cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geology and Rock Magnetism of Cinder Cone Lava Flows, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

The Cinder Cone quartz basalt flows in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, are probably only a few hundred years old (Finch, 1937), and there are at least four—the old bench flow, painted dunes flow, main flow, and 1851 flow. The flows consist almost exclusively of block lava and are petrographically indistinguishable. Ubiquitous quartz xenocrysts, siliceous pumice inclusions, and a high (56 per cent) SiO2 content in the presence of 6–8 per cent olivine show that the basalt is clearly contaminated (probably by a rhyolitic tuff). Fifty-four core samples were collected from the surface of the flows and from volcanic bombs. Magnetic measurements of the samples revealed a large unexpected scatter in magnetic directions that was not reduced by demagnetization. The cumulative experimental error from all sources is far too small to account for the large deviations in magnetic direction. It is concluded that the probable cause of the scatter is rotation of the surface lava blocks after cooling below the Curie point. Movement within the still mobile core of the flow may well have caused this rotation. Samples collected from volcanic bombs showed a similar broad scatter which is tentatively ascribed to postcooling movement of the underlying cinders, possible by downslope creep.
Network Observability Transitions

In the modeling, monitoring, and control of complex networks, a fundamental problem concerns the comprehensive determination of the state of the system from limited measurements. Using power grids as example networks, we show that this problem leads to a new type of percolation transition, here termed a network observability transition, which we solve analytically for the configuration model. We also demonstrate a dual role of the network's community structure, which both facilitates optimal measurement placement and renders the networks substantially more sensitive to ``observability attacks.'' Aside from their immediate implications for the development of smart grids, these results provide insights into decentralized biological, social, and technological networks.
Configuration-level hardware/software partitioning for real-time embedded systems

In this paper, we present an approach to hardware/software partitioning for real-time embedded systems. The abstraction level we have adopted is referred to as the configuration level, where hardware is modeled as resources with no detailed functionality and software is modeled as tasks utilizing the resources. Through configuration-level analysis, cost and performance tradeoffs can be studied early in the design process and a large design space can be explored. Feasibility factor is introduced to measure the possibility of a real-time system being feasible, and is used as both a constraint and an attribute during the optimization process. Optimal partitioning is achieved through the use of an existing computer-aided design tool.
Isoprenylcysteine Carboxy Methylation Is Essential for Development in Dictyostelium discoideum

Members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases and the heterotrimeric G protein γ subunit are methylated on their carboxy-terminal cysteine residues by isoprenylcysteine methyltransferase. In Dictyostelium discoideum, small GTPase methylation occurs seconds after stimulation of starving cells by cAMP and returns quickly to basal levels, suggesting an important role in cAMP-dependent signaling. Deleting the isoprenylcysteine methyltransferase-encoding gene causes dramatic defects. Starving mutant cells do not propagate cAMP waves in a sustained manner, and they do not aggregate. Motility is rescued when cells are pulsed with exogenous cAMP, or coplated with wild-type cells, but the rescued cells exhibit altered polarity. cAMP-pulsed methyltransferase-deficient cells that have aggregated fail to differentiate, but mutant cells plated in a wild-type background are able to do so. Localization of and signaling by RasG is altered in the mutant. Localization of the heterotrimeric Gγ protein subunit was normal, but signaling was altered in mutant cells. These data indicate that isoprenylcysteine methylation is required for intercellular signaling and development in Dictyostelium.
Renal ultrasonography: A procedure for nephrologists

Abstract The results of our ultrasonography program have been very positive, with substantial improvement in patient care, physician efficiency, fellowship training, and revenue. These benefits, plus the fact that renal ultrasonography is straightforward and does not require extensive training or expensive equipment, indicate that ultrasonography should become a standard procedure in the practice of nephrology. The best way to accomplish this is to incorporate ultrasonography into nephrology training programs and establish a formal accreditation procedure. Only a concerted effort will establish ultrasonography as a technique for nephrologists, a change that is long overdue.
C-Reactive Protein Increases Cytokine Responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae through Interactions with Fcγ Receptors

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common organism responsible for community acquired pneumonia and meningitis. In pneumococcal pneumonia, a strong local inflammatory cytokine response reduces the frequency of bacteremia and increases survival. The initiation of this cytokine response by innate recognition of bacterial cell wall components through TLR has been described, but the role of soluble innate mediators has received limited attention. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein that binds phosphocholine residues on S. pneumoniae cell walls. CRP interacts with phagocytic cells through FcγRI and FcγRII and activates the classical complement pathway. CRP is protective in mouse pneumococcal bacteremia by increasing complement-dependent clearance and killing of bacteria. We studied the cytokine response of PBMC stimulated with CRP-opsonized S. pneumoniae to determine the effect of CRP interaction with FcγR. CRP dramatically increased the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in response to S. pneumoniae . These increases were blocked by phosphocholine, which inhibits CRP binding to S. pneumoniae , by inhibitors of FcγR signaling, and by mAb to FcγRI and FcγRII. A mutated rCRP with decreased FcγR binding had a decreased ability to stimulate TNF-α release, compared with wild-type CRP. Individuals who were homozygous for the R-131 allele of FcγRIIA, which has a higher affinity for CRP, showed higher responses to CRP-opsonized bacteria than did individuals homozygous for the H-131 allele, further implicating this receptor. The results indicate that CRP recognition of S. pneumoniae and binding to FcγR may enhance the early protective cytokine response to infection.
A Game-Theoretic Model for Generation Expansion Planning: Problem Formulation and Numerical Comparisons

This paper presents an application of noncooperative game theory to generation expansion planning (GEP) in a competitive electricity industry. The authors apply the Cournot model of oligopoly behavior to formulate a GEP model that may characterize expansion planning in a competitive regime, particularly in pool-dominated generation supply industries. Numerical experiments are conducted on a test system to analyze generation investment and market participation decisions of candidate expansion units that vary in costs and forced outage rates. The numerical results point to: (1) greater industry expansion and system reliability, under Cournot competition than under centralized expansion planning; and (2) higher probabilistic measures of reliability from multi-player expansion than from expansion by a traditional monopolist with an equivalent reserve margin requirement. Furthermore, the authors summarize analytical results involving a simplified version of the GEP game.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Hippocampal Phosphoinositide Turnover Is Blunted in Spatial Learning-Impaired Aged Rats

Maximal phosphoinositide (PI) turnover was examined in the hippocampus of young and aged Long–Evans rats that were behaviorally characterized for spatial learning in the Morris water maze. The type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist 1S,3R ACPD was used to stimulate PI turnover and to determine the E MAX for each rat. Protein levels in hippocampus for type 1 mGluRs, Gαq11, and phospholipase Cβ-1 (PLCβ-1) were also measured by quantitative Western blotting. The results show that PI turnover mediated by the mGluRs was blunted in the aged rats. The magnitude of the decrement in PI turnover was also significantly correlated with age-related spatial memory decline. The decrease in mGluR-mediated PI turnover occurred without changes in the protein level of either the mGluRs or the G-protein coupled to those receptors, Gαq11. A significant decrease in the immunoreactivity of PLCβ-1, however, was observed in the hippocampus of aged rats; PLCβ-1 immunoreactivity was significantly correlated with spatial learning only when the young and aged rats were considered together. The decrement in mGluR-mediated signal transduction in the hippocampus that is related to cognitive impairment in aging may be attributable, at least in part, to a deficiency in the enzyme PLCβ-1. That deficiency may also contribute to a blunted response in muscarinic stimulation of hippocampal PI turnover that we previously found in this same study population. An age-related alteration in this signal transduction system may provide a functional basis for cognitive decline independent of any loss of neurons in the hippocampus.
Low Concentrations of Quercetin and Ellagic Acid Synergistically Influence Proliferation, Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in MOLT-4 Human Leukemia Cells–

Little information is available regarding possible synergistic or antagonistic biochemical interactions among polyphenols contained in fruits and vegetables. Identifying potential interactions among these compounds may help to define the efficiency of polyphenol-containing foods in cancer prevention as related to structure-function activity of the compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate interactions between quercetin and ellagic acid, two polyphenolics that are present predominantly in small fruits, on cell death and proliferation-related variables in the MOLT-4 human leukemia cell line. Assays were performed to determine cell cycle kinetics, proliferation, apoptotic DNA-fragmentation and caspase-3-activity after 12, 24 and 48 h. Ellagic acid significantly potentiated the effects of quercetin (at 5 and 10 micro mol/L each) in the reduction of proliferation and viability and the induction of apoptosis. Significant alterations in cell cycle kinetics were also observed. The synergy was confirmed by an isobolographic analysis of the cell proliferation data. The interaction of ellagic acid and quercetin demonstrated an enhanced anticarcinogenic potential of polyphenol combinations, which was not based solely on the additive effect of individual compounds, but rather on synergistic biochemical interactions.
The Growing Epidemic of HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Clinical Review for Primary Care Providers

While the rate of head and neck cancer has decreased in recent decades, the prevalence of oropharynx cancer has dramatically increased due to human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer. Three of 4 newly diagnosed oropharyngeal carcinomas are HPV-positive, and by 2020 it is projected that the prevalence of this disease will overtake that of HPV-related cervical cancer. Recognized in recent years as a malignant entity distinct from HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is associated with younger age at diagnosis, oral sexual behavior as a primary risk factor, nonspecific presentation, and improved treatment response compared with HPV-negative disease. Early recognition and referral for definitive treatment are paramount in decreasing morbidity and mortality, as well as improving the quality of life of these patients. Primary care providers are in an ideal position to improve patient outcomes through early recognition and referral, as well as coordination of comprehensive care of patients with this potentially devastating disease. Awareness of risk factors, a high index of suspicion, counseling patients and parents on the importance of vaccination against HPV, and coordinated care between primary care providers and specialists are vital to achieving improved outcomes for patients with this increasingly prevalent cancer.
On-chip communication analysis for multimedia applications

The objective of this paper is to introduce self-similarity as a fundamental property exhibited by the bursty traffic behavior between different on-chip modules in typical MPEG-2 video applications. Statistical tests performed on relevant traces extracted from common video clips establish unequivocally the existence of self-similarity in on-chip video traffic. Using a generic on-chip communication architecture, we discuss the implications of our findings on on-chip buffer space allocation. We also describe a synthetic trace generation procedure for speeding up the buffer simulation process.
Propagation and the Vertical Structure of the Madden Julian Oscillation

Abstract The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) dominates tropical variability on time scales of 30–70 days. During the boreal winter–spring it is manifested as an eastward propagating disturbance, with a strong convective signature over the Eastern Hemisphere. The space–time structure of the MJO is described using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis, Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer outgoing longwave radiation, observed sea surface temperature, and the Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation. Empirical orthogonal function analysis is used to identify the convective signature of the MJO, and regression is used to identify key relationships with the convection. Compared to analyzing successive years of data, the selection of years of strong MJO activity results in a more robust lead–lag structure and an increase in explained variance. The MJO exhibits a rich vertical structure, with low-level moisture convergence bein...
Changes in biological productivity along the northwest African margin over the past 20,000 years

The intertropical convergence zone and the African monsoon system are highly sensitive to climate forcing at orbital and millennial timescales. Both systems influence the strength and direction of the trade winds along northwest Africa and thus directly impact coastal upwelling. Sediment cores from the northwest African margin record upwelling-related changes in biological productivity connected to changes in regional and hemispheric climate. We present records of 230Th-normalized biogenic opal and Corg fluxes using a meridional transect of four cores from 19°N–31°N along the northwest African margin to examine changes in paleoproductivity since the last glacial maximum. We find large changes in biogenic fluxes synchronous with changes in eolian fluxes calculated using end-member modeling, suggesting that paleoproductivity and dust fluxes were strongly coupled, likely linked by changes in wind strength. Opal and Corg fluxes increase at all sites during Heinrich Stadial 1 and the Younger Dryas, consistent with an overall intensification of the trade winds, and changes in the meridional flux gradient indicate a southward wind shift at these times. Biogenic fluxes were lowest, and the meridional flux gradients were weakest during the African Humid Period when the monsoon was invigorated due to precessional changes, with greater rainfall and weaker trade winds over northwest Africa. These results expand the spatial coverage of previous paleoproxy studies showing similar changes, and they provide support for modeling studies showing changes in wind strength and direction consistent with increased upwelling during abrupt coolings and decreased upwelling during the African Humid Period.
Effect of HCl on the normal magnetic susceptibility of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

Normal static magnetic-susceptibility measurements have been carried out for the high-${T}_{c}$ superconductor ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ which was annealed at temperatures between 100 and 500 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C in the presence of HCl gas at a pressure of 100 Torr. The magnetic susceptibility data strongly depend on the change in the proportion of ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ to ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{3+}$ during the reaction of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ with HCl. The Curie-Weiss susceptibility arises from the localized ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ spins and the Pauli paramagnetic susceptibility arises from conduction electrons in ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{3+}$ states. These data can be interpreted in terms of the two-dimensional ordering of oxygen-vacancy sites in the one-dimensional chains in CuO layers. The one-dimensional chains have a stoichiometry of ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}^{3+}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{\mathit{x}}^{2+}$${\mathrm{O}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}/2}$ with \ensuremath{\delta}=x/2.
Influence of Selective Insecticides on Population Dynamics of European Red Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae), Apple Rust Mite (Acari: Eriophyidae), and Their Predator Amblyseius fallacies (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Apple

The predaceous phytoseiid mite, Amblyseius falllacis (Garman), is important to the biological control of spider mites in deciduous fruit orchards. Insecticides applied for control of insect pests may be toxic to A. fallacis thereby causing spider mite outbreaks. Pyrethroids are highly toxic to A. fallacis and are not recommended for use after petal fall. Applications of pennethrin at pink and petal fall resulted in outbreaks of European red mites, Panonychus ulmi (Koch) because of the elimination of A. fallacis . Permethrin-treated trees had European red mite populations averaging 5 times higher than in untreated trees. Materials which conserved A. fallacis populations maintained European red mite below economic thresholds throughout the season. The apple rust mite, Aculus schlechtendali (Nalepa), served as an alternate food source for A. fallacis, particularly in trees which had low European red mite populations.
Insurance Expansion and the Utilization of Inpatient Surgery: Evidence for a "Woodwork" Effect?

Introduction. The impact of insurance expansion on the currently insured population is largely unknown. We examine rates of elective surgery in previously insured individuals before and after Massachusetts health care reform. Methods. Using the State Inpatient Databases for Massachusetts and 2 control states (New York and New Jersey) that did not expand coverage, we identified patients aged 69 and older who underwent surgery from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2010. We studied 5 elective operations (knee and hip replacement, transurethral resection of prostate, inguinal hernia repair, back surgery). We examined statewide utilization rates before and after implementation of health care reform, using a difference-in-differences technique to adjust for secular trends. We also performed subgroup analyses according to race and income strata. Results. We observed no increase in the overall rate of selected discretionary inpatient surgeries in Massachusetts versus control states for the entire population ...
Tuning the Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of CoNiFeB Thin Films

CoNiFeB thin films with a high saturation magnetic flux density (Bs) and a low coercivity (Hc) are used as core materials in high-density recording heads. Electroless deposition has proven to be an excellent process for the fabrication of metallic thin film structures, because it does not suffer from limitations associated with current density distribution and can therefore be used to create uniform coatings on substrates with fine and/or complex geometries. The crystal structure of CoNiFeB films, which is dependent on their chemical composition, can be controlled by changing the bath composition; however, to our knowledge, there is no report on tuning the chemical composition, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of CoNiFeB thin films only by the optimization of the electroless deposition parameters while maintaining the same concentration of salts in the bath. In this study, through the use of complementary techniques including AFM, SEM, XRD, EDS, and VSM, we show how the crystal structure of the ...
The structural investigation of alumina and aluminum nitride mixed thin films prepared by d.c. plasma processes under different conditions

Composite films of aluminum nitride and alumina were fabricated on 6061 aluminum alloys in a d.c. plasma chamber. Samples were treated by three main processes. They were (1) Ar plasma etching, (2) NH{sub 3}/Ar plasma with low pressure and low current density, and (3) NH{sub 3} plasma with high pressure and high current density. The oxygen-free Al surface was obtained after 10 min. 2.8 keV Ar{sup +} sputtering in a UHV analysis chamber after the sample was treated by processes 1 and 2. Composite films of aluminum nitride and alumina were obtained on samples treated by processes 1, 2, and 3. The surface compositions and bonding environments of the composite films were characterized by AES and XPS. Composite films containing Al-N, Al-O and Al-Al bonds were formed but no nitrogen-oxygen bonds were observed. The thicknesses of the films were estimated by argon sputtering in the UHV chamber. The surface morphologies of samples after fabrication processes in d.c. plasma were investigated by SEM. A possible formation mechanism of the composite film in the ammonia plasma is proposed.
Abstract B54: Pregnancy and postpartum involution promote tumorigenesis in a preclinical model for triple negative/basal breast cancer

Young African American women have an increased risk of developing and dying from “triple negative/basal breast cancer” compared to young Caucasian women, but the reason for this is unknown. Insight into this problem may be elucidated by the fact that breast cancers associated with a recent pregnancy are more likely to be metastatic. For all women, having had a recent pregnancy is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. Epidemiologic data shows increased risk of triple negative/basal breast cancer with increased childbearing in African American women (Millikan et al 2008). We speculate that the hormones of pregnancy combined with the tissue-remodeling of the post-partum breast back to its pre-pregnant state (a normal process called postpartum involution that occurs after childbirth in the absence of breastfeeding, or at weaning in women who breastfeed) provides a two-hit tumor promotional tissue environment that results in increased metastasis of these tumors. Using an innovative, intraductal preclinical model developed in our laboratory, we tested whether a triple negative/basal breast cancer cell line (MCF10ADCIS.com) is promoted by pregnancy or postpartum involution. When these cells are injected into mammary ducts of nulliparous female mice, there is evidence of tumor progression from hyperplastic alveolar nodules to ductal carcinoma in situ to local invasion that is accompanied by progressive loss of the protective myoepithelial cell layer. Further, tumor burden in pregnancy and postpartum involution is much greater than their respective nulliparous controls. Importantly, with pregnancy and postpartum involution the protective myoepithelial cell layer surrounding tumors is compromised at earlier stages than in nulliparous controls. Physiologic changes to adherens junctions and myoepithelial cells occur during normal pregnancy and post-partum involution, respectively. These data suggest that the physiological environments of pregnant and involuting glands promote tumor progression and begin to unfold the biological mechanisms for the effects of parity on aggressive breast cancers. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B54.
Abstract IA13: Connecting science to law: Understanding the policymaking process

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., killing 480,000 Americans a year. To address the death and disease caused by tobacco use, Congress enacted the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA) in 2009, granting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) broad authority to regulate the manufacture, marketing, and sale of tobacco products. In order to help build the science base for tobacco regulation, the FDA has invested heavily in “tobacco regulatory science.” In partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is investing $273 million over five years in the Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) initiative. The TCORS program funds 14 centers at academic institutions (including Ohio State) that conduct research relevant to the FDA9s regulation of tobacco. This initiative is a unique partnership between a regulatory agency and researchers, developed with the explicit expectation that the research will directly inform the FDA9s regulatory actions. To conduct research that will assist the FDA in fulfilling its regulatory mission, researchers must venture outside of their comfort zone and consider the relevant legal and policy environment. More specifically, scientists engaged in tobacco regulatory science must consider at least four different questions: (1) what FDA regulatory action(s) might my research inform?; (2) what types of evidence would the FDA need to consider in order to take such actions?; and (3) if such a regulation were reviewed in court, what questions would the courts ask about the available evidence? Failure to consider these questions may lead to research that, while scientifically valid, does not advance the FDA9s ability to fulfill its regulatory mission. Thus, in order for the TCORS program to succeed, there must be a productive and ongoing dialogue between scientists and attorneys familiar with the regulatory landscape. This presentation will discuss the need for better coordination between scientists and attorneys, particularly in the context of tobacco regulatory research. It will also discuss how law acts as a social determinant of health that has a significant impact (both positive and negative) on health disparities. Citation Format: Micah L. Berman. Connecting science to law: Understanding the policymaking process. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr IA13.
Impact of On-Chip Interconnect on the Performance of 3-D Integrated Circuits With Through-Silicon Vias: Part II

Circuit-level models are developed to determine the upper bound on the performance of a 3-D IC link with through silicon vias (TSVs). It is shown that the performance of a 3-D link is limited not only by the on-chip interconnect RC, driver resistance, and TSV capacitance, but also by the current carrying capacity of the on-chip wires connecting the TSV to the input/output (I/O) driver. The models developed in this paper are used to optimize the I/O driver size, the number of on-chip wires connecting the TSV to the driver, and the data-rate to maximize the aggregate bandwidth per unit energy. Furthermore, in order to maximize the aggregate bandwidth of a 3-D link, it is shown that splitting the TSV array into smaller subarrays and placing the I/O drivers closer to the TSVs is better compared with having large TSV arrays.
Energy Performance of a Solar Home Constructed for the Solar Decathlon Competition 2013

Abstract Reduction of energy consumption in residential homes is a goal of sustainable construction. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) started a biennial Solar Decathlon competition in 2002, in which the students from universities around the globe built energy-efficient and affordable homes suitable for their climate and location. The main goal of this competition was to select the home best designed and built in a sustainable way. This paper describes the home designed and constructed for participation in the 2012-2013 competition by the students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The home was designed for the desert climate of southern Nevada, part of the Mojave Desert. This paper describes the design and construction process of this home, and determines whether it is a net zero energy home.
The Clustered, Regularly Interspaced, Short Palindromic Repeats-associated Endonuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-created MDM2 T309G Mutation Enhances Vitreous-induced Expression of MDM2 and Proliferation and Survival of Cells

The G309 allele of SNPs in the mouse double minute (MDM2) promoter locus is associated with a higher risk of cancer and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), but whether SNP G309 contributes to the pathogenesis of PVR is to date unknown. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated endonuclease (Cas) 9 from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) can be harnessed to manipulate a single or multiple nucleotides in mammalian cells. Here we delivered SpCas9 and guide RNAs using dual adeno-associated virus-derived vectors to target the MDM2 genomic locus together with a homologous repair template for creating the mutation of MDM2 T309G in human primary retinal pigment epithelial (hPRPE) cells whose genotype is MDM2 T309T. The next-generation sequencing results indicated that there was 42.51% MDM2 G309 in the edited hPRPE cells using adeno-associated viral CRISPR/Cas9. Our data showed that vitreous induced an increase in MDM2 and subsequent attenuation of p53 expression in MDM2 T309G hPRPE cells. Furthermore, our experimental results demonstrated that MDM2 T309G in hPRPE cells enhanced vitreous-induced cell proliferation and survival, suggesting that this SNP contributes to the pathogenesis of PVR.
Comprehensive adipocytic and neurogenic tissue microarray analysis of NY-ESO-1 expression - a promising immunotherapy target in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and liposarcoma

// Elizabeth Shurell 1, * , Maria E. Vergara-Lluri 2, * , Yunfeng Li 3 , Joseph G. Crompton 1 , Arun Singh 4 , Nicholas Bernthal 5 , Hong Wu 3 , Fritz C. Eilber 1 , Sarah M. Dry 2 1 Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA 2 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA 3 Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA 4 Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA 5 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA * Co-first author Correspondence to: Fritz C. Eilber, email: fceilber@mednet.ucla.edu Keywords: NY-ESO-1, sarcoma, MPNST, liposarcoma, immunotherapy Received: July 28, 2016 Accepted: September 09, 2016 Published: September 17, 2016 ABSTRACT Background: Immunotherapy targeting cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1 shows promise for tumors with poor response to chemoradiation. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) and liposarcomas (LPS) are chemoresistant and have few effective treatment options. Materials Methods: Using a comprehensive tissue microarray (TMA) of both benign and malignant tumors in primary, recurrent, and metastatic samples, we examined NY-ESO-1 expression in peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) and adipocytic tumors. The PNST TMA included 42 MPNSTs (spontaneous n = 26, NF1-associated n = 16), 35 neurofibromas (spontaneous n = 22, NF-1 associated n = 13), 11 schwannomas, and 18 normal nerves. The LPS TMA included 48 well-differentiated/dedifferentiated (WD/DD) LPS, 13 myxoid/round cell LPS, 3 pleomorphic LPS, 8 lipomas, 1 myelolipoma, and 3 normal adipocytic tissue samples. Stained in triplicate, NY-ESO-1 intensity and density were scored. Results: NY-ESO-1 expression was exclusive to malignant tumors. 100% of myxoid/round cell LPS demonstrated NY-ESO-1 expression, while only 6% of WD/DD LPS showed protein expression, one of which was WD LPS. Of MPNST, 4/26 (15%) spontaneous and 2/16 (12%) NF1-associated MPNSTs demonstrated NY-ESO-1 expression. Strong NY-ESO-1 expression was observed in myxoid/round cell and dedifferentiated LPS, and MPNST in primary, neoadjuvant, and metastatic settings. Conclusions: We found higher prevalence of NY-ESO-1 expression in MPNSTs than previously reported, highlighting a subset of MPNST patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. This study expands our understanding of NY-ESO-1 in WD/DD LPS and is the first demonstration of staining in a WD LPS and metastatic/recurrent myxoid/round cell LPS. These results suggest immunotherapy targeting NY-ESO-1 may benefit patients with aggressive tumors resistant to conventional therapy.
Ethnic Hair Considerations for People of African, South Asian, Muslim, and Sikh origins

By the year 2060, there are expected to be almost 80 million foreign-born Americans, representing nearly 20 % of the US population. Dermatologists will increasingly come into contact with immigrant populations, and cultural considerations should be taken into account. Many will continue to adhere to time-tested cultural practices in hopes of achieving or maintaining healthy hair, though some may lead to hair and scalp disorders. Awareness of some of the more common hair practices in different racial and ethnic groups can help dermatologists make informed decisions regarding treatment guidelines and recommendations.
Adaptive control of plants that are practically impossible to control by fixed-gain control laws

Some LTI plants are practically impossible to control due to extremely small gain and phase margins. These plants tend to be either unstable or nonminimum phase or both. Since practical control of these plants using fixed-gain controllers is not feasible, it is of interest to determine whether adaptive control can overcome these difficulties. To investigate this question, we apply retrospective cost adaptive control (RCAC) to a collection of plants that are practically impossible to control from an LTI perspective. For each plant, we introduce a destabilizing perturbation in order to determine whether or not RCAC can re-adapt in such a way as to compensate for the loss of margin and restabilize the closed-loop system without manual retuning. Since these plants are inherently difficult to control, it is of interest to determine whether or not restabilization is possible and, if so, assess the severity of the transient response.
Strains of Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Implications for Vaccine Development

Within a few years after its discovery in 1957, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was shown to be the single most important pathogen of acute lower respiratory tract illness among infants and young children worldwide. In the 1960’s and 1970’s multiple attempts to develop a vaccine failed. The first vaccine was formalin-inactivated, alum precipitated virus grown in primary monkey kidney cells that was evaluated in four field trials (Chin et al. 1969; Fulginiti et al. 1969; Kapikian et al. 1969; Kim et al. 1969). The vaccine induced a good serologic response to RSV but failed to protect the vaccinee from infection and, vaccinees <2 yrs old experienced more severe RSV disease than those not vaccinated. This increase in serious disease is illustrated in Table 1 for one of the trials. Live virus vaccines also failed (Belshe et al. 1982; McKay et al. 1988; Tyeryar, 1983; Wright et al. 1976, 1982). Some vaccine strains reverted to wild phenotype virus during clinical trials and others failed to induce an adequate antibody response. These failures have led researchers to conclude that a better understanding of the virus and the virus host interaction is needed to increase the chances of successfully developing an RSV vaccine.
Abstract 16149: Warfarin Use is Associated With Reduced Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: The optimal management of stroke prophylaxis in hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation is controversial. Studies have yielded conflicting results: some studies have suggested warfarin use is associated with an increased risk of stroke and bleeding, while other studies showed that warfarin use lowers risk of stroke and death. Methods: This is a population-based retrospective cohort study of hemodialysis patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Health System between Jan 1, 2006 to Sept 30, 2015. Patients with at least 7 days of follow-up were grouped into warfarin users and non-warfarin users based on prescription filled for warfarin. We determined the association between warfarin use and the risk of all-cause death, stroke, and bleeding using Cox-proportional hazard models. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by log-rank test. Results: We identified 4286 patients with atrial fibrillation on hemodialysis. Among this group, 989 (23%) patients were prescribed warfarin. When compared to non-warfarin users, patients prescribed warfarin were older, had more congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, higher CHA2DS2-VASc Score and higher HASBLED score. Warfarin use was associated with lower all-cause death (see figure) (p Conclusion: In this cohort of hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation, warfarin use is associated with lower all-cause death and ischemic stroke but not with more bleeding complications.
Comparison of access type on perioperative outcomes after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Abstract Objective Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can be performed through percutaneous or surgical access. Our goal was to assess the difference in perioperative outcomes based on access type in a real-world setting. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database was queried for EVAR. Univariable analysis and multivariable analysis were used to determine the independent effect of access type. Results There were 8340 (64%) and 4747 (36%) EVAR procedures performed through percutaneous and surgical access (3395 [72%] transverse and 1352 [28%] vertical incisions). In 347 cases (4%), percutaneous access failed. Percutaneous access was performed more in patients who were younger and male, had higher body mass index, were nonsmokers, and had commercial insurance. Multivariable analysis showed that surgical transverse compared with percutaneous access was associated with more cardiac complications (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.05; P = .005), prolonged operative time (means ratio [MR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.23-1.27; P P P P P P P P = .001), and LOS (MR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.1-1.23; P P = .003), prolonged operative time (MR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.56-1.72; P P P Conclusions The rate of percutaneous access in this contemporary series is higher than historically reported. Percutaneous access is associated with decreased operative time, EBL, and LOS and should be considered when possible. For open surgical access, transverse incisions are associated with lower operative time, EBL, and LOS. Failed percutaneous access is associated with higher cardiac complications as well as with operative time, EBL, and LOS. Extra caution should be used with patients at high risk for failed percutaneous access. Further prospective investigation is needed incorporating details about the quality of the access vessel to determine the interactions of these risk factors.
Evolving neuromodulator architectures on non-associative learning tasks

Neuromodulation is an integral process in neural systems. Even the most well-studied neural circuits and organisms cannot be understood effectively without taking into account the effects of neuromodulators. The term neuromodulation refers to a broad range of phenomena, each of which has important computational distinctions. In this paper, we report on results measuring performance of differing forms of computational neuromodulation on a biologically meaningful, non-associative learning task. A novel neuroevolution approach, GasNEAT, is introduced and used to conduct the experiments. Findings indicate that, under certain conditions, networks with neuromodulation are more likely to evolve habituating behaviors than those without.
Multiscale Stochastic Representations Using Polynomial Chaos Expansions with Gaussian Process Coefficients

We address an important component of risk mitigation for ultra-deep sea drilling in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), namely the probabilistic characterization of fluid fluxes at the seafloor from future drilling operations. In the process, we develop a stochastic representation of functions defined on a high-dimensional space conditional on their marginal statistics and their global correlation structure. The representation leverages a particular structure of the functional dependence of interest which exhibits scale separation. Specifically, we construct a polynomial chaos representation for scalar quantities of interest whose coefficients are themselves random. The intrinsic randomness of the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) reflects local uncertainty and captures dependence on a subset of the parameters, while randomness in the PCE coefficients captures a global structure of the uncertainty and dependence on the remaining parameters in the high-dimensional space. This construction is demonstrated by predicting wellbore signatures in the GoM where a 120-dimensional table is populated at several thousand wellbore locations throughout the GoM. Physics-based models of multiphase flow in porous media are used to calculate the PCE representations at the sites where data is available. In this context, random parameters describing the subsurface define the parameter set with respect to which PCE is constructed. A Gaussian process in parameter space is then developed for each coefficient in these representations. The combined probabilistic representation permits the delineation of separate stochastic influences on predictions of interest.
Dissociable Structural and Functional Hippocampal Outputs via Distinct Subiculum Cell Classes.

The mammalian hippocampus, comprised of serially connected subfields, participates in diverse behavioral and cognitive functions. It has been postulated that parallel circuitry embedded within hippocampal subfields may underlie such functional diversity. We sought to identify, delineate, and manipulate this putatively parallel architecture in the dorsal subiculum, the primary output subfield of the dorsal hippocampus. Population and single-cell RNA-seq revealed that the subiculum can be divided into two spatially adjacent subregions associated with prominent differences in pyramidal cell gene expression. Pyramidal cells occupying these two regions differed in their long-range inputs, local wiring, projection targets, and electrophysiological properties. Leveraging gene-expression differences across these regions, we use genetically restricted neuronal silencing to show that these regions differentially contribute to spatial working memory. This work provides a coherent molecular-, cellular-, circuit-, and behavioral-level demonstration that the hippocampus embeds structurally and functionally dissociable streams within its serial architecture.
Minimally invasive spine surgery in the pediatric and adolescent population: A case series.

Background There is scant literature evaluating the indications, techniques, and outcomes of minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery undertaken for pediatric and adolescent spine pathology. Our study attempts to evaluate the safe and effective use of MIS techniques in pediatric and adolescent patients and to appreciate the technical nuances of MIS surgery for this age group. Methods Consecutive pediatric and adolescent patients undergoing elective MIS lumbar procedures, from 2008 to 2016, were retrospectively analyzed from the practice of a single fellowship-trained academic spinal neurosurgeon. Information was retrieved regarding procedure and disease pathology. Descriptive data was obtained including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), insurance coverage, smoking status, and co-morbidities. Outcome measures were recorded including intraoperative complications, revision surgery, and return-to-function. Results Sixteen patients underwent 17 surgeries. The median BMI was 29.2 (range, 20.8-41.5). Age ranged from 12 to 19 years. Nearly 20% of the patients in our series were smokers. Most patients underwent discectomy, with L5-S1 being the most common level. One patient underwent direct pars defect repair and another underwent recurrent discectomy. More than 90% of the patients were complication-free at follow-up period of 6 months. One patient had a recurrent disc herniation and another had a superficial wound infection. Overall, 82.4% patients enjoyed full return to sports such as weight lifting, gymnastics, and contact sports. One patient required pain management to help alleviate ongoing pain. Another patient required a course of outpatient rehabilitation to help with a "foot drop." Conclusion Our series illustrates the effective application of MIS techniques among carefully selected pediatric patients. Emphasis is on using a smaller (16 mm) tubular retractor and causing minimal disruption of paraspinal osseo-tendinous structures. MIS techniques can be successfully applied to the pediatric and adolescent age group.
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology

This article briefly compares and contrasts the nature of stress responses and their underlying physiological systems in invertebrates and vertebrates.
Targeted Nanoparticle Binding to Hydroxyapatite in a High Serum Environment for Early Detection of Heart Disease.

The impact of the protein-rich in vivo environment on targeted binding of functionalized nanoparticles has been an active field of research over the past several years. Current research aims at better understanding the nature of the protein corona and how it may be possible for targeted binding to occur even in the presence of serum. Much of the current research focuses on nanoparticles targeted to particular cell receptors or features with the aim of cellular uptake. However, similar research has not been performed on nanoparticles that are targeted to nonprotein disease features, such as hydroxyapatite (HA). HA is a crystalline calcium-phosphate mineral that is present in large quantities in bone and, in smaller quantities, in diseased cardiovascular tissue in cases of atherosclerosis or various stenoses. Our work aims to gain a better understanding of the behavior of PEGylated, peptide-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in a biologically relevant high-protein environment (50% se...
Correlation of tumor enhancement and imaging features on multiphasic multidetector CT with microvessel density as a step toward a minimally invasive method to predict Fuhrman nuclear grade in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

e16049Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common tumor of the kidney. Up to 70% are incidentally detected on multiphasic CT. The prognosis for patients with ccRCC is rel...
Celiac Disease-Musculoskeletal Manifestations and Mechanisms in Children to Adults.

We aim to review the current literature on the association of musculoskeletal disorders and celiac disease that is a common disorder, affecting about 1% of the population. Extra-intestinal symptoms and presentations predominate. While the literature supports an association with reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk and celiac disease, there is little evidence supporting associations with other rheumatological conditions. Patients frequently report musculoskeletal symptoms; however, studies of specific disease entities suffer from a lack of standardization of testing for celiac disease and a lack of control groups. Well-controlled, preferably population-based studies are required to further explore a relationship between celiac disease and musculoskeletal disorders.