cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arachidonic acid metabolites produced by platelet-depleted human blood monocytes: a possible role in thrombogenesis

The arachidonic acid metabolites produced by human peripheral blood monocytes were studied to determine which metabolites could have a role in thrombogenesis. Monocytes were found to be free of platelets by scanning electron microscopy and by measurement of 12-HETE. Human peripheral blood monocytes produce thromboxane as their major metabolite. Thromboxane levels reached a plateau at 12-16 hours of culture. Monocytes produced relatively little prostaglandin E2 or F2. In contrast to our control platelet preparation, neither A23187 (1-10 microM) nor exogenous arachidonic acid (0-40 microM) caused an increase in monocyte thromboxane B2. On the other hand, lipopolysaccharide (20 micrograms per ml), collagen (2.5 mg per 10(7) cells), and thrombin (5-10 units per ml) caused a two- to fivefold increase in monocyte thromboxane B2 in most donors but had no effect on prostaglandin F1 alpha levels. Blockage of thromboxane synthase by 1-benzylimidazole abolished thromboxane B2 production but did not increase prostaglandin F1 alpha. Finally, aspirin-treated platelets from a volunteer donor, which were refractory to 30 microM arachidonate, could be aggregated by isolated blood monocytes. Our data indicate that monocytes are capable of producing thromboxane in large amounts. The regulation of this increase, however, appears to be quite different from platelets. We postulate that monocytes may have a role in hemostasis by virtue of their ability to adhere at sites of vascular injury and release thromboxane, which may enhance platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.
Family and Work Role-Identities of Divorced Parents

Abstract There is a plethora of research on work and family. However, there has been less study of the work-family interface of divorced parents. This study of 240 divorced parents examined how they perceived their parenting and work role-identities and how these role-identities are associated with role balance and well-being. Findings suggest that divorced parents' perception of their parent and worker role-identity is in part influenced by others' view. The salience of parenting for both residential and nonresidential parents is significantly associated with well-being, suggesting the importance of this role-identity for mothers and fathers. Additionally, parents who experience greater role balance have greater well-being.
The effects of methylmercury on the developing brain.

In an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms of methylmercury (MeHg) action on the developing brain, MeHg effects on neuronal migration and on proliferative neuroepithelial germinal cells within the ventricular zone of telencephalic vesicles were investigated in C57BL/6J mice. 3H-thymidine autoradiographic studies following acute and chronic MeHg intoxication in embryonic mice showed that heavily labeled neurons (generated on E-16) within specified regions of the cerebral cortex of prenatally intoxicated offspring were distributed irregularly throughout layers II and III, whereas those in controls were tightly clustered within the upper part of layer II. These findings support the hypothesis that prenatal MeHg poisoning results in anomalous cytoarchitectonic patterning of the cerebral cortex, and provide a possible morphological basis for some of the neurobehavioral abnormalities that may follow sublethal prenatal MeHg intoxication. Whether the irregular distribution of labeled neurons was due to the effects of MeHg on the dividing neuroepithelial germinal cells, on the process of neuronal migration, or on the final positioning of postmigratory neurons within the cerebral cortex remained unclear. Ultrastructural studies of telencephalic vesicles during acute phases of MeHg intoxication revealed the presence of acute degenerative changes within ventricular cells, characterized by spongy change and vacuolization of the cytoplasmic matrix and by loss of microtubules. 3H-thymidine autoradiography demonstrated features suggestive of disturbed interkinetic nuclear migration. Also noted were reduction of the mitotic indices of neuroepithelial germinal cells at the ventricular surface at 4 to 12 hours and early-phase mitotic arrest. These findings suggest that MeHg exerts significant effects on proliferating neuroepithelial germinal cells during the acute phases of MeHg poisoning, and may eventually affect the architectonic makeup of the cortical plate as the brain matures. Additional studies in our laboratory demonstrated 1) a failure of histotypic re-organization of dissociated embryonic cerebral cortical cells in rotation-mediated re-aggregation culture, 2) disturbances in neural cell adhesion molecule expression in PC12 cells, 3) modifications in the density of excitatory neurotransmitter L-glutamate receptors, 4) marked disturbances in the glutamate uptake mechanism of fetal astrocytes in vitro, and 5) reductions in cholinoceptive muscarinic receptor (M1 and M2) binding in selected regions of the cerebrum. Thus, MeHg may affect the developing brain through diverse pathogenetic pathways. Possible effects of mercurial compounds on the interaction between certain serine proteases and protease inhibitors during brain development are also discussed.
The Concepts of Representation

In this reply to Jane Mansbridge's “Clarifying the Concept of Representation” in this issue (American Political Science Review 2011). I argue that our main disagreements are conceptual, and are traceable to the attempt to treat the concept of representation as a “single highly complex concept” as Hanna Pitkin once put it. Instead, I argue, it would be more useful to develop the various concepts that emphasize the underlying forms of representation. Against the view that empirical regularity should guide concept formation, I suggest that the failure to find instances of the cases I conceptualize is not itself a reason to reject them. Instead, I argue in favor of concepts that emphasize one side or other of a relationship, rather than treating both sides simultaneously, defending the view that “promissory” and “anticipatory” may usefully describe the activity of “representing” but ought to emphasize only one side of the representative–voter relationship. I also explain why adding substantive accounts of representation to any of Mansbridge's modifying concepts dilutes their practical value. I conclude by indicating the importance of developing concepts that stretch beyond the democratic contexts that feature prominently in her response.
Detection of Photosystem I Reaction Centers using Chemically Derivatized High Electron Mobility Transistor

This paper presents for the first time a micro-sensor for detecting Photosystem I (PS I) reaction centers. In oxygenic plants, photons are captured with high quantum efficiency by two specialized reaction centers, Photosystems I and II (PS I and PS II). Photon capture triggers rapid charge separation and the conversion of light energy into an electric voltage across the nanometer-scale (~6 nm) reaction centers. AlGaN/GaN based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) show high current throughputs and greater sensitivity to surface charges. PS I molecules were chemically immobilized on the HEMT device and significant changes in the transistor characteristics were noticed. With zero gate bias and 5 V at drain terminal, drain current changes by about 5 mA for 6muL drop of PS I solution. The difference between light and dark measurements is ~0.8 mA. Test results demonstrate that this approach is a potential candidate for detection and characterization of biomolecular photodiodes -PS I reaction centers.
Duty, Honor, Country: The Social Identity of West Point Cadets

This article explores the extent to which military socialization at the United States Military Academy (USMA) shapes the identity of West Point cadets. Building on social identity theory, the article examines the relationship between the strength of cadets' military and national identifications, their levels of patriotism and warriorism, their attitudes toward the United Nations and peacekeeping operations, and their commitment to a military career. The underlying assumption is that commitment to different social identities affects the preparedness of military professionals for increasingly complex global security needs. The analysis reveals that, although successful in enhancing cadets' identification with military reference groups and boosting their warriorism scores, USMA socialization appears neither to affect cadets' patriotism scores or the potency of their national identifications, nor to strengthen their level of support for the United Nations or their commitment to peacekeeping. In addition, the ...
Thrust From Partly Ionized Monatomic Gases

A monatomic, partly ionized gas with uniform stagnation properties is considered flowing in thermal equilibrium through a converging-diverging nozzle. The relationship is established between critical mass flow density and the following stagnation properties: pressure, enthalpy, and degree of ionization. Based on this relationship, thrust output at the throat as well as at large nozzle expansion ratios was analyzed for one-dimensional steady flow. For achieving the same nozzle efficiency, expansion ratios for the initially ionized gas have to be several orders of magnitude greater than in the case of conventional, unionized gases. The thrust output at the nozzle throat as compared to the maximum obtainable thrust, amounting to 80% in the un-ionized case, may be as low as 50% for the fully ionized gas. (auth)
Children's Understanding and Experience of Mixed Emotions

Though some models of emotion contend that happiness and sadness are mutually exclusive in experience, recent findings suggest that adults can feel happy and sad at the same time in emotionally complex situations. Other research has shown that children develop a better conceptual understanding of mixed emotions as they grow older, but no research has examined children's actual experience of mixed emotions. To examine developmental differences in the experience of mixed emotions, we showed children ages 5 to 12 scenes from an animated film that culminated with a father and daughter's bittersweet farewell. In subsequent interviews, older children were more likely than younger children to report experiencing mixed emotions. These results suggest that in addition to having a better conceptual understanding of mixed emotions, older children are more likely than younger children to actually experience mixed emotions in emotionally complex situations.
Analysis Of A New Concept In Spline Design ForTransmission Output Shafts

The performance of an output shaft can be improved by adding a taper in the axial direction to its external spline. The optimal taper depends on the design torque and the stress criterion. The largest maximum principal stress in the shaft can be reduced by as much as 15% if the spline is tapered 0.54°. This type of reduction in stress would typically result in greater than a factor of two improvement in fatigue life. Conversely, it can be viewed as increasing the maximum spline fatigue load by 15%. Introduction A spline is a geometric feature used to join one shaft to another. It transmits torsion, but permits axial sliding. The current practice for designing splines to carry a torque is to use involute splines with no helix angle or taper on the external tooth. The size of the spline, the number of teeth and the engaged length of splines are chosen to satisfy size and performance constraints. In preliminary design, all teeth of the spline are assumed to carry an equal amount of load. Stress calculations are primarily based on experience and simple strength of material formulas [1,2]. Our current design practice also assumes that the load distribution does not change with respect to the distance along the axial direction of splines (the direction of the engaged length). Based on intuition, the load along the axial direction is not evenly distributed, especially on splines with long effective engaged length. It has long been surmised that the performance of the spline and shaft could be improved if a taper were added to help distribute the load on the spline. A literature survey reveals no data, either experimentally or analytically, exists to prove or disprove this conjecture. Transactions on Modelling and Simulation vol 22, © 1999 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-355X
Management of rheumatic and autoimmune blistering disease in pregnancy and postpartum

The treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune skin disease in women who are pregnant or of childbearing potential can present challenges to the dermatologist. We discuss the current approaches to treating lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, dermatomyositis, morphea and systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune blistering disease in such patients. In the appropriate setting, topical and systemic corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, dapsone, azathioprine, and ultraviolet B phototherapy may be safely and cautiously used during pregnancy. Considerations about contraception, planned conception, therapeutic options, and disease control are paramount in optimizing pregnancy outcomes and minimizing risks to both mother and fetus.
Maternal blood lead concentrations, DNA methylation of MEG3 DMR regulating the DLK1/MEG3 imprinted domain and early growth in a multiethnic cohort.

Prenatal exposure to lead (Pb) is known to decrease fetal growth; but its effects on postnatal growth and mechanistic insights linking Pb to growth are not clearly defined. Genomically imprinted genes are powerful regulators of growth and energy utilization, and may be particularly vulnerable to environmental Pb exposure. Because imprinting is established early and maintained via DNA methylation, we hypothesized that prenatal Pb exposure alters DNA methylation of imprinted genes resulting in lower birth weight and rapid growth. Pb was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in peripheral blood of 321 women of the Newborn Epigenetic STudy (NEST) obtained at gestation ∼12 weeks. Linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between maternal Pb levels, methylation of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) regulating H19, MEG3 , PEG3 , and PLAGL1 , measured by pyrosequencing, birth weight, and weight-for-height z score gains between birth and age 1 year, ages 1–2 years, and 2–3 years. Children born to women with Pb levels in the upper tertile had higher methylation of the regulatory region of the MEG3 DMR imprinted domain (β = 1.57, SE = 0.82, P = 0.06). Pb levels were also associated with lower birth weight (β = −0.41, SE = 0.15, P = 0.01) and rapid gains in adiposity (OR = 12.32, 95% CI = 1.25–121.30, P = 0.03) by age 2–3 years. These data provide early human evidence for Pb associations with hypermethylation at the MEG3 DMR regulatory region and rapid adiposity gain – a risk factor for childhood obesity and cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood.
VITAMIN D3 LEVELS MODULATE CXCR4+ CIRCULATING PROGENITOR CELL COUNTS

The role of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (VitD3) in cardiovascular disease remains controversial. Vitamin D receptors on progenitor cells (PCs) promote maturation and vascular repair by inducing SDF1 expression and homing of CXCR4+ angiogenic myeloid cells. Whether VitD3 levels modulate circulating PCs
EFFECT OF HOMOGENIZATION TREATMENT ON THE MICROSTRUCTURES OF LOW FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC CASTING 7050 ALUMINUM ALLOY

7050 aluminum alloy ingot with fine microstructure was prepared by low frequency electromagnetic casting(LFEC)process.The homogenization treatment showed that the LFEC ingot has a better homogenization effect than conventional DC ingot.Under the same homogenization condition,the LFEC ingot has a small amount of low melting point phases among grains and more amount of solute elements inside grains.After homogenizing for 12 h the solute concentrations in the LFEC ingot can reach the average content of the alloy,but those in the DC ingots haven't reached until 48 h homogenizing.
Secondary Flow Loss Reduction Through Blowing for a High-Lift Front-Loaded Low Pressure Turbine Cascade

Efforts to increase individual blade loading in the low pressure turbine have resulted in blade geometries optimized for midspan performance. Many researchers have shown that increased blade loading and a front-loaded pressure distribution each contribute separately to increased losses in the endwall region. A detailed investigation is performed of the baseline endwall flow of the L2F profile, a high-lift, front loaded profile. In-plane velocity vectors and total pressure loss maps are obtained in five planes oriented normal to the blade surface, for three Reynolds numbers. A row of pitched and skewed jets are introduced near the endwall on the suction surface of the blade. The flow control method is evaluated for four momentum coefficients at the high Reynolds number, with a maximum reduction of 42% in the area averaged total pressure loss coefficient. The same blade is also fitted with midspan vortex-generator jets and is tested at a Reynolds number of 20,000, resulting in a 21% reduction in area averaged total pressure loss.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
From continuous flow analysis to programmable Flow Injection techniques. A history and tutorial of emerging methodologies.

Abstract Automation of reagent based assays, also known as Flow Analysis, is based on sample processing, in which a sample flows towards and through a detector for monitoring of its components. The Achilles heel of this methodology is that the majority of FA techniques use constant continuous forward flow to transport the sample – an approach which continually consumes reagents and generates chemical waste. Therefore the purpose of this report is to highlight recent developments of flow programming that not only save reagents, but also lead by means of advanced sample processing to selective and sensitive assays based on stop flow measurement. Flow programming combined with a novel approach to data harvesting yields a novel approach to single standard calibration, and avoids interference caused by refractive index. Finally, flow programming is useful for sample preparation, such as rapid, extensive sample dilution. The principles are illustrated by selected references to an available online tutorial http://www.flowinjectiontutorial,com /.
Moisture analysis of forage by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy : preliminary collaborative study and comparison between Karl Fischer and oven drying reference methods

Les resultats obtenus par ces 3 protocoles etant equivalents, la methode de spectroscopie dans le proche infrarouge peut etre utilisee car elle est suffisamment precise et adaptee a ce type d'echantillon (tres forte absorption de l'eau dans le domaine du proche infrarouge)
Abstract 1139: Translational control of MYC protein stability as a target of small molecules

It is well established that MYC family proteins drive tumor growth and sustain the malignant phenotype. However, MYC family proteins have gained the reputation of being “un-druggable” by small molecule inhibitors. This is because MYC proteins lack intrinsic enzymatic activities or appropriate molecular grooves to which small molecules may bind and inhibit their function. Nonetheless, previous studies suggest that MYC family proteins (MYC, MYCN, MYCL) can be “targetable” indirectly by accelerating their turnover rate at different biochemical pathways that regulate the steady state level of the proteins. These include transcriptional-inhibition of the corresponding genes and acceleration of their proteasome-dependent degradation. The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of how the MYC family protein turnover is regulated, which in turn might help develop future new drugs against “MYC family-driven” cancers. We have used neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, as a disease model and identified several small molecules that rapidly destabilize MYC and MYCN proteins in MYC-driven neuroblastoma cells. The small molecules include FCCP, OSU-03012 and Salinomycin. Preliminary data suggest that the common target of these compounds is mitochondria. Recently, we have also found Halofuginone, an FDA approved orphan drug for Scleroderma treatment exhibits a similar MYC-destabilizing activity. At submicromolar concentrations and less than one hour of drug-treatment, Halofuginone rapidly causes significant down-regulation of MYC proteins in neuroblastoma cells. Halofuginone is known to activate the eIF2α pathway, which controls translation. Activation of the eIF2α pathway is initiated by the activation of eIF2a kinases (GCN2, HRI, PERK, PKR) via autophosphorylation by various stress-related stimuli such as reactive oxygen species and misfolded proteins. The activated eIF2α kinases then inactivates eIF2α by phosphorylation, which subsequently halts translation globally. Interestingly, FCCP, OSU-03012 and Salinomycin treatments also caused eIF2α phosphorylation. These observations suggest that activation of the eIF2α pathway results in translational block of the MYC family protein expression in tumor cells. Because half-lives of MYC family proteins are very short, a sudden attenuation in protein translation can cause rapid down-regulation of the proteins. Hence, activation of the eIF2α pathway by small molecules may prove effective for rapid down-regulation of MYC family proteins in MYC-driven cancer cells. Citation Format: Naohiko Ikegaki, Luqman Baloch, Christopher Chu, Joshua Lomahan, Jamie Harris, Bill Chiu. Translational control of MYC protein stability as a target of small molecules. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1139.
Formative Assessment of Creativity in Undergraduate Mathematics: Using a Creativity-in-Progress Rubric (CPR) on Proving

Creativity is one of the most important aspects of mathematicians’ work (Sriraman 2004), whether it is an enlightenment that is somewhat unexpected or a product that is aesthetically pleasing (Borwein, Liljedahl & Zhai 2014). There are studies in the primary and secondary levels on mathematical creativity of students (e.g., Leikin 2009; Silver 1997), and recent efforts have included mathematical creativity in K-12 education standards (e.g., Askew 2013). However, there is little research in undergraduate mathematics education on creativity. The project described in this chapter introduces an assessment framework for mathematical creativity in undergraduate mathematics teaching and learning. One outcome of this project is a formative assessment tool, the Creativity-in-Progress Rubric (CPR) on proving, that can be implemented in an introductory proof course. Using multiple methodological tools on a case study, we demonstrate how implementing the CPR on proving can help researchers and educators to observe and assess a student’s development of mathematical creativity in proving. We claim if mathematicians who regularly engage in proving value creativity, then there should be some explicit discussion of mathematical creativity in proving early in a young mathematician’s career. In this chapter, we also outline suggestions on how to introduce mathematical creativity in the undergraduate classroom.
Financial burden of cancer clinical trials: Impact of an equity program intervention.

6501 Background: Cancer patients (pts) often experience financial burden, but little is known about the additional burden of clinical trial (CT) participation. Additionally, CT enrollment among und...
The Hispanic Paradox: Race/Ethnicity and Nativity, Immigrant Enclave Residence and Cognitive Impairment Among Older US Adults

Hispanics, and particularly foreign-born Mexican Americans, have been shown to fare better across a range of health outcomes than might be expected given the generally higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage in this population, a phenomena termed the "Hispanic Paradox". Previous research on social disparities in cognitive aging, however, has been unable to address both race/ethnicity and nativity (REN) in a nationally-representative sample of US adults leaving unanswered questions about potentially "paradoxical" advantages of Mexican ethnic-origins and the role of nativity, socioeconomic status (SES), and enclave residence. We employ biennial assessments of cognitive functioning to study prevalent and incident cognitive impairment (CI) within the three largest US REN groups: US-born non-Hispanic whites (US-NHW), US-born non-Hispanic blacks (US-NHB), US-born Mexican Americans (US-MA), and foreign-born Mexican Americans (FB-MA). Data come from a nationally-representative sample of community-dwelling older adults in the Health and Retirement Study linked with the 2000 Census and followed over 10 years (N = 8,433). Large disadvantages in prevalent and incident CI were observed for all REN minorities respective to US-born non-Hispanic whites. Individual and neighborhood SES accounted substantially for these disadvantages and revealed an immigrant advantage: FB-MA odds of prevalent CI were about half those of US-NHW and hazards of incident CI were about half those of US-MA. Residence in an immigrant enclave was protective of prevalent CI among FB-MA. The findings illuminate important directions for research into the sources of cognitive risk and resilience and provide guidance about CI screening within the increasingly diverse aging US population.
Ability of individual patient health parameters to predict malnutrition among elderly stem cell transplant patients.

e21521Background: Increasing number of geriatric patients are now being considered as suitable candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Malnutrition being a common comorb...
Targeted Therapy as an Alternative to Whole-Brain Radiotherapy in EGFR-Mutant or ALK-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Brain Metastases.

Clinical Question Is up-front whole-brain radiotherapy required to treat multiple brain metastases from non–small-cell lung cancer when highly active targeted therapies are available? Clinical Application Patients withEGFR-mutant orALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer with brain metastases now have the potential to achieve a prolonged survival. Through use of highly active targeted therapies, whole-brain radiotherapy can be safely postponed, diminishing toxic effects that could impair quality of life.
Spatiotemporal resolution of spinal meningeal and parenchymal inflammation during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by active immunization of C57BL/6 mice with peptide from myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG35-55), is a neuroinflammatory, demyelinating disease widely recognized as an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Typically, EAE presents with an ascending course of paralysis, and inflammation that is predominantly localized to the spinal cord. Recent studies have further indicated that inflammation - in both MS and EAE - might initiate within the meninges and propagate from there to the underlying parenchyma. However, the patterns of inflammation within the respective meningeal and parenchymal compartments along the length of the spinal cord, and the progression with which these patterns develop during EAE, have yet to be detailed. Such analysis could hold key to identifying factors critical for spreading, as well as constraining, inflammation along the neuraxis. To address this issue, high-resolution 3-dimensional (3D) confocal microscopy was performed to visualize, in detail, the sequence of leukocyte infiltration at distinct regions of the spinal cord. High quality virtual slide scanning for imaging the entire spinal cord using epifluorescence was further conducted to highlight the directionality and relative degree of inflammation. Meningeal inflammation was found to precede parenchymal inflammation at all levels of the spinal cord, but did not develop equally or simultaneously throughout the subarachnoid space (SAS) of the meninges. Instead, meningeal inflammation was initially most obvious in the caudal SAS, from which it progressed to the immediate underlying parenchyma, paralleling the first signs of clinical disease in the tail and hind limbs. Meningeal inflammation could then be seen to extend in the caudal-to-rostral direction, followed by a similar, but delayed, trajectory of parenchymal inflammation. To additionally determine whether the course of ascending paralysis and leukocyte infiltration during EAE is reflected in differences in inflammatory gene expression by meningeal and parenchymal microvessels along the spinal cord, laser capture microdissection (LCM) coupled with gene expression profiling was performed. Expression profiles varied between these respective vessel populations at both the cervical and caudal levels of the spinal cord during disease progression, and within each vessel population at different levels of the cord at a given time during disease. These results reinforce a significant role for the meninges in the development and propagation of central nervous system inflammation associated with MS and EAE.
Teacher practices that promote productive dialogue and learning in mathematics classrooms

Abstract This paper traces the development of a program of work that seeks to understand the teacher practices that promote productive dialogue and learning in mathematics classrooms. This work originated in cooperative/collaborative learning research, with a focus on understanding group dynamics effective for student learning. Over time, it layered on increasing attention to the teacher’s role, and branched out to consider the multiple participation structures in the classroom (whole-class discussion, small-group collaborative work, private student-student conversations). Each phase of this work brought in a heightened focus on the details of classroom interaction around mathematics—both in the thinking that students share and in the practices teachers use to support student participation—to better understand the development of students’ mathematics learning.
Congenital bladder abnormalities.

Higuchi and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) published an interesting study to determine if ileal/colonic bladder augmentation in patients with congenital bladder abnormalities such as myelomeningocele, bladder exstrophy, or posterior urethral valves is an independent risk factor for bladder malignancy.1 These entities may have an inherent risk of neoplastic transformation in the absence of bladder augmentation. Records were reviewed from 1986 to 2010. Follow-up from augmentation (109 ileal and 44 colonic) was for at least 10 years with a median interval of 27 years. Controls were treated with clean intermittent catheritization and anticholinergic medications and were matched with the augmentation group for bladder dysfunction, sex, and age. This study of 153 patients showed no significant difference in the incidence of bladder cancer in the augmentation group (7 patients, 4.6%) vs control subjects (4 patients, 2.6%). When age at diagnosis, stage, mortality rate, or mean survival was analyzed, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The authors did find that chronic immunosuppression following renal transplantation significantly impacted the incidence of bladder cancer that was independent of augmentation status (15% vs 2.8%). In addition, those patients on immunosuppression who developed cancer also had a history of viral infections with cytomegalovirus, BK virus, and/or Epstein-Barr virus after transplantation. In the United States, approximately 2% of individuals will develop bladder cancer by age 78 years, with the majority presenting with localized disease.2 The current study found a 3.6% incidence of bladder cancer in patients with congenital bladder dysfunction presenting at a median age of 51 years. The data also show a twofold greater increase in bladder cancer in individuals with congenital bladder abnormalities vs the general population in which bladder cancer occurs at a much younger age with locally advanced disease or nodal metastases (81%).
Sliding mode differentiator/observer for quadcopter velocity estimation through sensor fusion

A method of fusion of the position sensor from the motion capture optical system and accelerometer to produce velocity signal of the quadcopter is proposed. Fusion is done through second-order and ...
Creativity and Psychopathology: A Shared Vulnerability Model:

Creativity is considered a positive personal trait. However, highly creative people have demonstrated elevated risk for certain forms of psychopathology, including mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and alcoholism. A model of shared vulnerability explains the relation between creativity and psychopathology. This model, supported by recent findings from neuroscience and molecular genetics, suggests that the biological determinants conferring risk for psychopathology interact with protective cognitive factors to enhance creative ideation. Elements of shared vulnerability include cognitive disinhibition (which allows more stimuli into conscious awareness), an attentional style driven by novelty salience, and neural hyperconnectivity that may increase associations among disparate stimuli. These vulnerabilities interact with superior meta-cognitive protective factors, such as high IQ, increased working memory capacity, and enhanced cognitive flexibility, to enlarge the range and depth of stimuli available in conscious awareness to be manipulated and combined to form novel and original ideas.
High-Voltage Low-Impedance Electrical System for Driving a Theta-Pinch Implosion-Heating Experiment

A pulse forming network (PFN) system has been developed having an impedance of ∼0.3Ω with an emf of 0.5 MV. It is used to drive a 40-cmdiameter theta pinch, one-meter-long for the purpose of studying the implosion phase of theta pinches. The low impedance is required to match the effective impedance of the imploding plasma which is low because of the relatively high initial density, 1021 deuterons/m3. The coil is energized at four feed slots by PFN’s employing fast pulse charging to 125 kV by Marx generators. At firing time the charging current of each PFN is 300 kA, a substantial fraction of the 800 kA design load current. This transfer capacitor operation contributes to fast rise time of the current. The current is designed to be about 800 kA for 500 ns. Techniques have been developed for operating the system in air, which include voltage grading with conducting plastic sheet, “ballooning” of insulation extending beyond edges of strip lines, voltage gasket connections of capacitor to strip lines, field shaping near insulators to prevent air breakdown. Difficulties with capacity of rail gaps to absorb energy has forced development of solid dielectric switches to take their place for the main start switches. More robust rail gaps are being developed. The system has not yet been operated at full energy, but it is hoped that this will take place soon.
The Generation and Forecast of Extreme Winds during the Origin and Progression of the 2017 Tubbs Fire

On 8–9 October 2017, fourteen wildfires developed rapidly during a strong Diablo wind event in northern California including the Tubbs Fire, which travelled over 19 km in 3.25 h. Here, we applied the CAWFE® coupled numerical weather prediction-fire modeling system to investigate the airflow regime and extreme wind peaks underlying the extreme fire behavior using simulations that refine from a 10 km to a 185 m horizontal grid spacing. We found that as Diablo winds travelled south down the Sacramento Valley and fanned out southwestward over the Wine Country, their strength waxed and waned and their direction wavered, creating varying locations near fire origins where wind overrunning topography reached 30–40 m/s, along with streaks and bursts of strong winds in the lee of some topographic features and stagnation downstream of others. Despite a statically stable layer in the lowest 1.5 km, the high Froude number flow sometimes resembled a hydraulic jump. Elsewhere, the flow behaved similarly to neutrally-stratified flow over small hills, creating wind extrema that exceeded 40 m/s at the crest of some lesser hills including near the Tubbs fire ignition, but which shed bursts of high speed winds that travel downstream at approximately 5–7-min intervals. Nonetheless, simulated fire growth lagged satellite detection of fire arrival in Santa Rosa by up to 1 h, although whether the data detect fire line or spotting is ambiguous. A forecast simulation with a 370 m horizontal grid spacing produced an on-time fire line arrival in Santa Rosa, with calculations executed 4 times faster than real time on a single computer processor.
Lactate and glycerol-3-phosphate metabolism cooperatively regulate growth and redox balance during Drosophila melanogaster larval development

ABSTRACT The dramatic growth that occurs during Drosophila larval development requires rapid conversion of nutrients into biomass. Many larval tissues respond to these biosynthetic demands by increasing carbohydrate metabolism and lactate dehydrogenase (dLDH) activity. The resulting metabolic program is ideally suited to synthesize macromolecules and mimics the manner by which cancer cells rely on aerobic glycolysis. To explore the potential role of Drosophila dLDH in promoting biosynthesis, we examined how dLdh mutations influence larval development. Our studies unexpectantly found that dLdh mutants grow at a normal rate, indicating that dLDH is dispensable for larval biomass production. However, subsequent metabolomic analyses suggested that dLdh mutants compensate for the inability to produce lactate by generating excess glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), the production of which also influences larval redox balance. Consistent with this possibility, larvae lacking both dLDH and G3P dehydrogenase (GPDH1) exhibit developmental delays, synthetic lethality, and aberrant carbohydrate metabolism. Considering that human cells also generate G3P upon Lactate Dehydrogenase A (LDHA) inhibition, our findings hint at a conserved mechanism in which the coordinate regulation of lactate and G3P synthesis imparts metabolic robustness upon growing animal tissues.
OUTCOMES AFTER HEART TRANSPLANTATION FOR LIGHT-CHAIN COMPARED TO TRANSTHYRETIN AMYLOIDOSIS

Light-chain (AL) has a worse prognosis than transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis. We compare post-OHT survival for AL and ATTR amyloidosis, hypothesizing that AL would have worse outcomes. 39 patients with cardiac amyloidosis (AL, n = 18; ATTR, n = 21) and 1023 non-amyloidosis subjects
How Many River Otters Inhabit Yellowstone Lake? An Assessment with Fecal and Hair DNA Analyses

River otters (Lontra canadensis) in Yellowstone Lake are different from most other otter populations in that they are heavily dependent on one prey species - Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri; Crait and Ben-David 2006, Crait et al. 2006). Our 2002-2003 studies in Yellowstone Lake showed that cutthroat trout were the most common prey item in otter scats throughout the summer. Overall, trout occurred in 72% and longnose suckers (Catostomus catostomus) in 43% of otter feces, based on 515 samples identified to the family-level and 110 samples analyzed to the species-level. Suckers were more prevalent than trout in otter scats only on tributary streams, towards the end of the cutthroat trout spawning season. Introduced lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), which inhabit deep water and are largely inaccessible to otters, occurred in less than 5% of otter scats. In addition, based on fecal deposition rates, we established that otters were more active on spawning streams and less active along the Yellowstone Lake shoreline during the height of the cutthroat trout spawning season, with a return to elevated activity on the lake after spawning had ended (Crait and Ben-David 2006). Therefore, because of the lack of a suitable alternative prey, it is likely that a decline in cutthroat trout (Koel et al. 2005) will translate into a decline in the abundance of otters in this system. Indeed, our 2002-2003 survey indicates the number of river otter latrine sites in the Yellowstone Lake ecosystem is lower than expected based on similar surveys in the Rocky Mountain region (Crait and Ben-David unpublished data).
A Theory Based Investigation of Team Member Motivation and User Satisfaction with Agile projects.

Users and teams members of agile projects have consistently shown higher motivation and satisfaction compared with projects that use plan-driven methods. User satisfaction is a key measure of IS success if not synonymous with it (Delone and McLean, 1992; Seddon, 1997) and higher team member motivation is known to foster productivity, company loyalty and levels of engagement (Locke and Latham, 1990; Meyer and Allen, 1997; Pinder, 1998). Various explanations have been offered for this salutary phenomenon and have as their basis the specific characteristics of Agile methodologies such as people focus, higher levels of user involvement and collaborative development approach (Boehm and Turner, 2005; Dyba and Dingsoyr, 2009; Mann and Maurer, 2005). In this study we apply the approach-avoidance theory to not only suggest another explanation for the phenomena but also provide guidelines to tailor projects that use plan-driven methods for enhancing team-member morale and user satisfaction
Woody Biomass and Electricity in the United States: A Case Study in Scientific and Policy Uncertainty

“Woody” or “forest product-derived” biomass is not a major fuel source for electricity generation in the United States. This chapter first discusses the extent of its current use, and details some reasons for its limited use. Second, the chapter analyzes one scientific and policy debate in particular that has impacted and will likely shape the use of woody biomass for electricity going forward — the debate over its carbon neutrality.
A 48-Week Open-Label Study of Senicapoc (ICA-17043), a Gardos Channel Blocker, in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

The Gardos channel, a calcium-activated potassium channel that spans the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs), is a key pathway in RBC dehydration affecting the intracellular concentration of hemoglobin S (Hb S). Inhibition of the Gardos channel in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may prevent the formation of dehydrated sickle RBCs, decrease Hb S polymerization, and reduce symptoms. In a Phase II 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study in 90 patients with SCD, senicapoc (ICA-17043), a novel Gardos channel blocker, demonstrated statistically significant and beneficial hematologic effects including increased hemoglobin levels and decreased indicators of hemolysis. Patients from this study were eligible to enroll in a 48-week, open-label extension study in which all patients received an oral daily dose (10 mg) of senicapoc. Safety assessments included clinical laboratory data, physical exams, vital signs, ECGs, and ophthalmologic exams. Of 56 eligible patients, 44 enrolled in the open-label study. Because all patients received active drug, no formal efficacy comparisons to placebo were available. Within-subject comparison versus baseline levels from the double-blind phase indicated that the beneficial effects of senicapoc were maintained during the open-label study. Patients demonstrated increases in hemoglobin (+6%), hematocrit (+6%), and RBC count (+6%), and decreases in dense cells (−24%), reticulocytes (−19%), indirect bilirubin (−30%), and lactate dehydrogenase (−18%). Senicapoc was generally well tolerated during the open-label extension study. No deaths occurred, and there were no serious adverse events attributable to senicapoc. Twelve of 44 patients discontinued from the 48-week treatment period. Two patients discontinued due to adverse events considered possibly or probably related to study medication (elevation in gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] level and interstitial nephritis, respectively). Two additional patients discontinued due to adverse events (sickle cell crisis and pain) not considered related to study medication. Of the 8 remaining patients, 1 was lost to follow-up, and 7 discontinued for administrative reasons. The most common adverse events (≥10% of patients) during treatment included sickle cell pain crisis, arthralgia, back pain, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, limb pain, increased GGT, pyrexia, and rash. The only adverse events that occurred in 2 or more patients and considered possibly related to study medication were GGT elevation, rash, and headache. In conclusion, senicapoc 10 mg once daily for 48 weeks appears to be safe and well tolerated in patients with SCD. Hematologic and clinical laboratory data collected in this safety extension study are consistent with the beneficial hematological effects observed during the Phase II double-blind study.
Duplicated or Ectopic Renal Collecting System in Two Adult Emergency Department Patients.

Abstract Background Duplicated renal collecting system is a urological anomaly often found in pediatric patients. It is less commonly diagnosed in adulthood, particularly in a pregnant patient. Many point-of-care ultrasonography users may not be aware of this diagnosis, particularly in patients in the emergency department. It is important to recognize the duplicated system because in general, patients will often have hydronephrosis in only one renal pole rather than the entire kidney, which corresponds to an unequal renal function as documented on renal nuclear medicine functional scans. As a consequence, if the sonographer only identifies one ureter and incompletely visualizes the kidney, obstruction of one of the duplicated structures may be missed. Case Report We report 2 cases of duplicated ureter in patients in the emergency department who present with flank pain and urinary symptoms. Both patients were adult females, one pregnant, with duplicated ureter and severe right upper pole hydroureteronephrosis. The first patient was admitted for intravenous antibiotic therapy for pyelonephritis in pregnancy. The second was discharged with oral antibiotics and urgent urologic follow-up. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Duplicated ureter should be considered in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections or enuresis. Point-of-care ultrasonography users should note the differential hydronephrosis between upper and lower renal poles and may visualize duplicate or ectopic ureteronephrosis or ureterocele. Patients should be prescribed prophylactic antibiotics and have urgent urologic follow-up because the untreated condition can lead to irreversible renal damage.
Testing the Limits of Tapered Fat Tree Networks

HPC system procurement with a fixed budget is an optimization problem with many trade-offs. In particular, the choice of an interconnection network for a system is a major choice, since communication performance is important to overall application performance and the network makes up a substantial fraction of a supercomputer’s overall price. It is necessary to understand how sensitive representative jobs are to various aspects of network performance to procure the right network. Unlike previous studies, which used mostly communication-only motifs or simulation, this work employs a real system and measures the performance of representative applications under controlled environments. We vary background congestion, job mapping, and job placement with different levels of network tapering on a fat tree. Overall, we find that a 2:1 tapered fat tree provides sufficiently robust communication performance for a representative mix of applications while generating meaningful cost savings relative to a full bisection bandwidth fat tree. Furthermore, our results advise against further tapering, as the resulting performance degradation would exceed cost savings. However, application-specific mappings and topology-aware schedulers may reduce global bandwidth needs, providing room for additional network tapering.