cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction and Characterization of Mutations within the Klebsiella mrkD1P Gene That Affect Binding to Collagen Type V

The fimbria-associated MrkD1P protein mediates adherence of type 3 fimbriate strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae to collagen type V. Currently, three different MrkD adhesins have been described in Klebsiella species, and each possesses a distinctive binding pattern. Therefore, the binding abilities of mutants possessing defined mutations within the mrkD1P gene were examined in order to determine whether specific regions of the adhesin molecule were responsible for collagen binding. Both site-directed and chemically induced mutations were constructed within mrkD1P, and the ability of the gene products to be incorporated into fimbrial appendages or bind to collagen was determined. Binding to type V collagen was not associated solely with one particular region of the MrkD1P protein, and two classes of nonadhesive mutants were isolated. In one class of mutants, the MrkD adhesin was not assembled into the fimbrial shaft, whereas in the second class of mutants, the adhesin was associated with fimbriae but did not bind to collagen. Both hemagglutinating and collagen-binding activities were associated with the MrkD1P molecule, since P pili and type 3 fimbriae carrying adhesive MrkD proteins exhibited identical binding properties.
Surgery for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors with occult primaries.

Abstract Introduction Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) frequently metastasize prior to diagnosis. Although metastases are often identifiable on conventional imaging studies, primary tumors, particularly those in the midgut, are frequently difficult to localize preoperatively. Materials and methods Patients with metastatic NETs with intact primaries were identified. Clinical and pathologic data were extracted from medical records. Primary tumors were classified as localized or occult based on preoperative imaging. The sensitivities and specificities of preoperative imaging modalities for identifying the primary tumors were calculated. Patient characteristics, tumor features, and survival in localized and occult cases were compared. Results Sixty-one patients with an intact primary tumor and metastatic disease were identified. In 28 of these patients (46%), the primary tumor could not be localized preoperatively. A median of three different preoperative imaging studies were utilized. Patients with occult primaries were more likely to have a delay (>6 mo) in surgical referral from time of onset of symptoms (57% versus 27%, P = 0.02). Among the 28 patients with occult primary tumors, 18 (64%) were found to have radiographic evidence of mesenteric lymphadenopathy corresponding, in all but one case, to a small bowel primary. In all but three patients (89%), the primary tumor could be identified intraoperatively. Conclusion The primary tumor can be identified intraoperatively in a majority of patients with metastatic NETs, irrespective of preoperative localization status. Referral for surgical management should not, therefore, be influenced by the inability to localize the primary tumor.
Modeling, analysis, and design of RF LDMOS devices using harmonic-balance device simulation

This paper describes how device simulation may be used for the modeling, analysis, and design of radio-frequency (RF) laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) transistors. Improvements to device analysis needed to meet the requirements of RF devices are discussed. Key modeling regions of the LDMOS device are explored and important physical effects are characterized. The LDMOS model is compared to dc and small-signal ac measurements for calibration purposes. Using the calibrated model, large-signal accuracy is verified using harmonic distortion simulation, and intermodulation analysis. Predictive analysis and a study of the structure's parasitic components are also presented. Load-pull simulation is used to analyze matching network effects to determine the best choices for device impedance matching.
The Call of the Wild: Zookeepers, Callings, and the Double-edged Sword of Deeply Meaningful Work:

A qualitative examination of work meaning in the zoo-keeping profession pointed to the centrality of the notion of work as a personal calling. The view of calling expressed by zookeepers, however, was closer in basic structure to the classical conceptualization of the Protestant reformers than it was to more recent formulations. We used qualitative data from interviews with U.S. zookeepers to develop hypotheses about the implications of this neoclassical conceptualization of calling for the relationship between individuals and their work. We found that a neoclassical calling is both binding and ennobling. On one hand, zookeepers with a sense of calling strongly identified with and found broader meaning and significance in their work and occupation. On the other hand, they were more likely to see their work as a moral duty, to sacrifice pay, personal time, and comfort for their work, and to hold their zoo to a higher standard. Results of a survey of zookeepers from 157 different zoos in the U.S. and Canada...
Expression and amplification of cellular oncogenes in human developing placenta and neoplastic trophoblastic tissue.

To confirm the expression of cellular oncogenes during normal development, their differential RNA levels in developing human placenta have been studied using radioactive probes such as ?-abl, ?-erbA, ?-fms, ?-mos, ?-myc, N-ras and ?-src. The c-tnos and N-ras genes are expressed and amplified at high levels especially in term placenta, while c-abl, and c-erbA are expressed constantly during development. These findings indicate that c-mos and N-ras genes may be closely linked to normal differentiation, although c-abl and c-erbA may participate in overall developmental processes. In contrast, transcripts of c-myc and c-src are enhanced at first trimester and decreased sequentially thereafter, showing that these genes may play a role in early proliferation. Expression patterns of c-fms gene are same as that of c-myc and c-src except reeleva-tion at term. In addition, to characterize the effect of cellular oncogene expression has been also examined in hydatidiform mole and tumor cells such as BeWo and choriocarcinoma. All cellular oncogenes examined in this study were significantly overexpressed. Thus, our results suggest that cellular oncogene activation may be strongly associated with neoplastic change of trophoblast.
Studying the vegetation response to simulated leakage of sequestered CO2 using spectral vegetation indices

Abstract Measurement of spectral reflectance provides a fast and nondestructive method of stress detection in vegetation. In this shallow subsurface CO 2 release experiment to simulate CO 2 leakage of geologically sequestered CO 2 , the radiometric responses of plants to elevated soil CO 2 concentration were monitored using a spectroradiometer. Spectral responses included increased reflectance in the visible spectral region and decreased reflectance in the near-infrared region and thus an altered spectral pattern of vegetation. Visible responses of vegetation include purple discoloration and eventual death of leaves at sites where the soil CO 2 concentration was very high. Derivative analysis identified two features (minimum and maximum) in the 575–580 nm and 720–723 nm spectral regions. The normalized difference first derivative index (NFDI) was defined based on the spectral derivative at the two bands. Four vegetation indices were analyzed with the accumulated soil CO 2 concentration to assess the accumulated impact of high soil CO 2 concentration on vegetation. Results show that with increased soil CO 2 concentration due to the surface CO 2 leakage, (1) the structural independent pigment index (SIPI) increased, indicating a high carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio; (2) the chlorophyll normalized difference vegetation index (Chl NDI) decreased, suggesting a decrease in chlorophyll content with time; (3) pigment specific simple ratios (both PSSR a and PSSR b ) were reduced for stressed vegetation compared to that at the control site, indicating a reduction in both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b ; and (4) NFDI was low where plants were stressed. Changes in NFDI during the experiment were 36% and 1% for stressed and control plants, respectively. All four indices were found to be sensitive to stress in vegetation induced by high soil CO 2 concentration.
The crystal structure of szenicsite, Cu3MoO4(OH)4

The crysta! structure of szenicsite, Cu3MoO4(On)4, orthorhombic, a = 8.5201(8), b = 12.545(1), c = 6.0794(6) A, V = 649.8(2) ~3, space group Pnnm, Z = 4, has been solved by direct methods and refined by least-squares techniques to an agreement index (R) of 3.34% and a goodness-of-fit (S) of 1.11 for 686 unique observed [14 ~> 4CrF] reflections collected using graphite-monochromated Mo-K~ Xradiation and a CCD area detector. The structure contains three unique Cu 2§ positions that are each coordinated by six anions in distorted octahedral arrangements; the distortions of the octahedra are due to the6+ Jahn-Teller.. effect associated with" a d 9 metal in an octahedral ligand-field. The single unique Mo potation is tetrahedrally coordinated by four 02- anions. The Cu2+~6 (4: unspecified ligand) octahedra share trans edges to form rutile-like chains, three of which join by the sharing of octahedral edges to form triple chains that are parallel to [001]. The MoO4 tetrahedra are linked to either side of the triple chain of Cu2+qb6 octahedra by the sharing of two vertices per tetrahedron, and the resulting chains are cross-linked through tetrahedral-octahedral vertex sharing to form a framework structure. The structure of szenicsite is closely related to that of antlerite, Cu3SO4(OH)4 , which contains similar triple chains of edge-sharing Cu2§ octahedra.
A new continuous switching window computation with crosstalk noise

Proper modeling of the switching windows leads to a better estimate of the noise induced delay variations. The present paper proposes a new continuous switching model. This new model is combined with the principle of superposition of linear circuits. It not only surpasses the accuracy of the traditional discrete model but also integrates with an ordering technique that avoids convergence and multiple solution issues.
Chromosomal Fragmentation Is the Major Consequence of the rdgB Defect in Escherichia coli

The rdgB mutants depend on recombinational repair of double-strand breaks. To assess other consequences of rdgB inactivation in Escherichia coli, we isolated RdgB-dependent mutants. All transposon inserts making cells dependent on RdgB inactivate genes of double-strand break repair, indicating that chromosomal fragmentation is the major consequence of RdgB inactivation.
Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for Treatment of Benign Gallbladder Disease

Until about 10 years ago, the gallbladder was generally off limits to interventional radiologists. Despite its prominent and superficial position in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, puncture and/or catheterization of the gallbladder was felt to entail an excessive risk of bile leakage and peritonitis. Sporadic reports of successful catheterization were published in the latter portion of the 1970s but it was not until 1982 that SHAVER et al. established that percutaneous drainage of the gallbladder could be accomplished (Elyaderani et al. 1979; Shaver et al. 1982; Amberg and Chun 1981). Since that time, a large number of reports have documented the safety and utility of percutaneous gallbladder catheterization (Hawkins 1985; Eggermont et al. 1985; McGahan and Lindfors 1989; Teplick et al. 1990; Lo et al. 1995; Boland et al. 1993, 1994a; Browning et al. decompression of acute cholecystitis, but the scope of utilization quickly broadened to attempts to treat cholelithiasis, with the use of a large array of techniques and devices. For the most part those efforts, although initially successful, have fallen by the wayside as a result of the parallel development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Despite the lack of broad use of percutaneous gallstone extraction and/or dissolution, percutaneous cholecystostomy is now an accepted interventional technique that is performed throughout the world.
Changing Physician Behavior Using the AUC: An Ongoing Challenge∗

The American College of Cardiology Foundation effort to develop appropriate use criteria (AUC) for cardiac imaging is now nearly 9 years old. More than 50 reports have been published with rates of appropriateness and inappropriateness for single-photon emission computed tomography; coronary
Contemporary Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Patients with Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Abstract Introduction Previous prognostic scoring systems for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) included patients managed surgically and predated the use of pemetrexed. We analyzed prognostic factors in a contemporary cohort of patients with unresectable MPM who received pemetrexed-based chemotherapy. Methods This single-institution analysis included patients with MPM who were managed nonsurgically from 2000 to 2013. Variables correlated with overall survival (OS) included sex, performance status (PS), asbestos exposure, tumor laterality, histology, clinical stage, initial positron emission tomography maximum standardized uptake value, hemoglobin level, platelet count, lymphocyte count, white cell and neutrophil counts, treatment type, and clinical benefit from treatment. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and significance ( p Results A total of 191 patients met the study criteria: median age 71 years (range 46–90), 147 men (77%), 128 epithelioid tumors (67%), and 157 cases of stage III or IV MPM (82%). Median OS for all patients was 13.4 months. According to a univariate analysis, histology ( p 450,000, p 8.1, p = 0.037), and lymphocyte counts ( p = 0.019) were associated with OS. According to a multivariable analysis, only histology, platelet count, and PS were independent prognostic factors. Epithelioid histology, PS, and elevated lymphocyte count at diagnosis were significantly associated with clinical benefit from first-line chemotherapy. Conclusions Our results confirm the significance of elements of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer prognostic scoring systems, identify factors associated with clinical benefit from chemotherapy, and emphasize the impact of histology and clinical benefit of chemotherapy on outcomes.
Landscape to site variations in species distribution models for endangered plants

Abstract Present global plant extinction rates are 100–1000 times greater than pre-human levels and this is especially true on oceanic islands. There is a great need to model the distributions of endangered plants for reintroduction on oceanic islands, however, there are still questions concerning what is the most appropriate spatial scale and which environmental metrics should be included in order to guide restoration efforts. We examine the impact of spatial scale (1 km, 250 m, 10 m), environmental metrics (climate, topography, soils), and species overlap for 11 rare and endangered species in the dry forest of Oahu, Hawaii, which is one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems, and contains some of the highest resolution data on species locations and environmental metrics for an oceanic island. At all spatial scales, the species distribution models reliably differentiated between occupied habitat and background for all 11 species (AUC ⩾ 0.92). The relative importance of the environmental metrics did not vary across spatial scales with soil great group contributing most to the models followed by elevation, and mean precipitation of the driest quarter. The percent of the total island area with niche overlap for two or more species did not show any pattern with grain size, however, the 10 m model contained the largest areas of niche overlap for two or more species. There were 1292 10 m pixels on Oahu where models predict niche overlap for eight endangered species, however, only 1.2% of the total area is currently in protected areas. Results suggests that species distribution models are useful for predicting habitat suitability at all scales (1 km, 250 m, 10 m), environmental metrics do not change across scales but high resolution data on soils, topography, and precipitation are needed, and 10 m resolution data are the best for informing restoration decisions for the endangered species on Hawaii and other oceanic islands.
The Forecast for Special Libraries

ABSTRACTSpecial libraries exist in an ecosystem consisting of the information industry, the library world, their own organizations, and workforce demographics. Librarians need to be aware of the trends shaping all of these facets. This column takes a close look at Outsell's Information Industry Outlook report for 2016 and its implications for special libraries. The outlook for special libraries is neither the previously forecast Baby Boomer retirement crisis nor the dire end of special libraries many feared during the recent recession. Instead, the special library world is transforming, creating both challenges and opportunities for special librarians. Millennials entering both the workforce at large and the library workforce will make their presence known. Savvy information professionals will stay on top of these trends and find their niche, whether in a traditional physical library or in emerging careers outside the library.Column Editor’s NoteSpecial libraries share concerns with their more general aca...
Bureaucratic Discretion and Same-Sex Couples

This article considers the role that bureaucratic discretion can play in expanding access to government resources and government legitimacy for same-sex couples during periods of policy ambiguity, and how efforts to shape the use of bureaucratic discretion can be used as moments of political activism by same-sex marriage advocates. Special attention is given to the heightened role of bureaucratic discretion in the context of policy ambiguity surrounding gay marriage in California, before the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the historic Hollingsworth v. Perry case.
Evidence for an Enhanced Proton Concentration at the Liquid Water Surface from SHG Spectroscopy

Using resonant UV SHG spectroscopy, we have observed surface-enhanced concentrations of several ions in aqueous solutions, confirming theoretical predictions from several groups. Our experiments also support recent predictions of enhanced proton concentrations at aqueous surfaces.
Pattern Evolution of Self-Assembled Quantum Dots Under Biaxial Stresses

A stressed epitaxial film can undergo surface instability. The stress field and the interface interaction have profound effects on the dynamics of surface evolution that leads to self-assembled quantum dots. In this paper, by using a nonlinear evolution equation, we investigate pattern evolution of self-assembled quantum dots under general biaxial stresses. It is found that the shape of quantum dots and their spatial ordering are strongly influenced by the relative magnitudes of the biaxial stresses. Linear perturbation analysis and nonlinear numerical simulations are conducted to elucidate the effect of stress anisotropy on the process of self-assembly that selects different patterns.
Identifiability Analysis of Wall Decay Coefficients in Water Distribution Water Quality Model

Often, parameter estimation is not the only focus of a calibration process. The final aim of the calibration process is to use the estimated parameters for accurate model predictions. It is understood that the estimated parameters with higher uncertainty will poorly predict the system. For a nonlinear high dimensional system like water distribution system, point estimation of the model parameter is not adequate. It is important to identify the confidence intervals of the estimated parameters for such a system. A parameter may be estimated but it may not be identifiable for the set of data collected. The profile likelihood based confidence interval can be used to analyze the identifiability of the parameters. Confidence intervals for three wall decay parameters in the water distribution systems were calculated from profile likelihood using chi-squared distribution in this paper. Results show that additional field data may be required for a parameter to be completely identifiable.
Survivorship of the Grape Root Borer in Commercial Grape Vineyards with Contrasting Cultural Practices

Life tables were constructed for single, 2-yr generations of Vitacea polistiformis (Harris) in 2 north central Georgia ‘Concord’ grape vineyards with contrasting cultural systems. At a site with scheduled insecticide treatments, annual intertrellis tillage and a 4-arm Kniffin training system, the percent egg mortality from predation was 11.6 and egg hatchability of eggs not killed by predators was 25.3. At a site with no insecticide treatment, no annual tillage, and a Modified Munson training system, egg mortality by predation was 61.7% and hatchability was 76.8%. No significant differences were found between the 2 sites for survival of the subterranean life stages. Lowest survival occurred in the larval period from eclosion from the egg to the establishment of the 1st feeding site; high survival occurred in the larval period spent in the feeding site and during the pupal stage.
Effects of Propyl Gallate on Intestinal Movement of Rats and Mice

Objective:To investigate the effects of different propyl gallate concentration on the contraction of rat intestine in vitro and mouse intestinal peristalsis in vivo.Methods:The effects of propyl gallate on the contraction of isolated rat intestine in Krebs' solution and on the intestinal peristalsis in vivo were studied.Results:Propyl gallate inhibited the muscle contraction of isolated rat intestine in a dose-dependent manner(P0.05,P0.01),antagonized the stimulation induced by acetylcholine and histamine(P0.01).Synergy inhibition on contractile activity was induced by concurrent use of atropine and quercetin(P0.01).The intestinal peristalsis in vivo after propyl gallate of 200mg/kg,100mg/kg was also reduced(P0.05,P0.01).Conclusion:Propyl gallate has inhibitory effect on the contraction of rat isolated intestine and mouse intestinal peristalsis in vivo.
Yield Characters of Different Rice Varieties in Higher Temperature Year in Yanbian Area

In order to know the biological development characteristic and yield performance of the different rice varieties under warm climate in Yanbian area,41 rice varieties from domestic and overseas were tested.The results showed that the varieties of rice which growing season were in accord with non-frost period in Yanbian area showed prematurity,premature senility and less stimulation ratio when they met higher temperature during the early growth stage.While late ripen type of rice would bring heading stage earlier and the yields increased under same condition.Under the global warm climate,distributing rice varieties to different planting areas by forecasting correctly the changing trend of cumulative temperature was one of important measure to ensure stable yield in low temperature year and high yield in high temperature year in Yanbian area.
Gender Dimorphism Creates Divergent Cancer Susceptibilities

To date, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in the incidence, prognosis, and treatment responses of cancer remain unclear. In a recent article published in Cancer Cell, Yuan et al. applied a pan-cancer analysis to identify sex-biased molecular signatures and revealed two sex-effect groups characterized by distinct incidence and mortality profiles.
Evaluation of a Healthcare-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Combination Antibiogram

We created a 2013 combination antibiogram of healthcare-associated urinary tract infection. The 2013 antibiogram-determined regimen was evaluated in a 2014 cohort who had received empirical therapy. The regimen was statistically more likely to represent adequate treatment than actual prescriptions. A customized antibiogram may guide empirical therapy for specific patients. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:1101-1104.
Relaxed Flexible Bay Structure in the Unequal Area Facility Layout Problem

In this paper, relaxed flexible bay structure (RFBS) is introduced to represent the facility layout problem (FLP) with unequal area departments, which is a very hard problem to be optimally solved. The flexible bay structure (FBS), which is a very common layout in many manufacturing and retail facilities, makes the problem restrictive as departments have to be placed in parallel bays with no empty spaces allowed. The RFBS, however, relaxes the FBS representation by allowing empty spaces in bays, and therefore, it results in more flexibility while assigning departments in bays. In addition, departments are allowed to be located more freely within the bays, and they can have different side lengths as long as they are within the bay boundaries and do not overlap. The effectiveness of the new representation is shown using it in a hybrid probabilistic tabu search-linear programming (PTS-LP) approach. The comparative results show that improvements have been achieved by allowing partially filled bays using the RFBS.
Exploring early differentiation and pluripotency in domestic animals.

This short review describes some general features of the origins of the pluripotent inner cell mass and epiblast during the early development of eutherian mammals and the two kinds of embryonic stem cell (ESC), naive and primed type, that have been produced from these structures. We point out that the derivation of pluripotent stem cells from domesticated species continues to be fraught with difficulties, most likely because the culture requirements of these cells are distinct from those of mouse and human ESCs. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the domesticated species has been more straightforward, although the majority of the iPSC lines remain dependent on the continued expression of one or more integrated reprogramming genes. Although hope for the potential usefulness of these cells in genetic modification of livestock and other domestic species has dimmed, ESCs and iPSCs remain our best source of self-renewing populations of pluripotent cells, with potential usefulness in preserving and propagating valuable animal breeds and making contributions to fields such as regenerative medicine, toxicology and even laboratory meat production.
NESHAP Annual Report for CY 2015 Sandia National Laboratories Tonopah Test Range

This National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Annual Report has been prepared in a format to comply with the reporting requirements of 40 CFR 61.94 and the April 5, 1995 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA approved NESHAP Monitoring Plan for the Tonopah Test Range (TTR), 40 CFR 61, subpart H, and the MOA, no additional monitoring or measurements are required at TTR in order to demonstrate compliance with the NESHAP regulation.
The Independent Living Movement

In recent years, human services for “dependent” persons (e.g., those who are mentally retarded [MR/DD], mentally ill, elderly, or have physical/sensory disabilities) have undergone a significant transition. This is evident by changes both in the type of services provided—a shift from custodial to (re)habilitative treatment—and the settings in which these services are provided—from institutions to the community. Because it is considered more humane, effective, and economical to provide services in the community, recent emphasis has been on integrating these persons into the community. Efforts to promote community integration have focused on preparing individuals for community living and, to a lesser extent, on preparing the community to accept these individuals as members. These efforts have been made largely by concerned professionals who established community-based programs, advocated for the continued viability of these community services, and promoted policies that would maintain them. Usually with ample justification, it has been assumed that the consumers of these services were not capable of engaging in these efforts on their own behalf.
The Quantified Traveler: Implications for Smart Tourism Development

This chapter provides a foundation for developing practical applications of wearable devices and related technologies for the tourism industry. It is posited that technologies related to the quantified self perfectly match the needs of context-relevant information and therefore offers a number of opportunities to shape tourism experiences. As such, the information collected through this technology enables tourism destinations to understand not only each individual traveler, but also the collective market in much greater detail, and consequently enables them to design much more compelling and efficient tourism services.
Weak support for disappearance and restricted emergence/persistence of highly pathogenic influenza A in North American waterfowl.

Krauss et al. (1) use lack of detection of highly pathogenic (HP) H5 clade 2.3.4.4 (henceforth “H5”) influenza A viruses (IAVs) from >22,000 wild bird samples collected in North America in 2014–2015 to argue that HP H5 IAVs disappeared from waterfowl and that unresolved mechanisms restrict emergence and perpetuation of HP IAVs in natural reservoir species. Here we offer an alternative interpretation.
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Quiescence by the Novel Tumor Suppressor Dmtf1.

Abstract 700 Cell cycle status of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is tightly regulated most likely to balance quiescence and proliferation/differentiation of these cells which fulfil the immediate and continuous demands for maintenance of the size of the stem cell pool as well as the production of all the formed elements of the blood, respectively. Tumor suppressor genes, which negatively influence cell cycle regulation and control cell survival have different important roles in HSC function. Recently, Dmtf1 (Cyclin D-binding Myb-like Transcription Factor 1) was recognized as a tumor suppressor gene that is deleted in lung cancer and leukemic cells. Dmtf1 has been shown to regulate cell cycle progression by mainly an Arf-Mdm2-p53 dependent mechanism. Since the role of Dmtf1 in the hematopoietic system has not been explored, we investigated weather Dmtf1 plays a role in regulating HSC quiescence by analyzing Dmtf1 KO mice. Dmtf1 was expressed in many stages and lineages of hematopoietic cells, including Kit+Sca-1+Lineage- (KSL) cells, Kit+/lin- cells, T-cells, B-cells, and granulocytes. As previously reported, KO mice were smaller than WT mice (25.1 vs 28.0 g at 13-14 weeks old male, p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Increased hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in striated muscle of tumor-bearing mice

We used proteomics and metadata analysis software to identify contributors to metabolic changes in striated muscle during cancer cachexia. We found increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-...
α5 and α2 Integrin Gene Transfers Mimic the PDGF-B–Induced Transformed Phenotype of Fibroblasts in Human Skin

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B is a proto-oncogene capable of transforming fibroblasts. Using adenoviral vectors, we tested whether endogenous PDGF-B expression in human skin xenotransplants leads to changes in the expression of alpha5 and alpha2 integrin subunits and whether integrin overexpression leads to PDGF-related changes in the skin. In vitro, transduction of fibroblasts with PDGF-B or the integrin alpha5 subunit stimulated multilayered growth and spindle-type morphology, both markers of mesenchymal cell transformation. In vivo, PDGF-B transduction of the human dermis was associated with up-regulation of collagen and fibronectin synthesis, increases in alpha5 and alpha2 integrin subunit expression, vessel formation, and proliferation of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and pericytes. A similar stromal response was induced when alpha5 and alpha2 integrin subunits were overexpressed in the human dermis, suggesting that integrins play a major role in the induction of a transformed phenotype of fibroblasts by PDGF-B.
Breast Cancer Care in the Elderly Patient

As women continue to live longer, physicians adapt to treating well-described diseases such as breast cancer. Here we provide a comprehensive evidence-based review of the treatment of breast cancer in the elderly patient. Previous studies conducted to determine optimal treatment for breast cancer have primarily included younger, healthier women. Despite favorable tumor biology, older women are less likely to receive standard of care treatments relative to breast reconstruction, postoperative radiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Frailty is cited as a reason for not offering or receiving therapies. There are no strict definitions of frailty for this specific population, but there are general guidelines for older cancer patients, with a lower specificity than desired. Treatment recommendations for older women vary little from those for younger women. However, the paucity of data for the older age group within trials raises the question of the basis of evidence. Risks of treatment need to be evaluated relative to life expectancy.
Basic Dynamics of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia During Imatinib Treatment

Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib, have led to impressive therapy responses in the clinic. This chapter will discuss the pattern of decline of the BCR-ABL transcript numbers during treatment, and explore different hypotheses to explain them. Treatment typically results in a bi-phasic decline of BCR-ABL transcript numbers, where a faster phase of decline is followed by a slower phase. The earliest hypotheses tried to explain this pattern by assuming that more differentiated tumor cells are susceptible to the drug, while tumor stem cells are resistant. Subsequent work showed that the bi-phasic decline, and other, less common decline patterns found among patients, can be explained by differential susceptibility to the drug by activated and quiescent tumor stem cells. In addition to the basic tumor cell dynamics, mathematical models have also indicated that a transient rise of anti-tumor immunity during treatment could contribute to determining the pattern of treatment response. Implications of the different hypotheses for treatment strategies are discussed.
Variance Competitiveness for Monotone Estimation: Tightening the Bounds.

Random samples are extensively used to summarize massive data sets and facilitate scalable analytics. Coordinated sampling, where samples of different data sets "share" the randomization, is a powerful method which facilitates more accurate estimation of many aggregates and similarity measures. We recently formulated a model of {\it Monotone Estimation Problems} (MEP), which can be applied to coordinated sampling, projected on a single item. MEP estimators can then be used to estimate sum aggregates, such as distances, over coordinated samples. For MEP, we are interested in estimators that are unbiased and nonnegative. We proposed {\it variance competitiveness} as a quality measure of estimators: For each data vector, we consider the minimum variance attainable on it by an unbiased and nonnegative estimator. We then define the competitiveness of an estimator as the maximum ratio, over data, of the expectation of the square to the minimum possible. We also presented a general construction of the L$^*$ estimator, which is defined for any MEP for which a nonnegative unbiased estimator exists, and is at most 4-competitive. Our aim here is to obtain tighter bounds on the {\em universal ratio}, which we define to be the smallest competitive ratio that can be obtained for any MEP. We obtain an upper bound of 3.375, improving over the bound of $4$ of the L$^*$ estimator. We also establish a lower bound of 1.44. The lower bound is obtained by constructing the {\it optimally competitive} estimator for particular MEPs. The construction is of independent interest, as it facilitates estimation with instance-optimal competitiveness.
Thermal Wave Imaging for Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation

Various techniques for making thermal wave images of defects and maps of material characteristics of opaque solids are reviewed and their potential applications are compared with those for other NDE techniques. Theory and experiment for thermal wave imaging are compared for the case of subsurface defects having simple geometries. The observed differences in sensitivity of various detection techniques to the presence of grain boundaries is discussed in the context of recent theoretical work. A variation of the technique which makes possible the contactless and local (~1mm) measurement of the thermal diffusivity of the solid is described and discussed. The application of this same technique for the study of coated materials is also described.
An accounting exercise for the shift in life-cycle employment profiles of married women born between 1940 and 1960

Life-cycle employment profiles of married women born between 1940 and 1960 shifted upwards and became flatter. We calibrate a dynamic life-cycle model of employment decisions of married women to assess the quantitative importance of three competing explanations of the change in employment profiles: the decrease and delay in fertility, the increase in relative wages of women to men, and the decline in child-care costs. We find that the decrease and delay in fertility and the decline in child-care cost affect employment very early in life, while increases in relative wages affect employment increasingly with age. Changes in relative wages, in particular returns to experience, account for the bulk (67 percent) of changes in life-cycle employment of married women.
Abstract 2259: Prostate cancer molecular subtype impacts interpretation of clinical parameters

Background: Molecular characterization of prostate cancer has revealed distinct subtypes with underlying genomic alterations. One of these core subtypes (SPOP mutant prostate cancer) has previously only been identifiable through DNA sequencing, making the impact on prognosis and routinely utilized risk stratification parameters unclear. We aimed to identify prostate cancer molecular subtypes from transcriptional data alone and determine associations with clinicopathologic outcomes and long-term prognosis. Methods: We developed a novel gene expression signature, classifier (SCaPT), and decision tree to predict SPOP mutant subclass from RNA gene expression data and classify common prostate cancer molecular subtypes. We then validated and further interrogated the association of prostate cancer molecular subtypes with pathologic and clinical outcomes in retrospective and prospective cohorts of 8,158 patients. Associations with clinicopathologic variables, metastasis-free and prostate cancer-specific survival were the main outcomes. Findings: The SCaPT model prediction showed high sensitivity and specificity in multiple cohorts across both RNA-seq and microarray gene expression platforms. We predicted 8~9% of cases to be SPOP mutant from both retrospective and prospective cohorts. Surprisingly, we found routine clinical risk factors were disconjugate when molecular subtype was considered. The SPOP mutant subclass was associated with lower frequency of positive margins, extraprostatic extension, and seminal vesicle invasion at prostatectomy. However, SPOP mutant cancers were associated with higher pretreatment serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The association between SPOP mutant status and higher PSA level was validated in three independent cohorts. Despite high pre-treatment PSA, the SPOP mutant subtype was associated with a favorable prognosis with improved metastasis-free survival, particularly in patients with “high-risk” preoperative PSA levels. Interpretation: Using a novel gene expression signature to assign the SPOP mutant subclass and a decision tree algorithm to define prostate cancer molecular subclasses, we found the SPOP mutant subclass associated with higher preoperative PSA, less adverse pathological features, and favorable prognosis. These findings suggest a paradigm where interpretation of common risk stratification parameters, particularly PSA, must be modified to account for the molecular subtype of prostate cancer. Citation Format: Deli Liu. Prostate cancer molecular subtype impacts interpretation of clinical parameters [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2259.
“Sinking” or sinking?: Identity salience and shifts in Black women's athletic performance

Abstract Objectives Based on the theories of stereotype threat and stereotype boost, this study explored the influence of identity salience on athletic performance of individuals (i.e., Black women) who possess one identity that is negatively stereotyped and one identity that is positively stereotyped in the domain of athletics. Black women's racial identity is positively stereotyped in regard to athletic performance, whereas their gender identity is negatively stereotyped. Design We used a between subjects design with three conditions (race salient, gender salient, and control). Athletic performance served as the dependent measure. Method Black women basketball players (N = 91) were randomly assigned to one of three identity salience conditions: race salient, gender salient, or age salient (control). Social identities were made salient by having participants complete a questionnaire before attempting to shoot free-throws. Results Participants whose racial identity before shooting free-throws was made salient had significantly better free-throw accuracy than both participants whose gender identity or age identity was made salient. Additionally, participants whose gender identity was made salient performed significantly worse than participants in the control condition. Conclusion Identity salience can play a role in either improving (i.e., stereotype boost effect) or harming (e.g., stereotype threat effect) athletic performance within the same individual. Future directions involving other individuals who possess both positively and negatively stereotyped social identities' in a particular sports domain, such as Asian male basketball players are discussed.
From the “Ontology of the Rape Joke” to #metoo—“Witch Hunts” and Reckonings

Last year this journal published a panel called “The Ontology of the Rape Joke” (Studies in Gender and Sexuality, vol. 18, no. 4), organized around a performance by Vanessa Place of her piece, “The...
Association of Antipsychotic Treatment With Risk of Unexpected Death Among Children and Youths.

Importance Children and youths who are prescribed antipsychotic medications have multiple, potentially fatal, dose-related cardiovascular, metabolic, and other adverse events, but whether or not these medications are associated with an increased risk of death is unknown. Objective To compare the risk of unexpected death among children and youths who are beginning treatment with antipsychotic or control medications. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1999 through 2014 and included Medicaid enrollees aged 5 to 24 years in Tennessee who had no diagnosis of severe somatic illness, schizophrenia or related psychoses, or Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder. Data analysis was performed from January 1, 2017, to August 15, 2018. Exposures Current, new antipsychotic medication use at doses higher than 50 mg (higher-dose group) or 50 mg or lower chlorpromazine equivalents (lower-dose group) as well as control medications (ie, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers) (control group). Main Outcomes and Measures Deaths during study follow-up while out of hospital or within 7 days after hospital admission, classified as either deaths due to injury or suicide or unexpected deaths. Secondary outcomes were unexpected deaths not due to overdose and death due to cardiovascular or metabolic causes. Results This study included 189 361 children and youths in the control group (mean [SD] age, 12.0 [5.1] years; 43.4% female), 28 377 in the lower-dose group (mean [SD] age, 11.7 [4.4] years; 32.3% female), and 30 120 in the higher-dose group (mean [SD] age, 14.5 [4.8] years; 39.2% female). The unadjusted incidence of death in the higher-dose group was 146.2 per 100 000 person-years (40 deaths per 27 354 person-years), which was significantly greater than that in the control group (54.5 per 100 000 population; 67 deaths per 123 005 person-years) (P Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that antipsychotic use is associated with increased risk of unexpected death and appear to reinforce recommendations for careful prescribing and monitoring of antipsychotic treatment for children and youths and to underscore the need for larger antipsychotic treatment safety studies in this population.
Non-Invasive Predictors for the First Variceal Hemorrhage in Children With Biliary Atresia After Kasai Portoenterostomy

Background/aim : Portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage (VH) are significant complications in biliary atresia (BA). The study aims to evaluate risk factors and noninvasive markers that predict actual VH for the first time in children with BA without prior endoscopic surveillance or treatment. Methods Retrospective review was performed of patients diagnosed with BA from 1989 to 2016 at a single center. Primary outcome was the first episode of VH. Patients were stratified into VH and non-VH groups according to the development of VH, and laboratory and ultrasonographic data were analyzed at 2 time points: pre-VH and the last follow-up. Existing indices, varices prediction rule (VPR), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)–platelet ratio index (APRI) were also applied retrospectively to evaluate their performance in prediction of VH in our cohort. Results Seventy-two patients were included; 16 patients developed the first VH at median age of 5.5 years. On univariate analysis, serum albumin (P = 0.034), AST (P = 0.017), hemoglobin (P = 0.019), platelet count (P = Conclusions Platelet count
Relationship between plasminogen activator production and bovine embryo development in vitro.

The relationship of plasminogen activator (PA) production to cell stage, cell number and changes in overall diameter and zona pellucida thickness for bovine embryos developing in vitro was determined. Late morulae to blastocysts (n = 80) were collected nonsurgically from naturally mated, estrous-synchronized, superovulated crossbred beef cows. Embryos were cultured, one embryo per 25-microliters microdrop, for 6 d. At 24-h intervals, embryos were evaluated for stage of development and transferred to fresh microdrops; media were recovered for PA analysis. In addition, embryo diameter and zona pellucida thickness were measured with an ocular micrometer. Plasminogen activator production was determined using a caseinolytic assay with urokinase as the standard. Changes in diameter, zona pellucida thickness and PA production per 24-h interval for each embryo were plotted, and the graphs were cut out and weighed. Sixty-one embryos (76%) completed the hatching process. Total PA production was correlated positively (P less than .005) to embryonic size (r = .40), developmental stage (r = .35) and cell number (r = .35) and negatively, but weakly, correlated to zona pellucida thickness (r = -.13; P = .267). Hatched embryos produced more total PA than embryos that did not hatch (.140 +/- .011 vs .070 +/- .019 g; P less than .01). These results suggest that as embryonic size and cell number increase and development progresses, bovine embryos liberate more PA.