cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Metalloprotease-Disintegrin Kuzbanian Regulates Sympathoadrenal Cell Fate in Development and Neoplasia

The development of the sympathetic nervous system involves cell-cell interactions that regulate the fate and migration of progenitor neural cells. Recent evidence shows that focal membrane-bound protease activity is critical for such interactions. The Drosophila kuzbanian (kuz) gene is required in neurogenesis and encodes a highly conserved, membrane-bound metalloprotease- disintegrin closley related to theTNF-alphaconvertingenzyme (TACE). We have characterized the human and mouse kuz homologs and mapped human kuz to chromosome 15q22. During mouse embryonic development Kuz is expressed mainly in the sympathoadrenal and olfactory neural precursors. Once sympathoadrenal cells differentiate into chromaffin cells in the adult adrenal medulla, they no longer express Kuz. However, we found that tumors of sympathoadrenal origin, such as pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas, overexpress Kuz. Further, transfection of a kuz construct lacking the protease domain, but not the full-length construct, induces neurite formation in PC12 chromaffin tumor cells. Taken together our results suggest a critical role for Kuz in regulation of sympathoadrenal cell fate.
Origin of the Blue Ridge escarpment along the passive margin of Eastern North America

The Blue Ridge escarpment is a rugged landform situated within the ancient Appalachian orogen. While similar in some respects to the great escarpments along other passive margins, which have evolved by erosion following rifting, its youthful topographic expression has inspired proposals of Cenozoic tectonic rejuvenation in eastern North America. To better understand the post-orogenic and post-rift geomorphic evolution of passive margins, we have examined the origin of this landform using low-temperature thermochronometry and manipulation of topographic indices. Apatite (U-Th)/He and fission-track analyses along transects across the escarpment reveal a younging trend towards the coast. This pattern is consistent with other great escarpments and fits with an interpretation of having evolved by prolonged erosion, without the requirement of tectonic rejuvenation. Measured ages are also comparable specifically to those measured along other great escarpments that are as much as 100Myr younger. This suggests that erosional mechanisms that maintain rugged escarpments in the early post-rift stages may remain active on ancient passive margins for prolonged periods. The precise erosional evolution of the escarpment is less clear, however, and several end-member models can explain the data. Our preferred model, which fits with all data, involves a significant degree of erosional escarpment retreat in the Cenozoic. Although this suggests that early onset of topographic stability is not required of passive margin evolution, more data are required to better constrain the details of the escarpment’s development.
Fundamentals of polymer compounding: The phase-inversion mechanism during mixing of polymer blends†

During a routine extrusion compounding of a polymer blend of polyarylate resin and ethylene/acrylate rubber, an unexpected powdery product instead of a cohesive mixture was obtained. Also, the 20% rubber component was not well dispersed in the final product. This process problem was studied by simulation with a laboratory internal mixer following the procedure discussed by Shih. The powder formation was successfully reproduced. From the results of continuous video monitoring and analyses of the intermediate samples collected during the simulation experiments, we found that the progression of mixing from solid pellets to a cohesive mixture in a batch mixer or a twin-screw extruder needs to “climb over” a prolonged transition state where the plastic polyarylate was dispersed in the 20% rubber. The finding led to two successful solutions to the powdering problem. A “phase-inversion” mechanism is proposed to explain the observed morphological changes. This mechanism appears to have wider applicability in the processing of polymer blends. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
OSC-MAC: Duty cycle scheduling and cooperation in multi-hop wireless sensor networks

An On-demand Scheduling Cooperative MAC protocol (OSC-MAC) is proposed to address the energy hole problem in multi-hop wireless sensor networks (WSNs). By combining an on-demand strategy and sensor cooperation intended to extend range, OSC-MAC tackles the spatio-temporal challenges for performing cooperative transmission (CT) in multi-hop WSN: cooperating nodes are neither on the same duty cycle nor are they in the same collision domain. We use orthogonal and pipelined duty-cycle scheduling, in part to reduce traffic contention, and devise a reservation-based wake-up scheme to bring cooperating nodes into temporary synchrony to support CT range extension. Compared with existing MAC protocols, our NS-2 simulations with REACT show that while we explicitly account for the overhead of CT and practical failures of control packets in dense traffic, OSC-MAC still gives almost 80% increase in network lifetime.
Mid-to-high-frequency bottom loss in the east China Sea

Bottom-loss measurements made in the East China Sea in May-June 2001 as part of the Asian Sea International Acoustics Experiment as a function of frequency (2-20 kHz) and seabed grazing angle (15/spl deg/-24/spl deg/) are presented. The measurements are interpreted as estimates of the modulus of the plane wave reflection coefficient and data are compared to predicted values using a reflection coefficient model, based on a two-layered sediment for which the sound speed in the surficial sediment layer is allowed to vary as a linear k/sup 2/ profile, where k is acoustic wave number. The region below this layer is modeled as a half-space with constant density and sound speed. The reflection coefficient model is driven by eight geoacoustic parameters; these are estimated from the data by minimizing the weighted squared error between the data and the model predictions for a candidate set of parameters. The parameter estimates for the sediment layer are thickness, 0.9/spl plusmn/0.5 m; density, 2.0/spl plusmn/0.1 g/cm/sup 3/; and attenuation, 0.25/spl plusmn/0.05 dB/m/kHz, with sediment layer sound speed increasing from 1557/spl plusmn/4 m/s at the water-sediment interface to 1625/spl plusmn/35 m/s at a depth of 0.9 m. The parameter estimates for the half-space are density, 2.0/spl plusmn/0.1 g/cm/sup 3/; attenuation, 0.25/spl plusmn/0.15 dB/m/kHz; and sound speed, 1635/spl plusmn/52 m/s. Variances for these estimates are derived using the Bootstrap method. This parameter set produced model curves that agreed reasonably well with the observations of bottom loss over the entire frequency range and is consistent with the range of independently measured geoacoustic variables. Since this mid-to-high-frequency data set does not provide detailed information about the sediment structure for depths beyond about 3 m, the geoacoustic parameter set is more properly viewed as description of the sediment layer and sediments in the underlying 2 m. Similarly, a self-consistent construction of a geoacoustic model for the East China Sea should necessarily amalgamate the mid-to-high-frequency results given here with results obtained at lower frequencies.
Predictors of cognitive decline following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Abstract Background A significant number of patients develop cognitive impairment that persists for months following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Our objectives were to identify patient-related risk factors, processes of care, and the occurrence of any perioperative complications associated with cognitive decline. Methods Nine hundred thirty-nine patients enrolled in the Processes, Structures, and Outcomes of Care in Cardiac Surgery study undergoing CABG-only surgery at 14 Veterans Administration medical centers between 1992 and 1996 completed a short battery of cognitive tests at baseline and 6-months post-CABG. The composite cognitive score was based on the sum of errors for each individual item in the battery. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of the 6-month composite cognitive score. Results In multivariable analyses, patient characteristics associated with cognitive decline included cerebrovascular disease ( p = 0.009), peripheral vascular disease ( p = 0.007), history of chronic disabling neurologic illness ( p = 0.016), and living alone ( p = 0.049), while the number of years of education ( p = 0.001) was inversely related to cognitive decline. After adjustment for baseline patient risk factors, the presence of any postoperative complication(s) ( p = 0.001) was also associated with cognitive decline while cardiopulmonary bypass time ( p = 0.008) was inversely related to cognitive decline. Conclusions Patients with noncoronary manifestations of atherosclerosis, chronic disabling neurologic illness, or limited social support are at risk for cognitive decline after CABG surgery. In contrast, more years of education were associated with less cognitive decline. Preoperative assessment of risk factors identified in this study may be useful when counseling patients about the risk for cognitive decline following CABG surgery.
Android Based Smart Signboard Application

India has extensive road and highway systems having traffic signs or road signs that are installed beside roads to provide driving instructions to drivers. Such as, Speed limits, Speed breakers, bridges, narrow roads, and other information of interest to drivers. Unfortunately, observing the applicable speed limit can be burdensome on a driver. For example, speed limit signs, accident zone, speed brake signs, etc. can be missed if the driver's attention wavers or if a large vehicle obstructs the driver's view from the sign. This project aims at providing voice alerts to the driver in advance about the road signs using Android application. The project is developed using RF Transmitters, Receivers and an Android application. Transmitters installed in sign board will transfer information to a receiver in the vehicle. Android application converts received signal into a voice based alert. The sign board includes an RF transmitter configured to transmit information to a vehicle-mounted receiver. The driver, passing signboard embedded with RF transmitter will receive information about the sign board. Keywords: Android; Signboard; RF
How Work Affects Crime—And Crime Affects Work—Over The Life Course

The meaning and social significance of both work and crime change dramatically over the life course. This chapter considers the connection between employment and criminal behavior at different life-course stages. We briefly discuss theories suggesting a general link between work and crime, and then take up the question of how work affects crime in adolescence, emerging adulthood, and older ages. We next report on classic and contemporary research showing how crime and punishment affect employment and earnings. The chapter concludes by taking stock of what has been learned and suggesting lines of further inquiry into when and how work matters for crime and delinquency.
Diminished α1-adrenergic-mediated contraction and translocation of PKC in senescent rat heart

Myocardial reserve function declines with aging due in part to reduced α- and β-adrenergic receptor (AR)-mediated contractile augmentation. Whereas specific age-associated deficits in β-AR signalin...
Safety Report of Ferumoxytol for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children and Young Adults.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the safety profile of ferumoxytol as an intravenous magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent in children.Materials and MethodsWe prospectively evaluated the safety of ferumoxytol administrations as an “off-label” contrast agent for magnetic resonance ima
Congenitally induced mortality in face flies (Diptera: Muscidae) following adult exposure to diflubenzuron-treated surfaces

Exposure of adult face flies (4 to 6 h old) to diflubenzuron-treated surfaces for intervals ranging from 0.25 to 16 h had a greater effect on larval mortality than on percentage egg hatch. F1 generation larval mortality was dependent upon diflubenzuron concentration, length of exposure, and age of the flies. Variation in egg hatch in response to diflubenzuron at different concentrations was negligible, but greater exposure time decreased the percentage hatch. As the flies aged, however, the percentage egg hatch increased. Although larval mortality and reduced egg hatch were demonstrated when either sex of the mating pair was exposed to diflubenzuron-treated surfaces, greater effects were observed when both male and female flies in the mating pairs were exposed.
Effects of Isolane and Lifengling on Lodging Resistance and Yield of Direct Sowing Rice

The effect of spraying Isolane and Lifengling on lodging resistance properties and yield of direct sowing rice was studied under different irrigation patterns.The tested rice variety of Y Liangyou No.1 was treated with two irrigation patterns(continuous irrigation of shallow water(CISW) and intermittent irrigation followed by shallow water(IISW) and at the same time,was sprayed with two plant growth regulators of isolane at 30 days after sowing and lifengling at 7 days.The spray of regulators reduced the internode length from the third to the fourth node below ear and increased the stalk diameter and wall thickness,especially the third and fourth internodes.Those increased the breaking resistance of rice(by 49.56% and 26.51% for the third and fourth internodes,respectively)while reduced the lodging index of rice by 27.27% and 12.33% to strengthen the lodging resistance,with a better result observed under IISW than CISW.Application of the two regulators increased the plant height,leaf width,and the angular separation between leaf and stalk,reduced the length of flag,the second and third leaves,and improved the plant morphology.The thousand kernel weight,the number of grains per ear and rice yield was increased owing to the application of these regulators.The theoretical and actual outcomes were increased by 3.83% and 4.41%(P0.01)compared with controls,with a better result observed also under IISW.So spray of isolane at 30 days after rice sowing and lifengling at 7 days before jointing stage,combined with appropriate irrigation patterns,would be a cultivation mode worthy of popularizing.
Investigation of the bacterial contamination of computer keyboard and mouse in the office.

[Objective]To investigate the bacterial contamination of computer keyboard and mouse in the office before and after sterilization.[Methods] Swab samples from the keyboard and mouse of 50 computers in the office of the CDC and Health Supervision Institute in Shaoxing were obtained before and after sterilization in December 2008.After cultured,counting of the bacterial colony and identification of the types of the bacteria were performed to compare the data before and after sterilization.[Results] The mean numbers of bacteria colony on the keyboard and mouse before and after sterilization were 68.96±27.04,68.16±21.02 cfu/cm2 and 2.11±1.01,2.12±1.08 cfu/cm2,separately(all P0.01).The examined bacteria included staphylococcus aureus(10.0%),escherichia coli(12.0%),salmonella(2.0%)before sterilization,and no pathogenic bacteria was found after sterilization(P0.01).In the offices of CDC Shaoxing,the positive rate of bacteria on keyboard and mouse was 65.2%,the examined bacteria included staphylococcus aureus(13.04%),escherichia col(i21.74%),and salmonella(4.35%);while the positive rate of bacteria in the Health Supervision Institute was 37.0%,the bacteria included staphylococcus aureus(7.41%)and escherichia coli(3.7%).The positive rate in the CDC was higher than that in the Health Supervision Institute.[Conclusion] The bacteria contamination of the computer keyboard and mouse in the offices is shown in different degree,and it is significantly improved after sterilization.
A Novel Modeling Method for Relationships Between Resources and Service Performance

The relationship model between resources and service performance is a key to the proper virtual resource allocation for services in cloud environment. However,the accuracy of these non-linear relationship models is usually significantly influenced by the scale of training data. Aiming at the shortcomings of related work,a dynamic service performance modeling method named CSDM,which combines collaborative filtering recommendation and support vector regression,was proposed. In CSDM,for better accuracy,both performance models were trained at service deployment time and runtime,and the one with lower MAE was selected to estimate the performance under given resource status. In addition,a merit-based threshold was introduced to reduce training costs of performance models. The experimental results showed that CSDMhad higher accuracy on different scales of training data,and the merit-based threshold had a significant effect on the prediction accuracy as well as the modeling efficiency.
Cardioplegic infusion: The safe limits of pressure and temperature

In patients with coronary artery disease, infusion of very cold cardioplegic solutions at elevated pressures may facilitate homogeneous cooling and cardioplegia. This study was designed to determine if very high infusion pressures or very low temperatures of the cardioplegic solution damages normal myocardium. In a hemodynamically controlled canine right heart bypass preparation, a crystalloid solution (Plasma-Lyte 148 with 30 mEq/L potassium chloride, 0° to 2° C) was infused with separate control of the infusion pressures in the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries. A sonomicrometer measured regional myocardial function in each area. During a 100 minute arrest period, cardioplegic solution was reinfused every 20 minutes and reduced myocardial temperatures to an average of 9.4° ± 2.2° C. In a comparison of infusion pressures of 50 versus 100 mm Hg and 100 versus 150 mm Hg, postarrest regional myocardial function was unchanged from prearrest. However, in a comparison of infusion pressures of 150 to 200 mm Hg, a significant fall in regional myocardial function was noted with the higher pressures (106% and 64% recovery, respectively, p
Carcinoma of the Lung

The effective management of the patient with lung cancer appears to be based on four fundamental issues: diagnosis and histologic classification; staging of the cancer; a decision as to what form of therapy is indicated and whether or not surgery is part of the overall management; and evaluation of the patient’s ability to undergo a thoracic procedure. There are no dramatic new methods for diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer, and the most promising areas appear to be prevention and further understanding of the basic biologic relationship between tumor and host.
A Direct Determination of the 3H—3He Mass Difference

The 3H—3He mass difference has been measured directly utilizing the high resolving power obtainable with the Harvard double-focusing mass spectrometer. The mass difference of this doublet was found to be 19.83 ±0.18 μu (12C = 12). Resultsobtainedforthe doublets HD-3H, HD—3He and H2—D are respectively 5,877.22 ±0.69, 5,896.84 ±0.42 and 1,547.77 ±0.28 μu.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA and worldwide. At diagnosis, half of the patients are over 70 years of age, and most present with advanced disease for which chemotherapy provides modest benefit with significant toxicity. Older patients often have more comorbidities than their younger counterparts and tend to be excluded from clinical trials.Areas covered: A small percentage (less than 7%) of patients with NSCLC have the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement. Compared to the general NSCLC population, this clinically distinct group has a relatively younger median age of 51 years at diagnosis. As such, elderly patients with ALK-positive disease are both a minority within this group and are expected to be underrepresented in clinical trials.Expert commentary: Despite promising results in the general population, data about the efficacy and safety of ALK inhibitors in the elderly population remains scarce. In our review, ...
Prions: Novel Infectious Pathogens

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the properties of the scrapie prion and its relationship to the infectious agents causing other apparently similar diseases. Six diseases are probably caused by prions, including scrapie, transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME), chronic wasting disease (CWD), kuru, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, and CJD, and Gerstmann–Straussler syndrome (GSS). Scrapie is a disease of sheep and goats. It is a neurological disorder characterized by pruritus, incoordination, and ataxia of gait. The disease is progressive and invariably fatal, as are all other prion diseases. A prolonged incubation period precedes the onset of clinical illness. The pathology of scrapie is confined to the central nervous system (CNS). Many countries have scrapie surveillance programs. Because sheep with scrapie cannot be treated, they are destroyed. The purification of the scrapie agent has been crucial for the studies defining the properties of the infectious particle. Several different purification procedures have been reported. One involved the copurification of the scrapie agent and microsomes. Another involved the isolation of a “membrane-free” fraction after prolonged ultracentrifugation. Multiple studies have shown that the scrapie agent in crude preparations is resistant to nuclease digestion and to UV irradiation.
Yin and Yang: The Natural Dimension of Evil

Evil comes into the world after the creation of human beings, who are, in most mythologies, at first pure and form an integral part of the primordial unity of natural life. Then, however, something happens, and human beings set themselves apart, rupture the cosmic and communal coherence, by developing conscious knowledge and acting no longer with but vis-a-vis the universe. At this time good and evil first appear, in the human mind and thus in the world.
Use of Interrupted Helium Flow in the Analysis of Vapor Samples with Flowing Atmospheric-Pressure Afterglow-Mass Spectrometry

The flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) source was used for the mass-spectrometric analysis of vapor samples introduced between the source and mass spectrometer inlet. Through interrupted operation of the plasma-supporting helium flow, helium consumption is greatly reduced and dynamic gas behavior occurs that was characterized by schlieren imaging. Moreover, mass spectra acquired immediately after the onset of helium flow exhibit a signal spike before declining and ultimately reaching a steady level. This initial signal appears to be due to greater interaction of sample vapor with the afterglow of the source when helium flow resumes. In part, the initial spike in signal can be attributed to a pooling of analyte vapor in the absence of helium flow from the source. Time-resolved schlieren imaging of the helium flow during on and off cycles provided insight into gas-flow patterns between the FAPA source and the MS inlet that were correlated with mass-spectral data.
The Measurement of Recessive Lethal Mutations in the Mouse

In the early 1950s concern began to develop among geneticists for the potential genetic risks to humans from ionizing irradiation. Although the mutagenic effects of X-rays had been known and studied since the 1920s, the advent of the use of atomic energy in warfare and the increasing use of sources of irradiation in industry and medicine expanded the possibilities of accidental or intentional exposures of humans.
Preface and General Introduction

Modeling and analyzing the dynamics of chemical mixtures by means of differential equations is one of the prime concerns of chemical engineering theorists. These equations often take the form of systems of nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations, or reaction-diffusion equations, when there is diffusion of chemical substances involved. A good overview of this endeavor can be had by reading the two volumes by R. Aris (1975), who himself was one of the main contributors to the theory. Enthusiasm for the models developed has been shared by parts of the mathematical community, and these models have, in fact, provided motivation for some beautiful mathematical results.
Which bundles of corporate governance provisions lead to high firm performance among restaurant firms

Abstract This study defends the view that the adoption of corporate governance provisions should not be seen as a detriment to firms’ financial performance. On the contrary, we contend that some combinations of corporate governance provisions may indeed lead to higher firm performance among U.S. restaurant firms. Using a set-theoretic method, such as the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), our findings revealed that there are three configurations of governance provisions that lead to superior financial performance. The presence of poison pills appeared as a core condition in all solutions. Negated analysis indicates that the inappropriate bundling of governance provisions leads to poor firm performance.
Toward a Theory of the Arts and Sustainability

To make real progress on what can only be classified as environmental emergencies, we need a wide base of public consensus for action given that public motivation and involvement is a prerequisite for policymakers to implement what our scientists urge us to do. In this light, crucial thresholds of public motivation and involvement can be created by reaching into the hearts of individuals, an area of competitive advantage for the arts. Efforts to enhance understanding in this arena, however, must incorporate sufficient complexity given highly complex and inter-related challenges in sustainability. This article thus presents a theoretical framework for the arts and sustainability based on the variables of artistic complexity and public engagement. The arts, when allowed sufficient scope and freedom, can assist society in marshalling and galvanizing people across the globe to take essential steps toward a sustainable planet.
Utilizing a Risk of Crime Measure for Recidivism Research: Moving Environmental Corrections Forward:

The current study expands recidivism research by developing a risk of crime (ROC) measure rooted in environmental criminology, reflecting the risk of criminal opportunities, and lending itself to environmental corrections. Data were collected from a city in the Northeast region of the United States. The ROC measure was constructed through risk terrain modeling and reflected a parolee-specific neighborhood ROC. Conjunctive analysis of case configurations was utilized to explore how individual characteristics interacted with the ROC measure. Results indicated a relationship between parolees residing in an elevated ROC neighborhood and the likelihood of recidivism. The results were discussed in relation to how environmental criminology could be further integrated into environmental corrections, accounting for physical and social characteristics of the backcloth.
ANGULAR CORRELATIONS OF INTERNAL PAIRS

The angular correlation of internal pairs has been utilized in an intermediate-image pair spectrometer to determine the multipolarities of nuclear electromagnetic transitions. The method consists of measuring the pair-line yield using a special spiral baffle system which selects positron-electron pairs emitted at large relative angles and comparing this with the yield without the baffle. Ratios R ω = (Y with baffle ) /(Y without baffle ) have been calculated theoretically for various multipoles and are found to fit accurately the data for calibration lines of known multipolarity. Unknown lines are then compared with the master set of R ω curves. Corrections for nuclear alignment effects are discussed. A review is given of the work done to date with this device, designated as a multipole meter, and measurements on transitions from the 5.96-MeV level of Be 10 are reported. It is shown that this state is a doublet, one member of which is J π = 1 – decaying predominantly by an El ground-state transition and the other member of which has even parity decaying predominantly to the 3.37-MeV first-excited state of Be 10 . A critique of the method is presented and future applications are discussed.
IL15 Expressing CD123-Targeted Engager T-Cell Therapy for Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract Background: CD123 is a potential immunotherapeutic target in AML due to its overexpression on leukemic stem cells that play an essential role in disease progression and relapse. Our previous study using T cells secreting CD123/CD3 bispecific engager molecules (CD123-ENG T cells) showed promising results in pediatric AML. Interleukin-15 (IL15) has emerged as a candidate immunomodulator as it enhances the cytolytic activity of CD8+ T-cells and induces long-lasting memory T cells. To improve the efficacy and persistence of CD123-ENG T-cells we developed IL-15 expressing CD123-ENG T cells. Here, we report characterization and efficacy of IL15 secreting CD123-ENG T cells in adult AML. Methods/Results: A cDNA encoding IL15 was cloned into retroviral vectors encoding CD123-ENG or CD19-ENG and the CD20 suicide gene separated by 2A sequences (CD20.2A.CD123-ENG.2A.IL15; CD20.2A.CD19-ENG.2A.IL15). ENG T cells were generated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from normal donors by retroviral transduction and expanded in vitro. Non-transduced (NT) T cells and T cells expressing CD20 and CD123 (CD20.CD123-ENG T cells) served as controls. The transduction efficiency was between 62.81-95% (average 72%, n=3) and phenotypic analysis by flow cytometry showed reproducible CD4+, CD8+, central memory (CCR7+CD45RA-), effector memory (CCR7-CD45RA-), and naive (CCR7+CD45RA+) T cells populations compared to NT cells. IL15 production of CD20.CD19-ENG.IL15 and CD20.CD123-ENG.IL15 T cells was confirmed by ELISA (84-154 pg/ml vs 32 and 44 pg/ml of NT and CD20.CD123-ENG T cells, p Conclusion: We demonstrate here that genetically engineering CD123-ENG T cells that express IL15 enhances their effector function resulting in improved anti-AML activity in in vitro and in vivo. The results warrant further exploration of IL15 secreting CD123-specific ENG T-cell therapy in AML. Disclosures Andreeff: Celgene: Consultancy; United Therapeutics: Patents & Royalties: GD2 inhibition in breast cancer ; SentiBio: Equity Ownership; Eutropics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Aptose: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daiichi-Sankyo: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties: MDM2 inhibitor activity patent, Research Funding; Jazz Pharma: Consultancy; Oncoceutics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Reata: Equity Ownership; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Oncolyze: Equity Ownership; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Orbital-free density functional theory for materials research

Orbital-free density functional theory (OFDFT) is both grounded in quantum physics and suitable for direct simulation of thousands of atoms. This article describes the application of OFDFT for materials research over roughly the past two decades, highlighting computational studies that would have been impractical (or impossible) to perform with other techniques. In particular, we review the growing body of simulations of solids and liquids that have been conducted with planewave-pseudopotential (or related) techniques. We also provide an updated account of the fundamentals of OFDFT, emphasizing aspects—such as nonlocal density functionals for computing the kinetic energy of noninteracting electrons—that enabled much of the application work. The article concludes with a discussion of the OFDFT frontier, which contains brief descriptions of other topics at the forefront of OFDFT research.
The lab management practices of "Research Exemplars" that foster research rigor and regulatory compliance: A qualitative study of successful principal investigators.

Introduction Conducting rigorous scientific inquiry within the bounds of research regulation and acceptable practice requires a principal investigator to lead and manage research processes and personnel. This study explores the practices used by investigators nominated as exemplars of research excellence and integrity to produce rigorous, reproducible research and comply with research regulations. Methods Using a qualitative research design, we interviewed 52 principal investigators working in the United States at top research universities and the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program. We solicited nominations of researchers meeting two criteria: (1) they are federally-funded researchers doing high-quality, high-impact research, and (2) have reputations for professionalism and integrity. Each investigator received an initial nomination addressing both criteria and at least one additional endorsement corroborating criteria 2. A panel of researchers and our research team reviewed the nominations to select finalists who were invited to participate. The cohort of “Research Exemplars” includes highly accomplished researchers in diverse scientific disciplines. The semi-structured interview questions asked them to describe the routine practices they employ to foster rigor and regulatory compliance. We used inductive thematic analysis to identify common practices. Results The exemplars identified a core set of 8 practices and provided strategies for employing them. The practices included holding regular team meetings, encouraging shared ownership, providing supervision, ensuring adequate training, fostering positive attitudes about compliance, scrutinizing data and findings, and following standard operating procedures. Above all, the use of these practices aim to create a psychologically safe work environment in which lab members openly collaborate to scrutinize their work and share in accountability for rigorous, compliant research. Conclusions Researchers typically receive limited systematic training in how to lead and manage their research teams. Training and education for principal investigators should include essential leadership and management practices and strategies that support doing high-quality research with integrity.
Efficient, Color Tunable, and Flexible Thin Film Perovskite Light Emitting Devices

We present a general protocol to prepare metal halide perovskite films for LEDs exceeding 17% EQE, with improved stability, and as flexible as organic electronic thin films. Finally, we show stabilized mixed halide (I and Br) and mixed Pb-Sn stoichiometries such that we can tune emission from the green to near infrared.
Aided Inertial Navigation: Unified Feature Representations and Observability Analysis

Extending our recent work [1] that focuses on the observability analysis of aided inertial navigation systems (INS) using homogeneous geometric features including points, lines and planes, in this paper, we complete the analysis for the general aided INS using different combinations of geometric features (i.e., points, lines and planes). We analytically show that the linearized aided INS with different feature combinations generally possesses the same observability properties as those with same features, i.e., 4 unobservable directions, corresponding to the global yaw rotation and the global position of the sensor platform. During the analysis, we particularly propose a novel minimal representation of line features, i.e., the “closest point” parameterization, which uses a 4D Euclidean vector to describe a line and is proved to preserve the same observability properties. Based on that, for the first time, we provide two sets of unified representations for points, lines and planes, i.e., the quaternion form and the closest point (CP) form, and perform extensive observability analysis with analytically-computed Jacobians for these unified parameterizations. We validate the proposed CP representations and observability analysis with Monte-Carlo simulations, in which EKF-based vision-aided INS (VINS) with combinations of geometrical features in CP form are developed and compared.
Trouble in Paradigm: "Gender Transformative" Programming in Violence Prevention.

The World Health Organization encourages a “gender transformative” paradigm for preventing violence against women and girls. Gender transformative interventions engage men and boys to reflect criti...
Synthesis of (17R)- and (17S)-17-hydroxy-14, 15-secoandrost-4-en-16-yn-3-one and the X-ray crystal structure of the (17S)-diastereomer

Abstract (17R,S)-17-Hydroxy-14,15-secoandrost-4-en-15-yn-3-one has been shown previously to be a mechanism-based inactivator of rat liver 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This manuscript describes the synthesis of this diastereomeric 14,15-secosteroid from [2S-2α,4aα,4bβ,10aβ)]-1,2,3,4a,4b,7,9,10,10a-decahydro-2,4b-dimethyl-7-oxo-2-phenanthrenecarboxylic acid methyl ester. The separation of this diastereomeric 14,15-secosteroid into (17R)- and (17S)-17-hydroxy-14,15-secoandrost-4-en-15-yn-3-one was accomplished by HPLC separation of the (S)-1-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate derivatives on a silica column. The crystal structure of (17S)-17-hydroxy-14,15-secoandrost-4-en-15-yn-3-one was then solved by X-ray diffraction analysis to establish unambiguously the absolute configuration of the diastereomeric 14,15-secosteroid.
Challenges and Opportunities of DNN Model Execution Caching

We explore the opportunities and challenges of model execution caching, a nascent research area that promises to improve the performance of cloud-based deep inference serving. Broadly, model execution caching relies on servers that are geographically close to the end-device to service inference requests, resembling a traditional content delivery network (CDN). However, unlike a CDN, such schemes cache execution rather than static objects. We identify the key challenges inherent to this problem domain and describe the similarities and differences with existing caching techniques. We further introduce several emergent concepts unique to this domain, such as memory-adaptive models and multi-model hosting, which allow us to make dynamic adjustments to the memory requirements of model execution.
The effects of 2 genetic lines on spatial distribution and use and preference of perch and nest area in an aviary system.

The objective of this trial was to evaluate spatial distribution, nest and perch usage, and preference of Lohmann Brown (BH) and Bovan White (WH) Leghorn hens raised in an aviary system. At 5 wk, 400 floor raised pullets, BH and WH strains, in equal numbers, were placed into 8 modified Big Dutchman Natura aviary units. Each aviary unit had 3 tiers with perches and an indoor litter area. At 25 wk, the number of birds was recorded by scan sampling every 4 h. The number of birds perching in each aviary unit was recorded every 4 h at 15, 25, and 35 wk. The number of eggs laid was recorded daily from 22 to 53 wk. A split-plot factorial design with Poisson distribution was used for analysis of spatial distribution and perch preference. Nest and perch usage was analyzed using a split-plot factorial design with binomial distribution. There was an interaction (P < 0.0001) indicating that during late afternoon and night, a higher number of WH were observed in the middle and top tier while a higher number of BH were observed in the litter area and bottom tier at 25 wk. The odds of observing WH perching were higher than the odds of observing BH perching during late morning, late afternoon, and night at 15 wk, from early afternoon to night at 25 wk, and during all afternoon at 35 wk. WH had higher nest usage than BH expressed by the higher odds of observing eggs from the nest area (P = 0.071). There was a strain and egg location interaction (P < 0.0001) for number of eggs laid indicating that WH were laying more eggs in the nest area and litter floor area compared to BH, whereas BH were laying more eggs in the metal aviary wire tiers in comparison with WH. In conclusion, WH showed greater degree of adaptation to aviary systems than BH expressed by greater usage of perches and nest areas and elevated tiers.
A comparison of peer and faculty narrative feedback on medical student oral research presentations.

The purpose of this project was to evaluate and improve the oral presentation assessment component of a required research training curriculum at an undergraduate medical school by analyzing the quantity, quality, and variety of peer and faculty feedback on medical student oral research presentations.
Compressive Properties and Hydraulic Permeability of Human Meniscus: Relationships With Tissue Structure and Composition

The meniscus is crucial in maintaining knee function and protecting the joint from secondary pathologies, including osteoarthritis. The meniscus has been shown to absorb up to 75% of the total load on the knee joint. Mechanical behavior of meniscal tissue in compression can be predicted by quantifying the mechanical parameters including; aggregate modulus (H) and Poisson modulus (ν), and the fluid transport parameter: hydraulic permeability (K). These parameters are crucial to develop a computational model of the tissue and for the design and development of tissue engineered scaffolds mimicking the native tissue. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the mechanical and fluid transport properties of human meniscus and relate them to the tissue composition. Specimens were prepared from the axial and the circumferential anatomical planes of the tissue. Stress relaxation tests yielded the H, while finite element modeling was used to curve fit for ν and K. Correlations of moduli with water and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content were investigated. On average H was found to be 0.11 ± 0.078 MPa, ν was 0.32 ± 0.057, and K was 2.9 ± 2.27 × 10-15 m4N-1s-1. The parameters H, ν, and K were not found to be statistically different across compression orientation or compression level. Water content of the tissue was 77 ± 3.3% while GAG content was 8.79 ± 1.1%. Interestingly, a weak negative correlation was found between H and water content (R2 ~ 34%) and a positive correlation between K and GAG content (R2 ~ 53%). In conclusion, while no significant differences in transport and compressive properties can be found across sample orientation and compression levels, data trends suggest potential relationships between magnitudes of H and K, and GAG content.
Electrochemical Activation of Diverse Conventional Photoredox Catalysts Induces Potent Photoreductant Activity

Herein, we disclose that electrochemical stimulation induces new photocatalytic activity from a range of structurally diverse conventional photocatalysts. These studies uncover a new electron-primed photoredox catalyst capable of promoting the reductive cleavage of strong C(sp2 )-N and C(sp2 )-O bonds. We illustrate several examples of the synthetic utility of these deeply reducing but otherwise safe and mild catalytic conditions. Finally, we employ electrochemical current measurements to perform a reaction progress kinetic analysis. This technique reveals that the improved activity of this new system is a consequence of an enhanced catalyst stability profile.
Analyse der Kosten- und Leistungsrechnung

Die Kosten- und Leistungsrechnung ist nicht Selbstzweck, sondern Mittel zur Zweckerfullung1. Die mit ihr verbundenen Ziele lassen sich nur dann erreichen, wenn diese Rechnung als ein System nicht nur zur Erfassung und Darstellung von Zahlen uber gegenwartige und zukunftige wirtschaftliche Tatbestande, Vorgange im Betrieb sowie uber die wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen des Krankenhauses zu seiner Umwelt verstanden, sondern mit der Aufgabe ihrer Auswertung fur einzel- und gesamtwirtschaftliche Zwecke genutzt wird, und damit nicht als ein vornehmlich externen Zwecken dienendes Instrument begriffen, vielmehr mit ihren Informationen fur interne betriebswirtschaftliche Entscheidungen der Betriebsplanung, -steuerung und -kontrolle verwendet wird.
Bob1 (OCA-B/OBF-1) Differential Transactivation of the B Cell-Specific B29 (Igβ) and mb-1 (Igα) Promoters

The B29 (Igβ) and mb-1 (Igα) gene products are B cell-specific essential components of the B cell receptor that are coexpressed at all stages of B cell differentiation, with the exception of plasma cells, which lack mb-1 expression. Transcription of both genes is governed by a similar cassette of interactive transcription factor-binding elements, including octamer motifs, in TATA-less promoters. In this study, we show the B cell-specific B29 gene promoter is transactivated in B and non-B cells by cotransfection with the B cell-specific octamer cofactor gene, Bob1 (OCA-B/OBF-1). The expression of Bob1 is also sufficient to override the silencing effects of the B29 silencer. This indicates that Bob1 plays a critical role in B cell-specific B29 promoter expression. In contrast, coexpression of Bob1 had no effect on mb-1 promoter activity. Bob1 transactivation only occurs with select octamer sequences that have an adenosine at position 5 (ATGCAAAT). The B29 promoter conforms to this consensus octamer motif, while the mb-1 promoter octamer motif does not. Octamer motif swapping between B29 and mb-1 promoters renders B29 unresponsive to Bob1 transactivation and makes mb-1 competent for Bob1 transactivation, thereby indicating that the B29 octamer motif is solely responsible for Bob1 interaction. Additionally, the mb-1 construct containing the B29 octamer motif is expressed in a plasmacytoma cell line, while the wild-type mb-1 promoter is not. Bob1 transactivation of B29 and the lack of this transactivation of mb-1 account for the differential expression of B29 and mb-1 in terminally differentiated plasma cells.
How to Make a Nutritional Diagnosis

Optimal nutrition is necessary in maintaining good health which oftentimes is compromised by pediatric diseases. Optimal nutritional status can be considered more essential for the fetus, infant, child and adolescent than it is after growth has been completed. Evaluation of nutritional status at these vulnerable ages can provide valuable clinical assistance in the treatment of acute disease, assist in evaluating growth and development, and provide a possible basis for the prevention of chronic disease later in life. It is well known, for example, that various nutritional disorders act synergistically with infectious disease1,2 Therefore, correction of malnutrition may diminish the incidence and severity of several categories of infectious diseases. Evaluation of nutritional status will also provide very important information regarding the risk factors for chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and cancer of the colon.
Physics and Philosophy Meet: the Strange Case of Poincaré

Poincare is a pre-eminent figure: as one of the greatest of mathematicians; as a contributor of prime importance to the development of physical theory at a time when physics was undergoing a profound transformation; and as a philosopher. However, I think that Poincare, with all this virtue, made a serious philosophical mistake. In Poincare’s own work, this error seems to me to have kept him from several fundamental discoveries in physics. The hypothesis that Poincare would have made these discoveries if he had not been misled by a philosophical error is not one that lends itself to conclusive assessment; but what I wish to do is to lay out the main circumstances of the case so as to make clear, at least, that the issue of philosophic principle involved, and the questions of fundamental physics under discussion, are of considerable mutual relevance.
Tiny Grains and Large Molecules in the Milky Way and Other Galaxies

Tiny grains and large molecules are important constituents of the interstellar medium of our own and other galaxies. These small particles are intermediate in size between molecules and classical interstellar grains, with radii of ∼10 A and ∼100 atoms per particle (Sellgren 1984; Leger & Puget 1984; Allamandola, Tielens, & Barker 1985).