cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying principles of pharmacoeconomic evaluation to perflenapent emulsion, a new echocardiographic contrast agent for use in cardiac function testing

A pharmacoeconomic evaluation was performed to determine the cost-effectiveness of perflenapent emulsion, a new contrast agent for use in echocardiography. A decision tree analysis was performed on data from the charts of 108 patients who had undergone stress echocardiography without contrast enhancement as part of a cardiac function or wall-motion study. An analysis of a theoretical cohort of patients was conducted to determine shifts in cost associated with enhancement of stress echocardiography with perflenapent emulsion. Outcome was determined by the point at which the clinician was able to determine a treatment course for the patient based on the diagnostic information given. Stress echocardiography without contrast was identified as the most cost-effective path in terms of a conclusive test. Perflenapent emulsion shows a positive cost impact in patients who have had an inconclusive stress echocardiogram without the use of a contrast agent. These results are supported by a sensitivity analysis across a wide range of pricing for perflenapent emulsion, a wide range of cost for a stress echocardiogram, and up to 99% efficacy of contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography.
IRSIM: An Incremental MOS Switch-Level Simulator

This paper describes IRSIM, an incremental switch-level simulator for MOS transistor circuits. In IRSIM, the circuit under simulation can be modified and then incrementally resimulated. This allows error correction and circuit operation verification to be performed in time proportional to the size of the modifications rather than the size of the entire circuit. To accomplish this incremental simulation, IRSIM maintains a history of circuit activity during simulation and only resimulates the sections of the circuit that deviate from their history. The program was tested on several corrections to errors that actually occurred in the design of a VLSI microprocessor. These errors were corrected and the circuit was incrementally resimulated 1.6 to 3500 times faster than simulating the entire circuit.
COOL-0: Design of an RSFQ subsystem for petaflops computing

We discuss a preliminary design of a Rapid Single-Flux-Quantum (RSFQ) subsystem for general-purpose computers with petaflops-scale performance. The subsystem is being developed at Stony Brook within the framework of the Hybrid Technology MultiThreading (HTMT) project. COOL-0 design is based on 0.8-/spl mu/m RSFQ technology which enables the implementation of superconductor processing elements (SPELLs) operating at clock frequencies up to 100 GHz pipelined cryo-memory (CRAM) with 30 ps cycle time and interprocessor network (CNET) with a bandwidth of 30 Gbps per channel. The main architectural challenge is an almost 1,000-fold speed difference between the RSFQ processors and room-temperature SRAM comprising the second level of the HTMT memory hierarchy. The proposed solution to the problem is hardware support for two-level multithreading and block transfer techniques in SPELLs. Our preliminary estimates show that an RSFQ subsystem with 4 K SPELLs and a 4-Gbyte CRAM may be sufficient to achieve the performance close to 0.5 petaflops for computationally intensive program kernels. COOL-0 would occupy a physical space of about 0.5 m/sup 3/ and dissipate power as low as 250 Watts (at helium temperature). These numbers present a dramatic improvement compared to a hypothetical purely-semiconductor petaflops-scale computer.
Minnesota Twin Family Study.

The Minnesota Twin Family Study is a longitudinal study of 11-year-old and 17-year-old twins and their parents designed to examine factors related to the etiology of substance abuse and related problems. At study intake, the twins and their parents participate in a day-long assessment in our laboratory that includes measures of endophenotypes (e.g., event-related potentials, EEG, autonomic nervous system reactivity, startle eye-blink), psychopathology, personality, cognitive ability, anthropometry, and environmental risk/protective factors. DNA derived from blood is also collected. A parallel longitudinal study of adolescent adoptive siblings, biologically related siblings, and their parents is also underway. Over 1500 twin families and 350 adoptive and biological sibling families have already entered the longitudinal phase of the study. This article provides an overview of study methods, highlights published findings, and describes procedures in place to foster collaboration with other investigators.
Has the Silence Been Broken? Catholic Theological Ethics and Racial Justice

This survey discusses the emerging contours of a distinctive Catholic ethical approach to race, racism, and racial justice. Among its features are the adoption of a more structural and cultural understanding of human sinfulness, engaged intellectual reflection, concern about malformed white identity, an intentional dialogue with African American scholarship and culture, and the cultivation of spiritual practices and disciplines. The “Note” concludes with a discussion of the global challenges of racialization and the future challenges for Catholic ethical reflection on racism.
Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis—atopy or footwear?

Summary Two hundred and fifty patients with Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis (JPD) were studied in relation to the role of atopy and footwear. Two hundred and eighteen affected children were patch-tested to a standard battery of contact allergens and to a range of shoe and sock constituents. Positive patch-tests were found in only 9%. A control group of 172 normal children was also studied. JPD appears to be related to a high incidence of atopy (61%, positive in personal or immediate family history), but a control group of children from a primary school also had a high incidence of atopy. No differences were found in the construction or type of shoe usually worn by affected children and controls.
Suboptimal surveillance for and knowledge of hepatocellular carcinoma among primary care providers.

Background & Aims A large proportion of patients with cirrhosis are seen only by their primary care provider (PCP). Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therefore depends on PCPs in these cases. We aimed to assess PCP knowledge and practice of HCC surveillance. Methods We contacted a random sample of 1000 North Carolina PCPs by mail. All PCPs contacted received an introductory letter followed by a 12-item questionnaire addressing HCC surveillance knowledge and practice. Results A total of 391 PCPs (39%) completed the survey; 89% saw patients with cirrhosis in their practice, but only 45% screened for HCC. Among PCPs who screened for HCC, the most common methods were ultrasound analysis and measurement of α-fetoprotein level (66%). Reasons for surveillance included supported by evidence (72%), recommended by medical societies (42%), and malpractice liability for not performing surveillance (26%). Of PCPs who did not screen, 84% referred to gastroenterologists for surveillance decisions, 24% were unaware of recommendations, 8% were uncertain of the benefits, and 8% were concerned about cost. Hepatic resection and liver transplantation were identified as effective therapies by 67% and 56% of PCPs, respectively, but all other effective therapies were identified by less than half (transarterial chemoembolization by 42%, radiofrequency ablation by 35%, and sorafenib by 26%). The ability to identify at least 1 effective therapy was associated independently with surveillance (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–4.0). Conclusions Most PCPs see patients with cirrhosis, but only a minority screen for HCC. PCP knowledge of effective HCC therapy options is suboptimal. Efforts to enlist PCPs in HCC surveillance may be best served by increasing their knowledge of effective therapies.
Association of atrial tachyarrhythmias with atrial septal defect, Ebstein’s anomaly and Fontan patients

The number of adults with congenital heart disease is increasing as medical and surgical palliation for congenital heart lesions improves. With this comes long-term complications of congenital heart disease such as the increased risk of atrial tachyarrhythmias. Atrial septal defect, Ebstein's anomaly and post-Fontan patient subsets are particularly important to focus on due to their unique characteristics and association with atrial tachyarrhythmias. Reviews, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses were obtained using electronic search strategies such as Medline and the Cochrane Library. References of electronically obtained studies were then used to obtain additional relevant studies. Sources were deemed relevant if they discussed the relationship between atrial septal defects/Ebstein's anomaly/Fontan procedure and atrial tachyarrhythmias in respect to incidence, mechanism, recurrence or treatment. Selected sources were then stratified on the basis of quality. Patients in these subsets of congenital heart disease are at increased risk of atrial tachyarrhythmias for a variety of reasons when compared with the general population. It is necessary for pediatric and adult cardiologists alike to understand these differences, as well as their implications in diagnosis and management of such occurrences.
Central neurogenic hyperventilation

A 79-year-old woman developed subacute progressive gait instability. Brain MRI demonstrated patchy nodular enhancement within the brainstem and cerebellum (figure). Brain biopsy was consistent with chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids syndrome (CLIPPERS).1 Questioning revealed shortness of breath (figure, video). Blood gas on room air revealed pH 7.59, PaCO2 16, PaO2 103, and HCO3 15.
A SAP domain-containing protein shuttles between the nucleus and cell membranes and plays a role in adhesion and migration in D. discoideum

The AmpA protein reduces cell adhesion, thereby influencing cell migration in Dictyostelium. To understand how ampA influences cell migration, second site suppressors of an AmpA overexpressing cell line were created by REMI mutagenesis. Mutant candidates were identified by their ability to suppress the large plaques that the AmpA overexpressing cells form on bacterial lawns as a result of their increased rate of migration. One suppressor gene, sma, encodes an uncharacterized protein, which contains a SAP DNA-binding domain and a PTEN-like domain. Using sma gene knockouts and Sma-mRFP expressing cell lines, a role for sma in influencing cell migration was uncovered. Knockouts of the sma gene in a wild-type background enhanced chemotaxis. An additional role for Sma in influencing cell–cell adhesion was also demonstrated. Sma protein transitions between cytosolic and nuclear localizations as a function of cell density. In growing cells migrating to folic acid it is localized to regions of actin polymerization and absent from the nucleus. A role for Sma in influencing ampA mRNA levels is also demonstrated. Sma additionally appears to be involved in ampA pathways regulating cell size, actin polymerization, and cell substrate adhesion. We present insights to the SAP domain-containing group of proteins in Dictyostelium and provide evidence of a role for a SAP domain-containing protein shuttling from the nucleus to sites of actin polymerization during chemotaxis to folic acid and influencing the efficiency of migration.
An Initial Study on Climate Change Fingerprinting Using the Reflected Solar Spectra

AbstractAttribution of averaged spectral variation over large spatial and temporal scales to different climate variables is central to climate change fingerprinting. Using 10 years of satellite data for simulation, the authors generate a group of observation-based spectral fingerprints and a time series of monthly mean reflectance spectra over the ocean in five large latitude regions and globally. Next, these fingerprints and the interannual variation spectra are used to retrieve the interannual changes in the relevant climate variables to test the concept of using the spectral fingerprinting approach for climate change attribution. Comparing the fingerprinting retrieval of climate variable change to the actual underlying variable change, the RMS differences between the two are less than twice as large as the monthly variability for all variables in all regions. Instances where larger errors are observed correspond to those variables with large nonlinear radiative response, such as the cloud optical depth...
Academic Chemistry and the Discovery of Bioactive Marine Natural Products

University scientists who study marine natural products have already made some significant contributions toward the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents. Over the past 20 years, their research programs have provided a spectacular array of novel compounds, many of which possess useful biological or pharmaceutical properties. The most important of these have been obtained from sessile marine organisms, such as sponges, tunicates, soft corals, gorgonians, and bryozoans. The association of bioactive compounds with sessile and soft-bodied organisms could be predicted by application of the principles of chemical ecology that were developed in collaboration with marine biologists and ecologists as an integral part of marine natural products chemistry. In recent years, technical advances in analytical instrumentation and methodology have greatly enhanced the productivity of the relatively small number of marine natural products chemists. If they can now take full advantage of the new bioassays made possible by the biotechnology explosion, there is no doubt that marine natural products chemists will make even greater contributions to drug development in the next decade.
Building the Technical Case for Long-Term Operation

United States (US) and International utilities are actively engaged in assessing the economic and societal benefits of operating nuclear plants beyond their initial license periods. Nuclear plant generated electricity is still the largest contributor to non-carbon dioxide emitting generation. In the US, a majority of operating plants has already received approval for an additional 20 years of operation, and soon it is expected that utilities will begin the process to seek a second 20 year renewal. The keys to successful renewal are to maintain safe and reliable operations by building a sound technical case through the following activities:• Develop comprehensive understanding of aging degradation issues for systems, structures and components (SSCs)• Implement specific plant aging management programs to address aging degradation• Confirm behavior of degradation mechanisms for the entire period of operationThis paper will step through the above elements to illustrate how a strong technical case may be created for safe and reliable long-term operation. Examples or case studies will be provided to clearly link the fundamental science of materials degradation to the inspection, testing and evaluation efforts implemented at a plant and to the confirmatory data that is provided by both actual operating experience and the extensive research and development projects pursued by industry, governments, and the academic community.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Optimizing Tuber Set and Size Distribution for Potato Seed (Solanum tuberosum L.) Expressing Varying Degrees of Apical Dominance

Plant emergence, apical dominance, tuber set, and size are affected by the physiological age of seed tubers, which can substantially impact overall crop value. This study investigated the efficacy of seed spacing (15, 25, and 35 cm) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) seed treatments in altering these variables in cv. Ranger Russet to improve yield and tuber size distribution of seed expressing low (2.8 stems/seed piece) and high (4.8–5.4 stems/seed piece) apical dominance. Age primed, high-stem seed produced more tubers per plant and per ha than non-aged seed; however, tuber number per ha from both seed lots fell to the same extent with decreasing plant density. Importantly, tuber set per plant increased substantially more for the physiologically older, high-stem seed as plant spacing increased. Average tuber weight also increased with decreasing plant density but the response was greatest for the physiologically younger, low-stem seed. Regardless of seed age, marketable yields were comparable at 25- and 35-cm spacing. Tuber size distributions from the 2.8-stem seed shifted from oversize (>340-g) tubers to higher percentage 113–284-g tubers as spacing decreased from 35 to 15 cm. The 5.4-stem seed produced less undersize ( 284-g tubers when planted at 35-cm spacing. Adjusting in-row spacing relative to seed age and expected stem numbers improved tuber size distribution and value. However, because plants from older seed set more tubers in response to decreasing plant density than younger seed, average tuber weight and size distribution never matched the younger seed at any spacing. Restoration of apical dominance by treatment of seed with NAA was more effective in this regard. Depending on seed age, NAA delayed plant emergence (22–74 %) and decreased stem (24–38 %) and tuber numbers per plant (8–13 %). Stem numbers from age-primed seed fell from 4.8 to 3.0 as NAA concentration increased. Marketable yields were not affected by seed age but decreased slightly (7.3 %, P 284-g) tubers, resulting in a yield profile approaching that of the non-treated younger seed. Although seed spacing and NAA treatments are effective techniques for altering tuber size distribution to maximize crop value in relation to seed age and expected stem numbers, tuber age had a small but residual effect on productivity beyond that attributable to apical dominance.
Learning a Random DFA from Uniform Strings and State Information

Deterministic finite automata DFA have long served as a fundamental computational model in the study of theoretical computer science, and the problem of learning a DFA from given input data is a classic topic in computational learning theory. In this paper we study the learnability of a random DFA and propose a computationally efficient algorithm for learning and recovering a random DFA from uniform input strings and state information in the statistical query model. A random DFA is uniformly generated: for each state-symbol pair $$q \in Q, \sigma \in \Sigma $$, we choose a state $$q' \in Q$$ with replacement uniformly and independently at random and let $$\varphi q, \sigma = q'$$, where Q is the state space, $$\Sigma $$ is the alphabet and $$\varphi $$ is the transition function. The given data are string-state pairs x,i¾?q where x is a string drawn uniformly at random and q is the state of the DFA reached on input x starting from the start state $$q_0$$. A theoretical guarantee on the maximum absolute error of the algorithm in the statistical query model is presented. Extensive experiments demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm.
Extraterritorial Criminal Enforcement of Securities Frauds Regulations after U.S. v. Vilar

In August 2013, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in the case of United States v. Vilar denied extraterritorial application of the criminal law antifraud provisions contained in the Securities and Exchange Act. The specific object of this paper is to criticize this decision and negate its premises. After delving in depth into the notion of extraterritoriality, the paper offers a dynamic interpretation of the 1922 Supreme Court’s decision in U.S. v. Bowman, which is still the governing precedent on extraterritorial application of criminal laws. Furthermore, the paper criticizes the application of the 2010 Supreme Court’s decision in Morrison v. National Australia Bank to criminal cases, and explains the Dodd-Frank Act’s failed attempt to overrule it. The paper undertakes a detailed analysis of each of U.S. v. Vilar’s supporting arguments, using the German criminal law model to identify some of this decision’s significant shortcomings. It begins with discussion of the extent and significance of the U.S. v. Bowman exception to the presumption against extraterritoriality in light of the need to protect the integrity of a delocalized capital market. Next, the paper interprets section 32(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act in accordance with modern developments of criminal law theory. Consequently, the paper analyzes the significant distinctions between criminal law and civil law, in contrast with their equation by the Vilar court. The discussion ultimately leads to a justification of the Act’s extraterritorial enforcement through a contextual and dynamic interpretation of section 32(a), taking into consideration the transnational nature of market integrity and public wealth values protected by this provision.
Some considerations on mathematical molecular biophysics

The possibility of a single molecule or of a few molecules controlling the basic metabolic reactions in a cell is discussed from the molecular-kinetic point of view. For such a control by a single molecule to be possible, it is necessary to assume a chain reaction, consisting of at least two steps.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin globules in hepatocytes of elderly persons with liver disease

Percutaneous needle biopsy specimens of the liver from three elderly persons (aged 77, 71, and 66) demonstrated eosinophilic intracytoplasmic globules within hepatocytes, particularly in the periportal and periseptal areas. These globules were periodic acid-Schiff positive and diastase resistant, and were identified as alpha-1-antitrypsin by immunofluorescence technics. Two of the patients had cirrhosis, and identification of protease inhibitor (Pi) type by acid starch electrophoresis and crossed immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated SZ and MZ genotypes. The patient with SZ genotype also had a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pi-typing was not performed for the third patient, who did not have cirrhosis. The morphologic identification of alpha-1-antitrypsin disease in liver biopsies of persons of any age is important because of (1) possible multisystem involvement (hepatic and pulmonary), (2) increased frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma, and (3) implications for genetic counseling for other family members.
Memory in concept identification

Recent quantitative theories of concept identification assume a limited memory during learning. To test this assumption, Ss recalled the stimulus dimensions and the correct responses on each stimulus card in 12 six-card problems. The expected recency effect was obtained but a larger, unexpected primacy effect was also observed. On those problems which were solved, the joint recall of the relevant dimension and the correct response to the cards was above chance. On unsolved problems, the recall of the relevant dimension was independent of the recall of its classification. Average recall on all problems was only slightly above the chance level. These results, with the exception of the primacy effect, support the limited memory assumption.
Making Discipline Relevant: Toward a Theory of Culturally Responsive Positive Schoolwide Discipline.

AbstractImplicit in the discourse on school discipline reform is the belief that utilizing positive school discipline practices, as opposed to suspension and classroom removal, will necessarily reduce the racially disproportionate representation of black and brown students in school discipline outcomes. Yet even in schools that utilize positive school discipline approaches, racial disproportionality persists; students of color continue to be disciplined more often and more harshly than their white peers, even when controlling for gender, socioeconomic status, and behavior. Framed by Vavrus and Cole’s concept of the socioculturally contextualized disciplinary moment, this article argues for an approach to positive discipline that incorporates the tenets of culturally relevant education. Implications for policy, research, and practice are discussed.
Investigation of serum protein patterns in patients undergoing operation.

Summary1. Distribution of serum protein components was investigated by the use of paper strip electrophoresis in 45 patients undergoing surgery. 2. A significant decrease in the albumin and increase of α1 and α2 globulins occurred in one-third of the cases during the first 24 hours following operation. These changes were present in 80% of all cases during the following 4 days. Thereafter the serum components tended to return to their preoperative levels. Components with mobilities different from those found preoperatively occurred in 3 cases after operation. 3. Total serum proteins and the hematocrits did not show any significant variation in the early postoperative period.
Continuous Head-to-Tail Depolymerization: An Emerging Concept for Imparting Amplified Responses to Stimuli-Responsive Materials

Polymers that depolymerize continuously and completely from head-to-tail when a reaction-based detection unit is cleaved from the polymer provide both selective and amplified responses, a rare combination, to stimuli-responsive polymeric materials. This Viewpoint contextualizes this new class of depolymerizable polymers and outlines the key areas for growth and innovation.
An Air–Liquid Interface Culture System for 3D Organoid Culture of Diverse Primary Gastrointestinal Tissues

Conventional in vitro analysis of gastrointestinal epithelium usually relies on two-dimensional (2D) culture of epithelial cell lines as monolayer on impermeable surfaces. However, the lack of context of differentiation and tissue architecture in 2D culture can hinder the faithful recapitulation of the phenotypic and morphological characteristics of native epithelium. Here, we describe a robust long-term three-dimensional (3D) culture methodology for gastrointestinal culture, which incorporates both epithelial and mesenchymal/stromal components into a collagen-based air-liquid interface 3D culture system. This system allows vigorously expansion of primary gastrointestinal epithelium for over 60 days as organoids with both proliferation and multilineage differentiation, indicating successful long-term intestinal culture within a microenvironment accurately recapitulating the stem cell niche.
Modulating Cholesterol Homeostasis to Build a Better T Cell.

There is great interest in discovering targets for in vitro manipulation of autologous T cells that enhance their cytotoxicity against tumor targets as a potent cancer immunotherapy. In a recent Nature paper, Xu and colleagues reveal new insights into the link between cellular cholesterol metabolism and CD8 T cell functions.
Midori Public Elementary School

Midori Town is a small, industrial town — it is a rather sleepy place. Its economy is supported by a couple of large manufacturing companies and their small subsidiary factories. Streets are wide with tall, lush trees — something not seen in more urban cities in Japan. The only train, which has but three cars, that connects this town to the next provides an hourly service. I rode the train again and again with a group of high school girls with ash dyed-blonde hair and blue, almost theatrical, eye shadow: a look that had been popular among girls in Tokyo the previous year. It is mostly students who use the train; most adults drive to go places. Indeed, it is difficult to live in Midori Town without access to a car. Large shopping malls are located on the outskirts of the town. And in this small town, 14 percent of the approximately 43,000 residents are foreign nationals, predominantly Brazilians.
Old Magic: Lives of the Desert Shamans

This richly illustrated volume by Nicholas Clapp chronicles the journey of discovery he undertook in his quest to better understand rock art in the western desert region of North America. The book ...
Facile Synthesis of 64Cu‐Doped Au Nanocages for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging

This article reports a simple and reliable approach to the synthesis of Cu-doped Au nanocages through the co-deposition of Au and Cu on the surfaces (both outer and inner) of pre-synthesized Au nanocages by reducing HAuCl4 and CuCl2 with ascorbic acid under an alkaline condition. By controlling the total amount of Au and Cu deposited and/or the molar ratio between these two metals, we were able to adjust the Cu content in the resultant Au nanocages. The localized surface plasmon resonance properties of the Cu-doped Au nanocages resemble those of the conventional Au nanocages, with strong and tunable absorption in the near-infrared region. When radioactive 64CuCl2 was used in combination with non-radioactive CuCl2 as a source to elemental Cu, we obtained 64Cu-doped Au nanocages. The radioactive nanocages could serve as tracers for position emission tomography (PET) imaging, and they were found to accumulate effectively in both 4T1 and PDX tumor models due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Autoradiography analysis indicated a homogeneous intra-tumoral distribution for these nanocages. Taken together, the 64Cu-doped Au nanocages are promising for image-guided cancer theranostics.
Survey of Obstetrician-Gynecologists in the United States About Taeniasis and Cysticercosis.

Abstract An estimated 50 million persons worldwide are infected with cysticerci, the larval forms of the Taenia solium tapeworm. Neurocysticercosis can cause seizures, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus, and fatal cases have been reported in the United States in immigrants and in travelers returning from endemic countries. Pregnant women with symptomatic neurocysticercosis present treatment challenges, whereas those with the adult tapeworm infection (i.e., taeniasis) can put their infants and other family members, as well as obstetrician-gynecologists and their staff, at risk for cysticercosis. A questionnaire developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists was sent to a representative sample of 1,000 physicians to assess their awareness of T. solium infection and the potential for it to be encountered in an obstetrics and gynecology setting. In total, 31.4% of respondents correctly answered that taeniasis is caused by eating undercooked pork containing T. solium cysts (95% confidence interval [CI] = 26.6–36.5). While only 14.5% (95% CI = 11.0–18.6) of respondents correctly answered that cysticercosis is acquired by ingesting tapeworm eggs shed in human stools, twice that number (30.3%; 95% CI = 25.5–35.3) correctly answered that a mother with taeniasis can cause cysticercosis in her infant. Practicing in a state in which cysticercosis was reportable at the time of the survey was not significantly associated with answering any of the 12 knowledge questions correctly. Overall, knowledge of T. solium infection among U.S. obstetricians-gynecologists is limited. This may result in missed opportunities to diagnose and treat pregnant women with taeniasis, which may put family members and obstetrics clinical staff at risk for cysticercosis.
Using Cluster Bootstrapping to Analyze Nested Data With a Few Clusters

Cluster randomized trials involving participants nested within intact treatment and control groups are commonly performed in various educational, psychological, and biomedical studies. However, recruiting and retaining intact groups present various practical, financial, and logistical challenges to evaluators and often, cluster randomized trials are performed with a low number of clusters (~20 groups). Although multilevel models are often used to analyze nested data, researchers may be concerned of potentially biased results due to having only a few groups under study. Cluster bootstrapping has been suggested as an alternative procedure when analyzing clustered data though it has seen very little use in educational and psychological studies. Using a Monte Carlo simulation that varied the number of clusters, average cluster size, and intraclass correlations, we compared standard errors using cluster bootstrapping with those derived using ordinary least squares regression and multilevel models. Results indicate that cluster bootstrapping, though more computationally demanding, can be used as an alternative procedure for the analysis of clustered data when treatment effects at the group level are of primary interest. Supplementary material showing how to perform cluster bootstrapped regressions using R is also provided.
A non-cytolytic role for NK cells during gp96-mediated immunotherapy (VAC13P.1129)

Immunogenic Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are capable of eliciting potent immune responses against their chaperoned antigens and are being investigated as a potential cancer immunotherapy. The current model of HSP mediated immune responses includes roles for Dendritic Cells (DCs) and T cells in priming and executing the HSP-mediated response. Additionally, NK cells are necessary to inhibit tumor growth following immunotherapy with HSPs. NK cells are innate lymphoid cells whose effector functions include cytokine production and target cell lysis. Despite their requirement, little is known about what role(s) NK cells play in HSP-mediated immune responses. In these studies, we aim to determine if NK cells are acting as helper cells or effector cells using the prototypical immunogenic HSP, gp96. Our results demonstrate that depletion of NK cells specifically during the effector phase (post-gp96 immunization) results in a loss of control of D122 tumor growth. Interestingly, NK cells isolated from mice immunized with gp96 do not exhibit increased killing ex vivo, suggesting NK cells may be acting as helper cells instead of directly killing tumor cells. Additionally, we determined that NK cells improve DC activation in response to gp96 in vitro , suggesting NK cells may also play a role in priming HSP-mediated T cell responses. Collectively, these data indicate that HSP-activated NK cells are capable of acting as helper cells, potentially during multiple stages of the immune response.
Comment on “Improving research misconduct policies” by Redman & Caplan

We read with great interest the recent article by Redman and Caplan “Improving research misconduct policies”. While we generally agree with the authors’ main premise that most regulatory policies aimed at addressing research misconduct are not sufficiently informed by empirical evidence, we would like to respond to their critique on two particular points. First, we wholeheartedly concur with their argument that policies related to research integrity need to be more grounded in social psychological theory and data. Unfortunately, in making their argument, they seem themselves to overlook a great deal of existing evidence. For many years, researchers focused on research integrity, including members of our own team, have been applying concepts, …
The Atlas Tile Calorimeter experience with 10,000 readout photomultipliers operating since the start of the p-p collisions at LHC

Abstract The channels of TileCal, the hadron calorimeter of the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, are read out with 8-stage fine-mesh photomultipliers (PMTs), a special version of the Hamamatsu model R5900. About 10,000 PMTs are operating in TileCal. The PMT response stability allows to calibrate accurately the calorimeter and to achieve high performance of the energy reconstruction of the cells. Currently, no PMT replacement is foreseen before completion of the High Luminosity program of the LHC collider in the next decade. In this perspective, a number of measurements and tests are in progress to qualify the PMT robustness in terms of lifetime and response stability. Data from the Tile calibration procedure for the detector PMTs and from laboratory tests of spare PMTs are being analyzed. Results on PMT failures, gain loss and quantum efficiency loss are presented. Analysis is focused on the study of the observed down-drift with time of the PMT response as a function of the integrated anode charge, and depending on the individual cell exposure to irradiation during the LHC operation. The multi-stage calibration system of Tile and the algorithms adopted to disentangle between gain and quantum efficiency loss are described, as well as the tests performed in dedicated test-benches.
Chapter 3 Changing Populations of Reiterated DNA Transcripts During Early Echinoderm Development

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the status and the activity of genes of moderate level of reiteration in echinoid development. The chromosomes of echinoids are small, numerous, and cytologically undistinguished. The chapter describes the organization and transcription of the echinoid genome. A small, relatively constant, set of units is transcribed during cleavage, producing increasing numbers of simple and constant sets of multiple-copy transcripts and their regulated messages. The renewed synthesis of egg RNA after fertilization and continuation after cleavage could occur, if the sets of acceptor sites transcribed during oogenesis remained unblocked in the unfertilized eggs— that is, if RNA synthesis in the unfertilized egg were regulated by blockage at or immediately adjacent to the promoter sites. Then, the removal of the latter block would restart the transcriptional program characteristic of oogenesis. Cell-specific transcription, as in the micromeres, and stage-specific transcription initiated at hatching are the consequence of unblocking of additional acceptor sites and/or by activation of new promoter sites. If different sets of genes shared common promoter sites, a mechanism for the coordinated initiation of a number of sets of functionally related genes would exist. Transcriptional units with longer acceptor zones may undergo more mutational and recombinational events leading to greater base sequence diversification, whereas those with shorter acceptor zones may have retained sites with less divergence. The transcriptional units account for the appearance of the changing populations of multiple copy transcripts in heterogeneous nuclear RNA; the transcriptional units for tandem repeat elements would lead to the appearance of reiterated DXA transcripts in the cytoplasm.
Release of Ammonia from Peptides and Proteins and Their Effects on Maillard Flavor Generation

Summary Ammonia has been recognized as an important reactant for food flavor development. Ammonia could be produced by thermal and hydrolytic deamidation of asparagine and glutamine residues of proteins. The contribution of amide nitrogen to pyrazine formation was confirmed by the use of glutamine labeled with 15N at the amide side chain. The comparison of volatile compounds produced from the reaction of glucose with either dipeptide Ala-Asn or Ala-Asp also indicated the contribution of deamidation to the Maillard reaction.
Multispectral ultrafast ultrasound imaging: A versatile tool probing dynamic phase-change contrast agents

Optically triggered perfluorohexane nanodroplets (PFHnDs) can repeatedly vaporize and recondense, providing photoacoustic (PA) and blinking ultrasound (US) signals in response to pulsed laser irradiation. This property of PFHnDs has led to the development of various US imaging modes, including super-resolution and background-free contrast-enhanced imaging. However, to utilize the full potential of PFHnDs, multi-wavelength PA imaging, followed by ultrafast US imaging, referred to as multispectral ultrafast US/PA imaging, is required. Thus, we built a combined system that can trigger and image the dynamic behavior of PFHnDs with various optical wavelengths.
Fungible Life: Experiment in the Asian City of LifeGood Science: The Ethical Choreography of Stem Cell Research

These two books each touch on the molecular biology revolution in Asia (Singapore and South Korea in Thompson’s case; Singapore and Shenzhen, China, in Ong’s). Charis Thompson provides an expert ac...
Abstract 15212: Npa7, a First in Class Dual Receptor Activator With Renoprotective Properties

Introduction: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality. Available treatment of ADHF oftentimes induces cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), which is a strong predictor of mortality, and warrants innovative drugs with novel modes of action as well as cardio-renoprotective properties. We used an innovative strategy to engineer a novel multivalent peptide (NPA7), which is a fusion of a 22 amino acid sequence of a pGC-A receptor (pGC-A) activator, and the Mas receptor (MasR) agonist ANG1-7 that possess complementary cardio-renoprotective properties. We hypothesized that NPA7 is a dual receptor activator in vitro with renoprotective properties in an experimental model of HF in vivo . Methods and Results: First, we successfully synthesized NPA7 by solid phase peptide synthesis. Second, we confirmed in vitro binding of NPA7 to pGCA ( green ) and MasR ( red ), selectively overexpressed in HEK293 cells (GCA++ and Mas++, respectively) (figure 1A-B). We then assessed in vitro dual receptor activation using second messengers cGMP (pGC-A) and cAMP (MasR) as read-out (figure 1C-D). As proximal tubular injury is a contributing mechanism of CRS we defined presence of both pGC-A and MasR in human primary proximal tubular (PPT) cells (figure 1E-F). Finally, since renal vasoconstriction in CRS may contribute to renal hypoxia and injury, we defined potential renal vasodilating actions of NPA7 in a canine model of HF (renal blood flow NPA7 vs. baseline: +26.7 ± 13.1 ml/min, p vs. baseline: +0.098 ± 0.024 ml/min, p Conclusion: In conclusion, this study shows that NPA7 is a dual pGC-A/MasR activator in vitro, that its molecular receptor targets are present in human PTT cells, and that NPA7 induces renal vasodilation in an experimental model of HF. Altogether, this study lays the groundwork for further studies on NPA7s cardiorenal protective properties in vivo .
Interactions between Blood Components and Artificial Surfaces

Strategies for designing “stealth” therapeutic systems largely coincide with those governing the search for materials suitable to serve as artificial organs and prosthetic devices in contact with blood and other living tissues. In both cases, one strives to design surfaces that will avoid the triggering of inflammatory responses to the foreign material. Many times, there is also a need to link a homing device or bioactive ligand to the surface, in which case the mode of linking must leave the often marginally stable ligand in an active state. Beyond these common concerns, the biomaterials community also focuses on the specific tasks of avoiding a trigger of the clotting cascade and suppressing the potential for bacterial colonization, both issues related to the large size of the typical implant compared to that of a liposome or other circulating drug release vehicle. The following presentation will summarize ongoing efforts to devise some general techniques for preparing surfaces suitable to serve as biomaterials.
Basis of Susceptibility to Lung Infection

The myriad microbial pathogens encountered by the lung presents a daunting challenge to the human immune system. Nowhere else in the body is such a vast surface area (approximately 100 m2)1 directly exposed to airborne pathogens at about 20 times per minute. Not only is the area and exposure extreme, but the underlying blood circulation is only two cell layers, of about 0.5 µm each, removed from the alveolar surface. Furthermore, gravity and manifold branching of bronchioles and bronchi interfere with the expulsion of these organisms and tissue debris that occurs during lung infection. It is not surprising, then, that pneumonias are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States.2
Prestress Loss Identification Based on Dynamic Vehicle Responses

AbstractHow to detect the prestress loss of the bridge in a fast and economical way is still a challenging problem for bridge engineers. Although some sensors have been developed to monitor the pre...
Staging of Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities

The management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities has undergone recent change with the advent of multimodality therapies and limb-sparing procedures. A better understanding of prognostic variables has led to staging systems that are predictive of locoregional and distant treatment failures. Advances in preoperative radiographic staging have aided the surgeon to better plan the surgical approach at the time of resection. These malignancies truly require a multidisciplinary approach for best overall patient management.
Ellen Browning Scripps: New Money and American Philanthropy

Molly McClain’s Ellen Browning Scripps: New Money and American Philanthropy introduces San Diego’s unsung patroness to history, while exploring the origins, development, and ramifications of philan...
Working memory interacts with emotion regulation to predict symptoms of mania.

Abstract Although neurocognitive deficits and emotion regulation are closely linked within unipolar depression, little research has tested links between these two variables within bipolar disorder. The present study tested whether working memory is related to individual differences in emotion regulation strategies in bipolar disorder and whether working memory and emotion regulation can explain variability in symptoms over time. Fifty-nine euthymic adults with bipolar I disorder completed a working memory span task, symptom interviews assessing depression and mania, and questionnaires assessing brooding rumination, reappraisal, and suppression. At baseline, working memory was unrelated to emotion regulation. Symptom interviews were repeated at six months (n = 41) and 12 months (n = 36) follow-up. At 12 months, baseline working memory significantly interacted with baseline suppression to predict higher mania. Tests of simple slopes showed that at lower working memory levels, low use of suppression was associated with significantly greater mania symptoms. These results help to clarify previous inconsistent findings regarding cognitive functioning and emotion regulation strategies in bipolar disorder, suggesting that deficits in both domains combine to predict outcomes.
Tools for Innovation Management: A Comparison of Lean Startup and the Stage Gate System

This paper compares and contrasts the Stage-Gate and Lean Startup methodologies, both two popular approaches for launching new products and services. Although they were formed in different time periods, build on different theoretical traditions, and have targeted different audiences, there is enough commonality to demonstrate how the two respective methodologies have borrowed from one another and, in turn, might inform each other moving forward. We predict that the two theories will converge over time to form a set of best practices in new product development.
Fission and deep-inelastic scattering yields for 58 Ni + 112 , 124 Sn at energies around the barrier

Excitation functions of deep-inelastic scattering and fission have been measured for $^{58}{+\mathrm{}}^{112}$,124Sn at bombarding energies between 230 and 290 MeV. It is found that even at energies below the Coulomb barrier deep-inelastic scattering is an important reaction channel with yields similar to that of fusion. The total reaction cross sections are now in good agreement with the sum of the measured fusion, deep-inelastic, and quasielastic scattering yields. Attempts to reproduce the sub-barrier fusion yields by coupled-channels calculations are discussed.
Accuracy and reproducibility of T1rho mapping sequences

Background Previous studies have shown that T1rho-weighted imaging using long spin locking pulses enables high discrimination between infarct and myocardium without the need for exogenous contrast agents. To optimize imaging protocols, it’s beneficial to understand the factors that influence the measurement. We measured the accuracy and reproducibility of spin echo-spin lock (SESL) T1rho-prepared balanced-steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences for myocardial relaxation time mapping. We subsequently performed in vivo studies and determined the average T1rho values in normal myocardium.