cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ET-02THERAPEUTICALLY ENGINEERED INDUCED NEURAL STEM CELLS ARE TUMOR-HOMING AND INHIBIT PROGRESSION OF GLIOBLASTOMA

Transdifferentiation (TD) is an exciting new advancement in somatic cell reprogramming that eliminates the pluripotent intermediate stage to create cells that are ideal for personalized cell transplant therapy. Induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) are the newest cell type created by TD. Here we begin to define the efficacy of iNSC therapy for central nervous system disorders. We developed the first iNSC-based drug deliver vehicles, and show that engineered iNSCs are tumor-homing drug delivery vehicles with significant anti-cancer effects in models of glioblastoma (GBM). After genetically engineering iNSCs with tumoricidal or diagnostic transgenes, we observed that the modified iNSCs proliferated and differentiated into astrocytes and neurons with the same efficiency as unmodified cells. Non-invasive serial imaging revealed that engineered iNSCs implanted into the parenchyma of mice survived more than 1 month. In vitro time-lapse motion analysis showed iNSCs exhibit tumor-homing properties similar to brain-derived NSCs, while iNSCs implanted into the frontal lobe of mice migrated through the brain homing to invasive GBM cells. iNSCs engineered with the anti-cancer molecule TRAIL (iNSC-sTR) stably released the tumoricidal agent and killed co-cultured human GBM cells. We evaluated iNSC-sTR therapy in orthotopic mouse models of solid and patient-derived diffuse GBM. We found that iNSC-sTR therapy reduced GBM volumes 20- to 230-fold and doubled the survival of tumor-bearing mice compared to control mice. These data provide the first evidence that tumoricidal iNSCs can be used to efficaciously treat brain cancer, and provide a foundation for the continued development of iNSC-based therapies.
Embryology of the urogenital system in man and genetic factors in intersex problems and transsexualism.

Transsexuals have unambiguous genitalia and have not been shown to have any chromosomal abnormality. Any possible hormonal abnormality in the fetal life of these individuals is as yet uncertain. With intersexed patients, the opposite conclusions hold true.
The influence of skin microorganisms on cutaneous immunity

The skin is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that is inhabited by many microorganisms. Recent evidence highlights the profound reliance of the skin immune system on its resident microbiota for both host defence and tissue repair. This tissue is also a primary target for infections, which are in some cases caused by normal constituents of the microbiota. In the context of infections and genetic predispositions that are associated with barrier or regulatory network defects, microorganism-induced inflammatory cycles can contribute to the initiation and/or amplification of skin disorders. This Review will discuss some of our current understanding of skin-microbiota and skin-pathogen interactions in the context of homeostasis and diseases and highlight current gaps in our understanding of the skin immune ecosystem.
Re-engaging Disconnected Youth: Transformative Learning through Restorative and Social Justice Education

As a former high school teacher in both rural and urban settings, I immediately understood the context of working with ‘‘at-risk’’ youth against which this book is set. The shopping list of issues is something many teachers encounter to one degree or another: drugs, neglect, abuse, distrust, violence, truancy, disengagement with school, and feelings of alienation. This book is a reflection on a summer school programme called Westward Bound which took place in the United States over five summers and involved 76 students. The transformation these students experienced warranted a review of the programme in great detail with the hope of expressing some key lessons for other teachers. The first edition of this book was published in 2011, discussing the experiences of high school participants. This revised edition includes updated research and a chapter exploring the impact of the programme on middle school youth.
Training professionals to engage agriculture as an instrument of public health.

• Establishment of a transdisciplinary science, Biomedical Agriculture, is deemed as the most appropriate strategy.
Fish/Fish Oil Intake and Inflammatory Biomarkers, Endothelial Function

The marine omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are widely touted for their cardiovascular health benefits and are even prescribed to patients following acute myocardial infarctions. Despite their clinical usage, the cellular mechanisms by which EPA and DHA exert their health benefits remain unclear but multiple lines of evidence have suggested multiple pathways. Among these, EPA and DHA have been shown to promote an antiinflammatory profile and suppress known risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. Most recently, EPA and DHA have been found to actively promote the resolution of inflammatory events through their metabolism in to powerful hormone-like compounds such as the resolvins and protectins. In addition to these latest compounds, new metabolites continue to be discovered and characterized that mediate the effects of EPA and DHA.
Adaptive robust control of machining force and contour error with tool deflection using global task coordinate frame

Peripheral milling process productivity or quality can be improved by controlling either cutting force or contour error. While each means for improvement is often addressed individually, efforts to...
Pediatric Hydrocephalus: Current State of Diagnosis and Treatment

1. Zachary Wright, MD* 2. Thomas W. Larrew, MD* 3. Ramin Eskandari, MD, MS* 1. *Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC Hydrocephalus is a neurologic condition that requires lifelong vigilance by various health care professionals. Nonsurgical clinicians treating children with hydrocephalus, with or without shunts, often have questions about disease recognition, shunt infection, and shunt malfunction. Imaging modalities such as nonsedated magnetic resonance imaging and nonshunt endoscopic surgery have changed the landscape of the primary pediatric clinician’s interaction with this patient population. This article addresses the practice gap between pediatric outpatient and neurosurgical management of children with hydrocephalus in both the acute and chronic care settings. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand basic pathophysiology related to hydrocephalus and available treatments. 2. Recognize presenting signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus. 3. Recognize when neurosurgical consultation is appropriate and manage hydrocephalus until a neurosurgeon is available. Hydrocephalus in the pediatric population is characterized by an initial increase in intraventricular pressure, resulting in pathologic dilation of the cerebral ventricles with an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although the pressure may be slight or severe, the balance between CSF production, flow, and absorption is lost in hydrocephalus. This condition is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality within the pediatric population, with a prevalence of approximately 6 in 10,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate before initial hospital discharge of 13%. (1) The impact of this complex neurologic pathology on society is extremely large. According to nationally representative data sets, every year pediatric hydrocephalus accounts for 38,200 to 39,900 hospital admissions, 391,000 to 433,000 hospital days, and $1.4 to $2.0 billion in total hospital charges in the United States. (2) In the healthy child, CSF is primarily produced in the choroid plexus, …
Thiosemicarbazones Functioning as Zinc Metallochaperones to Reactivate Mutant p53

Small-molecule restoration of wild-type structure and function to mutant p53 (so-called mutant reactivation) is a highly sought-after goal in cancer drug development. We previously discovered that small-molecule zinc chelators called zinc metallochaperones (ZMCs) reactivate mutant p53 by restoring zinc binding to zinc-deficient p53 mutants. The lead compound identified from the NCI-60 human tumor cell lines screen, NSC319726 (ZMC1), belongs to the thiosemicarbazone (TSC) class of metal ion chelators that bind iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and other transition metals. Here, we have investigated the other TSCs, NSC319725 and NSC328784, identified in the same screen, as well as the more well studied TSC, 3-AP (Triapine), to determine whether they function as ZMCs. We measured the zinc Kd zinc ionophore activity, ability to restore zinc to purified p53 DNA binding domain (DBD), and ability to restore site-specific DNA binding to purified R175H-DBD in vitro. We tested all four TSCs in a number of cell-based assays to examine mutant p53 reactivation and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that NSC319725 and NSC328784 behave similarly to ZMC1 in both biophysical and cell-based assays and are heretofore named ZMC2 (NSC319725) and ZMC3 (NSC328784). 3-AP generates a ROS signal similar to ZMC1-3, but it fails to function as a ZMC both in vitro and in cells and ultimately does not reactivate p53. These findings indicate that not all TSCs function as ZMCs, and much of their activity can be predicted by their affinity for zinc.
Approximation-Based Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic Control

Abstract The universal approximation properties of neural networks and fuzzy logic networks are exploited in designing nonlinear adaptive controllers for systems with unknown dynamics. These controllers are model-free in the sense that no detailed knowledge of the underlying dynamics is needed. The controller parameters are tuned online and guarantee overall closed-loop performance of the system. The proposed method circumvents the standard assumptions like linearity-in-the-parameters that limit the utility of conventional adaptive control techniques. In this framework, the equivalence of neural networks and fuzzy logic networks from a closed-loop control perspective is established.
Zinc(II)-Directed Self-Assembly of Metal–Organic Nanocapsules

A metal–organic nanocapsule consisting of 24 Zn2+ ions and six pyrogallol[4]arene units has been synthesized and structurally characterized. All the Zn2+ ions seaming the nanocapsule are disordered over two positions forming concave distortions on the framework.
Cutaneous Mycobacterium massiliense infection from tattooing: a common yet under-reported and persistent epidemic hazard for dermatologists

Tattoo popularity continues to rise, with 3 in 10 Americans bearing at least one. Among tattoo complications, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has emerged as a global public health concern. NTM infections associated with tattooing of immunocompetent individuals have occurred as sporadic cases and community outbreaks. Water sources are considered the major pathogenic reservoirs. Tattoo-related inoculation has been linked to contamination of ink, either during the manufacturing process or during dilution of black ink using non-sterile water. NTM infections have also been documented in a number of cosmetic and surgical procedures, including cutaneous surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery, mesotherapy, liposuction and laser resurfacing. NTM inoculation through exposure to contaminated water or non-sterile instruments remains a challenge for dermatologists and risk to patients. We reported a case of cutaneous Mycobacterium massiliense infection following tattoo placement. This report underscores the importance of clinicians to consider NTM infections in the differential diagnosis of procedure-related reactions.
Capillary Electrophoresis: Principles and Instrumentation

A multiplex PCR amplification of STR markers produces a complex mixture of DNA molecules that must be separated based on DNA size and fluorescent dye label to produce a coherent DNA profile. Slab gel electrophoresis separation methods of the past have been entirely replaced by capillary electrophoresis (CE) instruments over the past decade due to ease of use and automation. The components of CE involve injection, separation, and detection. Each of these steps is reviewed and the principles explained. The most commonly used CE systems for STR typing are the single capillary ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer and the multi-capillary ABI 3100 or 3130xl. The 8-capillary ABI 3500 and 24-capillary 3500xl instruments became available in 2010 with new capabilities.
Assessing Second-Language Oral Proficiency for Research: The Spanish Elicited Imitation Task.

Proficiency is a key variable in late second language (L2) learning, but one that is undermeasured in current research. This study investigates whether L2 oral proficiency can be quickly and reliably assessed via the Spanish “elicited imitation task” (EIT; Ortega, Iwashita, Rabie, & Norris, 1999). Thirty-seven L2 learners of Spanish with varied L2 experience (from low to very advanced) were tested. The EIT’s external validity was assessed via correlation with the simulated oral proficiency interview. Further analyses examined the EIT’s internal reliability, discriminatory power, and usefulness in identifying subgroups (clusters) of learners within the sample. Results strongly support the utility of the Spanish EIT for measurement of oral proficiency in SLA research. Moreover, the availability of parallel EITs in other languages promises to facilitate comparisons across studies. Thus, more precise measurement and analysis of proficiency in SLA research is called for via standardized measurements including the EIT.
Novel Neutrophil Agonists: Oxidatively-Fragmented Phosphatidylcholines

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid autocoid that plays a role in both physiologic and pathologic events. Its diverse biologic activities include activation of platelets, neutrophils, macrophages, and other cell types not directly involved in the inflammatory process1. When exogenously administered, PAF produces the symptoms of anaphylactic shock. It is obviously important that the synthetic and degradative enzymes controlling its production and metabolism be tightly regulated. PAF acts via receptors2 present on the cell membrane of target cells; the structural requirements for high affinity binding and activation of PAF receptors have been well characterized3. The ether linkage at the sn-1 position, short chain acetyl residue at the sn-2 position, and phosphocholine group at the sn-3 position of PAF all play an important role in this high affinity recognition. Phospholipids other than PAF are capable of binding to and activating the PAF receptor. For example the 1-O-alkyl-2-propionoyl homolog is twice as potent as PAF. Other homologs are active but less potent. The sn-2 butyroyl homolog is 30-100-fold less potent than PAF3, while the succinoyl and glutaroyl homologs are several hundred-fold less potent3. The presence of an ester linkage at the sn-1 position instead of an ether linkage results in a several hundred-fold loss in potency3.
A Direct Construction of Nontransitive Dice Sets

In this paper, we give a direct construction for a set of dice realizing any given tournament T. The construction for a tournament with n vertices requires dice with n sides if n is odd, n+1 sides if n is divisible by 4, and n−1 sides if n≡2 mod 4. This appears to be the most efficient general construction to date. Our construction relies only on a standard construction from graph theory.
Does Polycythemia Vera Increase Risk of Postoperative Complications Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty? A Retrospective Matched Control Cohort Study of 6932 Polycythemia Vera Patients.

Abstract Background There is sparsity of data on outcomes following joint arthroplasty among polycythemia vera (PV) patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperative outcomes following primary total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasty among PV patients. Methods A retrospective Medicare database review identified 6932 PV patients who underwent a primary total joint arthroplasty (4643 TKAs and 2289 THAs) from 2006 to 2013. A comparison of hospital length of stay, mortality, and the diagnosis of surgical site infections (SSIs), stroke, myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and other postoperative complications was made between PV patients undergoing TKA and THA and their respective matched control groups. Results PV was significantly associated with increased rates of acute PE (2.3% vs 1.6%; odds ratio [OR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.75), DVT (4.2% vs 3.6%; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.20-1.61, P Conclusion PV was significantly associated with increased risk for DVT, PE, postoperative hematoma, SSI (TKA only), and 1-year mortality (THA only) following primary total joint arthroplasty.
Torsional Brace Strength Requirements for Steel I-Girder Systems

AbstractEffective stability bracing of beams can be achieved by either preventing lateral movement of the compression flange or restraining twist of the beam cross section. Bracing that restrains t...
Special Education Teacher Shortage: Differences Between High and Low Shortage States:

In this study, using Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) personnel data from 2006 to 2014, we identified seven states with consistently low shortages of highly qualified special education t...
Biochemical and structural basis for YTH domain of human YTHDC1 binding to methylated adenine in DNA.

The recently characterized mammalian writer (methyltransferase) and eraser (demethylase) of the DNA N6-methyladenine (N6mA) methyl mark act on single-stranded (ss) and transiently-unpaired DNA. As YTH domain-containing proteins bind N6mA-containing RNA in mammalian cells, we investigated whether mammalian YTH domains are also methyl mark readers of N6mA DNA. Here, we show that the YTH domain of YTHDC1 (known to localize in the nucleus) binds ssDNA containing N6mA, with a 10 nM dissociation constant. This binding is stronger by a factor of 5 than in an RNA context, tested under the same conditions. However, the YTH domains of YTHDF2 and YTHDF1 (predominantly cytoplasmic) exhibited the opposite effect with ∼1.5-2× stronger binding to ssRNA containing N6mA than to the corresponding DNA. We determined two structures of the YTH domain of YTHDC1 in complex with N6mA-containing ssDNA, which illustrated that YTHDC1 binds the methylated adenine in a single-stranded region flanked by duplexed DNA. We discuss the hypothesis that the writer-reader-eraser of N6mA-containining ssDNA is associated with maintaining genome stability. Structural comparison of YTH and SRA domains (the latter a DNA 5-methylcytosine reader) revealed them to be diverse members of a larger family of DNA/RNA modification readers, apparently having originated from bacterial modification-dependent restriction enzymes.
Decreased Growth Velocity and/or Short Stature

Linear and ponderal growth are important indicators of health in children. Assessment of growth trajectory, both in height and weight, should be an integral part of the routine evaluation of the child by the primary care provider.
The Robotic Colorectal Experience: An Outcomes and Learning Curve Analysis of 502 Patients

Aim This study aimed to present our experience with robotic colorectal surgery since its establishment at our institution in 2009. By examining the outcomes of over 500 patients, our experience provides a basis for assessing the introduction of a robotic platform in a colorectal practice. Specific measures investigated include intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes for all operations using the robotic platform. In addition, for our most commonly performed operations we wished to analyse the learning curve to improve operative proficiency. This is the largest single-surgeon robotic database analysed to date. Method A prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent robotic colorectal surgery by a single surgeon at the George Washington University Hospital was retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were assessed. Additionally, an operating time learning curve analysis was performed. Results Inclusion criteria identified 502 patients who underwent robotic colorectal surgery between October 2009 and December 2018. The most common indications for surgery were diverticulitis (22.9%), colon adenocarcinoma (22.1%) and rectal adenocarcinoma (19.5%). The most common operations were anterior/low anterior resection (33.9%), right hemicolectomy/ileocaecectomy (24.9%) and left hemicolectomy/sigmoidectomy (21.9%). The rate of conversion to open surgery was 4.8%. The most common postoperative complications were wound infection (5.0%), anastomotic leakage (4.0%) and abscess formation (2.8%). The operating time learning curve plateaued at 55-65 cases for anterior and low anterior resection and 35-45 cases for left hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy. A clear learning curve was not seen in right hemicolectomy. Conclusion Robotic-assisted surgery can be performed in a diverse colorectal practice with low rates of conversion and postoperative complications. Plateau performance was achieved after 65 anterior/low anterior resections and 45 left and sigmoid colectomies.
The Origin and Evolution of Super PACs: a Darwinian Examination of a Campaign Finance Species

A series of campaign finance rulings, most notably the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, set off a sea change in how electoral politics are funded in the United States. The result is an evolutionary break that disrupted the campaign finance environment in ways that allowed a new species of organization, the super PAC, to thrive. Other traditional campaign finance organizations, such as political parties and political action committees, have not adapted as well and now play a reduced role relative to the new “super species.”
Metal-Clad InP Cavities for Nanolasers on Si

We compare InP microdisk lasers on Si of varying dimensions with and without a gold cladding. We observe evidence of lasing in the NIR at room temperature upon optical excitation. Au-clad InP cavities lase at smaller dimensions beyond the limit achievable with purely photonic cavities.
Racial Disparities in Recurrence and Overall Survival in Patients With Locoregional Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the association between race and long-term cancer outcomes (recurrence and overall survival) within a population of US patients with locoregional colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS A cohort study of primary patient data merged with the National Cancer Database as part of a Commission on Cancer Special Study was performed. The study population was a random sample of patients undergoing surgery for stage I to III CRC between years 2006 and 2007 with 5 years of follow-up. Propensity-weighted multivariable Cox regression was performed with pooled results to yield statistical inferences. Prespecified sensitivity analysis was performed only for patients who received guideline concordant care (GCC) of primary CRC. All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS The study population included 8176 patients, 9.9% (n = 811) Black and 90.1% (n = 7365) White. Black patients were more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, have lower household income, and lower educational status (all P < .001). Rates of GCC were higher among Black vs White patients with colon cancer (76.9% vs 72.6%, P = .02), and Black and White patients with rectal cancer were treated with radiation at similar rates (69.1% vs 66.6%, P = .64). Black race was independently associated with increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26 to 1.73) and mortality (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.59). In sensitivity analysis of only patients who received GCC, observed effects for recurrence (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.27 to 1.79) and overall survival (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.66) persisted. CONCLUSIONS Despite higher rates of GCC for CRC, Black patients experience a higher risk of recurrence and mortality compared with White patients.
Conducting Virtual, Synchronous Focus Groups Among Black Sexual Minority Men: Qualitative Study.

Background: Focus groups are useful to support HIV prevention research among US subpopulations, such as Black gay, Black bisexual, and other Black sexual minority men (BSMM). Virtual synchronous focus groups provide an electronic means to obtain qualitative data and are convenient to implement; however, the protocols and acceptability for conducting virtual synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM are lacking. Objective: This paper describes the protocols and acceptability of conducting virtual synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM Methods: Data for this study came from 8 virtual synchronous focus groups examined in 2 studies of HIV-negative BSMM in US cities, stratified by age (N=39): 2 groups of BSMM ages 18-24 years, 5 groups of BSMM ages 25-34 years, and 1 group of BSMM 35 years and older. Virtual synchronous focus groups were conducted via Zoom, and participants were asked to complete an electronic satisfaction survey distributed to their email via Qualtrics. Results: The age of participants ranged from 18 to 44 years (mean 28.3, SD 6.0). All participants “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that they were satisfied participating in an online focus group. Only 17% (5/30) preferred providing written informed consent versus oral consent. Regarding privacy, most (30/30,100%) reported “strongly agree” or “agree” that their information was safe to share with other participants in the group. Additionally, 97% (29/30) reported being satisfied with the incentive. Conclusions: Conducting virtual synchronous focus groups in HIV prevention research among BSMM is feasible. However, thorough oral informed consent with multiple opportunities for questions, culturally relevant facilitation procedures, and appropriate incentives are needed for optimal focus group participation.
Risk of venous thromboembolism associated with tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study.

Objective To evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with tofacitinib compared to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFIs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods RA patients initiating tofacitinib or a TNFI without use of any biologic or tofacitinib any time prior were identified from IBM 'MarketScan' (2012-2018), Medicare (parts A, B, and D, 2012-2017), or 'Optum'Clinformatics (2012-2019) and followed until treatment discontinuation, treatment switch, insurance disenrollment, or administrative censoring. The primary outcome, VTE, was identified using inpatient claims for pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. A Cox proportional hazards model provided hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after accounting for confounding through propensity score (PS) fine-stratification weighting. HRs were pooled across databases with inverse variance meta-analytic method. Results A total of 42,201, 25,078, and 20,374 RA patients were identified from MarketScan, Medicare, and Optum, respectively; of whom 7.1%, 7.1%, and 9.7% were tofacitinib initiators. The crude incidence rates (IRs)/100 person-years (95% CI) were 0.42 (0.20-0.77) and 0.35 (0.29-0.42) in MarketScan, 1.18 (0.68-1.92) and 0.83 (0.71-0.97) in Medicare, and 0.19 (0.04-0.57) and 0.34 (0.26-0.44) in Optum for tofacitinib and TNFIs, respectively. PS-weighted HRs showed no significant differences in the risk of VTE between tofacitinib and TNFIs in any database with a pooled HR (95% CI) of 1.13 (0.77-1.65). Conclusion Overall, VTE occurred infrequently (
Dagger: efficient and fast RPCs in cloud microservices with near-memory reconfigurable NICs

The ongoing shift of cloud services from monolithic designs to mi- croservices creates high demand for efficient and high performance datacenter networking stacks, optimized for fine-grained work- loads. Commodity networking systems based on software stacks and peripheral NICs introduce high overheads when it comes to delivering small messages. We present Dagger, a hardware acceleration fabric for cloud RPCs based on FPGAs, where the accelerator is closely-coupled with the host processor over a configurable memory interconnect. The three key design principle of Dagger are: (1) offloading the entire RPC stack to an FPGA-based NIC, (2) leveraging memory interconnects instead of PCIe buses as the interface with the host CPU, and (3) making the acceleration fabric reconfigurable, so it can accommodate the diverse needs of microservices. We show that the combination of these principles significantly improves the efficiency and performance of cloud RPC systems while preserving their generality. Dagger achieves 1.3 − 3.8× higher per-core RPC throughput compared to both highly-optimized software stacks, and systems using specialized RDMA adapters. It also scales up to 84 Mrps with 8 threads on 4 CPU cores, while maintaining state-of- the-art µs-scale tail latency. We also demonstrate that large third- party applications, like memcached and MICA KVS, can be easily ported on Dagger with minimal changes to their codebase, bringing their median and tail KVS access latency down to 2.8 − 3.5 us and 5.4 − 7.8 us, respectively. Finally, we show that Dagger is beneficial for multi-tier end-to-end microservices with different threading models by evaluating it using an 8-tier application implementing a flight check-in service.
TCF12 controls oligodendroglial cell proliferation and regulates signaling pathways conserved in gliomas

Abstract Diffuse gliomas are primary brain tumors originating from the transformation of glial cells. In particular, oligodendrocyte precursor cells constitute the major tumor-amplifying population in the gliomagenic process. We previously identified the TCF12 gene, encoding a transcription factor of the E protein family, as being recurrently mutated in oligodendrogliomas. In this study, we sought to understand the function of TCF12 in oligodendroglial cells, the glioma lineage of origin. We first describe TCF12 mRNA and protein expression pattern in oligodendroglial development in the mouse brain. Second, by TCF12 genome wide chromatin profiling in oligodendroglial cells, we show that TCF12 binds active promoters of genes involved in proliferation, translation/ribosomes, and pathways involved in oligodendrocyte development and cancer. Finally, we perform OPC-specific Tcf12 inactivation in vivo and demonstrate by immunofluorescence and transcriptomic analyses that TCF12 is transiently required for OPC proliferation but dispensable for oligodendrocyte differentiation. We further show that Tcf12 inactivation results in deregulation of biological processes that are also altered in oligodendrogliomas. Together, our data suggest that TCF12 directly regulates transcriptional programs in oligodendroglia development that are relevant in a glioma context.
Fructosa, un factor clave modificable en la patogenia del síndrome metabólico, la esteatosis hepática y la obesidad

This review summarizes the specific role that excess fructose consumption (beyond its calories) may have in the development of MetS, NAFLD and its association with obesity. The effects of fructose (compared to glucose) on hepatic steatosis are discussed as well as their consequence: insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia. Unlike glucose, more than 80% ingested fructose stays in the liver, and due to lack of fine metabolic regulation, high fructose flows consume ATP generating uric acid, produce toxic metabolites such as ceramides and methylglyoxal and activate lipid synthesis. In addition, the study analyzes the effects of fructose on adipose tissue, cortisol activation and hormones involved in satiety control, all of which are affected by fructose consumption. The initial hepatic insulin resistance is complicated by systemic insulin resistance, which generates leptin resistance and a hyperphagia cycle. These results underscore the need for clinical and educational interventions within the population to regulate / reduce fructose consumption, especially in children and adolescents, their main consumers.
Interchangeable Bodies: International Marriage and Migration in the Eighteenth-Century Moravian Church

This article investigates the extent to which the theology and structure of marriage within the German Moravian Church functioned to connect and grow the Church as an international network across the Atlantic world in the eighteenth century. Specifically, it argues that Moravian conceptions of marriage facilitated intentional international partnerships that led to the relocation and migration of many European women as Moravian missionaries throughout the eighteenth century. In some instances, early Moravians lived in sex-segregated communal housing and viewed sexual intercourse as a sacred unification with Christ, free of human desire. Part of the Moravian impetus to be “everywhere at home” required preventing individual congregational differences in order to create a larger international community. If the Church aimed to view all brothers and sisters as productive bodies to serve the growth of the community, then these bodies needed to be interchangeable and unrooted to a specific space. The premeditated practice of intermarriage between congregations meant that there were not individual groups that practiced the Moravian faith, but rather a singular global church family. Based on an analysis of Moravian missionary women's memoirs, this article begins to delve into the social and geographic mobility available to these eighteenth-century women through a nonnormative marital structure.
Research on Construction System of Crawler Drilling Rig Based on HC-ACO Algorithm

At present, the mining conditions of underground coal mine are very complex. Crawler drilling rig is usually used to complete the drilling operation of coal mine roadway. Due to the mutual interference and mutual influence of various equipment, the whole process intelligent construction of equipment can not be realized in the field construction, In this paper, a HC (hierarchical clustering ) and ACO(ant colony optimization) algorithm is proposed to control and make decision of the crawler drilling rig construction system. Firstly, the HC algorithm is used to cluster the operation parameters of the drilling rig, and the importance and clustering center of the working parameters of the crawler drilling rig, as well as the working time of each construction process are obtained. Then, the ACO algorithm is used for iterative calculation to complete the adjustment of the working parameters, so as to ensure that the working parameters of the crawler drilling rig meet the design requirements and the construction efficiency is at a high level. Finally, the field construction of crawler drilling rig is used to verify. The accuracy of HC-ACO algorithm is improved by 13.04%, the efficiency of each construction process is basically improved, and the construction time is only 511.3 s, which provides a theoretical basis for the intelligent construction of crawler drilling rig in coal mine.
Accessing SOAP Web Services

This chapter looks at another mechanism used to access Web services—SOAP—which is similar to XML-RPC and to some extent REST. SOAP is more structured and general than XML-RPC and REST. It is also ostensibly more complex and more difficult to understand because of all of the details about how to format and send requests as XML documents. However, much of the complexity of SOAP is hidden from users as we can programmatically generate code in R (and other languages) to access any SOAP-based Web service and its collection of methods using the genSOAPClientInterface() function. This hides all of the details underlying XML and HTTP while still leaving the user with a lot of flexibility and control. In this chapter, we describe how to access SOAP Web services from within R and how to generate the interfaces from WSDL documents describing the service’s methods and data structures. For more advanced programmers, we also discuss approaches to customize how this code is generated and how to use the .SOAP() function directly to gain more control for more sophisticated applications of SOAP in R.
Physical, social, and psychological consequences of treatment for hepatitis C : a community-based evaluation of patient-reported outcomes.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral therapy entails a long treatment course, as well as significant side effects that can lead to medication non-adherence and premature termination of treatment. Few large studies have comprehensively examined patient perspectives on the treatment experience, particularly the social and personal effects. We sought to understand how a diverse group of patients’ lives were affected during HCV treatment, and to obtain suggestions about how to better support patients during treatment. On average, 13 months after therapy we interviewed by telephone a consecutive sample of 200 patients treated for hepatitis C with ribavirin and pegylated interferon in a comprehensive, integrated health plan in the years 2008–2010. Mixed (quantitative and qualitative) survey methods were used. The response rate was 68.9 %. Mean age at treatment was 51 years; 63.0 % were men; and Black, Hispanic, Asian, and White non-Hispanic racial/ethnic groups were similarly represented. Patients whose treatment was managed by nurses or clinical pharmacists (vs. physicians) were more likely to report their providers as being part of their support system (83.5 % vs. 58.9 %; p < 0.001). Most patients reported flu-like symptoms (93.5 %) and psychiatric problems (84.5 %), and 42.5 % reported side effects lasted up to 6 months after treatment. Black patients reported discontinuing treatment prematurely due to side effects more often than non-Blacks (29.4 % vs. 12.1 %; p < 0.001). Physical side effects (69.5 % of patients), psychiatric issues (43.5 %), and employment (27.4 %) were ranked among the three most difficult challenges. Patients desired help in anticipating and arranging work modifications during treatment. Most patients rated peer support, nutritional guidance, and weekly provider contact by telephone as potentially helpful resources for future patients undergoing HCV treatment. Patient perspectives can help formulate and refine HCV treatment support programs. Effective support programs for diverse populations are crucial as the complexities and costs of HCV treatment increase. The call for greater support from peers, providers, and employers demands new systems such as patient-centered care teams.
A Test Derivation Method Based on Exploiting Structure Information

Abstract The development of conformance test suites for testing of protocol implementations requires methodological assistance and efficient tools. Existing development approaches aim at full automation of the test derivation process, and often, the number of tests generated is too large to be useful in practice. Rather than aiming at complete automation, test derivation methods are needed which include parameters that can be adjusted by a test designer. In this paper, we present such a parametrized method, which is based on exploiting the structure of formal specifications.
Attachment of tail fibers in bacteriophage T4 assembly: Identification of the baseplate protein to which tail fibers attach

A phage-neutralizing rabbit antiserum collected after immunization with tail-fiberless bacteriophage T4 particles was adsorbed with complete T4 phage. The resulting adsorbed serum inhibited tail fiber attachment in vitro. To identify the antigens against which this inhibitory activity was directed, blocking experiments were carried out with the adsorbed serum. Isolated complete baseplates and mutant-infected-cell extracts lacking known baseplate gene products but containing gene 9 product showed similar high levels of blocking activity. By contrast, both tail-fiberless particles lacking gene 9 product and infected-cell extracts made with gene 9 mutants showed 30-fold to 100-fold lower blocking activity. These results strongly support the conclusion that gene 9 product is the baseplate protein to which tail fibers attach.
Prognosis of Wilsonian chronic active hepatitis.

Twenty of 320 patients with Wilson's disease initially presented with chemical and laboratory features of chronic active hepatitis, confirmed histologically in 17. When first seen, cirrhosis was present in all 20 and was complicated by ascites and/or jaundice in 11. Within 1 week to 8 years of the onset of overt liver disease the diagnosis of Wilson's disease was established, and treatment with D-penicillamine was promptly initiated in 19 patients. One man refused treatment and died 4 months later. Treated patients received D-penicillamine or trientine for a total of 264 patient-years (median, 14 patient-years). Abnormal water retention, for which salt restriction and diuretics were added to penicillamine or trientine, disappeared in all but 1 of the patients so affected. Symptomatic improvement and virtually normal levels of serum albumin, bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase followed within 1 year in the majority of subjects. One woman died after 9 months of treatment. Two patients, who became noncompliant with the therapeutic regimen after 9 and 17 years of successful pharmacological treatment, required liver transplants. These results indicate that the prognosis of specifically treated Wilsonian chronic active hepatitis is very good in spite of the presence of cirrhosis.
Editor’s message: Groundwater modeling fantasies —part 1, adrift in the details

Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it. …Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it. (Epigrams in Programming by Alan Perlis, a computer scientist; Perlis 1982).
Media exposure and the sexual attitudes and behaviors of college students.

AbstractThis study examined the relationship between popular media consumption and sexual attitudes and behavior for 475 college students, while controlling for commonly related social-psychological variables. Results indicate that females consume more sexually suggestive media (TV soap operas and pop music) than males. General media consumption was not a powerful predictor of permissiveness. Regression analyses revealed that Music Television (MTV) consumption was the only media variable significantly associated with permissiveness for females. Self-esteem was positively associated with permissive attitudes and behavior for both males and females. Soap opera consumption was significantly associated with permissive behavior for males but not for females. Sexual permissiveness for females was more significantly related to religiosity but less significantly related to self-esteem than for males. No important extraneous variable influences were found. Findings are discussed in terms of gender differences, the...
The Influence of Historians on the Archival Profession in the United States

The founders of the first archives (herein the term includes historical manuscripts) in the United States were historians; they were among the founders of the archival profession, and historian/archivists continue to be the leaders of the profession. The increasing concern of archivists with conservation, security, and ethical use of records, and the rapidly developing technology for the automated creation, storage, and retrieval of records, have widened the gulf between the historical and archival professions. The ties between them, however, are far from severed. Many archivists belong to and participate in historical organizations and vice versa. Historians and archivists also continue to be allied in committees representing their mutual professional interests and in numerous documentary publication projects. Training in archival administration, in whatever subject, such as science or literature, is required by an archives and, for the foreseeable future, in the use of computers, is essential for archiv...
Electronic Energy Levels in Individual Molecules, Thin Films, and Organic Heterojunctions of Substituted Phthalocyanines

Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy was performed on phthalocyanine samples in the gas phase and as thin vapor-deposited solid films. The results are compared to those of molecular orbital calculations and electrochemical redox experiments in solutions and as solid films. Electron-withdrawing groups or substituents are introduced to the phthalocyanine system to increase the ionization potential and electron affinity. An almost parallel shift of photoelectron spectra is obtained. Unsubstituted phthalocyaninatozinc (PcZn), complexes of tetrapyridotetraazaporphyrins (TPyTAPZn, TPyTAPVO) and hexadecafluorophthalocyanines (F16PcZn, F16PcVO, F16PcAlF) have been studied. The alignment of energy levels in organic heterojunctions prepared from the substituted phthalocyanines and the unsubstituted zinc complex is discussed in detail. The offset between the highest occupied electronic levels, the establishment of a surface dipole, and the redistribution of charge in the heterointerface region beyond molecular con...
Longitudinal association between serum urate and subclinical atherosclerosis: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study

Objective The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum urate (sUA) concentration is positively associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, independent of body mass index (BMI), amongst generally healthy adults. Design and setting The CARDIA study followed 5115 Black and White individuals aged 18–30 years in 1985–1986 (year 0). Subclinical atherosclerosis comprised coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC; years 15, 20 and 25), and maximum common carotid intima–media thickness (IMT; year 20). sUA (years 0, 10, 15 and 20) was modelled as gender-specific quartiles that were pooled. Discrete-time hazard regressions and generalized linear regressions were used for analyses. Results Mean sUA concentration was lower in women than in men and increased with age. Adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors, the highest versus lowest quartile of sUA at year 0 was associated with a 44% [95% confidence interval (CI) 20%, 73%] greater risk of CAC progression from years 15 to 25 (Ptrend < 0.001), which was attenuated by adjustment for BMI at year 0 (Ptrend = 0.45). A stronger association was found between sUA at year 15 and CAC progression at year 20 or 25 (hazard ratio 2.07, 95% CI 1.66, 2.58 for the highest versus lowest sUA quartile Ptrend < 0.001), which was attenuated, but remained significant with additional adjustment for BMI at year 15 (Ptrend = 0.01). A greater increment in sUA concentration from year 0 to year 15, independent of change in BMI, was related to a higher risk of CAC progression (Ptrend < 0.001). Similar associations were found between sUA and IMT, but only in men. Conclusion sUA may be an early biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis in young adults; starting in early middle age, sUA predicts subclinical atherosclerosis independently of BMI.
Signal amplification in a microchannel from redox cycling with varied electroactive configurations of an individually addressable microband electrode array.

Amperometric detection at microelectrodes in lab-on-a-chip (LOAC) devices lose advantages in signal-to-background ratio, reduced ohmic iR drop, and steady-state signal when volumes are so small that diffusion fields reach the walls before flux becomes fully radial. Redox cycling of electroactive species between multiple, closely spaced microelectrodes offsets that limitation and provides amplification capabilities. A device that integrates a microchannel with an individually addressable microband electrode array has been used to study effects of signal amplification due to redox cycling in a confined, static solution with different configurations and numbers of active generators and collectors. The microfabricated device consists of a 22 μm high, 600 μm wide microchannel containing an array of 50 μm wide, 600 μm long gold microbands, separated by 25 μm gaps, interspersed with an 800 μm wide counter electrode and 400 μm wide passive conductor, with a distant but on-chip 400 μm wide pseudoreference electrod...
The Evolution of Cooperation

The article presents a review of the book “The Evolution of Cooperation,” by Robert Axelrod.