cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3315: RON-mediated hijacking of AR signaling in androgen-independent prostate cancer

Despite significant progress in developing effective strategies for management of localized prostate cancer, the 5-year survival for metastatic castrate-resistant disease is less than 30%. Previous studies from our own and other laboratories showed the anti-tumorigenic potential of 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME 2 ) in various tumor models. Although variety of mechanisms including anti-angiogenic, pro-apoptotic, cell cycle deregulation has been reported to contribute to 2-ME 2 -mediated biological effects, the precise mechanism is unclear. To explore the role of 2-ME 2 , we carried out gene expression array analysis and discovered Recepteur d’Origine Nantais (RON) as one of the most significantly down regulated gene in response to 2-ME 2 treatment. Subsequently, RON was found to be significantly upregulated in advanced-stage PCA cell lines, which do not express androgen receptor (AR); and high-grade human prostate tumors. Stable silencing of RON in androgen independent, PTEN -/- PC3 cells showed noticeable changes in cell morphology, actin filament organization, as well as markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In PTEN wild type DU145 cells, RON knockdown caused an increase in AR expression and promoter activity but decreased the transcriptional activation and expression of AR target genes such as PSA. In contrast, RON overexpression in androgen-responsive LNCAP cells leads to a suppression of the transcriptional activation of both AR and its downstream targets, including PSA. Furthermore, we found that RON silencing decreases expression and promoter activity of the anti-apoptotic protein FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) that is accompanied by the induction of apoptosis. In addition, intervention with 2-ME 2 reduced tumor growth that is accompanied with decreased RON expression in the prostate in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. These observations implicate RON as a hijacker of AR signaling that contributes in part to PCA growth. Therefore, restoration of native AR signaling via RON targeting could possibly be exploited in combination with antiandrogenic therapy to prevent recurrence of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Supported by CA135451 (APK). Citation Format: Izhar Singh Batth, Peng Meng, Roble Bedolla, Robert E. Reddick, Addanki Pratap Kumar. RON-mediated hijacking of AR signaling in androgen-independent prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3315. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3315
Hexamethylmelamine chemotherapy for persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the activity and toxicity of hexamethylmelamine chemotherapy in patients with persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. Forty-nine women received hexamethylmelamine 100 to 150 mg/day for 14 days, repeated at 4-week intervals. All patients had previously received at least one chemotherapy regimen, and 46 (94%) had received cisplatin. Among 25 patients with clinically measurable disease there were three complete and two partial responses, for an objective response rate of 20%. The mean progression-free interval for responders was 38.6 months versus 9.6 months for nonresponders or patients with nonmeasurable disease (p < 0.001). Thirteen patients are alive, eight with no clinical evidence for disease. Only four patients discontinued therapy because of toxic reactions. Hexamethylmelamine appears to be a well-tolerated drug with activity against ovarian cancer previously treated with cisplatin. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991;165:573-6.)
Morphological and biochemical correlates of skeletal muscle contractility in the cat. I. Histochemical and electron microscopic studies.

Three cat hind limb muscles have been examined, histochemically and ultrastructurally, in a multiparameter correlative study of structure and function in skeletal muscle contractility. The soleus, a histochemically pure, slow-twitch muscle possesses ultrastructural features which are, in many cases, significantly different from those of almost pure fast twitch caudofemoralis muscle. Although stereological analysis of fiber types indicates a correlation between speed of relaxation and volume of sarcoplasmic reticulum, morphological features such as fenestrated collars and triad morphology are identical in all fiber types. The fast twitch-oxidative-glycolytic fiber possesses features common to both slow twitch fibers (high mitochondrial content) as well as fast twitch fibers (high sarcoplasmic reticulum content) in addition to Z band width which falls in between these two fiber types. Sarcoplasmic microtubules have been described in all three fiber types in all muscles examined. They occur in predictable orientation and their possible function (s) is described.
Transient tectogeniculate projections in neonatal kittens: An autoradiographic study

By using anterograde transport autoradiography, the present experiments demonstrated that the pattern of tectogeniculate projections in young (birth–14 postnatal days) kittens is strikingly different from that present in adult cats. Rather than being confined to the ventral C laminae, the neonatal projection extended across all layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus. This projection, like that in the adult cat, originates from cells in superficial laminae and is visuotopically organized. Thus, labeling only a portion of the superior colliculus with tritiated leucine produced a topographically appropriate strip of labeling in the ipsilateral lateral geniculate nucleus that encompassed all laminae and was especially dense in all interlaminar zones. Transported label also invaded the medial interlaminar nucleus (MIN). The loss of tectogeniculate projections in the neonate from MIN and the dorsal laminae and interlaminar zones of the lateral geniculate nucleus does not appear to begin until 1–2 weeks postnatal. Once initiated, however, the process is nearly completed by 21 days postnatal. It is not yet known whether the loss of these “anomalous” projections is due to the pruning of axonal collaterals, cell death, or a combination of the two processes. However, by comparing these data with those from other laboratories, it does appear that the loss of tectogeniculate projections depends on the presence of the two eyes and may reflect the differential laminar distribution of W-, X-, and Y-cell types. The protracted postnatal anatomical maturation of tectogeniculate projections differs substantially from the earlier maturing patterns apparent in all other tectofugal pathways.
Identification and surface phenotypic characterization of phosphorylcholine-specific idiotype-bearing T cells

We have employed two-color staining with monoclonal anti-T-cell markers and a broadly reactive, nonbinding site monoclonal anti-idiotype to permit direct visualization of idiotype-bearing T cells in mouse lymph nodes following immunization with phosphorylcholine. Double positive cells peak in incidence on Days 8 to 12, as 17% of total idiotype+ cells but as only 0.7% of T cells. Such cells are antigen-specific, appearing in peripheral lymph nodes only following phosphorylcholine challenge. While Lyt-2+ and L3T4+ subsets are represented and both subsets reexpress the idiotypic determinant following its enzymatic removal, the L3T4+ subset represents the majority of idiotype+Thy-1+ cells. These findings raise the possibility that antigen-specific receptors on T and B cells, encoded by entirely different genetic information, may exhibit similarities in tertiary structure in portions of the molecules not directly involved in antigen binding. This is the first determination of the phenotype and chronology of appearance of idiotype-bearing normal T cells following immunization. It is consistent with previous reports of functionally defined idiotype-bearing T cells and provides direct support for the existence of such cells.
OSSEOUS DRILL HOLES TO PROMOTE GRANULATION TISSUE : RADIOLOGIC APPEARANCE

Skin grafting following extensive soft-tissue loss is often delayed until adequate granulation tissue can be generated. Surgical drill holes into the marrow cavity promote development of granulation tissue. This article illustrates the radiology appearance of these drill holes in four patients.
Pulsed amperometric detection of sulfur compounds: thiourea at gold electrodes

Abstract Cyclic and pulsed voltammetry at a rotated disk electrode and pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) in a flow-injection cell are applied in studies of the anodic response of thiourea at gold electrodes in 0.1 M NaOH. The greatest voltammetric response corresponds to a peak-shaped anodic wave catalyzed by the oxide-formation process on the electrode surface. This anodic response is under mixed transport-surface control with sulfate concluded to be the predominate oxidation product. For high thiourea concentrations, electrode fouling can occur from accumulation of atomic sulfur formed by the incomplete oxidation of thiourea. Electrode fouling during PAD can be avoided using a pulsed waveform in which the cathodic reactivation process occurs at a potential 0.01 mM is interpreted to be a consequence of the decreased efficiency for oxidation of thiourea and a positive shift in the potential for the peak anodic response as concentration is increased.
An electric dipole moment study of methylsilyl and silylmethyl halides

Abstract The electric dipole moments of the isomeric monohalogeno derivatives of methylsilane, SiH 3 CH 2 X and CH 3 SiH 2 X have been determined in cyclohexane solution at 30°. The magnitudes of the molecular dipole moments and of the bond dipole moments are compared with those of analogous compounds, and are interpreted, in part, in terms of intramolecular interactions between the halogen and the d orbitals of silicon.
Die-attach materials for high-density memory stacked die packaging

In this paper, several die attach adhesives (A to E) from different suppliers are investigated. The objective is to better understand the comprehensive properties of adhesives and to choose the right adhesive for a high-density memory stacked die packaging with improved packaging reliability. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to investigate curing behavior and curing kinetics. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is utilized to characterize the thermal and thermooxidative stability. The adhesion of die attach adhesives is determined at different temperatures. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and the test of fracture toughness of adhesives are carried out. In addition, the failure mode of adhesives after a die shear test is also discussed. The results show that adhesive A is more suitable for high-density memory stacked die packaging. This fundamental study can also help select die attach materials for other types of electronic packaging.
Joint transmitter adaptation and power control for downlink wireless systems with target SIR requirements

In this paper we study joint transmitter adaptation and power control in downlink wireless systems with target values imposed on the signal-to-interference+noise-ratios (SINR) at the receiver terminals. We use a general framework based on block transmissions and linear precoders that is applicable to a wide range of wireless systems to formulate this as a constrained optimization problem for which we discuss the conditions that must be satisfied by the optimal solution. We also present an algorithm which adapts the transmit precoder and power values incrementally until a fixed point is reached where the specified target SINRs are achieved with minimum transmitted power. Convergence of the proposed algorithm is investigated and is illustrated with numerical examples obtained from simulations.
A new look at transfer function design

This is a review paper. It is written for engineers, in particular practicing control engineers, who are familiar with transfer functions but not with state-variable techniques. The objective of this paper is threefold. First, it is intended to supplement a recent invited paper. (See A. E. Bryson, Jr., and D. G. Luenberger in Proc. IEEE, vol. 58, Nov. 1970, pp. 1803-1811.) The results introduced there by use of state-variable concepts are redeveloped in the frequency domain. Second, it demonstrates to engineers that, for the class of single-input multiple-output systems and multiple-input single-output systems, some of the results developed in state-variable equations can be obtained directly in transfer functions, even with less computation. Finally, the advantage and the limitation of the transfer function approach are discussed.
Mass transport and reaction in sulfonic acid resin catalyst: The dehydration of t-butyl alcohol

Kinetics of the dehydration of t-butyl alcohol to isobutylene were measured with a semibatch reactor containing liquid reactant and suspended particles of cation exchange resin catalyst [sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene (DVB)]. Effects on rate were determined for variations in temperature (58 to 76°C.), reactant water mole fraction (0.0005 to 0.10), and catalyst pacticle diameter (77 to 620 μ) and crosslinking (2 to 12% DVB). Nearly anhydrous t-butyl alcohol failed to penetrate the shrunken network of the polymer. Reaction ebgan only on particle peripheries, and product water penetrated the gel network and s welled it to allow penetration of the alcohol. Rate consequently increased to a maximum (about 0.5 moles/min. equivalent of catalyst SO3H groups at 76°C.) and then decreased as water competed with reactant fro catalytic sites. A spherical catalyst particle is modeled as a shrinking cetrol core, free of reactant and water, and a swollen shell in which concent rations are independent of position and time. The model fits reaction rate and separate particle swelling data for 80 μ particles of catalyst containing 12% DVB, but it is increasingly inadequate for larger particles and catalysts of lower DVB contents.
Determinants of epithelial differentiation during early nephrogenesis.

Organogenesis from undifferentiated progenitor cells and initiation of a society's new journal are developmental processes which share common elements. Both initially require a potent inducing stimulus followed in relatively rapid sequence by the appearance of organ-specific differentiation markers. These events are prerequisites to subsequent proliferation and maturation. Insofar as many postnatal forms of renal disease (e.g., hereditary glomerulopathies, infantile and adult forms of polycystic kidney disease, congenital dysplasias) owe their origins ultimately to disordered nephrogenesis, it is my belief that research in this area of nephrology should expand. It is further hoped that JASN will adopt this particular differentiation marker and serve as a forum for reporting the much-needed new knowledge to be gained. To "induce" the Journal's activity in this area I have summarized current knowledge and suggest directions in need of further investigation.
A Pediatric Food Allergy Support Group Can Improve Parent and Physician Communication: Results of a Parent Survey

Rationale. We sought to evaluate the impact of having an allergist at a food allergy support group (FASG) on the relationship between parents and their child's allergist. Methods. Ninety-eight online surveys were sent to parents who attend a FASG affiliated with our institution. Responses were analyzed looking for reasons for attending the support group and comfort with having an allergist present at the meetings. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of having an allergist at the food allergy support group on the relationship between parents and their child's allergist. Results. The FASG decreased anxiety about food allergies for 77.7% of those who responded. Most (71.4%) felt the FASG improved their child's quality of life. Greater than 90% felt comfortable having an allergist at the support group meeting, and 64.3% felt that talking to an allergist at the FASG made it easier to speak with their child's allergist. Conclusions. FASG meetings appear to be a good way for families of children with food allergies to learn more about food allergies, improve quality of life, and increase comfort in communicating with a child's allergist.
Novel therapeutic targets for multiple myeloma

The past decade has witnessed a dramatic improvement in the therapeutic options in multiple myeloma (MM). Several novel biologically targeted agents are in clinical use and have resulted in improved outcomes. However, the disease remains incurable, underscoring the need for continued efforts towards understanding MM biology, better risk stratification and exploitation of novel therapeutic approaches. Novel agents that target tumor and stromal compartments can be categorized as those that target protein dynamics (e.g., heat shock protein 90 and the ubiquitin-proteasome system), intracellular signaling kinases (e.g., JAK/STAT, PI3k/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways), cell cycle molecular machinery (e.g., cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and Aurora kinase inhibitors), membrane-bound receptors (e.g., IGF-1, VEGF and CD40), epigenetic modulators (e.g., DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase), tumor vasculature and microenvironment (e.g., angiogenesis and integrins) and agents modulating anti-MM immune responses. This article focuses on a series of new therapeutic targets that have shown promising preclinical results and early evidence of anti-MM activity in clinical studies, either alone or in combination with other conventional or novel anti-MM treatments.
Program Phase Detection based on Critical Basic Block Transitions

Many programs go through phases as they execute. Knowing where these phases begin and end can be beneficial. For example, adaptive architectures can exploit such information to lower their power consumption without much loss in performance. Architectural simulations can benefit from phase information by simulating only a small interval of each program phase, which significantly reduces the simulation time while still yielding results that are representative of complete simulations. This paper presents a lightweight profile-based phase detection technique that marks each phase change boundary in the program's binary at the basic block level with a critical basic block transition (CBBT). It is independent of execution windows and does not explicitly employ the notion of threshold to make a phase change decision. We evaluate the effectiveness of CBBTs for reconfiguring the LI data cache size and for guiding architectural simulations. Our CBBT method is as effective at dynamically reducing the L1 data cache size as idealized cache reconfiguration schemes are. Using CBBTs to statically determine simulation intervals yields as low a CPI error as the well-known SimPoint method does. In addition, experimental results indicate the CBBTs' effectiveness in both the self-trained and cross-trained inputs, demonstrating the CBBTs' stability across different program inputs.
SeaLinx: a multi-instance protocol stack architecture for underwater networking

Advancement in acoustic modem technology has gradually brought underwater network into real life. Despite high cost of sea testing, there have been initial realization effort, such as Sea-Web, Aqua-Net, SUNSET, etc. As the main developers of Aqua-Net, through extensive testing experiences at different scales, we have recognized shortcomings of Aqua-Net and decided to design and implement the next generation of it. In this paper, we introduce SeaLinx as a new protocol stack architecture for underwater networking which (i) enables users to exploit their hardware more efficiently by allowing applications to run simultaneously on a modem, and (ii) provide better support for cross-layer communication.
Sliding control approach to underactuated multibody systems

A robust control algorithm is proposed for stabilization and tracking control of underactuated multibody mechanical systems governed by nonlinear equations of motion. Sliding, or variable structure, control is a simple but robust nonlinear control approach that is capable of handling both disturbances and parameter uncertainties. We formulate the sliding control approach for general underactuated multibody systems, and define first order sliding surfaces, one per actuated degrees of freedom, as a linear combination of the tracking position and velocity errors of both actuated and unactuated coordinates. The controllers are then determined based on a Lyapunov function construction. The Lyapunov stability analysis, along with the bounds defined for parameter uncertainties and disturbances, guarantee that all system trajectories reach and remain on the sliding surfaces. The sliding surfaces are proved to be asymptotically or marginally stable, depending on the presence or absence of potential energy terms in the equations of motion. A 3-dimensional multibody model of a complex satellite system is presented and its equations of motion are derived. The proposed sliding control approach is developed for the satellite system and applied to maneuver the satellite using its appendages when it has lost all three rotational degrees of freedom.
Dietary Acid, Age, and Serum Bicarbonate Levels among Adults in the United States

Summary Background and objectives Greater dietary acid has been associated with lower serum bicarbonate levels in patients with CKD. Whether this association extends to the general population and if it is modified by age are unknown. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This study examined the association of the dietary acid load, estimated by net endogenous acid production, with serum bicarbonate levels in adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. Results The mean serum bicarbonate was 24.9 mEq/L (SEM=0.1), and the mean estimated net endogenous acid production was 57.4 mEq/d (SEM=0.4). Serum bicarbonate was linearly associated with age, such that the oldest participants had the highest serum bicarbonate levels. After multivariable adjustment, participants in the highest quartile of net endogenous acid production had 0.40 mEq/L (95% confidence interval, −0.55 to −0.26) lower serum bicarbonate and a 33% (95% confidence interval, 3 to 72) higher likelihood of acidosis compared with those participants in the lowest quartile. There was a significant interaction by age of the association of net endogenous acid production with serum bicarbonate (P=0.005). Among participants 20–39, 40–59, and ≥60 years old, those participants in the highest net endogenous acid production quartile had 0.26 (95% confidence interval, −0.49 to −0.03), 0.60 (95% confidence interval, −0.92 to −0.29), and 0.49 (95% confidence interval, −0.84 to −0.14) mEq/L lower serum bicarbonate, respectively, compared with participants in the lowest quartile. Conclusion Greater dietary acid is associated with lower serum bicarbonate in the general US population, and the magnitude of this association is greater among middle-aged and elderly persons than younger adults.
Optimization via adaptive sampling and regenerative simulation

We investigate a new approach for simulation-based optimization that draws on two recent stochastic optimization methods: an adaptive sampling approach called the nested partitions method and ordinal optimization. An ordinal comparison perspective is used to show that the nested partitions method converges globally under weak conditions. Furthermore, we use those results to determine a lower bound for the required sampling effort in each iteration, and show that global convergence requires relatively little simulation effort in each iteration.
Deep long‐period earthquakes west of the volcanic arc in Oregon: Evidence of serpentine dehydration in the fore‐arc mantle wedge

Here we report on deep long-period earthquakes (DLPs) newly observed in four places in western Oregon. The DLPs are noteworthy for their location within the subduction fore arc: 40–80 km west of the volcanic arc, well above the slab, and near the Moho. These “offset DLPs” occur near the top of the inferred stagnant mantle wedge, which is likely to be serpentinized and cold. The lack of fore-arc DLPs elsewhere along the arc suggests that localized heating may be dehydrating the serpentinized mantle wedge at these latitudes and causing DLPs by dehydration embrittlement. Higher heat flow in this region could be introduced by anomalously hot mantle, associated with the western migration of volcanism across the High Lava Plains of eastern Oregon, entrained in the corner flow proximal to the mantle wedge. Alternatively, fluids rising from the subducting slab through the mantle wedge may be the source of offset DLPs. As far as we know, these are among the first DLPs to be observed in the fore arc of a subduction-zone system.
Is there an optimal electrode pad size to maximize intracardiac current in transthoracic defibrillation

Achieving defibrillation depends on adequate intracardiac current. The purpose of this study was to determine, in advance of administering shocks which parameters of body habitus can be used to select the electrode size that maximizes intracardiac current in transthoracic defibrillation. We administered direct current shocks to 18 mongrel dogs over a wide range of weight and size (weight 10-30 kg with chest circumferences 44-77 cm) using a damped sine wave defibrillator and self-adhesive electrode pairs of various diameters (4 cm, 5.8 cm, 8 cm and 10 cm), placed on the right and left lateral chest walls. The energy levels used were 50, 100, and 150 J. Intracardiac voltage gradient, a parameter of intracardiac current, was determined in three orthogonal planes using an intramyocardial electrode array placed in the interventricular septum. The relation between intracardiac voltage gradient magnitude magnitude of VG and various parameters (body weight, chest, circumference, chest volume, chest radius, and heart weight divided by chest radius) was determined. The correlation (r) with the smallest P value was between magnitude of VG and the heart weight divided by chest radius (HW/R) (r = 0.71). Intracardiac current was highest at intermediate pad sizes. The electrode pads that maximized magnitude of VG tended to be large for the larger HW/R dogs, and smaller HW/R dogs. In none of the HW/R groups did the largest electrode pads yield the highest intracardiac voltage gradient. We conclude that there is no simple way to determine in advance an electrode pad size that maximizes intracardiac current. The HW/R ratio influences but does not determine intracardiac intracardiac current.
Relationships of morphology to clinical presentation in ten cases of early squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

The morphologic changes in 10 patients who were found to have squamous cell carcinoma of the lung before they became evident on chest x ray are discussed. It is suggested that these cases have a long preclinical course as invasive carcinomas that ranges from a microscopic focus of microinvasion (possibly originating from in situ carcinoma in submucosal gland epithelium) to a large concentric carcinoma which may have metastasized to regional lymph nodes. Although the duration of the in situ phase of squamous cell carcinoma of the bronchus in not known, it was evident that the expanse of in situ carcinoma frequently far exceeded that of the invasive carcinoma, and usually extended proximal to the invasive lesion. It is important that the extent of the in situ lesion is determined preoperatively. Finally, multifocal in situ (or invasive) carcinoma was found in at least two of the cases, either synchronously or metachronously.
Drinking to near death—acute water intoxication leading to neurogenic stunned myocardium

Neurogenic stunned myocardium is a rare disease entity that has been typically described as a consequence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and, less commonly, seizures. Here we describe a case of a healthy young woman who drank excessive free water causing acute hyponatremia complicated by cerebral edema and seizure, leading to cardiogenic shock from neurogenic stunned myocardium. Two days later, she had complete return of her normal cardiac function.
Abstract W P148: Elevated Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Associates with Greater White Matter Lesion Load and MRI-Defined Infarction: The Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS)

INTRODUCTION: Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphate homeostasis and has been linked with mortality, cardiovascular events, and stroke. However, the role of FGF23 as a risk factor for subclinical cerebrovascular damage (SCVD) is not known. METHODS: We used multivariable linear and logistic regression to evaluate associations between FGF23, continuously and by quartiles, with white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), expressed as percent intracranial volume (%ICV), and subclinical brain infarction (SBI) in a race/ethnically diverse communitybased sample. RESULTS: There were 1,170 strokefree NOMAS participants with FGF23 levels and quantitative MRI data on WMHV and SBI. Participants with FGF23 levels in the top quartile (range=84.98 to1424.59 RU/mL) had greater WMHV (β=0.19 %ICV, 95% CI=0.04 to 0.33 %ICV, p=0.01) compared to those in the lowest quartile (range=15.41 to 48.96 RU/mL), adjusted for demographics, vascularrisk factors, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). These findings remained significant in those without evidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The highest quartile of FGF23 also associated with greater odds of SBI, but this effect was not significant after adjusting for demographic factors and eGFR. However, sex was an effect modifier ofFGF23 in relation to odds of SBI (p for interaction=0.03). Stratified by sex, FGF23 was associated with greater odds of SBI in men (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.0 to 2.6, p=0.03) after adjusting for demographics, vascular risk factors, and eGFR, but not among women. CONCLUSIONS: These crosssectional communitybased data from a diverse urban sample suggest elevated FGF23 may be a risk factor for small vessel disease, as well as MRIdefined brain infarction in men, independent of CKD. Prospective data on elevated FGF23 and SCVD are needed.
HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES ON HOG CHOLERA : III. LESIONS IN THE VARIOUS ORGANS.

1. The hemorrhages, foci of necrosis, and anemic infarcts met with in the various organs in virus hog cholera, result primarily from the vascular lesions described in a previous paper of this series. Although they are not dependent on the presence of secondarily invading bacteria, their severity is influenced by these organisms. 2. The lesions in the lymph nodes, spleen, kidneys, and central nervous system seem to be of special diagnostic value in questionable cases of hog cholera. The presence of an encephalitis alone does not justify the diagnosis of hog cholera because in the central nervous system of swine similar inflammatory lesions occur in other diseases.
Cowden Syndrome with Cortical Malformation and Epilepsy

Investigators at the Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, and University of Naples, Italy report a case of Cowden syndrome presenting with unilateral perisylvian dysplasia and with drug resistant focal seizures.
GENETIC LOADS IN HETEROGENEOUS ENVIRONMENTS

A model of population structure in heterogeneous environments is described with attention focused on genetic variation at a single locus. The existence of equilibria at which there is no genetic load is examined.—The absolute fitness of any genotype is regarded as a function of location in the niche space and the population density at that location. It is assumed that each organism chooses to live in that habitat in which it is most fit ("optimal habitat selection").—Equilibria at which there is no segregational load ("loadless equilibria") may exist. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of such equilibria are very weak. If there is a sufficient amount of dominance or area in which the alleles are selectively neutral, then there exist equilibria without segregational loads. In the N , p phase plane defined by population size, N , and gene frequency, p , these equilibria generally consist of a line segment which is parallel to the p axis. These equilibria are frequently stable.
Standardization of Feeding Advancement After Neonatal Gastrointestinal Surgery: Does It Improve Outcomes?

Background: Postabdominal intestinal surgery (PAIS) infants pose many complex management issues. Utilization of feeding guidelines has been shown to improve outcomes in preterm and low-birth-weight infants. We propose that standardization of feeding for PAIS infants is safe. Methods: We identified 163 PAIS infants: 93 prior to and 70 after implementation of a feeding guideline. The primary outcome was time to full enteral nutrition (EN). A propensity score–matched analysis was performed. Results: The preimplementation and postimplementation PAIS infants were similar at baseline. No significant differences were seen in matched groups for time to full EN, parenteral nutrition days, or time to discharge, but cholestasis was less severe in the postimplementation group and breast milk use increased. Good compliance (67%) to daily guideline use was achieved during the initial 2 years. Conclusions: Utilization of a feeding guideline is safe and standardizes care within an institution, improving compliance to evi...
Frequency control of isolated micro-grid using a droop control approach

In the isolated micro-grid, frequency and voltage fluctuation are major problems because of the intermittent nature of renewable resources like wind and solar power. Our work focuses on frequency control of wind and photovoltaic(PV) based isolated micro-grid using traditional droop control technique. In this paper, a proportional resonant(PR) voltage and current controllers are designed to control the current and voltage output of the voltage source inverter(VSI) connected with dc battery. The traditional droop control method is applied to generate voltage and frequency reference set points for the VSI controller to control frequency and voltage of the micro-grid. The performance of the designed control system is conducted by two different case studies in order to observe the frequency control performance of the system.
Dynamic Covalent Polymer Networks Based on Degenerative Imine Bond Exchange: Tuning the Malleability and Self-Healing Properties by Solvent

Covalent polymeric networks composed of imine cross-linkages have been prepared by condensation polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) bis(3-aminopropyl) with 1,3,5-triformylbenzene with an equal molar ratio of amine and aldehyde functionalities in organic solvents with varying polarity and in neat condition. The polymer networks exhibit malleability and self-healing characteristics. Rheological measurements revealed that longer reaction time is required to reach the gel point (i.e., crossover of G′ and G″) in polar solvents than in nonpolar solvents. The malleability of the solvent-swelled polymer network is also strongly dependent on the solvent polarity. Polymer gels in polar solvents are more malleable than those in nonpolar solvents, as supported by the dynamic mechanical analysis. These results are consistent with faster dynamic imine bond exchange in the polar solvents relative to the nonpolar solvents, thus requiring higher functionality conversion to form an elastic network in the polar solvent ...
Development of a Desktop Hybrid Multipurpose Grinding and 3D Printing Machine for Educational Purposes

Abstract Manufacturing is a constantly changing field where new innovations and continuous improvements ensure competitiveness. Recent manufacturing revolutions include additive manufacturing and the empowerment of Do It Yourself (DIY) users. This paper reports on the development of a desktop hybrid machine that incorporates subtractive and additive manufacturing principles, in particular grinding and wire extrusion. Due to the small machine size of less than 1 m3 and use of modular components it will be applicable in small scale operations and will have a low energy footprint. The article discusses the initial design and further improvements which have been done as senior design capstone projects, through summer internships and team work of graduate and undergraduate students. The first generation machine will be improved by stronger motor modules of up to 1.8Nm torque compared to 0.7Nm and new module connections that can be 3D printed instead of sheet metal connections. Future versions of the machine will have even more printable components. The machine control has been built on NI LabVIEW to enable path planning, machine control, manual steering, and integration of closed-loop algorithms on one standard platform.
Defeating drone jamming with hardware sandboxing

In this work, we concern ourselves with the security of drone systems under jamming-based attacks. The focus is on design and synthesis structure with the anti-jamming security needs of drone systems. We explore a relatively new concept known as hardware sandboxing, to provide runtime monitoring of boundary signals and isolation through resource virtualization for non-trusted system-on-chip (SoC) components. We utilize Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based development and target embedded Linux for our drone hardware/software system containing the hardware sandbox. We design and implement our working concept on the Digilent Zybo FPGA, which uses the Xilinx Zynq system. Our design is validated via simulation-based tests to mimic jamming attacks and standalone, stationary tests with commercial transmitter and receiver equipment. In both cases, we are successful in detecting and isolating unwanted behavior.
Implications for Deterrence and Coercion

Cyberspace communications infrastructure and logic rules are essential to the continued functioning of global commerce, diplomacy, and social networks of the twenty-first century. The previous chapters have demonstrated that strategic cyber A2/AD operations are possible and could deny states access to the benefits of cyberspace. Now that we know this, the question must be asked: What do we do with this information? States can try to protect themselves from strategic A2/AD operations in cyberspace, but can they also use it to deter or coerce others? The ability to hold cyberspace infrastructure and communication nodes at risk is a significant factor in a conflict environment. Governments rely on cyberspace communications for command and control of military forces, economic stability, and societal well-being. Without access to cyberspace, the economy would immediately come to a halt, with millions of dollars lost per day of non-connectivity. Government, law enforcement, and security forces would have a difficult time functioning and protecting the population from domestic or foreign threats. Societal functioning would grind to a halt as people would need to develop alternate methods of conducting daily, routine activities. Because of the serious impact of a strategic cyber A2/AD operation for society as a whole, it is likely that it would be applied leading up to or during a military conflict as one element of a larger campaign. At any threshold lower than armed conflict, strategic cyber A2/AD operations present the risk of potentially escalating the existing crisis to the level of armed conflict or broadening an existing armed conflict, as states could perceive the strategic cyber A2/AD action as a threat to their defences, economies, and societies. Some scholars, such as Thomas Rid, discount the threat of cyber war, and others, such as Brandon Valeriano and Ryan C. Maness, assert that large-scale cyber conflicts are statistically unlikely to occur because they have not yet happened. Yet, these dismissals of the dangers of major cyber conflict are unsatisfying for several reasons. First, just because something has not happened yet is no reason to assume that it will not happen in the future. Based on the historical data, nuclear warfare was empirically unlikely until August 1945. Second, to prevent the occurrence of an action, it is best to plan against it, not ignore it or dismiss it as unlikely.
Genetic causes of optic nerve hypoplasia

Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is the most common congenital optic nerve anomaly and a leading cause of blindness in the USA. Although most cases of ONH occur as isolated cases within their respective families, the advancement in molecular diagnostic technology has made us realise that a substantial fraction of cases has identifiable genetic causes, typically de novo mutations. An increasing number of genes has been reported, mutations of which can cause ONH. Many of the genes involved serve as transcription factors, participating in an intricate multistep process critical to eye development and neurogenesis in the neural retina. This review will discuss the respective genes and mutations, human phenotypes, and animal models that have been created to gain a deeper understanding of the disorders. The identification of the underlying gene and mutation provides an important step in diagnosis, medical care and counselling for the affected individuals and their families. We envision that future research will lead to further disease gene identification, but will also teach us about gene-gene and gene-environment interactions relevant to optic nerve development. How much of the functional impairment of the various forms of ONH is a reflection of altered morphogenesis versus neuronal homeostasis will determine the prospect of therapeutic intervention, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of the individuals affected with ONH.
Modern predictive models for modeling the college graduation rates

Modern predictive modeling techniques are commonly used for modeling a target of interest based on a list of input variables. In general, these techniques are capable of identifying input variables associated with the target, but not for the purpose of identifying the causation relationship between target and inputs due to the fact that the data are observational data. Advanced technology has made data collection very easy and fast. As a result, when applying predictive modeling methods, the issue of data cleansing becomes critical. This article aims at comparing ten modern predictive modeling techniques for predicting college graduation rate within 6 years. The input variables include variables on ‘pre-college’ performance, ‘first-year’ college performance and various social-economic variables, as well as some variables related to university learning environment. The issue of data quality and modeling technique selection are discussed. Some pitfalls and cautions of applying predictive modeling techniques are discussed.
End-of-life chemotherapy: a prisoner’s dilemma?

Author RSH (a palliative medicine physician) was asked to see a patient with a newly diagnosed metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status grade 3. The oncologist prefaced the consultation saying ‘[The patient] has no good chemo(therapy) options. I think he needs hospice.’ After consultation, RSH and the patient agreed on home hospice. The oncologist saw the patient later that day and told RSH, ‘Well, I’ve decided to give him chemo, because if I don’t give chemo, then someone else will.’ Great advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer continue to improve survival. However, despite much attention focused on end-of-life chemotherapy, many patients continue to receive chemotherapy late into their illness, providing minimal benefit and potentially causing harm. In this article, we describe the prisoner’s dilemma, in the context of palliative oncology, as a framework to partially explain this finding. We believe that this novel perspective will provide valuable and interesting insights to practising clinicians. Almost 10% of patients receive chemotherapy within 2 weeks of dying of cancer, and 60% receive treatment within 2 months of death.1 The majority of these patients mistakenly believe that this type of chemotherapy is curative rather than palliative.2 In fact, end-of-life chemotherapy has limited benefits and is associated with worse quality of life, more emergency and intensive care interventions and greater financial cost to patients and families. Consequently, the American Society for Clinical Oncology identified reducing end-of-life chemotherapy as one of the ‘top five’ practices for improving care and cutting costs. Despite these recommendations, large number of patients continue to receive aggressive treatment within their last few days of life.3 Why do patients continue to receive end-of-life chemotherapy? We believe that ‘inappropriate’ chemotherapy at end-of-life does not result from poor decision-making by oncologists. Instead, it is partially driven …
Commerce, Industry, and Security: Biomedicalization Theory and the Use of Metaphor to Describe Practitioner–Patient Communication Within Fertility, Inc.

ABSTRACTAn infertility diagnosis is distressing. Supportive communication between practitioners and patients before, during, and after treatment is key to mitigating this distress. In the present study, interview questions prompted 22 cis-women who underwent fertility treatment(s) to reflect on practitioner–patient communication during treatment, and their metaphor use was analyzed in light of biomedicalization theory. Participants used metaphors to describe their health care experiences within the infertility-industrial complex known as Fertility, Inc. Findings suggest that metaphor use allowed patients both to participate in and to critique Fertility, Inc.—specifically, their individual communicative experiences with medical practitioners. Recommendations for communication between practitioners and patients and suggestions for future research are discussed.
3-hydroxyanthranilic acid 3,4-dioxygenase mediates hippocampal dysfunction during chronic inflammation

Inflammation disrupts balance of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway (KP) in the brain towards production of neurotoxic metabolites, particularly in the hippocampus. Quinolinic acid is the neurotoxic metabolite most often implicated in mediating the deleterious effects of neuroinflammation, but only indirect evidence implicates quinolinic acid as a mechanistic factor driving the disruption of hippocampal- dependent tasks due to inflammation. Here, 3-hydroxyanthralinic acid 3,4-dioxygenase (HAAO) knockout mice or WT mice were administered M. bovis, BCG intraperitoneally to induce chronic inflammation, and hippocampal-dependent cognitive tasks were measured 7–9 days post challenge. No difference in spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field was apparent between groups, although BCG reduced the duration of time spent in the central area of the open field in WT but not HAAO KO mice. BCG impaired Y- maze working memory and novel place preference in WT mice, and while HAAO KO mice exhibited a lower baseline performance on these hippocampal-dependent tasks, no BCG-induced deficit was observed. Novel object recognition was disrupted in both WT and HAAO KO mice. These are the first data to provide direct evidence that inflammation-induced increases in quinolinic acid are responsible for hippocampal dysfunction in cognitive performance.
CT-based texture characterization of lymphadenopathy in urothelial carcinoma: Prediction of treatment response.

514Background: Promising treatments are emerging for urothelial carcinoma, although there is no reliable method for predicting treatment response on an individual basis. Extraction of quantitative ...
Rheumatoid arthritis: Moving towards IMPROVED drug-free remission.

The newly published 5-year outcomes of the IMPROVED trial demonstrate the feasibility of achieving long-term drug-free remission in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These findings raise the bar and support the use of a remission induction and maintenance approach, particularly in patients presenting with early joint inflammation consistent with early RA.