cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Favorability of group atmosphere and group dimensionality.

Fiedler's ( 1960) resea-ch represents a successful attempt amidst a generally sterile literature to specify personality dimensions related to effective leadership. He has repeatedly demonstrated substantial contingencies between a leader's semantic differential descriptions of his least preferred co-worker (LPC score) and the productivity of the leader's group. However, while the correlations found between a leader's LPC score and group productivity are invariably significant, they are almost as often positive as negative in sign. That is, at times the efficient leader rates his leas: preferred co-worker as possessing positive traits, at times negative traits. This finding led Fiedler (1964) recently to propose that the direction of the relationship between LPC and productivity is a function of the favorability of the situation for the leader in the group in which he finds himself. Specifically, when the group atmosphere is either distinctly favorable or unfavorable for leadership, the leader who rejects his least preferred co-worker will head a productive group. If, however, the group atmosphere is intermediate in favorableness for leadership, the leader who accepts his least preferred coworker will generate productivity. In support of this reasoning, Fiedler ( 1964) in a reanalysis of a large number of prior studies has shown that the correlations between LPC and group productivity follow a c~irvilinear path when plotted against a measure of the !avorability of the group atmosphere for leadership. When the group is highly favorable or unfavorable the correlation between LPC scores and group productivity tend to be negative. Similar correlations for groups intermediately favorable tend to be positive.
Measurement of heat evolution and correlation with oxygen consumption during microbial growth.

A procedure for measuring the rate of heat production from a fermentation has been developed. The method is based on measuring the rate of temperature rise of the fermentation broth resulting from metabolism, when the temperature controller is turned off. The heat accumulation measured in this manner is then corrected for heat losses and gains. A sensitive thermistor is used to follow the temperature rise with time. This procedure is shown to be as accurate as previous methods but much simpler in execution. Using this technique, the rate of heat production during metabolism was found to correlate with the rate of oxygen consumption. Experiments were performed using bacteria (E. coli and B. subtilis), a yeast (C. intermedia), and a mold (A. niger). The substrates investigated included glucose, molasses, and soy bean meal. The proportionality constant for the correlation is independent of the growth rate, slightly dependent on the substrate, and possibly dependent On the type of organism growth. This correlation has considerable potential for predicting heat evolution from the metabolism of microorganisms on simple or complex substrates and providing quantitative parameters necessary for heat removal calculations.
Crystal structure, physical properties and electronic structure of a new organic conductor β″-(BEDT-TTF)2SF5CHFCF2SO3

A new organic conductor, β″-(BEDT-TTF)2SF5CHFCF2SO3 [BEDT-TTF, hereafter abbreviated ET, refers to bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene], was prepared by electrocrystallization. The crystal structure of this salt was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at 298 and 150 K, its physical properties were examined by electrical resistivity, Raman spectroscopy and EPR measurements, and its electronic structure was calculated and compared with that of the analogous salt β″-(ET)2SF5CH2CF2SO3. Whereas β″-(ET)2SF5CHFCF2SO3 has disordered anions and undergoes a metal-to-insulator transition at ∼190 K, β″-(ET)2SF5CH2CF2SO3 has ordered anions and is semiconducting down to ∼100 K, metallic below ∼100 K, and superconducting below 5 K. At room temperature both β″-(ET)2SF5CHFCF2SO3 and β″-(ET)2SF5CH2CF2SO3 have similar electronic band structures and physical properties. When the temperature is lowered, each donor molecule stack becomes dimerized in both salts. However, the interdimer interaction within each donor stack nearly vanishes in β″-(ET)2SF5CHFCF2SO3, but remains substantial in β″-(ET)2SF5CH2CF2SO3.
The use of fluorescent in situ hybridization in male infertility

Male factors are implicated in up to 50% of couples being evaluated and treated for infertility with advanced assisted reproductive technologies. Genetic abnormalities, including sperm chromosome aneuploidy as well as structural aberrations, are one of the major causes of infertility. The use of chromosome-specific DNA probes labeled with fluorochromes, particularly the combination with multiple probes, has been used to indirectly study the sperm chromosome by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Clinically, this technique is also used to assess the sperm of men recovering from gonadotoxic treatment. Recent advances in this technology facilitate the evaluation of sperm aneuploidy. Sperm FISH is a widely used screening tool to aid in counseling couples with severe male factor infertility, especially in cases of prior repeated in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure or recurrent pregnancy loss. Automation of FISH imaging and analysis, as well as the development of emerging techniques such as comparative genomic hybridization, will all contribute to the promise of future diagnostic approaches aimed at improving the quality, ease, and efficiency of aneuploidy analysis.
Marangoni convection in droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces

We consider a small droplet of water sitting on top of a heated superhydrophobic surface. A toroidal convection pattern develops in which fluid is observed to rise along the surface of the spherical droplet and to accelerate downwards in the interior towards the liquid/solid contact point. The internal dynamics arise due to the presence of a vertical temperature gradient; this leads to a gradient in surface tension which in turn drives fluid away from the contact point along the interface. We develop a solution to this thermocapillary-driven Marangoni flow analytically in terms of streamfunctions. Quantitative comparisons between analytical and experimental results, as well as effective heat transfer coefficients, are presented.
Sampling Strategies for Active Learning in Personal Photo Retrieval

With the advent and proliferation of digital cameras and computers, the number of digital photos created and stored by consumers has grown extremely large. This created increasing demand for image retrieval systems to ease interaction between consumers and personal media content. Active learning is a widely used user interaction model for retrieval systems, which learns the query concept by asking users to label a number of images at each iteration. In this paper, we study sampling strategies for active learning in personal photo retrieval. In order to reduce human annotation efforts in a content-based image retrieval setting, we propose using multiple sampling criteria for active learning: informativeness, diversity and representativeness. Our experimental results show that by combining multiple sampling criteria in active learning, the performance of personal photo retrieval system can be significantly improved.
A structured design methodology and associated software tools

The problems encountered designing very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI) are fundamentally different from the problems encountered in the design of small scale integrated circuits. The differences require a new methodology of design for the new large scale circuits, and the new design methodology requires a new set of tools. The computer-aided design work at Caltech has progressed from a recognition of the inherent differences and has produced a new design methodology and a set of tools which attack the new problems in integrated circuit design.
Multiconformational States in Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase

Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH) catalyzes the first step in the serine biosynthetic pathway. In lower plants and bacteria, the PGDH reaction is regulated by the end-product of the pathway, serine. The regulation occurs through a Vmax mechanism with serine binding and inhibition occurring in a cooperative manner. The three-dimensional structure of the serine inhibited enzyme, determined by previous work, showed a tetrameric enzyme with 222 symmetry and an unusual overall toroidal appearance. To characterize the allosteric, cooperative effects of serine, we identified W139G PGDH as an enzymatically active mutant responsive to serine but not in a cooperative manner. The position of W139 near a subunit interface and the active site cleft suggested that this residue is a key player in relaying allosteric effects. The 2.09 A crystal structure of W139G-PGDH, determined in the absence of serine, revealed major quaternary and tertiary structural changes. Contrary to the wildtype enzyme where residues encompa...
Effects of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles on osteoblast proliferation

Iron oxide nanoparticles are promising candidates for drug delivery systems to treat osteoporosis due to their biocompatibility and magnetic properties. Magnetite and maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized here using a co-precipitation method. The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Effects of CaP coating iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles on the proliferation of osteoblasts (OB) were determined after 1, 3 and 5 days of culture. The correlation of iron oxide nanoparticle concentration on OB density was also investigated.
Analysis and Application of a 5-Layer Multiple Beam Interferometer in the Surface Forces Apparatus

Abstract In this paper, I present a novel scheme for the analysis of a general 5-layer interferometer in the surface forces apparatus (SFA), which significantly expands the variety of surfaces that can be investigated using the SFA. This scheme is used to determine the distance between the surfaces from the measured wave-lengths of the fringes of equal chromatic order (FECO) in the SFA. This analysis involves the use of the multilayer matrix method in combination with the analytic expressions derived for simple 1-layer interferometer. The applicability of this scheme to analyze 5-layer interferometers involving a variety of polymers is demonstrated. Measurements of dispersion in refractive indices of several polymers are also reported.
Osteoblastoma-like Osteosarcoma of the Cuboid: A Case Report

Osteosarcoma most commonly arises in the long bones of the skeleton, and rarely develops in the bones of the foot. We describe a patient who presented with left foot pain, whose radiographic evaluation revealed a lytic destructive mass in the cuboid bone. A biopsy showed an osteoblastoma-like variant of osteosarcoma and the patient was treated with preoperative chemotherapy and amputation. Osteosarcoma of the foot is uncommon and the literature reveals that it is often associated with a delay in diagnosis.
Computing power of quantitative trait locus association mapping for haploid loci

Background Statistical power calculations are a critical part of any study design for gene mapping. Most calculations assume that the locus of interest is biallelic. However, there are common situations in human genetics such as X-linked loci in males where the locus is haploid. The purpose of this work is to mathematically derive the biometric model for haploid loci, and to compute power for QTL mapping when the loci are haploid.
Studies on the permeability of calf thymus nuclei isolated in sucrose.

A study of the permeability of calf thymus nuclei isolated in sucrose was carried out with sucrose-14C, glycerol-14C, and carboxydextran-14C (molecular weight, 60,000–90,000). The results indicate that the nuclei are very permeable to both sucrose and glycerol but they exclude the carboxydextran. Results obtained with other low molecular weight non-electrolytes (malonamide-14C, erythritol-14C, D-arabinose-14C, and D-mannitol-14C) are in agreement with the view that the nuclei are freely permeable to these molecular species. A sucrose-impermeable space is also present in these preparations and it has been attributed to the presence of intact cells. The high permeability of nuclei to sucrose was confirmed with Ficoll-separated preparations. The possibility of the presence of a substantial particulate space that allows the penetration of dextran cannot be excluded by these experiments, and this space may correspond to damaged nuclei.
Cancer Prevention Research: Back to the Future

This issue of the journal marks the first anniversary of the print editions of Cancer Prevention Research ( CaPR ), which seems a good time to reflect on the remarkable history of the field that CaPR is dedicated to enriching. It is fortuitous that CaPR 's first anniversary coincides with the
Locus-specific and activity-independent gene repositioning during early tumorigenesis

The mammalian genome is highly organized within the cell nucleus. The nuclear position of many genes and genomic regions changes during physiological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and disease. It is unclear whether disease-associated positioning changes occur specifically or are part of more global genome reorganization events. Here, we have analyzed the spatial position of a defined set of cancer-associated genes in an established mammary epithelial three-dimensional cell culture model of the early stages of breast cancer. We find that the genome is globally reorganized during normal and tumorigenic epithelial differentiation. Systematic mapping of changes in spatial positioning of cancer-associated genes reveals gene-specific positioning behavior and we identify several genes that are specifically repositioned during tumorigenesis. Alterations of spatial positioning patterns during differentiation and tumorigenesis were unrelated to gene activity. Our results demonstrate the existence of activity-independent genome repositioning events in the early stages of tumor formation.
Biomechanics: cell research and applications for the next decade

With the recent revolution in Molecular Biology and the deciphering of the Human Genome, understanding of the building blocks that comprise living systems has advanced rapidly. We have yet to understand, however, how the physical forces that animate life affect the synthesis, folding, assembly, and function of these molecular building blocks. We are equally uncertain as to how these building blocks interact dynamically to create coupled regulatory networks from which integrative biological behaviors emerge. Here we review recent advances in the field of biomechanics at the cellular and molecular levels, and set forth challenges confronting the field. Living systems work and move as multi-molecular collectives, and in order to understand key aspects of health and disease we must first be able to explain how physical forces and mechanical structures contribute to the active material properties of living cells and tissues, as well as how these forces impact information processing and cellular decision making. Such insights will no doubt inform basic biology and rational engineering of effective new approaches to clinical therapy.
Evaluation of an Electrochemical Point-of-Care Meter for Measuring Glucose Concentration in Blood from Periparturient Dairy Cattle.

Background The Precision Xtra® meter is a promising low cost electrochemical point-of-care unit for measuring blood glucose concentration ([gluc]) in cattle blood. The meter uses an algorithm optimized for human blood that assumes the intra-erythrocyte [gluc] equals the plasma [gluc], and that the hematocrit is similar in humans and cattle. Objectives The primary objective was to determine the accuracy of the meter for measuring plasma [gluc] in dairy cattle. Secondary objectives were to characterize the influence of hematocrit and sample temperature on the measured value for [gluc]. Animals A total of 106 periparturient Holstein-Friesian cattle. Methods Blood and plasma samples (1,109) were obtained and Deming regression and Bland–Altman plots were used to determine the accuracy of the meter against the reference method (plasma hexokinase assay). Multivariable regression and linear regression were used to determine the effect of hematocrit and sample temperature on the plasma [gluc] measured by the meter. Results Intra-erythrocyte [gluc] was 18% of plasma [gluc] on a molar basis. Sample temperature had a significant linear effect on plasma [gluc] as measured by the meter for 3/5 plasma samples when measured [gluc] > 160 mg/dL. Conclusions and clinical importance The meter utilizes an algorithm that is optimized for human blood and is inaccurate when applied to bovine blood. Until a cattle-specific algorithm is developed, we recommend using plasma as the analyte instead of blood and calculating plasma [gluc] using the equation: [gluc] = 0.66 × [gluc]p-meter + 15, where [gluc]p-meter is the value reported by the meter. If blood is measured, then we recommend using the equation: [gluc] = 0.90 × [gluc]b-meter + 15.
Template design and fabrication for low loss orientation-patterned nonlinear AlGaAs waveguides pumped at 1.55 /spl mu/m

All-optical networks with dynamic wavelength channel switching and routing are alternatives to existing networks that may help meet the need for ever-increasing bandwidth. In this context, nonlinear optical (NLO) waveguide devices are promising candidates for all-optical wavelength conversion, for example in WDM systems. Channel shifting was recently demonstrated in periodically-poled LiNbO/sub 3/ waveguides. AlGaAs is also an attractive platform for NLO devices, due to its large second-order nonlinearity, polarization independence, and potential for monolithic integration with other optical devices. However, because of its optical isotropy, phasematching can only be achieved through artificial schemes. We have developed an all-epitaxial orientation-patterning technique allowing us to grow QPM AlGaAs waveguides. However, the performance of these devices was limited mainly by the intrinsic corrugation between core and cladding, due to template itself We are investigating a new template structure that will minimize this corrugation, and will drastically reduce losses, thus significantly increasing the conversion efficiency.
Portopulmonary Hypertension and Hepatopulmonary Syndrome: Is Transplant Always the Answer?

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) are two well-described liver–lung diseases. POPH is present in 5–10 % of patients with cirrhosis and is defined by the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the setting of portal hypertension. All patients who undergo a liver transplant (LT) evaluation are screened for this with a transthoracic echocardiogram, and if POPH is diagnosed, this may serve as a relative contraindication for a LT. If a patient with mild to moderate POPH responds to medical therapy, a LT may still be an option. HPS is more common affecting up to 30 % of patients with cirrhosis. These patients will have abnormal arterial oxygenation related to dilated intrapulmonary microvasculature. The development of HPS is an indication for a LT. Both of these conditions are recognized to increase morbidity and mortality, and a transplant center can apply for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease exception points in order to decrease a patient’s waitlist time.
Developing Visual Literacy: Historical and Manipulated Photography in the Social Studies Classroom

The importance of visual literacy development is demonstrated using social studies examples from an innovative, collaborative arts program. Discussion of the Visual Thinking Strategies approach, connections to the Common Core State Standards, prompts for higher-order critical thinking, and the application of historical and social science ideas in the classroom are presented.
Post-gastric-bypass hypoglycemia successfully treated with alpha-glucosidase inhibitor therapy.

ABSTRACT Objective To review the effectiveness of alpha-gluco- sidase inhibitor (AGI) therapy in the treatment of hypoglycemia after Roux-en-y gastric surgery. Methods Retrospective case review. Results Four patients who previously underwent Roux-en-y gastric bypass were evaluated because of severe symptomatic postprandial hypoglycemia that was unresponsive to a low-carbohydrate diet. Mixed-meal testing confirmed hyperinsulinemia. Other causes of hypoglycemia were ruled out by a combination of clinical examination, endocrine testing, and computed tomography imaging. Symptomatic hypoglycemia resolved in all 4 patients after AGI therapy was started. One patient could not tolerate long-term therapy because of a rash. The other 3 patients were followed for between 5 and 48 months and remained free of symptomatic postprandial hypoglycemia. Conclusion AGI therapy is effective in the long-term treatment of post-Roux-en-y hypoglycemia in patients unresponsive to a low-carbohydrate diet. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the long-term usefulness of this therapy in a series of patients. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:511-514)
Surgical Treatment of Displaced Lateral Condyle Fractures of the Humerus Via the Posterior Approach

The surgical approach to the lateral condyle for open reduction and internal fixation is controversial. The posterior approach to the distal humerus provides superb visualization for anatomic reduction of lateral condyle fractures. However, this approach has been criticized by some authors due to the potential complication of AVN stemming from injury to the posterior blood supply to the fracture fragment. The purpose of this study is to report the results of ORIF of displaced lateral condyle fractures of the humerus via a …
Expertise Judgment and Communication Accommodation in Linguistic Styles in Computer-Mediated and Face-to-Face Groups:

Taking a communication approach to expertise, this study examined emergence of expertise through communication accommodation (CA) in 46 four-person face-to-face (FtF) and text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) groups. We found that FtF members with a lower pre-discussion task confidence accommodated to the linguistic styles of those with a higher pre-discussion task confidence. Meanwhile, CA influenced post-discussion expertise judgment in CMC groups such that members who accommodated to others were judged as having less expertise. CA also influenced post-discussion expertise judgment in FtF groups after taking into account perceived task-oriented communication and perceived influence. The findings emphasize the important roles of CA and of communication channel in expertise emergence.
Screening for Congenital Heart Disease in Infants with Down Syndrome: Is Universal Echocardiography Necessary?

Current guidelines recommend that all neonates with Down syndrome (DS) be screened for congenital heart disease (CHD) with an echocardiogram. We sought to determine the effectiveness of a more accessible and less expensive screening strategy consisting of physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), and chest X-ray. The Intermountain Healthcare Enterprise Data Warehouse was used to identify infants with a positive karyotype for DS who were born between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2012. Infants with the results of an echocardiogram, physical examination, ECG, and chest X-ray documented at age ≤6 months were included. Infants with an abnormality on physical examination, ECG, or chest X-ray were considered to have a positive screen. Echocardiography was the gold standard for calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for major CHD, defined as any heart defect that would typically require intervention during early childhood. Of 408 eligible infants, 240 (59 %) had major CHD, of whom 228 (95 %) had a positive screen. Screening missed eight infants with moderate/large patent ductus arteriosus and four infants with a moderate/large atrial septal defect. In 11 of these infants, the defect resolved spontaneously by age ≤4 months. One infant had a moderate atrial septal defect persisting at 2-year follow-up. Sensitivity and specificity of the screening for detecting CHD were 95 % (CI 92–98 %) and 41 % (CI 32–47 %); positive and negative predictive values were 69 % (CI 63–73 %) and 85 % (CI 75–92 %). Screening with physical examination, ECG, and chest X-ray is an effective method of identifying which infants with DS should have an echocardiogram. This method would have resulted in 69 (17 %) fewer echocardiograms without missing infants with major CHD.
Emperor Wu Zhao and Her Pantheon of Devis, Divinities, and Dynastic Mothers, by N. Harry Rothschild

Except, perhaps, in her own Zhou 周 dynasty (690–705 ce), never has the figure of Wu Zetian 武則天 (624–705 ce) been more alive, dynamic, fascinating and accomplished as she is in Rothschild’s treatmen...
Design of a Catalytic Active Site for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction with Mn(I)-Tricarbonyl Species

The design, synthesis, and assessment of a new manganese-centered catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 is described. The reported species, MnBr(6-(2-hydroxyphenol)-2,2′-bipyridine)(CO)3, includes a ligand framework with a phenolic proton in close proximity to the CO2 binding site, which allows for facile proton-assisted C–O bond cleavage. As a result of this modification, seven times the electrocatalytic current enhancement is observed compared to MnBr(2,2′-bipyridine)(CO)3. Moreover, reduction is possible at only 440 mV of overpotential. Theoretical computations suggest that the entropic contribution to the activation free energy is partially responsible for the increased catalytic activity. Experimental work, including voltammetry and product quantification from controlled potential electrolysis, suggests a key mechanistic role for the phenolic proton in the conversion of CO2 to CO.
CE: Original Research: The Lived Experience of Social Media by Young Adult Burn Survivors.

Purpose: Young adult burn survivors who were burned before they reached young adulthood (before the age of 18) face particular challenges in meeting their needs for socialization. Social media are widely used by adolescents and young adults, and permit socialization without face-to-face communicatio
A bound on the minimum rank of solutions to sparse linear matrix equations

We derive a new upper bound on the minimum rank of matrices belonging to an affine slice of the positive semidefinite cone, when the affine slice is defined according to a system of sparse linear matrix equations. It is shown that a feasible matrix whose rank is no greater than said bound can be computed in polynomial time. The bound depends on both the number of linear matrix equations and their underlying sparsity pattern. For certain problem families, this bound is shown to improve upon well known bounds in the literature. Several examples are provided to illustrate the efficacy of this bound.
Aplicación de Principios de Nutrición de Ganado Lechero en la Producción de Leche y Carne con Ingredientes Tradicionales y Alternativos

El aumento esperado en la poblacion mundial tiene implicaciones de alto impacto en la produccion animal porque se requerira producir mas alimentos de origen animal con baja disponibilidad de recursos naturales. Nuestro conocimiento y capacidad para desarrollar tecnologias que permitan la utilizacion eficiente de los recursos alimenticios para la produccion de alimentos seran elementos criticos para el sustento de la poblacion. Como parte de los avances tecnologicos en la alimentacion animal, podemos evaluar recursos forrajeros que incrementen la produccion, mejoren la eficiencia o una combinacion de ambos. Actualmente se cuenta con hibridos de maiz y otras especies con caracteristicas ventajosas para la produccion de forraje que permiten una mejor digestibilidad y produccion animal. Ademas, el desarrollo de varios procesos agroindustriales para la produccion de satisfactores humanos conlleva a la creacion de subproductos que se pueden utilizar en la produccion de carne y leche de bovinos. Ejemplo de esto es la produccion de etanol y biodiesel con la consecuente produccion de granos de destileria y glicerol para la alimentacion animal. Otros avances tecnologicos en la nutricion animal se pueden ver en el desarrollo de modelos computacionales para la formulacion de dietas y tecnologia aplicada a nutrientes especificos como amino acidos protegidos. En este articulo se presenta informacion actual sobre nutricion y estrategias de alimentacion de ganado lechero y de carne utilizando ingredientes tradicionales, subproductos industriales y suplementos nutritivos que permiten mejorar la produccion pecuaria ya sea en terminos de rendimiento, costo de alimentacion o eficiencia alimenticia.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immunomodulation: An Overview

Significant progress has occurred in the use of mesenchymal stem cells for tissue repair. However, mesenchymal stem cells also possess potent immunomodulatory activity, including the expression of the major histocompatibility complex class I antigens, the production of costimulatory molecules required for T-cell proliferation and activation, as well as various cytokines and other trophic factors. The series of review papers in this volume of the Springer E-Book in the “Stem Cell” series focuses on experimental evidence that mesenchymal stem cells synthesize a vast array of molecules which modulate both positive and negative immune responses. Based on results from studies in animal models of disease, mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells are now proposed to alter the pathophysiology of human diseases including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, system lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, cancer, and brain injuries. Thus, the future looks bright for mesenchymal stem-based therapies of human diseases.
Metagenomics of Hyperthermophilic Environments: Biodiversity and Biotechnology

The field of thermophilic microbiology was born in the late 1970s with the pioneering work of Brock (Thermophiles biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. Springer, Boston, pp. 1–9, 2001) and dramatically expanded through the ’80s with the isolation of hyperthermophiles by Stetter (FEMS Microbiol Rev 18:149–158, 1996). The development of SSU rRNA phylogenetics revealed the complexity and diversity of prokaryotic phylotypes on biotopes widely differing in extreme conditions (e.g. spanning gradients of pH between 0 and 10 and temperatures from 60 °C to over 120 °C, respectively). Sites of volcanic activity all over the Earth’s surface and under the sea provide a variety of different environments for extremophilic microorganisms. Hot springs populated by hyperthermophiles (Topt > 65 °C), the majority of which belonging to the domain of Archaea, are very diverse and some of them show combinations of other extreme conditions, for example, acidic, alkaline, high pressure, and high concentrations of salts and heavy metals (Cowan et al. in Curr Opin Microbiol 25:97–102, 2015). Archaea inhabiting hot springs are considered to be the closest living descendants of the earliest living forms on Earth and their study provide insights into the origin and evolution of life (Woese et al. in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 87:4576–4579, 1990; Olsen et al. in J Bacteriol 176:1–6, 1994). As with all studies of environmental microbiology, our understanding of the function of (hyper)thermophilic microbial consortia has lagged substantially behind. However, recent advances in ‘omics’ technologies, particularly within a system biology context, have made significant progresses into the prediction of in situ functionality (Cowan et al. in Curr Opin Microbiol 25:97–102, 2015). Most extremophilic microorganisms are recalcitrant to cultivation-based approaches (Amann et al. in Microbiol Rev 59:143–69, 1995; Lorenz et al. in Curr Opin Biotechnol 13:572–577, 2002); therefore, culture-independent metagenomic strategies are promising approaches to assess the phylogenetic composition and functional potential of microbial communities living in extreme environments (Lopez-Lopez et al. in Life 3:308–320, 2013). In addition, these approaches implement tremendously the access to enzymes from (hyper)thermophilic microorganisms that have important potential applications in several biotechnological processes. We report here on the state-of-the-art of the metagenomic surveys of different hot springs (T > 65 °C) (Table 5.1) and on the recent advance in the discovery of new hyperthermostable biocatalysts of biotechnological interest from metagenomic studies of these extreme environments.
A microwave interferometer sensor for ice cloud detection and measurement

A microwave frequency interferometer sensor has been demonstrated to have the sensitivity and accuracy needed to characterize fluid stream clouds comprising both water and ice crystals for applications in wind tunnel testing. Considerations for in-flight sensing and measurement are suggested.
Post-Vaccination Headache Reporting Trends According to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) (P1.147)

Objective: To describe trends in the report of headache as an adverse event following vaccination according to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). Background: The VAERS is a national vaccine safety surveillance program sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Headache is a common symptom of multiple vaccines post-licensure, yet systematic investigations are lacking. Methods: We searched the VAERS database to identify reports of headache after receipt of any vaccine in the U.S. during the time period from January 1990 to August 2015. We evaluated epidemiological features, including event characteristics, demographics and vaccine type. Results: Headache was the 5th most commonly reported symptom after fever, injection site reactions, pain, and rash. We retrieved 28,286 reports of headache. The majority(94.60[percnt])were unspecified headache types; however, 29[percnt] also had nausea or vomiting. Only 1,344 cases of migraine were reported, representing 4.75[percnt] of all the headache cases. The onset was within one day of vaccination in 69[percnt] of cases. Headache resulted in 11,162 (39.5[percnt]) emergency room visits, 2,426 (8.5[percnt]) hospitalizations, and 833 (2.94[percnt]) cases of permanent disability by report. There were 3,159 cases (11.17[percnt]) considered serious. Females accounted for 19,187 reports (67.83[percnt]) and males accounted for 8,801 reports (31.11[percnt]). Patient age range spanned from infants to the elderly; 75[percnt] of cases reported were between 6-59 years of age. Reports of headache per year increased in number since 1990, with the majority of cases (10.93[percnt]) reported in 2009. Vaccine against Influenza virus and Hepatitis B virus were those most frequently associated with headache, accounting for over a third of cases. Conclusions: Headache is a commonly reported vaccine related adverse event; a small subset of reports were considered serious. The development of vaccine-related classification criteria may be useful to better evaluate headache as an adverse event. Disclosure: Dr. Cocores has nothing to disclose. Dr. Monteith has nothing to disclose.
Stem Cells in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

In the field of oculofacial plastic surgery, stem cells are beginning to be used in reconstructive and aesthetic applications. Adult mesenchymal stem cells, specifically adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), with their abundant supply, ease of harvest, and ability to differentiate into fat, bone, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels appear to be excellent progenitor cells for use in facial reconstruction. ADSCs secrete cytokines which can enhance their own survival and engraftment. In addition, ADSCs have been utilized clinically for tissue engineering of facial structures including bone, cartilage, and fat and have the potential for engineering other mesenchymal structures the tarsus. Stem cells may augment wound healing, especially in the case of chronic wounds, free grafts, and flaps and theoretically could improve surgical outcomes, especially in high-risk settings. Lastly, the paracrine effect of adult mesenchymal stem cells has the potential to mitigate, and in some instances reverse, the process of age and oxidative skin damage. Well-designed, prospective, quantitative human trials need to be conducted to bring stem cell technology into standard oculofacial plastic surgical practice.
Destination Therapy: Standardizing the Role of Palliative Medicine and Delineating the DT-LVAD Journey

Abstract Context Destination therapy (DT) patients face significant challenges as they transition from chronic left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support to comfort-oriented care. Integration of palliative medicine (PM) into the multidisciplinary team is important to facilitate advanced care planning (ACP) and improve quality of life (QoL). Objectives We evaluated the impact of a structured programmatic approach to the end-of-life (EOL) process in DT patients as measured by QoL surveys and the utilization of ACP. Methods We instituted a four prong intervention approach: 1) delineated the path from implant to EOL by defining specific stages, including a transitional phase where care limits were agreed upon, 2) standardized the role of PM, 3) held transitional care meetings to support shared decision-making, and 4) held multidisciplinary team debriefings to facilitate communication. Preintervention and postintervention outcomes were measured for patients/caregivers by using the QUAL-E/QUAL-E (family) QoL instrument. Wilcoxon signed-ranks test compared nonparametric variables. Results All patients (n = 41)/caregivers (n = 28) reported improved QoL measures (patient P = 0.035/caregiver P = 0.046). Preparedness plans increased from 52% to 73% after implementation and advance directives increased from 71% to 83%. Fifty-nine percent of the patients completed an outpatient PM clinic visit; 51% completed/scheduled a second visit. Clinician outcomes improved including satisfaction with multidisciplinary team communication/expectations, ACP processes, and EOL management. Conclusion A programmatic approach that standardizes the role of PM and delineates the patient's path from implant to EOL improved quality outcomes and increased implementation of ACP. A defined communication process allowed the multidisciplinary team to have a clear patient management approach.
Comparison of Resistant and Susceptible Cowpea Plants to Cowpea Aphid (Koch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Aphids are one of the most devastating agricultural pests to multiple plants. Plant transformations are being considered as a population control method. This long-term research aims to characterize the molecular mechanism underlying plant-aphid interaction between the cowpea plant and the cowpea aphid. A resistant cowpea line (IT98K-205-8) and a susceptible cowpea line (IT98K-589-2) were observed to analyze how effective a resistant cowpea is in comparison to a susceptible one. Each line was planted, analyzed and scored. Both lines, resistant and susceptible resulted in significantly different results in both room 127 and room 124. Line 205 showed a lower population of aphids starting at day one while line 589-2 population began to decrease on the third day. As seen in this experiment, the overall result was that the resistant line was significantly lower in progeny production than that of the susceptible plant. The survival of the aphid population also decreased on each leaf from day one. Resistant cowpea plants are potential to reducing the aphid population. Additional research should go into manufacture of cowpea plants that are resistant to aphids to benefit crop production for farmers around the world.
Cigarette Smokers Versus Cousers of Cannabis and Cigarettes: Exposure to Toxicants

Introduction Cannabis and tobacco couse is common and could expose users to higher levels of toxicants. No studies have examined biomarkers of toxicant exposure in cousers of cannabis and cigarettes, compared with cigarette smokers (CS). Aims and methods Adult daily CS were recruited from 10 US sites for a study of reduced nicotine cigarettes. In this analysis of baseline data, participants were categorized as either cousers of cannabis and tobacco (cousers; N = 167; urine positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ 9-tetrahydrocannnabinol and self-reported cannabis use ≥1×/week), or CS (N = 911; negative urine and no self-reported cannabis use). Participants who did not meet either definition (N = 172) were excluded. Self-reported tobacco and cannabis use and tobacco and/or combustion-related biomarkers of exposure were compared between groups. Results Compared to CS, cousers were younger (couser Mage = 38.96, SD = 13.01; CS Mage = 47.22, SD = 12.72; p .05). Conclusions Cousers had higher concentrations of biomarkers of exposure than CS, but similar number of cigarettes per day and nicotine exposure. Additional studies are needed to determine whether cannabis and/or alternative tobacco products are driving the increased toxicant exposure. Implications Cousers of cannabis and tobacco appear to be exposed to greater levels of harmful chemicals (ie, volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), but similar levels of nicotine as CS. It is unclear if the higher levels of toxicant exposure in cousers are due to cannabis use or the increased use of alternative tobacco products compared with CS. It is important for studies examining biomarkers of exposure among CS to account for cannabis use as it may have a significant impact on outcomes. Additionally, further research is needed examining exposure to harmful chemicals among cannabis users.
Molecular Control of Charge Carrier and Seebeck Coefficient in Hybrid Two-Dimensional Nanoparticle Superlattices

The development of high efficiency thermoelectric materials would revolutionize energy harvesting capabilities and be useful for a large number of applications. Hybrid organic–inorganic nanostructu...
Parents Demand and Teenager Refuses Epidural Anesthesia

A 15-year-old girl is scheduled to undergo an upper lobectomy to debulk metastatic Ewing sarcoma. The anesthesiologist recommended placement of a thoracic epidural catheter to provide postoperative analgesia. The patient did not want a needle to be placed near her spine. She was terrified that the procedure would be painful and that it might paralyze her. Although the anesthesiologist reassured her that sedation and local anesthesia would make the procedure comfortable, she remained vehemently opposed to the epidural procedure. The parents spoke privately to the anesthesiologist and asked for placement of the epidural after she was asleep. They firmly believed that this would provide optimal postoperative analgesia and thus would be in her best interest. Experts discuss the pros and cons of siding with the patient or parents.
3He NMR Study of 3He@C60H6 and 3He@C70H2-10

The 3He NMR of 3He@C60H6, 3He@C70H2, 3He@C70H4, 3He@C70H8, and 3He@C70H10 have been investigated. A new, unidentified C60H6 isomer has been found by using 3He NMR. 3He@C70H10 shows the most downfield-shifted 3He NMR resonance among the neutral C70 derivatives.
Racial and ethnic disparities in lower extremity amputation: Assessing the role of frailty in older adults.

Abstract Background Frailty is a state of decreased physiologic reserve contributing to functional decline and is associated with adverse surgical outcomes, particularly in the elderly. Racial disparities have been reported previously both in frail individuals and in limb-salvage patients. Our goal was to assess whether race and ethnicity are disproportionately linked to frailty status in geriatric patients undergoing lower-limb amputation, leading to an increased risk of complications. Methods A 3-year analysis was conducted of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and included all geriatric (age ≥65 years) patients who underwent amputation of the lower limb. The frailty index was calculated using the 11-factor modified frailty index with a cutoff limit of 0.27 defined for frail status. Outcomes were 30-day complications, mortality, and readmissions. Multivariate regression analysis was performed. Results A total of 4,218 geriatric patients underwent surgical amputation of a lower extremity (above knee: 41%; below knee: 59%). Of these patients, 29% were frail, 26% were African American, and 9% were Hispanic. Being African American (odds ratio: 1.6 [1.3–1.9]) and Hispanic (odds ratio: 1.1 [1.05–2.5]) was independently associated with frail status. Frail African Americans had a higher likelihood of 30-day complications (odds ratio: 3.2 [1.9–4.4]) and 30-day readmissions (odds ratio: 2.9 [1.8–3.6]) when compared with nonfrail individuals. Similarly, frail Hispanics had higher 30-day complications (odds ratio: 2.6 [1.9–3.1]) and 30-day readmissions (odds ratio: 1.4 [1.1–2.7]) compared with nonfrail Hispanics/Latinos. Conclusion African American and Hispanic geriatric patients undergoing lower-limb amputation are at increased risk for frailty status and, as a result, increased associated operative complications. These disparities exist regardless of age, sex, comorbid conditions, and location of amputation. Further studies are needed to highlight disparities by race and ethnicity to identify potentially modifiable risk factors, decrease frailty, and improve outcomes.
Predicting Labor-Force Participation Among Work-Able Public Housing Residents

Critics of U.S. public housing often argue that the program discourages nonemployed residents from looking for work, yet little research has actually explored how public housing residents make deci...
Retrovirus-induced tumors whose development is facilitated by a chronic immune response: a comparison of two tumors committed to the monocytic lineage.

An active immune response can under certain circumstances facilitate induction of neoplasms (Schwartz and Beldotti 1965; Gleichmann et al, 1984; Potter 1986; Baumbach et al 1986; Potter et al 1987; Wolff et al 1986; Wolff et al 1988). Our studies, in particular, have shown that a chronic inflammatory granuloma in the peritoneal cavity can promote the rapid induction of myeloid tumors by retroviruses (Wolff et al 1986; Wolff et al 1988). Two myeloid tumors that arose in the peritoneal cavity of pristane-primed BALB/cAnPt mice were (a) the McML, mature monocyte-macrophage tumors induced by retroviral constructs containing exons 2 and 3 of the c-myc cDNA and (b) the MML, promonocytic tumors induced by Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV).
All-optical control of charge transfer and interlayer excitons in transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures

An all-optical approach to control interlayer charge transfer and interlayer exciton dynamics is demonstrated using transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures of ${\mathrm{MoSe}}_{2}/{\mathrm{MoS}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{MoSe}}_{2}/{\mathrm{WS}}_{2}$ as examples. In the three-pulse pump-probe experiments, a control pulse injects photocarriers and produces an electric field due to the interlayer charge separation. A pump pulse excites new carriers and their dynamics under the influence of the control-injected carriers and field is time-resolved by measuring differential reflectance of a third probe pulse. In ${\mathrm{MoSe}}_{2}/{\mathrm{MoS}}_{2}$, the interlayer electron transfer time from ${\mathrm{MoSe}}_{2}$ to ${\mathrm{MoS}}_{2}$ decreases with increasing the control-injected carrier density and electric field. The dipole moment of the interlayer excitons is reduced by the control pulse, which can be utilized for ultrafast and all-optical control of interlayer excitons. The recombination of the interlayer excitons is enhanced by the control pulse, which increases the spatial overlap of the electron and hole wave functions. The effect of the control pulse on the interlayer excitons is confirmed in the ${\mathrm{MoSe}}_{2}/{\mathrm{WS}}_{2}$ heterostructure, although its effect on the electron transfer time is not resolvable. These results reveal useful information to understand and control interlayer charge transfer dynamics and provide tools for ultrafast manipulation of electrons in van der Waals heterostructures.