cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A141: The vigorous immune microenvironment of microsatellite instable colon cancer isbalanced by multiple counter-inhibitory checkpoints

We examined the immune microenvironment of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) using immunohistochemistry, laser capture microdissection/qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and functional analysis of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. A subset of CRC displayed high infiltration with activated CD8+ CTL as well as activated Th1 cells characterized by IFN-gamma production and the Th1 transcription factor Tbet. Parallel analysis of tumor genotypes revealed that virtually all of the tumors with this active Th1/CTL microenvironment had defects in mismatch repair, as evidenced by microsatellite instability (MSI). Counterbalancing this active Th1/CTL microenvironment, MSI tumors selectively demonstrated highly up-regulated expression of multiple immune checkpoints, including five - PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3 and IDO - currently being targeted clinically with inhibitors. These findings link tumor genotype with the immune microenvironment, and explain why MSI tumors are not naturally eliminated despite a hostile Th1/CTL microenvironment. They further suggest that blockade of specific checkpoints may be selectively efficacious in the MSI subset of CRC. Our findings are the first to demonstrate a link between a genetically defined subtype of cancer and its corresponding expression of immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment. The mismatch repair defective subset of CRC selectively up-regulates at least 5 checkpoint molecules that are targets of inhibitors currently being clinically tested. Furthermore, our results were clinically validated in a phase 2 study at Hopkins which showed mismatch-repair status as a predictor of clinical benefit to immune checkpoint blockade with pembrolizumab. Citation Format: Nicolas J. Llosa, Franck Housseau, Elizabeth Wick, Hechenbleikner Lizzy, Michael Cruise, Robert Anders, Cynthia Sears, Drew M. Pardoll, Hongni Fan, Nicholas Siegel, Lee Blosser, Ada Tam, Hao Wang. The vigorous immune microenvironment of microsatellite instable colon cancer isbalanced by multiple counter-inhibitory checkpoints. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A141.
Correction of Point-of-Care INR Results in Warfarin Patients.

BACKGROUND The measurement of international normalization ratio (INR) may be done by venous blood draw and use of a standard lab, or by fingerstick, using a point of care (POC) device such as the CoaguChek XS® (Roche Diagnostics), and the CoaguChek XS® has been validated to meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) performance requirements.
Pd‐Catalyzed C−H Alkylation of Arenes Using PyrDipSi, a Transformable and Removable Silicon‐Tethered Directing Group

An efficient Pd-catalyzed ortho-C-H alkylation reaction of arenes using a transformable and removable Si-tethered pyridyldiisopropylsilyl (PyrDipSi) directing group has been developed. In addition, the PyrDipSi directing group allows for an efficient sequential double-fold C-H alkylation/oxygenation of arenes to produce meta-alkylated phenols. This directing group can easily be removed or converted into valuable functionalities, such as aryl, iodo, boronic ester, or phenol.
Treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with the carbon dioxide laser beam. A preliminary report.

Forty-five patients with histologically proved cervical dysplasia or carcinoma in situ were treated by the carbon dioxide–laser method. The carbon dioxide laser induces cell vaporization by causing intracellular steam combustion stimulated by the emission of a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium. This method of treatment is easily performed in the outpatient clinic without anesthesia, is inexpensive, and is effective in the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The treatment allows preservation of the transformation zone, thus permitting future colposcopic visualization.
Metabolomic Profiling of Arginine Metabolome Links Altered Methylation to Chronic Kidney Disease Accelerated Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the mechanisms underlying vascular disease has not been fully understood. As the nitrogen donor in nitric oxide (NOâ) synthesis, arginine and its metabolic products are integrally linked to vascular health and inflammation. We hypothesized that derangements in this pathway could explain, in part, increased atherosclerotic risk in CKD. We developed a targeted metabolomic platform to profile quantitatively arginine metabolites in plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Male low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDLr-/-) mice at age 6 weeks were subjected to sham or 5/6 nephrectomy surgery to induce CKD. Subsequently, the animals were maintained on high fat diet for 24 weeks. Targeted metabolomic analysis of arginine metabolites in plasma was performed by isotope dilution LC/MS including asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethyl arginine (SDMA), N-mono-methylarginine (NMMA), arginine and citrulline. Although elevated plasma levels of ADMA and SDMA were found in the CKD mice, only higher ADMA level correlated with degree of atherosclerosis. No significant differences were noted in levels of NMMA between the groups. CKD mice had high levels of citrulline and arginine, but ADMA levels had no correlation with either of these metabolites. These findings strongly implicate altered arginine methylation and accumulation of ADMA, may in part contribute to CKD accelerated atherosclerosis. It raises the possibility that interrupting pathways that generate ADMA or enhance its metabolism may have therapeutic potential in mitigating atherosclerosis.
What Clinical Laboratorians Should Do in Response to Extremely Low Hemoglobin A1c Results

Extremely low hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) results below reference range are rare, and the causes and clinical implications associated with low HbA1c results are not well understood among clinical laboratorians. A case of extremely low HbA1c results was reported, in which liver cirrhosis, subacute hemorrhage and recent transfusion all contributed to the low result. This case illustrates when HbA1c should not be used as a clinically relevant diabetes marker. However, low or extremely low HbA1c (<5.0% or <4.0%) may occur in apparently healthy individuals. When this occurs, it is an independent risk factor associated with liver diseases, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. From the clinical laboratory perspective, the clinical cause of extremely low HbA1c should be determined, and suggestions of different test utilization or increased health surveillance should be given to care providers.
Characterizing glacial meltwater sources in the Athabasca Glacier, Canada, using noble gases as tracers☆

Abstract This study is the first comprehensive noble gas study in meltwater of an alpine glacier. It uses stable noble gases' (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) concentrations and isotopic ratios from the Athabasca Glacier meltwater (AGMW), Canada, in an attempt to identify the original source location of ice melt and the relative contributions of modern surface melt versus basal melt and/or groundwater. It also estimates first order water residence times of the glacial meltwater (GMW) resulting from a mixture of modern surface and basal melt and/or groundwater. Two patterns are apparent with respect to noble gas concentrations: 1) a mass-dependent depletion pattern with stronger depletion of the heavier noble gases compared to the lighter ones, and 2) a pattern displaying a relative Ne depletion with respect to Ar. Ratios of noble gas concentrations suggest that different gases have different degrees of equilibration and samples are far from equilibration with the atmosphere at any temperature compatible with the glacial environment. Xe concentrations alone suggest that all AGMW samples equilibrated with the atmosphere at altitudes between 2500 m and 3400 m, altitudes that lie within the altitude range (1900 m–3500 m) of the Columbia Icefield. Most samples display Xe equilibration altitudes above the maximum altitude of the AG (∼2700 m), suggesting that a significant portion of the current AGMW originates in the Columbia Icefield which contributes to both the AG per se and current subglacial meltwater discharge. All AGMW samples are largely dominated by surface melt as opposed to basal melt with surface melt representing at least 71%–96% of the total GMW. Basal melt and/or groundwater represent at most 4%–29% of the total GMW. All AGMW samples exhibit tritiogenic 3He (3Hetrit) levels varying between 0 and 12 TU. Based on estimated 3Hetrit levels, 4He concentrations, and average U and Th concentrations in carbonates, we conclude that the bulk of our AGMW is likely a mixture between pre-bomb and present time GMW with a most likely average residence time of 160 ± 5 years with the exclusion of one present day sample.
Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension and Renal Dysfunction by Systemic Blood Pressure Categories in Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract In an emerging paradigm of sickle cell disease (SCD) vasculopathy, the risk for pulmonary and systemic hypertension, renal dysfunction, proteinuria, stroke and early death may be related to the degree of hemolysis, nitric oxide scavenging and resultant damage to the vasculature (JAMA 2005; 293:1653). The systemic blood pressure (BP) in sickle cell anemia (SS) is lower than in normal subjects. Yet, the concept of relative systemic hypertension has been proposed because SS pts. Have higher BP than subjects with other forms of congenital anemias (Am J Med Sci 1993). Furthermore, apparently minor BP increases in SS are associated with stroke risk (Am J Med Sci 1993; 305:150, Am J Med 1997; 102:171). We hypothesized that in contrast to otherwise healthy individuals without SCD, systolic blood pressures (sBP) of 120 to 139 mm Hg define relative hypertension in SCD and identify patients at increased risk for vasculopathy and its complications. We analyzed entry data from 195 adult patients enrolled in the prospective Sickle Cell Pulmonary Hypertension Screening Study (NEJM 2004; 350:886), and stratified their ECHO-determined tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) and serum creatinine concentration according to sBP categories. As shown in Figure 1, among Hb SS and S beta thal patients, the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PHTN, TRV 2.5 m/sec or greater) was 26% with sBP Download : Download high-res image (61KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (68KB) Download : Download full-size image
Fabrication and validation of a low-cost, medium-fidelity silicone injection molded endoscopic sinus surgery simulation model

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Develop a low-cost, medium-fidelity model for education in endoscopic sinus surgery techniques. Establish face and content validity of the model based on the feedback of otolaryngology faculty including fellowship-trained rhinologists. STUDY DESIGN Survey. METHODS A novel silicone injection molded sinus model was constructed. Three fellowship-trained rhinologists and four general otolaryngologists were recruited to perform seven tasks and provide feedback of the model's performance via a 22-question Likert survey. RESULTS Those surveyed strongly agreed the sinus model is useful for basic endoscopic skill acquisition such as camera skills (86%), hand-eye coordination (100%), nasal endoscopy skills (100%). Ratings of the model for training the specific tasks were consistently high. Neutral or lower were received for inferior turbinoplasty (14%), frontal balloon task (14%), understanding the ethmoid bulla (29%), and advanced sinus techniques (57%). All faculty strongly agreed they would be interested in using the model to train residents. CONCLUSIONS Simulation models have proven efficacy in endoscopic skill and procedural training. The group developed a novel low-cost, medium-fidelity sinus training model utilizing three-dimensional modeling and printing. Testing of this model revealed high ratings for both face and construct validity for a range of endoscopic procedures. Strong interest in using this model for resident training was unanimous among all survey participants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 127:781-786, 2017.
Defining the Ail ligand-binding surface: hydrophobic residues in two extracellular loops mediate cell and extracellular matrix binding to facilitate Yop delivery

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, binds host cells to deliver cytotoxic Yop proteins into the cytoplasm that prevent phagocytosis and generation of proinflammatory cytokines. Ail is an eight-stranded β-barrel outer membrane protein with four extracellular loops that mediates cell binding and resistance to human serum. Following the deletion of each of the four extracellular loops that potentially interact with host cells, the Ail-Δloop 2 and Ail-Δloop 3 mutant proteins had no cell-binding activity while Ail-Δloop 4 maintained cell binding (the Ail-Δloop 1 protein was unstable). Using the codon mutagenesis scheme SWIM (selection without isolation of mutants), we identified individual residues in loops 1, 2, and 3 that contribute to host cell binding. While several residues contributed to the binding of host cells and purified fibronectin and laminin, as well as Yop delivery, three mutations, F80A (loop 2), S128A (loop 3), and F130A (loop 3), produced particularly severe defects in cell binding. Combining these mutations led to an even greater reduction in cell binding and severely impaired Yop delivery with only a slight defect in serum resistance. These findings demonstrate that Y. pestis Ail uses multiple extracellular loops to interact with substrates important for adhesion via polyvalent hydrophobic interactions.
Major histocompatibility complex

Histocompatibility. By George D. Snell, Jean Dausset and Stanley Nathenson. Pp. xiv + 401. (Academic: New York, San Francisco and London, 1976.) $29.50; £18.
Solution-Phase Photochemical Nanopatterning Enabled by High-Refractive-Index Beam Pen Arrays

A high-throughput, solution-based, scanning-probe photochemical nanopatterning approach, which does not require the use of probes with subwavelength apertures, is reported. Specifically, pyramid arrays made from high-refractive-index polymeric materials were constructed and studied as patterning tools in a conventional liquid-phase beam pen lithography experiment. Two versions of the arrays were explored with either metal-coated or metal-free tips. Importantly, light can be channeled through both types of tips and the appropriate solution phase (e.g., H2O or CH3OH) and focused on subwavelength regions of a substrate to effect a photoreaction in solution that results in localized patterning of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-coated Au thin film substrate. Arrays with as many as 4500 pyramid-shaped probes were used to simultaneously initiate thousands of localized free-radical photoreactions (decomposition of a lithium acylphosphinate photoinitiator in an aqueous solution) that result in oxidative removal ...
Evaluation of the Brown Bear Viewing Experience at Katmai National Park and Preserve: Implications for Management

ABSTRACTBear experts regularly recommend limiting visitor access to areas critical to bear survival (e.g., feeding grounds). Seeing a bear in the wild, however, is a highly prized visitor experience. This article measured how viewing bears influenced visitors’ connection to bears (conservation caring), park interest, and support for restrictive management. Data were obtained from 235 visitors at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Conservation caring and support for restrictive management were consistent until visitors spent 11 hours or more watching bears. Thus, managers may not need to focus on increasing duration of time spent on viewing platforms. Conservation caring predicted levels of park interest (β = .51) and support for restrictive management (β = .44). These data suggested anytime spent watching bears is capable of producing moderate emotional connections and strong support for management. As visitors form an emotional connection to a resource, they are more supportive of stricter management act...
Silicon nanowire arrays for the preconcentration and Joule heating-based desorption of trace vapors

Silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays are demonstrated as a suitable substrate for the preconcentration of trace nitroaromatic compounds and subsequent desorption via Joule heating of the array. Arrays are fabricated from Si wafers containing epitaxially grown layers of high conductivity p-type Si, with a relatively low conductivity intrinsic Si layer. Arrays are fabricated using a combination of nanosphere lithography (NSL) and metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE). The resulting arrays consist of ordered Si nanowires. The individual wires have a diameter of approximately 350 nm (center-to-center spacing of 500 nm) and lengths of ∼5 μm. Each SiNW array chip has approximately 108 individual wires. The temperature-dependent shift of the crystalline Si Raman single phonon line was used to estimate the temperature of the array during desorption, with temperatures in excess of 200°C observed. The effectiveness of the adsorption and desorption of trace 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) was evaluated by coupling the array to a mass spectrometer.
A temporal assessment of cyber intrusion chains using multidisciplinary frameworks and methodologies

Current approaches to cybersecurity are response-driven and ineffective as they do not account for adaptive adversarial behavior and dynamic decision-making. Using empirical evidence of observations done at the US Industrial Control Systems Computer Emergency Response Team's (ICS-CERT) Red Team-Blue Team cybersecurity training exercise held at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), this paper identifies how adversaries carry out, and adapt during, cyberattacks. This paper employs a unique mixed methods approach of qualitative observations and quantitative data science to address three objectives: (i) providing a quantitative framework for temporal analysis of the cyberattack processes by creating a time series representation of the qualitative data, (ii) employing data science methods, such as hierarchical clustering analysis, on the generated time series data to complement and supplement our understanding of cyberattack processes, and (iii) understanding how adversaries adapt during the disruptions by defenders.
Future Considerations for the Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Treatments in Pan-Genotypic Therapy for Noncirrhotic Treatment-Naive Patients.

Given the recent approval of the first pan-genotypic chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, managed care, health systems, and clinicians will need to evaluate current practices related to essential laboratory assessments used to select therapy. Historically, clinicians and payers required a battery of tests to determine HCV genotype, viral load, degree of fibrosis, and organ function. In light of current and forthcoming approvals of pan-genotypic therapy, clinicians and payers can expect a more competitive marketplace and a downward curve in the price of therapy. Ultimately, this development will lead to the cost of screenings and assessments having an increased role in selecting an optimal HCV therapy. DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this study. The authors have nothing to disclose. All authors contributed to study concept and design. Calabrese took the lead in data collection, along with Shaya. Data interpretation was performed by Calabrese and Hynicka, along with Rodriguez de Bittner and Sh...
Replication and extension of long-term implicit memory: Perceptual priming but conceptual cessation

Abstract We endeavored to replicate Mitchell's (2006) finding of 17-year implicit memory priming. Subjects saw word and picture stimuli in 1999–2000 (M age = 18.9) and were retested after 11–14 years (M = 13.2; M age = 32.1). Via the internet, they completed four implicit memory tasks: picture fragment identification, word fragment completion, word stem completion, and category exemplar generation. Relative to control subjects (matched on stimuli, age, and education), longitudinal subjects revealed priming on picture and word fragment identification (perceptual tasks), but no priming on word stem completion or category exemplar generation (conceptual tasks). Four longitudinal subjects who failed to recall participating in the prior laboratory session had priming similar to the 10 subjects who did remember. Thus, we replicated the longevity of perceptual priming for pictures, and extended this to word fragment priming as well.
Residence in unsafe neighborhoods is associated with active transportation among poor women: Geographic Research on Wellbeing (GROW) Study

Abstract This study investigated associations of neighborhood context with active transportation among women with children after controlling for sociodemographic variables. We used data from the Geographic Research on Wellbeing study (GROW). In 2012–2013, GROW surveyed mothers who participated in California's Maternal and Infant Health Assessment. The dependent variable was active vs. inactive transportation. Mothers were coded as doing active transportation if they responded that they “walked,” “walked and took public transportation,” or ‘rode a bike,” to most places they went in the previous 7 days, and were coded as doing inactive transportation if they responded that they “drove” any kind of vehicle or “got rides from someone else.” The independent variables were neighborhood-level (census tract) poverty, income inequality, and perceived neighborhood safety. Using a stratified sample of poor or near-poor (≤200% of the federal poverty level, N = 1231) and non-poor mothers (201+% of the federal poverty level, N = 1465), weighted logistic regression was conducted to estimate associations between neighborhood-level factors with active transportation after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, number of children, car ownership, education, family income, and population density. One in seven mothers reported active transportation with mothers in poor/near-poor families having a higher proportion of active transportation than mothers in higher income families (24% vs. 3%). In adjusted models, poor/near-poor mothers had twice the odds of using active transportation in very or somewhat unsafe neighborhoods compared with those in very safe neighborhoods. Neighborhood-level poverty and income inequality were not statistically significant. Results suggest that individual poverty is a primary driver of active transportation among mothers. Poor and near-poor mothers who perceived their neighborhoods as unsafe had higher odds of using active transportation. Policy and community resources should be allocated to provide safe routes in very unsafe areas where poor women live and where active transport is most likely to occur.
Restructuring public transport through bus rapid transit: An international and interdisciplinary perspective

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has captured the imagination of decision makers and transport practitioners by promising many of the benefits of rail service but with the lower costs of bus. Acknowledging ...
Antennas in Material Media Near Boundaries: The Terminated Insulated Antenna

When the ambient medium in which a bare metal antenna is embedded is conducting, radial currents from the antenna into the medium decrease the axial current. This means that often only electrically relatively short antennas are useful with correspondingly small effective lengths. Radial currents can obviously be eliminated by enclosing the metal cylinder (radius a, conductivity σ c , internal impedance per unit length z i ) in a dielectric sheath (outer radius b, wave number k d = ω[μ0(e d + iσ d /ω)]1/2, σ d ~ 0, as shown in Fig. 17.1.1. This greatly changes the properties of the antenna. In particular, the wave number of the current is no longer the wave number kI = k1[1 + (i4πz i /ωμ0Ψ)]1/2 as given by (16.2.4)—which reduces simply to the wave number k1 = ω[μ0(e1 + iσ1/ω)]1/2 of the ambient medium except at very low frequencies.
Cultivation of Parasites in Vitro with Special Reference to Differentiation in the Life Cycle

As discussed in Chapter 2, most parasites have forms specially adapted for transmission from one host to another. What controls differentiation of these forms is poorly understood. One approach to study of this important subject is to cultivate the organism in vitro and attempt to duplicate the developmental cycle. This has generally proved difficult to do.
Resonant Raman Scattering from Stress-Split Forbidden Excitons in Cu 2 O

Excitons in Cu2O have been studied extensively since their discovery nearly 30 years ago.1 Excitons of the fundamental(yellow) series are both very sharp and difficult to observe as a result of the direct forbidden bandgap. Yellow P states are weakly dipole allowed, and 8 or more members of the P series can be observed in good crystals in absorption or luminescence. Yellow S states, however, are strictly dipole-forbidden.
A Preliminary Version of Ramanujan’s Paper “On the Product \(\prod\limits _{n=0}^{\infty }\left [1 +{ \left ( \tfrac{x} {a+nd}\right )}^{3}\right ]\)”

This chapter is evidently a preliminary version of Ramanujan’s paper on certain infinite products.
deRham’s Theorem for Simplicial Complexes

This chapter begins with a definition of the piecewise linear rational polynomial forms on a simplicial complex. These are shown to compute the usual rational singular cohomology (the p.l. deRham theorem). The construction is shown to be natural under subdivision of the simplicial complex and to produce a multiplicative isomorphism to singular cohomology. Connections with the usual smooth deRham theorem are given using piecewise smooth forms on a smoothly triangulated manifold.
Management options for pediatric growth hormone deficiency

Introduction: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), in 1:4000 children, is congenital or acquired inability to produce serum GH from the pituitary. Management of pediatric GHD is evolving and requires r...
Effect of annealing treatment on the dry sliding wear behavior of copper

Abstract The effect of annealing on the wear behavior of commercial grade pure copper (Cu) was evaluated by performing unlubricated pin-on-disc wear tests of as–received and annealed samples under 0.1–10 kgf normal load. It was found that annealing at 800 °C for 24 h led to an increase of grain size of Cu from ~ 6.7 to ~ 15.3 µm and a decrease in hardness. Wear rates of both samples increased while the friction coefficients decreased with increasing normal load. Subsurface microstructure evolution and wear debris were characterized by high resolution electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after wear tests. Dynamic recrystallization and abnormal subsurface grain growth were observed in both samples under high load. Finally, the effect of annealing on the microstructure evolution and wear resistance of Cu were discussed.
Effect of Junction Resistance on the Percolation Resistivity of Metal Nanowire Networks

There has been significant research interest recently in random networks of one-dimensional elements such as nanotubes and nanowires. In particular, metal nanowire networks exhibit high transmittance, low sheet resistance, mechanical flexibility, and fast deposition. These unique properties make metal nanowire networks promising candidates as transparent, conductive electrodes. In this work, we perform Monte Carlo simulations to study the effect of the wire-to-wire junction resistance on the resistivity and percolation critical exponents of metal nanowire networks. We compute the network resistivity as a function of the wire-to-wire junction resistance over six orders of magnitude, ranging all the way from a junction resistance-dominated to a nanowire resistance-dominated network. We study this effect when other nanowire/device parameters are also varied. We also investigate the effect of the wire-to-wire junction resistance on the percolation critical exponents over a wide range of nanowire and device parameters. The junction resistance plays a critical role in determining both the resistivity and the critical exponents of metal nanowire networks. These studies illustrate how the junction resistance affects the macroscopic resistivity of the network. They also show that Monte Carlo simulations are an essential tool for providing insights into the percolation resistivity of transparent, conductive metal nanowire networks.
Severe Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Acute Amphetamine Toxicosis in a Dog.

A 3-year-old female spayed rat terrier presented for hyperactivity and repetitive circling to the right of less than one-hour duration. On examination, the patient was dehydrated, hyperactive, and dysphoric. Laboratory tests initially revealed elevations in creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Serial chemistries indicated significant progression of CK elevation to a maximum of 181,900 U/L on day 3 along with the development of profuse myoglobinuria. A urine drug screening test was positive for amphetamine metabolites. This patient was treated with sedatives, aggressive fluid diuresis, and antioxidants. The dog recovered uneventfully with no indicators of renal dysfunction based on serial blood chemistries and was discharged five days after presentation. Follow-up blood chemistries taken four days after discharge revealed near normalization of CK and resolution of myoglobinuria. This case report describes a particularly severe case of rhabdomyolysis associated with amphetamine toxicity and its successful treatment.
A Computer-Controlled System for Automatically Scanning and Interpreting Photographic Spectra

In analytical spectrography the most time-consuming portion of an analysis is the scanning and interpreting of the photographically-recorded spectra. A system has been devised to shorten this time considerably by using a small digital computer to control the scanning densitometer and subsequently to calculate abundances from the photographic data. The following description applies specifically to spark-source mass spectrography; however, adaptation to other systems would be relatively straightforward. A typical photoplate from our spectrograph contains several thousand lines from as many as 20 graded exposures, and represents approximately 65 elements. Starting with the most intense exposure, the optical transmission of each line is measured using a Grant microphotometer. These transmissions as well as the position of each line are stored in a PDP-8 computer. The computer initiates and completely controls the scanning, and simultaneously converts each line position to an exact mass number from a calibration performed at the beginning of the scan. The computer is programmed to distinguish between lines and empty areas on the photoplate, and all the graded exposures of each line are recorded before the scanning continues to the next line. Backgrounds are continuously upgraded and recorded along with their adjacent line densities. After the desired area of the photoplate has been scanned an emulsion calibration is calculated from the data stored in the computer. Then all line densities on the linear portion of the calibration curve are converted to ionic abundances. Total time involved in scanning 20 exposures on a 15-in. photoplate is now approximately 5 hr.
Crisis Standards of Care Implementation at the State Level in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: In 2009, the Institute of Medicine published guidelines for implementation of Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) at the state level in the United States (US). Based in part on the then concern for H1N1 pandemic, there was a recognized need for additional planning at the state level to maintain health system preparedness and conventional care standards when available resources become scarce. Despite the availability of this framework, in the years since and despite repeated large-scale domestic events, implementation remains mixed. PROBLEM: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rejuvenates concern for how health systems can maintain quality care when faced with unrelenting burden. This study seeks to outline which states in the US have developed CSC and which areas of care have thus far been addressed. METHODS: An online search was conducted for all 50 states in 2015 and again in 2020. For states without CSC plans online, state officials were contacted by email and phone. Public protocols were reviewed to assess for operational implementation capabilities, specifically highlighting guidance on ventilator use, burn management, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, pediatric standards, and reliance on influenza planning. RESULTS: Thirty-six states in the US were actively developing (17) or had already developed (19) official CSC guidance. Fourteen states had no publicly acknowledged effort. Eleven of the 17 public plans had updated within five years, with a majority addressing ventilator usage (16/17), influenza planning (14/17), and pediatric care (15/17), but substantially fewer addressing care for burn patients (9/17). CONCLUSION: Many states lacked publicly available guidance on maintaining standards of care during disasters, and many states with specific care guidelines had not sufficiently addressed the full spectrum of hazard to which their health care systems remain vulnerable.
A Step Toward the Assessment of English as a Lingua Franca

This conceptual paper describes the need for L2 English tests to consider English as a lingua franca (ELF) in their development. After discussing what is meant by ELF, it describes an oral communication placement test developed at a large Midwestern University in the United States. The test is then analyzed based on a framework designed to determine the extent to which it can be considered to have adhered to ELF principles. It is argued that for the most part the test does appear to assess ELF. However, it does not completely follow ELF principles, and sometimes, because there is little agreement on ELF principles, it is difficult to determine the extent to which the test actually does assess ELF. It is recommended that researchers in the field come to agreement on what can be considered critical aspects of ELF, which will make it possible for language assessment researchers to better design their assessments to include ELF.
Confronting the traditional system: a qualitative study on the challenges to school based restorative practices policy implementation

With the abundance of research that has come to fruition in recent years about the school to prison pipeline and rampant disproportionality of exclusionary discipline, the United States is starting...
Redistribution of joint moments and dynamic balance control during sit to stand task in persons with Parkinson's disease

Abstract We sought to determine how people with Parkinson disease (PD) perform the sit to stand task (STS). After measuring kinetic and kinematic data our results suggest that people with PD perform the STS task by redistributing their joint torques but is accompanied with postural instability.
The Natural History of Rectal Gonococcal and Chlamydial Infections: the ExGen Study.

Background The duration of rectal gonococcal and chlamydial infection remains unknown. This basic epidemiologic parameter is needed to understand transmission dynamics. Methods We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, observational, cohort study of 140 men who have sex with men (MSM) at-risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia acquisition. For 48 weeks, enrolled men collected rectal swabs (Aptima multitest kit) at home and responded to an electronic survey about sexual behavior and health conditions weekly. Swabs remained untested until participants completed the study. We used Kaplan Meier estimates to determine the median duration of infection, censoring infections for treatment, loss-to-follow-up and end-of-study. We used Log-rank test to compare duration of infection by HIV status, history of infection with gonorrhea or chlamydia, and co-infection with the other pathogen. Results 140 enrolled MSM contributed 70.5 person years of follow-up. Eighteen men had 20 incident rectal gonococcal infections, which persisted for 2 - 23 weeks; 30% were censored for treatment. The estimated median duration of rectal gonorrhea was 9 weeks (95% CI: 3-12 weeks). Twenty-four men experienced 32 rectal chlamydial infections, persisting between 2 to 42 weeks; 60% were censored. The estimated duration of rectal chlamydia was 13 weeks (95% CI: 6 weeks - undefined). There were no differences in the duration of rectal gonorrhea or chlamydia by HIV status, history of chlamydia/gonorrhea or co-infection. Conclusions On average, rectal gonorrhea and chlamydial infections last 2-3 months, though some infections some persist for 6-11 months. Further understanding into predictors of persistence are needed.
Interview with Darius Kazemi

Darius Kazemi has over 10 years of experience analyzing game telemetry and metrics from casual games to AAA titles. He is currently the Director of Community Development at Bocoup. Before joining Boucoup, Darius worked as a Lead Analyst at Blue Fang Games, later founding and becoming the President of Orbus Gameworks, one of the earliest game analytics companies. He later joined Turbine, Inc. as a Data Analyst, and switched to become a Quality Assurance Contractor also at Turbine, Inc.
The reliability of tablet computers in depicting maxillofacial radiographic landmarks.

Purpose This study was performed to evaluate the reliability of the identification of anatomical landmarks in panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs on a standard medical grade picture archiving communication system (PACS) monitor and a tablet computer (iPad 5). Materials and methods A total of 1000 radiographs, including 500 panoramic and 500 lateral cephalometric radiographs, were retrieved from the de-identified dataset of the archive of the Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology of the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine. Major radiographic anatomical landmarks were independently reviewed by two examiners on both displays. The examiners initially reviewed ten panoramic and ten lateral cephalometric radiographs using each imaging system, in order to verify interoperator agreement in landmark identification. The images were scored on a four-point scale reflecting the diagnostic image quality and exposure level of the images. Results Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two displays regarding the visibility and clarity of the landmarks in either the panoramic or cephalometric radiographs. Conclusion Tablet computers can reliably show anatomical landmarks in panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs.
A low dispersion, high accuracy finite element method for first order hyperbolic systems in several space variables

A nonstandard finite element method for hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations is presented. The method applies to Friedrichs type systems in several space dimensions and more general systems in one space dimension. It is shown to be more accurate, by a factor ofO(h i/2), than the standard Galerkin method. The method may be viewed as a combination of a Galerkin procedure and a least squares procedure with optimally chosen weights. It is also a minimum dispersion method. A feature of the method is that due to the nonstandard structure of the weak formulation, the same test and trial spaces may be used. Ai(x) and B(x) are m x m matrices, and u and f are Rm-valued functions of x and t. Here we study the problem of finding the solution u(x, t) for x~ ~ and t ~ (0, T) of equation (1), the initial condition
Analysis of the Interferometer Response

In this chapter, we introduce the full two-dimensional analysis of the interferometer response, without small-angle assumptions, and then investigate the small-field approximations that simplify the transformation from the measured visibility to the intensity distribution. There is a discussion of the relationship between the cross-correlation of the received signals and the cross power spectrum, which results from the Wiener–Khinchin relation and is fundamental to spectral line interferometry. An analysis of the basic response of the receiving system is also given. The appendix considers some approaches to the representation of noiselike signals, including the analytic signal, and truncation of the range of integration.
Ethnic Organizations and the Welfare State: The Impact of Social Welfare Programs on the Formation of Indochinese Refugee Associations

The expansion of the welfare state during the 20th century has altered the conditions shaping the formation of ethnic organizations. Drawing upon research in the divergent fields of social policy, immigrant communities, and social movements, this article argues that social welfare programs promote or suppress ethnic organizations depending on how they affect an ethnic community's institutional completeness. This welfare state channeling theory is contrasted with ethnic competition and resource mobilization explanations for the formation of ethnic organizations. An analysis of 800 Indochinese refugee associations finds that public assistance has no effect on the prevalence of these organizations, but that privatization of federal social service expenditures does, thus partially supporting the welfare state channeling theory.
Mineral accumulation in vegetative and reproductive tissues during seed development in Medicago truncatula

Enhancing nutrient density in legume seeds is one of several strategies being explored to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply. In order to develop crop varieties with increased seed mineral concentration, a more detailed understanding of mineral translocation within the plant is required. By studying mineral accumulation in different organs within genetically diverse members of the same species, it may be possible to identify variable traits that modulate seed mineral concentration. We utilized two ecotypes (A17 and DZA315.16) of the model legume, Medicago truncatula, to study dry mass and mineral accumulation in the leaves, pod walls, and seeds during reproductive development. The pod wall dry mass was significantly different between the two ecotypes beginning at 12 days after pollination, whereas there was no significant difference in the average dry mass of individual seeds between the two ecotypes at any time point. There were also no significant differences in leaf dry mass between ecotypes; however, we observed expansion of A17 leaves during the first 21 days of pod development, while DZA315.16 leaves did not display a significant increase in leaf area. Mineral profiling of the leaves, pod walls, and seeds highlighted differences in accumulation patterns among minerals within each tissue as well as genotypic differences with respect to individual minerals. Because there were differences in the average seed number per pod, the total seed mineral content per pod was generally higher in A17 than DZA315.16. In addition, mineral partitioning to the seeds tended to be higher in A17 pods. These data revealed that mineral retention within leaves and/or pod walls might attenuate mineral accumulation within the seeds. As a result, strategies to increase seed mineral content should include approaches that will enhance export from these tissues.
Effect of transplantation of antibody heavy chain complementarity determining regions on ligand binding.

Active site structure-function analyses of anti-fluorescein single chain antibody 4-4-20 and anti-single-stranded DNA single chain antibody 04-01 were conducted studying the ligand binding properties of hybrid antibodies resulting from systematic transplantation of heavy chain complementarity regions (HCDRs) from monoclonal antibody 4-4-20 into 04-01. Two prototype monoclonal antibodies were chosen because the primary structures of their respective light chains were nearly identical but the specificities and shape of their active sites were distinctly different. Based on nearly identical light chains, the diverse active site conformations (i.e. 4-4-20 pocket and 04-01 cleft) and subsequent specificities of the two antibodies were likely dictated by heavy chain properties. As a result, specificities of each HCDR transplant were analyzed in terms of binding reactivity with either fluorescein or (dT)8. Results of binding studies, together with idiotypic and secondary structure analyses, were used to determine the relative contribution of each HCDR to the active site conformations and ligand specificities of monoclonal antibodies 4-4-20 and 04-01. Collectively the various analyses led to the conclusion that the intradomain conformational dynamics and cooperativity necessary for the structural integrity of the low affinity cleft-shaped 04-01 anti-single-stranded DNA active site are probably less stringent than those of a high affinity pocket-shaped anti-fluorescein active site.
UAV fall detection from a dynamic perch using Instantaneous Centers of Rotation and inertial sensing

Much research has been done recently on getting various UAVs to perch on various surfaces, however very little research has looked at how to detect when this perch has failed, especially when the surface the UAV is perched on is moving. This paper proposes a method to detect these types of falls using the Instantaneous Center of Rotation (ICR) of the UAV. Two methods are proposed to calculate this ICR, one based on integrating accelerometers to get velocities at various points on the UAV, the other based on using the magnitude of the acceleration at these points to estimate the distance to the ICR from that point. These methods provide a way to detect a fall from a moving perch that should work with different types of perching mechanisms and perches, while requiring minimal additional hardware on the UAV.
Renal osteodystrophy in chronic renal failure.

Bone disease develops relatively early in the development of chronic renal failure. Much of what is known about the evaluation and management of renal osteodystrophy in chronic renal failure is based on knowledge obtained in the dialysis population. The classic bone lesion found in the dialysis population is osteitis fibrosa, the high turnover lesion of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Clearly, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and calcitriol deficiency play major roles in the development and maintenance of the high turnover disease. Interestingly, in both the dialysis and nondialysis patients, the Incidence of adynamic bone disease, a low turnover lesion, is increasing. It is postulated that the aggressive use of calcium-containing phosphate binders and the use of calcitriol and other vitamin D analogs to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism may contribute to this shift in bone lesions. Treatment in the nondialysis kidney disease patient remains aggressive correction of hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. The use of calcitriol and other agents to maintain serum calcium and to suppress elevated parathyroid hormone remains well supported. However, the increase in extraskeletal calcifications and incidence of adynamic bone disease in these patients raises concern about current management techniques.