cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 352: Preclinical evaluation of LYS6K1, a novel, highly selective, orally bioavailable inhibitor of p70 S6 kinase currently in phase I clinical trials for cancer

PI3K/AKT/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway (AKT pathway) controls cell survival, cell-cycle progression, cell growth and metabolism through a cascade phosphorylation of a number of key substrates. This pathway is regulated by three well characterized tumor suppressors; pten, tsc2, and lkb1. Deletion of these genes results in activation of the AKT pathway and proliferative disorders. Similarly, activating mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinases or PI3 Kinase result in the activation of the pathway. Therefore, multiple nodes of the pathway have become drug targets. As part of a comprehensive drug discovery platform aimed at targeting the PI3K pathway, we have developed a potent small molecule inhibitor of p70 S6 kinase that is a downstream effector in this pathway. LYS6K1 is a potent, highly selective ATP competitive inhibitor against p70 S6 kinase with an IC50 of 0.002 uM. In vitro, LYS6K1 inhibits the phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein in HCT116 colon cancer cells with an IC50 of 0.2 uM and similar activity is seen in a broad range of other cell lines. In vivo, LYS6K1.tosylate demonstrates potent phospho-S6 inhibition in nude mice bearing HCT116 colon carcinoma cells, with an ED50 value of 2.2 mg/kg and a ED90 value of 10 mg/kg 4 hours after a single oral dose. In these studies, LYS6K1.tosylate did not show statistically significant elevation of phospho-AKT, in spite of potent p70 S6 kinase inhibition. Proportional dose, exposure, and pharmacodynamic relationships were observed for LYS6K1 in dose- and time- dependent studies. In vivo, LYS6K1.tosylate effectively inhibits the growth of HCT116 colon carcinoma xenografts in mice and the growth of U87MG glioblastoma tumor as a single agent at 2.5 mg/kg given twice daily. Overall, LYS6K1.tosylate has high permeability that resulted in good oral absorption and PK properties. Based on these pre-clinical observations, LYS6K1.tosylate has advanced to Phase I studies. 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 352.
Control of Insect Defoliators of Collards in Alabama

Insecticides were screened for effectiveness against insect defoliators of collards under field conditions in Alabama. Tests were conducted for 3 years during different periods of the growing season, and the insect complex varied in population sizes and species composition. Good control of imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), and diamondback moth larvae, Plutella xylostella (L.), was obtained with Galecron® ( N' -(4-ehloro-o-tolyl)- N, N -dimet-hylformamidine), methomyl, Monitor® ( O , S-dimethyl phosphoramidothioate), and Dipel® (preparation of the HD-1 strain of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki de Barjac and Lemille). Satisfactory control of high populations of cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), was obtained with Dipel at 0.5 and 1.0 lb/acre, Galecron at 1.0 lb/acre, and Orthene® ( O , S-dimethyl N -acetyl phosphoramidothioate) at 0.75 lb/acre.
Template-Free Ordered Mesoporous Silicas by Binary Nanoparticle Assembly

Evaporation-induced convective binary assembly of large (A) and small (B) silica nanoparticles is demonstrated as a template-free route to three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous silicas (OMSs), the pore topology of which derives from the interconnected interstices of the resulting ordered nanoparticulate structures. Even without explicit solvent index matching or stabilization (e.g., charge or steric) beyond intrinsic properties of the amino acid nanoparticle synthesis solution, assembly of binary mixtures of silica nanoparticles of ca. 10–50 nm in diameter primarily obeys hard-sphere phase behavior despite differences in electrostatic character of the particles. Specifically, the particle size ratio, γ, governs symmetry of the assemblies among AB2 and AB13 phases and enables access of the AB phase. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reveals the high yield of ordered binary assemblies and confirms, in combination with transmission electron microscopy, the AlB2, NaZn13, and NaCl crystalline isostructures....
Cyclic Deformation Of B2 Aluminides

A study has been undertaken to understand the cyclic deformation behavior of single phase B2 aluminides. The alloys chosen for this study were rapidly solidified powder extrusions of Fe60Al40 (at.%) and Ni50Al30Fe20 (at.%). These alloys were chosen to compare the cyclic deformation behavior of a material that deforms by slip and thus meets the von Mises criterion for slip system compatibility (Fe60Al40) with one that deforms by slip and does not meet the von Mises criterion (Ni50Al30Fe20). Fully reversed tension/compression tests were run in plastic strain control at room temperature. Rapid cyclic hardening was observed for the Fe60Al40 alloy. However, intergranular failure occurred before saturation was reached at all plastic strain amplitudes. The Ni50Al30Fe20 alloy displays no tensile ductility, with failure occurring before completion of the first cycle. For the Ni50Al30Fe20 alloy, a lower extrusion temperature during materials processing, and compressive prestrain both increase the cyclic accumulated plastic strain to failure, as well as the monotonic tensile ductility. This made cyclic deformation of the Ni50Al30Fe20 alloy possible. In this alloy, limited cyclic hardening is followed by saturation. For both the Fe60Al40 and Ni50 Al30Fe20 alloys, significant ductility enhancement was achieved by the application of thin nickel films. All cyclic deformation results are compared to similar monotonic tension results and are discussed in terms of the dislocation substructures observed.
High-resolution length fractionation of surfactant-dispersed carbon nanotubes.

Length fractionation of colloidal single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dispersions is required for many studies. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has been developed as a reliable method for high-resolution length fractionation of DNA-dispersed SWCNTs but has not been applied to surfactant-dispersed SWCNTs due to their lower dispersion stability and tendency to adsorb onto SEC stationary phases. Here, we report that SEC length fractionation can be achieved for bile salt dispersed SWCNTs by using porous silica-based beads as the stationary phase and bile salt solution as the mobile phase. We demonstrate that the SEC length sorting method can be combined with existing ultracentrifugation SWCNT sorting methods to produce “orthogonally sorted” samples, including length sorted semiconducting SWCNTs, which are important for electronics applications as well as length sorted empty-core SWCNTs. Importantly, we show that unlike simple length fractionation by SEC or any other method, orthogonal sorting produces sam...
Evaluation of brief treatment of symptoms of psychological trauma among veterans residing in a homeless shelter by use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in both homeless and nonhomeless veterans. PURPOSE: To examine unique characteristics of being homeless that may influence PTSD treatment completion and clinical success. METHODS: Twenty-three veterans who were homeless and residing in a homeless shelter, along with 94 veterans from the community, were enrolled to receive one to five sessions of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an emerging trauma-focused therapy for symptoms of PTSD. Rates of treatment completion with ART and acute and 6-month change in symptoms of PTSD were compared in an observational (nonrandomized) manner by housing status. FINDINGS: Compared to veterans recruited from the community, veterans residing in the homeless shelter were older and presented with more extensive psychopathology yet had less combat exposure while being more likely to have experienced sexual assault. Rates of treatment completion were 52.2% (12 of 23) among homeless veterans compared to 81.9% (77 of 94) among veterans from the community (p =.005). Among treatment completers, both groups received an average of four sessions of ART. Reduction of symptoms of PTSD was substantial and nonsignificantly greater among homeless veterans vs. those treated from the community (p = .14), as were comorbidity reductions in depression, anxiety, sleep quality, pain, and improved quality of life. RESULTS at 6-month posttreatment follow-up were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited by small sample size and a nonrandomized design, ART appears to be an effective, brief treatment for symptoms of PTSD among veterans residing in a homeless shelter. However, development of effective strategies to maximize treatment completion among homeless veterans is needed.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Language: en
Combined chromatin immunoprecipitation and bisulfite methylation sequencing analysis

Epigenetic mechanisms control gene transcription primarily through regulating chromatin structures and DNA methylation. Transcription factors can also affect gene transcription through binding of the key transcriptional machinery to the gene promoter. These factors normally jointly influence the transcriptional processes, leading to silencing or activation of gene expression. A novel technique has been recently explored in our laboratory, which is a combination of conventional chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with bisulfite methylation sequencing assays, so-called ChIP and bisulfite methylation sequencing (ChIP-BMS). This technique provides precise information of DNA methylation status at the selected DNA fragments precipitated by the antibodies to histone molecules or transcription factors of interest. This method also helps to investigate the interactions between histone modification and DNA methylation, and how this crosstalking can affect gene expression. More importantly, it is easy to determine potential methylation-sensitive transcription factors that influence transcription mainly depending on methylation status of the binding sites. In this chapter, we discuss the detailed procedures of this novel technique and its broad application in epigenetic and genetic fields.
Are External Cervical Orthoses Necessary after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Review of the Literature.

Introduction & Background: The use of external cervical orthosis (ECO) after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) varies from physician to physician due to an absence of clear guidelines. Our purpose is to evaluate and present evidence answering the question, “Does ECO after ACDF improve fusion rates?” through a literature review of current evidence for and against ECO after ACDF. Review: A PubMed database search was conducted using specific ECO and ACDF related keywords. Our search yielded a total of 1,267 abstracts and seven relevant articles. In summary, one study provided low quality of evidence results supporting the conclusion that external bracing is not associated with improved fusion rates after ACDF. The remaining six studies provide very low quality of evidence results; two studies concluded that external bracing after cervical procedures is not associated with improved fusion rates, one study concluded that external bracing after cervical procedures is associated with improved fusion rates, and the remaining three studies lacked sufficient evidence to draw an association between external bracing after ACDF and improved fusion rates. Conclusion: We recommend against the routine use of ECO after ACDF due to a lack of improved fusion rates associated with external bracing after surgery.
Circulating MicroRNAs: Association with Lung Function in Asthma.

Background MicroRNAs are key transcriptional and network regulators previously associated with asthma susceptibility. However, their role in relation to asthma severity has not been delineated. Objective We hypothesized that circulating microRNAs could serve as biomarkers of changes in lung function in asthma patients. Methods We isolated microRNAs from serum samples obtained at randomization for 160 participants of the Childhood Asthma Management Program. Using a TaqMan microRNA array containing 754 microRNA primers, we tested for the presence of known asthma microRNAs, and assessed the association of the individual microRNAs with lung function as measured by FEV1/FVC, FEV1% and FVC%. We further tested the subset of FEV1/FVC microRNAs for sex-specific and lung developmental associations. Results Of the 108 well-detected circulating microRNAs, 74 (68.5%) had previously been linked to asthma susceptibility. We found 22 (20.3%), 4 (3.7%) and 8 (7.4%) microRNAs to be associated with FEV1/FVC, FEV1% and FVC%, respectively. 8 (of 22) FEV1/FVC, 3 (of 4) FEV1% and 1 (of 8) FVC% microRNAs had functionally validated target genes that have been linked via genome wide association studies to asthma and FEV1 change. Among the 22 FEV1/FVC microRNAs, 9 (40.9%) remain associated with FEV1/FVC in boys alone in a sex-stratified analysis (compared with 3 FEV1/FVC microRNAs in girls alone), 7 (31.8%) were associated with fetal lung development, and 3 (13.6%) in both. Ontology analyses revealed enrichment for pathways integral to asthma, including PPAR signaling, G-protein coupled signaling, actin and myosin binding, and respiratory system development. Conclusions Circulating microRNAs reflect asthma biology and are associated with lung function differences in asthmatics. They may represent biomarkers of asthma severity.
Finite difference frequency domain scattered field formulation for near-field optical data storage

We present a novel technique for the modeling of near field optical devices. The key features of this technique are the accuracy of the finite difference time domain method, the advantages of a scattered field formulation, and the direct use the complx permittivity of metals at the frequency of interest.
Contextual Presentation and Navigation of Historical Artifacts in a Digital Library Design

A digital library has been designed to present a historically significant collection of World War II letters in both temporal and geographical context. Working closely with historical scholars, over 800 WWII historical records have been made publically available for the use of researchers and historians on the web. Digital library design issues encountered as part of this effort dealt with the development of a website from original artifacts and the rendering of this historical content in a visual, geographical, and temporal context, increasing and extending the reach of information previously available only to on-site historical researchers. The current digital library prototype can serve as a model for other developers that are interested in multimodal presentation of varied content.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES): The science is strong, the clinical practice not yet – A review of evidence

Opinion/Feedback The mechanisms that govern the application of noninvasive functional electrical stimulation (FES) have been delineated and clearly described in numerous evidenced-based research publications. The aim of this review is to summarize the primary, multi-system effects of noninvasive FES on the musculoskeletal system, the peripheral vascular system, and the central nervous systems. The presentation will relate these effects to multiple efficacious clinical studies in neuro-rehabilitation. The presentation will include discussion of the latest technological advancement in wearable FES systems and their critical role in achieving functional recovery following damage to the brain. The presentation will also offer an advanced practice model guided by the latest trend in the medical field focusing on patient-centered, personalized intervention.
Architectural Ruins and Urban Imaginaries: Carlos Garaicoa’s Images of Havana

Contemporary Cuban artist Carlos Garaicoa juxtaposes photographic images of Havana’s architectural ruins with timidly articulated drawings that trace the outlines of the dilapidated buildings in empty urbanscapes. Each of these fragile drawings, often composed of delicate threads adhered to a photograph of a site after demolition, serves as a vestige of the sagging structure that the artist photographed prior to destruction. The dialogue that emerges from these photograph/drawing diptychs implies the unmooring of the radical utopian underpinnings of revolutionary ideology that persisted in the policies of Cuba’s Periodo especial (Special Period) of the 1990s, and suggests a more complicated narrative of Cuba’s modernity, in which the ambiguous drawings—which could indicate construction plans or function as mnemonic images—represent empty promises of economic growth that must negotiate the real socio-economic crises of the present. This article proposes that Garaicoa’s critique of the goals and outcomes of the Special Period through Havana’s ruins suggests a new articulation of the baroque expression— one that calls to mind the anti-authoritative strategies of twentieth-century Neo-Baroque literature and criticism. The artist historically grounds the legacy of the Cuban Revolution’s modernizing project in the country’s real economic decline in the post-Soviet era, but he also takes this approach to representing cities beyond Cuba’s borders, thereby posing broader questions about the architectural symbolism of the 21 st -century city in the ideological construction of modern globalizing society.
Cigarette smoke and decreased oxygen tension inhibit pulmonary claudin-6 expression.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a condition involving perturbed barrier integrity coincident with both emphysema and inflammation of the airways, and smoking is considered a major risk factor. Claudins (Cldns) stabilize barriers and contribute to tight junctions by preventing paracellular transport of extracellular fluid constituents. Methods: To determine Cldn6 was differentially influenced by tobacco smoke, Cldn6 was evaluated in cells and tissues by q-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry following exposure. Cldn6 transcriptional regulation was also assessed using luciferase reporter constructs. Results: Q-PCR and immunoblotting revealed that Cldn6 was decreased in alveolar type II-like epithelial cells (A549) and primary small airway epithelial cells when exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Cldn6 was also markedly decreased in the lungs of mice exposed to acute tobacco smoke delivered by a nose-only automated smoke machine compared to controls. Luciferase report...
Google adds scholarly search engine

Can't find that reference to a key paper on quantum cryptography, or want to locate a reference text on spintronics? The Internet search engine Google now has a tool to help researchers seek out scholarly literature that is stored or cited online. Google Scholar works in a similar way to the generic Google search facility.The main difference is that it focuses its search on peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and technical reports, rather than trawling through each and every document on the Internet.
Is psychological membership in the classroom a function of standing out while fitting in? Implications for achievement motivation and emotions

Abstract Education researchers have consistently linked students' perceptions of “fitting in” at school with patterns of motivation and positive emotions. This study proposes that “standing out” is also helpful for producing these outcomes, and that standing out works in concert with perceptions of fitting in. In a sample of 702 high school students nested within 33 classrooms, principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were each conducted on half of the sample. Results support the proposed structure of measures of standing out and fitting in. Multilevel latent profile analysis was then used to classify students into four profiles of standing out while fitting in (SOFI): Unfulfilled, Somewhat Fulfilled, Nearly Fulfilled, and Fulfilled. A multinomial logistic regression revealed that students of color and those on who paid free/reduced prices lunch were overrepresented in the Unfulfilled and Somewhat Fulfilled profiles. A multilevel path analysis was then performed to assess the direct and indirect associations of profile membership with measures of task value and achievement emotions. Relative to the other profiles, students in the Fulfilled SOFI Profile express greater psychological membership in their classrooms and, in turn, express higher valuing of academic material (i.e., intrinsic value, utility value, and attainment value) and more positive achievement emotions (i.e., more enjoyment and pride; less boredom, hopelessness, and shame). This investigation provides critical insights on the potential benefits of structuring academic learning environments to foster feelings of distinctiveness among adolescents; and has implications for cultivating identities and achievement motivation in academic settings.
Evaluating the Use of Tissue Oximetry to Decrease Intensive Unit Monitoring for Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Background Postoperative free flap care has historically required intensive monitoring for 24 hours in an intensive care unit. Continuous monitoring with tissue oximetry has allowed earlier detection of vascular compromise, decreasing flap loss and improving salvage. This study aims to identify whether a fast-track postoperative paradigm can be safely used with tissue oximetry to decrease intensive monitoring and costs. Materials and methods All consecutive microsurgical breast reconstructions performed at a single institution were reviewed (2008-2014) and cases requiring return to the operating room were identified. Data evaluated included patient demographics, the take back time course, and complications of flap loss and salvage. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to analyse the utility of a postoperative intensive monitoring setting. Results There were 900 flaps performed and 32 required an unplanned return to the operating room. There were 16 flaps that required a reexploration within the first 24 hours; the standard length of intensive unit monitoring. After 4 hours, there were 7 flaps (44%) detected by tissue oximetry for reexploration. After 15 hours of intensive monitoring postoperatively, cost analysis revealed that the majority (15/16; 94%) of failing flaps had been identified and the cost of identifying each subsequent failing flap exceeded the cost of another hour of intensive monitoring. Conclusions The postoperative paradigm for microsurgical flaps has historically required intensive unit monitoring. Using tissue oximetry, a fast-track pathway can reduce time spent in an intensive monitoring setting from 24 to 15 hours with significant cost savings and minimal risk of missing a failing free flap.
Incorporating and Managing Independent Research Projects in the Class

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION: This session will present an example (from an astrobiology course) of how incorporating independent research projects in the classroom increase student engagement in the course, interdisciplinary studies, and student interest beyond the scope of the specified course. Specific strategies that work across disciplines for scaffolding project tasks, managing and giving feedback to a large number of independent projects will be discussed. ________________________________________________________________ FULL ABSTRACT: Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. One of the major areas of research in astrobiology is to understand the habitability of planets around other stars – known as exoplanets. Over 3600 exoplanets are currently known and they are being discovered at a rate of about 2 per day. This new field of science is highly interdisciplinary, including physics, chemistry and biology, as well as other sciences, because it encompasses the entirely of under standing life on planets. The required term project in ASTR 301 is known as the Pet Planet Project. At the beginning of the term each student chooses, from a subset of the known planets, a planet that is somewhat Earth-like. Each two weeks, the students are given a common set of questions, but they must answer them about their specific Pet Planet. These questions are basic at the beginning, how the planet was discovered, what the bulk properties are such as size, mass, year, etc. As the semester progresses, the questions get more detailed, such as some related to temperature ranges, composition, climate variability. By the end of the semester the questions deal with habitability and selecting Earth organisms that could survive there now or at some time in their planet’s history. By that point each student is asking and answering questions about their term project which are completely new, never before asked nor answered, and each student is rapidly become one of our world’s top experts on their particular planet. At the same time, each student is learning original research in an interdisciplinary field. The students are highly motivated. This last semester I had to add 2 hours of office time per week for the students that wanted to make sure they were right, and how to go further. Of the 30 students in the class, 8 continued into the following semester with their research as independent studies, with plans for publishing their work. Managing this large number of students doing original research is still not easy, but can be manageable with suitable feedback mechanisms. For more information about experiential learning: https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/teaching/experiential-learning
How to Integrate Cell-Free DNA Screening With Sonographic Markers for Aneuploidy: An Update.

OBJECTIVE. The sonologist detects a so-called “soft marker” during approximately 10% of routine second-trimester anatomy examinations and is often uncertain about what further management is appropr...
CRT-700.56 The Clinical Characteristics, Procedural Factors and Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in Patients with Mechanical Valves

There is scarcity of evidence with regard to best practice in patients with mechanical valves undergoing PCI. Our goal was to study the current treatment practices in this patient population with special emphasis on anticoagulation management and in-hospital outcomes. From the PCI registry at our
Quantitative Data and Scaling Rules of the Cerebral Cortex

Scaling, the regular quantitative change in one structure associated with differences in another, is usually in the form of a power relationship in biological systems. In this chapter, the number of mammalian cortical neurons is seen to scale with cortical mass, but anthropoids differ from other eutherians in gaining less mass for every unit increase in isocortical neuron numbers. This probably reflects a relative increase in the number of small interneurons. Other scaling features follow from this deviation: Anthropoids have fewer nonneuronal cells, less white matter, higher neuronal density, and a higher gyrification index given their number of neurons. Glires, afrotherians, and insectivores have overlapping values. The single studied marsupial is an outlier.
Studies of Stabilization and Transport Mechanisms in Beta and Beta″ Alumina by Neutron Diffraction

It is well known that defects are responsible for material transport in solids. In most crystalline solids their concentration is small and transport proceeds by interchanging atoms on lattice sites with vacancies or interstitial atoms. Crystal structure analysis by diffraction methods is especially valuable for determining the average atomic arrangement in a solid, but ordinarily it provides only limited information about defects or mechanism of transport. The situation is different for superionic conductors because the fraction of mobile ions is large and scattering from them can be a significant part of the whole. The charge carriers interact with each other and their surroundings, and form complex configurations which are involved in ion transport in ways that are only poorly understood. Many experimental and theoretical approaches are being used to determine the mechanism of conduction in superionic conductors. In this paper, we describe advances in identifying structural defects and disorder that are important factors determining stability and conductivity in sodium aluminates with the beta alumina structure.
Pathology of Gynecologic Cancer

This chapter will discuss the basic pathology of select gynecologic malignancies that occur in older women. First, endometrial cancer will be reviewed, including endometrioid carcinoma, the most common subtype, as well as less common entities such as serous and undifferentiated carcinoma and MMMT. Tamoxifen-associated endometrial cancer as well as Lynch syndrome, an important disorder in endometrial as well as ovarian cancer, will be briefly touched upon. Next, ovarian epithelial malignancies will be discussed with special attention to serous carcinoma and its association with BRCA abnormalities. Endometrioid, clear cell, and mucinous ovarian neoplasms will also be briefly discussed. Finally, the most common carcinomas of the cervix and vulva are reviewed.
Multi-view facial expression recognition analysis with generic sparse coding feature

Expression recognition from non-frontal faces is a challenging research area with growing interest. This paper works with a generic sparse coding feature, inspired from object recognition, for multi-view facial expression recognition. Our extensive experiments on face images with seven pan angles and five tilt angles, rendered from the BU-3DFE database, achieve state-of-the-art results. We achieve a recognition rate of 69.1% on all images with four expression intensity levels, and a recognition performance of 76.1% on images with the strongest expression intensity. We then also present detailed analysis of the variations in expression recognition performance for various pose changes.
Sparse-Coding Variational Auto-Encoders

Abstract The sparse coding model posits that the visual system has evolved to efficiently code natural stimuli using a sparse set of features from an overcomplete dictionary. The classic sparse coding model suffers from two key limitations, however: (1) computing the neural response to an image patch requires minimizing a nonlinear objective function, which was initially not easily mapped onto a neurally plausible feedforward mechanism and (2) fitting the model to data relied on an approximate inference method that ignores uncertainty. Here we address these two shortcomings by formulating a variational inference method for the sparse coding model inspired by the variational auto-encoder (VAE) framework. The sparse-coding variational auto-encoder (SVAE) augments the classic sparse coding model with a probabilistic recognition model, parametrized by a deep neural network. This recognition model provides a neurally plausible implementation for the mapping from image patches to neural activities, and enables a principled method for fitting the sparse coding model to data via maximization of the evidence lower bound (ELBO). The SVAE differs from the traditional VAE in three important ways: the generative model is the sparse coding model instead of a deep network; the latent representation is overcomplete, with more latent dimensions than image pixels; and the prior over latent variables is a sparse or heavy-tailed instead of Gaussian. We fit the SVAE to natural image data under different assumed prior distributions, and show that it obtains higher test performance than previous fitting methods. Finally, we examine the response properties of the recognition network and show that it captures important nonlinear properties of neurons in the early visual pathway.
High Power Traction Inverter Design and Comparison for Electric Vehicles

High performance or heavy weight electric vehicles (EVs) require high power electric drive (e-drive) systems. However, availability of automotive qualified power devices with demanded high voltage and high current ratings are limited. Devices and inverters in series and/or in parallel are typical and effective solutions to achieve high power output capability. This paper investigates high power traction inverter design, from a practical point of view, through providing three options for EV applications. The three circuit topologies are described firstly. Typical modulation methods are reviewed, and optimal approaches are proposed to minimize DC bus capacitor ripple current. Inverter total loss and key components sizing are compared in detail. Simulation results verify the proposed high power traction inverter design and theoretical analysis.
A new framework for sampling-based uncertainty quantification of the six-group reactor kinetic parameters

Abstract Delayed neutrons, which are described by kinetic parameters, are significant for nuclear reactor operation as they make nuclear reactors controllable. Modern lattice physics codes such as TRITON and Polaris in SCALE code system, generate kinetic parameters for a given material composition. The calculation is performed by summation of the delayed neutron data for each precursor isotope and then weighting is performed by real and/or adjoint neutron spectrum. Quantifying uncertainties in the weighted kinetic parameters is important for assembly and core calculations. Understanding uncertainty in modeling scenarios involve kinetic parameters (e.g. transients), requires propagating uncertainty in the weighted kinetic parameters due to uncertainties in the fundamental nuclear data libraries, including delayed neutron data. In this work, uncertainty analysis of the homogenized (also called weighted or macroscopic) kinetic parameters has been performed using Sampler, a module in SCALE code system, to investigate the effect of fundamental nuclear and delayed neutron data uncertainties on the weighted kinetic parameters. Two major sources of uncertainties were considered: (1) fundamental nuclear data (i.e. cross-sections, fission yield, decay data) and (2) nuclide-dependent group-wise delayed neutron data based on reported experimental measurements. In this study, a new capability was developed through SCALE code system to allow propagation of delayed neutron data uncertainties. Preliminary analysis demonstrated 7% uncertainty in β eff at Beginning of Life (BOL) and increased to 15% after fuel burnup. Decay constant groups showed lower uncertainty than delayed neutron fraction groups, both at BOL and End of Life (EOL). Delayed neutron fraction responses showed high correlation to each other which is expected to be due to the cross-section covariances reported in SCALE data libraries as well as the normalization condition of the nuclide-dependent DNF. Different sources of U-235 delayed neutron data were compared, and the results showed that the uncertainty calculated by Tuttle data was bounded by other sources. The current study can be extended to calculate kinetic parameters and their uncertainties for more advanced LWR applications.
Irreducibility of Automorphic Galois Representations of Low Dimensions

Let $$\pi $$ be a polarizable, regular algebraic, cuspidal automorphic representation of $$\text { GL }_n(\mathbb {A}_F)$$ , where F is an imaginary CM field and $$n \le 6$$ . We show that there is a Dirichlet density 1 set $$\mathfrak {L}$$ of rational primes, such that for all $$l\in \mathfrak {L}$$ , the l-adic Galois representations associated to $$\pi $$ are irreducible.
‘What defines me is what I have been through’: Bhutanese refugee youth identity in the United States

ABSTRACTFramed by a poststructuralist theory of identity, this phenomenological study explores Bhutanese refugee youth’s lived experiences before and after resettlement and the ways that these expe...
An Integrated Multi-Period Layout Planning and Scheduling Model for Sustainable Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems

In a dynamic production environment, not only the customer’s needs change with time, but the economic aspects of that environment, such as energy pricing, also change. Reconfigurable Manufacturing ...
Concluding the 2017 Hurricane Season: Evaluation of Impact Level Forecasts with Varied Meteorological Hazards

AbstractThe 2017 hurricane season was a costly multi-billion-dollar season for the United States. Communicating the real-time risk of these events to the public is usually performed through explana...
An autologous humanized patient-derived-xenograft platform to evaluate immunotherapy in ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to "humanize" ovarian cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models by autologous transfer of patient-matched tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to evaluate immunotherapies. Methods Orthotopic high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) PDX models were established from three patient donors. Models were molecularly and histologically validated by immunohistochemistry. TILs were expanded from donor tumors using a rapid expansion protocol. Ex vivo TIL and tumor co-cultures were performed to validate TIL reactivity against patient-matched autologous tumor cells. Expression of TIL activation markers and cytokine secretion was quantitated by flow cytometry and ELISA. As proof of concept, the efficacy of anti-PD-1 monotherapy was tested in autologous TIL/tumor HGSOC PDX models. Results Evaluation of T-cell activation in autologous TIL/tumor co-cultures resulted in an increase in HLA-dependent IFNγ production and T-cell activation. In response to increased IFNγ production, tumor cell expression of PD-L1 was increased. Addition of anti-PD-1 antibody to TIL/tumor co-cultures increased autologous tumor lysis in a CCNE1 amplified model. Orthotopic HGSOC PDX models from parallel patient-matched tumors maintained their original morphology and molecular marker profile. Autologous tumor-reactive TIL administration in patient-matched PDX models resulted in reduced tumor burden and increased survival, in groups that also received anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusions This study validates a novel, clinically relevant model system for in vivo testing of immunomodulating therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer, and provides a unique platform for assessing patient-specific T-cell response to immunotherapy.
Numerical assessment of occupant responses during the bus rollover test: A finite element parametric study:

Rollover crashes of buses are usually associated with multiple impacts that can result in complex interactions between passengers and a bus superstructure. Although there have been a few field data...
Key Challenges to Design Professional Liability in the Design-Build Environment

AbstractIn the integrated environment of design-build (DB), design risk is transferred from the owner to the DB team. One significant challenge to DB projects is design liability. This study discus...
Biological Targets Underlying the Antisuicidal Effects of Lithium

This article highlights the potential relationship of lithium’s cellular and molecular targets to its antisuicidal effects in bipolar disorder (BD). Lithium is the mood stabilizer that shows the most robust therapeutic evidence in relapse prevention and mood episodes in BD. Compelling evidence also elucidates lithium’s unique effects in reversing and preventing suicidal behavior (SB), mostly in individuals with BD. The following review is an up-to-date summary of studies related to the anti-suicidal effects of lithium in patients with BD. We focused on studies investigating the similarities in pathogenesis of BD and SB and the related treatment targets for lithium’s anti-suicidal actions. Lithium seems to have beneficial effects in reversing pathophysiological changes in SB and BD associated with its ability to reduce suicidal risk. Several neurobiological targets have been associated with the antisuicidal effects of lithium such as brain atrophy and demyelination, alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission, and increased central and peripheral inflammation as well as HPA axis hyperactivation, cell signaling pathways, and neurotrophic system dysfunctions. Further studies are required to elucidate the presence of a specific neurobiological signature of SB as an independent clinical dimension and not solely in the context of mood episodes.
Surgical Outcomes of Mastectomy with Immediate Autologous Reconstruction Followed by Radiation

Timing of autologous reconstruction relative to postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is debated. Benefits of immediate reconstruction must be weighed against a possibly heightened risk of complications from flap irradiation. We reviewed flap outcomes after single operation plus PMRT in a large institutional cohort. Medical records were reviewed for women who underwent simultaneous mastectomy–autologous reconstruction with PMRT from 2007 to 2016. Primary endpoints were rates and types of radiation-related flap complications and reoperations, whose predictors were assessed by multivariable analysis. A p value < 0.10 was deemed significant to avoid type II error. Non-parametric logistic regression generated a model of PMRT timing associated with probabilities of complications and reoperations. One-hundred and thirty women underwent 208 mastectomy reconstruction operations, with a median follow up of 35.1 months (interquartile range 23.6–56.5). Forty-seven (36.2%) women experienced radiation-related complications, commonly fat necrosis (44.1%) and chest wall asymmetry (28.8%). Complications were higher among women who received PMRT < 3 months after surgery (46.8% for < 3 months vs. 29.3% for ≥ 3 months; p = 0.06), most of whom received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and among women treated with internal mammary nodal (IMN) radiation (65.2% vs. 26.4%; p < 0.01); IMN radiation remained strongly associated in multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR] 5.24; p < 0.01). Thirty-two (24.6%) women underwent 70 reoperations, commonly fat grafting (51.9%) and fat necrosis excision (17.1%). Reoperations were higher among women who received PMRT < 3 months after surgery (48.9 for < 3 months vs. 36.6 for ≥ 3 months; p = 0.19), which was significantly associated in multivariable analysis (OR 0.42; p = 0.08 for ≥ 3 months). The probabilities of complications and reoperations were lowest when PMRT was administered ≥ 3 months after surgery. Among a large institutional cohort, immediate autologous reconstruction was associated with similar rates of adverse flap outcomes as historically reported alternatively sequenced protocols. IMN radiation increased risk, while PMRT ≥ 3 months after surgery decreased risk. Additional studies are needed to elaborate the impact of IMN radiation and early PMRT in immediate versus delayed autologous reconstruction.
Viral Politics: What a Public Health Crisis Reveals About Government Credibility in Authoritarian China

We exploit the coincidence of a vaccine crisis in China and the administration of a nationally representative survey in summer 2018 to study how citizens in a strong authoritarian regime respond to harmful governance failure. We analyze the impact of the crisis on how citizens consume information and how inclined they are to participate politically. We theorize that crisis causes substantially greater loss of government credibility for citizens who experience it as a “familiar failure”—recurrence of a recent, similar crisis. We find that citizens who experienced a vaccine crisis in 2016 are more likely in 2018 to reject official information in favor of information from intimate or non-conformist sources and more inclined to engage politically to remedy governance wrongs. We interpret this as support for our theorized impact on government credibility: a familiar failure makes the official version of events less believable and government protection of citizen interests less dependable.
Doctoral education in business and management in Africa: Challenges and imperatives in policies and strategies

Abstract Our study provides an evaluative and a reflective analysis of doctoral business training in Africa to help develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and realities in increasing the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) production in business/management. We begin by framing the context and structure of PhD programs in Africa. Using an illustrative sample of ten African business schools from five countries and available secondary data and reports on Africa's doctoral business training programs, we present a synoptic view of doctoral business education in Africa and provide an explication of four imperatives in policies and strategies. We end by offering a set of recommendations, including matching PhD production to resources; dealing with human and capital resource-shortage; providing guidelines and stringent regulations for PhD supervision; needing adequate financing to support doctoral students; collecting data to inform policymaking; exploring opportunities to enhance teaching and learning; and initiating intentional education to promote an inclusive academic environment where women are welcome and included for the development and management of business doctoral programs.
Split Manufacturing Methods

Modern integrated circuit (IC) design and fabrication processes are both complex and expensive. In order to reduce the cost and improve efficiency, supply chains based on fabless design houses and pure-play foundries have evolved. Globalization of IC supply chains introduced several vulnerabilities which can be exploited by unscrupulous attackers. Split manufacturing (SM), originally introduced for yield enhancement, offers a defense to protect against some of these vulnerabilities. This chapter reviews typical IC design and fabrication processes and discusses various vulnerabilities in the globalized supply chains. We introduce 2D, 2.5D, and 3D split fabrication methods, their potential security benefits, and the design flows for each method. We discuss the basic issues and tradeoffs in SM and summarize several SM hardware demonstrations. We introduce potential attack scenarios against SM and discuss the objectives of the attackers. We classify the attacks based on the methods used and describe the assumptions made. The remaining chapters in this book discuss the proposed attacks and defense methods in detail.
Blood, balloons, and blades: State of the art trauma resuscitation

Traumatic injury remains the leading cause of death in patients 45 and younger. State of the art trauma care requires rapid interventions to provide hemodynamic support en route to definitive hemostasis. This article will review three critical elements in management of the bleeding trauma patient: blood products, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), and the trauma hybrid operating room (THOR).
Microprogramming and Computer Architecture

A Review and Introduction A Simple Microcoded State Machine Adding the Capability for Data Manipulation Microprogramming Examples and Applicationa Adding the Capability to Access External Memory Microprogramming Examples and Applications Using VLSI Devices to Build a Practical, High Performance Processor Microprogramming Examples and Applications A Wrap-Up.
Historical Development of Transportation Problems for the Poor in Rural Reaches

The purpose of this chapter is to identify events and trace the changes that have set the stage for the transportation conditions that now exist in rural America. It explores the causes and effects of private sector investment decisions and examines the impact of public investment decisions related to transportation Services as they impinge upon the mobility disadvantaged.
Characterization of Frozen Aqueous Solutions by Low Temperature X-ray Powder Diffractometry

Purpose. A low temperature X-ray powder diffractometric (XRD) technique has been developed which permits in situ characterization of the solid-state of solutes in frozen aqueous solutions.
The Characterization of a Neutron Radiography Triga Reactor for NAA of Chlorine in an Iron Oxide Matrix

An irradiation position in the 250 kW Triga reactor was characterized for instrumental neutron activation analysis of chlorine in an iron oxide matrix. Factors that affect the accuracy of the determination include variations in the reactor neutron spectrum and flux as a function of spatial position and the presence of chlorine impurities. Gold wire and foils were used to determine the neutron flux and cadmium ratio as a function of height in an air-filled irradiation tube.