cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screw Fixation Compared with Suture-Button Fixation of Isolated Lisfranc Ligament Injuries

Background: A cannulated screw is currently used to reduce and stabilize diastasis at the Lisfranc joint. The screw requires removal and may break in situ. A suture button does not have these disadvantages, but it is not known if it can provide stability similar to that provided by a cannulated screw or an intact Lisfranc ligament. The objective of the present study was to compare the stability provided by a suture button with that provided by a screw when used to stabilize the diastasis associated with Lisfranc ligament injury. Methods: Fourteen fresh-frozen, paired cadaveric feet were dissected to expose the dorsal region. A registration marker triad consisting of three screws was fixed to the first cuneiform and the second metatarsal. A digitizer was utilized to record the three-dimensional positions of the registration markers and their displacement in test conditions before and after cutting of the Lisfranc ligament and after stabilization of the joint with either a suture button or a cannulated screw. The first and second cuneiforms and their metatarsals were removed, and the ligament attachment sites were digitized. Displacement at the Lisfranc ligament and the three-dimensional positions of the bones were determined. Results: Loading with the Lisfranc ligament cut resulted in displacement that was significantly different from that after screw fixation (p = 0.0001), with a difference between means of 1.2 mm. Likewise, loading with the Lisfranc ligament cut resulted in a displacement that was significantly different from that after suture-button fixation (p = 0.0008), with a difference between means of 1.00 mm. No significant difference in displacement was found between specimens fixed with the suture button and those fixed with the screw. Conclusions: Suture-button fixation can provide stability similar to that provided by screw fixation in cadaver specimens after isolated transection of the Lisfranc ligament. Clinical Relevance: Fixation with a suture button may be an acceptable alternative to screw fixation in the treatment of isolated Lisfranc ligament injuries, avoiding subsequent surgery to remove the hardware prior to weight-bearing.
Optimal Diversity Multiplexing Tradeoff Region in Asymmetric Multiple Access Channels

We consider a multiple access channel (MAC) with multiple antennas, where each user has different diversity and multiplexing gain requirement. For this configuration, we characterize the fundamental tradeoff region for each user. Specifically, we compute the maximum achievable diversity gain for a user in a MAC, given an achievable point in the multiplexing gain region.
Sensitization to docetaxel in prostate cancer cells by green tea and quercetin

Chemotherapy with docetaxel (Doc) is a standard treatment for metastatic and castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, chemoresistance and side effects of Doc limit its clinical success. We investigated whether natural products green tea (GT) and quercetin (Q), a flavonoid from apples and onions, will enhance the efficacy of Doc in androgen-independent (AI) prostate cancer cells. Two cell lines including LAPC-4-AI and PC-3 were treated in vitro with 40 μM of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), 5 μM of Q, 2 or 5 nM of Doc alone or in combination. The mixture of EGCG+Q+Doc increased the antiproliferative effect by threefold in LAPC-4-AI cells and eightfold in PC-3 cells compared to Doc alone. EGCG, Q and Doc in combination significantly enhanced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and increased apoptosis in both LAPC-4-AI and PC-3 cells compared to Doc alone. The mixture increased the inhibition of PI3K/Akt and the signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 3 signaling pathways compared to Doc alone, and decreased the protein expression of multidrug resistance-related protein. In addition, the combination with EGCG and Q increased the inhibition of tumor cell invasion and colony formation in both LAPC-4-AI and PC-3 cells compared to Doc alone, and decreased the percentage of CD44+/CD24− stem-like LAPC-4-AI cells. In summary, GT and Q enhanced the therapeutic effect of Doc in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells through multiple mechanisms including the down-regulation of chemoresistance-related proteins. This study provides a novel therapeutic modality to enhance the efficacy of Doc in a nontoxic manner.
Synthesis of ketoximino esters as antihistaminics.

In a search for new antihistamines, a series of oximino esters of 2-, 3-, and 4-benzoylpyridine oxime and 2-benzoylthiophene oxime was prepared. The respective ketones were oximinated in pyridine with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The esterification was conducted in benzene with equimolar quantities of acetyl chloride, oxime, and a basic reagent. Twelve new oximino esters were synthesized and evaluated for their antihistaminic activity. All synthesized compounds exhibited antihistaminic activity with almost no anticholinergic action. The propionyl analogs showed the most significant antihistaminic effectiveness.
Comparative study of 99mTc-ECD and 99mTc-HMPAO for peri-ictal SPECT: qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Objectives—Most studies that clinically validated peri-ictal SPECT in intractable partial epilepsy had used technetium99m-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime ( 99m Tc-HMPAO or 99m Tc-exametazime) as the radiopharmaceutical. Because of some theoretical advantages, technetium99m-ethyl cysteinate diethylester ( 99m TcECD or 99m Tc-bicisate) is increasingly being used instead. This study compares unstabilised 99m Tc-HMPAO and 99m TcECD in the performance of peri-ictal SPECT in partial epilepsy. Methods—The injection timing and localisation rates in 49 consecutive patients with partial epilepsy who had peri-ictal injections with unstabilised 99m Tc-HMPAO were compared with 49 consecutive patients who had peri-ictal injections with 99m Tc-ECD. Quantitative cortical/subcortical and cortical/extracerebral uptake ratios were also compared. Subtraction SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) was performed in patients whose interictal SPECTS were available. Results—In the 99m Tc-ECD patients, the latency from seizure commencement to injection was shorter (median 34 v 80 seconds, p 0.05). Blinded review of the SISCOM images were localising in a higher proportion of the 99m Tc-ECD patients (40/45 (88.9%) v 25/37 (67.6%), p<0.05), and had a better concordance with EEG, MRI, and with the discharge diagnosis. Conclusion— 99m Tc-ECD compares favourably with unstabilised 99m
The Use of Orthographic Knowledge in Beginning Reading

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between word recognition ability, knowledge of orthographic structures, and use of orthographic knowledge in word recognition. Fifty-six first and second graders were administered a word recognition test, two tests of orthographic knowledge, and two search tasks. The results indicated that when searching for multiple word targets children with word recognition levels of less than 2-2 searched similarly through all fields, whereas children with word recognition levels of 2-2+ searched faster through pseudowords and nonwords than through words. When searching for members of a category, children with word recognition levels below 2-1 searched faster through nonwords and pseudowords than through words providing no evidence for the use of orthography in word search. Children with word recognition levels above 2-1 searched faster through nonwords than through pseudowords and words, demonstrating a generalized effect of orthographic structure. Rumelhart's (1977) interactive model of reading proposed that readers utilize several knowledge sources (featural, graphic, phonemic, syntactic, orthographic, lexical, semantic) in word recognition. In contrast to earlier serial processing theories, the interactive model suggested that the knowledge sources were operating simultaneously, independent of level. As such, semantic processes constrain alternatives at the feature analytic level but are themselves constrained by feature analysis. In an extension of the interactive model designed to accommodate individual differences in reading fluency, Stanovich (1980) proposed that a deficit in any knowledge source would result in a heavier reliance on other knowledge sources, regardless of the level in the processing hierarchy. For example, the model predicts that readers who have difficulty with feature extraction may rely more heavily on other sources of information in word recognition. Stanovich found
Simple Truths, Hard Problems: Some thoughts on terror, justice, and self-defence

To dispel any false expectations, I really am going to keep to very simple truths, so much so that I toyed with suggesting the title ‘In Praise of Platitudes,’ with an advance apology for the elementary character of these remarks. The only justification for proceeding along this course is that the truisms are widely rejected, in some crucial cases almost universally so. And the human consequences are serious, in particular, with regard to the hard problems I have in mind. One reason why they are hard is that moral truisms are so commonly disdained by those with sufficient power to do so with impunity, because they set the rules. We have just witnessed a dramatic example of how they set the rules. The last millennium ended, and the new one opened, with an extraordinary display of self-adulation on the part of Western intellectuals, who praised themselves and their leaders for introducing a ‘noble phase’ of foreign policy with a ‘saintly glow,’ as they adhered to ‘principles and values’ for the first time in history, acting from ‘pure altruism,’ following the lead of the ‘idealistic new world bent on ending inhumanity,’ joined by its loyal partner who alone comprehends the true nobility of the mission, which has now evolved even further into the ‘Bush messianic mission to graft democracy onto the rest of the world’—all quoted from the elite press and intellectuals. I am not sure there is any counterpart in the non-too-glorious history of modern intellectual elites. The noblest achievement was a ‘normative revolution’ in the 1990s, which established a ‘new norm in international affairs’: the right of the self-designated ‘enlightened states’ to resort to force to protect suffering people from evil monsters. 1
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome: utility of the new guidelines in single lung transplant recipients.

Abstract Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome is defined by a >20% decrease from baseline in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ). Recently, a consensus panel under the auspices of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation proposed a new stage, designated "potential BOS" or BOS 0-p. This study sought to validate retrospectively this new stage in a cohort of single-lung transplant recipients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of serial pulmonary function tests in 43 single-lung transplant recipients was performed. Baseline FEV 1 and midflow rate (FEF 25–75% ) were determined and compared with the most recent set of pulmonary function tests in clinically stable patients. Results: The sensitivity of the FEF 25–75% at ≤75% of baseline for subsequently detecting BOS Stage 1 was 80%, with a specificity of 82.6%. For the patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the sensitivity was 62.5% and the specificity was 100.0%, whereas in the patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, the sensitivity was 91.7% and the specificity was 69.2%. Different cutoff points for the FEF 25–75% also were tested and are shown in receiver operator curves. Likelihood ratios for the different cutoff points also were calculated. Five of 9 (55.6%) patients qualified for BOS 0-p using the FEV 1 parameter (FEV 1 of 81–90% of baseline) alone. Conclusion: The FEF 25–75% seems to be a useful criterion for predicting BOS development in single-lung transplant recipients. The FEF 25–75% might best be used with likelihood ratios for different values rather than for 1 defined cutoff point of ≤75% of baseline. The value of the second criterion that constitutes BOS 0-p (FEV 1 , 81–90%of baseline) remains uncertain.
Metabolic Modulation of Potassium Channels

Recent investigations have shown that a range of small molecules that reflect the metabolic state of a cell regulate the activity of potassium channels. For instance, hydrogen peroxide has been shown to activate adenosine 5′-triphosphate–sensitive potassium channels (K ATP channels), whereas heme closes certain calcium-activated potassium channels. Although the exact function of the β subunit associated with voltage-gated potassium channels is still unclear, its crystal structure suggests that membrane excitability is directly coupled to metabolism.
Applied Virtual Environments: Applications of Virtual Environments to Government, Military and Business Organizations

Virtual environments (VEs) such as Second Life or World of Warcraft can be more than entertainment; they also offer new ways to test concepts and prototypes, train employees, and anticipate actions of an opponent. The U.S. military and other government organizations are applying VEs to support achieving training, operational, and rehearsal objectives. Business enterprises are starting to use virtual realities to lower costs and increase capabilities. This paper provides a systematic characterization and analysis of the features of VEs that improve organizational effectiveness. The paper describes: first, the key elements of a virtual world; second, the Use Modes or methods by which virtual worlds can be used to achieve a wide range of business or military objectives; third, a categorization of the wide range of application areas to which VEs can be applied; and lastly, the current limitations, emerging opportunities, and future research recommendations for using VEs to achieve organizational objectives.
ALTERATIONS IN THE BALANCE OF PROTEIN KINASE/PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITIES PARALLEL REDUCED SYNAPTIC STRENGTH DURING AGING

The current research examined the regulation of synaptic strength by protein phosphorylation during aging. Bath application of the protein phosphatase 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A) inhibitor calyculin A (1 microM) enhanced CA3-CA1 synaptic strength in hippocampal slices from aged male (20-24 mo) but not from young adult male (4-6 mo) Fischer 344 rats. Similarly, injection of the PP1 and PP2A inhibitor microcystin-L,R (5 microM) into CA1 cells caused an increase in the intracellular synaptic response only in slices from aged rats. In contrast, bath application of the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H-7 (10 microM) induced a decrease in synaptic strength only in slices from the young adult group. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation dependent regulation of intrinsic synaptic efficacy changes during aging.
The cytological differentiating potential of pineal parenchymal neoplasms (true pinealomas). A clinicopathological study of 28 tumours.

A series of 28 pineal parenchymal tumours is described, with special reference to the potential of some of these neoplasms to differentiate along glial or ganglionic lines, or both. The more undifferentiated tumours (pineoblastomas, 11 cases) were the most frequent: they are histologically similar to medulloblastomas. One example showed focal differentiation to retinoblastoma at the primary site. The histological features of pineoblastomas merged with those of pineocytomas (7 cases), in which the lobular architecture is reminiscent of that of the mature pineal gland. In addition, 10 further examples in the group of pineocytomas showed more advanced differentiation as follows: towards astrocytes only (2 cases), towards ganglion cells only (1) case) and towards both astrocytes and ganglion cells (gangliogliomas) (7 cases). Confirmation of the pineal parenchymal nature of these neoplasms and of their differentiating potential was provided by a modification of the Achucarro-Hortega's silver carbonate impregnation technique for pineal parenchymal cells, by specific silver impregnations for axonal processes, and by an immunoperoxidase stain for glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein. Electron microscopy of one new example of pineocytoma with neuronal and astrocytic differentiation demonstrated the presence of numerous microtubules, of clear-centred and dense-core vesicles, and of synaptic complexes. Seven illustrative clinical histories with pathological findings are presented. The identification of special features of cellular differentiation is of importance in evaluating the biological behaviour of these neoplasms since a definite correlation can be established between the patient's age, some of the cytological variants, and the malignant potential of the tumour. Pineoblastomas are highly malignant neoplasms of children and young adults which disseminate widely throughout the cerebrospinal fluid pathways. -ineocytomas without cellular evidence of further differentiation occur at any age and are also clinically malignant, but with a somewhat lesser tendency to metastasize than pineoblastomas. Pineobytomas with astrocytic differentiation occur in adults and may be either slowly growing or malignant. Pineocytomas with neuronal or with neuronal and astrocytic differentiation occur in later life, remain localized, and are relatively benign. Since the latter account for approximately one-third of pineal parenchymal tumours and are likely to be relatively radio-resistant, tissue diagnosis is imperative for a determination of the therapeutic approach. Radiation to the entire neuraxis should be administered to patients with pineoblastomas and malignant pineocytomas in view of their high frequency of cerebrospinal metastasis. An accurate histological classification of these tumours therefore carries important clinical and therapeutic implications...
Rapid Diagnosis of Varicella-Zoster Infections by Agar-Gel Diffusion

The need to identify vesicular rashes in patients suspected of having smallpox has led to the development of a variety of laboratory tests. Because of its simplicity, the gel-precipitin test has been widely used to make a presumptive diagnosis of smallpox in such patients. A negative test for smallpox antigen, however, still left the diagnosis in doubt. Therefore, there was a need for methods to identify antigens of other agents that might cause similar diseases.
Dialect perceptions in real time: A restudy of Miami-Cuban perceptions

Perceptual dialectology investigates nonlinguists’ beliefs about their own and other varieties. This paper fills a gap in longitudinal research in this area with a restudy of the perceptions of Miami Cubans carried out twelve years after the first study. Perceptions are examined in relation to social and demographic changes with a sample of 84 participants of Cuban origin who responded to a questionnaire about the correctness of regional varieties of Spanish. The results showed that perceptions of non-Cuban varieties remained relatively stable over time, continuing to correlate with race and poverty. Perceptions toward the Cuban Spanish of the Miami community were also stable and, as in the earlier study, were highly positive, reflecting strong beliefs in its correctness-status. In contrast, perceptions of Cuban Spanish on the island were significantly more negative; it was ranked the least correct of the regional varieties evaluated. Factors underlying perceptions are examined in relation to demographic changes, political ideology, and beliefs about race and poverty. This paper highlights the contribution of the longitudinal study of dialect perceptions to the understanding of language attitudes, intergroup relations, and language change.
MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL AND STATE ESTIMATION: A NETWORK EXAMPLE

Abstract Model Predictive Control (MPC) is of interest because it is one of the few control design methods which preserves standard design variables and yet handles constraints. This paper focuses on a stochastic MPC problem with constraints specified in a probabilistic sense. Our aim is to study the incorporation of state estimates into the MPC problem. The original problem can be approximated by a deterministic constrained MPC problem for the conditional mean by absorbing the state estimates' covariances into the constraints. Our idea is explored in a standard discrete time Linear Quadratic Gaussian problem, and is demonstrated with a simple application in network congestion control.
Mesoporous silica reinforced polybutadiene rubber hybrid composite

Polybutadiene rubber (BR) hybrid composites reinforced with mesoporous silica (MPS)/nanoclays, silica and MPS/carbon black were prepared. The primary focus of this research was to incorporate the mesoporous silicate (MPS), e.g., mobil composition of matter (MCM-41) as reinforcing filler in the BR matrix. The textural properties of the mesoporous materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy and N2 isothermal adsorption measurements. The quantity of MCM-41 in the BR matrix was first optimized and the similar optimized quantity of different MPS was compared in terms of tensile strength. The composites were characterized by XRD and scanning electron microscopy. The composite containing 10 phr-loaded MCM-41 showed 250 % improvement in tensile strength compared to the matrix devoid of nanomaterial. The effects of co-incorporation of two different kinds of nanomaterials having different nanostructures, e.g., layered montmorillonite and particulate MCM-41 were also studied. MCM-41 enhanced the mechanical strength of BR almost double the value compared to precipitated silica at the same filler loading. The morphological features of the composites were well corroborated with the mechanical properties.
Introduction: Access to fertility care

Given that only an estimated 24% of infertile couples in the United States can fully engage in the medical care required to successfully conceive, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has incorporated improved access to the full gamut of fertility therapies as an integral component of the Society's strategic plan that was launched in 2014. Toward this end, the ASRM hosted a two-day summit held in Washington D.C. in September 2015 that attracted thought leaders, both speakers and attendees, from around the world. This issue's Views and Reviews focuses on several key areas integral to this effort: an appreciation of the economic challenges to access, as well as the impact and interplay of racial, ethnic, emotional and gender-specific issues in the treatment of infertility. The potential to broaden access to care through modification of existing assisted reproductive techniques is also explored.
258 CHANGES IN SYSTOLIC AND DIASTOLIC MYOCARDIAL FUNCTION FOLLOWING LIGATION OF DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN PRETERM INFANTS

Hypothesis 1) Myocardial function deteriorates due to a sudden increase in afterload following PDA ligation. 2) Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) is a load-dependent measure of cardiac function and therefore MPI would significantly change with ligation of the PDA. Objective To test these hypotheses by evaluating the changes in systolic and diastolic function following PDA ligation. Methods In this retrospective study all subjects were referred to the Center for Newborn and Infant Critical Care at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles for PDA ligation during a 9-month period in 2004. We reviewed the clinical data and the echocardiograms performed on each neonate within 6 hours before and immediately after PDA ligation. Assessment of myocardial function included load-dependent measures of contractility such as shortening fraction (SF) and heart-rate corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (VCFc), a load-independent measure of contractility (relation of wall stress [WS] to VCFc), left and right cardiac output (CO), mitral and tricuspid in-flow Doppler, left ventricular tissue Doppler and MPI. Changes in afterload were assessed by measuring wall WS and calculating systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Results Complete set of data was available in 8 patients that comprised the study group. All data are given as mean±SD. Birth wt 579±16 g, GA 25.6±1 wks, age at ligation 23±13 days. SF decreased from 39±8 to 30±7% (p= 0.01). SVR increased from 109±35 to 206±69 mmHg/ml/kg/min (p= 0.002). There was no change in VCFc (1.35±0.29 vs 1.33±0.42 circ/sec, p=0.4) and WS (17±6 vs 17±10 g/cm2, p=0.4). Left CO decreased from 361±103 to 199±62 ml/kg/min (p=0.001) while right CO did not change (from 395±159 vs 370±140 ml/kg/min (p=0.6). MPI increased from 0.22±0.09 to 0.65±0.27 (p=0.001). Conclusions 1) There was an acute deterioration in both systolic and diastolic myocardial function immediately following ligation of the PDA. 2) There was a significant change in MPI suggesting load-dependency of this index of myocardial function. Speculation The right CO did not change secondary to the presence of left to right shunt at the patent foramen ovale.
A Method to Select Terminal Locations in Multi-Infeed HVDC Power Transmission System Considering Weights of HVDC Transmission Lines

In the planning of power grid with multi-infeed HVDC transmission system, it is necessary to decide the terminal locations of HVDC transmission lines. Based on equivalent impedances among HVDC terminal locations and nominal capacities of HVDC transmission lines, the definition of weight coefficient reflecting the impact of HVDC transmission system within the power grid is given. Based on multi-infeed short-circuit ratio the definition of the index to evaluate terminal location schemes for multi-infeed HVDC transmission system, in which the weights of HVDC transmission lines are taken into account, and its computing method are proposed. According to interaction factors among HVDC transmission lines a screening strategy of HVDC transmission lines brought into the weights is put forward, and the technical process for the selection of terminal locations for HVDC transmission lines, which covers primary selection, evaluation and sequencing and validation of security and stability, is given. The proposed methods incarnate the feature of interaction among multi HVDC transmission lines, and are available for reference to the calculation and analysis of selecting terminal locations of multi-circuit HVDC transmission lines in power grid planning scheme. The proposed methods have been applied to the planning of East China power grid in 2020, and the obtained results of terminal location schemes of HVDC transmission lines for the planning, which are sequenced according to advantages and disadvantages, consist with the results from time-domain simulation remarkably.
Factors in the pathogenesis of virus diseases.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pathogenesis of virus infection on the basis of the organs affected. This basis becomes somewhat modified in consideration of some viral groups or genera, such as myxoviruses and poxviruses. Because susceptibility to infection depends both upon environmental factors and upon the physiologic status of the host, these must be regarded as important facets of virus disease. The two components of any study of virus pathogenesis are the virus and the host. In the host, virulence is manifest as the degree of the effect of virus on susceptible cells. Organ pathogenicity develops when a threshold number of cells are damaged. Virulence, thus, has an ecological character and can be defined as the capacity of a given virus strain to destroy certain cell types. In natural disease, the portals of virus entry into and exit from a host may have no correlation. Variola virus, for example, may enter via the lungs and exit through the skin while foot-and-mouth disease seems to enter via the respiratory tract and exit from lesions it has produced in the mouth.
Preservation of the wild animals of North America

Introduction : "The National and Congressional movement for the preservation of the Sequoia in California represents a growth of intelligent sentiment. It is the same kind of sentiment which must be aroused, and aroused in time, to bring about Government legislation if we are to preserve our native animals. That which principally appeals us in the Sequoia is its antiquity as a race, and the fact that California is its last refuge. "
SPECTRAL WAVE-CURRENT BOTTOM BOUNDARY LAYER FLOWS

Based on the linearized governing equations, a bottom roughness specified by the equivalent Nikuradse sand grain roughness, fcjv, and a timeinvariant eddy viscosity analogous to that of Grant and Madsen (1979 and 1986) the solution is obtained for combined wave-current turbulent bottom boundary layer flows with the wave motion specified by its near-bottom orbital velocity directional spectrum. The solution depends on an a priori unknown shear velocity, u*r, used to scale the eddy viscosity inside the wave boundary layer. Closure is achieved by requiring the spectral wavecurrent model to reduce to the Grant-Madsen model in the limit of simple periodic plane waves. To facilitate application of the spectral wave-current model it is used to define the characteristics (near-bottom orbital velocity amplitude, U(,r, radian frequency, uir, and direction of propagation, 4>wr) of a representative periodic wave which, in the context of combined wavecurrent bottom boundary layer flows, is equivalent to the wave specified by its directional spectrum. Pertinent formulas needed for application of the model are derived and their use is illustrated by outlining efficient computational procedures for the solution of wave-current interaction for typical specifications of the current
Tactical Network Survivability through Connectivity Optimization

The reduction of military C3 networks, composed of communications links and pro cessing nodes, into disconnected, stand-alone nodes is a primary goal of counter-C3 operations. This paper formulates a quantitative, graph-theory-based methodology for measuring C3 network connectivity. Extending past efforts that have been primarily geared towards simple node-pair analysis, this methodology investigates C3 network connectivity from a global, network-wide perspective. It provides a measure of how well nodes within the C3 network are initially interconnected, and to what degree they can maintain that connectivity in the face of counter-C3 operations.
Expression of Alternative CALM-AF10 Fusions Causes Different Hematological Malignancies in Mice.

The clathrin assembly lymphoid myeloid leukemia gene, CALM, was first described as a translocation partner for AF10 in morphologically distinct subsets of acute leukemia with a recurring 10;11 translocation. As the name implies, CALM is involved in the regulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We hypothesize that expression of the CALM-AF10 protein disrupts endocytosis of growth receptors, leading to constitutive activation and, thereby, contributes to the development of leukemia. The CALM-AF10 fusion transcripts are characterized by two breakpoints in CALM at positions 1926 and 2091. Using the 293T human renal epithelial cell line as a model, we demonstrated that CALM1926-AF10 localized diffusely to the cytoplasm, whereas CALM2091-AF10 had a more prominent punctate appearance. This difference in distribution was likely attributable to protein domains in CALM rather than AF10, which is a transcription factor that localizes to the nucleus. The difference in localization extended to their effects on endocytosis. Whereas ∼4–8% of cells expressing truncated CALM2091, CALM1926, or AF10 displayed impaired transferrin uptake, this value was ∼60% in cells expressing CALM2091-AF10 and only ∼13% in cells expressing CALM1926-AF10. Next, we used a retroviral transduction-transplantation murine model to test the impact of CALM-AF10 expression on the development of leukemia. Mice transplanted with either CALM1926-AF10 or CALM2091-AF10 transduced fetal liver cells developed disease within a short period of time (∼8 to 21 weeks post-transplantation). Interestingly, expression of CALM1926-AF10 led to the development of a myeloproliferative disease (MPD)-like leukemia, with a predominance of mature neutrophils, whereas expression of CALM2091-AF10 led to the development of an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with >30% immature myeloid blasts, with one exception. One mouse transplanted with progenitor cells expressing CALM2091-AF10 developed a MPD accompanied by a granulocytic sarcoma; however, examination of RNA from the spleen of this diseased mouse revealed that it had undergone a splicing event consistent with the size expected for the 1926 breakpoint. Both diseases were transplantable to secondary recipients confirming the leukemic nature of the CALM-AF10 expressing cells. Previous studies show that patients with the t(10;11) (p13;q14-21) develop either AML or T cell-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Most of the patients with T-ALL express the CALM1926-AF10 fusion. Although there are differences in presentation between humans and mice, the hematological disease may be a reflection of the conditions of the mouse model. To identify possible secondary cooperating mutations, spectral karyotyping analysis of the mouse AMLs and MPDs was performed. However, to date we have not identified any significant abnormalities. We hypothesize that defective endocytosis synergizes with transcriptional deregulation, leading to an aggressive form of leukemia.
MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY ASSEMBLAGE FROM CANYON FERRY TO GREAT FALLS ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER

The Missouri River represents a major resource for the state of Montana, both environmentally and economically. Understanding macroinvertebrate community assemblage provides insight into food web structure, helping to construct a biological foundation from which water quality can be monitored now and in the future. A comprehensive description of macroinvertebrate assemblage between Canyon Ferry Dam and the mouth of the Sun River near Great Falls also serves as a marker for comparison of biologically similar reaches. In order to examine macroinvertebrate community structure between these locations, we used samples previously collected by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for a walleye larval study. After fish larvae were removed from samples, we sorted the macroinvertebrates as well as casings from debris and daphnia. Debris and daphnia were dried and weighed to obtain a comparative biomass, and macroinvertebrates were sorted and identified to the lowest taxonomic level (order or family, species dependent). They were also sorted into functional feeding groups for further analysis of community structure between these locations. Daphniidae were determined to be predominant in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter samples, while Ephemerellidae and Baetidae were also very common across all sample locations.
Insect hypertrehalosemic hormone: Isolation and primary structure from Blaberusdiscoidalis cockroaches

A new neurohormone was isolated and structurally characterized that increased hemolymph carbohydrate (trehalose) levels in the cockroach, Blaberusdiscoidalis. The hormone was isolated in high yield by a rapid HPLC procedure. The sequence, pGlu-Val-Asn-Phe-Ser-Pro-Gly-Trp-Gly-Thr-NH2, was suggested from gas-phase Edman degradation of a peptide fragment of the natural peptide after deblocking with pyroglutamate aminopeptidase. The structure was confirmed by synthesis of the suggested sequence. The synthetic peptide had identical chromatographic and biological properties as the natural peptide.
Quality and Safety in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have complicated medical course and are at risk for complications. Although extensive guidelines have been published regarding HSCT, data evaluating barriers to improving delivery of care and adherence to the recommendations is sparse. In this chapter, we review mechanisms organizations can use to improve HSCT patient safety and quality prior to, during, and after transplant.
Transfer of Neonates with Critical Congenital Heart Disease Within a Regionalized Network

Regionalization of pediatric cardiac surgical care varies between and within states. In most geographic regions, at least some neonates with critical heart disease are transferred from their birth hospital to a different hospital for surgery. The impact of neonatal transfer for surgery, particularly over a considerable distance (>10 miles), has been largely unexplored. We sought to examine the impact of transferring neonates for cardiac surgery. We queried the New York State Cardiac Surgery database (2005-2014) from a single institution to identify neonates born within the cardiac surgery center and those transferred for surgery. Outcomes were compared between groups, with subgroup analysis of neonates with single ventricle anatomy. 113 surgical neonates were born at the cardiac surgery center, and 268 were transferred to the cardiac surgery center. Median transfer distance was 91 (IQR 73, 94) miles. Age at operation and the need for preoperative ventilation were significantly lower in neonates born at the cardiac surgery center. In addition, single ventricle anatomy was more prevalent among those born at the cardiac surgery center (48.7 vs. 31.3%; p = 0.001). However, postoperative outcomes were the same-30-day survival was similar across groups (birth: 89% vs. transfer: 90%; p = 0.7), and for those with single ventricle palliation (birth: 81% vs. transfer: 81%; p = 0.9). Within our regionalized network, we found no difference in 30-day survival between neonates either born or transferred to a cardiac surgery center, which supports the use of a regionalized network of hospitals to the care of children with congenital heart disease.
Electropolymerized thiophene-based devices for photocatalytic hydrogen gas harvesting

We present thiopene-based devices made by spin-coating and electropolymerization for usage in solar-powered, photocatalytic hydrogen gas (H 2 ) harvesting. Two innovative claims achieved in this work include: (1) first demonstration of electropolymerized photoelectrochemical devices for water splitting, and (2) drastically improved performance of EP-PEC devices over spin-coated PEC H 2 harvesters, achieving >0.5V improvement in onset voltage (V on , bias voltage needed to produce photocurrent), with V on of 0V vs. Ag/AgCl. As such, this work opens up a new class of material and device fabrication for cheaper and efficient PEC H2 harvesting systems.
Associations of two-pore domain potassium channels and triple negative breast cancer subtype in The Cancer Genome Atlas : systematic evaluation of gene expression and methylation

It is unclear whether 2-pore domain potassium channels are novel molecular markers with differential expression related to biologically aggressive triple-negative type breast tumors. Our objective was to systematically evaluate associations of 2-pore domain potassium channel gene expression and DNA methylation with triple-negative subtype in The Cancer Genome Atlas invasive breast cancer dataset. Methylation and expression data for all fifteen 2-pore domain potassium family genes were examined for 1040 women, and associations with triple-negative subtype (vs. luminal A) were evaluated using age/race adjusted generalized-linear models, with Bonferroni-corrected significance thresholds. Subtype associated CpG loci were evaluated for functionality related to expression using Spearman’s correlation. Overexpression of KCNK5, KCNK9 and KCNK12, and underexpression of KCNK6 and KCNK15, were significantly associated with triple-negative subtype (Bonferroni-corrected p < 0.0033). A total of 195 (114 hypomethylated and 81 hypermethylated) CpG loci were found to be significantly associated with triple-negative subtype (Bonferroni-corrected p < 8.22 × 10−8). Significantly negatively correlated expression patterns that were differentially observed in triple-negative vs. luminal A subtype were demonstrated for: KCNK2 (gene body: cg04923840, cg13916421), KCNK5 (gene body: cg05255811, cg18705155, cg09130674, cg21388745, cg00859574) and KCNK9 (TSS1500: cg21415530, cg12175729; KCNK9/TRAPPC9 intergenic region: cg17336929, cg25900813, cg03919980). CpG loci listed for KCNK5 and KCNK9 all showed relative hypomethylation for probability of triple-negative vs. luminal A subtype. Triple-negative subtype was associated with distinct 2-pore domain potassium channel expression patterns. Both KCNK5 and KCNK9 overexpression appeared to be functionally related to CpG loci hypomethylation.
Examining Comprehension Strategy Instruction With English Learners’ Problem Solving: Study Findings and Educator Preparation Implications:

Educator preparation in comprehension strategy instruction (CSI) is essential to meeting the needs of English learners (ELs) in contemporary schools. This article provides teacher educators and pro...
Endoscopic transmaxillary biopsy of pterygopalatine space masses: a preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Although masses in the pterygomaxillary space are uncommon, they frequently present diagnostic challenges when they occur. If a tissue biopsy is required for pathological analysis, the relative inaccessibility of this region can make the surgical approach more extensive and technically difficult than seems justified. In this study, we describe a series of four cases in which a transnasal endoscopic technique was used to biopsy masses of the pterygomaxillary space. METHODS: The four patients described in this report had lesions of the pterygomaxillary space that were detected radiographically. The surgical approach involved an endoscopic uncinectomy and a wide maxillary antrostomy to provide maximum exposure of the posterior maxillary sinus wall. Careful opening of the bone and underlying periosteum provided ready access to the pterygomaxillary space in an atraumatic fashion. Biopsy specimens were talken under direct endoscopic visualization using traditional biopsy forceps. RESULTS: In each case, satisfactory exposure of the mass was achieved and diagnostic biopsy specimens were obtained. There were no adverse sequelae related to the procedure. One patient was returned to the operating room 2 weeks later for a repeat biopsy so that additional diagnostic studies could be performed. This was obtained easily through the previous antrostomy and posterior maxillary wall opening. CONCLUSIONS: The transnasal endoscopic approach to the pterygomaxillary space is a safe, relatively noninvasive technique that can be performed by otolaryngologists trained in endoscopic sinus surgery. This procedure allows adequate exposure of the pterygomaxillary space for biopsy while avoiding the morbidity of an open surgical approach.
Architectural Features of Human Mitochondrial Cysteine Desulfurase Complexes from Crosslinking Mass Spectrometry and Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering.

Summary Cysteine desulfurase plays a central role in mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis by generating sulfur through the conversion of L-cysteine to L-alanine and by serving as the platform for assembling other components of the biosynthetic machinery, including ISCU, frataxin, and ferredoxin. The human mitochondrial cysteine desulfurase complex consists of two copies each of NFS1, ISD11, and acyl carrier protein. We describe results from chemical crosslinking coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and small-angle X-ray scattering studies that are consistent with a closed NFS1 dimer rather than an open one for both the cysteine desulfurase-ISCU and cysteine desulfurase-ISCU-frataxin complexes. We present a structural model for the cysteine desulfurase-ISCU-frataxin complex derived from chemical crosslinking restraints in conjunction with the recent crystal structure of the cysteine desulfurase-ISCU-zinc complex and distance constraints from nuclear magnetic resonance.
Responses of grassland arthropods to an invasion by nonnative grasses

In grassland ecosystems, invasions by nonnative grasses typically decrease floristic diversity and structural heterogeneity in ways that alter the quantity and quality of habitat for animals. Grassland arthropods that rely directly on herbaceous plants for food, shelter, or as substrates for reproduction are especially vulnerable to these invasions because many have evolved specialized relationships with host plants that might be displaced. We evaluated how invasions by nonnative grasses affected abundance and richness of foliage-dwelling arthropods in semidesert grasslands of Arizona, USA. On 90, 3.1-ha plots established along a gradient of invasion where dominance of nonnative grasses ranged from 0 to nearly 100% of grass cover, we captured > 90,000 arthropods from 11 orders during 270 surveys in 2014 and 2015. Although the invasion by nonnative grasses (primarily Eragrostis lehmanniana and secondarily E. curvula) increased the amount of herbaceous foliage available to arthropods, richness of arthropods decreased by an average of 2% and total abundance by an average of 7% for every 10% increase in nonnative-grass dominance. Responses to the plant invasion, however, varied among taxa and functional groups. As dominance of nonnative grasses increased, abundances of most predators and specialist herbivores decreased, whereas abundances of most generalist herbivores were lowest at intermediate points of the invasion gradient. The changes we observed in the arthropod community have potential to alter broad-scale ecological processes, including energy flow and nutrient cycling, and to reduce food resources for insectivores, which can have adverse, cascading effects on imperiled grassland ecosystems.
Effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on sickle cell disease recipient plasma and RBC metabolism.

BACKGROUND Exchange transfusion is a mainstay in the treatment of sickle cell anemia. Transfusion recipients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can be transfused over 10 units per therapy, an intervention that replaces circulating sickle red blood cells (RBCs) with donor RBCs. Storage of RBCs makes the intervention logistically feasible. The average storage duration for units transfused at the Duke University Medical Center is approximately 2 weeks, a time window that should anticipate the accumulation of irreversible storage lesion to the RBCs. However, no metabolomics study has been performed to date to investigate the impact of exchange transfusion on recipients' plasma and RBC phenotypes. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Plasma and RBCs were collected from patients with sickle cell anemia before transfusion and within 5 hours after exchange transfusion with up to 11 units, prior to metabolomics analyses. RESULTS Exchange transfusion significantly decreased plasma levels of markers of systemic hypoxemia like lactate, succinate, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and 2-hydroxyglutarate. These metabolites accumulated in transfused RBCs, suggesting that RBCs may act as scavenger/reservoirs. Transfused RBCs displayed higher glycolysis, total adenylate pools, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, consistent with increased capacity to deliver oxygen. Plasma levels of acyl-carnitines and amino acids decreased, while fatty acids and potentially harmful phthalates increased upon exchange transfusion. CONCLUSION Metabolic phenotypes confirm the benefits of the transfusion therapy in transfusion recipients with SCD and the reversibility of some of the metabolic storage lesion upon transfusion in vivo in 2-week-old RBCs. However, results also suggest that potentially harmful plasticizers are transfused.
Beyond brown adipogenesis the inheritance of imprinted H19.

High-calorie food and sedentary living style give rise to the contemporary pandemics of overweight and obesity. Currently, nearly one-third of population in the world are either overweight or obese, and this number is expected to continuously increase in next decades. Obesity not only compromises glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, but also links to serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, cardiovascular diseases, and several types of cancers (1).