cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive technique in treatment of complex, subcutaneous abscesses in children ☆

The rising prevalence of community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has correlated with an escalating number of complex, subcutaneous abscesses in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to present a novel technique and early outcome results for the minimally invasive drainage of complex, subcutaneous abscesses. Methods: Patients' outcomes from the treatment of complex, subcutaneous abscesses were retrospectively reviewed under institutional review board approval from July 2006 to August 2007 at 2 independent, tertiary care pediatric hospitals. Data on patients' demographics, length of hospital stay, and length of treatment were collected, along with analysis of the isolated organisms. The operative technique uses drainage of the abscess through peripheral stab incisions. Cavity debridement and irrigation is followed by placement of a vessel-loop drain through the drainage incisions. Topical wound care without packing is performed twice a day. Drain removal follows resolution of cellulitis and drainage. Results: One hundred twenty-eight patients were treated over a 14-month period. The ratio of females to males was 1.25:1. Average patient age was 51.5 months (median, 21 months) and ranged from 5 weeks to 18 years. The average length of hospital stay was 1.5 days, though 30 patients were treated on an outpatient basis. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 76% of the cultured specimens. Average length of drain use was 9 days (range, 5-29 days). There were no local recurrences of subcutaneous abscesses. There was no morbidity related to the drainage procedures. Conclusion: We present a successful technique for the drainage and treatment of complex abscesses in children with limited, postoperative wound care and no morbidity or recurrence.
Effects of a diel oxygen cycle on nitrogen transformations and greenhouse gas emissions in a eutrophied subtropical stream

Rivers and streams constitute a major pathway for material transport from land to sea and an important source of greenhouse gases. Short-term variation in stream chemistry due to day-night oxygen (O 2) fluctuations could significantly affect a stream's capacity to transport nutri- ents and produce greenhouse gases. Though it is well es- tablished that diel cycles are important in controlling O 2 and CO2 dynamics, the study of diel dynamics of other redox-sensitive elements has been fairly limited. Here we show that a subtropical stream can undergo complete re- duction and oxidation sequences in just a few hours. This redox fluctuation has important consequences for down- stream transfer of nutrients and for greenhouse gas pro-
Impact of psychological factors on objective ambulatory measures in patients with intermittent claudication

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in objective measures of ambulation and psychosocial factors in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) stratified by type D personality, which incorporates elements of social inhibition and negative affectivity. Methods During a 1-year period, routine history and physical examination, ankle-brachial index, and pulse volume recording were performed on IC patients. Questionnaires assessing type D personality and psychosocial factors were also collected. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was performed, assessing symptoms and distance walked. Univariate and multivariate methods were used to assess the association between ambulation and type D personality. Results Seventy-one patients were enrolled (mean age, 62.5 ± 1.1 years; mean ankle-brachial index, 0.55 ± 0.03). Mean distance to symptoms and total distance walked were 83.7 ± 80.1 m and 206.5 ± 126.3 m, respectively. Type D personality was present in 29.6% of the population (n = 21). On 6MWT, 83.1% of all patients developed symptoms, and 57.4% quit because of symptoms. Univariate analysis of objective measures of ambulation demonstrated lower distance to symptoms in the type D group and trends toward lower total distance walked and quitting the 6MWT. Multivariate models showed increased odds of quitting the 6MWT (odds ratio, 7.71; P = .01) and less total distance walked by an average of 33.2 ± 13.3 m ( P = .02) for the type D group. Conclusions Despite equivalent demographic, medical, and psychosocial factors, the type D group was limited in ambulation, suggesting that type D personality is a strong predictor of disease impact in patients with IC.
Asymmetric Friction of Nonmotor MAPs Can Lead to Their Directional Motion in Active Microtubule Networks

SUMMARY Diverse cellular processes require microtubules to be organized into distinct structures, such as asters or bundles. Within these dynamic motifs, microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are frequently under load, but how force modulates these proteins’ function is poorly understood. Here, we combine optical trapping with TIRF-based microscopy to measure the force dependence of microtubule interaction for three nonmotor MAPs (NuMA, PRC1, and EB1) required for cell division. We find that frictional forces increase nonlinearly with MAP velocity across microtubules and depend on filament polarity, with NuMA’s friction being lower when moving toward minus ends, EB1’s lower toward plus ends, and PRC1’s exhibiting no directional preference. Mathematical models predict, and experiments confirm, that MAPs with asymmetric friction can move directionally within actively moving microtubule pairs they crosslink. Our findings reveal how nonmotor MAPs can generate frictional resistance in dynamic cytoskeletal networks via micromechanical adaptations whose anisotropy may be optimized for MAP localization and function within cellular structures.
Antiplatelet therapy in ischemic stroke: variability in clinical trials and its impact on choosing the appropriate therapy.

Abstract Antiplatelet therapy is an integral component of effective secondary prevention after non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Numerous clinical trials have tested the efficacy and safety of different antiplatelet regimens, including aspirin monotherapy, clopidogrel monotherapy, the combination of aspirin plus clopidogrel, and the combination of aspirin plus dipyridamole, in patients with a history of arterial ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Although competing, head-to-head comparisons between aspirin plus dipyridamole and clopidogrel were not previously available, various professional societies have outlined evidence-based recommendations for antiplatelet therapy in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA. Based on these guidelines, many experts in the field implicitly assumed that aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole was the most effective antiplatelet treatment for stroke patients. However, these assumptions were called into question upon publication of the results from the Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS) trial. The results of PRoFESS thus highlight the pitfalls of making conclusions of relative therapy efficacy in the absence of head-to-head comparisons. This article presents an overview of the factors that differ between clinical trials and “real-world” patient populations, as well as factors that differ among clinical trials themselves. The article also addresses the potential impact these differences may have on clinical trial results and subsequent clinical decision making.
A spatio-temporal power method for time-domain multi-channel speech enhancement

We present a new multi-stage iterative technique for enhancing noisy speech under low signal-to-interference-ratio (SNR) environments. In the present paper, the speech is enhanced in two stages, in the first stage the noise component of the observed signal is whitened, and in the second stage a spatio-temporal power method is used to extract the desired speech component. In both the stages, the coefficient adaptation is performed using the multi-channel spatio-temporal correlation sequences of the observed data. The technique is mathematically equivalent and is computationally simpler than the existing generalized eigenvalue decomposition (GEVD) or the generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD) based techniques. Simulation results under low SNR diffuse noise scenarios indicate significant gains in SNR without introducing musical noise artifacts.
Virologic and serologic surveillance for human, swine and avian influenza virus infections among pigs in the north-central United States.

Influenza virus infection in pigs is both an animal health problem and a public health concern. As such, surveillance and characterization of influenza viruses in swine is important to the veterinary community and should be a part of human pandemic preparedness planning. Studies in 1976/1977 and 1988/1989 demonstrated that pigs in the U.S. were commonly infected with classical swine H1N1 viruses, whereas human H3 and avian influenza virus infections were very rare. In contrast, human H3 and avian H1 viruses have been isolated frequently from pigs in Europe and Asia over the last two decades. From September 1997 through August 1998, we isolated 26 influenza viruses from pigs in the north central United States at the point of slaughter. All 26 isolates were H1N1 viruses, and phylogenetic analyses of the hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein genes from 11 representative viruses demonstrated that these were classical swine H1 viruses. However, monoclonal antibody analyses revealed antigenic heterogeneity among the HA proteins of the 26 viruses. Serologically, 27.7% of 2,375 pigs tested had hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies against classical swine H1 influenza virus. Of particular significance, however, the rates of seropositivity to avian H1 (7.6%) and human H3 (8.0%) viruses were substantially higher than in previous studies.
Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes: Back to the Future?

In this issue of Diabetes , two articles highlight the emergence of inflammation's contribution to insulin resistance and to chronic diseases in humans. The common feature in each article is the inflammation–obesity–insulin resistance connection, but each article approaches the investigation from a completely different perspective. Specifically, the study of Ortega Martinez de Victoria et al. (1) comments on factors related to macrophage activation in adipocytes as a source for cytokines for systemic inflammatory effects. In contrast, the study of Haus et al. (2) provides data on systemic effects resulting from inflammatory activation, namely, the relationship of cytokines with circulating lipid intermediates. Approximately 2,000 years ago, Aulus (Aurelius) Cornelius Celsus, a Roman physician, was credited with the first recording of the cardinal signs of inflammation, which included calor (warmth), dolor (pain), tumor (swelling), and rubor (redness and hyperemia) (3). This general description of inflammation appears to have served clinical medicine well for most of the 2,000 years since it was first described. Until the recent past, no one would have ever envisioned that inflammation would be considered a root cause of the pathogenesis of metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity or a potential molecular target for diabetes therapies. But these statements for the inflammatory pathway represent present-day reality for basic and clinical human investigation. The association of inflammation with carbohydrate metabolism can actually be traced back to reports from the 1800s. Shoelson et al. (4) describe these reports in a historical review. Specifically, they cite reports from over a century ago in which high-dose salicylates appeared to decrease glycosuria in individuals classified as diabetic (presumably type 2 diabetes). The works of Ebstein in 1876 and Williamson in 1901 were also cited. These works …
A Fusion Protein Vaccine Containing OprF Epitope 8, OprI, and Type A and B Flagellins Promotes Enhanced Clearance of Nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Although chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, there is no approved vaccine for human use against P. aeruginosa. The goal of this study was to establish whether a multivalent vaccine containing P. aeruginosa type A and B flagellins as well as the outer membrane proteins OprF and OprI would promote enhanced clearance of P. aeruginosa. Intramuscular immunization with flagellins and OprI (separate) or OprI-flagellin fusion proteins generated significant antiflagellin immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses. However, only the fusions of OprI with type A and type B flagellins generated OprI-specific IgG. Immunization with a combination of OprF epitope 8 (OprF311-341), OprI, and flagellins elicited high-affinity IgG antibodies specific to flagellins, OprI, and OprF that individually promoted extensive deposition of C3 on P. aeruginosa. Although these antibodies exhibited potent antibody-dependent complement-mediated killing of nonmucoid bacteria, they were significantly less effective with mucoid isolates. Mice immunized with the OprF311-341-OprI-flagellin fusion had a significantly lower bacterial burden three days postchallenge and cleared the infection significantly faster than control mice. In addition, mice immunized with the OprF311-341-OprI-flagellin fusion had significantly less inflammation and lung damage throughout the infection than OprF-OprI-immunized mice. Based on our results, OprF311-341-OprI-flagellin fusion proteins have substantial potential as components of a vaccine against nonmucoid P. aeruginosa, which appears to be the phenotype of the bacterium that initially colonizes CF patients.
Relationship between alternate routes of tryptophan metabolism following administration of tryptophan peroxidase inducers or stressors.

— Administration of glucocorticoids to rats increased the activity of hepatic tryptophan peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.4) and lowered brain serotonin. Pretreatment with glucose diminished both of these effects. Administration of allylisopropylacetamide to adrenalecto-mized rats increased both the activity of tryptophan peroxidase and the level of brain serotonin but had no effect on tryptophan hydroxylase (EC 1.99.1.4) activity in the brain stem. The activity of tryptophan peroxidase was increased by the acute stress of laparotomy and by the chronic stress of a 72-h fast. Neither stressor affected brain serotonin levels appreciably. These results argue against the proposal that the activity of tryptophan peroxidase activity directly affects synthesis of brain serotonin by diverting tryptophan from the biosynthesis of this monoamine.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of IκBα Activates NFκB through a Redox-regulated and c-Src-dependent Mechanism Following Hypoxia/Reoxygenation

NF kappa B is a critical transcription factor involved in modulating cellular responses to environmental injuries. Tyrosine 42 phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha has been shown to mediate NF kappa B activation following hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) or pervanadate treatment. This pathway differs from the canonical proinflammatory pathways, which mediate NF kappa B activation through serine phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha by the IKK complex. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of c-Src in the redox activation of NFkappaB following H/R or pervanadate treatment. Our results demonstrate that pervanadate or H/R treatment leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha and NF kappa B transcriptional activation independent of the IKK pathway. In contrast, inhibition of c-Src by pp2 treatment or in c-Src (-/-) knockout cell lines, demonstrated a significant reduction in I kappa B alpha tyrosine phosphorylation and NF kappa B activation following pervanadate or H/R treatment. Overexpression of glutathione peroxidase-1 or catalase, but not Mn-SOD or Cu,Zn-SOD, significantly reduced both NF kappa B activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha. In vitro kinase assays further demonstrated that immunoprecipitated c-Src has the capacity to directly phosphorylate GST-I kappa B alpha and that this I kappa B alpha kinase activity is significantly reduced by Gpx-1 overexpression. These results suggest that c-Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha and subsequent activation of NF kappa B is controlled by intracellular H(2)O(2) and defines an important redox-regulated pathway for NF kappa B activation following H/R injury that is independent of the IKK complex.
Wnt/Frizzled Signaling Controls C. elegans Gastrulation by Activating Actomyosin Contractility

Summary Background Embryonic patterning mechanisms regulate the cytoskeletal machinery that drives morphogenesis, but there are few cases where links between patterning mechanisms and morphogenesis are well understood. We have used a combination of genetics, in vivo imaging, and cell manipulations to identify such links in C. elegans gastrulation. Gastrulation in C. elegans begins with the internalization of endodermal precursor cells in a process that depends on apical constriction of ingressing cells. Results We show that ingression of the endodermal precursor cells is regulated by pathways, including a Wnt-Frizzled signaling pathway, that specify endodermal cell fate. We find that Wnt signaling has a role in gastrulation in addition to its earlier roles in regulating endodermal cell fate and cell-cycle timing. In the absence of Wnt signaling, endodermal precursor cells polarize and enrich myosin II apically but fail to contract their apical surfaces. We show that a regulatory myosin light chain normally becomes phosphorylated on the apical side of ingressing cells at a conserved site that can lead to myosin-filament formation and contraction of actomyosin networks and that this phosphorylation depends on Wnt signaling. Conclusions We conclude that Wnt signaling regulates C. elegans gastrulation through regulatory myosin light-chain phosphorylation, which results in the contraction of the apical surface of ingressing cells. These findings forge new links between cell-fate specification and morphogenesis, and they represent a novel mechanism by which Wnt signaling can regulate morphogenesis.
Underpinnings of Competency-Based Education

Context: To understand and appropriately implement competency-based education (CBE) to its fullest potential in professional programs, an investigation of its evolution is required. Objective: To reveal the development of the CBE approach now dominating many professional programs in higher education, including Athletic Training Education Programs (ATEPs). While behavioral science research at the turn of the 20th century laid the groundwork for the CBE approach, the process used to establish its construct in education stemmed from scientific management methodology used in industry. A history of various educational paradigms, including social efficiency, essentialism, and vocationalism, contributed to the birth and eventual use of the CBE approach in professional programs. Data Sources: Literature reviewed for this article included published articles and books pertaining to CBE and the sciences, philosophies, theories, and educational paradigms that constitute the underpinnings of the CBE approach used in h...
An exploratory examination of the social capital and FDI linkage and the moderating role of regulatory quality: A cross‐country study

Despite the urge for broader macro-level examinations of the distinct social constructions within which economic activities take place, numerous national-level studies of the determinants of foreign-invested firms have paid little attention to the roles played by social capital and its contingent value in affecting foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Drawing on the logic of social capital and institutional theory, this article seeks to offer a complementary, rather than a substitutional, explanation of FDI by examining empirically the national-level impacts of social capital (trust and associative activity) on FDI and the moderating role of regulatory quality in this relationship. Based on the data of 165 country series from the World Value Survey and the World Bank, our analytical results supported the hypotheses that the rich endowments of social capital positively contributed to the attraction of FDI and such effects are also contingent on the regulatory quality that further strengthened such relationships. These findings also suggest strong implications for managers implementing an FDI and market entry strategy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characteristics of self-consolidating concrete with RAP and SCM

Abstract Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is used nowadays in many of concrete construction projects. It has superior characteristics such as a low yield and considerable viscosity. In addition, it does not segregate. These characteristics make it very attractive to contractors. Also, SCC is used when there is no access to vibrators or when it is difficult to vibrate to consolidate the concrete in the event of having heavy and complex reinforcements. The SCC can consolidate itself under the effect of its self-weight without the need for mechanical compaction. The aggregates are used as fillers in the concrete mixture to provide the needed volume and it is also a cheap material, but it is not renewable material. Therefore, the use of waste materials such as recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) to replace a percent of the conventional aggregates can result in a more cost-effective and sustainable concrete. The objective of this study is to investigate the fresh and hardened properties of more sustainable SCC that contains both supplementary cementitious material (SCM) and RAP. A conventional control Portland cement concrete (PCC) SCC mixture with targeted properties was developed and its properties were altered later to produce the remaining RAP concrete mixtures. The concrete mixtures had similar properties to the control concrete mixtures, but up to 40% coarse aggregates was replaced by RAP. It is possible to prepare concrete mixtures containing both SCM and RAP as slump flow values of mixtures were above the minimum limits of SCC. It was found that the compressive and tensile strength of concrete decreases as the RAP content increases. Adding fly ash seems to result in lower strength than that when slag is added. Increasing RAP content may increase the amount of free shrinkage. Adding RAP may reduce the beam load carrying capacity. Increasing RAP content may make reinforced concrete beams stiffer.
Enhanced electrogenerated chemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA (bpy=2,2`-bipyridine; TPrA=tri-n-propylamine) via oxygen quenching using melatonin

Abstract The effect on the electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of the Ru(bpy) 3 2+ /TPrA (bpy=2,2׳-bipyridine; TPra=tri-n-propylamine) system when melatonin ( N -acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine; MLT) and structurally related compounds (e.g., d - and l -Tryptophan (TRY), 7-Azatryptophan (7-AZA) and Serotonin (SER)) are present in aqueous buffered solution is reported. MLT, d - and l -TRY, SER and 7-AZA display weak intrinsic ECL when TPrA is used as an oxidative–reductive coreactant. However, micromolar concentrations of melatonin result in up to 2.5-fold enhancement of Ru(bpy) 3 2+ /TPrA ECL while the other analytes attenuate ECL between 2- and 1000-fold. Photoluminescence (PL) emission efficiencies do not change in the presence of melatonin unless the melatonin solution has undergone electrochemical bulk oxidation, at which point PL and ECL are nearly indistinguishable. Spectroscopic, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies indicate that the mechanism involves oxygen scavenging by melatonin oxidation products. This scavenging prevents the quenching of the * Ru(bpy) 3 2+ excited states by dissolved oxygen in solution. Melatonin can be coupled with 30% by volume 2,2,2-trifluorethanol (TFE) or with the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 (polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether) for even greater enhancement of Ru(bpy) 3 2+ /TPrA ECL.
Probing the Pathophysiology of Leukemic Response by Premature Chromosome Condensation

The myeloid leukemic process is generally thought to involve a series of genetic changes in a hematopoietic progenitor or stem cell that results in a dysregulation of proliferation and maturation of myeloid elements. The clinical manifestation of this process is the impaired production of mature myeloid elements and platelets culminating in an increased risk for fatal infection and hemorrhage. Remission induction is generally thought to decrease the tumor burden by cytotoxic mechanisms and allow restoration of normal hematopoiesis. While it is useful to think of leukemic response in such terms, there is increasing evidence to suggest that other processes might be involved such as induced maturation of leukemic elements and modulation of the factors elicited by leukemic elements that impact normal hematopoiesis.
Abstract 2734: Thrombolytics, Treatment, Transfer, and Triage: Improving Access to Stroke Care in Eastern North Carolina

Background: We are a Certified Primary Stroke Center (PSC) at a regional health system serving 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. High poverty rates, socioeconomic, and demographics factors, create challenges for access to care in the heart of the stroke buckle. Purpose: This endeavor promotes best practice for acute stroke care and optimizes outcomes for patients. The PSC serves as the hub, offering supportive resources to community hospitals with an immediate feedback loop that fosters a seamless transfer process through a drip and ship model. As a result of outreach efforts in the region, an increased number of patients will receive thrombolytic therapy. Implementation of this model creates a community network that is well prepared to become a true stroke system of care. Methods: Development of a comprehensive transfer protocol that includes an algorithmic decision tree and continuous quality feedback loop Ongoing data analysis and sharing Key stakeholder collaboration 24/7 resource availability Immediate feedback loop to include phone calls Results: Regional transfers to our facility after t-PA, increased steadily each year from six in 2006 to 52 in 2010, illustrating a significant increase in t-PA utilization. Clinical outcomes were tracked throughout the hospital course to identify stroke severity and disposition. This resulted in a comprehensive analysis of all regional transfers post t-PA, prompting evaluation of t-PA utilization based on phone consults and the feasibility of triage for admission to an ICU or IU based on 18 months of clinical data. Last NIHSS 71% of regional transfers had a last NIHSS Regional and PSC average NIHSS comparison: Regional first NIHSS was13, last NIHSS - 9.9; PSC first NIHSS -11.5, last NIHSS 5.2 Conclusions: An increased number of patients are receiving thrombolytic therapy in our community hospitals as a result of outreach efforts in the region. Regional partnerships continue to grow. With growth comes an increased responsibility to explore every aspect of acute stroke treatment that may impact overall clinical outcomes. While the clinical efficacy of t-PA for stroke has been proven in numerous clinical trials, we are obligated as a PSC to take stroke care to the next level and continuously evaluate opportunities for improvement that will guide us to maximize EVERY patient’s outcome.
Molecular Genetics of Insect Behavior

Behavior genetics is the study of the underlying hereditary basis of behavior. For many years, Mendelian genetic analyses were conducted on a few traits determined by one or a few genes, or quantitative genetic methods were used for the traits determined by “many” genes. The Drosophila Genome Project and the use of molecular genetic methods are revolutionizing the analysis of the genetic basis of insect behavior. Circadian behaviors, mating behavior, and learning in Drosophila have been dissected with the tools of molecular genetics, and inter- and intraspecific comparisons can be made of the DNA sequences associated with these behaviors. The circadian clock of Drosophila involves several genes, including period + ( per +). Mutants of period influence activity patterns and other circadian rhythms, as well as altering song cycles in courting males. Drosophila learning mutants, such as dunce and couch potato, are providing insights into the fundamental processes involved in short-term, intermediate, long-term, and anesthetic resistant learning in insects and other organisms. Analyses of behaviors that are determined by many genes are being revolutionized by the use of molecular genetic methods and the Drosophila Genome Project. It now is possible to map the number and location of genes affecting complex traits by correlating their inheritance with a variety of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) markers and by conducting gene chip analyses.
Ethics and the Law of Contract Juxtaposed: A Jaundiced View of Professional Responsibility Considerations in the Attorney-Client Relationship

In their professional dealings, attorneys perform a wide variety of societal roles. Whether acting as counselor, mediator, litigator, negotiator, or fiduciary and guardian of their clients' interests, attorneys are set on a pedestal, apart from all other professionals. They are subject to distinctive guidelines and rules, not only with respect to representing their clients' interests, but often with regard to separate or tangentially related commercial transactions with those clients. Usually these guidelines and rules are far more restrictive than those to which other professions or even other kinds of fiduciaries are subject. This article explores the professional responsibility required of attorneys in their commercial relations as compared with the professional expectations demanded of other professions and fiduciaries. We find that the expectations for attorneys are continually said to be much higher than for other professionals, and we question whether those expectations are warranted.
Microsatellite instability and prostate cancer: clinical and pathological implications.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to discuss early and recent reports investigating microsatellite instability and mismatch repair expression in prostate cancer. Recent findings Human mismatch repair genes encode highly conserved interacting proteins that suppress genetic instability by correcting misincorporated nucleotides and insertion/deletion mispairs formed during DNA replication. Mismatch repair deficiency causes genetic instability at microsatellite sequences because of the cell's inability to correct errors caused by DNA polymerase slippage at repetitive sequences. Microsatellite instability is characteristic of mismatch repair deficiency, and has been used as a surrogate marker for the inactivation of mismatch repair genes. Inherited mismatch repair gene mutations predispose to gastrointestinal and genitourinary malignancies in a cancer predisposition syndrome known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma. Although strong evidence for an inherited predisposition to prostate cancer does not exist in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma, mismatch repair deficiency and mismatch repair gene mutations have been described in sporadic prostate cancer and prostate cancer cell lines. Early reports detected microsatellite instability in prostate cancer, and correlated this genetic alteration to clinical and pathological findings in men diagnosed with this malignancy. Recent reports have identified mismatch repair gene mutations, mismatch repair deficiency and differential mismatch repair gene expression in prostate cancer. In addition, a prognostic role for mismatch repair gene expression in prostate cancer has been suggested. Summary The early identification of microsatellite instability in prostate cancer led to more specific investigation of mismatch repair gene expression. Although additional research is required, mismatch repair gene expression may have important biological and clinical significance in prostate cancer.
Identification of Genes Associated with Resilience/Vulnerability to Sleep Deprivation and Starvation in Drosophila

Background and Study Objectives: Flies mutant for the canonical clock protein cycle (cyc01) exhibit a sleep rebound that is ∼10 times larger than wild-type flies and die after only 10 h of sleep deprivation. Surprisingly, when starved, cyc01 mutants can remain awake for 28 h without demonstrating negative outcomes. Thus, we hypothesized that identifying transcripts that are differentially regulated between waking induced by sleep deprivation and waking induced by starvation would identify genes that underlie the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation and/or protect flies from the negative consequences of waking. Design: We used partial complementary DNA microarrays to identify transcripts that are differentially expressed between cyc01 mutants that had been sleep deprived or starved for 7 h. We then used genetics to determine whether disrupting genes involved in lipid metabolism would exhibit alterations in their response to sleep deprivation. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Participants: Drosophila melanogaster. Interventions: Sleep deprivation and starvation. Measurements and Results: We identified 84 genes with transcript levels that were differentially modulated by 7 h of sleep deprivation and starvation in cyc 01 mutants and were confirmed in independent samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Several of these genes were predicted to be lipid metabolism genes, including bubblegum, cueball, and CG4500, which based on our data we have renamed heimdall (hll ). Using lipidomics we confirmed that knockdown of hll using RNA interference significantly decreased lipid stores. Importantly, genetically modifying bubblegum, cueball, or hll resulted in sleep rebound alterations following sleep deprivation compared to genetic background controls. Conclusions: We have identified a set of genes that may confer resilience/vulnerability to sleep deprivation and demonstrate that genes involved in lipid metabolism modulate sleep homeostasis.
Transient Temperature Distributions in a Cylinder Heated by Microwaves

Transient temperature distributions were calculated for a lossy dielectric cylinder coaxially aligned in a cylindrical microwave cavity excited in a single mode. Results were obtained for sample sizes that range from fibers to large cylinders. Realistic values for temperature dependent complex dielectric constants and thermophysical properties of the samples were used. Losses in cavity walls were taken into account as were realistic thermal emissivities at all surfaces. For a fine mesh of points in time, normal mode properties and microwave power absorption profiles were evaluated using analytic expressions. Those expressions correspond to exact solutions of Maxwell`s equations within the framework of a cylindrical shell model. Heating produced by the microwave absorption was included in self-consistent numerical solutions of thermal equations. In this model, both direct microwave heating and radiant heating of the sample (hybrid heating) were studied by including a lossy dielectric tube surrounding the sample. Calculated results are discussed within the context of two parametric studies. One is concerned with relative merits of microwave and hybrid heating of fibers, rods, and larger cylinders. The other is concerned with thermal runaway.
Relative Effectiveness of ULV Spray Applications of Spores of Nosema locustae Against Grasshoppers

Spores of Nosema locustae Canning were applied in ULV aqueous sprays at 6.18 × 109 spores/585 ml water/ha, 1.24 × 1010 spores in 585 ml water/ha, and 2.47 × 1010 spores in 585 ml water/ha and were compared to standard treatments of 2.47 × 109 spores on 1.68 kg wheat bran/ha and to untreated checks. Densities of grasshoppers in plots treated with spores on wheat bran were significantly lower 4 and 7 wk after treatment than densities in plots treated with the ULV sprays and in check plots. Also, a higher incidence of infection resulted from the spore-wheat bran treatment than from spores in ULV sprays.
Parathyroid hormone. Does it have a role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis

Of the many functions that parathyroid hormone serves, none is more important than its role to maintain calcium homeostasis. Intrinsic to the aging process is changes in the synthesis, metabolism, and responsiveness of parathyroid hormone. This article explores whether the age-associated changes in parathyroid hormone are causally related to the age-associated changes in bone mass. On the other hand, some of the apparent changes in parathyroid hormone associated with aging may be adaptive, serving to protect the aging skeleton. More information is needed to sort out these diametrically opposite views.
Ultra-high resolution steady-state micro-thermometry using a bipolar direct current reversal technique

The suspended micro-thermometry measurement technique is one of the most prominent methods for probing the in-plane thermal conductance of low dimensional materials, where a suspended microdevice containing two built-in platinum resistors that serve as both heater and thermometer is used to measure the temperature and heat flow across a sample. The presence of temperature fluctuations in the sample chamber and background thermal conductance through the device, residual gases, and radiation are dominant sources of error when the sample thermal conductance is comparable to or smaller than the background thermal conductance, on the order of 300 pW/K at room temperature. In this work, we present a high resolution thermal conductance measurement scheme in which a bipolar direct current reversal technique is adopted to replace the lock-in technique. We have demonstrated temperature resolution of 1.0-2.6 mK and thermal conductance resolution of 1.7-26 pW/K over a temperature range of 30-375 K. The background thermal conductance of the suspended microdevice is determined accurately by our method and allows for straightforward isolation of this parasitic signal. This simple and high-throughput measurement technique yields an order of magnitude improvement in resolution over similarly configured lock-in amplifier techniques, allowing for more accurate investigation of fundamental phonon transport mechanisms in individual nanomaterials.
Cancer cell cannibalism and the SASP: Ripples in the murky waters of tumor dormancy

Relapse in cancer patients following an apparent cure and a prolonged latency period, known as tumor dormancy, remains an unrelenting clinical crisis. Here, I expand on our recent findings that potentially link cancer cell cannibalism of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and tumor dormancy.
Inequality and inequity

Kelley and Evans (2017) found that income inequality (measured at the societal level) did not affect individual well-being in advanced societies but increased individual well-being in developing societies. This paper discusses how this empirical patterning of the inequality-well-being relationship may arise from mechanisms related to the relationship of inequality with economic development (at the macro-sociological level) and to the evolution of emotional reactions to inequality (at the individual-psychological level).
Quality Configurable Approximate DRAM

Approximate computing is an emerging design paradigm that leverages the inherent error tolerance present in many applications to improve their power consumption and performance. Due to the forgiving nature of these error-resilient applications, precise input data is not always necessary for them to produce outputs of acceptable quality. This makes the memory subsystem (i.e., the place where data is stored), a suitable component for introducing approximations in return for substantial energy savings. Towards this end, this paper proposes a systematic methodology for constructing a quality configurable approximate DRAM system. Our design is based upon an extensive experimental characterization of memory errors as a function of the DRAM refresh-rate. Leveraging the insights gathered from this characterization, we propose four novel strategies for partitioning the DRAM in a system into a number of quality bins based on the frequency, location, and nature of bit errors in each of the physical pages, while also taking into account the property of variable retention time exhibited by DRAM cells. During data allocation, critical data is placed in the highest quality bin (that contains only accurate pages) and approximate data is allocated to bins sorted in descending order of quality, with the refresh rate serving as the quality control knob. We validate our proposed scheme on several error-resilient applications implemented using an Altera Stratix IV GX FPGA based Terasic TR4-230 development board containing a 1GB DDR3 DRAM module. Experimental results demonstrate a significant improvement in the energy-quality trade-off compared to previous work and show a reduction in DRAM refresh power of up to 73 percent on average with minimal loss in output quality.
Value Creation by Diversified Firms Over Time

The diversification discount is widely attributed to inefficient cross-subsidization of projects, and interpreted as evidence of value destruction in diversified firms. However, most empirical research has focused on a static comparison of firm values at a particular point in time or has examined changes in firm values surrounding changes in organizational form rather than comparing the dynamic performance of diversified and focused firms over time. We investigate changes in firm excess value, conditioned on organizational form, enabling us to differentiate between a risk or cash flow-based explanation and one based on rational learning or behavioral biases. We find that the annual change in firm excess value is 3% higher for diversified firms (7% higher after controlling for endogeneity via instrumental variables) both in a sample comparable to the previous literature and in an expanded sample from 1978-2005. Moreover, diversified firms consistently create more value than their focused firm rivals across all phases of the business cycle with larger gains in expansionary periods. Inefficient cross-subsidization alone can explain the level of the diversification discount, but not the changes to it that we document. We show that a diversification discount and larger changes in diversified firm value are consistent with rational learning models or investor behavioral biases.
Interactive Problem Solving Using Mobile Devices in the Classroom (Abstract Only)

To improve student's class experience, the use of mobile devices has been steadily increasing. However, such use of mobile learning environments in the class is mostly static in nature through content delivery or traditional quiz taking. In CS courses, we need learning environments where students can interact with the problem and faculty can assess their learning skills in real-time using problems with different degree of difficulty. To facilitate such interactive problem solving using mobile devices, a comprehensive backend system is necessary. However, such system is not available to CS instructors. To facilitate in-class interactive problem solving, a Mobile Response System (MRS) is developed, which is independent of any interactive problems or its domain. This demo session will present details of NSF funded MRS software, associated pedagogy, and how to use it in the class. MRS provides faculty with the opportunity of evidence-based teaching by allowing students with exercises with different learning outcomes and by getting an instant feedback on their performance. The formative assessment information provided by MRS allows the faculty to have real-time evidence of students' comprehension of covered lecture materials on that particular class and also helps faculty to identify the concepts that need to be repeated or reinforced. MRS is open sourced, extensible and can render interactive exercise developed by third party developer.
Regression Model Fitting for the Interval Censored 1 Responses

In the interval censored case 1 data, an event occurrence time is unobservable, but one observes an inspection time and whether the event has occurred prior to this time or not. Such data is also known as the interval censored case 1 data. It is of interest to assess the effect of a covariate on the event occurrence time variable. This note constructs tests for fitting a class of parametric regression models to the regression function of the log of the event occurrence time variable when the data are interval censored case 1 and when the error distribution is known. These tests are based on a certain martingale transform of a marked empirical process. They are asymptotically distribution free in the sense that their asymptotic null distributions neither depends on the null model nor on any of the distributions of the covariate, the inspection time or error variables. However, the test statistic itself depends on the error distribution. Some simulation studies assessing some finite sample level and power behavior of some of the proposed tests are also given.
Write it as you like it.

The microstate of geometrically frustrated two-dimensional arrays of strongly interacting nanomagnets is controlled by means of topological defect-driven magnetic writing, to the extent that elusive configurations such as the ground state and negative-temperature states are realized.
The Hidden Hands of Justice: NGOs, Human Rights, and International Courts

The Hidden Hands of Justice: NGOs, Human Rights, and International Courts is the first comprehensive analysis of non-governmental organization (NGO) participation at international criminal and human rights courts. Drawing on original data, Heidi Nichols Haddad maps and explains the differences in NGO participatory roles, frequency, and impact at three judicial institutions: the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Human Rights System, and the International Criminal Court. The Hidden Hands of Justice demonstrates that courts can strategically choose to enhance their functionality by allowing NGOs to provide needed information, expertise, and services as well as shame states for non-cooperation. Through participation, NGOs can profoundly shape the character of international human rights justice, but in doing so, may consolidate civil society representation and relinquish their roles as external monitors.
Experimental assessment of the heal-ability of a polymer bonded sand

Abstract In-situ healing of cemented materials, as opposed to decommissioning, can extend the service life of civil infrastructure. Heat induced polymer bonding of coarse-grained soils is a novel cementation technique whereby heat is injected into a mixture of ground thermoplastic polymer and soil. The polymer melts into menisci located at particle contacts, and solidifies upon cooling, rendering the soil cemented. The ability of post-failure heat injection to reestablish broken bonds, and hence heal the cemented soil, is evaluated herein via experiments. Results show that heat injection post-failure results in small-strain stiffness recovery of up to 50%. Such recovery is independent on the number of healing cycles (HN); yet, the unconfined compression strength of remoulded specimens decreases with HN, suggesting the degradation of the polymer’s strength with heating cycles. Direct shear test results reveal that the strength recovery for specimens healed in place, i.e., inside the shear box, is up to ≈30%, independent of HN, and controlled by the structure of the healed shear band, which is dependent on the normal stress sustained during heat injection.
A Sociopolitical Perspective on Employee Innovativeness and Job Performance: The Role of Political Skill and Network Structure

We adopt a sociopolitical perspective to examine how an employee’s political skill works in conjunction with social network structure to relate to the employee’s innovation involvement and job perf...