cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical Mineralogy and Geochemistry.N. Sahai and M. A. A. Schoonen (editors). Reviews in Mineralogy & Geochemistry, 64, Geochemical Society and Mineralogical Society of America, Washington, D.C. and Chantilly, VA, USA, 332 pp., 2006; ISSN 1529-6466; ISBN 978-0-939950-76-6. Price US $40.00.

Need some novel research ideas? Although clay minerals are seldom explicitly mentioned in this book, those with knowledge about and interest in clays will find it fascinating, mostly easy to read, and inspiring in terms of new research ideas. It might be best to wrap up some old projects before reading this book, because once you start, you’ll be thinking of new things to try.... The volume was published in conjunction with a two-day short course held at the USGS in Menlo Park, California, December 9–10, 2006. The opening chapter tells us that modern studies of interactions between earth materials and human health began with V.M. Goldschmidt and E.J. King in 1945, but only in the past several years have advances in analytical technology and molecular and cellular biology combined with a growing interest in the overlap between geosciences and health to create a blossoming new subdiscipline. The ten chapters review work to date in the budding, cross-disciplinary area of medical geology. Although the biology gets a bit thick in a few places, most chapters are written for geoscientists seeking familiarization with biomedical concepts and literature. The almost complete absence of clays (or other very specific materials) from the chapters is not so much a shortcoming as a reflection of how young this field is and how much fundamental work remains to be undertaken. Because of their ubiquity and catalytic nature, clays and clay surfaces no doubt play central roles in many of the health issues discussed here, but no research has yet elucidated those roles or identified the exact materials involved. Thus, plenty of opportunity awaits clay experts, among others. The opening chapter by Sahai et al. defines medical mineralogy and geochemistry as “investigations that aim to understand the interactions between geomaterials and humans as well as …
Common weight loss procedures and their complications

Abstract Background As the number of obese patients in the United States continues to grow, there is a parallel increase in the number of bariatric surgery patients. A quarter of these patients will return to the Emergency Department (ED) within the first two years of the index procedure. Objective An understanding of the most common bariatric procedures and their related complications will greatly aide the Emergency Medicine physician in the care of these patients. Discussion Abdominal pain is the most common reason for bariatric patients to present to the ED and can represent a diagnostic challenge to EM physicians. It is important that EM physicians have a good understanding of bariatric procedures. We describe the three most common bariatric procedures: 1) the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB); 2) the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG); 3) and the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). Due to the unique altered anatomy following the procedures there are specific complications related to each individual procedure. We will describe the most common presentations of abdominal pain in the post bariatric surgery patient. Finally, we will review new endoscopic procedures and the associated complications that may cause patients to present to the ED. Conclusion Certain complications in bariatric surgery patients can have a high rate of morbidity and mortality. An improved understanding of bariatric procedures and their complications will allow for improved vigilance and management.
Long-term Mortality after Revision THA

BACKGROUND Long-term mortality after primary THA is lower than in the general population, but it is unknown whether this is also true after revision THA. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We examined (1) long-term mortality according to reasons for revision after revision THA, and (2) relative mortality trends by age at surgery, years since surgery, and calendar year of surgery. METHODS This retrospective study included 5417 revision THAs performed in 4532 patients at a tertiary center between 1969 and 2011. Revision THAs were grouped by surgical indication in three categories: periprosthetic joint infections (938; 17%); fractures (646; 12%); and loosening, bearing wear, or dislocation (3833; 71%). Patients were followed up until death or December 31, 2016. The observed number of deaths in the revision THA cohort was compared with the expected number of deaths using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and Poisson regression models. The expected number of deaths was calculated assuming that the study cohort had the same calendar year, age, and sex-specific mortality rates as the United States general population. RESULTS The overall age- and sex-adjusted mortality was slightly higher than the general population mortality (SMR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.13; p < 0.001). There were significant differences across the three surgical indication subgroups. Compared with the general population mortality, patients who underwent revision THA for infection (SMR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.24-1.48; p < 0.001) and fractures (SMR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.11-1.37; p < 0.001) had significantly increased risk of death. Patients who underwent revision THA for aseptic loosening, wear, or dislocation had a mortality risk similar to that of the general population (SMR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.96-1.06; p = 0.647). The relative mortality risk was highest in younger patients and declined with increasing age at surgery. Although the relative mortality risk among patients with aseptic indications was lower than that of the general population during the first year of surgery, the risk increased with time and got worse than that of the general population after approximately 8 to 10 years after surgery. Relative mortality risk improved with time after revision THA for aseptic loosening, wear, or dislocation. CONCLUSIONS Shifting mortality patterns several years after surgery and the excess mortality after revision THA for periprosthetic joint infections and fractures reinforce the need for long-term followup, not only for implant survival but overall health of patients having THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic study.
Effects of Hemin on Erythropoiesis

Hemin, an integral part of hemoglobin, also has activity as an erythroid growth factor in vitro1–5. Incorporation of hemin into murine or human erythroid cultures leads to an increase in the number of CFU-E or BFU-E-derived colonies. Hemin has effects in nonerythroid systems as well, stimulating growth of normal and leukemic myeloid colonies6, acting as a T cell mitogen7, differentiating 3T3 cells into adipocytes8, and neuroblastoma cells into neurites9, and promoting growth of fibroblasts10.
Control of human gene expression: High abundance of divergent transcription in genes containing both INR and BRE elements in the core promoter.

Background DNA sequence elements in the core promoter can play a central role in regulation of gene expression. Core elements (e.g. INR and TATA box) are located within ~50bp of the transcription start site and both upstream and downstream elements are known. Although all can affect the level of gene expression, their mechanism of action has yet to be fully defined. The studies described here are focused on two core promoter elements, INR and BRE, in the human genome. The locations of the two elements were determined in a large number of human promoters and the results were interpreted in terms of overall promoter function. Results A total of 13,406 promoters were collected from the reference version of the human genome and found to contain 62,891 INR sequences and 32,290 BRE. An INR sequence was found in the core region of 1231 (9.2%) promoters and a BRE in 2592 (19.3%); 121 promoters (0.9%) have both INR and BRE elements. Counts support the view that most human promoters lack an INR or BRE element in the core promoter. Further analysis was carried out with the aligned aggregate of promoters from each chromosome. The results showed distinct INR distributions in separate chromosome groups indicating a degree of chromosome specificity to the way core promoter elements are deployed in the genome. The rare promoters with both INR and BRE elements were found to be enriched among the genes with divergent transcription. Enrichment raises the possibility that core promoter elements can have a function in chromosome organization as well as in initiation of transcription.
Is the Macy's in my mall going to close? Uncovering the factors associated with the closures of Macy's, Sears, and J.C. Penney stores

This study analyzes three national department store chains in order to identify the factors most associated with their store closures. A binary logistic regression revealed some consistencies and differences in the associations. Larger stores are less likely to close for all three chains. Macy's and Sears stores are less likely to close in large malls (than freestanding stores) and if they are located in the West. J.C. Penney stores in the west are also less likely to close than in other regions, but stores in large shopping centers are more likely to close than freestanding stores. Store age was only significant for J.C. Penney stores, and indicated that older stores are more likely to close. Implications for retail managers and city economic vitality are mentioned and future research possibilities are discussed.
Connection with God and the Small Group Leader

This chapter provides historical accounts concerning leadership functions and the development of spiritual care; specifically concerning small group leadership. This section provides essential supplemental resources and support toward empirical studies of small group leadership and developing leaders at every level of an organization. The essential resources revealed within include reasoning why biblical principles provide greater support toward spiritual formation of leaders enhancing small group leadership, and leadership development. Support is provided toward the betterment of the leaders/followers relationship in connection with spiritual formation, including aspects of prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines.
Dissecting the roles of β-arrestin2 and GSK-3 signaling in 5-HT1BR-mediated perseverative behavior and prepulse inhibition deficits in mice

Serotonin-1B receptors (5-HT1BRs) modulate perseverative behaviors and prepulse inhibition (PPI) in humans and mice. These inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptors signal through a canonical G-protein-coupled pathway that is modulated by GSK-3β, and a noncanonical pathway mediated by the adaptor protein β-arrestin2 (Arrb2). Given the development of biased ligands that differentially affect canonical versus noncanonical signaling, we examined which signaling pathway mediates 5-HT1BR agonist-induced locomotor perseveration and PPI deficits, behavioral phenotypes observed in both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To assess the role of canonical 5-HT1BR signaling, mice received acute pretreatment with a GSK-3 inhibitor (SB216763 or AR-A014418) and acute treatment with the 5-HT1A/1B receptor agonist RU24969 prior to assessing perseverative locomotor behavior in the open field, and PPI. To determine the role of noncanonical 5-HT1BR signaling, Arrb2 wild-type (WT), heterozygous (HT), and knockout (KO) mice received acute RU24969 treatment prior to behavioral testing. GSK-3 inhibition increased locomotor perseveration overall, and also failed to influence the RU24969-induced perseverative locomotor pattern in the open field. Yet, GSK-3 inhibition modestly reduced RU24969-induced PPI deficits. On the other hand, Arrb2 HT and KO mice showed reduced locomotion and no changes in perseveration overall, in addition to modest reductions in RU24969-induced locomotion and PPI deficits. In conclusion, our data do not support use of either GSK-3 inhibitors or β-arrestin2 inhibition in treatment of perseverative behaviors.
The Framework for This Book: The Socioecological Model

In this chapter we will introduce the main framework for this book: the socioecological model and how it is useful to think about and plan your career.
Mitochondrial behaviors prime the selective inheritance against harmful mitochondrial DNA mutations

Abstract Although mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is prone to mutation and few mtDNA repair mechanisms exist, deleterious mutations are exceedingly rare. How the transmission of detrimental mtDNA mutations are restricted through the maternal lineage is debated. Here, we use Drosophila to dissect the mechanisms of mtDNA selective inheritance and understand their molecular underpinnings. Our observations support a purifying selection at the organelle level based on a series of developmentally-orchestrated mitochondrial behaviors. We demonstrate that mitochondrial fission, together with the lack of mtDNA replication in proliferating germ cells, effectively segregates mtDNA into individual organelles. After mtDNA segregation, mtDNA expression begins, which leads to the activation of respiration in each organelle. The expression of mtDNA allows the functional manifestation of different mitochondrial genotypes in heteroplasmic cells, and hence functions as a stress test for each individual genome and sets the stage for the replication competition. We also show that the Balbiani body has a minor role in mtDNA selective inheritance by supplying healthy mitochondria to the pole plasm. The two selection mechanisms may act synergistically to secure the transmission of functional mtDNA through Drosophila oogenesis.
The quest to decipher HLA immunogenicity: Telling friend from foe

Molecular mismatch load analysis was recently introduced as a means for performing risk stratification following organ transplantation. However, although good correlation was demonstrated between molecular mismatch load and generation of de novo donor-specific HLA antibody (DSA), quite a few exceptions exist, and the underlying factors that define HLA immunogenicity remain unclear. Herein, we present a new paradigm to interrogate differences between molecular mismatches that lead to the generation of de novo DSA and those that do not (the 2MM1DSA cohort). Specifically, patients transplanted across 2 HLA-DQ mismatches, who formed de novo DSA only to one mismatch (foe) but not the other (friend), provide a unique environment in which patient-specific factors that affect the immune response other than immunogenicity, such as infection and immunosuppression, can be controlled for. It further permits focusing on mismatches uniquely exhibited by the de novo DSA allele, rather than mismatches shared by both DSA and non-DSA alleles. This concept paper illustrates several examples, highlights the need for center-specific or population-specific cutoff values for posttransplant risk stratification, and mostly argues that if there is no direct correlation between molecular mismatch load and immunogenicity, then molecular mismatch load must not be adopted as an approach for equitable organ allocation.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and schizophrenia

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a secretory growth factor that promotes neuronal proliferation and survival, synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation in the central nervous system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor biosynthesis and secretion are chrono-topically regulated processes at the cellular level, accounting for specific localizations and functions. Given its role in regulating brain development and activity, BDNF represents a potentially relevant gene for schizophrenia, and indeed BDNF and its non-synonymous functional variant, rs6265 (C → T, Val → Met) have been widely studied in psychiatric genetics. Human and animal studies have indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor is relevant for schizophrenia-related phenotypes, and that: (1) fine-tuned regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion and activity is necessary to guarantee brain optimal development and functioning; (2) the Val → Met substitution is associated with impaired activity-dependent secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor; (3) disruption of brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is associated with altered synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopment. However, genome-wide association studies failed to associate the BDNF locus with schizophrenia, even though a sub-threshold association exists. Here, we will review studies focused on the relationship between the genetic variation of BDNF and schizophrenia, trying to fill the gap between genetic risk per se and insights from molecular biology. A deeper understanding of brain-derived neurotrophic factor biology and of the epigenetic regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its interactome during development may help clarifying the potential role of this gene in schizophrenia, thus informing development of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-based strategies of prevention and treatment of this disorder.
Medicaid Waiver Adoption for Youth With Complex Behavioral Health Care Needs: An Analysis of State Decision-Making:

Many states have enacted Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers, which waive or expand Medicaid means tests to increase access to community-based public mental health services f...
A controlled diaphyseal expansion osteotomy for the implantation of a wagner cone prosthesis in a stenotic femoral canal encountered in a polio limb: a case report of the technique

Dysplastic hips pose a significant technical challenge to arthroplasty surgeons. Such deformed hips might be encountered either in congenital and developmental conditions or as sequel of neuromuscular disorders (like poliomyelitis), following infections, or after childhood surgical procedures of the hip. The scientific literature, focussing on total hip arthroplasty (THA), for coxarthrosis in patients with residual poliomyelitis, is relatively rare. Several anatomical distortions seen in dysplastic femurs are described, one of which includes an undersized diaphysis with a stenotic medullary canal. We present a case of a 28 years old male with residual poliomyelitis who underwent a cementless THA for a non united transcervical neck of femur fracture. The patient had an extremely narrow medullary canal which posed a formidable difficulty in the procedure. This was overcome by a novel diaphyseal expansion osteotomy, which enabled the implantation of Wagner Cone prosthesis. This technique, which has hitherto not been described in the literature, can significantly facilitate the implantation of an appropriately sized stem in an undersized femur while at the same time ensuring a good long-term result.
Abstract 1059: Targeting IDH1/2 mutant cancers with unique combinations of DNA repair inhibitors

Mutations in the Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-1 and -2 (IDH1/2) genes occur in the vast majority of solid tumors including low-grade and secondary high-grade gliomas. These neomorphic mutations occur early on in gliomagenesis leading to the production of 2-Hydroxyglutarate (2HG). 2HG has been implicated in tumorigenesis via inhibiting α-ketoglutarate (αKG)-dependent dioxygenases. Our group recently demonstrated that the production of 2HG suppresses the high-fidelity homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway, resulting in a state of “BRCAness”. We initially found that mutant IDH1/2-induced BRCAness confers exquisite sensitivity to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, a finding which now has been replicated by multiple independent laboratories. Although IDH1/2 mutations were first identified in gliomas and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, multiple other tumor types have subsequently been shown to harbor these mutations. Current clinical trials are testing the efficacy of PARP inhibitors as a monotherapy, as well as in combination with other DNA repair inhibitors. Here, we demonstrate that novel combinations of DNA repair inhibitors can be utilized to synergistically target IDH1/2-mutant glioma cells. In particular, we demonstrate potent synergy with ATRi and PARPis, a finding which was validated in multiple structurally unique drugs within these classes. We have shown that in an in vivo flank model bearing IDH1 R132H mutation, AZD6738 (ATRi) and Olaparib (PARPi) combination treatment reduces the tumor burden significantly relative to monotherapy and vehicle. As this combination is active in BRCA1/2-mutant cancers, in particular after the emergence of PARPi resistance, these data suggest are consistent with an underlying HR defect in IDH1/2-mutant gliomas. These preclinical investigations will provide a blueprint for future clinical trials combining PARP and ATR inhibitors in the treatment of IDH1/2 mutant cancers. Citation Format: Amrita D. Sule, Ranjini Sundaram, Ranjit Bindra. Targeting IDH1/2 mutant cancers with unique combinations of DNA repair inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1059.
Making GIFs Accessible

Social media platforms feature short animations known as GIFs, but they are inaccessible to people with vision impairments. Unlike static images, GIFs contain action and visual indications of sound, which can be challenging to describe in alternative text descriptions. We examine a large sample of inaccessible GIFs on Twitter to document how they are used and what visual elements they contain. In interviews with 10 blind Twitter users, we discuss what elements of GIF content should be described and their experiences with GIFs online. The participants compared alternative text descriptions with two other alternative audio formats: (i) the original audio from the GIF source video and (ii) a spoken audio description. We recommend that social media platforms automatically include alt text descriptions for popular GIFs (as Twitter has begun to do), and content producers create audio descriptions to ensure everyone has a rich and emotive experience with GIFs online.
Challenging Diagnosis of Stickler Syndrome in a Patient with Premature Osteoarthritis: A Case Report.

Case A 53-year-old male patient, subsequently diagnosed with type I Stickler syndrome, presented with severe premature osteoarthritis associated with bilateral hip dysplasia and knee epiphyseal dysplasia. Despite the presence of the typical manifestations of orofacial defects, hearing, ocular, and musculoskeletal abnormalities, the patient had never been diagnosed with the syndrome. Conclusion Stickler syndrome can present with a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal abnormalities without previous diagnosis. It is often underrecognized if the manifestations of other systems are not appreciated. Stickler syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with unexplained musculoskeletal abnormality particularly in the presence of other system manifestations.
Abstract 1658: Gemcitabine impacts expression of antigen presentation proteins by pancreatic cancer cells

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest type of cancers with a 5-year overall survival rate of 10%. A standard chemotherapy approach for pancreatic cancer is treatment with gemcitabine. Gemcitabine is also considered a potential immunomodulatory agent, capable of increasing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I. HLA class I is a heterodimer of a highly polymorphic alpha heavy chain (HLA-A, -B, or -C) and the light chain beta-2-microglobulin (β2m) that is loaded with an endogenous antigen in the endoplasmic reticulum. The pool of antigens available for HLA class I loading is selected by the transporter associated with antigen processing protein (TAP). However, HLA class I peptide loading can occur independently of TAP, causing the HLA class I molecules to present a different antigen pool to cytotoxic T cells. Because many cancers downregulate HLA class I and prevent intracellular tumor antigens from being presented to cytotoxic T cells, understanding more about gemcitabine9s capability to increase HLA class I expression is of great importance. Methods: Alterations in HLA class I and TAP protein levels were monitored via western blot analysis in a pancreatic cancer cell line (S2-013) in both a time and dose-dependent manner. The time points and dosages which solicited the largest increase in HLA class I expression were also examined by flow cytometry. Results: Administration of gemcitabine to S2-013 pancreatic cancer cells increased total HLA class I α heavy chain protein, with maximal increases of 141% (HLA-A) and 323% HLA-B/C. Flow cytometry revealed a 3-fold increase in HLA-A2 surface expression post-gemcitabine treatment and a maximal 2-fold increase in HLA-B/C expression at the corresponding gemcitabine concentration, but differing time point. Both western blot and flow cytometry analyses indicate HLA-B/C generally has its largest increase in expression at an earlier time point than HLA-A. In addition, high concentrations of gemcitabine that promoted HLA-A,B,C surface expression were associated with a large decrease in TAP total protein. Conclusion: In summary, gemcitabine demonstrates an ability to stimulate expression of HLA class I in pancreatic cancer cells, with the rate dependent on the HLA class I allele. Because gemcitabine treatment increases HLA class I surface expression with a simultaneous decrease in TAP expression, our findings indicate that gemcitabine may induce TAP-independent peptide loading of HLA class I. These results suggest the potential for gemcitabine treatment as a priming mechanism to enhance immunotherapy efficacy and potentially alter vaccination strategies in pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Alaina C. Larson, Shelby M. Knoche, Joyce C. Solheim. Gemcitabine impacts expression of antigen presentation proteins by pancreatic cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1658.
Effect of land use change on summertime surface temperature, albedo, and evapotranspiration in Las Vegas Valley

Abstract Urban surfaces affect the surface energy budget, which plays a defining role in outdoor water requirements changing an area's evapotranspiration. They also affect thermal comfort levels for humans, animals, and vegetation by causing the surface temperature to vary. This study analyzes the effects of land use change on the surface albedo, land surface temperature (LST), and evapotranspiration (ET) of the arid Las Vegas Valley (LVV). The changes in land use considered include transitions from barren and rural surfaces into urban surfaces covered with residential, commercial buildings, roadways, and turf grass. The impacts of these changes were determined by analyzing trends over the summer periods from 1990 to 2017. Remote sensing data acquired by Thematic Mapper (TM) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) aboard Landsat satellite were used to retrieve various geophysical characteristics, including albedo and LST. The ET was estimated using the Mapping of Evapotranspiration using Internal Calibration (METRIC) model with remote sensing input data. The geophysical characteristic trends, in response to urban land use change, were quantified using Mann Kendall's trend analysis. The results showed that commercial buildings and roadways are the main contributors to increased LST. Land use change from rural to commercial buildings decreased surface albedo by 0.4 ± 0.01 with a Sen's slope (S) of 0.001–0.003 units/summer/year, and increased temperature by 7 ± 0.2 K with S = 0.2 and 0.4 K/summer/year. Turf grass removal increased temperatures by 20 ± 0.3 K, while urbanization, in general, increased LST by 5 ± 0.3 K. Roadway surfaces, primarily covered with asphalt, were the main contributors to temperature increase of LST 17 ± 0.1 K and S = 0.2–0.8 K/summer/year, while decreasing albedo by 1 ± 0.01 with S = 0.001–0.003 units/summer/year. Turf grass development maintained LST in the valley throughout the study period, showing significant ET increase (S = 0.04–0.06 mm/summer/year), with an average increase of 1 ± 0.07 mm/day. This study can help water managers and urban planners to understand the role of land use change in irrigation water demand and urban thermal comfort.
The role of an anterior approach in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis-associated cervical fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective Cervical fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis can have devastating neurological consequences. Currently, several surgical approaches are commonly used to treat these fractures: anterior, posterior, and anterior-posterior. The relative rarity of these fractures has limited the ability of surgeons to objectively determine the merits of each. The authors present an updated systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the utility of anterior surgical approaches relative to posterior and anterior-posterior approaches. Methods After a comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases, 7 clinical studies were included in the final qualitative and 6 in the final quantitative analyses. Of these studies, 6 compared anterior approaches with anterior-posterior and posterior approaches, while 1 investigated only an anterior approach. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated where appropriate. Results A meta-analysis of postoperative neurological improvement revealed no statistically significant differences in gross rates of neurological improvement between anterior and posterior approaches (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.10-1.59; p = 0.19). However, when analyzing the mean change in neurological function, patients who underwent anterior approaches had a significantly lower mean change in postoperative neurological function relative to patients who underwent posterior approaches (mean difference [MD] -0.60, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.45; p Conclusions The results of this review and meta-analysis demonstrated the varying benefits of anterior approaches relative to posterior and anterior-posterior approaches in treatment of cervical fractures associated with ankylosing spondylitis. While reports demonstrated lower degrees of neurological improvement in anterior approaches, they may benefit patients with less-severe injuries if lower complication rates are desired.
Chronic binge alcohol (CBA) decreases miR-206 expression in the skeletal muscle of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)-infected macaques

Studies using a non-human primate model of SIV infection have demonstrated that myoblasts isolated from CBA/SIV macaques have altered myogenic gene expression and decreased myoblast differentiation potential, suggesting impaired skeletal muscle (SKM) regeneration as a mechanism contributing to loss of SKM at end stage SIV. We hypothesized that the altered SKM milieu in CBA/SIV macaques dysregulates SKM specific microRNAs that regulate gene transcription necessary for myogenesis. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) negatively regulates myogenesis by associating with myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) and is a target of miR-206. CBA or isocaloric sucrose (SUC) were administered daily via a gastric catheter to male rhesus macaques beginning 3 mo. prior to SIV infection and continued throughout the duration of study. At ten weeks post-SIV infection, daily administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART; tenofovir and emtricitabine) was initiated in a subset of both SUC/SIV and CBA/SIV groups and continued for the durat...
Global adversarial capability modeling

Intro: Computer network defense has models for attacks and incidents comprised of multiple attacks after the fact. However, we lack an evidence-based model the likelihood and intensity of attacks and incidents. Purpose: We propose a model of global capability advancement, the adversarial capability chain (ACC), to fit this need. The model enables cyber risk analysis to better understand the costs for an adversary to attack a system, which directly influences the cost to defend it. Method: The model is based on four historical studies of adversarial capabilities: capability to exploit Windows XP, to exploit the Android API, to exploit Apache, and to administer compromised industrial control systems. Result: We propose the ACC with five phases: Discovery, Validation, Escalation, Democratization, and Ubiquity. We use the four case studies as examples as to how the ACC can be applied and used to predict attack likelihood and intensity.
Measurement of Natural Killer Cell Progenitor Activity in Culture

Natural killer cells are morphologically related to and have progenitors in common with B and T lymphocytes. In this unit, protocols describe how to induce natural killer cell differentiation from prolymphocytes. Since NK cell differentiation cultures also support B cell differentiation, this protocol is extremely useful for seeking the B and NK cell branch point in their differentiation pathway. Keywords: Natural killer cells; progenitors; differentiation; culture; cytokine
Escherichia coli O157:H7: Recent Advances in Research on Occurrence, Transmission, and Control in Cattle and the Production Environment

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen that is an important cause of human foodborne and waterborne disease, with a spectrum of illnesses ranging from asymptomatic carriage and diarrhea to the sometimes fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome. Outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 disease are often associated with undercooked beef, but there are other sources of transmission, including water, produce, and animal contact, which can often be linked directly or indirectly to cattle. Thus, preharvest control of this pathogen in cattle production should have a large impact on reducing the risk of human foodborne illness. In this review, we will summarize preharvest research on E. coli O157:H7 in cattle and the production environment, focusing on factors that may influence the transmission, prevalence, and levels of this pathogen, such as season, diet, high-level shedders, and animal stress. In addition, we will discuss recent research on the reduction of this pathogen in cattle production, including vaccination, probiotics, bacteriophage, and manure treatments.
The Enthalpy of Hydrolysis of Various 3',5'- and 2',3'-Cyclic Nucleotides

Abstract The enthalpy of hydrolysis of the 3'-bond of several cyclic 3',5'-nucleotides and of the 2'-bond of several cyclic 2',3'-nucleotides has been measured calorimetrically. In each case, the enthalpy was indicative of a high energy bond, although values for different compounds varied from -7.7 to -14.1 kcal mole-1. The enthalpy of hydrolysis of the cyclic 3',5'-nucleotides, but not that of the cyclic 2',3'-nucleotides, was markedly affected by the nature of the base.
Estimating Soft Processor Soft Error Sensitivity through Fault Injection

Soft processors are increasingly used on SRAM-based FPGAs for reliable computing systems. In a radiation environment like space, the configuration memory used to configure a soft processor is sensitive to single event upsets (SEUs). Tools are needed to evaluate and estimate the reliability of soft processors in these environments. Fault injection is used to evaluate the configuration memory sensitivity of soft processor designs. This paper describes our fault injection experiments and the sensitivity results on each soft processor experiment. A suite of five benchmarks were executed on the Micro Blaze soft processor to measure the sensitivity of the processor to the software being executed. In addition, several soft processors were evaluated on a Virtex-5 FPGA: Micro Blaze, LEON3, Arm Cortex-M0, Open RISC, and Pico Blaze. For the software benchmarks, we find that the sensitivity varies as much as 54%. For simple processor configurations running the Towers of Hanoi benchmark, we measure as low as 7,116 sensitive bits for the Pico Blaze, and as high as 112,223 sensitive bits for the Cortex M0.
Computer Models of the Nutritional Interaction

Because of the multiplicity of factors involved, the possible variations in each factor and the interactions among the parameters, a synthesis of the whole process to show energy [or matter] flow through a population …, the consequent impact on the ecosystem, (and the possible effects of various management strategies) can best be accomplished through use of computer simulation models.
Stopping cross sections and backscattering factors for 4He ions in matter Z = 1–92,

A table is presented of semiempirical values of stopping cross sections [expressed in eV/(atom/cm2)] for 4He ions in every element (1 ≤ Z ≤ 92) for ion energies from 400 to 4000 keV. The semiempirical results have been fitted with polynomial expansions whose coefficients are also tabulated. The stopping cross sections provide parameters for the interpretation of backscattering experiments, for example factors for converting backscattering-peak widths to areal density (atoms/cm2). The semiempirical results are based on recent experimental measurements and on theoretical values calculated in the Lindhard-Winther formalism with Hartree-Fock-Slater elemental wavefunctions. Comments are included on combining the specific energy loss tables for compound backscattering analysis by using Bragg's Rule, and also on the effects on backscattering of target tilt and of the finite thicknesses of targets.
Synthesis of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles from wood derived sugars by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and their application to convert bio-syngas into liquid hydrocarbons

Abstract Carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles (CEIN)were prepared from a solution of Iron(II) chloride (FeCl2) and wood derived sugars under hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) conditions. The obtained nanostructures were characterized by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, TPD, Raman, and FTIR. The size of these nano-spheres was approximately 100–150 nm in diameter with an iron core diameter of 10–25 nm. The carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles were used as catalysts to thermochemically convert wood derived syngas into liquid hydrocarbons. These nanoparticles showed excellent catalytic performance when used as catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) process, and these nanoparticles showed high selectivity towards creating C 5 + hydrocarbons. While undergoing reactions with biomass derived syngas at 290 °C, the CO conversion rate from this catalyst was found to be 89.5% and hydrocarbon selectivity was discovered to be 65%.
New drug on the horizon for treating adenovirus

Human adenoviruses can cause serious disseminated infections including death in immunosuppressed patients, especially pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) patients. There are no drugs approved to treat such infections. Cidofovir is used intravenously in many transplant clinics, probably with some effect, but controlled trials have not been completed. Cidofovir is an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analog of cytidine monophosphate. Following conversion to its diphosphate form within cells, cidofovir is a preferred substrate for the adenovirus DNA polymerase, leading to viral DNA chain termination. Problems with cidofovir include poor cellular uptake and nephrotoxicity. Brincidofovir, a lipid-linked derivative of cidofovir which is active against five families of double-stranded DNA viruses, represents a major advance in anti-adenovirus therapy. It is administered orally, taken up readily by cells followed by release of cidofovir within cells, and is not nephrotoxic. Brincidofovir, under development by Chimerix, Inc., is being evaluated against adenovirus infections in transplant patients including allo-HSCT patients in a phase III clinical trial (AdVise Study). Preliminary results indicate that brincidofovir is safe and very effective at decreasing adenovirus viremia and adenovirus-induced pathogenicity and mortality. Anti-adenovirus adoptive T cell therapy is another very promising approach to treating allo-HSCT patients as demonstrated in clinical studies.
Pharmacoproteomic analysis of prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy plasma samples from patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy for breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND In this study, proteomic changes were examined in response to paclitaxel chemotherapy or 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) chemotherapy in plasma from patients with Stage I–III breast carcinoma. The authors also compared the plasma profiles of patients with cancer with the plasma profiles of healthy women to identify breast carcinoma–associated protein markers. METHODS Sixty-nine patients and 15 healthy volunteers participated in the study. Plasma was sampled on Day 0 before chemotherapy and on Day 3 posttreatment in the 69 patients or 3 days apart in the 15 healthy women. Twenty-nine patients received preoperative chemotherapy, and 40 received postoperative chemotherapy. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry was used to generate protein mass profiles. RESULTS Few changes were observed in plasma during treatment. Only 1 protein peak was identified (mass/charge ratio [m/z], 2790) that was induced by paclitaxel and, to a lesser extent, by FAC chemotherapy. This proteomic response was detectable in 80% of patients who were treated preoperatively but also was present with lesser intensity in approximately 40% of patients treated postoperatively. There was no clear correlation between induction of m/z 2790 during a single course of treatment and final tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy. Five other peaks also were identified that discriminated between plasma from patients with breast carcinoma and plasma from normal women. These same peaks also were detectable in a subset of patients who already had undergone surgery to remove their tumors. CONCLUSIONS A single chemotherapy-inducible SELDI-MS peak and five other peaks that distinguished plasma obtained from patients with breast carcinoma from plasma obtained from normal, healthy women were identified. The (as yet unsequenced) proteins represented by these peaks are candidate markers of micrometastatic disease after surgery. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Reactions of metal chlorides and chlorometallate salts with red phosphorus

Abstract The use of red phosphorus as a reducing agent for NbCl5, TaCl5, and MoCl5 has been investigated by heating mixtures of red phosphorus and the metal chloride in a closed tube. By this method, NbCl4 and MoCl3 are obtained as products, while TaCl5 undergoes little or no reduction under these conditions. Similarly, upon heating mixtures of red phosphorus, CsCl, and CsNbCl6 or CsTaCl6, purple Cs2NbCl6 or Cs2TaCl6 were obtained. Mixtures of red phosphorus, CsCl, and MoCl5 or WCl6 yielded Cs2MoCl6 or CsWCl6, respectively, upon heating.
Extracellular matrix 1 (ECM1) expression is a novel prognostic marker for poor long-term survival in breast cancer: a Hospital-based Cohort Study in Iowa.

Previous work in a small, unselected series showed that up to 83% of breast carcinomas overexpress ECM1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and that tumors with lymph node metastases are more likely to be ECM1-positive. We sought to further evaluate ECM1 expression and its effect on prognosis in an unselected cohort of patients with breast cancer. ECM1 expression was examined by IHC in 134 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1986 and 1989 and correlated with clinical parameters and outcomes, including disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) using Cox proportional hazards regression. During follow-up, 83 of 134 (66%) patients died. The median follow-up was 211 (range, 183–245) months for surviving patients. Based on a previously described cutoff of 10% staining, 47% of breast cancers were ECM1-positive. ECM1-positive tumors were associated with increasing patient age (P = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, while controlling for age, ER status, tumor grade, stage, and treatment, ECM1 expression emerged as a significant predictor of DSS (hazard ratios, 4.16 (P = 0.009) and 11.6 (P = 0.01) at 10 and 15 years, respectively) and DFS (hazard ratio, 3.08 (P = 0.03) at 15 years) with ECM1 overexpression predicting poorer survival. ECM1 was overexpressed in approximately half of invasive breast carcinomas and is an important prognostic marker, particularly for predicting poorer DSS, with its predictive value increasing with time from diagnosis. Further work is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether ECM1 expression is predictive of response to specific therapy.
A fuzzy-based approach to the liquid crystal injection scheduling problem in a TFT-LCD fab

In a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) fab, the liquid crystal injection (LCI) process is to inject liquid crystal into the cell gaps on panels. Since its processing time is enormous (typically 12 h) compared to other processes, the LCI process is a bottleneck in the entire cell process. This study focuses on the LCI scheduling problem, which is divided into two sub-problems: automated guided vehicle (AGV) dispatching and LCI machine scheduling. A self-adjusted fuzzy (SAF) method is developed to solve the AGV dispatching problem. The SAF method is fuzzy based, and it is capable of adjusting the inference rules according to the status of the system to determine which cassette is to be transported first. A modified least slack time (MLST) method is proposed for the LCI machine scheduling problem. The MLST method assigns available LCI machines to first work on processing batches which will be finished beyond their due dates. If there are no such batches, the system releases a new batch, w...
Sterol sulfates in an insect.

Abstract Sterol sulfates have been isolated for the first time from an insect source. The sulfates of cholesterol, campesterol and β-sitosterol have been identified in the sterol sulfate fraction from the meconium of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (Johannson). Cholesterol sulfate constituted about 77% of the entire sulfate fraction as determined by gas-liquid chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses.
The use of heat pumps in reducing fuel consumption for nonsolar climate control of buildings

Abstract Heating and climate control are of world-wide importance since these processes demand a large percentage of the total energy consumption of all nations. Conversion of energy stored in fossil fuels for heating, by direct combustion in a furnace or by electrical resistance heating via power produced in a power plant, exhibits very low efficiency. This implies that our consumption of primary fuels is several-fold larger than the amount really needed for accomplishing the desired climate-control function. Large improvements are possible and should be achieved. These improvements can be attained by reversible heating, i.e. by use of optimized heat pumps powered by work produced from fuels with high efficiency. Several systems are described which utilize readily available technology and know-how. Similar improvements are possible by identical means in other low-temperature processes.
Intraoperative Discovery of Neuroblastoma in an Infant With Pulmonary Atresia

There have been 28 previously reported cases of neuroblastoma associated with congenital heart disease. Because many of these have been defects of the conotruncal region, it has been proposed that abnormal neural crest cell migration or maturation may be a factor that links these normally disparate pathologic conditions. Most neuroblastomas in these cases have been detected at autopsy or by radiologic studies conducted in the evaluation of the cardiac anomalies. Recently, we discovered an occult posterior mediastinal neuroblastoma in a patient undergoing a unifocalization procedure for tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collaterals. The tumor was resected, and the patient has demonstrated no evidence of residual or metastatic neuroblastoma.