MICC: A tool for computing short distances in the curve complex

The complex of curves $\mathcal{C}(S_g)$ of a closed orientable surface of genus $g \geq 2$ is the simplicial complex having its vertices, $\mathcal{C}^0(S_g)$, are isotopy classes of essential curves in $S_g$. Two vertices co-bound an edge of the $1$-skeleton, $\mathcal{C}^1(S_g)$, if there are disjoint representatives in $S_g$. A metric is obtained on $\mathcal{C}^0(S_g)$ by assigning unit length to each edge of $\mathcal{C}^1(S_g)$. Thus, the distance between two vertices, $d(v,w)$, corresponds to the length of a geodesic---a shortest edge-path between $v$ and $w$ in $\mathcal{C}^1 (S_g)$. Recently, Birman, Margalit and the second author introduced the concept of {\em initially efficient geodesics} in $\mathcal{C}^1(S_g)$ and used them to give a new algorithm for computing the distance between vertices. In this note we introduce the software package MICC ({\em Metric in the Curve Complex}), a partial implementation of the initially efficient geodesic algorithm. We discuss the mathematics underlying MICC and give applications. In particular, we give examples of distance four vertex pairs, for $g=2$ and 3. Previously, there was only one known example, in genus $2$, due to John Hempel.Comment: 19 pages, 9 figures, Version 2 has updated figures and reference

Identifying Health Topics for Elementary-Aged Children in Delaware

Introduction: Health literacy involves understanding health-related information to make educated decisions regarding an individual’s needs. Low health literacy is associated with poorer health outcomes, which can be minimized by early introduction to accurate health information. Currently, elementary schools in Delaware have no health curriculum, leaving students at risk for low health literacy. Methods: Interviews were conducted with Delaware elementary school teachers to identify a series of topics that would allow students to learn health information via incorporation into existing curriculum. Teachers were divided into focus groups by school and grade level. The resulting discussions were qualitatively analyzed by two independent interviewers and compared for validity. Results: The themes identified were similar between schools and across grade levels. Main threads that were identified include: How the Body Works, Nutrition & Exercise, Families, and Mental Health, among others. The methods of instruction varied slightly across grade levels, but were similar between schools. Short reading exercises to work on comprehension and grammar were suggested for all age groups. Peer-to-peer teaching from older to younger students was also widely suggested. Conclusion: The topics identified were as expected, with an emphasis on mental health and nutrition. With the resounding agreement on both themes and methods, future work will include creation of lesson plans and classroom materials, then implementation in the school system. Despite limited interviews, the schools have unique demographic profiles with a wide-range of student needs, thus we are confident that these themes will be sufficient for all Delaware schools and beyond

Investigation of 1P-LSD as a Novel Drug Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), defined by repetitive behaviors or impaired social communication, is a prevalent yet relatively misunderstood set of conditions. ASD encompasses a series of neurodevelopmental disorders that have various physiological manifestations (Goines & Ashwood, 2013). Due to the heterogeneity of ASD, the true mechanisms leading to the development of ASD and its symptoms remain unclear and require more research (Rossignol & Frye, 2012; Watts, 2008). The purpose of this project is to test whether or not 1P-LSD, an analogue of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), has the potential to treat symptoms of ASD, specifically the hyperexcitation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain which causes the neuronal excitotoxicity highly implicated in the pathology of ASD.We will determine the two highest doses of 1P-LSD which does not result in any hallucinogenic side effects in Phase 1 of this protocol and utilize these doses towards treatment of symptoms associated with ASD in the Phase 2 of this protocol. We will monitor N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity, which is usually impaired in ASD, following microdosing of 1P-LSD. Towards these experiments, we will be using an autistic mouse model, Slc6a4, compared to normal mice (C57BL/6J). The efficacy of the treatment model will be assessed by measuring the levels of a subunit of the NMDA receptor, the NR2B subunit, using with western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and by measuring the levels of glutamate using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS).Launch UMD donor

Abstract B10: Increased expression of EZH2 and TOP2A predicts for a poorer prognostic outcome in Genitourinary Cancers

Abstract The enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is an epigenetic silencer that is known to be highly expressed in both metastatic and primary prostate cancer (PCa). More recently, topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A), an enzyme that controls the topologic states of DNA during the cell cycle, has also been identified as being highly expressed in PCa. Both EZH2 and TOP2A have been associated with more aggressive disease and poorer prognostic outcome. During genome-wide analysis, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), EZH2 and Top2A were found to be highly positively correlated, most noticeably in PCa and clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). As a result, we predicted increased expression of both EZH2 and TOP2A in an individual, would predict for a worse prognostic outcome than either gene being highly expressed alone. Further analysis of the TCGA and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) datasets, demonstrated that increased expression of these two genes predicted for a poorer prognostic outcome in genitourinary cancers. In tumor samples with increased expression of EZH2 and TOP2A, as compared to the tumor samples that did not concurrently overexpress both EZH2 and TOP2A, patients displayed worse overall Regression Free Survival (RFS), which were associated with increase hazard ratio, and tumor staging and grades. . As these poor prognostic markers were consistent across multiple cancer subtypes, we are beginning to explore those genes that are differentially expressed in individuals with concurrent high TOP2A and EZH2 as a means of further characterizing this novel phenotype. Since these two genes are targetable by drugs such as etoposide (a TOP2 poison) and DZNep (an EZH2 inhibitor), it makes them attractive candidates for treatment in those individuals who not only have tumors that highly express these two genes, but also those individuals that have exacerbated existing treatment options. Citation Format: Spencer Rosario, Zafardjan Dalimov, Jason Kirk, Kayla Morrell, Kevin Eng, Leigh Ellis. Increased expression of EZH2 and TOP2A predicts for a poorer prognostic outcome in Genitourinary Cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Sep 24-27, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B10.</jats:p

Non-pharmacological Home Therapies for Subacute Low Back Pain in Active Duty Military Personnel: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Introduction Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of visits to ambulatory care, missed duty time, and disability discharge. The subacute phase of LBP presents an opportune time to prevent chronicity and lessen recurrence. The goal of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to determine the relative effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training and a progressive exercise program (PEP) on improving physical performance, pain, and torso strength in U.S. service members with subacute LBP, compared to standard primary care management (PCM) alone. Methods This is an Institutional Review Board–approved protocol for an RCT conducted with active duty military personnel (n = 128) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, between April 2018 and March 2020. Participants were randomized to receive NMES (n = 43), PEP (n = 42), or PCM (n = 43) for 9 weeks. Outcome measures of physical performance (sit-ups, push-ups, walking, and torso endurance), torso muscle strength (flexion and extension), and pain were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Analysis was intent-to-treat using linear mixed effects models. A sensitivity analysis was performed to address the protocol deviations that occurred in response to coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which required rescheduling 17 in-person study visits to home assessments at 9-week testing. Results Evidence was found for group differences in physical performance for sit-ups and push-ups, with NMES showing greater improvement than PCM. The two groups showed similar improvements in torso muscle strength, although the NMES groups may show better improvement during early treatment. No group differences in pain levels were observed during the intervention, and all groups improved during the course of the study period. The amount of NMES muscle stimulation was directly related to the level of improvement, which was not the case for the hours reported for PEP exercise. Conclusion In an active duty population with subacute LBP, integrating NMES strength training into the rehabilitation therapy may offer a modest benefit for increasing sit-ups and push-ups and improving torso strength. </jats:sec

GabrielHoffman/variancePartition: 1.33.14

&lt;p&gt;Resubmission of dreamlet&lt;/p&gt