cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis and traffic characterization of an Ethernet campus network to identify and develop possible SMDS applications and scenarios

Research is being conducted to investigate the roles and issues in using switched multi-megabit data services (SMDS) for metropolitan area networks (MANs). The authors introduce some of the work already done on network measurement and load modeling. They present a performance analysis of the University of Florida Campus Network, and identify some possible candidates for SMDS. Some of the questions addressed include general traffic characteristics, such as volume of day-to-day traffic, distinct packet load traffic during a typical day, volume of traffic on a protocol-type basis, and seasonal traffic characteristics, average load, and packet size distributions. >
Enhanced Induction of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and CAR Binding in TNF (p55−/−/p75−/−) Double Receptor Knockout Mice Following Phenobarbital Treatment

Phenobarbital (PB) is a well characterized inducer of cytochrome P450 (P450) 2B and 3A subfamilies. Several proinflammatory cytokines have been shown to negatively modulate the induction of P450 by PB. In addition, PB is known to elicit an inflammatory mitogenic effect on the liver. To date, no studies have evaluated the PB induction profile of hepatic P450 in the absence of an intact tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) response. To test the hypothesis that endogenous TNFalpha signaling modulates hepatic P450 induction by PB in vivo, PB induction was examined in TNF (p55(-/-)/p75(-/-)) double receptor knockout mice (ko-TNF) and wild-type mice (wt-TNF). CYP2B- and CYP3A-associated activities and protein content were induced to a significantly greater extent (p < 0.05) in ko-TNF mice compared with wt-TNF mice. In parallel with enhanced CYP2B induction, an apparent elevation in the nuclear accumulation of the principal regulatory protein for transcription of CYP2B genes, the constitutively activated receptor (CAR), was detected in ko-TNF nuclear extracts following PB treatment. Additionally, nuclear factor kappa-B binding was induced by PB in wt-TNF mice, but not in ko-TNF mice, indicating that the hepatic inflammatory response following PB treatment differed between wt-TNF and ko-TNF mice. These data demonstrate that endogenous TNFalpha signaling modulates PB induction of hepatic CYP2B and CYP3A isoforms in vivo. Further, the data presented herein suggest that endogenous TNFalpha signaling influences PB induction of CYP2B through inhibition of CAR nuclear accumulation.
Effects of non-native grass invasion on aboveground carbon pools and tree population structure in a tropical dry forest of Hawaii

Hawaiian tropical dry forests are a unique and highly endangered ecosystem. Remaining fragments are heavily impacted by invasive plant species, particularly the perennial bunchgrass Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov. (fountain grass). Little is known about the impact of invasive species on carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Biomass estimates are a critical first step in understanding the effects of invasive species on carbon dynamics. Biomass data can be used to quantify carbon pools and fluxes, as well as the impacts of land cover change on carbon sequestration. The objectives of our work were to compare: (1) population structure of the dominant native tree species and (2) carbon pools in aboveground live biomass among three land cover types: native—native dominated, largely intact dry forest; invaded—intact overstory, but understoryheavilyinvaded byP.setaceum;andconverted—a formerlyforestedsite thathasbeenconvertedtograssland dominatedbyP.setaceum. Invasion of Hawaiian tropical dry forest by P. setaceum leads to an unsustainable population of native trees characterized by a conspicuous absence of saplings and smaller diameter individuals. Aboveground tree biomass did not differ between native (108.1 Mg ha � 1 ) and invaded (107.0 Mg ha � 1 ) forests due to the preponderance of wood biomass in large Diospyros sandwicensis trees at both sites. Grass invaded forest had � 7� more understory biomass than the native forest, but no differences were observed in total aboveground live biomass (tree + understory) between native (108.9 Mg ha � 1 ) and invaded forests (112.1 Mg ha � 1 ). However, total aboveground live biomass was � 93% lower at the converted site (7.8 Mg ha � 1 ), which is the eventual fate of invaded forests with no natural regeneration of native canopy species. Native forests contained significantly more individuals and leaf biomass for the mid-canopy tree Psydrax odorata, which increased overall stand leaf area index. This structural difference appears to have prevented P. setaceum from invading the native site by reducing understory light levels. These results indicate that large changes in the sequestration of carbon in aboveground biomass have occurred across the landscape following widespread grass invasion and conversion of Hawaiian dry forests to grasslands. These large losses of carbon have important implications for quantifying the effects of invasive species and land cover change on ecosystem carbon storage at landscape and regional scales. Crown Copyright # 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Gibbs sampling strategy applied to the mapping of ambiguous short-sequence tags

Motivation: Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) is widely used in biological research. ChIP-seq experiments yield many ambiguous tags that can be mapped with equal probability to multiple genomic sites. Such ambiguous tags are typically eliminated from consideration resulting in a potential loss of important biological information. Results: We have developed a Gibbs sampling-based algorithm for the genomic mapping of ambiguous sequence tags. Our algorithm relies on the local genomic tag context to guide the mapping of ambiguous tags. The Gibbs sampling procedure we use simultaneously maps ambiguous tags and updates the probabilities used to infer correct tag map positions. We show that our algorithm is able to correctly map more ambiguous tags than existing mapping methods. Our approach is also able to uncover mapped genomic sites from highly repetitive sequences that can not be detected based on unique tags alone, including transposable elements, segmental duplications and peri-centromeric regions. This mapping approach should prove to be useful for increasing biological knowledge on the too often neglected repetitive genomic regions. Availability: http://esbg.gatech.edu/jordan/software/map Contact: king.jordan@biology.gatech.edu Supplementary Information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Modulation of Methamphetamine-induced Nitric Oxide Production by Neuropeptide Y in the Murine Striatum

Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent stimulant that induces both acute and long-lasting neurochemical changes in the brain including neuronal cell loss. Our laboratory demonstrated that the neuropeptide substance P enhances the striatal METH-induced production of nitric oxide (NO). In order to better understand the role of the striatal neuropeptides on the METH-induced production of NO, we used agonists and antagonists of the NPY (Y1R and Y2R) receptors infused via intrastriatal microinjection followed by a bolus of METH (30 mg/kg, ip) and measured 3-NT immunofluorescence, an indirect index of NO production. One striatum received pharmacological agent while the contralateral striatum received aCSF and served as control. NPY receptor agonists dose dependently attenuated the METH-induced production of striatal 3-NT. Conversely, NPY receptor antagonists had the opposite effect. Moreover, METH induced the accumulation of cyclic GMP and activated caspase-3 in approximately 18% of striatal neurons, a phenomenon that was attenuated by pre-treatment with NPY2 receptor agonist. Lastly, METH increased the levels of striatal preproneuropeptide Y mRNA nearly five-fold 16 h after injection as determined by RT-PCR, suggesting increased utilization of the neuropeptide. In conclusion, NPY inhibits the METH-induced production of NO in striatal tissue. Consequently, production of this second messenger induces the accumulation of cyclic GMP and activated caspase-3 in some striatal neurons, an event that may precede the apoptosis of some striatal neurons.
Visceral vascular injuries

This article deals with injuries to the celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arterial injuires. Surgical approaches and physiological implications of interruption of the mesenteric arterial circulation are addressed in detail. Surgical techniques for the management of these injuries and the need for second look operations are also examined.
Investigation of Deuterium Permeability of Sputtered Beryllium and Graded Copper-Doped Beryllium Shells

Graded copper-doped Be shells have been fabricated by sputter coating on spherical mandrels. While such coatings have consistent microstructure and acceptable void content and size, we have found that they suffer from sufficient interconnected porosity leading to relatively rapid gas leakage. In this paper, we present an extensive study of D 2 leakage out of Be shells made by sputter coating. The leakage appears to follow molecular flow dynamics as determined by examining the temperature dependence of the flow. Furthermore, the time dependence of the leakage suggests that the flow channels are nanometerish in diameter, propagating through the thickness of the coating, possibly brought about by residual stress in the coatings. We have investigated the D 2 leakage time constant as a function of a large number of coating parameters, including the effect of introducing boron-doped layers. Addition of thin 0.25 μm amorphous boron-doped layers near the inside surface has been most effective in producing shells with long time constants (greater than 7 days to immeasurable) with yield of greater than 50%. There is still substantial scatter in the data, even within a given coating batch, suggesting a possible stochastic cracking process driven by residual stress in the coating.
Vital Dye Marking of Tyroglyphid (Acaridae) Mites

For many ecological studies it is necessary to be able to distinctively mark various developmental stages, sexes, populations, or individuals. Larger-sized Acarina with thick or dark cuticles, such as ticks, mesostigmatids, or adult oribatids may be marked by using externally applied tars or special paints as discussed by Hunter (1960). These paints are not suitable or practical for marking larvae, protonymphs, or large numbers of adult tyroglyphids. Zacharuk (1963) reported excellent results from using many kinds of vital dyes to mark elaterid beetle larvae, and we simply applied his technique to tyroglyphids. All stages of most tyroglyphids have a soft, transparent body wall through which the dyes are easily seen in any part of the body.
Emotional self-description of alcoholic patients after treatment.

The present study investigated the effect of hospital treatment on self-described moods of alcoholics. A set of 52 mood items, each a five-step scale, were administered to w o groups of inpatient alcoholics. In addition, the Edwards Social Desirability (SD) scale and the Marlowe Crowne Social Desirability (MC-SD) scale were given. Ss were randomly assigned to either Group I or I1 from consecutive admissions. Group I (N = 61) was tested on the first day after admission and Group I1 (N = 61) after 3 wk. of treatment. The median age for both groups was 48 yr. To evaluate differences of means, t tests were computed. Patients just being admitted to the hospital judged themselves significantly differently from those who received treaunent (p < .01) as feeling more "wornout," "ashamed," "worthless," "useless," and "angry," and less "able to work." It was concluded, that hospitalization reduces the amount of guilt feelings in alcoholics more than any other emotion. In addition, the treated group scored significantly higher on the SD scale ( p < .01) but not on the MC-SD scale. This suggests that after treatment patients give a more socially desirable self-description (SD) bur do not change significantly in their need for approval or defensiveness ( MC-SD ) . When the treated patient group was compared with a group of 97 undergraduate students, the students were found to feel significantly ( p < .01) more "sleepy," "tired," "worn-out," and "useless," and less "alert," "ashamed," "efficient," "active," "able to work," and "sorry for things done." No significant differences for hostile, depressive, or tense moods were noted. SD does not correlate substantially with such items as "sleepy" (-.11) or "tired" (-.lo) for the student group, but significant Pearsonian correlations ( p < .01) of 3 3 and -.40 were computed for the patient group. It was assumed that students describe themselves as being more fatigued because they differ from patients in their desirability concepts of inactivity and tiredness.
Purification of a Functional Receptor for Clostridium difficile Toxin A from Intestinal Brush Border Membranes of Infant Hamsters

A receptor for Clostridium difficile toxin A was purified from brush border membranes (BBMs) from the small intestine of infant hamsters. The BBMs were solubilized with Triton X-114, and the solubilized receptor was purified with use of a toxin A immobilized affinity-chromatography column and differential temperature elution. SDS-PAGE and silver staining of the purified receptor revealed numerous high-molecular-weight bands. However, ligand blotting analysis with 125I-toxin A used as the probe identified a 163-kD protein as the predominate toxin A-binding molecule. Toxin A bound to the purified receptor at physiological temperature, but the amount of toxin bound increased at lower temperatures. Bovine thyroglobulin bound to toxin A and inhibited its binding to the purified receptor. Preincubation of the receptor with lectins produced by Bandeirea simplicifolia or Datura stramonium reduced specific binding by 125I-toxin A. Our data indicate that the purified toxin A receptor from small intestine BBMs of infant hamsters is a galactose- and N-acetylglucosamine-containing glycoprotein.
Influence of climate on reproductive success in Mexican Jays

In the arid southwestern United States, many birds initiate breeding in the driest months of the year, March to May, long before the monsoon rains arrive in July and August. Although breeding success in these species is thought to be sensitive to precipitation, the relationships have not been rigorously described based on long-term study of a single species. We studied the relationships among reproductive success, precipitation, and temperature in Mexican Jays (Aphelocoma ultramarina) in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona. We identified three orthogonal factors that accounted for 85.8% of the variance in the 11 reproductive-success variables. Factor 1, the most important, was associated with production of young and with the fraction of females that were breeding. Because the Mexican Jay is a plural breeder (more than one breeding female per group), reproduction in the population can be influenced not only by the success of individual females, but also by the proportion of females in each flock that breed in a given year. This factor was positively related to the amount of precipitation both at the onset of breeding in March and April and during the previous eight months. Brood size at banding (14 to 15 days), which was strongly associated with Factor 2, was negatively related to the number of adult females per flock and relatively insensitive to yearly variation in climate. Success of the youngest females was associated with Factor 3 and depended on a different set of variables than that of older females. Although production of young was predictably depressed in drought years, the significant relationships between reproductive success and climate did not otherwise enable precise predictions based on climate alone. Because predation appears to be highly correlated with the number of nestlings per unit, the lack of strong predictability of reproductive success using climate variables alone may be caused by the independence of predation from climate variables.
Inter-isoform-dependent Regulation of the Drosophila Master Transcriptional Regulator SIN3

SIN3 is a transcriptional corepressor that acts as a scaffold for a histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex. The SIN3 complex regulates various biological processes, including organ development, cell proliferation, and energy metabolism. Little is known, however, about the regulation of SIN3 itself. There are two major isoforms of Drosophila SIN3, 187 and 220, which are differentially expressed. Intrigued by the developmentally timed exchange of SIN3 isoforms, we examined whether SIN3 187 controls the fate of the 220 counterpart. Here, we show that in developing tissue, there is interplay between SIN3 isoforms: when SIN3 187 protein levels increase, SIN3 220 protein decreases concomitantly. SIN3 187 has a dual effect on SIN3 220. Expression of 187 leads to reduced 220 transcript, while also increasing the turnover of SIN3 220 protein by the proteasome. These data support the presence of a novel, inter-isoform-dependent mechanism that regulates the amount of SIN3 protein, and potentially the level of specific SIN3 complexes, during distinct developmental stages.
408 AVERAGE FIRST-YEAR BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE PREDICTS POOR OUTCOME AFTER HEART TRANSPLANTATION.

Elevated single BNP measurements after cardiac transplantation have been reported to predict cardiac rejection. The physiology behind elevated BNP may be due to volume overload, restrictive cardiac physiology, or rejection. It is not known what is the significance of persistently elevated BNP levels in the first year after heart transplantation. Methods We reviewed 107 heart transplant patients between July 2001 and November 2003 who had 2348 BNP blood samples obtained from the time of transplant. A mean first-year BNP level was obtained by averaging at least 4 blood samples (2 blood samples before and after the 6 month post-transplant period). Samples during allograft rejection, hemodialysis, and during the first 2 months (during which levels are known to be elevated) were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups: low BNP (n = 75, those with first-year mean BNP less than 140 ng/mL) and high BNP (n = 32, those with first-year mean BNP greater than 140 ng/mL). Results Compared to the low-BNP group, patients with high BNP had a significantly greater incidence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (4% vs 22%), any hemodynamic compromising rejection (4% vs 31%), and mortality (1.4% vs 12%) (all comparisons p Conclusion Persistently elevated BNP in the first year after heart transplant appears to be an early marker for poor outcome. Further studies into the management and actual cause of persistently elevated BNP following cardiac transplantation need to be performed.
A Practical Discussion of Dodd-Frank's Conflict Minerals Rule: The SEC's Role in Ending Conflict Minerals Related Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In July of 2010, Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. As part of the legislation, Congress directed the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue rules requiring certain companies to disclose their use of conflict minerals originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries.The SEC’s conflict minerals rule was challenged and found to violate the First Amendment by United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (“D.C. Circuit”). The D.C. Circuit agreed to rehear the case following another D.C. Circuit decision regarding a similar First Amendment challenge. With regard to the rehearing, briefs for both parties will be filed by the end of 2014 and a decision will likely be forthcoming in 2015. In this paper, I analyze the details of the conflict minerals rule and address the impact of the rule on publicly traded companies. Furthermore, I discuss the overarching policy implications of the rule, particularly the role of the SEC and the rule’s benefits. Lastly, I argue that the recent D.C. Circuit ruling deeming a portion of the disclosure scheme unconstitutional will likely be upheld.
Using social and mobile tools for weight loss in overweight and obese young adults (Project SMART): a 2 year, parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial

Summary Background Few weight loss interventions are evaluated for longer than a year, and even fewer employ social and mobile technologies commonly used among young adults. We assessed the efficacy of a 2 year, theory-based, weight loss intervention that was remotely and adaptively delivered via integrated user experiences with Facebook, mobile apps, text messaging, emails, a website, and technology-mediated communication with a health coach (the SMART intervention). Methods In this parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial, we enrolled overweight or obese college students (aged 18–35 years) from three universities in San Diego, CA, USA. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either the intervention (SMART intervention group) or general information about health and wellness (control group). We used computer-based permuted-block randomisation with block sizes of four, stratified by sex, ethnicity, and college. Participants, study staff, and investigators were masked until the intervention was assigned. The primary outcome was objectively measured weight in kg at 24 months. Differences between groups were evaluated using linear mixed-effects regression within an intention-to-treat framework. Objectively measured weight at 6, 12, and 18 months was included as a secondary outcome. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01200459. Findings Between May 18, 2011, and May 17, 2012, 404 individuals were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=202) or control (n=202). Participants' mean (SD) age was 22·7 (3·8) years. 284 (70%) participants were female and 125 (31%) were Hispanic. Mean (SD) body-mass index at baseline was 29·0 (2·8) kg/m 2 . At 24 months, weight was assessed in 341 (84%) participants, but all 404 were included in analyses. Weight, adjusted for sex, ethnicity, and college, was not significantly different between the groups at 24 months (−0·79 kg [95% CI −2·02 to 0·43], p=0·204). However, weight was significantly less in the intervention group compared with the control group at 6 months (−1·33 kg [95% CI −2·36 to −0·30], p=0·011) and 12 months (−1·33 kg [–2·30 to −0·35], p=0·008), but not 18 months (−0·67 kg [95% CI −1·69 to 0·35], p=0·200). One serious adverse event in the intervention group (gallstones) could be attributable to rapid and excessive weight loss. Interpretation Social and mobile technologies did not facilitate sustained reductions in weight among young adults, although these approaches might facilitate limited short-term weight loss. Funding The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (U01 HL096715).
Compiler-Assisted Workload Consolidation for Efficient Dynamic Parallelism on GPU

GPUs have been widely used to accelerate computations exhibiting simple patterns of parallelism -- such as flat or two-level parallelism -- and a degree of parallelism that can be statically determined based on the size of the input dataset. However, the effective use of GPUs for algorithms exhibiting complex patterns of parallelism, possibly known only at runtime, is still an open problem. Recently, Nvidia has introduced Dynamic Parallelism (DP) in its GPUs. By making it possible to launch kernels directly from GPU threads, this feature enables nested parallelism at runtime. However, the effective use of DP must still be understood: a naive use of this feature may suffer from significant runtime overhead and lead to GPU underutilization, resulting in poor performance. In this work, we target this problem. First, we demonstrate how a naive use of DP can result in poor performance. Second, we propose three workload consolidation schemes to improve performance and hardware utilization of DP-based codes, and we implement these code transformations in a directive-based compiler. Finally, we evaluate our framework on two categories of applications: algorithms including irregular loops and algorithms exhibiting parallel recursion. Our experiments show that our approach significantly reduces runtime overhead and improves GPU utilization, leading to speedup factors from 90x to 3300x over basic DP-based solutions and speedups from 2x to 6x over flat implementations.
Analysis of wireless networks using Hawkes processes

In this paper we consider the problem of characterizing and analyzing a wireless network from limited passive observations of network activity. In particular, we will assume that the only information that we can acquire is knowledge of when each particular transmitter in the network initiates any given transmission. From this data, we wish to be able to solve problems such as learning the network topology, detecting changes to the existing topology, and extracting higher-level summaries of information flow in the network. We show how one can use a multidimensional autoregressive point process known as a Hawkes process to model the observed data and approach these problems.
Different Flavors of GUM: Evaluating Genre and Sentence Type Effects on Multilayer Corpus Annotation Quality

Genre and domain are well known covariates of both manual and automatic annotation quality. Comparatively less is known about the effect of sentence types, such as imperatives, questions or fragments, and how they interact with text type effects. Using mixed effects models, we evaluate the relative influence of genre and sentence types on automatic and manual annotation quality for three related tasks in English data: POS tagging, dependency parsing and coreference resolution. For the latter task, we also develop a new metric for the evaluation of individual regions of coreference annotation. Our results show that while there are substantial differences between manual and automatic annotation in each task, sentence type is generally more important than genre in predicting errors within our data.
Heme oxygenase-1-mediated neuroprotection in subarachnoid hemorrhage via intracerebroventricular deferoxamine

Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease that affects over 30,000 Americans per year. Previous animal studies have explored the therapeutic effects of deferoxamine (DFX) via its iron-chelating properties after SAH, but none have assessed the necessity of microglial/macrophage heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1 or Hmox1) in DFX neuroprotection, nor has the efficacy of an intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration route been fully examined. We explored the therapeutic efficacy of systemic and ICV DFX in a SAH mouse model and its effect on microglial/macrophage HO-1.
Surgical Treatment of Benign Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

The obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava (SVC) into the right atrium may present as a severe clinical syndrome. One of the benign causes of SVC obstruction is the long-term use of indwelling catheters and wires, increasing the chances of SVC thrombosis. The treatment of the benign SVC syndrome is focused on achieving long-term durability and patency of the superior venocaval system and normal life expectancy. We report the successful surgical management of a patient with severe symptomatic SVC syndrome and emphasize technical details that might be of value in treating this challenging pathologic condition.
Lower Extremity Revascularization in End-Stage Renal Disease: Which Patients Benefit?

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who present with critical limb ischemia (CLI) have become an increasingly common and complex treatment problem for vascular surgeons. Dialysis patients have high short-term mortality rates regardless of whether revascularization is pursued. ESRD patients with CLI can be managed with: local wound care, endovascular or surgical revascularization, or amputation. Some patients may heal small foot wounds with local wound care alone, even if distal perfusion is marginal, as long as any infectious process has been controlled. Surgical revascularization has a mortality rate of 5-10% but has a high chance of limb salvage. However, overall 5-year survival may be as low as 28%. Endovascular therapy also carries a high perioperative mortality risk in this population with similar limb salvage rates. Amputation is indicated in patients with advanced stage CLI, as described by the Society for Vascular Surgery's Wound, Ischemia and foot Infection (WIfI) system. Statistical models predict that endovascular or surgical revascularization strategies are less costly and more functionally beneficial to patients than primary amputation alone. Decisions on how to manage ESRD patients with CLI are complex but revascularization can often result in limb salvage, despite limited overall survival. Dialysis patients with good life expectancy and good quality conduit may benefit most from surgical bypass.
Phosphorus: Basic Nutritional Aspects

Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the body, with the majority of it stored in bone and teeth. Maintenance of extracellular and intracellular phosphate levels within a narrow range is important for many biological processes, including energy metabolism, cell signaling, regulation of protein synthesis, skeletal development, and bone integrity. Three major mechanisms are responsible for the maintenance of systemic phosphate homeostasis: intestinal uptake, retention or release from the bone, and renal reabsorption. The currently known main regulators of phosphate homeostasis include parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, fibroblast growth factor-23, and Klotho. Growth, aging, and genetic and metabolic disorders can all significantly alter systemic phosphate balance. The recommended dietary allowance, 700 mg/day of phosphorus for healthy adults, is meant to maintain serum phosphorus concentrations within the physiologic range of 2.5–4.5 mg/dL. Along with additives in processed foods, dietary sources of phosphorous include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and seeds, and nutritional phosphate deficiency is uncommon. However, several clinical disorders may affect intestinal or renal phosphate (re)absorption and contribute to hyper- or hypophosphatemia. Patients with chronic kidney disease, with renal failure, and/or on dialysis benefit from reduced phosphorus intake. In this chapter we provide a brief review of the physiological and nutritional aspects of phosphorus as well as key factors involved in the maintenance of its homeostasis, and we outline disorders associated with pathophysiological changes in systemic phosphate balance.
MyPOD: an EMR-Based Tool that Facilitates Quality Improvement and Maintenance of Certification

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) was designed to assess physician competencies including operative case volume and outcomes. This information, if collected consistently and systematically, can be used to facilitate quality improvement. Information automatically extracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) can be used as a prompt to compile these data. We developed an EMR-based program called MyPOD (My Personal Outcomes Data) to track surgical outcomes at our institution. We compared occurrences reported in the first 18 months to those captured in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (ACS NSQIP-P) over the same time period. During the first 18 months of using MyPOD, 691 cases were captured in both MyPOD and NSQIP-P. There were 48 cases with occurrences in NSQIP-P (6.9% occurrence rate). MyPOD captured 33% of the occurrences and 83% of the deaths reported in NSQIP-P. Use of the MyPOD program helped to identify series of complications and facilitated systematic change to improve outcomes. MyPOD provides comparative data that is essential in performance evaluation and facilitates quality improvement in surgery. This program and similar EMR-driven tools are becoming essential components of the MOC process. Our initial review has revealed opportunities for improvement in self-reporting which we can continue to measure by comparison to NSQIP-P. In addition, it has identified systems issues that have led to hospital-wide improvements.
Detection of mechanical complications related to the potential risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension by computed tomography

Abstract Background We explored the value of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for the detection and prediction of mechanical complications related to the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. Methods PAH patients ( n =60, mean age 47±15, 31.7% male) with pulmonary artery (PA) enlargement (≥40mm) by echocardiography were studied with cardiac CT. Complications explored were the presence of left main coronary artery (LM) compression, airway compression, PA dissection and PA thrombosis in relation to diameters of main PA (MPA) which were measured in (1) axial plane (MPA Ax ) and (2) LM oblique view (MPA LMobq ). Results Mechanical complications were found in 21 patients (35.0%): LM compression in 20 patients; airway compression in 3 patients; and PA thrombosis in 4 patients. Patients with complications had more dilated MPA LMobq than patients without complication (59.4±13.0mm vs. 42.4±7.0mm, p LMobq was 0.889 (95% confidence interval: 0.795 to 0.983, p LMobq of 45mm. MPA Ax failed to predict the presence of mechanical complications ( p >0.05). Conclusion MPA LMobq ≥45mm was significantly associated with the presence of mechanical complications of PAH. Evaluation with CT should be considered in PAH patients with dilated MPA.
Abstract 4766: Translation from unconventional 5' start sites drives tumor initiation

How translational control impacts tumor-initiation and malignancy is just beginning to unfold. Here, we devise an epidermis-specific, in vivo ribosome profiling strategy to interrogate the translational landscape during the transition from normal homeostasis to malignancy. Inducing SOX2, broadly expressed in oncogenic RAS-associated cancers, we find that despite widespread reductions in translation and protein synthesis, certain oncogenic mRNAs are spared. Seeking mechanism, we find that during tumor-initiation, the translational apparatus is redirected towards unconventional upstream initiation sites, enhancing translational efficiency of oncogenic mRNAs. An in vivo RNAi screen of translational regulators revealed that dampening conventional EIF2 complexes has dire consequences for normal but not oncogenic growth. Conversely, we identify alternative initiation factors essential for cancer progression, where they mediate initiation at these upstream sites, differentially skewing translation and protein expression. Our findings unveil a hitherto unappreciated role of 5’UTR translation in cancer, and expose new targets for therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: Ataman Sendoel, Joshua G. Dunn, Edwin H. Rodriguez, Shruti Naik, Nicholas C. Gomez, Brian Hurwitz, John Levorse, Brian D. Dill, Daniel Schramek, Henrik Molina, Jonathan S. Weissman, Elaine Fuchs. Translation from unconventional 59 start sites drives tumor initiation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4766. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4766
Empirical evaluation of network optimization via graph spectra and energy

Attacks upon communication networks have become stealthier and more sophisticated, and hardening communication networks has become necessary to avoid service disruptions. While connectivity of networks can be improved by adding links, there are different strategies for such methods. We implement two link removal algorithms that remove links based on highest link-betweenness and nodal degree. We also implement two link addition algorithms that add links based on a heuristic to connect the lowest degree nodes and add links between the shortest Euclidian distance nodes. Our objective in this paper is to empirically evaluate how well the addition algorithms perform using the graph spectra and energy measurements. We analyze the graph spectra and energy of physical-level networks after link removals and additions. Our results indicate that graph spectra is not a granular measurement to evaluate optimizations. Among the adjacency, Laplacian, and normalized Laplacian graph energy levels we measure, adjacency energy is observed to be very useful in the empirical evaluation of optimization algorithms.
Efficient energy stable schemes for isotropic and strongly anisotropic Cahn-Hilliard systems with the Willmore regularization

Abstract We develop efficient energy stable numerical methods for solving isotropic and strongly anisotropic Cahn–Hilliard systems with the Willmore regularization. The scheme, which involves adaptive mesh refinement and a nonlinear multigrid finite difference method, is constructed based on a convex splitting approach. We prove that, for the isotropic Cahn–Hilliard system with the Willmore regularization, the total free energy of the system is non-increasing for any time step and mesh sizes. A straightforward modification of the scheme is then used to solve the regularized strongly anisotropic Cahn–Hilliard system, and it is numerically verified that the discrete energy of the anisotropic system is also non-increasing, and can be efficiently solved by using the modified stable method. We present numerical results in both two and three dimensions that are in good agreement with those in earlier work on the topics. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methods.
Calcium, conformational selection, and redox-active tyrosine YZ in the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving cluster

In Photosystem II (PSII), YZ (Tyr161D1) participates in radical transfer between the chlorophyll donor and the Mn 4 CaO 5 cluster. Under flashing illumination, the metal cluster cycles among five S n states, and oxygen is evolved from water. The essential YZ is transiently oxidized and reduced on each flash in a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reaction. Calcium is required for function. Of reconstituted divalent ions, only strontium restores oxygen evolution. YZ is predicted to hydrogen bond to calcium-bound water and to His190D1 in PSII structures. Here, we report a vibrational spectroscopic study of YZ radical and singlet in the presence of the metal cluster. The S 2 state is trapped by illumination at 190 K; flash illumination then generates the S 2 YZ radical. Using reaction-induced FTIR spectroscopy and divalent ion depletion/substitution, we identify calcium-sensitive tyrosyl radical and tyrosine singlet bands in the S 2 state. In calcium-containing PSII, two CO stretching bands are detected at 1,503 and 1,478 cm −1 . These bands are assigned to two different radical conformers in calcium-containing PSII. At pH 6.0, the 1,503-cm −1 band shifts to 1,507 cm −1 in strontium-containing PSII, and the band is reduced in intensity in calcium-depleted PSII. These effects are consistent with a hydrogen-bonding interaction between the calcium site and one conformer of radical YZ. Analysis of the amide I region indicates that calcium selects for a PCET reaction in a subset of the YZ conformers, which are trapped in the S 2 state. These results support the interpretation that YZ undergoes a redox-coupled conformational change, which is calcium dependent.
Reference Tone Aided Transmission for Massive MIMO: Analog Beamforming without CSI

This work proposes a novel transmission scheme, namely Reference Tone Aided Transmission (RTAT), that can enable communication in massive MIMO systems with a single analog-to-digital converter at the receiver. Unlike conventional low complexity MIMO transceivers, it can perform receive beamforming without explicit channel estimation or use of phase shifters, thereby leading to a significant reduction in channel estimation overhead and simpler initial access. In RTAT, a sinusoidal reference tone is transmitted along with the data signals. At each receive antenna, the reference tone is recovered, and multiplied by the received signals, to obtain a base-band signal whose inter-antenna phase shift has been compensated. The resulting low-pass signals from all the antennas are then added, emulating maximal ratio combining at the receiver with imperfect channel knowledge. In this work, a receiver architecture for RTAT is proposed, its performance is analyzed and is compared with that of fully digital beamforming. The capacity maximizing power allocation problem is also considered, and one possible initial access protocol for RTAT is suggested. Simulation results show that, in comparison to hybrid beamforming, RTAT suffers only a small loss in signal-to-noise ratio, while providing a significant reduction in the channel estimation overhead.
Hydrograph separation of subsurface tile discharge

Baseflow is an important component of streamflow and watershed hydrologic budgets, yet quantifying the baseflow fraction of tile drainage has rarely been reported. In this study, we used two common hydrograph separation methods (local minimum method, recursive digital filter) to separate the discharge hydrographs from three drainage district tiles located in Iowa. Based on data collected from 2009 to 2013, annual baseflow ranged from 116 to 162 mm and comprised approximately 60% of the annual discharge. Baseflow was greatest during June (average of 34% of annual baseflow) and the March through August period produced 86% of the total annual baseflow. We found that the two methods of hydrograph separation produced similar results but the digital filter method was less erratic in estimating baseflow fraction. Study results can be used to better quantify hydrologic pathways in tiled landscapes and improve the design, implementation, and evaluation of nutrient reduction strategies.
Determination of Cable Characteristics and Adjustment of PWM Pulse Pattern to Minimize AC Motor Terminal Over-voltage

In this paper, a method to detect characteristic impedance and oscillation frequency of a cable in an AC drive system is developed. Results are provided for different cable constructions and lengths. The application of the measured oscillation frequency to adjust the PWM pulse pattern for reflected wave motor over-voltage reduction, with reduced distortion in the output voltages, is demonstrated. Experimental results are provided to show the applicability of the reflected wave compensation at higher switching frequencies. In addition to estimating the cable characteristic impedance, the cable peak charging currents can also be estimated, which can be used to accurately determine power module losses and predict the junction temperature.
Implementation of Reinforcement Learning Simulated Madel on Physical UGV Using Robot Operating System for Continual Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been an issue in robotics, since AI is based on iterative algorithms. In general, simulations of physical models are used to show the outcome of learning algorithms or show proof of concepts. Since models are generated based on parameter estimations of training data, it is crucial to iterate a significant amount of times in order to model an accurate classification function. Thus, it would take a substantial amount of time for a robot to generate such a function. In this research, an implementation of reinforced learning will be applied on a unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) learning simulated model that will be translated into a physical UGV using Robot Operating System (ROS) to test performance of the given model.
AMPK Links Metabolic Regulation to Epigenome Modification in Leukemia-Initiating-Cell

Metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a new hallmark of cancer. Oncogenic pathways or mutations in metabolic enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase are found to impinge on the epigenome through metabolites such as acetyl-CoA and alpha-ketoglutarate. Previously, we found that AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of energy homeostasis, is essential for the function of leukemia-initiating-cells (LICs) in MLL-AF9 driven leukemia. Deficiency of AMPK induced changes in glycolysis and impaired leukemogenic function of LICs. However, whether deficiency of AMPK results in epigenome modification through the altered metabolism in LICs is unclear. We first analyzed some metabolites in glycolysis pathway and found that the acetylation cofactor acetyl-CoA was decreased in AMPK deficient leukemia cells. Since acetyl-CoA is the cofactor for protein acetylation, we hypothesized that AMPK deletion would lead to decreased histone acetylation. Indeed, we found that acetylated histone H3 and H4 levels were reduced in AMPK deficient LICs. Supplementation of the acetyl-CoA precursor acetate into cultured AMPK deficient LICs restored the intracellular acetyl-CoA level, histone acetylation and cell growth. Furthermore, perturbing acetyl-CoA synthesis enzymes such as Acss2 and Acly using the CRISPR-Cas9 system decreased acetyl-CoA levels and induced histone hypoacetylation. These results suggested that AMPK deficiency resulted in histone hypoacetylation through decreasing acetyl-CoA pool. Next, we profiled genes bound with acetylated histones using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). The results displayed a hypoacetylation pattern across the genome in AMPK deficient LICs. Interestingly, at the MLL-AF9 bound genes such as Meis1 and Hoxa9, the acetylated histone signals were decreased in AMPK deficient LICs. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that AMPK deficient LICs had lower expression levels of MLL-AF9 targeted genes. These results suggested that AMPK deficiency caused histone hypo-acetylation and reduced expression of MLL-AF9 targeted genes. Our work reveals that AMPK deficiency reduces the metabolite acetyl-CoA and further reduced histone acetylation in LICs. It provides another evidence to link metabolic regulation to the epigenome. This also raises the possibility that metabolic intervention can modify the epigenome and potentially synergize with epigenetic drugs in suppressing leukemia growth. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Computer-Based Communications Media and Citizen Participation

Since the early 1960’s a movement has been growing in the United States calling for increased citizen involvement in planning and decision-making at the local level. As a result of these demands, old forms of participation have been infused with new life or discarded where no longer relevant. At the same time, new forms of participation are being explored. Special interest groups are continuously being created; radio talk shows and television documentaries have increased; experiments with two-way cable television and telephone-computer couplings are underway.
Nursing care for infants after enterostomy: Experience with 483 cases over a 5‐year period

Aim To explore and improve nursing care for infants after enterostomy. Methods A total of 483 infants who underwent enterostomy from January 2014 to January 2019 were enrolled in this study. Results During hospitalization and follow-up, there were 30 infants with peripheral skin complications, including 15 cases of allergic dermatitis, 13 cases of faecal dermatitis and two cases of avulsion injury. Conclusion Without proper and effective nursing care, the peripheral skin complications of enterostomy-related can easily develop. Therefore, careful postoperative care and effective family follow-up and guidance are essential after discharge, and using WeChat to follow-up can provide timely and effective follow-up and guidance to patients. Implications for nursing management This study summarizes the experience of nursing care for infants over a 5-year period. Nurses must provide sound care for infants after enterostomy, timely and effectively address complications, guide nursing care performed by family members and strengthen follow-up through the WeChat online support group to reduce the occurrence of complications.