cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors and Dendrodendritic Synapses in the Main Olfactory Bulb

The main olfactory bulb (MOB) is the first site of synaptic processing in the central nervous system for odor information that is relayed from olfactory receptor neurons in the nasal cavity via the olfactory nerve (ON). Glutamate and ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) play a dominant role at ON synapses. Similarly, glutamate and iGluRs mediate dendrodendritic transmission between several populations of neurons within the MOB network. Neuroanatomical studies demonstrate that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are densely expressed through the MOB network, and they are particularly abundant at dendrodendritic synapses. Until recently, the physiological roles of mGluRs in the MOB were poorly understood. Over the past several years, mGluRs have been shown to play surprisingly powerful neuromodulatory roles at ON synapses and in dendrodendritic neurotransmission in the MOB. This chapter focuses on recent advances in our understanding of mGluR-mediated signaling components at dendrodendritic synapses.
Pathogen Prevalence, Group Bias, and Collectivism in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample

It has been argued that people in areas with high pathogen loads will be more likely to avoid outsiders, to be biased in favor of in-groups, and to hold collectivist and conformist values. Cross-national studies have supported these predictions. In this paper we provide new pathogen codes for the 186 cultures of the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample and use them, together with existing pathogen and ethnographic data, to try to replicate these cross-national findings. In support of the theory, we found that cultures in high pathogen areas were more likely to socialize children toward collectivist values (obedience rather than self-reliance). There was some evidence that pathogens were associated with reduced adult dispersal. However, we found no evidence of an association between pathogens and our measures of group bias (in-group loyalty and xenophobia) or intergroup contact.
Coping with Manufacturers' Dilemma in the E-Commerce Era: A Relational Model and a Strategic Framework

From a channel conflict perspective, this paper proposes a Relational Model identifying key determinants of manufacturers' intentions to establish an online direct sales channel ODSC. The paper also develops a Strategic Framework as a guideline for manufacturers to formulate their Internet channel strategies. Unlike most other studies on channel conflicts that focus on channel management after the manufacturer has already established its ODSC, this study provides a comprehensive strategic analysis of channel conflicts based on a pre-ODSC context, which prevents unnecessary losses from channel conflicts before they occur.
INFECTIONS FOLLOWING HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well-established treatment modality for a variety of bone marrow failure states (aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, immunodeficiency syndromes, congenital disorders of metabolism), hematologic malignancies (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma), and solid tumors (sarcomas, neuroblastoma, breast cancer, testicular cancer). Numerous advances have taken place in the field of HSCT over the past 10 years to make the procedure safer. Perhaps the most significant change has been the use of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) as an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells. Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) results in faster engraftment of both platelets and neutrophils, leading to a shorter length of stay, fewer days of fever, and less antibiotic use. Secondly, increased understanding of donor-host immunobiology has led to the implementation of nonmyeloablative stem cell transplant protocols associated with less gastrointestinal toxicity and less overall chemotherapy-induced toxicities. In addition, better supportive care measures have been incorporated into practice, such as growth factors to accelerate neutrophil recovery; new, more potent antimicrobial agents; and prophylaxis strategies to prevent infection. New technologic advances permit earlier detection of infective pathogens, especially cytomegalovirus (CMV) (by antigenemia and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technology), a significant cause of mortality in HSCT patients. These advances have resulted in better overall outcomes and have increased the safety of the procedure, that in turn enables more patients to be eligible for HSCT. Despite these advances, infection remains a major cause of transplant related morbidity. There are several risk factors for infection that still exist in HSCT patients. First is the intensity of the conditioning regimen. The majority of chemotherapeutic agents used in traditional autologous and allogeneic HSCT conditioning regimens leads to significant gastrointestinal injury that then serves as a portal of entry of microorganisms into the bloodstream. Second, the type of HSCT plays an important role in infection. Patients who undergo allogeneic HLA-identical sibling or matched unrelated donor (MUD) HSCT are at greater risk for infective episodes as a consequence of receiving immunosuppressive medications to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The severity and extent of GVHD also impacts rates of infection. The increasing use of indwelling catheters and implantable infusion devices has served as a focus for gram-positive infections. Finally, the occurrence of viral infections that can suppress responses to other opportunistic pathogens places patients at increased risk for infection. 216
Planning post‐conflict reconstruction in Iraq: what can we learn?

Efforts to improve national and international capabilities to plan and manage post-conflict reconstruction operations are underway in many countries and are high on the agenda of several multilateral institutions. The international community has learned lessons from the numerous post-conflict reconstruction and nation-building operations that it has engaged in since the end of the Cold War but Iraq represented the most difficult and ambitious operation undertaken to date. Although the coalition effort in Iraq had many unique features, we can nonetheless draw lessons from the tenure of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) both for the ongoing effort in Iraq and more broadly for future post-conflict reconstruction operations. This article discusses the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction planning and mission management and assesses what happened under the CPA. It draws lessons for the future international effort in Iraq and for the international community as it considers how to plan and organize future such missions.
Suspected pancreatic cancer: evaluation by dynamic gadolinium-enhanced 3D gradient-echo MRI.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of gadolinium-enhanced 3D gradient-echo (GRE) MR images in the detection of pancreatic cancer.CONCLUSION. Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced 3D GRE images are both sensitive and specific in the detection of pancreatic cancer. Our study shows that the identification of pancreatic cancer using these images can be performed with a high degree of confidence and accuracy, making them very useful in the detection of pancreatic cancer.
Regularization of diffusion tensor field using coupled robust anisotropic diffusion filters

This paper presents a method to simultaneously regularize diffusion weighted images and their estimated diffusion tensors, with the goal of suppressing noise and restoring tensor information. We enforce a data fidelity constraint, using coupled robust anisotropic diffusion filters, to ensure consistency of the restored diffusion tensors with the regularized diffusion weighted images. The filters are designed to take advantage of robust statistics and to be adopted to the anisotropic nature of diffusion tensors, which can effectively keep boundaries between piecewise constant regions in the tensor volume and also the diffusion weighted images during the regularized process. To facilitate Euclidean operations on the diffusion tensors, log-Euclidean metrics are adopted when performing the filtering. Experimental results on simulated and real image data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Not too Basic, Not too Technical: A New ADHD Resource

Chandler, C. (2011). The science of ADHD: A guide for parents and professionals. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. 333pp. $24.95 (pbk). ISNB-13: 9781405162340 The science of ADHD: A guide for parent...
Reasoning about security in sensor networks

We present a formal framework for reasoning about security concerns in the context of embedded sensor networks. We first provide an agent-based programming model for sensor networks. A logical framework enables reasoning about security, safety, and integrity with respect to usage of resources in this model. Embedded sensor networks often operate in rapidly changing mission-critical environments where both functional and nonfunctional requirements can alter dynamically in an unforeseen manner. The network may need to be reconfigured and reprogrammed in response to changes in its operating conditions. We provide a framework based on counterfactual logic to formally represent changes to the system and perform what-if reasoning about their impact on security and safety even before they have been applied. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control Plug Lateral Coupling Memory Cell Utilizing Uniform Channel Fowler–Nordheim Operation

In this letter, we propose a control-plug (CP) structure logic nonvolatile memory (LNVM) fabricated by a standard logic CMOS process for mobile applications with low-power-consumption requirement. The operating concept of this cell is based on the use of a lateral capacitance coupling between a bar-type CP and a floating gate. Owing to the unique bar-type CP-coupling method and CP-sharing cell array structure, the novel cell has a coupling ratio of over 94% with the lowest fill factor of 344 as a Fowler-Nordheim (FN)-operated LNVM. Furthermore, because of the high coupling ratio and divided-bias operating method, this cell utilizes a uniform-channel FN tunneling program and erase method using a 3.3 V logic peripheral overdrive tolerable voltage of 5.5 V.
Tuning, Intonation, and Temperament: Choosing Frequencies for Musical Notes

Imagine yourself seated in a concert hall, anticipating the beginning of a symphony orchestra performance. The musicians are all seated. The concertmaster rises and calls to the oboist to sound the “A,” which will be the standard pitch that all others will use to tune their instruments. In advance the oboist has tuned the oboe to the standard frequency chosen by the orchestra, which is usually a frequency of 440 Hz. The winds and brass and tympani tune their instruments accordingly.
Uncertain Insurance: The Ambiguities and Complexities of Provisional Voting

This chapter in "Voting in America: American Voting Systems in Flux: Debacles, Dangers and Brave New Designs," a book on recent changes in U.S. elections discusses the development of provisional voting since the enactment of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The chapter addresses interpretative uncertainties created by HAVA's intentionally ambiguous compromise language, as well as the failure of state legislatures to clarify the gaps left open by HAVA. The chapter looks at the wide variation in provisional voting practices among states that these gaps have fostered. The chapter also considers the extensive variation that occurs in provisional voting among counties within each state, a problem that potentially could give rise to a claim of unconstitutionality under the Equal Protection principle of Bush v. Gore. The chapter concludes by urging states to provide more specificity in their provisional voting laws, particularly concerning the rules and procedures for resolving any disputes that may rise over the counting of provisional ballots in an election where they will be outcome-determinative.
Effect of a Mindful Breathing Intervention on Community College Students’ Writing Apprehension and Writing Performance

ABSTRACTMindful breathing has been linked to changes in physiology, but we took the practice further by examining whether a mindfulness breathing intervention, a three-minute breathing exercise marked by focused attention on the sensations of breath, affected writing anxiety, and writing performance measures. In addition, we examined mindful breathing as an intervention for community college students—some of the most at risk and underprepared students in higher education in the United States. We compared Daly Miller Writing Apprehension surveys and narrative writing samples from 277 students enrolled in a freshman composition course at a southeastern community college, half of the class sections were randomly assigned to practice a mindful-breathing technique at the beginning of class sessions. Students in the class sections that practiced mindful-breathing group experienced a statistically significant decrease in writing apprehension and mechanical error scores from pre- to post-test when compared to stu...
Commercial Paper Funding Facility

On September 16, 2008, just a day after Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy protection, the Reserve Primary Fund money market mutual fund (MMMF) “broke the bank,” announcing a net asset value of less than $1 per share because of a large exposure to Lehman Brothers commercial paper (CP). As a result, the CP markets came under considerable pressure as other MMMFs began to experience run-like redemption requests and became reluctant to hold CP. The difficulties in the CP market lead to a severe shortening of maturities and increased rates that threatened to freeze these lending channels, which were widely used by financial and nonfinancial companies of all sizes to fund operating expenses and loans to small businesses and consumers. On October 7, 2008, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) intervened announcing the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF), which would backstop the CP market. Through the CPFF the Federal Reserve Bank of New York funded the indirect purchase of CP from issuers. The CPFF was highly utilized and at its early stages purchased the overwhelming majority of new term CP being issued. At its highest level it held $350 billion of CP, 20 percent of all outstanding CP. As markets improved, utilization of the CPFF waned and it expired on February 1, 2010, having helped to stabilize the CP markets.
Lack of effect of Candida albicans mannan on development of protective immune responses in experimental murine candidiasis.

Candida albicans mannoprotein (MAN) administered to mice before or during immunization with viable C. albicans downregulates MAN-specific delayed hypersensitivity. In the experiments reported here we determined the effect of MAN downregulation on protective immunity in minimally immunized mice, i.e., mice exposed to C. albicans either intradermally or intragastrically, and in maximally immunized mice, i.e., mice immunized by a combination of intradermal and intragastric exposure, in experimental systemic candidiasis. MAN suppression did not induce statistically significant alterations in the protective responses in experimental candidiasis, although 8 of 12 groups of mice treated with MAN had fewer CFU of C. albicans in their kidneys than their non-MAN-treated counterparts. The results emphasize the lack of correlation of delayed hypersensitivity with protection in candidiasis and suggest that MAN may contain epitopes involved in the protective response.
Disposable Diet Packet for Feeding and Oviposition of Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

A disposable, heat-sealed packet has been developed for use in feeding and oviposition of the Debolt Lygus diet for laboratory rearing of Lygus hesperus Knight. An individual packet is formed by heat sealing the edges of a piece of Parafilm (10 by 10 cm) with a piece of polyethelene plastic (10 by 14 cm) film on three sides. The packet is partially filled with diet, and the remaining edge is then heat sealed to form a disposable packet of diet. The packets can be used for feeding nymphs and adults and also can be used for adult oviposition.
New Species of Bees of the Genus Dufourea from California (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)

The Californian fauna probably includes more species of Dufourea (inclusive of Ilalictoides and Betheliella ) than is found in any other region. To the present time twenty species have been described from California, or are now known to occur in the state, not including the species recorded by Provancher (1895) as Panurgus fimbriatus . The present paper contributes thirteen additional species, and Mr. G. E. Bohart, who is working on the species of the northern and central part of the state, will describe nearly as many more.
Climate-driven polar motion: 2003–2015

Earth’s spin axis has been wandering along the Greenwich meridian since about 2000, representing a 75° eastward shift from its long-term drift direction. The past 115 years have seen unequivocal evidence for a quasi-decadal periodicity, and these motions persist throughout the recent record of pole position, in spite of the new drift direction. We analyze space geodetic and satellite gravimetric data for the period 2003–2015 to show that all of the main features of polar motion are explained by global-scale continent-ocean mass transport. The changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS) and global cryosphere together explain nearly the entire amplitude (83 ± 23%) and mean directional shift (within 5.9° ± 7.6°) of the observed motion. We also find that the TWS variability fully explains the decadal-like changes in polar motion observed during the study period, thus offering a clue to resolving the long-standing quest for determining the origins of decadal oscillations. This newly discovered link between polar motion and global-scale TWS variability has broad implications for the study of past and future climate.
Management of Atopic Dermatitis.

of the Clinical Problem Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 10% of US adults and children.1,2 The condition is the result of multiple factors including a hyperstimulated cutaneous immune system, a genetically determined compromised skin barrier, and exposure to triggering environmental stimuli. Flares manifest as extreme pruritus of red, rough, flaky and often fissured regions of the skin that become chronically thickened, rough, and discolored. Atopic dermatitis can have a profound effect on the quality of life of patients and their families through effects on sleep, behavior, mood, and absences from school and work.3 The topical therapies discussed in this guideline4 are considered the first line of management.
Inhibitory effect of inhibitory PAS domain protein on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor

AIM: To study the inhibitory effect of inhibitory PAS domain protein (IPAS) on the activity of hypoxia inducible factor-1 α(HIF-1α) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).· METHODS: Luciferase reporter plasmids containing the EPO enhancers were co-transfected with pcDNA3-HIF-1α and pcDNA3-IPAS in NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells subjected to normoxia or 16h of hypoxia. The activity of HIF-1αwas identified by measuring the relative enzymatic activity of luciferase. MRNAs were isolated from pcDNA3-HIF-1α and pcDNA3 or pcDNA3-IPAS co-transfected cells, and analysed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.· RESULTS: The activity of luciferase of NIH-3T3 transfected pcDNA3-IPAS was much lower than that in the control group, and the higher dose of pcDNA3-IPAS, the lower activity of luciferase. The expression of the mRNA of VEGF of NIH-3T3 transfected pcDNA3-IPAS was decreased compared with the cells transfected pcDNA3.· CONCLUSION: IPAS inhibits the expression of mRNA of VEGF by reducing the activity of HIF-1α.·
THE Mnet method for variable selection

By JIAN HUANG Departments of Statistics & Actuarial Science and Biostatistics, University of Iowa, 221 Schaeffer Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, U.S.A. jian-huang@uiowa.edu PATRICK BREHENY Departments of Statistics and Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, 817 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY 40506, U.S.A. patrick.breheny@uky.edu SHUANGGE MA School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, U.S.A. shuangge.ma@yale.edu CUN-HUI ZHANG Department of Statistics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, U.S.A. cunhui@stat.rutgers.edu
N-cadherin adhesive interactions modulate matrix mechanosensing and fate commitment of mesenchymal stem cells

During mesenchymal development, the microenvironment gradually transitions from one that is rich in cell-cell interactions to one that is dominated by cell-ECM (extracellular matrix) interactions. Because these cues cannot readily be decoupled in vitro or in vivo, how they converge to regulate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) mechanosensing is not fully understood. Here, we show that a hyaluronic acid hydrogel system enables, across a physiological range of ECM stiffness, the independent co-presentation of the HAVDI adhesive motif from the EC1 domain of N-cadherin and the RGD adhesive motif from fibronectin. Decoupled presentation of these cues revealed that HAVDI ligation (at constant RGD ligation) reduced the contractile state and thereby nuclear YAP/TAZ localization in MSCs, resulting in altered interpretation of ECM stiffness and subsequent changes in downstream cell proliferation and differentiation. Our findings reveal that, in an evolving developmental context, HAVDI/N-cadherin interactions can alter stem cell perception of the stiffening extracellular microenvironment.
Sleep, Workload and Boredom: Subject Matter Expert Insights

As human spaceflight evolves toward long duration space missions (LDSM), it becomes increasingly important to design mission specifications and crew schedules that account for fluctuations in cognitive and psychomotor workload. Such schedules should optimize both sleep and workload to maintain high levels of mission performance. Effective sleep and workload scheduling tools are thus imperative for success, as they facilitate enhanced sleep quality and adjustable workload profiles for superior task performance. Here we examine issues related to sleep in space by taking two approaches: (1) completion of a systematic literature analysis, and (2) completion of interviews with Subject Matter Experts. Both of these approaches are summarized, with key findings and implications discussed.
Airway delivery of interferon-γ overexpressing macrophages confers resistance to Mycobacterium avium infection in SCID mice

Mycobacterium avium ( M. avium ) causes significant pulmonary infection, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) represent the first line of host defense against infection in the lung. Interferon gamma (IFN‐ γ ) activation of AMs enhances in vitro killing of pathogens such as M. avium . We hypothesized that airway delivery of AMs into the lungs of immunodeficient mice infected with M. avium will inhibit M. avium growth in the lung and that this macrophage function is in part IFN‐ γ dependent. In this study, normal BALB/c and BALB/c SCID mice received M. avium intratracheally while on mechanical ventilation. After 30 days, M. avium numbers increased in a concentration‐dependent manner in SCID mice compared with normal BALB/c mice. Airway delivery of IFN‐ γ ‐activated BALB/c AMs or J774A.1 macrophages overexpressing IFN‐ γ into the lungs of SCID mice resulted in a significant decrease in M. avium growth ( P < 0.01, both comparisons) and limited dissemination to other organs. In addition, airway delivery of IFN‐ γ activated AMs and macrophages overexpressing IFN‐ γ increased the levels of IFN‐ γ and TNF‐ α in SCID mice. A similar protective effect against M. avium infection using J774A.1 macrophages overexpressing IFN‐ γ was observed in IFN‐ γ knockout mice. These data suggest that administration of IFN‐ γ activated AMs or macrophages overexpressing IFN‐ γ may partially restore local alveolar host defense against infections like M. avium , even in the presence of ongoing systemic immunosuppression.
PTH-024 The Role of Preassessment in Bowel Preparation

Introduction Inadequate bowel preparation reduces the diagnostic accuracy of colonoscopy. This has a significant impact on patients’ safety and the endoscopy units waiting lists. 90% adequate bowel preparation is a quality and safety indicator for endoscopy according to the Joint Advisory Group (JAG). The aim of this study is to determine the effect of patient pre-assessment on the quality of bowel preparation. The role of the cleansing agent was also assessed. Methods This is a retrospective observational study on consecutive patients undergoing elective colonoscopy in our centre from October 2014 until September 2015. Adults undergoing routine diagnostic colonoscopy, bowel cancer screening colonoscopy and chromoendoscopy were included. Sodium picosulphate (PIC) was used as cleansing agent in the first two groups whereas pegylated ethylene glycol with senna (PEG) was used in the latter. According to duration pre-assessment was either limited (LIM, 15 mins) or prolonged (PRO, 45 mins). Quality of bowel preparation was rated as inadequate, adequate and excellent. Results 2900 procedures were evaluated. 60% of the patients were male and the mean age was 58.8 +/- 15.68 years. 1670 (57.58%) were pre-assessed, of which 1329 received LIM/PIC, 280 PRO/PIC and 65 LIM/PEG. 1230 (42, 42%) were not preassessed and had PIC (NO/PIC). Inadequate bowel preparation was reported in 13.31% (n = 386) of the whole cohort. The rate of inadequate bowel preparation in each group was: NO/PIC (17.8%), LIM/PIC (11.51%), LIM/PEG (10.77%), PRO/PIC (2.53%). Pre-assessment showed significant association with bowel preparation outcome (p Further multiple regression analysis showed that patients who had no pre-assessment were more likely to present with inadequate bowel preparation (OR 15.46, CI [7.15–33.4]) compared to patients who underwent prolonged preassessment. Patients undergoing limited preassessment were more likely to present with inadequate bowel preparation (OR 8.16, CI [3.76–17.70]) compared to patients who underwent prolonged pre-assessment. Conclusion This study identifies a prognostic role of preassessment in bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The cleansing agent seems to have no effect but only a small number of patients receiving preparation with PEG were included in this study. Further analysis of more categorical independent variables is required to formulate a predictive model for inadequate bowel preparation. Reference 1 R. Valori. BSG Quality and Safety Indicators for Endoscopy, March 2007 Joint Advisory Group. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
DIRECT COMPUTER SIMULATION OF NONLINEAR WAVES IN SOLIDS, LIQUIDS AND GASES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes direct computer simulation of nonlinear waves in solids, liquids, and gases. The major problem in any simulation of a physical body is that there are way too many component molecules to incorporate into a viable model. The classical mathematical approach to this problem is to replace the large, but finite, number of molecules by an infinite set of points. In doing so, the rich physics of molecular interaction is lost. A practical computer alternative is to replace the large number of molecules by a much smaller number of particles and then readjust the parameters. In the models discussed in the chapter, the long and short range forces can be formulated using only arithmetic in such a fashion that all the classical conservation laws are valid. Such an approach is implicit numerically and, hence, relatively expensive, economically.
Never too old: A single-institution experience of stereotactic body radiation therapy for patients 90 years and older with early stage lung cancer.

Abstract Purpose To report on the patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics of patients aged 90 years or older who were treated with lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early stage lung cancer and the resulting clinical outcomes. Methods and materials We surveyed our institutional review board–approved prospective lung SBRT data registry for patients aged 90 years or older who were treated for early stage lung cancer to determine the rates of local failure, progression-free survival, and overall survival as well as treatment-related toxicity. Results For the 2004 to 2016 time period, 19 patients (of a total of 1268 lung SBRT cases) were identified. The median age at treatment was 91.6 years (range, 90-97 years). Most patients were female (52.6%) and former smokers (78.9%). The median tumor size was 2.1 cm (range, 1.5-5.4 cm). Tissue was obtained for diagnosis in 68.4% of patients, with the predominant histology being adenocarcinoma (42.2%). Six patients (31.6%) had central lesions. The median follow-up for all patients was 17.3 months. The median SBRT schedule was 50 Gy in 5 fractions over 5 consecutive days and was used in 9 cases (47.4%). The median pre-SBRT and 6-month post-SBRT pulmonary testing showed that the forced expiratory volume in one second, as the percent predicted, was 81.9 and 84.5 and the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, as the percent predicted, was 66.5 and 67, respectively. No grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed. The 2-year rates of local failure, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 5.6%, 48.6%, and 47.8%, respectively. Conclusions Lung SBRT appears to be safe and effective in nonagenarians with stage I lung cancer. The absence of high-grade toxicities and mortality warrants its consideration as the primary curative modality in this population.
Abstract 212: Epigenetically Altered TLR4 Expression May Contribute to Increased Inflammation and Impaired Wound Healing in a Murine Model of Diabetes

Background: Wound healing is impaired in diabetes due to dysregulated inflammation. Previous studies by our group and others have demonstrated that inflammatory mediators are significantly increased in diabetic wounds, however, the mechanisms behind this hyper-inflammatory response remain largely unknown. As there is known to be high levels of endotoxin in type 2 diabetic (T2D) wounds, we aimed to assess the role of high fat diet (HFD) on Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) expression. We hypothesized that HFD/T2D would alter histone methylation, leading to increased receptor expression and enhanced inflammation. Methods: C57/BL6 mice were subjected to either normal or HFD for 12-16 weeks to induce the diet-induced obese (DIO) model of physiologic T2D. 4mm hindlimb wounds were created and healing was monitored daily using NIH ImageJ software. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were cultured and TLR4 expression measured by qPCR. Myeloid TLR4 protein expression was assessed in peripheral blood and wound cell isolates by analytical flow cytometry. Macrophages (NK1.1-/Ly6G-/CD11b+) were isolated using magnetic sorting and inflammatory cytokine expression determined with qPCR and bioplex. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis at the NF-kB binding site on the TLR4 promoter was performed using antibodies to trimethylated Histone 3 Lysine 4 (H3K4me3). (N=~5 mice per group for all studies). Results: DIO mice demonstrated significantly delayed wound healing as compared to littermate controls and BMDM isolated from these mice revealed increased TLR4 gene expression. Correspondingly, peripheral blood and wound monocyte/macrophages showed increased TLR4 receptor levels by flow cytometry. ChIP analysis at the TLR4 promoter revealed significantly increased H3K4me3, a gene activating mark, in the HFD BMDM. Finally, macrophage wound isolates from DIO mice had elevated levels of inflammatory gene expression and cytokines. Conclusion: Enhanced H3K4me3 at the TLR4 promoter in diabetic macrophages may increase receptor expression and contribute to the hyper-inflammatory response seen in T2D. Further mechanistic studies are needed in order to examine the role of TLR4 in wound healing.
A Life among Fishes: The Art of Gyotaku

Gyotaku, or fish printing, is a familiar art form to fish biologists. Many of our offices have prints, ranging from crude to exquisite, on the walls. Fish printing stations for kids are common on p...
Twinning contributions to strain localizations in magnesium alloys

Abstract The effect that twin activity in Magnesium alloys has in both local and global strain is investigated in this article. The need to investigate this effect is related to difficulties in associating the spatially varying twinning with both plasticity and failure of this particular class of alloys. To address this need, mechanical testing both inside and outside the Scanning Electron Microscope was conducted and it was coupled with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) deformation and Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) texture measurements. In addition volume recordings of Acoustic Emission (AE) and surface measurements of microstructural changes were used to further complement the in situ tracking of twinning activity throughout monotonic and cyclic mechanical loading experiments. The definition of appropriate monitoring regions allowed the direct correlation of evolving twin activity with associated deformation in Magnesium alloys, for the first time to the authors’ best knowledge, from which twinning contributions to strain localizations were computed.
Teacher perceptions of influence, autonomy, and satisfaction in the early Race to the Top era

In the present study, hierarchical linear modeling with random intercept models was used to estimate the impact school and teacher-level factors had on K-12 teachers’ perceptions of school influence, curricular and pedagogical autonomy, and job satisfaction in the early years of the Race to the Top Era. The main predictors investigated were whether students’ standardized test scores were used as a component of either a teacher’s formal teacher evaluation or compensation, as well as whether teachers worked in a Race to the Top state. Additional school- and teacher-level predictors included percentage minority teachers and students, urbanicity of the school, teacher grade band, years teaching experience, and annual base salary. The study’s findings include statistically significantly yet small, negative correlations between teaching in a RTTT Phase I or II state at the time of the survey and teachers’ perceptions of their school-level influence, curricular autonomy, and pedagogical autonomy. In addition, the use of SGM measures in teacher evaluation, compensation, or both, statistically significantly negatively predicted both teachers’ pedagogical and curricular autonomy, as well as job satisfaction. These findings are consistent with previous studies that found teachers’ classroom autonomy and job satisfaction to be lessened post-NCLB (Crocco & Costigan, 2007; Faulker & Cook, 2006; Huss & Eastep, 2011).
Diffuse Gliomas for Nonneuropathologists: The New Integrated Molecular Diagnostics

Diffuse gliomas comprise the bulk of "brain cancer" in adults. The recent update to the 4th edition of the World Health Organization's classification of tumors of the central nervous system reflects an unprecedented change in the landscape of the diagnosis and management of diffuse gliomas that will affect all those involved in the management and care of patients. Of the recently discovered gene alterations, mutations in the Krebs cycle enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDHs) 1 and 2 have fundamentally changed the way the gliomas are understood and classified. Incorporating information on a few genetic parameters (IDH, ATRX and/or p53, and chromosome 1p19q codeletion), a relatively straightforward diagnostic algorithm has been generated with robust and reproducible results that correlate with patients' survival far better than relying on conventional histology alone. Evidence also supports the conclusion that the vast majority of diffuse gliomas without IDH mutations (IDH-wild-type astrocytomas) behave like IDH-wild-type glioblastomas ("molecular GBM"). Together, these changes reflect a big shift in the practice of diagnostic neuropathology in which tumor risk stratification aligns better with molecular information than histology/grading. The purpose of this review is to provide the readers with a brief synopsis of the changes in the 2016 World Health Organization update with an emphasis on diffuse gliomas and to summarize key gene abnormalities on which these classifications are based. Practical points involved in day-to-day diagnostic workup are also discussed, along with a comparison of the various diagnostic tests, including immunohistochemistry, with an emphasis on targeted next-generation sequencing panel technology as a future universal approach.
Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Use in Pediatric Cardiac ICUs: A Report From the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium Registry.

OBJECTIVES Cardiopulmonary failure in children with cardiac disease differs from the general pediatric critical care population, yet the epidemiology of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in cardiac ICUs has not been described. We aimed to characterize extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization and outcomes across surgical and medical patients in pediatric cardiac ICUs. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium registry to describe extracorporeal membrane oxygenation frequency and outcomes. Within strata of medical and surgical hospitalizations, we identified risk factors associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use through multivariate logistic regression. SETTING Tertiary-care children's hospitals. PATIENTS Neonates through adults with cardiac disease. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were 14,526 eligible hospitalizations from August 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016; 449 (3.1%) included at least one extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in 329 surgical (3.5%) and 120 medical (2.4%) hospitalizations. Systemic circulatory failure and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation were the most common extracorporeal membrane oxygenation indications. In the surgical group, risk factors associated with postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use included younger age, extracardiac anomalies, preoperative comorbidity, higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery category, bypass time, postoperative mechanical ventilation, and arrhythmias (all p < 0.05). Bleeding requiring reoperation (25%) was the most common extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complication in the surgical group. In the medical group, risk factors associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use included acute heart failure and higher Vasoactive Inotropic Score at cardiac ICU admission (both p < 0.0001). Stroke (15%) and renal failure (15%) were the most common extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complications in the medical group. Hospital mortality was 49% in the surgical group and 63% in the medical group; mortality rates for hospitalizations including extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation were 50% and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This is the first multicenter study describing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use and outcomes specific to the cardiac ICU and inclusive of surgical and medical cardiac disease. Mortality remains high, highlighting the importance of identifying levers to improve care. These data provide benchmarks for hospitals to assess their outcomes in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients and identify unique high-risk subgroups to target for quality initiatives.
“My Story Came to Life!”: How Multimodality Can Inspire Revision in Writing:

Revision has been studied mostly from a language centric viewpoint. It is an understudied topic and oftentimes viewed as an afterthought in classrooms rather than a central facet at the heart of qu...
Robust Control of Vibrating Structures

This article gives a broad heuristic overview of some concepts in the application of robust control to flexible structures. It includes the modeling, analysis, and design of controllers and the sort of results that can be expected in a realistic setting for a flexible structure control problem, beyond single input/single output. A goal of this article is to convince, by heuristic means, those who are profoundly skeptical concerning robust control, at the least the intimate connection that exists between classical and multivariable robust control theory. Indeed, the classical robustness concepts in a single loop generalizes to multivariable robust control theory for multiple loops. An underlying theme of this article is the fact that important practical limitations originate from limitations in the accuracy of mathematical models representing flexible structures, not because of computational or numerical limitations or even a lack of sound ideas in mathematical modeling, but rather because of the lack of reliable detailed knowledge necessary in practice to accurately quantify the dynamical process in a given physical system. To this end, recent results are highlighted in the construction of uncertainty bounds directly from measured data.
Is discounting impulsive? Evidence from temporal and probability discounting in gambling and non-gambling college students

Discounting tasks were used to evaluate whether gambling and non-gambling college students (categorized based on their scores on the South Oaks Gambling Screen) differed in the degree to which they discounted delayed and probabilistic rewards. Hyperbola-like functions provided equally good descriptions of discounting in both groups. Both groups discounted large delayed amounts less steeply than small delayed amounts, whereas both groups discounted large probabilistic amounts more steeply than small probabilistic amounts. Gamblers discounted probabilistic rewards less steeply than non-gamblers, suggesting that gamblers are impulsive in the sense that they are less affected by risk than non-gamblers. However, gamblers did not discount delayed rewards more steeply than non-gamblers. The results argue against the view that impulsivity is a general trait that includes both an inability to delay gratification and a tendency to take risks.
The Study of Space Experiences: A Framework for Geometry for Elementary Teachers.

шшт lementary school teachers, preservice or inservice, are not usually given the background in geometry that they need. Some college courses for elementary teachers contain no study of geometry. Those courses that do contain geometry may be limited to traditional topics in measurement, some terminology, and certain facts concerning familiar geometric shapes; or they may review the definitions, theorems, and proofs that the teacher has already had in high school. Judging on hearsay, experience, and an analysis of current mathematics texts for teachers, few courses are providing the teacher with what is needed. What is needed? Probably the most serious need is for the elementary teacher to have some picture of what geometry is about; that is, where it goes, what iťs good for, why anyone children in particular should study it. This picture of geometry cannot be gleaned readily from the current elementary school curriculum where the goals for geometry instruction are ambiguous. Nor can guidance be found in the teacher's high school geometry background since, for most high school students who take geometry, the demands of their first experience with formal deductive reasoning tend to obscure any other messages. No coherent view of the nature of geometry is generated. In fact, many adults would probably choose the word "proof" as their strongest association for the word "geometry." It follows then that there is a need for providing teachers with a functional and appropriate view of the nature of geometry. That is, 'a framework is needed that will give geometry direction and coherence. This need seems to be much greater for g ometry than it is for arithmetic, for example. In the case of arithmetic, most teachers would feel that the goals for instruction are fairly clear. The focus is on skill and understanding with numbers and with the four basic operations. The utility of this skill and understanding is generally accepted; and examples, embodiments, and applications are readily available. It is not surprising, therefore, that most teachers see purpose and direction in their arithmetic program and feel more comfortable with it than they do with geometry. There is another geometry need for teachers. Regardless of what view one
Hierarchical Selective Recruitment in Linear-Threshold Brain Networks, Part II: Multi-Layer Dynamics and Top-Down Recruitment

Goal-driven selective attention (GDSA) is a remarkable function that allows the complex dynamical networks of the brain to support coherent perception and cognition. Part I of this two-part paper proposes a new control-theoretic framework, termed hierarchical selective recruitment (HSR), to rigorously explain the emergence of GDSA from the brain's network structure and dynamics. This part completes the development of HSR by deriving conditions on the joint structure of the hierarchical subnetworks that guarantee top-down recruitment of the task-relevant part of each subnetwork by the subnetwork at the layer immediately above, while inhibiting the activity of task-irrelevant subnetworks at all the hierarchical layers. To further verify the merit and applicability of this framework, we carry out a comprehensive case study of selective listening in rodents and show that a small network with HSR-based structure and minimal size can explain the data with remarkable accuracy while satisfying the theoretical requirements of HSR. Our technical approach relies on the theory of switched systems and provides a novel converse Lyapunov theorem for state-dependent switched affine systems that is of independent interest.
Punctal occlusion for dry eye syndrome: summary of a Cochrane systematic review.

Dry eye disease is a disorder of the tear film associated with ocular signs and symptoms. Punctal occlusion aids the preservation of natural tears. We conducted a Cochrane systematic review to assess the effectiveness of punctal plugs for managing dry eye. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials were included. The primary outcome was symptomatic improvement (SI) at 2–12 months. Nine databases were searched with no date or language restrictions. Two authors assessed trial quality and extracted data. Summary risk ratios and mean differences were calculated. Ten trials were included. In two trials of punctal plugs versus observation, there was less dryness with punctal plugs. The mean difference (MD) in the dry eye symptom score at 2 months was −28.20 points (95% CI –33.61 to −22.79, range 0 to 105, one trial). Three trials compared punctal plugs with artificial tears. In a pooled analysis of two trials, punctal plug participants reported more SI at 3 months than artificial tear participants (MD −4.20 points, 95% CI −5.87 to −2.53, scales varied from 0 to 6). In the remaining five trials comparing punctal plug placement, acrylic and silicone plugs, or comparing plugs with cyclosporine or pilocarpine, none of the investigators reported a clinically or statistically meaningful difference in symptomatic improvement at 2–12 months. The effectiveness of punctal plugs for treating dry eye symptoms and common signs are inconclusive. Heterogeneity in the type of punctal plug, type and severity of dry eye being treated, and trial methodology confounds the ability to make decisive statements regarding the effectiveness of punctal plugs.