cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro analysis of the bactericidal activity of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 against pediatric uropathogens.

Purpose: The usefulness of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in children was recently questioned. Some groups have attempted to use probiotics, most commonly lactobacillus, to prevent recurrent infections by altering the intestinal bacterial reservoir with variable results. Mutaflor® is a possible alternative probiotic in which the active agent is Nissle 1917. Nissle 1917 is a commensal Escherichia coli strain that eradicates pathogenic bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its ability to alter the intestinal biome we hypothesized that Mutaflor may have the potential to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. Thus, we used an in vitro assay to analyze the effectiveness of Nissle 1917 for eradicating pediatric uropathogens.Materials and Methods: We established a collection of 43 bacterial pediatric uropathogens. With each isolate a microcin-type assay was performed to determine the effectiveness of Nissle 1917 on bacterial growth inhibition and competitiv...
Hominid ECV versus time: Available data does not permit a choice of model

A regression analysis of hominid volume upon time does not allow for a choice of model. Comment is made upon the rates of change which may have characterized the development of hominid ECV since the late Pliocene.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) outcomes for children with B-precursor ALL and early or late BM relapse

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) outcomes for children with B-precursor ALL and early or late BM relapse
ACTINOMYCIN D INHIBITION OF CELL DIFFERENTIATION IN THE AMPHIBIAN SUCKER.

1. Early neurulae of the treefrog, Hyla regilla, were treated for 48 hours with actinomycin D (4–6 μg/ml) to inhibit the development of the oral sucker. 2. At the conclusion of the experiment (i.e. after 2 days) suckers in controls (late tailbud stage) were fully differentiated and functional paired disks composed of intensely pigmented, columnar, secretory cells; those in experimental embryos (early tailbud stage) were often single, median, weakly pigmented, poorly differentiated, non-adhesive elevations of cuboidal ectodermal cells. 3. The fine structure of suckers in controls was characterized by: large irregular nucleoli containing many incursions of nucleoplasm; endoplasmic reticulum of long cisternae studded externally with many ribosomes; abundant secretory droplets, some of which were being discharged to the exterior through the plasma membrane; and a reduction in number of glycogen (?) granules so abundant earlier in neurular cells. 4. The strongly inhibited cells of the sucker differed from those of the control in the following ultrastructural features: dense, spherical, often small nucleoli; endoplasmic reticulum of large smooth vesicles; few ribosomes; almost complete absence of secretory droplets; and glycogen (?) granules as numerous as in neurular cells. 5. The poor differentiation of fine structure in the actinomycin-inhibited adhesive disk was interpreted on the basis of an interference with DNA-dependent RNA synthesis.
Foliations, topology and geometry of 3-manifolds: R-covered foliations and transverse pseudo-Anosov flows

We analyse the topological and geometrical behavior of foliations on 3-manifolds. We consider the transverse structure of an R-covered foliation in a 3-manifold, where R-covered means that in the universal cover the leaf space of the foliation is Hausdorff. If the manifold is aspherical we prove that either there is an incompressible torus in the manifold; or there is a transverse pseudo-Anosov flow. It follows that manifolds with R-covered foliations satisfy the weak hyperbolization conjecture.
Pain With Pericoronitis Affects Quality of Life

Purpose To assess the association between patients' pericoronitis pain symptoms and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes for lifestyle and oral function. Patients and Methods Subjects (American Society of Anesthesiologists health risk assessment level I or II) with mild symptoms of pericoronitis were enrolled in a study approved by the institutional review board and asked to complete a QOL instrument specifically for third molar problems covering lifestyle, oral function, and pain. Subjects assessed lifestyle and oral function using a 5-point Likert-type scale, ranging from “no trouble” (score, 1) to “lots of trouble” (score, 5), and worst and average pain using a 7-point Likert-type scale, ranging from “no pain” (score, 1) to “worst pain imaginable” (score, 7). Pain levels reported at enrollment were compared with QOL outcomes for lifestyle and oral function using Spearman correlation coefficients. Correlations of at least 0.6 were considered clinically quite important, and correlations of at least 0.4 were considered clinically important. Associations between these outcome measurements were considered statistically significant at a P value less than .05. Results Most of the 113 subjects were Caucasian (51%), women (56%), 23 years old or younger (58%), and well educated (91% with at least some college). Mean pain levels ± standard deviation were low (worst pain, 3.3 ± 1.5; average pain, 2.4 ± 1.2). All pain outcomes were significantly associated with items in the lifestyle and oral function domains ( P P Conclusions Clinically important correlations existed between subjects' pericoronitis pain and lifestyle and oral function, associations not often considered by clinicians or policy makers.
Where does sediment come from? Quantifying catchment erosion with detrital apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronometry

We present a new method for tracing sediment using detrital apatite (U-Th)/He (AHe) thermochronometry, and use this to quantify the spatial distribution of catchment erosion in the eastern Sierra Nevada, California. Well-developed age-elevation relationships permit detrital AHe ages to track the elevations where sediment grains were shed from bedrock. We analyzed sediment exiting nonglaciated Inyo Creek and adjacent (formerly) glaciated Lone Pine Creek. Statistical comparison of measured AHe age probability density functions (PDFs) with predicted PDFs based on catchment hypsometries suggests that Inyo Creek is eroding uniformly, consistent with field observations of weathered hillslopes tightly coupled to the fluvial system. In contrast, significant mismatch between measured and predicted PDFs from Lone Pine Creek reveals that sediment derives primarily from the lower half of the catchment. The dearth of older ages is likely due to sediment storage in cirques and moraines and/or focused erosion at intermediate elevations, both potential consequences of glacial modification. Measured PDFs can also improve cosmogenic nuclide-based erosion rates by more accurately scaling nuclide production rates. Our results demonstrate the utility of detrital AHe thermochronometry for quantifying erosion in fluvially and glacially sculpted catchments.
Impaired dendritic-cell function in ectodermal dysplasia with immune deficiency is linked to defective NEMO ubiquitination

Ectodermal dysplasia with immune deficiency (EDI) is caused by alterations in NEMO (nuclear factor [NF]–κB essential modulator). Most genetic mutations are located in exon 10 and affect the C-terminal zinc finger domain. However, the biochemical mechanism by which they cause immune dysfunction remains undetermined. In this report, we investigated the effect of a cysteine-to-arginine mutation (C417R) found in the NEMO zinc finger domain on dendritic cell (DC) function. Following CD40 stimulation of DCs prepared from 2 unrelated patients with the NEMO C417R mutation, we found NEMO ubiquitination was absent, and this was associated with preserved RelA but absent c-Rel activity. As a consequence, CD40 stimulated EDI DCs failed to synthesize the c-Rel–dependent cytokine interleukin-12, had impaired up-regulation of costimulatory molecules, and failed to support allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. In contrast, EDI DCs stimulated with the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed normal downstream NF-κB activity, DC maturation, and NEMO ubiquitination. These findings show for the first time how mutations in the zinc finger domain of NEMO can lead to pathway specific defects in NEMO ubiquitination and thus immune deficiency.
On Loving and Hating My Mentally Retarded Mother

In this article I have explored why I love and hate my mother. It is a retrospective and ongoing participant observation of the phenomenon of being the daughter of a mother with mental retardation. In it, I make use of a layered account--an experimental, postmodern, ethnographic reporting format that enables researchers to use varied resources, such as social theory, lived experience, and emotions. By using my own experience, I explore, through first-person narrative, the complex issues and emotions involved. My conclusion is that the situation is fraught with ambivalence because my present interactions with my mother are cast in the light of a past where my mother simultaneously neglected and protected me.
Western russet : A new potato variety with excellent fresh market and frozen-fried processing quality and field resistance to common scab and PVY

Western Russet, designated experimentally as A7961-1, and resulting from the cross A68113-4 x Bel-Rus, was released in 2004 by the USDA/ARS and the agricultural experiment stations of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The foliage of Western Russet is spreading, with medium-sized olive-green leaves and abundant white flowers. The tubers are tan, with medium russet skin, oblong shape, a slightly prominent eyebrow, white flesh, and distinctly visible pith. Western Russet was compared with Russet Burbank in trials across the Pacific Northwest for yield, quality, and disease response. In general, Western Russet produced lower total yields than Russet Burbank, but on average and depending on location, similar U.S. No. 1 yields. When observed for defect problems, Western Russet exhibited resistance to second growth, growth cracks, shatter bruise, stem-end discoloration, and heat necrosis, moderate resistance to hollow heart, and moderate susceptibility to blackspot bruise. In product quality tests, Western Russet was rated similar to Russet Burbank for french fry and dehydrated potato flake quality and slightly inferior for baked potato quality. In replicated evaluations, Western Russet was found to have good field resistance to common scab and PVYo, and moderate resistance to verticillium wilt and tuber net necrosis caused by PLRV. It demonstrated susceptibility to late blight, foliar PLRV, dry rot, soft rot, and tuber early blight. Biochemical analysis of Western Russet tubers showed markedly higher vitamin C content than those of Russet Burbank. Tuber glycoalkaloid concentration in tubers produced in a 1988 trial was 1.0 mg 100 g−1.
Public choice perspectives on intellectual property

We mine two public choice traditions for insights into intellectual property rights: the Virginia school, centered on James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock, and the Bloomington or Institutional Analysis and Development school, centered on Elinor Ostrom and Vincent Ostrom. We apply the perspectives of each school to issues of intellectual property and develop new insights, questions, and focuses of attention. We also explore tensions and synergies between the two schools on issues of intellectual property.
Enzymatic methylation of histones

Abstract Various proteins were methylated by purified protein methylase I. Since the enzyme also methylates its endogenous histones, detailed studies on the protein methylation by the purified protein methylase I were carried out with added histone. Exogenous histone methylated enzymatically gave rise to guanidyl-methylated and α-N-methyl, guanidyl-methylated arginine on acid hydrolysis.
Structure and function of gustatory neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract: II. Relationships between neuronal morphology and physiology

This study employed intracellular recording and labeling techniques to examine potential relationships between the physiology and morphology of brainstem gustatory neurons. When we considered the neuronal response to the four “prototypic” tastants, we were able to demonstrate a positive correlation between breadth of responsiveness and the number of dendritic branch points. An analysis of the response to eight tastants also revealed an association between dendritic spine density and the breadth of responsiveness, with more narrowly tuned neurons exhibiting more spines. Interestingly, a neuron's “best response” was a relatively poor predictor of neuronal morphology. When we focused on those neurons that responded to only one tastant, however, a number of potentially important relationships became apparent. We found that the cells that only responded to quinine were smaller than the neurons that only responded to NaCl, HCl, or sucrose. The HCl-only neurons, however, were more widespread in the rostrocaudal dimension than the neurons that only responded to NaCl. A number of additional structure-function relationships were identified when we examined the neuronal response to selected tastants. We found that neurons that responded to sucrose but not quinine, as well as neurons that responded to quinine but not sucrose, were more widespread in the mediolateral dimension than neurons that responded to both sucrose and quinine. We also discovered that the neurons that responded to NaCl, but not to NH4Cl or KCl, were larger than neurons that responded to all three salts. We believe that these results support the hypothesis that there are relationships between the structure and function of gustatory neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract, with the data highlighting the importance of three themes: 1) the relationship between dendritic specializations and tuning, 2) the relationship between dendritic arbor orientation and response properties, and 3) the potential importance of stimulus-specific neurons. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bayesian wavelet estimation of partially linear models

A Bayesian wavelet approach is presented for estimating a partially linear model (PLM). A PLM consists of a linear part and a nonparametric component. The nonparametric component is represented with a wavelet series where the wavelet coefficients have assumed prior distributions. The prior for each coefficient consists of a mixture of a normal distribution and a point mass at 0. The linear parameters are assumed to have a normal prior. The hyperparameters are estimated by the marginal maximum likelihood estimator using the direct maximization. The model selection and model averaging methods give different estimates of the model parameters. MCMC computation is used for the estimation of the linear coefficients by model averaging method. Simulated examples illustrate the performance of the proposed estimators.
Inductive inference of optimal controllers for uncertain logical discrete event systems

This paper summarizes preliminary results on the implementation and convergence of an inductive learning algorithm used to identify optimal logical DES controllers. The algorithm is a modification of Angluin's L* procedure. It uses queries to an equivalence oracle and incomplete membership oracle to learn a minimal deterministic finite automaton consistent with the supremal controllable sublanguage of a known specification language and unknown plant. This paper shows how the proposed algorithm is implemented, provides results on the procedure's convergence properties, and presents an example illustrating its use.
Abnormal Volitional Hip Torque Phasing and Hip Impairments in Gait Post Stroke

The purpose of this study was to quantify how volitional control of hip torque relates to walking function poststroke. Volitional phasing of hip flexion and extension torques was assessed using a load-cell-instrumented servomotor drive system in 11 chronic stroke subjects and 5 age-matched controls. Hips were oscillated from approximately 40 degrees of hip flexion to 10 degrees of hip extension at a frequency of 0.50 Hz during three movement conditions [hips in phase (IP), 180 degrees out of phase (OP), and unilateral hip movement (UN)] while the knees and ankles were held stationary. The magnitude and phasing of hip, knee, and ankle torques were measured during each movement condition. Surface electromyography was measured throughout the legs. Over ground gait analysis was done for all stroke subjects. During robotic-assisted movement conditions, the paretic limb produced peak hip torques when agonist hip musculature was stretched instead of midway through the movement as seen in the nonparetic and control limbs (P < 0.012). However, mean torque magnitudes of the paretic and nonparetic limbs were not significantly different. Abnormalities of paretic hip torque phasing were more pronounced during bilateral movement conditions and were associated with quadriceps overactivity. The magnitude of flexion torque produced during maximal hip extension was correlated with the Fugl Meyer Score, self-selected walking speed, and maximal hip extension during over ground walking. These results suggest that hyperexcitable stretch reflexes in the paretic limb impair coordinated hip torque phasing and likely interfere with walking function post stroke.
5-cm, no iron SSC 6-m dipole test program

Magnet Design B for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) consists of a 5 cm diameter collared coil assembly 12 m long with concentric aluminum thermal shields at 10 K and 80 K, a G-10 post type support system and a minimal iron vacuum vessel located at a large radius from the coil. In order to determine the behavior of such a magnet under both direct current and quenching conditions, a 6 m model was built using Tevatron tooling to produce a 7.6 cm diameter coil. The dc operation demonstrated that the post type suspension has acceptable rigidity. Distortions in the aluminum thermal shield during quench resulted from stresses in the material below the yield values. Temperature increases in the thermal shield due to eddy currents were larger than those calculated using simple assumptions, demonstrating the value of using a model to verify eddy current behavior in complex situations.
A nanotube-on-insulator (NOI) approach toward scalable and integratable nanotube devices on sapphire

We present a novel nanotube-on-insulator (NOI) approach to produce high-yield nanotube devices based on aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes. First, we managed to grow aligned nanotube arrays with controlled density on crystalline, insulating sapphire substrates, which bear analogy to industry-adopted silicon-on-insulator substrates. Based on the nanotube arrays, we demonstrated registration-free fabrication of top-gated field-effect transistors with minimized parasitic capacitance. Our approach has great potential for high-density, large-scale integrated systems based on carbon nanotubes for microelectronics
Water channels in platelet volume regulation.

The regulation of platelet volume significantly affects its function. Because water is the major molecule in cells and its active transport via water channels called aquaporins (AQPs) have been implicated in cellular and organelle volume regulation, the presence of water channels in platelets and their potential role in platelet volume regulation was investigated. G-protein–mediated AQP regulation in secretory vesicle swelling has previously been reported in neurons and in pancreatic acinar cells. Mercuric chloride has been demonstrated to inhibit most AQPs except AQP6, which is stimulated by the compound. Exposure of platelets to HgCl2-induced swelling in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the presence of AQP6 in platelets. Immunoblot analysis of platelet protein confirmed the presence of AQP6, and also of Gαo, Gαi–1 and Gαi–3 proteins. Results from this study demonstrate for the first time that in platelets AQP6 is involved in cell volume regulation via a G-protein–mediated pathway.
Impedance cardiography using band and regional electrodes in supine, sitting, and during exercise

The electrical impedance and its first derivative (dZ/dt) were measured at 100 kHz on ten normal males in supine and sitting positions and during upright bicycle exercise in order to compare the contribution of regional electrodes to the standard band electrode signal and to evaluate the possible use of spot electrodes for stroke volume (SV) measurements. Simultaneous measurements were made from band electrodes placed around the neck and lower thorax and from spot electrodes which recorded signals from the neck, upper thorax, and lower thorax. The results showed that approximately equal parts of the dZ/dt waveform came front the neck and upper thorax with the lower thorax contribution small but providing important features of the band signal. Changing from supine to sitting showed percentage decreases of 35% and 46% for the band and neck signals, respectively, with an increase of 19% for the upper thorax signal. The percentage increases in SV with upright exercise were 34%, 52%, and 24% for the band, neck, and upper thorax signals, respectively. >
A Vision for Global Cancer Medicine: Pursuing the Equity of Chance

At the turn of the century, some claimed that HIV/AIDS was a disease that could not be managed in low-income settings. It was argued that "poor people would not comply with treatment," and that treatment was too expensive and too complicated to deliver. But over the past two decades, data on outcomes have thoroughly disproved this myth. Similar arguments have more recently been made about cancer treatment: chemotherapy was said to be too toxic and too costly and that it required administration expertise beyond that available in low-income settings. We argue that these claims are similarly rooted in ideology rather than evidence. Fortunately, such claims are starting to be refuted by a diverse set of global cancer partnerships around the world that are documenting progress and positive results. In this review article, we provide examples of programs that can give us reason to hope that the treatment playing field is being leveled such that birthplace does not determine survival prognosis. We believe that through strong collaborative efforts and solidarity, the equity of chance can be achieved for patients with cancer worldwide.
Differences between Dual Users of Cigarettes and Snus and Other Tobacco Users in the United States: An Examination of Adolescent Males

Although dual use of tobacco products is increasingly prevalent among youths, no studies in the United States have examined dual use of cigarettes and snus, a new spitless form of tobacco. This study compared adolescent dual users with snus users, cigarette users, and non-users of these tobacco products, on various intrapersonal (e.g., other tobacco use) and interpersonal (e.g., friend use of tobacco) factors. Participants were 5,574 sixth- through twelfth-grade students who voluntarily completed the 2011 Texas Youth Tobacco Survey. Because snus users were predominately male, mixed-effects regression analyses were conducted for males only (N = 2,790). Compared with cigarette users and nonusers of either cigarettes or snus, male dual users scored significantly higher on the study variables; there were few differences between dual users and snus users. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Attracting majors: panel discussion

Studies show that a large number of students entering college expressed ignorance of computer science and the careers to which it could lead1 A few students come to understand the benefits of computer science or realize that they have an interest in majoring in the field after taking a CS elective or initiating a minor in CS. High school counselors and even teachers of computer classes are uninformed of the benefits of a computer science major.
Taxol and anti-stathmin therapy: Novel synergistic inhibitors of angiogenesis

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 3024 Stathmin, a founding member of a family of microtubule destabilizing proteins provides an attractive target for cancer therapy. Taxol is an effective anti-tumor agent whose activity is mediated through stabilization of microtubules that make up the mitotic spindle. Taxol also has anti-angiogenic effects manifested by inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and differentiation. We had previously shown synergy in the anti-tumor activities of taxol and stathmin inhibition. We hypothesized that taxol and stathmin inhibition may also have synergistic anti-angiogenic activities. A replication deficient bicistronic adenoviral vector (Ad.Rz.GFP) that coexpresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) and an anti-stathmin ribozyme (Rz) was generated for efficient gene transfer and inhibition of stathmin expression. Transduction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) resulted in GFP fluorescence in 80% of the cells. Northern blot analyses of RNA isolated from endothelial cells infected with Ad.Rz.GFP showed 74% inhibition of stathmin expression relative to uninfected cells or cells infected with control Ad.GFP virus. We then assessed the sensitivity of HUVECs to low doses of the recombinant adenoviruses (15 pfu/cell) and picomolar doses of taxol, both as single agents and in combination. Exposure of uninfected or control Ad.GFP infected cells to taxol (2-6 pM) resulted in a modest dose-dependent decrease in proliferation. In contrast, exposure of Ad.Rz.GFP infected cells to the same doses of taxol resulted in complete inhibition of proliferation. Thus, anti-stathmin therapy sensitizes endothelial cells to the anti-angiogenic effects of taxol. We also examined HUVEC differentiation into capillary-like structures on reconstituted extracellular matrix proteins (matrigel). Uninfected or control Ad.GFP infected HUVECs formed a complex network of long anastomosing tubes in the absence of taxol. When the same cells were exposed to 4 and 6 pM taxol, tube formation was modestly reduced to 89% and 78% respectively. In contrast, tube formation in Ad.Rz.GFP infected cells was reduced to 59% in the absence of taxol. Moreover, the tubes that formed were short and distorted in Ad.Rz.GFP infected cells compared to control cells. When Ad.Rz.GFP infected cells were exposed to 4 pM taxol, tube formation was further reduced to 30% and was completely aborted at 6 pM taxol. Thus, combination of anti-stathmin therapy and taxol results in synergistic inhibition of angiogenesis that is clearly greater than the sum of their individual effects. TUNEL analyses of Ad.Rz.GFP infected HUVECs after taxol exposure showed a very modest fraction (<2%) of apoptotic cells. This suggests that the observed inhibition of angiogenesis is not a reflection of cell death. If these observations are confirmed in vivo , this novel combination may provide an attractive therapeutic strategy that combines anti-tumor activity with anti-angiogenic activity.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CFRP INTER-STAGE ATTACH FITTING

This paper presents an experimental evaluation of strength of composite cylindrical and conical shells. The objective of this research is to investigate the failure behavior of composite lattice structures and to design the most weight efficient structure with the highest failure load. The composite lattice cylindrical and conical shells under axial compressive loads are examined. The main emphasis is placed on the effects of geometrical configuration of the structure and the manufacturing process. A new fabrication process filament winding is developed. It is shown that these structures can be constructed by filament winding, the process can be automated, the manufacturing costs can be greatly reduced and high strength to weight ratio can be achieved.
Agendas and the Control of Political Outcomes

A considerable theoretical literature argues that if everyone votes sincerely, then an agenda setter has near dictatorial influence on final outcomes, whereas if everyone votes strategically, then an agenda setter's power is considerably reduced. This literature assumes that all feasible agendas are of a special type called amendment agendas. But actual legislative and committee agendas—notably those found in Congress—often are not of this type. Once we expand the domain of feasible agendas to include all types allowed by common parliamentary practice, the influence of agendas on legislative outcomes expands, even with strategic voting. Besides showing with counterexamples that previous results do not extend to a more realistic domain of agendas, we prove some theorems that specify the limits (such as they are) of an agenda setter's power.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Children of Epileptic Mothers

Specific cognitive abilities and motor function were investigated at 5½ years in 104 children of epileptic mothers and in 105 control children with normal intelligence at the Child Neurology Department, Children’s Castle Hospital, Lastenlinnantie, Helsinki, Finland.
Pineal Region Tumours of Childhood

At the University Hospital, Hamburg, from 1980-85, 17 children had pineal region tumours among 102 children with CNS tumours.
A Taylor Rule for Public Debt

Public debt is an important source of liquidity in economies facing shortages of private credit. It is also a bubble whose current price depends on expectations of what it will buy at future dates. In this article, the author studies how the government must balance the provision of sufficient liquidity against the risk of adverse expectations regarding future debt prices when private liquidity has dried up. The socially optimal balance is captured in a Taylor-like rule that sets a target for real public debt and manages expectations by overreacting to deviations from the target value. Overreaction takes the form of manipulating budget surpluses to absorb excess debt or reverse liquidity shortages. A budget surplus (deficit) is equivalent to an income tax (subsidy) on investors that restrains (raises) their demand for liquid assets.
In silico frameworks for systematic pre-clinical screening of potential anti-leukemia therapeutics.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Leukemia is a collection of highly heterogeneous cancers that arise from neoplastic transformation and clonal expansion of immature hematopoietic cells. Post-treatment recurrence is high, especially among elderly patients, thus necessitating more effective treatment modalities. Development of novel anti-leukemic compounds relies heavily on traditional in vitro screens which require extensive resources and time. Therefore, integration of in silico screens prior to experimental validation can improve the efficiency of pre-clinical drug development.Areas covered: This article reviews different methods and frameworks used to computationally screen for anti-leukemic agents. In particular, three approaches are discussed including molecular docking, transcriptomic integration, and network analysis.Expert opinion: Today’s data deluge presents novel opportunities to develop computational tools and pipelines to screen for likely therapeutic candidates in the treatment of leukemia. Formal integ...
Human assisted robotic team campaigns for aquatic monitoring: Field Reports

Large-scale environmental sensing, e.g., understanding microbial processes in an aquatic ecosystem, requires coordination across a multidisciplinary team of experts working closely with a robotic sensing and sampling system. We describe a human-robot team that conducted an aquatic sampling campaign in Lake Fulmor, San Jacinto Mountains Reserve, California during three consecutive site visits (May 9–11, June 19–22, and August 28–31, 2006). The goal of the campaign was to study the behavior of phytoplankton in the lake and their relationship to the underlying physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Phytoplankton form the largest source of oxygen and the foundation of the food web in most aquatic ecosystems. The reported campaign consisted of three system deployments spanning four months. The robotic system consisted of two subsystems—NAMOS (networked aquatic microbial observing systems) comprised of a robotic boat and static buoys, and NIMS-RD (rapidly deployable networked infomechanical systems) comprised of an infrastructure-supported tethered robotic system capable of high-resolution sampling in a two-dimensional cross section (vertical plane) of the lake. The multidisciplinary human team consisted of 25 investigators from robotics, computer science, engineering, biology, and statistics.We describe the lake profiling campaign requirements, the robotic systems assisted by a human team to perform high fidelity sampling, and the sensing devices used during the campaign to observe several environmental parameters. We discuss measures taken to ensure system robustness and quality of the collected data. Finally, we present an analysis of the data collected by iteratively adapting our experiment design to the observations in the sampled environment. We conclude with the plans for future deployments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mandatory Parent Education Programs Can Create Positive Youth Sport Experiences

Youth sport leaders must not ignore the influence parents have on creating a positive developmental experience for young athletes. Therefore, expectations involving parental involvement and conduct must be addressed prior to athletes' participation. This article aims to examine the importance of creating mandatory parental training programs for youth sports. It explores research regarding what parents should learn, how to implement training programs, and how to hold parents accountable. Requiring parental training could be an important step toward changing the often negative sideline culture that has become prevalent in youth sports today.
Structure and function of the choroid plexus and other sites of cerebrospinal fluid formation.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structure and function of the choroid plexus and other sites of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formation. A considerable volume of the CSF is formed continuously within the cerebral ventricles. The choroid plexuses contribute to this formation, but a significant fraction of the CSF is formed extrachoroidally. The exact contributions of fluid from choroidal and extrachoroidal sites remain to be determined. The elaboration of choroidal fluid probably involves the following steps: filtration of the .blood plasma across fenestrated choroidal capillaries, formation of a protein-rich interstitial fluid within the choroidal stroma, and movement of constituents of the interstitial fluid across the choroidal epithelium by the combined processes of ultrafiltration and active transport. Contributing to the choroid plexus blood-CSF barrier are at least three specialized features: a system of circumferential tight functions joining adjacent epithelial cells; a heterolytic system of pinocytotic vesicles and lysosomes within epithelial cells; and a system of epithelial cell enzymes concerned with the active bidirectional transport of substances between the plasma and CSF. It is likely that the choroid plexus epithelium elaborates a carefully regulated fluid and, at the same time, participates in the homeostasis of the CSF. Evidence exists that the extracellular fluid of the brain is continuously formed across the cerebral endothelium, that it drains in bulk to the adjacent CSF cavities, and that it serves as a vehicle for removing intracerebral metabolites. Overall, there is probably a steady, net addition of new fluid at all points along the pathways of CSF circulation until the major sites of absorption (arachnoid villi) are reached.
Planning, Implementation and Teaching of Systems Engineering in Developing Countries

Abstract A general scheme to plan, design, implement, and teach the methodologies of systems engineering is presented for the solution of various problems in developing countries.
A Question of Semantics: Whose Blue Economy?

The discourse of ‘blue economy’ is increasingly prominent in the international relations and policy community, from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Indian Ocean Rim Associati...
Atomistic computer simulations of water interactions and dissolution of inorganic glasses

Computer simulations at the atomistic scale play an increasing important role in understanding the structure features, and the structure–property relationships of glass and amorphous materials. In this paper, we reviewed atomistic simulation methods ranging from first principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, to classical molecular dynamics (MD), and meso-scale kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations and their applications to study the reactions and interactions of inorganic glasses with water and the dissolution behaviors of ﻿inorganic glasses. Particularly, the use of these simulation methods in understanding the reaction mechanisms of water with oxide glasses, water–glass interfaces, hydrated porous silica gels formation, the structure and properties of multicomponent glasses, and microstructure evolution are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantageous of these simulation methods are discussed and the current challenges and future direction of atomistic simulations in glass dissolution presented.
Flank and Lumbar Hernia Repair

Flank and lumbar hernias are challenging because of their rarity and anatomic location. Several challenges exist when approaching these specific abdominal wall defects, including location, innervation of the lateral abdominal wall musculature, and their proximity to bony landmarks. These hernias are confined by the costal margin, spine, and pelvic brim, which makes closure of the defect, including mesh placement, difficult. This article discusses the anatomy of lumbar and flank hernias, the various etiologies for these hernias, and the procedural steps for open and robotic preperitoneal approaches. The available clinical evidence regarding outcomes for various repair techniques is also reviewed.
Safety of Immunosuppressive Therapy for Eye Diseases

Increasing evidence suggests that immunosuppressive therapy with antimetabolites and T-cell inhibitors, and likely also with biologics, is a safe and reasonably effective alternative or adjunct to long-term, high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Most patients tolerate antimetabolites and T-cell inhibitors without difficulty. If tolerance problems do occur, they are usually early in therapy and are reversible with dose adjustment or medication cessation. Alkylating agents appear to have a higher risk of opportunistic infection and cancer, which may limit their use to the most severe cases. TNF inhibitors appear to have a slightly increased risk of opportunistic infection and probably no increased risk of cancer; however, concerning preliminary data from the SITE cohort need to be evaluated further. The limited evidence available on interferons shows a high incidence of short-term flulike symptoms, while rituximab usually does not cause short-term toxicities. Neither interferons nor rituximab appears to have an increased risk of infection or other long-term adverse effects; however, further research is needed to evaluate their impact on risk of cancer and mortality. New immunosuppressive drugs also will need to be evaluated for safety and effectiveness as they become available.
A review of mathematical models of cancer-immune interactions in the context of tumor dormancy.

The role of the immune system in tumor dormancy is now well established. In an immune-induced dormant state, potentially lethal cancer cells persist in a state where growth is restricted, to little or no increase, by the host’s immune response. To describe this state in the context of cancer progression and immune response, basic temporal (spatially homogeneous) quantitative predator–prey constructs are discussed, along with some current and proposed augmentations that incorporate potentially significant biological phenomena such as the cancer cell transition to a quiescent state or the time delay in T-cell activation. Advances in cancer-immune modeling that describe complex interactions underlying the ability of the immune system to both promote and inhibit tumor growth are emphasized. Finally, the review concludes by discussing future mathematical challenges and their biological significance.
Revisiting the Closed-Loop Model and the Nature of mRNA 5′–3′ Communication

Communication between the 5' and 3' ends of mature eukaryotic mRNAs lies at the heart of gene regulation, likely arising at the same time as the eukaryotic lineage itself. Our view of how and why it occurs has been shaped by elegant experiments that led to nearly universal acceptance of the "closed-loop model." However, new observations suggest that this classic model needs to be reexamined, revised, and expanded. Here, we address fundamental questions about the closed-loop model and discuss how a growing understanding of mRNA structure, dynamics, and intermolecular interactions presents new experimental opportunities. We anticipate that the application of emerging methods will lead to expanded models that include the role of intrinsic mRNA structure and quantitative dynamic descriptions of 5'-3' proximity linked to the functional status of an mRNA and will better reflect the messy realities of the crowded and rapidly changing cellular environment.
Occipital Neuralgia: An Often Missed Cause of Headache

Neuralgic type pain of the occipital nerve is a syndrome of protean etiologies. It can often present in the form of intermittent or chronic headaches masquerading as vascular or tension headaches. In many cases, there is accompanying orbital pain on the ipsilateral side. Local anesthetic infiltration into the area of the emergence of the occipital nerve on the occiput can bring prompt and lasting relief to the sufferer.
Interparental Relationships among Low Income, Ethnically Diverse, Two-Parent Cohabiting Families

The coparenting relationship has been conceptualized as a mechanism by which the broader interparental relationship affects child outcomes, but little is known about how aspects of fathers’ and mothers’ report of relationship quality (i.e., adjustment and conflict), are linked to coparenting quality within families experiencing economic strain or those of diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds. The present study used actor-partner interdependence models to investigate specific links between relationship quality and coparenting for 301 low-income, cohabiting couples. Parents’ own relationship quality was related to their report of coparenting, and for relationship adjustment, links were stronger for mothers than for fathers. Generally, economic strain was linked to parents’ broader relationship quality and not coparenting. Models tested within subgroups of Black, Hispanic, Interethnic, and White parents suggest that overall associations between relationship quality and coparenting are similar for families of varying racial or ethnic backgrounds. Findings suggest that existing theoretical coparenting work is relevant to parents of diverse, low-income backgrounds and bolster a growing body of work indicating that mothers’ report of coparenting is more closely tied to the broader couple relationship than is fathers’ report of coparenting.
Ca4Fe3-xMnxO8-δ Cl2: A New n = 3 Ruddlesden—Popper Oxychloride.

Single crystals of the title solid solutions (0.91 ≤ x ≤ 1.79, δ ≈ 0.1) are prepared from mixtures of CaCO3, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, and CaCl2 as a flux (Al2O3 crucible, 850 °C, 30—40 h).
Discovery of a New Light–Molecule Interaction: Supracence Reveals What Is Missing in Fluorescence Imaging

The currently understood principles about light-molecule interactions are limited, and thus scientific scope beyond current theories is rarely harvested. Herein we demonstrate supracence phenomena, in which the emitted photons have more energy than the absorbed photons. The extra energy comes from couplings of the absorbed and emitted photon to molecular phonons, whose potentials are constantly exchanging with molecular quantum energy and the environment. Thus, supracence is a linear optical process rather than a nonlinear optical process, such as second harmonic generation. Because supracence results in cooled molecular phonons and thus cooled molecules, behavior opposite to that of hot fluorescing emitters is expected. This report reveals certain supracence principles while contrasting fluorescence with supracence in high-resolution imaging.
Real-Time Applications Using High Resolution 3D Objects in High Definition Maps (Systems Paper)

One of the greatest challenges in automated driving is the ability to acquire, access and query the data pertaining to high resolution 3D objects from multiple heterogeneous sources. Specifically, the information extraction needs to be done by fusing data from both sensors and databases, and with real-time constraints. Existing structures and algorithmic approaches designed for regular maps - or even regular features in High Definition maps - are not optimal to handle the various challenges. In this paper, we review the importance and roles of high resolution 3D objects in High Definition maps being used in autonomous driving applications and summarize the characteristics of 3D objects compared to other regular map features. We also describe an end-to-end pipeline of a system targeting such problems and emphasize the challenges and feasible solutions to each part of the pipeline. Last but not least, we define the quantified evaluation metrics for each task and introduce the dataset that we built for this objective.
Aspiring Antifungals: Review of Current Antifungal Pipeline Developments

Invasive fungal infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and their management is restricted to a variety of agents from five established classes of antifungal medication. In practice, existing antifungal agents are often constrained by dose-limiting toxicities, drug interactions, and the routes of administration. An increasing prevalence of invasive fungal infections along with rising rates of resistance and the practical limitations of existing agents has created a demand for the development of new antifungals, particularly those with novel mechanisms of action. This article reviews antifungal agents currently in various stages of clinical development. New additions to existing antifungal classes will be discussed, including SUBA-itraconazole, a highly bioavailable azole, and amphotericin B cochleate, an oral amphotericin formulation, as well as rezafungin, a long-acting echinocandin capable of once-weekly administration. Additionally, novel first-in-class agents such as ibrexafungerp, an oral glucan synthase inhibitor with activity against various resistant fungal isolates, and olorofim, a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor with a broad spectrum of activity and oral formulation, will be reviewed. Various other innovative antifungal agents and classes, including MGCD290, tetrazoles, and fosmanogepix, will also be examined.