channel biosynthesis. To examine K+ channel biosynthesis, immune purifications were conducted on Triton X-100 extracts of 35S-met-labeled channels from in vitro translations and transfected mouse L-cells. When Kv1.1 and Kv1.4 were cotranslated in vitro, isoform-specific antisera copurified both proteins even at early time points, suggesting rapid subunit assembly. The non-Shaker Kv2.1 channel did not assemble with Kv1.1 or Kv1.4. Mouse L-cells transfected with Kv1.1 cDNA yielded 1000– 4000 functional surface channels, and immune purification from Kv1.1 cells with Kv1.1 antisera produced a 57–59 kDa doublet on SDS-PAGE but not in sham-transfected cells. Immune purification of surface channels isolated both the 57 and 59 kDa proteins, suggesting cell surface channels are represented by two species. Pulse-chase metabolic labeling studies were consistent with a precursor-product relationship with the 57 kDa species giving rise to the 59 kDa protein within several minutes of synthesis. At longer chase times, the 57 kDa species reappeared, indicating both an early precursor and a mature protein ran with identical electrophoretic mobility. Mutation of the extracellular glycosylation site (N207) yielded two proteins at steady state, a 55 kDa core peptide and a 57 kDa species. Lack of glycosylation at N207 had little effect on channel synthesis, turnover, or function. Together these results suggest (1) heteromeric assembly of Shaker-like channels is cotranslational, and (2) N207 glycosylation of Kv1.1 occurs but is not required for subunit assembly, transport, or function.
Detection of Drug Resistance in Human Tumors by in Vitro Enzymatic Amplification

Both acquired and natural resistance to chemotherapy agents have proved problematic in the treatment of neoplasia. Thymidylate synthase, which catalyzes the synthesis of thymidine precursors, has been shown to be amplified in response to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. The detection of such amplification could prove beneficial in the development of alternative clinical protocols. In this study we report the use of existing enzymatic amplification methods in order to detect incipient amplification of the thymidylate synthase gene upon resistance to cisplatin. The assay utilizes a modification of the polymerase chain reaction in which a sequence of the thymidylate synthase gene is amplified including two flanking oligonucleotides acting as primers for DNA synthesis. This method exhibits greater sensitivity than conventional nucleic acid detection methods and requires less than 100 ng of total RNA from patient tumors and no in vitro culturing of patient cells.
Gated Communities: Social Sustainability in Contemporary and Historical Gated Developments – Edited by Samer Bagaeen and Ola Uduku

A review of the book "Gated Communities: Social Sustainability in Contemporary and Historical Gated Developments," edited by Samer Bagaeen and Ola Uduku is presented.