cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variants in exons and in transcription factors affect gene expression in trans

In recent years many genetic variants (eSNPs) have been reported as associated with expression of transcripts in trans. However, the causal variants and regulatory mechanisms through which they act remain mostly unknown. In this paper we follow two kinds of usual suspects: SNPs that alter coding regions or transcription factors, identifiable by sequencing data with transcriptional profiles in the same cohort. We show these interpretable genomic regions are enriched for eSNP association signals, thereby naturally defining source-target gene pairs. We map these pairs onto a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and study their topological properties. For exonic eSNP sources, we report source-target proximity and high target degree within the PPI network. These pairs are more likely to be co-expressed and the eSNPs tend to have a cis effect, modulating the expression of the source gene. In contrast, transcription factor source-target pairs are not observed to have such properties, but instead a transcription factor source tends to assemble into units of defined functional roles along with its gene targets, and to share with them the same functional cluster of the PPI network. Our results suggest two modes of trans regulation: transcription factor variation frequently acts via a modular regulation mechanism, with multiple targets that share a function with the transcription factor source. Notwithstanding, exon variation often acts by a local cis effect, delineating shorter paths of interacting proteins across functional clusters of the PPI network.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA): an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in angiogenesis. The angiogenic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and other growth factors are mediated to a significant degree by their stimulation of NO release. Angiogenic processes known to be dependent upon NO release include endothelial cell survival, proliferation, migration, and interaction with the extracellular matrix, as well as mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic disruption of the NO synthase pathway interfere with angiogenesis. Because it is a competitive antagonist of NO synthase, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) also acts as an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. Conditions that increase plasma ADMA levels impair angiogenesis, whereas therapeutic measures to counteract the influence of ADMA enhance angiogenesis. Manipulation of ADMA generation or metabolism may represent a new therapeutic approach for angiogenesis-related disorders.
Harvest impacts on soil carbon storage in temperate forests

Forest soil carbon (C) storage is a significant component of the global C cycle, and is important for sustaining forest productivity. Although forest management may have substantial impacts on soil C storage, experimental data from forest harvesting studies have not been synthesized recently. To quantify the effects of harvesting on soil C, and to identify sources of variation in soil C responses to harvest, we used meta-analysis to test a database of 432 soil C response ratios drawn from temperate forest harvest studies around the world. Harvesting reduced soil C by an average of 8 � 3% (95% CI), although numerous sources of variation mediated this significant, overall effect. In particular, we found that C concentrations and C pool sizes responded differently to harvesting, and forest floors were more likely to lose C than mineral soils. Harvesting caused forest floor C storage to decline by a remarkably consistent 30 � 6%, but losses were significantly smaller in coniferous/mixed stands (� 20%) than hardwoods (� 36%). Mineral soils showed no significant, overall change in C storage due to harvest, and variation among mineral soils was best explained by soil taxonomy. Alfisols and Spodosols exhibited no significant changes, and Inceptisols and Ultisols lost mineral soil C (� 13% and � 7%, respectively). However, these C losses were neither permanent nor unavoidable. Controls on variation within orders were not consistent, but included species composition, time, and sampling depth. Temporal patterns and soil C budgets suggest that forest floor C losses probably have a lesser impact on total soil C storage on Alfisols, Inceptisols, and Ultisols than on Spodosols, which store proportionately large amounts of C in forest floors with long C recovery times (50–70 years). Mineral soil C losses on Inceptisols and Ultisols indicate that these orders are vulnerable to significant harvest-induced changes in total soil C storage, but alternative residue management and site preparation techniques, and the passage of time, may mitigate or negate these losses. Key findings of this analysis, including the dependence of forest floor and mineral soil C storage changes on species composition and soil taxonomic order, suggest that further primary research may make it possible to create predictive maps of forest harvesting effects on soil C storage.
Metalloporphyrin Liquid-Crystalline Polymers

The worked described in this paper involves refinements to a model for excitonic superconductivity. The evolution of this model is illustrated in figure 1. In 1964, Little proposed a model structure which might exhibit excitonic superconductivity at elevated temperatures.[1] This model was studied and further refined[2], based on the work of Krogmann[3], and incorporating the suggestion made by Collman[4] that a stacked array of square-planar transition metal complexes might also exhibit excitonic superconductivity. More recently, a model based on bridged group VIII metalloporphyrins has been explored in our laboratories.[5]
Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome With Intractable Pain, Successfully Treated With Spinal Cord Stimulation (P7.183)

OBJECTIVE: To report a positive outcome using a spinal cord stimulator in the treatment of pain secondary to trigeminal trophic syndrome, previously refractory to medical management. BACKGROUND: Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is an unusual consequence of injury to the trigeminal nerve, characterized by the clinical triad of unilateral trigeminal anesthesia, facial dysesthesias and non-healing skin ulcerations, especially of the lateral nasal ala. Whether ulcerations occur secondary to self-manipulation alone remains a matter of debate. Some theorize that TTS is caused by dysregulation of neurotrophic factors, with self-manipulation playing an exacerbating role. Pain associated with TTS can be extremely challenging to treat and quite debilitating. Various neurological and dermatological case reports have detailed methods of pain treatment, including oral and topical agents. Successful treatment of TTS pain with a spinal cord stimulator, however, has not been reported. DESIGN/METHODS Case Report. RESULTS: We present a 25 year old female patient who developed TTS following four microvascular decompression procedures of the trigeminal nerve for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. In the year following her final decompression which also included a partial sectioning of the trigeminal nerve, facial ulcers began to appear, first inside her nostril, then elsewhere in the maxillary and mandibular regions and later on her forehead. She experienced significant pruritus and dysesthesias around these ulcers, and continued to have trigeminal neuralgiform pain. She tried multiple medications with the goal of controlling her pain, with none providing sufficient relief. These included multiple antiepileptics, tricyclic antidepressants, topical medicines, and opiates. She ultimately had a cervicomedullary junction spinal cord stimulator placed which resulted in 70-80% pain reduction, enabling her to taper off all opiates. CONCLUSIONS: Cervicomedullary junction spinal cord stimulation may be a treatment option in cases of refractory pain due to trigeminal trophic syndrome. Study supported by: N/A Disclosure: Dr. Golden has nothing to disclose. Dr. Robertson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moossy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sandroni has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garza has received personal compensation for activities with UpToDate as an author. Dr. Garza has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports.
Assessing Discriminatory Performance of a Binary Logistic Model: ROC Curves

In this chapter, we describe and illustrate methods for assessing the extent that a fitted binary logistic model can be used to distinguish the observed cases (Y = 1) from the observed noncases (Y = 0).
The Werner syndrome protein functions in repair of Cr(VI)-induced replication-associated DNA damage.

Werner syndrome is a premature aging disorder characterized by cancer predisposition that is caused by loss of the Werner syndrome protein (WRN) helicase/exonuclease DNA repair protein. Hexavalent chromium is an environmental carcinogen and genotoxicant that is associated with respiratory cancers and induces several forms of DNA damage, including lesions that interfere with DNA replication. Based on the evidence that WRN protein facilitates repair of stalled and collapsed replication forks, we hypothesized that WRN functions in the cellular response to and recovery from Cr(VI)-induced genotoxicity and genomic instability. Here we report that human cells deficient in WRN protein are hypersensitive to Cr(VI) toxicity, and exhibit a delayed reduction in DNA breaks and stalled replication forks, indicated by γH2AX foci, during recovery from Cr(VI) exposure. Cr(VI)-induced WRN protein translocation from the nucleoli into nucleoplasmic foci in S-phase cells, and these foci colocalized with γH2AX foci indicating WRN responds to replication-associated DNA damage. As further evidence that Cr(VI) triggers stalled DNA replication, we observed Cr(VI) treatment induced an accumulation of cells in S-phase that exhibited high levels of γH2AX foci. Therefore, these data demonstrate a novel role for WRN protein in cellular protection against the environmental genotoxicant Cr(VI) and further provide evidence that Cr(VI) induces DNA replicative stress which has implications for aging and cancer.
Fluctuation-induced mound coarsening in two dimensions

The e/ects of deposition noise on two-dimensional mound coarsening with slope selection are studied using both continuum and discrete models. Our continuum model may also be considered as a model of two-dimensional polycrystalline growth with a preferred facet orientation. In agreement with recent scaling arguments, we 3nd n = � = 1 , where n is the mound coarsening exponent andis the surface roughening exponent. We also 3nd � = 1 whereis the facet length coarsening exponent. These results are compared with simulation results obtained using a discrete model in which deposition noise and di/usion have been included, but island nucleation and mass transfer between mounds are assumed to be negligible. In the presence of an interfacet di/usion barrier, the surface exhibits a self-a6ne morphology and Edwards-Wilkinson scaling behavior (� = 1 ) while the average facet length is constant (� = 0). However, inthe absen ce of a barrier to interfacet di/usion, we again 3nd a mound-like morphology and coarsening with n = � = 1 , while the average facet length increases logarithmically with 3lm thickness. The slow growth of the facet length in this case may also explain the absence of island nucleation in polycrystalline growth. Our results may also be useful in the development of improved continuum and discrete models of polycrystalline growth. c
Near Total Parathyroidectomy is Effective Therapy for Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (3°HPT) is defined as persistent hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcemia after renal transplantation. Near total parathyroidectomy (NTPTX) is the current standard for surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify outcomes of NTPTX. A retrospective review was conducted of surgeries performed between 1994 and 2013. NTPTX resulted in resolution of 96.9 per cent of patients' hypercalcemia at a median follow-up of three years (interquartile range [IQR], 1 to 8). However, 3.1 per cent of patients remained hypercalcemic with a mean calcium of 10.5 ± 0.2 mg/dL. A total of 78.4 per cent of patients had parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels below 250 pg/mL at a median follow-up of two years (IQR, 2 to 8). The remaining 21.6 per cent had a median PTH of 535 (IQR, 345 to 857). PTH levels dropped from a median of 745 (IQR, 285.75 to 1594.25) pg/mL to 97 (IQR, 60 to 285) pg/mL one month post-NTPTX (P < 0.01). The most frequent complication was transient hypocalcemia in 27.1 per cent of patients, but no patients became permanently hypocalcemic. In the 1-month postoperative period, only one patient had a cardiac complication, and there was 0 per cent all-cause mortality. Glomerular filtration rate fell from 57.9 ± 28.3 mL/min pre-NTPTX to 53.2 ± 27.5 mL/min at 1-year post-NTPTX (P < 0.01). NTPTX effectively treats hypercalcemia in 3°HPT. However, PTH remains elevated (greater than 250) in 21.6 per cent of patients.
Cold-Frontal Potential Vorticity Maxima, the Low-Level Jet, and Moisture Transport in Extratropical Cyclones

Abstract An elongated cold-frontal maximum in the lower-tropospheric potential vorticity (PV) field accompanies some midlatitude cyclones. These PV maxima are often of diabatic origin, and are hypothesized to contribute substantially to the strength of the low-level jet (LLJ) and moisture transport in the cyclone warm sector. Diagnosis of a representative cyclone event from the central United States during February 1997 is presented with the goals of (i) elucidating the mechanisms of development and propagation of the cold-frontal PV band, and (ii) clarifying the relation between this PV maximum and the LLJ. A confluent upper trough and modest surface cyclone followed a track from the south-central United States northeastward into southern Ontario between 26 and 28 February 1997, accompanied by flooding and widespread straight-line wind damage. A LLJ, with maximum wind speeds in excess of 35 m s−1, was positioned at the western extremity of the cyclone warm sector, immediately east of an elongated PV maxi...
Liposomal VIP attenuates phenylephrine- and ANG II-induced vasoconstriction in vivo.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) modulates vasoconstriction elicited by phenylephrine and ANG II in vivo and, if so, to begin to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Using intravital microscopy, we found that suffusion of phenylephrine and ANG II elicits significant vasoconstriction in the in situ hamster cheek pouch that is potentiated by VIP-(10—28), a VIP receptor antagonist, but not by VIP-(1—12) ( P < 0.05). Aqueous VIP has no significant effects on phenylephrine- and ANG II-induced vasoconstriction. However, VIP on sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL), a formulation where VIP assumes a predominantly α-helix conformation, significantly attenuates this response. Maximal effect is observed within 30 min and is no longer seen after 60 min. Empty SSL are inactive. Indomethacin has no significant effects on responses induced by VIP on SSL. The vasodilators ACh, nitroglycerin, calcium ionophore A-23187, 8-bromo-cAMP, and isoproterenol have no significant effects on phenylephrine- and ANG II-induced vasoconstriction. Collectively, these data suggest that vasoconstriction modulates VIP release in the in situ hamster cheek pouch and that α-helix VIP opposes α-adrenergic- and ANG II-induced vasoconstriction in this organ in a reversible, prostaglandin-, NO-, cGMP-, and cAMP-independent fashion.
Costal vs. crural diaphragmatic blood flow during submaximal and near-maximal exercise in ponies.

The present study was carried out 1) to compare blood flow in the costal and crural regions of the equine diaphragm during quiet breathing at rest and during graded exercise and 2) to determine the fraction of cardiac output needed to perfuse the diaphragm during near-maximal exercise. By the use of radionuclide-labeled 15-micron-diam microspheres injected into the left atrium, diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle blood flow was studied in 10 healthy ponies at rest and during three levels of exercise (moderate: 12 mph, heavy: 15 mph, and near-maximal: 19-20 mph) performed on a treadmill. At rest, in eucapnic ponies, costal (13 +/- 3 ml.min-1.100 g-1) and crural (13 +/- 2 ml.min-1.100 g-1) phrenic blood flows were similar, but the costal diaphragm received a much larger percentage of cardiac output (0.51 +/- 0.12% vs. 0.15 +/- 0.03% for crural diaphragm). Intercostal muscle perfusion at rest was significantly less than in either phrenic region. Graded exercise resulted in significant progressive increments in perfusion to these tissues. Although during exercise, crural diaphragmatic blood flow was not different from intercostal muscle blood flow, these values remained significantly less (P less than 0.01) than in the costal diaphragm. At moderate, heavy, and near-maximal exercise, costal diaphragmatic blood flow (123 +/- 12, 190 +/- 12, and 245 +/- 18 ml.min-1.100 g-1) was 143%, 162%, and 162%, respectively, of that for the crural diaphragm (86 +/- 10, 117 +/- 8, and 151 +/- 14 ml.min-1.100 g-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Causes of Ecosystem Transformation at the End of the Pleistocene: Evidence from Mammal Body-Mass Distributions

Animal body sizes reflect the discontinuous architecture of the landscapes in which they live, and consequently their body-mass distributions are distinctly clumped rather than continuous. This architectural discontinuity is generated by ecological processes that discretely operate over micro-, meso-, and macroscales. Therefore, changes in these important scale-specific processes for a given geographical region over time should be reflected by corresponding changes in faunal body-mass clump patterns. In this study, we utilized this hypothesis to investigate the terminal Pleistocene mammal extinction event. Specifically, we analyzed the body-mass distributions of latest Pleistocene and modern mammal faunas from northern Florida and southern California to determine the nature of any changes in the clump structures of these regions during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. In both regions, despite their wide geographical separation and faunal distinctiveness, body-mass clumps below the 40-kg level were remarkably stable across the Pleistocene–Holocene transition despite suffering extinctions. Larger clumps, in contrast, were either orderly truncated or completely eliminated rather than chaotically fragmented. Based on these findings, we argue that the terminal Pleistocene mammal extinctions were caused, at least in part, by changes in key mesoscale aspects of the landscape crucial to supporting a diversity of large mammals.
Nutrient inadequacy is prevalent in pregnant adolescents, and prenatal supplement use may not fully compensate for dietary deficiencies

A longitudinal study was undertaken in 156 pregnant adolescents (≤18 years old) to characterize dietary intake and to determine the degree to which prenatal supplement use compensates for dietary deficits. The adequacy of dietary intake was assessed by comparing self-reported intake from up to three 24-hour dietary recalls with the dietary reference intakes. The majority of teens did not meet the estimated average requirements (EAR) for vitamin D (93%), vitamin E (94%), Mg (90%), Fe (76%), and Ca (74%). More than half of the adolescents in each gestational window (<23 weeks; 23-30 weeks; and ≥31 weeks of gestation) self-reported daily use of prenatal supplements, but the additional supplement contributions were not sufficient to meet the EAR for Mg (90%) or Ca (54%). Pregnant adolescents are at risk for insufficient intake of several essential nutrients from diet alone in spite of adequate or excessive energy intakes. Daily use of prenatal supplements reduces the prevalence of dietary inadequacy for many ...
A Simple Method for Calculating the Output Voltage at Receive Antenna Terminals Using the Complex Antenna Factor

This letter proposes a simulation model for calculating the output voltage at the terminals of a receiving antenna. By adopting the concept of the complex antenna factor commonly used in the fields of electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic interference for its calculation, this model allows one to obtain the received complex voltage signal from the computed scattered fields with the antenna effects fully taken into account. The model is applied to the application of direction-of-arrival estimation.
Visualization and Interaction in the Atlas of the Human Brain, Head and Neck

Our ultimate objective is to create a holistic and reference atlas of the whole adult hu- man brain along with the head and neck. Several techniques have been employed to create atlases. Here we discuss the atlas design and use from a point of view of two key techniques, visualization and interac- tion. For visualization, surface rendering of a geometrical model of the brain, head and neck is employed. Geometrical model ensures anatomic parcellability, high (sub-pixel) resolution, editibility, extendibility, structure separability, structure-to-structure conict detection, and integration a knowledge-based con- tent with the atlas. Interaction allows the user to create and explore any region of interest along with its surroundings just with a few clicks, taking into account that the atlas provides a rich set of functions and the number of atlas components is about 3,000. There are seven types of interaction enabling to: select and deselect tissue classes/groups/individual structures, do real-time manipulation, do virtual dissections, select and scroll the original scans, query a structure to get its label or location, get stereo- tactic coordinates and measure distances, and support other functionality. This design of visualization and interaction provides a fast and easy to use solution, and allows the atlas to run on desktop and mobile iPad and Android-based platforms.
Long-term outcomes of acromegaly treated with fractionated stereotactic radiation: case series and literature review.

Background Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas represent an uncommon subset of pituitary neoplasms. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) have been used as primary or adjuvant treatment. The purpose of this study is to report the long-term tumor control and toxicity from our institution and to perform a systematic literature review of acromegaly patients treated with FSRT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with FSRT (median dose 50.4 Gray [Gy], range 50.4-54 Gy) between 2005 and 2012 who had: 1) GH-secreting adenoma with persistently elevated insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) despite medical therapy and 2) clinical follow up >3 years after FSRT. Patients were treated with modern FSRT planning techniques. Biochemical control was defined as IGF-1 normalization. Systematic review of the literature was performed for FSRT in acromegaly. Results With a median follow-up of 80 months, radiographic control was achieved in all 11 patients and overall survival was 100%. Long-term biochemical control was achieved in 10 patients (90.9%) with either FSRT alone (36.4%) or FSRT with continued medical management (45.5%). No patient experienced new hypopituitarism, cranial nerve dysfunctions, or visual deficits. Our systematic review found published rates of biochemical control and hypopituitarism vary, with uniformly good radiographic control and low incidence of visual changes. Conclusions Adjuvant FSRT offered effective long-term biochemical control and radiographic control, and there was a lower rate of complications in this current series. Review of the literature shows variations in published rates of biochemical control after FSRT for acromegaly, but low incidence of serious toxicities.
Structure and reactivity of Pt–In intermetallic alloy nanoparticles: Highly selective catalysts for ethane dehydrogenation

Abstract The structure of silica supported Pt and Pt–In bimetallic catalysts with nominal In:Pt atomic ratios of 0.7 and 1.4 were determined by in situ synchrotron XAS and XRD. It was seen that the addition of In led to the formation of two different intermetallic alloy phases. At an In:Pt ratio of 0.7 the Pt 3 In phase with a Cu 3 Au structure was formed. When the ratio was increased to 1.4 a shell of PtIn 2 having a CaF 2 structure formed around a core of Pt 3 In. The catalysts were tested for ethane dehydrogenation at 600 °C to determine the effect of alloying on ethylene selectivity and turnover rate (TOR). The monometallic Pt catalysts was 73% selective for ethylene and had an initial TOR of 0.7 s −1 . Both alloy catalysts were ≈100% selective for dehydrogenation and had higher initial TOR, 2.8 s −1 and 1.6 s −1 for In:Pt ratio of 0.7 and 1.4, respectively. The increase in selectivity is attributed to the elimination of large Pt ensembles resulting from geometric changes to the catalyst surface upon alloying. Electronic changes due to the formation of Pt–In bonds are thought to be responsible for the increases in TOR in the alloy catalysts.
Crystal nucleation initiated by transient ion-surface interactions at aerosol interfaces

Particle collisions are a common occurrence in the atmosphere, but no empirical observations exist to fully predict the potential effects of these collisions on air quality and climate projections. The current consensus of heterogeneous crystal nucleation pathways relevant to the atmosphere dictates that collisions with amorphous particles have no effect on the crystallization relative humidity (RH) of aqueous inorganic aerosols because there is no stabilizing ion-surface interaction to facilitate the formation of crystal nuclei. In contrast to this view of heterogeneous nucleation, we report laboratory observations demonstrating that collisions with hydrophobic amorphous organic aerosols induced crystallization of aqueous inorganic microdroplets at high RH, the effect of which was correlated with destabilizing water-mediated ion-specific surface interactions. These same organic aerosols did not induce crystallization once internally mixed in the droplet, pointing toward a previously unconsidered transient ion-specific crystal nucleation pathway that can promote aerosol crystallization via particle collisions.
Enumeration of Microbial Populations in Radioactive Environments by Epifluorescence Microscopy

Epifluorescence microscopy was utilized to enumerate halophilic bacterial populations in two studies involving inoculated, actual radioactive waste/brine mixtures and pure brine solutions. The studies include an initial set of experiments designed to elucidate potential transformations of actinide-containing wastes under salt-repository conditions, including microbially mediated changes. The first study included periodic enumeration of bacterial populations of a mixed inoculum initially added to a collection of test containers. The contents of the test containers are the different types of actual radioactive waste that could potentially be stored in nuclear waste repositories in a salt environment. The transuranic waste was generated from materials used in actinide laboratory research. The results show that cell numbers decreased with time. Sorption of the bacteria to solid surfaces in the test system is discussed as a possible mechanism for the decrease in cell numbers. The second study was designed to determine radiological and/or chemical effects of {sup 239}Pu, {sup 243}Am, {sup 237}Np, {sup 232}Th and {sup 238}U on the growth of pure and mixed anaerobic, denitrifying bacterial cultures in brine media. Pu, Am, and Np isotopes at concentrations of <=1 x 10{sup {minus}5}M, <=5 x 10{sup {minus}6}M and <=5 x 10{sup {minus}4}M respectively, and Th and U isotopes <=4 x 10{sup {minus}3}M were tested in these media. The results indicate that high actinide concentration affected both the bacterial growth rate and morphology. However, relatively minor effects from Am were observed at all tested concentrations with the pure culture.
Optoelectronic Chip Assembly Process of Optical MCM

Assembly process reliability for Optical Multi-Chip Modules (MCM) is studied and improved. In the optoelectronic (OE) chip assembly for the Optical MCM, the OE chip with Au stud bump is joined with Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) soldered in a through-waveguide via on an organic substrate to obtain high optical coupling efficiency. Since solid-liquid diffusion of Au to molten SAC is rapid, and formation of brittle intermetallic compounds such as AuSn4 is observed by an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and as a result the temperature and the dwell time for the chip assembly process should minimized. Furthermore, if OE chips are underfilled, resin could infiltrate into the total internal reflection mirror cavity, and it will not reflect anymore. On the other hand, Au - SAC joints are not mechanically stable without underfill because of a large thermal stress from the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the OE chip and the optical waveguide-integrated organic substrate. The issue is solved by using sidefill encapsulation instead of underfill. Appropriate material selection of a high viscosity and high thixotropic index prevented infiltration under the chip. The effect of the sidefill process is verified by simulation and experimental results. The chip assembly with sidefill passes more than 1500 deep thermal cycles from -55 °C to 125 °C.
Treatment of Immunomediated Diseases by Vitamin D Analogs

Cells involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, including macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B cells, express the vitamin D receptor (VDR), can produce 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D], the biologically active form of vitamin D3, and respond to this hormone. Thus, 1,25(OH)2D, a secosteroid hormone essential for bone and mineral homeostasis that regulates growth and differentiation of multiple cell types, can display exquisite immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. The net effect of the vitamin D system on the immune response results in enhancement of innate immunity and in a multi-faceted regulation of adaptive immune responses. Epidemiological evidence indicates a significant association of vitamin D deficiency with increased frequency of several immunomediated and autoimmune diseases, and preclinical models show that the anti-proliferative, pro-differentiative, anti-bacterial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties of synthetic VDR agonists could be exploited to treat a variety of immunomediated diseases. Understanding the physiological role of endogenous VDR agonists in the regulation of immune responses will contribute to guide the clinical translation of these agents.
Influence of race on prenatal phthalate exposure and anogenital measurements among boys and girls.

Abstract Background Select phthalates have antiandrogenic activity, which raises concern for adverse developmental outcomes given widespread exposure of pregnant women. Investigators have reported associations between maternal urinary phthalates and altered anogenital distance (AGD), a marker of in utero androgen activity, among offspring. However, data assessing the impact of race on these associations is sparse. Objectives To evaluate associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and AGD in a racially diverse newborn population. Methods We prospectively collected second trimester urine from 187 African American and 193 white mothers, and used liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to measure eight phthalate metabolites and calculate molar sums. We measured anopenile (APD) and anoscrotal (ASD) distances of 171 boys and anoclitoral (ACD) and anofourchette (AFD) distances of 128 girls at delivery. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data from questionnaires and delivery records. Results We identified a statistically significant inverse association for mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) and APD in boys (B = − 1.57 mm, p = 0.02), which was stronger for African Americans (B = − 2.07 mm, p = 0.04) than for whites (B = − 1.23 mm, p = 0.22), although the racial interaction was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). We found a longer ASD for higher molar sums of dibutyl phthalate (∑ DBP; B = 0.99 mm, p = 0.04), with stronger associations for whites (B = 1.30 mm, p = 0.04) than for African Americans (B = 0.39 mm, p = 0.59), again without a statistically significant racial interaction (p = 0.34). Among girls, we found inverse associations for tertiles of MEHP with AFD and ACD, and statistically significant race-based interactions, in which ACD was longer for whites and shorter for African Americans, following exposure to monoethyl phthalate (MEP; p = 0.01) and ∑ DBP (p = 0.08). Conclusions Our findings suggest race and sex play important roles in phthalate-associated reproductive developmental toxicity, with important implications for designing future investigations and health interventions.
The Source Hydrology of Severe Sustained Drought in the Southwestern United States

Abstract This paper considers the risk of drought and develops drought scenarios for use in the study of severe sustained drought in the southwestern United States. The focus is on the Colorado River basin and regions to which Colorado River water is exported, especially southern California, which depends on water from the Colorado River as well as the four major rivers in northern California. Drought scenarios are developed using estimates of unimpaired historic streamflow as well as reconstructions of streamflow based on tree ring widths. Drought scenarios in the Colorado River are defined on the basis of annual flow at Lees Ferry. Possible spatial manifestations of the Colorado River drought scenarios for input into a Colorado River system simulation model are developed by disaggregating the Lees Ferry flow to monthly flows at 29 source locations required by the model. The risk, in terms of return period, of the drought scenarios developed, is assessed using stochastic models applied to both the Colorado River basin and the combined flow in four major California rivers. The risk of severe sustained drought occurring concurrently in the Colorado River basin and California is also assessed.
The Goose, the Gander, or the Strasbourg Paté for all: Medical Education, World, and the Internet

The proverb, so euphemistically stating the rules of equality seems to hold in most walks of life. Yet, despite increasingly widespread popularity among the physicians of “getting on the Net” [1], does it really hold for the Internet and medicine in its global sense?
Proton-Decoupled Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance

Relative to proton NMR, the low natural abundance (1.1%) of the isotope carbon-13 and the reduced gyro-magnetic ratio (γ13C/γ1H = 0.251) combine to reduce greatly the detectability of the 13C nuclear magnetic resonance signal. Along with increasing sample size and utilizing time-averaging techniques, the signal-to-noise is significantly enhanced with proton decoupling techniques. This benefit arises from multiplet collapse and a nuclear Overhauser enhancement of about three-fold for carbons with directly bonded hydrogens. The Overhauser mechanism presumes the dominance of the proton—carbon-13 dipole—dipole relaxation mechanism, which attenuates as 1/r6 CH. It is evident that other relaxation mechanisms compete and eventually dominate the dipolar one, thereby eliminating the nuclear Overhauser effect, wherever r CH becomes large. Thus, carbons removed from hydrogens by two or more bonds exhibit a decreased resonance signal in proton-decoupled spectra, due to the competition from other relaxation mechanisms arising either from anisotropy in the chemical shift or from diffusional motion both of the translational and rotational variety. Two applications of this phenomenon are discussed. First, the resonance lines of bridgehead carbons in fused polycyclic aromatics are assigned on the basis of their distance from protons in the molecules. Second, the presence of very rapid methyl-group rotation in systems where the barrier restricting free motion of this type is very low appears to provide a competing process with the dipolar mechanism even for carbons with directly bonded hydrogens, and decreases in nuclear Overhauser factors are noted. These features are presented along with interesting multiple irradiation work now in progress. Relaxation-time data which complement the Overhauser work are obtained using the adiabatic rapid-passage two-pass method.
Recognizing unnecessary inference

Intelligent reasoners sometimes draw conclusions that lack new or relevant information. Similarly, automated reasoning systems can produce formulas that are not necessary for the problem at hand. We concentrate on the problem of unnecessary inference in the context of resolution based systems. In such systems several strategies have been developed that allow for the deletion of clauses without sacrificing completeness. Unfortunately these strategies fail to recognize other frequently generated unnecessary formulas. We will present a generalized subsumption theorem that can be used to recognize such formulas and to develop new deletion methods which retain completeness.
Third Ventricle Obstruction by Thalamic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Predicts Poor Functional Outcome Among Patients Treated with Alteplase in the CLEAR III Trial.

The Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of IVH trial examined whether irrigating the ventricular system with alteplase improved functional outcomes in patients with small intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and large intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Thalamic ICH location was common and was associated with poor outcome. One possible explanation is thalamic ICH-associated mass effect obstructing the third ventricle. We hypothesized that patients with thalamic ICH obstructing the third ventricle would have worse functional outcomes compared to patients without obstructing lesions. ICH obstruction of third ventricle was defined as third ventricle compression on 1 or more axial computed tomography slices visually impeding cerebral spinal fluid flow. If the third ventricle was casted with IVH, it was scored as such. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether obstruction of the third ventricle predicts poor functional outcomes defined as modified Rankin score (mRS) 4–6, higher mRS, and mortality at 180 days. Models were adjusted for thalamic ICH location, ICH volume, IVH volume, age, hydrocephalus, baseline Glasgow coma scale, and percentage of low cerebral perfusion pressures during treatment. Among saline-treated patients, obstruction of the third ventricle by IVH was a significant predictor of higher mRS at 180 days (OR 1.87, CI 1.01–3.47) and mortality at 180 days (OR 2.73, CI 1.27–5.87) while obstruction by ICH was not. In contrast, among alteplase-treated patients, obstruction by ICH was a significant predictor of mRS 4–6 (OR 3.20, CI 1.30–7.88) and higher mRS at 180 days (OR 2.33, CI 1.24–4.35), while obstruction by IVH was not. Poor outcomes were associated with mass-related obstruction of the third ventricle from thalamic ICH in alteplase-treated patients and from IVH in saline-treated patients. Once the ventricular system is cleared with alteplase, obstruction of cerebral spinal fluid flow from thalamic ICH might become important in functional recovery.
Comparing Similarity and Distance Based Fuzzy Inferencing Methods

In crisp rule-based systems with rules such as "If u is A, then v is B" an exact match between the given rule antecedent value A and the observed input must occur in order to output the rule consequent value B. Fuzzy inferencing extends crisp rule- based systems to allow uncertainty in both the rule antecedent A and the rule consequent B in the form of fuzzy sets for their values. Here the observed input value A’ does not have to exactly match the antecedent value A in order to produce the output B’ which does not have to exactly match B. This paper examines the traditional fuzzy inferencing method for fuzzy control that is similarity-based and uses Zadeh’s consistency or partial matching index and distance-based methods, one referred to as geometric compatibility modification (GCM) and the other transformation constraint-based generalized modus ponens (T-CGMP). These fuzzy inferencing methods are compared based on the results from test cases and different methods of aggregation when multiple fuzzy sets occur in the rule antecedent.
Variability in perceptions of household livelihood resilience and drought at the intersection of gender and ethnicity

Over the past decade, there has been a growing focus on resilience-building work by international humanitarian and development organizations; however, development policies have historically given less attention to the different perceptions and experiences of women and various ethnic groups. Drawing on empirical evidence from Isiolo County, Kenya, the objective of this paper is to highlight how resilience-building work should pay more attention to differing perceptions of livelihood resilience between genders and members of different ethnic groups, specifically through an intersectional lens. A total of 338 quantitative household surveys were conducted: 152 in Kinna and 187 in Burat. Perceptions of livelihood resilience were measured using the Household Livelihood Resilience Approach (HLRA). Results found that perceptions of livelihood resilience were lower for females and did vary between the four ethnic groups involved in the study. An intersectional analysis of gender and ethnicity found more nuanced results than looking at gender or ethnicity alone. Further, while perceptions of changes in drought severity and frequency were not significantly different between genders, they did vary by ethnic group and major livelihood practice. Overall, research results demonstrate how perceptions of household livelihood resilience, and the impacts of climate change, vary based on the intersectionality of demographic characteristics. Integrating a diversity of perceptions into resilience-building work can lead to more successful outcomes for a greater number of individuals, achieving overall poverty reduction.
Culture-Documented Invasive Mold Infections at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, Pre- and Post-Hurricane Harvey.

Background Extensive floodwater damage following hurricane Harvey raised concerns of excess mold infections in immunocompromised patients. This study sought to evaluate the impact of hurricane Harvey on the incidence of culture-positive invasive mold infections (cIMIs) in patients treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC; Houston, TX). Methods All mold-positive culture results in the Microbiology Laboratory at MDACC in a 12-month period before and after hurricane Harvey were reviewed. cIMI cases were defined according to European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group criteria. Rates and causative agents of cIMIs pre- and post-Harvey were compared. In addition, we evaluated institution-wide trends in the use of systemically administered mold-active antifungal agents by segmented regression analysis. Results Inpatient cIMI rates per 1000 patient-days were comparable in the pre- and post-Harvey observation period (0.17 vs 0.21, P = .36). During both surveillance periods, the vast majority of cIMI cases were due to Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., or Mucorales. No emergence of unusual mold infections was seen, and the relative frequencies of mold genera recovered from cultures at the MDACC Microbiology Laboratory remained largely unaltered. The overall use of posaconazole was significantly higher in the post-Harvey period and the use of both voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B began to increase significantly immediately after Harvey. Conclusions Our monocentric study employing stringent culture-based definitions of mold infections found no excess cases of IMIs in MDACC's immunosuppressed patient population in the aftermath of a major flooding event. Increased use of some mold-active antifungals in the aftermath of hurricane Harvey was observed institutionally.
A semiconductor-based neutron detection system for planetary exploration

Abstract We explore the use of microstructured semiconductor neutron detectors (MSNDs) to map the ratio between thermal neutrons and higher energy neutrons. The system consists of alternating layers of modular neutron detectors (MNDs), each comprising arrays of twenty-four MSNDs, and high-density polyethylene moderators (HDPE) with gadolinium shielding to filter between thermal neutrons and higher energy neutrons. We experimentally measured the performance of three different configurations and demonstrated that the sensor system prototypes detect and differentiate thermal and epithermal neutrons. We discuss future planetary exploration applications of this compact, semiconductor-based low-energy neutron detection system.
Placement of Subcutaneous Central Venous Ports in Breast Cancer Patients: Does Side Matter?

Abstract Background Central venous ports placed for breast cancer treatment have traditionally been placed contralateral to the disease. This is done out of concern for the possibility of an increased risk of complications with ipsilateral port placement. There have been only a few small studies evaluating complication rates between ports placed ipsilateral versus contralateral to the breast cancer. We sought to determine if there was a difference in port complications or lymphedema rates by location. Methods A single institution retrospective review was conducted of adult (aged >18 y) females undergoing central venous port placement for breast cancer treatment from 2012 to 2016. Results A total of 581 females were identified with a mean age of 52.9 ± 11.7 y. Ipsilateral ports were placed in 41 patients (7.1%). Ipsilateral ports were more likely to be placed via the internal jugular vein (56.1%), whereas contralateral ports were more likely to be placed in the subclavian vein (67.2%; P = 0.002). There was no difference between stage at diagnosis (P = 0.059), type of breast surgery (P = 0.999), axillary surgery (P = 0.087), or administration of radiation therapy (P = 0.684) between the groups. Ipsilateral ports were more likely to be on the right side, 73.2% versus 51.1% (P = 0.006). Port complications requiring intervention occurred in 3 patients (7.3%) with ipsilateral port and 33 patients (6.1%) with contralateral ports (P = 0.73). Lymphedema occurred in 8 patients (20%) with ipsilateral ports and 118 patients (21.9%) with contralateral ports (P = 0.639). On multivariable analysis, the type of axillary surgery (P = 0.003) was associated with upper extremity lymphedema, whereas port sidedness (P = 0.26) was not. Conclusions There was no difference in port complications or lymphedema rates between patients who had ports placed on the ipsilateral side compared with the contralateral side for breast cancer treatment.