cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second-Site Mutations Selected in Transcriptional Regulatory Sequences Compensate for Engineered Mutations in the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Nucleocapsid Protein

The active template for RNA synthesis for vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and other negative-strand viruses is the RNA genome in association with the nucleocapsid (N) protein. The N protein molecules sequester the genomic RNA and are linked together by a network of noncovalent interactions. We previously demonstrated that mutations predicted to weaken interactions between adjacent N protein molecules altered the levels of RNA synthesis directed from subgenomic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) templates. To determine if these mutations affect virus replication, recombinant viruses containing single-amino-acid substitutions in the N protein were recovered. Four mutations altered transcription and genome replication levels, perturbed viral protein synthesis, and inhibited virus replication. Selective pressure for improved virus replication was applied by eight sequential passages. After five passages, virus replication improved and RNA synthesis recovered concomitantly with the restoration of the protein molar ratios to near-wild-type levels. Genome sequences were compared before and after passage to determine whether compensatory mutations were selected and to potentially identify interactions between N protein molecules or between the RNP template and the viral polymerase. Improved virus replication correlated with the selection of additional mutations located in cis-acting transcriptional regulatory sequences at the gene junctions of the genome rather than in coding sequences, with one exception. The engineered N gene mutations perturbed mRNA and protein expression levels, but the selection of modified transcriptional regulatory sequences with passage facilitated the restoration of wild-type protein expression by modulating transcription levels, reflecting the adaptability and versatility of gene regulation by transcriptional control.
Quantitative experimental study of intra-channel nonlinear timing jitter in a 10 Gb/s terrestrial WDM return-to-zero system

Using a recirculating loop, we measure nonlinearly-induced timing jitter at different transmission distances for different amounts of pre-compensation. Within each sub-band, we achieve error-free transmission using the same pre-compensation for all channels at all distances up to 5000 km.
Reliability and Validity of the Self-Efficacy Expectations and Outcome Expectations After Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation Scales

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity characteristics of two new scales that measure self-efficacy expectations (Self-Efficacy Expectations After Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation Scale [SE-ICD]) and outcome expectations (Outcome Expectations After ICD Implantation Scale [OE-ICD]) in survivors (N = 168) of sudden cardiac arrest, all of whom received an ICD. Cronbach's α reliability demonstrated good internal consistency (SE-ICD α = .93 and OE-ICD α = .81). Correlations with other self-efficacy instruments (general self-efficacy and social self-efficacy) were consistently high. The instruments were responsive to change across time with effect sizes of .46 for SE-ICD and .26 for OE-ICD. These reliable, valid, and responsive instruments for measurement of self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectations after an ICD can be used in research and clinical settings.
Pyrethroid insecticides in bed sediments from urban and agricultural streams across the United States

Pyrethroid insecticides are hydrophobic compounds that partition to streambed sediments and have been shown to cause toxicity to non-target organisms; their occurrence is well documented in parts of California, but there have been limited studies in other urban and agricultural areas across the United States. To broaden geographic understanding of pyrethroid distributions, bed sediment samples were collected and analyzed from 36 streams in 25 states, with about 2/3 of the sites in urban areas and 1/3 in agricultural areas. At least one pyrethroid (of the 14 included in the analysis) was detected in 78% of samples. Seven pyrethroids were detected in one or more samples. Bifenthrin was the most frequently detected (58% of samples), followed by permethrin (31%), resmethrin (17%), and cyfluthrin (14%). The other three detected pyrethroids (cyhalothrin, cypermethrin and delta/tralomethrin) were found in two or fewer of the samples. Concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 180 ng g−1 dry weight. The number of pyrethroids detected were higher in the urban samples than in the agricultural samples, but the highest concentrations of individual pyrethroids were split between urban and agricultural sites. The pyrethroids detected in the agricultural areas generally followed use patterns. Predicted toxicity was greater for urban areas and attributed to bifenthrin, cyfluthrin and cypermethrin, while in agricultural areas the toxicity was mainly attributed to bifenthrin.
Person Perception of Type As and Type Bs: A Round Robin Analysis

The present study examined the perceptions that others have of the interpersonal style and behaviors of Type As and Type Bs. Fifteen groups of six college males (three of each type) who were acquainted with each other were asked to rate themselves and the other members of the group on six Type A-related adjectives and other exploratory personality dimensions. The round robin design used in this study permitted a full analysis of the factors which affect person perception. It was found that Type As rated both Type As and Type Bs higher on the six Type A-related, but not on other adjectives.
Metalloprotease-disintegrins: modular proteins capable of promoting cell-cell interactions and triggering signals by protein-ectodomain shedding.

Metalloprotease-disintegrins (ADAMs) have captured our attention as key players in fertilization and in the processing of the ectodomains of proteins such as tumor necrosis factor (a) (TNF(a)), and because of their roles in Notch-mediated signaling, neurogenesis and muscle fusion. ADAMs are integral membrane glycoproteins that contain a disintegrin domain, which is related to snake-venom integrin ligands, and a metalloprotease domain (which can contain or lack a catalytic site). Here, we review and critically discuss current topics in the ADAMs field, including the central role of fertilin in fertilization, the role of the TNF(a) convertase in protein ectodomain processing, the role of Kuzbanian in Notch signaling, and links between ADAMs and processing of the amyloid-precursor protein.
Principles of Comanagement and the Geriatric Fracture Center

This article describes the principles of comanagement in an optimized geriatric fracture center. This is a collaborative model of care that uses patient-centered, protocol-driven care to standardize the care for most patient fragility fractures. This model also uses shared decision making and frequent communication to improve clinically relevant outcomes. The orthopedic and medical teams are equally responsible from admission to discharge and are responsible for daily evaluation and clinical management of the patient.
Enteroendocrine cells express functional Toll-like receptors

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) provide a physical and immunological barrier against enteric microbial flora. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), through interactions with conserved microbial patterns, activate inflammatory gene expression in cells of the innate immune system. Previous studies of the expression and function of TLRs in IECs have reported varying results. Therefore, TLR expression was characterized in human and murine intestinal sections, and TLR function was tested in an IEC line. TLR1, TLR2, and TLR4 are coexpressed on a subpopulation of human and murine IECs that reside predominantly in the intestinal crypt and belong to the enteroendocrine lineage. An enteroendocrine cell (EEC) line demonstrated a similar expression pattern of TLRs as primary cells. The murine EEC line STC-1 was activated with specific TLR ligands: LPS or synthetic bacterial lipoprotein. In STC-1 cells stimulated with bacterial ligands, NF-κB and MAPK activation was demonstrated. Furthermore, the expression of TNF and macrophage inhibitory protein-2 were induced. Additionally, bacterial ligands induced the expression of the anti-inflammatory gene transforming growth factor-β. LPS triggered a calcium flux in STC-1 cells, resulting in a rapid increase in CCK secretion. Finally, conditioned media from STC-1 cells inhibited the production of nitric oxide and IL-12 p40 by activated macrophages. In conclusion, human and murine IECs that express TLRs belong to the enteroendocrine lineage. Using a murine EEC model, a broad range of functional effects of TLR activation was demonstrated. This study suggests a potential role for EECs in innate immune responses.
Systemic Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Current Options, Current Evidence

Combination chemotherapy regimens including irinotecan and oxaliplatin markedly improve response rate and prolong median survival over fluorouracil with leucovorin (FU/LV), and have supplanted FU/LV as the standard systemic approach for metastatic colorectal cancer. The recent availability of five active chemotherapeutic agents has doubled the median overall survival for metastatic colorectal cancer from 10 to 20 months, and though the optimal strategy for incorporation of all drugs is still unclear, current data support the use of chemotherapy doublets in first-line rather than sequential single-agent therapy. Multidrug regimens increase both response rate and the proportion of patients able to undergo potentially curative resection. In addition, as many as 20% to 30% of patients never receive second-line chemotherapy. When used as single agents, bolus and infusional FU/LV and capecitabine are similarly effective but have differing toxicity. Chemotherapy combinations that incorporate infusion of FU are less toxic and more effective than those using bolus FU dosing. Capecitabine is under study as an alternative dosing method for use in combination regimens; however, the optimal dose has not been defined and final safety and efficacy outcomes are being addressed in ongoing phase II and III investigations. Three combinations have shown excellent first-line efficacy in phase III trials--IFL with bevacizumab, FOLFOX, and FOLFIRI--but neither of these combinations is clearly superior. Sound clinical judgment must continue to guide treatment decisions while we await data regarding the optimal combination and sequence of fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, and cetuximab.
Strategic politicians and U.S. house elections, 1874-1914

One of the most fundamental changes in post-World War II congressional elections has been the rise of candidate-centered campaigns. This phenomenon has given rise to considerable theoretical and empirical literature demonstrating the strategic behavior of congressional candidates. Yet very few scholars have assessed the effect or existence of strategic candidate behavior for the pre-World War II era. We seek to fill part of this void by exploring the extent to which experienced or quality candidates played a role in influencing the electoral fortunes of incumbent House members in elections spanning the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Our findings suggest that in terms of strategic emergence and electoral performance, congressional candidates exhibited patterns of behavior which are strikingly similar to those seen in modern-day campaigns, suggesting that individual ambition is the best explanation for candidate behavior in both eras.
The Impacts of Worktime Control in Context

1. Jackie Stein[1][1] 1. 1University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA 1. Jackie Stein, Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA. Email: jacklyn{at}soc.umass.edu This article examines the relationships between workers’ control over their working time and their well-being, looking at how these relationships differ across a set of health care occupations that are stratified by class, gender, and race (physicians, nurses, emergency medical technicians [EMTs], and certified nursing assistants [CNAs]). Across occupations, workers’ ability to control their schedules decreases their job-related stress. The results show that different dimensions of worktime control (WTC) affect workers in different occupations in distinctive ways, offering a corrective to prior work that combines workers who occupy different locations in the system of social stratification. Among nursing assistants—the most socially marginalized group in the study—the relationships between particular aspects of WTC and job stress were distinct from those associations among the other three occupations, reinforcing the importance of examining these relationships in occupationally specific contexts. This kind of comparative perspective illuminates the ways distributions of intangible resources such as WTC both emerge from and reinforce existing patterns of social stratification. The implications of these differences for research and policy are discussed. [1]: #aff-1
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium-Aluminum-Manganese Cast Alloys

Mg-Al-Mn (AM) based cast alloys were optimized for balanced tensile properties (strength and ductility) and response to heat treatment. The microstructure and mechanical property tests suggest that an aluminum content of 7–8% Al is optimum in these alloys for structural applications. AM80 (Mg-8%Al-0.3%Mn) alloy castings produced by super-vacuum die casting process show very good properties; yield strength of 157 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 252 MPa and elongation of 5.6% in the as-cast condition, which compare favorably with the workhorse aluminum die casting alloy A380. Both T5 (artificial aging after as-cast condition) and T6 (artificial aging after solution and water quench) provided a similar improvement in strength for gravity-cast AM alloys containing more than 8% Al, but minimal strengthening in high pressure die castings.
23.8 A 40Gb/s 14mW CMOS wireline receiver

Reaching a power efficiency of 1mW/Gb/s has proven difficult for wireline transceivers operating at tens of gigabits per second. At 40Gb/s, recent receivers consume from 150mW [1] to 1W [2]. This paper describes a receiver that achieves a tenfold reduction in power and an efficiency of 0.35mW/Gb/s.
Extended Ground for U.S.-China Competition?

This article identifies the respective interests of China and the United States in Africa — both Sub-Saharan and North Africa. By comparing the general strategies toward Africa and recent policy statements of the two countries, the article notes the important institutional differences in each country that impacts the implementation of policy in Africa and identifies the tools and tactics they use to achieve their respective goals. Subsequently, it evaluates the relative success that China and the United States have had in developing ties with African countries, indicating the countries with which China and the United States has each done especially well with respectively. Finally, the article identifies areas of China-U.S. cooperation and competition in Africa and suggests ways the two countries can further cooperate in a manner that will benefit Africa. It is concluded that China and the United States share very similar interests in Africa, and that their competition has been largely confined to economic arenas. Although the United States remains cautious of China’s growing military presence in Africa, there is much room for their cooperation in promoting peace and development of the continent.
Flow at high Reynolds numbers

Having discussed viscous flows at vanishing Reynolds numbers, we turn our attention to the diametrically opposite limit of inertia-dominated flows at high Reynolds numbers. Examining the changes in the structure of a flow with increasing Reynolds number, we encounter a broad variety of protocols accompanied by a rich phenomenology. In all cases, when the Reynolds number exceeds a critical threshold, flow instability arises and a small-scale turbulent motion is established. The theoretical study of the structure and dynamics of flows at high Reynolds numbers encompasses several complementary topics including potential-flow theory, boundary-layer theory, theory of hydrodynamic stability, theory of turbulent motion, and dynamics of vortex motion. Potential flow was considered in earlier sections; boundary-layer theory, hydrodynamic stability, and turbulent motion will be discussed in this chapter; and vortex motion will be the exclusive topic of Chapter 11.
Data-driven multi-agent DSS for equipment support

A data-driven multi-agent decision support systems(DSS) was proposed to improve intelligent and high-performance equipment support.System data,problem models,and agents could be distributed at different nodes in network,and the agents could be further composed of sub-agents and of agent components.System agents cooperated to integrate heterogeneous data sources,construct multi-dimensional data cubes,mine valuable equipment support models,solve large-scale constraint satisfaction problems and to generate a variety of support plans automatically and intelligently,and in consequence decreased the difficulty in system development and increased the interactive flexibility.The result demonstrates that the distributed,component-based architecture can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of equipment decision-support solutions.
PRIMARY PATIENT CARE IN A CHRONIC OUTPATIENT HEMODIALYSIS UNIT

Primary care is defined as a care delivery system in which a registered nurse (RN) has total responsibility and autonomy for the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and outcomes of an assigned group of patients. This method of patient care delivery has been practiced for many years but is not always practiced in chronic outpatient hemodialysis settings. Functional care delivery, in which it is not unusual to have a different assignment each day is practiced in many units. In a functional unit, general care is supervised by the charge nurse and/or nurse manager. The following is an account of the development and outcomes of primary nursing care teams at a chronic outpatient hemodialysis unit at Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck, NJ.
‘Thinking thief’ in the crime prevention arms race: Lessons learned from shoplifters

Retailers invest considerable sums of money in security measures designed to prevent shoplifting. However, little is known about shoplifters’ perceptions of anti-shoplifting security measures or shoplifters’ techniques for outmaneuvering them. Building on Ekblom’s recommendation to ‘think thief’ to disengage from the crime prevention arms race, our data consist of in-depth interviews with active shoplifters who simulated shoplifting at two national retail stores while wearing an eye-tracking device. Shoplifters in the present study describe their perceptions of the deterrence potential of specific security measures and the various counter-moves employed to successfully steal merchandise. Implications for ‘thinking thief’ in the retail environment are discussed.
Specificity of Structure of the Central Visual System

Comparative analysis of the neurons of various parts of the visual system is essential before it can be decided whether specialization and generalization are present, not only in peripheral parts of sensory systems so carefully studied histologically during recent years by Vinnikov (1947, 1963), but also of their central portion. I shall here compare my findings with other studies of neurons. Neurons of the motor cortex have been studied by Zhukova (1950, 1953), and of the limbic cortex by Tsinda (1959, 1960). Important work was also carried out by Polyakov (1949), Cajal (1900–1906, 1911), Lorente de No (1922, 1938), and de Crinis (1933).
The danger zone: Systematic review of the role of HMGB1 danger signalling in traumatic brain injury

AbstractBackground: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are associated with complex inflammatory pathways that lead to the development of secondary injuries such as cerebral ischaemia, elevated intracranial pressure and cognitive deficits. The association between intracellular danger signalling involving nuclear chromatin-binding factor, high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and inflammatory pathways following TBI has not yet been fully understood.Primary objective: To comprehensively review the available literature regarding the potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic use of HMGB1 in TBI.Methods: A systematic literature review of studies available in PubMed using human and animal subjects was performed. A total of eight studies were included in the results.Conclusions: A comprehensive review of these reports demonstrated that, following TBI, HMGB1 is released from damaged neurons and is elevated in patient’s serum and CSF. Furthermore, these studies showed the potential for HMGB1 to serve as a prognostic...
Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery: what’s up and what’s down?

Obesity is a global public health problem and attempts to treat this condition using life style with and without pharmacological interventions have not been successful in majority of obese individuals. To date, the most effective treatment for obesity is weight loss surgery. One of the most widely used procedures to treat obesity worldwide, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), has shown to induce diabetes remission in addition to significant and sustainable weight loss. As the number of this procedure performed over the last two decades increased, it has become clear that a subgroup of individuals develop postprandial hypoglycemia several years after surgery. This debilitating late complication of RYGB is often associated with loss of consciousness or seizures, and in severe cases, it is only partially responsive to diet modification or other available therapeutic options. The diagnosis is often a challenge resulting in delays in receiving care in the affected individuals. Although the underlying mechanisms are under current investigations, growing evidence suggest that a combination of exaggerated meal-derived nutrient appearance to systemic circulation and altered islet and gut hormone response after eating have a role in pathogenesis of this condition. The goal of this review is to highlight new perspectives regarding this life-threatening complication of RYGB. The etiology, diagnosis, recommendation on how to distinguish from classic dumping and current available treatment based on literature review will be discussed. In addition, physiologic changes after gastric bypass predisposing to hypoglycemia syndrome will be highlighted.International Journal of Obesity advance online publication, 31 October 2017; doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.257.
Reaching an American Consensus: Reactions to the Special Issue on School Bullying.

Highlights of this special issue on bullying are presented. The compendium of research reviewed and data presented set the stage for future research to attend to issues of definition, measurement, ...
Leveraging the Success of HIV Drug Development Paradigms for Cancer.

In the 1980s, infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was a devastating condition, signifying near-certain lethality; however, people infected by HIV today may have life expectancies typical of the general population ([1][1]). A major driver of this progress was the introduction of
Yttrium and Rare Earth Element Complexation by Chloride Ions at 25°C

Formation constants for yttrium and rare earth element (YREE) chloride complexation have been measured at 25°C by examining the influence of medium (NaClO4 and NaCl) on YREE complexation by fluoride ions and methyliminodiacetate (MIDA). YREE chloride complexation constants Clβ1(M) obtained in this work using dissimilar procedures are in good agreement and indicate that, at constant temperature and ionic strength, Clβ1(M) does not vary significantly across the fifteen-member series of elements. The ionic strength μ dependence of YREE chloride formation constants between 0 and 6 molar ionic strength can be written, for all YREE, as $${\text{log}}_{{\text{CI}}} \beta _1 \left( M \right) = \log _{{\text{CI}}} \beta _1^0 \left( M \right) - 3.066\mu ^{0.5} /\left( {1 + 1.727\mu ^{0.5} } \right)$$ where Clβ1(M) = [MCl2+][M3+]−1[Cl−1]−1 and logClβ1 o(M) represents the MCl2+ formation constant for all YREE at zero ionic strength: logClβ1 o = 0.65 ± 0.05.
Signaling cross-talk by bone morphogenetic proteins

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have diverse effect on different cell types and, for many, BMPs play essential role in their survival and differentiation. BMPs are conserved across the animal kingdom and participate in the development of a wide variety of organisms including vertebrates, arthropods and nematodes. In the growing family of BMPs, more than 30 members have been described so far. In vertebrates, BMPs regulate development of many organs, including heart, kidney and bone, by regulating proliferation, differentiation and apoptotic pathways [1, 2, 3]. The wide spectrum of biological responses elicited by BMPs in different cellular set ups are dictated by tightly controlled signaling cross-talk between BMPinduced signaling pathways and interaction of divergent intracellular cofactors. In this review, we describe the signal transduction pathways induced by BMPs and discuss the possible cross-talk between them. We focus mainly on BMP signaling in bone with a brief discussion of other cell types that are regulated by BMPs. Figure 1 summarizes the pathways for BMP-induced signal transduction pathways discussed in this review.
Heterogeneous congestion control protocols

Homogeneity of price is an implicit yet fundamental assumption underlying price based resource allocation theory. In this thesis, we study the effects of relaxing this assumption by examining a concrete engineering system (network with heterogeneous congestion control protocols). The behavior of the system turns out to be very different from the homogeneous case and can potentially be much more complicated. A systematic theory is developed that includes all major properties of equilibrium of the system such as existence, uniqueness, optimality, and stability. In addition to analysis, we also present numerical examples, simulations, and experiments to illustrate the theory and verify its predictions. When heterogeneous congestion control protocols that react to different pricing signals share the same network, the resulting equilibrium can no longer be interpreted as a solution to the standard utility maximization problem as the current theory suggests. After introducing a mathematical formulation of network equilibrium for multi-protocol networks, we prove the existence of equilibrium under mild assumptions. For almost all networks, the equilibria are locally unique. They are finite and odd in number. They cannot all be locally stable unless the equilibrium is globally unique. We also derive two conditions for global uniqueness. By identifying an optimization problem associated with every equilibrium, we show that every equilibrium is Pareto efficient and provide an upper bound on efficiency loss due to pricing heterogeneity. Both intra-protocol and inter-protocol fairness are then discussed. On dynamics, various stability results are provided. In particular it is shown that if the degree of pricing heterogeneity is small enough, the network equilibrium is not only unique but also locally stable. Finally, a distributed algorithm is proposed to steer a network to the unique equilibrium that maximizes the aggregate utility, by only updating a linear parameter in the sources' algorithms in a slow timescale.
Changes in Pediatric Dental Coverage and Visits Following the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act

OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of the inclusion of pediatric dental care in the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) core package of essential health benefits on dental coverage and utilization. DATA SOURCES Children aged 1-18 years included in the nationally representative 2010-2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). STUDY DESIGN We used regression-adjusted difference-in-differences to examine changes in rates of dental coverage and visits pre- and post-ACA for children likely to be affected by the ACA (have a parent working for a small employer) to a comparison group of children who were unlikely to be affected (have a parent in a firm with ≥50 employees). Models adjusted for relevant health and sociodemographic measures. DATA COLLECTION NHIS is an annual household survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Comparing pre- and post-ACA periods, private dental insurance increased by 4.6 percentage points more (P = 0.013) and annual dental visits were unchanged (2.7 percentage points, P = 0.071) among children likely to be affected by the ACA compared to children unlikely to be affected by the ACA. CONCLUSION Inclusion of pediatric dental care as an ACA essential health benefit increased dental insurance coverage, but not dental visits among children likely to be affected by this policy.
Knowledge Work and Digital Talent

A skeptic might say that anyone who purports to know what lies ahead is either just guessing or simply being foolish. Many of us find ourselves making informal conjectures about the future, while sitting with friends over coffee. How can we really say with confidence what is around the corner, predicting events that have not been seen in a concrete sense? For the most part, the future of work is staring most of us immediately in the face. So in this case the future may not be so difficult to predict after all, when there is so much evidence to support what direction things are headed. With the advent of knowledge work, this relationship has become even more prominent. This chapter addresses the concept of knowledge work and proposes some further understanding of the oft-used term digital talent, as it relates to work analysis.
Use of ECMO support in pediatric patients with severe thoracic trauma.

Abstract Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in the non-trauma setting for over 30 years. However, the use of ECMO in trauma remains a difficult question, as the risk of bleeding must be weighed against the benefits of cardiopulmonary support. Methods Retrospective review of children who sustained severe thoracic trauma (chest abbreviated injury score ≥ 3) and required ECMO support between 2009 and 2016. Results Of the 425 children who experienced severe thoracic trauma, 6 (1.4%) underwent ECMO support: 67% male, median age 4.8 years, median ISS 36, median GCS 3, and overall survival 83%. The median hospital day of ECMO initiation was 2 with a median ECMO duration of 7 days. All cannulations occurred through the right neck regardless of the size of the child. Five initially had veno-venous support with 1 requiring conversion to veno-arterial (VA) support. Both children on VA support suffered devastating cerebrovascular accidents, one of which ultimately led to withdrawal of care and death. Complications in the cohort included: paraplegia (1), neurocognitive defects/dysphonia (1), infected neck hematoma (1), deep femoral venous thrombosis (1), bilateral lower extremity spasticity (1). Conclusion This small cohort supports the use of ECMO in children with severe thoracic injuries as a potentially lifesaving intervention, however, not without significant complication. Level of Evidence IV.
Ultra-wideband communications : An overview

This paper presents an overview of ultra-wideband (UWB) communications systems, i.e., systems with very large relative and/or absolute bandwidth. The large bandwidth and low power spectral density mandated for UWB systems allows their use as overlays over existing (legacy) systems, i.e., they can be used in the same frequency range as existing systems without causing undue interference. We also describe the most common types of UWB systems, including time-hopping impulse radio, frequency hopping, and multi-band OFDM. We furthermore discuss interference aspects and the peculiarities of UWB propagation channels.
Magnetic-field measurements with amplitude-modulated light and intensity correlation technique (Conference Presentation)

Resonant excitation of an atomic medium with amplitude modulated (AM) light can produce synchronous optical pumping effects. Nonlinear magneto-optical rotation (NMOR) is produced with AM light when the optical pumping rate is synchronous with the Larmor frequency. Traditionally, magnetic field measurements have been performed using lock-in detection of the NMOR signal with the transmitted light. Instead of NMOR, we have studied intensity correlation between two orthogonally polarized components of the AM light passing through a rubidium vapor cell, for magnetic field measurements. We have used a pure 87Rb cell (1 cm in diameter and 2 cm in length) filled with Ne buffer gas for this study. Intensity correlation is performed by recording the intensity data from two fast photodetectors with a high bandwidth digitizer board. We have measured the dependence of the zero-delay intensity correlation on the magnetic field. We have also studied the dependence of the correlation width on the light intensity and cell temperature. Results obtained from the theoretical model are also compared with the experiment. The results suggest intensity correlation can be used as a viable technique for improving the performance of magnetic field measurements with AM light.
Modulation of Fox-Regulated Alternative Splicing Events during Erythropoiesis.

A switch in the alternative splicing pattern in protein 4.1R pre-mRNA, involving activation of exon 16 splicing, occurs in late erythropoiesis. Because the inclusion of exon 16 leads to synthesis of protein isoforms with high affinity for spectrin and actin, and mechanical strengthening of the membrane, this switch is critical for normal erythyroid differentiation. Previous studies have shown that Fox-2 protein is a splicing regulator that binds to intronic enhancer sequences downstream of exon 16, and that this binding stimulates the inclusion of exon 16. Fox binding sites are also located downstream of other tissue-specific alternative exons, some of which exhibit variable splicing efficiencies, leading us to investigate whether splicing switch strength is influenced by variations in the sequence of the Fox binding-site motif (UGCAUG) and by the number of these protein binding sites. A series of minigenes was created in which protein 4.1R E16 splicing efficiency was measured in transfection studies. Mutation of the first U residue of the Fox binding site resulted in a significantly weaker, but still Fox dependent activation of splicing, whereas mutation of the terminal G residue dramatically reduced enhancer activity. Insertion of two wild-type UGCAUG elements enhanced splicing substantially in a Fox protein concentration-dependent manner, and four elements gave even stronger inclusion. To test whether the reduced splicing efficiency observed for minigenes containing mutated enhancer elements was due to a reduction in Fox binding, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was employed. Our binding studies indicate that full-length mouse Fox-2a bound to the UGCAUG sequence with high affinity (K D ∼100nM). Furthermore, in agreement with our functional splicing assays, Fox binding affinity for the hexameric sequence was reduced with mutations in position one, and almost eliminated with mutations in position six. There was an excellent correlation between binding affinity of Fox protein for the enhancer motif, and strength of enhancer activity measured in functional splicing assays. Additional studies demonstrated that Fox enhancer activity can be reduced by the presence of a closely linked binding site for hnRNP A1, a known splicing inhibitor. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the composition and number of binding sites for Fox can significantly affect the efficiency of splicing for E16. It is likely that through these combinatorial mechanisms, Fox splicing factors are able to modulate the efficiency with which tissue specific exons in the erythroid alternative splicing program can be spliced into mature mRNA.
The Theme of Patriotism in Prince Roman

This essay explores Conrad’s assessment of the moral state of Europe as well as post-Enlightenment European divisions, as reflected in the writer’s treatment of the theme of patriotism in his short story Prince Roman. The story’s unique, seemingly “un-Conradian” features are discussed in the context of the influence of Polish Romanticist ideas on Conrad. The motifs of unselfishness and sacrifice for a “greater cause” recurring in Prince Roman are shown as determinants of the quality of the protagonist’s moral choice.
Update on Breast Density, Risk Estimation, and Supplemental Screening

OBJECTIVE. Dense breast tissue is an established risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Methods for reliable and reproducible identification of breast density have been developed and are increasingly being adopted into clinical practice, allowing enhanced identification of patients who will benefit from supplemental screening. Breast density is being used for patient risk stratification through incorporation into risk models, leading to more precise management and improved decision making regarding personalized screening strategies. CONCLUSION. This review provides an update on breast density assessment, evaluation of patient's risk status, and the use of supplemental screening.
Noble Tradition and Blind Spots In U.S. Sustainability Philosophy

The foundational philosophy that provides the context in which sustainability operates in any given period in history would seem to be key to determining success or failure. In order to have the greatest chance of success, reasonable openness to a wide array of potentially useful ideas would logically appear to be essential. Progress needs context, ignoring neither the truths nor the errors of the past. However, certain blind spots exist that may cause useful ideas of the past to be ignored. This study focuses on the situation of the United States and considers one potential deterrent to long-run effectiveness of sustainability – the routine shunning by Americans of “noble tradition” stemming from the aristocracy and feudalism and its derivatives as anathema to the principles of American democracy. That tradition, though not without its flaws or abuses (no society is free from that), was built arguably on precepts of sustainability – even before the term really existed as it is known today. It is argued that the principles from medieval agrarian society that persisted in one form or another until republican revolutions, the Great War, and finally in the mid-to-late-20th century (depending on the country) are beneficial to consider, and learning from them can benefit modern industry in terms of promoting sustainable practices in systems of production and labour, as well as social responsibility. In order to create a conceptual framework that can be used to consider the potential impact on sustainability programmes of blind spots, a multipoint gravitational model is proposed. The model demonstrates mechanisms by which sustainability efforts may be harmed due to blind spots. Also, the potential for society to impose a cost on firms or individuals that attempt to consider unpopular tradition is considered via payoff analysis of strategic behaviour. That demonstrates the difficulty in breaking through the wall imposed by a blind spot.
Evaluation of soft-tissue response around laser microgrooved titanium percutaneous devices.

Percutaneous devices are prone to epidermal downgrowth and sinus tract formation, which can serve as a nidus for bacterial colonization and increase the risk of peri-prosthetic infection. A laser microgrooved topography has been shown to limit gingival epidermal downgrowth around dental implants. However, the efficacy of this laser microgrooved topography to limit epidermal downgrowth around nongingival percutaneous devices is yet to be investigated. In this study, devices with a porous-coated subdermal component and a percutaneous post were designed and manufactured. The proximal 2 mm section of the percutaneous post were left smooth, or were textured with either a porous coating, or with the laser microgrooved topography. The smooth and porous topographies served as controls. The devices were tested in a hairless guinea pig back model, where 18 animals were randomly assigned into three groups, with each group receiving one implant type (n = 6/group). Four weeks postimplantation, the devices with surrounding soft-tissues were harvested and processed for histological analyses. Results indicated that the laser microgrooved topography failed to prevent epidermal downgrowth (23 ± 4%) around percutaneous posts in this model. Furthermore, no significant differences (p = 0.70) in epidermal downgrowth were present between the three topographies, with all the groups exhibiting similar measures of downgrowth. Overall, these findings suggest that the laser microgrooved topography may not halt downgrowth around percutaneous devices for dermal applications.
Microstructure evolution and physical properties of ZrO2-(Y + Yb)O1.5-TaO2.5 thermal barrier coatings

Abstract This investigation provides insight into the microstructure evolution and bulk thermomechanical properties of quaternary ZrO2-(Y/Yb)O1.5-TaO2.5 thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) fabricated by electron-beam physical vapor deposition and aged at 1250 °C and 1500 °C. A ZrO2-based coating containing all three dopant oxides with a ratio of (Y + Yb): Ta ≥ 1 exhibits a columnar microstructure and texture similar to the state-of-the-art tetragonal ZrO2–8 ± 1 mol% YO1.5 (8YSZ) TBCs. It was deposited as a single, supersaturated tetragonal phase that evolves into a two-phase mixture of cubic and non-transformable tetragonal phases upon aging. The mean coefficient of thermal expansion is marginally lower than that of 8YSZ in the temperature range of 200–1200 °C, differing by no more than 0.5 ppm·K−1. The toughness at room temperature is comparable to cubic YSZ, i.e. ~10 J/m2, but preliminary results indicate that modifying the composition to increase the tetragonal phase fraction can produce toughness values similar to 8YSZ, i.e. ~40 J/m2. With thermomechanical properties akin to 8YSZ but superior phase stability and thermal resistivity, quaternary compositions hold promising potential as next-generation TBCs capable of operating at temperatures above current limits, up to 1500 °C.
The Differential Expression of Keratin Genes in Human Epidermal Cells

Terminal differentiation in human epidermis is a complex process involving a number of morphological and biochemical changes. The major differentiation-specific markers are the keratins, a group of proteins (M.W. 40–70K) which are present in all epithelial cells and which self-assemble into 8 nm cytoskeletal filaments. As a basal epidermal cell undergoes a commitment to terminally differentiate, it changes the pattern of keratins that it makes, switching to the synthesis of a set of keratins whose filaments have a propensity to aggregate. During wounding, or when skin is placed into tissue culture, the keratinization-specific keratins are suppressed, and a new set of keratins is induced. To elucidate the functional significance of these changes in keratin patterns, we have begun to examine the molecular mechanisms which orchestrate their synthesis in epidermis and in epidermal cells grown in culture. In this review, we discuss some of our more recent experiments aimed at characterizing the expression of the keratin proteins, their mRNAs and their genes in human epidermis.
Evaluation of Resistance to Fescue Toxicosis in Purebred Angus Cattle Utilizing Animal Performance and Cytokine Response

Fescue toxicosis is a multifaceted syndrome common in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue; however, varying symptomatic responses potentially imply genetic tolerance to the syndrome. It was hypothesized that a subpopulation of animals within a herd would develop tolerance to ergot alkaloid toxicity. Therefore, the goals of this study were to develop selection criteria to identify tolerant and susceptible animals within a herd based on animal performance, and then examine responsive phenotypic and cytokine profiles to fescue toxicosis. Angus cows grazed endophyte-infected tall fescue at two locations for 13 weeks starting in mid-April 2016. Forage measurements were collected to evaluate ergot alkaloid exposure during the study. A post hoc analysis of animal performance was utilized to designate cattle into either tolerant or susceptible groups, and weekly physiological measurements and blood samples were collected to evaluate responses to chronic exposure to endophyte-infected tall fescue. Findings from this study support the proposed fescue toxicosis selection method formulated herein, could accurately distinguish between tolerant and susceptible animals based on the performance parameters in cattle chronically exposed to ergot alkaloids, and provides evidence to warrant additional analysis to examine the impact of ergot alkaloids on immune responsiveness in cattle experiencing fescue toxicosis.
Epistemological similarities, prestige hierarchies, and double major combinations

With increasing knowledge specialization, disciplines continuously communicate and contest the boundaries of knowledge. Within the dynamic space of collaboration and communication between fields th...
Sleep Disorders in Athletes

Although optimizing sleep with the goal of optimizing athletic performance is gaining support among the athletic community, sleep and its disorders remain under-recognized and underappreciated. This is critically important as athletic performance is impaired by the presence of inadequate sleep and untreated sleep disorders. Athletes are uniquely at a higher risk for certain sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, including those in collision sports where athletes with larger body mass and neck size have a distinct advantage.
Safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of prostate as salvage procedure for persistent or recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to bladder outlet obstruction after prior prostate artery embolization: a match analysis.

To evaluate safety and efficacy of Holmium laser enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP) for management of persistent or recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms after prior prostate artery embolization (PAE). We also evaluated histopathological changes in prostate after PAE. Ten patients who underwent HoLEP after prior PAE were matched according to age, weight of resected prostate tissue, and anticoagulation status in 1:2 ratio with patients who underwent HoLEP without prior PAE by a researcher who was blinded to patient’s outcome at the time of matching. Histopathological examination of prostate tissue was performed to look for changes related to prior PAE. Patient’s demographics, perioperative parameters, and follow-up data were retrospectively compared. The median interval between PAE and HoLEP was 25 months [IQR 14.5–37.5]. Patients demographic were comparable in both groups. Intra-operatively plane of enucleation were well-maintained in spite of prior PAE. The differences in duration of surgery, enucleation efficiency, hemoglobin drop, duration of catheterization and hospital stay, and complications were statistically insignificant. Incidental prostate cancer was identified in 10% specimens from both groups. Post-PAE prostate specimens demonstrated evidence of remote-healed infarction represented by dense hyalinized paucicellur connective tissue with surrounding squamous metaplasia. There were no statistically significant differences in AUA symptom scores, maximum urine flow rate, post-void residual urine volume, and PSA at 3- and 6-month follow-up between both groups. Plane of enucleation is well-maintained after prior PAE. Salvage HoLEP is safe and effective after previous PAE and provide outcome comparable with HoLEP as a primary procedure.