cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory reporting of the international normalized ratio: progress and problems.

Abstract Context.—The international normalized ratio (INR) is widely used to monitor oral anticoagulation and to evaluate patients with coagulation disorders. Objective.—To examine the variability of the performance and reporting of the INR and to evaluate laboratory calculation of the INR. Design.—Between 1993 and 2003, laboratories participating in proficiency testing were surveyed. Participants provided the international sensitivity index and the mean normal prothrombin time used to calculate the INR. The INR was calculated from the data provided and compared with the INR reported to determine if the calculation was correct. Results.—Survey data regarding the INR collected between 1993 and 2003 demonstrate an improvement in reporting, using appropriate anticoagulant, using lower international sensitivity index reagents, and matching international sensitivity index and prothrombin time method. The all-method coefficient of variation of the INR improved from 18% to 5.8%. Among 3813 laboratories studied i...
Minimum delay routing in multihop wireless networks

End-to-end delay is an important QoS metric in multihop wireless networks such as sensor networks and mesh networks. Along with throughput, end-to-end delay determines the user-experienced data transmission time. End-to-end delay refers to the total time it takes for a single packet to reach the destination. It is a result of many factors including the length of the route and the interference level along the route, and therefore both the routing scheme and the MAC layer scheduling scheme can affect end-to-end delay. We assume a deterministic scheduling scheme is used at the MAC layer. Since the actual delay depends on the MAC layer scheduling algorithm, at the network layer we try to reduce the interference on the path instead of the actual delay time. To find the routing solution that minimizes path interference, a sufficient condition on conflict-free transmission is established, which helps to quantify the interference on a link. A linear program based on the sufficient condition is developed to compute the routing solution. Through simulation, we show that the proposed routing scheme can effectively reduce end-to-end delay.
Reviewing images from portable media: an ongoing challenge.

Distributing imaging data on por-table media has become a commonpractice. Imaging centers frequentlycopy imaging examinations to porta-ble media such as CDs (or DVDs)for patients and referring physi-cians. When patients present fortheir care at other institutions, phy-sicians or their information tech-nology personnel may import thedata from these CDs into the orga-nizations’ picture archiving andcommunication systems (PACS) touse the familiar PACS user inter-face to view the images. Alterna-tively, physicians may choose to re-view the images directly from theoutside CDs using PCs.When there is no mechanism toincorporate the examination into aPACS or when a PACS is not used,such as in an outpatient private of-ﬁce, image-viewing software isneeded. This software may accom-pany the images on a CD and maybe designed to launch automati-cally when the CD is loaded into aPC. Some physicians choose to usethird-party software products. Theease of use will vary by vendor andby operators’ familiarity with thesoftware.Although portable media such asCDsprovideconvenientstorageforimaging data sets, access to thosemedia outside of originating facili-ties may be problematic. In practice,the exchange of medical images andaccompanying information on stor-agemediastillhasproblemsthatfrus-trate manymedicalspecialists[1].Areceiving institution may need toregister a patient in its informationsystem (hospital information sys-tem, radiology information system,or both), import the images into atemporary archive, and reconcilethe patient and order IDs beforeimporting the images into the localPACS. In addition, nonstandardformatting of storage media andsaved data sets poses a signiﬁcantbarrier to a seamless exchange ofmedical imaging data through por-table media.Because many physicians haveexperienced difﬁculty viewing andnavigating through imaging ex-aminations from CDsthat patientsbring for clinical consultations, theAmericanMedicalAssociation (AMA)passed Resolution 539 (A-06), “De-velopment of Standards for MRIEquipment and Interpretation toImprove Patient Safety” [2]. TheAMA has convened a series of meet-ings with representatives from imag-ing equipment manufacturers, radi-ology and other interested medicalspecialties, and imaging facilities,with the goals of
Release factor 2 frameshifting sites in different bacteria

The mRNA encoding Escherichia coli polypeptide chain release factor 2 (RF2) has two partially overlapping reading frames. Synthesis of RF2 involves ribosomes shifting to the +1 reading frame at the end of the first open reading frame (ORF). Frameshifting serves an autoregulatory function. The RF2 gene sequences from the 86 additional bacterial species now available have been analyzed. Thirty percent of them have a single ORF and their expression does not require frameshifting. In the ∼70% that utilize frameshifting, the sequence cassette responsible for frameshifting is highly conserved. In the E. coli RF2 gene, an internal Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence just before the shift site was shown earlier to be important for frameshifting. Mutagenic data presented here show that the spacer region between the SD sequence and the shift site influences frameshifting, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Internal translation initiation occurs at the shift site, but any functional role is obscure.
Total Complement Inhibition An Effective Strategy to Limit Ischemic Injury During Coronary Revascularization on Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background—Activation of complement during revascularization of ischemic myocardium accentuates myocardial dysfunction. Soluble human complement receptor type 1 (sCR1) is a potent inhibitor of complement, as are heparin-bonded (HB) cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. This study sought to determine whether total complement inhibition with the combination of sCR1 and HB-CPB limits damage during the revascularization of ischemic myocardium. Methods and Results—In 40 pigs, the second and third diagonal coronary arteries were occluded for 90 minutes, followed by 45 minutes of cardioplegic arrest and 180 minutes of reperfusion. In 10 pigs, sCR1 (10 mg/kg) was infused 5 minutes after the onset of coronary occlusion (sCR1), 10 received HB-CPB only (HB-CPB), 10 received sCR1 and HB-CPB (sCR1+HB), and 10 received neither sCR1 or HB-CPB (unmodified). Addition of sCR1 to the HB group resulted in less myocardial tissue acidosis (ΔpH=−0.72±0.03 for unmodified; −0.46±0.05* for HB; −0.18±0.04*† for sCR1; −0.13±0.01*† ...
A towed camera sled for estimating abundance of juvenile flatfishes and habitat characteristics: Comparison with beam trawls and divers

An inexpensive towed video camera sled was developed to provide abundance estimates for juvenile flatfishes and other benthic taxa, and to characterize habitat features. The camera sled was compared with beam trawls and diver survey methods in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, and in bays of Kodiak Island, Alaska. In Yaquina Bay the camera sled with a tickler chain (to induce flatfish movement) yielded density estimates for juvenile flatfish (English sole, Pleuronectes vetulus) that were equivalent to those of the divers, but greater than with a 1 m beam trawl or the camera sled without a tickler chain. Crab (Cancer magister) density estimates were similar between the divers and the camera sled (with or without the tickler chain), but were underestimated with the beam trawl. In Kodiak, densities of juvenile flatfish (northern rock sole, Lepidopsetta polyxystra) were similar between the camera sled with a tickler chain, divers, and a 2 m beam trawl. Density estimates from the camera sled were obtainable for flatfish as small as 20 mm. Habitat features, such as empty bivalve shells, were underestimated with the beam trawl compared with the divers and the camera sled. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of an inexpensive, simple to operate, towed camera sled in surveying abundance and habitat associations of juvenile flatfishes, crabs, and other taxa.
Large Sample Properties of Matching Estimators for Average Treatment Effects

Matching estimators for average treatment effects are widely used in evaluation research despite the fact that their large sample properties have not been established in many cases. The absence of formal results in this area may be partly due to the fact that standard asymptotic expansions do not apply to matching estimators with a fixed number of matches because such estimators are highly nonsmooth functionals of the data. In this article we develop new methods for analyzing the large sample properties of matching estimators and establish a number of new results. We focus on matching with replacement with a fixed number of matches. First, we show that matching estimators are not N 1/2 -consistent in general and describe conditions under which matching estimators do attain N 1/2 -consistency. Second, we show that even in settings where matching estimators are N 1/2 -consistent, simple matching estimators with a fixed number of matches do not attain the semiparametric efficiency bound. Third, we provide a consistent estimator for the large sample variance that does not require consistent nonparametric estimation of unknown functions. Software for implementing these methods is available in Matlab, Stata, and R.
Systemic Diseases and Conditions Affecting Jaws

This article discusses the radiographic manifestation of jaw lesions whose etiology may be traced to underlying systemic disease. Some changes may be related to hematologic or metabolic disorders. A group of bone changes may be associated with disorders of the endocrine system. It is imperative for the clinician to compare the constantly changing and dynamic maxillofacial skeleton to the observed radiographic pathology as revealed on intraoral and extraoral imagery.
Ageism and the Baby Boomers: Issues, Challenges and the TEAM Approach

This paper considers the issues and challenges associated with ageism relating to the Baby Boomer generation in Corporate America. Stereotypes about older workers are examined along with types of discrimination facing Boomers. The TEAM approach is proposed to combat ageism in the workplace. The strategy includes using intergenerational teams, education and training, awareness, accountability, and accommodation and mentoring as key components.
Infection of a single cell line with distinct strains of human cytomegalovirus can result in large variations in virion production and facilitate efficient screening of virus protein function

ABSTRACT Previously, we reported that the absence of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase, a critical DNA damage response (DDR) signaling component for double-strand breaks, caused no change in HCMV Towne virion production. Later, others reported decreased AD169 viral titers in the absence of ATM. To address this discrepancy, human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) and three ATM − lines (GM02530, GM05823, and GM03395) were infected with both Towne and AD169. Two additional ATM − lines (GM02052 and GM03487) were infected with Towne. Remarkably, both previous studies9 results were confirmed. However, the increased number of cell lines and infections with both lab-adapted strains confirmed that ATM was not necessary to produce wild-type-level titers in fibroblasts. Instead, interactions between individual virus strains and the cellular microenvironment of the individual ATM − line determined efficiency of virion production. Surprisingly, these two commonly used lab-adapted strains produced drastically different titers in one ATM − cell line, GM05823. The differences in titer suggested a rapid method for identifying genes involved in differential virion production. In silico comparison of the Towne and AD169 genomes determined a list of 28 probable candidates responsible for the difference. Using serial iterations of an experiment involving virion entry and input genome nuclear trafficking with a panel of related strains, we reduced this list to four (UL129, UL145, UL147, and UL148). As a proof of principle, reintroduction of UL148 largely rescued genome trafficking. Therefore, use of a battery of related strains offers an efficient method to narrow lists of candidate genes affecting various virus life cycle checkpoints. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection of multiple cell lines lacking ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein produced wild-type levels of infectious virus. Interactions between virus strains and the microenvironment of individual ATM − lines determined the efficiency of virion production. Infection of one ATM − cell line, GM05823, produced large titer differentials dependent on the strain used, Towne or AD169. This discrepancy resolved a disagreement in the literature of a requirement for ATM expression and HCMV reproduction. The titer differentials in GM08523 cells were due, in part, to a decreased capacity of AD169 virions to enter the cell and traffic genomes to the nucleus. In silico comparison of the Towne, AD169, and related variant strains9 genomes was coupled with serial iterations of a virus entry experiment, narrowing 28 candidate proteins responsible for the phenotype down to 4. Reintroduction of UL148 significantly rescued genome trafficking. Differential behavior of virus strains can be exploited to elucidate gene function.
Gene Patents and Collaborative Licensing Models: Critical analysis: property rules, liability rules and molecular futures. Bargaining in the shadow of the cathedral

Introduction The chapters in this volume on pharmaceutical development and on the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPRGFA) are oriented toward the use of liability rules to promote innovation. Each describes an attempt to re-align the incentives of innovators by structuring a set of contractual options that will overcome the barriers to investment. In response to the formidable barriers to development of viable pharmaceuticals from private libraries of receptors and ligands, Rai et al. propose the creation of a private molecular “semi-commons” of pooled molecules from which promising drug targets could be tested, and for which a contributor would be paid if a viable product resulted. In a similar vein, Henson-Apollonio reports on the structure of the ITPRGFA, which allows use of genetic resources with the guarantee of a royalty if a contributor's variety is used. A common feature of these systems is a type of conscription mechanism that permits a participant in the system to use intellectual property (IP) without a direct negotiation with the IP owner. Users of an asset are required to pay for their use of the asset; they cannot be refused use of that asset but they control the decision whether to take the asset or not. In other words, owners of the asset have a right to payment, but not a right to exclude.
SUBSCAPULARIS REPAIR AFTER SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY

Subscapularis repair and integrity after a primary total shoulder arthroplasty is critical for successful outcomes. One should be familiar with the 3 basic takedown and repair techniques commonly utilised. Subscapularis repair after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is not as critical and in some cases may be detrimental to return of external rotation strength and motion. Subscapularis tenotomy: The tendon is incised approximately 1 cm from the lesser tuberosity and an oblique incision is created from proximal lateral to distal medial stopping at the sentinel vessels. A combination of tendon-to-tendon figure of 8 sutures. Lesser tuberosity osteotomy: This approach is helpful not only in obtaining a bone-to-bone healing, but also in the exposure. Osteotomies range from a fleck of bone in patients with minimal deformity, to a C-shaped osteotomy including part of the head which facilitates exposure of the posterior glenoid. Despite an ability to document radiographic healing of the lesser tuberosity fragment, this technique does not prevent fatty infiltration of the subscapularis. Subscapularis Peel: This repair requires tendon healing to bone and probably incomplete, in most cases, reconstitution of a normal enthesis. External rotation can be gained by recessing the subscapularis insertion medially with the arm in external rotation. While bone-to-tendon sutures are the gold standard, augmentation of the sutures using a prosthesis as the anchor has led to the development of prostheses with multiple holes. Dual row repair of the tendon, however, may lead to medial rupture.
The use of the soluble protein SLIT2 as a potential therapeutic in lung and breast cancer.

5499 The SLIT2 gene encodes a 200kDa secreted protein, which functions as the endogenous ligand of the Robo1 transmembrane receptor. The SLIT2 protein is cleaved to yield 140kDa and 60kDa fragments. Although best known for its role in the guidance of axonal crossing of the midbrain, SLIT2 has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of several types of human malignancy. Genetic studies show LOH at the SLIT2 locus (4p15.2) is a common event in lung and breast cancers, and SLIT2 is subject to tumor specific promoter hypermethylation, correlating with a loss of expression in a range of human cancers (lung (NSCLC 53%, SCLC 36%), breast (43%), colorectal (72%) and glioma (59%)). Furthermore reintroduction of SLIT2 has been shown to lead to a reduction in cell growth in lung and breast cancer cell lines (46-84%). This data coupled with its soluble nature suggests that SLIT2 could be used as a therapeutic in the treatment of lung and breast cancer. Treatment of a panel of lung (11) and breast (2) cancer cell lines with soluble SLIT2 (300ug/ml) (obtained from conditioned media from cos7 cells transfected with SLIT2) led to a reduction in colony formation and cell growth (21-98%). While this confirms that soluble SLIT2 can mediate cell death it also suggested that different cell lines have different sensitivities to treatment. After treatment with different concentrations of SLIT2 protein (0.003-300ug/ml), the cell lines could be clearly classified based on their IC50 values into 3 distinct groups “sensitive” (IC50 300ug/ml). Interestingly the HCC38 breast cancer cell line (homozygous deletion of the Robo1 receptor) displayed “intermediate” sensitivity to SLIT2 (IC50 approx 3ug/ml). This result is surprising as loss of its receptor would be expected to lead to resistance to SLIT2 mediated cell death, suggesting that SLIT2 mediates at least part of its effects through Robo1 independent pathways. The normal immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell line (HBEC) was resistant to treatment with SLIT2, suggesting a tumor specific mechanism of action. Affymetrix microarray expression analysis of “sensitive” and “resistant” lung cell lines revealed a gene signature for SLIT2 sensitivity. In summary our data suggest that soluble SLIT2 can act as a potent therapeutic drug in in-vitro assays, with cell lines showing differing sensitivity to treatment. Normal human HBEC appear resistant suggesting a tumor specific function for SLIT2. These data suggest that SLIT2 has potential as a chemotherapeutic agent requiring further study in in-vitro and in-vivo models. The detection of a SLIT2 sensitivity signature could enable us to better discern the mechanisms by which SLIT2 mediates its cytotoxic action, and could be used to predict “sensitivity” or “resistance” to SLIT2 in cell lines and primary tumors.
Shared Genetic Basis of Epilepsy and Behavior Disorders

Researchers from Columbia University, New York; UCLA; Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; and Northwestern Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago have examined whether the first-degree family history of unprovoked seizures in 308 probands with childhood onset epilepsy is associated with behavioral disorders.
We Do Too Many Parathyroidectomies for Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis, a disorder of dermal arteriolar calcification with a distinct predilection for patients with advanced kidney disease, remains an enigmatic condition that challenges clinicians. Observations regarding positive associations between levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the risk of calciphylaxis, combined with experimental data suggesting a pathogenic role of secondary hyperparathyroidism in vascular calcification, have led to the assumption that reducing PTH levels will improve the outcomes in patients with calciphylaxis. This editorial communicates the contemporary data regarding surgical parathyroidectomy as a treatment option for these patients. We raise concerns regarding the quality of available data and discuss the direction of future comparative effectiveness research in this field.
204 A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF THE ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR APPROACHES TO SUBAXIAL CERVICAL DISLOCATIONS AND FRACTURE SUBLUXATION.

Purpose of Study To compare the advantages and disadvantages of anterior and posterior approaches for treatment of subaxial cervical dislocation and fracture subluxation. Methods Used A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing operative treatment for subaxial facet dislocations and fracture subluxation from December 2000 through September 2005. X-rays were measured for preoperative and postoperative kyphosis and anterolisthesis. X-rays were also examined for fusion quality at final follow-up and for loss of reduction or implant failure. Surgical variables were recorded, including EBL and postoperative wound complications. Twenty-six patients were identified meeting inclusion criteria, 8 treated by anterior methods, 18 treated by posterior fusion and plating. Summary of Results The anterior cervical fixation procedure was noted to be associated with a greater correction of posttraumatic kyphosis with a mean correction of 13 degrees. The mean kyphosis in the anterior group was 8 degrees preoperative, correcting to a mean postoperative value of -5 degrees (p = .003). In the posterior fusion and plating group the mean preoperative value for kyphosis was 7 degrees, correcting to a postoperative mean of 1 degree (p = .03). There was also significantly less blood loss in the anterior group than on the posterior treatment group with mean EBL of 90 cc and 258 cc respectively (p = .008). There were no wound complications in the anterior treatment group while there were four postoperative wound infections in the posterior treatment group requiring irrigation and debridement. Conclusions Reached Anterior stabilization is a valid alternative to posterior stabilization in the treatment of facet dislocations and subluxation and may be preferred in the treatment of the polytrauma patient.
Institutional Quality and the Wealth of Autocrats

One frequently given explanation for why autocrats maintain corrupt and inefficient institutions is that the autocrats benefit personally even though the citizens of their countries are worse off. The empirical evidence does not support this hypothesis. Autocrats in countries with low-quality institutions do tend to be wealthy, but typically, they were wealthy before they assumed power. A plausible explanation, consistent with the data, is that wealthy individuals in countries with inefficient and corrupt institutions face the threat of having their wealth appropriated by government, so have the incentive to use some of their wealth to seek political power to protect the rest of their wealth from confiscation. Low-quality institutions do not enable autocrats to increase their wealth; rather, the wealthy have the incentive to use their wealth to acquire political power to protect themselves from a potentially predatory government.
GPS-based Test Method and Application for Voltage Transformer Secondary Circuit Voltage Drop

The highly accurate PPS signal generated by GPS is applied to two test devices that are connected respectively to the voltage transformer secondary winding and electrical energy meter. The two test devices measure the voltage of voltage transformer secondary winding and electrical energy meter at the same time with high accuracy, then process the measured data to obtain the voltage drop of the voltage transformer secondary circuit.
Surface manifestation of internal waves emitted by submerged localized stratified turbulence

The internal waves (IWs) radiated by the turbulent wake of a sphere of diameter towed at speed are investigated using three-dimensional fully nonlinear simulations performed in a linearly stratified Boussinesq fluid with buoyancy frequency . The study focuses on a broad range of wave characteristics in the far field of the turbulent wave source, specifically at the sea surface (as modelled by a free-slip rigid lid) where the IWs reflect. Six simulations are performed at Reynolds number and Froude number , where is viscosity. The wave-emitting wake is located at a fixed distance of below the surface. As the wake evolves for up to units of buoyancy time scale , IW characteristics, such as horizontal wavelength and wave period , are sampled at the sea surface via wavelet transforms of horizontal divergence signals. The statistics of amplitudes and orientations of IW-induced surface strains are also reported. The mean dimensionless observable wavelength at the sea surface decays in time as , which is due to the waves’ dispersion. This observation is in agreement with a linear propagation model that is independent of the wake and . This agreement further suggests that the most energetic waves impacting the surface originate from the early-time wake that is adjusting to buoyancy. The most energetic dimensionless wavelength is found to scale as and decrease with , which causes the arrival time (in units) of the strongest waves at the surface to scale as and increase with . This wavelength is also found to correlate with the vertical Taylor scale of the wake turbulence. IW-driven phenomena at the surface that are of interest to an observer, such as the local enrichment of surfactant and the transport of ocean surface tracers, are also examined. The local enrichment ratio of surface scalar scales linearly with the steepness of IWs that reach the surface, and the ratio often exceeds a possible visibility threshold. The Lagrangian drifts of ocean tracers, which are linked to the nonlinear interaction between incident and reflecting IW packets, create a local divergence in lateral mass transport right above the wake centreline, an effect that intensifies strongly with increasing . The findings of this study may serve as a platform to investigate the generation and surface manifestation of IWs radiated by other canonical submerged stratified turbulent flows.
Paediatrics: Transgender medicine--long-term outcomes from 'the Dutch model'.

Medical intervention for transgender adolescents is a controversial issue but a recently published article describing long-term psychological outcomes using ‘the Dutch model’ of care should help to silence critics and reassure the growing number of clinicians treating this patient population.
An Examination of the Need for Role Clarity in Sales Management

Sales managers and sales vice presidents often confront ambiguity in their roles. This paper investigates the extent to which the role clarity of these managers is associated with job related tension, job satisfaction, performance and propensity to quit. The moderating effect of need for clarity is also examined.
GRK2 Constitutively Governs Peripheral Delta Opioid Receptor Activity

Summary Opioids remain the standard for analgesic care; however, adverse effects of systemic treatments contraindicate long-term administration. While most clinical opioids target mu opioid receptors (MOR), those that target the delta class (DOR) also demonstrate analgesic efficacy. Furthermore, peripherally restrictive opioids represent an attractive direction for analgesia. However, opioid receptors including DOR are analgesically incompetent in the absence of inflammation. Here, we report that G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) naively associates with plasma membrane DOR in peripheral sensory neurons to inhibit analgesic agonist efficacy. This interaction prevents optimal Gβ subunit association with the receptor, thereby reducing DOR activity. Importantly, bradykinin stimulates GRK2 movement away from DOR and onto Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP). protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent RKIP phosphorylation induces GRK2 sequestration, restoring DOR functionality in sensory neurons. Together, these results expand the known function of GRK2, identifying a non-internalizing role to maintain peripheral DOR in an analgesically incompetent state.
Effects of Temperature, Photoperiod, and Rainfall on Morphometric Variation of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Phenotypic plasticity provides a mechanism by which an organism can adapt to new or changing environments. Earlier studies have demonstrated the variability of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Asian citrus psyllid) population dynamics, but no analysis of morphological changes induced by seasonal or artificial laboratory-induced conditions has yet been documented. Such morphometric variation has been found to correspond in dispersal capabilities in several insect taxa. In this study, the effects of temperature and photoperiod on morphometric variation of D. citri were examined through laboratory rearing of psyllids under controlled temperatures (20 °C, 28 °C, and 30 °C) and under a short photoperiod of 10.5:13.5 (L:D) h and a long photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Diaphorina citri were field-collected monthly from three citrus groves in Fort Pierce, Gainesville, and Immokalee, FL, to evaluate potential field-associated environmental effects. Both traditional and geometric morphometric data were used to analyze the correlation between environmental and morphometric variation. A strong correlation was found between temperature and shape change, with larger and broader wings at colder temperatures in the laboratory. Short day length resulted in shorter and narrower wings as well. From the field, temperature, rainfall, and photoperiod were moderately associated with shape parameters. Adult D. citri with blue/green abdomens collected in the laboratory and field studies were larger in size and shape than those with brown/gray abdomens.
Centriolar remodeling underlies basal body maturation during ciliogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

The primary cilium is nucleated by the mother centriole-derived basal body (BB) via as yet poorly characterized mechanisms. BBs have been reported to degenerate following ciliogenesis in the C. elegans embryo, although neither BB architecture nor early ciliogenesis steps have been described in this organism. In a previous study (Doroquez et al., 2014), we described the three-dimensional morphologies of sensory neuron cilia in adult C. elegans hermaphrodites at high resolution. Here, we use serial section electron microscopy and tomography of staged C. elegans embryos to demonstrate that BBs remodel to support ciliogenesis in a subset of sensory neurons. We show that centriolar singlet microtubules are converted into BB doublets which subsequently grow asynchronously to template the ciliary axoneme, visualize degeneration of the centriole core, and define the developmental stage at which the transition zone is established. Our work provides a framework for future investigations into the mechanisms underlying BB remodeling.
UN Support to Regional Peace Operations: Lessons from UNSOA

Authorized in January 2009, the UN Support Office for the African Union Mission in Somalia (UNSOA) was an unprecedented operation. Through UNSOA, the Department of Field Support used the UN’s assessed contributions to directly support a non-UN regional peace operation (AMISOM). Although this significantly enhanced AMISOM’s capabilities and increased its overall effectiveness, UNSOA faced numerous challenges that severely inhibited its ability to deliver on all its mandated tasks. This report analyzes five sets of challenges that UNSOA faced from 2009 through to 2015. These challenges revolved around the expanding scope of UNSOA’s tasks, the clash between the UN and the AU’s organizational cultures, the highly insecure operating environment, the size of the theater of operations, and some of AMISOM’s idiosyncrasies. On the basis of these challenges, the report offers several lessons for future UN support for regional peace operations: - It is unwise to separate control over logistics from control over operations. - The UN’s current bureaucratic rules and procedures are not quick or flexible enough to support forces dispersed over large distances in conducting sustained maneuver warfare. - Regional organizations must put in place mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency when using the UN’s assessed peacekeeping contributions. - All stakeholders must share information better. - The UN should explore how best its field missions can support the development of host-state national security forces. - UN and AU field operations and planning processes need to be better linked.
Enhancer transcription reveals subtype-specific gene expression programs controlling breast cancer pathogenesis

Noncoding transcription is a defining feature of active enhancers, linking transcription factor (TF) binding to the molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression. To determine the relationship between enhancer activity and biological outcomes in breast cancers, we profiled the transcriptomes (using GRO-seq and RNA-seq) and epigenomes (using ChIP-seq) of 11 different human breast cancer cell lines representing five major molecular subtypes of breast cancer, as well as two immortalized ("normal") human breast cell lines. In addition, we developed a robust and unbiased computational pipeline that simultaneously identifies putative subtype-specific enhancers and their cognate TFs by integrating the magnitude of enhancer transcription, TF mRNA expression levels, TF motif P-values, and enrichment of H3K4me1 and H3K27ac. When applied across the 13 different cell lines noted above, the Total Functional Score of Enhancer Elements (TFSEE) identified key breast cancer subtype-specific TFs that act at transcribed enhancers to dictate gene expression patterns determining growth outcomes, including Forkhead TFs, FOSL1, and PLAG1. FOSL1, a Fos family TF, (1) is highly enriched at the enhancers of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, (2) acts as a key regulator of the proliferation and viability of TNBC cells, but not Luminal A cells, and (3) is associated with a poor prognosis in TNBC breast cancer patients. Taken together, our results validate our enhancer identification pipeline and reveal that enhancers transcribed in breast cancer cells direct critical gene regulatory networks that promote pathogenesis.
Eighty Years of Grazing by Cattle Modifies Sagebrush and Bunchgrass Structure

Abstract Grazing by cattle is ubiquitous across the sagebrush steppe; however, little is known about its effects on sagebrush and native bunchgrass structure. Understanding the effects of long-term grazing on sagebrush and bunchgrass structure is important because sagebrush is a keystone species and bunchgrasses are the dominant herbaceous functional group in these communities. To investigate the effects of long-term grazing on sagebrush and bunchgrass structure, we compared nine grazing exclosures with nine adjacent rangelands that were grazed by cattle in southeast Oregon. Grazing was moderate utilization (30 − 45%) with altering season of use and infrequent rest. Long-term grazing by cattle altered some structural aspects of bunchgrasses and sagebrush. Ungrazed bunchgrasses had larger dead centers in their crowns, as well as greater dead fuel depths below and above the crown level compared with grazed bunchgrasses. This accumulation of dry fuel near the meristematic tissue may increase the probability of fire-induced mortality during a wildfire. Bunchgrasses in the ungrazed treatment had more reproductive stems than those in the long-term grazed treatment. This suggests that seed production of bunchgrasses may be greater in ungrazed areas. Sagebrush height and longest canopy diameter were 15% and 20% greater in the ungrazed compared with the grazed treatment, respectively. However, the bottom of the sagebrush canopy was closer to the ground in the grazed compared with the ungrazed treatment, which may provide better hiding cover for ground-nesting avian species. Sagebrush basal stem diameter, number of stems, amount of dead material in the canopy, canopy gap size, and number of canopy gaps did not differ between ungrazed and grazed treatments. Moderate grazing does not appear to alter the competitive relationship between a generally unpalatable shrub and palatable bunchgrasses. Long-term, moderate grazing appears to have minimal effects to the structure of bunchgrasses and sagebrush, other than reducing the risk of bunchgrass mortality during a fire event.
RNA Editing: Unexplored Opportunities in the Cardiovascular System.

Increasing usage of next-generation sequencing technology will illuminate the extent of RNA modifications, which may affect various pathophysiological conditions. Here, we will highlight one such category of RNA modification called RNA editing, which can be detected from RNA sequencing data by simply modifying the data analysis pipeline using bioinformatics methods . Life on our planet depends on RNA. Despite our early understanding of RNA as an enabling messenger, it is not simply a static reflection of genetic activation. Indeed, the life span of RNA is more complex than previously thought. On transcription from the DNA template, RNA can be modified by various enzymes, which results in over 100 RNA modifications. Because of the potential involvement of RNA modifications in a variety of pathophysiologies, epitranscriptomics is quickly gaining momentum, and our gaps in understanding epitranscriptomics require further study.1 RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification to alter the sequence of RNA molecules.2 RNA editing of exons of protein-coding genes may lead to the production of an amino acid sequence that differs from the original DNA sequence. In addition, editing of 3′-untranslated regions may affect binding of RBPs (RNA-binding proteins) or microRNAs (miRNAs), thereby modulating RNA stability or translation. There are 2 types of RNA editing: adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) and cytidine to uridine (C-to-U); A-to-I is the more common form. Furthermore, RNA editing can be identified in RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data without any special treatment before the sequencing library construction. A-to-I RNA editing occurs through RNA-editing enzymes called ADARs (adenosine deaminases acting on RNA), which convert adenosine in double-stranded RNA into inosine. In humans, there are 3 ADARs ( ADAR1 , ADAR2 , and ADAR3 ). In mice, the deletion of Adar1 and Adar2 (also known as Adarb1 [adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific, B1]) is embryonically and postnatally lethal, respectively,3,4 highlighting …
Validation of a novel preoperative inflammatory score in localized, clear cell RCC.

697Background: A previously created and analyzed composite renal cell carcinoma (RCC) inflammatory score composed of preoperative serum markers was found to be a significant and independent predict...
Computational Biology Opportunity and Challenges for the Future

Recent developments in high performance computers and computing methods have opened new avenues for tackling serious, important and challenging problems in biology and medicine. Only a few years back these problems were considered too complex and difficult, if not impossible to solve. An understanding of cross-disciplinary knowledge will be a prerequisite for applications of this enormous computing capability to enhance our understanding of governing principals in biology and medicine. We will show some specific research areas where computational biology can be applied effectively and then provide some ideas on future applications.
Formamidinium Nitroformate: An Insensitive RDX Alternative

Five nitroformate (trinitromethanide) salts featuring nitrogen-containing cations were prepared. The salts were characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray analysis, differential thermal analysis, and friction and impact sensitivity testing. These experimental data are supplemented with thermochemical calculations using the Gaussian-4 composite method, and the performance of these energetic materials was calculated based on the Chapman–Jouguet thermodynamic detonation theory. Out of the five compounds studied by us, the formamidinium salt, [CH(NH2)2]+[C(NO2)3]−, is most interesting. Its performance matches that of RDX (research department explosive, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), while it is much less sensitive to impact and friction and, therefore, might be an excellent, less sensitive replacement for RDX.
A Conceptual Framework for Non-Disposable Assignments: Inspiring Implementation, Innovation, and Research:

The concept of “non-disposable assignments” (NDAs), including those referred to as “renewable assignments,” has grown in popularity in recent years in select education circles, particularly alongsi...
Applying Model-Based Situational Awareness and Augmented Reality to Next-Generation Physical Security Systems

Mixed, augmented, and virtual reality holds promise for many security-related applications including physical security systems. When combined with models of a site, an augmented reality (AR) approach can be designed to enhance knowledge and understanding of the status of the facility. The present chapter describes how improved modeling and simulation will increase situational awareness by blurring the lines among the use of tools for analysis, rehearsal, and training—especially when coupled with immersive interaction experiences offered by augmented reality. We demonstrate how the notion of a digital twin can blur these lines. We conclude with challenges that must be overcome when applying digital twins, advanced modeling, and augmented reality to the design and development of next-generation physical security systems.
Cationic Cascade for Building Complex Polycyclic Molecules from Simple Precursors: Diastereoselective Installation of Three Contiguous Stereogenic Centers in a One-Pot Process.

An expedient strategy for the synthesis of polycyclic small molecules is described. The method first joins together two achiral building blocks (an enyne and an aldehyde or a ketone) using an alkynyl halo-Prins protocol. Then, in the same reaction vessel, acidic conditions initiate a cationic cascade that includes a stereospecific halo-Nazarov electrocyclization and a diastereoselective Friedel–Crafts allylation. The entire sequence forms three carbon–carbon bonds and a carbon–halogen bond, generating halocyclopentene adducts in one pot from simple precursors. The process occurs with excellent diastereocontrol, providing highly functionalized polycycles containing three tertiary or quaternary stereogenic centers in a linear array. It is even possible to install three contiguous all-carbon quaternary centers using this method.
Torus orientation

A torus is oriented if the processes have assigned their communication links North-East-South-West labels in a globally consistent manner. This paper presents an orientation protocol that is self-stabilizing, i.e., resilient to corruption of data stored in working memories and communication links. The protocol is randomized, uses constant memory space, and orients tori where the processes do not know the network size and have no identifiers; probabilistic stabilization is proved under a restricted form of asynchrony and composite atomicity.
Prediction of Discharge Destination Following Major Hepatectomy

Abstract Background Anatomic hepatectomies can be associated with complicated post-operative recoveries, often with discharge to post-acute care facilities. This study identifies preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with increased risk for non-home discharge destination after major hepatectomy. Methods Patients undergoing major hepatectomy were identified in the NSQIP Targeted Hepatectomy Dataset (2014–2016). Multivariable logistic regression was performed. Patients from 2014 to 2015 were used for training cohort with nomogram generation and 2016 for validation cohort. Results Overall, 226 of 3750 patients (6.0%) were discharged to rehab, skilled care, or acute care facilities. Preoperative factors associated with non-home discharge on multivariable analysis were outside patient transfers, older age, presence of ascites, ASA physical status 3 or higher, and low preoperative hematocrit (all p Conclusion We identify several preoperative and intraoperative factors that are associated with increased risk for non-home discharge after major hepatectomy. Preoperative anemia represents a potentially modifiable risk factor. Nomograms for preoperative planning as well as immediately following surgery were generated.
Perioperative Evaluation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is most frequently caused by a single adenoma that is amenable to surgical intervention. Knowing the clinical indications for parathyroidectomy and reviewing the imaging studies inform the surgical approach. With an experienced surgeon, the cure rate for primary hyperparathyroidism is very high. Regular monitoring of calcium, albumin, and occasional PTH measurements are required after parathyroidectomy to confirm surgical cure and detect development of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. There is an increased risk of persistence or recurrence of the hyperparathyroidism if it is associated with inherited syndromes that have multigland involvement. Hypocalcemia is the most common complication following parathyroidectomy and may be associated with a spectrum of clinical manifestations. Hypocalcemia may present with asymptomatic biochemical findings, neuromuscular instability, or more severe findings including laryngospasms, neurocognitive dysfunction, seizures, or heart failure. Oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation are commonly started immediately following parathyroidectomy to prevent hypocalcemia. Severe hypocalcemia is a medical emergency and requires IV calcium administration. The duration and severity of hypocalcemia vary and may depend on the routine use of calcium and vitamin D supplements, degree of injury to remaining parathyroid glands, the severity of the underlying bone disease, and other clinical features like renal dysfunction or hypomagnesemia. Patients can develop prolonged hypocalcemia due to the hungry bone syndrome or permanent hypocalcemia due to the development of hypoparathyroidism.
CloudJoin: Experimenting at scale with Hybrid Cloud Computing

To continue innovating in an age of at-scale computer systems research, the academic computing and networking systems research community must explore new approaches to addressing growing researcher demands to support larger size experiments. CloudJoin explores a transformational approach to scaling out successful Computing Research Infrastructures (CRI) into larger testbeds by creating hybrid cloud computing systems. We describe how to create a seamless, scalable, single experiment testbed that spans CloudLab and the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), while requiring no infrastructure changes. In addition to added elastic computing capacity, CloudJoin experiments benefit from easy access specialized hardware and cloud services and APIs to leverage world class data analytics and experimental infrastructure monitoring. In this work-in-progress, we show how to integrate the infrastructures by creating a Virtual Private Network between a CloudLab experiment and a GCP Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). To simplify understanding of large-scale experiment behavior, problem diagnosing and debugging, we also demonstrate how to use scalable, single dashboard cloud monitoring and logging tools across the hybrid testbed infrastructure.11This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CNS-1923692