cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Melanoma of the Male Urethra: Surgical Approach and Pathological Analysis

AbstractPrimary urethral melanoma in male subjects is rare and optimum therapy has not been established. We describe a male patient with a primary urethral melanoma that arose in a precursor nevus and was treated by excision, bilateral groin dissections and postoperative radiation therapy. Urinary and sexual functions have been maintained. We review the previously reported cases of urethral melanoma in male subjects. The biologic relationship of melanoma to precursor lesions in mucosal sites is discussed.
Extraction, Separation, Estimation, and Isolation of the Chlorophylls

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses extraction, separation, estimation, and isolation of the chlorophylls. From the analytical standpoint, the principal photosynthetically functional green pigments extractable from autotrophic and photo heterotrophic organisms with organic solvents are regarded as chlorophylls. These pigments are products of the autotrophic and photo heterotrophic growth of various organisms. The various green and gray-brown products formed from the natural green pigments when cells are injured or killed, subjected to various reagents, or exposed to various unfavorable conditions are regarded as chlorophyll alteration products. Most analytical methods are not suited to the identification and estimation of chlorophylls within the chloroplasts. In many chromatographic separations, green zones of the common chlorophylls a and b serve as reference standards. Additional green zones may be misinterpreted as indicative of new chlorophylls, although in fact they may be because of chlorophyll alteration products or to anomalous zone formation. Chromatographic separations may be qualitative or quantitative, on an ultramicroscale or on a preparative scale. Qualitative methods reveal the number, the sequence, and the identity of the pigments. Quantitative methods provide individual pigments that may be estimated fluorimetrically, calorimetrically, or spectrophotometrically. Chromatographic methods may be employed in many different modifications, namely, columnar chromatography, one-way paper chromatography, two-way paper chromatography, radial paper chromatography, and also with acceleration by centrifugal force, and thin-layer chromatography.
Subjective Experiences of Prayer Among Women Who Care for Children with HIV

This descriptive study explores the nature, experience, and benefits of private prayer among maternal caregivers of children with HIV. Colloquial and meditative prayer were used frequently, in the course of daily activities. Among other benefits, prayer was used to shift attitudes and emotions toward positive perspectives. Positive states of mind grew out of prayer that nurtured gratitude, faith, trust, and wonder. Prayer was used to gain focus and calm, companionship, collaboration, guidance, and moral direction. Results of the study are directed toward the development of spiritual interventions using private prayer and for the development of sensitivity among health care providers.
Cognitive and Autistic Epileptiform Regression

Seven children, ages 3 to 8 years, presenting with autism or autistic regression and seizures had occipital spikes, characteristic of benign epilepsies, in a report from New York University Medical Center.
Modeling Membrane Associated Proteins through Neutron Reflectivity Augmented Molecular Dynamics

The structural characterization of membrane-associated proteins on fluid lipid bilayers remains a challenge to most modern biophysical techniques. Neutron reflectivity (NR) has emerged as a method that provides sub-nanometer resolution of proteins in a functional lipid environment. Interpretation of NR data gives an envelope structure related to the distribution of protein density along the membrane normal direction and further refinement using structural information may yield a full atomistic description of the protein-membrane complex. However, for flexible or intrinsically disordered protein domains, such information is often not available or multiple conformational states may contribute to the average density profile as resolved by NR. Thus, characterization of such systems requires more elaborate approaches. We previously demonstrated that molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can provide a full atomistic interpretation of NR results in cases where only partial internal protein structure is available, but such simulations are often plagued by long equilibration times. Here we present a procedure to steer MD simulations toward configurations that reproduce experimental NR results. Biasing potentials are calculated through a comparison of the one-dimensional densities from NR data with the evolving density profile derived from the MD trajectory at each time step. This results in steering forces that direct molecular conformations of the protein on the bilayer toward the experimental results. Steering becomes weaker as the density profiles match more closely, disappearing entirely for matched densities. The structure is guided toward the desired configuration, rather than rigidly confined to the experimental density. Here we show the application of our method to model peptide and small protein systems, also discussing the efficiency of the procedure and potential merits and pitfalls in its application.
Plastic deformation of tungsten single crystals at low temperatures

Abstract The plastic deformation of both strain-anneal grown and melt-grown tungsten single crystals of various orientations and high purity was investigated in the temperature range of 77°K–450°K. It is concluded that: 1. (a) the temperature sensitive yield strength is due to a lattice friction stress, li(b) The very high rates of strain hardening in all orientations can neither be due to the building up of an internal stress, nor due to the accumulation of defects on screw dislocations; it must be due to an insufficiently understood process of exhaustion of mobile dislocations, 2. (c) An anisotropy of the lattice friction stress exists on the {112} planes which produces slip on unexpected slip systems and gives rise to different flow stresses in tension and compression in [001]and [110]oriented crystals.
Do Fish Sleep?: Fascinating Answers to Questions about Fishes

DO FISH SLEEP? Fascinating Answers to Questions about Fishes (Paper $21.95, March 16, 2011, 978-0-8135-4941-5), by Judith S. Weis, is organized in an easy-to-read and accessible question-and-answer format, filled with more than 55 photographs and over 100 interesting facts from fish biology basics to the importance of preserving and restoring fish diversity and healthy populations. A captivating read for fish enthusiasts of all ages-naturalists, environmentalists, aquarists, scuba divers, and students-this is also the perfect primer for those just about to get their feet wet.
Managing Storm, Flood, and Runoff Water

This chapter is the first of two chapters that look at three unconventional forms of water that are contributing to achievement of a modern sustainable resource: stormwater, urban runoff, and flood waters. Managing these unconventional water forms has become particularly important in all parts of the nation—but for very different reasons. Water managers in the sections of the country where shifts in precipitation patterns involve searching for cost-effective mitigation strategies, whereas in the arid and semi-arid West and Great Plains states, the management task is how to take full advantage of these resources as a means of augmenting limited and increasingly stressed surface and groundwater supplies.
Polysubstance Use Among Adolescents in a Low Income, Rural Community: Latent Classes for Middle- and High-School Students.

Purpose Rural communities are currently being impacted by a nationwide epidemic of prescription opioid misuse. Rural adolescent substance users may be at substantial risk for later addiction to these and other drugs. Methods This study uses Latent Class Analysis to identify subtypes of polysubstance users among a sample of 7,074 rural adolescents. Separate models were estimated for middle- and high-school youth. Predictive validity was estimated using cumulative ordinal logistic regression of the classes on a set of youth and family characteristics. Findings We identified a 4-class solution for both middle- and high-school students marked by initiation of an increasing number of substances used at greater frequency. These classes included Substance Nonusers, Primarily Alcohol Users, Initiators-Low Frequency Users, and Initiators-Moderate-to-High Lifetime Frequency Users. About 6%-10% of youth reported using prescription drugs at least once, and in the moderate-to-high frequency class, middle-school youth were more likely to use prescription drugs and inhalants compared to high-school youth in the same class. The 4 classes were associated with race/ethnicity, and in high school with receiving free/reduced price lunch. Conclusion In general, younger adolescents have lower overall use rates, but within certain classes identified by this analysis, the observed pattern suggests that younger cohorts are turning to prescription drugs and inhalants. These findings support the implementation of universal substance use prevention programs, targeted programs for youth experiencing risk factors associated with substance use, and improved rural substance abuse treatment options.
Human Communication Theory: A Highly Selective Review and Two Commentaries

(1978). Human Communication Theory: A Highly Selective Review and Two Commentaries. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 2, Communication Yearbook 2, pp. 7-22.
Estimating the Economic Impact of Stormwater Runoff in the Allen Creek Watershed

Abstract Stormwater runoff generated by increased landscape imperviousness results in flooding and degradation of aquatic systems. This paper proposes an economic model of stormwater runoff damage estimation. Using a hedonic property model that allows us to account for the heterogeneity in each parcel's generation of stormwater runoff, we estimate the marginal implicit cost of an additional 10,000 ft3 of annual runoff (which represents about a 2% increase in the average annual runoff volume coming from each lot) to a downstream community in the Allen Creek watershed located in Rochester, NY. We estimate that an additional 10,000 ft3 of runoff translates to nearly $12,000 (or $1.20 per cubic foot) of damages to downstream residences under current development conditions. Results can be compared with abatement cost estimates from other studies to help quantify one important part of the tradeoffs between the desirability of development versus the increase in environmental challenges and economic costs that may result.
System identification for building thermal systems under the presence of unmeasured disturbances in closed loop operation: Theoretical analysis and application

Abstract It is important to have practical methods for constructing and learning a good mathematical model for a building’s thermal system in the presence of unmeasured disturbances and using data from closed loop operation. With this goal in mind, this paper presents a mathematical framework that explains the asymptotic behavior of an estimated model under those conditions and that can aid in learning an accurate model. Some analytic results from the literature of system identification are extended and interpreted for building systems. A new identification approach for determining an accurate thermal network (RC) model for a multi-zone building is developed based on the analytic result, and its superior performance over a conventional grey-box modeling approach is demonstrated experimentally.
Expression and activation status of CREB in non-small cell lung cancer

3937 cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor which is involved in differentiation, cell survival, proliferation and development. To determine the expression level and activation status of CREB in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we performed immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) using antibodies specific to CREB and phosphorylated CREB at Ser-133 (p-CREB) on tissue specimens (total 85 cases) obtained from various types of lung cancer consisting of adenocarcinoma (40), squamous cell carcinoma (40), and bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (5). We also performed IHC using lung tissue microarray composed of 161 cases of NSCLC. To compare the expression of CREB and p-CREB levels, between normal and tumor samples, immunocytochemistry on normal adjacent lung tissues (18 cases) were performed in parallel. We observed that both CREB and p-CREB were stained significantly greater level in lung tumor than in adjacent normal tissues. We also found that both CREB and p-CREB levels were slightly higher in squamous cell lung carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma. Further Western blot analysis using cell lysates from cultured normal human tracheobronchial epithelial (NHTBE) cells and several NSCLC cell lines showed over-expression of active form of CREB in NSCLC cell lines, in consistent with the immunohistochemical data using NSCLC tissue specimens. Since it has been well documented that many target genes of CREB involved in lung tumorigenesis, these results suggest that over-expression of active CREB play a role in lung cancer development. Hence, the silencing of the expression or inactivation of CREB may hold promise for lung cancer prevention as well as its treatment. Supported by State of Texas Tobacco Settlement Funds.
Battery ingestions in children: Variations in care and development of a clinical algorithm.

Abstract Purpose To review current management and outcomes of ingested batteries and develop a clinical management algorithm. Methods Children Results There were 180 battery ingestions. The median age was 3.9 (range 0.7–18) years, with 78 (43%) males. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (17%) and nausea/vomiting (14%). Diagnosis was confirmed with plain radiographs in 170 (94%) patients. Locations on imaging were: stomach (37%), small bowel (24%), esophagus (18%), colon (11%), and non-specific location past the gastroesophageal junction (9%). Treatment was dictated by five different subspecialties including surgery (35%), gastroenterology (25%), emergency medicine (19%), primary care/emergency with a consulting service (13%), and otolaryngology (8%). All esophageal batteries (n=33) had an intervention. Interventions included fluoroscopic balloon extraction (6 attempted, 33% retrieval rate), rigid esophagoscopy (26 attempted, 96% retrieval rate), and EGD (6 attempted, 83% retrieval rate). For batteries distal to the gastroesophageal junction 16 (11%) patients had an intervention. Interventions included EGD (13 patients, 69% retrieval), colonoscopy (1 patient, successful retrieval), and abdominal surgery in two patients. Conclusion Isolated batteries that pass the gastroesophageal junction rarely require intervention and can be managed conservatively. Given the variability in managing these patients, we developed an evidence based algorithm. Level of Evidence Level 2. Study Type Retrospective Study.
Stress-Testing U.S. Macroeconomic Policy: A Computational Approach Using Stochastic and Robust Designs in a Wavelet-Based Optimal Control Framework

This paper analyzes fiscal and monetary policy in a wavelet-based model under stochastic and mixed minimax robust optimal control. A state-space model is constructed after applying the Maximal Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transform to U.S. quarterly real GDP data. We derive the theoretical framework for the linear–quadratic Gaussian (LQG) design and the mixed design where the disturbances in a subset of frequency ranges are stochastic, and the other disturbances are modeled by a multiple-parameter minimax worst-case robust design. We then use the model to jointly simulate optimal fiscal and monetary policy to “stress test” the policies under the worst-case design. The results show that, compared to a deterministic design, the LQG framework introduces considerable variability into aggregate investment. Under active fiscal stabilization with restricted monetary policy, the minimax structure induces more aggressive fiscal spending, slightly larger aggregate consumption, and substantially lower aggregate investment compared to the LQG design. Thus, pursuing a minimax worst-case model induces larger government deficits and stifles long-term capital accumulation. Under active monetary stabilization with restricted fiscal policy, the simulations predict that both consumption and investment will be far less in the minimax design than in the stochastic design. This research is the first to integrate robust control and dynamic game theory with wavelet decomposition.
National Trends in Sexual Behavior, Substance Use and HIV Testing Among United States Men Who have Sex with Men Recruited Online, 2013 Through 2017

The American Men’s Internet Survey (AMIS) is conducted annually with 10,000 men age 15 + who have sex with men (MSM). Modeling was used with 39,863 AMIS surveys from 4 cycles between December 2013 to February 2017 to identify temporal trends in sexual behavior, substance use, and testing behavior (within 12 months preceding interview) stratified by participants’ self-reported HIV status. HIV-negative/unknown status MSM had significant increases in condomless anal intercourse (CAI), marijuana use, use of other illicit substances, sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses, and HIV or STI testing (testing only increased among MSM age 25 +). HIV-negative/unknown status MSM had significant decrease in CAI with an HIV-positive or unknown status partner. HIV-positive MSM had significant increases in CAI, methamphetamine use, and STI diagnoses/testing. Although encouraging, the few indicators of improvement in HIV/STI sexual health practices are not consistently seen across sub-groups of MSM and may be counteracted by growing proportions of MSM engaging in CAI and acquiring STIs.
The three Rs of fire safety, emergency action, and fire prevention planning: promoting safety at the worksite

Fire safety is of paramount importance for everyone. In many workplaces, the occupational health nurse's scope of practice encompasses safety related activities. Included within this role is the responsibility for fire safety, emergency action, and fire prevention planning. The Three Rs of fire safety, emergency action, and fire prevention plans are rules, responsibilities, and resources. Myriad building and fire safety codes, regulations, and standards exist with which an employer must comply. An employer's responsibility for installing, testing, inspecting, and maintaining fire safety related equipment is extensive. Emergency action and fire prevention planning begins with conducting a detailed physical survey and preparing site maps. It includes making key policy decisions, writing procedures, and training employees in those procedures by practicing and executing site drills. The best resources available for emergency planning are the local fire department and the property insurer. Planning ahead means an efficient emergency response if disaster strikes. It saves lives, limits property damage, and preserves the environment.
A Business Application of the System Dynamics Approach: Word-of-Mouth and Its Effect in an Online Environment

In this article, we illustrate the use of system dynamics modeling approach to study a complex system: word-of-mouth. Word-of-mouth plays an important role in reducing risk and uncertainty in purchase and consumption. Most of the prior research on word-of-mouth focused on studying either the factors that trigger consumers’ participation (sending or receiving) in word-of-mouth activities or the impact word-of-mouth information has on consumers’ buying decisions. The relationship between the two decision processes, however, is recursive and dynamic. Most prior studies have not focused on a recursive relationship. Our objective is to present a system dynamics model for the study of the relationship between the buying decision and the decision to participate in word-of-mouth communication. We also discuss how system dynamics modeling can be used in other complex problems in business such as the creation of a global business. To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it. John Churton Collins (1848–1908) Author and literary critic
Trajectories of Nevus Development From Age 3 to 16 Years in the Colorado Kids Sun Care Program Cohort

Importance Nevi are a risk factor for melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, and many of the same factors confer risk for both. Understanding childhood nevus development may provide clues to possible causes and prevention of melanoma. Objectives To describe nevus acquisition from the ages of 3 to 16 years among white youths and evaluate variation by sex, Hispanic ethnicity, and body sites that are chronically vs intermittently exposed to the sun. Design, Setting, and Participants This annual longitudinal observational cohort study of nevus development was conducted between June 1, 2001, and October 31, 2014, among 1085 Colorado youths. Data analysis was conducted between February 1, 2015, and August 31, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Total nevus counts on all body sites and on sites chronically and intermittently exposed to the sun separately. Results A total of 557 girls and 528 boys (150 [13.8%] Hispanic participants) born in 1998 were included in this study. Median total body nevus counts increased linearly among non-Hispanic white boys and girls between the age of 3 years (boys, 6.31; 95% CI, 5.66-7.03; and girls, 6.61; 95% CI, 5.96-7.33) and the age of 16 years (boys, 81.30; 95% CI, 75.95-87.03; and girls, 77.58; 95% CI, 72.68-82.81). Median total body nevus counts were lower among Hispanic white children (boys aged 16 years, 51.45; 95% CI, 44.01-60.15; and girls aged 16 years, 53.75; 95% CI, 45.40-63.62) compared with non-Hispanic white children, but they followed a largely linear trend that varied by sex. Nevus counts on body sites chronically exposed to the sun increased over time but leveled off by the age of 16 years. Nevus counts on sites intermittently exposed to the sun followed a strong linear pattern through the age of 16 years. Hispanic white boys and girls had similar nevus counts on sites intermittently exposed to the sun through the age of 10 years, but increases thereafter were steeper for girls, with nevus counts surpassing those of boys aged 11 to 16 years. Conclusions and Relevance Youths are at risk for nevus development beginning in early childhood and continuing through midadolescence. Patterns of nevus acquisition differ between boys and girls, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white youths, and body sites that are chronically exposed to the sun and body sites that are intermittently exposed to the sun. Exposure to UV light during this period should be reduced, particularly on body sites intermittently exposed to the sun, where nevi accumulate through midadolescence in all children. Increased attention to sun protection appears to be merited for boys, in general, because they accumulated more nevi overall, and for girls, specifically, during the adolescent years.
Beyond the Airbrush: Applications of Digital Image Correlation in Vascular Biomechanics

Before digital image correlation (DIC) could find widespread application for strain measurement in biological soft tissues, there were a number of technical challenges that had to be addressed. The mechanical behavior of soft tissues depends significantly on hydration state; therefore, both application of a high-contrast speckle pattern and imaging must be achieved while maintaining the specimen in a fully hydrated state. Furthermore, soft tissues such as arteries typically undergo finite deformations under a physiologically relevant loading range. While hydration can be achieved by submerging the sample in a medium having appropriate osmolarity, pH, and ionic strength, imaging submerged objects introduces its own set of challenges due to refractive index changes. The issue of sample hydration also requires consideration of alternative approaches to speckle pattern creation, beyond the classic “airbrush method,” since ideally the specimen must not be allowed to dry out during pattern application. For samples that are submerged, the speckle pattern must be firmly bonded to the specimen and water-resistant, in addition to deforming with the specimen, often outside the small-strain regime. In some specific instances, nature provides a hand through the presence of intrinsic fine-scale structure in the specimen that, with innovative staining or imaging techniques, can serve as a satisfactory “speckle pattern.” Added to these issues is the difficulty of imaging small, often irregularly shaped specimens that can degrade rapidly over time. In collaboration with Dr. Sutton’s group, my colleagues and I have developed a number of approaches to address the issues of hydrating and speckling soft tissues for measurement of local strains in blood vessels at multiple length scales, with a particular focus on the mouse aorta and carotid artery.
Older Adults and Diabetes Prevention Programs in the Veterans Health Administration.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether older veterans enrolled in two diabetes prevention programs (DPPs) in the Veterans Health Administration will have similar weight loss as younger veterans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Post hoc analysis of data from two prospective, pragmatic, nonrandomized studies of behavioral weight management interventions that were delivered in-person (Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]-DPP) or online (Online-DPP), comparing participation and weight loss between participants aged ≥65 years ( N = 120) vs. N = 258). RESULTS Over 70% of participants in both age groups completed eight or more sessions within 6 months; a higher proportion completed eight or more sessions in the Online-DPP intervention than in the VA-DPP intervention ( P P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS DPPs delivered in person or online can be similarly effective in older and younger veterans. Online programs may be an important means to improve the reach of DPPs for older adults.
Graves' Thyrotoxicosis Leading to Adrenal Decompensation and Hyperandrogenemia in a Pediatric Patient with Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Introduction. Thyroid hormone is known to accelerate glucocorticoid turnover. In a thyrotoxic state, individuals with adrenal insufficiency are unable to increase endogenous cortisol production to compensate for increased turnover, placing them at risk for symptoms of glucocorticoid deficiency and adrenal crisis. In patients with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (SW-CAH), hyperandrogenemia is a measurable reflection of relative glucocorticoid insufficiency. Case Presentation. A 12-year-old girl with SW-CAH reported 3 recent episodes of vomiting without diarrhea, and accompanying tachycardia, responsive to stress dose steroids. In the previous 9 months, she unintentionally lost 2.6 kg. She had tachycardia and new thyromegaly. Labs showed suppressed TSH, elevated free T4 and total T3, and elevated thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) consistent with Graves’ disease. Adrenal androgens were markedly elevated. Maintenance hydrocortisone dose was 25 mg/m2/day and was not changed. Methimazole was initiated. Four weeks later, free T4 and adrenal androgens normalized. She had no further vomiting episodes. Conclusions. Thyrotoxicosis must be included in the differential diagnosis of individuals with SW-CAH who present with episodes concerning for adrenal crises, escalating hydrocortisone requirements, and/or inadequate suppression of adrenal hormones.
Do Mutual Funds Trade on Earnings News? The Information Content of Large Active Trades

Using monthly holdings data, we show that in contrast to findings in existing literature, mutual fund trades in aggregate do not have predictive power for future earnings information. We identify active trades by mutual funds, i.e., trades not passively driven by fund flows, and show that only large active trades by mutual funds contain information on future earnings. Moreover, we show evidence that large active trades by mutual funds help incorporate future earnings information into stock prices and significantly improve stock price efficiency. Finally, we show that large active trades by mutual funds prior to earnings announcements deliver superior abnormal returns. Mutual fund managers that actively trade on future earnings news are skilled; the top quintile skilled funds on average outperform those in the bottom quintile by 127 bps in four-factor alpha over subsequent four quarters.
Modeling left ventricular dynamics with characteristic deformation modes

A computationally efficient method is described for simulating the dynamics of the left ventricle (LV) in three dimensions. LV motion is represented as a combination of a limited number of deformation modes, chosen to represent observed cardiac motions while conserving volume in the LV wall. The contribution of each mode to wall motion is determined by a corresponding time-dependent deformation variable. The principle of virtual work is applied to these deformation variables, yielding a system of ordinary differential equations for LV dynamics, including effects of muscle fiber orientations, active and passive stresses, and surface tractions. Passive stress is governed by a transversely isotropic elastic model. Active stress acts in the fiber direction and incorporates length-tension and force-velocity properties of cardiac muscle. Preload and afterload are represented by lumped vascular models. The variational equations and their numerical solutions are verified by comparison to analytic solutions of the strong form equations. Deformation modes are constructed using Fourier series with an arbitrary number of terms. Greater numbers of deformation modes increase deformable model resolution but at increased computational cost. Simulations of normal LV motion throughout the cardiac cycle are presented using models with 8, 23, or 46 deformation modes. Aggregate quantities that describe LV function vary little as the number of deformation modes is increased. Spatial distributions of stress and strain change as more deformation modes are included, but overall patterns are conserved. This approach yields three-dimensional simulations of the cardiac cycle on a clinically relevant time-scale.
Targeting the proviral host kinase, FAK, limits influenza a virus pathogenesis and NFkB-regulated pro-inflammatory responses.

Influenza A virus (IAV) infections result in ∼500,000 global deaths annually. Host kinases link multiple signaling pathways at various stages of infection and are attractive therapeutic target. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, regulates several cellular processes including NFkB and antiviral responses. We investigated how FAK kinase activity regulates IAV pathogenesis. Using a severe infection model, we infected IAV-susceptible DBA/2 J mice with a lethal dose of H1N1 IAV. We observed reduced viral load and pro-inflammatory cytokines, delayed mortality, and increased survival in FAK inhibitor (Y15) treated mice. In vitro IAV-induced NFkB-promoter activity was reduced by Y15 or a dominant negative kinase-dead FAK mutant (FAK-KD) independently of the viral immune modulator, NS1. Finally, we observed reduced IAV-induced nuclear localization of NFkB in FAK-KD expressing cells. Our data suggest a novel mechanism where IAV hijacks FAK to promote viral replication and limit its ability to contribute to innate immune responses.
Concurrent optimization of thermal and electric storage in commercial buildings to reduce operating cost and demand peaks under time-of-use tariffs

Abstract Demand-side management (DSM) in response to market-based electricity tariffs can potentially increase the efficiency and reliability of the electric power grid. This study introduces a novel, one-day-ahead DSM framework which optimizes temperature setpoints and battery dispatch in office buildings, subject to a time-varying and/or demand-based electricity tariff. To reflect real world implementation, our framework operates in two-steps. First, during the passive, battery-only DSM optimization, historical weather and electricity load data for a given building are used to determine its optimal battery capacity. Second, once the battery has been installed, a one-day-ahead, real-time DSM algorithm optimizes both the building’s daily temperature setpoints and the battery's charge/discharge pattern. The optimization objective is to minimize the total operating cost (tariff charges and battery system) while still satisfying occupants’ thermal comfort. Using a case study with a medium-fidelity electric load model for a standard office building, the performance of the proposed framework is validated by quantifying savings in operating cost, reduction of monthly grid peak loads, and the achieved human occupant comfort. To illustrate the advantage of optimizing temperature setpoints and battery dispatch concurrently, the combined performance is compared with that achieved by standalone DSM (i.e., using only battery dispatch or only temperature setpoints). We found that concurrent optimization can reduce a building's monthly peak demand on the grid by up to 26%. Electricity tariff charges are reduced by 11%, more than is required to offset storage costs, thus providing an overall profit to building operators who use such DSM. Payback time is approximately 5 years.
Impaired Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Fanconi Anemia Murine Model Is Responsible for the Defective Hematopoietic Stem/ Progenitor Cell Mobilization.

Abstract 3629 Poster Board III-565 Fanconi anemia (FA) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by progressive bone marrow failure (BMF) and acquisition of malignancies. The only cure for BMF is a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched BM transplantation from a family member or autologous stem cells before BMF develops. Therefore, mobilization of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from BM into peripheral blood (PB) for collection has been a prerequisite for the therapy. However, patients with FA show a markedly decreased HSPC mobilization in response to the traditional mobilizing drug G-CSF and the mechanism(s) underlying the defect remains unknown. Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) have been known to be the common progenitor of a variety of cellular components in the bone marrow microenvironment. MSPCs express/secrete cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and cell adhesion molecules, which regulate the homing, migration, proliferation and survival of HSPCs in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we reported that Fancg-/ - MSPCs have a defect in hematopoietic supportive activity both in vitro and in vivo (Li et al. Blood, 2009). In the current studies, we show that Fancg-/ - MSPCs have significant reduction in HSPC recruitment as compared to WT MSPCs in a transwell assay. Furthermore, Fancg-/ - MSPCs have an alteration in the production of multiple cytokines/chemokines. Application of a neutralizing antibody to the cytokine blocked WT MSPC mediated HSPC migration in vitro. Furthermore, administration of the specific cytokine significantly increased HSPC mobilization in the Fancg-/ - mice in vivo. These results demonstrated that an impaired BM microenvironment, specifically MSPCs in Fancg-/ - mice, is contributory to defective HSPC mobilization. This study provides evidence of alternative clinical therapeutics for the mobilization of HSPCs in FA patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Emerging materials, processing and device concepts: Epitaxial transition metal nitride electronic materials

Abstract With III-Nitride solid-state electronics changing the world around us by bringing new high efficiency light sources and power conversion, it is clear that the potential of this class of materials is quite phenomenal. This chapter describes research efforts investigating emerging transition metal nitride materials that can serve to both augment and improve existing III-N devices, as well as enable new types of devices with epitaxially-integrated metals and superconductors. Molecular beam epitaxy systems outfitted with electron-beam evaporation sources can be used to synthesize thin crystalline films of transition metal nitride materials, such as β-Nb2N, δ-NbN, and γ-Ta2N, which have similar crystal structure and/or atomic surface arrangement to other hexagonal materials such as GaN, AlN, and SiC. The excellent thermodynamic stability exhibited by these refractory transition metal nitrides makes them the first true epitaxial metals and superconductors that are capable of having device-quality semiconductor epitaxy grown on top of them with no degradation to their electrical properties.
Ocean Cruise-Line Wars or Selling the Seas

This chapter deals with the ocean cruise industry and with the competition between different cruise lines or brands. Cruises are increasingly popular and the different cruise companies are building new ships as fast as they can. There is a great deal of competition among ocean cruise lines for passengers and considerable market segmentation in the industry, which is very profitable. There is considerable brand migration in the industry as many people move to more upscale cruise lines over the years. The chapter offers a discussion of brand and price differentiation in the ocean cruise industry, which is developed by the way they advertise themselves and, more recently, in the way they design their ships. Some cruise lines charge $1000 for a ten-day cruise and others charge $8000 for a ten-day cruise on a luxury line.
Stepping Up: Predictors of 'Stepping' within an iCBT Stepped-Care Intervention for Depression.

Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) may overcome barriers to mental health care and has proven efficacious. However, this approach currently exists outside the existing mental health care delivery system. Stepped care is a proposed framework for integrating digital mental health (DMH) into health systems by initiating iCBT and “stepping up” care to a more intensive intervention should iCBT prove ineffective. This study explores pre-treatment factors associated with reaching stepping criteria among patients receiving iCBT. This exploratory analysis of a stepped care arm of a larger randomized trial examined participants who were stepped to a more intensive intervention if they did not respond to iCBT. The association of pre-treatment factors on stepping were examined using Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square tests. One-fifth of the 151 participants met criteria for stepping within the 20-week treatment period. Only pre-treatment depression severity and treatment preference were associated with increased likelihood of stepping (p = 0.049 and 0.048, respectively). The low number of individuals who stepped provides support for iCBT as an effective, low intensity treatment for depression. The modest association of pre-treatment depression and preference to not receive iCBT may be useful in identifying patients who are less likely to respond.
Perioperative Management of Patients with Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism Undergoing Nonthyroidal Surgery

Thyroid disorders in the general population are common, and many of these patients may require nonthyroidal surgery. This chapter focuses on the perioperative management of these patients with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled hypo- or hyperthyroidism, in the setting of either elective or urgent surgery. Generally, those with subclinical thyroid dysfunction can proceed with surgery with little or no intervention. However, the patient with overt hyper- and hypothyroidism should ideally be rendered euthyroid prior to surgery. In severe thyroid disease where the surgical risk is the highest, a multimodal approach with medical and airway management, along with close hemodynamic monitoring, is necessary for those who must undergo urgent surgery.
Slavery and capitalism

In this paper, I look at the relationship between slavery and capitalism through exploring the counterfactual of industrialization without slavery in the United States and by analyzing the deeper c...
Hegel’s Dialectical Method: A Response to the Modification View

A prevailing view in the literature on Hegel’s dialectical method is that employing it involves advancing a false account and then modifying it to be closer to the truth. I will call this the Modification View. In this essay, I argue that the Modification View is incorrect. Hegel’s insight, I show, is that one can only explain the objective validity of a form of thought through employing that very form. Consequently, the dialectical method cannot relate to its subject matter as something given to it, and so cannot involve advancing and then correcting errors in one’s account.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Classification of Cloud Transactions and Transactions Involving Digital Content

This submission makes comments on REG-130700-14, which includes proposed regulations on the classification of cloud transactions and transactions involving digital content. In addition to some suggested changes to reflect industry practice, the submission importantly suggests recognition and the inclusion of an example to deal with profit-shifting structures.
Progress Toward Cardiac Xenotransplantation

Consistent survival of life-supporting pig heart xenograft recipients beyond 90 days was recently reported using genetically modified pigs and a clinically applicable drug treatment regimen. If this remarkable achievement proves reproducible, published benchmarks for clinical translation of cardiac xenografts appear to be within reach. Key mechanistic insights are summarized here that informed recent pig design and therapeutic choices, which together appear likely to enable early clinical translation.
Dysregulation of PGC-1α-Dependent Transcriptional Programs in Neurological and Developmental Disorders: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities.

Substantial evidence indicates that mitochondrial impairment contributes to neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability in disease states, leading investigators to propose that the enhancement of mitochondrial function should be considered a strategy for neuroprotection. However, multiple attempts to improve mitochondrial function have failed to impact disease progression, suggesting that the biology underlying the normal regulation of mitochondrial pathways in neurons, and its dysfunction in disease, is more complex than initially thought. Here, we present the proteins and associated pathways involved in the transcriptional regulation of nuclear-encoded genes for mitochondrial function, with a focus on the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α). We highlight PGC-1α’s roles in neuronal and non-neuronal cell types and discuss evidence for the dysregulation of PGC-1α-dependent pathways in Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and developmental disorders, emphasizing the relationship between disease-specific cellular vulnerability and cell-type-specific patterns of PGC-1α expression. Finally, we discuss the challenges inherent to therapeutic targeting of PGC-1α-related transcriptional programs, considering the roles for neuron-enriched transcriptional coactivators in co-regulating mitochondrial and synaptic genes. This information will provide novel insights into the unique aspects of transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial function in neurons and the opportunities for therapeutic targeting of transcriptional pathways for neuroprotection.
Syntheses of Cyclic Anhydrides via Ligand-Enabled C-H Carbonylation of Simple Aliphatic Acids

The development of C(sp 3 )-H functionalizations of free carboxylic acids has provided a wide range of C-C and C-Y (Y = heteroatom) bond-forming reactions that both complement and expand upon what can be achieved through conventional methods. Additionally, C-H functionalizations have lent themselves to the one-step preparation of a number of valuable, synthetic motifs, that are often difficult to prepare through conventional methods. Herein, we report a β- or γ-C(sp 3 )-H carbonylation of free carboxylic acids using Mo(CO) 6 as a convenient solid CO source and enabled by a bidentate ligand, leading to convenient syntheses of cyclic anhydrides. Among these, the succinic anhydride products are versatile stepping stones for the mono-selective introduction of alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, boryl, silyl, fluoro, iodo, and thiophenyl groups at the β position of the parent acids by decarboxylative functionalizations, thus providing a divergent strategy to synthesize a myriad of carboxylic acids inaccessible by previous β-C-H activation reactions. The enantioselective carbonylation of free cyclopropanecarboxylic acids has also been achieved using a chiral bidentate thioether ligand.
Bassini inguinal hernia repair: Obsolete or still a viable surgical option? A single center cohort study

Abstract Background Most inguinal hernias are presently repaired using some type of mesh technique. This mesh can be placed through an inguinal incision or positioned through a laparoscopic approach. Either way, results have been impressive including a low recurrence rate, minimal pain and a rapid return to work and normal activity compared to tissue based approaches. Notwithstanding these results, there is still a subset of patients who, for various reasons, are strongly opposed to having a mesh repair. This study summarizes our 13 year experience with such patients and why the Bassini hernia repair is a viable surgical option in these individuals. Methods Patients undergoing a Bassini repair at our institution from 2006 to 2014 were analyzed for long-term durability of the repair, complications and recurrence rate. Results Of 203 patients studied (average age 65; 99% male), 205 repairs (two patients had bilateral repairs) were evaluated. Seven documented recurrences (3.7%) were identified. Post-operative complications were relatively minor and easily managed. They included 22 patients (10.8%) with a wound hematoma/seroma, 17 (8.4%) with urinary retention, and four (2%) with testicular ischemia not requiring orchiectomy. Pain problems (10.3%) were generally transient and resolved in a period of weeks. In those patients who did not die from co-morbid disease, long term durability of repair (≥5 years) was quite common. Conclusion Low recurrence rate, long term durability and relatively minor complications indicate that the Bassini repair is still a good surgical option in patients opposed to a mesh repair. As such, we argue that it is not obsolete but still remains a viable surgical option in selected patients.
Estimating Urine Supersaturation, a Comparison of the Results of Two Methods Evaluating Changes Induced by Drinking Milk

In 1974, Gill et al published a method for estimating urinary supersaturation in respect to calcium oxalate (Fig. 1). Our purpose was to compare this method with urine ion equilibrium programs and also to note the effect of milk drinking on the two methods.
Callous-Unemotional Traits and Conduct Problems: Applying the Two-Factor Model of Psychopathy to Children

The concept of psychopathy has a long and prominent history in clinical psychology. Clinical reports spanning several decades describe the psychopathic personality as being characterized by pathological egocentricity, an absence of empathy, an absence of guilt, superficial charm, shallow emotions, an absence of anxiety, and the inability to form and sustain lasting and meaningful relationships (Cleckley, 1976; Hare, 1993; McCord & McCord, 1964). While these personality traits were often accompanied by severe antisocial and criminal behavior, such behavior was neither necessary or sufficient for most clinical definitions of psychopathy (Cleckley, 1976). Due to concerns over the level of inference required to assess psychopathic personality traits and thus the potential for unreliability (Robins, 1978), the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III; American Psychiatric Association, 1980) and its later revisions (DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) broke with these early conceptualizations of psychopathy in their definitions of Antisocial Personalty Disorder (APD). In these definitions, a severe and chronic pattern of antisocial behavior was both the necessary and sufficient condition for a diagnosis of APD.