cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Stool DNA and Other Noninvasive Modalities

Colorectal cancer screening dates to the discovery of precancerous adenomatous tissue. Screening modalities and guidelines directed at prevention and early detection have evolved and resulted in a significant decrease in the prevalence and mortality of colorectal cancer via direct visualization or using specific markers. Despite continued efforts and an overall reduction in deaths attributed to colorectal cancer over the last 25 years, colorectal cancer remains one of the most common causes of malignancy-associated deaths. In attempt to further reduce the prevalence of colorectal cancer and associated deaths, continued improvement in screening quality and adherence remains key. Noninvasive screening modalities are actively being explored. Identification of specific genetic alterations in the adenoma-cancer sequence allow for the study and development of noninvasive screening modalities beyond guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing which target specific alterations or a panel of alterations. The stool DNA test is the first noninvasive screening tool that targets both human hemoglobin and specific genetic alterations. In this review we discuss stool DNA and other commercially available noninvasive colorectal cancer screening modalities in addition to other targets which previously have been or are currently under study.
Information literacy at Ulster County Community College: Going the distance

Abstract In 1996, the reference librarians and faculty at Ulster County Community College developed an award-winning online information literacy course. The course is now offered through the SUNY Learning Network and is part of the OASIS distance education program at UCCC. LIB111 evolved through an extensive information literacy initiative starting in 1992 and is based on the 1-credit classroom course that had been taught at UCCC since 1994. It is a pre/co-requisite for all second semester English courses. Faculty development and maintenance of the course are continuing responsibilities. Retention and assessment are issues that are now being addressed.
Misleading reductions of serum sodium and chloride associated with hyperproteinemia in patients with multiple myeloma.

Summary and ConclusionsDoes extreme elevation in concentration of human blood serum proteins undermine the validity of conventional units of expression of concentrations of sodium and chloride in clinical biochemistry? The foregoing study has yielded an affirmative answer and emphasizes the validity of millimolality (e.g., mM Na per kg serum water) in contrast to the misleading interpretations which may derive from use of millimolarity (mM of Na per liter of serum). The ultrafiltrability of sodium and potassium, in preliminary studies, is consistent with predictions based upon Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium.
Degenerative Veränderungen im alternden Innenohr, mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der vasculären Veränderungen, in Flächenpräparaten der menschlichen Cochlea dargestellt

Mit Hilfe der Oberflachenpraparation wurden von uns 150 menschliche Labyrinthe aller Altersgruppen untersucht. Es wurde eine Haarzellen-und Nervendegeneration schon im Kindesalter beobachtet. Blutgefase in der Schnecke haben perivasculdre Spalten; Gefase atrophieren and werden zu „avascular channels”, leeren Spaltrdumen oder Striingen. Bei Presbyakusis fallt neben der Haarzell- and Nervendegeneration in der Basalwindung der Schnecke die Gefasatrophie im Ligamentum spirale und der Membrana basilaris auf. Dazu kommt noch eine betrachtliche Atrophie des Ligamentum spirale und der Stria vascularis. Bemerkenswert ist, das die Devascularisation schon im Kindesalter beginnt.
Massive exophytic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor

We present a case of a solitary neurofibroma involving the right posterior shoulder of a 69-year-old man with degeneration into a massive, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor measuring more than 3 times the average reported size. The radiographic, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomographic features are compared with the gross appearance and pathology.
Statics comparative analysis on shafting structures with consideration of assembly errors

Owing to the complexity of holistic analysis on transmission systems,such shafting structure as shaft-gear-bearing of a specific accessory gearbox transmission system is studied.Firstly,the shafting structure is statically simulated based on the contact theory and finite element method.By considering different axis parallelism deviations with assembly error factors,a comparative simulation analysis is then applied for entire shafting structure,gears and bearings.Finally,it is found that,due to unparallel gear shaft,the error and equivalent stress increase.In addition,the gear stress significantly varies,whilst the bearing stress slightly varies.Therefore,this approach paves a venue for gear and bearing design and optimization on actual transmission system assembly.
CO2 capture and storage: Costs and market potential

Publisher Summary This chapter aims to analyze the costs and market potential for CO2 capture and storage (CCS) mitigation option. It discusses that CCS fits nicely in a portfolio of mitigation options that include increased energy efficiency, growth in renewable energy technologies, and expansion of nuclear power. It focuses on the components of the CCS system—capture, transport, and storage. For each of these components, the major causes of variability are discussed and the cost ranges are presented. However, this is no different than other CO2 mitigation technologies—there is always a range to costs, not simply a single value. To really understand the meaning of any cost numbers, one must understand the context for which they were derived. It also assesses total system costs and market potential. While there is much variability, the chapter concludes with some robust findings regarding costs and market potential of CCS technologies.
Abstract 231: Uncovering the Mechanism and Function of Newly Discovered KCNQ1-Transporter Complexes

The KCNQ1 voltage-gated potassium channel is essential for human ventricular repolarization, permitting potassium efflux from excited cardiomyocytes to end each action potential and repolarize the heart. In cardiomyocytes, KCNQ1 is modulated by interaction with beta-subunits from the KCNE gene family, each of which significantly alters KCNQ1 channel function. KCNQ1 mutations are the most common identified genetic basis for Long QT syndrome (LQTS) and are also associated with lone atrial fibrillation (AF). The sodium-dependent myo-inositol transporter 1 (SMIT1) mediates cellular uptake of myo-inositol, an essential osmolyte that also represents an important substrate for phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways that regulate a plethora of ion channels including those essential for human cardiac function. We recently discovered that KCNQ1 can form heteromeric, co-regulatory complexes with Na+-coupled solute transporters including SMIT1, SMIT2 and glucose transporter SGLT1. These findings represent the first reported example of formation of an ion channel-solute transporter complex. Having discovered KCNQ1-SMIT1 complexes in mouse choroid plexus epithelium, we are currently investigating whether these types of complexes occur in the heart, how their function is altered by the various cardiac-expressed KCNE regulatory subunits or by arrhythmia-associated mutations, and which parts of KCNQ1 coordinate complex formation. Here, we present evidence of KCNQ1-SMIT1 co-assembly in pig heart based on co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Using KCNQ1-KCNQ4 chimeras we also begin to define which specific regions of KCNQ1 are required for complex formation with SMIT1. Finally, we present data showing the effects of SMIT1 on complexes formed by KCNQ1 and KCNE1, 2 and 3. KCNQ1-transporter complexes provide a potential hub for electrochemical crosstalk in normal cardiac function and in arrhythmogenesis.
Comment on: “Na-Ion Desalination (NID) Enabled by Na-Blocking Membranes and Symmetric Na-Intercalation: Porous-Electrode Modeling” [J. Electrochem. Soc., 163, A530 (2016)]

The relationship between pore-scale velocity and superficial velocity was incorrectly described in the original manuscript [Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 163(3) A530–A539 (2016)] and has been corrected here. Two equations in the original manuscript that expressed the superficial velocity contained erroneous factors that have been removed, as well. Further, the equation for membrane polarization presented originally contained a sign error that has been corrected here. In all cases, the results originally presented utilized the correct equations, and therefore no results were affected by these errors. In addition, several technical terms have been updated and their meanings clarified here.
Materials property dependence of the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient of thin film bulk acoustic resonators

The input electric impedance, Z/sub /spl omega//, for a three-layer (electrode/piezoelectric film/electrode) and a four layer (electrode/piezoelectric film/electrode/substrate) thin film bulk acoustic wave resonator, is derived by a one-dimensional transfer matrix method to describe the thin film resonator behavior, especially the effect of electrode and substrate layers on resonator properties. Based on the impedance spectra, the effective coupling coefficient, k/sub eff//sup 2/, of a thin film resonator can be evaluated with respect to the resonator structure and thin film properties. The calculation results for both AlN and PZT thin film resonators reveal that the mechanical Q factor of the thin film piezoelectric material has a significant effect on the k/sub eff//sup 2/ of the device. k/sub eff//sup 2/ decreases with the increase of the mechanical quality factor, Q, and reaches a stable value when the Q value is sufficiently high. k/sub eff//sup 2/ is also dependent on the thickness and material properties of the electrode and substrates. For a specific electrode material, a maximum value can be obtained at an appropriate electrode/piezoelectric layer thickness ratio. The frequency temperature stability of thin film resonators is also evaluated with respect to the resonator structure and material properties.
Book Review: Balthasar on the Spiritual Senses: Perceiving Splendour

Balthasar on the Spiritual Senses: Perceiving Splendour. By Mark McInroy. Changing Paradigms in Historical and Systematic Theology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. 217 pp. $99.00 (cloth).Mark McInroy's book Balthasar on the Spiritual Senses sets itself to the task of uncovering Balthasars use and modification of the doctrine of the spiritual senses-that is, the doctrine that human beings have senses in the spiritual realm that are analogous to those of the physical. McInroy focuses on the function of the spiritual senses in Balthasar's thought because he desires to fill a lacuna in Balthasar scholarship, as he observes that "only a handful of scholars have observed that the spiritual senses are a noteworthy feature of Balthasars aesthetics" (p. 4). This lack of scholarly investigation is significant, for after all, "At the very core of Balthasar's aesthetics lies the idea that our perceptual faculties must become ?spiritualized' if we are to perceive the splendour (Glanz) of the form through which God is revealed" (p. 2). Another way to summarize McInroy's efforts here is as a serious attempt to pull together various threads or themes quite prevalent in Balthasar and yet not always articulated as a unity.One of McInroy's basic points is that Balthasar is quite aware of how important embodiment is in the spiritual life, so much so that the spiritual aspect of human beings has senses. We must avoid reducing spiritual perception to the "merely metaphorical" (p. 21). Why we must do so is not at first apparent, though McInroy increasingly unveils how-ultimately-Balthasar is defending and elevating beauty, which is closely tied to our senses. McInroy reveals Balthasar's logic by stressing specific elements of his thought. So, the chapters focus tightly on a handful of interlocking ideas: the very real sense-quality, or sensuality, of the spiritual senses (see especially the study of Origen, pp. 18-36); the precarious balance that must be kept between spiritual "sight" and the invisible God (as on pp. 125-129,154-160); and beauty as the sensible revelation of being (especially pp. 132-133,143-154).Balthasar, and so McInroy, binds himself firmly to the conviction that the spiritual senses do not perceive God's nature, God in se, which Balthasar terms the Deus nudus (pp. 126-127). We should not imagine that God has a body, or that Balthasar thinks God does. This has much more to do with a Christian's perception of God's call of each person to a mission in the world, with liturgical experience, with encountering our neighbor (pp. …
THE INACTIVATION OF TRYPSIN : III. SPONTANEOUS INACTIVATION.

1. The rate of inactivation of purified trypsin solutions approximates closely that demanded by the monomolecular formula. The more carefully the solution is purified the closer the agreement with the formula. 2. The products formed by the action of trypsin on proteins renders the trypsin more stable. Gelatin and glycine have no effect. 3. The rate of inactivation of trypsin solutions containing these products does not follow the course of a monomolecular reaction but becomes progressively slower than the predicted rate. 4. The protective action of these substances is much greater if they are added all at once at the beginning of the experiment than if they are added at intervals. These observations may be quantitatively accounted for by the hypothesis that a compound is formed between trypsin and the inhibiting substance which is stable as well as inactive, and that the rate of decomposition depends on the amount of uncombined trypsin present. 5. Trypsin is most stable at a pH of 5 and is rapidly destroyed in strongly acid or alkaline solution. 6. The protective effect of the inhibiting substances is small on the acid side of pH 5, increases from pH 5 to 7, and then remains approximately constant.
Moderating effect of personality traits on relationships between retail therapy, compulsive buying, and hoarding for fashion products

AbstractThe goal of this research was to examine the relationships between retail therapy, compulsive buying and hoarding, and subsequently to investigate the moderating effect of consumers’ personality traits on the relationships between retail therapy and compulsive buying and between retail therapy and compulsive hoarding. A sample of 354 undergraduate and graduate students was used to examine the relationships. Participants who purchased fashion products to alleviate negative feelings (retail therapy) scored high on being compulsive buyers, and consumers who were involved in compulsive buying were inclined to hoard fashion products. Participants indicating a narcissistic authority-leadership personality were not engaged in compulsive buying even though they indicated they participated in retail therapy. Participants with a positive disposition, negative disposition, and a narcissistic high self-esteem personality were engaged in compulsive buying. Findings confirmed the connection between retail thera...
Los Alamos, Trinity , and Tinian

The Los Alamos Laboratory was the intellectual center of the Manhattan Project, and the Laboratory’s wartime Director, Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, is probably the most widely-recognized personality of the Project. Even decades later, the image of a collection of accomplished scientists and engineers shut away to labor for over two years in danger and secrecy under the direction of a brilliant, charismatic leader in a setting of spectacular natural beauty to produce a revolutionary new weapon still strikes a powerful emotional reaction
Degradable bioadhesive nanoparticles for prolonged intravaginal delivery and retention of elvitegravir

Abstract New methods for long-lasting protection against sexually transmitted disease, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are needed to help reduce the severity of STD epidemics, especially in developing countries. Intravaginal delivery of therapeutics has emerged as a promising strategy to provide women with local protection, but residence times of such agents are greatly reduced by the protective mucus layer, fluctuating hormone cycle, and complex anatomical structure of the reproductive tract. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) capable of encapsulating the desired cargo, penetrating through the mucosal surfaces, and delivering agents to the site of action have been explored. However, prolonged retention of polymer carriers and their enclosed materials may also be needed to ease adherence and confer longer-lasting protection against STDs. Here, we examined the fate of two poly (lactic acid)-hyperbranched polyglycerols (PLA-HPG) NP formulations – 1) nonadhesive PLA-HPG NPs (NNPs) and 2) surface-modified bioadhesive NPs (BNPs) – loaded with the antiretroviral elvitegravir (EVG) after intravaginal administration. BNP distribution was widespread throughout the reproductive tract, and retention was nearly 5 times higher than NNPs after 24 h. Moreover, BNPs were found to be highly associated with submucosal leukocytes and epithelial cell populations for up to 48 h after topical application, and EVG was retained significantly better in the vaginal lumen when delivered with BNPs as opposed to NNPs over a 24 h period. Our results suggest that bioadhesive PLA-HPG NPs can greatly improve and prolong intravaginal delivery of agents, which may hold potential in providing sustained protection over longer durations.
Barrett Esophagus: Evolving Concepts in Diagnosis and Neoplastic Progression

Surgical pathologists need to answer 2 questions when evaluating biopsies from the distal esophagus or gastroesophageal junction in patients with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Are the findings consistent with Barrett esophagus? and Is there any evidence of dysplasia? Pathologists should be well informed about the controversy around the definition of Barrett esophagus and the common pitfalls that lead to a false-positive diagnosis of Barrett esophagus or Barrett esophagus-associated dysplasia. A concise description of distinct morphologic types of dysplasia in Barrett esophagus and a summary of recent data on the natural history of BE are provided in this review.
Single Institute Experience With Methylphenidate and American Ginseng in Cancer-Related Fatigue.

Background:Single therapy with methylphenidate or American ginseng contributes to the reduction in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) with different pharmacologic mechanisms and is relatively safe. However, the safety and efficacy of treating CRF with methylphenidate and AG combination therapy is unknown.Aim:The primary objective was to assess the clinical safety and the change in fatigue with numerical rating scale (NRS) on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) after intervention with methylphenidate and AG combination therapy.Methods:We reviewed the electronic medical records of 857 patients seen in our Palliative Medicine outpatient clinic between February 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015. Fatigue was assessed by NRS on ESAS. Toxicity was reviewed on clinician’s documents.Results:We identified 28 patients who were prescribed a combination of methylphenidate (10-40 mg/d) and AG (2000 mg/d). Ten patients did not comply with the combination therapy. Three patients had stage 2 adverse effects. Fifteen patie...
Design, Implementation and Verification of Cloud Architecture for Monitoring a Virtual Machine's Security Health

Cloud customers need assurances regarding the security of their virtual machines (VMs), operating within an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud system. This is complicated by the customer not knowing where his VM is executing, and on the semantic gap between what the customer wants to know versus what can be measured in the cloud. We present CloudMonatt , an architecture for monitoring a VM's security health. We show a full prototype based on the OpenStack open source cloud software. We also verify CloudMonatt to show that there are no security vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to subvert its protection. As such, we conduct a systematic security verification of CloudMonatt . We model and verify the network protocols within the distributed system, as well as interactions of hardware/software modules inside the cloud server. Our results show that CloudMonatt is capable of delivering this monitoring and attestation service to customers in an unforgeable and reliable manner.
Taking a Steppe Towards Optimizing Note-Taking Software by Creation of a Note Classification Algorithm

Note-taking software often far surpasses its paper-and-pencil counterpart when measured in metrics such as availability and reliability. However, there is ample opportunity relating to the analysis and organization of notes in structures often called folders, notebooks, or projects within various software. ShovelWare is a project designed for an ongoing field research project analyzing the Bronze and Iron Ages of Mongolia. Accessible through a web interface and cross-platform mobile application, it is a replacement for manual data collection on paper and excessive, error-ridden input into digital spreadsheets. We propose a machine learning algorithm that classifies notes using a variety of metrics, sorting them into graph structures to provide initial insights into the similarity of field notes. As a result, ShovelWare will allow archaeologists to more quickly and cleanly view and share their data. The algorithm, as well as the note-taking structure, are planned with hopes of scalability and applicability into more disciplines.
Pregnancy rates of beef heifers bred either on puberal or third estrus.

The objective of this study was to determine if pregnancy rates (PR) differed between beef heifers bred to fertile bulls on either their puberal (E1, n = 89) or third (E3, n = 67) estrus. Heifers were obtained from two lactations (Manhattan, L1; and Miles City, L2), and the experiment was conducted at Miles City. Heifers were assigned randomly within location to either E1 or E3. Heifers were fed to gain .56 kg.head-1 X d-1 and observed twice daily for estrus. After exhibiting first estrus (puberty) and breeding, each heifer in E1 was palpated rectally on d 6, 9 and 12 +/- 1 d (estrus = d 0) for the presence of a corpus luteum, and a venous blood sample was collected for assay of progesterone by radioimmunoassay. Heifers in E3 were palpated and bled on the same schedule as heifers in E1 after first estrus and after being bred to a fertile bull at third estrus. Pregnancy rates were determined by rectal palpation at approximately 38 d post-breeding. Location of origin did not affect (P greater than .10) weight at puberty or weight at breeding; however, heifers from L1 were younger (P less than .05) than heifers from L2 at puberty and breeding. Pregnancy rates were 57 and 78% for heifers in E1 and E3, respectively (P less than .05). Weight at breeding did not influence (P greater than .10) pregnancy rates. The probability of heifers in E1 becoming pregnant increased (P less than .05) with increasing age, while age was not a factor (P greater than .10) for heifers in E3. These results indicated that fertility of puberal estrus in beef heifers is lower than third estrus. Higher fertility of third estrus may be related to maturational changes associated with cycling activity.
Metabolic Substrate Dependence of Carotid Chemosensory Responses To Stop-Flow Evoked Hypoxia and to Nicotine

It is possible that glutamate and other amino acids enhance the responsiveness of carotid body preparations by acting as substrates for cellular energy production. Amino acids are potential metabolic substrates because they can be converted to tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates involved in ATP generation (Altman and Dittmer, 1973). A high concentration of glutamate (42 mM) was used in the carotid body superfused in vitro (Baron and Eyzaguirre, 1977). Glutamate apparently helped to maintain responsiveness of the chemoreceptors. However, the extent to which glutamate was used as a metabolic substrate is unclear because the 5.5 mM glucose that was also present may have been an adequate substrate. Consistent with the hypothesis that glutamate and other amino acids are used as metabolic substrates by the carotid body is that vascularly isolated carotid body preparations perfused with saline solutions containing 5.5 mM glucose but lacking amino acids manifest progressive deterioration in chemosensory responsiveness (Joels and Neil, 1968; O’Regan, 1973).
Basic Differential Topology

In this chapter we prove some results on transversality, general position, orientations, and intersection numbers that will be used in later chapters, including the Inverse Image Theorem (Theorem 5.11) and the Homotopy Transversality Theorems (Theorem 5.17 and Theorem 5.19). As an application of these results we show that the class of Morse functions on a finite dimensional smooth manifold M is locally stable (Corollary 5.24) and dense as a subspace of the space of all smooth functions on M with the uniform topology (Theorem 5.27). We also show that the set of Morse functions on M is an open and dense subspace of the space of all smooth functions on M with the smooth topology (Theorem 5.31). In the last two sections of this chapter we define orientations and intersection numbers, and we prove the Lefschetz Fixed Point Theorem (Theorem 5.50).
Limited appearance of apocarotenoids is observed in plasma after consumption of tomato juices: a randomized human clinical trial.

Background Nonvitamin A apocarotenoids occur in foods. Some function as retinoic acid receptor antagonists in vitro, though it is unclear if apocarotenoids are absorbed or accumulate to levels needed to elicit biological function. Objective The aim of this study was to quantify carotenoids and apocarotenoids (β-apo-8'-, -10'-, -12'-, and -14'-carotenal, apo-6'-, -8'-, -10'-, -12'-, and -14'-lycopenal, retinal, acycloretinal, β-apo-13-carotenone, and apo-13-lycopenone) in human plasma after controlled consumption of carotenoid-rich tomato juices. Design Healthy subjects (n = 35) consumed a low-carotenoid diet for 2 wk, then consumed 360 mL of high-β-carotene tomato juice (30.4 mg of β-carotene, 34.5 μg total β-apocarotenoids/d), high-lycopene tomato juice (42.5 mg of lycopene, 119.2 μg total apolycopenoids/d), or a carotenoid-free control (cucumber juice) per day for 4 wk. Plasma was sampled at baseline (after washout) and after 2 and 4 wk, and analyzed for carotenoids and apocarotenoids using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The methods used to analyze the apocarotenoids had limits of detection of ∼ 100 pmol/L. Results Apocarotenoids are present in tomato juices at 0.1-0.5% of the parent carotenoids. Plasma lycopene and β-carotene increased (P < 0.001) after consuming high-lycopene and β-carotene tomato juices, respectively, while retinol remained unchanged. β-Apo-13-carotenone was found in the blood of all subjects at every visit, although elevated (P < 0.001) after consuming β-carotene tomato juice for 4 wk (1.01 ± 0.27 nmol/L) compared with both baseline (0.37 ± 0.17 nmol/L) and control (0.46 ± 0.11 nmol/L). Apo-6'-lycopenal was detected or quantifiable in 29 subjects, while β-apo-10'- and 12'-carotenal were detected in 6 and 2 subjects, respectively. No other apolycopenoids or apocarotenoids were detected. Conclusions β-Apo-13-carotenone was the only apocarotenoid that was quantifiable in all subjects, and was elevated in those consuming high-β-carotene tomato juice. Levels were similar to previous reports of all-trans-retinoic acid. Other apocarotenoids are either poorly absorbed or rapidly metabolized or cleared, and so are absent or limited in blood. β-Apo-13-carotenone may form from vitamin A and its presence warrants further investigation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02550483.
Integrating geriatric assessment into routine gastrointestinal (GI) consultation: The Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation (CARE).

Abstract Background Integrating Geriatric Assessment (GA) in the management of older adults with cancer is recommended, yet rarely practiced in routine oncologic care. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of integrating routine GA in the management of older adults with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies and characterize impairments in this population. Methods Patients ≥60yo referred for consultation to the GI Oncology clinic were asked to complete the Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation (CARE) on their first visit. CARE was adapted from the Cancer and Aging Research Group GA with modifications to create a completely patient-reported version of the GA. Feasibility was defined as completion of CARE by ≥80% of eligible patients during the initial consultation. Results Of the eligible 354 new patients seen in the GI Oncology Clinic, 323 (91.2%) completed the CARE survey. Most patients (83.1%) felt the length of time to complete was appropriate (median time of 10 min [IQR 10–15.7 min]). GA impairments were prevalent: 54.7% reported dependence in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, 15.5% reported dependence in Activities of Daily Living, 20.9% reported ≥1 fall, 35.9% reported a performance status ≥2, 55.7% were limited in walking one block, 74.0% reported polypharmacy (≥4 medications), and 36.4% had ≥3 comorbidities. Conclusions Performing a GA in the routine care of older adults with GI malignancies is feasible, and GA impairments are common among this population. A fully patient-reported GA such as the CARE may facilitate broader incorporation of GA in the routine clinic work flow.
The use of a hydrogel implant in the repair of osteochondral defects of the knee: A biomechanical evaluation of restoration of native contact pressures in cadaver knees.

Abstract Background Osteochondral injuries have been treated by a variety of methods, each having its own drawbacks. The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical feasibility of using a hydrogel implant replacement for an osteochondral core defect. The hypothesis of this study was that the contact pressure of the native knee can be recreated with the use of a hydrogel implant. Methods Six cadaver knees were tested in a knee simulator while contact pressures were measured on the tibial plateau. Pressure data was collected in the intact knee, after coring of the condyle and after insertion of a hydrogel implant. Following 1000 gait cycles of fatigue testing, each knee was taken through axial loading indentation testing where the stiffness of the in situ implant was compared to the contralateral condyle. Findings While coring significantly reduced the peak pressure at the coring site from 1.8 MPa in the intact knee to 0.0 MPa after coring, implant insertion significantly increased it to 1.2 MPa. There was no significant difference in the peak pressures or the average pressures at the hole location between the intact knee and following implant insertion. After fatigue testing, no macroscopic loosening or implant damage was observed. Based on indentation testing, the stiffness of the medial condyle, 157 N/mm, was significantly less than the lateral condyle, 696 N/mm. Interpretation The insertion of the hydrogel implant was able to achieve restoration of contact pressures in the knee supporting the viability of hydrogel implants in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the knee.
Brain atrophy in primary age-related tauopathy is linked to transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa

Abstract Introduction Primary age-related tauopathy (PART) is characterized by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and absent-minimal β-amyloid deposition. Transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), a third protein, has recently garnished a lot of attention in Alzheimer's disease where it is associated with memory loss and amygdala and hippocampal atrophy. We aimed to determine whether TDP-43 is associated with brain atrophy in PART. Methods We assessed the frequency of TDP-43 in PART and performed voxel-level analysis in SPM12, as well as region-of-interest analysis using linear regression modeling, controlling for variables of interest, to assess for associations between TDP-43 and brain atrophy. Results Of 116 PART cases, 31 (26.7%) had TDP-43. The presence of TDP-43 was associated with significantly greater amygdala, hippocampal, and anterior temporal atrophy in both the region-of-interest and the voxel level analyses. Discussion TDP-43 is associated with greater brain atrophy in PART.
Relationship between clinical features, GEP class, and PRAME expression in uveal melanoma.

Metastatic risk for uveal melanoma (UM) patients can be characterized by gene expression profiling (GEP) (Castle Biosciences, Friendswood, TX). Class 1A tumors carry low metastatic risk; class 1B tumors have intermediate risk; and class 2 tumors have high risk. Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a tumor-associated antigen which is expressed in various neoplasms including UM. Recently, PRAME expression in uveal melanoma was first recognized to confer an additional metastatic risk beyond GEP status. This was a retrospective, consecutive, multicenter chart review study. All patients diagnosed with UM at two major ocular oncology centers from August 2016 to February 2018 who underwent both GEP and PRAME mRNA expression testing were included. Patient age at diagnosis, gender, and tumor variables such as thickness, largest basal diameter (LBD), tumor volume, TNM stage, and GEP class and PRAME status were extracted from the medical records. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the association of PRAME +/− status with all clinical and molecular variables. One hundred forty-eight UM patients were identified. TNM was stage I in 51 (34.5%), stage IIA in 33 (22.3%), stage IIB in 34 (23%), stage IIIA in 20 (13.5%), and stage IIIB in 10 (6.8%) patients. Fifty-five patients (37%) were PRAME-positive, a significant fraction. There was no association between higher TNM stage and positive PRAME status (p = 0.129). PRAME expression was found to be independent of gender, patient age, and tumor thickness. PRAME expression was statistically associated with LBD and tumor volume. Higher GEP class was associated with higher TNM staging (p < 0.001). Worsening GEP class was associated with PRAME+ status with 28% of GEP class 1A tumors having PRAME+ status, 29% of GEP class 1B tumors having PRAME+ status, and 56% of GEP class 2 tumors having PRAME+ status. In this study cohort, PRAME+ status was significantly associated with LBD and tumor volume as well as worsening GEP class. Nearly a third of GEP class 1A tumors expressed PRAME. Given the recent published data on increased metastatic risk among patients with tumors expressing PRAME, this study suggests that a significant fraction of 1A patients may harbor an increased metastatic risk. Future large, multicenter studies with long-term follow-up will clarify this finding.
Atrial fibrillation is not an independent predictor of outcome in patients with aortic stenosis.

Objectives To examine the prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation (AF) versus sinus rhythm (SR) on the management and outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods 1847 consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area ≤1.0 cm2 and aortic valve systolic mean Doppler gradient ≥40 mm Hg or peak velocity ≥4 m/s) and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were identified. The independent association of AF and all-cause mortality was assessed. Results Age was 76±11 years and 46% were female; 293 (16%) patients had AF and 1554 (84%) had SR. In AF, 72% were symptomatic versus 71% in SR. Survival rate at 5 years for AF (41%) was lower than SR (65%) (age- and sex-adjusted HR=1.66 (1.40–1.98), p Conclusion AF was associated with poor prognosis in patients with severe AS, but apparent differences in outcomes compared with SR were explained by factors other than AF including concomitant cardiac abnormalities and deferral of AVR due to attribution of cardiac symptoms to AF.
Live and Learn: Live Critiquing and Student Learning, Perspectives: Teaching Legal Research and Writing

This article explores the practice of live critiquing—the process of giving students feedback on their written work “live” or in-person, rather than in writing. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the practice and offers ways faculty can experiment with it as an alternative to traditional written feedback.
Vertebrate mucus stimulates biofilm development and upregulates iron acquisition genes in Flavobacterium columnare

Columnaris disease is responsible for substantial losses throughout the production of many freshwater fish species. One of the ways in which the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare is so effective in initiating disease is through the formation of biofilms on fish skin and gills. To further explore the interaction between host factors and bacterial cells, we assayed the ability of vertebrate mucus to enhance F. columnare biofilm development. Different concentrations of catfish, tilapia and pig mucus (5-60 µg/ml) increased biofilm growth at varying degrees among F. columnare isolates. Our data suggest that vertebrate mucus acts as a signalling molecule for the development of F. columnare biofilms; however, there are clear disparities in how individual isolates respond to different mucus fractions to stimulate biofilms. The expression of iron acquisition genes among two genomovar II isolates showed that ferroxidase, TonB receptor and the siderophore synthetase gene were all significantly upregulated among F. columnare biofilms. Interestingly, the siderophore acetyltransferase gene was only shown to be significantly upregulated in one of the genomovar II isolates. This work provides insight into our understanding of the interaction between F. columnare and vertebrate mucus, which likely contributes to the growth of planktonic cells and the transition into biofilms.
Binaural Pitch Fusion in Children With Normal Hearing, Hearing Aids, and Cochlear Implants.

OBJECTIVES Binaural pitch fusion is the perceptual integration of stimuli that evoke different pitches between the ears into a single auditory image. Adults who use hearing aids (HAs) or cochlear implants (CIs) often experience abnormally broad binaural pitch fusion, such that sounds differing in pitch by as much as 3 to 4 octaves are fused across ears, leading to spectral averaging and speech perception interference. The main goal of this study was to measure binaural pitch fusion in children with different hearing device combinations and compare results across groups and with adults. A second goal was to examine the relationship of binaural pitch fusion to interaural pitch differences or pitch match range, a measure of sequential pitch discriminability. DESIGN Binaural pitch fusion was measured in children between the ages of 6.1 and 11.1 years with bilateral HAs (n = 9), bimodal CI (n = 10), bilateral CIs (n = 17), as well as normal-hearing (NH) children (n = 21). Depending on device combination, stimuli were pure tones or electric pulse trains delivered to individual electrodes. Fusion ranges were measured using simultaneous, dichotic presentation of reference and comparison stimuli in opposite ears, and varying the comparison stimulus to find the range that fused with the reference stimulus. Interaural pitch match functions were measured using sequential presentation of reference and comparison stimuli, and varying the comparison stimulus to find the pitch match center and range. RESULTS Children with bilateral HAs had significantly broader binaural pitch fusion than children with NH, bimodal CI, or bilateral CIs. Children with NH and bilateral HAs, but not children with bimodal or bilateral CIs, had significantly broader fusion than adults with the same hearing status and device configuration. In children with bilateral CIs, fusion range was correlated with several variables that were also correlated with each other: pure-tone average in the second implanted ear before CI, and duration of prior bilateral HA, bimodal CI, or bilateral CI experience. No relationship was observed between fusion range and pitch match differences or range. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that binaural pitch fusion is still developing in this age range and depends on hearing device combination but not on interaural pitch differences or discriminability.
M-based simultaneous inference for the mean function of functional data

Estimating and constructing a simultaneous confidence band for the mean function in the presence of outliers is an important problem in the framework of functional data analysis. In this paper, we propose a robust estimator and a robust simultaneous confidence band for the mean function of functional data using M-estimation and B-splines. The robust simultaneous confidence band is also extended to the difference of mean functions of two populations. Further, the asymptotic properties of the M-based mean function estimator, such as the asymptotic consistency and asymptotic normality, are studied. The performance of the proposed robust methods and their robustness are demonstrated with an extensive simulation study and two real data examples.
Data-Driven Anomaly Detection in Modern Power Systems

With the development of information and communication techniques, big data in smart grid makes it possible to provide new solutions to efficient power system operations. However, these technologies are vulnerable to malicious cyber attacks targeting on electricity markets or physical systems, which may lead to severe reliability and economic issues. In this chapter, two state-of-the-art data-driven anomaly detection methods are introduced. To demonstrate their applications in power systems, two groups of forecasting models, i.e., deterministic and probabilistic models, are developed to provide very-short-term electricity price forecasting. Therefore, the anomaly behavior in the electricity market could be detected in both deterministic and probabilistic manner. Case studies showed that the developed deterministic and probabilistic anomaly methodologies outperformed benchmarks.
Schottky Barrier Height Engineering in β -Ga 2 O 3 Using SiO 2 Interlayer Dielectric

This paper reports on the modulation of Schottky barrier heights (SBH) on three different orientations of β-Ga 2 O 3 by insertion of an ultra-thin SiO 2 dielectric interlayer at the metal-semiconductor junction, which can potentially lower the Fermi-level pinning (FLP) effect due to metal-induced gap states (MIGS). Pt and Ni metal-semiconductor (MS) and metal-interlayer-semiconductor (MIS) Schottky barrier diodes were fabricated on bulk n-type doped β-Ga 2 O 3 single crystal substrates along the (010), (-201) and (100) orientations and were characterized by room temperature current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. Pt MIS diodes exhibited 0.53 eV and 0.37 eV increment in SBH along the (010) and (-201) orientations respectively as compared to their respective MS counterparts. The highest SBH of 1.81 eV was achieved on the (010)-oriented MIS SBD using Pt metal. The MIS SBDs on (100)-oriented substrates exhibited a dramatic increment (> 1.5 ×) in SBH as well as reduction in reverse leakage current. The use of thin dielectric interlayers can be an efficient experimental method to modulate SBH of metal/Ga 2 O 3 junctions.
Integrating Drones into the Us Air Traffic Control System

The technology already exists to build drones that are able to electronically see and avoid other aircraft. Drones of all sizes can be integrated into the air traffic control system by using this technology and maintaining the current requirement that drones yield the right-of-way to other aircraft. This technology is already used in piloted aircraft, and examining how drones can be integrated into the air traffic control system suggests ways that the system can be improved for piloted aircraft as well. The current system is a centralized system in which aircraft follow the instructions given by air traffic controllers. Current technology would allow a redesign so that both piloted and unmanned aircraft could fly when and where they want. Such a system would resolve potential conflicts in a decentralized manner as they arise, without the need for centralized control of air traffic.
The Prophage and Plasmid Mobilome as a Likely Driver of Mycobacterium abscessus Diversity

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging pathogen that is often refractory to antibiotic control. Treatment is further complicated by considerable variation among clinical isolates in both their genetic constitution and their clinical manifestations. Here, we show that the prophage and plasmid mobilome is a likely contributor to this variation. Prophages and plasmids are common, abundant, and highly diverse, and code for large repertoires of genes influencing virulence, antibiotic susceptibility, and defense against viral infection. At least 85% of the strains we describe carry one or more prophages, representing at least 17 distinct and diverse sequence “clusters,” integrated at 18 different attB locations. The prophages code for 19 distinct configurations of polymorphic toxin and toxin-immunity systems, each with WXG-100 motifs for export through type VII secretion systems. These are located adjacent to attachment junctions, are lysogenically expressed, and are implicated in promoting growth in infected host cells. Although the plethora of prophages and plasmids confounds the understanding of M. abscessus pathogenicity, they also provide an abundance of tools for M. abscessus engineering. IMPORTANCEMycobacterium abscessus is an important emerging pathogen that is challenging to treat with current antibiotic regimens. There is substantial genomic variation in M. abscessus clinical isolates, but little is known about how this influences pathogenicity and in vivo growth. Much of the genomic variation is likely due to the large and varied mobilome, especially a large and diverse array of prophages and plasmids. The prophages are unrelated to previously characterized phages of mycobacteria and code for a diverse array of genes implicated in both viral defense and in vivo growth. Prophage-encoded polymorphic toxin proteins secreted via the type VII secretion system are common and highly varied and likely contribute to strain-specific pathogenesis.