cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constrained Elastic-Plastic Materials

The main purpose of this paper is to present a general constrained theory of finitely deforming elastic-plastic materials. Our formulation is based on a strain-space formulation of plasticity and requires a detailed examination of the effect of constraint on various constitutive ingredients in the unconstrained theory, including the yield functions, loading criteria and various response functions. Also the effect of constraint on the restriction arising from the work inequality of Naghdi and Trapp is examined. 18 refs., 1 tab.
Simulating public health emergency response: a case study of the 2004 North Carolina State Fair E. coli outbreak

Despite the investment of billions of dollars in federal funding towards emergency preparedness and response initiatives, broadly accepted performance measures for determining the efficacy of these systems have yet to be established. The inability to accurately capture this information creates knowledge gaps which hinder the ability to measure the true degree of preparedness. As a key communications component of North Carolina's public health system, the North Carolina Public Health Information Network (NC PHIN) serves as a promising means to measure emergency preparedness and response. We seek to determine how NC PHIN has increased emergency preparedness and response capacity by presenting a simulation of the 2004 State Fair E. coli Outbreak. We find that although the capacity exists within NC PHIN to increase emergency preparedness and response, other factors limit NC PHIN's effectiveness. Our findings suggest that proper resource allocation will be necessary in order to realize the true efficacy of NC PHIN.
Handling disjunctions in open world relational databases

Incomplete information is usually present in a database in the form of null values. Several other forms of incompleteness such as fuzzy information, partial values and disjunctive information have been studied extensively. Most of the research on indefinite information has been carried out under the Closed World Assumption(CWA). In this paper, we present a data structure that supports the opposite view, the Open World Assumption(OWA), where negative information is explicitly represented in a relation. We allow disjunctions at the tuple level to appear in two forms: A or B and notA or notB, thus obtaining a gain in expressivity. Wenot define a generalization of the relational algebra that handles this kind of information.
Now or Later: A Simple Policy for Effective Dual Sourcing in Capacitated Systems

We examine a possibly capacitated, periodically reviewed, single-stage inventory system where replenishment can be obtained either through a regular fixed lead time channel, or, for a premium, via a channel with a smaller fixed lead time. We consider the case when the unsatisfied demands are backordered over an infinite horizon, introducing the easily implementable, yet informationally rich dual-index policy. We show very general separability results for the optimal parameter values, providing a simulation-based optimization procedure that exploits these separability properties to calculate the optimal inventory parameters within seconds. We explore the performance of the dual-index policy under stationary demands as well as capacitated production environments, demonstrating when the dual-sourcing option is most valuable. We find that the optimal dual-index policy mimics the behavior of the complex, globally optimal state-dependent policy found via dynamic programming: the dual-index policy is nearly optimal (within 1% or 2%) for the majority of cases, and significantly outperforms single sourcing (up to 50% better). Our results on optimal dual-index parameters are generic, extending to a variety of complex and realistic scenarios such as nonstationary demand, random yields, demand spikes, and supply disruptions.
The effects of self-focused attention on perspective-taking and anxiety

Evidence is examined that pertains to two of the basic assumptions underlying self-awareness theory: that self-focused attention causes one to adopt an external perspective in which one views oneself like an observer; and that self-focus leads to self-dissatisfaction and negative affect. Experimental evidence is reviewed and found to offer convincing support for the perspective-taking assumption. An experiment that used a disguised measure of mood to test the negative affect assumption is reported. As predicted by self-awareness theory, subjects who saw their reflection in a mirror while completing the disguised mood measure were found to have more negative affect than subjects who did not face the mirror.
Structure/Property Relations in Bulk Versus Solution Derived Proton Conducting Ceramics of the Form SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3 With Applications in Membrane Separations

Membrane separations are a key enabling technology for future energy conversion devices. Ionic transport membranes must have both proton and electronic conductivity to function as hydrogen separation membranes without an external power supply. A technical obstacle to material modification by compositional changes is that the hydrogen flux through a dense membrane is a function of both the proton ionic conductivity and the electronic conductivity. An alternative way to modify the materials conductivity without changing the ratio of the chemical constituents is by altering the microstructure. In this study, SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3 was produced by conventional mixed oxide bulk ceramic techniques and chemical solution routes self-rising approaches using urea as the leavening agent. In conventional ceramic processing routes, the perovskite phase was observed to form at temperatures near 1300oC, while solution techniques resulted in perovskite phase formation starting near 1000oC with complete phase transformations occurring at 1100oC. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted in various gas atmospheres resulting in bulk oxide route powders exhibiting a 0.6% weight loss at 800oC under a nitrogen environment as compared to chemically derived powders which displayed weight losses on the order of 3.4%.The increased weight loss observed in chemically derived SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3 is correlated with an increase in the number of electron charge carriers and results in elevated electronic conduction. This study will report on the development of structure property relations in the model proton conducting ceramic system SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3.
Computation of Bayesian estimators for Markov random field image models using the cluster approximation

Describes a family of approximations, denoted "cluster approximations", for the computation of the mean of a Markov random field (MRF). This is a key computation in image processing when applied to the a posteriori MRF. The approximation is a form of mean field theory and accounts exactly for only spatially local interactions. The implementation of the approximation requires the solution of a nonlinear multivariable fixed-point equation. Unlike many forms of mean field theory, the approximation is easy to apply even to nonquadratic Hamiltonians (e.g., it requires no analytical calculations), the structure of the gray level values in the original problem is retained, the resulting approximate mean field can be proven to lie in the same set which contains the true mean of the MRF, and there are existence, uniqueness, and convergence-of-algorithm results for the fixed-point equation. Two numerical examples are presented which emphasize nonlinear observation processes. >
Deep sub-wavelength confinement in Metal-dielectric multilayers

We present linear and nonlinear deep sub-wavelength confinement in metal-dielectric periodic nano-structures. The strong anisotropy supports the propagation of modes with very large transverse momentum, enabling confinement size limited only by the structure periodicity.
Distributed Online Algorithm for Optimal Energy Distribution in Connected Microgrids

This chapter investigates a distributed online algorithm for power distribution in a connected MG, based on the centralized algorithm presented in Chap. 2. In this chapter, we take into account more practical factors, such as the user privacy and the distributed control manner. Based on the model introduced in National Institute of Standard and Technology, we first present a formulation that captures the key design factors such as user’s utility, grid load smoothing, and energy provisioning cost. The problem is shown to be convex and can be solved with a centralized online algorithm proposed in Chap. 2. We then develop a distributed online algorithm that decomposes and solves the online problem in a distributed manner, and prove that the distributed online solution is asymptotically optimal. The proposed distributed online algorithm is also practical and mitigates the user privacy issue by not sharing user utility functions. It is evaluated with trace-driven simulations and shown to outperform a benchmark scheme.
Pulse dynamics and microbial processes in aridland ecosystems

Summary 1 Aridland ecosystems cover about one-third of terrestrial environments globally, yet the extent to which models of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling, developed largely from studies of mesic ecosystems, apply to aridland systems remains unclear. 2 Within aridland ecosystems, C and N dynamics are often described by a pulse-reserve model in which episodic precipitation events stimulate biological activity that generate reserves of biomass, propagules and organic matter that prime the ecosystem to respond rapidly to subsequent precipitation events. 3 The role of microbial C and N processing within the pulse-reserve paradigm has not received much study. We present evidence suggesting that fungi play a critical and underappreciated role in aridland soils, including efficient decomposition of recalcitrant C compounds, N-transformations such as nitrification, and nutrient storage and translocation of C and N between plants and biotic soil crusts. While fungi may perform some of these functions in other ecosystems, this ‘fungal loop’ assumes particular importance in the N cycle in aridlands because water availability imposes even greater restrictions on bacterial activity and physicochemical processes limit accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM). 4 We incorporate these findings into a Threshold-Delay Nutrient Dynamics (TDND) model for aridland ecosystems in which plant responses to pulsed precipitation events are mediated by a fungal loop that links C and N cycling, net primary production (NPP) and decomposition in aridland soils. 5 Synthesis. Arid ecosystems are highly sensitive to global environmental change including N deposition and altered precipitation patterns; yet, models from mesic ecosystems do not adequately apply to aridland environments. Our ‘fungal loop’ N cycle model integrates spatial structure with pulse dynamics and extends the pulse-reserve paradigm to include the key role of microbial processes in aridland ecosystem dynamics.
Glucocorticoid receptors in the retina, Müller glia and the formation of Müller glia-derived progenitors

Identification of the signaling pathways that influence the reprogramming of Muller glia into neurogenic retinal progenitors is key to harnessing the potential of these cells to regenerate the retina. Glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) signaling is commonly associated with anti-inflammatory responses and GCR agonists are widely used to treat inflammatory diseases of the eye, even though the cellular targets and mechanisms of action in the retina are not well understood. We find that signaling through GCR has a significant impact upon the ability of Muller glia to become proliferating Muller glia-derived progenitor cells (MGPCs). The primary amino acid sequence and pattern of GCR expression in the retina is highly conserved across vertebrate species, including chickens, mice, guinea pigs, dogs and humans. In all of these species we find GCR expressed by the Muller glia. In the chick retina, we find that GCR is expressed by progenitors in the circumferential marginal zone (CMZ) and is upregulated by Muller glia in acutely damaged retinas. Activation of GCR signaling inhibits the formation of MGPCs and antagonizes FGF2/MAPK signaling in the Muller glia. By contrast, we find that inhibition of GCR signaling stimulates the formation of proliferating MGPCs in damaged retinas, and enhances the neuronal differentiation while diminishing glial differentiation. Given the conserved expression pattern of GCR in different vertebrate retinas, we propose that the functions and mechanisms of GCR signaling are highly conserved and are mediated through the Muller glia. We conclude that GCR signaling directly inhibits the formation of MGPCs, at least in part, by interfering with FGF2/MAPK signaling.
Moral panic as racial degradation ceremony: Racial stratification and the local-level backlash against Latino/a immigrants:

State- and local-level ordinances attempting to ‘crack down’ on undocumented immigration have been proliferating across the United States. Hazleton, Pennsylvania’s Illegal Immigration Relief Act (I...
Factor‐X deficiency in amyloidosis: A critical review

Thirty cases of amyloidosis with factor-X deficiency, including six of our own, were reviewed. Modest deficiency of factor X was often associated with severe bleeding. In many of the cases, clinical bleeding could not be accounted for by deficiency of factor X alone. Other hemostatic defects were found in these patients and probably contributed to the bleeding. Modes of treatment, including the empiric use of corticosteroids and splenectomy, were discussed in light of current knowledge of pathogenesis of this unusual blood clotting disorder. This involves the interaction of amyloid fibrils and blood clotting factors.
A STUDY OF CURRENT AWARENESS PUBLICATIONS IN THE NEUROSCIENCES

Mailed questionnaires were used to study the use of two printed current awareness devices in specialized areas of the neurosciences, one manually prepared and the other a product of MEDLARS. The study determined who uses each publication, how much, for what purpose, and with what degree of success. A major purpose was to discover how valuable the publications are to users and what impact they have had on their own research or professional practice as well as on their information seeking behaviour. Comparisons are made between the results for the two publications. Some conclusions are drawn on information seeking behaviour in the neuroscience community and on requirements for effective current awareness services in this field.
Quantitative, Genome-Wide Analysis of Eukaryotic Replication Initiation and Termination

Many fundamental aspects of DNA replication, such as the exact locations where DNA synthesis is initiated and terminated, how frequently origins are used, and how fork progression is influenced by transcription, are poorly understood. Via the deep sequencing of Okazaki fragments, we comprehensively document replication fork directionality throughout the S. cerevisiae genome, which permits the systematic analysis of initiation, origin efficiency, fork progression, and termination. We show that leading-strand initiation preferentially occurs within a nucleosome-free region at replication origins. Using a strain in which late origins can be induced to fire early, we show that replication termination is a largely passive phenomenon that does not rely on cis-acting sequences or replication fork pausing. The replication profile is predominantly determined by the kinetics of origin firing, allowing us to reconstruct chromosome-wide timing profiles from an asynchronous culture.
Aripiprazole: A New Atypical Antipsychotic Drug:

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of aripiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia.DATA SOURCES:Information was selected from MEDLINE (1995–August 2002). Abstracts, scientific posters, and presentations were also used.STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION:All published information regarding the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical characteristics of aripiprazole was considered. Studies providing a comprehensive description of aripiprazole were selected.DATA SYNTHESIS:Aripiprazole is a dopamine partial agonist and a serotonin-2A antagonist; it is dosed 10–30 mg/d, with no initial titration necessary. Short-term clinical trials demonstrated efficacy in acute exacerbations, and long-term studies showed that aripiprazole can maintain remission of schizophrenia. Most adverse events were mild. The incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms was low, with akathisia being the most common.CONCLUSIONS:Aripiprazole currently demonstrates comparable efficacy ...
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a comprehensive clinicopathologic classification. Part One

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) includes many subtypes with widely varying clinical behaviors, ranging from indolent to aggressive tumors with significant metastatic potential. However, the tendency for pathologists and clinicians alike is to refer to all squamoid neoplasms as generic SCC. No definitive, comprehensive clinicopathological system dividing cutaneous SCCs into categories based upon their aggressiveness has yet been promulgated. Therefore, we have proposed the following based upon the malignant potential of SCC variants, separating them into categories of low (< or = 2% metastatic rate), intermediate (3-10%), high (greater than 10%), and indeterminate behavior. Low-risk SCCs include SCC arising in actinic keratosis, HPV-associated SCC, tricholemmal carcinoma, and spindle cell SCC (unassociated with radiation). Intermediate-risk SCCs include adenoid (acantholytic) SCC, intraepidermal epithelioma with invasion, and lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin. High-risk subtypes include de novo SCC, SCC arising in association with predisposing factors (radiation, burn scars, and immunosuppression), invasive Bowen's disease, adenosquamous carcinoma, and malignant proliferating pilar tumors. The indeterminate category includes signet ring cell SCC, follicular SCC, papillary SCC, SCC arising in adnexal cysts, squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma, and clear-cell SCC. Subclassification of SCC into these risk-based categories, along with enumeration of other factors including tumor size, differentiation, depth of invasion, and perineural invasion will provide prognostically relevant information and facilitate the most optimal treatment for patients.
A comparative study of genetic sequence classification algorithms

Classification of genetic sequence data available in public and private databases is an important problem in using, understanding, retrieving, filtering and correlating such large volumes of information. Although a significant amount of research effort is being spent internationally on this problem, very few studies exist that compare different classification approaches in terms of an objective and quantitative classification performance criterion. In this paper, we present experimental studies for classification of genetic sequences using both unsupervised and supervised approaches, focusing on both computational effort as well as a suitably defined classification performance measure. The results indicate that both unsupervised classification using the Maximin algorithm combined with FASTA sequence alignment algorithm and supervised classification using artificial neural network have good classification performance, with the unsupervised classification performs better and the supervised classification performs faster. A trade-off between the quality of classification and the computational efforts exists. The utilization of these classifiers for retrieval, filtering and correlation of genetic information as well as prediction of functions and structures will be logical future directions for further research.
MARKET VALUATION RESPONSES TO GOODWILL ANNOUNCEMENTS: AN EARLY DIRECT TEST OF FASB 142

This study provides evidence from an early direct test of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 142 policy statement regarding investor market reaction to corporate goodwill impairment announcements. Under new rules, the amortization of goodwill is replaced with a two-step procedure to determine if goodwill is impaired. We draw a sample of 188 firms announcing impairment tests during the period of 2001-2003 to investigate market reactions. The findings for overall sample indicate that firms with impairment test announcements experience statistically significant negative abnormal returns. The findings further show that the abnormal returns are negative for NYSE and AMEX+NASDAQ listed stocks. When we analyze the industry affiliation of firms and abnormal returns based on the primary SIC of firms, we find varying market reactions to goodwill announcements among industries. The findings are consistent with an information efficiency view of the market and one other related study of similar design, conducted before the effective date of FASB 142.
Computing, Social Activity, and Entertainment: A Field Study of a Game MUD

Are game and entertainment systems different than work-oriented systems? What drives the user‘s experience in a collaborative game? To answer these questions, we performed a participant-observation study of a combat MUD, a game similar to Dungeons and Dragons. Our interest is in how this social world is arranged and managed (rather than, for example, in how participants form or display individual identities). The study explores the social arrangements and activities that give meaning and structure to the participants. We found that conflict and cooperation were the dominant social activities on this MUD, much more so than sociability. The game‘s management played a critical function in maintaining and promoting these activities. Moreover, novelty and entertainment were important for the design of both the system features and the sociality itself.
Symbiotic Relationship between Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Synergizes Virulence of Plaque Biofilms In Vivo

Streptococcus mutans is often cited as the main bacterial pathogen in dental caries, particularly in early-childhood caries (ECC). S. mutans may not act alone; Candida albicans cells are frequently detected along with heavy infection by S. mutans in plaque biofilms from ECC-affected children. It remains to be elucidated whether this association is involved in the enhancement of biofilm virulence. We showed that the ability of these organisms together to form biofilms is enhanced in vitro and in vivo. The presence of C. albicans augments the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), such that cospecies biofilms accrue more biomass and harbor more viable S. mutans cells than single-species biofilms. The resulting 3-dimensional biofilm architecture displays sizeable S. mutans microcolonies surrounded by fungal cells, which are enmeshed in a dense EPS-rich matrix. Using a rodent model, we explored the implications of this cross-kingdom interaction for the pathogenesis of dental caries. Coinfected animals displayed higher levels of infection and microbial carriage within plaque biofilms than animals infected with either species alone. Furthermore, coinfection synergistically enhanced biofilm virulence, leading to aggressive onset of the disease with rampant carious lesions. Our in vitro data also revealed that glucosyltransferase-derived EPS is a key mediator of cospecies biofilm development and that coexistence with C. albicans induces the expression of virulence genes in S. mutans (e.g., gtfB, fabM). We also found that Candida-derived β1,3-glucans contribute to the EPS matrix structure, while fungal mannan and β-glucan provide sites for GtfB binding and activity. Altogether, we demonstrate a novel mutualistic bacterium-fungus relationship that occurs at a clinically relevant site to amplify the severity of a ubiquitous infectious disease.
Robustification of decentralized PID control for small unmanned rotorcraft

This paper presents a practical and simple approach to the design of autonomous flight control of miniature helicopters. It considers a standard easily tunable PID control as the starting step of the design. Then, robust loop-shaping techniques are applied to derive a controller with optimal properties with respect to robustness, noise sensitivity, and bandwidth. Comprehensive analysis and simulation experiments show the validity and practicality of the proposed control design and analysis procedures.
Predicting The Financial Failure Of Retail Companies In The United States

Predicting the financial failure of companies using financial ratios is a topic that has been explored in various ways for many years, and the current economic climate suggests that these models may still be more useful than ever. Various financial ratios and bankruptcy prediction methods have been used in order to try to find the most accurate prediction model possible. With historically successful retailers, like Sears, Kmart and JCPenney, struggling in recent years, predicting the future of retailers has become even more important. Therefore, this paper focuses specifically on the application of a failure prediction model to companies from the retail industry. Logistic regressions are used in this study in order to attempt to predict which companies are likely to fail. The sample for this study includes publicly traded United States companies from the retail industry, and data is collected from the COMPUSTAT database for the period from 2005-2012. Based on prior studies, the author hypothesizes that companies are most likely to fail if they are unprofitable, highly leveraged, and having cash flow problems. As expected, the results demonstrate that smaller retail companies with fewer employees are more likely to fail. The results also provide strong evidence that firms with lower cash to current liability ratios, lower cash flow margins, and higher debt to equity ratios are more likely to file for bankruptcy.
TCO reduction

Achieving greater efficiencies and lowering costs are always important issues, especially in a challenging economic environment. Today, financial and IT managers are focusing on total cost of ownership (TCO) to rein in IT expenses and keep in step with business performance. What is TCO? Gartner's definition of TCO states that TCO consists of the costs incurred throughout the lifecycle of an asset, including acquisition, deployment, operation, support, and retirement. Instead of looking only at the initial investment, TCO considers all the costs over the life of an asset, such as a new server or storage network, upgrades, maintenance, and software development. This paper is to illustrate the approaches taken by GTDG Penang to reduce the TCO and to move the business towards a more economical infrastructure and operating practices. These are true and tried ways and the savings achieved through this approaches is USD38.1K with a yearly savings of USD30.3K. This does not include the qualitative benefits achieved through better security, manageability and uptime. The TCO approach is the future approach of Global Engineering Computing and Penang Engineering Computing team is leading the way in this area.
Photosynthesis in a Single Protein

We report the optimization of a self-assembling artificial protein reaction center capable of nearly quantitative charge separation with microsecond lifetimes using a phthalocyanine primary donor as well as a variety of natural and synthetic electron donor and acceptor cofactors. We will further discuss the fusion of this protein domain into a chimera with the diflavin domain of cytochrome P450, with the intention of creating a single-chain protein capable of light-powered NADH production. The goal is a single gene which can make any micro-organism photosynthetic.
A Study on the Utilization of an Electro-Conductive Surface Layer on a Si3N4 Ceramic Formed by Ion Implantation as a Crack Gage and a Strain Gage

An experimental study on the utilization of an electro-conductive surface layer on a dielectric Si 3 N 4 component formed by carbon ion (C + ) implantation as a crack gage and a strain gage was conducted. Surface cracks were generated by the Vickers indentation. The electrical resistance of the electro-conductive layer increased with the generation of the surface cracks. The resistance was also influenced by stresses which appeared in the layer. Variation of electrical resistance caused by cracking and stresses was so small that the resistance must have been measured with high accuracy.
Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Associated With the Production of Incomplete (? Deleted) IgGλ Molecules, Gamma Heavy Chains, and Free Lambda Chains Containing Carbohydrate: Description of the First Case

The clinical, hematologic, and immunoglobulin features of a new form of plasma cell dyscrasia (deleted H and L chain disease) are described. The clinical manifestations are periodic fever and weakness, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. The hematologic abnormalities are anemia, leukopenia, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and increased plasma cells in lymph nodes and bone marrow. The protein abnormalities have been identified as (1) monoclonal IgG1λ A serum globulin (5-6 g/100 ml) with deletions in both H and L chains and an estimated mol wt of 110,000; (2) free γ Fc fragment in serum and urine; (3) urinary excretion (10-20 g/day) of deleted λ-chains (Uλ) with an estimated mol wt of 15,000. Uλ and the λL chains of the IgG are apparently identical. Uλ was shown to contain approximately 26 moles of carbohydrate, with an average of 2.2 moles of sialic acid per 15,000 mol wt. Uλ displayed marked electrophoretic heterogeneity which was related to a variable number of sialic acid residues. The N terminus of Uλ is blocked (PCA). The deletions of both the λ- and the H chains were localized to their respective V regions and are of similar magnitudes (approximately 10,000 daltons). Possible genetic mechanisms to explain apparently comparable H- and L-chain deletions in a single IgG molecule are considered.
Vector-free gravity disrupts synapse formation in cell culture

Terrestrial organisms evolved under and are subjected to the constancy of gravity. The organisms having adapted to this environmental factor, it is possible that embryonic development may be modified by exposure to altered gravity. To test the effects of gravity on embryonic development, we monitored the formation of nerve-associated acetylcholine receptor patches (NARPs) as an index of synaptogenesis. Embryonic spinal neuron and myotomal myocyte cocultures were placed in a horizontally rotating clinostat. From the cell's perspective, this results in the cancellation of the gravitational vector because of continuous averaging, thus mimicking the reduced gravitational force encountered in space. NARPs from cultures in which nerve-muscle contact was established before the onset of rotation were unaffected. In contrast, cultures in which nerve contact took place during rotation showed a marked inhibition of NARPs. Moreover, in the myocytes which did exhibit NARPs, the area of the patch was significantly redu...
A Guide to Case Finding and Writing for the Marketing Educator

This exposition is a practical guide to finding suitable marketing case situations, collecting pertinent information concerning them and then constructing interesting and usable case materials for classroom and seminar instruction.
Abstract 3084: Therapeutic implications of sex hormone signaling in melanoma

Female gender, early age of first birth, and multiparity are associated with less aggressive melanoma; however, the mechanisms underlying the apparent clinical benefit are undefined. Previously we reported that 17β-estradiol drives melanocyte differentiation through G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a nonclassical sex hormone receptor. Here, we use genetically-defined human skin xenograft melanoma to show that pregnancy antagonizes oncogenic BRAF and inhibits melanomagenesis. Transient GPER activation drives stable melanocyte differentiation that persists after removal of the activating ligand. Consistent with this, brief exposure of melanoma cells to GPER agonists prior to xenografting inhibited subsequent tumor growth. Systemic treatment with GPER agonists cooperated with PD-1 blockade in melanoma bearing mice to greatly prolong survival longer than that observed with either agent alone. The combination of differentiation-based therapies with immunotherapy may have significant therapeutic benefit for melanoma. Citation Format: Christopher Natale, Junqian Zhang, Ankit Dahal, Todd Ridky. Therapeutic implications of sex hormone signaling in melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3084. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3084
View-dependent virtual reality content from RGB-D images

High-fidelity virtual content is essential for the creation of compelling and effective virtual reality (VR) experiences. However, creating photorealistic content is not easy, and handcrafting detailed 3D models can be time and labor intensive. Structured camera arrays, such as light-stages, can scan and reconstruct high-fidelity virtual models, but the expense makes this technology impractical for most users. In this paper, we present a complete end-to-end pipeline for the capture, processing, and rendering of view-dependent 3D models in virtual reality from a single consumer-grade depth camera. The geometry model and the camera trajectories are automatically reconstructed and optimized from a RGB-D image sequence captured offline. Based on the head-mounted display (HMD) position, the three closest images are selected for real-time rendering and fused together to smooth the transition between viewpoints. The specular reflections and light-burst effects can also be preserved and reproduced. We confirmed that our method does not require technical background knowledge by testing our system with data captured by non-expert operators.
Suggestions for Your Nonparametric Statistics Course

Nonparametric methods form an integral part of many degree programs and concentrations in statistics. In this article a number of useful approaches are suggested to aid the instructor of a nonparametric statistics course. These include ideas for classroom presentations, projects, writing components, student-generated data, and computing. Each suggestion is discussed in the context of nonparametric methods instruction. These techniques help students develop an appreciation for the field of nonparametric statistics and the broad range of its applications in practice. Appendices include a partially annotated bibliography of textbooks and monographs from the field of nonparametric statistics and a collection of Minitab macros.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher's website.
Response by Lindsey, Herring, and Greenhalgh to “A Missed Opportunity?: NOAA’s Use of Social Media to Communicate Climate Science”

We would like to set the record straight regarding the 10 January Environmental Communication article “A Missed Opportunity?: NOAA’s Use of Social Media to Communicate Climate Science” by Nicole Le...
Large-scale Exploration of Neuronal Morphologies Using Deep Learning and Augmented Reality

Recently released large-scale neuron morphological data has greatly facilitated the research in neuroinformatics. However, the sheer volume and complexity of these data pose significant challenges for efficient and accurate neuron exploration. In this paper, we propose an effective retrieval framework to address these problems, based on frontier techniques of deep learning and binary coding. For the first time, we develop a deep learning based feature representation method for the neuron morphological data, where the 3D neurons are first projected into binary images and then learned features using an unsupervised deep neural network, i.e., stacked convolutional autoencoders (SCAEs). The deep features are subsequently fused with the hand-crafted features for more accurate representation. Considering the exhaustive search is usually very time-consuming in large-scale databases, we employ a novel binary coding method to compress feature vectors into short binary codes. Our framework is validated on a public data set including 58,000 neurons, showing promising retrieval precision and efficiency compared with state-of-the-art methods. In addition, we develop a novel neuron visualization program based on the techniques of augmented reality (AR), which can help users take a deep exploration of neuron morphologies in an interactive and immersive manner.
Caimán: Antonio Buero Vallejo's Intermedial Collage in Homage to Max Ernst

Spanish dramatist Antonio Buero Vallejo (1916–2000) has been called an intermedialist for his incorporation of visual art, music, and intertextual references in his theatrical works. The present st...
Afterlives of the Martyrs: King Lear, The Duchess of Malfi, and The Virgin Martyr

This chapter explores the dramatic “afterlives” of medieval saints in Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi (performed 1614), and The Virgin Martyr, coauthored by Philip Massinger and Thomas Dekker (1622). A possible source for Cordelia’s spirited resistance to her father’s demand for absolute love may be the precedent provided by the extraordinary popularity in late medieval England of stories of the early Roman virgin martyrs. These powerful accounts of dissenting women who speak truth to power in the name of their Christian faith, represented by the apocryphal lives of Margaret of Antioch, Catherine of Alexandria, and Dorothy continued to haunt the imagination of early modern playwrights and provided them with a means to critique the oppressive patriarchy of Protestantism.
Strategies for Thinning Graded Buffer Regions in Metamorphic Solar Cells and Performance Tradeoffs

Compositionally graded buffers (CGBs) have enabled the development of inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cells that contain three or more junctions and exhibit record efficiencies. Typically, the CGB is grown thick with a constant strain grading rate, because that is the most straightforward way to minimize the threading dislocation density (TDD) in device active regions. The CGB growth represents a significant expense, in terms of materials consumption and capital cost, however, hampering the economic viability of metamorphic devices. This work explores strategies for thinning Ga1- x In x P CGBs from GaAs to InP while minimizing performance loss, as evaluated by the open-circuit voltage ( $V_{{\text{OC}}}$ ) of ∼0.74 eV Ga0.47In0.53 As solar cells. Using the Ga1- x In x P CGB as a model, we demonstrate that slower grading is necessary in certain regions of the grade where dislocation nucleation rates are higher. Grading must be more gradual in these regions to suppress TDD. Grading rates can be increased in noncritical areas where dislocation nucleation is lower, permitting a thinner buffer. We demonstrate the relationship between V OC and TDD, establishing tradeoffs between thickness and performance. Through careful design, we demonstrate a CGB with a 40% thickness reduction (2 μm) achieved with a $V_{{\text{OC}}}$ decrease of only 7.5% (25 mV).
Risk Avoidance and Risk Taking under Uncertainty: A Graphical Analysis

Using a graphical approach, we characterize explicitly variations in optimizing behavior from risk avoidance (e.g., insurance buying) to risk taking (e.g., â€œgamblingâ€ ) in terms of risk preferences, market insurance terms, and exogenous changes in endowed incomes. An individual who is a â€œrisk avoiderâ€ at one income position may become a â€œrisk takerâ€ at another income position. Moreover, both low- and high-income risk-averse individuals may engage in risk-taking activities at the same time. These results imply that predictions about attitude towards risk cannot be made independently of income positions or economic opportunities.
Between Armed Conflict, Social Awareness and the Neoliberal Market: The Case of Alias María

De Oro explores the feature film Alias Maria to demonstrate that, in the current neoliberal environment, film policies in Colombia achieve both an opening of Colombian cinema to the international market while creating spaces in which films dealing with urgent social issues can thrive. De Oro analyzes Alias Maria as an example of neoliberal practices of financing, producing and exhibiting cultural products, and an effective resistance strategy that uses filmmaking as an instrument of social engagement and awareness. The chapter also draws attention to the use of audiovisual tools as pedagogical and communicative strategies to strengthen community networks amid armed conflict.
A one-bead, one-stock solution approach to chemical genetics: part 1

Abstract Background: In chemical genetics, small molecules instead of genetic mutations are used to modulate the functions of proteins rapidly and conditionally, thereby allowing many biological processes to be explored. This approach requires the identification of compounds that regulate pathways and bind to proteins with high specificity. Structurally complex and diverse small molecules can be prepared using diversity-oriented synthesis, and the split-pool strategy allows their spatial segregation on individual polymer beads, but typically in quantities that limit their usefulness. Results: We report full details of the first phase of our platform development, including the synthesis of a high-capacity solid-phase bead/linker system, the development of a reliable library encoding strategy, and the design of compound decoding methods both from macrobeads and stock solutions. This phase was validated by the analysis of an enantioselective, diversity-oriented synthesis resulting in an encoded 4320-member library of structurally complex dihydropyrancarboxamides. Conclusions: An efficient and accessible approach to split-pool, diversity-oriented synthesis using high-capacity macrobeads as individual microreactors has been developed. Each macrobead contains sufficient compound to generate a stock solution amenable to many biological assays, and reliable library encoding allows for rapid compound structure elucidation post-synthesis. This ‘one-bead, one-stock solution' strategy is a central element of a technology platform aimed at advancing chemical genetics.
ASSOCIATION OF HIGH HDL IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: IMPACT OF RACE AND SEX

At HDL-C levels >60mg/dl, its atheroprotective functions may be impaired given recent findings in the general population. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between elevated HDL-C (>60mg/dl) and adverse CV outcomes in an at-risk population Participants included 3,112
Utilization of PHS Increased Risk Donors in Lung Transplant Reduces Median Waitlist Time without Reducing Survival

Purpose Many international programs have developed extended criteria to increase availability of donor lungs with good overall utilization. Usage of Public Health Service (PHS) Increased Risk Donors (IRD) in lung transplantation (LTx) in the US remains low despite limited donor availability and protracted wait times. We sought to examine the incidence of IRD use in the US and evaluate the impact of IRD on post-LTx outcomes in a large national registry. Methods 23,090 patients receiving LTx from either a Standard Risk Donor (SRD) (19,897) or PHS IRD (3193) were identified from the UNOS Registry from 1987 to 2018. Exclusions included age Results A mere 16% of LTx recipients received a PHS IRD during the study period. Recipients of IRD tended to be male, older than those receiving SRD (p Conclusion Use of PHS IRD is associated with reduced waitlist time and is not associated with increased graft failure, rejection, infection, malignancy, or BOS. Notwithstanding, utilization of IRD remains low. Further study is warranted to determine and remedy the remaining barriers to IRD utilization.
A Quality Bundle to Support High-Risk Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation outcomes are increasingly promising for children with dilated cardiomyopathy and advanced decompensated heart failure (ADHF). VAD placement in patients with clinical features such as complex congenital cardiac anatomy, small body size, or major comorbidities remains problematic. These comorbidities have been traditionally prohibitive for VAD consideration leaving these children as a treatment-orphaned population. Here we describe the quality bundle surrounding these patients with ADHF considered high risk for VAD implantation at our institution. Over a 7-year period, a quality bundle aimed at the peri-operative care for children with high-risk features undergoing VAD implantation was incrementally implemented at a tertiary children’s hospital. Patients were considered high risk if they were neonates (< 30 days), had single-ventricle physiology, non-dilated cardiomyopathy, biventricular dysfunction, or significant comorbidities. The quality improvement bundle evolved to include (1) structured team-based peri-operative evaluation, (2) weekly VAD rounds addressing post-operative device performance, (3) standardized anticoagulation strategies, and (4) a multidisciplinary system for management challenges. These measures aimed to improve communication, standardize management, allow for ongoing process improvement, and incorporate principles of a high-reliability organization. Between January 2010 and December 2017, 98 patients underwent VAD implantation, 48 (49%) of which had high-risk comorbidities and a resultant cohort survival-to-transplant rate of 65%. We report on the evolution of a quality improvement program to expand the scope of VAD implantation to patients with high-risk clinical profiles. This quality bundle can serve as a template for future large-scale collaborations to improve outcomes in these treatment-orphaned subgroups.
Seven decades of Chinese state financing in Africa: Tempering current debates

ABSTRACTFierce debate persists among policymakers and researchers about the nature and consequences of overseas Chinese state financing. Developing countries in Africa are a major focus of this con...
Susan G. Komen Big Data for Breast Cancer Initiative: How Patient Advocacy Organizations Can Facilitate Using Big Data to Improve Patient Outcomes

Integrating different types of data, including electronic health records, imaging data, administrative and claims databases, large data repositories, the Internet of Things, genomics, and other omics data, is both a challenge and an opportunity that must be tackled head on. We explore some of the challenges and opportunities in optimizing data integration to accelerate breast cancer discovery and improve patient outcomes. Susan G. Komen convened three meetings (2015, 2017, and 2018) with various stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and next steps to enhance the use of big data in the field of breast cancer. Meeting participants agreed that big data approaches can enhance the identification of better therapies, improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and optimize precision medicine. One challenge is that databases must be shared, linked with each other, standardized, and interoperable. Patients want to be active participants in research and their own care, and to control how their data are used. Many patients have privacy concerns and do not understand how sharing their data can help to effectively drive discovery. Public education is essential, and breast cancer researchers who are skilled in using and analyzing big data are needed. Patient advocacy groups can play multiple roles to help maximize and leverage big data to better serve patients. Komen is committed to educating patients on big data issues, encouraging data sharing by all stakeholders, assisting in training the next generation of data science breast cancer researchers, and funding research projects that will use real-life data in real time to revolutionize the way breast cancer is understood and treated.
Prosodic cues in second-language speech processing: A visual world eye-tracking study:

Listeners interpret cues in speech processing immediately rather than waiting until the end of a sentence. In particular, prosodic cues in auditory speech processing can aid listeners in building i...