cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing a Biomedical Engineering Technology Program for the Future

Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology 297 Integrating biomedical instrumentation, electronics theory, and information systems technology into a Biomedical Engineering Technology Program is the challenge that we are facing in the industry. The BMET graduate is now expected to understand computer networking as well as the traditional fields of electronics, chemistry, physics, speech, anatomy and physiology, and biomedical instrumentation. At Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, we set out to address student and employer needs by redesigning our Biomedical Equipment and Information Systems Technology major. We determined that we needed to upgrade student training in information technologies. We also found that we needed to market this field as a challenging and fun career. We made a commitment to information technology (IT) education at Cincinnati State, which is consistent with the information technology initiative in the state of Ohio entitled “itWORKS.OHIO.” 1 The Ohio initiative, a broad-based educational response to the state’s need for a skilled IT workforce, is a collaboration of business, industry, and educational institutions that provide IT training. Our commitment made it much easier to provide the IT training required in the biomedical program. We were able to utilize courses currently in place for other programs within the college, which made the changes much easier to justify from a purely financial standpoint. BMET programs tend to be relatively small in size and costly to run. Justification of a program like this requires cooperation throughout the college and within the local biomedical community. The need for a BMET graduate well versed in IT— including computer hardware and software, computer networking, and applications in addition to the traditional topics—has enabled Cincinnati State Technical and Community College to make significant changes in the Biomedical Electronics Engineering Technology program over the last few years. The changes took place at a time when Cincinnati State experienced a 5% enrollment decline in its Biomedical program recently. This decline also precipitated the discussion and eventual changes to the program. Changes were made in the curriculum, course content, and even the name of the program to better reflect what was actually being taught in the course of study. The program will become a major discipline of the Electronics Engineering Technology Program this fall. It will remain part of the Electrical Engineering Technology department (the BMET major is currently experiencing a 5% upturn in enrollment and jobs).
Abstract 186: Methyl binding domain protien 2 (MBD2) promotes epithelial dedifferentiation in breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Purpose: Methyl-CpG Binding Proteins (MCBPs) are thought to function as the interpreters of epigenetic information encoded in cytosine methylation. Their ability to translate DNA methylation into local transcriptional repression has sparked interest in the role MCBPs play in cancer. We have studied the function of Methyl-Binding Domain Proteins (MBDs) in human mammary epithelial cancers, where repatterning of CpG methylation is common. Results: We find Methyl Binding Domain Protein 2 (MBD2) promotes the abnormal multi-cellular morphology characteristic of tumor cells. Stable MBD2 knockdown in MCF7 cells leads to an increased proportion of differentiated epithelial structures (e.g. acinii, 70%, [CI=0.55-0.83]) in 3D culture when compared to untransfected (46%, [CI=0.39-0.53], p ≤ 0.038) or control shRNA transfected (37%, [CI=0.29-0.45], p ≤ 0.012) populations. To identify the genes underlying this MBD2 dependant phenotype, high throughput quantitative PCR data were probed using self organizing map (SOM) analysis. We found only a small subset of the breast cancer specific tumor suppressors known to be silenced by promoter hypermethylation were regulated by MBD2 alone (n=7, 15%). Several genes previously shown (by us and others) to be MBD2 bound by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were not induced by MBD2 knockdown, suggesting MBD2 exhibits tumor and tissue-type specificity. Moreover, gene sets activated by the DNA methylation inhibitor, 2-deoxy-5-aza-cytidine (4uM, n=30, 67%), and MBD2 knockdown (n=18, 40%) were different, suggesting pleiotropic activity; for example at loci that exhibit additive induction (n=11, 24%) and those that do not. MBD2 dependant genes were rapidly re-suppressed upon rescue with a shRNA binding site variant MBD2 and ChIP studies confirmed binding of MBD2 at all genes examined within the MBD2 dependant cluster. Transient siRNA mediated knockdown of individual MBD2 dependant genes did not restore the dedifferentiated phenotype, suggesting coordinate regulation by multiple downstream targets of MBD2. Conclusion: Our studies show MBD2 promotes tumor suppressor silencing and dedifferentiation in breast cancer and intimate a role for MBD2 in fine-tuning mammary epithelial gene expression patterns. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 186.
Effect of Arsenic on Growth of Mammalian Cells in vitro

SummaryUnder continuous exposure to arsenicals in vitro, mammalian cells showed a remarkably wide range of tolerance to arsenic. To suppress growth of cells by 50% the absolute quantity of arsenic administered as atoxyl was up to 5000 times that in the form of arsenosobenzene. Pentavalent organic arsenicals with nitrogen groups were comparatively well tolerated in cell culture. In cells originating from different tissues and cultured in the same medium, degree of growth inhibition by a particular arsenical was fairly uniform. An adaptation of a DNA assay, useful in estimating cell populations in tissue culture, is described.
Abstract B136: Early age at menarche in Mexican American girls: Psychosocial risk factors

An earlier age at menarche is a risk factor for breast cancer and national statistics indicate that girls of Mexican American descent are continuing to experience a decline in the average age at menarche from 12.4 to 12.0 years. While there is a large body of literature on the factors influencing an early age at menarche in non‐Hispanic whites, limited data have been collected on psychosocial and maternal factors contributing to earlier age at menarche among Mexican American girls. Using data from a longitudinal prospective study of smoking initiation among youth of Mexican origin in Houston, Texas, we investigate the role of family life environment, parental marital status and socioeconomic status on age at menarche, after adjustment for recognized covariates such as maternal age at menarche and body mass of the index. Participants (N = 540 girls) in this study were aged 9–13 years at baseline, when information on family life environment and anthropometric measurements were collected. At the final follow‐up home visit three years later, data on age at menarche was self‐reported while information about education, house ownership and marital status were obtained from the mother of each girl. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we calculated the odds ratio of specific psychosocial exposures among girls who started menarche early ( The mean age at menarche of 11.63 years in our population was younger then previous reports among nationally representative samples of Mexican American girls. In addition, our study provides important information regarding the role of family structure (marital status) on age at menarche and identifies a factor—single parenting—that is a marker for girls who enter menarche early. Although additional research is needed to corroborate our findings, awareness of the impact of fathers9 absence and their involvement in their daughters9 lives during the early years should be emphasized when addressing factors contributing to age at menarche. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B136.
Understanding Cell Nano-architecture and its Alteration in Carcinogenesis via Partial-wave Spectroscopy

Single-cell partial-wave spectroscopy (PWS) provides unprecedented insights into the nanoscale architecture of living biological cells. We demonstrate that PWS enables diagnosis of pre-cancerous changes in histologically normal cells far earlier than any existing detection technique.
Reducing Data-Collection Efforts for Conceptual Cost Estimating at a Highway Agency

Data-driven models using historical project attributes to estimate future construction costs, such as multiple-regression analysis and artificial neural networks are both proven techniques that highway agencies could adopt for conceptual cost estimating. This research found literature using those techniques has been solely focused on estimating model performance with little to no attention to the level of effort required to conduct the conceptual estimate. It is commonly believed using more input data enhances estimate accuracy. However, this paper finds for the highway agency studied that using more input variables than necessary in the conceptual estimate does not improve estimate accuracy. Conceptual estimates using the minimum amount of input data to produce an estimate with a reasonable level of confidence is more cost effective. This paper quantifies the effort expended to undertake conceptual estimates using data from a highway agency and concludes that input variables that have a large influence on the final predicted cost and require a low amount of effort are desired in data-driven conceptual cost-estimating models for the agency studied.
Determination of metabolites of nitrofuran in food samples by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Objective A rapid analytical method for the detection of metabolites of nitrofuran in food by the ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) was established. Methods The metabolites in food samples were released in HCl solution, and derived using 2-nitrobenzaldehyde(2-NBA) at 37 for 16℃ h. The pH values of derivates were adjusted to 7.6, and then the analytes were extracted by ethyl acetate. Identification was achieved by electrospray ionization in positive mode(ESI+) using multiple reaction monitoring(MRM). The quantification was performed by the matrix matched internal standards. Results The calibration curves of the four analytes showed a good linearity in the concentrations of 0.1～10 μg/L with R2 above 0.995. The limits of detection of SCA and AHD were 0.1 μg/kg, and the limits of detection of AMOZ and AOZ were 0.05 μg/kg. Recoveries were between 91.8% and 107.0% with the relative standard deviations(RSD) less than 10%. Conclusion This method simplifies the sample pre-treatment, and reduces the detection time, and it is a fast, highly selective and sensitive assay. The method can apply to the rapid detection of nitrofuran metabolites in pork, beef, chicken, porcine liver, fish and shrimp.
On-Tissue Derivatization via Electrospray Deposition for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Endogenous Fatty Acids in Rat Brain Tissues.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is used for the multiplex detection and characterization of diverse analytes over a wide mass range directly from tissues. However, analyte coverage with MALDI MSI is typically limited to the more abundant compounds, which have m/z values that are distinct from MALDI matrix-related ions. On-tissue analyte derivatization addresses these issues by selectively tagging functional groups specific to a class of analytes, while simultaneously changing their molecular masses and improving their desorption and ionization efficiency. We evaluated electrospray deposition of liquid-phase derivatization agents as a means of on-tissue analyte derivatization using 2-picolylamine; we were able to detect a range of endogenous fatty acids with MALDI MSI. When compared with airbrush application, electrospray led to a 3-fold improvement in detection limits and decreased analyte delocalization. Six fatty acids were detected and visualized from...
A low-power thermal-based sensor system for low air flow detection

Being able to rapidly detect a low air flow rate with high accuracy is essential for various applications in the automotive and biomedical industries. We have developed a thermal-based low air flow sensor with a low-power sensor readout for biomedical applications. The thermal-based air flow sensor comprises a heater and three pairs of temperature sensors that sense temperature differences due to laminar air flow. The thermal-based flow sensor was designed and simulated by using laminar flow, heat transfer in solids and fluids physics in COMSOL MultiPhysics software. The proposed sensor can detect air flow as low as 0.0064 m/s. The readout circuit is based on a current-controlled ring oscillator in which the output frequency of the ring oscillator is proportional to the temperature differences of the sensors. The entire readout circuit was designed and simulated by using a 130-nm standard CMOS process. The sensor circuit features a small area and low-power consumption of about 22.6 μW with an 800 mV power supply. In the simulation, the output frequency of the ring oscillator and the change in thermistor resistance showed a high linearity with an R2 value of 0.9987. The low-power dissipation, high linearity and small dimensions of the proposed flow sensor and circuit make the system highly suitable for biomedical applications.
Iron-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Amides to Alcohols and Amines

This article describes the iron-catalyzed hydrogenation of unactivated amides. Under the optimal conditions, a PNP-ligated Fe catalyst affords 25–300 turnovers of products derived from C–N bond cleavage. This reaction displays a broad substrate scope, including a variety of 2° and 3° amide substrates. The reaction progress of N,N-dimethylformamide hydrogenation has been monitored in situ using Raman spectroscopy. This technique enables direct comparison of the relative activity of the Fe-PNP catalyst to that of its Ru analogue. Under otherwise identical conditions, the Fe and Ru catalysts exhibit rates within a factor of 2.
Impact of Technology-Mediated Communication on Student Evaluations of Advising

The field of academic advising lags behind other similar fields in the use of technologically mediated communication modalities shown to improve academic outcomes. We investigated student satisfaction with undergraduate advising by examining the ways communication methods, such as social media, between student and advisor relate to student satisfaction. Results showed that although advisors rarely communicated with students via social media, text messaging, or instant messaging, the number of face-to-face advising meetings was positively predicted by advisor use of instant messaging and text messaging and negatively predicted by their use of Facebook. Furthermore, e-mail communication positively predicted a student's positive view of the advising experience, but communicating through Twitter predicted negative views of advising.
Basic Statistical Considerations

This chapter provides an overview of the statistical analysis of in vivo or in vitro bioequivalence (BE) studies that are part of investigational new drug applications (INDs), new drug applications (NDAs), abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs), and supplements to these applications. This chapter discusses three approaches for comparisons based on equivalence criteria: average, population, and individual BE. It focuses on the statistical model, study design, appropriate sample size, and interpretation for each of the three approaches. Further, it describes possible statistical analysis methods, which depend on the design of the BE study, the “two one-sided tests” hypothesis testing framework, and the need for logarithmic transformation of the pharmacokinetic measurements and derived values. It also outlines other statistical issues that must be taken into consideration in the conduct, analysis and interpretation of BE studies.
Secure Human-Internet using dynamic Human Body Communication

Continuous miniaturization and cost reduction of unit computing has led to the prolific growth of smart wearable devices. These devices, present on and around the human body, form a complex network known as the Human-Intranet. The Human-Intranet is typically connected through Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). However, Human Body Communication (HBC) has recently emerged as an energy-efficient and secure alternative that uses the human body as the communication medium. Human-human, human-machine interaction creates dynamic HBC channels, which allow these Human-Intranets to interact with each other forming a Human-Internet. In this paper, we present the concept and demonstration of Secure Human-Internet using dynamic HBC. We highlight important applications of Human-Internet and discuss the architecture of a wearable Human-Internet device capable of communicating through inter-body dynamic HBC. A custom-built hardware prototype is used to demonstrate for the first time information exchange (e.g. business card) during handshaking. Dynamic signal transfer characteristics during inter-body communication through handshake between two individuals wearing such devices are measured and analyzed. The effects of data transmission rate, handshake posture on the HBC based inter-body communication is explored to demonstrate its effectiveness and limitations under varying realistic scenarios. The specific COTS based HBC implementation shows > 8× better energy efficiency compared to the Bluetooth implementation.
Frontal Eye Fields

The frontal eye fields, located in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, signals the location of stimuli to look at, contributes to the allocation of spatial attention, and controls the initiation of goal-directed shifts of gaze.
Molecular logic gate operations using one-dimensional DNA nanotechnology

Rapid progress in DNA nanotechnology has inspired scientists to engineer DNA-based bio-computing circuits for information processing. Here, we have employed a one-dimensional DNA nanotechnology for the construction of OR and AND molecular logic gates using gold nanoparticles and hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The output signals were programmed for 1 nM of Hg2+ and/or Ag+ inputs. Both gates were completely shut down by excluding the HCR components in the logic gate operations. The output signals were recorded by measuring the rate and degree of color transition in the system. Because of its outstanding signal amplification and programmability features, HCR-based 1D DNA nanotechnology is a promising building block for highly sensitive DNA-based bio-circuit assemblies.
Identifying bedrest using 24-h waist or wrist accelerometry in adults.

OBJECTIVES To adapt and refine a previously-developed youth-specific algorithm to identify bedrest for use in adults. The algorithm is based on using an automated decision tree (DT) analysis of accelerometry data. DESIGN Healthy adults (n = 141, 85 females, 19-69 years-old) wore accelerometers on the waist, with a subset also wearing accelerometers on the dominant wrist (n = 45). Participants spent ≈24-h in a whole-room indirect calorimeter equipped with a force-platform floor to detect movement. METHODS Minute-by-minute data from recordings of waist-worn or wrist-worn accelerometers were used to identify bedrest and wake periods. Participants were randomly allocated to development (n = 69 and 23) and validation (n = 72 and 22) groups for waist-worn and wrist-worn accelerometers, respectively. The optimized DT algorithm parameters were block length, threshold, bedrest-start trigger, and bedrest-end trigger. Differences between DT classification and synchronized objective classification by the room calorimeter to bedrest or wake were assessed for sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) procedure applied to 1-min epochs (n = 92,543 waist; n = 30,653 wrist). RESULTS The optimal algorithm parameter values for block length were 60 and 45 min, thresholds 12.5 and 400 counts/min, bedrest-start trigger 120 and 400 counts/min, and bedrest-end trigger 1,200 and 1,500 counts/min, for the waist and wrist-worn accelerometers, respectively. Bedrest was identified correctly in the validation group with sensitivities of 0.819 and 0.912, specificities of 0.966 and 0.923, and accuracies of 0.755 and 0.859 by the waist and wrist-worn accelerometer, respectively. The DT algorithm identified bedrest/sleep with greater accuracy than a commonly used automated algorithm (Cole-Kripke) for wrist-worn accelerometers (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The adapted DT accurately identifies bedrest in data from accelerometers worn by adults on either the wrist or waist. The automated bedrest/sleep detection DT algorithm for both youth and adults is openly accessible as a package "PhysActBedRest" for the R-computer language.
Improving Discharge Characteristics of Indirect Integral Collector Storage Systems With Multi-Element Storage

Desired performance of unpressurized integral collector storage systems hinges on the appropriate selection of storage volume and the immersed heat exchanger. This paper presents analytical results expressing the relation between storage volume, number of heat exchanger transfer units and temperature limited performance. For a system composed of a single storage element, the limiting behavior of a perfectly stratified storage element is shown to be superior to a fully-mixed storage element, consistent with more general analysis of thermal storage. Since, however, only the fully-mixed limit is readily obtainable in a physical system, the present paper also examines a division of the storage volume into separate compartments. This multi-element storage system shows significantly improved discharge characteristics as a result of improved elemental area utilization and temperature variation between elements, comparable in many cases to a single perfectly-stratified storage element. In addition, the multi-element system shows increased robustness with respect to variations in heat exchanger effectiveness and initial storage temperature.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Gene-environmental interaction as a cause of human variation.

To Mendel has often been attributed the good luck or good judgment of choosing for study traits that were clearly alternative characters and that were free of environmental influence. Galton, on the other hand, studied characteristics that were complex and that often had the potential for alteration by the environment, so-called multifactorial traits. The Galtonian approach, although it uses ever more sophisticated statistical and computational tools, has provided little insight into the mode of action of individual genes. It has, of course, been useful in plant and animal breeding experiments to study the contributions of both genetic and environmental variation and, as we have heard at this symposium, may help us to estimate inherited risk.
Description and Rationale for Proposed M.S. Degree Training Program in Applied Social Research in Crime and Delinquency Programs

During the past decade an increasing societal commitment has been made to various social action programs designed to ameliorate problems involving deviant and/or maladaptive behaviors. In particular, much public attention, monetary commitment, and professional effort have been directed toward agencies and programs dealing with individuals who have violated criminal and juvenile laws (cf., Miller, 1973). Efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of these social action programs have enhanced our knowledge of factors that contribute to problems of crime and delinquency. For certain, these activities have revealed many of the complexities of program operations. Nevertheless, Glaser (1973:182) has observed that Evaluations too often are formulated in noncomparable terms, are reported in widely scattered publications, and consequently, provide only disconnected bits of knowledge that are noncumulative.
A randomized controlled trial of Dilapan-S vs Foley balloon for preinduction cervical ripening (DILAFOL trial).

Objective The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that Dilapan-S is not inferior to the Foley balloon for preinduction cervical ripening at term. Study Design Pregnant women ≥37 weeks scheduled for induction with unfavorable cervix (≤3 cm dilated and ≤60% effaced) were randomly assigned to 12 hours of either Foley balloon inflated with 60 mL saline or Dilapan-S for cervical ripening. If the cervix remained unfavorable, then 1 more round of the assigned dilator was used. Management following ripening was left up to the clinical providers. The primary outcome was vaginal delivery. A satisfaction survey was also obtained after the preinduction period. Sample size was based on a noninferiority margin of 10%, 90% power, and an estimated frequency of vaginal delivery of 71% in Foley balloon and 76% in Dilapan-S. Results From November 2016 through February 2018, 419 women were randomized (209 to Foley balloon; 210 to Dilapan-S). In the intent-to-treat analysis, vaginal delivery was more common in Dilapan-S vs Foley balloon (81.3% vs 76.1%), with an absolute difference with respect to the Foley balloon of 5.2% (95% confidence interval, –2.7% to 13.0%) indicating noninferiority for the prespecified margin. The difference was not large enough to show superiority. Noninferiority was confirmed in the per-protocol population (n = 204 in the Foley balloon, n = 188 in Dilapan-S), supporting the robustness of the results. Secondary outcomes were not different between groups, except for a longer time the device remained in place in Dilapan-S compared with the Foley balloon. Maternal and neonatal adverse events were not significantly different between groups. A priori interaction analyses showed no difference in the effect on vaginal delivery by cervical dilation at randomization, parity, or body mass index >30 kg/m2. Patients with Dilapan-S were more satisfied than patients with the Foley balloon as far as sleep (P = .01), relaxing time (P = .001), and performance of desired daily activities (P = .001). Conclusion Dilapan-S is not inferior to the Foley balloon for preinduction cervical ripening at term. Advantages of Dilapan-S over Foley include Food and Drug Administration approval, safe profile, no protrusion from the introitus, no need to keep under tension, and better patient satisfaction.
Topical Combination of Fluorouracil and Calcipotriene as a Palliative Therapy for Refractory Extramammary Paget Disease

Importance Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), a rare intraepithelial adenocarcinoma, poses a therapeutic challenge with high postoperative recurrence rates and a limited number of effective local treatment options. Objective To describe the use and efficacy of a topical combination of fluorouracil and calcipotriene as a palliative therapy for refractory EMPD. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective case series of 3 women with recurrent, refractory EMPD was conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri. All patients were treated with a 1:1 mixture of fluorouracil, 5%, cream and calcipotriene, 0.005%, cream or ointment. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical and histopathological findings. Results All 3 women (1 in her 50s, 2 in their 70s) presented with recurrent EMPD (vulvar, perianal, and perioral) after surgery and/or irradiation, and their EMPD was refractory to treatment with imiquimod, 5%, cream. Owing to disease progression and/or intolerable adverse effects from imiquimod, the patients began treatment with a 1:1 mixture of fluorouracil, 5%, cream and calcipotriene, 0.005%, cream. This treatment, which was well tolerated, was followed by clinical improvement in symptoms and appearance of the lesions in all 3 cases and histopathological signs of decreased tumor burden in 2 cases. Patients applied the combination topical therapy to affected areas with differing frequencies, ranging from 1 to 2 days per month to 4 consecutive days every 2 weeks. Conclusions and Relevance Extramammary Paget disease frequently recurs even after aggressive surgical management and can be refractory to many topical and locoregional therapies. Palliative treatment with a combination of fluorouracil and calcipotriene may be a viable option for patients with recurrent, refractory EMPD.
Use of 15N NMR spectroscopy to probe covalency in a thorium nitride.

Reaction of the thorium metallacycle, [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2] (R = SiMe3) with 1 equiv. of NaNH2 in THF, in the presence of 18-crown-6, results in formation of the bridged thorium nitride complex, [Na(18-crown-6)(Et2O)][(R2N)3Th(μ-N)(Th(NR2)3] ([Na][1]), which can be isolated in 66% yield after work-up. Complex [Na][1] is the first isolable molecular thorium nitride complex. Mechanistic studies suggest that the first step of the reaction is deprotonation of [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2] by NaNH2, which results in formation of the thorium bis(metallacycle) complex, [Na(THF)x][Th{N(R)(SiMe2CH2)}2(NR2)], and NH3. NH3 then reacts with unreacted [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2], forming [Th(NR2)3(NH2)] (2), which protonates [Na(THF)x][Th{N(R)(SiMe2CH2)}2(NR2)] to give [Na][1]. Consistent with hypothesis, addition of excess NH3 to a THF solution of [Th{N(R)(SiMe2)CH2}(NR2)2] results in formation of [Th(NR2)3(NH2)] (2), which can be isolated in 51% yield after work-up. Furthermore, reaction of [K(DME)][Th{N(R)(SiMe2CH2)}2(NR2)] with 2, in THF-d8, results in clean formation of [K][1], according to 1H NMR spectroscopy. The electronic structures of [1]− and 2 were investigated by 15N NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. This analysis reveals that the Th–Nnitride bond in [1]− features more covalency and a greater degree of bond multiplicity than the Th–NH2 bond in 2. Similarly, our analysis indicates a greater degree of covalency in [1]−vs. comparable thorium imido and oxo complexes.
A Case Study Evaluating the Diagnosis and Treatment of a Rare Mesenchymal Tumor.

Abstract The objective of this study is to report a benign mesenchymal neoplasm, cellular angiofibroma. We describe a 34-year-old male with a 4-month history of a painless right inguinal mass. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a 6.6 cm, oval-shaped mass without any distinguishing radiographical features. Surgical excision of the mass was performed. Tissue was extracted for immunohistochemical analysis, which stained positive for CD34 and Desmin, confirming cellular angiofibroma of the spermatic cord. Thus, this report highlights the importance of a challenging diagnostic case for providers due to the narrow range of imaging modalities and therefore limited treatment options.
Glimpses of a Place Spirituality in American Filmmaker John Sayles’ Limbo: Authenticity, Inauthenticity and Modes of Place Engagement

Though he has never tackled religious themes directly, independent filmmaker John Sayles is one of America’s most spiritually astute directors. His character-driven films regularly explore self-transformation stymied or propelled by personal misfortune, social change or the mystery of fate. Several of his films explicate the hazardous relationships between people and places, particularly as those places incorporate existential limitations or possibilities. In his 1999 Limbo, the place is early twenty-first-century Alaska, which is both the setting and antagonist for three main characters who face personal and interpersonal risk as that risk is impelled by place in both its human and natural forms. Sayles suggests that what one’s place is may not be the place where he or she really needs to be. Finding one’s place is never guaranteed, but, if we are successful, we break free of ‘limbo’—what Sayles defines as ‘a condition of unknowable outcome’ but also as ‘an intermediate or transitional place’. In the film, Sayles suggests that searching for one’s place may ultimately be more important than actually finding it.
De la construcción historiográfica a la representación novelística: Fernando VII a la luz de Vayo y Galdós

espanolEste articulo examina el impacto de la obra del historiador romantico Estanislao de Kostka Vayo, Historia de la vida y reinado de Fernando VII de Espana (1842), en la novela La Fontana de Oro (1870) y la segunda serie de Episodios nacionales (1875-1879), de Benito Perez Galdos. Mi analisis se centra en las diferentes formas de representacion textual de Fernando VII a las que recurren los autores: retrato fisico (prosopografia), retrato moral (etopeya) y actuacion politica desde 1814 a 1833. El que ambos compartieran un mismo ideario, el liberalismo moderado, explica que su vision del monarca –y del absolutismo en general– fuera muy negativa. Sin embargo, el subtexto de las obras varia notablemente: mientras que Vayo dejaba entrever su optimismo ante la inminente subida al trono de Isabel II, la preocupacion de Galdos por el futuro de la Revolucion de 1868 se convertia en profunda desilusion tras el fracaso de la misma. EnglishThis article examines the impact of Romantic historian Estanislao de Kostka Vayo’s Historia de la vida y reinado de Fernando VII de Espana (1842) on Benito Perez Galdos’ novel, La Fontana de Oro (1870), as well as on his second series of Episodios nacionales (1875-1879). My analysis centers around the different types of textual representation of Ferdinand VII that the authors resorted to: physical portrait (prosopography), moral portrait (ethopoeia), and political activity between 1814 and 1833. The fact that both of them shared the same creed, that of moderate liberalism, accounts for their very negative views on the monarch and, in general, on absolutism. However, the subtext of theirs works differs considerably from one another: while Vayo expressed a veiled optimism in the imminent accession of Isabel II to the Spanish throne, Galdos’s concern with the future of the Revolution of 1868 turned into utter disillusionment after its failure.
Suppressing non-local effects due to Doppler frequency shifts in dynamic Brillouin fiber sensors.

Brillouin fiber sensors have traditionally been limited to low-speed or static strain measurements due to the time-consuming frequency scans required. In the past decade, a number of novel high-speed measurement techniques have been proposed to enable Brillouin-based dynamic strain sensors. In this work, we present a new mechanism, which can limit the performance of high-speed dynamic Brillouin sensors. Specifically, we show that dynamic strain induced Doppler shifts can corrupt a distributed Brillouin strain measurement by introducing non-local signals throughout the fiber. We present a model showing that these non-local signals can introduce unacceptable levels of cross-talk or even exceed the local signal strength in reasonable operating conditions and experimentally observe these signals in a standard slope-assisted BOTDA sensor. Finally, we present a modified sensor architecture to address this issue and experimentally demonstrate low-noise (2.6 ne/Hz1/2), dynamic strain measurements with significantly reduced sensitivity to this type of non-local signal.
High neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is not independently associated with worse survival or recurrence in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

Abstract Background Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogenous group of neoplasms without well-validated biomarkers. Cancer-related inflammation is a known driver of tumor growth and progression. Recent studies have implicated a high circulating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a surrogate marker for the inflammatory tumor microenvironment and a poor prognosticator in multiple solid tumors, including colorectal and pancreatic cancers. The impact of circulating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in soft tissue sarcomas has yet to be elucidated. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing curative resection for primary or recurrent extremity soft tissue sarcomas at academic centers within the US Sarcoma Collaborative. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was calculated retrospectively in treatment-naive patients using blood counts at or near diagnosis. Results A high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (≥4.5) was associated with worse survival on univariable analysis in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas (hazard ratio 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–2.8; P Conclusion Tumor inflammation as measured by high pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was not independently associated with overall survival in patients undergoing resection for extremity soft tissue sarcomas.
Tumor-draining lymph node is important for a robust abscopal effect stimulated by radiotherapy.

Background Radiotherapy (RT) has been shown to stimulate an antitumor immune response in irradiated tumors as well as unirradiated distant sites (abscopal effect). Previous studies have demonstrated a role for the tumor-draining lymph node (LN) in mediating an anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) stimulated antitumor immune response. Here, we investigated whether the LN is also important in mediating a RT alone stimulated abscopal response. Methods We used a subcutaneous modified B16F10 flank tumor model injected bilaterally. Our B16F10 cell line has an inserted viral glycoprotein which facilitated identification of tumor-specific T-cells. RT was directed at one flank tumor alone or one flank tumor and the tumor-draining LN. We evaluated response by tumor growth measurements and flow cytometry of both tumor-infiltrating and LN T-cells. Results We show that local tumor irradiation improves distant tumor control (abscopal effect). Depletion of CD8+ T-cells significantly reduced this abscopal response. We have previously shown, in a chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, that the T-cell proliferative burst following blockade of PD-1/L1 is provided by a ‘stem-like’ CD8+ T-cell subset which then differentiate into terminally differentiated effectors. These terminally differentiated effectors have the potential to kill virally infected or tumor cells following PD-1/L1 blockade. In the chronic LCMV infection, stem-like CD8+ T-cells were found exclusively in secondary lymphoid organs. Similarly, here we found these cells at high frequencies in the tumor-draining LN, but at low frequencies within the tumor. The effect of RT on this T-cell subset in unknown. Interestingly, tumor irradiation stimulated total CD8+ and stem-like CD8+ T-cell proliferation in the LN. When the LN and the tumor were then targeted with RT, the abscopal effect was reduced, and we found a concomitant reduction in the number of total tumor-specific CD8+ T-cells and stem-like CD8+ T-cells in both the irradiated and unirradiated tumor. Conclusions These correlative results suggest the tumor-draining LN may be an important mediator of the abscopal effect by serving as a stem-like CD8+ T-cell reservoir, a site for stem-like T-cell expansion, and a site from which they can populate the tumor.
Reliable Cron across the Planet: ...or How I stopped worrying and learned to love time

This article describes Google’s implementation of a distributed Cron service, serving the vast majority of internal teams that need periodic scheduling of compute jobs. During its existence, we have learned many lessons on how to design and implement what might seem like a basic service. Here, we discuss the problems that distributed Crons face and outline some potential solutions.
Fecal Shedding of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in Calves

It is widely accepted that most infections caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) occur in utero or in the neonatal animal. The challenge, however, has been to demonstrate and detect the infection in the young animal, as the onset of clinical signs often takes several years. Earlier detection may allow for more prudent animal management decisions. Two primary objectives of this study are to determine whether fecal shedding of MAP can be detected in naturally infected young animals and if there is a relationship between MAP-shedding cows and fecal shedding in their offspring. This was a longitudinal, prospective study of two years' duration with more than 1,600 samples. It is a cooperative study with MSU, USDA, Michigan Dairy Association, private practitioners and dairy producers.
The Control of mastitis

Description of seminar on the control of mastitis sponsored by the International Dairy Federation, April 7-10, 1975, University of Reading, Berkshire, England.
Nitrogen oxides formation and control

Nitrogen oxide emissions totaled about 13 million short tons in 2013 with stationary fuel combustion accounting for approximately 29% of the total anthropogenic emissions. Of this approximately 3.7 million short tons, electric generating utilities are the largest source of NOx emissions compared to industry, with electric utilities accounting for 50% or 1.8 million short tons of all NOx emissions. Nitrogen oxide emissions have, however, decreased approximately 72% for the period 1990 to 2013, primarily due to controls implemented under EPA’s Acid Rain and CAIR NOx programs. NOx formation mechanisms are reviewed in this chapter, followed by technologies used to control NOx emissions. The discussion of NOx control technologies focuses on commercially available and commercially used systems.
Meninges, Ventricular System and Vascular System

The brain is enclosed by three membranes: the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater. These protective fluid-filled membranes are formed by connective tissue with embedded nerves, especially in the dura. The dura mater is the most external membrane, followed by the arachnoid and finally the pia mater, which adheres to the central nervous system (CNS).
Soluble 4A11 antigen: a novel mediator of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and monocyte recruitment in rheumatoid arthritis

The rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial pannus is characterized by a number of processes, including monocyte recruitment, leukocyte–endothelial adhesion, and angiogenesis. We have generated a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) (mAb 4A11), which detects the blood group antigens Lewis y and H-5-2 (collectively termed the 4A11 antigen). We have shown that this antigen, in soluble form, as well as a glucose analog of H-5-2 (H-2g), are potent mediators of angiogenesis. The 4A11 antigen is selectively expressed in skin, lymphoid organs, the thymus and synovium, and is upregulated on RA synovium compared with normal synovium, suggesting a role in leukocyte recruitment and homing. We have also shown that H-2g significantly upregulates cell surface expression of the adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), but not vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 or E-selectin. In accord with this, H-2g induces ICAM-1-mediated leukocyte–endothelial adhesion. Moreover, H-2g or the 4A11 antigen activate the endothelial janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 pathway, as demonstrated by inhibition by chemical inhibitors of these pathways as well as antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against these signaling intermediates. H-2g may also signal via the Erk1/2 and PI3kinase-Akt pathways. Moreover, H-2g induced endothelial NF-κB activation, and blockade of PI3kinase or JAK2 inhibited H-2g-induced endothelial NF-κB activation. These results suggest that the H-2g and the 4A11 antigen are mediators of leukocyte–endothelial adhesion via ICAM-1. We next sought to determine whether H-2g could induce monocyte recruitment. We performed monocyte chemotaxis in vitro in modified Boyden chambers. H-2g induced monocyte chemotaxis in the picomolar or greater range. In vivo, injection of H-2g intraperitoneally into the periotoneum of mice resulted in monocyte recruitment. The migration of monocytes in vitro, as with induction of HMVEC ICAM-1 expression, appeared to occur via the mitogen-activated kinase and PI3kinase pathways, but also via the Src pathway. These results suggest that H-2g and the 4A11 antigen are potent mediators of leukocyte–endothelial adhesion and monocyte recruitment, and that efforts aimed at targeting this antigen or its signaling pathways may be useful in the treatment of RA.
Visual and verbal feedback and its effect upon acquisition and retention of a projectile skill.

Abstract College students (N = 30) practiced a handball toss 20 times daily for eight days under visual and verbal feedback conditions. Although the group practicing with vision improved significantly, there were no significant differences between groups on a post-test and a retention test. There were no significant changes in performance for either group following five weeks of no practice.
COUNTY-LEVEL ESTIMATES OF THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF LOW-SKILL WORKERS

There can be no question that the aggregate economic performance of the United States over the 1990s was outstanding. Except for a brief recession in 1990–1991, the United States experienced steady growth, rising productivity, low and falling unemployment, and little inflation. Following sharp run-ups at the start of the decade, there were also declines in other social and economic indicators such as poverty, welfare caseloads, crime, and teenage birth rates. These trends suggest there were widespread increases in economic prosperity. In fact, however, we do not know exactly how the benefits of this performance were distributed.
Object-Orientation and Interoperability

Interoperability among database management systems to provide access to multiple autonomous databases has been a long-standing concern. As open distributed systems become more prevalent, the importance of interoperability among general system components significantly increases. Object-oriented technology is expected to play an importnat role in facilitating interoperability. In this paper we address this issue, examining the problems and possible solutions.
Thrust faults and the near‐surface strength of asteroid 433 Eros

[1] NEAR Shoemaker images reveal widespread occurrence of tectonic landforms on asteroid 433 Eros. Hinks Dorsum is a ridge that extends for about 18 km around the asteroid and strongly resembles thrust fault structures on the terrestrial planets. Tectonic landforms can provide information on the mechanical properties of asteroids, a subject of much controversy. Modeling constrained by topographic data shows that Hinks Dorsum can be accounted for by a shallow rooted thrust fault no greater than 250 m in depth with ∼90 m of cumulative slip. Strength envelopes based on frictional and rock mass strength criteria suggest the near-surface shear strength of Eros is from ∼1 to 6 MPa. A spatial correlation is found between Shoemaker crater, a transition from low to high crater density, and Hinks Dorsum. This spatial relation along with the estimated strength of the asteroid suggests the thrust fault was formed by impact induced compression.
Kansas Groundwater Management Districts

Kansas enacted enabling legislation in 1972 to permit creation of groundwater management districts (GMDs), which would have some degree of autonomy for local management and control, but would be subject to basic statewide water law doctrine. Five GMDs were created in western and south-central Kansas, the areas where the High Plains and Equus Beds Aquifers are located. The article first explores potential constitutional infirmities with the legislation and concludes that one potential problem area exists – when an intensive groundwater use control area (IGUCA) is designated in a serious problem area, the legislation permits reducing the annual quantity of water right appropriation right, which might be seen as an unconstitutional “taking” of property in that water rights are expressly defined under Kansas water law as “real property interests.” Other matters covered by the article are questions of participation of GMD in lawsuits, the relationship of GMDs to the state Chief Engineer, and an analysis of several rules and regulations including those on depletion and safe-yield.