cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Regulation of Murine IL-33 by TLR and Non-TLR Agonists

IL-33, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is produced by many cell types, including macrophages, yet its regulation is largely unknown. Treatment of primary murine macrophages with a panel of TLR (e.g., TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9) agonists and non-TLR (e.g., MDA5, RIG-I) agonists revealed a pattern of gene and protein expression consistent with a role for IFN regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) in the expression of IL-33. Accordingly, induction of IL-33 mRNA was attenuated in IRF-3−/− macrophages and TBK-1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Despite the fact that all IL-33 agonists were IRF-3 dependent, LPS-induced IL-33 mRNA was fully inducible in IFN-β−/− macrophages, indicating that IL-33 is not dependent on IFN-β as an intermediate. Epinephrine and Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT), cAMP-activating agents, activate CREB and greatly synergize with LPS to induce IL-33 mRNA in macrophages. Both LPS-induced and ACT/LPS-enhanced expression of IL-33 mRNA was partially, but significantly, inhibited by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 but not by tyrosine kinase or protein kinase C inhibitors. Two IL-33 mRNA species derived from two alternative promoters encode full-length IL-33; however, the shorter “A” species is preferentially induced by all IL-33–inducing agonists except Newcastle disease virus, a RIG-I agonist that induced expression of both “A” and “B” transcripts. Together, these studies greatly extend what is currently known about the regulation of IL-33 induction in macrophages stimulated by bacterial and viral agonists that engage distinct innate immune signaling pathways.
High-Temperature Superconducting Magnets for NMR and MRI: R&D Activities at the MIT Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory

This paper describes the NMR/MRI magnets that are currently being developed at the MIT Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory: 1) a 1.3 GHz NMR magnet; 2) a compact NMR magnet assembled from YBCO annuli; and 3) a persistent-mode, fully-protected MgB2 0.5-T/800-mm whole-body MRI magnet.
The Stanford Dash multiprocessor

The overall goals and major features of the directory architecture for shared memory (Dash) are presented. The fundamental premise behind the architecture is that it is possible to build a scalable high-performance machine with a single address space and coherent caches. The Dash architecture is scalable in that it achieves linear or near-linear performance growth as the number of processors increases from a few to a few thousand. This performance results from distributing the memory among processing nodes and using a network with scalable bandwidth to connect the nodes. The architecture allows shared data to be cached, significantly reducing the latency of memory accesses and yielding higher processor utilization and higher overall performance. A distributed directory-based protocol that provides cache coherence without compromising scalability is discussed in detail. The Dash prototype machine and the corresponding software support are described. >
Expandable DNA repeats and human disease

Nearly 30 hereditary disorders in humans result from an increase in the number of copies of simple repeats in genomic DNA. These DNA repeats seem to be predisposed to such expansion because they have unusual structural features, which disrupt the cellular replication, repair and recombination machineries. The presence of expanded DNA repeats alters gene expression in human cells, leading to disease. Surprisingly, many of these debilitating diseases are caused by repeat expansions in the non-coding regions of their resident genes. It is becoming clear that the peculiar structures of repeat-containing transcripts are at the heart of the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Probabilistic risk analysis of building contamination.

We present a general framework for probabilistic risk assess- ment (PRA) of building contamination. PRA provides a powerful tool for the rigorous quantification of risk in contamination of building spaces. A typical PRA starts by identifying relevant components of a system (e.g. ventilation system components, potential sources of contaminants, remediation methods) and proceeds by using available information and statistical inference to estimate the probabilities of their failure. These probabilities are then combined by means of fault-tree analyses to yield probabilistic estimates of the risk of system failure (e.g. building contamination). A sensitivity study of PRAs can identify features and potential problems that need to be addressed with the most urgency. Often PRAs are amenable to approximations, which can significantly simplify the approach. All these features of PRA are presented in this paper via a simple illustrative example, which can be built upon in further studies. D. T. Bolster, D. M. Tartakovsky
Broadband operation of high-damage-threshold phase and polarization binary beam shapers

Near-field binary beam shapers based on error diffusion have demonstrated a damage threshold higher than 30 J/cm2. Their fabrication tolerance and operation with broadband pulses are investigated for application to short-pulse high-energy lasers.
Exploring the dynamics of learning alliances

This article features a study that examined the effect of similarities in three sets of characteristics of both student and teacher firms on the capabilities of a learning alliance, a form of partnership in which one or both firms learn new skills from the other. The article offers advice for the selection of research partners, which has become a critical process for firms that plan to venture into a learning partnership. Some crucial aspects of a learning alliance that should be considered by both parties are discussed.
Automated analysis of line plots in documents

Information graphics, such as graphs and plots, are used in technical documents to convey information to humans and to facilitate greater understanding. Usually, graphics are a key component in a technical document, as they enable the author to convey complex ideas in a simplified visual format. However, in an automatic text recognition system, which are typically used to digitize documents, the ideas conveyed in a graphical format are lost. We contend that the message or extracted information can be used to help better understand the ideas conveyed in the document. In scientific papers, line plots are the most commonly used graphic to represent experimental results in the form of correlation present between values represented on the axes. The contribution of our work is in the series of image processing algorithms that are used to automatically extract relevant information, including text and plot from graphics found in technical documents. We validate the approach by performing the experiments on a dataset of line plots obtained from scientific documents from computer science conference papers and evaluate the variation of a reconstructed curve from the original curve. Our algorithm achieves a classification accuracy of 91% across the dataset and successfully extracts the axes from 92% of line plots. Axes label extraction and line curve tracing are performed successfully in about half the line plots as well.
Oral contraceptives use may increase incidence of dry sockets

Data sourcesPubMed the Cochrane Library and Elsevier Science DirectStudy selectionProspective controlled clinical trials where oral contraceptive use was examined as a risk factor for dry socket were included.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval was calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects model analysis.ResultsTwelve articles reporting 16 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The incidence of dry socket (DS) in females was significantly higher in those using oral contraceptives RR = 1.80 (95% CI; 1.33-2.43. P=0.027) [16 studies]. Subgroup analysis suggested a higher risk in those also taking antibiotics RR= 2.85 (95%CI; 1.18-6.88. P=0.819) [two studies].ConclusionsThe present study indicates that the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) may promote the incidence of DS in females following impacted mandibular third molar extraction. Based on the findings of this study a cautious attitude to impacted mandibular third molar extraction procedures in females taking OCs should be adopted in clinical practice.
The Future of Termination of Parental Rights Research and Practice: A Commentary on Ben-David

Termination of parental rights (TPR) is one of the most important decisions made by the legal system. Due to the importance of the TPR legal process, it is essential to understand the risk and protective factors that influence TPR decisions and under which conditions these factors are most influential. This commentary begins with a brief review of the literature regarding TPR. Subsequently, the Ben-David article is reviewed, highlighting the strengths and challenges that emerge from the study. Future directions are then discussed, with a focus on several recent articles that should guide researchers in the TPR field. Finally, clinical implications for social service providers and agencies are explored, with particular attention to how the TPR literature can guide best practices in clinical work.
Dissection of the proximal thoracic aorta: a new ultrasonographic sign in the subxiphoid view.

Abstract Dissection of the thoracic aorta is a life-threatening event that presents with some regularity to emergency departments (EDs). Despite often nonspecific symptoms, it is critical to catch this disease process early, especially when the proximal aorta is involved because dissections involving the aortic root can lead to myocardial infarction and failure of the aortic valve resulting in death. Current imaging options include contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT), angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, or transesophageal echocardiography. Although not as accurate as transesophageal echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be used to detect aortic dissection as well. We present a previously undescribed echocardiographic finding associated with proximal dissection of the thoracic aorta in 7 cases. (Am J Emerg Med 2002;20:344-348. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)
Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors Increase Vasoconstrictor Requirements After Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Preoperative use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is common and has been associated with hypotension at separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study prospectively examined the influence of chronic preoperative ACE inhibitor use and other perioperative factors on the incidence of vasoconstrictor therapy required to maintain systolic blood pressure at more than 85 mm Hg despite a normal cardiac output after CPB in 4301 adults undergoing elective coronary artery and/or valve surgery. Hypothermic, nonpulsatile CPB and either opioid or ketamine-benzodiazepine anesthesia were common features of the operations. At least two vasoconstrictor infusions (phenylephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine) were required for low perfusion pressure despite adequate cardiac output after CPB in 7.7% of 519 ACE-inhibited patients and 4.0% of 3782 patients not receiving ACE inhibitors (P = 0.0001). In the first 4 h after arrival in the intensive care unit, the need for vasoconstrictor infusions to treat hypotension with adequate cardiac output did not differ, although more ACE-inhibited patients (6.4%) exhibited low values of systemic vascular resistance ( or = 2 vasoconstrictor infusions after CPB. No other preoperative drug therapy significantly altered this outcome.
Beyond passivity: Dependency as a risk factor for intimate partner violence

Interpersonal dependency in male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) is an understudied phenomenon but one that has noteworthy clinical implications. The present investigation used meta-analytic techniques to quantify the dependency-IPV link in all extant studies examining this relationship (n of studies = 17). Studies were gathered via an extensive literature search using relevant dependency/IPV search terms in the PsychInfo, Medline and Google Scholar databases. Results revealed a small but statistically significant relationship between dependency and perpetration of IPV in men (r = 0.150, Combined Z = 4.25, p < 0.0001), with the magnitude of the dependency-IPV link becoming stronger (r = 0.365, Combined Z = 6.00, p < 0.0001) when studies using measures of dependent personality disorder symptoms were omitted. Other moderators of the dependency-IPV effect size included IPV measure, type of sample and perpetrator age. These findings illuminate the underlying dynamics and interpersonal processes involved in some instances of IPV and may aid in understanding how to identify and treat male perpetrators of domestic violence.
Apoptosis by Neglect of CD4+ Th Cells in Granulomas: A Novel Effector Mechanism Involved in the Control of Egg-Induced Immunopathology in Murine Schistosomiasis

In infection with Schistosoma mansoni , parasite eggs precipitate an intrahepatic granulomatous and fibrosing inflammation that is mediated by CD4 + Th cells. Compared with CBA mice, C57BL/6 mice develop smaller granulomas composed of cells that exhibit reduced proliferative responses to schistosome egg Ags. In the present study, we investigated CD4 + T cell apoptosis as a possible mechanism that could account for this subdued response. We found throughout the course of several infection weeks a markedly higher proportion of apoptotic CD4 + T cells in granulomas from C57BL/6 mice than in those from CBA mice ex vivo; the apoptosis further increased upon cell cultivation in vitro. Activation-induced cell death or CD8 + T cells failed to account for the enhanced apoptosis as infected Fas-, Fas ligand,- and CD8-deficient mice exhibited similar apoptosis to that seen in wild-type counterparts. However, a strikingly lower IL-2 production by schistosome egg Ag-stimulated C57BL/6 granuloma and mesenteric lymph node cells suggested the possibility of apoptosis due to growth factor deprivation. Indeed, the CD4 + T cell apoptosis was significantly reversed by addition of rIL-2 in vitro, or by injection of rIL-2 in vivo, which also resulted in significant exacerbation of granulomatous inflammation. These findings indicate that apoptosis by neglect can represent a significant means of controlling CD4 + T cells that mediate the immunopathology in schistosomiasis.
Carbon isotopic fractionation associated with lipid biosynthesis by a cyanobacterium: relevance for interpretation of biomarker records.

For the cyanobacterium Synechocystis UTEX 2470, grown photoautotrophically to a logarithmic stage of growth, the total lipid extract is depleted in 13C by 4.8%. relative to average biomass. Depletions observed for acetogenic (straight-chain) lipids range from 7.6 (hexadecanoic acid) to 9.9%. (a C16n-alkyl chain bound in a polar-lipid fraction), with a mass-weighted average of 9.1%.. Polyisopreoid lipids fall into two isotopic groups, with phytol, diplopterol, and diploptene depleted by 6.4–6.9%. and bishomohopanol (produced from the extracts by the preparative degradation of bacteriohopanepolyol) depleted by 8.4%.. Analysis of the pattern of depletions indicates that two carbon positions in each C5 biomonomer leading to polyisoprenoid products are probably depleted in 13C relative to average biomass. The depletion of bacteriohopanepolyol relative to other polyisoprenoids can be ascribed to changes that occur over the life of each cell: (1) the 13C content of carbon flowing to lipid biosynthesis decreases as the cell size increases and (2) a greater proportion of the bacteriohopanepolyol which, unlike other polyisoprenoids, is present mainly in the cytoplasm rather than in membranes and is synthesized when cells are larger. Chlorophyll a is depleted relative to average biomass by 0.7%.. Given the observed depletion of 13C in phytol, the heteroaromatic, chlorophyllide portion of chlorophyll must be enriched in 13C by 2.7%.. This enrichment is large relative to that in chlorophyllides produced by eukaryotes and may be related to a parallel enrichment of 13C in cyanobacterial glutamic acid. As in many previous investigations of cyanobacterial lipids, long-chain n-alkanes (C22–C29) are found in the extracts. They are, however, enriched in 13C relative to biomass and have isotopic compositions suggesting that they are contaminants of petrochemical origin. Available results indicate that cyanobacterial lipids will be depleted relative to dissolved CO2 that has served as a carbon source by 22–30%. and that a wider range of depletions will be characteristic of eukaryotic products. The absence of long-chain n-alkanes in cyanobacteria reduces the possibility that petroleum ever formed from pre-eukaryotic sedimentary debris.
Early evaluation techniques for low power binding

This paper presents effective metrics to evaluate the power dissipation of scheduled data flow graphs (DFGs). This enables early evaluation of schedules without performing the computationally expensive resource-binding step. Our metrics correlate heavily (as high as 0.95 and > 0.75 for most test cases) with power dissipation values obtained after resource binding and rescheduling for power optimization steps. An experimental flow that integrates path-based scheduling, power optimal binding and power driven iterative rescheduling stages is constructed. The flow integrates commercial tools; like Synopsys, VSS and academic compilers like SUIF in a common optimization framework. Experimental results on DFGs from MediaBench suit also demonstrate the fact that metric evaluation is on average 42.6 times faster than performing optimal binding and iterative power improvement. Hence metric based evaluation enables fast design exploration at early stages.
Role of arachidonic acid metabolites in tumor growth inhibition by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Abstract Purpose: A murine model of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was used to determine the role of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites in the growth of SCC of the head and neck. Materials and Methods: C3H/HeJ mice bearing SCC (SCC VII) were treated with cyclooxygenase inhibitors (piroxicam and nabumetone) or a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (ketoconazole). Growth curves were established, and final tumor weights were measured. Following sacrifice, tumor tissue homogenates were assayed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Inflammatory cell infiltrate was assessed histologically. Results: A significant inhibition of tumor growth (P = .001) and final tumor weight (P = .002) was noted in mice treated with piroxicam and nabumetone. Inhibition of tumor growth was associated with increased tumor tissue levels of PGE2 (P = .04) and lymphocytic infiltration (P = .07). Significant inhibition of tumor growth (P = .002) and final tumor weight (P = .05) was also noted in mice treated with ketoconazole. Conclusion: These data suggest that both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites of AA affect tumor growth in this model and that inhibition of tumor growth by inhibitors of AA metabolism may be caused by an enhanced inflammatory cell response at the tumor site.
Identification of sulfate in natural carbonates by x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract We have analyzed sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structures (XANES) and demonstrated, with a high degree of certainty, that sulfur is present in a variety of biogenic and diagenetic carbonates as sulfate. The sulfate is clearly not in the form of gypsum or anhydrite inclusions, and there is good evidence that the sulfate substitutes for carbonate. This finding validates systematic investigations of sulfate distribution in modern and ancient carbonate minerals. Further, it documents that carbonate sedimentation is a sink for marine sulfate, accounting for perhaps 15% of the annual sulfur sedimentary depositional flux.
Predictors Of Performance In An Online Financial Management Simulation

The purpose of our research is to investigate the factors that impact performance in a financial management simulation component of a second financial management class. We measured the impact of previous course performance, gender, age and other concurrent course components on the dependent variable. Using two different statistical techniques, we found that a student’s current scores on exams, case write-ups and written summary reports were the strongest predictors of performance in the online simulation. The predictive ability of this variable was complemented by the positive impact of a student’s age. All else equal, the higher the age, the better the performance as measured by the simulated firm’s stock price. These results are encouraging and we will continue this experiential process during future semesters to add additional students to our sample size to further investigate the relationship between performance in the simulation and student characteristics.
Business Records Management

SINCE records keeping is only one of the functions of records management but is the essence of archival work, it follows that archival work is subordinate to records management and, therefore, that an archivist is subordinate to a records manager. I venture to say that all the records managers present would like that arrangement—but very few of the archivists. The trouble with this cozy arrangement is that records keeping does not really have the same meaning for both archivists and records managers. Records keeping in the archival sense means retention of records permanently because of their historical or research value, whereas records keeping in the records management sense means keeping active records readily available for day-to-day use in the business. From these definitions it is evident that the major work of the archivist begins much further along in the life cycle of a record than does the work of a records manager. In fact, the archivist picks up where the records manager leaves off. I think that in order to place the records manager and the archivist in proper perspective insofar as private business is concerned it would be well to recall some fundamental facts about private business. First and foremost, in order to continue to exist a private business (as opposed to government or government-subsidized business) must operate at a profit. For comparatively short periods of time, of course, profit may be lacking, but over the long haul there must be a profit. Whenever a private company considers spending some dollars the expenditure is carefully evaluated in terms of its effect on the well-being of the company, that is, its profitmaking ability. Thus money for facilities, salaries, materials, and the like is spent with the expectation that ultimately these will contribute to that moneymaking ability. This rule applies even to charitable contributions, because being a good corporate citizen of a community enhances the public image of a company and contributes to its success. The point, of course, is that private enterprise does not ordi-
Repair of a Defect in the Shell of the Snail Helix aspersa

Findings of this study of the repair of a shell defect in the snail Helix aspersa are as follows: 1. The defect is filled by a glycoprotein matrix. 2. The mantle epithelial cells show changes which indicate that these cells secrete the glycoprotein matrix. 3. The matrix contains no demonstrable reticular fibers and few cells. Phosphatase, demonstrable by the Gomori method, is absent. 4. Coincidental with the formation of the matrix there is a high concentration of ribonucleic acid in the epithelial cells. 5. After secretion, the organization of the matrix changes so that it becomes less water soluble, more dense, and more calcifiable. It also stains intensely with the Hotchkiss stain, and when stained with toluidine blue, shows a green metachromasia. 6. Calcification commences at the outer surface of the matrix and proceeds inward toward the epithelium. 7. Calcium deposited in the repair membrane seems to be mobilized from large cells which contain calcium carbonate.
Composition of hypertrophic and atrophic muscles in genetic muscular dystrophy of the chicken.

SummaryAnalysis of hypertrophic and atrophic pectoral muscles of chickens with hereditary muscular dystrophy for total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, noncollagen protein nitrogen, and collagen indicates that when considered on the fat-free basis the two types of muscle do not differ in composition, except for collagen content. Dystrophic muscle differs in all these components from normal pectoral muscle. The composition of dystrophic muscle suggests that it is a juvenile type of muscle which fails to develop to the normal mature state.
A Low Ripple Switched-Capacitor Voltage Regulator Using Flying Capacitance Dithering

In this work, a switched-capacitor voltage regulator (SCVR) that dithers flying capacitance to reduce output voltage ripple is presented, and the benefits of such ripple reduction are investigated. In the proposed technique, SC converters are designed to run at the maximum available frequency, and the flying capacitance for different phases is adjusted according to load current change through comparators and a digital controller. The proposed technique is demonstrated in a 65 nm test chip consisting of a 40-phase SCVR with 4b capacitance modulation (CM) and a 2:1 conversion ratio. On-chip circuits for ripple measurement and load performance monitoring were included to accurately assess the magnitude and impact of ripple reduction. Measurement results show that at a 2.3 V input, an on-chip ripple magnitude of 6–16 mV at 1 V output is achieved for 11–142 mA load. Peak efficiency is 70.8% at a power density of $0.187\;{\text{W/m}}{{\text{m}}^{2}}$ .
A finite element study of the EIDI system

This paper presents a method for modeling the structural dynamics of an Electro-Impulse De-Icing System, using finite element analyses procedures. A guideline for building a representative finite element model is discussed. Modeling was done initially using four noded cubic elements, four noded isoparametric plate elements and eight noded isoparametric shell elements. Due to the size of the problem and due to the underestimation of shear stress results when compared to previous analytical work an approximate model was created to predict possible areas of shedding of ice. There appears to be good agreement with the test data provided by The Boeing Commercial Airplane Company. Thus these initial results of this method were found to be encouraging. Additional analytical work and comparison with experiment is needed in order to completely evaluate this approach.
Renewly cognition of building up a harmonious socialism society

"Building up harmonious socialistic society",the statement advocated by the Communist Party of China,shows that our party reaches a new height,in the aspect of deeply understanding of Chinese distinctive socialism.To implement the statement effectively,it is surely necessary to have good all-round understanding the meaning of harmonious society and the standard of evaluation,give emphasis to properly balance the relationship between how to construct harmonious society and how to set up a relatively well-off society,put the idea of scientific development in practice,and enhance socialistic material civilization,spiritual civilization and political civilization.Meanwhile,it is very significant to strengthen the competence of the Party for exercising power increasingly.
Adoption and Abandonment of Partial Conservation Technologies in Developing Economies: The Case of South Asia

Conservation agriculture (CA), a resource saving production system, could increase marginal farmers’ incomes and sustainable agricultural systems, but adoption of CA includes the adoption of multiple technologies in the form of a package. Consequently, a complete adoption of a package of full CA technologies could be costly in the developing countries. Alternatively, encouraging the adoption of a complete package of CA technologies, in some cases, partial adoption of selected CA technologies (or PCA) may be suitable for the developing countries. Using farm-level data this study investigates the factors affecting the adoption and abandonment of PCA in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Particular attention is given to the role of spouses and social networks in the adoption and abandonment decisions of PCA. Findings show that social networks have a significantly positive effect on the adoption, but a significantly negative effect on the abandonment of PCA. Additionally, spouse’s involvement in agricultural activities has a significant effect on the adoption of PCA. Finally, we find that farmers who saw PCA in action and not just heard from their neighbors, were more likely to adopt and less likely to abandon PCA. Therefore, promotional events through audio and visual media may not be as effective in the adoption of PCA.
Phase 1b study of oral CP-868,596, a highly specific PDGFR inhibitor, in combination with docetaxel.

A148 CP-868,596 is a highly specific inhibitor of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) tyrosine kinase, with nanomolar potency. PDGFR inhibition is antiangiogenic and may modulate tumor interstitial pressure, both of which may increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability of CP-868,596 in combination with Doc (docetaxel). Methods: Phase 1 dose escalation study of CP-868,596 given orally, twice daily in combination with docetaxel in 21 day cycles. Endpoints included safety, tolerability, PK and antitumor activity. Patients received 100 mg BID of CP-868,596 given on an empty stomach over 14 days, followed by a cohort dose (60 or 100 mg BID given with food) for 7 days. On day 22, Doc (75 mg/m2 or 100 mg/m2 IV) was administered. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs) and clinical laboratories. PK samples for each patient were collected on Day 15 (CP-868,596 only) and for CP-868,596 and Doc on Days 21-23 . PK parameters were estimated by non compartmental techniques. Results: 33 pts were treated with demographics M:F = 24:9; 97% Caucasian, median age 55 (range 25-78); PS 0-1 97%. Primary tumor sites: NSCLC (24.2%), G.I. malignancy (21.2%), Sarcoma (21.2%), Prostate (12.1%), and Other (21.1%). AEs possibly related to CP-868,596 in over 10% of pts included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. AEs were generally CTC grade 1-2 and reversible. DLTs included febrile neutropenia (2), and nausea and vomiting (2). Cmax and AUC0-12hr of CP-868,596 (n=11) were not different when administered at 100 mg BID with food either as a single agent or combined with docetaxel (75 mg/m2). Evidence of antitumor activity was observed, including one patient with a clinical response to single-agent CP-868,596. Conclusions: CP-868,596 at the RP2D of 100 mg BID can be combined with Doc at both 75 and 100 mg/m2 without a significant increase in toxicity. PK interactions between CP-868,596 and docetaxel was not evident in the preliminary analysis. Clincial response was observed.
Similar Mortality and Morbidity of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation for Patients 70 Years of Age and Older Compared With Younger Patients.

Abstract Background The upper age limit of heart transplantation remains controversial. The goal of the present study was to investigate the mortality and morbidity of orthotopic heart transplantation (HT) for recipients ≥70 compared with those Methods Of 704 adults who underwent HT from December 1988 to June 2012 at our institution, 45 were ≥70 years old (older group) and 659 were 48 hours ventilation were examined after HT. Results The older group had 100% 30-day and 60-day survival compared with 96.8 ± 0.7% 30-day and 95.9 ± 0.8% 60-day survival rates in the younger group. The older and younger groups had similar 1-year (93.0 ± 3.9% vs 92.1 ± 1.1%; P = .79), 5-year (84.2 ± 6.0% vs 73.4 ± 1.9%; P = .18), and 10-year (51.2 ± 10.7% vs 50.2 ± 2.5%; P = .43) survival rates. Recipients in the older group had higher preoperative creatinine levels, frequency of coronary artery disease, and more United Network for Organ Sharing status 2 and fewer status 1 designations than recipients in the younger group (P 48 hours ventilation, pneumonia, pneumothorax, sepsis, in-hospital and post-discharge infections, were similar between groups (P = NS for all comparisons). ICU and hospital length of stays were similar between groups (P = .35 and P = .87, respectively). In Cox analysis, recipient age ≥70 years was not identified as a predictor of lower long-term survival after HT. Conclusions HT recipients ≥70 years old had similar 1, 5, and 10-year survival rates compared with younger recipients. Both patient groups had similar intra- and postoperative blood utilization and frequencies of many postoperative complications. Older and younger patients had similar morbidity and mortality rates following HT. Carefully selected older patients (≥70 years) can safely undergo HT and should not be excluded from HT consideration based solely on age.
SAT0092 Prevalence of Subclinical Inflammation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Have Low Disease Activity

Background Studies using ultrasound (US) showed that a significant proportion of patients thought to be in clinical remission actually exhibited different grades of synovitis, and a subgroup of these patients suffered from flares and/or joint damage during follow-up 1 . Objectives Evaluate joint inflammation by ultrasound in patients with different stages of rheumatoid arthritis as the primary endpoint measure. Methods Gray scale and power Doppler ultrasound were performed on the dorsal radio-scaphoid, dorsal radio-lunae, ulnar-triquetrium, and palmar radio-lunate joints of both wrists. The presence of synovitis, comorbidities, and use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were recorded. Patient with a bilateral wrist score sum (GSUS + PDUS) equal or greater than 4 was considered to have sonographic inflammation. A logistical regression model was used to identify factors associated with inflammation. Results There were 1248 patients (1010 females, 238 males; mean age: 59.61 ± 12.19 years). Synovitis was most common at the dorsal radio-lunate joint. Patients with high disease activity (DAS28 >5.1) had more sonographic inflammation than those with moderate or low disease activity. Most patients (57.4%) in complete remission (DAS28 Conclusions There was sonographic evidence of synovitis in most patients who were in complete remission. Regular monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis patients with ultrasound and DAS28 may help prevent disease flare-ups and joint destruction. References Brown AK, et al. Arthritis and Rheumatism 2006;54:3761–3773. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Impacts of Venturi Turbulent Mixing on the Size Distributions of Sodium Chloride and Dioctyl-Phthalate Aerosols

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine if turbulent mixing created by the ejector causes change in the size distribution of particles passing through it. The results using dry solid sodium chloride (NaCl) particles show no discernible difference in the geometric mean diameter and the geometric standard deviation of particles passing through the ejector. Similar results were found for the dioctyl-phthalate (DOP) particles. In other words, there was no apparent shift in the center and spread (measured by the geometric standard deviation) of the particle size distributions. The ratio of the total number concentrations before and after the ejector indicates a dilution ratio of approximately 20 applies equally for both DOP and NaCl particles. The result suggests the dilution capability of this ejector was not affected by the particle composition. When the variability of the particle counts (in coefficient of variation, CV) in individual size ranges was examined, we found that the bin-to-bin variability was much greater for DOP than for NaCl particles. Although the first and second moments of a distribution (i.e., the geometric mean diameter and geometric standard deviation) were not altered significantly for the DOP particles by the ejector, the skewness measure indicated otherwise. The ejector may modify the particle size distribution of deformable particles such as DOP. The results suggest that it may be difficult to precisely characterize the size distribution of particles using the ejector technique if the particle is not solid. This result has an implication for the use of the ejector as a dilution tool, and one needs to know that the particles to be diluted with such a device are reasonably dry and/or non-deformable under the turbulent condition inside the ejector.
Diagnosis of African swine fever by immunofluorescence.

An immunofluorescent method for the diagnosis of African swine fever (ASF) is described. Diagnostic samples inoculated onto PK15 swine kidney cell line monolayers on coverslips, are acetone-fixed and stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated ASF convalescent serum globulin at 24, 48 and 72 hours after inoculation. Specific fluorescence is detected in ASF infected cells as granular or globular inclusions. The method detected ASF virus in materials from some infected pigs which produced no haemadsorption at all, or only after two to three serial passages in swine buffy coat cultures. This test may provide a sensitive and rapid method for diagnosing ASF in chronic infection.
Application and Evaluation of Entomopathogens for Managing Lepidoptera in Stored Products

Insects are a major cause of post-harvest losses of stored foods and food products the world over. They not only consume these commodities but may also damage or contaminate them with insect fragments or whole bodies, feces, webbing, foul smelling metabolic products, and promote growth of a variety of microflora some of which pose serious health hazards (i.e., mycotoxins) to humans and livestock. The pest insects most often associated with stored products are in the orders Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (i.e., moths), and Psocoptera (book lice). Beetles comprise about 90% of the total number of stored product insect pest species, while moths comprise around 6.4% and book lice 3.6%. We will focus on the moths as the group of pests of interest in this chapter because they are the most amenable to microbial control tactics.
A distributed pipeline for DIDSON data processing

Technological advances in the field of ecology allow data on ecological systems to be collected at high resolution, both temporally and spatially. Devices such as Dual-frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) can be deployed in aquatic environments for extended periods and easily generate several terabytes of underwater surveillance data which may need to be processed multiple times. Due to the large amount of data generated and need for flexibility in processing, a distributed pipeline was constructed for DIDSON data making use of the Hadoop ecosystem. The pipeline is capable of ingesting raw DIDSON data, transforming the acoustic data to images, filtering the images, detecting and extracting motion, and generating feature data for machine learning and classification. All of the tasks in the pipeline can be run in parallel and the framework allows for custom processing. Applications of the pipeline include monitoring migration times, determining the presence of a particular species, estimating population size and other fishery management tasks.
Brain functional mapping and network connectivity of reconstructed magnetic susceptibility data

Traditionally, brain function analysis is based on the magnitude data of complex-valued spatiotemporal (4D) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Since an MRI signal is formed from the underlying brain tissue magnetic property through a cascade of transformations (such as dipole magnetization), the fMRI data (either magnitude or phase) do not directly capture the original magnetic source. In principle, upon solving an inverse fMRI problem, we can reconstruct the magnetic source (specifically magnetic susceptibility, denoted by χ and analyze brain function in the reconstructed χ dataspace at a stage closer to the origin of brain function neurophysiology. Our recent research has shown that the magnetic χ source can be reconstructed from the fMRI phase through a computational inverse MRI solution (CIMRI). Together with the fMRI output data, we can compare three aspects of the data, the magnitude, the phase, and the susceptibility, each of which provides a different perspective. Given a 4D dataset, we analyze the data via independent component analysis (ICA), applicable to both single-subject and multi-subject data. In this study, we addressed the following points: 1) brain function ICA decomposition of magnitude (mICA), phase (pICA), and susceptibility (χICA); 2) comparison of brain function network connectivity matrices (FC) for each of these, namely {mFC, pFC, and χFC} matrices; and 3) applications to a task fMRI experiment (fingertapping, 20 subjects). In theory, we show that the fMRI phase is approximately linearly related to the reconstructed χ source data (different by a spatial dipole convolution), while fMRI magnitude has a nonlinear relationship. Therefore, we conclude that pFC is more similar to χFC than mFC. Through experimental data analyses, we have verified this conclusion.
Nature-inspired smart solar concentrators by 4D printing

Abstract Currently, solar concentrators, whether in solar PV or solar thermal applications are designed and utilized as a fixed shape such as elliptic, parabolic, V-shape, hyperbolic, and multi-stage forms. Here, we are inspired by diurnal and nocturnal flowers and their differences and propose a smart solar concentrator that can increase the overall optical efficiency more than 25% compared with its non-smart counterparts. We introduce the concept of smart solar concentrators inspired by nature and enabled by 4D printing and illustrate its necessity and advantages. We found that most of the diurnal flowers have parabolic and most of the nocturnal flowers have hyperbolic petals. Our proposed multi-functional concentrator has a parabolic shape for a portion of the day that parabola dominates all the other shapes in terms of the optical efficiency, then it can reversibly change its shape to hyperbola for another portion of the day that the hyperbola beats all the other geometries. By using this design, the optical efficiency trend will move from peak-and-valley form toward constant-at-peak format, resulting in overall efficiency improvement. The proposed biomimetic structure is an example of smart origami. It is simple, low-mass, and demonstrates the desired shape-shifting without reliance on cumbersome and expensive electromechanical systems.
A source term method for Poisson problems on irregular domains

Abstract This paper presents a finite difference method for solving Poisson problems on a two-dimensional irregular domain. An implicit, level set representation of the domain boundary is assumed, as well as a Cartesian grid that is not fitted to the domain. The algorithm is based on a scheme for interface problems which captures the jump conditions via singular source terms. This paper adapts that method to deal with boundary value problems by employing a simple iterative process that simultaneously enforces the boundary condition and solves for an unknown jump condition. The benefit and novelty of this method is that the boundary condition is captured via easily implemented source terms. The system of equations that results at each iteration can be solved using a FFT-based fast Poisson solver. The scheme can accommodate Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions. We first address the constant coefficient Poisson equation, and then extend the scheme to accommodate the variable coefficient equation. Numerical examples indicate second order accuracy (or close to it) for the solution. The method also produces useful gradient approximations, but with generally lower convergence rates.
Absorption of short-chain fatty acids by the colon.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) constitute the major solute fraction of normal stool water and are responsible for the diarrhea associated with carbohydrate (CHO) malabsorption. Although SCFA absorption from the human small bowel has been reported previously, the fate of SCFAs in the colon—their major site of production—was investigated in the present study. The colon of normal volunteers was perfused with neutral, isotonic solutions containing SCFA, 0-90 mM. Propionate was studied in detail with limited observations on acetate and n-butyrate. SCFA absorption was concentration-dependent; back diffusion of metabolic products, ketone bodies, was quantitatively insignificant. The transport process was accompanied by increased Na, K, and water absorption, by luminal alkalinization due to bicarbonate accumulation, and by a fall in lumen PCO2. The results are consistent with the existence of two mechanisms for colonic SCFA absorption: first, nonionic diffusion of protonated SCFA involving consumption of luminal CO2; this process accounts for about 60% of total SCFA absorption; and second, cellular uptake by ionic diffusion of the Na or K salt of the SCFA.
Can Neural Networks Simulate Boundary Set S

In this chapter, I will evaluate the extent to which neural network models can characterize the kinds of complex self-organizing dynamics found in Boundary Set S. In the last chapter, we saw that it is the attractors that become the sources of the order we observe exhibited by one who knows how to do tasks or performances found in Boundary Set S. But it is clear that attractors in neural networks will be chaotic unless there is some other ordering principle. Kauffman has suggested that principle may be learning, for example, Hebbian. However, there is a sense in which that cannot be so for kinds of knowing found in Boundary Set S. Among other things, those kinds of knowing are primitive relations between a subject and object where the latter is not a class object. Hebbian learning essentially proceeds by modifying synaptic weight so as to amplify changes throughout a network. Data is presented to a system input layer where the system algorithm operates upon it in terms of local rules, computing an input-output mapping with certain desirable properties. But all this is actually carried out on class objects in terms of some class rule, such as some rule of similarity based on Euclidean distance, defining a class. It is not carried out on unique, sui generis objects.