cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histones, histone chaperones and nucleosome assembly

Chromatin structure governs a number of cellular processes including DNA replication, transcription, and DNA repair. During DNA replication, chromatin structure including the basic repeating unit of chromatin, the nucleosome, is temporarily disrupted, and then reformed immediately after the passage of the replication fork. This coordinated process of nucleosome assembly during DNA replication is termed replication—coupled nucleosome assembly. Disruption of this process can lead to genome instability, a hallmark of cancer cells. Therefore, addressing how replication-coupled nucleosome assembly is regulated has been of great interest. Here, we review the current status of this growing field of interest, highlighting recent advances in understanding the regulation of this important process by the dynamic interplay of histone chaperones and histone modifications.
Reed-Solomon coding for free-space optical communications through turbulent atmosphere

The average power loss and the channel power fading are among the major challenges of the free-space optical (FSO) communications through the turbulent atmosphere, which result in severe bit-error-rate (BER) performance degradation, or even communication link outage. For the same average received optical signal power, the degradation in BER performance is strongly dependent on the fading statistics. This paper studies channel coding using the Reed-Solomon (RS) codes for improving the FSO communication system performance and communication distance. Large-scale numerical simulations have been conducted to obtain the channel fading statistics and average received power for different receiver aperture sizes and distances of focused laser beams along the horizontal paths. The avalanche photodiode (APD) photodetector is used for direct detection, and the accurate McIntyre-Conradi model is adopted for system performance evaluation. Under codeword symbol level channel interleaving, if the channel demodulator provides channel erasure information when the channel is in deep fades, the RS codes are able to achieve more than 13dB coding gain at BER = 10−5 and more than 17dB coding gain at BER = 10−6. It is also shown that for relatively weak fading channels, the channel coding using the RS codes can achieve the BER performance almost identical to that of the corresponding ideal fading-free channel. The optimal receiver aperture sizes under channel coding are also studied.
The Relationship Between Waist Circumference and Biomarkers for Diabetes and CVD in Healthy Non-Obese Women. The Pensacola Study

Background: Waist circumference (WC) measurement has been shown to perform as well as or better than body mass index (BMI) in identifying women at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between WC and the classic biomarkers of risk in healthy women. Methods: Nondiabetic, non-obese, middle-aged women were categorized by WC quartiles. The correlation of WC to fasting plasma glucose (FPG), A1c, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) was examined. Results: Waist circumference correlated with triglycerides, CRP, cholesterol/HDL, non-HDL, LDL, and glucose, and inversely with HDL (r = 0.465, 0.414, 0.321, 0.299, 0.267, 0.279, 0.266, respectively; P = 0.000 for all), but not A1c or WBC. There was a trend of increasing glucose, LDL, and CRP with increasing WC. Quartile 4 showed the highest glucose, CRP, LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol/HDL ratio, and non-HDL. Conclusion: Increasing WC correlates with several biomarkers of risk for diabetes and CVD in healthy women.
Applications and Limitations of Inflammatory Biomarkers for Studies on Neurocognitive Impairment in HIV Infection

Despite reduced prevalence of severe forms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) on current antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, milder forms of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) remain prevalent in HIV-infected populations. These mild forms of HAND consist of subtypes, probably reflecting distinct, though possibly overlapping, pathophysiological mechanisms. Factors associated with HAND in HIV patients with prolonged viral suppression on ART include older age, low nadir CD4, active HCV co-infection, and cardiovascular risk factors, but underlying mechanisms and their relationship to innate immune activation, chronic inflammation, and other features of systemic disease are poorly understood. In this article, we discuss applications and limitations of plasma inflammatory biomarkers for studies on HAND in HIV patients on ART and describe an analysis pipeline to reduce common sources of noise and increase likelihood of identifying relevant inflammatory biomarkers. Clinical covariates and comorbidities that influence inflammatory biomarkers, such as aging, obesity, metabolic abnormalities, HCV co-infection, and substance abuse, are also reviewed. As an example for using this analytic pipeline, we present an exploratory study of 22 plasma inflammatory biomarkers (IFN-α 2b and -γ, 16 cytokines/chemokines, sIL-2R, sCD14, HA, and YKL-40) in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals with advanced disease, frequent HCV co-infection, and viral suppression on ART. The identification of inflammatory biomarkers associated with HAND in HIV+ patients on ART may be useful to distinguish between HAND subtypes with distinct pathophysiology, and is important for achieving a systems-level understanding of the biology of these disorders, developing effective therapies, and evaluating therapeutic outcomes.
AAEE minimonograph #26: The electrodiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

The electrodiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is reviewed, including discussions of old and new techniques of motor and sensory nerve conduction, anomalous innervation, needle electrode examination, and one method of examining a patient with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. The results of electromyographic testing of 505 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1961 to 1980 are compared with results from previous studies. In the appendixes, a method of performing median motor and sensory nerve conduction studies and Mayo Clinic normal values are provided.
Technology and Wholeness: Oncofertility and Catholic Tradition

The remarkable scientific work on fertility preservation that is documented in the early chapters of this volume will inevitably give rise to moral and religious questions about the use of technology to reproduce. In this regard, oncofertility is no different from other forms of assisted reproduction that have led to extensive debate among ethicists and moral theologians. In the case of many forms of reproductive technology, the ethical debate followed rather than preceded the widespread adoption of new techniques in a clinical context. It is thus both notable and commendable that the oncofertility research community seeks to explore the broad implications of oncofertility techniques before they are used widely among cancer patients.
Aggression among combat veterans: Relationships with combat exposure and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, dysphoria, and anxiety.

Prior research has revealed heightened aggressive behavior among veterans with PTSD. This study tested a model examining the interrelationships among combat exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, dysphoric symptoms, and anxiety symptoms in predicting aggressive behavior in a sample of 265 male combat veterans seeking diagnostic assessment of PTSD. Combat exposure was indirectly associated with aggression primarily through its relationship with PTSD symptoms. Symptoms of PTSD were directly related to aggression, and indirectly related to aggression through dysphoric symptoms. Results highlight the role of PTSD symptoms and dysphoric symptoms with respect to aggressive behavior among this population, and suggest the relevance of aggression theory to the study of combat veterans.
Probing the impact of ligand binding on the acyl-homoserine lactone-hindered transcription factor EsaR of Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii

The quorum-sensing regulator EsaR from Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii is a LuxR homologue that is inactivated by acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL). In the corn pathogen P. stewartii, production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) is repressed by EsaR at low cell densities. However, at high cell densities when high concentrations of its cognate AHL signal are present, EsaR is inactivated and derepression of EPS production occurs. Thus, EsaR responds to AHL in a manner opposite to that of most LuxR family members. Depending on the position of its binding site within target promoters, EsaR serves as either a repressor or activator in the absence rather than in the presence of its AHL ligand. The effect of AHL on LuxR homologues has been difficult to study in vitro because AHL is required for purification and stability. EsaR, however, can be purified without AHL enabling an in vitro analysis of the response of the protein to ligand. Western immunoblots and pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that EsaR is stable in vivo in the absence or presence of AHL. Limited in vitro proteolytic digestions of a biologically active His-MBP tagged version of EsaR highlighted intradomain and interdomain conformational changes that occur in the protein in response to AHL. Gel filtration chromatography of the full-length fusion protein and cross-linking of the N-terminal domain both suggest that this conformational change does not impact the multimeric state of the protein. These findings provide greater insight into the diverse mechanisms for AHL responsiveness found within the LuxR family.
Effect of catastrophic wildfires on asthmatic outcomes in obese children: breathing fire

Background Air pollutants from wildfires and obesity independently exacerbate asthma, yet no study has determined the combined effects of these 2 variables on asthma outcomes.
A strategy to identify genomic expression at single-cell level or a small number of cells

Recent advances in functional genomics allow us to estimate the expression of several thousands of genes in the mammalian genome. Techniques such as microarrays, expressed tag sequencing (EST), serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), subtractive cloning and differential display (DD), and two-dimensional electrophoresis gel have been extensively used to screen and analyze parallel gene expression. Some pathological processes, for example, tumorigenesis and solid tumour growth, in which the former is derived from a single-cell and the latter has a mixed-cell problem, present new challenges to the limit of these functional genomic techniques. To fully understand the functions of cells in tumorigenesis or in heterogeneous solid tumour masses, it is essential for scientists and physicians to develop a strategy to identify genomic expression profiles for a single-cell or for small numbers of cells. In this article, we review recently developed methods that enable functional genomic analysis at the single-cell or multicell level. In addition, the paper will review different techniques of single-cell genomic expression at the level of DNA, mRNA, protein and post-translational modifications.
Differential hypothalamic mechanisms inciting ovulation and pseudopregnancy in the rat.

By techniques of brain stimulation, neural mechanisms initiating pseudopregnancy in rats were distinguished from other neural mechanisms controlling ovulation. Although ovulation can regularly be induced during late diestrus or proestrus by unilateral “electrochemical” stimulation of the medial preoptic area under pentobarbital, pseudopregnancy proved to be an infrequent sequel when such animals were observed for appropriate lengths of time. On the other hand, pseudopregnancy was regularly evoked by unilateral “electrical” stimulation of the tuberal region at sites and with electrical parameters not commonly yielding ovulation. “Electrochemical” stimulation in the present experiments was produced by a small direct current passed briefly through a stainless steel electrode. “Electrical” stimulation through either stainless steel or platinum electrodes was accomplished with trains of biphasic matched pairs of rectangular pulses. All electrodes were concentric bipolar units of 0.4 mm tubing with 0.13 mm core...
Veno-Occlusive Disease of the Liver in the Absence of Elevation in Bilirubin in Pediatric Patients after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver is a well-described and significant complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with limited successful therapeutic options in severe cases. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment is crucial to restrict the extent of disease. However, a subset of patients may not meet all current diagnostic criteria at presentation, and waiting for these to be met may delay therapy. We retrospectively reviewed 794 HSCT patients treated at our institution between 2003 and 2013, identifying 17 (2.1%) who developed VOD. Of these, 5 (29%) were noted to have an absence of elevated bilirubin at the time of VOD diagnosis and reversal of portal venous flow on ultrasound. Median total and conjugated bilirubin at VOD diagnosis were 1.0 and 0.2 mg/dL, respectively. All 5 patients were subsequently diagnosed with multiorgan failure associated with VOD, including 1 with encephalopathy. Four were treated with intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone (500 mg/m2 per dose every 12 hours for 6 doses). One patient received defibrotide therapy in addition to steroids and another supportive care alone. VOD resolved in 4 of 5 patients, with median time to resolution of VOD, defined as recovery of all organ function and normalization of bilirubin and portal venous flow, of 8 days. Two patients died later from progressive primary disease and chronic graft-versus-host disease, respectively. We conclude that a high index of suspicion for VOD should be maintained in patients despite lack of bilirubin elevation in the presence of other diagnostic criteria such as hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, ascites, or weight gain. Early ultrasound evaluation in these patients may lead to more timely diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
Hepatocyte growth factor accelerates recovery from acute ischemic renal injury in rats

Effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) administration were examined in a model of acute ischemic renal injury induced by bilateral renal artery occlusion in rats. Compared with rats administered...
Using Difference Intervals for Time-Varying Isosurface Visualization

We present a novel approach to out-of-core time-varying isosurface visualization. We attempt to interactively visualize time-varying datasets which are too large to fit into main memory using a technique which is dramatically different from existing algorithms. Inspired by video encoding techniques, we examine the data differences between time steps to extract isosurface information. We exploit span space extraction techniques to retrieve operations necessary to update isosurface geometry from neighboring time steps. Because only the changes between time steps need to be retrieved from disk, I/O bandwidth requirements are minimized. We apply temporal compression to further reduce disk access and employ a point-based previewing technique that is refined in idle interaction cycles. Our experiments on computational simulation data indicate that this method is an extremely viable solution to large time-varying isosurface visualization. Our work advances the state-of-the-art by enabling all isosurfaces to be represented by a compact set of operations
WavePipe: parallel transient simulation of analog and digital circuits on multi-core shared-memory machines

While the emergence of multi-core shared-memory machines offers a promising computing solution to ever complex chip design problems, new parallel CAD methodologies must be developed to gain the full benefit of these increasingly parallel computing systems. We present a parallel transient simulation methodology and its multi-threaded implementation for general analog and digital ICs. Our new approach, Waveform Pipelining (abbreviated as WavePipe), exploits coarsegrained application-level parallelism by simultaneously computing circuit solutions at multiple adjacent time points in a way resembling hardware pipelining. There are two embodiments in WavePipe: backward and forward pipelining schemes. While the former creates independent computing tasks that contribute to a larger future time step by moving backwards in time, the latter performs predictive computing along the forward direction of the time axis. Unlike existing relaxation methods, WavePipe facilitates parallel circuit simulation without jeopardying convergence and accuracy. As a coarse-grained parallel approach, WavePipe not only requires low parallel programming effort, more importantly, it creates new avenues to fully utilize increasingly parallel hardware by going beyond conventional finer grained parallel device model evaluation and matrix solutions.
Municipal Services Litigation After Rodriguez

The question of what equal protection standard ought to be applied in a municipal services case has continued to trouble both the courts and attorneys. Viewing the problem from the vantage point of plaintiff's counsel, the author analyzes the effect that the then-recent school financing case, San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez, will have on future municipal services litigation. The discussion then proceeds to set forth the various procedural problems which a litigator faces in the federal courts, as well as the defenses which municipalities generally raise when their allegedly discriminatory policies are challenged.
Abstract 3005: Stroke Support: Survivors Become Givers of Support

Background: Stroke recovery is a different experience for every survivor. The recovery process can continue for many years after the initial event. Reintegration into the community can be difficult...
Making Sense of Innovation

“Innovation” is a ubiquitous and value-laden term in many journalism organizations, and one that is often ill-defined or unquestioned. This study examines the management and meaning of innovation within public radio organizations. The question I address is, how do employees and managers make sense of innovation within their organizations in relation to a rapidly evolving digital media environment? I apply an interdisciplinary body of literature on innovation stemming from strategic management and journalism research to data from interviews with 56 employees and experts from 11 different public radio stations. Results show how people in public media organizations make sense of innovation by relying primarily on process-oriented, rather than product-oriented frames. I also introduce the terms “autodisruption,” or how organizations attempt to disrupt themselves, and “storytelling innovation,” a hybrid way of operationalizing process and product innovation in this industry context. The findings provide insigh...
Energy drink consumption in Israeli youth: Public health & the perils of energetic marketing

In a recently published IJHPR article, Magnezi and colleagues add to our knowledge of consumption of energy drinks (ED), and alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED), by exploring these patterns among public school students in Tel Aviv, Israel. Prior research on this topic is largely limited to young adults, but adolescents are clearly targets of energy drink marketing, and this age group is at well-known risk for initiating risky exposures. The survey data presented here indicate that ED exposure is widespread in high school, and often begins in middle school. Among students consuming energy drinks, AmED exposure is also high, and of particular concern. Knowledge of ED and AmED hazards does not clearly associate with reduced intake, but a suggestion that awareness of caffeine thresholds may offer some dissuasion is noteworthy. The authors propose warning labels, and education directed to both youth and their parents. A case is made here for regulation of the energetic marketing of these products to youth as well.
Prediction of Awakening after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Abstract To develop a model that would forecast neurologic recovery after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we reviewed charts on 389 consecutive patients who were not awake on admission to the hospital after resuscitation from asystole or ventricular fibrillation. The outcome variable was "awakening," which was defined as having comprehensible speech or the ability to follow commands. Predictor variables that we considered included both preadmission and admission data. Using discriminant analysis, we derived models from a 60 per cent random sample of cases and tested the models on the remaining 40 per cent. We judged that the best model contained four variables from the admission examination: motor response, pupillary light response, spontaneous eye movements, and blood glucose (levels below 300 mg per deciliter predicted awakening). Overall correct classification was 80 per cent in the derivation sample and 77 per cent in the test sample. In a simplified form, the model's predictions of awakening had a se...
Probabilistic high cycle fatigue life prediction for gas turbine engine blades

The paper addresses the main aspects involved by the probabilistic modeling of HCF life prediction for jet engine fan blades. Stochastic modeling associated to the major HCF risk contributors, including random mission profiles, air-forcing, vibration effects, stress-life transformation and progressive damage mechanism, is discussed. The paper suggests that an accurate probabilistic HCF prediction requires the use of(i) stochastic process models for including the space-time varying random aspects and (ii) stochastic nonlinear damage models based stress dependent theory for material degradation under random fatigue. The mission profiles are idealized as non-stationary, non-Gaussian pulse processes. An illustrative example of a typical fan blade is used for discussion and to show the consequences of different modeling assumptions. The HCF/LCF interaction effects and other conditional effects, such as FOD, small-crack defects, laser shot peening, residual stresses, on life prediction are also discussed.
Serum 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Levels in Normal Subjects and in Patients with Hereditary Rickets or Bone Disease

Abstract The serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-[OH]2D) in normal children and in children with inherited diseases of bone was compared by use of a competitive binding assay. Obse...
Interference of Amino-acid Analogues with Normal Embryonic Development

TH E study of the reactions of the embryonic organism to chemical substances is one of the main approaches to the analysis of embryonic development. Well known is the use of the lithium ion which produces in embryos of diverse species a variety of developmental abnormalities. However, in the case of a substance like lithium an analysis of the particular sequence of chemical reactions which leads eventually to the manifestation of a morphological abnormality encounters a peculiar difficulty. Since lithium reacts with numerous proteins, a wide range of reactions has to be considered as the initial step in the teratogenic mechanism. For this reason it seemed advantageous to consider substances as potential teratogenic agents which are known to react only with one or a few definite chemical components of the cell. A class of substances which seems to fulfil these requirements is known in biological chemistry as 'analogues' (Woolley, 1950, 1952; Martin, 1951). Because of their close resemblance in chemical structure to vitamins, metabolic intermediaries, or other cell constituents these analogues interfere specifically with the proper function of the corresponding natural substances. Thus at least the starting-point of the disturbed mechanism is indicated and its further analysis greatly facilitated. Malformations in the chick embryo have been produced with a series of vitamin analogues. This work has been recently summarized by Cravens (1.952). From previous studies by other authors very little has become known about the role of a disturbed protein metabolism in abnormal morphogenesis. Since amino-acid analogues offer the possibility of a more direct interference with protein metabolism, the use of such analogues seemed of interest in this connexion. The following outline is a preliminary report concerning disturbances in the development of chick embryos which were brought about by some amino-acid analogues. In the present series of experiments tests were carried out on explanted chick embryos. The in vitro technique provides simplified conditions under which the developing embryo can be subjected to a variety of experimental factors and the
The potential influence of ClO.O2 on stratospheric ozone depletion chemistry

The inability to explain the observedoxygen suppression of chlorine photosensitized ozoneloss remains a gap in our understanding of thephotochemistry responsible for depletion of thestratospheric ozone layer. It has been suggested thatthe presence of a weakly bound ClO·O2complexcould explain this effect. The existence of thiscomplex would alter the chlorine budget of thestratosphere, perhaps reducing the chlorine availablefor catalytic ozone destruction. On the other hand,the chemistry of ClO·O2 provides two newpathwaysfor ClO dimer formation, which could increase the rateof catalytic ozone loss. In this paper, we constrainthe kinetic rate system of ClO·O2 tomatch themeasured Cly budget. It is shown thatClO·O2cannot be both fairly stable and rapidly form the ClOdimer, or the resulting partitioning of chlorinebecomes incompatible with observations of both ClO andtotal available chlorine. These constraints allow thateither: (1) the ClO·O2 is fairly stable,but doesnot significantly enhance ClO dimer formation andtherefore has a negligible effect on ozone loss rates,or (2) the ClO·O2 complex is only veryweaklystable, but does rapidly form the ClO dimer, andtherefore can influence stratospheric ozone depletion.Even at the ClO·O2 mixing ratios allowedunderthe assumption of weak stability, 0.1 to 0.2 ppbv,significant ozone loss rate enhancements werecalculated. Of course, the chlorine budget constraintalso allows for a thirdpossibility; that ClO·O2 is neither verystablenor forms Cl2O2 very rapidly. Measuredlimits on the reaction rates for ClO·O2to form the ClO dimer would greatly aid the resolution of thisissue. Since the uncertainties aboutClO·O2chemistry are so large, a potential role forClO·O2 in stratospheric ozone loss cannotbe ruled out at this time.
Synthesis of (Hg,X)Ba2Ca2Cu3Ox superconductors

Synthesis and processing parameters for (Hg1−xBix)Ba2Ca2Cu3.1Oy were optimized for growth at temperatures suitable for growth on Ag and Au substrates (<850° C). Use of Bi2CuO4 as a Bi source combined with variations of BaCaCuO precursor phase assemblages allowed the formation of some liquid phase during the reaction and resulted in dense (Hg1−xBix)Ba2Ca2Cu3.1Oy samples with aligned colonies of grains. Magnetization measurements in fields up to 30 T indicated good intergrain coupling within the large grain colonies. The results of the Bi doped samples are compared with those of previously reported Re doped samples.
Interpreting and predicting the spread of invasive wild pigs

Summary The eruption of invasive wild pigs (IWPs) Sus scrofa throughout the world exemplifies the need to understand the influences of exotic and nonnative species expansions. In particular, the continental USA is precariously threatened by a rapid expansion of IWPs, and a better understanding of the rate and process of spread can inform strategies that will limit the expansion. We developed a spatially and temporally dynamic model to examine three decades (1982–2012) of IWP expansion, and predict the spread of IWPs throughout the continental USA, relative to where IWPs previously inhabited. We used the model to predict where IWPs are likely to invade next. The average rate of northward expansion increased from 6·5 to 12·6 km per year, suggesting most counties in the continental USA could be inhabited within the next 3–5 decades. The spread of IWPs was primarily associated with expansion into areas with similar environmental characteristics as their previous range, with the exception of spreading into colder regions. We identified that climate change may assist spread into northern regions by generating milder winters with less snow. Otherwise, the spread of IWPs was not dependent on agriculture, precipitation or biodiversity at the county level. The model correctly predicted 86% of counties that were invaded during 2012, and those predictions indicate that large portions of the USA are in immediate danger of invasion. Synthesis and applications. Anti-invasion efforts should focus along the boundaries of current occupied range to stop natural expansion, and anti-invasion policies should focus on stopping anthropogenic transport and release of invasive wild pigs. Our results demonstrate the utility of a spatio-temporal examination to inform strategies for limiting the spread of invasive wild pigs.
The Immunoendocrinology of Estrophilin

The year 1978 marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of Gregory Goodwin Pincus, whose memory we honor in this Symposium. All of us are familiar with his contributions to science and to humanity; those of us who had the privilege of knowing him personally feel a special satisfaction in being able to participate in this tribute.
Prediction of Laser Irradiated Surface Properties by Eddy Current Method

The laser surface modification poses two significant problems, namely, a) accurate determination of melt depth as the metallurgical and mechanical properties of the diffusion layer change with this depth and b) detection and characterization of defects within the modified surface. The objective of this work is to determine theoretically if eddy current method of nondestructive testing (NDT) is sensitive enough to determine changes in material properties, melt depth and defect parameters in surfaces modified by high energy laser beams. Using a finite element numerical analysis technique eddy current signals were predicted (absolute and differential probes) for different fusion zone geometries produced by a single laser pass. The results show that eddy current NDT techniques can be employed to determine the changes in properties and cracks in laser modified surfaces.
Pathological complete response in patients with esophageal cancer after the trimodality approach: The association with baseline variables and survival-The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center experience.

BACKGROUND Reports are limited regarding clinical and pretreatment features that might predict a pathological complete response (pathCR) after treatment in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). This might allow patient selection for different strategies. This study examines the association of a pathCR with pretreatment variables, overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and patterns of recurrence in a large cohort from a single institution. METHODS The baseline clinical features of 911 consecutive patients with EC who were treated with trimodality therapy from January 2000 to November 2013 were analyzed. A pathCR was defined as a surgical specimen with no residual carcinoma (primary or nodes). Logistic regressions were used to identify independent baseline features associated with a pathCR. We applied log-rank testing and Cox models to determine the association between a pathCR and the time-to-event outcomes (OS and RFS). RESULTS Of 911 patients, 218 (23.9%) achieved a pathCR. The pathCR rate was 23.1% for adenocarcinoma and 32.2% for squamous cell carcinoma. A lower pathCR rate was observed for 1) older patients (>60 years), 2) patients with poorly differentiated tumors, 3) patients with signet ring cells (SRCs), and 4) patients with a higher T stage. Patients with a pathCR had longer OS and RFS than those without a pathCR (P = .0021 and P = .0011, respectively). Recurrences occurred more in non-pathCR patients. Distant metastases were the most common type of recurrence. PathCR patients developed brain metastases at a marginally higher rate than non-pathCR patients (P = .051). CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort study, a pathCR is confirmed to be associated with better OS and RFS. The presence of a poorly differentiated tumor or SRCs reduces the likelihood of a pathCR. Future research should focus on molecular classifiers. Cancer 2017;123:4106–4113. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Age-Related Changes in Oral Health Status

The oral cavity is the vehicle through which the body receives and processes nourishment. Multiple oral tissues work together to support these vital functions. These oral tissues include muscles of mastication and deglutition (including the tongue), oral mucosa, teeth and periodontal tissues, salivary glands and their secretions, and taste and smell receptors. As a result, problems that occur in the oral cavity can affect the ability and desire to bite, chew, and swallow foods. For example, soft-tissue diseases and conditions can make it difficult and painful to masticate and swallow and, correspondingly, dental caries or missing teeth can make it difficult to bite and chew.
Variation in physiological function across source populations of a New Zealand freshwater snail

The mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded genes responsible for cellular respiration are expected to experience relatively intense purifying selection, meaning that variation in these genes will often decrease fitness. Still, extensive variation for mitochondrial haplotype and function persists in natural populations. We integrated physiological, cellular, and behavioral approaches to quantify phenotypes relevant to mitochondrial function across a diverse sample of Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a New Zealand snail characterized by frequent coexistence between otherwise similar sexual and asexual individuals. We found extensive across-lake variation in organismal oxygen consumption and behavioral response to heat stress coupled with elevated mitochondrial membrane potential in males vs. females. These data set the stage for applying this important model system for sex, host-parasite interactions, invasion biology, and ecotoxicology to novel tests of the relationships between mitochondrial variation and performance in natural populations.
Concurrent Optimization of Coverage, Capacity, and Load Balance in HetNets Through Soft and Hard Cell Association Parameters

Ultradense heterogeneous networks (HetNets) are emerging as an inevitable approach to tackle the capacity crunch in cellular networks. However, imbalanced load among small and macrocells and poor resource utilization as a consequence in HetNets remains a long-standing problem. This paper addresses this problem by presenting a solution for maximization of coverage and capacity while minimizing load imbalance among macro and small cells. Most recent studies on the topic focus on either optimization of coverage, capacity or load, or a combination of two of these three intertwined objectives. We formulate the optimization problem as a function of two hard parameters namely antenna tilt and transmit power, and a soft parameter, cell individual offset, that affect the coverage, capacity, and load directly. The resulting solution is a combination of the otherwise conflicting coverage and capacity optimization (CCO) and load balancing (LB) self-organizing network (SON) functions. In the presented joint CCO-LB solution, a conflict free operation of CCO and LB is ensured by designing a novel load aware user association methodology and resolving the effects of shadowing on coverage probability using stochastic approximation. The problem is proven to be nonconvex and is solved using genetic algorithm, sequential quadratic programming, and pattern search algorithms. The proposed CCO-LB solution is compared against two recently proposed CCO and CCO-LB solutions in the literature. Results show that the proposed solution can yield significant gain in terms of throughput, spectral efficiency, and load distribution.
Monitoring the Entry of New Platelets Into the Circulation After Ingestion of Aspirin

There have been reports of a 24-48-hr delay in the recovery of platelet cyclooxygenase activity and platelet function after the ingestion of aspirin. However, these studies employed a single aggregating agent to stimulate enzymatic or functional activity. We investigated the effects of some pairs of aggregating agents on 14 platelet-rich plasmas (PRP) from normal subjects 2 and 4 hr after ingestion of 650 mg aspirin and daily up to 72 hr. We studied platelet aggregation and secretion with a lumiaggregometer and thromboxane-B2 formation by radioimmunoassay. Aggregation and secretion occurred as early as 4 hr after aspirin ingestion in response to combinations of arachidonic acid with epinephrine, collagen, or adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Thromboxane formation was detected as early as 4 hr after ingestion of aspirin in response to 1 mM arachidonic acid in combination with 1 microgram/ml collagen. Up to 72 hr, there was a linear return of thromboxane formation stimulated by this combination, reflecting the entry of new platelets into the circulation. In vitro experiments with mixtures of aspirin-free and aspirin-treated platelets showed that the combination of collagen and arachidonic acid (AA) could produce full aggregation and secretion when only 2.5% of aspirin-free platelets were present. Use of the combination of collagen plus AA demonstrates the early entry into the circulation of platelets originating from megakaryocytes whose cyclooxygenase has not been completely acetylated.
A Relationship Between Fines and Violent Crimes

Inspired by the Ferguson, Missouri (MO) riots of 2014, we were motivated to study the influence of city and county revenue generated from fines and forfeitures (primarily traffic violations) on the incidence of violent crimes. For our analysis, we leveraged five orthogonal data sets aggregated at the state level, all concerning calendar year 2013. Resulting from our analysis of rate of searches, stops, and contraband found in seven states, we found a positive linear relationship between fines and violent crimes at the state level. We also found that subsets of the population in certain states are pulled over and searched disproportionately more despite finding relatively less contraband.
Rethinking the Right of Publicity in the Context of Social Media

This paper, inspired by a tweet by Chevy (the maker of Corvette) after Prince's death in 2016, explores whether current case law on the right of publicity provides helpful guidance for corporate speakers when the speech refers to a person. In particular, the article looks at the relationship between "commercial use" of a person's name or likeness and the "commercial speech" doctrine; evaluates the ways corporations speak via social media; and suggests ways to think about corporate social media messages to protection speech that otherwise would be protected by the First Amendment.
Host range expansion may provide enemy free space for the highly invasive emerald ash borer

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is an aggressive invader from Asia that has killed millions of trees in North America, causing substantial ecosystem effects and economic losses. All North American ash, Fraxinus spp., are thought to be susceptible, but recently emerald ash borer has been documented developing in a novel host, white fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus. We evaluated larval performance in two common ash species and white fringetree by infesting bolts with emerald ash borer eggs. In addition we evaluated cambial nitrogen, carbon, carbon:nitrogen, stem density, and response to artificial wounding, to determine which host plant characteristics most influence larval development. We also conducted choice and no choice assays using the classical biological control agent, Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), to assess its ability to locate larval emerald ash borer in the different host plants. We found significantly lower survival rates of emerald ash borer larvae in white fringetree compared to white ash, F. americana. Larval phloem consumption and larval growth were lower in fringetree than in either white or blue ash, F. quadrangulata. Carbon content and density were greater in fringetree than in either ash species. Response to wounding, measured by callus tissue formation, was greatest in white ash. In choice assays, T. planipennisi only parasitized emerald ash borer larvae in ash bolts, and in no-choice tests failed to parasitize larvae in fringetree. Our findings corroborate studies showing that fringetree is a suitable host for emerald ash borer larvae. Failure of T. planipennisi to parasitize larvae within fringetree has implications for the efficacy of this classical biological control agent in regulating emerald ash borer populations. Coupled with the use of white fringetree as a reservoir host, the enemy free space provided to emerald ash borer through use of this alternate host may have significant repercussions for emerald ash borer invasion dynamics.
Contributions of the Institutes for Research on Learning Disabilities.

Each of the five institutes has made unique contributions to the understanding of LD. The report of the Minnesota institute, however, does not accurately reflect the state of the art in the field, and the work of this research group has potential for serious misinterpretation and misapplication. Unresolved issues include classification of children, the relationship of LD to mental retardation, and collaborative research among institutes.
Natural Language Processing to Quantify Microbial Keratitis Measurements

A natural language processing (NLP) algorithm to extract microbial keratitis morphology measurements from the electronic health record (EHR) was 75-96% sensitive and 91%-96% specific. NLP accurately extracts data from the corneal exam free-text EHR field.
The effect of high levels of dietary zinc on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune response and tissue minerals in growing Boer-cross goat kids

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine animal performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, immune responses, and tissue minerals in goats fed high levels of zinc (Zn). Twenty-one Boer-cross (Capra aegagrus hircus) growing goat kids (BW, 22.9 ± 1.4 kg, 4–5 months old) were housed individually and fed twice a day 80:20 grain mix: bermudagrass hay (BGH) diet ad libitum for 86 days. Goats in control group (0Zn) received orally 5 mL of water (1.95 + 0.03 ppm Zinc) with no added Zn. Treatment groups, 100Zn and 200Zn received 5 mL water containing additional 100 or 200 mg Zn as Zn sulfate heptahydrate, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG), DM intake, feed conversion ratio (gain: feed), carcass traits, majority of blood attributes and metabolites, and humoral immunity were similar among the treatment groups. However, cell-mediated immune response was higher for 100Zn group (quadratic; P = 0.04). Goats receiving high levels of Zn increased serum calcium (linear; P = 0.03), glucose (linear, P = 0.02), and lymphocytes (linear, P = 0.05 and quadratic; P = 0.01). Manganese (Mn) level in the liver increased (linear, P = 0.01), while liver copper (Cu) decreased (linear, P = 0.04) as the level of Zn was increased in the diet. Zinc in the feces increased (linear, P = 0.001), with no changes in urine Zn. Blood mineral phosphorus was reduced (linear, P = 0.03), and magnesium, and potassium tended to decrease (linear, P = 0.06 and 0.07, respectively) with increasing Zn levels in diet. High levels of Zn supplementation did not affect animal performance and carcass characteristics; however, improved immunity and impacted liver Mn and Cu.
Trauma resilience and recovery program: addressing mental health in pediatric trauma centers

Objective Approximately 225,000 children sustain injuries requiring hospitalization annually. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are prevalent among pediatric patients and caregivers post-injury. Most U.S. trauma centers do not address patients' mental health needs. Better models of care are needed to address emotional recovery. This article describes the engagement and recovery trajectories of pediatric patients enrolled in the Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program (TRRP), a stepped-care model to accelerate emotional recovery following hospitalization. Methods TRRP is designed to (a) provide in-hospital education about post-injury emotional recovery and assess child and caregiver distress; (b) track mental health symptoms via a 30-day text-messaging program; (c) complete 30-day PTSD and depression phone screens; and (d) provide evidence-based treatment via telehealth or in-person services or referrals, if needed. All 154 families approached were offered TRRP services, 96% of whom agreed to enroll in TRRP. Most patients were boys (59.8%), and average age was 9.12 years [standard deviation (SD) = 5.42]. Most injuries (45.8%) were sustained from motor vehicle accidents. Results In hospital, 68.5% of caregivers and 78.3% of children reported clinically significant distress levels. Over 60% of families enrolled in the texting service. TRRP re-engaged 40.1% of families for the 30-day screen, 35.5% of whom reported clinically significant PTSD (M = 13.90, SD = 11.42) and/or depression (M = 13.35, SD = 11.16). Most (76%) patients with clinically significant symptomology agreed to treatment. Conclusions Our intervention model was feasible and increased reach to families who needed services. Efforts to improve follow-up engagement are discussed, as are initial successes in implementing this model in other pediatric trauma centers.
Mejoramiento en la gestión de actividades operacionales y la motivación de los RR.HH. de las empresas

El presente articulo presenta la proponer la mejora de la eficiencia en la gestion de las actividades operacionales de una empresa de servicio, permitiendo disminuir los costos asociados a los procesos, en pro de mantener la planta de recursos humanos, identificando el nivel de compromiso que tienen los trabajadores con la empresa y su disposicion a nuevos cambios organizacionales, examinando y describiendo los procesos operacionales, identificando aspectos criticos en los procesos operacionales y generando propuestas de mejoramiento y monitoreo de los procesos. En definitiva, a traves de los resultados, se determina que la empresa que acoge las propuestas de mejoramiento estara preparada para enfrentar alguna eventualidad, ahora si la empresa decide no prepararse con anterioridad, es decir, prefiere ser reactivo antes que proactivo decidira en el momento justo tomar medidas respecto a la situacion que la aqueja
Heparin as an inhibitor of mammalian protein synthesis.

Heparin is a naturally occurring polyanion found in many tissues. The biologic properties of heparin that have been most extensively investigated are its anticoagulant activity and its interaction with lipoprotein lipase (for representative reviews, see Freeman (4) and Ehrlich and Stivala (3)). Various reports suggest that heparin and possibly other acid mucopolysaccharides also play a role in the regulation of cell growth (14). We have investigated the effect of heparin on the translation of natural mammalian messenger RNA (mRNA) in mammalian cell-free systems (6, 19–21), and we present here some of our findings concerning heparin’s action as an inhibitor of the translation of exogenous rabbit globin mRNA in a Krebs ascites cell- free system.