cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Arp2/3 Complex and the Barbed Ends of Actin Filaments at the Leading Edge of Carcinoma Cells after Epidermal Growth Factor Stimulation

Using both light and high resolution electron microscopy, we analyzed the spatial and temporal relationships between the Arp2/3 complex and the nucleation activity that is required for lamellipod extension in mammary carcinoma cells after epidermal growth factor stimulation. A rapid two- to fourfold increase in filament barbed end number occurs transiently after stimulation and remains confined almost exclusively to the extreme outer edge of the extending lamellipod (within 100–200 nm of the plasma membrane). This is accompanied by an increase in filament density at the leading edge and a general decrease in filament length, with a specific loss of long filaments. Concomitantly, the Arp2/3 complex is recruited with a 1.5-fold increase throughout the entire cortical filament network extending 1–1.5 μm in depth from the membrane at the leading edge. The recruitment of the Arp2/3 complex at the membrane of the extending lamellipod indicates that Arp2/3 may be involved in initial generation of growing filaments. However, only a small subset of the complex present in the cortical network colocalizes near free barbed ends. This suggests that the 100–200-nm submembraneous compartment at the leading edge of the extending lamellipod constitutes a special biochemical microenvironment that favors the generation and maintenance of free barbed ends, possibly through the locally active Arp2/3 complex, severing or decreasing the on-rate of capping protein. Our results are inconsistent with the hypothesis suggesting uncapping is the dominant mechanism responsible for the generation of nucleation activity. However, they support the hypothesis of an Arp2/3-mediated capture of actin oligomers that formed close to the membrane by other mechanisms such as severing. They also support pointed-end capping by the Arp2/3 complex, accounting for its wide distribution at the leading edge.
Taxes and Non-Renewable Resources: The Impact on Exploration and Development

Oil & gas projects consist of a series of options. The mineral owner must first decide whether to spend money on "exploration" in order to learn the extent of potential reserves, the cost and timing of recovering the reserves, and the probability that the reserves are actually recoverable. The mineral owner holds an "exploration option" since the owner need not explore immediately but may wait until an increase in mineral prices makes the potential rewards from exploration more promising. After exploration of a property, the owner holds a "development option." The owner may pay to drill a test well to see if the reserves are recoverable, or the owner may put off any such test until prices are higher. If the test well proves there are recoverable reserves, the owner has a "production option." This option consists of the ability to complete the test well as a producer, and to drill and complete any other wells required to completely drain the recoverable reserves. The incentives for exploration, development, and production depend on the "threshold prices" at which an investor will execute each option. This article examines the impact of various tax policies on exploration and development threshold prices, using a simplified production model that collapses the production option into the development option. Capitalizing rather than expensing development costs (such as intangible drilling costs) creates incentives to do projects that have a lower probability of success, that have shorter well lives, and that have lower development costs. This shift in incentives creates a nonneutrality, causing investors to develop some properties prematurely while unduly delaying the development of other projects. Capitalizing development costs also causes a slight increase in the exploration threshold price and therefore reduces exploration. Capitalizing rather than expensing exploration costs (such as the costs of seismic analysis to detect potential underground deposits) results in a more complicated pattern of effects. This policy causes a large increase in the exploration threshold price, thereby reducing exploration. Since the taxpayer will not recover capitalized exploration costs until development, this policy also reduces the cost of development and lowers development threshold prices. As a consequence, capitalizing exploration costs results in more intensive development and production of known reserves as well as reduced exploration. This pattern is undesirable if the goal is to enhance national security by encouraging the creation of a pool of reserves that are available for immediate exploitation in case foreign supplies become unavailable. It also is possible that taxpayers may be able to circumvent most of the impact of rules requiring capitalization of exploration costs by strategically realizing losses. This possibility may blunt the undesirable national security impact of such rules, but the costs of the associated trading are social costs that would not arise under expensing.
The Organ of Experience: A Defense of the Primacy of Public Administrators in the Design and Reform of Policy and Law

Building on Wilsonian foundations, this article present the normative case for a special, central role for public servants in the design and redesign of public law, including constitutions. Central to the author’s argument are Wilson’s characterization of public administration as “the State’s experiencing organ” and his contention that public administration is the primary institution engaged day to day in negotiating the dynamic tension between public and private in a liberal democracy. The author identifies and counters three probable objections to public administrators fulfilling this distinctive role. He concludes with a defense of this role conception for public administration, stressing the obstacles to full realization, and the obligations it imposes on future scholars and public servants.
The Development of Macrophage-Mediated Cell Therapy to Improve Skeletal Muscle Function after Injury

Skeletal muscle regeneration following acute injury is a multi-step process involving complex changes in tissue microenvironment. Macrophages (MPs) are one of the key cell types involved in orchestration and modulation of the repair process. Multiple studies highlight the essential role of MPs in the control of the myogenic program and inflammatory response during skeletal muscle regeneration. A variety of MP phenotypes have been identified and characterized in vitro as well as in vivo. As such, MPs hold great promise for cell-based therapies in the field of regenerative medicine. In this study we used bone-marrow derived in vitro LPS/IFN-y-induced M1 MPs to enhance functional muscle recovery after tourniquet-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury (TK-I/R). We detected a 15% improvement in specific tension and force normalized to mass after M1 (LPS/IFN-γ) MP transplantation 24 hours post-reperfusion. Interestingly, we found that M0 bone marrow-derived unpolarized MPs significantly impaired muscle function highlighting the complexity of temporally coordinated skeletal muscle regenerative program. Furthermore, we show that delivery of M1 (LPS/IFN-γ) MPs early in regeneration accelerates myofiber repair, decreases fibrotic tissue deposition and increases whole muscle IGF-I expression.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Symptoms and Association with Oppositional Defiant and Other Disorders in a General Population Child Sample

Abstract Objective: The new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5) diagnosis, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), has generated appreciable controversy since its inception, primarily in regard to its validity as a distinct disorder from oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). The goal of our study was to determine if the two DSM-5 DMDD symptoms (persistently irritable or angry mood and severe recurrent temper outbursts) occurred independently of other disorders, particularly ODD. Other DSM-5 DMDD criteria were not assessed. Methods: Maternal ratings of the two DMDD symptoms, clinical diagnosis of ODD using DSM-5 symptom criteria, and psychological problem scores (anxiety, depression, oppositional behavior, conduct disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]) on the Pediatric Behavior Scale were analyzed in a population sample, 6–12 years of age (n = 665). Results: The prevalence of DMDD symptoms (irritable-angry mood and temper outbursts both rated...
Triangulation of Matrices and Linear Maps

Let V be a finite dimensional vector space over the field K, and assume n = dim V ≧ 1. Let A: V → V be a linear map. Let W be a subspace of V. We shall say that W is an invariant subspace of A, or is A -invariant, if A maps W into itself. This means that if w ∈ W, then Aw is also contained in W. We also express this property by writing AW a W. By a fan of A (in V) we shall mean a sequence of subspaces {V 1,..., V n } such that V i is contained in V i + 1 for each i = 1,... , n - 1, such that dim V i = i, and finally such that each V i is A-invariant. We see that the dimensions of the subspaces V 1,..., V n increases by 1 from one subspace to the next. Furthermore, V = V n .
Phase I/II trial of docetaxel plus oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (D-FOX) in patients with untreated, advanced gastric or gastroesophageal cancer

4612 Background: Docetaxel combined with cisplatin/5-fluouracil resulted in significantly longer time-to-progression and survival but also 30% rate of complicated neutropenia (JCO 2006; 24:4991). T...
Appendicitis in the Infant Population: A Case Report and Review of a Four-Month Old With Appendicitis.

Abstract Background Appendicitis is uncommon in children Case Report A 4-month-old girl presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute onset of grunting, pallor, fussiness, emesis, and diarrhea. The patient was initially afebrile, tachycardic, and tachypneic with a soft, nondistended, nontender abdomen and active bowel sounds. The patient became febrile, with a maximum temperature of 39.3°C (102.7°F), and remained tachycardic despite receiving fluids and antipyretics. Laboratory studies were notable for mild dehydration and sterile pyuria. Chest x-ray study was negative for infectious etiologies. Initial abdominal ultrasound found no clear etiology of the patient's symptoms. The patient was admitted to inpatient pediatrics for dehydration, fever, and presumed pyelonephritis. Twenty-four hours later the patient's abdomen became distended and diffusely tender to palpation, with obstipation and increasing episodes of emesis. Abdominal x-ray study demonstrated mild gaseous distension of multiple bowel loops with repeat abdominal ultrasound notable for a focal 8-mm, noncompressible hyperemic structure in the right lower quadrant. The patient was taken to the operating room for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Appendicitis is a potentially life-threatening condition. In the infant population it frequently presents without the features typically seen in older children.
Abstract 674: 15(S)-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Induces Foam Cell Formation by Enhancing CD36 Expression via Activation of ROS-Syk-Pyk2-STAT1 Signaling

15(S)-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE), the major 15-lipoxygenase 1 (15-LO1) metabolite of arachidonic acid (AA), induces CD36 expression in xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production and Syk and Pyk2-dependent STAT1 activation. In line with these observations, 15(S)-HETE also induced foam cell formation involving ROS, Syk, Pyk2 and STAT1-mediated CD36 expression. In addition, peritoneal macrophages from high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice exhibited elevated levels of xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase activities, ROS production, Syk, Pyk2, and STAT1 phosphorylation and CD36 expression compared to those from ApoE-/-:12/15-LO-/- mice and these events correlated well with increased lipid deposits and macrophage content in the aortic arches resulting in atherosclerotic plaque formation. These findings strongly suggest that 12/15-LO metabolites of AA such as 15(S)-HETE play a crucial role in atherogenesis by enhancing foam cell formation.
In-canopy Environment of Sprinkler Irrigated Potato Fields as a Factor for Late Blight Management in the Semiarid Environment of the Columbia Basin

Relative humidity (RH), leaf wetness and temperature were quantitatively characterized within potato crop canopies and their potential effect on late blight development was estimated in commercial potato fields under sprinkler irrigation in the Columbia Basin in 1993, 1994, 1996, 2004, and 2013. Humid periods of relative humidity > 90 % for 10 or more hours per day with mean temperatures favorable of late blight development were not observed prior to canopy closure. However, at and after canopy closure, a total of 34 of 54 (62.9 %) weeks summed over 5 fields during 1993, 1994, 1996, and 2004 had humid periods favorable for late blight development when considering 10 h humid periods, and a total of 47 of 54 (87 %) weeks had late blight favorable periods when considering 12 h humid periods. In 2013, the mean number of days per week after canopy closure from four sites ranged from 0 to 5.5 days when RH was > 90 % for at least 10 h per day, ranged from 0 to 4.3 days when RH was > 90 % for at least 12 h per day, ranged from 0 to 3.0 days when RH was > 90 % for at least 14 h per day, and ranged from 0 to 2.0 days when RH was > 90 % for at least 16 h per day. Daily hours of contiguous RH > 90 % varied between mid- and low-canopy levels, monitoring sites within fields and between fields. Daily humid periods favorable for late blight development were frequent in June at mid- and low-canopy levels and continued intermittently in July and August in 2 of 2 fields in 2013. Mean temperatures after row closure were generally favorable for late blight development during the humid periods and were > 7.2 °C in June and > 12.2 °C in July and August. Number of rainy days per week and weeks with long periods of RH > 90 % within the potato canopy was significantly correlated, indicating that rare rain events in a semi-arid environment promote long periods of RH in irrigated fields. However, favorable late blight periods occurred without rain and were a factor of sprinkler irrigation. Canopy and ambient relative humidity and temperatures were highly associated, and the association could be used to model late blight development from existing, proximal weather stations. The mean hourly RH over the trial season at all sites for potato canopies attained minima between 1500 and 1700 h in 2013 of 90 % was more practical and efficient than monitoring leaf wetness.
Two Lamps or One? An Illusionary Mirror.

We asked 100 college students to view a picture (Figure 1) and decide if there were two lamps or one lamp reflected in a mirror. Although the correct answer is two lamps, the vast majority (72%) answered seeing only one lamp. We discuss this illusion.
P.11.7 Prediction equations based on arm measurements may overestimate standing height in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients on glucocorticoid (GC) therapy

Accurate height measurements (HM) are needed for evaluation of growth and nutrition status, calculation of medication doses, glomerular function, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and 6 min walk tests (6MWT). HM is unreliable in patients with inability to stand or joint or spinal deformities. Prediction equations for height based on arm span (AS) and ulnar length measurements have been established in healthy children. To date, there are no similar prediction equations for children with neuromuscular (NM) disorders. (1) To evaluate the bias in predicted height from Gauld’s (2004) equation based on AS (here, bias is defined as observed height minus predicted height); and (2) to correlate AS and segmental arm span (SAS) measurements with standing height (SH) in children with NM disorders. Cross sectional study of 50 males with DMD on GC and 19 males with NM disorders not on GC treatment (Non GC). SH, AS, SAS were measured. Subjects were 69 males with NM disorders with or without GC treatment (GC 0 N = 50, aged 8.8 ± 2.7 y; Non GC – N = 19, aged 8.3 ± 3.0 y). Gauld’s prediction equation based on AS overestimated SH by a mean of 1.68 ± 2.48 cm in GC group ( p p = 0.81). AS and SAS were highly correlated with SH in both groups (GC – AS & SH, r 2 = 0.97; SAS & SH, r 2 = 0.95; non-GC – AS & SH, r 2 = 0.98; SAS & SH, r 2 = 0.97). Our study verified the accuracy of Gauld’s equation based on AS in the non GC group and noted the overestimation of SH in the GC group. GC induced spine compression fractures and linear growth failure may affect SH in children with NM disorders on GC, thereby limiting the use of standard prediction equations for height in this population. Further studies to obtain accurate height prediction equations in NM patients on GC are warranted when accurate PFTs and 6MWTs are integral outcome measures for clinical care and research.
THE EFFECT OF FUEL INJECTOR GEOMETRY ON THE FLOW STRUCTURE OF A SWIRL STABILIZED GAS TURBINE BURNER

This paper presents an experimental study on the effect of geometry on the flow structure of experimental swirl-stabilized gas turbine burners. Measurements were conducted in a cold flow air channel on a series of one-quarter scale experimental swirlers. The swirler models were designed with different blade angles and spacings in order to alter the swirl number of the flow. Stereo PIV measurements are presented for four different combinations of blade angle and spacing. Tests showed that wider blade spacing resulted in a reduced swirl number and a weaker vortex breakdown. A greater blade angle was observed to increase the swirl number and the strength of the vortex breakdown. An optimal swirler design requires careful balance of these two parameters in order to ensure sufficient recirculation and flame stability without excessive pressure loss.
Effect of aging and hydrothermal treatment on electrochemical performance of chemically pre-intercalated Na–V–O nanowires for Na-ion batteries

A chemical pre-intercalation approach was used to synthesize Na-containing vanadium oxide nanowires for use as Na-ion battery cathodes. The synthesis method was based on a sol–gel process followed by aging and/or hydrothermal treatment. We have for the first time shown that addition of sodium salt into the hydrothermally treated precursor mixture leads to a higher content of chemically pre-intercalated Na+ ions in the crystal structure of produced layered vanadium oxides. Further, the inclusion of an aging step was found to be crucial for the formation of bilayered NaxV2O5 phase with high capacity in Na-ion cells. Single-phase bilayered NaxV2O5 nanowires, obtained after the hydrothermal treatment of four-day aged precursor, demonstrated a record high initial discharge capacity of 365 mA h g−1. The hydrothermal treatment was shown to improve crystallinity of nanowires, leading to the better electrochemical stability of electrodes. Our results demonstrate the potential of chemical pre-intercalation synthesis method to develop high-capacity Na-ion battery cathodes. The ability to control various parameters in the multi-step chemical pre-intercalation approach opens a door to employing this method for the synthesis of electrode materials for other beyond lithium-ion electrochemical systems, such as Mg-ion and K-ion batteries.
Popular, Commercial or Didactic? Some Notes on Fasihi Pendwa

The purpose of this article is to outline a number of specific traits intrinsic to a literary phenomenon that is known as fasihi pendwa (relative Kiswahili equivalent of the term “popular literature”). The article uses as research material popular writing in Kiswahili from Tanzania, since Kenyan popular literature in the language still appears to be in its formation phase. Using two basic genres of fasihi pendwa – that is, love story and detective story – the article outlines their common traits which characterize these genres on different levels. The author stresses the fact that in Tanzania fasihi pendwa performs mainly educating and moralizing functions, serving as vehicles for local moral norms, social demands and worldviews.
Planning a hepatitis C postexposure management program for health care workers. Issues and challenges.

1. Approximately 4 million individuals in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), many of whom are unaware of this infection. Thus, health care workers are faced with the potential for needlestick and blood exposure to another bloodborne pathogen in addition to hepatitis B and HIV. 2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that health care facilities follow guidelines from the U.S. Public Health Service for prevention and control of HCV infection. 3. Hospitals and other health care institutions must consider legal, ethical, and health issues and outcomes when formulating a comprehensive postexposure program for hepatitis C. 4. The occupational health professional can play an integral role in both postexposure management and prevention of HCV exposures in the health care setting.
The Elusive Promise of LGBT Equality

The author reflects on LGBT equality and public health in the United States. He comments on his editorial "Why LGBT public health" published in the journal in 2001 and on health disparities related to gender minority and sexual orientation status and research on how stigma, prejudice, and the role of the social environment has on adverse health outcomes for LGBT individuals. He talks about how LGBT issues have changed in recent years but that social equality isn't the same as legal equality.
Basic Physiology of Macaca mulatta

Abstract The rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) is an Asian Old World nonhuman primate species frequently used in biomedical research, predominately in the study of neuroscience, infectious disease, immunology, and reproductive physiology. They are medium sized, have relatively stout bodies, and exhibit moderate sexual dimorphism. The average weight of males is 7.7 kg and of females is 5.3 kg. In the wild, they live in multimale/multifemale groups. Females form dominance hierarchies based on matrilineal kinship. They are seasonal breeders of relatively low fecundity, with a single infant produced per pregnancy. Gestation is 165 days and sexual maturity is reached at 3-5 years of age in females and 4-6 years of age in males. In this chapter, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, reproductive, immunologic, and gastrointestinal function, as well as methods of assessment and normal values, are reviewed.
Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics : Actions as signs of character ( Nicomachean Ethics 3.1–5)

Let us review the argument to this point. In book 1 Aristotle argues that the ultimate goal of human life is some “activity in accordance with virtue,” and he sets down criteria that he thinks the ultimate goal must satisfy. In 1.13 and 2.1 he analyzes human virtue into thinking-related and character-related virtue, and in the remainder of book 2 he constructs a list, which he regards as exhaustive, of particular character-related virtues. One would think that his next step would be to examine these virtues individually. In fact he puts this off until 3.6. Instead, in 3.1–5 he undertakes a discussion of human action and the psychology underlying human action. This is not a digression, as it might seem, because Aristotle's discussion of human action follows naturally from, and is even required by, various claims that he had put forward in book 2. Recall that, as Aristotle sees it, the discipline of ethics is practical: its aim is that we become good and live well. But, as he has just argued in book 2, we cannot become good unless we acquire the virtues of character. As we saw, Aristotle thinks that we generally acquire the virtues through being directed, by those in authority over us (by our parents when we are immature, and by legislators, even when we are mature citizens), to do actions characteristic of those virtues and to refrain from actions characteristic of the contrary vices.
3.25 – Hormones and Memory

Hormones play a role in all studies of memory and inadvertently can be a confound unless their effects are understood. Here the focus is on the role of the steroids, both from the gonads (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and the adrenals (glucocorticoids) in adult cognition. The interactions of these steroids with other experimental factors such as the age of the organism and length of exposure are discussed. Work in both experimental animals and humans is included. Peripheral hormone effects on cognition are complex, and no simple construct can account for the role of any of these hormones.
Surface wave biosensor based on photonic band gap films

The design and experimental demonstration of a novel optical biosensor will be presented. The operating principle is similar to surface plasmon sensors except that the surface-active medium is a photonic band gap multilayer.
Comparison of Media for Determining Temperature Abuse of Fresh Broiler Carcasses Using Impedance Microbiology

Experiments were conducted to determine the ideal medium for detection of temperature abuse of fresh broiler chicken using impedance microbiological techniques. In three separate trials, 15 ready-to-cook broiler chicken carcasses were obtained from the chiller exit of three separate processing plants. Five carcasses were sampled immediately (day 0), 5 carcasses were sampled after temperature abusing at 25°C for 12 h and holding at 3°C for 6 days (temperature abused), and the remaining 5 carcasses were sampled after holding at 3°C for 7 days (day 7 controls). Whole-carcass rinses were diluted by placing 1 ml from each carcass into 9 ml of each of the following media: (1) brain heart infusion broth (BHI), (2) EC broth with 3% added dextrose (ECD), (3) CM medium with 2% added dextrose (CMD), (4) EC broth (EC), and (5) CM medium (CM). The diluted samples were assayed in duplicate at 43°C using impedance microbiological techniques. Once a detection time (DT) was recorded, one ml of the sample was immediately recovered from the module well, diluted to 10-6, 10-7, and 10-8, and spread plated onto plate count agar. Two colonies from each carcass on plates with the highest dilution were randomly selected and identified. Since both gram-positive and gram-negative genera of bacteria were isolated from BHI-cultured carcass rinses and were responsible for changing the impedance of the medium, DTs were variable. EC and ECD media were not suitable for conducting temperature-abuse determinations. Using CMD medium to select for the growth of gram-negative bacteria, specifically E. coli , temperature-abuse determinations were more accurate than using a general medium, such as BHI. CMD appears to be the most effective medium tested to conduct temperature abuse determinations using impedance microbiological techniques.
Legal representation and trial outcomes: a bourdieusian analysis of chinese criminal court practices

Based on a rare survey of criminal justice practitioners from one large coastal province in China, this study provides an application of Bourdieusian sociology of juridical practice in Chinese criminal courts. We test whether and how criminal trial outcomes can be predicted by using variables measuring various forms of Bourdieusian capital. We found that measurements based on self-reported efficacy of legal representation practices during the pretrial and trail stages (as activated judicial capital), more so than those indicating respondents’ personal and professional statuses (either inherited or acquired capital), yield greater and more consistent impact on the trial outcomes. Implications for future theory, methodology and Chinese rule of law reform are discussed.
Surface micromachined accelerometers

Surface micromachining has enabled the cofabrication of thin-film micromechanical structures and CMOS or bipolar/MOS integrated circuits. Using linear, single-axis accelerometers as a motivating example, this paper discusses the fundamental mechanical as well as the electronic noise floors for representative capacitive position-sensing interface circuits. Operation in vacuum lowers the Brownian noise of a polysilicon accelerometer to below 1 /spl mu/g//spl radic/(Hz). For improved sensor performance, the position of the microstructure should be controlled using electrostatic force-feedback. Both analog and digital closed-loop accelerometers are described and contrasted, with the latter using high-frequency voltage pulses to apply force quanta to the microstructure and achieve a very linear response.
The Majority of Myeloma Patients Are Hypogonadal but This Is Not Associated with High Risk Cytogenetics

Introduction: Hypogonadism, i.e. low total testosterone, is present in approximately a quarter of men older than 70 years (Harman SM et al, J. Clin Endo & Met, 2001, PMID 11158037 and Wu FCW et al, J Clin Endo & M et, 2008, PMID 18270261). Myeloma patients are known to suffer from fatigue and decreased functional performance, mood disturbances, and anemia; similar trends have been found in people with hypogonadism. Cytogenetically high risk myeloma characterized by the amplification of 1q21 is associated with increased serum levels of soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6r) (Stephens OW, Blood, 2012, PMID 22072558). We hypothesized that total testosterone levels will be associated with overall survival from the time of diagnosis, presence of 1q21 amplification by CD138-selected FISH, anemia, and anti-depressant use. Methods: The Buckeye Myeloma Registry (OSU 10115) opened in 2011 to enroll any patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia. Serum total testosterone was measured at the time of the initial clinic visit to the myeloma group at Ohio State. Less than 325 ng/dL was defined as the hypogonadal range, and testosterone was divided into 60 ng/dL (group 3). A retrospective chart review was initiated to review all myeloma patients with a serum testosterone drawn at the time of their initial clinic visit to OSU. Results: Among 418 male MM patients, median age was 65 y.o. (range 24-95), 86% were Caucasian and 14% African-American, and the distribution of ISS stage was 32% stage 1, 22% stage 2, and 19% stage 3 with 28% missing staging data. Cytogenetic data was missing from 28% of patients. Out of 418 male MM patients, 29 (7%) had serum testosterone 325 ng/dL. Out of 172 female MM patients, 44 (26%) had an undetectable serum testosterone, 120 (70%) with testosterone 10-60, and 8 (5%) with testosterone > 60. Among male MM patients, log-rank [Mantel-Cox] analysis of overall survival with serum testosterone including all 4 groups demonstrated no significant differences (p=0.917) with only 80 events. Among 275 male MM patients with cytogenetic information available, there was no correlation between presence of 1q21 trisomies or tetrasomies and overall survival (r=0.0714, p=0.238). There was a strong and expected correlation between testosterone and BMI (r=0.14, p=0.00468). Among 161 total female MM patients, log-rank analysis with serum testosterone including all 3 groups also demonstrated no differences (p=0.416) with only 29 events in total. Among 101 females with cytogenetic information, there was also no correlation with 1q21 amplification (r=0.0895, p=0.373). Conclusion: The majority of male MM patients (74%) have secondary hypogonadism and approximately half have total testosterone levels Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Armies and insurgencies in the Arab Spring, edited by Holger Albrecht, Aurel Croissant, and Fred Lawson

Holger Albrecht, Aurel Croissant and Fred H. Lawson have edited an informative book on Arab military politics. In 12 chapters, centred on three themes covering the historical roots of civil–militar...
Response to Outlier Status: Lessons From Public Reporting for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Article, see p 1897 Public reporting of outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been taking place since New York initiated such a program in the 1990s. Pennsylvania followed suit in 2000, and Massachusetts shortly thereafter.1 Over this time, public reporting has been the subject of a great deal of controversy, with supporters arguing that public reporting drives critical improvements in care, and detractors arguing that it drives risk aversion and the denial of procedures to patients who may stand to benefit from receiving PCI.2 In this issue of Circulation , Waldo et al3 put one specific element of public reporting under a microscope, with somewhat surprising results. The authors examine what happened to hospitals that were found to be outliers in mortality rates as part of the public reporting programs in Massachusetts and New York. This was a not-uncommon phenomenon, with 31 hospitals (36%) identified as outliers over the study period. Contrary to expectations, Waldo et al report that hospitals that were identified as negative outliers during the study period did not limit the PCIs they subsequently performed, demonstrating similar growth in PCI rates as nonoutlier hospitals. In addition, and perhaps even more important, hospitals identified as outliers demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality rates following identification as outliers, a benefit that was concentrated in patients receiving PCI. Taken together, these findings suggest that being identified as an outlier was associated with improvements in care quality. To be clear, the present study does not answer the question of whether public reporting is associated with better outcomes than not having public reporting, nor whether …
Ammonium availability and temperature control contributions of ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea to nitrification in an agricultural soil

Soil ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea (AOB and AOA) convert ammonium/ammonia to nitrite in the process of nitrification. However, the potentially differential responses of these AO to substrate and temperature and the effects of conventional and organic nitrogen management on these responses remains poorly understood. We determined the response of nitrification to ammonium substrate concentration and temperature using an AOB specific inhibitor to distinguish the contribution of AOB and AOA to nitrification. Soils were sampled from cornfield plots that had been treated for four years with contrasting nitrogen sources: control (no additional N), ammonium sulfate at two rates and compost. Nitrification potential and net rates were stimulated for one month after fertilization with ammonium sulfate compared to relatively lower and stable rates in control and compost treated soils. For soils that had been fertilized with ammonium sulfate, the proportion of nitrification mediated by AOB in slurry assays was over 90% at 1.0 mM but less than 50% at 0.01 mM. Kinetic analysis showed maximum nitrification activity (Vmax) for AOB ranged from 0.32 to 4.8 mmol N kg−1d−1 with a half saturation constant (Km) of 14–160 μM ammonium; parameters were higher for soils from ammonium sulfate treated plots. Vmax and Km for AOA averaged 0.24 mmol N kg−1d−1 and 4.28 μM ammonium with no effect of field treatment. The proportion of nitrification due to AOA was lowest at 5 °C, increased with temperature, and was near to 100% at 50 °C; optimum temperature was 41 °C for AOA versus 31 °C for AOB. Understanding the kinetic and temperature response of microbes responsible for nitrification may allow ecosystem models to include these populations as dynamic components driving nitrogen flux.
When is a cladist not a cladist

The term “cladist” has distinct meanings in distinct contexts. Communication between philosophers, historians, and biologists has been hindered by different understandings of the term in various contexts. In this paper I trace historical and conceptual connections between several broadly distinct senses of the term “cladist”. I propose seven specific definitions that capture distinct contemporary uses. This serves to disambiguate some cases where the meaning is unclear, and will help resolve apparent disagreements that in fact result from conflicting understandings of the term.
Courage to care for our United States veterans: A constructivist way of teaching and learning for future nurses

Abstract The knowledge and skills in providing veteran centered care is essential. The purpose of this retrospective evaluation is to examine a faculty's reflections on a BSN psychiatric mental health curriculum initiative that provides knowledge and skills regarding veterans care through several avenues to senior nursing students. This qualitative study use self-reflections through a constructivist view of teaching and learning as the framework. Open discussions in didactic about the unique psychological health issues of veterans formed a foundational knowledge for the students. The seminar time was used to discuss real veteran case situations. Simulation provided opportunities to address veteran resources. Problem based projects use available evidence to solve veteran health issues. The educators show their commitment to the compassionate and caring ideals of our profession by fostering an educational environment where future nurses can truly learn about veteran centered care.
Networks, Information Politics and the New Paradigm of Social Production

Networks are the language of our times. Think about Al-Qaeda. The internet, eBay, Kazaa. The mobile phone, SMS. Think about iron triangles and old school ties, No Logo and DeanforAmerica. Think VISA and Amex, the teetering electricity grid, the creaking rail network. LHR to LAX. Think about six degrees of separation. Think small worlds, word of mouth. Think about your networks. Your friends, your colleagues, your social circle. How new networks take shape through introductions at parties, over coffee breaks, via email. How your connections have helped you, supported you and hindered you.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) outcomes for intractable epilepsy (S34.003)

Objective: We describe complications in our cohort with 3 month follow-up from MRI-guided stereotactic LITT. Background: Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) is a novel, minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgery for intractable epilepsy. Design/Methods: We prospectively tracked our single surgeon’s LITT cases from October 2014 to July 2016 at Stanford Health Care. Intraoperative MRI imaging was used to confirm stereotactic targets before ablation. Complications were assessed in the immediate post-operative period and for 3 months afterwards. Results: Twenty-three patients were treated and ages ranged from 18 to 70, with 7 (14%) patients above age 50. All patients had focal epilepsy except for 2 with generalized atonic seizures. Ten LITT targets were right anterior hippocampus, 9 left anterior hippocampus, 3 corpus callosum, and 1 cingulate gyrus. Catheter repositioning was required in 4 cases, twice in one case. One patient was lost to follow-up. No seizures were reported in 18/22 (81.8%) patients in the first 3 months after ablation. Four patients (17%) had a total of four seizures. One seizure occurred in the immediate peri-operative period in a patient who forgot to take her anti-seizure medication the morning of the procedure. One patient developed focal status epilepticus contralateral to the right hippocampal ablation 5 days after surgery. Four patients (17%) had transient non-seizure complications. In a case of catheter repositioning, the patient developed a transient partial CN III palsy, aseptic meningitis and status migrainosus responsive to valproic acid. Minor complications occurred in 3 patients. Twenty of 23 patients were discharged on post-operative day 1. Conclusions: Complications of LITT for intractable epilepsy were overall uncommon and transient; no permanent deficits have occurred. LITT appears to be a safe, well-tolerated procedure that offers the majority in our cohort seizure freedom. Longer term seizure and neuropsychological outcomes and correlation to ablated volumes will be assessed. Disclosure: Dr. Le has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ho has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Grant has nothing to disclose. Dr. Casey has nothing to disclose.
Unmatched Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Program Applicants: Where Do They End Up?

Background With the recent introduction of Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Programs (IPs), limited data exist on unmatched applicants. We aimed to determine the dropout rate in individuals who applied for IP but did not match. Methods An online Institutional Review Board–approved survey was sent to current residents (n = 409), provided by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association, to evaluate preferences and pathway to cardiothoracic surgery (CTS). Descriptive analysis was performed on quantitative data. Main Residency Match Data from 2008 to 2017 were collected. Results Of 250 respondents, 89 (36%) were in IPs. In the cohort, 110 (44%) applied for at least one IP, whereas only 10 of the remaining 140 CTS residents had contemplated applying. From written comments of those 140 residents, the most common reasons against applying for IP programs were (1) uncertainty of IP training/belief that general surgery offered more well-rounded training and (2) uncommitted to CTS as a medical student. Interestingly, 96% of IP residents were set on a cardiac career, whereas a larger proportion of 4/3 and traditional residents were interested in general thoracic (36%). According to the National Resident Matching Program, 147 individuals applied to IP programs from 2008 to 2011 and were unmatched. Only 20 of those individuals (14%), from our results, ended up in a CTS residency program. Conclusions Only a small percentage of applicants that did not match to an IP from 2008 to 2011 have ended up in CTS. As IPs continue to develop and improve, the concerns brought about by current CTS residents must be addressed to attract the next generation of exceptional surgeons.
Brain intrinsic network connectivity in individuals with frequent tanning behavior

ABSTRACTBackground: Emergent studies suggest a bidirectional relationship between brain functioning and the skin. This neurocutaneous connection may be responsible for the reward response to tanning and, thus, may contribute to excessive tanning behavior. To date, however, this association has not yet been examined. Objectives: To explore whether intrinsic brain functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) is related to indoor tanning behavior. Methods: Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) was obtained in twenty adults (16 females) with a history of indoor tanning. Using a seed-based [(posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)] approach, the relationship between tanning severity and FC strength was assessed. Tanning severity was measured with symptom count from the Structured Clinical Interview for Tanning Abuse and Dependence (SITAD) and tanning intensity (lifetime indoor tanning episodes/years tanning). Results: rsFC strength between the PCC and other DMN regions (left globus pallidus, l...
Imaging glutathione depletion in the rat brain using ascorbate-derived hyperpolarized MR and PET probes.

Oxidative stress is a critical feature of several common neurologic disorders. The brain is well adapted to neutralize oxidative injury by maintaining a high steady-state concentration of small-molecule intracellular antioxidants including glutathione in astrocytes and ascorbic acid in neurons. Ascorbate-derived imaging probes for hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography have been used to study redox changes (antioxidant depletion and reactive oxygen species accumulation) in vivo. In this study, we applied these imaging probes to the normal rat brain and a rat model of glutathione depletion. We first studied hyperpolarized [1-13C]dehydroascorbate in the normal rat brain, demonstrating its robust conversion to [1-13C]vitamin C, consistent with rapid transport of the oxidized form across the blood-brain barrier. We next showed that the kinetic rate of this conversion decreased by nearly 50% after glutathione depletion by diethyl maleate treatment. Finally, we showed that dehydroascorbate labeled for positron emission tomography, namely [1-11C]dehydroascorbate, showed no change in brain signal accumulation after diethyl maleate treatment. These results suggest that hyperpolarized [1-13C]dehydroascorbate may be used to non-invasively detect oxidative stress in common disorders of the brain.
Dental Morphometric and Strontium Isotope Evidence for Population History at Tikal, Guatemala

We explore the evidence for population mobility at the Classic Maya center of Tikal, Guatemala through the analysis of dental morphometric and strontium isotope ratios measured in human remains excavated at the site. Both lines of investigation are concerned with mobility and immigration yet rely on significantly different methodologies. As we will demonstrate here, both approaches have their limitations in the assessment of ancient migration. However, we suggest that when the two methods are integrated a more robust understanding of population mobility emerges. Our results have implications for not only our understanding of population history at Tikal, but also for the application of biological distance analysis to the Classic Maya. This research originated in the late 1990s as part of Wright’s large-scale bioarchaeological study of the ancient skeletons of Tikal. Aspects of the migratory isotope and dental morphometric research have been published previously (Dental analysis of Classic period population variability in the Maya area, Doctoral Dissertation, Texas AM American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 132, 367–380, 2007; Journal of Archaeological Science, 32(4), 555–566, 2005; Ancient Mesoamerica, 16, 89–100, 2005; Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 31(3), 334–352, 2012). This publication integrates these data in a combined analysis of population mobility at Classic period Tikal.
Life Themes: A Theoretical and Empirical Exploration of Their Origins and Effects

Whenever a person’s life is passed in review, either in an autobiography, a biography, a psychohistory, or a clinical report, a more or less implicit assumption is made that the life in question has a certain coherence, a form and purpose which is in some way uniquely different from that of others (Buhler and Massarik 1968; Pascal 1960). In fact a biography would be unimaginable if the life events of a person followed each other randomly or if they were determined only by the vector forces of genetics and social milieu. The assumption behind any biography is that the subject’s actions over time reflect a unique theme played out against a wider background of historical themes.
Evaluation of linear models and missing value imputation for the analysis of peptide-centric proteomics

Several methods to handle data generated from bottom-up proteomics via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, particularly for peptide-centric quantification dealing with post-translational modification (PTM) analysis like reversible cysteine oxidation are evaluated. The paper proposes a pipeline based on the R programming language to analyze PTMs from peptide-centric label-free quantitative proteomics data. Our methodology includes variance stabilization, normalization, and missing data imputation to account for the large dynamic range of PTM measurements. It also corrects biases from an enrichment protocol and reduces the random and systematic errors associated with label-free quantification. The performance of the methodology is tested by performing proteome-wide differential PTM quantitation using linear models analysis (limma). We objectively compare two imputation methods along with significance testing when using multiple-imputation for missing data. Identifying PTMs in large-scale datasets is a problem with distinct characteristics that require new methods for handling missing data imputation and differential proteome analysis. Linear models in combination with multiple-imputation could significantly outperform a t-test-based decision method.
String Figure: A Scalable and Elastic Memory Network Architecture

Author(s): Ogleari, Matheus Almeida; Yu, Ye; Qian, Chen; Miller, Ethan L; Zhao, Jishen; IEEE