cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discovering pathways by orienting edges in protein interaction networks

Modern experimental technology enables the identification of the sensory proteins that interact with the cells' environment or various pathogens. Expression and knockdown studies can determine the downstream effects of these interactions. However, when attempting to reconstruct the signaling networks and pathways between these sources and targets, one faces a substantial challenge. Although pathways are directed, high-throughput protein interaction data are undirected. In order to utilize the available data, we need methods that can orient protein interaction edges and discover high-confidence pathways that explain the observed experimental outcomes. We formalize the orientation problem in weighted protein interaction graphs as an optimization problem and present three approximation algorithms based on either weighted Boolean satisfiability solvers or probabilistic assignments. We use these algorithms to identify pathways in yeast. Our approach recovers twice as many known signaling cascades as a recent unoriented signaling pathway prediction technique and over 13 times as many as an existing network orientation algorithm. The discovered paths match several known signaling pathways and suggest new mechanisms that are not currently present in signaling databases. For some pathways, including the pheromone signaling pathway and the high-osmolarity glycerol pathway, our method suggests interesting and novel components that extend current annotations.
Reproductive variation corresponding to breeding season length in three tropical frog species

Several South-East Asian anuran species can breed year-round near the equator (due to abundant rainfall in all months in Singapore, for example) but are limited to a 6-mo breeding season in other areas (including central Thailand). In order to investigate the extent to which such differences in breeding season length are associated with differences in reproductive measures such as clutch size, reproduction of three common species, Polypedates leucomystax, Microhyla heymonsi and Hylarana erythraea, was compared in Singapore and Thailand over a 2-y period. All three species produce nearly twice as many eggs per clutch in seasonal environments compared with aseasonal environments, although annual fecundity may be similar in both environments. In Polypedates leucomystax, increased clutch size and volume are associated with larger female size, but in the other two species female size is unchanged with respect to latitude. In H. erythraea, the increased clutch size in Thailand was observed early in the breeding season; later clutches were not significantly different between sites. Collectively, these data suggest that these widespread species have adapted to shortened breeding season length by increasing clutch size.
Soft tissue connection between rectus capitus posterior minor and the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane: A cadaveric study

This investigation determined the variation, prevalence, tissue-type, and sex bias in the soft-tissue bridge between rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPMi) and the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAO). Seventy-five cadavers (27 females and 48 males) were surveyed. When RCPMi was revealed, its superior attachment was detached and the muscle was reflected inferiorly to determine if it was attached to the underlying PAO. If a soft-tissue bridge was identified, the fibers found within the bridge were classified by visual inspection into three categories: tendon-like, muscle-like, and fascia-like. A fourth category of no attachment was also noted. These results show that RCPMi was present bilaterally in 93% of all cadavers surveyed (89% of the female cadavers and 96% of the male cadavers). On the right side, a soft-tissue bridge was present in 67% of males and 78% of females. On the left side, the soft-tissue bridge was present in 69% of males and 82% of females. The number of male cadavers possessing tendon fibers in a soft-tissue bridge was 56% on the right side and 55% on the left side. In females, the number of cadavers possessing tendon fibers in a soft-tissue bridge was 44% on the right side and 64% on the left side. In males, muscle fibers were present in the soft-tissue bridge, 34% on the right side and 36% on the left. In females, muscle fibers were found in the soft-tissue bridge, 43% on the right side and 36% on the left. There were no significant associations of sex and the presence of the soft-tissue bridge and a fiber-type within a soft-tissue bridge.
Crossfire: multiprocess, cross-browser, open-web debugging protocol

We present Crossfire, a system and protocol designed to enable debugging of Web pages in another process or machine. Issues specific to any one Web browser are abstracted by the protocol and implementation, allowing a new generation of Open Web development tools to be implemented. We discuss the major refactoring of Firebug, the open source Web debugging tool to use Crossfire and the interplay between goals and resources that such an effort requires. In addition to the cross-browser focus of the protocol, we also discuss support for extensions which themselves will be cross-browser and client-server.
An examination of a density functional/molecular mechanical coupled potential

In this article we describe the coupling of a density functional (DF) Hamiltonian with the molecular mechanics (MM) potential function AMBER. We examine a series of test cases in which we compare the binding energies and geometries of the complexes predicted by this coupled potential with those predicted by other theoretical methods and experiment to establish the relative accuracy of the DF/MM coupled potential. We find that the DF/MM coupled potential performs well in most cases studied and, in general, outperforms the semiempirical/MM approach. The interaction energies and structures obtained using this method appear to be insensitive to the use of nonlocal (NL) corrections to the DF method. The is fortuitous because the NL treatment is significantly more computationally expensive than the local treatment. However, NL corrections may be required to predict accurately the shape of potential energy surfaces that involve bond breaking and formation. The DF/MM method has also been applied to the determination of the solvation free energy for a series of ions using free-energy perturbation methods. The results obtained are good and can be improved by a simple scaling of the Lennard-Jones parameters for the ion in question. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Wavelength-Group-Based Optical Virtual Concatenation Technique for Data-Intensive and Latency-Sensitive Applications

Optical virtual concatenation (OVC) is a promising technique for data-intensive, latency-sensitive and large-scale applications. In this paper, we present an OVC-based network architecture and key technologies for achieving virtual bulk-data transmission with a group of wavelengths. To offset the relative delay-difference among the grouped optical channels (wavelengths), a dynamic detection and compensation mechanism based on 40-Gb/s/ch OTN physical-layer multiframe architecture is proposed and discussed in detail. Using recently developed OVC hardware, 40-Gb/s/ch parallel transmission is demonstrated for the first time, and system performance is evaluated.
HUBzero and Pegasus: integrating scientific workflows into science gateways

Summary In this paper, we described the benefits and the challenges of integrating existing scientific workflow technologies into science gateways. Scientific workflow managers are powerful tools for handling large computational tasks. Domain scientists find it difficult to create new workflows, so many tasks that could benefit from workflow automation are often avoided or performed by hand. Two technologies have come together to bring the benefits of workflow to the masses. The Pegasus Workflow Management System can manage workflows comprised of millions of tasks, all the while recording data about the execution and intermediate results so that the provenance of the final result is clear. The HUBzero platform for scientific collaboration provides a venue for building and delivering tools to researchers and educators. With the press of a button, these tools can launch Pegasus workflows on national computing infrastructures and bring results back for plotting and visualization. As a result, the combination of Pegasus and HUBzero is bringing high-throughput computing to a much wider audience. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mantle deformation and noble gases: Helium and neon in oceanic mylonites

Abstract In an effort to constrain the behavior of noble gases during mantle deformation, we present new helium and neon data in mylonites from subaerial St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) and the submarine Southwest Indian Ridge. Coupled vacuum crushing and melting experiments show that most of the helium and neon within the mylonites is contained in the mineral matrices rather than fluid or melt inclusions: only 5 to 18% of the total helium is released by crushing. The mylonites and ultramylonites have much higher total helium concentrations than expected, based on their small grain size. The St. Paul's Rocks mylonites have helium contents equivalent to gas-rich MORB glasses, ranging from 6 × 10− 6 to 3.8 × 10− 5 cc STP He/g. The submarine mylonites and ultramylonites have helium contents between 5 × 10− 8 and 4.4 × 10−7 cc STP He/g, compared to 6.2 × 10− 9 to 3.6 × 10− 8 for the protogranular/porphyroclastic peridotites. Although the dataset is small, it suggests a relationship between metamorphic texture and noble gas abundance, and that mylonitization introduces mantle helium into mineral matrices. The mylonites are extremely fine grained, with an average grain size of ~ 10 µm, so helium residence in grain boundaries is also plausible. St. Paul's Rocks have modal hornblende, extreme geochemical enrichments in incompatible elements, and high temperature alteration phases (e.g., talc) that are rare or absent in the other samples; mineralogy must also play an important role. The 3He/4He ratios in the peridotites are primarily mantle derived, based on comparison with MORB data, suggesting that peridotites reflect the source mantle isotopic compositions. Neon isotopes in St. Paul's Rocks are a mixture of air and normal mantle, and fall along the line defined by MORB glasses. The atmospheric neon signal is preferentially released by crushing in vacuum, suggesting it resides within weakly bound sites in cracks and grain boundaries. He/Ne ratios in St. Paul's Rocks vary widely (~ 20×) with deformation and mineralogy, with the highest He/Ne ratios (and helium concentration) found in the finest grained ultramylonite peridotite. The neon and helium isotopic data show that mantle gases are preserved in fine-grained mylonites at very high concentrations. The most likely mechanism is diffusive trapping within defects at pressure in the mantle. The relationship between texture and helium abundance in peridotites suggests that metamorphism is a potentially important control on noble gas distribution in the mantle and crust.
Gravitationsanziehung von Ellipsoiden

In dieser letzten Vorlesung greifen wir frei auf physikalische Fachterminologie zuruck, wobei wir seitens des Lesers ein physikalisches Grundwissen gepaart mit gesundem Menschenverstand voraussetzen. Zum Beispiel wird eine Funktion als das Potenzial eines Kraftfelds bezeichnet, wenn der Kraftvektor der Gradient dieser Funktion ist; eine Aquipotenzialflache ist eine Niveauflache einer Potenzialfunktion usw. Naturlich ist die Gravitationsanziehung proportional zu den Massen und umgekehrt proportional zum Quadrat des Abstands zwischen den Korpern. Gleiches gilt fur die Anziehung und Abstosung elektrischer Ladungen nach Coulomb.
The Top Woman-Led Businesses in Massachusetts: 2003 Results

This report studies the top businesses led by women in the commonwealth of Massachusetts for the year 2003.There are 237 companies included in this study, of which 210 are privately held.To participate, businesses must have been headquartered in Massachusetts and had woman chief executive (senior decision maker). Medical, law, banking, and not-for-profit firms were not included. Data were collected through surveys and structured interviews. The study reveals that businesses led by women are likely to have been founded by women entrepreneurs. These firms tend to have flat organizational structures that allow for an open and collaborative culture. Further, these firms strive to make the workplace family-friendly and flexible in order to gain loyalty and increase productivity among employees.On average, the women leading these firms have been working for 27 years with 13 of those years in their current positions.Despite their heavy workload, the women have found time to lead rewarding personal lives – 74 percent are married or partnered and 79 percent have children. The futures of these businesses look bright and, consequently, these businesses will be prepared to face the challenges of achieving consistent growth, responding to changing economic conditions, and finding new markets. (SRD)
PAF receptor antagonist modulates neutrophil responses with thermal injury in vivo

The role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in Ca(2+) signaling and Ca(2+)-related enhancement of reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) generation in neutrophils of burn-injured rats was ascertained by evaluating the effect of treatment of the rats with a PAF receptor antagonist. The treatment of rats with the antagonist also allowed us to evaluate the role of PAF in the priming of neutrophil ROI response with burn in vivo. A full skin thickness burn injury was produced in anesthetized rats by exposing 30% of total body surface area to 98 degrees C water for 10 s. Sham and burn rats were killed 1 day later, and their blood was collected to obtain neutrophils. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis was used to quantify ROI production by the neutrophils. Cytosolic-free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) imaging technique was employed to measure neutrophil [Ca(2+)](i) in individual cells and microfluorometry for the assessment of [Ca(2+)](i) responses in suspensions of neutrophils. There was an overt enhancement of ROI generation by burn rat neutrophils. ROI release was accompanied by a marked elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) signaling. The treatment of rats with PAF receptor antagonist before burn prevented the upregulation of both [Ca(2+)](i) and ROI generation in neutrophils. These studies indicate that enhanced ROI production in neutrophils in the early stages after burn injury results from a PAF-mediated priming of the [Ca(2+)](i) signaling pathways in vivo.
The corpus callosum in primates: processing speed of axons and the evolution of hemispheric asymmetry

Interhemispheric communication may be constrained as brain size increases because of transmission delays in action potentials over the length of axons. Although one might expect larger brains to have progressively thicker axons to compensate, spatial packing is a limiting factor. Axon size distributions within the primate corpus callosum (CC) may provide insights into how these demands affect conduction velocity. We used electron microscopy to explore phylogenetic variation in myelinated axon density and diameter of the CC from 14 different anthropoid primate species, including humans. The majority of axons were less than 1 µm in diameter across all species, indicating that conduction velocity for most interhemispheric communication is relatively constant regardless of brain size. The largest axons within the upper 95th percentile scaled with a progressively higher exponent than the median axons towards the posterior region of the CC. While brain mass among the primates in our analysis varied by 97-fold, estimates of the fastest cross-brain conduction times, as conveyed by axons at the 95th percentile, varied within a relatively narrow range between 3 and 9 ms across species, whereas cross-brain conduction times for the median axon diameters differed more substantially between 11 and 38 ms. Nonetheless, for both size classes of axons, an increase in diameter does not entirely compensate for the delay in interhemispheric transmission time that accompanies larger brain size. Such biophysical constraints on the processing speed of axons conveyed by the CC may play an important role in the evolution of hemispheric asymmetry.
Re-Emergent Tremor of Parkinson's Disease Masquerading as Essential Tremor.

Background: The re-emergent tremor of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is generally recognized as a postural tremor. Phenomenology Shown: A PD patient with a re-emergent tremor occurring during a task (spiral drawing), which on the surface produced a tremor that resembled that of essential tremor (ET). Educational Value: Researchers and clinicians should be aware of features of this re-emergent tremor to help distinguish it from that of ET.
Solubility of Parabens in Subcritical Water

The solubility of methyl, ethyl, and butyl parabens (4-hydroxybenzoate) in water was determined at (298, 373, 423, and 473) K using a homemade heating/mixing system and by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The solubility increased for all three parabens studied when water temperature was raised from 298 K to 423 K. However, the solubility decreased with a further temperature increase from 423 K to 473 K. This was due to the degradation of parabens at 473 K as revealed by a separate study. A new model was developed to guide the estimation of paraben solubility in subcritical water. The solubility values predicted using this new model compare reasonably well with our experimental values.
Phytophthora Blight: A Serious Threat to Cucurbit Industries.

Introduction Phytophthora blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora capsici, has become one of the most serious threats to production of cucurbits and peppers, both in the United States and worldwide (2,6,8,9,11,17,18,22,27,30). Phytophthora capsici was first described by Leonian on pepper in New Mexico in 1922 (20). In 1931, Tucker (38) classified it as a species of the genus Phytophthora and considered P. capsici as a host-specific fungus pathogenic on pepper. Subsequently, taxonomists (23,36,37) studied Phytophthora isolates from various hosts in the world and re-described the taxonomy of P. capsici. Recently, the incidence of Phytophthora blight on cucurbits has dramatically increased in Illinois (2,32) and other cucurbit-growing areas in the world (8,9,17,18), causing up to 100% yield loss. Cucurbit industries, particularly processing industries, are seriously threatened by heavy crop loss resulting from Phytophthora blight. For example, outbreaks of Phytophthora blight have threatened the processing pumpkin and other cucurbit industries in Illinois, where 90% of processing pumpkins produced in the US are grown (2,3) (Figs. 1 and 2). Similarly, the pickling cucumber industry of Michigan is jeopardized by the increased occurrence of Phytophthora blight (8). Because of heavy crop losses the growers often have to abandon their own farms for cucurbit production and move into different areas, sometimes traveling more than 50 miles, to find fields not infested with P. capsici.
C5L2, the Second C5a Anaphylatoxin Receptor, Suppresses LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury

LPS-induced lung injury in the mouse is one of the most robust experimental models used for studies of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome in humans. Prior clinical and experimental studies support an important role for complement activation, particularly production of C5a, in the pathophysiology of human ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome. In the mouse model, however, the precise role of C5a and its receptors is unclear. C5L2, an enigmatic second receptor for C5a, has been characterized, and results have generated substantial debate regarding its in vivo function. Our previous work with human neutrophils revealed a unique role for C5L2 in negatively modulating C5a–C5a receptor (C5aR)–mediated cellular activation, in which antibody-mediated blockade of C5L2 resulted in augmented C5a-C5aR responses. Here, we demonstrate that C5L2−/− mice (BALB/c background) administered intranasal LPS exhibit significantly more airway edema and hemorrhage than do wild-type animals. Bronchoa...
Devils, witches, and psychics: The role of thought-action fusion in the relationships between obsessive-compulsive features, religiosity, and paranormal beliefs

Abstract Research suggests that religiosity is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Moreover, one previous study found that paranormal beliefs are associated with OCD. It is currently unclear whether these relationships are independent of one another and what mechanisms may underlie them. The objectives of this study were to determine whether religiosity and paranormal beliefs are uniquely related to various features of OCD and whether moral thought action fusion (TAF-M) and/or likelihood thought-action fusion (TAF-L) mediate these relationships. A cross-sectional design was used in which 801 students completed measures of religiosity, paranormal beliefs, OCD, and thought-action fusion. Results indicated that religiosity and paranormal beliefs are uniquely related to OCD features. Further, TAF-M and TAF-L mediated most of the relationships between the two belief systems and OCD. Moreover, the results indicated that TAF-M accounts for more of the relationship between religious beliefs and OCD than does TAF-L. In contrast, TAF-L accounts for more of the relationship between paranormal beliefs and OCD than does TAF-M. This study helps elucidate the nature of the relationship between OCD and different belief systems, and the results suggest that therapeutically targeting TAF may represent a culturally sensitive means to severing the connection between these belief systems and OCD.
Predictors of survival in posterior cricoid squamous cell carcinoma: A study of 248 cases

Objectives We aimed to describe the presentation, treatment patterns, and survival characteristics of posterior cricoid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Study Design Retrospective database review. Methods We reviewed the NCDB from 2004 to 2013. Primary, previously untreated cases of posterior cricoid SCC were studied. Cox regression analysis was performed to look for prognostic factors. Results Out of 14,416 hypopharyngeal malignancies, 269 (1.8%) posterior cricoid tumors were identified, of which 248 (92.2%) were SCC. Mean age at diagnosis was 65 years (range 20–90+). Most patients were Caucasian (74.7%) and male (77.1%). By presentation, 58% were classified as clinical stage tumor (cT) 3 or cT4 to cT4 disease and 57.4% were clinical node (cN) +. Radiation (RT) alone was the most common form of treatment (32.1%), followed by chemoradiation (CRT) (31.7%) and surgery plus RT (7.4%). Overall 5- and 10-year survival was 25% and 19%, respectively. Significant prognostic factors include overall clinical stage III to IV (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.82], P = 0.011), clinical nodal disease (HR 1.54 [95% CI 1.10–2.15], P = 0.012), and Charlson/Deyo comorbidity score > 1 (HR 1.94 [95% CI 1.14–3.29], P = 0.014) on univariate analysis. Conclusion Posterior cricoid SCCs are rare hypopharyngeal malignancies with a poor prognosis. They typically present at late stage with nodal metastasis and are most commonly treated nonsurgically with primary RT or CRT. Increasing clinical stage, comorbidity, and nodal disease are associated with worse survival. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1093–1096, 2017
Bevacizumab Combined with Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin in Patients with Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Small Bowel or Ampulla of Vater: a Single Center, Open-label, Phase 2 Study

BACKGROUND Capecitabine with oxaliplatin (CAPOX) has previously demonstrated clinical activity in patients with small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) and ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC). Herein, the authors conducted a phase 2 trial to evaluate the benefit of adding bevacizumab to CAPOX. METHODS In this phase 2, single-arm, single-center, open-label study, patients aged ≥18 years with untreated, advanced SBA or AAC were recruited. Patients received capecitabine at a dose of 750 mg/m2 orally twice daily on days 1 to 14, oxaliplatin at a dose of 130 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, and bevacizumab at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg intravenously on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months. Secondary objectives included response rate, overall PFS, overall survival, and toxicity. RESULTS Between August 2011 and November 2014, a total of 30 patients were enrolled into the study (male/female ratio of 13/17; median age of 63 years [range, 33-78 years]; and 7 patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status [ECOG PS] of 0, 20 patients with an ECOG PS of 1, and 3 patients with an ECOG PS of 2). Of the 30 patients, 23 (77%) had SBA (18 of duodenal origin and 5 of jejunal/ileal origin) and 7 patients (23%) had AAC (5 of pancreaticobiliary subtype, 1 of mixed subtype, and 1 of intestinal subtype). The most common grade 3 toxicities observed were fatigue and hypertension (7 patients each [23%]), neutropenia (6 patients [20%]), and diarrhea (3 patients [10%]) (toxicity was graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 4.0]). The probability of PFS at 6 months was 68% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 52% to 88%). The response rate was 48.3%, with 1 complete response and 13 partial responses; 10 patients achieved stable disease. At a median follow-up of 25.9 months, the median PFS was 8.7 months (95% CI, 4.9-10.5 months) and the median overall survival was 12.9 months (95% CI, 9.2-19.7 months). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study indicate that CAPOX with bevacizumab is an active and well-tolerated regimen for patients with SBA and AAC. These findings support the need for further investigation into the clinical benefit of targeting angiogenesis in patients with SBA and AAC. Cancer 2017;123:1011–17. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Limits of Tumor Detectability in Nuclear Medicine and PET.

Objective: Nuclear medicine is becoming increasingly important in the early detection of malignancy. The advantage of nuclear medicine over other imaging modalities is the high sensitivity of the gamma camera. Nuclear medicine counting equipment has the capability of detecting levels of radioactivity which exceed background levels by as little as 2.4 to 1. This translates to only a few hundred counts per minute on a regular gamma camera or as few as 3 counts per minute when using coincidence detection on a positron emission tomography (PET) camera. Material and Methods: We have experimentally measured the limits of detectability using a set of hollow spheres in a Jaszczak phantom at various tumor-to-background ratios. Imaging modalities for this work were (1) planar, (2) SPECT, (3) PET, and (4) planar camera with coincidence detection capability (MCD). Results: When there is no background (infinite contrast) activity present, the detectability of tumors is similar for PET and planar imaging. With the presence of the background activity , PET can detect objects in an order of magnitude smaller in size than that can be seen by conventional planar imaging especially in the typical clinical low (3:1) T/B ratios. The detection capability of the MCD camera lies between a conventional nuclear medicine (planar / SPECT) scans and the detection capability of a dedicated PET scanner. Conclusion: Among nuclear medicine’s armamentarium, PET is the closest modality to CT or MR imaging in terms of limits of detection. Modern clinical PET scanners have a resolution limit of 4 mm, corresponding to the detection of tumors with a volume of 0.2 ml (7 mm diameter) in 5:1 T/B ratio. It is also possible to obtain better resolution limits with dedicated brain and animal scanners. The future holds promise in development of new detector materials, improved camera design, and new reconstruction algorithms which will improve sensitivity, resolution, contrast, and thereby further diminish the limits of tumor detectability. Conflict of interest:None declared.
Pancreas-After-Islet Transplantation in Nonuremic Type 1 Diabetes: A Strategy for Restoring Durable Insulin Independence.

Islet transplantation offers a minimally-invasive approach for beta cell replacement in diabetic patients with hypoglycemic unawareness. Attempts at insulin independence may require multiple islet re-infusions from distinct donors, thus increasing the risk for allogeneic sensitization. Currently, solid organ pancreas transplant is the only remaining surgical option following failed islet transplantation in the US. However, the immunologic impact of repeated exposure to donor antigens on subsequent pancreas transplantation is unclear. Here we describe a case series of seven patients undergoing solid organ pancreas transplant following islet graft failure, with long-term follow-up of pancreatic graft survival and renal function. Despite highly variable panel-reactive antibody (PRA) levels prior to pancreas transplant (mean 27±35%), all seven patients achieved stable and durable insulin independence with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. Mean hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) values improved significantly from post-islet, pre-pancreas levels (mean 8.1±1.5%) to post-pancreas levels (mean 5.3±0.1%; p=0.0022). Three patients experienced acute rejection episodes successfully managed with thymoglobulin and methylprednisolone, and none of these pre-uremic type 1 diabetic recipients developed Stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease postoperatively. These results support pancreas-after-islet (PAI) transplantation with aggressive immunosuppression and protocol biopsies as a viable strategy to restore insulin independence after islet graft failure. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Battery/flywheel Hybrid Energy Storage to mitigate load fluctuations in electric ship propulsion systems

Large power and torque fluctuations on electric ship propulsion systems, due to propeller rotation and waves, can affect the reliability of a shipboard power network and cause wear and tear. This paper explores a new solution to address load power fluctuations using a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS). The configuration of the combined battery and flywheel (B/FW) system is developed in this paper. Model predictive control is used to balance the competing objectives of power tracking and energy saving under various operating constraints. To quantitatively analyze the performance of B/FW and its associated control strategy, a comparative study is performed and a battery/ultra-capacitor (B/UC) HESS configuration is used as a reference in performance evaluation. Power fluctuation mitigation and HESS loss minimization, the two main objectives, are evaluated in different sea conditions. Pareto-fronts illustrate the trade-off between the main objectives for each HESS configuration. Simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of B/FW to mitigate load fluctuations for all-electric ships, especially at high sea states.
Intraocular pressure elevation precedes a phagocytosis decline in a model of pigmentary glaucoma

Purpose: Outflow regulation and phagocytosis are key functions of the trabecular meshwork (TM), but it is not clear how the two are related in secondary open angle glaucomas characterized by an increased particle load. We hypothesized that diminished TM phagocytosis is not the primary cause of early ocular hypertension and recreated pigment dispersion in a porcine ex vivo model. Materials and Methods: Sixteen porcine anterior chamber cultures received a continuous infusion of pigment granules (P), while 16 additional anterior chambers served as controls (C). Pressure transducers recorded the intraocular pressure (IOP). The phagocytic capacity of the trabecular meshwork was determined by fluorescent microspheres. Results: The baseline IOPs in P and C were similar (P=0.82). A significant IOP elevation occurred in P at 48, 120, and 180 hours (all P 0.05). Conclusion: In this porcine model of pigmentary glaucoma, an IOP elevation occurs much earlier than when phagocytosis fails, suggesting that two separate mechanisms might be at work.
The Role of Brain-Reactive Autoantibodies in Brain Pathology and Cognitive Impairment.

Antibodies to different brain proteins have been recently found to be associated with an increasing number of different autoimmune diseases. They need to penetrate the blood brain barrier in order to bind antigens within the central nervous system (CNS). They can target either neuronal or non-neuronal antigen and result in damage either by themselves or in synergy with other inflammatory mediators. Antibodies can lead to acute brain pathology, which may be reversible; alternatively, they may trigger irreversible damage that persists even though the antibodies are no longer present. In this review we will describe two different autoimmune conditions and the role of their antibodies in causing brain pathology. In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), patients can have double stranded DNA antibodies that cross react with the neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) which have been recently linked to neurocognitive dysfunction. In Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), antibodies to astrocytic aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are diagnostic of disease. There is emerging evidence that pathogenic T cells also play an important role for the disease pathogenesis in NMO since they infiltrate in the CNS. In order to enable appropriate and less invasive treatment for antibody-mediated diseases we need to understand the mechanisms of antibody mediated pathology, the acute and chronic effects of antibody exposure, if the antibodies are produced intrathecally or systemically, their target antigen and what triggers their production. Emerging data also show that in utero exposure to some brain reactive antibodies, such as those found in SLE can cause neurodevelopmental impairment since they can penetrate the embryonic blood brain barrier. If the antibody exposure occurs at a critical time of development this can result in irreversible damage of the offspring that persists throughout adulthood.
Optimizing venous outflow in reconstruction of Gustilo IIIB lower extremity traumas with soft tissue free flap coverage: Are two veins better than one?

Purpose The dependent nature of the lower extremity predisposes to venous congestion, especially following significant trauma. The benefit of a second venous anastomosis, however, remains unclear in lower extremity trauma free flap reconstruction. This study investigated the effect of an additional venous anastomosis on flap outcomes in lower extremity trauma reconstruction. Methods Retrospective review between 1979 and 2016 identified 361 soft tissue flaps performed for Gustilo IIIB/C coverage meeting inclusion criteria. Muscle flaps were performed in 287 cases (79.9%) and fasciocutaneous flaps in 72 cases (20.1%). Single-vein anastomosis was performed in 76% of cases and dual-vein anastmoses in 24% of cases. Patient demographics, flap characteristics, and outcomes were examined. Results Fasciocutaneous flaps were more likely to have two veins performed (P 1 mm vein size mismatch was predictive of total flap failure (RR = 3.02, P = .038). Conclusion Lower extremity trauma free flaps with two venous anastomoses demonstrated a fourfold reduction in complication rates compared to single-vein flaps. Additionally, venous size mismatch >1 mm was an independent predictor of total flap failure, suggesting beneficial effects of both two-vein outflow and matched vessel diameter.
Assessing the Hydrogeomorphic Effects of Environmental Flows using Hydrodynamic Modeling

Water managers are increasingly using environmental flows (e-flows) as a tool to improve ecological conditions downstream from impoundments. Recent studies have called for e-flow approaches that explicitly consider impacts on hydrogeomorphic processes when developing management alternatives. Process-based approaches are particularly relevant in river systems that have been highly modified and where water supplies are over allocated. One-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic models can be used to resolve hydrogeomorphic processes at different spatial and temporal scales to support the development, testing, and refinement of e-flow hypotheses. Thus, the objective of this paper is to demonstrate the use of hydrodynamic models as a tool for assisting stakeholders in targeting and assessing environmental flows within a decision-making framework. We present a case study of e-flows on the Rio Chama in northern New Mexico, USA, where 1D and 2D hydrodynamic modeling was used within a collaborative process to implement an e-flow experiment. A specific goal of the e-flow process was to improve spawning habitat for brown trout by flushing fine sediments from gravel features. The results revealed that the 2D hydrodynamic model provided much greater insight with respect to hydrodynamic and sediment transport processes, which led to a reduction in the recommended e-flow discharge. The results suggest that 2D hydrodynamic models can be useful tools for improving process understanding, developing e-flow recommendations, and supporting adaptive management even when limited or no data are available for model calibration and validation.
Time-Temperature-Transformation Characteristics of Titanium-Molybdenum Alloys

1—It has been shown that a supersaturated β phase may decompose either by nucleation and growth of α or by a diffusionless transformation to α′. 2—The transformation products and pertinent reaction rate information may be represented on conventional TTT charts. 3—The M, temperature for α′ formation is linearly dependent on molybdenum content. Dominant stabilization effects become operative above 9 pct Mo.
Criteria for Successful Use of Computers in Critical Care -- A Manufacturer’s Perspective

For over fifteen years, the literature has described many critical care computer systems developed in both research and clinical environments of hospitals and universities throughout the world. Various government agencies have made grants totaling in the tens of millions of dollars to support research in the use of computers in critical care. There certainly have been some notable successes, but there have been only a few isolated cases of transference of technology from one institution to another. We will examine why technology has not been transferred later in this paper.
Nondestructive measurement of surface cracks using ultrasonic Rayleigh waves

Rayieigh waves are eminently suited for the detection and charac­ terization of surface breaking and near surface defects. The paper describes how the property of an R-wave, according to which its fre­ quency content varies with depth below a surface, may be used to measure the depth of surface breaking cracks. The method involves the signal analysis of a selected portion of the transmitted surface waves after interaction with a crack. The paper describes how the relevant portion of the total transmitted signal can be automatically selected by an on­ line minicomputer. An FFT of this signal is then performed and pattern recognition procedures are used to identify that specific characteristic of the frequency spectrum that indicates the depth of the crack. Since the method does not rely on time of flight or amplitude measurements, it is insensitive to the path of the crack, to roughness of the crack surface, to residual stresses at the crack tip, to weld splatter or oil between the transmitter and receiver transducers, and to other opera­ tional variables such as circuit damping and separation between transducers.
Social Stratification of School Knowledge in Character Training Programs of South Buffalo, New York, 1918-1932:

This essay shows how policy makers and teachers in Buffalo, New York designed and implemented a stratified curriculum as an outgrowth of the school district's character training program. They diffe...
Comparison of physician networks constructed from thresholded ties versus shared clinical episodes

To compare standard methods for constructing physician networks from patient-physician encounter data with a new method based on clinical episodes of care. We used data on 100% of traditional Medicare beneficiaries from 51 nationally representative geographical regions for the years 2005–2010. We constructed networks of physicians based on their shared patients. In the fixed-threshold networks and adaptive-threshold networks, we included data on all patient-physician encounters to form the physician-physician ties, and then subsequently thresholded some proportion of the strongest ties. In contrast, in the episode-based approach, only those patient-physician encounters that occurred within shared clinical episodes treating specific conditions contributed towards physician-physician ties. We extracted clinical episodes in the Medicare data and investigated structural properties of the patient-sharing networks of physicians, temporal dynamics of their ties, and temporal stability of network communities across the two approaches. The episode-based networks accentuated ties between primary care physicians (PCPs) and medical specialists, had ties that were more likely to reappear in the future, and appeared to have more fluid community structure. Constructing physician networks around shared episodes of care is a clinically sound alternative to previous approaches to network construction that does not require arbitrary decisions about thresholding. The resulting networks capture somewhat different aspects of patient-physician encounters.
Distinct expression patterns of SULT2B1b in human prostate epithelium

Background SULT2B1b (sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1b) catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of substrates such as cholesterol and oxysterols. Our laboratory has previously shown that SULT2B1b inhibition modulates androgen receptor signaling and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. However, the functions of SULT2B1b in the prostate remain poorly understood. Methods We characterized the expression pattern of SULT2B1b in human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) as well as prostate cancer to determine the relationship between SULT2B1b and prostate diseases, using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results SULT2B1b was strongly detected in the prostate epithelium but was absent in the stroma. Significantly lower SULT2B1b was found in primary cancer cells compared with adjacent normal epithelial cells. SULT2B1b further decreased in metastatic cancer cells. Most interestingly, we found, for the first time, that SULT2B1b was much more concentrated in the luminal layer than in the basal layer in both normal prostate and BPH samples. The stronger presence of SULT2B1b in luminal epithelial cells was confirmed by costaining with luminal and basal markers and in sorted paired luminal and basal cells. SULT2B1b expression was induced with prostate organoid differentiation. Conclusions SULT2B1b inversely correlates with prostate cancer status, with the highest level in the normal epithelium and lowest in the advanced metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, SULT2B1b is mostly located within the luminal layer of the prostate epithelium, suggesting that it may be implicated in luminal differentiation.
Muon Collider Machine-Detector Interface

The deleterious effects of the background and radiation environment produced by the decaying muon beam are studied in the Muon Collider Interaction Region, detector and Machine-Detector Interface designs.
Amacrine-Bipolar Cell Interactions Mediate Change Detection in the Retina of the Tiger Salamander

Neural interactions that underlie movement-gated inhibition and that generate responses to movement are found throughout the visual system. The retinal ganglion cells in many species including frog (Maturana et al., 1960), salamander (Werblin, 1970), and cat (Cleland & Levick, 1974) show directionally selective movement detection. A general scheme for directionally selective movement detection in rabbit has been proposed (Barlow & Levick, 1965), and numerous theoretical schemes have been described (Torre & Poggio, 1978; 1981). The cells, synaptic pathways and interactions mediating change and movement detection have not yet been identified. Only recently has it become possible to probe within the inner plexiform layer to discern the neuronal interactions underlying change-gated activity (Maguire et al., 1988; Werblin et al., 1988).
History and Overview of Gymnastics Disciplines

Gymnastics has a long history founded in entertainment and demonstration of athleticism. Over the course of several centuries, it has evolved into the current sport we know today. The rapid growth in popularity of gymnastics created the need for regulation. Currently the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) is the governing body for the sport with eight unique disciplines including women’s artistic gymnastics, men’s artistic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline, rhythmic gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics, Gymnastics for All, and parkour. Each discipline has an individual code of conduct, a code of points, eligibility criteria for participation, and varying requirements of strength, power, and flexibility.
Chapter 49 – Poststroke Epilepsy

Poststroke seizures and poststroke epilepsy (PSE) have been described in numerous clinical and population studies. Poststroke epileptic seizures are considered focal in onset, likely arising within the “ischemic penumbra,” the area of compromised tissue surrounding an infarct. The pathophysiological events of injured brain that establish PSE remain poorly understood, in large part due to the lack of a well-developed, standardized, reliable animal model of PSE. Although experimental models of ischemic brain infarction are used in numerous laboratories to study the pathophysiology of stroke, neuroprotection, and functional outcomes after stroke, there is typically no description of seizure occurrence in the animals, possibly due to relatively brief periods of observation from the time of infarction to animal sacrifice (hours, days), young animal age, nonconvulsive seizures, and/or no EEG monitoring. This chapter will review studies that have applied models of arterial occlusion or cortical photothrombosis to the study of PSE.
Application of the actor-partner interdependence model in parent-adolescent emotion regulation and depression.

Abstract Background The family environment is an important context for the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms within families. In this study, we evaluated whether parent and adolescent self-reports of emotion regulation constructs are linked with their own (actor effects) and each other's (partner effects) depressive symptoms. Methods Participants were 123 adolescent-parent dyads, recruited from adolescent inpatient and partial hospitalization programs, who completed self-report assessments of emotion dysregulation and depression. Results Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), results revealed expected actor effects for emotion regulation strategies, but not impulsiveness. A significant partner effect for parents’ impulsiveness and adolescents’ depressive symptoms was observed, demonstrating the interdependent nature of these characteristics in the sample. Interpretation of APIM model coefficients indicated that greater parent impulsiveness was associated with less adolescent depression symptom severity. Limitations Limitations include a small sample of primarily Caucasian adolescents who were receiving intensive psychiatric services making generalizability more challenging. The sample also consisted of largely mothers which is important to consider given there are known gender differences in rates of depression and sensitivity to interpersonal processes. Conclusions Overall, findings shed light on the nature of these characteristics within the families of depressed adolescents and the role of emotion regulation in the parent-child relationship. Implications of this work and future studies are discussed.