cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Linear Acetylenic Carbon

A new carbon allotrope based “sp” hybridization contaning alternating triple and single bonds (an acetylenic or linear carbon allotrope) has been prepared. Studies of small (8 to 28 carbon atoms) acetylenic carbon model compounds show that such species are quitestable (130-140°C) provided that nonreactive terminal groups or end caps, such as t-butyl, triethylsilyl, phenyl, trifluoromethyl, or nitrile groups, are present to stabilize these molecules against further reactions. Using laser based synthetic techniques in the presenceof end capping groups, similar to the conditions normally used to generate fullerenes, thermally stable acetylenic carbon species cappedwith trifluoromethyl or nitrile groups have been prepared with chain lengths in excess of 300 carbon atoms. Under these conditions, the production of fullerenes is suppressed and only a negligible quantity of fullerenes is produced. Acetylenic carbon compoundsare not particularly moisture or oxygen sensitive but are moderately light sensitive. Carbon (13C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and laser desorption mass spectroscopy are used to characterize these carbon chain speciesand confirm that capped acetylenic chain polymers, (-C≡C-C≡-) n, join graphite, diamond and fullerenes-nanotubes as the fourthallotrope of the element carbon.
Factors Affecting the Composition of Meat and Eggs Introduction

Abstract In the evolution of the poultry industry, dramatic increases in the productivity of chickens were made possible through technical developments coupled with scientific sophistication. Quantum changes in the production of chicken meat and eggs have occurred during the past three decades fostered by the telescoping of the lag time from discovery to application. Although the potential for future developments is great, there is a need for examination of the influence of genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors on the composition of meat and eggs. This examination should be in light of the scientific base, current technology, an increasing public awareness of the poultry industry, and requirements to meet standards set by regulatory enterprises created on a statutory base. Man, through the continued domestication of the chicken, has assumed an ever greater responsibility for their breeding, feeding, and general husbandry. Chickens, on a world-wide basis, are the product of specific matings, fed . . .
Impact of Internals Size and Configuration on Bubble Dynamics in Bubble Columns for Alternative Clean Fuels Production

Bubble columns have been used in a wide range of applications in industry including the production of alternative clean fuels via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and liquid phase methanol synthesis, among others. The effects of dense internals encountered in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with different diameters and covering the same cross-sectional area and hence configuration on bubble properties are lacking in the open literature. Therefore, the focus of this study is to investigate the effects of dense internals with different diameters and covering the same cross-sectional area and hence configuration on the bubble dynamics such as local and overall gas holdup, specific interfacial area, axial bubble velocity, bubble passage frequency, and bubble chord lengths using a four-point fiber optical probe. The experimental work was carried out in a 0.14 m inner diameter Plexiglas bubble column for an air–water system. The superficial gas velocities applied based on both total cross-sectional area and free cross-secti...
The Practice of Theoretical Curiosity

Mark Zuss introduces The Practice of Theoretical Curiosity as an attempt to develop “a historical profile of curiosity's places and appearances in contemporary life.” This assumes that “theoretical...
Analysis of volatile components of pickled garlic using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with GC-MS

The volatile components of pickled garlic were extracted by using headspace-solid phase microextraction,and then were identified and calculated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results show that 46 volatile compounds were identified in pickled garlic,and the sulfides were the main components with a total of 29 kinds.The main volatile compounds in pickled garlic were Diallyl dissulfide( 19. 16%),Diallyl trisulfide( 13. 60%),3-acetyl-2-hydroxy-6-methyl-pyran-4-One( 11. 45%),3-vinyl-3,6-dihydro-1,2-Dithiin( 8. 10%),Allyl monosulfide( 4. 07%),2,4-Dimethylthiazole( 4.00%),Diallyl tetrasulphide( 3. 34%),3-methyl-5-amine-1,2,4-Thiadiazole( 3. 10%).
Integrated Modeling and Model Maintenance of On-line Monitoring System in Substation

By analyzing the interface and function specification of the on-line monitoring system in substation,the integrated modeling approach from on-line monitoring intelligent electronic devices(IED)to substation side monitoring unit and condition monitoring master station system is proposed.In view of the feature that the on-line monitoring system is mainly concerned about the entity information of primary equipment and its components,the power system resource class and asset class of the common information model are used to establish the power grid structure and primary equipment model of the on-line monitoring system in substations.In addition,to reduce the modeling workload and ensure the consistency of model,the implementation scheme for achieving model sharing between substation side monitoring unit and condition monitoring master station system is also given.Based on the model of IEC 61850,the condition monitoring data access specification is extended,the equipment parameter and data model of on-line monitoring IED and substation side monitoring unit are developed,and the approach to realizing the data mapping between on-line monitoring IED and substation side monitoring unit is given to perform source-end maintenance of the on-line monitoring data model.
A correlation based fault detection method for short circuits in battery packs

Abstract This paper presents a fault detection method for short circuits based on the correlation coefficient of voltage curves. The proposed method utilizes the direct voltage measurements from the battery cells, and does not require any additional hardware or effort in modeling during fault detection. Moreover, the inherent mathematical properties of the correlation coefficient ensure the robustness of this method as the battery pack ages or is imbalanced in real applications. In order to apply this method online, the recursive moving window correlation coefficient calculation is adopted to maintain the detection sensitivity to faults during operation. An additive square wave is designed to prevent false positive detections when the batteries are at rest. The fault isolation can be achieved by identifying the overlapped cell in the correlation coefficients with fault flags. Simulation and experimental results validated the feasibility and demonstrated the advantages of this method.
Interpreting deep mutational scanning data resulting from selections on solid media

Deep mutational scanning is now used in directed evolution experiments to quantify the change in frequency of a cellular variant in a mixed population. A key concern is the extent to which the enrichment of a variant in a population corresponds to a fitness metric like relative growth rate or survival percentage. We present here analytical equations converting the enrichment of a variant to fitness metrics for plate-based selections. Using isogenic and mixed cultures we show that growth rates and survival percentages correlate for antibiotic plate-based selections. These results are important for proper interpretation of data resulting from deep sequencing.
Attachment anxiety is associated with a fear of becoming fat, which is mediated by binge eating

BACKGROUND Previous work demonstrated that individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety are prone to increased binge eating (Alexander & Siegel, 2013). Given that our society rejects obese individuals and individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety tend to be highly sensitive to rejection (Downey & Feldman, 1996), it follows that those with increased attachment anxiety may be especially fearful of becoming fat. METHODS Undergraduate psychology students (n = 148) completed surveys measuring attachment, binge eating, and fear of becoming fat. RESULTS The data demonstrate that attachment anxiety is positively associated with a fear of becoming fat (β = .30, p < .001) and binge eating mediates this relationship. In other words, binge eating underlies the fear of becoming fat. DISCUSSION These findings contribute to a more refined understanding of binge eating which may create pathways for professionals to develop targeted interventions.
Snap-through twinkling energy generation through frequency up-conversion

Abstract A novel experimental energy harvester is investigated for its energy harvesting capability by frequency up-conversion using snap-through structures. In particular, a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) experimental energy harvester model is built using a snap-through nonlinear element. The snap-through dynamics is facilitated by the experimental setup of a twinkling energy generator (TEG) consisting of linear springs and attracting cylindrical bar magnets. A cylindrical coil of enamel-coated magnet wire is used as the energy generator. The governing equations are formulated mathematically and solved numerically for a direct comparison with the experimental results. The experimental TEG and the numerical simulation results show 25-fold frequency up-conversion and the power harvesting capacity of the SDOF TEG.
The N-succinyl-l,l-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase DapE acts through ZapB to promote septum formation in Escherichia coli

Spatial regulation of cell division in Escherichia coli occurs at the stage of Z ring formation. It consists of negative (the Min and NO systems) and positive (Ter signal mediated by MatP/ZapA/ZapB) regulators. Here, we find that N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE) facilitates functional Z ring formation by strengthening the Ter signal via ZapB. DapE depends on ZapB to localize to the Z ring and its overproduction suppresses the division defect caused by loss of both the Min and NO systems. DapE shows a strong interaction with ZapB and requires the presence of ZapB to exert its function in division. Consistent with the idea that DapE strengthens the Ter signal, overproduction of DapE supports cell division with reduced FtsZ levels and provides some resistance to the FtsZ inhibitors MinCD and SulA, while deletion of dapE, like deletion of zapB, exacerbates the phenotypes of cells impaired in Z ring formation such as ftsZ84 or a min mutant. Taken together, our results report DapE as a new component of the divisome that promotes the integrity of the Z ring by acting through ZapB and raises the possibility of the existence of additional divisome proteins that also function in other cellular processes.
Thermal thresholds of cardiovascular HL-1 cell destruction by cryothermal exposure.

The use of thermal based therapies for treatment of atrial fibrillation is increasing. While numerous reports are available in the literature regarding the efficacy of cryotherapy on pulmonary vein survival, there are no reports specifically at the cellular level that establish thermal thresholds and mechanisms of cellular destruction. The current article reports on the response of HL-1 cardiomyocytes to cooling rates and end temperatures during cryothermal exposure. The focus is on establishment of in vitro thresholds while also establishing mechanisms of action due to biophysical events (i.e. intracellular ice formation and water transport).
Elementary Preservice Teachers’ and Teacher Educators’ Perceptions of Financial Literacy Education

ABSTRACTThe authors conducted an online survey of elementary teacher education programs within a large midwestern state to assess preservice teachers’ and teacher educators’ beliefs about and preparedness to teach financial literacy. Very few preservice teachers had meaningful experiences with personal finance in high school, college, or personal decision making. No teacher educators reported ever teaching financial literacy in their higher education roles. Only 13% of teacher educators and 25% of preservice teachers thought that it was very important to teach financial literacy in elementary education. Most teacher education faculty and preservice teachers reported that they were not well qualified to use state economics standards or the JumpStart standards for financial literacy. Preservice teachers were more confident in meeting financial literacy standards than teacher educators. Both preservice teachers and teacher educators expressed openness to collaborating with other faculty members, members of t...
Comparative Testing Between Electrical Impedance and Hybrid Nuclear Devices for Measuring Moisture and Density in Soils

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center validated the effectiveness of the TransTech Combined Asphalt Soil Evaluator (CASE) electrical impedance gauge and the Troxler eGauge hybrid electric-nuclear gauge as suitable replacements for nuclear density gauge (NDG) technology. Comparisons of soil density and moisture content were made between the gauges for six distinct soil types at varying densities and levels of moisture content. The CASE unit was calibrated using the sand cone and hot-plate moisture content prior to its correlation to the NDG; the eGauge was used in its shipped configuration without calibration. Full-scale test sections ranging from crushed limestone to fat clays were constructed for the soil evaluations. Results indicated that wet and dry densities obtained with the eGauge very closely matched those of the NDG, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of approximately 94%, but with an R2 of 85% for the measured moisture contents. The calibrated CASE unit’s comparison with t...
Lecture — A Century of Controversy over the Foundations of Mathematics

[This 1999 talk at UMass-Lowell was my last major lecture of the previous century, and it summarizes that century’s work on the foundations of mathematics, discusses connections with physics, and proposes a program of research for the next century. Not to be confused with another talk with the same title, my Distinguished Lecture given at Carnegie-Mellon University in 2000.]
Imaging of Testicular and Scrotal Masses: The Essentials

For many radiologists, requests for imaging evaluation of testicular or scrotal symptoms and physical exam findings may cause some degree of uneasiness, for two main reasons: first, the number of tumor entities and tumor-like lesions in the testes and scrotum is relatively large and their histopathologic classification is complex (Table 1) and second, case volume of scrotal studies for non-emergency indications may be relatively low in some centers. In this chapter, we provide basic strategies to extract information from imaging pertinent to some of the most commonly encountered clinical scenarios in the evaluation of the testes and scrotum.
Rapid remodeling of the maxillary sinus in silent sinus syndrome.

ABSTRACTSilent sinus syndrome (SSS) is a rare disorder involving bony remodeling of the maxillary sinuses, including collapse of the orbital floor. It is typically unilateral and seen in the setting of chronic maxillary sinusitis. Patients present with enophthalmos and hypoglobus occasionally accompanied by diplopia. The condition is generally diagnosed with CT imaging and treated surgically. While SSS is most often reported as very slowly progressive, we report a patient with evidence of significant remodeling of the maxillary sinus over a period of 5.5 months.
Dynamic Dimensions of Language Influence: The Case of American Indian English

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses dynamic dimensions of language influence. Within the tradition of linguistics, there is sufficient precedent for a descriptive concern with languages in contact. The presentation that follows is dedicated to the prospect of showing how the development of English in American Indian communities, particularly those set off on reservations, has taken place in some rather intricate and fascinating ways. These descriptive details are a prelude to considering some of the attitudes, motivations, intentions, and expectations that have precipitated the resultant varieties of English. To investigate some basic questions about the nature of Indian English, a fairly extensive study of the English spoken in two Pueblo Indian reservations in the Rio Grande area of the southwestern United States was recently completed. Given the language situation that existed historically in many American Indian communities, it is reasonable to consider first the possibility that structures in these varieties of English are directly influenced by the ancestral languages of the community.
Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Disease Progression in Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis Patients Treated with Mycophenolate Mofetil (P02.190)

OBJECTIVE: To determine if proton pump inhibitors (PPI) impact the clinical course of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (AI MG) in patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil. BACKGROUND: Mycophenolate Mofetil (MM) is a widely used in treating autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Recent evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitors may interfere with mycophenolate mofetil9s absorption. MM is cleaved in the stomach9s acidic environment, which is an essential prerequisite for proper absorption. PPI increase the pH of the stomach, thereby interfering with proper absorption of MM. DESIGN/METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of patients receiving treatment for myasthenia gravis between 2007 and 2012 at the University of Connecticut. 160 charts were examined to determine eligibility for the study. Eligible patients were stratified into two groups, younger than 55 years of age and older than 55 years of age. Patients prescribed mycophenolate mofetil and a proton pump inhibitor were treated as the experimental group, while patients receiving other therapy were treated as a control. Each patient chart was then analyzed to determine the number of hospitalizations/exacerbations in each group. RESULTS: There were a total of 106 patient charts analyzed in detail during this study. The median age of patients was 70; male patients 73.9 and female patients 68.7. No patients less than 55 y/o who were on MM and PPI required hospitalization. Patients older than 55 y/o age when treated with MM and PPI accounted for about 20% of the total hospitalizations. The study is limited by the relatively low number of patients treated with MM at our institution. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a disproportionate represantation of hospitalized patients older than 55 y/o age treated with MM and PPI. Further studies are on the way to include more patients and to include analysis of other comorbidities and medications that may influence the number of hospitalizations in patients with AI MG. Disclosure: Dr. Mahlstedt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Waitzman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jani-Acsadi has nothing to disclose.
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Endovascular Treatment

The development of pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is an uncommon but clinically significant iatrogenic complication. During treatment for atrial fibrillation, radiofrequency energy is applied circumferentially to tissue around the PV antrum or segmentally to tissue around the PV ostium, to cause scarring and electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins. Subsequently, intimal proliferation, medial thickening, and possibly even thrombus formation at the ablation site are thought to lead to PV stenosis. Variability in pulmonary vein isolation techniques, definitions of PV stenosis, and screening tests used to diagnose PV stenosis have led to reported incidences between 1 and 42 %. However, contemporary reports following updated ablation methods have estimated the incidence to be closer to 1–3 %.
Die Bresche in der Mauer

„In der Natur wird nichts verschenkt, man mus fur alles zahlen.“ Der Preis der Immunsuppression ist eine Schadigung des normalen Eiweisaufbaus und der Antikorperproduktion. Die Entwicklung der Homotransplantation mit Hilfe der Immununterdruckung kam um das Ende eines Jahrzehnts, in welchem die Chemie der Nucleinsauren ein Mittelpunkt und die wichtigste Entwicklung der Biologie wurde.
A 3-minute test of cardiorespiratory fitness for use in primary care clinics

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is the only major risk factor that is not routinely assessed in the clinical setting, for preventive medicine. A valid and practical CRF test is needed for use in the clinics. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the validity of a 3-minute squat test to assess CRF in primary care. Methods A cross-sectional study in which the participants performed both the Ruffier squat test and the Balke maximal treadmill test. The study was conducted in a clinical setting from September 2016 to March 2017. We recruited a convenient sample of 40 adults between 18 and 64 years from the general U.S. population. Participants completed 30 squats in 45 seconds, paced by a metronome. Heart rate was measured at rest (P1), immediately after the test (P2), one minute after the test (P3). V˙O2max was measured using the Balke maximal treadmill fitness test. Results Of the 40 participants, there were 18 men and 22 women. Mean age was 31.2 years (SD = 9.9). We found that the best V˙O2max predictors were HR features P1/height and (P2–P3)/age3. Our best-performing model using these two features predicted individuals’ CRF levels with an adjusted R2 of 0.637, sensitivity of 0.79, and specificity of 0.56. Conclusions The study provided strong evidence for the validity of the squat test in the clinical setting. Further, the equation of our model along with V˙O2max normative tables provides an efficient and easy way to assess CRF in a primary care setting.
Word comprehension in temporal cortex and Wernicke area: A PPA perspective.

Objective To explore atrophy–deficit correlations of word comprehension and repetition in temporoparietal cortices encompassing the Wernicke area, based on patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Methods Cortical thickness in regions within and outside the classical Wernicke area, measured by FreeSurfer, was correlated with repetition and single word comprehension scores in 73 right-handed patients at mild to moderate stages of PPA. Results Atrophy in the Wernicke area was correlated with repetition ( r = 0.42, p = 0.001) but not single word comprehension ( r = −0.072, p = 0.553). Correlations with word comprehension were confined to more anterior parts of the temporal lobe, especially its anterior third ( r = 0.60, p Conclusions Temporoparietal cortices containing the Wernicke area are critical for language repetition. Contrary to the formulations of classic aphasiology, their role in word and sentence comprehension is ancillary rather than critical. Thus, the Wernicke area is not sufficient to sustain word comprehension if the anterior temporal lobe is damaged. Traditional models of the role of the Wernicke area in comprehension are based almost entirely on patients with cerebrovascular lesions. Such lesions also cause deep white matter destruction and acute network diaschisis, whereas progressive neurodegenerative diseases associated with PPA do not. Conceptualizations of the Wernicke area that appear to conflict, therefore, can be reconciled by considering the hodologic and physiologic differences of the underlying lesions.
Topology-Specific Synthesis of Self-Stabilizing Parameterized Systems with Constant-Space Processes

This paper investigates the synthesis of parameterized systems that are self-stabilizing by construction. To this end, we present several significant results. First, we show a counterintuitive result that despite the undecidability of verifying self-stabilization for parameterized unidirectional rings, synthesizing self-stabilizing unidirectional rings is decidable! This is surprising because it is known that, in general, the synthesis of distributed systems is harder than their verification. Second, we present a topology-specific synthesis method (derived from our proof of decidability) that generates the state transition system of template processes of parameterized self-stabilizing systems with elementary unidirectional topologies (e.g., rings, chains, trees). We also provide a software tool that implements our synthesis algorithms and generates interesting self-stabilizing parameterized unidirectional rings in less than 50 microseconds on a regular laptop. We validate the proposed synthesis algorithms for decidable cases in the context of several interesting distributed protocols. Third, we show that synthesis of self-stabilizing bidirectional rings remains undecidable.
Epidemiology at the Heart of Population Health Science

Epidemiology has long been concerned with understanding the causes of health and disease states so that we can improve the health of populations. Despite broad agreement on this definition of the field, we continue to debate certain core goals of epidemiology: whether epidemiology is a pragmatic science or not, which methods constitute epidemiologic methods, and what our gold-standard thinking should be to understand causation. We suggest that recognizing epidemiology as the quantitative heart of population health science can push these tensions aside and allow us to focus our science on the health of populations and on the processes that shape that health. Seeing epidemiology as the core quantitative health science has implications for the questions we ask, how we organize ourselves as a field, and how we train the next generation of epidemiologists.
William Scoresby as an Arctic physical oceanographer

Encouraged by naturalists Robert Jameson and Joseph Banks, whaler William Scoresby became an expert on the natural and physical processes at work in the European Arctic. Original letters between Sc...
In situ monitoring of lipid droplet release from biopolymer microgels under simulated gastric conditions using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

Functional foods are being designed to breakdown in the human gut in a controlled fashion so as to regulate blood nutrient profiles, hormone release, energy intake, and bioavailability. Biopolymer microgels, small spherical beads made from proteins and/or polysaccharides, are a promising tool that can be used to modulate the gastrointestinal behavior of food components. In this study, lipid droplets were loaded into microgels fabricated from either alginate or carrageenan using an injection-gelation method. The lipid-loaded microgels were then incubated in simulated gastric juices and the impact of biopolymer type on the release of the lipid droplets was observed. Optical microscopy and turbidity measurements showed that lipid droplet release occurred more rapidly for the carrageenan microgels, which was attributed to their partial disruption in the gastric fluids. In contrast, lipid droplet release was relatively slow from the alginate microgels because they remained intact. We also showed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used for in situ monitoring of carrageenan microgel disruption and lipid droplet release under simulated stomach conditions. This method was based on quantifying the local lipid levels using T1 images and the magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A water-selected VIBE sequence was optimized for obtaining the T1 images and a stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) sequence was selected for obtaining the MR spectra. The MRI method may be particularly useful for in vivo studies of the behavior of filled microgels.
Learning-Aided 3-D Occupancy Mapping With Bayesian Generalized Kernel Inference

In this paper, we consider the problem of building descriptive three-dimensional (3-D) maps from sparse and noisy range sensor data. We expand our previously proposed method leveraging Bayesian kernel inference for prediction of occupancy in locations not directly observed by a range sensor. In this paper, we show that our kernel inference approach generalizes previous “counting sensor model” approaches from discrete occupancy grids to continuous maps. Our approach enables prediction about occupancy in regions unobserved by the range sensor based on local measurements, and smoothly transitions to a prior in regions lacking sufficient data for reliable inference. Furthermore, we demonstrate quantitatively using simulated data that the mapping performance of our method can be improved by considering rays as continuous observations, rather than sampling discrete free-space point observations along rays. Though the maps produced by our method are in principle continuous, discretizing space affords us several computational advantages, including the ability to apply recursive Bayesian updates, that allow us to perform inference very efficiently, even on large datasets. To demonstrate this advantage, we present experimental results applying this method to large-scale lidar data collected with a ground robot, showing real-time performance. Other field robotics applications, including underwater 3-D mapping with sonar, are explored qualitatively.
Abstract 1714: Nuclear receptor Nurr1 facilitates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell survival under metabolic stress

Background: Pancreatic cancer is lethal and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States with a 5-year overall survival rate of 6.7%. The orphan nuclear receptor 4A2 (NR4A2, Nurr1) has been implicated in various cellular processes, including inflammation, vascular remodeling, and cancer as a transcriptional facilitator of tumorigenesis, through its regulation of various proliferation, invasion, and metastasis-associated genes. In the pancreatic cancer context, very little is known about NURR1. Here, we explored the expression, prognostic value, and function of NURR1 in human PDA growth and metastasis. We also investigated the role of NURR1 in regulating pancreatic cancer metabolism. Methods: We analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for PDA and microarray expression data from GEO and examined NURR1 expression in normal pancreatic tissue, primary pancreatic tumors and metastatic tumors by using the R statistical computing environment. Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed to investigate the prognostic significance of NURR1 for PDA. NURR1 levels were depleted with siRNA oligos, and also overexpressed with NURR1 cDNA. Following characterization of NURR1 expression, we performed a cell proliferation (XTT) assay and assessed anchorage-independence over a 3-week period by soft agar colony formation assay under normal condition and metabolic stress. Metastatic potential was measured by Matrigel invasion and transwell migration assays. Experiments were performed in MIA PaCa-2, Panc-1 and L3.6pl cell lines. Results: Analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression data from 177 PDA samples from TCGA showed that NURR1 was overexpressed in PDA tissues compared with the pancreatic normal samples (P Conclusion: NURR1 exhibits a tumor-promoting effect on PDA and NURR1 expression is critical for pancreatic cancer cell survival under glucose deprivation. Our work demonstrates that manipulation of NURR1 expression affects key characteristics of pancreatic tumorigenesis (i.e. proliferation, invasion, and migration). Improved understanding of how NURR1 regulates metabolism in response to stress should uncover novel therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Sneha Harishchandra, Xi Li, Stephen Safe, Mahsa Zarei. Nuclear receptor Nurr1 facilitates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell survival under metabolic stress [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1714.
Assessing community vulnerability to floods and hurricanes along the Gulf Coast of the United States

Hurricanes and flooding have affected millions of people and generated massive economic losses over the past several decades. Geographic information system (GIS) methods are employed in this paper to analyse coastal communities' vulnerability to these two hazards along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Specifically, two types of quantitative indicators are developed: (i) exposure to hurricanes and flooding, based on information from multiple sources; and a social vulnerability index, constructed using census data. These indices are combined to depict the spatial patterns of overall community vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding along the US Gulf Coast. The results of this study can potentially inform disaster management agencies, county governments, and municipalities in areas at heightened risk. Furthermore, the demonstration of the geographic distribution of community vulnerability can assist decision-makers in prioritising to-do items and designing policies and plans for the more effective allocation of resources. The paper ends by discussing the study's limitations and its practical implications.
Allocating Scarce Water Resources:Examining if Price Differentials Exist in a Prior Appropriations Setting

This study examines the potential for a water leasing market within one singular basin in Southwestern, New Mexico. The goal of this research is to test the feasibility of a water market in the river basin and determine if price differentials are found in a prior appropriations setting. This was done through a laboratory experiment to test if participants would simulate an effective water leasing market in a basin within New Mexico. In order to assess the potential for a water leasing market, a water leasing market was designed to incorporate the hydrologic, engineering, institutional, and economic market of the Upper Mimbres Basin (Broadbent et. al., 2009). Using experimental economics, which uses computer programs and simulation to test an economic theory, the market value of water was induced through the set up of the experiment. The set up involved double auction where all bids and offers are presented publically and each bid and offer is presented simultaneously. The advantages of conducting a laboratory experiment is predominantly time, data that would usually take a year to collect can be done in a short amount of time. By simulating the water leasing market we can test participants’ reactions to drought conditions, which could take years to occur in the real setting of New Mexico. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol21/iss1/12
Cellulitis: Home or Inpatient Intravenous Therapy in a Veteran Population:

There are few studies describing outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) for cellulitis treatment. The Hospital in Home (HIH) program is a multidisciplinary team at the Cincinnati VA Med...
Algorithm of Open/Laparoscopic/Robotic Repair

Inguinal and ventral hernia repairs are common procedures performed by general surgeons. While variations in techniques are still being investigated to identify improved patient outcomes, robotic applications have introduced the ability to perform abdominal wall reconstruction in a minimally invasive fashion. It remains to be seen if robotic technology increases the adoption of minimally invasive techniques in inguinal hernia repair, and if this will translate into improved patient outcomes.
Genome diversification, deleterious mutation accumulation, and evidence of negative selection among clonally propagated grapevines

Abstract Vegetatively propagated clones accumulate somatic mutations. The purpose of this study was to better understand the consequences of clonal propagation and involved defining the nature of somatic mutations throughout the genome. Sixteen Zinfandel winegrape clone genomes were sequenced and compared to one another using a highly contiguous genome reference produced from one of the clones, Zinfandel 03. Though most heterozygous variants were shared, somatic mutations accumulated in individual and subsets of clones. Overall, heterozygous mutations were most frequent in intergenic space and more frequent in introns than exons. A significantly larger percentage of CpG, CHG, and CHH sites in repetitive intergenic space experienced transition mutations than genic and non-repetitive intergenic spaces, likely because of higher levels of methylation in the region and the disposition of methylated cytosines to spontaneously deaminate. Of the minority of mutations that occurred in exons, larger proportions of these were putatively deleterious when they occurred in relatively few clones. Repetitive intergenic space is a major driver of clone genome diversification. Clonal propagation is associated with the accumulation of putatively deleterious mutations. The data suggest selection against deleterious variants in coding regions such that mutations are less frequent in coding than noncoding regions of the genome.
Positron/Proton Separation Using the AMS-02 TRD

AMS-02 is a cosmic ray experiment that will be placed on the International Space Station. One of the goals of this experiment is to search for WIMP Dark Matter, specifically from anomalous features in the positron spectrum. In order to identify positrons at high energy from the large background of protons, a Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) will be used. Here we will discuss the principles of transition radiation, detail the TRD that will sit on AMS-02, and present progress on studies of positron/proton separation using the AMS-02 Monte Carlo.
Deployment and Psychological Correlates of Suicide Ideation: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study of Risk and Resilience Among Combat Veterans

Introduction Suicide rates among military personnel have risen in part due to war zone deployments. Yet, the degree to which deployment-related stressors, in combination with preexisting and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms and individual resilience factors, contribute to suicide ideation (SI) remains unclear. The current study leverages prospective, longitudinal data to examine both risk and protective factors associated with SI in deployed service members. Materials and methods Participants were 1,805 active duty enlisted Marines and Navy service members assessed before and after a 7-month deployment for SI, preexisting and concurrent symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol consumption, as well as prior and deployment-related traumatic brain injury (TBI). Current self-reported psychological resilience and social support were analyzed as potential protective factors. Results Rates of SI were 7.3% and 3.9% before and after deployment, respectively. Of those with post-deployment SI, 68.6% were new-onset cases. Multivariate regression revealed that concurrent mild depression was the strongest risk factor (odds ratio [OR] = 10.03, 95% CI 5.28-19.07). Other significant risk factors included prior SI (OR = 3.36, 95% CI 1.60-7.05), prior subthreshold PTSD (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.10-3.99), and deployment TBI (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.03-3.28). Controlling for clinical symptoms and TBI, the risk of SI was reduced for those with moderate (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.93) and high psychological resilience scores (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.79) after deployment. Conclusions Results indicate that even mild symptoms of depression and PTSD may increase the risk of SI. Screening for subthreshold clinical symptoms and TBI while incorporating psychological resilience training would allow for a more multidimensional approach to suicide risk assessment.
SU-E-J-85: The Effect of Different Imaging Modalities On the Delineation of the True Spinal Cord for Spinal Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Purpose: SBRT allows the delivery of high dose radiation treatments to localized tumors while minimizing dose to surrounding tissues. Due to the large doses delivered, accurate contouring of organs at risk is essential. In this study, differences between the true spinal cord as seen using MRI and CT myelogram (CTM) have been assessed in patients with spinal metastases treated using SBRT. Methods: Ten patients were identified that have both a CTM and a MRI. Using rigid registration tools, the MRI was fused to the CTM. The thecal sac and true cord were contoured using each imaging modality. Images were exported and analyzed for similarity by computing the Dice similarity coefficient and the modified Hausdorff distance (greatest distance from a point in one set to the closest point in the other set). Results: The Dice coefficient was calculated for the thecal sac (0.81 ±0.06) and true cord (0.63 ±0.13). These two measures are correlated; however, some points show a low true cord overlap despite a high overlap for the thecal sac. The Hausdorff distance for structure comparisons was also calculated. For thecal sac structures, the average value, 1.6mm (±1.1), indicates good overlap. For true cord comparison, the average value, 0.3mm (±0.16),more » indicates very good overlap. The minimum Hausdorff distance between the true cord and thecal sac was on average 1.6mm (±0.9) Conclusion: The true cord position as seen in MRI and CTM is fairly constant, although care should be taken as large differences can be seen in individual patients. Avoidning the true cord in spine SBRT is critical, so the ability to visualize the true cord before performing SBRT to the vertebrae is essential. Here, CT myelogram appears an excellent, robust option, that can be obtained the day of treatment planning and is unaffected by uncertainties in image fusion.« less
Mental health legislation in Lebanon: Nonconformity to international standards and clinical dilemmas in psychiatric practice

Mental health legislation represents an important mean of protecting the rights of persons with mental disabilities by preventing human rights violations and discrimination and by legally reinforcing the objectives of a mental health policy. The last decade has seen significant changes in the laws relating to psychiatric practice all over the world, especially with the implementation of the Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD). In this paper, we review the existing legislation in Lebanon concerning the following areas in mental health: treatment and legal protection of persons with mental disabilities, criminal laws in relation to offenders with mental disorders, and laws regulating incapacity. We will discuss these texts in comparison with international recommendations and standards on the rights of persons with disabilities, showing the recurrent contradiction between them. Throughout our article, we will address the clinical dilemmas that Lebanese psychiatrists encounter in practice, in the absence of a clear legislation that can orient their decisions and protect their patients from abuse.
ALTERATION OF COLONY MORPHOLOGY OF MYCOBACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH LYSOGENY

White, Arthur (University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky.), Frances Foster, and Linda Lyon. Alteration of colony morphology of mycobacteria associated with lysogeny. J. Bacteriol. 84: 815–818. 1962.—Smooth colonies of mycobacteria were obtained from previously rough strains after exposure to phages R 1 and D-32 in a higher frequency than could be expected from selection of mutants alone. A high proportion of the smooth colonies were lysogenized. Smooth lysogenized strains maintained both lysogeny and smooth morphology after repeated subcultures on agar or in Tween media. The available evidence suggests that lysogeny with certain mycobacteriophages alters colony morphology by a means other than selection of mutants. Images
Computers in the human services

This article examines trends in both computer technology and human services that are encouraging the increasing convergence of these two fields and discusses more advanced uses of computers in mental health centers and public assistance agencies. The authors also present implications for human service professionals and for education and further reserach on the subject.
Ambient Seismic Field In Three Dimensions

We set out a seismic array containing over 4000 geophones over a 1500 foot square area to record the ambient wavefield. Direction of arrival estimation methods such as beam steering reveal a significant amount of coherent energy, with both low apparent velocities, indicating propagation along or near the surface, and very high apparent velocities, indicating near-vertical incidence. Nearby cultural noise sources such as a freeway account for the former, while the origin of the latter has not been determined. But the rate at which such near-vertically incident events were observed (about one every two seconds) is a surprising result.
A comparison of blood factor XII autoactivation in buffer, protein cocktail, serum, and plasma solutions.

Abstract Activation of blood plasma coagulation in vitro by contact with material surfaces is demonstrably dependent on plasma-volume-to-activator-surface-area ratio. The only plausible explanation consistent with current understanding of coagulation-cascade biochemistry is that procoagulant stimulus arising from the activation complex of the intrinsic pathway is dependent on activator surface area. And yet, it is herein shown that activation of the blood zymogen factor XII (Hageman factor, FXII) dissolved in buffer, protein cocktail, heat-denatured serum, and FXI deficient plasma does not exhibit activator surface-area dependence. Instead, a highly-variable burst of procoagulant-enzyme yield is measured that exhibits no measurable kinetics, sensitivity to mixing, or solution-temperature dependence. Thus, FXII activation in both buffer and protein-containing solutions does not exhibit characteristics of a biochemical reaction but rather appears to be a “mechanochemical” reaction induced by FXII molecule interactions with hydrophilic activator particles that do not formally adsorb blood proteins from solution. Results of this study strongly suggest that activator surface-area dependence observed in contact activation of plasma coagulation does not solely arise at the FXII activation step of the intrinsic pathway.
Invariants and constructions of mendelsohn designs

In this paper we examine Mendelsohn designs and some connections to topology which lead to an easily described algorithm for computing invariants of these designs. The results are applied to designs which have natural group actions. We also use the topology to describe when ordinary two-fold triple systems with a group action lead to Mendelsohn designs with the same group action. Procedures for constructing Mendelsohn designs are also given. In particular, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for constructing 2-(v, 4, 1) Mendelsohn designs.
Meta-analysis and the need for study quality control

Meta-analysis has become widely popularized as a method for determining the answer to a scientific question based on multiple different sources of data. Recently, pitfalls in the application of meta-analysis have been identified in areas outside of pain research. A major focus of these pitfalls has been variance in methods for incorporating the effect of trial quality. The issue of trial quality in meta-analyses of pain research is discussed herein. The specific example of antidepressant trials for pain reduction in chronic, benign pain syndromes is used as an illustration of this issue. Recommendations for addressing the issue of trial quality specific to pain research are promulgated, and the issues with incorporating the results of prior meta-analytic reviews in specific pain research areas are addressed.