cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromosome X modulates incidence of testicular germ cell tumors in Ter mice

Germ cell tumor development in humans has been proposed to be part of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), which manifests as undescended testes, sterility, hypospadias, and, in extreme cases, as germ cell tumors. Males of the Ter mouse strain show interesting parallels to TDS because they either lack germ cells and are sterile or develop testicular germ cell tumors. We found that these defects in Ter mice are due to mutational inactivation of the Dead-end (Dnd1) gene. Here we report that chromosome X modulates germ cell tumor development in Ter mice. We tested whether the X or the Y chromosome influences tumor incidence. We used chromosome substitution strains to generate two new mouse strains: 129-Ter/Ter that carry either a C57BL/6J (B6)-derived chromosome (Chr) X or Y. We found that Ter/Ter males with B6-Chr X, but not B6-Chr Y, showed a significant shift in propensity from testicular tumor development to sterile testes phenotype. Thus, our studies provide unambiguous evidence that genetic factors from Chr X modulate the incidence of germ cell tumors in mice with inactivated Dnd1.
Correlation Corrections for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Diffusion

Correlation corrections for diffusion coefficients which are measured using the technique of motional narrowing of nuclear magnetic resonance lines are considered. The results are applied to vacancy diffusion in alkali halide crystals, and previous work is clarified and extended to the consideration of associated vacancies. Relative values of diffusivity and activation energy are determined in the associated vacancy extrinsic region for NMR, radioactive tracer, and ionic conductivity methods of determination, and the relevant correlation corrections are derived. Es werden Korrekturen der Beziehungen fur Diffusionskoeffizienten betrachtet, die unter Benutzung der Technik der Bewegungsverengung der magnetischen Kernresonanzlinien gemessen wurden. Die Ergebnisse werden auf die Leerstellendiffusion in Alkalihalogenid-Kristallen angewandt. Fruhere Arbeiten werden durch die Betrachtung von Leerstellenassoziaten erweitert. Es werden relative Werte des Diffusionsvermogens und der Aktivierungsenergie im Auslaufergebiet der Leerstellenassoziate durch magnetische Kernresonanz, mittels radioaktiver Spuren und aus der Ionenleitfahigkeit bestimmt. Erhebliche Korrekturen der Beziehungen werden abgeleitet.
Perspectives on practical aspects of truck routing and scheduling

Abstract Truck routing and scheduling problems are differentiated from other vehicle routing and scheduling problems and a classification scheme for the former ones is outlined. Many characteristics of practical truck routing and scheduling problems are listed and several aspects are discussed, among them are: soft constraints, demand variability, multiple objectives, complex cost functions, and alternate solution approaches with their potential for solving practical problems. It is suggested that cost-based interactive heuristics coupled with graphical presentation of solutions may be the right method to deal with the more complex practical problems. Some basic generic heuristics are suggested and important software design and acquisition considerations are presented.
Photochemical generation of oxa-dibenzocyclooctyne (ODIBO) for metal-free click ligations

Oxa-dibenzocyclooctynes (ODIBO, 2a–c) are prepared by photochemical decarbonylation of corresponding cyclopropenones (photo-ODIBO, 1a–c). While photo-ODIBO does not react with azides, ODIBO is one of the most reactive cyclooctynes exhibiting rates of cycloaddition over 45 M−1 s−1 in aqueous solutions. ODIBO is stable under ambient conditions and has low reactivity towards thiols. Photo-ODIBO survives heating up to 160 °C and does not react with thiols.
Modeling and Forecasting Secondary User Activity in Cognitive Radio Networks

Prior research efforts on cognitive radio networks have mainly focused on effective sensing of primary users to determine the availability of a spectrum band for opportunistic use. However, when multiple secondary users compete for a limited amount of spectrum, quality of service (QoS) for these users could degrade due to interference. In this paper, we present an integrated modeling and forecasting framework characterizing spectrum use by secondary users in a cognitive radio network (CRN). In our proposed method, each secondary user in a CRN, first enters a learning and modeling phase where it attempts to estimate the traffic parameters of other secondary users. Following this phase, the secondary user actively participates in opportunistic spectrum use. Assuming a continuous time Markov chain model for secondary user activity, we develop a Kalman filter based approach for estimating the number of secondary users. This estimate is in turn used to predict the number of secondary users in a future time instant. Experimental results show that our proposed forecasting technique provides a good upper bound prediction for the number of secondary users.
Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy in a 2-Year-Old Male Through a 4-French Guide Catheter

A 2-year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome that required multiple cardiovascular surgeries and a heterozygous prothrombin G20210A mutation with resulting thrombophilia maintained on warfarin presented with acute right middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction manifesting as a left hemiplegia. An MRI revealed a complete occlusion of the right M1 segment with an area of restricted diffusion in the right basal ganglia representing only a small area of acute infarction. Patchy areas of subacute infarction were also present in the right MCA territory. He underwent endovascular mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever. This is an account of a successful mechanical thrombectomy performed in the youngest patient reported in the English literature to date.
Radiation transfer in the fluid frame.

The radiation transfer equation and its first two moment equations are derived in the fluid frame description in a form which is independent of the coordinates and of the geometrical symmetry. All terms up to O(v/c) are kept consistently and the dominant terms in these equations are identified. The equations are specialized to cylindrical coordinates and azimuthal symmetry.
The Helpseeking Experiences of Men Who Sustain Intimate Partner Violence: An Overlooked Population and Implications for Practice

For over 30 years, research has shown that men can and do sustain intimate partner violence (IPV) from their female partners. This is the first large-scale, nationally-based, quantitative study to systematically detail the helpseeking experiences of men who have sustained IPV from their female partners. The sample is composed of 302 men who were recruited from resources specializing in men’s issues. Results indicate that men who seek help for IPV victimization have the most positive experiences in seeking help from family/friends, and mental health and medical providers. They have the least positive experiences with members of the DV service system. Cumulative positive helpseeking experiences were associated with lower levels of abusing alcohol; cumulative negative experiences were associated with higher rates of exceeding a clinical cut-off for post-traumatic stress disorder. Results are discussed in terms of implications for the social service sector and for future research.
A varicella-zoster virus vaccine reduced the burden of illness of herpes zoster in older adults.

Oxman MN, Levin MJ, Johnson GR, et al . A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. N Engl J Med 2005;352:2271–84. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Q In persons ⩾60 years of age, does a live attenuated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine decrease the burden of illness caused by herpes zoster and the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia? Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★★☆ IM/Ambulatory care ★★★★★★☆ Infectious disease ★★★★★★★ ### ![Graphic][5] Design: randomised placebo controlled trial (Shingles Prevention Study). ### ![Graphic][6] Allocation: {concealed*}†. ### ![Graphic][7] Blinding: blinded (clinicians, participants, {data collectors, outcome assessors, data analysts, and data safety and monitoring committee}†).* ### ![Graphic][8] Follow-up period: mean 3.13 years. ### ![Graphic][9] Setting: 22 sites in the US. ### ![Graphic][10] Participants: 38 546 persons ⩾60 years of age (median age 69 y, 59% men) who had a history of varicella or had lived in the US ⩾30 years. Immunocompromised persons were excluded. ### ![Graphic][11] Intervention: 1 subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml of Oka/Merck VZV vaccine (n = 19 270), or placebo (n = 19 276). The vaccine had median estimated potency of 24 600 plaque forming units. ### ![Graphic][12] Outcomes: vaccine efficacy with respect to the severity of illness … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DNew%2BEngland%2BJournal%2Bof%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DNEJM%26rft.issn%253D0028-4793%26rft.aulast%253DOxman%26rft.auinit1%253DM.%2BN.%26rft.volume%253D352%26rft.issue%253D22%26rft.spage%253D2271%26rft.epage%253D2284%26rft.atitle%253DA%2BVaccine%2Bto%2BPrevent%2BHerpes%2BZoster%2Band%2BPostherpetic%2BNeuralgia%2Bin%2BOlder%2BAdults%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa051016%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F15930418%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJMoa051016&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=15930418&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F10%2F6%2F177.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000229446400004&link_type=ISI [5]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [6]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [7]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [8]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif [9]: /embed/inline-graphic-5.gif [10]: /embed/inline-graphic-6.gif [11]: /embed/inline-graphic-7.gif [12]: /embed/inline-graphic-8.gif
Built-in self test and a VLSI stack-frame reduced-instruction set computer (RISC) architecture

The authors describe the construction of the SF2000 VLSI stack-frame RISC computer (a design based on the successful SF1 computer) and discuss the advanced methods, such as random pattern testing and design partitioning aids, used in the construction of the on-chip BIST (built-in self test) hardware in this three-chip computer. The SF2000 CPU chip will contain architectural elements such as a 2-way set of associative instruction cache, a data cache, and on-chip provisions to use the SF2000 as a computing element in a multiprocessing environment. The testability measures included on-chip will emphasize random-pattern testing, design partitioning, and concurrent memory testing with measures of their costs and effectiveness for future applications, such as larger VLSI and WSI circuits. Some methods which reduce the overhead of BIST designs without degradation of the test coverage of faults are also described. A 8*8 mm VLSI circuit in 1.2 micron double-metal CMOS technology and approximately 300000 transistors mounted in a 224 pin grid array package, is envisaged. >
Effect of reducing allochthonous P load on biomass and alkaline phosphatase activity of phytoplankton in an urbanized watershed, Michigan

Abstract Phosphorus (P) concentrations have declined in the Huron River in southeast Michigan subsequent to first a municipal ordinance, and later state legislation, restricting the application of commercial fertilizers containing phosphate. One management objective of the environmental policy was to reduce eutrophication of surface waters and nuisance blooms of cyanobacteria, particularly in large impoundments along the Huron River. Alternative management theory contended that nuisance algal conditions resulted from internal loading of P within the lakes rather than the allochthonous nutrient load. In summer 2012 during conditions of relative drought, we had an opportunity to test whether reduced river P was intensifying P limitation among phytoplankton in impoundments receiving the river water. We compared chlorophyll concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity measured in 2012 to measurements at the same sites obtained using identical methods in 2004 and 2005, before P reductions were implemented....
A parallel algorithm with embedded load balancing for autocorrelation matrix computation

The computation of autocorrelation matrix is used heavily in several areas including signal and image processing, where parallel and application-specific architectures are also being increasingly used. Therefore, an efficient scheme to compute autocorrelation matrix on parallel architectures has tremendous benefits. In this paper, a parallel algorithm for the computation of autocorrelation matrix on 2-D mesh, is presented. The computation requirements for the elements of the autocorrelation matrix is highly skewed and the proposed algorithm attempts to balance the computation load, without requiring an external load balancing algorithm or processor. In this sense, the load balancing is embedded within the algorithm. The exact number of computation steps are derived. The time complexity of the proposed algorithm is shown to be within twice the optimal (or lower bound). It is also shown to have twice the speedup of a straight-forward parallel algorithm.
Induction of MHC class II antigen expression on human HMC-1 mast cells

Abstract Mast cells are not only the primary effector cells of immediate type immune reactions, but they have recently also been considered to contribute to the induction of an immune response. Data on the ability of the cells to express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and the mechanisms involved are however controversial or unclear. We have therefore studied the expression of MHCI and the induction of MHCII molecules on leukemic HMC-1 mast cells by immunohistochemistry. Cells were incubated for up to 72 h in the presence of IFN γ , TNF α and IL-4, and immunohistochemical staining was done with monoclonal antibodies with specificity for HLA class I heavy chain, HLA-DQ (Tu22), HLA-DR (Tu36) and HLA-DQ, -R and -P (Tu35). All unstimulated mast cells expressed MHC class I, but almost no class II antigens. Incubation with IFN γ caused a rapid, dose-dependent induction of MHC class II molecules, with Tu35 staining maximally one third of the cells within 24 h at the highest dose tested (100 IU/ml), with decline on extended culture. TNF α (2 ng/ml) was less effective but caused more persistent induction with time. IL-4 (200 ng/ml) had hardly any effects at all. Staining with Tu22 and Tu36 was always lower than with Tu35, and additive or even synergistic results were obtained when cells were stimulated with a combination of IFN γ and TNF α . These findings support the concept that mast cells can facultatively participate in immune recognition processes depending on the type of pathological conditions in their microenvironment which allow expression of MHC class II molecules.
Experimental analysis of airbag seam design: high-rate shear testing for skin abrasions:

Approximately 66 per cent of all airbag deployments in the USA result in at least one skin injury, with 47 per cent of these skin injuries attributed directly to the airbag deployment. The purpose ...
One-step synthesis and characterization of difunctionalized N-confused tetraphenylporphyrins.

Three disubstituted N-confused porphyrins (2−4) were prepared in ca. 4% yield using a one-pot synthesis. These porphyrins bear 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl groups substituted at the C5 and C20 meso positions and para-substituted (Br, NO2, ethynyl) phenyl groups at the C10 and C15 meso positions. The specific orientation of the aryl rings around the macrocycle in porphyrin 2 was definitively determined using a combination of 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D (gHMQC and gHMBC) NMR spectroscopy. The absorption spectra of 2−4 in CH2Cl2 and dimethylacetamide are similar to those of N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin in the same solvents but have Soret and Q-bands that are shifted to lower energies. Steady-state fluorescence measurements revealed Qx(0,0) and Qx(0,1) bands similar in energy to the unsubstituted NCPs 1i and 1e. The fluorescence quantum yield results for two of these NCPs (2, 4) are atypical of porphyrin behavior and are being further investigated by time-resolved spectroscopy.
USE OF PLASTICINE REPLICA SNAKES TO ELICIT ANTIPREDATOR BEHAVIOR IN THE CALIFORNIA GROUND SQUIRREL (SPERMOPHILUS BEECHEYI)

Abstract We placed 72 plasticine replicas of large and small snakes near a California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) colony in San Diego County, California. Ground squirrels aggressively confronted both large and small replica snakes. Ground squirrels were more aggressive when attacking small replicas relative to large. Ground squirrels bit the smaller replicas a greater number of times, concentrating their attacks near the head of the replica. Large replicas were attacked more frequently near the tail. From the results we conclude: 1) California ground squirrels recognize increased risk of attacking larger versus smaller snakes, and 2) use of plasticine replicas is an effective method to investigate antipredator behavior of prey.
Assessment of Patients with Chronic Pain with or Without Comorbid Mental Health Problems

Chronic pain is a biopsychosocial phenomenon. Management of patients with chronic pain can be complicated by the web of multiple contributing and interacting factors. Assessment of chronic pain requires a comprehensive approach including medical, physical, and psychological evaluations of patients. In this chapter, we briefly describe the historical background of how chronic pain was conceptualized and review a range of psychological factors contributing to pain, including cognitive and emotional factors. We will also outline a comprehensive pain assessment with special focus on psychopathology issues, and provide a list of commonly used validated measures to assess pain and related domains. The emphasis is on patient centric assessment that will lead to an effective treatment planning of patients with complex, often idiosyncratic chronic pain conditions.
Endogenous triglyceride turnover in liver and plasma of the dog.

Radioactive glycerol and Sf > 20 lipoproteins labeled with it were used to study turnover of plasma Sf > 20 and hepatic triglyceride in anesthetized dogs. From specific activity-time curves of these lipids after an injection of labeled material, a tentative and incomplete model for the kinetics of endogenous hepatic and plasma triglyceride was defined and partially validated. Pool sizes and turnover rates of triglyceride in liver and Sf > 20 lipoproteins of plasma were then calculated in seven dogs. Hepatic triglyceride was composed of two compartments : 6OY0 metabolically inert and 40% metabolically active. Al- though communication between these hepatic compartments surely occurred during the time course of these studies, it was not sufficient to be detected by our present methods. The meta- bolically active compartment turned over as a single pool but with two destinations: a quite variable proportion (an average of 61%) was secreted into plasma as Sf > 20 triglyceride, and an average of 39y0 was presumably hydrolyzed within the liver. The fractional turnover rate of plasma Sf > 20 triglyceride was 2-3 times that of hepatic triglyceride. This finding, and the parallel decline of specific activities of plasma Sf > 20 and liver triglyceride after injection of labeled glycerol, confirm the rate-determining role of hepatic triglyceride. In this respect the dog differs importantly from man. Though turnover rates of plasma Sf > 20 triglyceride fell in the same range in men and dogs, the relationship of turnover rate to plasma concentration of this lipid differed greatly between them. The model for the dog does resemble that previously reported for man, however, in the lack of major recycling of intact plasma triglyceride be- tween the liver and plasma. Lack of such recycling, however, does not exclude return of plasma triglyceride into a hepatic triglyceride sink. The amount of such unidirectional uptake, if any, could not be determined by these techniques.
Applications of Plasmon Energy Expansion Thermometry

1. Center for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 2. Department of Physics and Astronomy & California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 3. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA 4. Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
ADHD in Children with Benign Epilepsy and Siblings

The prevalence and characteristics of ADHD in children with benign epilepsy and in their nonepileptic siblings were compared in a prospective study at Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Phytoestrogen Influences on the Development of Behavior and Gonadotropin Function

The effect of phytoestrogens on the sexual differentiation of gonadotropin function was examined by neonatal exposure of pups through milk of rat dams fed a coumestrol (100 micrograms/g), control, or chow diet during the "critical period" of the first 10 postnatal days or throughout the 21 days of lactation. In females, exposure to coumestrol throughout the period of lactation produced growth suppression and an acyclic condition in early adulthood resembling the premature anovulatory syndrome. When the period of treatment was restricted to the first 10 postnatal days, however, no effects on vaginal cyclicity were seen. The 10-day exposure period produced more marked effects in males, resulting in transitory reductions in body weight in weanling males and reductions in mount and ejaculation frequency and a prolongation of the latencies to mount and ejaculate. Testicular weights and plasma testosterone levels did not differ among treatment groups, suggesting that the deficits in male sexual behavior were not due to deficits in adult gonadal function. Few effects of chow treatment were observed. However, significant differences from controls were apparent for weight at vaginal opening in females, and mount rate for chow-treated males was intermediate between that of controls and that of the coumestrol-treated group. These data provide evidence that lactational exposure to phytoestrogen diets can alter neuroendocrine development in both female and male rats.
Design of An Optical Kerr Shutter Using Silicon Waveguides

We study the nonlinear polarization rotation induced by a pump pulse on a probe through cross-phase modulation inside a silicon waveguide and show that this phenomenon can be used to realize a fast Kerr shutter.
Ab-Initio Modeling of C-B Interactions In Si

We present the results of ab-initio calculations for the structure and energetics of small boron-carbon (BCI) as well as carbon-carbon (C2I) clusters in Si , a continuum model for the nucleation, growth, and dissolution of the clusters, and experimental investigation by SIMS. The modeling results suggest that these clusters may play a role in controlling B diffusion in Si and SiGe systems and the experimental results seem to support the modeling findings. I. INTRODUCTION SiGeC has several beneficial materials properties over SiGe which include the compensation of film strains by adjustment of the Ge/C ratio, enhanced thermal stability, increased critical film thickness, suppressed transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron [1], and preservation of the narrowed band gap of strained SiGe. One particular device application of SiGeC films is the construction of heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT) using Si/SiGeC/Si heterostructures. SiGeC HBTs have increased performance (higher frequency) due to the smaller band gap [2] and stability of the base profile. The currently prevalent explanation of suppression of diffusion of boron by carbon is that carbon reduces the free silicon interstitial (I) concentration by forming a CSi complex, resulting in fewer B-Si complexes, which are believed to be responsible for B TED in Si [1,3]. Reference [1] further showed that the diffusion of carbon incorporated in silicon well above its solid solubility causes an undersaturation of silicon self-interstitials, which further retards boron diffusion. In this work, we further explore the atomic mechanisms for the effect of carbon on B diffusion through ab-initio investigation of C-B interactions by focusing on C-B split interstitial pairs (CBI). For the first time the results of our ab initio calculations indicate that carbon and boron can interact directly by forming CBI pairs. For the modeled case, CBI is the most important cluster containing B, while the predominant cluster capturing and storing Si interstitials is the C2I cluster. Our modeling predicts that the CBI concentration may not be sufficient to surpass the effect of carbon in reduction of Si interstitials by forming C2I clusters, and thus that the direct interactions between C and B by forming C-B pairs may play a secondary role in suppressing B diffusion. However, a comparison to experiment indicates that BCI complexes might play an even more central role than C2I clusters (our ab initio calculations have error bars of ~0.3 eV). II. COMPUTATIONAL METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS VASP (the Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package) [4] was used for the calculations in this work. The ultra-soft pseudopotentials with a plane wave basis supplied with VASP and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) were used. A supercell of 64 Si atoms and a cutoff energy of 21 Ry corresponding to the cutoff energy of the C pseudopotential were chosen for all calculations. Diffusion barriers were determined using the nudged elastic band method (NEBM) [5] implemented in VASP,
Liposome-mediated gene transfer into human basal cell carcinoma

Direct intralesional injection of DNA encoding interferon-alpha2 (IFN-alpha2) was used in an effort to sustain local protein delivery for the treatment of human basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A novel model to study this malignancy was established by transplantation of human BCC tissue on to immunodeficient mice with a relatively high rate of engraftment and stable phenotype for superficial BCC (20 of 25; 80%). Gene transfer was significantly increased by using DNA liposome complexes (lipoplexes). Recombinant gene expression was detected predominantly in the epidermis and, to a lesser extent, in the dermis. Gene transfer of IFN-alpha2 using this method resulted in sustained production of IFN-alpha2 protein and increased expression of a known IFN-inducible gene, the class II major histocompatibility (MHC) antigen, and induced BCC regression, presumably through a non-immune mechanism. Intralesional injection of DNA lipoplexes encoding IFN-alpha protein may therefore be applicable to the treatment of cutaneous BCC.
Lung Transplant Recipient Survival Following Urgent Inpatient Candidacy Evaluation

of preoperative extracorporeal life support (ECLS). With such criteria, 42 patients had an initial indication for HLT, but only 30 received HLT (Gr 1 HLT/HLT); 32 patients received DLT as initially indicated (Gr 2 DLT/DLT). Twelve patients initially planned for HLT received DLT (Gr 3 HLT/DLT). ICU and long-term mortality rated were recorded. Need for post operative ECLS and course of organ failure (defined by the SOFA score) were also recorded. Results: ICU survival rates were not different between the 3 groups (gr 1 77%; gr 2 78%, gr 3 92%), as the 3-years survival rates (gr 1 57%; gr 2 62%; gr 3 58%). Number of patients with a postoperative ECLS were similar among groups 1, 2, 3 (27%, 25%, 33%, respectively). Median duration of inotropic support was significantly longer in gr 3 compared to gr 1 and gr 2 (13 days vs 4 days, p= 0.01). Course of organ failure was different during the first postoperative 7 days: SOFA score was significantly higher for gr 3 compared to gr 1 and gr 2 (p= 0.04). Finally, nosocomial infections, surgical complications, and immunologic events were not different between the 3 groups. Conclusion: Despite a more complicated ICU course, for selected PH patients initially scheduled for HLT, DLT is a valuable option with good early and long-term results.
The Topology Dividing Algorithm for Grounding Grids Corrosion Diagnosis

To diagnose the corrosion fault of grounding grids, according to the topology structure of grounding grids, a topology dividing approach based on the accessible nodes is presented. A grounding grid is decomposed to circuit-blocks grid, accessible grounding grid and intrinsic grounding grid. The grounding grids topology is divided automatically, which make sure the conjunction character of branch in different layer. It established the foundation to distinguish the branch testability of grounding grids. An experimental grounding grid with sixty branches is used as an example. The results of topology dividing show that the proposed algorithm is correct and feasible.
Profiling Esterases in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using Far-Red Fluorogenic Substrates

Enzyme-activated, fluorogenic probes are powerful tools for studying bacterial pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). In prior work, we reported two 7-hydroxy-9H-(1,3-dichloro-9,9-dimethylacridin-2-one) (DDAO)-derived acetoxymethyl ether probes for esterase and lipase detection. Here, we report four-carbon (C4) and eight-carbon (C8) acyloxymethyl ether derivatives, which are longer-chain fluorogenic substrates. These new probes demonstrate greater stability and lipase reactivity than the two-carbon (C2) acetoxymethyl ether-masked substrates. We used these new C4 and C8 probes to profile esterases and lipases from Mtb. The C8-masked probes revealed a new esterase band in gel-resolved Mtb lysates that was not present in lysates from nonpathogenic M. bovis (bacillus Calmette-Guerin), a close genetic relative. We identified this Mtb-specific enzyme as the secreted esterase Culp1 (Rv1984c). Our C4- and C8-masked probes also produced distinct Mtb banding patterns in lysates from Mtb-infected mac...
Cross-linking CD7 on myeloblasts results in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor production

CD7+CD34+ lymphohematopoietic progenitor cells in bone marrow are capable of differentiating into either lymphocytes or myeloid cells. The mechanism whereby these bipotent progenitor cells are regulated is not yet clear. In this study, we investigated the role CD7 may play in the development of bipotent cells using two myeloid progenitor cell lines, KG-1 and KG-1a, as models for such cells. Our data showed that cross-linking CD7 on KG-1 and KG-1a cells induced transcription, translation, and secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Anti-CD7 antibody also augmented the colony formation by KG-1 cells. Protein synthesis in KG-1 cells also increased as a result of anti-CD7 stimulation. These phenomena could be blocked by anti-GM-CSF, and supported the notion that the secreted GM-CSF was the primary mediator of CD7 effects. Together, these findings suggest that the interaction between CD7 and its putative ligand may play an important role in hematopoietic development.
In Which Countries is Homosexuality Most (and Least) Acceptable? A Ranking of 98 Countries

Homosexuality is generally viewed negatively. That is certainly the case in the Jewish and Christian holy books as well as the Quran, although opinions differ as to interpretation. The practice has been condemned by these religions. An Imam in Orlando, Florida, the site of the mass murder of homosexuals, has gone so far as to say that killing homosexuals would be the compassionate thing to do.It is not the purpose of this paper to review the history of homosexuality, or the pros and cons or moral standing of the practice. Readers can obtain that information by reading the items listed in the reference section of this paper. The goal of this study is more limited, to report the results of various studies conducted by the World Values Surveys on the topic of homosexuality and to rank the acceptability of homosexuality for those countries where the studies were conducted. Those six studies, going back to 1981, asked hundreds of thousands of people in about 100 countries what their views were on homosexuality, specifically the extent to which it could be justified. This study ranks those countries based on acceptability, as measured by their mean scores.The present study is part of a series on homosexuality. Other studies in the series look at trends on the acceptance of homosexuality and examine specific demographic variables such as gender, age, social class, level of education, religion and region to see whether these variables are significant. Citations to some of those studies (with links) are listed in the reference section of the present paper.
Metabolism: A new layer of glycolysis.

Glucose metabolism has long been thought to operate with exquisite specificity and near-optimal efficiency. New findings show, however, that two glycolytic enzymes produce minor products that inhibit other enzymes involved in central carbon metabolism unless they are further metabolized by a novel enzyme.
Heterogeneous beamspace design for 5g millimeter-wave systems

In the last years, the interest on millimeter wave communications increased due to the high potentiality foreseen to face the continuous growth of wireless communications capacity demand. One of the major drawback is represented by the limited coverage capacity. In order to cope with it, beamformers that generate beams with very narrow beams have been studied. Special attention has to be devoted to the tradeoff between coverage distance and area covered by the beam: depending on the UEs deployment, a too narrow beam might result into a low throughput and spectrum efficiency. In this paper a new solution to improve the cell coverage and the spectrum efficiency is proposed. The idea is based on the fact that the beamformers are designed to be flexible to choose the beam from a codebook of beams with different widths and different directions. The choice depends on a scheduling algorithm designed to maximize the performance of the system.
Immunosuppression in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients‐ Unique aspects

Pediatric liver transplantation has experienced improved outcomes over the last 50 years. This can be attributed in part to establishing optimal use of immunosuppressive agents to achieve a balance between minimizing the risks of allograft rejection and infection. The management of immunosuppression in children is generally more complex and can be challenging when compared with the use of these agents in adult liver transplant patients. Physiologic differences in children alter the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive agents, which affects absorption, distribution, metabolism, and drug excretion. Children also have a longer expected period of exposure to immunosuppression, which can impact growth, risk of infection (bacterial, viral, and fungal), carcinogenesis, and likelihood of nonadherence. This review discusses immunosuppressive options for pediatric liver transplant recipients and the unique issues that must be addressed when managing this population. Further advances in the field of tolerance and accommodation are needed to relieve the acute and cumulative burden of chronic immunosuppression in children. Liver Transplantation 23 244-256 2017 AASLD.
A higher prevalence of endometriosis among Asian women does not contribute to poorer IVF outcomes

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine whether diagnosis of endometriosis or endometriosis with endometrioma influences in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in an ethnically diverse population.
Expanding the search for significant EGFR mutations in NSCLC outside of the tyrosine kinase domain with next-generation sequencing

While conventional organization of EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) includes classic lesions sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and variants localized to the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) in exons 18–21, next-generation sequencing (NGS) raises the prospect of identifying clinically relevant variants in extra-TKD regulatory regions. NSCLC patients at our institution who received tumor profiling with NGS from 2013 to 2015 were identified. EGFR mutations were arranged based upon their distribution relative to the TKD. In silico analysis was performed to predict non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) pathogenicity. Of 247 patients, 43 EGFR variants were seen in 39 patients (16%). While 32 had TKD lesions demonstrable through standard testing, 7 had extra-TKD nsSNPs (7/43), of which 5 were extracellular domain (ECD), 1 juxtamembrane (JM) and 1 carboxy-terminal (CT). Aside from known pathogenic ECD mutation G598V, 5/6 extra-TKD nsSNPs were predicted damaging with in silico analysis. Seven of 7 extra-TKD nsSNP+ patients smoked and were stage IV; 5/7 were adenocarcinoma. An adenocarcinoma patient with JM R675Q had erlotinib, 150 mg daily, added following progression of disease on carboplatin and paclitaxel and had a partial response for 4 months. No other extra-TKD nsSNP+ patient received EGFR-directed therapy. >2% NSCLC cases in our cohort had EGFR nsSNPs located outside of the TKD, representing >16% of all EGFR mutations. Extra-TKD variants should be characterized collaboratively to determine TKI sensitivity and additional therapeutic targets.
Readers Theatre: effects on word recognition automaticity and reading prosody

In this quasi-experimental study, the researchers examined the effects of implementing Readers Theatre in a second grade classroom, comprised of seven and eight-year-old students. The 70 subjects were chosen as a non-probability sample from two different classes and served as the treatment (n = 29) and comparison (n = 41) groups. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed statistically significant interaction and time effects. The post hoc analysis of simple effects indicated that the Readers Theatre treatment yielded larger effects on word recognition automaticity and prosody. Practical implications of this study suggest that consistent implementation of Readers Theatre in grade two classrooms can have a large impact on students' reading fluency.
Outside the Classroom Walls: Perceptions of Professor Inappropriate Out-of-Class Conduct and Student Classroom Incivility among American Business Students

Under higher education’s contemporary consumer model, students are treated as customers and professors are encouraged to increase student engagement through more personal out-of-class interactions, often in social settings. In the course of this more personal student-faculty involvement, students inevitably encounter or learn of their professors’ occasional inappropriate or unethical behavior. In the present study, we investigated the impact of 145 American undergraduate Business students’ perceptions of their professors’ inappropriate out-of-class behavior on student beliefs and in-class behavior. Results indicate that student perceptions of professors engaging in inappropriate out-of-class behavior were associated with students viewing these professors as lower in ethical character and reporting a stronger likelihood of attending these professors’ classes under the influence of alcohol and illicit drugs, swearing and using vulgarity in these professors’ class discussions, and showing disregard for these professors’ rules, time, and effort. These relationships held even when student grade satisfaction and professor in-class behavior were accounted for. Our results suggest professors’ behavior outside the classroom may impact students’ behavior inside the classroom, re-igniting dialogue regarding the professorial role and the boundaries on oversight of that role. We offer suggestions as to how higher education may address these concerns without infringing upon professors’ personal freedoms.
Teaching IoT (Internet of Things) Analytics

The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things devices around the world has led to a major increase in demand from industry for students equipped with the skills necessary to make continued advances in this area. Consequently, advanced analytical skills are in urgent need to capitalize the massive amount raw data collected by various IoT devices. To address the market demand in IoT and Analytics, the Information Sciences and Technologies department at the Rochester Institute of Technology has proposed an advanced certificate in IoT Analytics that extends across its three Master of Science degree programs. The central focus of this work is a presentation of this advanced certificate program that is designed to encompass the four pillars of IoT, namely Sensors, Communications, Computing Devices, and Analytics.
The cortical cholinergic system contributes to the top-down control of distraction: Evidence from patients with Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Past animal and human studies robustly report that the cholinergic system plays an essential role in both top-down and bottom-up attentional control, as well as other aspects of cognition (see Ballinger et al., 2016 for a recent review). However, current understanding of how two major cholinergic pathways in the human brain (the basal forebrain-cortical pathway, and the brainstem pedunculopontine-thalamic pathway) contribute to specific cognitive functions remains somewhat limited. To address this issue, we examine how individual variation in the integrity of striatal-dopaminergic, thalamic-cholinergic, and cortical-cholinergic pathways (measured using Positron Emission Tomography in patients with Parkinson's disease) was associated with individual variation in the initial goal-directed focus of attention, the ability to sustain attentional performance over time, and the ability to avoid distraction from a highly-salient, but irrelevant, environmental stimulus. Compared to healthy controls, PD patients performed similarly in the precision of attention-dependent judgments of duration, and in sustaining attention over time. However, PD patients' performance was strikingly more impaired by the distractor. More critically, regression analyses indicated that only cortical-cholinergic integrity, not thalamic-cholinergic or striatal-dopaminergic integrity, made a specific contribution to the ability to resist distraction after controlling for the other variables. These results demonstrate that the basal forebrain cortical cholinergic system serves a specific role in executing top-down control to resist external distraction.
Evaluating Factors Impacting Medication Adherence Among Rural, Urban, and Suburban Populations.

Purpose To evaluate differences in prescription medication adherence rates, as well as influencing factors, in rural and urban adults. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of the 2015 National Consumer Survey on the Medication Experience and Pharmacists' Role. A total of 26,173 participants completed the survey and provided usable data. Participants using between 1 and 30 prescription medications and living more than 0 miles and up to 200 miles from their nearest pharmacy were selected for the study, resulting in a total of 15,933 participants. Data from the 2010 US Census and Rural Health Research Center were used to determine the population density of each participant's ZIP code. Participant adherence to reported chronic medications was measured based on the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Findings Overall adherence rates did not differ significantly between rural and urban adults with average adherence based on MMAS-8 scores of 5.58 and 5.64, respectively (P = .253). Age, income, education, male sex, and white race/ethnicity were associated with higher adherence rates. While the overall adherence rates between urban and rural adults were not significantly different, the factors that influenced adherence varied between age-specific population density groupings. Conclusion These analyses suggest that there is no significant difference in adherence between rural and urban populations; however, the factors contributing to medication adherence may vary based on age and population density. Future adherence intervention methods should be designed with consideration for these individualized factors.
Environmental engagement in troubled times: a manifesto

These are troubled times: our scholarly efforts in environmental studies and sciences seem under assault on all fronts. Yet we argue not just for environmental action, but for greater emphasis on environmental engagement as a foundation for effective action. The etymology of engagement suggests connection, commitment, and communication—a risky yet indispensable ingredient of effective action. We exemplify this approach to environmental engagement in four contexts of increasing scope: within our environmental studies and sciences community, across the college campus, among our fellow Americans, and at the global scale. In all such contexts, engagement is no end-run around conflict; it is political just like any form of action. Yet by engaging, we can be the environmental leadership that is so plainly missing and desperately needed to produce meaningful change.
The Logics of Gender Justice: State Action on Women's Rights Around the World

When and why do governments promote women's rights? Through comparative analysis of state action in seventy countries from 1975 to 2005, this book shows how different women's rights issues involve different histories, trigger different conflicts, and activate different sets of protagonists. Change on violence against women and workplace equality involves a logic of status politics: feminist movements leverage international norms to contest women's subordination. Family law, abortion, and contraception, which challenge the historical claim of religious groups to regulate kinship and reproduction, conform to a logic of doctrinal politics, which turns on relations between religious groups and the state. Publicly-paid parental leave and child care follow a logic of class politics, in which the strength of Left parties and overall economic conditions are more salient. The book reveals the multiple and complex pathways to gender justice, illuminating the opportunities and obstacles to social change for policymakers, advocates, and others seeking to advance women's rights.
Sanomechanics for Respiration

The exercises discussed in previous chapters were meant to promote hydraulic connectivity in the skeleton. Capillarity was the mechanism responsible for transporting the synovial fluid. In this chapter, we will examine some biomechanical aspects of respiration that depend on other mechanisms for transporting liquids in the body. Specifically, we will discuss the connection between breathing and swallowing. Familiarity with the natural mechanics of how airways are cleared will help us consciously prevent common problems associated with breathing.
Clinical Evaluation of a New Servo Controlled Real-Time Scanner

This paper shall describe our clinical applications of a new real-time ultrasound scanner that was designed and built at our institution by Dr. Terrance Matzuk.
Glycosylation of Cancer Stem Cells: Function in Stemness, Tumorigenesis, and Metastasis

Aberrant glycosylation plays a critical role in tumor aggressiveness, progression, and metastasis. Emerging evidence associates cancer initiation and metastasis to the enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Several universal markers have been identified for CSCs characterization; however, a specific marker has not yet been identified for different cancer types. Specific glycosylation variation plays a major role in the progression and metastasis of different cancers. Interestingly, many of the CSC markers are glycoproteins and undergo differential glycosylation. Given the importance of CSCs and altered glycosylation in tumorigenesis, the present review will discuss current knowledge of altered glycosylation of CSCs and its application in cancer research.