cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NF-kappa B and Rel: participants in a multiform transcriptional regulatory system.

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights NF-кB/Rel protein complex. Associations of the binding and regulatory subunits of NF-кB operate at the center of a variety of different signal pathways. NF-кB can process and integrate instructions that come from the extracellular environment and detect intracellular events originating in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. NF-кB then transmits this information with astonishing rapidity to the transcriptional machinery by directly binding to a range of different DNA sequences in gene control regions. NF-кB comprises members of a family of dimer-forming proteins with homology to the rel oncogene. NF-кB has the striking appearance of being constitutively present only in B cells of the “appropriate” stage for Ig к light chain gene expression. The functional role of NF-кB is demonstrated by mutational analysis of the к intronic enhancer. The property that gives NF-кB a widespread significance in cellular regulation is its role as a mediator of inducible gene transcription. The key features of NF-кB transcriptional control are that it is fast and versatile and is used in many different gene systems. It also has the important ability to carry signals from the cytoplasm into the nucleus and trans -activate specific genes by binding directly to their promoters.
Logistics information technology practice in manufacturing and merchandising firms – An international benchmarking study versus world class logistics firms

Logistics information technology (IT) can be a significant source of competitive advantages. Examines logistics IT practices for different industries and global regions and identifies any IT gaps between world class logistics firms and their more average (baseline) counterparts. Overall, the merchandising firms were perceived to have a lead over the manufacturing firms for most of the nine logistics IT issues probed. Among the baseline firms, the European firms seemingly outperformed the North American and Pacific Rim firms in the five‐year improvement in LIS capability, LIS resource share increase, and the adequacy of LIS in meeting the firm’s requirements. The North American firms took a significant lead in issues related to EDI, barcode, and real time communications. However, all these baseline firms probably have to look up to the world class logistics firms for excellency in major IT practice, confirming the notion that being world class does make a difference.
Novel Synthesis Techniques for Preparation of Co/CeO2 as Ethanol Steam Reforming Catalysts

Novel synthesis methods such as solvothermal decomposition, colloidal crystal templating, and reverse microemulsion have been used to prepare CeO2-supported Co catalysts. These catalysts have shown much better catalytic performance than the catalysts prepared using conventional incipient wetness impregnation for Ethanol Steam Reforming. The improvement can be attributed to a better cobalt dispersion and a better Co–CeO2 interaction for the catalysts prepared using these novel methods.
Geomagnetic storm effects on the thermosphere and the ionosphere revealed by in situ measurements from OGO 6

The temporal response of the densities of upper-atmospheric ion and neutral constituents to a particular geomagnetic storm is studied using simultaneous ion and neutral-composition data obtained by the OGO 6 satellite during consecutive orbits at altitudes greater than 400 km. The investigated constituents include H(+), O(+), N2, O, He, and H. Derivation of the H density is reviewed, and the main effects of the storm are discussed, particularly temporal and global variations in the densities. It is found that: (1) the H and He densities began to decrease near the time of sudden commencement, with the decrease amounting to more than 40% of the quiet-time densities during the maximum stage at high latitudes; (2) the O and N2 densities exhibited an overall increase which began later than the change in H and He densities; (3) the H(+) density decreased differently in two distinct regions separated near the low-latitude boundary of the light-ion trough; and (4) the O(+) density showed an increase during earlier stages of the storm and decreased only in the Northern Hemisphere during the recovery phase. Certain physical and chemical processes are suggested which play principal roles in the ionospheric response to the storm
Analysis of FMRP, the protein deficient in fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome results from a massive trinucleotide repeat expansion in the 5′ untranslated region of the gene FMR1. Methylation of FMR1 occurs as a result of this expansion, causing transcriptional silencing. Therefore, the absence of FMR protein (FMRP) appears to result in fragile X syndrome. Characterization of the gene and its expression, as well as the cellular localization and functional properties of the protein, provide insight into how the absence of FMRP results in mental retardation and the related phenotype. Alternative splicing of FMR1 transcripts leads to protein isoforms and suggests that this cell is functionally diverse. Among vertebrates, FMRP is highly conserved at the amino acid level and localizes mainly to the cytoplasm. The presence of two protein sequence motifs, the RGG box and the KH domain, suggests that FMRP is an RNA-binding protein. Direct experimentation shows that FMRP is capable of binding its own RNA in vitro, as well as a subset of brain-derived messages. Further understanding of how these interactions take place and identification of those genes having messages that interact will provide insight into the mechanisms of cognitive function in humans. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Isolation of compounds with affinity for copper from seawater using immobilized copper ion affinity chromatography

Abstract Investigation of the use of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) for isolation of compounds with affinity for copper from seawater was carried out. Samples from the Sargasso Sea, Chesapeake Bay and tributaries were analyzed using IMAC columns in a fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) system. Eluted compounds were detected by absorbance at 280 nm. Qualitatively, samples from various locations were similar, typically containing two resolved peaks with differing affinity for copper immobilized on the column. Ultraviolet irradiation of the seawater samples eliminated all of the high-affinity peak and most of the low-affinity peak, indicating that the peaks contained organic material. Analysis of constituents of these peaks in the estuarine water sample showed them both to contain protein and polysaccharide. Electrophoresis of IMAC fractions showed resolved components in the 14–42 kDa molecular weight range. In a depth profile to 1000 m in the Sargasso Sea the first (low-affinity) peak was found to be relatively invariant with depth whereas the second (high-affinity peak) exhibited a maximum at 60 m. The results show that IMAC is useful for concentration and partial purification of copper complexing organic compounds from seawater.
Nitrogen-atom exchange mediated by nitrido complexes of molybdenum

Nitrido complexes NMo(OC(CF3)2Me)3 and NMo(OC(CF3)3)3(NCMe) containing fluorinated alkoxide ancillary ligands are synthesized in 57% and 50% yield, respectively. Both complexes undergo N-atom exchange within hours at 30 degrees C with acetonitrile and benzonitrile in either THF-d8 or CD2Cl2, as shown by 15N NMR studies using labeled 15NCMe. In both solvents, is the more active in this process. Additionally, both compounds are substantially more active in THF-d8 than in CD2Cl2. Complex crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c, adopting a pseudo-square-pyramidal structure in which the nitrido moiety occupies the apical position, 1.633(3) A away from Mo.
Topological dissipation and the small-scale fields in turbulent gases.

It is shown that a large-scale magnetic field possesses a hydrostatic equilibrium only if the pattern of small-scale variations is uniform along the large-scale field. Thus equilibrium obtains only if the variations in the field consist of simple twisting of the lines, with the twists extending uniformly the full length of the field. Any more complicated topology, such as two or more flux tubes wrapped around each other to form a rope, or braided or knotted flux tubes, is without equilibrium, no matter what fluid pressures are applied along the individual lines of force. The result is rapid dissipation and field-line merging, which quickly reduces the topology to the simple equilibrium form. The effect explains the absence of strong small-scale fields in the solar photosphere and in interstellar space in spite of the vigorous turbulence.
Role of the adrenal in PMS-induced ovulation before puberty: effect of adrenalectomy.

Female Sprague—Dawley derived rats were given either 5 IU or 25 IU pregnant mare’s serum gonadotrophin (PMS) at 22 days of age or 27 days of age and necropsied 3 days later. Adrenalectomy (ADRX) or sham surgery was performed at 21 days of age or at 26 days of age. Five IU PMS on day 22 elicited vaginal opening on day 26 but did not cause ovulation. Ovarian and uterine weights were elevated over those of saline—injected controls. ADRX the day before PMS prevented vaginal opening on day 26 and significantly lowered the uterine weight response (149.4 ± 3.1 vs 175.9 ± 6.7, p = 0.05) but did not reduce ovarian weight. Twenty—five IU PMS on day 22 resulted in vaginal opening and ovulation in intact rats and produced elevated ovarian and uterine weights. Adrenalectomy on day 21 prevented vaginal opening but did not block ovulation in 25 IU PMS—treated rats. Ovulation occurred in all but one rat treated with 25 IU PMS on day 27 and was not affected by ADRX at either 21 days or 26 days of age. Vaginal opening occu...
Measurement of normal stress and hindrance factor in a collapsing fluidized bed

Abstract An experimental apparatus and approach were developed to measure the instantaneous changes in pressure gradient and solid volume fraction with the time along a collapsing fluidized bed. Measurements were made for a single fluid cracking catalyst. The pressure transducer and X-ray data were in excellent agreement. These data along with a straightforward one-dimensional description of both gas and solid phases were used to obtain the solid stress modulus and the drag coefficient for the catalyst powder in the solid fraction range between minimum fluidization and loose packing.
A potential novel source of information for screening and monitoring the impact of exotic plants on ecosystems.

Exotic invasive species often affect the pools and fluxes of carbon, nutrient elements, and energy, but there are few sources of information that permit these effects to be anticipated. Some plant traits, such as growth rates and tissue nutrient content, are known to influence the ecosystem process, but information about these traits is often not available. I propose that plant secondary chemistry may be a useful trait for assessing the likelihood of ecosystem (and community) impacts. Information about such traits is readily available from several sources, rendering it a good candidate for screening and monitoring programs. Plant secondary chemicals affect a variety of ecosystem processes, largely through their direct and indirect impacts on soil microbial community composition and function. They also have well-known effects on human physiology, as evidenced in the numerous plant-derived bioactive compounds used for their medicinal and other physiological effects. There is a large amount of information available about plant secondary chemistry due to its role in herbal medicine, dietary supplements and the emerging field of nutraceuticals. This information includes databases and traditional texts in ethnobotany, plant chemistry, and alternative medicine. I review evidence that secondary compounds are widespread in invasive species and affect soil microbial communities and microbially-mediated ecosystem processes. Invasion ecology may profit from collaborations with a novel group of scientists, including those in ethnobotany, nutraceuticals, plant chemistry and alternative medicine.
Telling the goodguys: disseminating information on security holes

The author discusses what should be done by a software vendor when the product has a security flaw. One alternative, which the author discounts, is to hide the problem and hope it will not be discovered. The alternative, favored by the author, is to widely publicize the patch, hoping that 'badguys' will not reverse engineer it to discover the hole. Several variations are proposed, including distributing an encrypted version of the patch and later publicizing the keyword, and distributing the patch as or on a benign virus. >
FMR1 RNA within the Intranuclear Inclusions of Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a recently identified neurodegenerative disorder affecting older adult males with premutation alleles of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The principal clinical features of FXTAS include progressive intention tremor, gait ataxia, parkinsonism, and autonomic dysfunction. The disorder affects at least one-third of carrier males over 50 years of age and, with an estimated carrier frequency of approximately 1/800 males, is likely to be one of the most common heritable forms of tremor and ataxia among older adult males in the general population. Brains from all FXTAS cases examined to date (10/10) possess numerous ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions in broad distribution throughout the cerebrum and brainstem. The absence of either the neurodegenerative disorder or inclusions among adults with fragile X syndrome (who lack the FMR1 protein), coupled with elevated FMR1 mRNA with expanded CGG repeats in premutation carriers, has led us to propose an RNA toxic gain-of-function model for FXTAS. Consistent with this model, we have now identified FMR1 mRNA within the intranuclear inclusions isolated from post-mortem (FXTAS) brain tissue.
Alcohol, sludge, and hypoxic areas of nervous system, liver and heart

Abstract In 30 adult humans (13 females, 17 males) microscopic observations were made of blood flow and the conditions of the small vessels in the conjunctiva, and at the same time a blood sample was taken for determination of blood ethyl alcohol concentration. Ethanol concentrations ranged from zero to 328 mg/100 ml. With increasing concentrations of alcohol in the blood, the size of aggregated or agglutinated blood cell masses increased, and the forward rates of flow in small vessels decreased correspondingly. With the higher concentrations of blood alcohol and the more severe reduction in forward flow rates, the numbers of vessels in stasis, plugged, occluded, and with no flow increased significantly. Within the extreme upper concentrations of ethanol (225 and 328 mg/100 ml blood) some small vessels were ruptured, producing microscopic hemorrhages into the contiguous bulbar conjunctival tissue. No arrangement of the data, other than in ascending order of blood alcohol concentrations, has given any thus far recognizable trend of meaning. Mechanisms are described whereby reduced rates of blood flow through capillaries and the plugging of capillaries damage brain, liver, and heart.
Skeletal muscle construct in vascularized cylindrical chamber

A construct containing functional skeletal muscle tissue was formed in vivo within an axially vascularized chamber seeded with myoblasts suspended in a gel. After a three week period of incubation within a rat, the construct was harvested and evaluated for force generation capability. Constructs that were seeded with myoblasts generated a positive component of force (to shorten the construct), having contractile properties similar to those of skeletal muscles.
BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES AS FUNCTIONALLY ORGANIZED UNITS

Multilevel selection theory, which has been used to explain the functional organization of individuals and single-species social groups, can be extended to explain the functional organization of multispecies communities. Adaptation at lower levels of the biological hierarchy, such as the individual, does not automatically lead to adaptation at higher levels. Community-level functional organization therefore requires a process of natural selection among local communities that vary in their species and/or genetic composition. Community-level selection has been demonstrated in the laboratory and is plausible for many natural communities. Mutualisms, strong ecological effects, and complex systems dynamics do not by themselves produce functional organization and therefore should be studied in conjunction with multilevel selection theory.
Optimal Selling Strategies: When to Haggle, When to Hold Firm

A seller encountering risk-neutral buyers one at a time should, if commitments are feasible, quote a single take-it-or-leave-it price to each. This strategy is superior to any other for finite or infinite buyer populations, whether there is learning or the distribution of buyer prices is known at the outset, with one object for sale or many. Although haggling may offer advantages in terms of price discrimination, these gains are more than offset by the losses it generates by encouraging buyers to refuse purchases at high prices.
The Trials and Errors of Collaborative Learning: A New Faculty Perspective

There are a number of teaching techniques that have proven very useful in involving the students and increasing their learning. As a new faculty member, I have chosen to improve my teaching by first implementing collaborative learning exercises into my classes. The exercises I have used include in-class group problem solving, informal study groups, and group term projects. In this paper, I will detail the published benefits of collaborative learning that led me to use this in my classes. The introduction of collaborative learning exercises into my lectures has also brought a number of problems and fears including time constraints, the practical issues of forming groups in large classes, and the barrier students have towards working together. From the perspective of a new faculty, I will discuss the problems I have had implementing collaborative work into my classes and tips for avoiding and overcoming the problems I have encountered.
Evaluation of human enteric viruses in surface water and drinking water resources in southern Ghana

An estimated 884 million people worldwide do not have access to an improved drinking water source, and the microbial quality of these sources is often unknown. In this study, a combined tangential flow, hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF), and real-time PCR method was applied to large volume (100 L) groundwater (N = 4), surface water (N = 9), and finished (i.e., receiving treatment) drinking water (N = 6) samples for the evaluation of human enteric viruses and bacterial indicators. Human enteric viruses including norovirus GI and GII, adenovirus, and polyomavirus were detected in five different samples including one groundwater, three surface water, and one drinking water sample. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli assessed for each sample before and after UF revealed a lack of correlation between bacterial indicators and the presence of human enteric viruses.
UNMIXING FORAMINIFERAL ASSEMBLAGES: POLYTOPIC VECTOR ANALYSIS APPLIED TO YAKATAGA FORMATION SEQUENCES IN THE OFFSHORE GULF OF ALASKA

Abstract The Yakataga Formation contains mudstones, sandstones, and diamictites that represent fluctuating marine and glaciomarine deposition in the Gulf of Alaska since the latest Miocene. These rocks contain distinctive benthic foraminiferal assemblages that provide insight into the depositional, structural, and climatic history of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Qualitative analyses of benthic foraminiferal distribution patterns have been used previously to define eight stratigraphic sequences in the offshore Yakataga Formation. Results of multivariate quantitative methods are presented here to provide additional insight into the nature of foraminiferal faunas and to demonstrate the potential for using quantitative methods in sequence biostratigraphy. Cluster and polytopic vector analyses of 158 samples from the offshore Yakataga Formation indicate distinct mixtures of foraminiferal faunas within the samples. Polytopic vector analysis suggests that samples contain mixtures of seven end members represen...
Evaluating CloudSat ice water content retrievals using a cloud‐resolving model: Sensitivities to frozen particle properties

[1] The A-Train satellite constellation has dramatically increased the temporal and spatial coverage of atmospheric ice water content estimates. The new data are derived by retrieval algorithms designed to estimate atmospheric cloud ice water content from remotely sensed measurements. Such retrieval algorithms rely on simplifying assumptions regarding the characteristics of ice particles in the atmosphere. In this study, the sensitivities of CloudSat ice water content retrievals to frozen particle characteristics are tested by generating CloudSat-like retrievals from profiles of known ice water content. CloudSat actively measures vertical profiles of radar reflectivity in clouds with a 94-GHz cloud-profiling radar. Ice water content is retrieved in each cloudy profile at temperatures below 0°C. To assess the CloudSat radar-only ice water content retrieval algorithm (version 5.0 in Release 3 [R03] and version 5.1 in Release 4 [R04] of 2B-CWC-RO), we apply a 94-GHz reflectivity simulator to profiles of ice water content generated by a cloud-resolving numerical model and comprising various frozen particle species (ice, snow, and graupel). The CloudSat ice water content retrieval algorithm is applied to the profiles of simulated reflectivity, and the results are compared to the modeled profiles of known frozen water mass. The results from each version of the algorithm are shown to be sensitive to the characteristics of the frozen particle size distributions and particle densities. Tests of version 5.0 indicate that height varying information could improve retrievals. Despite the addition of a height varying component implemented in version 5.1, similar positive biases are indicated in the tests of each algorithm.
Lloyd Shapley's Matching and Game Theory

This is a survey of Lloyd Shapley’s contributions to matching theory and game theory in general, starting with the work that inspired the Swedish Academy to award the 2012 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences to Lloyd Shapley and Alvin Roth.
Suppression of Genome Instability in pRB-Deficient Cells by Enhancement of Chromosome Cohesion

Chromosome instability (CIN), a common feature of solid tumors, promotes tumor evolution and increases drug resistance during therapy. We previously demonstrated that loss of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) tumor suppressor causes changes in centromere structure and generates CIN. However, the mechanism and significance of this change was unclear. Here, we show that defects in cohesion are key to the pRB loss phenotype. pRB loss alters H4K20 methylation, a prerequisite for efficient establishment of cohesion at centromeres. Changes in cohesin regulation are evident during S phase, where they compromise replication and increase DNA damage. Ultimately, such changes compromise mitotic fidelity following pRB loss. Remarkably, increasing cohesion suppressed all of these phenotypes and dramatically reduced CIN in cancer cells lacking functional pRB. These data explain how loss of pRB undermines genomic integrity. Given the frequent functional inactivation of pRB in cancer, conditions that increase cohesion may provide a general strategy to suppress CIN.
Glomerular Diseases: Emerging Tests and Therapies for IgA Nephropathy

The last decade has seen major progress in understanding the pathogenesis as well as the prognosis and treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Although the diagnostic criterion of a kidney biopsy demonstrating dominant or codominant IgA deposition remains unchanged, much more is known about the genetic and environmental factors predisposing to disease development and progression. These advances have led to the identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic markers. Among the most promising clinically are genetic profiling, quantification of galactose-deficient IgA1 levels, and measurement of anti-IgA1 immunoglobulins. While targeted treatment for IgAN remains elusive, there is mounting evidence for therapeutic interventions that alter the disease course. The appropriate validation and integration of these discoveries into clinical care represent a major challenge, but one that holds tremendous promise for refining prognostication, guiding therapy, and improving the lives of patients with IgAN.
Neuropsychological Laterality Indices of Schizophrenia: Interactions With Gender

Neurobehavioral laterality indices were examined across motor, sensory, language versus spatial, and verbal memory versus spatial memory domains for 75 patients with schizophrenia (45 men, 30 women) and 75 demographically matched healthy controls. Patients were impaired across tasks, and laterality results varied by domain. There was no evidence for diagnosis by hemisphere interactions in motor, sensory, or memory tasks. However, patients were more impaired in language than in spatial domains, which suggests relatively greater left hemisphere dysfunction. This finding was mediated by the sex of the participant. While patients as a group showed greater language than spatial impairment, male patients showed expected superiority in spatial relative to language performance, whereas female patients performed the same on both functions. These results underscore the importance of examining sex differences in laterality effects. The findings also demonstrate that, although the left hemisphere model of schizophrenia may be partially supported by data on higher cognitive functions, this support does not extend to more basic motor and sensory domains.
Anatomical loci of HIV-associated immune activation and association with viraemia

Summary Background Lymphocyte activation, associated with vaccination or infection, can be measured by positron emission tomography (PET). We investigated the ability of PET to detect and measure magnitude of lymph-node activation among asymptomatic HIV-1-infected individuals. Methods Initially we assessed PET response in eight HIV-1-uninfected individuals who had received licensed killed influenza vaccine. In an urban teaching hospital, we recruited 12 patients recently infected with HIV-1 ( Findings Node activation was more localised after vaccination than after HIV-1 infection. In early and chronic HIV-1 disease, node activation was greater in cervical and axillary than in inguinal and iliac chains (p r 2 =0·98, p Interpretation The anatomical restriction we noted may reflect microenvironmental niche selection, and tight correlation of PET signal with viraemia suggests target-cell activation determines steady-state viral replication.
A novel technique for modeling solder joint failure during system level drop simulations

This paper will describe a newly developed solder model that can accurately predict solder failure during a full product level drop. Currently, it is not feasible to include a detailed model of the solder ball assembly in a system level drop. Simple calculations show that the mesh count would exceed 10 million nodes just for the solder balls on a typical cellular phone printed circuit board! This has lead to the investigation of various techniques to replace the detailed solder joint model with a computationally simple form. The most promising approach is using an equivalent beam element, whose properties are generated from a detailed model. To ensure the mechanical response of the solder, experimentally obtained rate dependent material properties for lead-free solder data are used, along with a failure criterion based upon the pad finish and solder ball chemistry. Simulations of dynamic 4-pt bend testing have validated this technique and bounded the failure criterion consistent with the literature. Application of the modeling technique has allowed for solder ball failure prediction in fully populated cellular radio drop models and these results will form the basis of this paper
A NanoSIMS and Auger Nanoprobe investigation of an isotopically primitive interplanetary dust particle from the 55P/Tempel-Tuttle targeted stratospheric dust collector

Abstract– An IDP nicknamed Andric, from a stratospheric dust collector targeted to collect dust from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, contains five distinct presolar silicate and/or oxide grains in 14 ultramicrotome slices analyzed, for an estimated abundance of approximately 700 ppm in this IDP. Three of the grains are 17O-enriched and probably formed in low-mass red giant or asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars; the other two grains exhibit 18O enrichments and may have a supernova origin. Carbon and N isotopic analyses show that Andric also exhibits significant variations in its N isotopic composition, with numerous discrete 15N-rich hotspots and more diffuse regions that are also isotopically anomalous. Three 15N-rich hotspots also have statistically significant 13C enrichments. Auger elemental analysis shows that these isotopically anomalous areas consist largely of carbonaceous matter and that the anomalies may be hosted by a variety of components. In addition, there is evidence for dilution of the isotopically heavy components with an isotopically normal endmember; this may have occurred either as a result of extraterrestrial alteration or during atmospheric entry. Isotopically primitive IDPs such as Andric share many characteristics with primitive meteorites such as the CR chondrites, which also contain isotopically anomalous carbonaceous matter and abundant presolar silicate and oxide grains. Although comets are one likely source for the origin of primitive IDPs, the presence of similar characteristics in meteorites thought to come from the asteroid belt suggests that other origins are also possible. Indeed the distinction between cometary and asteroidal sources is somewhat blurred by recent observations of icy comet-like planetesimals in the outer asteroid belt.
The effect of broader, directed antimicrobial prophylaxis including fungal coverage on perioperative infectious complications after radical cystectomy

Abstract Objectives Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion has a significant risk of infection. In an effort to decrease the rate of infectious complications, we instituted a broader, culture-based preoperative antimicrobial regimen, including fungal coverage, and studied its effect on infectious complications after RC. Materials and methods In May 2013, antimicrobial prophylaxis for RC was changed at our institution after review of previous positive cultures. Ampicillin-sulbactam 3 g, gentamicin 4 mg/kg, and fluconazole 400 mg replaced cefoxitin. Patients undergoing RC from May 2011 to May 2014 were included. Before and after implementation of the new regimen, 30-day infectious complications (positive blood culture, urinary tract infection, wound infection, abscess, and pneumonia) and adverse events (Clostridium difficile, readmission, and mortality) were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for infection while controlling for covariates. Results In total, 386 patients were studied (258 before the change and 128 after). The overall infection rate decreased with the new regimen (41% vs. 30%, P = 0.043) with improvements in wound (14% vs. 6%, P = 0.025) and fungal (10% vs. 3%, P = 0.021) infections. Median length of stay decreased from 8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 7–12) to 7 (IQR: 7–10) days (P = 0.008). On multivariate analysis, the new regimen decreased the risk of infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, 95% CI [0.35–0.99], P = 0.044) whereas body mass index, operating room time, smoking, and total parenteral nutrition increased the risk (all P Conclusions Risk factors for infection after RC include body mass index, operating room time, smoking, and total parenteral nutrition use. Changing from cefoxitin to broader, culture-directed antimicrobial prophylaxis, based on institutional data to include antifungal coverage, decreased postoperative infections.
Molecular Pathology of Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Myeloid and Lymphoid Neoplasms with Eosinophilia and Abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and FGFR1, and Mastocytosis

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) are clonal hematopoietic neoplasms that display features of both myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). They typically display some degree of effective hematopoiesis, manifested by an increase in one or more peripheral counts and/or organomegaly due to extramedullary hematopoiesis. However, they also exhibit aspects of ineffective hematopoiesis with one or more cytopenias, morphologic dysplasia, and/or abnormal effector cell function. Although MDS/MPN entities have in common this combined discase phenotype, within each disease entity there is often a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, in some cases resembling “pure” MDS and in others “pure” MPN entities. Myeloblasts may be increased in MDS/MPN cases, and in some of these entities blast count defines prognostic groups as with MDS; however, the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) blast count is always less than 20%.
Migration of Ethylene Glycol from Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottles into 3% Acetic Acid

Migration of ethylene glycol (EG) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into the food simulate 3% acetic acid was studied using 32 fluid oz PET bottles filled with 3% acetic acid and stored at 32 degrees C for 6 months. Final concentration of EG in the 3% acetic acid migration solution was about 100 ppb, which is equivalent to about 94 microgram EG/bottle. A gas-liquid chromatographic procedure for quantitating EG was developed which is capable of measuring EG levels as low as 50 ppb in the migration solution.
Expression of two different forms of cDNA for thromboxane synthase in insect cells and site-directed mutagenesis of a critical cysteine residue.

Abstract cDNA coding for human placental thromboxane synthase (EC 5.3.99.5) was amplified by PCR from a human placental cDNA library and sequenced. This cDNA and a shorter cDNA isolated from a human lung cDNA library with a deletion of 163 bp near the 3' end were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells using a baculovirus expression system. The cDNA from human placenta was expressed as an active enzyme (60 kDa) with a specific activity higher than those reported from other cell types, whereas the shorter cDNA was expressed in an inactive form (52 kDa). The active recombinant enzyme appeared to be unglycosylated as the molecular mass and the enzyme activity were not altered in the presence of tunicamycin. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to convert a cysteine at position 480 in thromboxane synthase to a serine. This cysteine is found to be highly conserved in related cytochrome P-450 enzymes. The mutant enzyme was found to be inactive, although Western blot, immunoprecipitation and SDS/PAGE analysis indicated that the mutant enzyme was expressed at a level comparable with the wild-type enzyme. These results suggest that Cys-480 is essential for the enzyme catalytic activity and that the short-form cDNA may be a non-functional transcript.
Establishing and Maintaining Physical Exercise

Physical exercise can be defined as any goal-directed activity that is intended to improve or maintain physical fitness, and which involves the movement of skeletal muscles resulting in energy expenditure (Caspersen, Powell, & Christenson, 1985). This definition is important because it establishes the goal-directed nature of physical exercise, which distinguishes it from physical activity. For example, in reading this chapter, a number of physical activity behaviors will be performed (e.g., turning pages, shifting positions, walking to retrieve refreshments). However, these behaviors are not intended to promote or maintain health and therefore do not constitute physical exercise. Despite the importance of this distinction, it is difficult for researchers to objectively measure bouts of physical exercise, and gross measures of physical activity are usually used as a proxy indicator. Because this chapter is focused on physical exercise promotion, we will discuss findings in terms of physical exercise even when the primary studies used physical activity as an outcome variable.
Formation mechanism of karst soil-void in single-layer soil structure condition

Subsurface soil-voids are main potential geologic hazards being faced in engineering construction in karst regions.In order to analyze the formation mechanism of soil-voids,laboratory tests including physics model experiment and slaking test have been taken based on site investigation.For the regions with single-layer clay or silty clay,the authors divide the process of soil-void development into three phases corresponding to the void's position and its relationship with groundwater table.In the first phase,the initial soil-void forms usually along the weak zones of soil such as fractures and bedrock surface,and seepage deformation induced by karst water flow plays an important part in this process.In the second phase,the soil-void exists in the belt of phreatic fluctuation,and the soil disintegration for repeat soak is the key reason in the formation of soil-void.In the last phase,the soil-void is generally within the unsaturated zone and closes to ground,so the rainfall and surface water leakage along the soil fracture will influence the stability of the soil-void greatly.
Feedforward Control Strategy in Z-Source Inverter Adjustable-Speed Drives(ASD) System

This paper presents a novel feedforward control strategy in Z-source inverter adjustable-speed drives(ASD) system,which can eliminate the dc-link voltage ripple caused by input dc voltage ripple.The input dc voltage produced from three phase diode rectifier has 6-pulse ripple.Considering the extra Buck/Boost features of the Z-source inverter,the constant dc-link voltage can be obtained from controlling the shoot-through duty cycle.The effects of the input dc voltage 6-pulse ripple have been discussed in qualitative and quantificational method,respectively.Then,a feedforward control method in Z-source inverter ASD system is proposed.Based on the full compensation theory,the feedforward controller has been designed.Lastly the simulation and experimental results verified the validity of the proposed feedforward control method in Z-source inverter ASD system.
Preventing Readmissions in Children: How Do We Do That?

It is frankly unbelievable that we know so little about preventing hospital readmissions in children despite (1) 60 years of readmission study and discussion across the world1; (2) national endorsement of measurement and reduction of readmissions by esteemed entities such as the National Quality Forum, the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality2–4; (3) computer software designed to measure preventable readmissions5; and (4) financial penalties to hospitals (including children’s hospitals) with too many readmissions.6–8 There has been tremendous fervor about readmissions in adult patients, but this fervor does not sizzle at the same amplitude in children. To begin with, children (in general) have lower readmission rates than adults.9–12 Furthermore, in children, there is neither a wealth of data correlating quality of discharge care with readmission nor a clear understanding of best practices to prevent readmissions.13–15 So what’s the big deal with readmissions in children? Should we even care about them? Of course we should. First, many children do have a problem with discharge care (eg, incorrect dosing of a medication) that negatively affects their health after discharge. The burden placed on a family (and the accompanying stress) to remedy problems and issues regarding a child’s health after discharge can be devastating. The experience of worsening health after discharge and returning for another hospitalization is always an unwelcome occurrence in the life of a child. Readmissions, like all hospitalizations, are expensive, and they expose children to the dangers of the hospital environment (eg, nosocomial pathogens, adverse events). Finally, some children, especially those with medical complexity, have readmission rates that are as high as or higher than those for adult patients.10 Central to the issue of readmissions …
Curt Stern on Somatic Crossing Over.

![Figure][1] In the mid-1930s, Curt Stern was investigating why certain Drosophila mutants develop mosaic patches with different body bristle phenotypes, when he noticed a recurring pattern. In one particular cross, the offspring sometimes carried areas with one recessive phenotype (yellowish
Artificial Dense Granules: A Procoagulant Liposomal Formulation Modeled after Platelet Polyphosphate Storage Pools

Granular platelet-sized polyphosphate nanoparticles (polyP NPs) were encapsulated in sterically stabilized liposomes, forming a potential, targeted procoagulant nanotherapy resembling human platelet dense granules in both structure and functionality. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements reveal that artificial dense granules (ADGs) are colloidally stable and that the granular polyP NPs are encapsulated at high efficiencies. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM) indicates that the ADGs are monodisperse particles with a 150 nm diameter dense core consisting of P, Ca, and O surrounded by a corrugated 25 nm thick shell containing P, C, and O. Further, the ADGs manifest promising procoagulant activity: Detergent solubilization by Tween 20 or digestion of the lipid envelope by phospholipase C (PLC) allows for ADGs to trigger autoactivation of Factor XII (FXII), the first proteolytic step in the activation of the contact pathway of clotting. Moreover, ADGs' ability to reduce the clotting time of human plasma in the presence of PLC further demonstrate the feasibility to develop ADGs into a potential procoagulant nanomedicine.
Burden of illness: A systematic review of depression in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BackgroundDepression has been reported in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), but its prevalence varies across studies, and uncertainty remains regarding the association with baseline disea...
Corticospinal Tract in Newborns

The maturation and function of the corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts in the human newborn are reviewed from the Departments of Paediatrics, Pathology and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Kinetics of Microcracking and Dilatation in Polycrystalline Ice

The paper presents a micromechanically based, structure sensitive constitutive equation for creep and dilatation for uniaxial stress application. The model can be applied for constant stress as well as constant strain-rate loading conditions. It is based on intragranular dislocation creep enhanced by grain-facet size cracks produced during deformation by the embrittlement process that is caused by an intergranular sliding mechanism. Incorporation of the kinetics of microcracking activity, enhancement of the matrix creep by these cracks and the associated generation of void volume is the foundation of the theory.
Radical versus partial nephrectomy, chronic kidney disease progression and mortality in US veterans.

Author(s): Streja, Elani; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kamyar; Molnar, Miklos Z; Landman, Jaime; Arah, Onyebuchi A; Kovesdy, Csaba P | Abstract: BackgroundPartial nephrectomy is considered the preferred care for localized kidney tumors and may yield better patient and kidney survival and similar oncological outcomes compared with radical nephrectomy. We sought to reexamine these hypotheses in a large nationally representative cohort of US veterans who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy.MethodsWe identified 7073 US veterans who had a partial or radical nephrectomy between 2004 and 2013. We collected data on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) prior to admission for nephrectomy surgery, immediately after surgery and 180 days postsurgery. We evaluated the association of nephrectomy type and eGFR at different time points with long-term mortality risk in adjusted survival models.ResultsPatients who underwent radical (compared to partial) nephrectomy had a 2-fold greater decline in eGFR (-21.8 ± 17.7 versus -10.3 ± 17.4 mL/min/1.73 m2) immediately after surgery. This larger drop in eGFR resulted in a larger proportion of radical nephrectomy patients having an eGFR l60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at ≥180 days postsurgery. Radical (compared to partial) nephrectomy patients also exhibited a 2.2-fold higher mortality [adjusted death hazard ratio 2.21 (95% confidence interval 1.91-2.55)]. Low eGFRs prior to surgery and 180 days postsurgery were associated with higher risk of postnephrectomy death.ConclusionsWorse postnephrectomy kidney function and higher mortality were observed with radical nephrectomy, and a low presurgical eGFR and a greater decrease in eGFR postsurgery were associated with worse mortality irrespective of the type of nephrectomy. Additional studies are needed to examine predictors of postnephrectomy outcomes.
Alcohol consumption patterns and HIV viral suppression among persons receiving HIV care in Florida: an observational study

Alcohol consumption has been associated with poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence but less is known about its relationship to HIV viral suppression, or whether certain drinking patterns have a stronger association than others. The objectives of this study were to determine the association of different patterns of alcohol consumption to HIV viral suppression and ART adherence, and to determine whether any associations of alcohol with HIV viral suppression were mediated by poor ART adherence. This observational study used baseline data from 619 HIV+ participants, recruited across 8 clinical and community settings across Florida as part of the Florida Cohort from 2014 to 2016. Alcohol consumption was measured by self-report, and grouped into four categories: heavy drinking (>7/week for women or >14 drinks/week for men); binge, but not heavy drinking (≥4 or >5 drinks/occasion for women and men, respectively), low level drinking (neither heavy nor binge), and abstinence. Serum HIV RNA measurements were obtained from statewide HIV surveillance data, and durable viral suppression was defined as achieving HIV viral suppression (<200 copies/ml) at every assessment in the past 12 months. The majority of the 619 participants were male (63%) and aged 45 or greater (65%). The proportion of participants with heavy, binge, low-level drinking and abstinence was 9, 25, 37 and 30%, respectively. Optimal ART adherence (≥95%) was reported by 68%, and 60% achieved durable viral suppression. In multivariable analysis controlling for demographic factors, drug use, and homelessness, heavy drinking (compared to abstinence) was associated with increased odds of failing to achieve durable viral suppression (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.08–4.32) whereas binge drinking alone was not significantly associated with this outcome (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.64–1.70). Both heavy drinking and binge drinking were significantly associated with suboptimal ART adherence. Mediation analyses suggested that only a small proportion of the relationship between heavy drinking and suboptimal viral suppression was due to poor ART adherence. Exceeding weekly recommended levels of alcohol consumption (heavy drinking) was significantly associated with poor HIV viral suppression and ART non-adherence, while binge drinking was associated with suboptimal ART adherence in this sample. Clinicians should attempt to address heavy drinking in their patients with HIV.