cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Islet α-, β-, and δ-Cell Development Is Controlled by the Ldb1 Coregulator, Acting Primarily With the Islet-1 Transcription Factor

Ldb1 and Ldb2 are coregulators that mediate Lin11-Isl1-Mec3 (LIM)–homeodomain (HD) and LIM-only transcription factor–driven gene regulation. Although both Ldb1 and Ldb2 mRNA were produced in the developing and adult pancreas, immunohistochemical analysis illustrated a broad Ldb1 protein expression pattern during early pancreatogenesis, which subsequently became enriched in islet and ductal cells perinatally. The islet-enriched pattern of Ldb1 was similar to pan-endocrine cell–expressed Islet-1 (Isl1), which was demonstrated in this study to be the primary LIM-HD transcription factor in developing and adult islet cells. Endocrine cell–specific removal of Ldb1 during mouse development resulted in a severe reduction of hormone+ cell numbers (i.e., α, β, and δ) and overt postnatal hyperglycemia, reminiscent of the phenotype described for the Isl1 conditional mutant. In contrast, neither endocrine cell development nor function was affected in the pancreas of Ldb2−/− mice. Gene expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses demonstrated that many important Isl1-activated genes were coregulated by Ldb1, including MafA, Arx, insulin, and Glp1r. However, some genes (i.e., Hb9 and Glut2) only appeared to be impacted by Ldb1 during development. These findings establish Ldb1 as a critical transcriptional coregulator during islet α-, β-, and δ-cell development through Isl1-dependent and potentially Isl1-independent control.
Taxane-based chemoirradiation for organ preservation with locally advanced head and neck cancer : Results of a phase II multi-institutional trial

Background. The optimal drug schedule and sequencing of chemotherapy and radiation for organ preservation in head and neck cancer has yet to be determined. We undertook a phase II trial of a taxane-based induction chemotherapy (ICT) followed by a taxane-based concurrent chemoradiation (CCR) regimen in patients with resectable stage III or IV disease to determine the feasibility, toxicity, and overall efficacy. Methods. Forty-four patients with laryngeal or tongue base carcinomas were enrolled. All patients received 3 cycles of chemotherapy with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC (area under the curve) 6–7.5 over 30 minutes on days 1, 22, and 43. Responding patients went on to receive radiation (70 Gy/7 weeks) with cisplatin 75 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 22, and 43 and weekly paclitaxel 30 mg/m2 IV (n = 22). Because of hematologic toxicity, the concurrent regimen was changed to weekly carboplatin AUC 1 plus weekly paclitaxel 30 mg/m2 (n = 22). Results. Twenty-three patients with stage III and 21 patients with stage IV disease were enrolled. Median follow-up was 3.7 years. Acute toxicity of concurrent cisplatin and paclitaxel was excessive, with significant hematologic toxicity and 2 toxic deaths. Acute toxicities of concurrent carboplatin and paclitaxel were tolerable. No patients required permanent percutaneous gastrostomy tubes. The organ preservation rate was 83% (toxic deaths considered failures). Of 42 evaluable patients, 20 patients had complete responses (48%), 17 partial responses (41%), 3 minor responses (11%), 1 stable disease (2%), and 1 progressive disease (2%). Two-year local control, relapse-free survival, and overall survival were 82%, 77%, and 71%, respectively. Conclusion. There were no significant differences in relapse-free survival or organ preservation rates between concurrent regimens. Platinum and paclitaxel-based CCR is feasible after ICT and provides a high rate of organ preservation. Substitution of concurrent cisplatin to weekly carboplatin with paclitaxel and radiation has an improved toxicity profile. The ease of administration and low toxicity make this a regimen that is practical for use in the community setting. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
Successive approximation of abstract transition relations

Recently, we have improved the efficiency of the predicate abstraction scheme presented by Das, Dill and Park (1999). As a result, the number of validity checks needed to prove the necessary verification condition has been reduced. The key idea is to refine an approximate abstract transition relation based on the counter-example generated. The system starts with an approximate abstract transition relation on which the verification condition (in our case, this is a safety property) is model-checked. If the property holds then the proof is done; otherwise the model checker returns an abstract counter-example trace. This trace is used to refine the abstract transition relation if possible and start anew. At the end of the process, the system either proves the verification condition or comes up with an abstract counter-example trace which holds in the most accurate abstract transition relation possible (with the user-provided predicates as a basis). If the verification condition fails in the abstract system, then either the concrete system does not satisfy it or the abstraction predicates chosen are not strong enough. This algorithm has been used on a concurrent garbage collection algorithm and a secure contract-signing protocol. This method improved the performance on the first problem significantly, and allowed us to tackle the second problem, which the previous method could not handle.
Professionalism: Cornerstone of Engineering

Engineers all over the world are feeling pressured more than ever to perform error‐free work. Society is hungry for new technology and an overall safer place to live. It is the responsibility of engineers to see that society is afforded these technological luxuries as well as a safer environment. Engineers not only have to map out their continuing education but also must improve their nontechnical skills. The course of action an engineer takes today depends on his technical and cognitive abilities. The allowable error cushion is continually shrinking for today's engineer. The graduate engineer today cannot totally rely on analytic abilities alone. To launch a successful career in engineering effectively, individuals must develop a strong character infrastructure. This infrastructure is professionalism. The three critical elements of professionalism are communication, teamwork, and self‐management skills. By employing these necessary skills in today's engineering environment, a person will see his professi...
A Survey of the Chemical Environments for Activity in the Embrittlement of Zircaloy-2

Thirty-five chemical elements and some of their compounds were tested for activity in the embrittlement of Zircaloy-2 at 573°K using constant extension rate tension tests. Besides iodine, which embrittles by stress corrosion cracking (SCC), five metals caused liquid metal embrittlement when dissolved in cesium. These were cadmium, zinc, yttrium, calcium, and strontium. The effect of cadmium was by far the most severe. Selenium and tellurium did not embrittle Zircaloy-2 by SCC. Of the embrittling metals, only cadmium is considered a likely contributor to the PCI (pellet-clad interaction) failure mechanism. The reasons for this conclusion are discussed.
INTERMITTENT PTH STIMULATES PERIOSTEAL BONE FORMATION BY ACTIONS ON POST-MITOTIC PREOSTEOBLASTS

Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates bone formation on the surface of cancellous and periosteal bone by increasing the number of osteoblasts. Previous studies of ours in mice demonstrated that intermittent PTH increases cancellous osteoblast number at least in part by attenuating osteoblast apoptosis, but the mechanism responsible for the anabolic effect of the hormone on periosteal bone is unknown. We report that daily injections of 100 ng/g of PTH(1-34) to 4-6 month old mice increased the number of osteoblasts on the periosteum of lumbar vertebrae by 2-3 fold as early as after 2 days. However, the prevalence of apoptotic periosteal osteoblasts was only 0.2% in vehicle treated animals, which is approximately 20-fold lower than is the case for cancellous osteoblasts. Moreover, PTH did not have a discernable effect on periosteal osteoblast apoptosis. Administration of BrdU for 4 days failed to label periosteal osteoblasts under either basal conditions or following administration of PTH. Cancellous osteoblasts, on the other hand, were labeled under basal conditions, but PTH did not increase the percentage of BrdU-positive cells. Thus, intermittent PTH does not increase cancellous or periosteal osteoblast number by stimulating the proliferation of osteoblast progenitors. Consistent with high turnover of cancellous osteoblasts as compared to that of periosteal osteoblasts, ganciclovir-induced ablation of replicating osteoblast progenitors in mice expressing thymidine kinase under the control of the 3.6 kb rat Col1A1 promoter resulted in disappearance of osteoblasts from cancellous bone over a 7-14 day period, whereas periosteal osteoblasts were unaffected. However, 14 days of pre-treatment with ganciclovir prevented PTH anabolism on periosteal bone. We conclude that in cancellous bone, attenuation of osteoblast apoptosis by PTH increases osteoblast number because their rate of apoptosis is high, making this effect of the hormone profound. However, in periosteal bone where the rate of osteoblast apoptosis is low, PTH must exert pro-differentiating and/or pro-survival effects on post-mitotic pre-osteoblasts. Targeting the latter cells is an effective mechanism for increasing osteoblast number in periosteal bone where the production of osteoblasts from replicating progenitors is slow.
Recruitment of heterosexual couples in public health research: a study protocol

Background Public health research involving social or kin groups (such as sexual partners or family members), rather than samples of unrelated individuals, has become more widespread in response to social ecological approaches to disease treatment and prevention. This approach requires the development of innovative sampling, recruitment and screening methodologies tailored to the study of related individuals.
Shaped time-optimal feedback control for disk-drive systems with back-electromotive force

In this paper, we describe the design of closed-loop control laws for disk-drive systems that account for back-electromotive force (back-EMF) by using a phase-plane approach. The time-optimal control law for a rigid body is shaped by using input shaping ideas to address the flexible mode, and then the altered rigid body phase-plane trajectories resulting from this shaping are calculated and used to determine a closed-loop controller. Extensions are made to account for damping and slew rate limits. Simulation results show that this control approach leads to near-time-optimal performance without unwanted residual vibrations, good robustness to modeling errors, and faster time response than the previously developed extended proximate time-optimal servomechanism (XPTOS) control, especially when the flexible dynamics are dominant.
Medullary lateral tegmental field mediates the cardiovascular but not respiratory component of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex in the cat.

We determined the effects of bilateral microinjection of muscimol and excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists into the medullary lateral tegmental field (LTF) on changes in sympathetic nerve dis...
Homogenization of the mantle by convective mixing and diffusion

Abstract Mantle convection stirs and homogenizes the subducted oceanic lithosphere with the convecting mantle. Convective mixing stretches and thins the subducted oceanic crust from an original thickness of 6 km to a thickness of 2 cm or less. The thinned, subducted oceanic crust can be observed as pyroxenite bands in high-temperature peridotite massifs. On the scale of centimeters, the bands are destroyed by diffusive processes. In this paper, the homogenization of the subducted oceanic crust with the depleted mantle is modeled by considering the combined problem of thinning and diffusion at a stagnation point. A layer of different composition from the surrounding material is thinned by normal strain until its identity is destroyed by diffusive processes. Thinning dominates the destruction of a layer if ɛa 2 /D , where ɛis the strain rate, 2a is the initial layer thickness, and D is the diffusivity. Diffusion dominates if ɛa 2 /D . Our results indicate that the mantle is homogeneous at the centimeter scale. This conclusion is insensitive to variations in the strain rate and the diffusivity, and it is supported by isotopic studies of high-temperature peridotite massifs. Variations in isotope ratios in MORB can be attributed to the imperfect homogenization of the MORB source region.
Semiconductor layer transfer by anodic wafer bonding

High quality and low cost single crystalline semiconductor on glass (SOG) wafers are highly desirable, e.g., for flat panel displays and solar cells (Si on glass), sensors (Ge on glass) and GaN growth (SiC on glass). SOG wafers can be realized by hydrogen implanted Si wafer bonding and layer splitting ("Smart Cut") which saves the Si substrate and is an environmentally friendly technique. However, almost no information on the process design has been revealed. In this work we discuss the design guidelines for SOG preparation using anodic bonding and the layer splitting approach.
Clinical estimation of liver span in infants and children.

• The liver span in 350 infants and children was determined by percussion of the upper and lower borders in the midclavicular line. Mean liver span was found to be related to age curvilinearly and ranged from a minimum of 1.9 cm at 1 week of age to a maximum of 7.7 cm in males and 6.3 cm in females at 20 years of age. In children with normal growth patterns, age and sex were found to be the major factors influencing liver size. Though height and weight also correlated with liver span, these variables did not add substantially to the correlation using age and sex alone. The presence of minor systemic illnesses, eg, otitis and gastroenteritis, did not affect liver span. The expected normal values for liver span at different ages for male and female children have been established and provide the basis for comparison during routine physical examination. (Am J Dis Child132:474-476, 1978)
The National United States Center Data Repository: Core essential interprofessional practice & education data enabling triple aim analytics

Understanding the impact that interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP) might have on triple aim patient outcomes is of high interest to health care providers, educators, administrators, and policy makers. Before the work undertaken by the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education at the University of Minnesota, no standard mechanism to acquire and report outcome data related to interprofessional education and collaborative practice and its effect on triple aim outcomes existed. This article describes the development and adoption of the National Center Data Repository (NCDR) designed to capture data related to IPECP processes and outcomes to support analyses of the relationship of IPECP on the Triple Aim. The data collection methods, web-based survey design and implementation process are discussed. The implications of this informatics work to the field of IPECP and health care quality and safety include creating standardized capacity to describe interprofessional practice and measure outcomes connecting interprofessional education and collaborative practice to the triple aim within and across sites/settings, leveraging an accessible data collection process using user friendly web-based survey design to support large data scholarship and instrument testing, and establishing standardized data elements and variables that can potentially lead to enhancements to national/international information system and academic accreditation standards to further team-based, interprofessional, collaborative research in the field.
The apparent absence of significant primary vasospasm in acute spinal poliomyelitis.

Measurement of skin temperatures under controlled conditions can be used as an index of the state of the cutaneous circulation. During the first 40 days after the onset of poliomyelitis, there is no measurable alteration, based upon mean temperature values, in the cutaneous or deep circulation which can be attributed to the effects of the disease alone. What little change in circulation was found in the group of patients with poliomyelitis seemed to be similar to that produced by bed rest alone in a group of non-poliomyelitic patients.
Manrique Ardila, Jaime. El cadáver de papá y versiones poéticas. Bogotá: Instituto Colombiano de Cultura [COLCULTURA], 1978. Transgresión y carnaval en el Caribe colombiano: “El cadáver de papá”, de Jaime Manrique Ardila

MANRIQUE ARDILA, Jaime. El cadaver de papa y versiones poeticas. Bogota: Instituto Colombiano de Cultura [COLCULTURA], 1978. Transgresion y carnaval en el Caribe colombiano: “El cadaver de papa”, de Jaime Manrique Ardila
Human Rights Framing in U.S. Newspaper Coverage of the Sochi Olympic Preparations

Every two years, the global spotlight shines on the Olympics and the nation hosting the worldwide event, particularly the country’s record on human rights. This project looked at how two American newspapers, The New York Times and The Washington Post, examined human rights in Russia in their coverage of the Sochi Games before their start in order to determine and analyze the framing of this mega-event to a U.S. audience. This paper analyzed content in 170 articles published in the two years leading up to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
The Mitigating Effects of Intergroup Contact on Negative Stereotypes, Perceived Threats, and Harmful Discriminatory Behavior Toward Asian Americans

This study examined the ameliorating effects of intergroup contact with Asian Americans on negative stereotypes, perceived threats, and harmful discriminatory behaviors toward them. The results of multivariate regression analyses indicated that intergroup contact with Asian Americans adversely predicted negative stereotypes (i.e., excessive competence and deficient sociability), perceived realistic and symbolic threats, and active and passive harmful discriminatory behaviors toward them. The findings highlighted the utmost importance of intergroup contact in improving intergroup attitudes and behaviors.
Liquid Phase Ozone Bleaching of Kraft Pulp

For the purpose of development of bleaching method which uses oxygen-containing bleaching agents, ozone bleaching of kraft pulps in the liquid phase has been investigated.In comparison to gas phase ozone bleaching, liquid phase bleaching increased the yields of bleached pulp and prevented the drop of pulp viscosity, but needed the longer bleaching time.Addition of an inorganic acid, such as sulfuric acid, to the bleaching system could not improve the pulp quality, but gave the shorter bleaching time. Oxalic acid (more than 0.07%) was found to be an effective additive that improved the viscosity and the bleaching velocity.
Role of helical CT in detecting right ventricular dysfunction secondary to acute pulmonary embolism.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of helical CT in detecting right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) after acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods This was a retrospective study consisting of 25 patients with CT scans positive for acute pulmonary embolism who had either follow-up echocardiography (23 patients) or pulmonary angiography (2 patients). CT scans were reviewed for findings suggestive of RVD. Scans were considered positive for RVD if the right ventricle (RV) was dilated or if the interventricular septum was deviated towards the left ventricle. Results were then correlated with the results of echocardiography or pulmonary angiography to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of CT in detecting RVD associated with PE. Results Within this group of 25 patients with PE, CT demonstrated sensitivity of 78% (7/9), specificity of 100% (16/16), and positive predictive value of 100% (7/7) in detection of RVD. Conclusion CT may be useful in detecting RVD in patients with acute PE.
Unions and Social Inclusiveness A Comparison of Changes in Union Member Attitudes

Unions have a well-known history of social conservativism, especially regarding exclusion of women and racial minorities prior to the 1960s. Restricting membership in this way led to a smaller labor movement than was possible, reducing the potential strength of labor unions. Recent labor scholarship has hailed a union revitalization, with new progressive leadership and new organizing strategies, but the issue of growing social inclusiveness has become a secondary issue. One can observe a shift toward progressive inclusiveness in high-level union organization, but unless this shift is occurring in the membership, the impact on labor union strength will be minimal at best. This article uses longitudinal American National Election Survey data to determine if members of unions have developed increasingly favorable attitudes toward various races as well as other political categories of people over time, compared to nonmembers. Findings suggest that union members are growing increasingly inclusive at a faster r...
Where Have All the Theories Gone

The student who begins his study of international relations today is faced with a discipline that has changed greatly in the last decade. Some would say that it has matured to the point of being a true science. Others would argue that it has fallen into the abyss of data collection, technological quantrophobia and unenlightened description, never to return to the light of theoretical explanation. In part, such debates are healthy signs of growing pains in a young science; but there may be a disheartening aspect to them—one that is not immediately obvious. Let us begin by looking at the two sides in this argument.
Immunoelectrophoresis of serum proteins on cellulose acetate.

A simple and reliable method of immunoelectrophoresis which allows the immunodiffusion pattern to be compared directly with the electrophoretic findings of the test serum on the same strip of cellulose acetate membrane is described. No specialized apparatus is necessary, and only a modicum of manual dexterity is needed.
Exploring the Role of Shared Mental Models for Implicit Coordination in Teams

Previous research has suggested that when high-performing teams are experiencing increased workload, they will adaptively shift from explicit to more implicit forms of coordination. This is thought to occur because the team members have shared mental models (SMMs) which allow them to anticipate one another's needs. However, it is currently not known how SMMs are related to implicit coordination. Much of the research on SMMs had focused on the actual level of sharedness and, to some degree, on the accuracy of each team member's model. However, to our knowledge, none has investigated the relationship between SMMs and implicit coordination. Furthermore, one line of research that has received very little attention is the notion of perceptions of sharedness. Must team members have an accurate perception of how well they share mental models in order to exploit them via implicit coordination? The purpose of this paper is to explore these fundamental questions that drive the process of implicit coordination.
262 INTERLEUKIN-6 IN HUMAN RENAL PROXIMAL TUBULAR CELL DAMAGE IN COLD STORAGE AND REWARMING AND IN TRANSPLANTATION

Purpose To examine the role of potentially harmful cytokines, specifically IL-6, in renal damage that occurs during cold storage and rewarming of kidneys or tubular cells in vitro or immediately after kidney transplantation. Methods The in vitro model of renal cell injury used RPTE cells stored in University of Wisconsin solution (UW) at 4°C and returned to 37°C in standard conditions, mimicking the storage of cadaveric kidneys. To examine the effect of cytokines on RPTE cells, human TNF-α, IL-1α and -β, and IL-6 were used at 10 ng/mL. Cell injury was measured by LDH release. A Furth-Wistar rat in vivo renal injury model was used and is similar to the manner in which human kidneys are transplanted, using 24 hr of cold storage in UW. Rat IL-6 was measured by sandwich enzyme linked immunsorbent assay in the serum and urine of native and transplanted kidneys and from an effluent from the kidneys prior to and after cold storage. Results Using a TransSignal RayBio Human Cytokine Antibody Array-3 to screen for inflammatory mediator production, we found that IL-6 was present in small amounts in normally cultured cells and significantly upregulated at 24 hr after 24 hr of cold storage of RPTE cells. IL-8 and MCP-1 were moderately upregulated, and VEGF and IL-15 were slightly uprgulated. We focused on IL-6 because of its apparent constitutive production, significant upregulation, and potentially harmful effects. IL-6 has not previously been reported to be produced from renal tubular cells. Using typical inducers of IL-6, IL-1α/β was found to be the best inducer of IL-6 in RPTE cells. Large amounts were also induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (1 μg/mL), TNF-α, and phorbol ester (10 ng/mL) with a calcium ionophore (A23187, 100 ng/mL). In in vitro cell injury experiments RPTE cells cold stored and returned to normal 37°C culture conditions produced large amounts of IL-6 24 to 48 hrs later, as identified on the cytokine array. By LDH release, IL-6 did not induce cell death at 37°C but did greatly enhanced cold-rewarming induced cell death. Deferoxamine, an antioxidant that protects these cells from cold-rewarming injury, slightly reduced basal RPTE cell IL-6, but not cold-rewarming induced IL-6. In two in vivo rat transplant experiments, we have found that the urine or ex vivo effluent from a transplanted kidney produced more IL-6 than the native kidney. Conclusions RPTE cells have the ability to produce IL-6 in relatively large amounts. Rewarming renal tubular cells after cold storage and reperfusion of a cold stored rat kidney by transplantation also induces IL-6. We conclude that local IL-6 production may play a role in renal damage after cold storage.
Study on flow through porous media in fluvial-delta deposit reservoirs

Oilfield development response depends on palaeocurrent under certain well pattern.This paper studies palaeocurrent distribution for reservoir description.Palaeocurrent is divided within sedimentary microfacies,and injection-production relationship is improved in palaeocurrent system.Production wells are divided by using palaeocurrent.A geological model of flow through porous media,channel line,sub-channel line,alluvial line and cross-current line is presented.Palaeocurrent,reservoir performance and comprehensive stimulation are analyzed and studied for enhancing development response.
Improving Access to Head and Neck Cancer Surgical Services through the Incorporation of Associate Providers

ObjectiveThe urgent nature of head and neck cancer referrals often results in overbooked schedules, access delays, and patient, physician, and staff dissatisfaction. The goal of this study is to ex...
Prevention and Management of Complications

Prevention of complications is important for all cryosurgeons to fully understand. Immediate reactions such as erythema, vesicle and bullae may be decreased if certain steps are followed.
Best Practices in the Assessment of Online Discussions

This chapter develops the rationale for several best practices in the assessment of online discussions. It provides instructors with an introduction to the differences between face-to-face and online discussions, how to evaluate online discussions, how to perform these assessments, and how to use assessment information to improve future online discussions. These best practices are intended to be an initial guide to the novice online instructor. The increasing use of online discussions in both traditional and distance classes will likely generate new forms of assessment, new rubrics, and new insights, and the instructor will need to stay informed of these developments.
Synge, Spinoza, and The Well of the Saints

(1989). Synge, Spinoza, and The Well of the Saints. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 138-145.
Ultrafast spontaneous emission rate from an InGaN quantum dot coupled to a silver plasmonic cavity

An open-top plasmonic cavity was used to enhance the radiative rate of an InGaN quantum dot which is limited by the built-in piezoelectric field. A spontaneous emission lifetime as short as 46ps was shown.
Collaboration through open superposition: a theory of the open source way

This paper develops and illustrates the theory of collaboration through open superposition: the process of depositing motivationally independent layers of work on top of each other over time. The theory is developed in a study of community-based free and open source software (FLOSS) development, through a research arc of discovery (participant observation), replication (two archival case studies), and theorization. The theory explains two key findings: (1) the overwhelming majority of work is accomplished with only a single programmer working on any one task, and (2) tasks that appear too large for any one individual are more likely to be deferred until they are easier rather than being undertaken through structured team work. Moreover, the theory explains how working through open superposition can lead to the discovery of a work breakdown that results in complex, functionally interdependent, work being accomplished without crippling search costs. We identify a set of socio-technical contingencies under which collaboration through open superposition is likely to be effective, including characteristics of artifacts made from information as the objects being worked on. We demonstrate the usefulness of the theory by using it to analyze difficulties in learning from FLOSS in other domains of work and in the IS function of for-profit organizations.
Asthma exacerbations among asthmatic children receiving live attenuated versus inactivated influenza vaccines.

Abstract Objective To investigate whether there is a difference in the risk of asthma exacerbations between children with pre-existing asthma who receive live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) compared with inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). Material and methods We identified IIV and LAIV immunizations occurring between July 1, 2007 and March 31, 2014 among Kaiser Permanente Northern California members aged 2 to Results Among 387,633 immunizations, 85% were IIV and 15% were LAIV. Children getting LAIV vs. IIV were less likely to have “current or recent, persistent” asthma (25% vs. 47%), and more likely to have “remote history” of asthma (47% vs. 25%). Among IIV-vaccinated asthmatic children, the OR of an inpatient/ED asthma exacerbation was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.82–1.15). Among LAIV-vaccinated asthmatic children the OR was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.17–0.90). In the difference-in-differences analysis, the odds of asthma exacerbation following LAIV were less than IIV (Ratio of ORs: 0.40, CI: 0.17–0.95, p value: 0.04). Conclusion Among children ≥2 years old with asthma, we found no increased risk of asthma exacerbation following LAIV or IIV, and a decreased risk following LAIV compared to IIV.
RNA on the brain: emerging layers of post-transcriptional regulation in cerebral cortex development

Embryonic development is a critical period during which neurons of the brain are generated and organized. In the developing cerebral cortex, this requires complex processes of neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and migration. Each step relies upon highly regulated control of gene expression. In particular, RNA splicing, stability, localization, and translation have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulatory nodes of mouse corticogenesis. Trans-regulators of RNA metabolism, including microRNAs (miRs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), orchestrate diverse steps of cortical development. These trans-factors function either individually or cooperatively to influence RNAs, often of similar classes, termed RNA regulons. New technological advances raise the potential for an increasingly sophisticated understanding of post-transcriptional control in the developing neocortex. Many RNA-binding factors are also implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases of the cortex. Therefore, elucidating how RBPs and miRs converge to influence mRNA expression in progenitors and neurons will give valuable insights into mechanisms of cortical development and disease. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e290. doi: 10.1002/wdev.290 This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory RNA Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease.
Estimates of genetic variability and gene action in two maize (Zea mays L.) populations

Information on genetic variability and level of dominance for genes controlling quantitative traits in breeding populations is useful in the development of heterosis theory and hybrid breeding strategies. The objectives of this study were: 1) to estimate the genetic variance components and average levels of dominance in two maize(Zea mays L.) populations that one descended from a high performance single-cross hybrid, B73 X Mol7, and the other from a related line single-cross hybrid, B73 X B84; 2) to compare the generation means, heterosis, and genetic variance for the two hybrids and their descended populations, and 3) to measure the effect of linkage disequilibrium on the estimates of genetic parameters in the two populations. Forty pairs of backcross progenies(BCl and BC2) and forty SI lines randomly sampled from each of F2 and F2 Syn5 populations were evaluated for each hybrid. Backcross progenies were analyzed by the mating design III (Dili) method. Data from backcross progenies were combined with that from SI lines to perform the Dili and Si combined analysis. Heterosis and genetic variance were greater in B73 X Mol7 than in B73 X B84 for yield, ear height, ear length, and ear diameter. Heterosis for yield in B73 X Mol7 was 125.5% greater than in B73 X B84. Additive genetic variance for yield estimated for the B73 X Mol7 populations was about two and three times greater than for the B73 X B34 F2 and F2 SynS populations, respectively. Dominance genetic variance estimated for the B73 X Mol7 populations was also much greater than for the B73 X B84 in both F2 and F2 Syn5 populations. Estimates of average
Delirium in the Pediatric Cardiac Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patient Population: A Case Series.

Objective To determine the prevalence of delirium in children who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Design Prospective observational longitudinal cohort study. Setting Urban academic cardiothoracic ICU. Patients All consecutive admissions to the cardiothoracic ICU who required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Interventions Daily delirium screening with the Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium. Measurements and main results Eight children required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the study period, with a median extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration of 202 hours (interquartile range, 99-302). All eight children developed delirium during their cardiothoracic ICU stay. Seventy-two days on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were included in the analysis. A majority of patient days on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were spent in coma (65%). Delirium was diagnosed during 21% of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days. Only 13% of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days were categorized as delirium free and coma free. Delirium screening was successfully completed on 70/72 days on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (97%). Conclusions In this cohort, delirium occurred in all children who required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. It is likely that this patient population has an extremely high risk for delirium and will benefit from routine screening in order to detect and treat delirium sooner. This has potential to improve both short- and long-term outcomes.
Permittivity and Loss Characterization of SUEX Epoxy Films for mmW and THz Applications

We present a systematic characterization of the dielectric permittivity and loss tangent of SUEX dry films for mmW and THz bands. Green and cured SUEX samples of varying thicknesses were studied using two complementary measurement techniques. First, the Nicolson–Ross–Weir technique was used in a two-port $TE_{10}$ waveguide environment for 90–140-GHz and 140–220-GHz bands. The samples were also characterized using a transmission-mode time domain THz spectrometer over the 90-GHz–2-THz band. Real part of permittivity and loss tangent were measured to be 3.08 and 0.057, respectively, for the green SUEX sample. Ultraviolet light curing reduces the permittivity and loss tangent down to 2.86 and 0.020, respectively. SUEX films can be easily laminated onto any substrate, eliminating the spin coating and long process optimizations that are required for conventional liquid resists. As such, SUEX is an easy-to-process alternative to commonly used epoxy-based resists, such as SU-8, while exhibiting similar dielectric permittivity and material losses.
An Evolutionary Perspective

The forces of evolution are constantly revising both the human genome and the human organism it creates and sustains. This can be a difficult concept to grasp since we are talking about changes across the entire human species, the population of the world, integrated over time, through the passage of many millennia. From the self-centered perspective of our individual lives, in the narrow slit of time within which we exist, evolution can feel like something that “happened” (emphasis on the past tense) rather than something that “is happening”. Those of us who accept Mendelian views of inheritance and Darwinian views of evolution must pause to recognize and respect the current and ongoing remodeling of the human genome and its potential implications.
Efficacy of treatments for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: nationwide survey responses.

Background Numerous treatments have been used to treat the mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) variants of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The relative efficacy of different treatments is largely unknown. Objective To determine the frequency of therapies ranked most effective and least effective for treatment of MF and SS in a sampling of dermatologists in the United States. Methods Fellow members in the American Academy of Dermatology in the United States between the ages of 35 and 65 years were surveyed regarding demographic variables and treatment efficacy for patch/plaque MF (stages Ia-Ib CTCL), tumor stage MF (stage IIb), and erythrodermic MF/SS (stage III). Results Based on 1,399 responses, PUVA was preferred for the management of patch/plaque MF. Total skin electron beam (TSEB) therapy was preferred for tumor stage MF. Photopheresis (extracorporeal photochemotherapy) was preferred for erythrodermic MF/SS, followed closely by TSEB. Especially for tumor stage and erythrodermic MF/SS, physicians without a clear preference comprised the largest group. No significant variation depending on practice type, degree of practitioner experience, or geographic location was identified. Conclusion PUVA was the preferred treatment for Stage Ia and Ib MF. The predominance of surveys with indeterminate responses suggests limited experience and in the treatment of CTCL, especially in advanced stages.
Implications of Preschoolers’ Emotional Competence in the Classroom

In this chapter, we describe the nature, development, and socialization of preschoolers’ emotional competence with regard to emotional expressiveness, emotion regulation, and emotion knowledge and review evidence of how these skills facilitate children’s social competence and school success. Within an early childhood educational system of practice, we then consider how educational standards, teacher socialization of emotion, and assessment can work synergistically to promote preschoolers’ emotional competence. Finally, we consider the current state of preschool-level emotional competence programming and assessment as adjuncts to direct teacher socialization of emotion and make some conclusions and calls for future work.
Abstract 4863: Targeting the NFAT1-MDM2-MDMX network for prostate cancer therapy

The MDM2 and MDMX oncogenes are overexpressed in human prostate cancer, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. We recently demonstrate that the transcription factor NFAT1 activates MDM2 oncogene, independent of p53. The present study was designed to examine the effectiveness of targeting the NFAT1-MDM2-MDMX network for prostate cancer therapy. We identified a natural product NFAT1-MDM2 inhibitor, Inulanolide A (InuA) in the present study. The anticancer activity of InuA and its effects on the expression and stability of NFAT1, MDM2, and MDMX were examined in human prostate cancer cell lines with different genetic background, including LNCaP (p53 wild-type, AR positive), PC3 (p53 null, AR negative) and DU145 (p53 mutant, AR negative) cells. Our molecular docking studies predicted the binding ability and binding sites of InuA on NFAT1, MDM2, and MDMX. Its binding affinity and specificity were investigated using recombinant proteins and biotinylated InuA. To further demonstrate the specificity of InuA in targeting NFAT1-MDM2-MDMX network and the importance of NFAT1-MDM2-MDMX network in InuA9s anticancer activity, the transient overexpression (OE) and knockdown (KD) experiments of these genes, as well as the pharmacological activators and inhibitors of NFAT1 signaling, were used. Our results indicated that InuA directly bound to the DNA binding domain of NFAT1, leading to a marked inhibition of MDM2 transcription. The compound also bound to the RING domains of MDM2 and MDMX with high affinity, inhibited the MDM2-MDMX binding, and enhanced MDM2 protein degradation. InuA inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of prostate cancer cells, regardless of their p53 status and AR responsiveness. The expression of NFAT1, MDM2, and MDMX were important for InuA9s anticancer activity, as demonstrated using the cancer cell lines with transient OE and KD of these genes. In conclusion, InuA represents a novel class of NFAT1-MDM2-MDMX inhibitor, and inhibiting the NFAT1-MDM2-MDMX network may be a promising strategy for prostate cancer therapy. (Supported by NIH R01 CA186662 and R01CA214019 and ACS RSG-15-009-01-CDD.) Citation Format: Jiang-Jiang Qin, Xin Li, Wei Wang, Ruiwen Zhang. Targeting the NFAT1-MDM2-MDMX network for prostate cancer therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4863.
Abstract 4462: RUNX1 global binding and gene regulation in mammary epithelial cells revealed novel Runx1 mediated cellular activities

The transcription factor RUNX1 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in breast tumors. However, the role of RUNX1 in the mammary gland is understudied. Previously, our group established that RUNX1 has tumor suppressor activities in both normal mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells, including inhibition of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and invasion. To better understand the cellular consequences mediated by RUNX1 loss-of-function in mammary epithelial cells, we performed global gene expression profiling (RNA-seq) in Runx1-depleted MCF10A cells. Upon loss of RUNX1, the expression of 1806 genes was significantly altered (with 2-fold change cutoff). Pathway analysis on these differentially expressed genes revealed that RUNX1 is involved in many cellular activities, including lipid metabolism, cell growth and cell cycle control, which were not previously reported. Consistent with expression profiling results, flow cytometry analysis showed the mitotic population in RUNX1 depleted cells was significantly decreased, indicating RUNX1 is important for proper cell division. To investigate the mechanisms by which RUNX1 controls expression of those differentially expressed genes, RUNX1 genome-wide occupancy analysis (ChIP-seq) was performed in MCF10A cells. We found that although RUNX1 binding is enriched at transcription start sites (TSS), RUNX1 also binds to loci distal to TSSs and multiple other regulatory elements. Therefore, RUNX1 has the capability to utilize multiple mechanisms to control target gene expression. Our results highlight crucial roles for RUNX1 in controlling normal growth of mammary epithelial cells, consistent with its tumor suppressor activities. Loss of RUNX1 leads to improper gene regulation and cell cycle defects, which may contribute to tumor progression in breast cancer. These RUNX1-mediated mechanisms point to novel intervention strategies for early stage breast cancer. Citation Format: Deli Hong, Andrew J. Fritz, Coralee E. Tye, Natalie A. Page, Joseph R. Boyd, Jane B. Lian, Janet L. Stein, Gary S. Stein. RUNX1 global binding and gene regulation in mammary epithelial cells revealed novel Runx1 mediated cellular activities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4462.
Battling Aggressive Infidelity: Debating Robert Ingersoll

Gladstone defended biblical truth in his 1888 debate in the North American Review with Robert Ingersoll, the most famous agnostic in America. During the controversy the statesman reached the peak of his fame as a Christian apologist. The Gladstone-Ingersoll debate illuminated the widening gulf between traditional Christianity and atheism in the United States as well as the fissures within Christianity itself. Opinions in America were again divided about Gladstone’s effectiveness as an apologist. Freethinkers and skeptics believed he had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Ingersoll. Unitarians and adherents of progressive orthodoxy judged his attack on infidelity to have fallen well short of the mark. Conservative evangelicals once again stood by their champion, believing he had triumphed over Ingersoll.
Multivariate Quantitative Approximation by Perturbed Kantorovich–Shilkret Neural Network Operators

This chapter deals with the determination of the rate of convergence to the unit of Perturbed Kantorovich–Shilkret multivariate normalized neural network operators of one hidden layer. These are given through the multivariate modulus of continuity of the engaged multivariate function or its high order partial derivatives and that appears in the associated multivariate Jackson type inequalities. The activation function is very general and it can derive from any multivariate sigmoid or bell-shaped functions. The right hand sides of our Jackson type inequalities do not depend on the activation function. The sample functionals are Kantorovich–Shilkret type. We provide an application for the first partial derivatives of the involved function. It follows [4].
Making Health Research Matter: A Call to Increase Attention to External Validity

Most of the clinical research conducted with the goal of improving health is not generalizable to nonresearch settings. In addition, scientists often fail to replicate each other's findings due, in...
Clinical Genetic Testing for Fragile X Syndrome by Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification and Southern Blot Analyses

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by mental retardation and in the vast majority of cases it is caused by expansion of CGG trinucleotide repeats in the 5' untranslated region (or UTR) in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. The size and methylation status of CGG repeats are correlated with the clinical phenotype of FMR1-related disorders. The methods used for clinical genetic testing of FXS include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and Southern blot analyses, which effectively detect alleles with repeats in the normal, intermediate, premutation, and full mutation size ranges, as well as the methylation status of FMR1 promoter region.