cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recruitment of osteoclast precursors by stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in giant cell tumor of bone

Abstract Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a unique bone lesion that is characterized by an excessive number of multinucleated osteoclasts. GCT consists of neoplastic stromal cells, multinucleated osteoclasts and their precursors, thus serving as a naturally occurring human disease model for the study of osteoclastogenesis. It still remains unclear how stromal cells of GCT recruit osteoclast precursors. In the present study, we characterized the cellular components of GCT and confirmed the presence of CD14 + -monocytes/CD68 + -macrophages and CD34 + -hematopoetic stem cells that express CXCR4, a specific receptor for SDF-1; SDF-1 gene expression and presence of SDF-1 protein were confirmed by real time RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry in the GCT tissue and cultured cells. SDF-1 was present at 25–50 ng/ml in the conditioned media from the GCT cultures, which is in the range of physiological chemotactic concentration. Migration of osteoclast precursors was 2.5-fold higher in response to GCT conditioned media compared to the control media; and migration was inhibited by an average of 36% with anti-SDF-1 neutralizing antibody or competing recombinant SDF-1. These results suggest that SDF-1 is one of the significant chemoattractant factors involved in the recruitment of hematopoietic osteoclast precursor cells during tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis.
Hemodynamic effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition at steady state and following tumor necrosis factor-α-induced myodepression

Objective: Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed as a common mediator of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced vasodilation and myocardial dysfunction. Accordingly, we performed an extensive assessment of the influence of NO synthase inhibition on left ventricle (LV) and circulatory performance in conscious dogs at steady state and after establishment of TNFα mediated myodepression. Methods: Autonomically blocked, chronically instrumented dogs were studied at steady state and 6 h after initiation of a 1-h rhTNFα infusion (40 μg/kg). Ventricular performance was evaluated using the pressure–volume framework. Dogs were then treated with either NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester (l-NAME, 40 mg/kg bolus) or angiotensin II (250–500 ng/kg). Results: l-NAME, under control conditions or following recombinant human (rh)TNFα-induced ventricular dysfunction, produced marked increases in afterload with attendant increases in LV pressure, volume, and prolonged isovolumic relaxation without adversely influencing coronary blood flow. Regardless of whether the dogs received rhTNFα, l-NAME did not affect the slopes of the end-systolic pressure–volume and stroke-work (SW)-end-diastolic volume (EDV) relations (force-based measure of contractility), whereas the slope of the d P /d t max–EDV relation, a velocity dependent parameter of LV systolic function, declined. Overall ventricular performance, as seen by the circulation, was reduced by l-NAME in control as well as rhTNFα-treated dogs, evidenced by rightward shifts of the SW–EDV and d P /d t max–EDV relations. Similar findings were observed in the separate cohorts of dogs, at steady state and 6 h after rhTNFα, following angiotensin II at matched systolic pressure. Conclusions: Systemic NO synthase inhibition with l-NAME does not acutely reverse rhTNFα-induced myocardial dysfunction. The detrimental influence of l-NAME on LV size, relaxation, and velocity-based measures of contractility is likely attributable to its effects on increasing afterload.
Neonatal diabetes, gallbladder agenesis, duodenal atresia, and intestinal malrotation caused by a novel homozygous mutation in RFX6.

Background Recently, bi-allelic mutations in the transcription factor RFX6 were described as the cause of a rare condition characterized by neonatal diabetes with pancreatic and biliary hypoplasia and duodenal/jejunal atresia.
Rapid Evolution of Genomic Acp Complement in the melanogaster Subgroup of Drosophila

Unusual properties of molecular evolution in reproduction-related Drosophila genes, including atypically rapid rates of protein evolution, support the idea that natural selection plays an important role in divergence of reproductive function in Drosophila. We used subtractive hybridization to investigate another potential side of evolution of the male reproductive transcriptome. We carried out a screen for genes with much greater transcript abundance in Drosophila simulans reproductive tracts than in Drosophila melanogaster reproductive tracts. Such genes could be present in both species but diverged dramatically in transcript abundance or could be present in D. simulans but absent from D. melanogaster. Here we report data from melanogaster subgroup species for three previously unknown accessory gland protein genes (Acps) identified in this screen. We found multiple Acps that were present in some lineages yet absent from other closely related melanogaster subgroup lineages, representing several losses of genes. An Acp that may have been lost in D. melanogaster and Drosophila erecta is segregating a null allele in Drosophila yakiiha, yet shows evidence of adaptive protein evolution in contrasts of polymorphism and divergence within and between D. yakuba and its close relative, Drosophila teissieri. These data suggest that turnover of Acps occurs rapidly in Drosophita, consistent with rapid evolution of seminal fluid function.
Auditory steady state responses recorded in multitalker babble.

AbstractObjective: The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of multitalker babble on ASSRs in adult subjects with normal hearing (NH) and sensorineural hearing loss (HI). The secondary purpose was to investigate the relationships among ASSRs, word recognition in quiet, and word recognition in babble. Design: ASSRs were elicited by a complex mixed-modulation tonal stimulus (carrier frequencies of 500, 1500, 2500, and 4000 Hz; modulation rate of 40 or 90 Hz) presented in quiet and in babble. The level of each carrier frequency was adjusted to match the level of the multitalker babble spectrum, which was based on the long term speech spectrum average. Word recognition in noise (WIN) performance was measured and correlated to ASSR amplitude and ASSR detection rate. Study Sample: Nineteen normal-hearing adults and nineteen adults with sensorineural hearing loss were recruited. Results and Conclusions: The presence of babble significantly reduced the ASSR detection rate and ASSR amp...
Tumor plasticity allows vasculogenic mimicry, a novel form of angiogenic switch. A rose by any other name?

Tumors require a blood supply to sustain growth and to metastasize. 1 They initially co-opt existing vessels to survive and grow, 2 but the concept that they eventually send signals for new blood vessels to sprout (angiogenesis) is widely accepted as the mechanism by which most tumors metastasize. The literature on this subject is immense and growing. The purpose of the present commentary is not to review the literature on angiogenesis. Indeed, the findings presented by Maniotis and coworkers in this issue of The American Journal of Pathology are both novel and unexpected, and deal with a phenomenon that is best characterized as “vasculogenic mimicry.” 3 As such, the results may have implications beyond angiogenesis. These authors suggest a new mechanism by which some aggressive tumors may acquire a blood supply: the tumor cells themselves literally metamorphose into vessels that either carry blood or connect to the host’s blood supply! The methods used by the investigators involve an unusual but necessary combination of patient data and biopsies, histology, electron microscopy, culture experiments under physiological conditions using both nonaggressive and highly aggressive melanoma cells, biomechanical assays, and cDNA micoarray analysis. In essence, these findings add a new layer of complexity to the accepted paradigm for the generation of tumor microcirculation and should be taken seriously by the cancer research community as well as the oncologists who treat cancer patients. As with all other unexpected findings, it is of course necessary that the observations be repeated by other laboratories and the concepts confirmed.
Variable genetic architectures produce virtually identical molecules in bacterial symbionts of fungus-growing ants

Small molecules produced by Actinobacteria have played a prominent role in both drug discovery and organic chemistry. As part of a larger study of the actinobacterial symbionts of fungus-growing ants, we discovered a small family of three previously unreported piperazic acid-containing cyclic depsipeptides, gerumycins A–C. The gerumycins are slightly smaller versions of dentigerumycin, a cyclic depsipeptide that selectively inhibits a common fungal pathogen, Escovopsis. We had previously identified this molecule from a Pseudonocardia associated with Apterostigma dentigerum, and now we report the molecule from an associate of the more highly derived ant Trachymyrmex cornetzi. The three previously unidentified compounds, gerumycins A–C, have essentially identical structures and were produced by two different symbiotic Pseudonocardia spp. from ants in the genus Apterostigma found in both Panama and Costa Rica. To understand the similarities and differences in the biosynthetic pathways that produced these closely related molecules, the genomes of the three producing Pseudonocardia were sequenced and the biosynthetic gene clusters identified. This analysis revealed that dramatically different biosynthetic architectures, including genomic islands, a plasmid, and the use of spatially separated genetic loci, can lead to molecules with virtually identical core structures. A plausible evolutionary model that unifies these disparate architectures is presented.
Polymer NMR spectroscopy. VIII. The influence of the pH of the polymerization medium on the stereochemical configuration of polymethacrylic acid

It is shown that when methacrylic acid is polymerized in an aqueous system, the stereochemical configuration of the polymer, deduced by observation of the high resolution NMR spectra of polymethyl methacrylate samples prepared by methylation, is markedly influenced by the pH of the system. Syndiotactic propagation is favored at higher pH, presumably because coulombic repulsion between negatively charged monomer and negatively charged growing polymer radicals increases the free energy of activation for isotactic monomer placement.
Checkpoint/Restart and Beyond: Resilient High Performance Computing with FPGAs

As FPGA resources continue to increase, FPGAs present attractive features to the High Performance Computing community. These include the power-efficient computation and application-specific acceleration benefits, as well as tighter integration between compute and I/O resources. This paper considers the ability of an FPGA to address another, increasingly important, feature -- resiliency. Specifically, a minimally-invasive monitoring infrastructure operating over a sideband network is presented. This includes a multi-chip protocol, IP cores that implement the protocol, and a tool to instrument existing hardware accelerator FPGA designs. To demonstrate the functionality, the system has been implemented on a cluster of FPGA devices running off-the-shelf MPI and Linux. We demonstrate the ability to do integrated software and hardware accelerator check pointing with restart under a variety of injected faults.
Hematopoietic stem cell-derived adipocytes and fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is complex and constantly evolving. This is due, in part, to the crosstalk between tumor cells and the multiple cell types that comprise the TME, which results in a heterogeneous population of tumor cells and TME cells. This review will focus on two stromal cell types, the cancer-associated adipocyte (CAA) and the cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF). In the clinic, the presence of CAAs and CAFs in the TME translates to poor prognosis in multiple tumor types. CAAs and CAFs have an activated phenotype and produce growth factors, inflammatory factors, cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix components, and proteases in an accelerated and aberrant fashion. Through this activated state, CAAs and CAFs remodel the TME, thereby driving all aspects of tumor progression, including tumor growth and survival, chemoresistance, tumor vascularization, tumor invasion, and tumor cell metastasis. Similarities in the tumor-promoting functions of CAAs and CAFs suggest that a multipronged therapeutic approach may be necessary to achieve maximal impact on disease. While CAAs and CAFs are thought to arise from tissues adjacent to the tumor, multiple alternative origins for CAAs and CAFs have recently been identified. Recent studies from our lab and others suggest that the hematopoietic stem cell, through the myeloid lineage, may serve as a progenitor for CAAs and CAFs. We hypothesize that the multiple origins of CAAs and CAFs may contribute to the heterogeneity seen in the TME. Thus, a better understanding of the origin of CAAs and CAFs, how this origin impacts their functions in the TME, and the temporal participation of uniquely originating TME cells may lead to novel or improved anti-tumor therapeutics.
A Quasi-Experimental Design for Studies on the Impact of Administrative Decisions: Applications and Extensions of the Regression-Discontinuity Design

In the regression-discontinuity (RD) design, scores on a pretreatment measure (assignment variable) determine assignment to groups such that respondents above a certain score are assigned to one group, whereas respondents below the score are assigned to another group (e.g., candidates for promotion above a cutoff point on a criterion dimension are promoted, whereas candidates below the cutoff are not). Despite the potential for causal inference about treatment effects, few settings have produced conditions appropriate for applications of the design. These conditions, however, can be found in personnel settings when decisions are based on cutoff procedures. The design is therefore suggested for research on the impact of administrative decisions involving cutoff scores.
Thinking and sociology

This paper attempts to introduce the topic of thinking into current sociology and to raise the question whether a sociology of thinking might be possible and, if so, what such a sociology could look like. Thinking is typically seen as something intensely private and fleeting in nature, two qualities that make it resistant to sociology’s efforts to get a grip on it. Earlier attempts to make a sociological analysis of thinking are surveyed, from Durkheim over the sociology of knowledge to today’s sociology of ideas and other approaches. An argument is made that a sociology of thinking could get some important inspiration from philosophy, especially when it comes to topics to analyze and the setting of an agenda. To exemplify this argument, some writings on thinking by Kant, Kierkegaard, and Heidegger are presented. The paper ends with some reflections on the normative dimension of thinking and a sociology of thinking.
Rhabdomyolysis Pathophysiology, Recognition, and Management

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome in which the contents of injured muscle cells leak into the circulation. This leakage results in electrolyte abnormalities, acidosis, clotting disorders, hypovolemia, and acute renal failure. More than 100 conditions, both traumatic and non-traumatic, can lead to rhabdomyolysis. Intervention consists of early detection, treatment of the underlying cause, volume replacement, urinary alkalinization, and aggressive diuresis or hemodialysis. Patients with rhabdomyolysis often require intensive care, and critical care nurses are instrumental in both the early detection and the ongoing management of this life-threatening syndrome.
RECIPROCAL PASSIVE MODE-LOCKING OF A RHODAMINE 6G DYE LASER AND THE Ar+ PUMP LASER

A rhodamine 6G dye laser, internally pumped within the extended cavity of an Ar(+)-ion laser, is mode locked when its cavity length is matched to half that of the pump laser: the 5145-A argon laser line is passively mode locked by the combination of the saturable absorption and the lasing action of the dye, which is in turn synchronously pumped and mode locked. Tunable (5650-5950-A) ~10 psec pulses are generated, and the average output power is ~80 mW.
Automatic Weather Stations and Artificial Neural Networks: Improving the Instrumental Record in West Antarctica

Automatic weather stations (AWSs) currently provide the only year-round, continuous direct measurements of near-surface weather on the West Antarctic ice sheet away from the coastal manned stations. Improved interpretation of the ever-growing body of ice-core-based paleoclimate records from this region requires a deeper understanding of Antarctic meteorology. As the spatial coverage of the AWS network has expanded year to year, so has the meteorological database. Unfortunately, many of the records are relatively short (less than 10 yr) and/or incomplete (to varying degrees) due to the vagaries of the harsh environment. Climate downscaling work in temperate latitudes suggests that it is possible to use GCM-scale meteorological datasets (e.g., ECMWF reanalysis products) to address these problems in the AWS record and create a uniform and complete database of West Antarctic surface meteorology (at AWS sites). Such records are highly relevant to the improved interpretation of the expanding library of snow-pit and ice-core datasets. Artificial neural network (ANN) techniques are used to predict 6-hourly AWS surface data (temperature, pressure) using large-scale features of the atmosphere (e.g., 500-mb geopotential height) from a region around the AWS. ANNs are trained with a calendar year of observed AWS data (possibly incomplete) and corresponding GCM-scale data. This methodology is sufficient both for high quality predictions within the training set and for predictions outside the training set that are at least comparable to the state of the art. For example, the results presented herein for temperature prediction are approximately equal to those from a satellite-based methodology but with no exposure to problems from surface melt events or sensor changes. Similarly, the significant biases seen in ECMWF surface temperatures are absent from the predictions here, resulting in an rms error that is half as large with respect to the original AWS observations. These results support high confidence in the ANN-based predictions from the GCM-scale data for periods when AWS data are unavailable, for example, before installation. ANNs thus provide a means to expand the surface meteorological records significantly in West Antarctica.
The Development and Valuation of Intelligent and Adaptive Building Systems

Energy consumption by buildings, especially high-rise buildings, has increased to the point that it has overtaken the industrial and transportation sectors (Perez-Lombard et al., 2008). This unsustainable phenomenon has prompted research into intelligent and adaptive building systems (IABS) for more energy efficientbuildings that current architectural practice and building operations overlook. IABS are bottom-up strategies that provide energy consumption and comfort solutions at any scale of the built environment. In addition to the benefit of reduced energy consumption, occupant physiological and psychological well-being can also be addressed through better control and feedback mechanisms. These improvements can be made through the widespread application of systems that blend many different and readily attainable components. This research seeks to address these issues through the development and study of IABS prototypes, virtual models, and material/component libraries that address the needs of all stakeholders (Table 1). Prototypes that form contextually aware and flexible agent networks will be presented, along with the results from those that have been completed Suggestions for design and interfacing are also discussed. Controlled environments are constructed in and around physical prototypes to carefully observe performance results. Also discussed is how high-rise buildings are ideal candidates for IABS integration.
Fuzzy CAD for variable structure PI(D) controller

A novel robust PI (proportional and integral) controller including differential action is devised. The algorithm is derived on the basis of variable structure system theories. The controller stability is examined by using the Lyapunov stability theory. A simple fuzzy expert system which is a real-time CAD (computer-aided design) system is introduced. Initial controller parameters are interactively determined by using the fuzzy CAD. The proposed CAD is much simpler due to the introduction of the robust variable structure PI(D) controller rather than a conventional CAD for a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller, since it is not required to make much effort in parameter identifications. >
DirectSequence CodeDivision Multiple Access (DSCDMA)

For our purposes in this chapter, we shall assume that the receiver is perfectly capable of regenerating the transmitted codes corresponding to each of the users' transmissions, and as such we shall ignore all synchronization issues dealing with the acquisition and tracking of these codes at the receiver. The chapter is divided into two main sections, namely, single-carrier DS-CDMA and multiple-carrier DS-CDMA . Each of these sections will focus on the average bit error rate (BER) performance of the corresponding DS-CDMA system when transmitted over a generalized fading channel such as those modeled in previous chapters of this book. As before, the emphasis will be on using the alternative forms of the classic functions developed in Chapter 4 to simplify the resulting expressions. Although we shall restrict ourselves to binary DS modulation (spreading waveforms), we shall allow for the possibility of other than a rectangular pulse shape to represent the PN code chip waveform.
Changes in Russia's Regulatory Base of the Budgetary Process in July 2013

In July 2013, in the regulatory base of the budgetary process the following developments took place: amendments providing for grants in the form of subsidies to legal entities have been introduced into the Budget Code of the Russian Federation; conditions of buying-out of state property by entities of small and mid-sized business have been liberalized by amendments to a number of federal laws.
Microwave Photonic Applications of Dual-Wavelength Fiber Lasers Using Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Gain

Dual-wavelength fiber lasers using stimulated Brillouin scattering gain have been shown to offer unique capabilities for a variety of microwave photonic applications, including millimeter-wave frequency synthesis, communications, and generation of low-phase-noise signals.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba Strain UWC8, an Amoeba Endosymbiont Belonging to the "Candidatus Midichloriaceae" Family in Rickettsiales.

ABSTRACT The endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba strain UWC8 is an obligate amoeba endosymbiont belonging to the family of “Candidatus Midichloriaceae” in Rickettsiales. We report here the complete genome sequence of this bacterium, which should catalyze future studies of amoeba-symbiont interactions.
Electron energy loss spectroscopy of plasmon resonances in titanium nitride thin films

The plasmon resonance characteristics of refractory TiN thin films were analyzed using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). A bulk plasmon resonance was observed at 2.81 eV and a weaker surface plasmon resonance peak was detected at 2.05 eV. These findings are compared to finite-difference time-domain simulations based on measured optical data. The calculated values for both the bulk and surface resonances (2.74 eV and 2.15 eV, respectively) show reasonable agreement with those measured via EELS. The amplitude of the experimentally observed surface resonance was weaker than that typically encountered in noble metal nanostructures, and this is discussed in the context of electron density and reduced spatial confinement of the resonance mode in the thin-film geometry.
Design and 3D Printing of Hydrogel Scaffolds with Fractal Geometries

Structures that exhibit fractal geometries are typically self-similar and iterative. Fractal patterns appear in nature as approximations of mathematical abstractions, yet exist as artifacts of specific processes having reached optimized conditions in the presence of various forces and movements. In this paper, we focus on 3D printing of fractal geometry using computer designed and user adjusted patterns. Various biocompatible hydrogel structures were printed from a photopolymerizable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate via maskless stereolithography. This digital micromirror device-based projection printing platform is capable of imbuing fractal topographic patterns into a more cell accommodating medium. Several fractal structures were printed mimicking the energy and material pattern optimization achieved by fractal geometries found in nature. The resulting structures were confirmed with bright-field and SEM microscopy. Complex geometries were obtained at many angles, and various heights that exhibited self...
A Depression Prevention Intervention for Adolescents in the Emergency Department.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate acceptability and feasibility of a theoretically based two-part (brief in-person + 8-week automated text message) depression prevention program, "intervention for DepressiOn and Violence prevention in the Emergency department" (iDOVE), for high-risk adolescents. Methods English-speaking emergency department (ED) patients (age 13–17, any chief complaint) were sequentially approached for consent on a convenience sample of shifts and screened for inclusion based on current depressive symptoms and past-year violence. After consent, baseline assessments were obtained; all participants were enrolled in the two-part intervention (brief in-ED + 8-week two-way text messaging). At 8 weeks, quantitative and qualitative follow-up assessments were obtained. Measures included feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary data on efficacy. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim, double coded, and interpreted using thematic analysis. Quantitative results were analyzed descriptively and with paired t tests. Results As planned, 16 participants (eight each gender) were recruited (75% of those who were eligible; 66% nonwhite, 63% low income, mean age 15.4). The intervention had high feasibility and acceptability: 93.8% completed 8-week follow-up; 80% of daily text messages received responses; 31% of participants requested ≥1 "on-demand" text message. In-person and text message portions were rated as good/excellent by 87%. Qualitatively, participants articulated: (1) iDOVE was welcome and helpful, if unexpected in the ED; (2) the daily text message mood assessment was "most important"; (3) content was "uplifting"; and (4) balancing intervention "relatability" and automation was challenging. Participants' mean ΔBDI-2 (Beck Depression Inventory) from baseline to 8-week follow-up was −4.9, ( p = .02). Conclusions This automated preventive text message intervention is acceptable and feasible. Qualitative data emphasize the importance of creating positive, relevant, and interactive digital health tools for adolescents.
School-Based Communities of Practice as Mechanisms for Standards-Based Mathematics Curriculum Implementation:

In this article, we draw upon Remillard and Bryans’ (2004) categorization of curriculum use in observations of two middle-grade teachers’ integration of Standards-based curriculum materials (Nation...
The transcriptomic evolution of mammalian pregnancy:gene expression innovations in endometrial stromal fibroblasts

The endometrial stromal fibroblast (ESF) is a cell type present in the uterine lining of therian mammals. In the stem lineage of eutherian mammals, ESF acquired the ability to differentiate into decidual cells in order to allow embryo implantation. We call the latter cell type "neo-ESF" in contrast to "paleo-ESF" which is homologous to eutherian ESF but is not able to decidualize. In this study, we compare the transcriptomes of ESF from six therian species: Opossum (Monodelphis domestica; paleo-ESF), mink, rat, rabbit, human (all neo-ESF), and cow (secondarily nondecidualizing neo-ESF). We find evidence for strong stabilizing selection on transcriptome composition suggesting that the expression of approximately 5,600 genes is maintained by natural selection. The evolution of neo-ESF from paleo-ESF involved the following gene expression changes: Loss of expression of genes related to inflammation and immune response, lower expression of genes opposing tissue invasion, increased markers for proliferation as well as the recruitment of FOXM1, a key gene transiently expressed during decidualization. Signaling pathways also evolve rapidly and continue to evolve within eutherian lineages. In the bovine lineage, where invasiveness and decidualization were secondarily lost, we see a re-expression of genes found in opossum, most prominently WISP2, and a loss of gene expression related to angiogenesis. The data from this and previous studies support a scenario, where the proinflammatory paleo-ESF was reprogrammed to express anti-inflammatory genes in response to the inflammatory stimulus coming from the implanting conceptus and thus paving the way for extended, trans-cyclic gestation.
Premature physeal closure following 13-cis-retinoic acid and prolonged fenretinide administration in neuroblastoma.

Retinoid therapy has contributed to improved outcomes in neuroblastoma. Clinical trials of fenretinide report favorable toxicity and disease stabilization in patients with high risk (HR) neuroblastoma. Skeletal effects have been described with other retinoids, but not with fenretinide to date. Two patients with HR, metastatic, refractory neuroblastoma received protracted courses of oral fenretinide for more than 5 years’ duration. Both developed premature long bone physeal closure, causing limb length discrepancies; their neuroblastoma remains in remission. The radiographic and clinical findings reported suggest these skeletal abnormalities may be a consequence of treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cisRA) followed by prolonged oral fenretinide exposure.
Theory for the Charge Dependence of POPG:POPC Liposome Repulsions in Deionized Water

Previously we analyzed the shear moduli of a series of deionized suspensions of electrostatically interacting 100 nm POPG:POPC liposomes. The liposome charge was varied by altering the POPG content from 0 to 100% in 10 increments. We used the theory of Joanny (1979), which relates the shear modulus of a deionized bcc-ordered suspension of charged particles to an “effective charge” Z∗ on each particle The Joanny treatment employs a Debye-Huckel (DH) screened Coulomb potential with an effective bulk ionic strength equal to the average dissociated [H+]∗ in the sample. The validity of this approximation is questionable. Moreover, static light scattering shows our samples to be a semi-ordered glass (probably due to surface-charge polydispersity) rather than a bcc crystal.Calculated plots of shear modulus vs Z∗ using the Joanny formalism are non-monotonic with pronounced maxima at Z∗ ∼2000. Below this value, direct Coulombic charge repulsions dominate the interaction, and above it, H+ screening dominates.Experimental plots of shear modulus vs. POPG content have similar maxima, at POPG:POPC ∼ 20:80, corresponding to a chemical liposome charge Z ∼10,000. Z∗ and Z differ due to: 1) failure of the DH approximation near the liposome surface where the potentials are large, and 2) partial protonation of PG- headgroups,which reduces Z below its chemical fully-deprotonated value.We refine the Joanny formulation for our experiment by 1) calculating the shear modulus for a glass geometry, and 2) replacing the DH approximations with a counterion-only solution to the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, thereby replacing Z∗ with Z. The calculated value of Z at the shear-modulus maximum, when compared to the experimental Z ∼10,000 at the same maximum, yields the degree of protonation or charge regulation occurring in this strongly interacting system.
James R. Barth and George G. Kaufman, eds.: The First Great Financial Crisis of the 21st Century: A Retrospective

The essays in this book are focused on three key questions: What was the cause of the “Great Financial Crisis” of 2008? What were the economic costs to society? Will the regulatory and legislative ...
Screen printed, large area bifacial selective emitter N-PERT cells using single-step implantation through laser patterned dielectric layer

In this paper, we demonstrate the formation of a boron selective emitter using single-step B implantation through laser patterned dielectric layer. Optimized dielectric thickness, implantation dose and annealing results in a high sheet resistance of ∼170 ohm/D was formed in the oxide mask area and low sheet resistance of∼60 ohm/D in the laser ablated regions. Screen printed metal grid lines were aligned inside the laser exposed p++ highly doped region to complete the fabrication of large area, screen printed n-type bifacial selective emitter cells. The samples with laser patterned grid lines gave cell efficiency of 20.75% compared to 20.5% cells without laser pattering. Detailed cell analysis showed that the performance of 20.75% efficiency cell is limited by the recombination in metallized homogeneous phosphorus BSF. Application of this technology for the formation of phosphorus selective BSF, optimization of the laser ablation conditions to reduce laser damage, and reducing in the width of selective region can give much higher cell efficiency.
International Anesthesia Workforce Development

A major barrier to building the anesthesia workforce in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been the low priority that surgery and safe anesthesia has had for many decades in these countries. Several contributing factors have led to renewed interest in improving access to operative services in low-resource countries. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), many of which are amenable to surgical intervention, are now leading contributors to worldwide death and disability. Reports on the available anesthesia workforce and resources in many LMICs have given a clearer picture of the severity of the current anesthesia capacity crisis. This knowledge has resulted in 2015 policy reports from prominent international organizations supporting the feasibility and importance of improving access to global surgery and anesthesia. Results are also starting to come in on several internationally supported educational and training programs geared towards improving anesthesia capacity and quality in LMICs. This review discusses these factors and reports which give guidance and new hope for future anesthesia capacity building where it is most needed globally.
Elevations of ventricular lactate levels occur in both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) frequently have overlapping symptoms, leading to the suggestion that the same disease processes may underpin the two disorders – the...
Bone marrow transplant-induced alterations in Notch signaling promote pathologic Th17 responses to γ-herpesvirus infection

Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) is a common, often fatal, complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) characterized by severe pneumonitis and interstitial fibrosis. Fully reconstituted syngeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) mice infected with murine γ-herpesvirus-68 develop interleukin-17 (IL-17)-driven pneumonitis and fibrosis, which mimics clinical manifestations of IPS. We found CD103+ and CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) are selectively deficient for the Notch ligand, DLL4, following BMT and CD4+ T cells isolated from lungs and spleens of infected BMT mice display Notch signaling defects. Mice transplanted with CD4-Cre-driven dominant-negative Notch transcriptional regulator Mastermind-Like (CD4-Cre-DNMAML (CCD) mice) bone marrow displayed elevated IL-17 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) in the lungs, a further expansion of T-helper type 17 (Th17) cells, and developed more fibrosis than wild-type (WT)-BMT mice. Culture of BMT lung leukocytes with recombinant Notch ligand, DLL4, restored Notch signaling and decreased production of IL-17. Adoptive transfer of CD11c+ DCs could restore Th1 and limit Th17 in WT-BMT but not CCD-BMT mice, indicating that a specific DC/CD4+ T-cell Notch interaction modulates IL-17 production following reconstitution in syngeneic BMT mice. Given recent clinical observations showing that patients with pulmonary complications post-transplant harbor occult herpesvirus infections, these data provide mechanistic insight and suggest potential therapies for these devastating conditions.
Communication about diabetes risk factors during between-visit encounters.

OBJECTIVES Secure messaging and phone encounters are becoming widespread to increase patient access to providers between ambulatory care visits. Although these encounters have the potential to improve the control of diabetes risk factors,we know little about their content in relation to traditional in-person visits. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of survey and electronic health record data of patients with diabetes receiving care at Group Health Cooperative in 2008 to 2009. METHODS The primary outcome was patient-reported communication with their providers about risk factors for diabetes complications (glucose, blood pressure [BP], and cholesterol) during in-person, phone, and secure messaging encounters. Additional variables included patient demographic, health, and utilization characteristics. We examined unadjusted associations with reported communication by risk factor, encounter type, and demographic/health characteristics. RESULTS Among 569 patients, 50% were aged ≥ 65 years, 50% were male, 35% had ≥ college education, and 64% were white; 77% had ≥ 1 between-visit encounter (63% phone, 41% secure messaging). Discussions about glucose were reported by 89% during in-person visits and 42% during between-visit encounters compared with 81% and 17% for BP and 76% and 20% for cholesterol (all P < .001). Those who were younger, more educated, of black or other race/ethnicity, on insulin, or in poor control of glycated hemoglobin were more likely to report risk factor discussions during between-visit encounters. CONCLUSIONS In this system, patients with diabetes reported significantly fewer risk factor discussions during between-visit encounters compared with in-person visits. These results suggest potential missed opportunities for proactive support of risk factor management.
Mobilizing the micro-ops: exploiting context sensitive decoding for security and energy efficiency

Modern instruction set decoders feature translation of native instructions into internal micro-ops to simplify CPU design and improve instruction-level parallelism. However, this translation is static in most known instances. This work proposes context-sensitive decoding, a technique that enables customization of the micro-op translation at the microsecond or faster granularity, based on the current execution context and/or preset hardware events. While there are many potential applications, this work demonstrates its effectiveness with two use cases: 1) as a novel security defense to thwart instruction/data cache-based side-channel attacks, as demonstrated on commercial implementations of RSA and AES and 2) as a power management technique that performs selective devectorization to enable efficient unit-level power gating. This architecture, first by allowing execution to transition between different translation modes rapidly, defends against a variety of attacks, completely obfuscating code-dependent cache access, only sacrificing 5% in steady-state performance - orders of magnitude less than prior art. By selectively disabling the vector units without disabling vector arithmetic, context-sensitive decoding reduces energy by 12.9% with minimal loss in performance. Both optimizations work with no significant changes to the pipeline or the external ISA.
Development of a reference chart to monitor postoperative swelling following total knee arthroplasty.

Title: Development of a reference chart to monitor postoperative swelling following total knee arthroplasty.Purpose: Lower extremity swelling is a feature of total knee arthroplasty. Until recently...
BEATING INSIDE THE BOX: OCCULT CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS IN A YOUNG PATIENT WITH CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM PRESENTING WITH DECOMPENSATED CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is typically chronic and usually the result of scarring and loss of the normal elasticity of the pericardium and can be occult. A 21 year old female with 9 years history of restrictive cardiomyopathy and congenital hypothyroidism presented with progressive dyspnea
Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 inhibitors based on the 4-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2,6-dialkoxyphenol scaffold.

Abstract Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2), a key enzyme in ceramide biosynthesis, is a new therapeutic target for the treatment of neurological disorders and cancer. Using 2,6-dimethoxy-4-[4-phenyl-5-(2-thienyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]phenol (DPTIP), our initial hit compound (IC50 = 30 nM) from nSMase2 screening efforts, as a molecular template, a series of 4-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2,6-dialkoxyphenol derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Systematic examination of various regions of DPTIP identified the key pharmacophore required for potent nSMase2 inhibition as well as a number of compounds with the 4-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2,6-dialkoxyphenol scaffold with similar or higher inhibitory potency against nSMase2 as compared to DPTIP. Among them, 4-(4,5-diisopropyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2,6-dimethoxyphenol (25b) was found to be metabolically stable against P450 metabolism in liver microsomes and displayed higher plasma exposure following oral administration as compared to DPTIP. Analysis of plasma samples identified an O-glucuronide as the major metabolite. Blockade of the phase II metabolism should further facilitate our efforts to identify potent nSMase2 inhibitors with desirable ADME properties.
A Vision Statement From the New Editor

As the new editor of The Counseling Psychologist, I describe my vision for the journal. I have five overarching goals designed to improve the journal’s impact on the field of counseling psychology ...
An LMI Approach to Controller Design for Balancing over Slackline

Balancing over a tight rope or slackline is a challenging task as the stabilizing moments must be internally generated by moving the arms. In this study, we use a two-segment biomechanical model of the subject to investigate postural stability and control during the balancing task on slackline. The assumed model has three degree of freedom (DoF), including slackline displacement, body orientation, and the arm rotation that also generates the stabilizing torque. We assume vestibular sensing of the body rotation rate and emulate a neural estimator in the brain that reconstructs the missing state variables. We employ linear matrix inequality (LMI) framework to design the controller-estimator to stabilize the proposed biomechanical model. The nonlinear model is then simulated to ensure postural stability during the execution of balancing task over slackline.
Improving children's health through school-based screening : a case study from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa

Children in Grade R and Grade 1 were screened for eyesight and ophthalmological health, weight and height, and examined for lymphadenopathy, skin conditions, pallor and general health. The premise of the screening initiative was that certain key health issues acted as barriers to learning in children, and that these were the issues which were addressed in the implementation of the project. Results show a significant improvement in the percentage of pupils immunized and in pupils' nutritional status, a marked difference in terms of overall skin and hair hygiene, improvements in ophthalmological health (particularly notable in a reduction in cases of conjunctivitis), and some improvement in terms of administration of on-site service (in the form of anti-fungal creams and other medicines). These results, while it is impossible to link them solely to the intervention, correlate strongly with the qualitative data of observed change as a result of the health screening. In the qualitative data, a number of recurrent themes or discussions emerged in response to the questions asked: pre-existing health problems, effects of those health problems on learning, issues around access to health-care, psycho-social problems in the community, effects of the health screening on health and on learning, problems with the process of health screening, and suggestions for improvement. Health screening had a positive effect on the pupils, particularly in the areas of ophthalmological health and hygiene.
Distinct oxygen isotope compositions of the Earth and Moon

The virtually identical oxygen isotope compositions of the Earth and Moon revealed by Apollo return samples have been a challenging constraint for lunar formation models. For a giant impact scenario to explain this observation, either the precursors to the Earth and Moon had identical oxygen isotope values or extensive homogenization of the two bodies occurred following the impact event. Here we present high-precision oxygen isotope analyses of a range of lunar lithologies and show that the Earth and Moon in fact have distinctly different oxygen isotope compositions. Oxygen isotope values of lunar samples correlate with lithology, and we propose that the differences can be explained by mixing between isotopically light vapour, generated by the impact, and the outermost portion of the early lunar magma ocean. Our data suggest that samples derived from the deep lunar mantle, which are isotopically heavy compared to Earth, have isotopic compositions that are most representative of the proto-lunar impactor ‘Theia’. Our findings imply that the distinct oxygen isotope compositions of Theia and Earth were not completely homogenized by the Moon-forming impact, thus providing quantitative evidence that Theia could have formed farther from the Sun than did Earth. High-precision measurements suggest that the Earth and Moon have distinct oxygen isotope compositions. This implies distinct oxygen isotopic compositions of the proto-Earth and its impactor that were not fully homogenized by the Moon-forming impact.
Previously incarcerated individuals with psychotic symptoms are more likely to report a history of solitary confinement.

Abstract We examined whether previously incarcerated individuals with self-reported psychotic symptoms were more likely to endorse a history of solitary confinement. A community-based sample of 176 previously incarcerated individuals residing in Baltimore or New York City were surveyed on prison experiences and mental health symptoms. Logistic regression found that previously incarcerated individuals who endorsed a schizophrenia diagnosis or past 12-month psychotic symptoms were significantly more likely to report a history of solitary confinement while incarcerated. This finding is consistent with other research suggesting that individuals with psychotic illness are disproportionately subjected to solitary confinement while incarcerated, which has important socio-legal implications.