cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
POSITION ONE ANALOGS OF THE SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE TRIDECAPEPTIDE PHEROMONE

Analogs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-mating factor [WHWLQLKPGQPMY], in which a variety of residues replaced Trp1 were synthesized and assayed for biological activity and receptor affinity. Analogs containing Gly or Leu or many different aromatic residues in position 1 of the peptide exhibited bioactivity in a growth arrest assay slightly greater than, or equal to, that of the parent pheromone, whereas the Glu1 and Lys1 analogs exhibited significantly lower bioactivity. Analogs with an aromatic replacement at position 1 had 3- to 6-fold lower receptor affinity than the parent peptide, whereas analogs with a hydrophilic residue at the N-terminus exhibited large reductions in receptor affinity with the peptide with Glu in position 1 showing a 120-fold reduction. N alpha-Acetylation had little effect on bioactivity but lowered receptor affinity by 20- to 40-fold. Amidation of the carboxyl terminus resulted in a 10-fold decrease in activity and a 160-fold decrease in receptor affinity. These results indicate that the alpha-factor receptor has a large hydrophobic binding pocket, possibly containing a negatively charged side-chain, which interacts with the N-terminus of alpha-factor. The lack of correlation between activity and binding and several analogs suggests that small residues near the N-terminus of alpha-factor may be very efficient in triggering isomerization of the receptor to its activated state in the first step of the signal transduction pathway.
Nontraditional Signaling Mechanisms of Lipoprotein Receptors

The low-density lipoprotein receptor family consists of a large number of single transmembrane proteins that are involved both in endocytosis of extracellular ligands and in intracellular signaling processes. New evidence ties these receptors to the transactivation of Trk receptors. Thus, this single receptor family demonstrates several distinct mechanisms for transducing information across the plasma membrane.
Assessment and Management of Heart Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Case Presentation: A 56-year-old man with a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy and New York Heart Association functional class IV heart failure (HF) requiring intravenous inotropic therapy underwent uncomplicated implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as bridge to heart transplantation (HT). The patient was weaned off inotropic support during the first week after surgery and had progressive improvement in functional status. He was discharged home on maintenance antithrombotic therapy with aspirin 325 mg once daily and warfarin targeted to an international normalized ratio of 2.0 to 3.0. Eight weeks after LVAD implantation, he developed progressive dyspnea on exertion, recurrent pedal edema, and a 7-pound weight gain. Physical examination revealed conjunctival pallor, a palpable carotid pulse, jugular venous pressure of 14 cm H2O, and 2+ pitting edema bilaterally. A rapid and targeted assessment of recurrent HF is essential in this LVAD patient because of multiple, potentially life-threatening causes that necessitate divergent treatments. The US Food and Drug Administration first approved implantable LVADs as a bridge to transplantation in 1994.1 Although HT remains the gold standard therapy for selected patients with end-stage HF, the stable donor base of <2500 hearts per year in North America limits its widespread applicability.2 The landmark Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (REMATCH) trial established the first-generation, pulsatile-flow HeartMate (HM) XVE LVAD as a viable, life-prolonging treatment in patients who were not candidates for HT, a strategy known as destination therapy (DT). However, survival 2 years after implantation was still only 23%, in part because of the high rates of mechanical pump failure. The advent of continuous-flow LVADs has provided a more durable long-term treatment that improves quality of life and survival.3 The continuous-flow HM II LVAD has a markedly lower rate of device …
Stereo matching with non-linear diffusion

One of the central problems in stereo matching (and other image registration tasks) is the selection of optimal window sizes for comparing image regions. This paper addresses this problem with some novel algorithms based on iteratively diffusing support at different disparity hypotheses, and locally controlling the amount of diffusion based on the current quality of the disparity estimate. It also develops a novel Bayesian estimation technique which significantly outperforms techniques based on area-based matching (SSD) and regular diffusion. We provide experimental results on both synthetic and real stereo image pairs.
7‐Chloro‐7‐Cyanobicyclo[4.2.0]Octan‐8‐one

7-Chloro-7-cyanobicyclo[4.2.0]octan-8-one reactant: 50.7 g (0.30 mol) of mucochloric acid product: 7-Chloro-7-cyanobicyclo[4.2.0]octan-8-one. intermediate: 20.0 g (94.8 mmol) of 3,4-dichloro-5-isopropoxy-2(5H)-furanone intermediate: azidofuranone solvent: petroleum ether product: 2-azetidinone Keywords: alkylation, O-alkylation; cyclization, cycloaddition; ring opening reactions
Resolution of medically resistant hypothyroidism after liver transplantation for hepatic hemangioendothelioma

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma (HHE) is a rare vascular tumor in neonates and may cause high-output cardiac failure and coagulopathy, and rarely has been associated with hypothyroidism. Hepatic hemangioendothelioma treatment options consist of corticosteroids, alpha-interferon, surgical resection, and liver transplantation. Herein, we report the case of a 6-week-old female neonate that presented with an HHE that involved all segments of the liver, resulting in respiratory failure and severe hypothyroidism that was recalcitrant to exogenous L-thyroxine therapy. After failure of medical and supportive therapy for the HHE, the patient underwent a cadaveric orthotopic liver transplantation that resulted in successful treatment of the severe hypothyroidism, respiratory failure, and cardiac symptoms. The patient is currently 1-year posttransplantation and disease free with normal thyroid function.
Mycobacteria-induced Gr-1+ subsets from distinct myeloid lineages have opposite effects on T cell expansion

Similar to the regulation of vasodilation, the balance between NO and superoxide (O2-) regulates expansion of activated T cells in mice. Reduction of suppressive NO levels by O2- is essential for T cell expansion and development of autoimmunity. In mice primed with heat-killed Mycobacterium, a splenocyte population positive for Gr-1 (Ly-6G/C) is the exclusive source of both immunoregulatory free radicals. Distinct Gr-1+ cell subpopulations were separated according to Ly-6G expression. In culture with activated T cells, predominantly monocytic Ly-6G- Gr-1+ cells produced T cell-inhibitory NO but no O2-. However, mostly granulocytic Ly-6G+ cells produced O2- simultaneously but had no measurable effect on proliferation. Recombination of the two purified Gr-1+ subpopulations restored controlled regulation of T cell proliferation through NO and O2- interaction. Coculture of p47phox-/- and inducible NO synthase-/- Gr-1+ cells confirmed this intercellular interaction. These data suggest that bacterial products induce development of distinct Gr-1+ myeloid lineages, which upon stimulation by activated T cells, interact via their respective free radical products to modulate T cell expansion.
On Bridging the Gap Between Stochastic Integer Programming and MIP Solver Technologies

Stochastic integer programs (SIPs) represent a very difficult class of optimization problems arising from the presence of both uncertainty and discreteness in planning and decision problems. Although applications of SIPs are abundant, nothing is available by way of computational software. On the other hand, commercial software packages for solvingdeterministic integer programs have been around for quite a few years, and more recently, a package for solving stochasticlinear programs has been released. In this paper, we describe how these software tools can be integrated and exploited for the effective solution of general-purpose SIPs. We demonstrate these ideas on four problem classes from the literature and show significant computational advantages.
Toward an Understanding of Food Pantry Food Recipients and the Agencies that Serve Them

Second Harvest North Florida (Second Harvest) provides food for approximately 450 organizations/agencies covering 17 counties in North Florida. These organizations that receive food include meal providers (“soup kitchens”), food pantries, religious organizations, and small, independent groups. In 2011, Second Harvest distributed more than 20 million pounds of food, an increase of 162% since 2008 (Second Harvest 2012). While it is clear that Second Harvest provides a large number of agencies and providers with increasing amounts of food for distribution, much less is known about who is hungry and what the “profile” of these recipients looks like. Local news reports and anecdotes from providers cite the increased number and “changing face” of poor requesting food assistance, but a more in-depth analysis of recipients is very much needed. In this paper we reflect on the process and results of surveys conducted with approximately 250 North Florida agencies and with more than 500 people waiting in line at 26 f...
Differential expression analysis by gene array of cell cycle modulators in human corneal epithelial cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), or keratinocyte growth factor (KGF).

Purpose. To identify and differentiate cell cycle and differentiation genes that are up-regulated or down-regulated in human corneal epithelial cells in response to alternative epithelium-modulating cytokines epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) or keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). Methods. Primary cultures human corneal epithelial cell (HCE) were treated with 25 ng/ml of EGF, 25 ng/ml HGF, 25 ng/ml KGF, or vehicle for 8 hours. Complementary DNA (cDNA) probes were synthesized from total cellular RNA isolated from the HCE cells. The cDNA probes were hybridized to the Atlas human cell cycle/differentiation array membrane. RNAse protection assay was used to confirm up-regulation of the serine/threonine-protein kinase PITALRE gene by EGF, KGF, and HGF. Results. The expression of one hundred and eleven cell cycle and differentiation genes was monitored with the gene array system. It was found that these epithelial cell-modulating cytokines shared similar effects on some of the cell cyc...
Ion Mobility in Clinical Analysis: Current Progress and Future Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a rapid separation tool that can be coupled with several sampling/ionization methods, other separation techniques (e.g., chromatography), and various detectors (e.g., mass spectrometry). This technique has become increasingly used in the last 2 decades for applications ranging from illicit drug and chemical warfare agent detection to structural characterization of biological macromolecules such as proteins. Because of its rapid speed of analysis, IMS has recently been investigated for its potential use in clinical laboratories. CONTENT: This review article first provides a brief introduction to ion mobility operating principles and instrumentation. Several current applications will then be detailed, including investigation of rapid ambient sampling from exhaled breath and other volatile compounds and mass spectrometric imaging for localization of target compounds. Additionally, current ion mobility research in relevant fields (i.e., metabolomics) will be discussed as it pertains to potential future application in clinical settings. SUMMARY: This review article provides the authors9 perspective on the future of ion mobility implementation in the clinical setting, with a focus on ambient sampling methods that allow IMS to be used as a “bedside” standalone technique for rapid disease screening and methods for improving the analysis of complex biological samples such as blood plasma and urine.
The Aspects of Quality

In the philosophy literature, it has been put forth that quality is a naturally occurring stimulus in our environment. Every time we see something new, such as the new Ford GT, 550 horsepower, mid-engine two-seater sports cars, or experience a joyful moment, such as a well-acted performance at a play, we are connecting with this stimulus at an emotional level. Our first response is usually, “Wow!” It is only later that we are able to describe the experience in a rational manner. Our initial impression of the quality of the item or the actual moment of interaction with the product or service is termed “perceived quality” (also called dynamic quality by some philosophers). This is essentially our instant judgment about a product or service’s overall excellence. Our later ability to describe the quality of the product or service in measurable terms is called “objective quality” (also called static quality by some philosophers). This aspect of quality refers to the technical excellence of the product or service.
The K-clique Densest Subgraph Problem

Numerous graph mining applications rely on detecting subgraphs which are large near-cliques. Since formulations that are geared towards finding large near-cliques are hard and frequently inapproximable due to connections with the Maximum Clique problem, the poly-time solvable densest subgraph problem which maximizes the average degree over all possible subgraphs "lies at the core of large scale data mining" [10]. However, frequently the densest subgraph problem fails in detecting large near-cliques in networks. In this work, we introduce the k-clique densest subgraph problem, k ≥ 2. This generalizes the well studied densest subgraph problem which is obtained as a special case for k=2. For k=3 we obtain a novel formulation which we refer to as the triangle densest subgraph problem: given a graph G(V,E), find a subset of vertices S* such that τ(S*)=max limitsS ⊆ V t(S)/|S|, where t(S) is the number of triangles induced by the set S. On the theory side, we prove that for any k constant, there exist an exact polynomial time algorithm for the k-clique densest subgraph problem}. Furthermore, we propose an efficient 1/k-approximation algorithm which generalizes the greedy peeling algorithm of Asahiro and Charikar [8,18] for k=2. Finally, we show how to implement efficiently this peeling framework on MapReduce for any k ≥ 3, generalizing the work of Bahmani, Kumar and Vassilvitskii for the case k=2 [10]. On the empirical side, our two main findings are that (i) the triangle densest subgraph is consistently closer to being a large near-clique compared to the densest subgraph and (ii) the peeling approximation algorithms for both k=2 and k=3 achieve on real-world networks approximation ratios closer to 1 rather than the pessimistic 1/k guarantee. An interesting consequence of our work is that triangle counting, a well-studied computational problem in the context of social network analysis can be used to detect large near-cliques. Finally, we evaluate our proposed method on a popular graph mining application.
Probabilistic estimates of the maximum norm of random Neumann Fourier series

Abstract We study the maximum norm behavior of L 2 -normalized random Fourier cosine series with a prescribed large wave number. Precise bounds of this type are an important technical tool in estimates for spinodal decomposition, the celebrated phase separation phenomenon in metal alloys. We derive rigorous asymptotic results as the wave number converges to infinity, and shed light on the behavior of the maximum norm for medium range wave numbers through numerical simulations. Finally, we develop a simplified model for describing the magnitude of extremal values of random Neumann Fourier series. The model describes key features of the development of maxima and can be used to predict them. This is achieved by decoupling magnitude and sign distribution, where the latter plays an important role for the study of the size of the maximum norm. Since we are considering series with Neumann boundary conditions, particular care has to be placed on understanding the behavior of the random sums at the boundary.
Natural Variability Among White Rats in Degree of Susceptibility to Infection with Eimeria miyairii.

ConclusionsWhite rats show esceetlingly great variability in potentiality for the protluctiotl of oocyits during an infection with Eiweria miyuivii. If a similar situation exists among other species of either mammals or birds, the implications are far-reaching and important, for they may serve to explain many of the cases where one worker claims to have controlled or cured coccidiosis with a particular food or remedy, while another secures contrary results with the same methods.
Clinical and imaging clues to posterior cortical atrophy

A 54-year-old man complained of progressive vision loss over 3 years. Several eye specialists were consulted and no ocular cause for his visual complaints was identified, but Ishihara color testing was noted to be abnormal. After an unsuccessful trial of prism lenses for depth perception complaints, an MRI of the brain was obtained and interpreted as normal. He was referred for neuro-ophthalmic consultation after he developed difficulty driving and impaired work performance as an electrician. Neurologic examination revealed a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 in both eyes, Ishihara color testing deficits, impaired clock drawing (figure 1), ideomotor apraxia, ocular motor apraxia, and optic ataxia, without other abnormalities. Neuropsychological testing disclosed deficits in visuospatial function, processing speed, and executive function, with preserved memory and language. Hypometabolism in occipitoparietal and occipitotemporal regions was observed on [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT and found to correspond with focal atrophy on the original MRI (figure 2). The patient was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA),1, 2 a neurodegenerative disorder most commonly associated with Alzheimer disease pathology. A delay in diagnosis of PCA is common owing to a prolonged search for ocular causes, and cortical disease may be neglected as a possible etiology when a brain MRI is interpreted as normal. If the nature of visual complaints remains elusive, clinically useful signs for the consideration of PCA include unexplained Ishihara color defects and impaired clock drawing, which should prompt special attention to the posterior cortical regions on MRI and consideration of PET-CT imaging to support the diagnosis.2
Quasi-linear gyrokinetic predictions of the Coriolis momentum pinch in National Spherical Torus Experiment

This paper presents quasi-linear gyrokinetic predictions of the Coriolis momentum pinch for low aspect-ratio National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) H-modes where previous experimental measurements were focused. Local, linear calculations predict that in the region of interest (just outside the mid-radius) of these relatively high-beta plasmas, profiles are most unstable to microtearing modes that are only effective in transporting electron energy. However, sub-dominant electromagnetic and electrostaticballooning modes are also unstable, which are effective at transporting energy, particles, and momentum. The quasi-linear prediction of transport from these weaker ballooning modes, assuming they contribute transport in addition to that from microtearing modes in a nonlinear turbulent state, leads to a very small or outward convection of momentum, inconsistent with the experimentally measured inward pinch, and opposite to predictions in conventional aspect ratio tokamaks. Additional predictions of a low beta L-mode plasma, unstable to more traditional electrostatic ion temperature gradient-trapped electron mode instability, show that the Coriolis pinch is inward but remains relatively weak and insensitive to many parameter variations. The weak or outward pinch predicted in NSTX plasmas appears to be at least partially correlated to changes in the parallel mode structure that occur at a finite beta and low aspect ratio, as discussed in previous theories. The only conditions identified where a stronger inward pinch is predicted occur either in the purely electrostatic limit or if the aspect ratio is increased. As the Coriolis pinch cannot explain the measured momentum pinch, additional theoretical momentum transport mechanisms are discussed that may be potentially important.
Implementation of Discrete Smooth Interpolation in CATIA V5

A new mesh morphing function based on discrete smooth interpolation algorithm has been implemented in CATIA using CAA which is one of the secondary development technologies of CATIA V5. The hierarchy structure of point cloud data in CAA is presented. The discrete smooth interpolation algorithm and four common geometric constraints are applied on the new mesh morphing functions implemented in CATIA V5, some applications are also presented.
Methylphenidate in depressed medically ill patients.

Background The purpose of the authors' study was to evaluate the efficacy of methylphenidate in the medically ill depressed patients and to examine the factors that appear to affect therapeutic response and side effects. Method Hospital charts were reviewed for 29 patients who received trials of methylphenidate for treatment of depressive disorders while admitted to a medical/surgical unit. Results Of the 29 patients, 16 (55%) had moderate or marked improvement, all within 2 days of commencing treatment with the maximal dose. Of the 25 nondelirious patients, 16 (64%) had moderate or marked improvement, and the presence of delirium was significantly associated with decreased response. Therapeutic response was significantly correlated with maximum methylphenidate dose. Side effects were noted in 8 (28%) patients; most side effects were mild (tachycardia or agitation), and all reversed after the medication was discontinued. Conclusions Methylphenidate provides a safe and effective alternative to tricyclic antidepressants in medically ill populations but appears to be less effective in the presence of delirium.
Head and Neck Cancers with Unusual Natural Histories

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on two head and neck cancers: cervical lymphadenopathy from an undetectable primary source and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) that have unusual natural histories. Although cervical lymphadenopathy is a common presentation of malignant tumor in the head and neck area, in –4% of the patients, the primary tumor cannot be identified following extensive diagnostic workup. The most common age of this undetectable primary source at presentation is 50 to 60 years old, and the male-to-female ratio is 3:1. The most commonly involved nodal group is jugulodiagastric and midjugular, which are involved in about 60% of the patients, where squamous cell and undifferentiated carcinoma accounts for 70–80% of histology. The most common site of ACC is in the salivary glands, especially in minor salivary glands. ACC comprises 2–5% of all tumors of the salivary glands, and it is the most common malignancy of the minor salivary glands. The most common age at presentation is 50 to 60 years old with no predilection for either gender. The most common presenting symptom is a painless mass, often enlarging rapidly but presenting indolently for years prior to presentation. Pain is a relatively uncommon symptom and may indicate the involvement of deep structures. ACC has a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis despite aggressive initial local treatment. It is believed to originate from the reserve epithelial cells in the intercalated ducts, which can differentiate into epithelial and myoepithelial cell forms.
Two-dimensional topological crystalline quantum spin Hall effect in transition metal intercalated compounds

While most of the two-dimensional (2D) topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) belong to group IV-VI narrow-band-gap semiconductors in a square lattice, in the present work we predict a TCI family based on transition metal intercalated compounds in a hexagonal lattice. First-principles calculations combined with a substrate-fixed globally optimal structural search technique show that a layer of Os prefers a uniform distribution between two graphene sheets. Band dispersion calculations reveal a Dirac point and a Dirac nodal ring near the Fermi level. The Dirac point is ascribed to the hybridization of ${e}_{2}$ and ${e}_{2}{}^{*}$ orbitals, and the Dirac ring is formed due to dispersion of $s$ and ${e}_{1}{}^{*}$ orbitals. Upon inclusion of spin-orbit coupling, these Dirac states open topologically nontrivial local band gaps, which are characterized by nonzero mirror Chern numbers. The quantum spin Hall effect is also observed by integrating the spin Berry curvature in the Brillouin zone. In contrast to the 2D group IV-VI TCIs whose band inversions at $X$ and $Y$ points are ``locked'' by ${C}_{4}$ rotation symmetry, here the relative energy of two local band gaps can be manipulated by in-plane biaxial strains. Some other similar intercalation compounds are also shown to be topologically nontrivial. Our work extends the 2D TCI family into a hexagonal lattice composed of transition metals.
A computer code for aerodynamic analysis of sounding rockets at supersonic speeds

This article presents a practical and low–cost method of computing the aero–dynamic characteristics of sounding rockets and other similar vehicles, such as high–speed bombs, projectiles and guided missiles in supersonic flight. The vehicle configuration consists of a slender axisymmetric body with a conical or ogive nose, cylinders, shoulders and boattails, if any, and having sets of two, three or four fins. The geometry of the fin cross–section can be single wedge, double wedge, modified single wedge or modified double wedge. First the aerodynamics of the fins and the body are analysed separately; then fin–body and fore– and aft–fin interferences are accounted for when they are combined to form the total vehicle. Results and formulae presented in this work reflect many of the major as well as minor additions, modifications and refinements made to the Theoretical Aerodynamic Derivatives (TAD) computer program originally developed at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. New research findings are also incorporated in the TAD computer program which predicts the following six aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle as functions of the flight Mach number: the normal force coefficient derivative, centre of pressure location, roll forcing and roll damping moment coefficient derivatives, pitch forcing and pitch damping moment coefficient derivatives.
Comparison of four Fitbit and Jawbone activity monitors with a research-grade ActiGraph accelerometer for estimating physical activity and energy expenditure

Background/aim Consumer-based physical activity (PA) monitors have become popular tools to track PA behaviours. Currently, little is known about the validity of the measurements provided by consumer monitors. We aimed to compare measures of steps, energy expenditure (EE) and active minutes of four consumer monitors with one research-grade accelerometer within a semistructured protocol. Methods Thirty men and women (18–80 years old) wore Fitbit One (worn at the waist), Fitbit Zip (waist), Fitbit Flex (wrist), Jawbone UP24 (wrist) and one waist-worn research-grade accelerometer (ActiGraph) while participating in an 80 min protocol. A validated EE prediction equation and active minute cut-points were applied to ActiGraph data. Criterion measures were assessed using direct observation (step count) and portable metabolic analyser (EE, active minutes). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences between consumer monitors, ActiGraph, and criterion measures. Similarly, a repeated measures ANOVA was applied to a subgroup of subjects who didn’t cycle. Results Participants took 3321±571 steps, had 28±6 active min and expended 294±56 kcal based on criterion measures. Comparatively, all monitors underestimated steps and EE by 13%–32% (p Conclusion Consumer monitors had similar accuracy for PA assessment as the ActiGraph, which suggests that consumer monitors may serve to track personal PA behaviours and EE. However, due to discrepancies among monitors, individuals should be cautious when comparing relative and absolute differences in PA values obtained using different monitors.
Development and Evaluation of Glycine max Germplasm Lines with Quantitative Resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot, is a devastating fungal pathogen of soybean that can cause significant yield losses to growers when environmental conditions are favorable for the disease. The development of resistant varieties has proven difficult. However, poor resistance in commercial cultivars can be improved through additional breeding efforts and understanding the genetic basis of resistance. The objective of this project was to develop soybean germplasm lines that have a high level of Sclerotinia stem rot resistance to be used directly as cultivars or in breeding programs as a source of improved Sclerotinia stem rot resistance. Sclerotinia stem rot-resistant soybean germplasm was developed by crossing two sources of resistance, W04-1002 and AxN-1-55, with lines exhibiting resistance to Heterodera glycines and Cadophora gregata in addition to favorable agronomic traits. Following greenhouse evaluations of 1,076 inbred lines derived from these crosses, 31 lines were evaluated for resistance in field tests during the 2014 field season. Subsequently, 11 Sclerotinia stem rot resistant breeding lines were moved forward for field evaluation in 2015, and seven elite breeding lines were selected and evaluated in the 2016 field season. To better understand resistance mechanisms, a marker analysis was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci linked to resistance. Thirteen markers associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance were identified on chromosomes 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. Our markers confirm previously reported chromosomal regions associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance as well as a novel region of chromosome 16. The seven elite germplasm lines were also re-evaluated within a greenhouse setting using a cut petiole technique with multiple S. sclerotiorum isolates to test the durability of physiological resistance of the lines in a controlled environment. This work presents a novel and comprehensive classical breeding method for selecting lines with physiological resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot and a range of agronomic traits. In these studies, we identify four germplasm lines; 91-38, 51-23, SSR51-70, and 52-82B exhibiting a high level of Sclerotinia stem rot resistance combined with desirable agronomic traits, including high protein and oil contents. The germplasm identified in this study will serve as a valuable source of physiological resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot that could be improved through further breeding to generate high-yielding commercial soybean cultivars.
Below-knee deep vein thrombosis (DVT): diagnostic and treatment patterns

Background: Guidelines are lacking for isolated below-knee deep vein thrombosis (BKDVT). The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) suggests anticoagulation only if symptoms are severe, otherwise surveillance with follow-up ultrasound in 2 weeks is recommended. Yet clinical practice remains highly variable. Little is known about the natural history of BKDVT and how to best manage these patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of medical records from 2014–2016. Risk factors were assessed such as age, gender, malignancy, recent surgery, and history of DVT. Treatment decisions and outcomes were identified. Radiology reports were graded for clarity. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to correlate risk factors with outcomes and determine odds of treatment. Results: New isolated BKDVT was identified in 102 patients. Patients were symptomatic or had previous pulmonary embolism (PE) or DVT in all cases. Eighteen were positive for PE at diagnosis (17.6% of all patients or 62.1% with chest CT). Malignancy was independently associated with PE (P=0.015); no other risk factors were significant. Treatment was not associated with clinical risk factors. The language used for radiology reports was highly variable and was associated with the decision to treat with anticoagulation. One hundred percent were treated (n=24) when the report stated “positive DVT” and 89.2% (n=58) were treated after an objective description without the word “DVT” (P=0.01). Treatment was much less likely if the report described BKDVT anatomically but was said to be “negative for DVT” (P Conclusions: About 90% of patients diagnosed with BKDVT received anticoagulation after the initial diagnosis. Surveillance was not commonly recommended and is likely underutilized. Radiology reporting was highly variable and correlated with clinical treatment decisions, whereas other clinical risk factors did not. Describing BKDVT findings only in terms of being “positive” or “negative” for DVT may be inadequate.
Emerging Inclusive Education in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East: A Review of the Literature.

ABSTRACT For refugee children with disabilities, international agencies provide largely humanitarian assistance, including education. However, the obstacles associated with refugee existence can impede progress in the movement towards educating children with disabilities in inclusive settings. This literature review summarizes the historical progression towards inclusive education for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Historical perspectives of inclusion are presented for this region and discussed in relation to policy and potential implications for teaching practice. Catalysts for change in the region, and specifically within UNRWA, are described, and actors involved in improving education for all children are presented. Finally, the emergence of inclusive education within UNRWA is described in the context of policy and programming change.
Polymer-Derived Silicon Oxycarbide Ceramics as Promising Next-Generation Sustainable Thermoelectrics

We demonstrate the potential of polymer-derived ceramics (PDC) as next-generation sustainable thermoelectrics. Thermoelectric behavior of polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramics (containing hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as filler) was studied as a function of measurement temperature. SiOC, sintered at 1300 °C exhibited invariant low thermal conductivity (∼1.5 W/(m·K)) over 30–600 °C, coupled with a small increase in both Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity, with increase in measurement temperature (30–150 °C). SiOC ceramics containing 1 wt % h-BN showed the highest Seebeck coefficient (−33 μV/K) for any PDC thus far.
Ultra-compact plasmonic-oxide electro-optic modulator

The ever-growing demands to compute information, store, and communicate generate a continuous driving force for transformative photonic technologies. On chip photonic integrated circuits (PICs) founded a roadmap for scaling down photonic modules to meet the challenges of bandwidth enhancement and power reduction. However, it also produces an even critical need for state-of-the-art devices and better materials. Lately, the material group of transparent conductive oxides (TCO) has appealed attentions for on-chip photonic components. In specific, indium tin oxide (ITO) has been found to have active large refractive index variations, which creates possibilities to realize high speed Electro-Optic (E-O) modulation of sub-diffraction device scales. This ITO based tapered plasmonic waveguide devices will combine the large E-O absorption effects of ITO with the localized SPPs and the ultra-strong optical field confinement. In this paper, we design the device which is fabricated on commercial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform integrated with a 3μm long, 300nm wide gold plasmonic slot waveguide, which can dynamically switch the optical transmission from high absorption mode by enhanced plasmonic E-O absorption to low loss mode. The active E-O modulation region consists of a metal-HfO2-ITO capacitor that can electrically switch the ITO into ENZ with ultra-high modulation strength of 2.62dB/μm in simulation and 3.5dB extinction ratio in experiment. We also demonstrated the EA modulator a relative uniform E-O modulation within 1530~1600nm wavelength.
On intersection of two mixing sets with applications to joint chance-constrained programs

We study the polyhedral structure of a generalization of a mixing set described by the intersection of two mixing sets with two shared continuous variables, where one continuous variable has a positive coefficient in one mixing set, and a negative coefficient in the other. Our developments are motivated from a key substructure of linear joint chance-constrained programs (CCPs) with random right hand sides from a finite probability space. The CCPs of interest immediately admit a mixed-integer programming reformulation. Nevertheless, such standard reformulations are difficult to solve at large-scale due to the weakness of their linear programming relaxations. In this paper, we initiate a systemic polyhedral study of such joint CCPs by explicitly analyzing the system obtained from simultaneously considering two linear constraints inside the chance constraint. We carry out our study on this particular intersection of two mixing sets under a nonnegativity assumption on data. Mixing inequalities are immediately applicable to our set, yet they are not sufficient. Therefore, we propose a new class of valid inequalities in addition to the mixing inequalities, and establish conditions under which these inequalities are facet defining. Moreover, under certain additional assumptions, we prove that these new valid inequalities along with the classical mixing inequalities are sufficient in terms of providing the closed convex hull description of our set. We also show that linear optimization over our set is polynomial-time, and we independently give a (high-order) polynomial-time separation algorithm for the new inequalities. We complement our theoretical results with a computational study on the strength of the proposed inequalities. Our preliminary computational experiments with a fast heuristic separation approach demonstrate that our proposed inequalities are practically effective as well.
An Expert System for Distributed Real-Time Scheduling of Factory Communications Resources

This paper introduces a technique for rescheduling communications resources in a distributed manner to support real-time data transfer requirements on the factory floor. The technique is described, and an expert system to implement the technique is discussed. Finally, simulation results are presented showing that the technique offers a 100-fold improvement over the present scheduling algorithm in use for factory communications.
Erythropoietin Therapy for Heart Failure

Erythropoietin is a growth factor that is the main stimulus for erythrocyte production. Because anemia is recognized as a common comorbidity in older adult patients with heart failure, the use of erythropoietin within this cohort has been embraced as a potential therapy for improving outcomes including quality of life. Clinical trials of erythropoietin in systolic heart failure have demonstrated several positive effects of the drug on cardiovascular structure and function and exercise capacity. However, the promising results of these studies are often offset by small sample sizes, absence of enrollment of patients > 75 years of age, those with preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFPEF), and the potential for serious adverse side effects. The pleiotropic effects of erythropoietin therapy including both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic actions are relevant especially for older adults with HFPEF in whom multiple mechanisms produce the observed phenotype and for whom the adverse effects of therapy are heightened. The successes of erythropoietin administration within the older adult heart failure population remain to be tested in large clinical trials that will provide clear evidence of safety and efficacy. For such trials, we highlight erythropoietin dosing, implementation of run-in periods, and methods to identify the group of older adults, particularly susceptible to erythropoietin’s side effects, who are poor responders to the drug. Collectively, such information is essential to adequately delineate the role of erythropoietin therapy within the aging heart failure population.
A three-dimensional (3D) organotypic microfluidic model for glioma stem cells - Vascular interactions.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Despite many treatment options, prognosis of GBM remains dismal with a 5-year survival rate of 4.7%. Even then, tumors often recur after treatment. Tumor recurrence is hypothesized to be driven by glioma stem cell (GSC) populations which are highly tumorigenic, invasive, and resistant to several forms of therapy. GSCs are often concentrated around the tumor vasculature , referred to as the vascular niche, which are known to provide microenvironmental cues to maintain GSC stemness, promote invasion, and resistance to therapies. In this work, we developed a 3D organotypic microfluidic platform, integrated with hydrogel-based biomaterials , to mimic the GSC vascular niche and study the influence of endothelial cells (ECs) on patient-derived GSC behavior and identify signaling cues that mediate their invasion and phenotype . The established microvascular network enhanced GSC migration within a 3D hydrogel, promoted invasive morphology as well as maintained GSC proliferation rates and phenotype (Nestin, SOX2 , CD44). Notably, we compared migration behavior to in vivo mice model and found similar invasive morphology suggesting that our microfluidic system could represent a physiologically relevant in vivo microenvironment . Moreover, we confirmed that CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling is involved in promoting GSC invasion in a 3D vascular microenvironment by utilizing a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100), while also demonstrating the effectiveness of the microfluidic as a drug screening assay. Our model presents a potential ex vivo platform for studying the interplay of GSCs with its surrounding microenvironment as well as development of future therapeutic strategies tailored toward disrupting key molecular pathways involved in GSC regulatory mechanisms.
The jumping flea diaspora: an ethnographic exploration of music and culture in a Hawaiian ‘ukulele club

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to examine the musical and cultural underpinnings of the Kanikapila Island Strummers, a community ‘ukulele group that celebrates Hawaiian ethos through music and dance. Specifically, this research underscored the Kanikapila Island Strummers’ musical practices, the narratives of Hawaiian culture as expressed by club members, and the members’ perceived sense of responsibility in preserving and disseminating Hawaiian customs in the Continental United States. Data collection included participant-observations, interviews, video recordings, and photographs. Predominant themes encompassed inclusive music making, Hawaiians’ connection to and separation from the islands, and acculturation processes on the mainland. While Hawaiian cultural elements have engendered a rich community of practice, Hawaiian history and sovereignty initiatives remain key aspects among participants. Implications include viewing the ‘ukulele as a serious instrument that is as much abo...
Toward an Anti-Racist Theory of Computational Curricula

Ibram X. Kendi, in his book Stamped from the Beginning, lays out the argument that structures (political, economic) drive inequitable systems, and it is our enculturation in those systems that lead to ignorance and bigotry. Our goal, in this BOF, is to discuss the dominant social, political, and curricular structures of the discipline of computing, and how we might strengthen or challenge those structures to increase access, equity, and justice within computing. To do so, we must confront the manifold ways in which the existing structures and practices of computing are exclusionary, from curricula to epistemology and the expressions of identity that typically represent what it means to be (and be recognized as) a computer scientist.
Investigational growth factors utilized in animal models of spinal fusion: Systematic review

Investigational growth factors utilized in animal models of spinal fusion: Systematic review
Why and when do we need medical statistics

It is no secret that medical students don9t like statistics, but they are an essential tool for doctors. In the first part of our new series, Wai-Ching Leung explains why
Do Clinical Outcomes and Sagittal Parameters Differ Between Diabetics and Nondiabetics for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Undergoing Lumbar Fusion

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objective:To assess the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on clinical and radiographic outcomes in patient with degenerative spondylolisthesis undergoing post...
Vascular Acute Care Surgery (VACS) Services: A New Model for the Future and a Solution to the Emerging Vascular Surgery Coverage Crisis

The following is a comprehensive review of the current practice of Vascular Surgery, highlighting the existing gaps in vascular surgical care and delivery and providing evidence-based suggestions for improvements moving forward. Recent data demonstrate that a shift of many vascular surgical procedures from extensive, high-risk, inpatient operations toward minimally invasive, endovascular, same-day surgeries has created a gap in the ability of the community-based vascular surgeon to adequately care for acute vascular events. The trends towards outpatient vascular surgery, coupled with the increasing demands of acute vascular surgical expertise for less-common open and high-risk procedures have created a crisis in the field. When the field of General Surgery was at a similar crossroads in the early 2000s, the community responded with the development of Acute Care Surgery (ACS) services to manage resource-intensive emergencies. Vascular surgery should learn from the ACS experience and consider the development of Vascular Acute Care Surgery (VACS) services responsible for the care of acute vascular patients.
White Sportscasters, Black Athletes: Race and ESPN’s Coverage of College Football’s National Signing Day

This study analyzed how depictions of White and Black recruits by ESPN network employees differs depending on athletic successes, failures, personality, and physicality. A total of 42 hr of ESPN co...
Making connections: a reflection on narrative group work with Latinx youth

ABSTRACTThis narrative essay reflects on group work processes with Latinx youth integrating collective narrative therapy practices with digital filmmaking in a workshop format. Focusing on lessons ...