cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Liver Transplantation for Acute Intermittent Porphyria: Biochemical and Pathologic Studies of the Explanted Liver

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal-dominant hepatic disorder caused by the half-normal activity of hydroxymethylbilane (HMB) synthase. Symptomatic individuals experience life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks that are precipitated by factors that induce the hepatic expression of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1), resulting in the marked accumulation of the putative neurotoxic porphyrin precursors 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG). Here, we provide the first detailed description of the biochemical and pathologic alterations in the explanted liver of an AIP patient who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) due to untreatable and debilitating chronic attacks. After OLT, the recipient’s plasma and urinary ALA and PBG rapidly normalized, and her attacks immediately stopped. In the explanted liver, (a) ALAS1 mRNA and activity were elevated approximately ∼3- and 5-fold, and ALA and PBG concentrations were increased ∼3- and 1,760-fold, respectively; (b) uroporphyrin III concentration was elevated; (c) microsomal heme content was sufficient, and representative cytochrome P450 activities were essentially normal; (d) HMB synthase activity was approximately half-normal (∼42%); (e) iron concentration was slightly elevated; and (f) heme oxygenase I mRNA was increased approximately three-fold. Notable pathologic findings included nodular regenerative hyperplasia, previously not reported in AIP livers, and minimal iron deposition, despite the large number of hemin infusions received before OLT. These findings suggest that the neurovisceral symptoms of AIP are not associated with generalized hepatic heme deficiency and support the neurotoxicity of ALA and/or PBG. Additionally, they indicate that substrate inhibition of hepatic HMB synthase activity by PBG is not a pathogenic mechanism in acute attacks.
The BisPCR 2 method for targeted bisulfite sequencing

DNA methylation has emerged as an important regulator of development and disease, necessitating the design of more efficient and cost-effective methods for detecting and quantifying this epigenetic modification. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques offer single base resolution of CpG methylation levels with high statistical significance, but are also high cost if performed genome-wide. Here, we describe a simplified targeted bisulfite sequencing approach in which DNA sequencing libraries are prepared following sodium bisulfite conversion and two rounds of PCR for target enrichment and sample barcoding, termed BisPCR2. We have applied the BisPCR2 technique to validate differential methylation at several type 2 diabetes risk loci identified in genome-wide studies of human islets. We confirmed some previous findings while not others, in addition to identifying novel differentially methylated CpGs at these genes of interest, due to the much higher depth of sequencing coverage in BisPCR2 compared to prior array-based approaches. This study presents a robust, efficient, and cost-effective technique for targeted bisulfite NGS, and illustrates its utility by reanalysis of prior findings from genome-wide studies.
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope systematics of Lake Baikal, Siberia: Implications for paleoclimate studies

We interpret oxygen and hydrogen isotope data for water samples from Lake Baikal, Siberia, its tributaries and other local rivers, and local precipitation in terms of the known water budget for the modern lake in order to gain insight into past limnological and climatic processes that influenced the lake. Lake Baikal is remarkably uniform in its isotopic composition @I80 = -15.8 +_ 0.2%0; 6D = - 123 f 2%0) and lies slightly to the right of the global meteoric water line, which suggests significant evaporation. Water is supplied to the lake by over 300 rivers and streams. The oxygen isotope values (8180) of the rivers in the Baikal catchment range from -13.4 to -21.2%0. The hydrogen isotope values (SD) for the same area range from - 103 to - 156%0. Both these ranges generally conform to the global meteoric water line. The weighted average isotopic composition of input to the lake (rivers plus precipitation) is -15.2%0 for 6’*0 and - 116%0 for 6D, values higher than those of the modern lake. Therefore, the isotopic composition of the modem lake cannot be related to the modern input through simple evaporation. Instead, modeling of the isotopic mass balance of the lake suggests that inputs (precipitation and influx from rivers) and outputs (evaporation and outflow) are not at a steady-state equilibrium under current climate conditions. We found previous input to the lake had lower ZY*O and 6D values than modern input, which reflects cooler climates in the past compared with modern conditions. Under constant climate conditions, steady-state conditions are not expected to be reached by the lake for at least 700 yr because of its large size and the long residence time of water in the lake.
The Effects of Breathing Exercise on Respiratory Synergist Muscle Activity and SpO2 in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose: This study is not a fragmentary study on characteristics of respiratory synergist when breathing, however it was intended to determine the effect of currently available respiratory exercise and to provide basic clinical information through investigation of oxygen demand and respiratory synergist that mobilizes for respiration during application of respiratory exercise. Methods: Experimental group I was selected from second grade of severity classification of GOLD, which has the highest percentage among patients with COPD, and experimental group II was selected from third grade of severity classification as a clinical sampling. After respiration pursing up lips and diaphragm respiration exercise were mediated together for six weeks, activity of respiratory muscles and oxygen saturation were measured and analyzed. Results: In comparison of change of respiratory synergist and oxygen saturation, activity of respiratory synergist in sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalene muscle showed a meaningful decrease in experimental group I. And, in comparison of change of respiratory synergist and oxygen saturation, activity of respiratory synergist in rectus abdominis muscle showed a meaningful increase in experimental group II. In comparison of change of respiratory synergist and oxygen saturation, activity of respiratory synergist in sternocleidomastoid muscle, scalene muscle, and rectus abdominis muscle showed a meaningful difference between experimental groups. Conclusion: Respiratory synergists work mainly as agonist of chest and upper limbs. Therefore it is very important to lower mobilization of respiratory synergist when breathing. It is considered that a multilateral approach and continued clinical research for improvement of respiratory function for patients with COPD will be needed in the future.
Effects of Fuel Prices on Air Transportation Market Average Fares and Passenger Demand

Abstract— This paper examines the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B) [1] database which contains a 10% ticket sample over the 4-year period from 2005 through 2008. During this period, significant fluctuations in airfares were observed. This study isolates the causes of fluctuations in terms of fuel prices, seasonality, distance flown, competition, and other economic impacts on demand and price.
Detection of hepatitis B surface antigen by means of orcein staining of liver.

Paraffin-embedded sections of liver biopsies from 65 patients and 16 autopsies were stained by a modified orcein method as described by Shikata, to appraise the efficacy of the method in detecting hepatitis B antigen, (HBsAg). Of the liver biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis, 55% were positively stained. Staining was observed in the cytoplasm of liver cells but was frequently irregular in distribution. The technic is simple and may be used for evaluation of fresh or stored liver. The positive stain is of value in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis with minimal or absent histologic changes, as well as the distinction of chronic from acute hepatic disease. The method may be useful for detecting asymptomatic carriers. However, weak positive staining of hepatic parenchyma should be evaluated with caution when serologic tests for HBsAg are negative. It may warrant repeated serologic testing. Evaluation of stored autopsy material suggests that Shikata’s stain may also be used in determining the etiology of cirrhosis. Inclusion bodies seen in hepatomas stain positively with orcein, suggesting that they contain, or are related to, HBsAg.
On the Irreducibility of Certain Polynomials

(1909). On the Irreducibility of Certain Polynomials. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 66-67.
The role of the customer advocate: Contextual and task performance as advocacy participation

Contextual performance in the workplace has been identified as including relational activities that maintain the broader social and psychological environment in which task performance occurs in organisations. In this conceptual writing, organisational advocacy (OA) is offered as a form of task and contextual performance that is pertinent in the 21st century, especially while serving and working with customers on a day-to-day basis. Organisational citizenship behaviour is conceptualised as a component of the contextual performance of OA. OA and customer advocacy are defined and models are provided, suggesting that what is thought, said, and done by organisational members must receive expanded attention, in this case, in dealing with internal and external customers.
Development and Survival of Pupae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and D. undecimpunctata howardi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) at Constant Temperatures and Humidities

Rate of development and the survival of pupae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte and D. undecimpunctata howardi Barber were studied under numerous constant temperature and humidity regimes. Temperature range for maximum survival, as measured by eclosion, was 18–30°C for D. v. virgifera and 15–30°C for D. v. howardi. Time of development within these temperature ranges was similar for both species (5–10 days). At all temperatures studied, a saturated atmosphere (100% RH) was optimal for pupal survival and development.
Epidemiological characteristics of measles outbreaks in Zhejiang,2013-2014

Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of measles outbreaks in Zhejiang province,and provide evidence for the development of specific measles prevention and control strategies. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted. Results Totally 37 measles outbreaks,involving 123 cases,were reported in Zhejiang during 2013-2014. Among these outbreaks,18 were family clustering( 48. 65%),14 affected mothers and children( 37. 84%) and 13 were mother to child transmissions( 35. 14%). The interval between the first measles case and the second case was 7 days in 2 /3 family clustering. Emergency vaccination was conducted for all the 37 outbreaks,a total of 13 536 persons were vaccinated,averagely 366 persons for each outbreak. Emergency vaccination was conducted averagely 6 days before the last case report. The outbreaks were classified according the case number ≤3cases or not. The difference in the interval between the last case report and emergency vaccination had statistical significance. Conclusion Family clustering was the major form of measles outbreaks in Zhejiang,and most infection was caused by mother to child transmission. Each outbreak involved limited cases. Timely response and emergency vaccination had been conducted before the report of measles outbreaks. According to the measles outbreak characteristics in Zhejiang,it is suggested to conduct measles containing vaccine immunization in adults and child-bearing aged women.
Case 2: Premature Infant With a Fontanelle Bruit

During routine weekend rounds, the nurse practitioner notes that an 11-day fontanelle of an infant born at 33 weeks’ gestation is pulsating. She listens with her stethoscope and auscultates a bruit. On examination, the infant is not tachypneic, and there is a soft systolic ejection murmur heard at the left sternal border radiating to the axilla without a gallop. Of note, there is also no hepatomegaly apparent on examination. The remainder of her examination findings are normal. ### History The infant is a twin female born at 331/7 weeks’ gestational age who is being managed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for prematurity and feeding difficulties. She was born to a 35-year-old, gravida 2, para 0010 woman whose pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and twin gestation. At birth, the infant weighed 2,285 g (77th percentile), her head circumference was 32 cm (86th percentile), and her Apgar scores were 9 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Maternal prenatal test results were unremarkable, including a first trimester screen, ultrasonography, and glucose tolerance test. Prenatal medications included prenatal vitamins and one course of betamethasone. The mother denied smoking, alcohol, or drug use during the pregnancy. The infant is breathing comfortably in room air since birth. She is not anemic and is tolerating enteral feeds since they were initiated shortly after birth. She is not yet able to use a nipple for all her feeds, so she is being fed by gavage tube. Her history does not …
An Open-Label Phase II Randomized Trial of Topical Dexamethasone and Tacrolimus Solutions for the Treatment of Oral Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-agent dexamethasone or tacrolimus topical solution as first-line treatment for symptomatic oral chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). This was a prospective, single-center, open-label, randomized phase II trial of patients with symptomatic oral cGVHD without prior topical therapy. Subjects were randomly assigned 1:1 to either topical dexamethasone (.5 mg/mL) or tacrolimus (.5 mg/mL) solution and instructed to rinse with 5 mL for 5 minutes, 4 times a day, for 4 weeks. Oral cGVHD assessments (National Institutes of Health [NIH] criteria) were completed at baseline and end of treatment (NIH criteria, global response, and tolerability). The primary endpoint was the response rate defined as ≥3-point reduction in patient-reported sensitivity score (range, 0 to 10). A parallel 2-stage design was employed so that a less efficacious arm could be terminated early. The accrual goal was 60 evaluable patients; 30 in each arm), accruing 14 in the first stage and 16 in the second stage. If both arms were regarded as efficacious, a "pick-the-winner" method would be employed to choose a better treatment for future investigation. Forty-six subjects were randomized to receive either dexamethasone (n = 28) or tacrolimus (n = 18). Six subjects were excluded from the analysis because of changes in systemic immunosuppression (dexamethasone = 1, tacrolimus = 3) or lack of end-of-treatment visit (1 per arm). After the first stage evaluation, the tacrolimus arm was terminated because of lack of activity (3 of 14 responses; response rate, 21%). Twenty-six subjects in the dexamethasone arm completed both study visits and were included in the response analysis, with a 58% (15 of 26) response rate, compared with 21% (3 of 14) in the tacrolimus arm (P = .05). The response rates according to the NIH score in the dexamethasone and tacrolimus arms were 50% (13 of 26) and 2% (2 of 14), respectively (P = .04). From the onset of therapy, 31% versus 21% patients reported feeling "much better" and 38% versus 36% reported feeling "slightly better," giving an overall global response rate ("much better" or "slightly better") of 81% (21 of 26) versus 71% (10 of 14), in the dexamethasone and tacrolimus arms, respectively. Dexamethasone rinses were well tolerated and taste was reported as "very pleasant" or "tolerable" in most subjects (96%). Intensive topical therapy with dexamethasone solution is effective for managing patients with new-onset symptomatic oral cGVHD and should be considered for first-line therapy. Topical tacrolimus solution appears less effective, at least for first-line therapy.
In Search of Effective Honeypot and Honeynet Systems for Real-Time Intrusion Detection and Prevention

A honeypot is a deception tool for enticing attackers to make efforts to compromise the electronic information systems of an organization. A honeypot can serve as an advanced security surveillance tool for use in minimizing the risks of attacks on information technology systems and networks. Honeypots are useful for providing valuable insights into potential system security loopholes. The current research investigated the effectiveness of the use of centralized system management technologies called Puppet and Virtual Machines in the implementation automated honeypots for intrusion detection, correction and prevention. A centralized logging system was used to collect information of the source address, country and timestamp of intrusions by attackers. The unique contributions of this research include: a demonstration how open source technologies is used to dynamically add or modify hacking incidences in a high-interaction honeynet system; a presentation of strategies for making honeypots more attractive for hackers to spend more time to provide hacking evidences; and an exhibition of algorithms for system and network intrusion prevention.
Silver-Impregnated Occlusive Dressing Reduces Rates of Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Commercial silver-impregnated occlusive dressings (such as Aquacel Ag Surgical wound dressing) have been touted as antimicrobial dressings to be used following total joint arthroplasty. Given the increased cost of an Aquacel dressing over a standard dressing for total joint arthroplasty, the objective of this study was to determine whether Aquacel surgical dressing is effective in reducing the rates of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to standard sterile dressing. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 1173 consecutive patients who underwent a total knee or total hip arthroplasty between 2007 and 2015 by 1 surgeon. The surgeon switched from using a standard xeroform/gauze dressing to an Aquacel dressing in June 2011, with no other major changes in antimicrobial management. Charts were reviewed for evidence of acute PJI (within 3 months of surgery). Results There were a total of 11 cases of acute PJI in this patient cohort (0.94%). The incidence of acute PJI for patients managed with a sterile xeroform dressing was 1.58% (9 of 568 patients), compared to 0.33% (2 of 605 patients) with the use of Aquacel dressing. Univariate analysis showed this to be statistically significant ( P = .03), and a multiple logistic regression model supported Aquacel surgical dressing as a protective factor with an odds ratio of 0.092 (95% confidence interval, 0.017-0.490; P = .005). Conclusion This 4-fold decrease in acute PJI with the use of Aquacel dressing supports the use of silver-impregnated occlusive dressings for the reduction of acute PJI.
Optimizing R language execution via aggressive speculation

The R language, from the point of view of language design and implementation, is a unique combination of various programming language concepts. It has functional characteristics like lazy evaluation of arguments, but also allows expressions to have arbitrary side effects. Many runtime data structures, for example variable scopes and functions, are accessible and can be modified while a program executes. Several different object models allow for structured programming, but the object models can interact in surprising ways with each other and with the base operations of R. R works well in practice, but it is complex, and it is a challenge for language developers trying to improve on the current state-of-the-art, which is the reference implementation -- GNU R. The goal of this work is to demonstrate that, given the right approach and the right set of tools, it is possible to create an implementation of the R language that provides significantly better performance while keeping compatibility with the original implementation. In this paper we describe novel optimizations backed up by aggressive speculation techniques and implemented within FastR, an alternative R language implementation, utilizing Truffle -- a JVM-based language development framework developed at Oracle Labs. We also provide experimental evidence demonstrating effectiveness of these optimizations in comparison with GNU R, as well as Renjin and TERR implementations of the R language.
SMEs: The effects of strategic management

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are a vital part of any national economy, so it is important for SMEs to be successful in their ventures. One of the defining characteristics of modern SMEs is their agility and quick movements. However, this impacts how well they can utilize strategic management tactics and tools to further their position. This article will analyze how implementing various strategic management techniques impact SMEs and whether these institutional practices can be directly correlated to their success. Furthermore, this article will evaluate the various historical and current management strategies, as well as its correlation to a successful SME. Lastly, this article will discuss projected strategic management techniques that will act as the foundation of a developing enterprise.
Logistic regression with misclassification in binary outcome variables: a method and software

Measurement error in continuous, normally distributed data is well known in the literature. Measurement error in a binary outcome variable, however, remains under-studied. Misclassification is the error in categorical data in which the observed category is different from the underlying one. In this study, we show, through a Monte Carlo simulation study, that there are non-ignorable biases in parameter estimates if the misclassification is ignored. To deal with the influence of the misclassification, we introduce a model with false-positive and false-negative misclassification parameters. Such a model can not only estimate the underlying association between the dependent and independent variables, but it also provides information on the extent of the misclassification. To estimate the model, a maximum likelihood estimation method based on a Fisher scoring algorithm is utilized. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance, and a real data example is given to demonstrate the usefulness of the new model. An R package is developed to aid the application of the model.
Smart Geo-fencing with Location Sensitive Product Affinity

Geo-fencing is a location based service that allows sending of messages to users who enter/exit a specified geographical area, known as a geo-fence. Today, it has become one of the popular location based mobile marketing strategies. However, the process of designing geo-fences is presently manual, i.e. a retailer must specify the location and the radius of area around it to setup the geo-fences. Moreover, this process does not consider the user's preference towards the targeted product/service and thus, can compromise his/her experience of the app that sends these communications. We attempt to solve this problem by presenting a novel end-to-end system for automated design of affinity based smart geo-fences. Affinity towards a product/service refers to the user's interest in a product/service. Our unique formulation to estimate affinity, using historical app usage data, is sensitive to a user's location and thus, the affinity is termed as location sensitive product affinity (LSPA). The geo-fence logic tries to capture contiguous groups of locations where the affinity high. Experiments on real world e-commerce dataset reveals that geo-fences designed by our approach performs significantly better at accurately targeting the users who are interested in a product. We thus show that, using historical app usage data, geo-fences can be designed in an automated manner and can help enterprises target interested users with better accuracy as compared to the present industry practices.
Sexual harassment: a concern for the athletic trainer.

Abstract Objective: Sexual harassment is a vital social issue that affects the business community, educational institutions, and personnel in the U.S. military. Addressing sexual harassment in the athletic training clinical setting is an important issue for the athletic training professional. Athletic trainers need to understand the complex definitions of sexual harassment and how to identify and handle claims of sexual harassment in order to prevent sexual harassment from occurring and to prevent civil lawsuits of alleged sexual harassment. Background: Professional journals, legal textbooks, policy handbooks, unpublished findings from the NATA Women in Athletic Training Committee report, and current news media sources were used to gain a greater understanding of this social problem. Description: To make the athletic trainer aware of this important social issue and to offer suggestions for the athletic training staff to aid in preventing problems of sexual harassment. Clinical Advantages: This article provides definitions and examples of sexual harassment, discussion of policy development, and suggestions for ways to eliminate sexual harassment in the athletic training environment.
Guaranteed access, not guaranteed quality.

An introduction to the February 2008 issue of Virtual Mentor on the ethics of caring for incarcerated patients. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
The Contributions of Shear and Turbulence to Cloud Overlap for Cumulus Clouds

Vertical cloud overlap, the ratio of cloud fraction by area and by volume, for cumulus clouds are studied using large-eddy simulations (LES) due to the inefficient, wide-range values of cloud overl...
Bacterial Infections Associated With Substance Use Disorders, Large Cohort of United States Hospitals, 2012-2017.

BACKGROUND Rises in the incidence of bacterial infections, such as infective endocarditis (IE), have been reported in conjunction with the opioid crisis. However, recent trends for IE and other serious infections among persons with substance use disorders (SUDs) are unknown. METHODS Using the Premier Healthcare Database, we identified hospitalizations from 2012 through 2017 among adults with primary discharge diagnoses of bacterial infections and secondary SUD diagnoses, using International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification Ninth and Tenth Revision codes. We calculated annual rates of infections with SUD diagnoses and evaluated temporal trends. Blood and cardiac tissue specimens were identified from IE hospitalizations to describe the microbiology distribution and temporal trends among hospitalizations with and without SUDs. RESULTS Among 72 481 weighted IE admissions recorded, SUD diagnoses increased from 19.9% in 2012 to 39.4% in 2017 (P < .0001). Hospitalizations with SUDs increased from 1.1 to 2.1 per 100 000 persons for IE, 1.4 to 2.4 per 100 000 persons for osteomyelitis, 0.5 to 0.9 per 100 000 persons for central nervous system abscesses, and 24.4 to 32.9 per 100 000 persons for skin and soft tissue infections. For adults aged 18-44 years, IE-SUD hospitalizations more than doubled, from 1.6 in 2012 to 3.6 in 2017 per 100 000 persons. Among all IE-SUD hospitalizations, 50.3% had a Staphylococcus aureus infection, compared with 19.4% of IE hospitalizations without SUDs. CONCLUSIONS Rates of hospitalization for serious infections among persons with SUDs are increasing, driven primarily by younger age groups. The differences in the microbiology of IE hospitalizations suggest that SUDs are changing the epidemiology of these infections.
Improved Methodology for Parasitic Characterization of High-Performance Power Modules

The accelerating commercialization of wide bandgap technology has led to increased demand for accurate characterization of parasitic impedances within packaging structures such as multichip power modules. However, the accuracy of known methods is not sufficient to characterize high-performance modules which have extremely low parasitics, with impedance values near the measurement floor of common instrumentation. To address this characterization gap, this article introduces a custom measurement methodology that utilizes a general-purpose instrument and fixture but reduces systematic and stochastic error to an acceptable level through an emphasis on rigorous calibration and measurement consistency. Additionally, fixture compensation is performed via post-processing in MATLAB to improve measurement fidelity via statistical techniques. The proposed methodology is validated with a series of known test samples in the impedance range of interest. Finally, the methodology is used to perform parasitic characterization of a high-performance power module with commutation loop inductance previously reported to be less than 1.6 nH.
The Use of e-Learning Course during the COVID-19: A Systems Thinking Approach

In the era of theInternet, most educators have been supported by powerful tools ranging from e-books and e-learning sites to cloud services, and students’ learning environment has been a mix between traditional study (in class) and e-learning through some kind of online learning platform. Due to the uncertainty of the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, all colleges and universities have to shutter their physical campuses and move their courses to remote and online formats hastily. This prompted many to wonder if all of the faculty are ready and qualified to teach online courses and/or if all of the students are ready to learn in the comprehensive online environment. If not, what ultimate impact will be to our higher education during this national emergency virus pandemic since there is no choice but depend on where they sit currently, not to mention the negative reviews and concerns regarding the online education. To make this transfer seamlessly and conflict mitigation, this paper applied systems thinking for an e-Learning course and proposed a flexible grading method for an e-learning environment, which will enhance students’ grades by allowing students to control their own study paces and the amount of efforts spent in the course, which can bring a successful online learning experience.
Abstract B83: RNA-nanoparticles for immunotherapy-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction: Immunotherapy is promising for patients with treatment-refractory head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, >80% of patients do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors, suggesting that the highly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment of HNSCC may play a role in treatment resistance. Our group has developed a novel treatment platform utilizing clinically translatable RNA-nanoparticles (NPs) to remodel the systemic and intratumoral HNSCC microenvironment in favor of an activated immunologic milieu. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility, safety and immunologic activity of systemic/intratumoral administration of RNA NPs for HNSCC. Materials and Methods: RNA-NPs were prepared by complexing negatively charged mRNA with nanoliposomes. These complexes were injected into naive and B16 or MOC1/MOC2 (murine oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma cell lines) tumor bearing C57Bl/6 mice. In vitro transfection experiments were performed in human HNSCC cell lines. Results: Human HNSCC cell lines were efficiently transfected with RNA NPs in vitro. MOC1/MOC2 tumors were efficiently transfected with RNA NPs in vivo. RNA-NPs activate dendritic cells (DCs) in the peripheral and intratumoral microenviroment of naive and B16 tumor bearing mice, and mediate antitumor efficacy in a preclinical in vivo murine model for HNSCC. RNA-NPs mediate their effects through interferon-alpha released from plasmacytoid DCs. We have successfully scaled up production of RNA-NPs for translation into human clinical trials and demonstrated safety of RNA-NPs in acute/chronic murine toxicity studies based on CBCs, electrolytes, organ function tests, and end-organ HE 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr B83.
Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) north polar springtime recession mapping: First 3 Mars years of observations

[1] We report on mapping of the north polar region of Mars using data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument. We have observed 3 Mars years (28–30) of late winter and spring recessions (Ls = 304°–92°). Our investigations have led to the following observations. (1) We classify the retreat of the north polar seasonal cap into “presublimation,” “early spring,” “asymmetric” and “stable” periods according to the prevalent H2O ice grain size distributions. (2) During the early spring, the signatures of CO2 ice at the edge of the cap are obscured by H2O ice, which increases the apparent size of the H2O ice annulus around the seasonal CO2 cap at this time. At around Ls = 25°, this process changes into an asymmetrical distribution of H2O deposition, covering CO2 signatures more rapidly in the longitude range from 90 to 210°E. (3) We detect signatures of “pure” CO2 ice in extremely limited locations (in Lomonosov Crater) even in midwinter. H2O ice signatures appear everywhere in the retreating CO2 seasonal cap, in contrast with the south polar seasonal cap. (4) We find that average H2O ice grain sizes continuously increase from northern midwinter to the end of springtime; this is the inverse of the behavior of CO2 ice grain sizes in the southern springtime.
Resilience Through Family: Family Support as an Academic and Psychological Protective Resource for Mexican Descent First-Generation College Students:

The present study examines the potential protective effect of familial support among first-gen Mexican descent college students regarding GPA, college persistence, and depressive symptoms. Particip...
Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation Treated With Proton Beam Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

Purpose/Objective(s) Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) pose a significant concern within the pediatric population given the projected life span of patients and the high cumulative risk of hemorrhage per year. The use of proton radiation allows for a conformal delivery of radiation dose that potentially minimizes the exposure of surrounding normal brain tissue to harmful treatment effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the response and toxicity rates of pediatric patients with intracranial AVMs treated at this institution with proton-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Materials/Methods This IRB-approved single-institution study examines a cohort of 24 pediatric patients (≤ 18 years old) with 25 brain AVM lesions treated with proton radiosurgery between 2006 and 2018. Median age of patients was 14 years old, and median target volume was 8.14 cc. Lesions were treated to 20-25 Gy in 1 or 2 fractions, with 18 (72%) lesions receiving 25 Gy in 2 fractions. Per institutional guidelines, new lesions ≥5cc and lesions ≤15cc undergoing re-treatment received treatment in 2 fractions. Those in high-risk locations were also considered for 2-fraction treatment per physician discretion. Lesions were classified by Spetzler-Martin grading scale, ranging from grade 2 (24%), grade 3 (52%), and grade 4 (24%). There were no grade 1 or 5 lesions. 12 patients (48%) underwent prior surgery or embolization. Results Median follow-up time was 54 months. Of 25 treated lesions, 12 (48%) were found to have complete obliteration of nidus confirmed on angiogram, with first imaging showing obliteration at a median time of 38 months. Another 12 (48%) patients exhibited residual nidus on imaging with noticeable decrease in size. Of these patients, one was treated with a second course of proton-based SRS as an adult due to symptoms from the residual nidus. One (4%) patient had minimal decrease in lesion size on 3-year follow-up imaging with subsequent intracranial hemorrhage shortly afterwards, requiring resection and second course of radiosurgery at their local institution. All patients tolerated proton radiation treatment well without any toxicity noted, with the exception of one who experienced nonspecific intracranial edema requiring temporary steroid treatment. No patient deaths were observed at last follow-up. Conclusion Stereotactic irradiation is often offered as a treatment option for intracranial AVMs given their high propensity to bleed, especially for those considered high risk for surgical intervention. While dose prescriptions do vary among published proton treatment experiences, this study shows the use of 20-25 Gy in one- to two-fractions to safely treat intracranial AVMs in pediatric patients while maintaining comparable efficacy rates. Author Disclosure B.K. Lee: Employee; Amgen. L.N. Loredo: None. J.D. Slater: None.
Quality improvement project to improve providers' goal-setting activity for chronic disease self-management.

Abstract Background Patient-centered medical home (PCMH) places patients at the center of care and actively considers patients’ goals, preferences and skill levels in caring for their disease while developing a care plan. We implemented a quality improvement (QI) project to improve internal medicine resident goal-setting activity with patients for chronic disease self-management. Methods The plan-do-study-act (PDSA) model was used and a root cause analysis was conducted with internal medicine residents (n = 20) and faculty (n = 7) to identify barriers to patient goal setting. Two main causes were identified – lack of awareness and lack of knowledge about where and how to set patient goals in the electronic medical record (EMR). Reminders during daily morning huddles, discussions with faculty, educational video presentation and organizational policy change interventions were implemented in four serial PDSA cycles. Results The goal setting activity documentation rate by resident providers increased to 14% following inclusion of patient goal setting reminders during daily morning huddles. There was notable increase in the goal setting documentation rate to 29% following discussion in faculty meeting. The goal setting documentation rate remained the same (29%) despite educational video and policy change intervention. However, goal setting documentation rate increased to 33% by the end of the study. Conclusion Our QI project resulted in a measurable increase in the use of methods of healthcare delivery associated with improved outcomes. This model worked well in our setting, and sharing our success may benefit others seeking to achieve similar goals.
Plutocratic Fears and Fantasies: Projective Identification and Enactment in a Market Society

Recently, the fears and violent fantasies of some of the wealthy elite in the United States have become public. In this article, I claim that these fantasies, which emerge from and are linked to neoliberal capitalistic narratives, are signifiers of a systemic and often hidden social reality of class relations. Moreover, they are social-cultural symptoms of unconscious material, dynamics, and communications taking place between classes. I use the concepts of projective identification and enactment to tease out the psychosocial dynamics and communications of these class-based fantasies and consider briefly the implications of this perspective.
An Investigation of the Hermeneutic Properties of Writing Primatology

The works of Frans de Waal ("Chimpanzee Politics: Power and Sex Among Apes" 1982) and Jane Goodall ("In the Shadow of Man," 1971; "The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior," 1986) are examined in a postmodern perspective. Ethnographers and primatologists traditionally leave the comfort of familiar surroundings to engage in a relatively long-term observational, interactive and interpretive experience with the members of another society or the members of another species. The writing strategies of these two "chimpographers", as well as the ways in which these strategies influence the presentation of the authors' interpretations of their fieldwork experiences are examined for their hermeneutic qualities. An investigation of the hermeneutic properties of interpretation allows one to critically read an ethnography (or primatological work) and remain sensitive to its possible underlying political, historical, economic, racial and gender related motivations or determinants (Clifford 1986:6; Haraway 1989:8).
Interstitial cells of Cajal in the deep muscular plexus mediate enteric motor neurotransmission in the mouse small intestine

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) provide important regulatory functions in the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract. In the small intestine, ICC in the myenteric region (ICC-MY), between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers, generate and propagate electrical slow waves. Another population of ICC lies in the plane of the deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP), and these cells are closely associated with varicose nerve terminals of enteric motor neurons. Here we tested the hypothesis that ICC-DMP mediate excitatory and inhibitory neural inputs in the small bowel. ICC-DMP develop largely after birth. ICC-DMP, with receptor tyrosine kinase Kit-like immunoreactivity, appear first in the jejunum and then in the ileum. We performed electrophysiological experiments on mice immediately after birth (P0) or at 10 days post partum (P10) to determine whether neural responses follow development of ICC-DMP. At P0, slow-wave activity was present in the jejunum, but neural responses were poorly developed. By P10, after ICC-DMP developed, both cholinergic excitatory and nitrergic inhibitory neural responses were intact. Muscles of P0 mice were also put into organotypic cultures and treated with a neutralizing Kit antibody. Neural responses developed in culture within 3–6 days in control muscles, but blocking Kit caused loss of ICC and loss of cholinergic and nitrergic neural responses. Non-cholinergic excitatory responses remained after loss of ICC-DMP. Our observations are consistent with the idea that cholinergic and nitrergic motor neural inputs are mediated, to a large extent, via ICC-DMP. Thus, ICC-DMP appear to serve a function in the small intestine that is similar to the role of the intramuscular ICC in the stomach.
Persistent infection after successful arthrodesis for infected total knee arthroplasty. A report of two cases.

Abstract Infection in total knee arthroplasty has been reported to range from 1.1% to 12.4%. The literature contains numerous articles on salvage procedures including antibiotic supression, surgical debridement, resection arthroplasty, arthrodesis, reimplantation, and amputation. Of those knees not reimplantable, a successful arthrodesis is felt by many to give the most predictable long-term results. The majority of literature on arthrodesis for infected total knee arthroplasty concentrates on technical factors and techniques to facilitate fusion. A successful fusion is considered an end point of treatment.
Rental Housing and the Natural Vacancy Rate

This study uses 1989–2005 data for the Seattle metropolitan area to test the natural vacancy rate hypothesis for rental housing markets using a new methodology. Findings support the existence of a ...
Random data set generation to support microarray analysis.

Abstract As microarray analyses become increasingly routine, involving the simultaneous investigation of huge numbers of genes, researchers can easily search for and uncover what appear to be promising patterns in their data. In such circumstances tools are needed to help decide the extent to which these patterns are meaningful or can be explained by chance alone. The purpose of this chapter is to describe examples of the use of microarray analysis for inferential purposes and how validation of inference is addressed by Monte‐Carlo techniques, which essentially amounts to investigation of statistical methods on synthetic or random data sets.
Effect of Temperature and Gas Velocity on the Dry-Heat Destruction Rate of Bacterial Spores

Spores of Bacillus subtilis were dried in vacuo for use in dry-heat thermal destruction tests. Survivor curve tests were conducted in a specifically designed dry-heat oven. This oven provided accurate temperature control and permitted air or nitrogen to be passed over the spores during the lethal treatment. Experiments were carried out at various flow rates of the two gases (air and nitrogen) and various temperatures, and the data were expressed as survivor curves from which the decimal reduction time (D value) was obtained. Linear regression analysis methods were used to compute the slope of the survivor curves. The results indicated that as the flow rate of gas is increased, the effect of temperature on the destruction rate of the spores is lessened, the z value becoming very large. It is believed that the higher flow rates of dry gas cause greater dehydration of the spores and that spore moisture loss is one of the major factors in determining the dry-heat thermal destruction rate of bacterial spores.
Multicultural Content in Social Work Graduate Programs: A National Survey.

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of a national survey of Deans and Directors of graduate social work programs and of social work faculty responsible for teaching graduate-level multicultural courses. The findings indicate the use of a combined infusion and designated course model is the most prominent in addressing the CSWE diversity curriculum content requirement. Although there is substantive content on traditionally oppressed minority populations, there is an increasing number of groups and topics under the banner of diversity. There is heavy reliance on traditional teaching methods and little consistency in the educational resources used to teach the courses. The demographic composition and perceptions of social work faculty who teach multicultural courses are reported. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Gated Communities in the United States: From Case Studies to Systematic Evidence

Scholarly research about gated communities is a recently established field of study, because the significant proliferation of these communities has occurred in the last couple of decades. In this article, I argue that the seminal work of Blakely and Snyder (1997, Fortress America: Gated communities in the United States. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press.) gave the first impetus and the initial research directions in gated communities’ study. The subsequent research established it as a true interdisciplinary urban field and produced important knowledge across several different academic disciplines: sociology, political science, anthropology, urban policy and planning, geography, and legal studies. The article discusses this first phase of theoretical and empirical work, based mostly on qualitative and secondary data sources. A new methodological shift is proposed, which should determine the second phase of research based on hypotheses testing and collection of systematic empirical evidence. Such evidence is essential to understand the wider impact of gated communities on larger urban areas and society as a whole.
Three-dimensional photolithography based on image reversal

In this paper we present a novel fabrication method for the realization of complex 3D multi-layer structures with commercially available photoresists. This method is based on the observation that during an image-reversal process, the post exposure bake (PEB) that is used to reverse the contrast of the exposed pattern reduces the sensitivity of the unexposed photoresist at the same time. In multi-layer lithography, this phenomenon, along with non-uniformly distributed dose can be exploited to eliminate the re-patterning effect of the subsequent exposures and thus makes suspended 3D structures possible. In this presentation we demonstrate this observation experimentally, and fabricate “woodpile” structures (≥ 3 layers) using the proposed method.