cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Explore-by-example: an automatic query steering framework for interactive data exploration

Interactive Data Exploration (IDE) is a key ingredient of a diverse set of discovery-oriented applications, including ones from scientific computing and evidence-based medicine. In these applications, data discovery is a highly ad hoc interactive process where users execute numerous exploration queries using varying predicates aiming to balance the trade-off between collecting all relevant information and reducing the size of returned data. Therefore, there is a strong need to support these human-in-the-loop applications by assisting their navigation in the data to find interesting objects. In this paper, we introduce AIDE, an Automatic Interactive Data Exploration framework, that iteratively steers the user towards interesting data areas and predicts a query that retrieves his objects of interest. Our approach leverages relevance feedback on database samples to model user interests and strategically collects more samples to refine the model while minimizing the user effort. AIDE integrates machine learning and data management techniques to provide effective data exploration results (matching the user's interests with high accuracy) as well as high interactive performance. It delivers highly accurate query predictions for very common conjunctive queries with very small user effort while, given a reasonable number of samples, it can predict with high accuracy complex conjunctive queries. Furthermore, it provides interactive performance by limiting the user wait time per iteration to less than a few seconds in average. Our user study indicates that AIDE is a practical exploration framework as it significantly reduces the user effort and the total exploration time compared with the current state-of-the-art approach of manual exploration.
Two Strikes and You’re Out: Gene–Gene Mutation Interactions in HCM

> While Ockham’s razor is a useful tool in the physical sciences, it can be a very dangerous implement in biology. It is thus very rash to use simplicity and elegance as a guide in biological research. > > —Francis Crick Gregor Mendel is credited with first understanding the fundamental characteristics of genetic inheritance through his studies of transgenerational expression of phenotypes in pea plants ( Pisum sativum ). As every middle schooler knows, through careful cross-breeding he discerned dominant and recessive modes of inheritance for, but not blending of, parental traits. He rightly concluded that inheritance is achieved through vertical transmission of trait-encoding factors that we now call genes. Article, see p 227 An important underlying assumption to Mendel’s mechanistic view of inheritance is that one inheritance unit (he called them "factors"1; we call them genes) encodes one trait. This relationship holds for the 7 pea phenotypes he cataloged, but is the exception rather than the rule in mammalian biology. For example, stature is an inherited trait, but >50 different genes are thought to contribute to human height.2 Nevertheless, heritable diseases are commonly referred to as Mendelian when they are attributed to mutations in a single gene. The public database Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (http://www.omim.org) lists >4000 Mendelian disorders with a known molecular basis, plus >1700 others with an unknown molecular basis. Although some of these diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (autosomal recessive mutation of CFTR gene), Huntington disease (autosomal dominant mutation of HTT gene), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM; autosomal dominant mutations of the MYH7 3 and other sarcomeric protein genes), are caused by mutations in one gene, even for so-called Mendelian diseases the contribution of additional genetic modifiers is yet to be well modeled. In this issue of Circulation Research , Blankenburg et al4 show how the combinatorial …
Predicting diet and consumption rate differences between and within species using gut ecomorphology

Summary 1. Rapid environmental changes and pressing human needs to forecast the consequences of environmental change are increasingly driving ecology to become a predictive science. The need for effective prediction requires both the development of new tools and the refocusing of existing tools that may have previously been used primarily for purposes other than prediction. One such tool that historically has been more descriptive in nature is ecomorphology (the study of relationships between ecological roles and morphological adaptations of species and individuals). 2. Here, we examine relationships between diet and gut morphology for 15 species of brachyuran crabs, a group of pervasive and highly successful consumers for which trophic predictions would be highly valuable. 3. We show that patterns in crab stomach volume closely match some predictions of metabolic theory and demonstrate that individual diet differences and associated morphological variation reflect, at least in some instances, individual choice or diet specialization. 4. We then present examples of how stomach volume can be used to predict both the per cent herbivory of brachyuran crabs and the relative consumption rates of individual crabs.
Attraction of Hylobius pales (Herbst) (Coleoptera : Curculionidae) to pheromones of bark beetles (Coleoptera : Scolytidae)

Results of a field experiment indicate that adults of the pine weevil Hylobius pales (Herbst) respond to pheromones of bark beetles. Each sex of H . pales was more attracted to traps baited with the combination of a pine bolt infested with male Ips calligraphus Germar plus the synthetic Dendroctonus Erichson pheromones frontalin and exo -brevicomin, than to traps baited with pine bolts alone. The combined numbers of male and female H . pales caught in traps baited only with Ips calligraphus -infested bolts were significantly greater than numbers caught in traps baited with uninfested control bolts. The attraction of H . pales to bark beetle pheromones may represent a kairomonal response in which weevils exploit semiochemicals from other species that signify a suitable host resource.
Apprenticeship contracts, small enterprises, and credit markets in Ghana

The economics literature includes no systematic portrait of either the prevalence and scope of apprenticeship in manufacturing or the microeconomic details of the contracts involved. This paper begins the process of filling in both those gaps by providing a quantitative assessment of the importance of apprenticeship in Ghanaian manufacturing and presenting an analysis of the contractual relationships between apprentices and employers that characterize this institution. Understanding the structure of apprenticeship contracts is a first step toward an analysis of the usefulness of the institution in skill formation, productivity increase and growth in the manufacturing sector. This paper takes that first step by creating a descriptive portrait and beginning an institutional analysis using the results of a 1992 survey of 185 manufacturing firms in Ghana. The paper presents three major findings: 1) the training of apprentices is both a widespread current activity and part of the training of a large fraction of entrepreneurs and manufacturing workers; 2) there are two primary types of contracts, those in which apprentices pay fees for their training, and those in which they do not; and 3) for those firms training apprentices, the choice of contract appears to be strongly correlated with other characteristics of the firm, particularly its use of credit. Finally, the paper is divided into the four following sections: 1) description of the data and the study from which it is drawn; 2) broad quantitative discussion of the incidence of apprenticeship; 3) description of the two primary types of contracts, their importance, and some characteristics of the individuals and firms who participate in them; and 4) summary and questions for future research in the area.
Pharmacokinetics of (+)-methamphetamine (METH) and its metabolite (+)-amphetamine (AMP) in a METH self-administration paradigm in rats

Background Most pre-clinical and clinical studies characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of METH using single-dose designs. To better understand METH effects in a more clinically relevant model, we studied the PK of METH and AMP in a self-administration paradigm. Methods Dual cannulated male rats (n=5) were given METH via an infusion pump. The pump was programmed to deliver multiple METH injections of 0.048 mg/kg based on actual METH self-administration patterns in rats. Blood samples were collected at multiple time points and METH and AMP concentrations were determined by LC/MS/MS. Results Relatively stable METH concentrations were achieved within the first 30 min. of METH dosing. PK analysis showed that half-life, volume of distribution, total clearance and amount of AMP formed were not statistically different from values found after a single METH dose. Conclusion These data showed rats self-administered loading doses of METH, which resulted in rapidly reaching steady-state concentrations. This multiple dosing model should prove useful in understanding the interplay between METH PK and self-administration behavior. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P81–P81; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.200
Thermal Shock Resistance of Silicon Nitrides Using an Indentation–Quench Test

Thermal shock resistance of silicon nitrides is investigated using an indentation–quench method. Four commercially available silicon nitrides with different microstructures are investigated. The extension of Vickers radial cracks is measured as a function of quenching temperature for each material, up to the critical temperature for failure. An indentation fracture mechanics analysis is used to account for the crack responses, with due allowance for R-curve behavior. The analysis confirms the important role of microstructure in thermal shock resistance.
The respiratory epithelium. IV. Histogenesis of epidermoid metaplasia and carcinoma in situ in the hamster.

The histogenesis of epidermoid metaplasia and carcinoma in situ was analyzed in human bronchial epithelium. The conclusion is that epidermoid metaplasia and carcinoma in situ can result from conversion of mucous cells. This implies the direct transformation of one type of fully differentiated cell to another. The study therefore emphasizes the differentiation potentialities of the mucous cells that can divide and undergo goblet cell hyperplasia and epidermoid metaplasia. Epidermoid metaplasia is a common reaction to injury in the bronchus. In our series of cases it was especially frequent in patients without neoplastic disease who had undergone intratracheal intubation or tracheostomy and who had been maintained on a respirator in the Shock Trauma Unit, University of Maryland. Future studies will be required to distinguish the difference, if any, between epidermoid metaplasia destined to become malignant carcinoma and that which is not. One difference noted in this study was the absence of overt cornification in epidermoid metaplasia in patients without neoplastic disease.
Development of Hepatitis B Vaccine

A highly purified and inactivated vaccine was made of hepatitis B virus surface antigen. The vaccine was tested exhaustively for safety by ordinary procedures and additionally in chimpanzees and marmosets. It was highly potent and induced antibody in guinea pigs, grivet monkeys, and chimpanzees after three doses of vaccine were given subcutaneously. Chimpanzees given three doses of vaccine were protected against challenge with 1000 chimpanzee-infectious doses of live human hepatitis B virus given intravenously in controlled studies. Tests of the vaccine for control of hepatitis B in man are to be carried out.See PDF for full text of the original JAMA article.
Diagnosis and Management of Apical Prolapse

It is estimated that one in nine women in the United States will undergo a hysterectomy during their lifetime, and up to 10% of these women will need surgical repair for treatment of a symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse (1). The search for the repair that offers the best combination of the most effective, safest, and most durable for the treatment of apical prolapse is an ongoing process, as evidenced by the multiple surgical approaches available to treat this problem. Clearly, no one surgical approach is ideal for every patient. However, as the known risk factors for prolapse, such as age, obesity, and hysterectomy, continue to increase in the United States, so does the need for continuing the search for better means to repair vaginal vault prolapse (2–4).
Perceptual categorization: factors influencing the reproduction of spoken sounds delivered at suprathreshold levels without masking.

Summary.A5 Ss were patients of three clinical categories receiving phenathiozine medication. As Ss did not differ significantly with respect to rhe present analyses, data were pooled. Ss had normal hearing, and they repeated phonetic stimuli received via an earphone under srandard audiological testing conditions. Errors in reproduction of common words (compound spondaic words, monosyllabic homonyms and non-homonyms) , common prefixes and suffixes, nonsense syllables, and common words pronounced backward occurred least (2%) with the compound words, and they increased monotonically in the order given above to a frequency of 36% w~th the backward words. This result was interpreted as being due to the man~pulation of the level of perceptual readiness and of the processes of categorization involved in classification of the stimulus in systematic and specific ways. This was accomplished variously by alteration of the expectancies relative to the phonetic, syntactic or semantic nature of succeeding stimuli, and to differences in the relative availability in memory of matching information caused by differences either in familiaricy with the stimulus or in the range of meanings associated with the stimulus. This study examined the influence, on the articulation of spoken sounds, of single and combined clues designed to facilitate the perceptual categorization of the sounds. Considerable research has been reported in which the isolated effects of one such clue or variable were examined, but few scudies have explored the effects of combinations of clues. Two broad avenues seem to be involved in the perceptual categorization of visual and auditory stimuli--one based on the pure structural properties of the stimulus, and the other, based on the association patterns elicited by the stimulus. The structural variables of verbal stimuli (e.g., nacure, sequence, and number of phonemes) were examined in detail by earlier workers (summarized in Fletcher, 1929; and also see Miller, 1965). Later, the statistical properties of combinations of sounds and words occurring in a language were emphasized (summarized by Licklider & Miller, 1951; Miller, 1951). Recently, interest in the articulation of phonetic stimuli has centered on meaning, context, and S's past experience with the sounds. In a comprehensive study using common words of medium intelligibility, Black (1952) confirmed many observations from scattered earlier studies, e.g., intelligibility increased with the number of sounds and syllables per word and
Regional Expression of MTG Genes in the Developing Mouse Central Nervous System

Myeloid translocation gene (MTG) proteins are transcriptional repressors that are highly conserved across species. We studied the expression of three members of this gene family, MTGR1, MTG8, and MTG16 in developing mouse central nervous system by in situ hybridization. All of these genes are detected as early as embryonic day 11.5. Because these genes are known to be induced by proneural genes during neurogenesis, we analyzed the expression of MTG genes in relation to two proneural genes, Neurog2 (also known as Ngn2 or Neurogenin 2) and Ascl1 (also known as Mash1). While MTGR1 are generally expressed in regions that also express Neurog2, MTG8 and MTG16 expression is associated more tightly with that of Ascl1-expressing neural progenitor cells. These results suggest the possibility that expression of MTG genes is differentially controlled by specific proneural genes during neurogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 238:2095–2102, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cucker–Smale Flocking under Hierarchical Leadership

A mathematical theory on flocking serves the foundation for several ubiquitous multiagent phenomena in biology, ecology, sensor networks, and economics, as well as social behavior like language emergence and evolution. Directly inspired by the recent fundamental works of Cucker and Smale on the construction and analysis of a generic flocking model, we study the emergent behavior of Cucker–Smale flocking under hierarchical leadership. The rates of convergence towards asymptotically coherent group patterns in different scenarios are established. The consistent convergence towards coherent patterns may well reveal the advantages and necessities of having leaders and leadership in a complex (biological, technological, economic, or social) system with sufficient intelligence.
Effect of scrambling on the short-term reliability of the American Urological Association Symptom Index.

Abstract Objectives. To determine the degree of attention patients pay to the wording of symptom scoring instruments and to determine the short-term reliability of the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA SI). Methods. The AUA SI was administered to 111 volunteers with a mean age ± SD of 50.8 ± 16.4 years (range 23 to 83) in the standard formatting. Without debriefing, the same volunteers were given the AUA SI a second time within 2 weeks. By sequential assignment, 65 of the subjects were given the AUA SI in the same standard format, and for the remaining 46, the sequence of the questions was scrambled and the order of the answers reversed for the second administration. In addition, the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BPH II) and the quality of life (QOL) question were answered and urinary flow rates were performed on both occasions to compare the short-term variability between the “subjective” symptom score and the “objective” flow rate recordings. Results. In this group of volunteers with a mean age of 50.8 years, the mean AUA SI was 11.7 points. The mean values in the unscrambled group were 12.4 and 12.9 (NS) and in the scrambled group 10.5 and 10.2 (NS) for the two administrations. Cumulative frequency distribution of differences were nearly identical. Similarly, there were no differences in the mean values for the two administrations in either group for the BPH II, the QOL question, or the peak flow rate. The reproducibility was excellent for each of the individual seven questions in both groups. There was no effect of age (younger or older than 50 years) on the reproducibility, although in general the variability of the scores was higher in older men, presumably due to a higher score in the first assessment. Conclusions. Subjects pay relatively close attention to the questions of symptom score questionnaires. The reproducibility for each individual question, as well as for the entire score, was very high in the original unscrambled and in the scrambled version. In addition, the short-term variability of the AUA SI is comparable to that of the flow rate recording. These observations should give confidence to those using such scores in clinical practice and clinical research.
Considerations for the Utility of the CPIC Guideline for CYP2D6 Genotype and Codeine Therapy

To the Editor: We appreciate the recent Perspective from Nicholson and Formea (1) because it allows us to clarify the role of Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines for clinicians. CPIC publishes genotype-based drug therapy guidelines to help clinicians understand how genetic test results could be used to optimize drug therapy. The underlying assumption for CPIC guidelines is that clinical high-throughput and preemptive genotyping will become common practice and clinicians will increasingly have patients' genotypes, such as a cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily D, polypeptide 6 ( CYP2D6 ) genotype test result, available before a prescription is written (2, 3). Therefore, CPIC guidelines provide guidance on how to interpret available genetic test results to improve drug therapy. For example, patients carrying 2 nonfunctional alleles that give rise to CYP2D6 poor metabolizer status derive little or no pain relief from codeine and tramadol. Thus the CPIC guideline recommends avoiding their use in these patients due to lack of efficacy and to use alternative pain medications. The guideline discusses that although alternatives might include hydrocodone or oxycodone, both have limitations. The guideline states that “there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether poor …
Efficacy of 1.4 Percent Sodium Citrate in Maintaining Arterial Catheter Patency in Patients in a Medical ICU

Purpose The primary purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1.4 percent sodium citrate with heparin, 4 U/ml, for maintaining radial artery catheter patency in patients in the medical ICU. Patients and Methods Patients in the medical ICU (n = 40) were randomized to either a 1.4 percent sodium citrate or heparin 4 U/ml arterial line flush solution in a double-blind, parallel fashion. The flush solutions were continuously infused at approximately 3 ml/h over a maximum of 96 h. Catheter survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The frequency of catheter malfunctions and corrective manipulations were recorded and compared. Coagulation status (APTT, PT) and ionized calcium values were monitored to evaluate the systemic effects of sodium citrate. Results Ninety-four percent of catheters flushed with sodium citrate were functional at 48 h compared with 88 percent for heparin (p>0.05). At 96 h, 80 percent vs 88 percent of the catheters were functional in the citrate and heparin groups, respectively (p>0.05). Frequency of catheter malfunctions did not differ between the two groups. No systemic effects of sodium citrate were observed. Conclusion: Arterial catheter flush solutions containing sodium citrate (1.4 percent) are an effective and safe alternative to heparin in patients requiring peripheral arterial catheterization.
Field-based Selection Method Creates Alfalfa Populations That Differ in Nitrate Nitrogen Uptake

Sustainable agricultural systems could benefi t from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) germplasm that reduce N losses to the ground water and decrease N fertilizer inputs. With the goal of producing alfalfa populations with altered nitrate N uptake, our objectives were to develop, assess, and refi ne an inexpensive selection method using Br − as an analog for nitrate under fi eld conditions. Two selection schemes using divergent herbage Br − concentration and/or divergent herbage Br − uptake, both in combination with high herbage N content, produced two Cycle 1 and four Cycle 2 alfalfa populations. We evaluated these populations for both Br − uptake and nitrate N uptake (estimated by N derived from fertilizer, Ndff [ 15 N-labeled]) for one regrowth period in two locations in each of 2 yr. Weak associations between Br − uptake and Ndff were found during the establishment year, but strong correlations were found between Br − concentration and fraction of Ndff (fNdff) (r = 0.83) and between Br − uptake and Ndff (r = 0.85 to 0.90) when populations were evaluated during the fi rst production year. Populations selected for high Br − concentration or uptake had greater Br − concentration and uptake, fNdff, and Ndff than populations selected for low Br − . Our method of
Aeromedical Evacuations from Operation Iraqi Freedom: A Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe health patterns in evacuated military members during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and utilize demographic, diagnostic, and pre- and postdeployment health information to understand the utility of data collected for aeromedical evacuations. Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis of U.S. evacuees from 2003 using data from the U.S. Transportation Command's Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System and the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Results: The typical patient was an Army male under the age of 29 requiring orthopedic or surgical care. Disease/nonbattle injuries were six times as common as battle injuries and 94% were classified as routine evacuees. Eighty-six percent had health data available in the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Two thirds had pre- and/or postdeployment questionnaire data. Conclusions: Combining data sources increases our understanding of disease patterns in deployed troops. Targeted preventive interventions can then be implemen...
Testing Spatial Isotropy Using Optically-Pumped 199Hg and 201Hg

Using 201Hg (1 S 0, I = 3/2) atoms, we have developed a technique to studying static quadrupole interactions of nuclei in 1 S 0 atoms/1/. Using this technique, we have set limits on how the 201Hg nuclear Zeeman levels depend on the orientation of the quantization axis in space with the null result Δf < 5 × 10−7Hz, which reduces previous limits on possible local Lorentz invariance (LLI) violating interactions by over three orders of magnitude.
Identifying Optimal Zeolitic Sorbents for Sweetening of Highly Sour Natural Gas

Raw natural gas is a complex mixture comprising methane, ethane, other hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. For sour gas fields, selective and energy-efficient removal of H2 S is one of the crucial challenges facing the natural-gas industry. Separation using nanoporous materials, such as zeolites, can be an alternative to energy-intensive amine-based absorption processes. Herein, the adsorption of binary H2 S/CH4 and H2 S/C2 H6 mixtures in the all-silica forms of 386 zeolitic frameworks is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. Adsorption of a five-component mixture is utilized to evaluate the performance of the 16 most promising materials under close-to-real conditions. It is found that depending on the fractions of CH4 , C2 H6 , and CO2 , different sorbents allow for optimal H2 S removal and hydrocarbon recovery.
Quantitation of immunoglobulin associated with senescent erythrocytes from the rabbit

The biochemical processes that determine the lifespan of mammalian erythrocytes are unknown; one prominent theory suggests that antibody binding to the senescent red blood cell identifies it for removal from the circulation. To address this question, we have used a newly developed procedure for the isolation of aged erythrocytes that involves the biotinylation of rabbit red blood cells, in vivo aging of these cells, and the eventual in vitro recovery of the aged red blood cells by their affinity for an avidin support. Erythrocytes isolated with this method were found to have near-normal levels of cell-associated Ig throughout their 60-day lifespan. These data suggest that IgG accumulation is not part of the normal senescence process for erythrocytes in rabbits.
Lifetime lamb and wool production of targhee or Finn-Dorset-Targhee ewes managed as farm or range flock: I. Average annual ewe performance

Lifetime (5 yr) lamb production and wool production from 207 straightbred Targhee (T) and 474 1/4 Finn-1/4 Dorset-1/2 Targhee (FDT) crossbred ewes managed in a range or farm flock system were evaluated for ewe fertility, prolificacy, ewe fleece weight, and total lamb weight weaned per ewe exposed. Data included 2,620 ewe exposures, 2,384 parturitions, 4,638 lambs born, and 3,498 lambs weaned. Ewes were born in 1984 through 1987 and lambed the first time as 2-yr-olds. Expressed as mean annual values, ewe fertility rates were similar (92.2 vs 91.0%, P = .30) for FDT and T ewes. Finn-Dorset-Targhee ewes had higher (P < .001) prolificacy (2.11 vs 1.75), weaned more lambs per ewe exposed (1.41 vs 1.18), produced more total lamb weight weaned per ewe exposed (33.8 vs 29.9 kg), and lambed 2 d earlier than T ewes. Targhee ewes produced more (P < .001) wool (4.5 vs 3.5 kg) than FDT ewes. Range flock ewes had a higher (P < .001) fertility rate (94.5 vs 88.7%), higher number of lambs weaned per ewe exposed (1.38 vs 1.22), and higher total lamb weight weaned per ewe exposed (34.7 vs 29.0 kg) than farm flock ewes. Farm flock ewes had a higher (P < .001) prolificacy (2.00 vs 1.86) and produced more wool (4.2 vs 3.8 kg) than range flock ewes. Targhee ewes had heavier lambs at birth (5.2 vs 4.6 kg; P < .001) and at weaning (25.8 vs 25.4 kg; P < .05). Range flock lambs were heavier (P < .001) at weaning than farm flock lambs (26.2 vs 24.9 kg). Lambs from FDT dams had a higher (P < .01) survival rate than lambs from T dams (75.6 vs 71.4%). Lamb survival from birth to weaning was higher (P < .001) for range flock lambs than for farm flock lambs (76.6 vs 70.4%). Incorporation of Finnsheep and Dorset breeding increased the reproductive performance in both management systems but decreased wool production.
Trihalomethane, dihaloacetonitrile, and total: N -nitrosamine precursor adsorption by carbon nanotubes: The importance of surface oxides and pore volume

As drinking water sources become increasingly impaired, enhanced removal of natural organic matter (NOM) may be required to curb formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) upon chlor(am)ination. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can adsorb NOM, their properties for DBP precursor adsorption have not been elucidated. Nine types of CNTs were assessed for trihalomethane (THM), dihaloacetonitrile (DHAN), and total N-nitrosamine (TONO) precursor adsorption. Batch isotherm experiments were completed with lake water and, to simulate an impaired condition, effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Adsorption varied with CNT type and dose, with TONO precursors having the highest percent removals from WWTP effluent (up to 97%). Physicochemical properties of CNTs were characterized by gas adsorption isotherms and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and numerical models were developed to identify CNT properties driving DBP precursor adsorption. The models fits were strong (R2 > 0.92) and indicated removal of the three precursor types increased with percent carboxyl groups (p < 0.01) and, for TONO precursors only, cumulative pore volume (CPV, p = 0.001). A multicollinearity analysis suggested surface oxides – particularly carboxyl groups – on the CNTs increased CPV, presumably by increasing electrostatic repulsive forces, which enhanced microporosity sufficiently to overshadow any repulsion of DBP precursors from negatively charged surface oxides. A size exclusion analysis revealed all CNT pores were accessible to TONO precursors, while THM and DHAN precursors had limited access to the smaller micropores. These findings provide a framework to modify CNTs to optimize adsorption of DBP precursors and demonstrate the potential of CNTs for TONO precursor removal.
Big data analytics: An expert interview with Bipin Chadha, data scientist for United Services Automobile Association (USAA)

Dr. Bipin Chadha is a Data Scientist at United Services Automobile Association (USAA). USAA is a Texas-based Fortune 500 diversified financial services group of companies. This group includes Texas...
Secondary Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Primary Solid Organ Malignancy: A SEER Analysis of Incidence and Outcomes

Abstract Background: The incidence of secondary Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia (sALL) after a preceding first primary solid organ malignancy (1M) is not well defined. We undertook a Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-based analysis to describe the occurrence of sALL among adult patients with a history of common 1M’s. We also evaluated differences in sALL survival on the basis of age, the site and extent of 1M, and for evidence of any underlying racial/ethnic disparity. Methods: The SEER-18 database (1973-2011) was interrogated for the current study. All confirmed cases of ALL (ICD-O-3 codes: 9811, 9812, 9814-18, 9826-28, 9835-37) in adult patients (age ≥18 years) were identified. De novo ALL vs. sALL was determined by using the SEER variable ‘First Malignant Primary Indicator’. 1M prior to the diagnosis of ALL was identified by merging all SEER databases together by patient ID number. Those with 1M stage of ‘in situ’; sALL cases reported Results: A total of n=8,398 adult patients with primary ALL (1ALL) and n=414 with sALL were identified. Patient characteristics were significantly different between 1ALL & sALL (Table). Males comprised 49.8% of sALL patients as compared to 58% with 1ALL. Age at diagnosis of ALL was also significantly different, with 55.5% of sALL patients being ≥65 years as compared to 51.4% of 1ALL observed in the 18-44 years age group. Non-Whites comprised 27.3% of sALL and 40.4% of 1ALL, with Hispanics having the most differential distribution of 13.3% and 24.6%, respectively in the two groups. Distribution of sALL patients by latency from 1M is shown in Table. The majority of sALL patients had a diagnosis of local/regional (rather than advanced stage) 1M (Table). sALL patients had a significantly inferior OS when compared to 1ALL (HR 1.211, 95%CI 1.079-1.359) (Median OS 14 months vs. 18 months, Figure). sALL cases with longer latency interval (>5 year) appeared to have better median OS compared to shorter latency intervals, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.53). Conclusion: We have performed the largest population-based analysis identifying sALL after 1M, demonstrating that sALL patients are older and have significantly worse OS than 1ALL. We noted a lower relative incidence of sALL in Hispanics as compared with 1ALL, while the converse was true for Whites. Although detailed treatment data (specifically with respect to chemotherapeutic agents) is not available in SEER, it is possible that treatment for local/regional 1M - presumably adjuvant in nature - may be associated with the risk of sALL. Further analyses are required and are ongoing to confirm the relative incidence after specific 1M’s, and the impact of both specific treatment modalities and the era of treatment for 1M on risk of developing sALL. Download : Download high-res image (187KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Download : Download high-res image (78KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 2 . Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Aptamer-Targeted Attenuation of IL-2 Signaling in CD8+ T Cells Enhances Antitumor Immunity.

Immune responses elicited against cancer using existing therapies such as vaccines or immune stimulatory antibodies are often not curative. One way to potentiate antitumor immunity is to enhance the long-term persistence of anti-tumor CD8+ T cells. Studies have shown that the persistence of activated CD8+ T cells is negatively impacted by the strength of interleukin 2 (IL-2) signaling. Here, we used small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against CD25 (IL-2Rα) to attenuate IL-2 signaling in CD8+ T cells. The siRNAs were targeted to 4-1BB-expressing CD8+ T cells by conjugation to a 4-1BB-binding oligonucleotide aptamer. Systemic administration of the 4-1BB aptamer-CD25 siRNA conjugate downregulated CD25 mRNA only in 4-1BB-expressing CD8+ T cells promoting their differentiation into memory cells. Treatment with the 4-1BB aptamer-CD25 siRNA conjugates enhanced the antitumor response of a cellular vaccine or local radiation therapy. Indicative of the generality of this approach, 4-1BB aptamer-targeted delivery of an Axin-1 siRNA, a rate-limiting component of the β-catenin destruction complex, enhanced CD8+ T cell memory development and antitumor activity. These findings show that aptamer-targeted siRNA therapeutics can be used to modulate the function of circulating CD8+ T cells, skewing their development into long-lasting memory CD8+ T cells, and thereby potentiating antitumor immunity.
Understanding the Mechanics of Neutrophil Migration in Three-Dimensional Extracellular Matrices

While much research has been dedicated to the identification of the cascade of specific biochemical processes involved in the recruitment of neutrophils, much less is known about the mechanical events driving their migration; in particular, how they generate the necessary traction forces to migrate across three-dimensional (3-D) extravascular spaces and the importance of forming cell-substrate adhesions during this process is unclear. In this study, we investigate the importance of cell-substrate adhesions on the mechanics of 3-D neutrophil motility in collagen gels using Elastographic 3D Force Microscopy (E3DFM). We used wild type neutrophil-like differentiated human promyelocytic leukemia (dHL-60) cells and talin 1 knockout dHL60 cells, which were unable to engage their integrins, as our model systems. Both cell lines were embedded in collagen matrices containing fluorescent micro-beads. Neutrophil motility was induced via the introduction of the neutrophil chemokine formyl-Methionyl-Leucyl-Phenylalanine (fMLP) in a custom build device. Both Confocal and Fluorescent microscopy techniques were used to image the movement of the embedded micro-beads as well as fluorescently labeled cells. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Finite Deformation Theory were used to compute displacement fields in the collagen matrices. Stress fields in the matrices were computed using our E3DFM method. We will present data showing that morphological changes and migratory patterns differed depending on the cell's ability to form cell-substrate adhesions. We will also provide data showing a clear relationship between the aforementioned migratory characteristics and computed displacement and stress fields around migrating neutrophils in collagen matrices. The results from our study show that neutrophils migrating in 3-D environments employ distinct mechanical mechanisms that depend on their ability to form adhesions.
Gender Differences in Parents’ Prenatal Wishes for their Children’s Future: A Mixed-Methods Study

Every parent-to-be has wishes for his or her child’s future. These wishes might influence parent–child interactions and children’s outcomes, yet little is known about the content of these wishes. The purpose of this mixed-methods investigation was to: (a) examine the different types of prenatal wishes that parents have for their first-born child using qualitative methods; and (b) explore whether parents’ wishes vary as a function of their gender and/or the gender of the child they are expecting, using quantitative methods. Participant interviews (n = 126 couples) from a longitudinal investigation that began in 1992 were used and qualitative analysis of mothers’ transcripts revealed eight wish categories: (1) well-being; (2) personal relationships; (3) particular characteristics; (4) particular goals; (5) personal achievement and responsibility; (6) personal fulfillment; (7) protection; and (8) dependence on the parent. Quantitative analyses revealed that, on average, mothers reported more wishes regarding their future child’s happiness (p < .05) and emotional fulfillment (p < .01), whereas fathers’ wishes focused more on their future child’s characteristics (p < .01), goals (p < .05), and achievement (p < .10). However, mothers’ and fathers’ wishes did not differ according to whether they knew if their future child was a boy or a girl. Although the types of wishes that mothers versus fathers have for their children’s future are generally influenced by the gender stereotypes in which they were raised, findings suggest that both mothers and fathers seem to avoid imposing these gender stereotypes on their future children.
Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Leukodystrophies

Advanced magnetic resonance (MR) techniques, namely MR spectroscopy and perfusion MR imaging, have provided the researcher with new tools for evaluating leukodystrophies. They have allowed for better characterization of diseases, improved sensitivity of detection, and a means of tracking brain metabolites and perfusion in vivo to monitor therapy or disease progression. In some cases, these techniques also allow for the specific diagnosis of certain abnormalities. Evaluation of leukodystrophies with MR spectroscopy has advanced from the simple observation of metabolic derangements and correlation to pathophysiology to the prognostication of patient clinical outcome and the in vivo tracking of metabolic abnormalities after therapeutic intervention. We aim to describe how these technologies can aid the clinician in the preventative, diagnostic, and treatment schemes in these diseases.
PAS Proteins: Comparative Biology and Proteasomal Degradation

The family of mammalian bHLH/PAS proteins includes several key regulatory proteins that respond to environmental signals such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) protein. These proteins are transcription factors that play essential roles in the adaptive response of organisms to various environmental and chemical signals. Thus, it is not surprising that there has been a great deal of interest in these proteins in the fields of toxicology and pharmacology since they were cloned in the early 1990s. Since their discovery, much of the analysis of the pathways that are mediated by these proteins has focused on the ‘response’ or ‘outputs’ of cells or animals to specific chemical and environmental stressors (especially at the level of metabolism, physiology and overall animal health). However, numerous studies have also evaluated the molecular and cellular biology of the signal transduction pathways mediated by these proteins and the attenuation of the pathways. The goal of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of PAS domain-containing proteins, with focus on the AHR-mediated signal transduction pathway and its regulation at the protein level. Emphasis is placed on the control of AHR protein concentration in cells, the mechanism of ligand-dependent and ligand-independent degradation, species differences in AHR, the proteins involved in the degradation mechanism, regulatory crosstalk of other receptors and the importance of AHR protein concentration in signaling. Where appropriate, degradation of other PAS domain proteins is also discussed.
Eyes to see and ears to hear: sensitivity in research on attachment and culture

How and why should attachment researchers engage in research on attachment and culture? How should they strive to develop a theoretical perspective that is both contextually sensitive and also reflecting species-typical processes of evolutionary adaptation? These comments on the remarkable empirical papers of this special issue consider what is learned from these studies, what more is needed, and directions for future research.
Hypertext’s Contribution to Computer-Mediated Communication: In Search of an Instructional Model

“Collaborative creativity” is one of the tenets of the belief-structure of many Hypertext enthusiasts. Indeed, one particularly fruitful area of application for hypertext systems has turned out to be the collaborative annotation of student papers by both faculty and students is also something that many proponents of hypertext advocate and (occasionally) practice. One of the more long-lived working hypertext environments — Intermedia at Brown University — was specifically designed to support this sort of collaborative educational activity (Yankelovitch et al. 1988; Landow, 1987).
A Global Optimization Strategy and Its Use in Solvent Design

Solvent design can be modeled as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem (MINLP) in which discrete variables denote the presence or absence of molecular structural entities and to what extent they occur in the pure component compound or mixture. On the other hand, continuous variables denote process variables such as temperature and flow rates. In the MINLP model the number of discrete variables can range from several tens to several hundreds. Therefore the use of the standard branch-and-bound method for solving the problem can be computationally intensive since all the variables (discrete and or continuous) must be used as branching variables. To overcome this problem, we have proposed a new strategy in which branching is done using branching functions instead of all the search variables. This approach results in a decrease in the number of branching variables. During branch and bound, the bounding operation is performed in the search variables space, while the branching operation is performed in a reduced dimension space defined by the branching (or splitting) functions. The branching functions are determined from the special tree function representation of both the objective function and constraints. The suggested MINLP solution approach is demonstrated on a solvent design application.
Adolescents, informed consent and confidentiality : A case study

Issues related to informed consent and confidentiality often arise in the emergency care setting. When the patient is an adolescent further complexities are introduced, especially when the desires of the adolescent are different from those of the parent. Understanding when an adolescent can give informed consent and what the limits of confidentiality are will assist medical personnel in providing the most appropriate care. These concepts are elucidated with a specific case.
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Procedural Amnesia and Respiratory Depression Between Moderate and Deep Sedation With Propofol in the Emergency Department.

Objectives The objective was to determine if there is a difference in procedural amnesia and adverse respiratory events (AREs) between the target sedation levels of moderate (MS) and deep (DS) procedural sedation. Methods This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial of consenting adult patients planning to undergo DS with propofol between March 5, 2015, and May 24, 2017. Patients were randomized to a target sedation level of MS or DS using the American Society of Anesthesiologist's definitions. Drug doses, vital signs, observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAAS) score, end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2 ), and the need for supportive airway maneuvers (SAMs; bag-valve mask use, repositioning, and stimulation to induce respirations) were monitored continuously. A standardized image was shown every 30 seconds starting 3 minutes before the procedure continuing until the patient had returned to baseline after the procedure. Recall and recognition of images were assessed 10 minutes after the sedation. Subclinical respiratory depression (RD) was defined as SaO2 ≤ 91%, change in ETCO2 ≥ 10 mm Hg, or absent ETCO2 at any time. The occurrence of RD with a SAM was defined as an ARE. Patient satisfaction, pain, and perceived recollection and physician assessment of procedure difficulty were collected using visual analog scales (VASs). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled: 54 randomized to target MS and 53 to DS. Of the patients randomized to target MS, 50% achieved MS and 50% achieved DS. In the target DS group, 77% achieved DS and 23% achieved MS. The median total propofol dose (mg/kg) was lower in the MS group: MS 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-1.6, IQR = 1) versus DS 1.8 (95% CI = 1.6-2.0, IQR = 0.9). There were no differences in median OAAS during the procedure (MS 2.4 and DS 2.8), lowest OAAS (MS 2 and DS 2), percentage of images recalled (MS 4.7% vs. DS 3.8%, p = 0.73), or percentage of images recognized (MS 61.1% vs. DS 55%, p = 0.52). In the MS group, 41% patients had any AREs compared to 42% in the DS group (p = 0.77, 95% CI difference = -0.12 to 0.24). The total number of AREs was 23% lower in the MS group (p = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.41 to -0.04). There was no difference in patient-reported pain, satisfaction, or recollection VAS scores. Provider's rating of procedural difficulty and procedural success were similar in both groups. Conclusions Targeting MS or DS did not reliably result in the intended sedation level. Targeting MS, however, resulted in a lower rate of total AREs and fewer patients had multiple AREs with no difference in procedural recall. As seen in previous reports, patients who achieved MS had less AREs than those who achieved DS. Our study suggests that a target of MS provides adequate amnesia with less need for supportive airway interventions than a target level of DS, despite the fact that it often does not result in intended sedation level.