cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of chronic methylphenidate administration on tooth maturation in a sample of caucasian children

Purpose: Over the past 3 decades, methylphenidate hydrochloride (MH; brand names are Concerta, Metadate, Ritalin) has been increasingly prescribed for children and adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous studies have demonstrated growth suppression with chronic MH administration in children and adolescents and an association of delayed dental maturation with delayed growth. It was hypothesized that, perhaps with MH use, there is a concurrent retardation in dental development. Although there has been an abundance of research done on its effect on skeletal development, no one has examined MH’s possible effects on the oral cavity— particularly dental development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental maturation in children who had taken MH chronically. Methods: Forty-two Caucasian children between the ages of 7 and 15.9 years who had taken MH for a minimum of 2 years were enrolled. Their dental development was compared to that of a contemporary age- and gender-matched control sample using the Demirjian method to assess dental age. Results: It was found that this study’s population of children, who ingested an average dose of 30 mg of MH daily for a mean duration of 54 months, showed no delay in dental maturation. Conclusions: It is concluded that, for these amounts of MH exposure, there is no effect on dental maturation. (Pediatr Dent 2005;27:292-297)
Costs of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the US: excess costs of persons with ADHD and their family members in 2000.

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive estimate of the cost of ADHD by considering the healthcare and work loss costs of persons with ADHD, as well as those costs imposed on their family members.Methods: Excess per capita healthcare (medical and prescription drug) and work loss (disability and work absence) costs of treated ADHD patients (ages 7 years–44 years) and their family members (under 65 years of age) were calculated using administrative claims data from a single large company; work loss costs are from disability data or imputed for medically related work loss days. Excess costs are the additional costs of patients and their family members over and above those of comparable control individuals. The excess costs of untreated individuals with ADHD and their family members were also estimated. All per capita costs were extrapolated using published prevalence and treatment rates and population data; the prevalence of persons with ADHD was based upon the literature...
Cardiorespiratory dynamics during transitions between mechanical and spontaneous ventilation in intensive care

Life support devices (e.g., heart pacemakers, ventilators, dialysis machines) are commonly thought to affect mainly their target organ system. This preliminary study attempts to determine the extent to which mechanical support of one organ system (lungs by mechanical ventilator) affects functions of other systems (heart and blood vessels). We studied changes in cardiorespiratory interactions and in dynamics of cardiovascular system during scheduled transitions (spontaneous breathing trials, SBT) between mechanical and spontaneous ventilation in critically ill patients. This initial study population consisted of 13 patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) following surgery, trauma, or complications who were judged candidates for liberation from the ventilator. We collected continuous respiratory, cardiac (ECG), and perfusion (blood pressure and pulse oximetry) signals of mechanically ventilated patients before, during, and after SBT. The data were analyzed using spectral analysis, phase dynamics, and entropy measures. We found that the mechanical ventilation not only drives lung dynamics but also affects the dynamics of cardiac and vascular systems. Spontaneous cardiovascular rhythms are entrained by the mechanical ventilator and are drawn into synchrony. Sudden interruption of mechanical ventilation typically leads to rapid desynchronization. This synchronization is restored upon reinstitution of mechanical ventilation. The initial data suggest that therapies intended to support one organ system may propagate unanticipated effects to other organ systems. Moreover, sustained therapies may disturb mechanisms that promote natural synchronization and variability and thereby adversely affect recovery of normal organ system interactions. We suggest that new measures and displays of synchronization not only could provide insight into the organ–organ coupling but also could yield information to optimize the function of devices used to support the critically ill patient. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
Incompatible Fetomaternal Transfusion with Maternal Intravascular Lysis

Trauma and abruptio placentae with delivery of a stillborn infant at 36 weeks' gestation was followed by a fetomaternal transfusion of ABO incompatible erythrocytes, and maternal hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria. Fetal hemoglobin was demonstrated in the maternal plasma and urine by electrophoresis and alkali denaturation. The mother had a benign postpartum course.
Through-process modeling for design-for-manufacturability applications

In recent years, design for manufacturability (DFM) has become an important focus item of the semiconductor industry and many new DFM applications have arisen. Most of these applications rely heavily on the ability to model process sensitivity, and here we explore the role of through-process modeling on DFM applications. Several different DFM applications are examined and their lithography model requirements analyzed. The complexities of creating through-process models are then explored, and methods to ensure their accuracy presented.
TraPPE-UA Force Field for Acrylates and Monte Carlo Simulations for Their Mixtures with Alkanes and Alcohols

An extension of the transferable potentials for phase equilibria−united atom (TraPPE-UA) force field to acrylate and methacrylate monomers is presented. New parameters were fit to the liquid density, normal boiling point, saturated vapor pressure, and (where experimentally available) critical constants of 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, methyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate using Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. Excellent agreement with experiment was obtained for the parametrization compounds and seven additional acrylate and methacrylate compounds, with average errors in liquid density and normal boiling point of approximately 1%. The TraPPE-UA force field also predicts accurate heats of vaporization at 298 K. In addition, Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations of binary vapor−liquid equilibria for the mixtures methyl acrylate/1-butanol and methyl acrylate/n-decane show that the TraPPE-UA acrylate force field performs well in mixtures with both polar and nonpolar molecules. These simulations also ind...
Modeling microwave heating of frozen mashed potato in a domestic oven incorporating electromagnetic frequency spectrum

Abstract Domestic microwave oven magnetrons produce microwaves in a frequency range of 2.45 ± 0.05 GHz. Most microwave heat transfer simulations simplify that the magnetron produces a monochromatic electromagnetic wave of frequency of 2.45 GHz to reduce the computational complexity. This study assumes that the magnetron produces a frequency spectrum defined by a Gaussian distribution of frequencies with a central frequency of 2.45 GHz and investigates the effect of Gaussian distribution variance of (0.05 GHz)2, (0.025 GHz)2, (0.017 GHz)2 on prediction accuracy when compared to using monochromatic frequency of 2.45 GHz. A three-dimensional finite element model coupling electromagnetic and heat transfer physics was developed to simulate heating of 550 g of frozen mashed potato for 6 min. The model was validated in a 1250 W rated microwave oven with the mashed potato tray placed at the center of the stationary turntable. The electromagnetic power densities were determined separately at five different frequencies equidistant between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. They were then weighted averaged, based on the selected Gaussian distribution. Simulated temperature profiles of the models using the monochromatic frequency of 2.45 GHz and Gaussian frequency spectrum with different variances were compared with experimental temperature profiles obtained using a thermal imaging camera at the end of cooking and five fiber-optic thermocouples during cooking. The model results showed that predicted spatial surface temperature pattern by the model using frequency spectrum with the largest variance (0.05 GHz)2 had better agreement with the experimental temperature pattern when compared to that using a monochromatic frequency of 2.45 GHz. In the transient temperature profile measurement, the average RMSE value of five locations was 7.5 and 13.1 °C for simulations using frequency spectrum and monochromatic frequency of 2.45 GHz, respectively. When compared to using the monochromatic frequency of 2.45 GHz, the frequency spectrum with an assumption of having a Gaussian distribution with mean of 2.45 GHz and variance of (0.05 GHz)2 improved the accuracy of temperature field pattern and transient temperature profile.
High performance 0.14 /spl mu/m gate-length AlGaN/GaN power HEMTs on SiC

High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were fabricated from AlGaN/GaN on semi-insulating SiC substrates with excellent performance and high yield. The devices had 0.14 /spl mu/m T-gates with a total width of 300 /spl mu/m. Extrinsic, unpassivated peak performance values for these HEMTs include transconductance of 338 mS/mm, maximum drain current of 1481 mA/mm, unity current gain cutoff frequency of 91 GHz, and maximum frequency of oscillation of 122 GHz. Saturated CW power measurements of these devices at 10 GHz result in 4.6 W/mm with PAE at 46% when optimized for power and 3.0 W/mm with PAE at 65% when optimized for efficiency.
Bacterial fermentation of cellulose: effect of physical and chemical parameters

Acetivibrio celluloyticus converts cellulose directly to ethanol, acetate, H(2), and CO(2). The effects of various physical and chemical parameters, and their interdependence, including pH, temperature, redox, and ethanol toxicity on this fermentation, were studied. Controlling pH at 6.8 favored a predominance of ethanol over acetate. Supplementation of the medium with additional reductant, concomitant with a lower redox potential, incresed ethanol formation. Results from ethanol-challenged cultures indicated that cell lysis occurs with growing but not with nongrowing cells. A stable strain was adapted for growth in ethanol concentrations almost sevenfold greater than the parent organism.
Using a Writing Strategy to Enhance Sixth-Grade Students' Comprehension of Content Material

The present study investigated the effective use of a writing strategy for enhancing sixth graders' comprehension of a world history topic. Based on an integrated communication arts approach, the procedures included speaking, listening, and reading for all students, with writing the crucial variable of difference between experimental groups. Over 4 days, the treatment group was assigned writing tasks following class brainstorming and text reading activities; in contrast, the control group was given common identification and short-answer comprehension type tasks. Based on a written posttest, results indicated that the treatment group generated significantly higher quality ideas than the control group, including fewer textbased ideas and more class brainstorming ideas, and produced more coherent, integrated writing samples. In addition, within the treatment group students significantly improved their writing with regard to both overall writing ability and the quality of ideas across the 4-day period. Recommendations for a writing strategy to enhance content area learning are discussed. A primary component of content area learning is the comprehension of subject concepts and their relationships. Ideally, in order to achieve an in-depth understanding, students use their existing knowledge to comprehend the new information and then reorganize their schemata for further learning. To facilitate this process, classroom teachers consider these learning elements within instructional planning and delivery, including the use of textbook reading as an important source of content information. Such consideration is crucial, given the possible mismatch between students' content reading abilities and the content and structure of the text (Marshall, 1989). 19
Lindane induces nephropathy and renal accumulation of α2u-globulin in male but not in female Fischer 344 rats or male NBR rats

Lindane, the y-isomer of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane, is a widely used organochlorine pesticide. The application of lindane in soil, foliar, and seed treatment for a large variety of fruit and vegetable crops, its application on livestock, pets, and on agricultural premises, in pharmaceutical prepa itions, as well as in public health pest control, could lead to the exposure of humans to low concentrations of this compound. Various experiments were carried out in order to assess the toxicity and carcinogenicity of lindane [ 1,2]. In some of these experiments, male rat specific renal toxicity was observed. This toxicity was characterized by an exacerbated formation of hyaline droplets, enlargement of lysosomes in the proximal tubules, and necrosis of proximal tubule epithelial cells [3,4]. The male rat specific occurrence of hyaline droplet formation and necrosis of proximal tubule epithelial cells are characteristic lesions for the chemically induced male rat renal disease, a2u-globulin nephropathy. This disease occurs only in male rats of strains other than the NBR, the only strain that does not synthesize the androgendependent form of a2u-globulin [5]. It is induced by the reversible binding of chemicals or their metabolites, such as 2,2,4_trimethylpentane, d-limonene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, unleaded gasoline, and isophorone to the low-molecular-weight protein a2u-globulin, which leads to the accumulation of this a2u-globulin-chemical complex in the lysosomes of the proximal tubule epithelial cells [6]. This results in lysosomal overload, which leads to degeneration and necrosis of epithelial cells, followed by compensatory regeneration [7].
Adaptive Hybrid ARQ in Gaussian and Turbo Coded Systems

We consider the design of adaptive hybrid automatic retransmission request (ARQ) with incremental redundancy (IR) in which the transmission rates of different blocks in one hybrid ARQ process can be different. The throughput of adaptive IR hybrid ARQ in block fading channels is formed based on the renewal-reward theorem. Two types of input signals are considered, namely, Gaussian inputs and practical turbo coded modulation. For Gaussian inputs, the error probability after each transmission is obtained from the outage rate. For turbo coded modulation, we obtain the error rate after each transmission block by applying union-Bhattacharyya (UB) bound for parallel channels. The throughput optimization is then formed to seek the optimal transmission rates. The results show that adaptive IR HARQ provides higher throughput than non-adaptive IR HARQ and chase combining in the moderate-to-high SNR region.
The Psychodynamics of Regression in Work Groups

Individual regression in groups stems from anxiety arising from each individual's attempt to construct a psychodynamic equilibrium between one's demands for adequate self-identity (individuality that is not a threat to other group members) and group membership (affiliation that is not a threat to one's identity). The dilemma of reconciling needs for individuality and group membership provokes annihilation anxiety in which one resorts to regressive action in order to protect one's self from anxiety associated with uncertain object-relations, annihilation and feelings of persecution, and loss of affiliation. As a result, group cultures often are characterized by unconscious actions and shared fantasies stemming from the sum of individual regressed and primitive coping defenses. Individual regression and other primitive defensive actions are observable at the group level of analysis, and lend themselves to description as a group culture. The psychodynamics of individual and group regression with four work-gr...
Cortical surface tracking using a stereoscopic operating microscope.

OBJECTIVE To measure and compensate for soft tissue deformation during image-guided neurosurgery, we have developed a novel approach to estimate the three-dimensional (3-D) topology of the cortical surface and track its motion over time. METHODS We use stereopsis to estimate the 3-D cortical topology during neurosurgical procedures. To facilitate this process, two charge-coupled device cameras have been attached to the binocular optics of a stereoscopic operating microscope. Before surgery, this stereo imaging system is calibrated to obtain the extrinsic and intrinsic camera parameters. During surgery, the 3-D shape of the cortical surface is automatically estimated from a stereo pair of images and registered to the preoperative image volume to provide navigational guidance. This estimation requires robust matching of features between the images, which, when combined with the camera calibration, yields the desired 3-D coordinates. After the 3-D cortical surface has been estimated from stereo pairs, its motion is tracked by comparing the current surface with its previous locations. RESULTS We are able to estimate the 3-D topology of the cortical surface with an average error of less than 1.2 mm. Executing on a 1.1-GHz Pentium machine, the 3-D estimation from a stereo pair of 1024 x 768 resolution images requires approximately 60 seconds of computation. By applying stereopsis over time, we are able to track the motion of the cortical surface, including the pulsatile movement of the cortical surface, gravitational sag, tissue bulge as a result of increased intracranial pressure, and the parenchymal shape changes associated with tissue resection. The results from 10 surgical patients are reported. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that a stereo vision system coupled to the operating microscope can be used to efficiently estimate the dynamic topology of the cortical surface during surgery. The 3-D surface can be coregistered to the preoperative image volume. This unique intraoperative imaging technique expands the capability of the current navigational system in the operating room and increases the accuracy of anatomic correspondence with preoperative images through compensation for brain deformation.
Ethical Challenges in the Primary Prevention of Schizophrenia

Primary prevention of schizophrenia is a concept with considerable appeal. When a debilitating and often progressive disorder frustrates efforts at effective treatment, prevention may offer the only realistic hope of avoiding its consequences. As illustrated by the papers in this Special Section and elsewhere,1 substantial efforts are being applied to develop creative models of risk and intervention prior to the onset of prodromal symptoms of the disorder, ranging from the prenatal period to early adolescence. However great the importance of exploring such possibilities, care will be required to minimize the chances of harming the very people we are seeking to help. Given that efforts toward primary prevention of schizophrenia are still at the research stage, the field needs to consider carefully how studies aimed at moving the field forward can be constructed so as best to protect subjects. Key to this end, investigators will need to insure—in the words of the Common Rule that governs most federally funded health research in the United States—that “[r]isks to subjects are minimized…[and] are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits.”2 With different target populations, interventions, and rationales across studies, this will require an individualized judgment about the relative balance of risks and benefits associated with each project. Here, without trying to be exhaustive, I suggest a set of questions that may assist investigators, funders, and IRBs to assess the ethical acceptability of such studies.
mRNA association with the cytoskeletal framework likely represents a physiological binding event.

A multitude of studies has indicated that the vast majority of mRNA and polyribosomes is associated with the detergent-resistant cytoskeletal faramework (CSK). However, the nature and purpose of this association remain unclear. To begin unraveling the factors which may medicate this phenomenon, we examined the extent of association of four mRNAs (ubulin, vimentin, actin, and histone mRNA) with the CSKs NIH T3 cells over a wide range of salt concentrations. Results indicate that the vast majority ( > 90%) of each of these mRNAs remains associated with the CSK after detergent extration of cells in low ionic strength buffer (25 mM NaCI). This association is manifest under conditions that cause the complete depolymerization of microtubules but that leave microfilaments and intermediate filaments intact. Even after extensive washing in buffer of approximately physiological ionic strength (150 mM NaCI), 75–85% of these mRNAs still remain associated with the CSK. However, at least 50% of each of these mRNAs can be eluted from the CSK by washing with buffer containing 250 mM NaCI. Not all the mRNAs, though, display the same elution profile. This suggests that different binding sites and/or different binding affinities may exist for different mRNAs. Surprisingly, close to 50% of the polyribosome population remains bound to the CSK despite washing in as much as 1.0 M NaCI. These adherent polyribosomes appear to be of the same size as those that are eluted, alllaying the possibility that they are retained by the CSK nor physically trapped within the meshwork of cytoskeletal filaments. Instead, mRNA appears to be bound to the CSK via interactions that are, at least partially, ionic in nature and strong enough to exist intracellulary. Moreover, the binding sites for these mRNAs on the CSK are not associated with microtubules, but may be associated with wither the microflament or intermedicate filament network.
Evolution of US maize (Zea mays L.) root architectural and anatomical phenes over the past 100 years corresponds to increased tolerance of nitrogen stress

Increasing the nitrogen use efficiency of maize is an important goal for food security and agricultural sustainability. In the past 100 years, maize breeding has focused on yield and above-ground phenes. Over this period, maize cultivation has changed from low fertilizer inputs and low population densities to intensive fertilization and dense populations. The authors hypothesized that through indirect selection the maize root system has evolved phenotypes suited to more intense competition for nitrogen. Sixteen maize varieties representing commercially successful lines over the past century were planted at two nitrogen levels and three planting densities. Root systems of the most recent material were 7 o more shallow, had one less nodal root per whorl, had double the distance from nodal root emergence to lateral branching, and had 14% more metaxylem vessels, but total mextaxylem vessel area remained unchanged because individual metaxylem vessels had 12% less area. Plasticity was also observed in cortical phenes such as aerenchyma, which increased at greater population densities. Simulation modelling with SimRoot demonstrated that even these relatively small changes in root architecture and anatomy could increase maize shoot growth by 16% in a high density and high nitrogen environment. The authors concluded that evolution of maize root phenotypes over the past century is consistent with increasing nitrogen use efficiency. Introgression of more contrasting root phene states into the germplasm of elite maize and determination of the functional utility of these phene states in multiple agronomic conditions could contribute to future yield gains.
Introducing a new cache design into vector computers

Introduces an innovative cache design for vector computers, called prime-mapped cache. By utilizing the special properties of a Mersenne prime, the new design does not increase the critical path length of a processor, nor does it increase the cache access time as compared to existing cache organizations. The prime-mapped cache minimizes cache miss ratio caused by line interferences that have been shown to be critical for numerical applications by previous investigators. With negligibly additional hardware cost, significant performance gains are obtained by adding the proposed cache memory to an existing vector computer. The performance of the design is studied analytically, using a generic vector computation model. The analytical model is validated through extensive simulation experiments. A performance analysis for various vector access patterns shows that the prime-mapped cache performs significantly better than conventional cache organizations in the vector processing environment. The performance gain will increase with the increase of the speed gap between processors and memories. >
Parenthood, Life Course Expectations, and Mental Health

Social and Behavioral Sciences; Social Work; Law: 2nd Place (The Ohio State University Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum)
A chiral facially coordinated CuII complex derived from a tridentate bis­(benz­imidazole) ligand: bis­[(S,S)‐1,2‐di­methoxy‐1,2‐bis(1‐methylbenzimidazol‐2‐yl)­ethane]copper(II) bis­(tetra­fluoro­borate) aceto­nitrile disolvate

Crystals of the chiral title salt, [Cu(C20H22N4O2)2](BF4)2·2C2H3N, contain Cu(L2)22+ cations separated by disordered tetra­fluoro­borate anions and by aceto­nitrile solvent mol­ecules. The ligands L2, (S,S)-1,2-di­methoxy-1,2-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)­ethane, coordinate Cu ions facially to yield a distorted and tetragonally elongated octahedral coordination geometry. Coordination affords V- or butterfly-shaped ligands, cations with the overall shape of the letter X, and seven-membered chelate rings which adopt distorted boat conformations. In the crystal structure, the cations form layers parallel to (001), interspersed with layers containing both tetra­fluoro­borate anions and aceto­nitrile mol­ecules. Ligands within a given cation, anions and solvate mol­ecules, and cations and anions, are linked by an extensive C—H⋯O and C—H⋯F hydrogen-bonding network. Additionally, cations within a given layer are linked by interionic head-to-tail π–π interactions between two benzimidalole fragments along the a cell direction and by edge-over-edge C—H⋯π overlap between the remaining two benz­imidazole fragments along the b cell direction.
Limited feedback for multi-carrier beamforming: A rate-distortion approach

The achievable rate of a wideband multi-input single-output channel with multi-carrier transmission is studied with limited feedback of channel state information (CSI). The set of sub-channel vectors are assumed to be jointly quantized and relayed back to the transmitter. Given a fixed feedback rate, the performance of an optimal joint quantization scheme can be characterized by the rate-distortion bound. The distortion metric is the average loss in capacity (forward rate) relative to the capacity with perfect channel state information at the transmitter and receiver. The corresponding rate distortion function gives the forward capacity as a function of feedback rate, and is determined explicitly by casting the minimization of mutual information in the rate-distortion problem as an optimal control problem. Numerical results show that when the feedback rate is relatively small, the rate-distortion bound significantly outperforms separate quantization of the state information of each sub-channel.
Sex Steroid Hormone Levels May Not Explain Gender Differences in Development of Nephrolithiasis.

Abstract Objectives: To determine whether serum sex steroid hormone levels, or the subsequent change in those levels over time, represent a risk factor for the development of nephrolithiasis in men. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients participating in a long-term cohort study (Rochester Epidemiology Project) in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Patients had previously undergone baseline detailed clinical examination and sex steroid hormone studies, including estradiol, testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone. Patients were followed on a biennial basis. Records were then reviewed to assess for formation of nephrolithiasis. Results: We identified 684 patients, with a median follow-up for stone formation of 12.8 years. All 684 patients had measurement of testosterone, of which 78.9% were in normal range. Five hundred eighteen men had baseline-free testosterone, of whom 88.6% were normal. Three hundred seventy-one patients had baseline estradiol, of whom 88.7% were normal. One hundred two men (14.9%)...
Intestinal obstruction:Role of CT

CT has significantly advanced the evaluation of small and large bowel obstruction, especially in the acute situation where high-grade or possibly strangulating obstruction is being encountered. Any physician involved in evaluating patients with bowel distention and abdominal pain where obstruction becomes a distinct diagnostic possibility should be aware of the attributes and limitations of this modality to provide the best patient care. New technological advances will hopefully limit radiation exposure and provide even more definitive information in the diagnosis of bowel obstruction.
Understanding, formal verification, and the philosophy of mathematics

The philosophy of mathematics has long been concerned with determining the means that are appropriate for justifying claims of mathematical knowledge, and the metaphysical considerations that render them so. But, as of late, many philosophers have called attention to the fact that a much broader range of normative judgments arise in ordinary mathematical practice; for example, questions can be interesting, theorems important, proofs explanatory, concepts powerful, and so on. The associated values are often loosely classified as aspects of “mathematical
Overview of the TurbSim Stochastic Inflow Turbulence Simulator: Version 1.21 (Revised February 1, 2001)

This report provides the user with an overview of how the TurbSim code has been developed and some of the theory behind that development.
What's so Funny? Video Ethnography and Drag Performance

As it has migrated from gay culture to mainstream entertainment, drag performance has generated considerable controversy among queer theorists. Some theorists argue that drag reinforces binary categories of sex and gender by positioning itself as the boundary-defining Other – as the simulated act that preserves the fantasy of the genuine article. Judith Butler, among others, has countered that drag performance subverts the stability of gender as a social category, bringing into view illusory distinctions between masculine and feminine. In describing a documentary video project on the social psychology of drag performance, this field report takes up the question of what makes drag performance funny, and who or what pays the price of the joke.
The Morphology of the Carabid Beetle Calosoma Scrutator (Fabricius)

The morphology of the Coleoptera has not been investigated comprehensively or systematically. The only work that deals with general coleopteran morphology is a volume by Le Conte and Horn (1883), which presents a few pages of generalities and some superficial drawings. There are admirable treatises on the wings, the head-capsule, the genitalia, and certain areas of the thorax, but rare are the surveys of the entire external anatomy of a family or genus or even of one species.
Nanocrystalline Microstructures by Thin-Film Synthesis Methods

Nanostructured materials are being extensively studied because their ≈1-100nm grain size can dramatically affect properties. Most nanocrystalline synthesis methods produce particulate or flake. The process of consolidation also allows coarsening, contamination, and the introduction of porosity. The effect of nanocrystallinity on mechanical properties must be deconvoluted from these extrinsic artifacts. Most synthesis routes also produce small quantities of material. Reproducibly making enough specimens to explore more than a few properties is thus difficult. This paper describes thin-film processes to produce nanostructured materials. Thin-film deposition can easily produce many specimens, free from extrinsic artifacts, with identical composition and processing history. Many methods are now well established to study a variety of thin-film mechanical properties. We show examples of nanostructured films generated by controlling deposition and/or post-deposition processing.
Relative rates of surface and volume synthesis set bacterial cell size

Many studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying length and width determination in rod-shaped bacteria. Here, we focus instead on cell surface area to volume ratio (SA/V) and demonstrate that SA/V homeostasis underlies size determination. We propose a model whereby the instantaneous rates of surface and volume synthesis both scale with volume. This model predicts that these relative rates dictate SA/V and that cells approach a new steady-state SA/V exponentially, with a decay constant equal to the volume growth rate. To test this, we exposed diverse bacterial species to sublethal concentrations of a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor and observed dose-dependent decreases in SA/V. Furthermore, this decrease was exponential and had the expected decay constant. The model also quantitatively describes SA/V alterations induced by other chemical, nutritional, and genetic perturbations. We additionally present evidence for a surface material accumulation threshold underlying division, sensitizing cell length to changes in SA/V requirements.
Characterization of Vascular Permeability Factor/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors on Mononuclear Phagocytes

Vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF) is a polypeptide mediator, elaborated by certain tumors and other cell types, that exerts multiple effects on endothelium via interaction with a class of high-affinity binding sites. In this report, the interaction of VPF/VEGF with human mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) is characterized. Radioligand binding studies at 4 degrees C showed the presence of a single class of binding sites, kd approximately 300 to 500 pmol/L (approximately 20 times lower affinity than the high-affinity binding site on endothelial cells [ECs]), the occupancy of which correlated with VPF/VEGF-induced MP migration and expression of tissue factor. These binding results were paralleled by functional experiments which indicated that the same VPF/VEGF preparations were about an order of magnitude less effective in stimulating MP chemotaxis than in inducing EC proliferation. When MPs with surface-bound 125I-VPF/VEGF were warmed to 37 degrees C, endocytosis and degradation occurred. Occupancy of VPF/VEGF binding site resulted in subsequent activation of intracellular signal transduction mechanisms, as shown by an increase in MP intracellular calcium concentration. Cross-linking studies with 125I-VPF/VEGF showed a new high-molecular weight band (corresponding to putative 125I- VPF/VEGF-receptor complex), the appearance of which was blocked by excess unlabeled VPF/VEGF. Consistent with these results, immunoprecipitation of 32PO4-labeled MPs exposed to VPF/VEGF showed a single band of similar mobility, not seen in untreated controls. These results demonstrate that the interaction of VPF/VEGF with MPs, though of lower affinity than that observed with ECs, also results from interaction of the polypeptide with a specific cell-surface protein and leads to activation of intracellular transduction mechanisms.
A novel MeCP2 acetylation site regulates interaction with ATRX and HDAC1

Methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MeCP2) regulates gene expression by recruiting SWI/SNF DNA helicase/ATPase (ATRX) and Histone Deacetylase-1 (HDAC1) to methylated gene regions and modulates heterochromatin association by interacting with Heterochromatin protein-1. As MeCP2 contributes to tumor suppressor gene silencing and its mutation causes Rett Syndrome, we investigated how novel post-translational-modification contributes to its function. Herein we report that upon pharmacological inhibition of SIRT1 in RKO colon and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, endogenous MeCP2 is acetylated at sites critical for binding to DNA and transcriptional regulators. We created an acetylation mimetic mutation in MeCP2 and found it to possess decreased binding to ATRX and HDAC1. Conditions inducing MeCP2 acetylation do not alter its promoter occupancy at a subset of target genes analyzed, but do cause decreased binding to ATRX and HDAC1. We also report here that a specific inhibitor of SIRT1, IV, can be used to selectively decrease H3K27me3 repressive marks on a subset of repressed target gene promoters analyzed. Lastly, we show that RKO cells over-expressing MeCP2 mutant show reduced proliferation compared to those over-expressing MeCP2-wildtype. Our study demonstrates the importance of acetylated lysine residues and suggests their key role in regulating MeCP2 function and its ability to bind transcriptional regulators.
A PMMA microfluidic dielectric sensor for blood coagulation monitoring at the point-of-care

This paper describes the design and construct of a fully biocompatible, microfluidic, dielectric sensor targeted at monitoring human whole blood coagulation at the point-of-care (POC). The sensor assembly procedure involves using sputtered electrodes in a microfluidic channel with a physiologically relevant height of 50μm to create a three-dimensional (3D), parallel-plate, capacitive sensing area. The sensor is constructed with biocompatible materials of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for the substrate and titanium nitride (TiN) for the sensing and floating electrodes. The real part of the complex relative dielectric permittivity of human whole blood is measured from 10kHz to 100MHz using an impedance analyzer and under static conditions. The temporal variation in dielectric permittivity at 1MHz for human whole blood undergoing coagulation shows a peak in permittivity at 5 minutes, which closely matches our previously established results. This sensor can pave the way for monitoring blood coagulation under physiologically relevant shear flow rates in the future.
On fair sharing of spectrum via CSMA

We contrast CSMA and TDMA schemes for medium access in spatially dispersed wireless networks under the primary interference model. CSMA is based on random access via dynamically tuned parameters, whereas TDMA involves periodic bursts that are offset in time so as to avoid packet collisions. We study TDMA in a framework that admits propagation delays and hidden terminals, and provide a distributed algorithm that achieves feasible transmission rates.
Stroke in Fabry Disease

Abstract Fabry disease (FD), also known as angiokeratoma corporis diffusum , is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of α-galactosidase A. This defect causes the accumulation of glycosphingolipids in cells, including endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells of small arterioles. These vessels become dysfunctional and undergo progressive stenosis resulting in ischemia and end-organ damage. Stroke constitutes one of the most devastating complications of FD.
Improved Hepascore in hepatitis C predicts reversal in risk of adverse outcome

AIM To establish if serial Hepascore tests (referred to as delta Hepascore) in those with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) correlate with the increase and/or decrease in risk of liver related complications. METHODS Three hundred and forty-six CHC patients who had two Hepascore tests performed were studied. During 1944 patient years follow-up 28 (8.1%) reached an endpoint. The Hepascore is a serum test that provides clinically useful data regarding the stage of liver fibrosis and subsequent clinical outcomes in chronic liver disease. RESULTS Patients with a baseline Hepascore > 0.75 had a significantly increased rate of reaching a composite endpoint consisting of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver death, and/or decompensation (P 0.75, a subsequent improved Hepascore showed a significantly decreased risk for the composite endpoint (P = 0.004). There were no negative outcomes in those with a stable or improved delta Hepascore. The minimum time between tests that was found to give a statically significant result was in those greater than one year (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION In conclusion, Hepascore is an accurate predictor of liver related mortality and liver related morbidity in CHC patients. Of note, we have found that there is a decreased risk of mortality and morbidity in CHC patients when the patient has an improving delta Hepascore. Repeat Hepascore tests, when performed at a minimum one-year interval, may be of value in routine clinical practice to predict liver related clinical outcomes and to guide patient management.
Abstract 4915: Alcohol-induced reprogramming of tumor plasticity is mediated via suppression of CCN5 signaling in breast cancer cells

Background and Objective: The epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk for breast cancer development and metastasis. However, the mechanisms of alcohol-induced breast cancer progression and metastasis remain unknown. In this study, we examined the roles of CCN5, a tumor suppressor gene in alcohol induced breast cancer cell migration/invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. Methods: Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and immortalized normal human epithelial breast cell line MCF-12A were treated with ethanol at various concentrations in the presence and absence of human recombinant human CCN5 protein (hrCCN5) . Invasive/migratory ability of treated and untreated cells was measured by Boyden chamber assays. The mRNA and protein expression level of CCN5 was determined by real-time qRT-PCR and Western blot. EMT and stemness markers were evaluated by Western blot. Single-cell suspensions from pre-treated cells were re-suspended at a density of 500 cells/ml mammocult media in ultralow attachment dishes. Number as well as the size of the mammosphere in specified experimental set-up was monitored and recorded alternate day for 8-10 days. Results: The studies demonstrated that alcohol promotes significantly the invasive/migratory ability and EMT phenotypes of breast cancer cells through the suppression of CCN5. Interestingly, hrCCN5 protein treatment suppresses the effect of alcohol and reprograms MET (mesenchymal to epithelial transition). In addition, alcohol-induced mammosphere formation efficiency is also suppressed by hrCCN5 protein-treatment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the CCN5 signaling plays a preventive role in alcohol-induced reprogramming of tumor plasticity in breast cancer cells. Citation Format: Inamul Haque, Arvind Subramanian, Vijayalaxmi Gupta, Sandipto Sarkar, Snigdha Banerjee, Sushanta K. Banerjee. Alcohol-induced reprogramming of tumor plasticity is mediated via suppression of CCN5 signaling in breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4915. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4915
Ex vivo pretreatment of human vessels with siRNA nanoparticles provides protein silencing in endothelial cells

Human endothelial cells are initiators and targets of the rejection response. Pre-operative modification of endothelial cells by small interfering RNA transfection could shape the nature of the host response post-transplantation. Ablation of endothelial cell class II major histocompatibility complex molecules by small interfering RNA targeting of class II transactivator can reduce the capacity of human endothelial cells to recruit and activate alloreactive T cells. Here, we report the development of small interfering RNA-releasing poly(amine-co-ester) nanoparticles, distinguished by their high content of a hydrophobic lactone. We show that a single transfection of small interfering RNA targeting class II transactivator attenuates major histocompatibility complex class II expression on endothelial cells for at least 4 to 6 weeks after transplantation into immunodeficient mouse hosts. Furthermore, silencing of major histocompatibility complex class II reduces allogeneic T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that poly(amine-co-ester) nanoparticles, potentially administered during ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion of human organs, could be used to modify endothelial cells with a sustained effect after transplantation.
Abstract ID: 220 Evaluating the effect of dental implants in the treatment of head and neck cancer using Monte Carlo dose calculation

Purpose To quantify and compare the effect of metallic dental implants (MDI) on dose distributions calculated using Collapsed Cone Convolution Superposition (CCCS) algorithm or a Monte Carlo algorithm (with and without correcting for the density of the MDI). Methods Seven previously treated patients to the head and neck region were included in this study. The MDI and the streaking artifacts on the CT images were carefully contoured. For each patient a plan was optimized and calculated using the Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS). For each patient two dose calculations were performed, a) with the densities of the MDI and CT artifacts overridden (12 g/cc and 1 g/cc respectively) and b) without density overrides. The plans were then exported to the Monaco TPS and recalculated using Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm. The changes in dose to PTVs and surrounding Regions of Interest (ROIs) were examined between all plans. Results The Monte Carlo dose calculation indicated that PTVs received 6% lower dose than the CCCS algorithm predicted. In some cases, the Monte Carlo algorithm indicated that surrounding ROIs received higher dose (up to a factor of 2). Conclusion Not properly accounting for dental implants can impact both the high dose regions (PTV) and the low dose regions (OAR). This study implies that if MDI and the artifacts are not appropriately contoured and given the correct density, there is potential significant impact on PTV coverage and OAR maximum doses.
Proximal Junctional Failure in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Management

Proximal junctional failure (PJF) remains a challenging aspect and complication of adult spinal deformity surgery. The incidence of PJF ranges from 1%-40% with the cause being multifactorial and attributed to fracture of the upper instrumented vertebrae, spondylolisthesis, implant failure, or progression of proximal junctional angle. Risk factors include patients over 55, osteoporosis, anterior or posterior fusion, fusion to sacrum, sagittal plane deformity, and magnitude of lumbar lordosis correction (>30°). Patient presentation varies from purely asymptomatic radiographic increase of proximal junctional angle to intractable pain with progressive myelopathy in the setting of cord compression at the upper instrumented vertebrae. The initial management of PJF includes bracing and optimization of bone healing biology through the use of anabolic agents. If symptoms persist or progress surgical stabilization and decompression may be required. Continued research into the risk factors, a better understanding of the goals of correction, and a increased realization of the biomechanics of alternative techniques at the proximal aspect of these deformity patients may help with prevention and management at all stages of adult spine deformity care.