cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Spectrum of Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder characterized by a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Virtually any organ system or tissue may be affected by the consequences of large- or small-vessel thrombosis. There is a broad spectrum of disease among individuals with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Patients may exhibit clinical features suggesting APS but not fulfill the International Criteria for a "definite" diagnosis. Seronegative APS patients demonstrate typical idiopathic thromboses but aPL are not initially detected. Patients defined with definite APS demonstrate nearly identical sites of venous and arterial thrombosis, regardless of the presence or absence of systemic lupus erythematosus. Microangiopathic APS may present with isolated tissue and organ injury or as the overwhelming "thrombotic storm" observed in catastrophic APS.
Results of screw/wire/polymethylmethacrylate composite fixation for acetabular fracture repair in 14 dogs.

Objective- To assess the clinical results in dogs with acetabular fractures stabilized using a screw-wire-polymethylmethacrylate (SWP) composite fixation. Study Design- A retrospective study of client-owned dogs with acetabular fractures. Animals- Fourteen dogs ranging in age from 4 to 95 months (mean, 34 ±25 months; median, 25 months) and body weight from 8 to 39 kg (mean, 25 ±6 kg; median, 27 kg). Methods- Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively evaluated to determine location of the fracture, presence of preexisting degenerative joint disease, accuracy of fracture reduction and complications associated with surgery. Long-term results were evaluated by subjective assessment of lameness, elicitation of pain and/or crepitus on manipulation of the coxofemoral joint, measurements of pelvic limb circumference, coxofemoral joint goniometric measurements, and radiographic evaluation. Results- Fracture reduction was considered anatomic in 13 dogs. At the time of the last follow-up evaluation (mean, 347 ±261 days; median, 380 days) 10 dogs were sound on the affected limb, three dogs had a subtle weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb, and the remaining dog had a consistent non-weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb. Mild (n = 10) or moderate (n = 1) degenerative changes of the affected coxofemoral joint attributed to the acetabular fracture and its repair were noted on the follow-up radiographs in 11 dogs. Limb circumference of the affected limb ranged from -8.2% to +10.8% (mean, -0.8 ±4.2%; median, -0.7%) of the contralateral limb. Conclusions- The SWP composite fixation consistently maintained anatomic reduction, was associated with few complications, and yielded satisfactory clinical results. Clinical Relevance- The SWP composite fixation technique would seem to be an acceptable means of stabilizing acetabular fractures in dogs.
Synthesis of reusable DSP cores based on multiple behaviors

Design with cores has become popular recently because it can decrease the design time and ease the complexity of the design process. This paper presents a new method for the design of DSP cores based on multiple behaviors. This method uses redesign technique based on reallocation transformations to extract those RTL components in an initial RTL structure which are highly reusable and uses them to construct a DSP core. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the high reusability of core, extracted from given behaviors, when it accommodates new behaviors.
Tunable traffic control for multihop CSMA networks

A new analytical model for multihop CSMA networks is presented, using matrix exponential methods that model node queueing and backoff processes. This model also captures in a new way the collisions between nodes and then provides performance analysis for not just throughput, but also packet dropping, end-to-end delay, and jitter. All performance metrics are shown to be very accurate compared to simulation results. The model is then used to propose methods for controlling performance of CSMA multihop networks by using different traffic rates and backoff rates for different nodes or paths, depending on their network location.
THERMAL TRANSPORT IN A MULTIPLE JET IMPINGEMENT OVEN

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of flow field and heat transfer in a jet impingement oven with multiple jets was carried out. Distribution of local heat transfer coefficient on a model cookie in the oven cavity was obtained from the predicted flow and temperature fields, and compared with the experimentally measured values. Effects of air temperature (400, 450K) and air velocity (2.5, 5, 10 m/s), on the surface heat transfer coefficient were studied. Numerical predictions showed good agreement with the experimental results. It was found that heat transfer coefficient was a strong function of air velocity while air temperature had no effect on the heat transfer coefficient. Local heat transfer coefficient values ranged between 11 and 66 W/m2K whereas average heat transfer coefficient values ranged between 24 and 42 W/m2K. Results also showed that because of the presence of the suction fan in the oven, flow field near the model cookie surface was quite different from that for a jet impinging on a flat surface.
Comparison of Fluorometric Detection Methods for Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

In this study, we compared the sensitivity of two different detection methods for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Various amounts of a 75 mer single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragment, which can be used as a DNA label for the immuno-PCR (iPCR) assays, were amplified by PCR. The amount of amplified DNA fragments was determined by the fluorescence (FL) of SYBR(R) Green dye that specifically interacts with double-stranded DNA fragments. In the first selected detection method, real-time PCR, FL measurements were carried out at each thermal cycle, as the DNA was being amplified by PCR. This was achieved using the Applied Biosystems (ABI) Prism 7000 Sequence Detection System and its standard protocol. In the second detection method, referred to as end-point detection, after the PCR amplification was completed, off-line FL measurements were subsequently carried out using a conventional plate reader. In order to achieve the lowest limit of detection (LOD) from the off-line measurement, we have optimized a wide variety of parameters. Our data have indicated the LOD of real-time PCR method was approximately three orders of magnitude lower than the end-point measurement method, with a linear range spanning six orders of magnitude; 10 fmol to 10 zmol of PCR template. The lower LOD of the real-time PCR method could be partly due to the ability to maximize the number of thermal cycles that could be carried out in PCR, without increasing the nonspecific amplification of any contaminating DNA. The results of this study can be applied to the development of ultra-sensitive iPCR assays for various disease markers.
Fundamental Components of Attention

A mechanistic understanding of attention is necessary for the elucidation of the neurobiological basis of conscious experience. This chapter presents a framework for thinking about attention that facilitates the analysis of this cognitive process in terms of underlying neural mechanisms. Four processes are fundamental to attention: working memory, top-down sensitivity control, competitive selection, and automatic bottom-up filtering for salient stimuli. Each process makes a distinct and essential contribution to attention. Voluntary control of attention involves the first three processes (working memory, top-down sensitivity control, and competitive selection) operating in a recurrent loop. Recent results from neurobiological research on attention are discussed within this framework.
An evidenced-based clinical pathway for acute appendicitis decreases hospital duration and cost

Abstract Background/Purpose: In the pediatric population, appendicitis remains the most common surgical emergency encountered. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an evidence-based clinical pathway for acute appendicitis on patient care as well as hospital and home care costs at the authors' pediatric institution. Methods: A prospective evaluation was conducted of an appendicitis clinical pathway (June 1996 through November 1996) compared with historical control patients (June 1994 through November 1994) not cared for by the pathway. Results: Data (average ± SD) for 120 pathway (P) patients were compared with 122 control (C) patients. Age (11.5 ± 3.6 years for C v 11.2 ± 3.9 years for P), rates of negative appendectomy (12.3% for C v 9.2% for P) and perforation (26.2% for C v 18.3% for P) were similar. Pathway patients with nonperforated appendicitis were more often discharged from the hospital within 24 hours (48% for C v 67% for P; P = .014) with lower hospital costs ($4,095 ± $1,280 for C v $3,638 ± $1,633 for P; P = .001). Pathway patients with perforated appendicitis had shorter hospitalization (185.2 ± 59 hours for C v 113 ± 44 hours for P; P = .0001) and lower hospital costs ($11,175 ± $3,893 for C v $7,823 ± $2,366 for P; P = .0001). Conclusion: An evidence-based appendicitis pathway decreased duration of hospitalization and cost without adversely affecting diagnosis or therapy. Clinical pathways for surgical diagnoses may prove useful as a means to minimize costs without compromising patients care.
Quantitative assessment of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk-benefit of celecoxib compared to individual NSAIDs at the population level.

Purpose To estimate the net cardiovascular (CV) (coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure), and gastrointestinal (GI) (peptic ulcer complications) risk-benefit public health impact of the use of celecoxib compared to non-selective NSAIDs in the arthritis population. Methods We applied discrete event simulation models to data from the US National Health Surveys, CV risk-prediction models from the Framingham Heart Study, and population-based studies. Models took into account the multifactorial effect of risk factors, comorbidity, and competing risk of mortality. We simulated the natural history of CV and GI disease in the U.S. arthritis population over 1 year, through the individual baseline cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk profile. This model was modified with relative risks associated with the use of each treatment. The mean number of events was estimated for each end-point in each model: natural history, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen. The number of events for celecoxib was compared with each NSAID. Results The evaluation included 1% of the U.S. population with arthritis. Celecoxib, when applied to 100 000 patients over 1 year, resulted in 570 (range from sensitivity analysis: 440–691), 226 (124–313), and 746 (612–868) fewer ulcer complications than diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen, respectively. There were 20 (16–25), 8 (4–12), and 27 (22–32) fewer deaths from ulcer complications, respectively. No increase in cardiovascular events or all cause mortality was observed for celecoxib versus the other individual NSAIDs. Conclusion Results from these simulations suggest a gastrointestinal benefit for celecoxib not offset by increased cardiovascular events or mortality. The methodology used here provides a risk-benefit assessment framework for evaluating the public heath impact of drugs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoprophylaxis for Bacterial Infections: Principles of and Application to Meningococcal Infections

Chemoprophylaxis with antibiotics is both feasible and desirable for prevention of a potentially serious disease when specific groups at risk can be defined and when a safe, effective, and affordable prophylactic agent is available. Although the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends rifampin for prophylaxis of meningococcal disease, there are failures of treatment and adverse reactions associated with the administration of this drug, and it cannot be used during pregnancy. In 1987, during an outbreak of group A meningococcal disease in Saudi Arabia, the efficacy of a single intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone was compared with the standard regimen of rifampin for eradication of pharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis among persons at risk. Follow-up cultures indicated successful eradication for 97% of those who received ceftriaxone and 75% of those who received rifampin. Thus, although ceftriaxone exceeds rifampin in fulfilling the criteria for an effective prophylactic agent, recommendations regarding its use still must be made with caution because of limited clinical experience.
Wideband 32-element 200-MHz 2-D IIR beam filters using ROACH-2 Virtex-6 sx475t FPGA

Two-dimensional (2-D) IIR beam filter applications operating in ultra wide-band (UWB) radio frequency (RF) range requires hardware capable of handling high speed real-time processing due to its operation bandwidth lies in megahertz or gigahertz range. Two-dimensional IIR beam forming is used mainly for applications such as communications, radars and detection of directional sensing. A systolic architecture is proposed for the real-time implementation of the 2-D IIR beam filter. This the first attempt of evaluating the prospect of practical implementation of such a beam filter capable in ROACH-2 hardware platform which is equipped with a Xilinx Virtex-6 sx475t FPGA chip, widely used in the field of radio astronomy reaching upto 200 MHz operating frequency.
A Cytotoxic, Co-operative Interaction Between Energy Deprivation and Glutamate Release From System xc− Mediates Aglycemic Neuronal Cell Death

The astrocyte cystine/glutamate antiporter (system xc(-)) contributes substantially to the excitotoxic neuronal cell death facilitated by glucose deprivation. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which this occurred. Using pure astrocyte cultures, as well as, mixed cortical cell cultures containing both neurons and astrocytes, we found that neither an enhancement in system xc(-) expression nor activity underlies the excitotoxic effects of aglycemia. In addition, using three separate bioassays, we demonstrate no change in the ability of glucose-deprived astrocytes--either cultured alone or with neurons--to remove glutamate from the extracellular space. Instead, we demonstrate that glucose-deprived cultures are 2 to 3 times more sensitive to the killing effects of glutamate or N-methyl-D-aspartate when compared with their glucose-containing controls. Hence, our results are consistent with the weak excitotoxic hypothesis such that a bioenergetic deficiency, which is measureable in our mixed but not astrocyte cultures, allows normally innocuous concentrations of glutamate to become excitotoxic. Adding to the burgeoning literature detailing the contribution of astrocytes to neuronal injury, we conclude that under our experimental paradigm, a cytotoxic, co-operative interaction between energy deprivation and glutamate release from astrocyte system xc(-) mediates aglycemic neuronal cell death.
Coordination of Limb Movements: Three Types of Intersegmental Interneurons in the Swimmeret System and Their Responses to Changes in Excitation

Coordination of limb movements: three types of intersegmental interneurons in the swimmeret system and their responses to changes in excitation. During forward locomotion, the movements of swimmere...
616 ZINC DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE (SCD)

Zinc deficiency in adults with SCD has been previously reported (Prasad, A.S., et al: JAMA 235:2396, 1976). The present study was carried out to investigate zinc status in children with SCD. Forty-seven children with SCD and matched controls aged 1 to 19 years were studied for hair, red blood cells (RBC), plasma and urine zinc content. The results were analyzed in two age groups; one consisting of 34 patients and their matched controls, aged 1 to 13 years and the other 12 patients and their matched controls aged 14 to 19 years. Results are shown in the Table: In both age groups, hair and plasma zinc levels are significantly lower in SCD compared to controls. Urine zinc was higher in SCD compared to controls in the older age group. These results indicate that zinc deficiency occurs in children with SCD. The hyperzincuria in the older group of children with SCD may be due to defective tubular reabsorption of zinc and be another manifestation of the SCD nephropathy, the severity of which increases with age.
Age-Dependent Movement Patterns of Japanese Beetle and European Chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae) Grubs in Soil–Turfgrass Microcosms

Movement patterns of japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, and European chafer, Rhizotrogus (Amphimallon) majalis (Razoumowsky), grubs as influenced by gravity, host plant position, and external disturbances were studied in laboratory soil–turfgrass microcosms. Second through third instars just before pupation were monitored using radiographic techniques. Neonates were monitored using destructive sampling. Results demonstrate significantly different movement patterns between species and among age groups. The development stage of the grub had a large effect on Japanese beetle grub behavior and a measurable, but lesser effect, on European chafers. All larval stages of European chafers and all larval stages of Japanese beetle, except neonates and postoverwintering third instars, displayed a downward movement in response to disturbance. Neonate Japanese beetles showed little movement while postoverwintering. Japanese beetles moved upward when disturbed. European chafer grubs of all age classes displayed random vertical movement with some arrestment in or near sod. Preoverwintering and postoverwintering third-instar chafers showed less dramatic arrestment behavior than other instars tested. Second-instar Japanese beetles behaved similarly to European chafers; however, third instars behaved very differently. All third instars except those tested in late winter and early spring showed some innate downward movement in the soil microcosms. Japanese beetles tested in late winter displayed random movement with some arrestment in sod, whereas those tested in early spring exhibited upward movement and arrestment in sod.
Liu Xi-cheng: Folklorist

The author introduces distinctive folklorist Liu Xi -cheng's research work over the past 40 years, especially his books, methods, and significance.
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Primary Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract

AbstractA total of 50 patients with primary transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract underwent deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy characterization by flow cytometric analysis of paraffin embedded specimens. The primary tumor was diploid in 29 patients (58%) and aneuploid in 21 (42%). Aneuploidy was identified more frequently in grade 3 than in grades 1 and 2 neoplasms (p = 0.001). Additionally, grade 3 neoplasms occurred more often with invasive (stages T2 to T3) compared to superficial (stages TA, TIS and T1) tumors (p = 0.002). However, deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was not significantly associated with tumor stage.Among the 49 patients treated by a definitive operation the median survival free of disease and median over-all survival were 33.7 and more than 120 months, respectively. Variables examined included deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy, tumor grade, tumor stage, primary tumor site and type of operation. In the univariate analysis deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was the only significant predictor ...
The urological evaluation and management of patients with congenital lower urinary tract anomalies prior to renal transplantation

Previously, patients with chronic renal failure and major congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract (often with urinary diversion) were thought to be poor candidates for renal transplantation. Pre-transplant evaluation and possible urinary reconstruction are essential in these patients to achieve successful renal transplantation. Ten patients, including 7 adults, presented with congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract that were responsible for renal failure. Percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy aided in the assessment of bladder function. Undiagnosed posterior urethral valves were found in 2 adults. Patients with exstrophy, neurogenic bladder or a contracted bladder (with augmentation cystoplasty) had urinary drainage into the bladder at the time of renal transplantation. Sometimes an imperfect bladder can be used for urinary drainage with transplantation but, otherwise, intestinal conduits are still a viable alternative.
Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Intramolecular Aminoacetoxylation of Alkenes Enabled by Catalytic Nitrate

A mild aerobic intramolecular aminoacetoxylation method for the synthesis of pyrrolidine and indoline derivatives was achieved using molecular oxygen as the oxidant. A catalytic NOx species acts as an electron transfer mediator to access a high-valent palladium intermediate as the presumed active oxidant.
Relationship between Provider Stigma and Predictors of Staff Turnover among Addiction Treatment Providers

To further our knowledge about feasible targets for improving quality of addiction treatment services, the current study provides preliminary assessment of the relationship between provider stigma and indicators of staff turnover. As predicted, results suggest that higher provider stigma was significantly related to lower ratings of job satisfaction and workplace climate. However, provider stigma was not significantly related to burnout. Our preliminary findings, if replicated, suggest the importance of considering provider stigma as a risk factor for future staff turnover and job dissatisfaction. Promising provider stigma interventions do exist and offer viable opportunity for improving quality of addiction treatment.
Generating phytosterol nanoparticles in nanoporous bioaerogels via supercritical carbon dioxide impregnation: Effect of impregnation conditions

Abstract Phytosterols are known for promoting human health and wellness; however, their water-insolubility limits their bioaccessibility and consequently bioavailability. In this study, a novel method based on supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) impregnation of phytosterols into nanoporous starch aerogels (NSAs) was optimized to form phytosterol nanoparticles with reduced crystallinity in order to improve their bioaccessibility. Impregnation conditions, namely temperature and cooling rates, were optimized for the highest impregnation capacity, smallest particle size, and improved phytosterol distribution. The highest impregnation capacity was 99 mg phytosterol/g NSA, and the size of the impregnated phytosterols ranged between 59 and 87 nm. More isolated phytosterol nanoparticles were generated via fast cooling which drastically decreased the solubility of phytosterols in SC-CO 2 . The crystallinity of the impregnated phytosterols was reduced compared to the original phytosterol. The proposed method is a novel method to generate food grade phytosterol nanoparticles with reduced crystallinity which improves the water solubility.
Random Effects Probit and Logit: The Right Marginal Effects for the Right Econometric Specification

Random effects probit and logit specifications are common when analyzing economic experiments. Stata's fitted values from these estimations, however, appear to fit data poorly compared to their pooled counterparts. This is entirely due to Stata reporting the median predictive value, when practitioners expect the mean predictive value. This propagates into marginal effects calculations, which may lead researchers to under- or over-state the economic significance of results. We demonstrate a simple procedure for calculating the correct predictive mean and mean marginal effect in Stata.
Dressing Queens (and Some Others): Signifying Through Clothing in Wroth’s Countess of Montgomery’s Urania

This essay explores the various ways that clothing, and especially the color of clothing, signifies in Mary Wroth’s Urania according to (1) familial identification, (2) expense, (3) emotion, and (4) fashion. The language of clothing was complicated by the transition from a neo-feudal to an emergent consumer economy, as shown by the shifts in the way that clothing signified in the courts of Queen Elizabeth and King James with his consort Queen Anne. Queenly attire created complex meanings within a highly sophisticated early modern language of clothing. This essay draws on work by Carole Levin on queenship and material culture.
Expanding the clinical classification of heart failure: Inclusion of cardiac function during exercise

Abstract Despite recent advances in the pathophysiological understanding of heart failure with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction, there remains an appreciable level of patients whose clinical severity is not optimally classified using traditional paradigms. Although exercise intolerance is a hallmark feature across HF, while also a key marker of patient prognosis that is not related to resting left ventricular ejection fraction, it is not currently routine to objectively assess the functional response of the cardiac system to exercise in the clinical setting. By contrast, accumulating patient-based evidence supports links between impaired exercise cardiac pumping capability and prognosis related to exercise intolerance in HF. Therefore, as a high-priority clinical need, this chapter focuses on discussing the science and real-world clinical value of routinely assessing exercise cardiac pumping capability in HF, which will advance the pathophysiological understanding of exercise intolerance in HF while also strengthening the traditional model used for the clinical classification of HF patients.
Not-so-neoliberal governance: Chile’s response to Mapuche territorial demands

ABSTRACTThis article analyzes the Chilean state’s response to the territorial demands of Mapuche indigenous communities. Throughout Latin America, governments recognized Afro-descendant and indigenous communities’ communal property rights as part of a broader territorial turn that offered to reshape territoriality and indigenous–state relations; more often, however, the resulting reforms became a means of extending neoliberal governance. Given the strength of Chile’s neoliberal project and reputation of good governance, why are there inconsistencies in the state’s response to Mapuche territorial demands? I argue that neoliberal governance is a means of pursuing the demobilization and disarticulation of Mapuche demands, rather than an end. The state employs a combination of formal and informal governance strategies to further these motivations, highlighting that many assumptions about Chilean politics do not necessarily apply to indigenous policy. The interaction between these governing motivations create ...
Surgical unroofing of hemodynamically significant myocardial bridges in a pediatric population

Abstract Background Although myocardial bridges (MBs) are traditionally regarded as incidental findings, it has been reported that adult patients with symptomatic MBs refractory to medical therapy benefit from unroofing. However, there is limited literature in the pediatric population. The aim of our study was to evaluate the indications and outcomes for unroofing in pediatric patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients with MB in our institution who underwent surgical relief. Clinical characteristics, relevant diagnostic data, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Results Between 2012 and 2016, 14 pediatric patients underwent surgical unroofing of left anterior descending artery MBs. Thirteen patients had anginal symptoms refractory to medical therapy, and 1 patient was asymptomatic until experiencing aborted sudden cardiac arrest during exercise. Thirteen patients underwent exercise stress echocardiography, all of which showed mid-septal dys-synergy. Coronary computed tomography imaging confirmed the presence of MBs in all patients. Intravascular ultrasound imaging confirmed the length of MBs: 28.2 ± 16.3 mm, halo thickness: 0.59 ± 0.24 mm, and compression of left anterior descending artery at resting heart rate: 33.0 ± 11.6%. Invasive hemodynamic assessment with dobutamine confirmed the physiologic significance of the MBs with diastolic fractional flow reserve: 0.59 ± 0.13. Unroofing was performed with the patient under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the initial 9 cases and without CPB in the subsequent 5 cases. All patients were discharged without complications. The 13 symptomatic patients reported resolution of symptoms on follow-up, and improvement in symptoms and quality of life was documented using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire version 7. Conclusions Unroofing of MBs can be safely performed in pediatric patients, with or without use of CPB. In symptomatic patients, unroofing can provide relief of symptoms refractory to medical therapy.
Resistin is elevated in cystic fibrosis sputum and correlates negatively with lung function.

Abstract Background Resistin is an immunometabolic mediator that is elevated in several inflammatory disorders. A ligand for Toll-like receptor 4, resistin modulates the recruitment and activation of myeloid cells, notably neutrophils. Neutrophils are major drivers of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, in part due to the release of human neutrophil elastase- and myeloperoxidase-rich primary granules, leading to tissue damage. Here we assessed the relationship of resistin to CF lung disease. Methods Resistin levels were measured in plasma and sputum from three retrospective CF cohorts spanning a wide range of disease. We also assessed the ability of neutrophils to secrete resistin upon activation in vitro. Finally, we constructed a multivariate model assessing the relationship between resistin levels and lung function. Results Plasma resistin levels were only marginally higher in CF than in healthy control subjects. By contrast, sputum resistin levels were very high in CF, reaching 50–100 fold higher levels than in plasma. Among CF patients, higher plasma resistin levels were associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and higher sputum resistin levels were associated with CF-related diabetes. Mechanistically, in vitro release of neutrophil primary granules was concomitant with resistin secretion. Overall, sputum resistin levels were negatively correlated with CF lung function, independently of other variables (age, sex, and genotype). Conclusions Our data establish relationships between resistin levels in the plasma and sputum of CF patients that correlate with disease status, and identify resistin as a novel mechanistic link between neutrophilic inflammation and lung disease in CF.
Candida catenulata Candidaemia and Possible Endocarditis in a Cirrhotic Patient Successfully De-escalated to Oral Fluconazole.

What is known and objective Candida catenulata is a fungus commonly found in Australian cheeses. C. catenulata has been identified as the causative pathogen for one report of onychomycosis and one report of candidaemia. Case description A 37-year-old male underwent surgery for an incarcerated umbilical hernia repair and bowel obstruction and presented with severe abdominal pain and ascitic fluid draining from the surgical site. C. catenulata was isolated in blood cultures. The patient was treated with antifungal therapy for approximately 6 weeks. What is new and conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first case describing successful treatment of possible fungal endocarditis caused by C. catenulata.
Epithelial-stromal interactions in development of the urogenital tract.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the epithelial-stromal interactions in development of the urogenital tract. The hormonal influences on urogenital morphogenesis, differentiation, and function are discussed. The hormone-dependent development of the urogenital tract occurs via an interaction between epithelium and stroma in which the stroma plays a decisive role in mediating the unique morphological response of epithelium to sex hormones by inducing specific patterns of epithelial morphogenesis. Through stromal induction, which has been demonstrated during pre and postnatal periods and even into adulthood, the developmental fate of the epithelium is usually determined during fetal or early neonatal periods. However, once determined, urogenital epithelia continue to require a relatively specific interaction with urogenital stroma for full expression of morphogenesis, cytodifferentiation, and function. The developmental properties of epithelium and stroma, which vary temporally, account for changes in hormonal responsiveness of the intact target organs. Thus the developmental responses of urogenital organs to sex hormones are not strictly epithelial phenomena, but are interactive processes dependent on both the epithelium and stroma.
Performance Extrapolation of Parallel Programs.

Performance Extrapolation is the process of evaluating the performance of a parallel program in a target execution environment using performance information obtained for the same program in a different execution environment. Performance extrapolation techniques are suited for rapid performance tuning of parallel programs, particularly when the target environment is unavailable. This paper describes one such technique that was developed for data-parallel C++ programs written in the pC++ language. The technique uses high-level event tracing of a n-thread pC++ program run on a uniprocessor machine together with trace-driven simulation to predict the performance of the program run on an n-processor machine. Our results show that even with high-level events, performance extrapolation techniques are effective in isolating critical factors affecting a program’s performance and for evaluating the influence of architectural and system parameters.
Solvent Hydrogen Isotope Effects

Biological and biochemical processes are affected by the partial or complete replacement of solvent protium oxide (H2O) by deuterium oxide (D2O) (1) Although some very simple organisms (certain algae, bacteria, etc.) have survived complete replacement of protium by deuterium, differences in morphology and metabolism are very apparent. Not surprisingly, deuterium substitution affects virtually all aspects of metabolism and physiological function. Higher plants, after experiencing impaired chlorophyll synthesis and inhibition of cell division, will cease to grow after ~ 70% D exchange Mammals (unable to survive much more than 25% D incorporation) show evidence of severe difficulty with protein synthesis, decreased enzyme levels, decreased erythrocyte production, impaired carbohydrate metabolism, hormone imbalance, central nervous system disturbance, difficulty with mitosis, and increasingly impaired reproductive capability. Most of these consequences are directly or indirectly attributable to changes in the rates of biochemical reactions.
X-ray crystallography of bacteriorhodopsin and its photointermediates: Insights into the mechanism of proton transport

In the last few years, detailed structural information from high-resolution x-ray diffraction has been added to the already large body of spectroscopic and mutational data on the bacteriorhodopsin proton transport cycle. Although there are still many gaps, it is now possible to reconstruct the main events in the translocation of the proton and how they are coupled to the photoisomerization of the retinal chromophore. Future structural work will concentrate on describing the details of the individual proton transfer steps during the photocycle.
Correction to: Runs of homozygosity have utility in mammalian conservation and evolutionary studies

The fourth author’s name was incorrect in the original publication and correct author name is given in this Correction.
Origin of deep localization in GaA s 1 -x B i x and its consequences for alloy properties

The addition of Bi isoelectronic dopants to GaAs provides an attractive avenue for tailoring its electronic band structure, yet it also introduces less appealing and very strong hole localization. The origin of the localization is still not thoroughly understood, which has in part inhibited the practical use of $\mathrm{GaA}{\mathrm{s}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{x}$ alloys. In this study, the evolution of hole localization was evaluated as a function of composition. We find that spatial overlap of Bi-related bound states at concentrations $g0.6%$ Bi effectively enables holes to be channeled to those at the lowest energies, thereby aiding localization of excitons $\ensuremath{\ge}150\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$ below the band gap. The large energy gap between these bound states and the GaAs valence-band edge combined with the slow upward movement of the valence band with composition causes deep localization to persist to high concentrations $g6%$ Bi. The results provide important insight into the optical and transport behavior of $\mathrm{GaA}{\mathrm{s}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{x}$ and its implications for device applications.
Quantitative flux coupling analysis

Flux coupling analysis (FCA) aims to describe the functional dependencies among reactions in a metabolic network. Currently studied coupling relations are qualitative in the sense that they identify pairs of reactions for which the activity of one reaction necessitates the activity of the other one, but without giving any numerical bounds relating the possible activity rates. The potential applications of FCA are heavily investigated, however apart from some trivial cases there is no clue of what bottleneck in the metabolic network causes each dependency. In this article, we introduce a quantitative approach to the same flux coupling problem named quantitative flux coupling analysis (QFCA). It generalizes the current concepts as we show that all the qualitative information provided by FCA is readily available in the quantitative flux coupling equations of QFCA, without the need for any additional analysis. Moreover, we design a simple algorithm to efficiently identify these flux coupling equations which scales up to the genome-scale metabolic networks with thousands of reactions and metabolites in an effective way. Furthermore, this framework enables us to quantify the "strength" of the flux coupling relations. We also provide different biologically meaningful interpretations, including one which gives an intuitive certificate of precisely which metabolites in the network enforce each flux coupling relation. Eventually, we conclude by suggesting the probable application of QFCA to the metabolic gap-filling problem, which we only begin to address here and is left for future research to further investigate.
ReFernment: An R package for annotating RNA editing in plastid genomes.

Premise of the Study In the absence of cDNA, the annotation of RNA editing in plastomes must be done manually, representing a significant time cost to those studying the organellar genomes of ferns and hornworts. Methods and Results We developed an R package to automatically annotate apparent nonsense mutations in plastid genomes. The software successfully annotates such sites and results in no false positives for data with no sequencing or assembly errors. Conclusions Compared to manual annotation, ReFernment offers greater speed and accuracy for annotating RNA editing sites. This software should be especially useful for researchers generating large numbers of plastome sequences for taxa with high levels of RNA editing.
Active Voltage Balancing in Flying Capacitor Multi-Level Converters With Valley Current Detection and Constant Effective Duty Cycle Control

One of the challenges of utilizing flying capacitor multi-level (FCML) converters is the flying capacitor balancing. Poorly balanced flying capacitors increase the switch voltage stress, which is detrimental to performance and device rating requirements. Previously, valley current detection was shown as a potential method to balance flying capacitors, but the method suffers from poor flying capacitor balancing performance at light load. Here, we investigate the light load conditions that lead to poor balancing and propose a new method, constant effective duty cycle (CEDC) compensation, which provides active balancing for the full load range of the converter. The proposed method is validated with a 4-level FCML experimental prototype, demonstrating excellent flying capacitor balancing over all load ranges, across the full duty cycles range and with multiple induced flying capacitor imbalances.
Women’s Adaptive Life Writing and Latin American Dictatorship

"The analogous relationship between DNA replication and women’s resistance writing in Latin America highlights the ways in which impossible forms of autobiography adapt and move on, undetected, through the inhospitable environments of dictatorship. Through adaptive forms of poetry, memoir, and the autobiographical novel by women in Chile, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, narratives of dissent lend defiance against three of the most murderous and misogynist autocracies of the twentieth century. As Richard Dawkins points out in his study of human evolution, The Selfish Gene, because genes bear partial responsibility for their own survival, they depend not only on the efficiency of the hosts in which they live, but also on their ability to function as selfish survival machines that will adapt when threatened (23-24). Like genes, these narratives must adapt to their environments and prove capable of reemerging over time in cycles of resistance, liberation, and survival when facing the perils of dictatorship."
Cas9+ conditionally-immortalized macrophages as a tool for bacterial pathogenesis and beyond

Macrophages play critical roles in immunity, development, tissue repair, and cancer, but studies of their function have been hampered by poorly-differentiated tumor cell lines and genetically-intractable primary cells. Here we report a facile system for genome editing in non-transformed macrophages by differentiating ER-Hoxb8 myeloid progenitors from Cas9-expressing transgenic mice. These conditionally immortalized macrophages (CIMs) retain characteristics of primary macrophages derived from the bone marrow yet allow for easy genetic manipulation and a virtually unlimited supply of cells. We demonstrate the utility of this system for dissection of host genetics during intracellular bacterial infection using two important human pathogens: Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Limb salvage following successful infra-inguinal revascularization in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Infrainguinal bypass surgery (IBS) has been the modality of choice for limb salvage in PAD patients. It is well known that diabetic patients have different disease progression than nondiabetics. Therefore, it is important to assess the outcomes and to determine the efficacy of current surgical practices for limb salvage in the diabetic population. The aim of this study is to evaluate short-term and long-term outcomes after IBS in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent IBS at our hospital from 2007 to 2014. Explanatory analysis using Pearson's Chi-square test, Fischer's exact test, and Student's t-test was performed. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate primary patency, primary-assisted patency, and limb loss. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was implemented to examine loss of patency and amputation after adjusting for patients' demographics and comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 428 IBSs were performed. Out of those, 264 (62%) were diabetic. Diabetic patients presented on average of 3 years earlier than nondiabetics (66.3 [11.0] vs. 68.9 [11.9], P = 0.03) and had significantly higher comorbidities including dyslipidemia (58% vs. 45% P = 0.01), coronary artery disease (70% vs. 46%, P = 0.01), and chronic kidney disease (20% vs. 2%, P = 0.001). There were more diabetics who presented with critical limb ischemia (CLI) (92% vs. 80%, P CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found no significant difference in graft patency between diabetic and nondiabetic patients; however, limb loss was almost four folds higher in diabetics with CLI after IBS. This suggests that additional factors after revascularization play an important role in limb salvage in diabetics. Further prospective study in a larger cohort of patients is suggested to evaluate the outcomes of IBS and endovascular therapy in diabetic patients.
Gesundheitsförderliches Verhalten und Selbstwirksamkeit

Die meisten Menschen wissen, dass regelmasige korperliche Aktivitat, eine gesunde Ernahrung, das Wahrnehmen von Vorsorgeuntersuchungen und Impfungen oder das Verwenden von Sonnenschutzmitteln grundsatzlich Verhaltensweisen sind, die der Aufrechterhaltung oder Verbesserung der Gesundheit dienen (Odgen, 2012; Schaeffer, 2016). Doch warum fuhrt das Wissen daruber, wie man sich verhalten sollte, nicht dazu, dass Individuen motiviert sind dieses Verhalten auch auszufuhren? Diese Frage nach den vermittelnden Faktoren zwischen Wissen und Verhalten hat in den 1970er Jahren dazu gefuhrt, dass der Einfluss selbstreferenzieller Uberzeugungen als Pradiktoren fur die Herausbildung von Intentionen und Verhalten zunehmend in psychologische Ansatze und Verhaltenstheorien integriert wurden (Bandura, 1982). Grundlage dafur war die Erkenntnis, dass das Wissen zu bestimmten Praventionsmoglichkeiten ebenso wie die Fahigkeiten, diese Praventionsmoglichkeiten auszufuhren, zwar notwendige, aber nicht hinreichende Voraussetzungen dafur sind, dass Menschen motiviert sind ihr Verhalten zu andern (Bandura, 1982, 2004; Odgen, 2012).
Biophysical characterization of SARAH domain-mediated multimerization of Hippo pathway complexes in Drosophila

Hippo pathway signaling limits cell growth and proliferation and maintains the stem-cell niche. These cellular events result from the coordinated activity of a core kinase cassette that is regulated, in part, by interactions involving Hippo, Salvador, and dRassF. These interactions are mediated by a conserved coiled-coil domain, termed SARAH, in each of these proteins. SARAH domain–mediated homodimerization of Hippo kinase leads to autophosphorylation and activation. Paradoxically, SARAH domain–mediated heterodimerization between Hippo and Salvador enhances Hippo kinase activity in cells, whereas complex formation with dRassF inhibits it. To better understand the mechanism by which each complex distinctly modulates Hippo kinase and pathway activity, here we biophysically characterized the entire suite of SARAH domain–mediated complexes. We purified the three SARAH domains from Drosophila melanogaster and performed an unbiased pulldown assay to identify all possible interactions, revealing that isolated SARAH domains are sufficient to recapitulate the cellular assemblies and that Hippo is a universal binding partner. Additionally, we found that the Salvador SARAH domain homodimerizes and demonstrate that this interaction is conserved in Salvador's mammalian homolog. Using native MS, we show that each of these complexes is dimeric in solution. We also measured the stability of each SARAH domain complex, finding that despite similarities at both the sequence and structural levels, SARAH domain complexes differ in stability. The identity, stoichiometry, and stability of these interactions characterized here comprehensively reveal the nature of SARAH domain–mediated complex formation and provide mechanistic insights into how SARAH domain–mediated interactions influence Hippo pathway activity.
6 – Wireless Networks

Much like the landline technologies, wireless technologies have also evolved from analog to digital framework. The older networks evolved to be analog and suffered from all the usual drawbacks, and are less favored. As the digital wireless architectures, devices, standards, and VLSI chips have become, and are currently becoming, available, the emphasis has shifted to all-digital wireless networks. Circuit- and packet-switched networks can both interface with the wireless core networks being currently introduced under the watchful direction and coordination of the third-generation participation project. The thrust is toward the establishment of the packet switched core for the next generation mobile networks that can interface with the current circuit switched core networks. Suitable interface requirements, standards, and protocol are necessary and being developed.