cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Warring Teammates: Standing to Oppose a Co-Party’s Motion for Summary Judgment

When two defendants are sued for one tort and one co-defendant seeks summary judgment, who has standing to oppose the motion? Obviously the plaintiff has standing to oppose, but what about the other co-defendant? Even supposing the co-defendant has standing if the plaintiff opposes, is that standing contingent on the plaintiff’s opposition? Current jurisprudence in federal courts and prior scholarship are scarce and in disagreement which leaves parties without ground on which to base their answers. A simple answer to this quandary might assume parties sitting on the same side of a case may not oppose one another (in the absence of cross-claims). This article contends that sides of the case on which parties sit are an inappropriate focal point. The focus should instead be on which side of a particular controversy parties stand. Individuals opposed to co-party motions should have the opportunity to oppose because the operative criterion is adversity of position. The minimal judicial consensus and legal literature discussing such a scenario creates prediction problems for litigators in multi-party litigation. The lack of certainty may generate confusion or even conflict between co-parties seeking to advance a common objective – winning the lawsuit – while simultaneously advancing their own unique interests – minimizing costs and damages for a particular client. The unique interests can create a prisoner’s dilemma in which minimizing one party’s losses may maximize a co-party’s. This article seeks to build a theory upon which future legal consensus on co-party standing to oppose motions might be developed. This article derives and applies principles from appellate standing and the right of intervention to support permitting co-party opposition to motions. The “aggrieved” standard of appellate standing and intervention’s justifications of “adequate representation” and “unique perspective” inform the otherwise minimal development of a theory permitting co-party motion opposition. Permitting opposition to co-defendant motions by co-parties would provide predictability and ensure parties have their voices heard on issues of interest without sacrificing courtroom efficiency.
Safety evaluation of the metals in some brands of nail polish in Nigeria

This article shows the concentrations of ten metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn and Al) measured in 30 different brands of nail polish in the Nigerian market in order to provide some relevant information on the safe levels of these products for consumers. The metal concentrations in the nail polish samples ranged from <0.15 µg/g Cd, <0.03 to 7.25 µg/g Pb, <0.03 to 40 µg/g Ni, <0.1 to 8.25 µg/g Cr, <0.03 to 590 µg/g Cu, <0.03 to 3.00 µg/g Co, <0.1 to 15,200 µg/g Fe, <0.05 to 458 µg/g Mn, <0.03 to 595 µg/g Zn and <0.25 to 13,600 µg/g Al. The concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Co were found above the suggested allergenic limit of 1 µg/g in 56, 33 and 17 % of the 30 brands, respectively, whereas Cd and Pb were detected at levels below their permissible limits as impurities in cosmetics as specified by Health Canada. The brands made in Nigeria contained lower concentrations of Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Pb and Al than the imported brands.
Diagnostic Imaging in the Degenerative Diseases of the Cervical Spine

Degenerative changes of the cervical spine, both physiological and pathological, proceed jointly with the aging of man and can be easily identified and characterized by modern radiological techniques. The aging of the cervical spine, in particular, involves all its structures (osteo-discal-ligamentous complex); however, the inter-vertebral joints are the earlier and more conspicuously involved targets, being also the most specifically linked to the symptoms determined by the involution process [1]. Imaging can also distinguish degenerative diseases from other causes of radiculo-mielopathy, (i.e. infection or neoplasms).
Effects of simvastatin on acute myocardial infarction with atrial fibrillation after cardioversion

Objectives To investigate the effects of different dosage of simvastatin on acute myocardial infarction with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Methods One hundred and thirteen patients of acute myocardial infarction with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation according to different dosage of simvastatin were divided into three groups (group 40 mg,n=35; group 20 mg,n=40; group control,n=38). The effect of lipid-lowering treatment,the recurrence of atrial fibrillation,and the ischemic events were followed up for 6 months. Results 1. In the effect of lipid-lowering treatment,group 40 mg and group 20 mg were superior to group control (P0.05 or 0.01),group 40 mg was superior to group 20 mg (P0.05);2. In the recurrent rate of atrial fibrillation,group 40 mg and group 20 mg were less than group control (P0.05 or 0.01),group 40 mg was less than group 20 mg (P0.05);3. In the rate of ischemic events,group 40 mg and group 20 mg were less than group control (P0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions Simvastatin can lower lipid,decrease the recurrent rate of atrial fibrillation and the rate of ischemic events in patients of acute myocardial infarction with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. These benefits from simvastatin 40mg were more obvious than from simvastatin 20 mg.
Monitoring and analysis on vaccination reactions of the vaccines included in the National Immunization Program in Yangzhou in 2010

Objective To monitor the reactions associated with the vaccines included in the National Immunization Program. Method Monitoring data of vaccination reactions in Yangzhou were studied and analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. Results The vaccines included in the National Immunization Program performed in Yangzhou in 2010 were 11 kinds. 741 552 vaccinations were performed. 363 cases of vaccination reactions were reported, with an incidence rate of 4.90/10 000,and Jiangdu had the highest rate,6.77/10 000, while Kaifa had the lowest rate,3.31/10 000.The incidence rates were significantly different in different districts(χ2=25.17,P0.01).The highest incidence rate was 14.23/10 000 in July, and the lowest incidence rate was 1.32/10 000 in February. The incidence rates in different months had significant difference(χ2=163.99,P0.01). All the 11 kinds vaccines had the vaccination reactions reported,and the DPaT had the highest incidence rate , 13.49/10 000,while the PV had the lowest incidence rate, 0.46/10 000,and there were significantly differences of vaccination reaction incidence among different kinds of vaccines(χ2=365.44,P0.01).Fever was the main symptom of the common vaccination reactions. Among the adverse vaccination reactions, allergic skin rashes was the main symptom. The rate of the suspected vaccination reactions being reported within 24 hours, the investigation rate within 48 hours, the diagnostic classification rate and the standard handling rate were all 100%. Conclusions Yangzhou vaccination reaction monitoring system was perfect, and the vaccination reaction incidence rate was low. There were no statistical differences of abnormal vaccination reaction incidence among different districts, seasons, and genders. It was suggested to strengthen vaccination reaction monitoring, standardize immunization work and training, enhance our sense of responsibility, improve vaccination reaction response ability, and increase funds for handling vaccination reactions.
Feasibility of reduction in use of the mouse bioassay: presence/absence screening for saxitoxin in frozen acidified mussel and oyster extracts from the coast of California with in vitro methods.

In the United States, the detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) for regulatory purposes relies on the mouse bioassay (MBA). Using a saxitoxin presence/absence test could reduce animal usage significantly. Three in vitro methods, the RIDASCREEN® Saxitoxin kit, MIST Alert, and a 5 h neuroblastoma assay, were evaluated in parallel with the MBA using 106 twice-frozen, acidified extracts from California-grown mussel and oyster tissues. For each assay, a cutoff point was established whereby data below or equal to that point were scored as negative and were assigned a score of zero. Data above the cutoff were considered positive and assigned a score of one. Pearson correlation coefficients were generated. The RIDASCREEN, MIST Alert, and neuroblastoma bioassay correlated to the MBA at 0.849, 0.853, and 0.832 when used for presence/absence detection. These data suggest that a reduction in MBA usage could be achieved in the surveillance of California-grown mussels and oysters for PSP-associated toxins. Correlation data between the in vitro assays, cost comparisons, and the potential for false negatives and false positives were examined. Implications of these methodologies in protecting public health are discussed.
MineCraft a media for resilience

In 2010, Wyman et al. (2010) examined within a mental health framework 'Resilience', to promote a culture in young people in schools of building strategies, as a tool to self-manage the escalation of potential conflict points, aimed at mediating conduct in the classroom. This short paper aims to explore the scope for adapting the work by discovering why one might choose to employ digital media vs. traditional methods. This in an effort to extend the scope of the Wyman et al. (2010) methods to be inclusive of digital media, as an additional resource valued by youths to mediate adversity.
Evaluating turnout composite layering strategies for reducing thermal burden in structural firefighter protective clothing systems

A modular approach for arranging the component layers used in the construction of structural firefighter turnout garments is explored as a strategy for reducing the thermal burden contributed by th...
Proton Affinity of Isomeric Dipeptides Containing Lysine and Non-Proteinogenic Lysine Homologues

Conformational effects on the proton affinity of oligopeptides have been studied using six alanine (A)-based acetylated dipeptides containing a basic probe that is placed closest to either the C- or the N-terminus. The basic probe includes Lysine (Lys) and two nonproteinogenic Lys-homologues, ornithine (Orn) and 2,3-diaminopropionic acid (Dap). The proton affinities of the peptides have been determined using the extended Cooks kinetic method in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Computational studies have been carried out to search for the lowest energy conformers and to calculate theoretical proton affinities as well as various molecular properties using the density functional theory. The dipeptides containing a C-terminal probe, ALys, AOrn, and ADap, were determined to have a higher proton affinity by 1–4 kcal/mol than the corresponding dipeptides containing an N-terminal probe, LysA, OrnA, and DapA. For either the C-probe peptides or the N-probe peptides, the proton affinity reduces systematically ...
ATR maintains chromosomal integrity during postnatal cerebellar neurogenesis and is required for medulloblastoma formation

Microcephaly and medulloblastoma may both result from mutations that compromise genomic stability. We report that ATR, which is mutated in the microcephalic disorder Seckel syndrome, sustains cerebellar growth by maintaining chromosomal integrity during postnatal neurogenesis. Atr deletion in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs) induced proliferation-associated DNA damage, p53 activation, apoptosis and cerebellar hypoplasia in mice. Co-deletions of either p53 or Bax and Bak prevented apoptosis in Atr-deleted CGNPs, but failed to fully rescue cerebellar growth. ATR-deficient CGNPs had impaired cell cycle checkpoint function and continued to proliferate, accumulating chromosomal abnormalities. RNA-Seq demonstrated that the transcriptional response to ATR-deficient proliferation was highly p53 dependent and markedly attenuated by p53 co-deletion. Acute ATR inhibition in vivo by nanoparticle-formulated VE-822 reproduced the developmental disruptions seen with Atr deletion. Genetic deletion of Atr blocked tumorigenesis in medulloblastoma-prone SmoM2 mice. Our data show that p53-driven apoptosis and cell cycle arrest – and, in the absence of p53, non-apoptotic cell death – redundantly limit growth in ATR-deficient progenitors. These mechanisms may be exploited for treatment of CGNP-derived medulloblastoma using ATR inhibition.
Nutrient foraging strategies are associated with productivity and population growth in forest shrubs

Background and aims Temperate deciduous forest understoreys are experiencing widespread changes in community composition, concurrent with increases in rates of nitrogen supply. These shifts in plant abundance may be driven by interspecific differences in nutrient foraging (i.e. conservative vs. acquisitive strategies) and, thus, adaptation to contemporary nutrient loading conditions. This study sought to determine if interspecific differences in nutrient foraging could help explain patterns of shrub success and decline in eastern North American forests. Methods Using plants grown in a common garden, fine root traits associated with nutrient foraging were measured for six shrub species. Traits included the mean and skewness of the root diameter distribution, specific root length (SRL), C:N ratio, root tissue density, arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and foraging precision. Above- and below-ground productivity were also determined for the same plants, and population growth rates were estimated using data from a long-term study of community dynamics. Root traits were compared among species and associations among root traits, measures of productivity and rates of population growth were evaluated. Key results Species fell into groups having thick or thin root forms, which correspond to conservative vs. acquisitive nutrient foraging strategies. Interspecific variation in root morphology and tissue construction correlated with measures of productivity and rates of cover expansion. Of the four species with acquisitive traits, three were introduced species that have become invasive in recent decades, and the fourth was a weedy native. In contrast, the two species with conservative traits were historically dominant shrubs that have declined in abundance in eastern North American forests. Conclusions In forest understoreys of eastern North America, elevated nutrient availability may impose a filter on species success in addition to above-ground processes such as herbivory and overstorey canopy conditions. Shrubs that have root traits associated with rapid uptake of soil nutrients may be more likely to increase in abundance, while species without such traits may be less likely to keep pace with more productive species.
Excited-State Dynamics in Two-Dimensional Heterostructures: SiR/TiO2 and GeR/TiO2 (R = H, Me) as Promising Photocatalysts

The electronic structure and excited-state dynamics of heterojunctions composed of 2D silicane and germanane-based materials (SiR, GeR; R = H, Me) and anatase or rutile isomorphs of TiO2 are investigated. Our calculations reveal a high tunability of the band gaps of these heterostructures: 2.28 eV in SiH/a-TiO2 to 0.16 eV in GeMe/r-TiO2. Nonadiabatic molecular dynamic (NA-MD) simulations suggest that electron–hole recombination in SiH/a-TiO2, SiH/r-TiO2, and GeH/a-TiO2 occurs within 46.0, 3.6, and 1.2 ns, respectively, which is notably slower than in other analogous materials. The methylation of Si or Ge monolayers and the use of rutile polymorphs increase the nonadiabatic coupling and accelerate the recombination. A simple accelerated NA-MD method is devised in this work to evaluate the time scales for extremely slow dynamics of excited states. On the contrary to the electron–hole recombination, “hot” electrons are found to thermalize within a picosecond time scale, whereas some hot holes thermalize nota...
Morphologically constrained spectral unmixing by dictionary learning for multiplex fluorescence microscopy.

Motivation Current spectral unmixing methods for multiplex fluorescence microscopy have a limited ability to cope with high spectral overlap as they only analyze spectral information over individual pixels. Here, we present adaptive Morphologically Constrained Spectral Unmixing (MCSU) algorithms that overcome this limitation by exploiting morphological differences between sub-cellular structures, and their local spatial context. Results The proposed method was effective at improving spectral unmixing performance by exploiting: (i) a set of dictionary-based models for object morphologies learned from the image data; and (ii) models of spatial context learned from the image data using a total variation algorithm. The method was evaluated on multi-spectral images of multiplex-labeled pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissue samples. The former constraint ensures that neighbouring pixels correspond to morphologically similar structures, and the latter constraint ensures that neighbouring pixels have similar spectral signatures. The average Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Signal Reconstruction Error (SRE) ratio of the proposed method was 39.6% less and 8% more, respectively, compared to the best of all other algorithms that do not exploit these spatial constraints. Availability and implementation Open source software (MATLAB). Contact broysam@central.uh.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Images as Data: Cultural Analytics and Aby Warburg’s Mnemosyne

In this paper, by extending the methodology of media archaeology to the praxis of Cultural Analytics/Media Visualization I ask how have we compared multitude of diverse images and what can we learn about the narratives that these comparisons allow? I turn to the work of Aby Warburg who attempted to organize close to two thousand images in his Mnemosyne Atlas. In comparing contemporary methods of image data visualization through cultural analytics method of remapping and the turn of the century methodology developed by Warburg under the working title of the “iconology of intervals,” I examine the shifts and continuities that have shaped informational aesthetics as well as data-driven narratives. Furthermore, in drawing parallels between contemporary Cultural Analytics/Media Visualization techniques, and Aby Warburg’s Atlas, I argue that contextual and image color data knowledge should continue to be important for digital art history. More specifically, I take the case study of Warburg’s Panel 45 in order to explore what we can learn through different visualization techniques about the role of color in the representation of violence and the promise of prosperous civil society.
Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow: Part II. Supplementary Examination and Dynamic Imaging Techniques

Currently, a number of examination and imaging techniques exist for diagnosing posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. Although the posterolateral rotatory drawer is the primary examination maneuver, other special tests include the lateral pivot-shift test, prone push-up test, chair push-up test, and tabletop push-up test. In addition, posterolateral rotatory instability can be evaluated using radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic fluoroscopy, or dynamic ultrasound. In this Technical Note, each of these tests is described in detail. Video instruction is also provided to further explain the techniques and provide examples of positive tests.
The Impact of the Self-esteem and Consumption Values on Consumers Attitude and Intention to Purchase Luxury Fashion Products

Luxury brands consumption has increased in the recent years (Hennigs, Klarmann, Behrens, & Wiedmann 2016), moving from production of exclusive products to creation of memorable retail experience and personalized symbolic attachment (Kapeferer & Valette- Florence, 2016). Thus, brand managers must strive to maintain quality without compromising exclusivity and uniqueness of these luxury fashion brands. As a result, there is a need to understand the intrinsic motivation of consumption that can capture feelings attached to luxury brands. Recent studies indicate that consumer perceived value influences luxury brand consumption, but little is known on the role of self-esteem in this relationship. Hence, this study will focus on the interaction between consumption values and self-esteem and their impact on the attitude and intention to purchase luxury fashion products.
Necessary Conditions for Optimality in Differential Games

Abstract The "Isaacs' equation" as a necessary and sufficient condition for optimal play in differential games, is discussed in the light of recent developments of the foundations of their theory. Developing this theory by either discretization (subdivision of the time-interval) or using delay-strategies, existence theorems can be given fully justifying the use of Isaacs' equation. Presently the most powerful method consists in the introduction of random disturbances, which lead to a diffusion-type partial differential equation of the second order.
Polypharmacy in Older Adults with Cancer: Evaluating Polypharmacy as Part of the Geriatric Assessment

Polypharmacy is a significant public health problem that disproportionally affects older adults who are considered to be the highest consumers of medications. Cancer-related therapy can intensify the prevalence of polypharmacy; however, polypharmacy has inconsistently been included as part of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). This inconsistency is likely attributed to conflicting study results demonstrating a correlation between polypharmacy and clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer. Despite these inconsistencies, several national and international organization guidelines recommend conducting a polypharmacy evaluation as part of the CGA. Some preliminary data suggests a correlation between polypharmacy and negative health outcomes in older adults with cancer including adverse drug events, falls, frailty, hospitalization, postoperative complications, and poorer overall survival. This review describes the age-related changes that influence the prescribing of medication for older patients with cancer and some of the most common methods for evaluating polypharmacy as part of the CGA. Changes in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drugs related to aging and the possibility of end-organ dysfunction must be taken into consideration, particularly the age-related decline of glomerular filtration rate that is not always reflected by an increase in serum creatinine. Interventional studies are still needed to determine how to best evaluate polypharmacy and tailor medication use as part of the CGA in order to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions when receiving chemotherapy and/or supportive care.
Activation of Human Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-8 (TRPM8) by Calcium-Rich Particulate Materials and Effects on Human Lung Cells.

To better understand how adverse health effects are caused by exposure to particulate materials, and to develop preventative measures, it is important to identify the properties of particles and molecular targets that link exposure with specific biologic outcomes. Coal fly ash (CFA) is a by-product of coal combustion that can affect human health. We report that human transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) and an N-terminally truncated TRPM8 variant (TRPM8-Δ801) are activated by CFA and calcium-rich nanoparticles and/or soluble salts within CFA. TRPM8 activation by CFA was potentiated by cold temperature involving the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate binding residue (L1008), but was independent of the icilin and menthol binding site residue Y745 and, essentially, the N-terminal amino acids 1–800. CFA, calcium nanoparticles, and calcium salts also activated transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1), but not TRPV4. CFA treatment induced CXCL1 and interleukin-8 mRNA in BEAS-2B and primary human bronchial epithelial cells through activation of both TRPM8 and TRPV1. However, neither mouse nor rat TRPM8 was activated by these materials, and Trpm8 knockout had no effect on cytokine induction in the lungs of CFA-instilled mice. Amino acids S921 and S927 in mouse Trpm8 were identified as important for the lack of response to CFA. These results imply that TRPM8, in conjunction with TRPV1 and TRPA1, might sense selected forms of inhaled particulate materials in human airways, shaping cellular responses to these materials, and improving our understanding of how and why certain particulate materials elicit different responses in biologic systems, affecting human health.
Effects of biotic factors on emergence and survival of Quercus emoryi at lower treeline, Arizona, U.S.A.

Woody plants have increased in abundance in many of the world’s grasslands during the last three centuries. In contrast, Quercus emoryi Torr. has not encroached into adjacent grasslands for several...
Geologic Relations Among Uranium Deposits, South Texas, Coastal Plain Region, U.S.A.

Uranium has become an important energy resource in the South Texas Coastal Plain, where it occurs in tuffaceous sandy sedimentary rocks of late Eocene to Pliocene age. The uranium ore contains small amounts of molybdenum and selenium. Deposits range from small, irregular bodies of highly oxidized “yellow ores” near the outcrop to un- oxidized “black ores” at depths of from 60 feet (18. 3 meters) to at least several hundred feet. The oxidized ore is highly susceptible to leaching accompanied by migration down the dip of permeable sands. The deep unoxidized deposits exhibit well-developed roll-type ore bodies along oxidation-reduction boundaries.
Afterword: Consumption and Middle-Class Subjectivity in Vietnam

How, then, are we to understand Vietnam’s middle class, past and present? As these authors have shown, we would do well to avoid approaches which define a universal “middle class” in terms of income, or political liberalism, since these have arguably hindered efforts by scholars to make sense of the specificity and complexity of their subjects’ lives. In their introduction to this volume, Belanger, Drummond, and Nguyen-Marshall encourage us, instead, to understand “middle class” not as a clearly-defined category or set of criteria, but as a far more unstable situation, not unlike what Li Zhang, in her research on the middle class in China has called a “process of ‘happening’” (2008, p. 24). Further, they encourage us to see middle class ness as marked, among other things, by practices of consumption, and efforts to acquire, or at least associate oneself with, particular “lifestyles.” In so doing, they draw on the work of Pierre Bourdieu (1977, 1984), who argued that class status is formed and maintained through a complex and changing matrix of knowledge and practices, in which mastery of particular aesthetics are as fundamental as access to material wealth. Drawing on the insights of Bourdieu and others, I explore some ways in which this collection of essays might further our understanding of the relationship between consumption, social distinction, and modernity as well as that between consumption, production, the market, and the state. Finally, I consider some of the middle class practices described in this volume in light of recent scholarly discussions about socialism, liberalism and neoliberalism, governmentality, and the public sphere.
Editor’s Overview: Differences and Similarities with Mentoring, Tutoring, and Coaching

This issue of Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning Journal includes research from scholars representing Atlanta, New York, Oregon, and Texas in the United States, the Netherlands, and Fi...
Race/Ethnicity and Measures of Violence at the Macro Level: Is Disadvantage Invariant Across Race-/Ethnicity-Specific Arrest, Victimization, and Offending?

An abundance of scholarship has examined the racial invariance thesis positing that the causes of violence, especially markers of disadvantage, are similar across racial/ethnic groups. More recentl...
Heinrich von Kleist and the Right to War

This essay explores the conceptualization of warfare in Romanticism. The focus is on two plays by Heinrich von Kleist, Penthesilea and Prince Friedrich von Homburg. I begin by discussing Carl von C...
Knock-In of the Wt1 R394W mutation causes MDS and cooperates with Flt3/ITD to drive aggressive myeloid neoplasms in mice

// Colleen E. Annesley 1 , Cara Rabik 2, 3 , Amy S. Duffield 2, 4 , Rachel E. Rau 5 , Daniel Magoon 2 , Li Li 2 , Vicki Huff 6 , Donald Small 2, 3 , David M. Loeb 7 and Patrick Brown 2, 3 1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 2 The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 3 Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 4 Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 5 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA 6 Department of Molecular Genetics/Cancer Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA 7 Current affiliation: Departments of Pediatrics and Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA Correspondence to: Patrick Brown, email: pbrown2@jhmi.edu Colleen E. Annesley, email: colleen.annesley@seattlechildrens.org Keywords: WT1; Wilms tumor 1; myelodysplastic syndrome; AML; FLT3 Received: August 28, 2018 Accepted: September 05, 2018 Published: October 19, 2018 ABSTRACT Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) is a zinc finger transcriptional regulator, and has been implicated as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene in various malignancies. Mutations in the DNA-binding domain of the WT1 gene are described in 10–15% of normal-karyotype AML (NK-AML) in pediatric and adult patients. Similar WT1 mutations have been reported in adult patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). WT1 mutations have been independently associated with treatment failure and poor prognosis in NK-AML. Internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ( FLT3 ) commonly co-occur with WT1 -mutant AML, suggesting a cooperative role in leukemogenesis. The functional role of WT1 mutations in hematologic malignancies appears to be complex and is not yet fully elucidated. Here, we describe the hematologic phenotype of a knock-in mouse model of a Wt1 mutation (R394W), described in cases of human leukemia. We show that Wt1 +/R394W mice develop MDS which becomes 100% penetrant in a transplant model, exhibit an aberrant expansion of myeloid progenitor cells, and demonstrate enhanced self-renewal of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro . We crossbred Wt1 +/R394W mice with knock-in Flt3 +/ITD mice, and show that mice with both mutations ( Flt3 +/ITD / Wt1 +/R394W ) develop a transplantable MDS/MPN, with more aggressive features compared to either single mutant mouse model.
Antihypertensive Drug Deintensification and Recurrent Falls in Long-Term Care.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between antihypertensive drug deintensification and recurrent falls in long-term care. DATA SOURCES/SETTINGS Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient, outpatient, and purchased care data, Minimum Data Set assessments from VA nursing homes (NHs), and Medicare claims from fiscal years 2010 - 2015. STUDY DESIGN We identified NH residents with evidence of overaggressive antihypertensive treatment, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) 80-120 and an index fall. Recurrent fall, hospitalization, and mortality within 30 days were compared between veterans whose antihypertensive medications were deintensified versus those whose antihypertensive medications were not using propensity score methods (PSM). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Among 2,212 NH residents with possibly overaggressive antihypertensive treatment, 11 percent experienced antihypertensive drug deintensification. Lower blood pressure, >1 antihypertensive drug, no congestive heart failure, fracture from index fall, and older age were associated with higher likelihood of deintensification. Antihypertensive deintensification was associated with statistically significant (p-value < .01) lower risk of recurrent fall among residents with SBP 80-100 (marginal effect = -11.4 percent; PSM = -13.6 percent) and higher risk of death among residents with SBP 101-120 (marginal effect = 2.1 percent, p-value = .07; with PSM = 4.3 percent, p-value = .04). CONCLUSIONS Results provide some needed evidence and guidelines for deintensifying antihypertensive medication among frail older residents; since hypertension is prevalent among 54 percent of NH residents, the potential impact of new evidence is great.
Estimating Localized Bio-impedance with Measures from Multiple Redundant Electrode Configurations

In most bio-impedance applications, measurements are collected from a single electrode configuration though multi-electrode systems could monitor different tissue sites or serve as a source of redundancy in case of electrode malfunction. However, comparison of impedance data collected from different electrode configurations is difficult. This article proposes an approach to estimate the current tissue impedance collected from a fixed electrode configuration using measurements from different sites of the same localized tissue. Estimated impedance is calculated using the ratio between impedance values from different electrode configurations collected prior to the electrode malfunction event. This approach is validated using measurements of a human forearm collected from 3 kHz to 1 MHz collected with 4 electrode configurations over 3 days. The estimation results using this approach show maximum estimation errors of 2.3% and 16.9% for the resistance and reactance, respectively, compared to the measured impedance.
Persistence with Basal-Bolus Insulin Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Effect on Clinical and Economic Outcomes: A Retrospective Claims Database Study.

BACKGROUND: Persistence with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) may be challenging for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, limited information is available regarding the effect of p...
Analysis of Solid-State Electrolytes for Li-Ion Batteries Using a Multiscale Molecular Dynamics Approach

Metal lithium anodes are excellent alternatives for Li-ion batteries; however, nonuniform plating and swelling of the anode upon lithiation causes the growth of lithium dendrites, among few other problems. One possible solution to this, and perhaps the other problems, is the use of solid-state electrolytes. Our approach to analyze the use of solid-state electrolytes is based on performing a multiscale computational approach using quantum and classical molecular dynamics simulation techniques. We will present our study of the properties of the two above new types of materials for anodes and electrolytes as parts of a full nanobattery,1-4 whereby the properties of their solid electrolyte interphases will be determined. The speciation of several interfaces of lithium-metal anodes with electrolytes such as sulfides, halogenated phosphor-sulfides, halogenated nitrades, and few others of present interest will be presented. Since these simulations require the use of full nanobatteries, thus, they also require the presence of a cathode, and since sulfur and spinel structures are also potential alternatives, we will use related cathodes in our nanobatteries. Selis, L. A.; Seminario, J. M., Dendrite Formation in Anodes of Lithium-Ion Batteries. RSC – Advances, 2018, 8, 5255-5267. Galvez-Aranda, D. E.; Seminario, J. M., Simulations of a LiF Solid Electrolyte Interphase Cracking on Silicon Anodes Using Molecular Dynamics. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2018, 165, A717-A730. Ponce, V.; Galvez-Aranda, D. E.; Seminario, J. M., Analysis of a Li-Ion Nanobattery with Graphite Anode Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J. Phys. Chem. C 2017, 121, 12959–12971. Galvez-Aranda, D. E.; Ponce, V.; Seminario, J. M., Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the First Charge of a Li-Ion—Si-Anode Nanobattery. J. Mol. Model. 2017, 23, 120.
A 16 kV PV Inverter Using Series-Connected 10 kV SiC MOSFET Devices

This paper presents the design, construction and testing of a photovoltaic (PV) three-phase inverter capable of direct-to-line (transformer-less) operation, rated for 200 W, 11 kV ac, and 16 kV dc, featuring a simple two-level inverter topology using series-connected 10 kV Silicon-Carbide (SiC) MOSFET de-vices operating as an equivalent ‘20 kV switch,’ and using printed-circuit-board (PCB) based ac and dc distributed capacitor arrays to achieve zero-partial-discharge operation. Experimental results demonstrate the excellent performance achieved, including an efficiency of 99 % and a specific power of 5 kW/kg.
Is a Switch to Cyclosporine from Tacrolimus a Risk in Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose Cyclosporine (CsA) became available in the US in 1983 and improved clinical outcomes. Another calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus (TAC), became available in the 1990s and demonstrated benefit in further reducing rejection. In most heart transplant (HTx) programs, TAC is currently the drug of choice for immunosuppression. However, a switch to CsA does occur due to adverse effects from TAC. It is not well-established that this switch to CSA results in subsequent non-inferior outcomes. Therefore, we reviewed our single center experience to assess for real world potential outcomes. Methods Between 2010 and 2017, we identified 58 HTx patients who were administered CsA in place of TAC mostly due to neurologic adverse effects from TAC. For comparison, a TAC group was matched based on age, sex, baseline renal function and time from transplant. The average time of this switch occurred at 6.6 ± 1.1 months post-transplant. Outcomes included subsequent 1-year freedom from any treated rejection (ATR), acute cellular rejection (ACR), and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and 3-year subsequent survival, freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, as defined by stenosis ≥30% by angiography), and freedom non-fatal major adverse cardiac event (NF-MACE: myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker implant, stroke). Results The CsA/MMF group compared to the TAC/MMF group had significantly lower subsequent 3-year survival and worse renal function at 1-year (after the switch to CsA). There was similar subsequent 3-year freedom from CAV and NF-MACE and 1-year rejections between the two groups. (see table) Conclusion In the current era in a large, single center study there are indications that a switch to CsA from TAC may be inferior in heart transplant recipients. Further investigation with larger numbers is needed to confirm these findings.
Pathways of immune exclusion in metastatic osteosarcoma are associated with inferior patient outcomes

Background Current therapy for osteosarcoma pulmonary metastases (PMs) is ineffective. The mechanisms that prevent successful immunotherapy in osteosarcoma are incompletely understood. We investigated the tumor microenvironment of metastatic osteosarcoma with the goal of harnessing the immune system as a therapeutic strategy. Methods 66 osteosarcoma tissue specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immune markers were digitally quantified. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from 25 specimens were profiled by functional cytometry. Comparative transcriptomic studies of distinct tumor-normal lung ‘PM interface’ and ‘PM interior’ regions from 16 PMs were performed. Clinical follow-up (median 24 months) was available from resection. Results IHC revealed a statistically significantly higher concentration of TILs expressing immune checkpoint and immunoregulatory molecules in PMs compared with primary bone tumors (including programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1). Remarkably, these lymphocytes are excluded at the PM interface compared with PM interior. TILs from PMs exhibited significantly higher amounts of PD-1 and LAG-3 and functional cytokines including interferon-γ (IFNγ) by flow cytometry. Gene expression profiling further confirmed the presence of CD8 and CD4 lymphocytes concentrated at the PM interface, along with upregulation of immunoregulatory molecules and IFNγ-driven genes in the same region. We further discovered a strong alternatively activated macrophage signature throughout the entire PMs along with a polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cell signature focused at the PM interface. Expression of PD-L1, LAG-3, and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) at the PM interface was associated with significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS), while gene sets indicative of productive T cell immune responses (CD8 T cells, T cell survival, and major histocompatibility complex class 1 expression) were associated with significantly improved PFS. Conclusions Osteosarcoma PMs exhibit immune exclusion characterized by the accumulation of TILs at the PM interface. These TILs produce effector cytokines, suggesting their capability of activation and recognition of tumor antigens. Our findings suggest cooperative immunosuppressive mechanisms in osteosarcoma PMs including immune checkpoint molecule expression and the presence of immunosuppressive myeloid cells. We identify cellular and molecular signatures that are associated with patient outcomes, which could be exploited for successful immunotherapy.
Nanoconfining solution-processed organic semiconductors for emerging optoelectronics

Solution-processable organic materials for emerging electronics can generally be divided into two classes of semiconductors, organic small molecules and polymers. The theoretical thermodynamic limits of device performance are largely determined by the molecular structure of these compounds, and advances in synthetic routes have led to significant progress in charge mobilities and light conversion and light emission efficiencies over the past several decades. Still, the uncontrolled formation of out-of-equilibrium film microstructures and unfavorable polymorphs during rapid solution processing remains a critical bottleneck facing the commercialization of these materials. This tutorial review provides an overview of the use of nanoconfining scaffolds to impose order onto solution-processed semiconducting films to overcome this limitation. For organic semiconducting small molecules and polymers, which typically exhibit strong crystal growth and charge transport anisotropy along different crystallographic directions, nanoconfining crystallization within nanopores and nanogrooves can preferentially orient the fast charge transport direction of crystals with the direction of current flow in devices. Nanoconfinement can also stabilize high-performance metastable polymorphs by shifting their relative Gibbs free energies via increasing the surface area-to-volume ratio. Promisingly, such nanoconfinement-induced improvements in film and crystal structures have been demonstrated to enhance the performance and stability of emerging optoelectronics that will enable large-scale manufacturing of flexible, lightweight displays and solar cells.
Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture: What Are the Contemporary Reasons for Failure?

Abstract Background Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for femoral neck fracture (FNF) appears to provide superior functional outcomes compared to hemiarthroplasty in selected active, elderly patients; however, the historical tradeoff has been higher risk of complications including dislocation. We aimed to describe implant survivorship and reasons for failure after THA for FNFs. Methods We identified 217 FNFs treated with THA from 2000 to 2017 from our institutional total joint registry (during the same time period 2039 FNFs were treated with hemiarthroplasty). Mean age was 70 years, and 65% were female. Cemented femoral components were utilized in 41%. Approach was anterolateral in 71%, posterior in 21%, and direct anterior in 8%. Dual-mobility constructs were utilized in 3%. A competing risk model accounting for death was used to analyze revisions and complications. Mean follow-up was 6 years. Results The 5-year cumulative incidence of any revision was 8%. Nineteen hips were revised for the following indications: postoperative periprosthetic femur fracture (6: 3 uncemented stems and 3 cemented), infection (5), aseptic loosening of the femoral component (3: 2 cemented and 1 uncemented), dislocation (3), iliopsoas impingement (1), and liner dissociation (1). The 5-year cumulative incidence of periprosthetic femur fractures was 7%, including 7 intraoperative fractures and 11 postoperative fractures. The 5-year cumulative incidence of dislocation was 1.4%. Conclusion The 5-year cumulative incidence of any revision after THA for FNFs was 8%, mostly attributed to periprosthetic fracture and infection. Hip instability was not as common after FNF with contemporary patient selection, techniques, and implants compared to previous series. Level of Evidence Prognostic, level III.
Cyst nematode resistance and seed yield of soybean lines derived from SS97-6946

New sources of resistance to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) would be useful for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar development. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between SCN resistance and seed yield for a new source of SCN resistance, SS97-6946, developed by the Univ. of Missouri-Columbia. F5-derived lines were developed from the cross of SS97-6946 x S27-T7, a SCN-susceptible cultivar developed by Syngenta. Nine sets of 32 F5:8 lines each were evaluated for yield in replicated tests at five Midwest locations during 2007. The lines were evaluated for resistance to four HG types of SCN populations in growth rooms by determining their female index, which was the number of cysts on the roots of a line relative to a SCN-susceptible cultivar. There were six out of the 36 combinations of sets and HG types that had significant negative phenotypic correlations between yields of the lines and their female indexes. This indicated that the lines with the highest yield tended to have lower female indexes and greater SCN resistance, and that SS97-6946 would be a useful source of SCN resistance for soybean cultivar development.
L-asparaginase as a marker of chemotherapy dose modification in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND The objective of the current study was to compare chemotherapy dose modifications in obese (a body mass index [BMI] > 95%) and nonobese (a BMI ≤ 95%) pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS The study cohort was comprised of 199 pediatric patients diagnosed with ALL who were treated at 1 of 2 South Texas pediatric oncology centers between 1990–2000. The relative chemotherapy dose modification during the induction phase of chemotherapy was calculated as the ratio of 1) the actual administered dose of L-asparaginase and 2) the protocol-calculated dose of L-asparaginase. The extent to which the chemotherapy dose modification varied according to obesity status was assessed using stratified Student t tests and an ordinary least-squares regression analysis. RESULTS Obese ALL patients were found to exhibit a 7% decrease in the mean relative modification of L-asparaginase during induction chemotherapy compared with their nonobese counterparts. This finding was statistically significant (P = 0.009), even after adjustment for gender, age, ethnicity, and clinical institution. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first published report of an obesity-associated chemotherapy dose modification in pediatric patients with ALL, the most common childhood malignancy. It will be important to examine whether these findings are consistent with those observed in future studies, and ultimately to assess the association between obesity-related dose modifications and long-term cancer outcomes. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.