cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large number of rebounding/founder HIV variants emerge from multifocal infection in lymphatic tissues after treatment interruption

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV replication in most individuals but cannot eradicate latently infected cells established before ART was initiated. Thus, infection rebounds when treatment is interrupted by reactivation of virus production from this reservoir. Currently, one or a few latently infected resting memory CD4 T cells are thought be the principal source of recrudescent infection, but this estimate is based on peripheral blood rather than lymphoid tissues (LTs), the principal sites of virus production and persistence before initiating ART. We, therefore, examined lymph node (LN) and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) biopsies from fully suppressed subjects, interrupted therapy, monitored plasma viral load (pVL), and repeated biopsies on 12 individuals as soon as pVL became detectable. Isolated HIV RNA-positive (vRNA+) cells were detected by in situ hybridization in LTs obtained before interruption in several patients. After interruption, multiple foci of vRNA+ cells were detected in 6 of 12 individuals as soon as pVL was measureable and in some subjects, in more than one anatomic site. Minimal estimates of the number of rebounding/founder (R/F) variants were determined by single-gene amplification and sequencing of viral RNA or DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma obtained at or just before viral recrudescence. Sequence analysis revealed a large number of R/F viruses representing recrudescent viremia from multiple sources. Together, these findings are consistent with the origins of recrudescent infection by reactivation from many latently infected cells at multiple sites. The inferred large pool of cells and sites to rekindle recrudescent infection highlights the challenges in eradicating HIV.
What's Unique about Unique Entities? An fMRI Investigation of the Semantics of Famous Faces and Landmarks

Famous people and artifacts are referred to as "unique entities" (UEs) due to the unique nature of the knowledge we have about them. Past imaging and lesion experiments have indicated that the anterior temporal lobes (ATLs) as having a special role in the processing of UEs. It has remained unclear which attributes of UEs were responsible for the observed effects in imaging experiments. In this study, we investigated what factors of UEs influence brain activity. In a training paradigm, we systematically varied the uniqueness of semantic associations, the presence/absence of a proper name, and the number of semantic associations to determine factors modulating activity in regions subserving the processing of UEs. We found that a conjunction of unique semantic information and proper names modulated activity within a section of the left ATL. Overall, the processing of UEs involved a wider left-hemispheric cortical network. Within these regions, brain activity was significantly affected by the unique semantic attributes especially in the presence of a proper name, but we could not find evidence for an effect of the number of semantic associations. Findings are discussed in regard to current models of ATL function, the neurophysiology of semantics, and social cognitive processing.
Basic Neurosurgical Procedures

Basic neurosurgical procedures used to treat neurological conditions and emergencies include creating a burr hole, doing a craniotomy for access to the brain, laminectomy for access to the spinal cord, and placing a cerebral shunt. A burr hole is a small opening in the skull that is drilled to reach the dura mater. A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that requires removal of a piece of the skull to access the brain. Removal of the lamina of the spine (laminectomy) is done to gain access to the spinal cord. And finally, a cerebral shunt is used to transport fluids, most commonly cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), from the brain to another body cavity in order to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). Steps involved in performing these basic neurosurgical procedures are described in this chapter.
Average Crop Revenue Election, Crop Insurance, and Supplemental Revenue Assistance: Interactions and Overlap for Illinois and Kansas Farm Program Crops

Farm-level data from Illinois and Kansas for the 1991–2007 crops are used to examine the interaction and overlap among crop revenue insurance, Supplemental Revenue Assistance (SURE), and Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE). Compared with 75% Crop Revenue Coverage Insurance (75% CRCP), ACRE provides more payments and has a greater impact on minimum farm revenue for the Illinois farms. In contrast, for the Kansas farms, 75% CRCP has the greater impact. SURE’s relative impact on the Illinois and Kansas farms depends on the metric. The overlap in payments from ACRE and 75% CRCP resulting from covering the same part of the revenue risk distribution is estimated to be less than 5% of ACRE payments. Several proposals for improving the farm safety net are discussed.
Genetic and Functional Subdivision of the Drosophila Antennal Lobe

Summary Olfactory systems confer the recognition and discrimination of a large number of structurally distinct odor molecules. Recent molecular analysis of odorant receptor (OR) genes and circuits has led to a model of odor coding in which a population of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) expressing a single OR converges upon a unique olfactory glomerulus. Activation of the OR can thus be read out by the activation of its cognate glomerulus [1, 2]. Drosophila is a powerful system in which to test this model because the entire repertoire of 62 ORs [3–6] can be manipulated genetically. However, a complete understanding of how fly olfactory circuits are organized is lacking [6–13]. Here, we present a nearly complete map of OR projections from OSNs to the antennal lobe (AL) in the fly brain. Four populations of OSNs coexpress two ORs along with Or83b , and a fifth expresses one OR and one gustatory receptor (GR) along with Or83b . One glomerulus receives coconvergent input from two separate populations of OSNs. Three ORs label sexually dimorphic glomeruli implicated in sexual courtship [14–16] and are thus candidate Drosophila pheromone receptors. This olfactory sensory map provides an experimental framework for relating ORs to glomeruli and ultimately behavior.
Boondoggles, Rent-Seeking, and Political Checks and Balances: Public Investment under Unaccountable Governments

Abstract We show that public investment is dramatically higher in countries with low-quality governance and limited political checks and balances or no competitive elections. This result is robust to a number of specifications. The most plausible interpretation of these results is that these governments use public investment as a vehicle to increase their rent-seeking. This evidence suggests that efforts to increase public investment in countries with weak governance, or to measure the growth effects of productive public investment using only observed measures of public investment, should be undertaken with caution.
DIURNAL WIND VARIATIONS, SURFACE TO 30 KILOMETERS

Abstract Annual mean 12-hr wind differences are computed from monthly mean wind statistics at 27 levels between the surface and 10 mb for 105 radiosonde stations that have extended periods of record. The resulting wind difference vectors for 0000–1200 gmt and 0300–1500 gmt are plotted on constant pressure charts. At polar latitudes in both hemispheres, a simple pattern is observed, with flow directed across the Pole from the daytime hemisphere to the nighttime hemisphere at all levels. At low and middle latitudes, the wind difference patterns are strongly related to topography, even at stratospheric levels. Land-sea contrasts and terrain slope appear to be the controlling influences. Analysis of hodographs at individual stations shows that the topographically induced tidal fluctuations propagate downward at all levels above 1 km. This is indicative of an upward flux of tidal energy from the planetary boundary layer.
Filler Size Effect on the Structure of Polymer-Filler Interface in Polymer-Based Nanocomposites: Entropic and Energetic Effects

A study of the polymer structure in the vicinity of an interface with a rigid, curved wall is presented. The study is performed by means of lattice Monte Carlo simulations in melts of low and high density. Both purely entropic and energetic systems are considered. The configurational entropy of the chains as well as the cohesive interactions in the bulk polymer lead to the formation of a low-density layer in the close neighborhood of the wall. This layer is about one monomer thick in the purely entropic case, and has a thickness of about three radii of gyration in presence of energetic interactions. Increasing the wall curvature leads to an increase in density in the depleted layer, the effect being more pronounced in the energetic system. Chain end segregation at the wall is observed in all cases. This effect increases with increasing chain length and decreases with increasing wall curvature. The bonds are preferentially oriented in the direction tangential to the wall. The degree of orientation decreases with increasing wall curvature and is independent of chain length. Finally, the evolution of the density, of the segregation effect and of the bond preferential orientation with temperature is investigated. The density at the wall decreases with decreasing temperature in the melt state, while the segregation becomes more pronounced. The volume of polymer in which the structure is affected by the presence of the wall increases with decreasing temperature.
Response of selected glyphosate-resistant broadleaved weeds to premix of fluthiacet-methyl and mesotrione (Solstice™) applied at two growth stages

between the weed species at two growth stages under various rates ranging from 21.8 to 218.5 g a.i. ha � 1 (0.25 � to 2.5 � ). The effective rate required to achieve� 90% control and shoot biomass reduction varied depending on the weed species and growth stage. The rates required for 90% control (ED90) of 10-cm-tall glyphosate-resistant common waterhemp, giant ragweed, and kochia were 78, 251, and 17 g a.i. ha � 1 , respectively, compared with 144, 489, and 79,349 g a.i. ha � 1 , respectively, for 20-cm-tall plants at 21 d after treatment (DAT). Based on visual control estimates at ED90 level, glyphosate-resistant common waterhemp was the most sensitive at both growth stages; kochia was sensitive at 10-cm height, while giant ragweed was the least sensitive at both growth stages. Irrespective of weed species or growth stage, the ED90 values calculated on the basis of shoot biomass reduction were mostly higher compared with visual control estimates. It is concluded that premix of fluthiacet-methyl plus mesotrione can be potentially used as a POST herbicide in corn for controlling glyphosate-resistant common waterhemp and kochia ( 510 cm tall) at the labeled rate (87 g a.i. ha � 1 ).
The effect of fluoride on the reactions of methanesulfonates with acetylcholinesterase.

Methanesulfonates [(3-hydroxyphenyl)trimethylammonium iodide methanesulfonate, 1, 19-pentamethylenebis(3-hydroxypyridinium iodide) methanesulfonate, and methanesulfonyl fluoride] react with acetylcholinesterase to form an inactive methaneusulfonyl-enzyme derivative analogous to the acetyl-enzyme that is formed during the hydrolysis of esters. The methanesulfonyl-enzyme is desulfonylated by reaction with thiocholine. When the effect of fluoride on these two steps was studied, it was found that fluoride inhibits sulfonylation but does not affect desulfonylation. It was also found that fluoride and a quaternary ammonium ion can bind simultaneously to the enzyme. In one case the binding was independent, in many cases it was partially competitive, in one case it was completely competitive, and in two cases it was cooperative.
Toxicological Evaluation of the Safety of Sacha Inchi(Plukenetia volubilis linneo)

Objective To evaluate the safety of sacha inchi(Plukenetia volubilis linneo) as a health food.Method Acute oral toxicity test,genetic toxicity tests,and rats 30 days feeding test were conducted to evaluate the safety of sacha inchi. Results LD50 of sacha inchi were 7940 mg/kg BW for female mice and 9260 mg/kg BW for male mice. Results of the genetic tests, including the Ames test,bone marrow cells micronucleus assay,and the sperm abnormality test, were negative. Results of the 30 days feeding test showed that sacha inchi had negative effects on the weight gain, food utilization rate,blood count,and serum chemistries. Significant pathological injury in the liver of rats was observed. Conclusion Sacha inchi is toxic under the current experimental conditions.
Anatomy of the retroperitoneal connective tissue.

AbstractFor the urologist, especially, a knowledge of the anatomy of the retroperitoneum is important. Anatomical and surgical texts frequently do not describe the retroperitoneal anatomy, particularly the retroperitoneal connective tissue, clearly enough to facilitate clinical applications. The anatomy of the retroperitoneal connective tissue is reviewed and clinical applications are provided.
Hypergraph Based Feature Matching in a Sequence of Range Images

Abstract The key issue in motion estimation and tracking an object over a sequence of images is establishing correspondence between the features of the object in the different images of the sequence. This paper considers the problem of establishing correspondences between surfaces in a sequence of range images. We present a novel procedure for finding correspondence and show the results on real range image sequences. A hypergraph search procedure forms the basis for the algorithm that computes the correspondence between surfaces. The solution uses geometrical and topological information derived from the scenes to direct the search procedure. Two scenes are modeled as hypergraphs and the hyperedges are matched using a sub-graph isomorphism algorithm. Further, we present a sub-hypergraph isomorphism procedure to establish the correspondences between the surface patches and demonstrate the algorithm on different types of real range image sequences. We present results that show that the algorithm is robust and performs well in presence of occlusions and incorrect segmentations.
Rethinking the Assumptions of Refugee Policy: Beyond Individualism to the Challenge of Inclusive Communities:

The values of individualism developed in the post-Enlightenment West are at the core of the contemporary refugee protection system. While enormously powerful, this tradition assigns priority to the...
Abstract B15: Mapping topology of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in glioblastoma molecular subgroups

Activity of GFR/PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitors in glioblastoma clinical trials has not been robust. We hypothesized variations in the pathway between tumors contribute to poor response. We clustered GBM based on AKT pathway genes and discovered new subtypes then characterized their clinical and molecular features and mapped their PI3K/AKT pathway topology. There are at least 5 GBM AKT subtypes having distinct DNA copy number alterations, enrichment in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and patterns of expression for PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling components. Evidence indicates one subtype is very sensitive to BCNU or CCNU. A key question is whether oncogene drivers differ in subgroups. We developed a new method to map topology of oncogene signaling in vivo using TCGA reverse phase protein array data. Our evidence indicates topology of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling varies between subgroups suggesting sensitivity to pathway inhibitors will differ. AKT subtyping advances previous approaches by revealing additional subgroups with unique clinical and molecular features. Evidence indicates it is a predictive marker for response to BCNU or CCNU and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors. We anticipate Akt subgroups will help stratify patients for clinical trials and augment discovery of class-specific therapeutic targets. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Anna Joy, Archana Ramesh, Ivan Smirnov, Mark Reiser, Gorden Mills, Seungchan Kim, Burt Feuerstein. Mapping topology of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in glioblastoma molecular subgroups. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Targeting the PI3K-mTOR Network in Cancer; Sep 14-17, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B15.
Characteristics of Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Hospitalized Patients. a Review of 8350 Admissions from the 2012 National Inpatient Sample

Abstract Background: The incidence of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is increasing due to the increased use of central venous catheters. In contrast to lower extremity DVT (LEDVT), there is limited data to guide management, with many current management recommendations based on extrapolation from LEDVT studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics and mortality associated with hospitalized patients with UEDVT from a large national database. Methods: Using the 2012 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), admissions with the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code for UEDVT (453.82) were extracted, and data collected on age, sex, length of stay, mortality, and associated diagnoses and procedures. LEDVT (ICD-9-CM 453.40) data were extracted for comparison. Collected data were used to calculate odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values to show associations where applicable. Results: Of the 7,296,968 unweighted admissions in the 2012 NIS, 8,350 were associated with UEDVT, and 18,194 were associated with LEDVT (prevalence of 0.11% vs 0.25%, respectively). UEDVT and LEDVT rates were similar in men and women. However, compared to LEDVT, patients with UEDVT were younger (61yr vs. 67 yr; p Conclusions: UEDVT was less common than LEDVT, and associated with central venous catheter placement and blood transfusions in hospitalized patients. UEDVT tended to occur in younger patients with longer LOS, and was associated with a higher mortality and a slightly higher prevalence of malignancies than LEDVT. PE was less common during admissions with UEDVT than LEDVT, however UEDVT admissions were associated with an increased incidence of PE compared to the general inpatient population. The results of this large epidemiologic study of UEDVT in hospitalized patients contribute to our understanding of this increasingly common disease and will help define strategies for prophylaxis and treatment. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Activation of dioxygen by copper metalloproteins and insights from model complexes

Nature uses dioxygen as a key oxidant in the transformation of biomolecules. Among the enzymes that are utilized for these reactions are copper-containing metalloenzymes, which are responsible for important biological functions such as the regulation of neurotransmitters, dioxygen transport, and cellular respiration. Enzymatic and model system studies work in tandem in order to gain an understanding of the fundamental reductive activation of dioxygen by copper complexes. This review covers the most recent advancements in the structures, spectroscopy, and reaction mechanisms for dioxygen-activating copper proteins and relevant synthetic models thereof. An emphasis has also been placed on cofactor biogenesis, a fundamentally important process whereby biomolecules are post-translationally modified by the pro-enzyme active site to generate cofactors which are essential for the catalytic enzymatic reaction. Significant questions remaining in copper-ion-mediated O2-activation in copper proteins are addressed.
Rejecting the Supposed Right of Anticipatory Self-Defence

This article investigates the reach of the United Nations Charter's legal regime created to govern the use of interstate armed force with a view to examining the permissibility of anticipatory self-defence. It examines the pre-Charter law on the use of force; the drafting and language of the Charter; and the international legal cases that address use of force. The article concludes that international law prohibits anticipatory self-defence and thus leaves no doubt that preemptive force is illegal.
Attraction between Opposing Planar Dipolar Polymer Brushes.

We use a field theory approach to study the effects of permanent dipoles on interpenetration and free energy changes as a function of distance between two identical planar polymer brushes. Melts (i.e., solvent-free) and solvated brushes made up of polymers grafted on nonadsorbing substrates are studied. In particular, the weak coupling limit of the dipolar interactions is considered, which leads to concentration-dependent pairwise interactions, and the effects of orientational order are neglected. It is predicted that a gradual increase in the dipole moment of the polymer segments can lead to attractive interactions between the brushes at intermediate separation distances. Because classical theory of polymer brushes based on the strong stretching limit (SSL) and the standard self-consistent field theory (SCFT) simulations using the Flory’s χ parameter always predicts repulsive interactions at all separations, our work highlights the importance of dipolar interactions in tailoring and accurately predicting...
Techno-economic and thermodynamic analysis of pre-cooling systems at gaseous hydrogen refueling stations

Abstract We conducted a techno-economic and thermodynamic analysis of precooling units (PCUs) at hydrogen refueling stations and developed a cost-minimizing design algorithm for the PCU observing the SAE J2601 refueling protocol for T40 stations (requiring −40 ° C precooling temperature). In so doing, we identified major factors that affect PCU cost and energy use. The hydrogen precooling energy intensity depends strongly on the station utilization rate, but approaches 0.3 kWh e /kg-H 2 at full utilization. In early fuel cell electric vehicle markets where utilization of the refueling capacity is low, the overhead cooling load (to keep the heat exchanger cold at −40 °C) results in significantly high PCU energy intensity because only a small amount of hydrogen is being dispensed. We developed a parameterized precooling energy intensity prediction formula as a function of the ambient temperature and station utilization rate. We also found that the Joule-Thomson effect of the flow control device introduces a significant increase in temperature upstream of the PCU's heat exchanger (HX), which impacts the PCU design capacity. An optimal PCU (per dispenser, at 35 °C HX inlet temperature) consists of a 13-kW refrigerator and a HX with 1400 kg of thermal mass (aluminum), which currently costs $70,000 (uninstalled). The total (installed) capital and operation cost of PCU at a fully utilized hydrogen refueling station adds $0.50/kg-H 2 .
Online measurement of bus impedance of interconnected power electronics systems: Applying orthogonal sequences

A power-electronics-based DC-distribution system is a complex and extensively interconnected system consisting of multiple power converters. Consequently, a number of issues related to stability arise due to interactions among multiple converter subsystems. Recent studies have presented methods such as passivity-based stability criterion where the stability and other dynamic characteristics of an interconnected system can be effectively analyzed using bus-impedance measurement. Studies have presented online techniques where the bus impedance is obtained by combining together the measurements of input and output impedances of single converters in the system. Since the converters are coupled, the presented techniques require several measurement cycles in order to sequentially measure the individual impedances to be combined to obtain the overall bus impedance. This paper presents a measurement technique based on injection of orthogonal binary sequences. Applying this method, all the impedances in the system can be simultaneously measured during one measurement cycle. Therefore, the overall measurement time of the bus impedance is drastically reduced. Furthermore, the method guarantees that the system dynamics do not change between measurements, and therefore, the computed bus impedance is not distorted. Experimental results are presented and used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Knocking-out matrix metalloproteinase-13 exacerbates rotator cuff muscle fatty infiltration.

Introduction Rotator cuff (RC) tears are common tendon injuries. Clinically, both muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration have generally been attributed to poor functional outcomes. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 plays a crucial role in extracellular matrix remodeling in many physiological and pathological processes. Nevertheless, its role in rotator cuff muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to define the functional role of MMP-13 in rotator cuff muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration using a mouse RC tears model. Materials and methods Unilateral complete supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon transection and suprascapular nerve transection was performed on nine of MMP-13 (-/-) knockout and nine of MMP-13 (+/+) wildtype mice at 3 months old. Mice were sacrificed 6 weeks after surgery. Supraspinatus (SS) and infraspinatus (IS) muscles were harvested for histology and gene expression analysis with RT-PCR. Results Six weeks after RC surgery, no significant difference in muscle atrophy and fibrosis between MMP-13 knockout and wild type mice was observed. However, there was a significant increase in the amount of fatty infiltration in MMP-13 knockout mice compared to the wild types. Muscles from MMP-13 knockout mice have significantly higher expression of fatty infiltration related genes. Discussion Results from this study suggest that MMP-13 plays a crucial role in rotator cuff muscle fatty degeneration. This novel finding suggests a new molecular mechanism that governs RC muscle FI and MMP-13 may serve as a target for therapeutics to treat muscle FI after RC tears.
Latino Faculty in Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Where is the Diversity?

Diversity in higher education with respect to faculty composition and executive leadership remains an elusive goal for many institutions of higher education. Over thirty years of research on faculty of color in academe has found that the pipeline for faculty of color still remains a significant challenge across higher education institutions and sectors (Turner, Gonzalez, & Wood, & 2008). For Hispanic-Serving Institutions, that possess a diverse base of students, faculty diversity, and the presence of Latino faculty, plays a critical role in academic excellence, mentorship and overall climate (Milem, 2003; Santos & Acevedo-Gil, 2013). This study examined two systems of higher education in California to explore the trends in Latino faculty diversity, given the critical mass of Latino undergraduates at both the community college and California State University systems of higher education. Findings suggest a disconnect between student diversity and tenure line faculty diversity exists. For HSI systems, like those present in California, faculty diversity may play an even greater role in raising Latino college completion, ultimately transforming the next generation of Latinos in California.
Percutaneous microwave ablation for local control of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

The purpose of the article is to evaluate the safety and oncologic efficacy of microwave ablation for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). From September 2011 to December 2016, 33 mRCC were ablated in 18 patients using percutaneous microwave ablation. Sites of mRCC include retroperitoneum (n = 12), contralateral kidney (n = 6), liver (n = 6), lung (n = 5), adrenal gland (n = 5). Technical success, local, and distant tumor progression, and complications were assessed at immediate and follow-up imaging. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. Technical success was achieved for 33/33 (100%) mRCC tumors. Ablation provided durable local control for 28/30 (93%) mRCC tumors in 17 patients at a median duration of clinical and imaging follow-up of 1.6 years (IQR 0.7–3.6) and 0.8 years (IQR 0.5–2.7), respectively. In-hospital and perioperative mortality was 0%. There were 5 (15%) procedure-related complications including one high-grade event (Clavien–Dindo III). Four patients have died from mRCC at a median of 1.3 years (range 0.7–5.1) following ablation. Estimated OS (95% CI number still at risk) at 1, 2, and 5 years were 86% (53–96%, 11), 75% (39–92%, 8), and 75% (39–92%, 3), respectively. Microwave ablation of oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma is safe and provides durable local control in appropriately selected patients.
Online Technology as a Pathway for Citizen Deliberation and Depolarization

Human development rests largely on the ability for a society to avoid violent conflict. This article proposes, and presents results from, an online technology platform and a methodology, which can help depolarize sectors of society, with the specific application to the current divisive post-war landscape within Colombia. The platform is based on deliberative democracy, and is designed to enable citizens to discuss issues in small groups. It exploits Colombia’s high online connectivity to provide a safe, anonymous environment for expressing opinions related to both the government and the guerrillas. Preliminary findings suggest that the platform could aid bridge building among citizens, and it could be easily replicated in other situations globally. Given the polarization that seems to arise in technologically-enabled societies as a result of social media “bubbles,” the broader need for such a platform in local, regional, and national debates is particularly pressing.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms

The identification of DNA variation or gene mutations, which contributes to or determines a disease, has been a major research focus, as it describes the underlying inherited disease components. With the human genome being sequenced, the reference sequence is now at hand, facilitating the systematic identification of DNA variation and its subsequent correlation to health and disease. The most common form of genetic variation in the human genome is a simple change of a basepair, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). In order to elucidate which SNPs might determine a disease as well as diagnosti-cally type those that already have a disease association, there is a substantial need for genotyping assays that are rapid, reliable, and cost-effective. In this chapter, we describe the various areas in which SNPs will be used as well as an overview of some of the most commonly used SNP genotyping methods.
Apparent Thermal Conductivity of High Density and Low Density Fiberglass Insulations

A numerical model for coupled conduction and radiation heat transfer in fibrous insulations was used to predict the steady-state heat transfer in two standard reference materials (SRM); SRM 1451 (low density fiberglass - 9.25 kg/m3) and SRM 1450(b)(high density fiberglass - 129 kg/m3). Gray isotropic radiative properties were input into the transient numerical model which marches to steady state. Theoretical apparent thermal conductivity values were computed as a function of mean temperature for both density fiberglasses and as a function of thickness and density for the low density fiberglass insulation. These results are compared to the experimental apparent thermal conductivity values obtained from tests performed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In addition, the relative importance of radiation and conduction for different density fiberglass insulations is also discussed.
Transperitoneal Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy with Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years: Oncological and Functional Outcomes from a Single Institution.

Abstract Background Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is an established, minimally invasive nephron-sparing technique with excellent perioperative and intermediate oncological outcomes. However, long-term oncological outcomes have not been reported to date. Objective To report oncological and functional outcomes of RAPN among patients with minimum follow-up of 5 yr. Design, setting, and participants Data for consecutive patients undergoing RAPN since October 2006 were extracted from a prospectively-maintained institutional PN database. Patients with benign tumors, genetic mutations, prior radical or ipsilateral PN, and those with follow-up of Intervention Transperitoneal RAPN for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Outcomes measurements and statistical analysis Demographic, perioperative, postoperative, functional, and oncological data were evaluated. A linear random-effects model was used to estimate the effect of follow-up duration on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after adjustment for potential confounders. Univariable competing-risks regression analyses were performed to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for cancer-related events for the variables of interest. Results and limitations A total of 278 RAPNs for RCC were included. eGFR was significantly lower at follow-up time points than at baseline. At last follow-up (median 46 mo, interquartile range 30–58) the mean eGFR difference was −10.6 ml/min (95% confidence interval −12.56 to −8.66; p Conclusions This is the first study reporting minimum oncological follow-up of 5 yr after RAPN. The results demonstrate excellent long-term oncological outcomes after RAPN in a selected cohort of patients. Our data confirm that the renal functional deterioration after RAPN remains stable over time after the early postoperative decrease. Patient summary Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is being more widely used as a standard treatment for small localized renal cell carcinomas. This study reveals excellent long-term cancer control for both local recurrences and distant metastases. Renal function is stable after an initial postoperative deterioration.
Building medical image classifiers with very limited data using segmentation networks

Deep learning has shown promising results in medical image analysis, however, the lack of very large annotated datasets confines its full potential. Although transfer learning with ImageNet pre-trained classification models can alleviate the problem, constrained image sizes and model complexities can lead to unnecessary increase in computational cost and decrease in performance. As many common morphological features are usually shared by different classification tasks of an organ, it is greatly beneficial if we can extract such features to improve classification with limited samples. Therefore, inspired by the idea of curriculum learning, we propose a strategy for building medical image classifiers using features from segmentation networks. By using a segmentation network pre-trained on similar data as the classification task, the machine can first learn the simpler shape and structural concepts before tackling the actual classification problem which usually involves more complicated concepts. Using our proposed framework on a 3D three-class brain tumor type classification problem, we achieved 82% accuracy on 191 testing samples with 91 training samples. When applying to a 2D nine-class cardiac semantic level classification problem, we achieved 86% accuracy on 263 testing samples with 108 training samples. Comparisons with ImageNet pre-trained classifiers and classifiers trained from scratch are presented.
Optimizing the total-body skin exam: An observational cohort study

Background Total-body skin examinations (TBSEs) are commonly performed in clinical practice. There is limited research on best practices for performing a TBSE. Objective To optimize the TBSE. Methods We performed an observational cohort study by video recording 5 dermatology faculty and 5 residents conducting their regular TBSE on both a healthy male and female patient. Examination time, physician movements, patient movements, sequence of body parts examined, and body parts missed were analyzed by using an analytic hierarchy process matrix. Differences were evaluated by a t test of unequal variance. P values Results We identified an optimal format for conducting a TBSE that is efficient and accurate. Limitations This study was conducted with only standard healthy examiners and patients, rather than individuals with a variety of physical or mental disabilities. The structure of the study was not hypothesis driven, and we assumed that the engineers observing the physicians performing the examination would identify the most optimal TBSE. Conclusion Our results indicate that a standardized process of performing a TBSE minimizes the chance of missing a body area. This could also have implications on teaching a standardized TBSE to medical students, residents, and physicians.
Chitosan-coated different particles in spouted bed and their use in dye continuous adsorption system

In this work, three polymer suspensions were used for coating glass beads (GB), porcelain beads (PB), and polyethylene pellets (PP) in spouted bed. Subsequently, the continuous adsorption assays of the food dye Brilliant Blue FCF in a fixed bed column were performed, which was packed with the covered particles. Also, the static adsorption assays were carried out. The adsorption equilibrium isotherms were fitted by Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin models, being that the Temkin model was the most suitable to represent the equilibrium data. The particle coating in the spouted bed showed promising results due to the high efficiency of the process. The PB, GB, and PP obtained coating efficiency values in the range to 92–96% when using the suspension of chitosan and hydroxyethyl cellulose. However, only the polyethylene particles coated with the chitosan suspension maintained its coating efficiency (95%). The maximum adsorption capacities at equilibrium of the coated particles of PP and GB were achieved with the chitosan suspension, being the values of around 800 mg g−1. Thus, the chitosan-coated polyethylene particles showed to be a promising adsorbent for fixed bed column.
Corporate Incapacitation: A Handmaid's Tale?

In "Incapacitating Criminal Corporations," W. Robert Thomas tantalizingly shows what incapacitation offers as a tool for punishing criminal corporations. But should incapacitation also be a freestanding goal of corporate punishment? Any affirmative answer must reckon with the social loss (to shareholders, to employees, to creditors, to the economy) that incapacitating businesses necessarily entails. As a tool for achieving other criminal justice goals, like the socially constructive enterprise of rehabilitation, the benefits of incapacitation can sometime offset its costs. But it should be a very rare case -- e.g. a corporation operated primarily for criminal purposes -- where courts and prosecutors pursue incapacitation for its own sake. When other criminal justice goals are unattainable, corporate incapacitation's destructive potential is its distinctive advantage.
Hospital Conversion of Devices for Administration of Long-Acting Antimuscarinic Agent Using Common Canister

Background: Tiotropium HandiHaler poses significant issues for both Respiratory Care and Pharmacy. Despite the HandiHaler being left in the patient9s medication drawer, many times it was missing when the respiratory therapist (RT) went to deliver the medication. The RT would then have to retrieve another HandiHaler which comes with an additional 5 capsules. This could, at times, take greater than 15 min between searching for and then retrieving another HandiHaler. This results in disruption in the RT9s work flow and the accumulation of extra capsules. The increased frustration on the part of the RT and the pharmacy employee grew over time regarding this issue. Tiotropium is now available in a Respimat device which is being used increasingly in the outpatient setting. There is no institutional size for the Respimat (30 doses). For the above reasons we evaluated Respimat using a Common Canister approach. Methods: All patients receiving Tiotropium by HandiHaler from 1/16/18 onwards were converted to Respimat administered by common canister. Pharmacy costs were compared with pre-intervention costs. The cost of the RT9s time inefficiencies was estimated. Results: Costs: HandiHaler (5 capsules) $37.22, $7.44 per day; Respimat (30 doses) $333.02, $11.10 per day. Pre-intervention monthly HandiHaler cost = $3,481. Average Respimat monthly cost = $11,375. Without common canister the cost for our average LOS of 5.7 days would be for HandiHaler $42.41 and for Respimat $333.02, a 7.85-fold increase. With common canister we had a 3.27 fold cost increase. With 100% common canister delivery, the cost increase would be $11.10/$7.44 = 1.49. 70% of treatments were common canister. With a base salary of $71,500, 15-min interruption to replace a HandiHaler at 60 times a month, the additional RT labor cost = $515. There were no issues with delivering the Respimat by common canister. Conclusions: For in-patients, even accounting for the hassle factor and the cost inefficiencies in RT workflow the current pricing for the Respimat is cost prohibitive, even with using Common Canister. An institutional size is expected to be released soon at $39 for 14 doses. At this price the Respimat is cost neutral to the HandiHaler and a significant cost savings with common canister. The inability to get the common canister delivery closer to 100% is due to the number of isolation and flu patients which do not share canisters. Disclosures: Acevedo – Sunovion Advisory Board, Monaghan Medical consultant.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of MLO Gene Family in Octoploid Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa)

Abstract Powdery mildew (PM) caused by Podosphaera aphanis is a major fungal disease in cultivated strawberry. Mildew Resistance Locus O (MLO) is a gene family described for having conserved seven-transmembrane domains. Induced loss-of-function in specific MLO genes can confer durable and broad resistance against PM pathogens. However, the underlying biological role of MLO genes in strawberry is still unknown. In the present study, the genomic structure of MLO genes were characterized in both diploid (Fragaria vesca) and octoploid strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa), and the potential sources of MLO-mediated susceptibility were identified. Twenty MLO-like sequences were identified in F. vesca, with sixty-eight in F. ×ananassa. Phylogenetic analysis divides strawberry MLO genes into eight different clades, in which three FveMLO and ten FaMLO genes were grouped together with the functionally known MLO susceptibility. Out of ten FaMLO genes, FaMLO17-2 and FaMLO17-3 showed the highest similarity to the known susceptibility MLO proteins. Gene expression analysis of FaMLO genes was conducted using a multi-parental segregating population. Three expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were substantially associated with MLO transcript levels in mature fruits, suggesting discrete genetic control of susceptibility. These results are a critical first step in understanding allele function of MLO genes, and are necessary for further genetic studies of PM resistance in cultivated strawberry.
Integrating transit data and travel time into food security analysis: A case study of San Diego, California

Abstract Research suggests an important role for planners and policymakers in enhancing neighborhood access to healthy food. Spatial analysis is often used to explore relationships between proximity to sources of food and health outcomes such as food security and risk for diet-related disease. Spatial models often account for proximity based on walking distance or automobile but advancements in geospatial technologies now allow for estimates of access by transit as well as travel time to understand neighborhood level food security. One approach for addressing this gap is to employ real-time travel estimates over transit and road networks to more precisely measure food access. In this paper, we compare the Google Distance Matrix API calculating both the distance and time between origins and destinations, with other spatial approaches to understanding grocery store and full-service supermarket access in this case study of San Diego, California. Results suggest that distances between residents and food outlets are constant across modes of transport but travel times are highly differentiated by mode. Trips to stores by transit are on average, three times longer than trips by car. This paper offers a new understanding of the potential for incongruence between spatial proximity and true accessibility in the built environment.
The role of interventional pulmonology in pleural disease diagnosis and management.

Purpose of review Pleural disease guidelines have not been updated in a decade. Advances have been made in the diagnosis and management of pleural diseases since, with expanding evidence of the utility of medical thoracoscopy (MT) as a safe and effective tool. Recent findings Although thoracic ultrasound has improved early determination of pleural disease etiology, thoracentesis remains limited, and pleural tissue is necessary for the diagnosis of undifferentiated exudative pleural effusions. Medical thoracoscopy has been shown to be superior to traditional closed pleural biopsy, and recent literature is focused on which technique is best. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) found rigid mini-thoracoscopy was not superior to semirigid thoracoscopy. Meta-analyses have not found pleural cyrobiopsy to be superior to forceps biopsies. As a therapeutic tool, meta-analysis suggests MT as a possible first-line tool for the treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusions (CPE) and early empyema. A RCT comparing MT to intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy demonstrated that the former technique is safe, effective, and may shorten hospital length of stay in patients with CPE/empyema. Summary The implications of the recent findings in the medical literature are that medical thoracoscopy, particularly by trained Interventional Pulmonologists, will find an expanded role in future iteration of pleural disease guidelines.
Mechanical properties, phase transitions, and fragmentation mechanisms of 6H, 3C, and amorphous SiC nanoparticles under compression

The molecular dynamics simulations of quasi-static compression of SiC nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters from 5 to 40 nm are performed in the temperature range from 0.1 to 3500 K. The crystalline NPs with hexagonal, 6H-SiC, and cubic, 3C-SiC, lattices, as well as amorphous NPs, are compressed along [001], [110], and [111] crystallographic directions with either plane indenters or periodic boundary conditions. The dominant mechanism of deformation depends on the type of the SiC polymorph, NP size, temperature, and lattice orientation with respect to the compression direction. For small NPs at low temperature, the compression mostly induces amorphization of 6H-SiC NPs and formation of rock-salt phase core in 3C-SiC NPs, while the compressive stress only marginally depends on the lattice orientation. For large NPs, the deformation induces formation of multiple dislocations and slip planes that result in the material fragmentation. The morphology and number of fragments strongly depend on the SiC polymorph and lattice orientation. The fragmentation of large 6H-SiC NPs preferentially occurs along {0001} plane independently on the compression direction. An increase in temperature promotes the dislocation nucleation with subsequent fragmentation and relative motion of large fragments. As a result, the average stress at large deformation tends to increase with the NP size at small temperatures and to decrease at elevated temperatures. On average, 6H-SiC NPs compressed along [001] direction demonstrate stronger resistance to compression in the regime of plastic deformation compared to 3C-SiC NPs and other lattice orientations.