cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Evolution of the Human Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans by Intervarietal Transfer of a 14-Gene Fragment

The availability of the whole-genome sequence from the 2 known varieties of the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans provides an opportunity to study the relative contribution of divergence and introgression during the process of speciation in a genetically tractable organism. At the genomic level, these varieties are nearly completely syntenic, share approximately 85-90% nucleotide identity, and are believed to have diverged approximately 18 MYA. Via a comparative genomic approach, we identified a 14-gene region (approximately 40 kb) that is nearly identical between the 2 varieties that resulted from a nonreciprocal transfer event from var. grubii to var. neoformans approximately 2 MYA. The majority of clinical and environmental var. neoformans strains from around the world contain this sequence obtained from var. grubii. This introgression event likely occurred via an incomplete intervarietal sexual cycle, creating a hybrid intermediate where mobile elements common to both lineages mediated the exchange. The subsequent duplication in laboratory strains of a fragment of this same genomic region supports evolutionary theories that instabilities in subtelomeric regions promote adaptive evolution through gene amplification and subsequent adaptation. Along with a more ancient predicted transfer event in C. neoformans and a recently reported example from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, these data indicate that DNA exchange between closely related sympatric varieties or species may be a recurrent theme in the evolution of fungal species. It further suggests that although evolutionary divergence is the primary force driving speciation, rare introgression events also play a potentially important role.
Comparison of African American and Afro-Caribbean Older Adults' Self-Reported Health Status, Function, and Substance Use

African American and Afro-Caribbean elders differ in regard to ethnic group membership, place of birth, and years of residence in the United States. In this study, the authors compare self-rated health status, function, and reports of substance use in these two groups. Fifty low-income African American and fifty low-income Afro-Caribbean adults older than 55 were matched on gender, income, and age (within a range of 3 years) for this study. Self-reported mental and physical health (SF-8), function (basic and independent activities of daily living), and tobacco and alcohol use were measured. Significant differences between the two ethnic groups were found on four of the SF-8 domains, the physical health summary measure, and tobacco use but not on the mental health summary measure, function, or alcohol use. The differences that emerged suggest a more positive health status and healthier behavior in the immigrant Afro-Caribbean group. Results may be explained by the healthy immigrant effect relating to bette...
Managing Japanese Barberry (Ranunculales: Berberidaceae) Infestations Reduces Blacklegged Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Abundance and Infection Prevalence With Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae)

In many Connecticut forests with an overabundance of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC) has become the dominant understory shrub, which may provide a habitat favorable to blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say) and white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque) survival. To determine mouse and larval tick abundances at three replicate sites over 2 yr, mice were trapped in unmanipulated dense barberry infestations, areas where barberry was controlled, and areas where barberry was absent. The number of feeding larval ticks/mouse was recorded. Adult and nymphal ticks were sampled along 200-m draglines in each treatment, retained, and were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner) presence. Total first-captured mouse counts did not differ between treatments. Mean number of feeding larval ticks per mouse was highest on mice captured in dense barberry. Adult tick densities in dense barberry were higher than in both controlled barberry and no barberry areas. Ticks sampled from full barberry infestations and controlled barberry areas had similar infection prevalence with B. burgdorferi the first year. In areas where barberry was controlled, infection prevalence was reduced to equal that of no barberry areas the second year of the study. Results indicate that managing Japanese barberry will have a positive effect on public health by reducing the number of B. burgdorferi-infected blacklegged ticks that can develop into motile life stages that commonly feed on humans.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis--a rolling stone gathers no moss!

and Prospects for the Clinical Application of Preimplantation Diagnosis: The Tortoise or the Hare? letters and reply
Does Arabidopsis thaliana DREAM of cell cycle control

Strict temporal control of cell cycle gene expression is essential for all eukaryotes including animals and plants. DREAM complexes have been identified in worm, fly, and mammals, linking several distinct transcription factors to coordinate gene expression throughout the cell cycle. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , Kobayashi et al (2015) identify distinct activator and repressor complexes for genes expressed during the G2 and M phases in Arabidopsis that can be temporarily separated during proliferating and post‐mitotic stages of development. The complexes incorporate specific activator and repressor MYB and E2F transcription factors and indicate the possibility of the existence of multiple DREAM complexes in plants.
Influence of glycemic load on HDL cholesterol in youth

Background: The influence of dietary carbohydrate glycemic index on blood lipids has not been well studied. Assessment of glycemic load is not usually included in a standard dietary analysis. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine relations between diet and blood lipids in youth with a broad range of cholesterol values and carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes. Design: Relations between blood lipids and dietary constituents were examined in 32 healthy males and females aged 11-25 y. Subjects exhibited a range of LDL-cholesterol values (1.71-6.67 mmol/L) and body mass index z scores (-1.18 to 2.64). Dietary constituents were assessed from 3-d food diaries. Results: The only significant correlations evident were negative correlations between HDL cholesterol and glycemic load (in relation to white bread), percentage carbohydrate, total dietary sugar, total carbohydrate, and fructose. On stepwise multiple regression analysis, glycemic load accounted for 21.1% of the variation in HDL cholesterol. Conclusions: Glycemic load appears to be an important independent predictor of HDL cholesterol in youth. This relation is of concern and suggests that dietary restrictions without attention to a possible resulting increase in glycemic load may result in an unfavorable influence on blood lipids. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81: 376-9.
CuPIDS enhances StUPIDS: exploring a co-processing paradigm shift in information system security

The CuPIDS project is an exploration of increasing information system security by dedicating computational resources to system security tasks in a shared resource, multiprocessor (MP) architecture. Our research explores ways in which this architecture offers improvements over the traditional uniprocessor (UP) model of security. There are a number of areas to explore, one of which has a protected application running on one processor in a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) system while a shadow process specific to that application runs on a different processor, monitoring its activity, ready to respond immediately if the application veers off course. This paper describes initial work into defining such an architecture and the prototype work done to validate our ideas.
Laparoscopic versus open fundoplication in infants.

Background: Laparoscopic esophagogastric fundoplication is an effective treatment for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). although its role in the very young is still largely undetermined. We review our surgical outcome in infants with severe GERD, comparing laparoscopic (LNF) with open (ONF) Nissen fundoplication.
Predictive model accuracy in estimating last Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intake from plasma and whole blood cannabinoid concentrations in chronic, daily cannabis smokers administered subchronic oral THC

Background Determining time since last cannabis/Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure is important in clinical, workplace, and forensic settings. Mathematical models calculating time of last exposure from whole blood concentrations typically employ a theoretical 0.5 whole blood-to-plasma (WB/P) ratio. No studies previously evaluated predictive models utilizing empirically-derived WB/P ratios, or whole blood cannabinoid pharmacokinetics after subchronic THC dosing.
Use of Soil Maps and Surveys to Interpret Soil-Landform Assemblages and Soil-Landscape Evolution

Soils form in unconsolidated parent materials, which make them a key link to the geologic system that originally deposited the parent material. In young soils, i.e. those that post-date the last glaciation, parent materials can often be easily identified as to type and depositional system. In a GIS, soil map units can then be geospatially tied to parent materials, enabling the user to create maps of surficial geology. We suggest that maps of this kind have a wide variety of applications in the Earth Sciences, and to that end provide five examples from temperate climate soil-landscapes.
Change in Motor Plan, Without a Change in the Spatial Locus of Attention, Modulates Activity in Posterior Parietal Cortex

The lateral intraparietal area (LIP) of macaque monkey, and a parietal reach region (PRR) medial and posterior to LIP, code the intention to make visually guided eye and arm movements, respectively. We studied the effect of changing the motor plan, without changing the locus of attention, on single neurons in these two areas. A central target was fixated while one or two sequential flashes occurred in the periphery. The first appeared either within the response field of the neuron being recorded or else on the opposite side of the fixation point. Animals planned a saccade (red flash) or reach (green flash) to the flash location. In some trials, a second flash 750 ms later could change the motor plan but never shifted attention: second flashes always occurred at the same location as the preceding first flash. Responses in LIP were larger when a saccade was instructed (n = 20 cells), whereas responses in PRR were larger when a reach was instructed (n = 17). This motor preference was observed for both first flashes and second flashes. In addition, the response to a second flash depended on whether it affirmed or countermanded the first flash; second flash responses were diminished only in the former case. Control experiments indicated that this differential effect was not due to stimulus novelty. These findings support a role for posterior parietal cortex in coding specific motor intention and are consistent with a possible role in the nonspatial shifting of motor intention.
Irinotecan-induced neutropenia and UGT1A1*28: Does dose matter?

4023 Background: On July 7 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S.A. and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals changed the package insert information for irinotecan to include a patient’s UGT1A1*28 genotype as a risk factor for severe neutropenia. This change resulted from the findings of four pharmacogenetic studies that identified a 2.5 to 17-fold risk of toxicity in homozygous UGT1A1*28 patients receiving irinotecan. Notably, a total number of 34 patients in the four studies were homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele. Subsequent studies on larger patient cohorts treated with other dosage regimens have failed to consistently replicate the UGT1A1*28 genotype-toxicity associations, thus confounding the development of dosing recommendations. This has contributed to confusion on how best to select a safe dose of irinotecan for a patient who is homozygous for UGT1A1*28. Methods: We reviewed the data presented in ten irinotecan pharmacogenetic studies (825 patients) and assessed the correlations between the i...
Evaluating a College-Prep Laboratory Exercise for Teenaged Homeschool Students in a University Setting.

We devised a half-day laboratory exercise for a group of 10th grade homeschooled students enrolled in an honors-level high school general chemistry course organized by a collective of homeschooling families associated with local Christian churches. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the students met the learning objectives of the exercise. The influence of the exercise on the students’ perception of laboratory experimentation was assessed quantitatively by means of a brief pre- and post-encounter Likert-scale survey.
Rabbinic Narrative: Documentary Perspectives on the Sage-Story in The Fathers According to Rabbi Nathan Text A

In 250 CE tractate Abot, The Fathers, delivered its message through aphorisms assigned to named sages. A few centuries later—perhaps in 500 CE —Abot deR. Natan, The Fathers according to Rabbi Nathan, gave flesh and blood form to those sages, recasting the earlier tractate by adding a sizable number of narratives about its named authorities. The authorship of The Fathers presented its teachings in the form of aphorisms, rarely finding it necessary to supply those aphorisms with a narrative setting and never resorting to narrative for the presentation of its propositions. The authorship of The Fathers according to Rabbi Nathan provided a vast amplification and supplement to The Fathers, introducing into its treatment of the received tractate a huge corpus of narratives of various sorts. In this way, the later authorship indicated that it found, in narrative in general, and stories about sages in particular, the preferred modes of discourse for presenting its message.
War and Power Dynamics: Economic Underpinnings

Power cycle theory is a two-part theory of the dynamics of relative capability and the occurrence of major war. The relative capability of a state follows a particular non-linear pattern of evolution that is generalizable across the principal members of the state system. This capability also defines the state's systemic role. At four critical points on this curve, where change in the state's power position and international political role involve abrupt inversions in the dynamics, the probability of foreign policy misperception and over-reaction is increased and the state is more likely than at other times to trigger major war. Economic considerations underlie relative capability and affect the amplitude and periodicity of the power cycle. Differing central economic strategies that historically have contributed to the evolution of a state's power cycle are examined. Economic considerations also influence conflict probabilities directly within the critical interval. A discussion of further research involving the power cycle theory of war causation follows the examination of these economic underpinnings of the theory.
Mitigation of Variability among 3D Echocardiography-Derived Regional Strain Values Acquired by Multiple Ultrasound Systems by Vendor Independent Analysis.

Introduction This study compared the variability of 3D echo derived circumferential and longitudinal strain values computed from vendor-specific and vendor-independent analyses of images acquired using ultrasound systems from different vendors. Methods Ten freshly harvested porcine hearts were studied. Each heart was mounted on a custom designed phantom and driven to simulate normal cardiac motion. Cardiac rotation was digitally controlled and held constant at 5°, while pumped stroke volume (SV) ranged from 30-70ml. Full-volume image data was acquired using three different ultrasound systems from different vendors. The image data was analyzed for longitudinal and circumferential strains (LS, CS) using both vendor-specific and vendor-independent analysis packages. Results Good linear relationships were observed for each vendor-specific analysis package for both CS and LS at the mid-anterior segment, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.82–0.91 (CS) and 0.86–0.89 (LS). Comparable linear regressions were observed for results determined by a vendor independent program (CS: R = 0.82–0.89; LS: R = 0.86–0.89). Variability between analysis packages was examined via a series of ANOVA tests. A statistical difference was found between vendor-specific analysis packages (p 0.05). Conclusions Circumferential and longitudinal regional strain values differ when quantified by vendor-specific analysis packages; however, this variability is mitigated by use of a vendor-independent quantification method. These results suggest that echocardiograms acquired using different ultrasound systems could be meaningfully compared using vendor-independent software.
Analysis on the Control of Imported Malignant Malaria in Jiangmen City

Objective To understand the incidence and treatment condition s of malignant malaria in Jiangmen city and provide scientific basis for the fut ure control of malignant malaria. Methods The mobidity and control conditions o f 5 cases of malignant malaria found during 2001-2003 in Jiangmen city were anal yzed retrospectively by epidemiological methods. Results The 5 cases found in J iangmen were all imported ones. The analysis results showed that the early diagn osis and treatment were important in curing malignant malaria. Conclusion The b lood examination of Plasmodium should be strengthened for fever patients,especia lly for those from or back from the epidemic area of malignant malaria. The pati ents with malignant malaria should receive early diagnosis and treatment.
Compartment Syndrome After Intraosseous Infusion Associated with a Fracture of the Tibia: A Case Report.

Intraosseous infusion was first described by Drinker et al. in 1922; since then, it has been shown to be an effective method for the administration of fluids and medications1,2. Although this method of infusion is considered safe, compartment syndrome following intraosseous infusion is a documented complication in pediatric patients; however, to our knowledge, there are no reports in the literature of compartment syndrome secondary to an intraosseous infusion in adult patients3-15. We present the case of a man who developed a compartment syndrome after intraosseous infusion associated with a fracture of the tibia. A forty-nine-year-old man was struck by a vehicle and sustained multiple injuries, including both subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhages with associated skull fractures, and cervical spine fractures with dissection of the left and right vertebral arteries. Additionally, he was diagnosed with a pneumothorax, rib fractures, a comminuted segmental fracture of the left tibia (Figs. 1-A and 1-B), and a fracture of the right femur. Upon arrival at the initial hospital, the patient appeared to be in hemorrhagic shock with a heart rate of 134 and a blood pressure of 101/36 mm Hg. Pertinent initial laboratory values included a white blood-cell count of 10,900 WBCs/mcL and low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of 12.5 g/dL and 36.5 %, respectively. Initial blood glucose was 272 mg/dL, and a coagulation panel showed a normal international normalized ratio with an elevated prothrombin time of 39.8 seconds. During the initial trauma resuscitation, an intraosseous line was placed in the left tibia with an infusion of normal saline solution (1 L) through the intraosseous line. Twenty-five minutes …
Performing Direct-Field Acoustic Test Environments on a Sandia Flight System to Provide Data for Finite Element Simulation

Aero-acoustic loading has been established as the primary source of excitation for a Flight System at Sandia National Laboratories. However, flight data of this system does not exist, limiting estimations of system or component response in this environment. Therefore, an experimental acoustic simulation was performed on a heavily-instrumented Flight System, using the direct-field acoustic test (DFAT) method with a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) control system. The combination of DFAT and MIMO resulted in attaining uniform and gradient acoustic fields as high as 127 dB OASPL. This paper will discuss the design of the test, the speaker and controller configurations, and the test results of this unique test method. Additionally, an overview of the method used to apply the measured test data to the pressure-loading finite element simulations of the Flight System will be discussed as well.
The Association of Combat Exposure With Postdeployment Behavioral Health Problems Among U.S. Army Enlisted Women Returning From Afghanistan or Iraq

An association between combat exposure and postdeployment behavioral health problems has been demonstrated among U.S. military service members returning from Afghanistan or Iraq in predominantly male samples, yet few studies have focused on the experiences of women. Using data from the longitudinal, observational Substance Use and Psychological Injury Combat (SUPIC) Study, we explored the self-report of 4 combat exposure items and postdeployment behavioral health screening results for 42,397 Army enlisted women who had returned from Afghanistan or Iraq from fiscal years 2008 through 2011. We ran multivariate logistic regression models to examine how a constructed composite combat exposure score (0, 1, 2, 3+) was associated with screening positive postdeployment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and at-risk drinking among active duty (AD) and National Guard/Reserve (NG/R) women. AD and NG/R women commonly reported being wounded, injured, assaulted, or hurt (17.3% and 29.0%, respectively). In all 6 multivariate models, Army women with any report of combat exposure had increased odds of the behavioral health problem (i.e., PTSD, depression, or at-risk drinking). The magnitude of the association between combat exposure and PTSD was most striking, indicating increased odds of PTSD as combat exposure score increased. AD and NG/R women with a combat exposure score of 3+ had increased odds of PTSD, 20.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) [17.0, 25.1] and 27.8, 95% CI [21.0, 36.9], respectively. Women who report combat exposure may benefit from early prevention and confidential intervention to promote postdeployment health and reduce long-term behavioral health problems.
Electrical Impedance Recording for Localization in Functional Neurosurgery of the Spinal Cord and Lower Brain Stem

Functional neurosurgery aims to modify or abolish neural messages. Established techniques use confirmatory electrical stimulation prior to ablation and require local anesthesia. Recently developed procedures take place under general anesthesia increasing the chance of damage to adjacent neural structures with postoperative morbidity. We describe a laboratory study correlating changes in measured electrical impedance with transition from white to grey matter in the brain and spinal cord of two mammalian species; this has not previously been easy to undertake2, 4, 9, 11 nor felt reliable3. Impedances can now be measured simply and reliably. This study confirms our operating theater experience. We recommend that when stimulation cannot be used, impedance can and should be utilized to indicate the need for an electrode to be resited.
Implications of Poverty for Practices Serving Suburban Families

* Abbreviations: AAP — : American Academy of Pediatrics SDH — : social determinants of health The adverse effects of poverty on health have been well documented. In response, pediatric clinicians have become increasingly focused on mitigating these effects on children’s health.1 In March 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released the first-ever policy statement on poverty, calling for pediatricians to screen and address poverty and related social determinants of health (SDH).1 Recent research has developed an evidence base for strategies to address SDH in urban practices.2,3 Notably, poverty has grown by 66% in suburban communities over the past decade, double the rate in cities.4 However, comparatively little information is available for pediatricians on how to address poverty in the suburbs, where almost half of US pediatricians practice and where differences in infrastructure and resources may limit the generalizability of strategies successfully implemented in urban practices.5 This Perspective addresses barriers to and opportunities for pediatricians to better support suburban poor families. Forty-six million Americans, including 16 million children, live below the federal poverty level, or $24 230 for a family of 4. In the past decade, the suburbs have seen a larger increase in poverty than urban and rural areas.1 From 2000 to 2013, two-thirds of the increase in poverty in major metropolitan areas occurred in the suburbs (Fig. 1). The number of near-poor individuals (100% to 200% of the federal poverty level) also increased. Currently, more than half of … Address correspondence to Deepak Palakshappa, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St and Civic Center Blvd, CHOP North-1455, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: palakshappad{at}email.chop.edu
Nonlinear refractive index of sulfur copolymer materials

Nonlinear refractive indices of novel sulfur copolymers are reported for the first time using a Z-scan setup. These values show a high nonlinearity compared to silica, demonstrating their potential for nonlinear optical applications.
Effects of Adjacent Spans and Correlated Failure Events on System-Level Hurricane Reliability of Power Distribution Lines

Past performance of distribution networks against hurricanes has highlighted the high vulnerability of these systems in electric power networks and the need for their reliability assessment for risk-informed decision-making purposes. A network level reliability analysis would require the estimation of reliability of line segments between key switches in the network. Former reliability studies, however, are based on a number of limiting assumptions. These include assuming independent mechanistic behavior of spans in a line segment during strong winds and statistical independence of failure events of components in a line. Due to correlations in wind loadings on the poles, environmental conditions that affect the decay rate of the poles, and structural properties of the poles, failures of poles are expected to be correlated events. This paper investigates the effects of these factors on the hurricane reliability of power distribution lines. Couplings in the wind performance of adjacent spans are incorporated here properly through an equivalent boundary model. Moreover, a multiscale matrix-based method is adopted to efficiently assess system reliability of distribution lines considering correlations in the failure events of line components. Numerical results indicate that couplings and statistical correlations have a considerable impact on the reliability of distribution systems.
Possible suppression of fetal erythropoiesis by the Kell blood group antibody anti-Kp(a)

Antibodies to antigens in the Kell blood group system are usually immunoglobulin G, and, notoriously, anti-K, anti-k, and anti-Kp(a) can cause severe hemolytic transfusion reactions, as well as severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). It has been shown that the titer of anti-K does not correlate with the severity of HDFN because, in addition to immune destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), anti-K causes suppression of erythropoiesis in the fetus, which can result in severe anemia. We report a case involving anti-Kp(a) in which one twin was anemic and the other was not. Standard hemagglutination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests were used. At delivery, anti-Kp(a) was identified in serum from the mother and twin A, and in the eluate prepared from the baby’s RBCs. PCR-based assays showed twin A (boy) was KEL*841T/C (KEL*03/KEL*04), which is predicted to encode Kp(a+b+). Twin B (girl) was KEL*841C/C (KEL*04/KEL*04), which is predicted to encode Kp(a–b+). We describe the first reported case of probable suppression of erythropoiesis attributable to anti-Kp(a). One twin born to a woman whose serum contained anti-Kp(a) experienced HDFN while the other did not. Based on DNA analysis, the predicted blood type of the affected twin was Kp(a+b+) and that of the unaffected twin was Kp(a–b+). The laboratory findings and clinical course of the affected twin were consistent with suppression of erythropoiesis in addition to immune RBC destruction.
Anticipating uncertainty and irrevocable decisions: provider perspectives on implementing whole-genome sequencing in critically ill children with heart disease

To investigate the potential impacts of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in the pediatric critical-care context, we examined how clinicians caring for critically ill children with congenital heart disease (CHD) anticipate and perceive the impact of WGS on their decision-making process and treatment recommendations. We conducted semistructured in-person and telephone interviews of clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children with CHD at a high-volume pediatric heart center. We qualitatively analyzed the transcribed interviews. In total, 34 clinicians were interviewed. Three themes emerged: (i) uncertainty about the accuracy of WGS testing and adequacy of testing validation; (ii) the use of WGS to facilitate life-limiting decisions such as futility, rationing, and selective prenatal termination; and (iii) moral distress over using WGS with a lack of decision support. Despite uncertainty about WGS testing, the interviewed clinicians were using, and anticipated expanding the use of, WGS results to justify declarations of futility, withdrawal of care, and rationing in critically ill children with CHD. This situation is causing moral distress in providers who have to make high-stakes decisions involving WGS results, with only partial understanding of them. Decision support for clinicians, and discussion with families of the risks of using WGS for rationing or withdrawal, is needed.
Major Gene Detection

When a quantitative trait is controlled by the segregation of a major gene and the genotypes of the major gene can be observed, the effect of themajor gene can be estimated and tested. In reality, the genotypes of a major gene cannot be observed. We normally evaluate acandidate gene whose genotypes can be measured using a particular molecular technique. We may have some reason to believe that the gene has a function on the variation of aquantitative trait. We can even evaluate a DNA marker whose genotypes are known but with unknown function on the trait. If this DNA marker is closely linked to amajor gene, the effect of the gene can also be estimated and tested through the marker. In either case, major gene analysis means estimation and test of the effect of an observedMendelian locus on a quantitative trait.
The Anatomy of the Propeller

A number of topics that involve the selection and performance of propellers are presented in the chapter. These range from fundamentals of propeller installation and regulatory aspects, to design and thrust generation. A section is dedicated to discussing a number of peculiar effects the propeller has on the aircraft and the aircraft designer must be aware of. Generally referred to as the P-factor, these effects include gyroscopic precession, normal and yaw force, angular momentum, as well as asymmetric thrust effects for multi-engine aircraft and A·q loads for turboprops. This is followed by a number of tips to help the designer select the right propeller, ranging from initial estimation of suitable diameter and pitch, to basics of thrust and power related coefficients, to methods helpful when selecting the number of blades. Then several procedures to estimate propeller thrust are presented. These include methods developed based on industry experience, as well as standard methods, such as the Rankine-Froude Momentum and Blade Element theories. These can be used to estimate thrust, induced airspeed in the streamtube going through the propeller, propeller efficiency, and power required to rotate the propeller.
Structure-Reactivity Relationships in Boronic Acid-Diol Complexation.

Boronic acids have found widespread use in the field of biomaterials, primarily through their ability to bind with biologically relevant 1,2- and 1,3-diols, including saccharides and peptidoglycans...
On the Periodicity of Random Walks in Dynamic Networks

We investigate random walks in graphs whose edges change over time as a function of the current probability distribution of the walk. We show that such systems can be chaotic and can exhibit “hyper-torpid” mixing. Our main result is that, if each graph is strongly connected, then the dynamics is asymptotically periodic almost surely.
Heterogeneity of stage IIIA leads to difficulty in determining optimal treatment

A recent PACIFIC trial shows that patients with clinical stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer who can’t have surgical resection have an overall survival rate of 66% at 24 months with chemoradiation therapy followed by immunotherapy.
Advancing Theory, Methods, and Dissemination in Sexual Violence Research to Build a More Equitable Future: An Intersectional, Community-Engaged Approach

Sexual violence is a devastating trauma with long-lasting effects on survivors' health and well-being. Despite the substantial impacts of the last 25 years of research, the prevalence of sexual violence has remained stable. It will be necessary to reconceptualize our work, challenging our theories, methods, and strategies for dissemination and implementation moving forward. We outline an intersectional, community-engaged approach for sexual violence research to center the stories of survivors who face systemic oppression and inequity. Finally, we suggest applications of this approach for justice, healing, and prevention to inform our collective work to end sexual violence.
TARGETING THE NLRP3 INFLAMMASOME IN MECHANISMS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION-INDUCED NEUROINFLAMMATION

The purpose of this study was to determine if inhibitors of innate immunity in microglia could attenuate sleep deprivation (SD)-induced psychological impairment, which involve the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In the study, CD-1 mice were immune-primed with chronic corticosterone treatment (20 mg/kg IP) for two weeks and were subsequently subjected to one bout of 6 hr SD. Mice were sacrificed immediately afterward to measure cytokine concentrations and caspase-1 activity. We found a significant upregulation of caspase-1 activity in the brain of both mice primed with corticosterone then subjected to sleep deprivation as well as mice only subjected to sleep deprivation (p < 0.01). Increased caspase-1 was NLRP3-dependent as treatment with MCC950 (20 mg/kg IP), an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, completely attenuated SD-induced caspase-1 activity (p < 0.01). Additionally, in SD mice we observed increased microglia reactivity as quantified by IBA+ cells and an increased number of microglia that had reactive amoeboid morphologies, as measured through immunohistochemistry. The administration of the NLRP3 specific inhibitor MCC950 similarly prevented SD-induced changes in microglia morphology. The study established that consequential effects of SD- induced inflammasome activation and microglia activation could be prevented by a selective NLRP3 inhibitor. Given the preliminary beneficial effects of targeting NLRP3 in SD, future investigations will establish the clinical efficacy of microbiome-derived polyphenolic compounds, which we have shown provide protection against neuroinflammation in models of stress induced psychological impairment, to attenuate SD neuroinflammation by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Partial replication of definitive screening designs

This article considers how to provide pure-error degrees of freedom for definitive screening designs (DSDs) through partial replication. We provide two methods for obtaining pure-error degrees of f...
Mononuclear to Polynuclear U(IV) Structural Units: Effects of Reaction Conditions on U‐Furoate Phase Formation

Uranium(IV) complexation by 2-furoic acid (2-FA) was examined to better understand the effects of ligand identity and reaction conditions on species formation and stability. Five compounds were isolated: [UCl2 (2-FA)2 (H2 O)2 ]n (1), [U4 Cl10 O2 (THF)6 (2-FA)2 ]⋅2 THF (2), [U6 O4 (OH)4 (H2 O)3 (2-FA)12 ]⋅7 THF⋅H2 O (3), [U6 O4 (OH)4 (H2 O)2 (2-FA)12 ]⋅8.76 H2 O (4), and [U38 Cl42 O54 (OH)2 (H2 O)20 ]⋅m H2 O⋅n THF (5). The structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by Raman, IR, and optical absorption spectroscopy. The thermal stability and magnetic behavior of the compounds were also examined. Variations in the synthetic conditions led to notable differences in the structural units observed in the solid state. At low H2 O/THF ratios, a tetranuclear oxo-bridged [U4 O2 ] core was isolated. Aging of this solution resulted in the formation a U38 oxo cluster capped by chloro and water ligands. However, at increasing water concentrations only hexanuclear units were observed. In all cases, at temperatures of 100-120 °C, UO2 nanoparticles formed.
Antenatal Corticosteroids and Preterm Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality among Women with and without Diabetes in Pregnancy

Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether antenatal corticosteroid exposure has a differential association with preterm neonatal morbidity among women with and without diabetes. Study design Secondary analysis of an observational cohort of 115,502 women and their neonates born in 25 U.S. hospitals (2008-2011). Women who delivered at 230/7 to 336/7 weeks' gestation and received antenatal corticosteroids were compared with those who did not receive antenatal corticosteroids. Women with a stillbirth and women who delivered a neonate that was not resuscitated were excluded. The primary outcome was neonatal respiratory distress syndrome or death within 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included composite neonatal morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, grades 3-4 intraventricular hemorrhage, sepsis, or death) and mechanical ventilation. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and neonatal outcomes. Maternal diabetes (pregestational and gestational) was evaluated as a potential effect modifier, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate whether receipt of a partial, single, or multiple course(s) of antenatal corticosteroids influenced results. Results A total of 4,429 women with 5,259 neonates met inclusion criteria: 3,716 (83.9%) women received antenatal corticosteroids and 713 (16.1%) did not. Of the 510 diabetic women (181 pregestational and 329 gestational), 439 (86.1%) received antenatal corticosteroids. Of the 3,919 nondiabetic women, 3,277 (83.6%) received antenatal corticosteroids. Antenatal corticosteroid exposure was not associated with respiratory distress syndrome or early death (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-1.04), composite neonatal morbidity (aRR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.89-1.07), or mechanical ventilation (aRR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.86-1.05). There was no significant effect modification of maternal diabetes on the relationship between antenatal corticosteroids and neonatal outcomes (p > 0.05), and outcomes were similar in sensitivity analyses of partial, single, or multiple courses of corticosteroids. Discussion Antenatal corticosteroid administered to reduce preterm neonatal morbidity does not appear to have a differential association among women with diabetes compared with those without. Key points · Antenatal corticosteroids are used ubiquitously in women with and without diabetes.. · Maternal diabetes does not appear to modify the neonatal effect of antenatal corticosteroids.. · Larger studies of antenatal corticosteroids are needed to confirm our findings in diabetic women..
Surgical management of an infantile elliptical cricoid: Endoscopic posterior laryngotracheoplasty utilizing a resorbable plate.

Abstract The cricoid is a circular “ring” of cartilage in the airway. When the lateral walls of the cricoid approximate, it takes the shape of an ellipse. In severe cases, this also reduces the glottic aperture and causes respiratory distress, stridor, and failure to thrive. The elliptical cricoid has limited surgical options outside of open laryngotracheal procedures and tracheostomy. Recently, alternatives to autologous grafts have been utilized in airway reconstruction to reduce harvest site morbidity and increase operating room efficiency. Herein a case is presented that demonstrates the successful use of a resorbable plate in augmenting the posterior larynx in an infant with a severely elliptical cricoid to avoid a tracheostomy.
Endogenous hormone response and fertility in dairy heifers treated with norgestomet and estradiol valerate.

Seventy postpuberal dairy heifers were assigned to remain untreated (n = 26) or to receive the Syncro-Mate-B (SMB) treatment (n = 44). Untreated heifers were inseminated at 12 hr after detection of estrus, while SMB-treated heifers were inseminated either at 48 hr after implant removal (group 1) or at 12 hr after detection of estrus (group 2). Jugular blood was collected at regular intervals from four untreated heifers and from 20 SMB heifers. In untreated heifers, estradiol-17 beta (E) was unchanged throughout the estrous cycle. Progesterone (P) reached maximum concentrations during the luteal phase and then declined to less than 2 ng/ml before estrus. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ranged between 50.1 and 100.2 ng/ml during the estrous cycle, then reached a peak (P less than .05) concentration of 516.2 ng/ml coincident with peak luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration at 12 hr after the detection of estrus. In SMB-treated heifers, plasma E increased by 12 hr after injection of estradiol valerate and then declined throughout the rest of the sampling period. P declined to less than 2 ng/ml by 24 hr after administration of the SMB treatment and remained low throughout the sampling period. FSH declined in response to SMB treatment, then reached a peak (P less than .05) concentration coincident with peak LH 40 hr after implant removal. First service pregnancy rates among the untreated, group 1 and group 2 heifers, were 65, 58 and 38%, respectively, and did not differ (P greater than .05). SMB treatment was effective in inducing luteolysis and in suppressing estrus and peak gonadotropin release. Intervals from implant removal until estrus and from implant removal until peak gonadotropin release were highly variable among SMB-treated animals.
All Sugars are Not Sweet

Background: Extravasation is defined as the leakage of drugs from the vessel to the surrounding area with the potential to cause tissue necrosis. Such drugs (known as vesicants) that can extravasate include vasopressors, alkylating chemotherapeutic agents, hyperosmolar or hypo-osmolar agents, and certain antibiotics (vancomycin) [1]. Dextrose, at concentrations of 10% or greater, is also considered to be a vesicant, with rates of extravasation from 50% dextrose (D50) injections varying between 10–30% [2]. Case Report: A cachectic 48-year-old female with a past medical history of HIV, former IV drug use, and alcohol use, presented with lethargy. Upon initial assessment, she had track marks on her arms and was only responsive to sternal rub, with her exam otherwise unremarkable. She briefly improved with intravenous naloxone but ultimately required intensive care unit admission following intubation for airway protection. The toxicology screen was positive for methadone, opioids, and alcohol. Initial labs revealed ALT of 118 units per liter, AST of 94 units per liter, hemoglobin of 9.5 grams per deciliter, and albumin of 2.3 grams per deciliter. She was started on thiamine, multivitamin, and folate supplementation, and despite starting tube feeds, glucose measurements were consistently low (with the lowest reading of 35 milligrams per deciliter). She received 2 ampules of 50 milliliters (25 grams) 50% dextrose through a 22-gauge antecubital peripheral IV line, with fingerstick improving to 220 milligrams per deciliter after 10 minutes. Two hours later, extensive swelling and fluid-filled blisters were noted throughout her right forearm and hand, with Doppler ultrasound revealing the absence of a radial pulse (Figure 1). Her arm was elevated, a cold compress was applied, and a local subcutaneous injection of hyaluronidase was administered. Compartment pressures remained within normal limits, and a repeat Doppler ultrasound after one hour revealed reappearance of the right radial pulse. The patient’s swelling and blisters improved gradually over the next few days. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, there is only one published case on D50 extravasation so far. It describes a 57-year-old female who received D50 in the field for hypoglycemia. She developed extravasation injury and was subsequently diagnosed with compartment syndrome, ultimately requiring fasciotomy. In our case, however, because the incident occurred in-hospital, it was recognized early, the patient was treated with hyaluronidase, and her symptoms self-resolved. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment when suspecting extravasation of D50 in order to prevent the development of serious complications like compartment syndrome. 10% dextrose (D10) is now emerging as a safer (given the lower concentration) and equally effective alternative to D50 administration and could become the standard of care for hypoglycemia management [3].
Online Learning of Sparse Gaussian Conditional Random Fields with Application to Prediction of Energy Consumers Behavior

Many real-world networks in different application domains, are efficiently represented using graphs. In many cases, the network graph topology is unobservable and evolves over time. To infer the graph structure from signal observations, Gaussian conditional random field (GCRF) is deployed. To account for temporal dynamics even in an adversarial setting, the framework of online convex optimization is adopted to develop an efficient online algorithm for estimating the GCRF parameters. The proposed algorithm is then used to track consumers energy consumption dependency network and price responsiveness in the context of smart grid energy management. Numerical tests verify that the proposed approach can track the dynamics of network graph.