cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urokinase-Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Migration Requires PI3-K and Akt Activation1,2

Objective To examine the role of the phospho-inositol-3′-kinase (PI3-K)-akt signaling axis during smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration in response to the aminoterminal fragment of urokinase (ATF). Background Urokinase (uPA) is involved in vessel remodeling and mediates smooth muscle cell migration. Migration in response to urokinase is dependent on ATF. The role of PI3-K/akt signaling during migration in response to the uPA fragments is not understood. Methods Murine arterial SMCs were cultured in vitro . Linear wound and Boyden microchemotaxis assays of migration were performed in the presence of ATF with and without the PI3-K inhibitors (Wortmannin, Wn [10 n m ] and LY294002, LY [10 μ m ]) and an akt inhibitor (aktI, [10 μ m ]). Western blotting was performed for akt, ERK1/2, and GSK3β phosphorylation after cells were stimulated with ATF in the presence and absence of the inhibitors. Statistics were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results Both PI3-K and akt inhibitors blocked the migratory response to ATF in both assays. ATF induced time-dependent increases in akt phosphorylation at both S472 and T308 sites and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Activation of akt and ERK1/2 was inhibited by Wn and LY. Manumycin A, a ras inhibitor, did not inhibit activation of akt but did inhibit ERK1/2 activation. Activation of akt and the dephosphorylation of its downstream kinase GSK3β were inhibited by the akt inhibitor. Direct inhibition of akt did not influence ERK1/2 activation and inhibition of ERK1/2 did not influence akt activation. Conclusion ATF mediated migration is PI3-K dependent and activates two separate pathways: ERK1/2 and akt. ATF induces akt phosphorylation through a PI3K-mediated but ras-independent mechanism while both ras and PI3K are required for ERK1/2 activation. Defining key signaling pathways is vital to regulate vessel remodeling.
Update on Brain Tumor Imaging: From Anatomy to Physiology

The role of neuroimaging in patients with brain tumors is no longer simply to evaluate structural abnormality and identify tumor-related complications. By transitioning from a purely anatomy-based discipline to one that incorporates functional, hemodynamic, metabolic, cellular, and cytoarchitectural
Trends in Ethical Sanctions within the Accounting Profession

This study examines the disciplinary sanctions imposed on AICPA members before and after the adoption of the Code of Professional Conduct in 1988. It reveals that the number of sanctions for substa...
Aggressive Area Scaling in Passive Transresistance Networks

the issue of very aggressive area scaling to practically achieve large transresistance in a small amount of area is addressed. Closed form analytical expressions for the area scaling efficiency for an R-2R transresistance network and a ladder-based transresistance network are presented. Closed form analytical expressions and numerical comparisons for the standard deviation of the transresistance of these networks that are useful for determining ratio matching yield are also included.
Predicting search term reliability for spoken term detection systems

Spoken term detection is an extension of text-based searching that allows users to type keywords and search audio files containing recordings of spoken language. Performance is dependent on many external factors such as the acoustic channel, language, pronunciation variations and acoustic confusability of the search term. Unlike text-based searches, the likelihoods of false alarms and misses for specific search terms, which we refer to as reliability, play a significant role in the overall perception of the usability of the system. In this paper, we present a system that predicts the reliability of a search term based on its inherent confusability. Our approach integrates predictors of the reliability that are based on both acoustic and phonetic features. These predictors are trained using an analysis of recognition errors produced from a state of the art spoken term detection system operating on the Fisher Corpus. This work represents the first large-scale attempt to predict the success of a keyword search term from only its spelling. We explore the complex relationship between phonetic and acoustic properties of search terms. We show that a 76 % correlation between the predicted error rate and the actual measured error rate can be achieved, and that the remaining confusability is due to other acoustic modeling issues that cannot be derived from a search term's spelling.
IgM-λ paraproteinemia with associated cutaneous lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in a patient who meets diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome

POEMS is a rare multisystem paraneoplastic syndrome featuring polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, a monoclonal protein, and skin changes. In the relatively few reported biopsies of POEMS-associated cutaneous hyperpigmentation, the most common skin finding seen in patients with the disorder, only a non-specific inflammatory infiltrate has been demonstrated histologically. We present the case of a 79-year-old man with polyneuropathy, autoimmune thyroiditis, pancytopenia, and a history of lymphadenopathy who presented to the inpatient dermatology service with cutaneous hyperpigmentation. A skin biopsy of a hyperpigmented area showed a cutaneous lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, prompting further investigation. A monoclonal IgM-λ paraprotein was subsequently identified, leading to administration of combination chemotherapy for a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. The novel finding of a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in POEMS-associated hyperpigmentation suggests a diagnostic role for skin biopsy in these patients.
Extrapair paternity in the swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana: male access or female preference?

Over the past two decades, the combination of molecular and field methods has revealed considerable variation in the level of extrapair fertilizations among socially monogamous birds. Models predicting extrapair young range in scale from a single population to multiple Orders, and there is no single, unifying theory for these reproductive tactics. We investigated proximate explanations of extrapair fertilizations in two subspecies of the swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana georgiana and Melospiza georgiana nigrescens, across a range of social and environmental conditions. The presence of extrapair young was best predicted by the size of two male plumage badges (one correlated with parental care and one with territorial aggression) relative to the badge size of their immediate neighbors, the interaction of these two measures, mean territory size, and the maximum size of the aggression badge among neighbors. The size of the male’s parental care badge (relative to neighbors) was negatively correlated with the probability of lost paternity. The relative size of the aggression badge was positively correlated with the presence of extrapair young when the parental care badge was small and negatively correlated when the badge was large. Controlling for these crown measures, males with larger territories were less likely to suffer losses in paternity. There was no effect of breeding density, breeding synchrony, their interaction, subspecies, or weather during the fertile period on the presence of extrapair young. These results suggest that female preference for males that provide more parental care (or preference for genes that convey this trait) plays a dominant role in extrapair interactions among swamp sparrows. Models based on female assessments of relative mate quality offer a promising explanation of patterns in extrapair fertilizations among bird species.
Controllable anomalous dispersion and group index nulling via bi-frequency Raman gain for ultraprecision rotation sensing

Using a bi-frequency pumped Raman amplifier in a Rb vapor cell, we demonstrate experimentally the condition for achieving a null group index, necessary for fast-light enhanced rotation sensing in a passive cavity Sagnac gyroscope.
More than one way to control hair growth: Regulatory mechanisms in enterobacteria that affect fimbriae assembled by the chaperone/usher pathway.

Many gram-negative enterobacteria produce surface-associated fimbriae that facilitate attachment and adherence to eucaryotic cells and tissues. These organelles are believed to play an important role during infection by enabling bacteria to colonize specific niches within their hosts. One class of these fimbriae is assembled using a periplasmic chaperone and membrane-associated scaffolding protein that has been referred to as an usher because of its function in fimbrial biogenesis. The presence of multiple types of fimbriae assembled by the chaperone/usher pathway can be found both within a single bacterial species and also among different genera. One way of controlling fimbrial assembly in these bacteria is at the genetic level by positively or negatively regulating fimbrial gene expression. This minireview considers the mechanisms that have been described to control fimbrial gene expression and uses specific examples to demonstrate both unique and shared properties of such regulatory mechanisms.
Case Report: A Procedure for the Clinical Management of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis in a Patient Wearing Contact Lenses

The successful clinical management of a patient with giant papillary conjunctivitis is reported. The patient was a 50 year old man.
A histological survey of green fluorescent protein expression in 'green' mice: implications for stem cell research.

Summary Aims The transgenic enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expressing ‘green’ mouse (C57BL/6-TgN(ACTbEGFP)IOsb) is a widely used tool in stem cell research, where the ubiquitous nature of EGFP expression is critical to track the fate of single or small groups of transplanted haematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Our aim was to investigate this assumed ubiquitous expression by performing a detailed histological survey of EGFP expression in these mice. Methods Fluorescent microscopy of frozen tissue sections was used to perform a detailed histological survey of the pattern of EGFP expression in these mice. Flow cytometry was also used to determine the expression pattern in blood and bone marrow. Results Three patterns of EGFP expression were noted. In most tissues there was an apparently stochastic variegation of the transgene, with individual cell types demonstrating highly variable rates of EGFP expression. Certain specific cell types such as pancreatic ductal epithelium, cerebral cortical neurones and glial cells and glomerular mesangial cells consistently lacked EGFP expression, while others, including pancreatic islet cells, expressed EGFP only at extremely low levels, barely distinguishable from background. Lastly, in the colon and stomach the pattern of EGFP expression was suggestive of clonal inactivation. Only cardiac and skeletal muscle showed near ubiquitous expression. Conclusions These findings raise questions regarding the ‘ubiquitous’ expression of EGFP in these transgenic mice and suggest caution in relying overly on EGFP alone as an infallible marker of donor cell origin.
The sensitivity of CO and aerosol transport to the temporal and vertical distribution of North American boreal fire emissions

Abstract. Forest fires in Alaska and western Canada represent important sources of aerosols and trace gases in North America. Among the largest uncertainties when modeling forest fire effects are the timing and injection height of biomass burning emissions. Here we simulate CO and aerosols over North America during the 2004 fire season, using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model. We apply different temporal distributions and injection height profiles to the biomass burning emissions, and compare model results with satellite-, aircraft-, and ground-based measurements. We find that averaged over the fire season, the use of finer temporal resolved biomass burning emissions usually decreases CO and aerosol concentrations near the fire source region, and often enhances long-range transport. Among the individual temporal constraints, switching from monthly to 8-day time intervals for emissions has the largest effect on CO and aerosol distributions, and shows better agreement with measured day-to-day variability. Injection height substantially modifies the surface concentrations and vertical profiles of pollutants near the source region. Compared with CO, the simulation of black carbon aerosol is more sensitive to the temporal and injection height distribution of emissions. The use of MISR-derived injection heights improves agreement with surface aerosol measurements near the fire source. Our results indicate that the discrepancies between model simulations and MOPITT CO measurements near the Hudson Bay can not be attributed solely to the representation of injection height within the model. Frequent occurrence of strong convection in North America during summer tends to limit the influence of injection height parameterizations of fire emissions in Alaska and western Canada with respect to CO and aerosol distributions over eastern North America.
Effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine accumulation in the striatum and nucleus accumbens.

: The effect of the racemic mixture of 3,4-methy-lenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on the synthesis of dopamine in the terminals of nigrostriatal and mesolimbic neurons was estimated by measuring the accumulation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the striatum and nucleus accumbens 30 min following the administration of the l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, 3-hydroxybenzylhydrazine. MDMA produced an increase in DOPA accumulation in the striatum which was greater in magnitude and longer in duration than that in the nucleus accumbens. Although the concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in both the striatum and nucleus accumbens were reduced 3 h following an injection of MDMA (20 mg/kg), 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations were significantly reduced only in the striatum 7 days after the administration of MDMA. Pretreatment with a 5-HT2 antagonist, ketanserin, significantly attenuated the reduction in 5-HT concentration in the striatum 3 h following MDMA administration and completely blocked 5-HT depletion at 7 days post administration. Moreover, ketanserin completely blocked MDMA-induced DOPA accumulation in the striatum. The results obtained in these studies suggest that MDMA activates nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways via 5-HT2 receptors. In addition, these data are supportive of the hypothesis that dopamine plays a role in MDMA-induced 5-HT depletion.
Convergence of optimal values past critical threshold

In this paper we examine maximum weight independent sets (MWIS) on branching processes and Erdos-Renyi graphs. Gamarnik, Nowicki, and Swirscsz, showed that, if a particular fixed point equation had a unique solution, then the MWIS value converged. This followed by showing that there was no long range dependencies in the MWIS solution. Here we examine what happens when there are multiple solutions to the fixed point equation, and hence there are long range dependencies. Specifically, we show that, under surprisingly weak conditions - which include the possibility of long range dependencies - that the MWIS value converges in probability to a random variable. We give a new method for calculating the MWIS value for Erdos-Renyi graphs. In the case of vertex weights independently drawn from the standard exponential distribution and with multiple solutions to the fixed point equation, we use our method to show improved upper and lower bounds of the MWIS value. Finally, we show how our proof techniques are general enough to be applied to other optimization problems with local constraints such as maximum weight matching and maximum weight color.
Nonlinear Theory of Turboalternators Part II. Load Dependent Synchronous Reactances

The method in Ref. [1] is used to determine synchronous reactances for the turbogenerator at operating conditions in Part I [2]. The influence of saturation on the direct and quadrature reactances is studied and the difficulties caused by linear parameters in nonlinear theory are discussed. A modified phasor-diagram taking the small angles ?d and ?q into account is developed. The results are given for a Westinghouse Electric Corp. 200 MVA, 15 kV, wye-connected, four-pole, 50 Hz generator. Available test data are compared with computations.
Regional Climate Model Simulation of U.S. Precipitation during 1982–2002. Part I: Annual Cycle

The fifth-generation PSU‐NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5)-based regional climate model (CMM5) capability in simulating the U.S. precipitation annual cycle is evaluated with a 1982‐2002 continuous baseline integration driven by the NCEP‐DOE second Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP II) reanalysis. The causes for major model biases (differences from observations) are studied through supplementary seasonal sensitivity experiments with various driving lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) and physics representations. It is demonstrated that the CMM5 has a pronounced rainfall downscaling skill, producing more realistic regional details and overall smaller biases than the driving global reanalysis. The precipitation simulation is most skillful in the Northwest, where orographic forcing dominates throughout the year; in the Midwest, where mesoscale convective complexes prevail in summer; and in the central Great Plains, where nocturnal low-level jet and rainfall peaks occur in summer. The actual model skill, however, is masked by existing large LBC uncertainties over datapoor areas, especially over oceans. For example, winter dry biases in the Gulf States likely result from LBC errors in the south and east buffer zones. On the other hand, several important regional biases are identified with model physics deficiencies. In particular, summer dry biases in the North American monsoon region and along the east coast of the United States can be largely rectified by replacing the Grell with the Kain‐Fritsch cumulus scheme. The latter scheme, however, yields excessive rainfall in the Atlantic Ocean but large deficits over the Midwest. The fall dry biases over the lower Mississippi River basin, common to all existing global and regional models, remain unexplained and the search for their responsible physical mechanisms will be challenging. In addition, the representation of cloud‐radiation interaction is essential in determining the precipitation distribution and regional water recycling, for which the new scheme implemented in the CMM5 yields significant improvement.
A serine proteinase as a trigger for human natural killer lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis

The nature of the lesion created by cytotoxic lymphoyctes is not yet known. However, current evidence is consistent with insertion of a hydrophobic pore or channel into the membrane of the target cell. The sieving properties (1, 2) and morphological appearance (3, 4, 5) of the membranes of dead target cells are similar but not identical to the properties of erythrocyte membranes after complement attack. Efforts to determine whether or not the lymphocyte-mediated lesions could be composed of complement or complement-like proteins have been negative (6, 7) or substantially inconclusive (8). We approached the problem in a different manner, reasoning that if there were similarities between complement- and lymphocyte-mediated lesions, then a serine dependent proteinase cascade could regulate the lymphocyte system in a manner similar to the regulation characterized by complement proteinases D and Bb or Clr, Cls, and C2a.
Performance analysis of DQDB metropolitan subnetwork

An extensive performance analysis of the DQDB (distributed queue dual bus) metropolitan area network is presented. The performance is presented in terms of transfer delay, bandwidth allocation, per node and per network total delay, transient time, network size, and maximum local queue length. The effects of varying traffic intensity on the performance are examined. Simulation models for all MAC protocols were developed to investigate the performance of the network. The results demonstrate that the original protocol exhibits the worst performance in all aspects. The bandwidth balancing mechanism protocol proved to be better in bandwidth allocation but at the cost of increasing the average delays. Even though the amount of sacrificed bandwidth is small, it still results in less than satisfactory performance. Only the preservation procedure protocol proved to be superior in its ability to allocate bandwidth fairly among the nodes without incurring increased delays, which was evidenced in the bandwidth balancing mechanism protocol. >
New Corneal Marker for Passing a 24-bite Anti-torque Corneal Transplant Single Continuous Suture

The use of a a single continuous-suture closure technique allows the surgeon to minimize corneal transplant astigmatism within 1 month of surgery. Passage of this suture in a precise, anti-torque pattern is difficult. A new surgical instrument has been designed to place 24 equidistant dots on both the recipient and the donor tissues after the cardinal sutures have been placed. The surgeon simply must connect the dots to achieve a rapid, precise anti-torque closure. The instrument is easy to use and should prove helpful to surgeons who perform the single, continuous-suture closure technique. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1997;28:168-170.] New cornea transplant suturing techniques that use a single continuous 10-0 nylon suture allow postoperative adjustment to minimize transplant astigmatism within 1 month after surgery. 1-7 Placing the suture as symmetrically as possible to minimize suture-induced graft torquing is difficult. A new marker has been developed to help the surgeon pass an anti-torque 24-bite suture quickly and precisely.
Analysis of Urinary Adrenocortical Steroids

Cumulative evidence from the past two decades suggests that the adrenal cortex is more than a single gland. Indeed, it is possible to differentiate the area responsible for the biogenesis of androgenic material from the zone responsible for the biosynthesis of aldosterone and this from yet another zone responsible for the formation of Cortisol. The assessment of the functional ability of each of these zones would, therefore, depend on the adequate analyses of the metabolic products derived from the specific steroid associated with each segment. We shall concern ourselves primarily with a discussion of methodology relating to the metabolic excretion products derived from Cortisol, which is conceded to be the primary glucocorticoid secreted by the human adrenal cortex. Through the mediation of peripheral and hepatic metabolism a series of reactions occur, modifying the molecule of Cortisol as outlined in Table 17–1. The side-chain degradation leading to androgenic or C-19 steroids has already been discussed previously and need not be gone into any further. Earlier studies on the metabolism of Cortisol or cortisone indicated that one of the prime urinary excretion products was the compound tetrahydrocortisone.
Performance of ‘Valencia’ orange (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) on 17 rootstocks in a trial severely affected by huanglongbing

Abstract ‘Valencia’ orange ( Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) was grown on 17 rootstocks through seven years of age and the first four harvest seasons in a central Florida field trial severely affected by huanglongbing (HLB) disease. All trees in the trial had HLB symptoms and were shown by PCR to be infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las). Large differences were noted between rootstocks for many metrics examined, including yield, fruit quality, and tree size. Highest yields in the trial were on US-942 rootstock, which was significantly more productive than trees on the common commercial rootstocks Carrizo, Kuharske, Cleopatra, and Kinkoji. Other new hybrid rootstocks also performed well in this trial strongly affected by HLB, including the rootstock US-1516, which had the second highest cumulative yield, best tree health rating, and lowest number of trees lost due to HLB damage. Comparison of tree performance in this trial with a similar trial conducted prior to the HLB epidemic, allows us to estimate that the disease resulted in a 33% reduction in yield and 21% reduction in tree growth through seven years of age. Use of a tolerant rootstock is suggested as an effective means of ameliorating crop losses to HLB.
Molecular Basis of Valine-Citrulline-PABC Linker Instability in Site-Specific ADCs and Its Mitigation by Linker Design

The degree of stability of antibody-drug linkers in systemic circulation, and the rate of their intracellular processing within target cancer cells are among the key factors determining the efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) in vivo Previous studies demonstrated the susceptibility of cleavable linkers, as well as auristatin-based payloads, to enzymatic cleavage in rodent plasma. Here, we identify Carboxylesterase 1C as the enzyme responsible for the extracellular hydrolysis of valine-citrulline-p-aminocarbamate (VC-PABC)-based linkers in mouse plasma. We further show that the activity of Carboxylesterase 1C towards VC-PABC-based linkers, and consequently the stability of ADCs in mouse plasma, can be effectively modulated by small chemical modifications to the linker. While the introduced modifications can protect the VC-PABC-based linkers from extracellular cleavage, they do not significantly alter the intracellular linker processing by the lysosomal protease Cathepsin B. The distinct substrate preference of the serum Carboxylesterase 1C offers the opportunity to modulate the extracellular stability of cleavable ADCs without diminishing the intracellular payload release required for ADC efficacy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 958-70. ©2016 AACR.
Toward a humanizing pedagogy: Leveling the cultural and linguistic capital in a fifth-grade writing classroom

ABSTRACTThe increasing number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in the United States has created a priority for examining the perspectives, dispositions, and attitudes that best support these learners’ writing. This study explores the link between a teacher’s developing pedagogical language knowledge and humanizing practices and her teaching of persuasive writing to CLD fifth-grade students. Utilizing case study methodology, the study found that a teacher’s knowledge of language and use of humanizing pedagogy facilitated students’ writing development while preserving their CLD identities. This study contributes to research on asset-based, humanizing pedagogies that build on interrelationships among language, culture, and writing.
Varicose veins: Ten years' observation on treatment

Abstract Certain observations made in the surgical treatment of varicose veins during the past ten years have been reviewed. The injection of a sclerosing solution at the time of surgery does not seem advisable in all cases. Those cases in which this is not advisable have been mentioned. The importance of complete sclerosing obliteration of the varicosities subsequent to surgery has been stressed. When large communicating veins can be demonstrated, separate division and ligation should be done. When a hugely dilated saphenous vein is present, segmental ligation seems advisable. The importance of treatment of the lesser saphenous vein has been stressed.
Common malignancies with uncommon sites of presentation: case 1. Anterior mediastinal rhabdomyosarcoma.

A 21-year-old white female presented with a 9-month history of progressively worsening vague chest pressure and discomfort, dyspnea, anorexia, and a 20-lb weight loss. Her medical history was unremarkable, and physical examination was normal, aside from a tachycardia of 120 beats per minute. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed a large, somewhat lobulated, homogeneous anterior mediastinal mass measuring approximately 13 10 8 cm (Fig 1). Despite its size, the mass seemed resectable, without definite invasion of adjacent structures. CT-directed fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed, and histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed a neoplasm with prominent myxoid differentiation without evidence of lymphoma or thymoma. Given this tentative diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma, the resectable appearance of the mass on CT, and a negative metastatic work-up, surgical resection via median sternotomy was undertaken. At the time of operation, the mass appeared larger than reported by the preoperative CT scan and was found to be densely adherent to the pericardium, the mediastinal pleura, and the left lung. Complete surgical resection with negative margins was achieved by wide en bloc resection of these structures along with the tumor (Fig 2). The patient’s recovery was uneventful. Final pathologic examination revealed a high-grade malignant neoplasm with clear-cut features of skeletal muscle differentiation. An area of focal residual thymus was evident (Fig 3, upper left corner) along with the high-grade malignant neoplasm with large atypical cells (Fig 3, lower portion of slide). High-power magnification revealed large tumor cells with prominent round to oval nuclei and intensely eosinophilic cytoplasm—so-called myoblast strap cells. Cross striations in the myoblasts are not seen in this view, however (Fig 4). The tumor was immunoreactive for common muscle actin and desmin, was negative for smooth muscle actin and keratin (CAM 5.2 and AE1/AE3), but demonstrated convincing nuclear positivity for myogen. Final diagnosis was a primary anterior mediastinal rhabdomyosarcoma, anatomically related to, and likely arising from, the thymus. Primary mediastinal rhabdomyosarcomas unassociated with germ cell, teratomatous, or malignant epithelial components are extremely rare. They are thought to arise from the thymus; the ability of thymic tissue to differentiate toward myoid tissue has been reported previously. These tumors tend to occur in the anterior mediastinum of young adults and demonstrate large size and local invasion at the time of diagnosis. Their biologic behavior is aggressive, usually characterized by rapid recurrence and dissemination, even following resection. Because of the limited information regarding treatment of these unusual tumors, therapy must be extrapolated from the management of pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas and applied to these patients. This patient is currently receiving combination chemotherapy
Comparative Analysis of Inertial Sensor to Optical Motion Capture System Performance in Push-Pull Exertion Postures

This study examined interactions between inertial sensor (IS) performance and physical task demand on posture kinematics in a two-handed force exertion task. Fifteen male individuals participated in a laboratory experiment that involved exerting a two-handed isometric horizontal force on an instrumented height-adjustable handle. Physical task demand was operationalized by manipulating vertical handle height, target force magnitude, and force direction. These factors were hypothesized to influence average estimates of torso flexion angle measured using inertial sensors and an optical motion capture (MC) system, as well as the root mean squared errors (RMSE) between instrumentation computed over a 3s interval of the force exertion task. Results indicate that lower handle heights and higher target force levels were associated with increased torso and pelvic flexion in both, push and pull exertions. Torso flexion angle estimates obtained from IS and MC did not differ significantly. However, RMSE increased with target force intensity suggesting potential interactive effects between measurement error and physical task demand.
Exploration of barriers and facilitators to publishing local public health findings: A mixed methods protocol.

BACKGROUND Worldwide, the US accounts for a large proportion of journals related to public health. Although the American Public Health Association (APHA) includes 54 affiliated regional and state associations, little is known about their capacity to support public health scholarship. The aim of this study is to assess barriers and facilitators to operation of state journals for the dissemination of local public health research and practices. METHODS A mixed methods approach will be used to complete the 12-month study. Affiliate websites will be accessed through the APHA membership portal to evaluate organizational infrastructure and ascertain the presence/absence of a journal. The leader of each affiliate will be contacted via email containing a link to a 12-question on-line survey to collect his/her perceptions of scholarly journals and the publication of local health data. To determine barriers and facilitators to publication of local public health findings, 30-minute semi-structured telephone interviews will focus on the infrastructure of the association, perceptions of the leader about the journal (if in place), and its operation. ANTICIPATED RESULTS We anticipate that 54 affiliate websites will be reviewed to complete the extraction checklist, that 74% of affiliate leaders will respond to the survey, and that 11 semi-structured interviews will be conducted. A limited number of state/regional public health associations will operate journals and a small percentage of those without journals may express an interest in implementing them. Barriers to operation of journals may include lack of resources (i.e., personnel, funding), and low prioritization of publication of state and local public health findings. Facilitators may include strong affiliate-academic relationships, affiliate leadership with experience in publications, and affiliate relationships with state and local departments of health. CONCLUSIONS The research proposed in this protocol may stimulate other state public health associations and other academic public health programs to follow suit; it would not be the first time that an observational research study served as an intervention.
Aflatoxin at several initial concentrations is degraded by different amounts of mycelium of Aspergillus parasiticus.

Increasing amounts of a blendure of 9-day-old mycelia ofAspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 added to aflatoxin-salts reaction mixtures resulted in increased rates at which aflatoxin B1 and G1 were degraded. Similarly, increasing the amount(s) of aflatoxin B1 and/or G1 in the aflatoxin-salts reaction mixture resulted in increased rates of degradation of aflatoxins B1 and G1 by mycelia. This mycelial blendure degraded aflatoxin G1 approximately 1.6 times more rapidly than aflatoxin B t when comparable amounts of the aflatoxins were initially present. When the same mycelial blendure was used to compare combined effects of size of inoculum and initial aflatoxin concentration on aflatoxin degradation, it appeared that increasing the amount of either inoculum or aflatoxin resulted in a comparable increase in degradation of aflatoxin B1 and G1. Hence, doubling the amount of inoculum or of aflatoxin xesulted in approximately doubled rates at which aflatoxins B1 and G1 were degraded.
Efscalefect of lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVD) induction therapy in transplant-eligible patients (Pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) on CR rates and survival.

8101 Background: Addition of lenalidomide to bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVD) demonstrated to be an effective and well tolerated regimen in phase II trials with overall response rate (ORR) >95% (Richardson P et al). Given the lack of phase III data, we have evaluated our institutional experience of pts treated with RVD induction therapy, to support this triplet combination. Methods: 286 transplant-eligible pts with newly diagnosed MM were treated with RVD induction therapy [R - 25 mg/day (days1–14), V - 1.3 mg/m2 (days 1, 4 8, 11) and D - 40 mg once/twice weekly as tolerated every 21 days] from January 2008 until January 2012. 148 pts underwent ASCT and 138 pts opted for delayed transplant. Post-ASCT 56% pts are on maintenance therapy tailored to their risk (R-40%; RVD-10%; V-6%). Demographic and outcomes data for the pts that underwent ASCT were collected and responses were evaluated per IMWG Uniform Response Criteria. Results: Median age of the pts is 60 years (range 32-77). Other pt characteristics i...
Mesenteric Lymphadenitis as a Presenting Feature of Whipple’s Disease

Detecting Whipple's disease, a "great imitator", requires a high index of suspicion so that antimicrobial treatment can be initiated in a timely manner; a missed diagnosis can be fatal. Although an uncommon cause, Whipple's disease must be considered in adults with mesenteric lymphadenitis. We report the case of a 39-year-old African American man who presented with chronic joint pain, chronic weight loss, and acute onset epigastric pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed extensive mesenteric lymphadenopathy. A diagnosis of Whipple's disease was made based upon demonstration of PAS-positive macrophages in the mesenteric lymph node and duodenal biopsies. Antimicrobial therapy resulted in weight gain and resolution of abdominal pain and arthralgia at six months follow-up. Whipple's disease can be fatal without antibacterial therapy and it always needs to be considered in individuals presenting with any combination of abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea in the background of nonspecific arthritis or arthralgia. Whipple's disease must also be considered in adults presenting with mesenteric lymphadenitis. Review of CT scans may be helpful, as Whipple's disease characteristically causes low attenuation mesenteric lymphadenopathy.
Deformation-Induced Structure Changes in Elastomeric Nanocomposites

During tensile deformation, nanofillers can orient and align with polymer chains to reinforce the strength and modulus of elastomeric nanocomposites. The presence of nanofillers can also enhance the orientation of surrounding polymer chains and accelerate the strain-induced crystallization behavior. Conventionally, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber and thermoplastic elastomer (ethylene-propylene copolymer and poly-urethane) are routinely reinforced with fillers. In this chapter, the behavior of nanofiller-enhanced strain-induced crystallization of elastomeric nanocomposites, based on natural/synthetic rubbers and fillers of varying sizes (from microns to nanometers) such as carbon black, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), carbon nanofiber (CNF), nano-clay (NC) during deformation, is described.
Online estimation of remaining useful life of stator insulation

Wide bandgap semiconductor devices in machine drive topologies are becoming more prevalent. These devices improve efficiency and can operate at higher switching frequencies. However, higher switching frequencies will increase the electrical stress applied to the insulation of the machine. Electrical stress, excessive heating, mechanical vibrations, and environmental contamination are leading factors that contribute to insulation degradation. Breakdown of the insulation will lead to a short circuit fault between two conductors. Short circuit faults can quickly propagate and lead to catastrophic failure. This project proposes an online method to accurately predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of the stator insulation by monitoring a trend in the leakage current. As the insulation degrades, the magnitude of the overshoot in the transient response of the leakage current exponentially decreases. An analog peak detection circuit is used to acquire this magnitude using low frequency sampling. An Extended Kalman Filter is applied to predict the RUL of the insulation. The proposed strategy will improve machine reliability, especially when using wide bandgap devices, while not requiring expensive or special equipment for assessing the health of the insulation.
An Algorithmic Approach to Operative Management of Complex Pediatric Dog Bites: 3-Year Review of a Level I Regional Referral Pediatric Trauma Hospital

Background Incidence of dog bites continues to rise among the pediatric population and serves as a public health threat for the well-being of children. Plastic surgeons are at the forefront of initial management and eventual outcome of these devastating injuries. This study set out to determine the nature of dog bite injuries treated over a 3-year period at a large level 1 pediatric trauma center. Methods A retrospective review of emergency room records of all pediatric patients (age, 0-18 years old) who sustained dog bites between January 2012 and December 2014 were gathered. All details about age of patient, location and severity of dog bites, type of dog breed, antibiotics given, and emergency versus operative treatment were recorded and analyzed. Results One hundred eight patients aged 5 months to 18 years old were treated in the emergency department after suffering dog bite injuries during the study period. The highest incidence of dog bites occurred in preschool children. The mean age for patients who required operative repair was lower than the mean age for patients who underwent primary closure in the emergency department. The location of injury was most commonly isolated to the head/neck region. Of the 56 cases that had an identified dog breed, pit bulls accounted for 48.2% of the dog bites, and 47.8% of pit bull bites required intervention in the operating room. Conclusion Children with large dog bite injuries require more immediate care in a level 1 pediatric trauma hospitals in order to optimize their hospitalization course and eventual outcome.
Blunt traumatic celiac artery avulsion managed with celiac artery ligation and open aorto-celiac bypass

Traumatic celiac artery injuries are rare and highly lethal with reported mortality rates of 38-62%. The vast majority are caused by penetrating trauma with only 11 reported cases due to blunt trauma (Graham et al., 1978; Asensio et al., 2000, 2002). Only 3 of these cases were complete celiac artery avulsions. Management options described depend upon the type of injury and have included medical therapy with anti-platelet agents or anti-coagulants, endovascular stenting, and open ligation. We report a case of a survivor of complete celiac artery avulsion from blunt trauma managed by open bypass.
MicroRNA Drivers of the Effects of High-Fat Diet and Bariatric Surgery on the Intestine

High-fat diet (HFD) leads to obesity and insulin resistance, which are key risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Many studies have investigated the effects of HFD on several metabolic tissues, but the intestine is highly underexplored. The small intestine is the primary site of the positive metabolic effects of the most successful pharmacologic treatments (metformin) and surgical interventions (bariatric surgery) for T2D. The innermost cell layer of the small intestine is the epithelium, which is the most rapidly renewing tissue in the body and is comprised of several cell types that mediate nutrient absorption and energy homeostasis. The high renewal rate for these cells is driven by a small but highly proliferative population of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). In this study, we showed that an obesogenic HFD significantly increases proliferation of ISCs, and alters allocation of ISCs to different lineages in mice. To define the molecular mechanisms that underpin these effects, we performed whole transcriptome analyses (both small RNA-seq to profile microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-seq for long, non-coding RNAs and mRNAs) in Lgr5+ ISCs. We demonstrated that HFD shifts the miRNA profile of ISCs toward that of enterocytes, the cells involved in nutrient absorption. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed that this shift is driven primarily by changes in two miRNAs, miR-194 and miR-375. Specifically, HFD suppresses miR-375 by over five-fold (P Disclosure P. Sethupathy: None.
History of Vitamin B6

Advances in our knowledge of the nature, function, metabolism, and medical importance of vitamin B-6 during the sixty years since its discovery are such that a proper history would require a book rather than the few pages at my disposal. I shall therefore discuss chiefly early studies of its nature and function, with which I am familiar, and to save space frequently cite summaries or reviews rather than the original literature.
Differential Roles of IL-2 Signaling in Developing versus Mature Tregs

Although Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) require interleukin-2 (IL-2) for their development, it has been unclear whether continuing IL-2 signals are needed to maintain lineage stability, survival, and suppressor function in mature Tregs. We generated mice in which CD25, the main ligand-binding subunit of the IL-2 receptor, can be inducibly deleted from Tregs after thymic development. In contrast to Treg development, we find that IL-2 is dispensable for maintaining lineage stability in mature Tregs. Although continuous IL-2 signaling is needed for long-term Treg survival, CD25-deleted Tregs may persist for several weeks in vivo using IL-7. We also observe defects in glycolytic metabolism and suppressor function following CD25 deletion. Thus, unlike developing Tregs in which the primary role of IL-2 is to initiate Foxp3 expression, mature Tregs require continuous IL-2 signaling to maintain survival and suppressor function, but not to maintain lineage stability.
A Computational Investigation into the Microstructures and Stability of the Zeta Phase in Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides

A high-volume fraction of the zeta phase in multiphase group VB transition metal tantalum carbides has been shown to dramatically increase fracture toughness. This has been attributed to its unique...
Engaging Students Online: Lessons from School of Business Course Developers

The School of Business online course designers panel will share ideas of what tools have worked when building engaging yet rigorous and meaningful online content that is applicable across all disciplines. Topics covered will include creating meaningful discussion forums and group projects, integrating outside resources (publisher generated) into online courses, making recorded lectures more engaging and strategies for reducing cheating on quizzes and assignments. Participants will leave the session with tangible ideas for developing engaging online content. They will also walk away with a meaningful start on converting some of their own content to online. _____________________________________________________________ FULL ABSTRACT: No matter what tool you use in your online classroom it is about student engagement and synergistic learning. The role of the instructor involves connecting students with the content in an effort to bring it to life. In online learning this connection can be lost if learning and assessment activities are not designed properly. It is important be intentional about the content and the scaffolding of the material. Blackboard and other learning management systems provide many options and tools to create engaging content. Yet many of these tools take significant time investment on the part of the instructor to create while the more imaginative tools require some technology knowledge and capability. The members of the proposed panel are all participants in the SOUPR course development program and have gained valuable insight and knowledge about creating engaging course content. Each panel member will address a separate tool or topic that is of interest/use to faculty from across the university. Individual topics include: Katherine Rosenbusch, Assistant Professor, Management – Integrating Outside Resources Using outside resources can enhance the learning experience for the student. There are several tools and resources that can be utilized to enrich your course including McGraw Hill Connect, Smartbook, Cengage Learning Mindlinks, CourseMate, Mindtap, and others. As instructors, it's important for us to understand that there is so much more to students than the life they lead in class, and it is important to show interest in a student and connect the content to their life. These tools can assist in making that connection. Jim Harvey, Associate Professor, Marketing – Managing Online Group Projects