cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of partially-purified amylases from larval Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with amylase inhibitors from wheat☆

Abstract 1. 1. Amylase from larvae of the Mediterranean flour moth (MFM), Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller), was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, glycogen complex formation, and chromatography on Sephadex G-100. 2. 2. The amylase fraction was composed of two pairs of isozymes that were detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Each pair consisted of a major and a minor monomeric protein with molecular weights estimated with a non-dissociating PAGE technique to be about 51 kDa for the slower migrating pair and 56.5 kDa for the faster migrating pair. 3. 3. Mediterranean flour-moth amylase had an alkaline pH optimum between pH 9.0–9.5, a K m , for soluble starch of 0.037%, and was unstable in acid (pH 4.5–5.0) conditions. Chloride ion did not activate the amylase nor cause a shift in K m or pH optimum. 4. 4. An aqueous extract of wheat acted as a non-competitive inhibitor ( K i = 0.79 μ g/200 μ ) of MFM amylase. Inhibition occurred through the range pH 5.5 to 9.5. 5. 5. Mediterranean flour-moth amylase was not as sensitive as amylase from two granivorous coleopterans to two purified amylase inhibitors ( ca 10 kDa) from wheat but was inhibited to a greater extent by partially purified wheat fractions that contained higher molecular weight albumins.
Ribonucleotide reductase content of vitamin B12-deficient Euglena gracilis

Abstract Homogeneous 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin-dependent ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase (EC 1.17.4.2) from vitamin B12-deficient Euglena gracilis was used to produce monospecific polyclonal antiserum against the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-denatured enzyme. The amount of enzyme protein was estimated by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay, based on protein blotting. Enzyme protein constituted about 0.07% and 7.0% of the total cellular protein from vitamin B12-sufficient and -deficient Euglena, respectively. The amount of ribonucleotide reductase in vitamin B12-deficient Euglena determined by this method was about 4-fold higher than previous estimates based on activity measurements.
Cancer and poverty: Breaking the cycle

Poverty contributes to an increase in cancer incidence and mortality. The economically disadvantaged have a higher incidence for several cancers and lower survival rates for all cancer sites combined. A number of factors are responsible for the increased mortality and morbidity from cancer among the poor and include lack of employment, lack of education, inadequate housing, lack of access to medical care, chronic malnutrition, and a fatalistic attitude. Successful strategies must be taken to reverse these trends.
Case report: Radiographic and ultrasound appearances of an intra-mural haematoma of the pylorus

The case of a haemophilic baby boy who developed a pyloric haematoma due to trauma caused by a feeding gastrostomy catheter balloon is presented. Intramural gastric haematomas are rare and the authors are not aware of any previous reports of intramural haematomas affecting the pylorus alone in this age group. The barium meal appearances of the pyloric haematoma were identical to those seen in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis but ultrasound demonstrated a circumferential pyloric haematoma.
Aerodynamic Performance Effects due to Small Leading-Edge Ice (Roughness) on Wings and Tails

Systematic experimental studies have been carried out to establish the aerodynamic impact of very small leading-edge simulated ice (roughness) formations on lifting surfaces. The geometries studied include singleelement configurations (airfoil and three-dimensional tail) as well as multielement high-lift airfoil geometries. Emphasis in these studies was placed on obtaining results at high Reynolds numbers to insure the applicability of the findings to full-scale situations. It has been found that the well-known Brumby correlation for the adverse lift impact of discrete roughness elements at the leading edge is not appropriate for cases representative of initial frost formation (i.e., distributed roughness). It has further been found that allowing initial ice formations, of a size required for removal by presently proposed de-icing systems, could lead to maximum lift losses of approximately 40% for single-element airfoils. Losses in angle-of-attack margin-to-stall are equally substantial— as high as 6 deg. Percentage losses for multielement airfoils are not as severe as for single-element configurations, but degradations of the angle of attack-to-sta ll margin are the same for both.
A General Stability Condition for Multi-Agent Coordination by Coupled Estimation and Control

Many multi-agent coordinated behaviors can be achieved using decentralized estimation-and-control, where each agent uses limited communication with neighbors in a network to estimate global properties of the performance of the group. This global information is used in each agent's local motion controller, creating a feedback connection between the estimators and controllers. To ensure the stability of the coupled system, we derive a small-gain condition that can be roughly expressed as a bound on motion control gains as a function of the estimator gains and a lower bound on the algebraic connectivity of the communication network. The condition is derived for systems of agents with first-order dynamics implementing gradient controllers based on averages of the group sensor inputs. The condition is applied to two very different tasks: formation control and cooperative target localization.
An optimized kit-free method for making strand-specific deep sequencing libraries from RNA fragments

Deep sequencing of strand-specific cDNA libraries is now a ubiquitous tool for identifying and quantifying RNAs in diverse sample types. The accuracy of conclusions drawn from these analyses depends on precise and quantitative conversion of the RNA sample into a DNA library suitable for sequencing. Here, we describe an optimized method of preparing strand-specific RNA deep sequencing libraries from small RNAs and variably sized RNA fragments obtained from ribonucleoprotein particle footprinting experiments or fragmentation of long RNAs. Our approach works across a wide range of input amounts (400 pg to 200 ng), is easy to follow and produces a library in 2‐3 days at relatively low reagent cost, all while giving the user complete control over every step. Because all enzymatic reactions were optimized and driven to apparent completion, sequence diversity and species abundance in the input sample are well preserved.
An efficient external sort algorithm with no additional space

In analogy to the Internal Bubble Sort we have developed an external sort paradigm which when implemented proves to be significantly faster than the Friedman/Lin external sort and faster than the Merge-Sort under certain conditions. Its time complexity is estimated to be (N∧2 Log N) or better. Possible refinements are also mentioned
Platelet Shape Change Is Mediated by both Calcium-dependent and -independent Signaling Pathways ROLE OF p160 Rho-ASSOCIATED COILED-COIL-CONTAINING PROTEIN KINASE IN PLATELET SHAPE CHANGE

Platelets undergo shape change upon activation with agonists. During shape change, disc-shaped platelets turn into spiculated spheres with protruding filopodia. When agonist-induced cytosolic Ca2+ increases were prevented using the cytosolic Ca2+ chelator, 5,5′-dimethyl-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA), platelets still underwent shape change, although the onset was delayed and the initial rate was dramatically decreased. In the absence of cytosolic Ca2+, agonist-stimulated myosin light chain phosphorylation was significantly inhibited. The myosin light chain was maximally phosphorylated at 2 s in control platelets compared with 30 s in 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA-treated platelets. ADP, thrombin, or U46619-induced Ca2+-independent platelet shape change was significantly reduced by staurosporine, a nonselective kinase inhibitor, by the selective p160 Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632, or by HA 1077. Both Y-27632 and HA 1077 reduced peak levels of ADP-induced platelet shape change and myosin light chain phosphorylation in control platelets. In 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA-treated platelets, Y-27632 and HA 1077 completely abolished both ADP-induced platelet shape change and myosin light chain phosphorylation. Our results indicate that Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated myosin light chain kinase and p160 Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase independently contribute to myosin light chain phosphorylation and platelet shape change, through Ca2+-sensitive and Ca2+-insensitive pathways, respectively.
Trends in discharge and flow season timing of the Onyx River, Wright Valley, Antarctica since 1969

Flow records at the two stream gauges on the Onyx River represent the longest actively collected environmental records in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The downstream gauge, near Lake Vanda, has been collecting data since 1969, and the upstream gauge, at Lower Wright Glacier (LWRT), has collected data since 1972. We analyzed these records to assess the long-term trends in annual discharge, flow season length, flow season start, and flow season end. Our results indicate overall decreasing trends in annual discharge (0.4x10 6 m 3 /decade at LWRT, 0.8 x10 6 m 3 /decade at Vanda), and increasing flow season lengths (by 7 d/decade at LWRT, and 2.7 d/decade at Vanda), influenced by earlier start and later end dates (5.2 and 0.8 d/decade, respectively at LWRT; 4.8, 1.4 d/decade, respectively at Vanda). This suggests that flow season climate patterns in the Dry Valleys are decreasing glacier melt intensity overall, but extending the period of meltwater generation.
Conservation markets for wildlife management with case studies from whaling

Although market-based incentives have helped resolve many environmental challenges, conservation markets still play a relatively minor role in wildlife management. Establishing property rights for environmental goods and allowing trade between resource extractors and resource conservationists may offer a path forward in conserving charismatic species like whales, wolves, turtles, and sharks. In this paper, we provide a conceptual model for implementing a conservation market for wildlife and evaluate how such a market could be applied to three case studies for whales (minke [Balaenoptera acutorostrata], bowhead [Balaena mysticetus], and gray [Eschrictius robustus]). We show that, if designed and operated properly, such a market could ensure persistence of imperiled populations, while simultaneously improving the welfare of resource harvesters.
Schizophrenia following Withdrawal from Chronic Phenothiazine Administration: A Case Report*:

The chronic administration of phenothiazines has come under increasing scrutiny recently, and the uncritical use of this form of treatment has been criticized.A case is presented illustrating the d...
Compliant Task Execution and Learning for Safe Mixed-Initiative Human-Robot Operations

We introduce a novel task execution capability that enhances the ability of in-situ crew members to function independently from Earth by enabling safe and efficient interaction with automated systems. This task execution capability provides the ability to (1) map goal-directed commands from humans into safe, compliant, automated actions, (2) quickly and safely respond to human commands and actions during task execution, and (3) specify complex motions through teaching by demonstration. Our results are applicable to future surface robotic systems, and we have demonstrated these capabilities on JPL's All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer (ATHLETE) robot.
Finite-Element Solution of the Incompressible Lubrication Problem

Finite element solution of incompressible lubrication problem by minimum principle for transient incompressible Reynolds equation with boundary conditions
PHYTOPLANKTON DISTRIBUTION AND WATER QUALITY INDICES FOR LAKE MEAD (COLORADO RIVER)1

SUMMARY Phytoplankton samples were collected in Lake Mead 6 times from September 1970 to June 1971 for 8 stations at depths of 0, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 m. These samples were processed through a Millipore filter apparatus and 79 planktonic algae were identified. Algal divisions represented were Bacillariophyta, 42 species; Chlorophyta, 18; Cyanophyta, 9; Chrysophyta, 3; Cryptophyta, 3; Pyrrophyta, 2; and Euglenophyta, 2. Blue-green algae were dominant in late summer and fall; green algae, diatoms, and cryptomonads in winter; and green algae in spring. The early summer flora was best represented by the Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, and Chrysophyta. Palmer's pollution-tolerant algae indices and Nygaard's indices were calculated from, phytoplankton data. These indices suggest eutrophic conditions in Lake Mead, especially for Boulder Basin.
Effect of plasmid replication deregulation via inc mutations on E. coli proteome & simple flux model analysis

When the replication of a plasmid based on sucrose selection is deregulated via the inc1 and inc2 mutations, high copy numbers (7,000 or greater) are attained while the growth rate on minimal medium is negligibly affected. Adaptions were assumed to be required in order to sustain the growth rate. Proteomics indicated that indeed a number of adaptations occurred that included increased expression of ribosomal proteins and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase. The operating space prescribed by a basic flux model that maintained phenotypic traits (e.g. growth, byproducts, etc.) within typical bounds of resolution was consistent with the flux implications of the proteomic changes.
Muscle Weakness and Fatigue in a Woman With Recurrent Upper Respiratory and Urinary Tract Infections

History of Present Illness The patient had been admitted to an outlying facility for complications stemming from an upper respiratory infection (URI) beginning 3 weeks previously, for which a course of oral antibiotics was prescribed. In addition, the patient complained of symptoms attributable to a previously diagnosed urinary tract infection (UTI), which had since recurred. Multiple therapeutic modalities, including administration of steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and plasmapheresis were implemented; however, her anemia and respiratory status worsened and progressed to multisystem organ failure.
Paleocene to Eocene deep-water slope canyons, western Gulf of Mexico: Further insights for the provenance of deep-water offshore Wilcox Group plays

In the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), an extensive deep-water fan system of the lower Tertiary Wilcox Group forms a significant exploration target, yet connections to equivalent-aged onshore fluvial, deltaic, and shallow-marine reservoirs are poorly documented. Using a large, three-dimensional (3-D) seismic survey (3300 mi2, 8500 km2), we examined the lower Tertiary structure and stratigraphy of the underexplored Texas coastal zone, approximately 60 mi (96 km) downdip of the paleoshelf edge and 200 mi (322 km) updip of the deep-water discoveries. Canyons are identified throughout the inferred Paleocene to upper Eocene interval near Matagorda Bay, with this study focusing on the youngest. These are typically 2–2.5 mi (3–4 km) wide and 600–1600 ft (200–500 m) deep. Main incisional axes trend downslope, and some bifurcate. Early salt movement appears to have created an irregular paleoslope topography and an altered slope gradient, thereby influencing depositional flow pathways. In a paleogeographic context, this canyon complex is interpreted to lie in a middle- to lower-slope setting and sits directly downdip of the Wilcox Group shelf-margin canyon systems. Although not all of the canyons necessarily connect updip to the shelf-edge canyons, or downdip to fan systems, they represent part of a large-scale complex along this western GOM margin that acted as a conduit to the successfully drilled, deep-water, lower Tertiary Wilcox turbidite play. These results have importance not only for the prospectivity of the Texas shelf but also for the regional understanding of the Paleocene through lower Eocene paleogeography of the GOM.
Pulsational Light Variability in Post-AGB Stars in the Milky Way Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds

We recently published the results of a long-term photometric monitoring program of 12 carbon-rich post-AGB stars of F − G spectral types in the Milky Way Galaxy (MWG). These objects appear to be the direct precursors of planetary nebulae and are classified as proto-planetary nebulae (PPNe). They all vary in brightness with pulsation periods in the range of 35–155 days, with the cooler ones possessing longer periods. We have extended the study in several ways, including the addition of several oxygen-rich PPNe from the MWG and two carbon-rich PPNe from the Magellanic Clouds, and by increasing the data sets for the initial 12. The oxygen-rich objects show some clear differences; these and other results are discussed.
A Tabu Search Algorithm for the Multiple Runway Aircraft Scheduling Problem

Runways are typically identified as the primary bottleneck of the airport operations system that causes delays. Hence, operational efficiency of runways constitutes a critical factor for the overall air transportation system. Multiple Runway Aircraft Scheduling Problem involves assigning both landing and taking-off aircraft to runways, sequencing them on each runway and assigning each aircraft a landing or take-off time while considering predetermined time windows for each aircraft to land or take-off. Also, sequence-dependent separation times between each aircraft pair in the sequence need to be taken into account in order to avoid wake vortex (turbulence) effects which can pose a hazard caused by preceding aircraft. Several variations of this combinatorial optimization problem are researched extensively in the past decades and a wide variety of algorithms have been proposed for small-scale problems. However, from a practical point of view large-scale real-life problems require fast response times and remain challenging computationally. This chapter aims to present a Tabu Search (TS) algorithm for the static (offline) case of the problem, where all information of aircraft is known in advance. Also, computational results for the proposed algorithm are presented for a number of benchmark instances obtained from literature.
Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients With Diabetic Charcot Neuroarthropathy.

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that can lead to pedal ulceration, infection, hospitalization, and amputation. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is also found in patients with diabetic foot disease; however, its prevalence in patients with CN has not been extensively evaluated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of PAD in a group of patients with CN (with and without ulceration) and compare this to a group of patients with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) and no CN. We compared the lower extremity noninvasive arterial testing results of 85 patients with DM and CN with those from a group of 126 patients with DFU and no CN. No statistically significant differences were found in age, gender, type of DM (1 versus 2), insulin use, duration of DM, or history of dialysis between our study and control groups. The prevalence of PAD in the patients with CN was 40%. Compared with patients with DFUs, the patients with CN were less likely to have PAD (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.28 to 0.85; p = .0111), ischemia (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.16 to 0.69; p = .0033), or the need for revascularization (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.73; p = .0097). Critical limb ischemia (great toe pressure <30 mm Hg) was 82% less likely in patients with CN than in patients with DFU. PAD in patients with CN is not uncommon; however, ischemia and the need for revascularization were significantly less likely than in patients with DFU without CN.
Chronology of Infection of European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with the Microsporidium Nosema pyrausta: Effect on Development and Vertical Transmission

Nosema pyrausta (Paillot) detrimentally affected the development of its host, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). Larvae exposed to the microsporidium during the first two stadia formed abnormal pupae or emerged as abnormal adults. Infections of later instars reduced average longevity of resultant adult females by at least 2 d and fecundity by at least 50%. Eggs from infected adults were contaminated with the microsporidium. The prevalence of transovarial-transovum infections, determined by the presence of spores in eggs or in emerging larvae, varied with the spore concentrations to which the parent females were exposed and with the time (within the oviposition period) that the eggs were laid. Per os infection of O. nubilalis larvae with N. pyrausta is important in maintaining this microsporidium in a population of O. nubilalis as well as reducing the vitality of the population.
The Influence of Temperature on Colonization of Winter Wheat by Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Etude sur ble tendre (cv. Newton) et sur trefle violet (cv. Kenstar) en culture en pots sur limon sableux sterilise, de l'influence des basses temperatures (10 a 25°C) sur la colonisation mycorhizienne par Glomus mosseae
MRI Study of Pituitary Gland Morphology in Primary Pituitary Growth Hormone Deficiency(PGHD) in Children

【Objective】To study the changes of shape,size and signal intensity of pituitary gland in primary pituitary growth hormone deficiency(PGHD) in children.【Methods】Clinical data of pituitary MRI of 196 children with PGHD ranged from 2 to 15 years old(study group) were chosen.The size,shape and signal character of pituitary gland on SE T1WI in median sagittal and coronal plane in all patients were observed by low-field 0.35 T MRI scanner and compared with 180 healthy children with the same sex and age(control group).【Results】The height of pituitary gland and the width of pituitary stalk in the study group were smaller than those in the control group,and there was a statistically significant difference(P0.01).The major imaging features of PGHD included anterior pituitary hypoplasia or atrophy and pituitary stalk abnormality.【Conclusion】For the diagnosis of PGHD,it is necessary to survey the superior surfaces shape,signal intensity of pituitary glands and the width of pituitary stalk besides the height,and to combine with clinical findings and laboratory detection.
Teaching Geohydrology Through Analysis of Ground-Water Resources and Glacial Geology in Northwestern Vermont

Sixteen Geohydrology students from the University of Vermont used over 500 well-completion reports and numerous field observations to understand better the ground-water resources and subsurface glacial geology of Jericho, Vermont, an upland, rural town now facing rapid residential development. Our approach provides a model for cooperation among educational institutions and regulatory agencies in which existing, but underutilized, geologic data provide both the means for hands-on learning and a rational framework for aquifer protection. Three confined, unconsolidated glacial aquifers occupy bedrock valleys in the Jericho area. Cross sections and the hypothesized configuration of ice margins during retreat suggest that confining layers are most often glaciolacustrine, fine-grain sediments deposited in ice-marginal glacial lakes. Pumping-test data collected from one aquifer confirm its confined nature, demonstrate that the aquifer can supply large amounts of water, and indicate that there is significant hydr...
Simulated profiles from the layout-design interface in X (SIMPL-DIX)

SIMPL-DIX is an X-window-based interactive computer-aided-design tool for running process and device simulators from layout and process specifications. Using an interactive menu, scanning-electron-microscope-like cross-sections along a cut line on the layout can be generated and investigated. with internal analysis tools, the system provides design interfaces for highlighting locations where topography problems are anticipated (HUNCH), for identifying the effects of misalignment (WORST), and for critiquing the resulting topography profiles (CRITIC). As a process simulation manager, SIMPL-DIX allows processes to be simulated either rapidly with elementary models in SIMPL-2 or rigorously through calls to external process simulators such as SAMPLE and CREEP. SIMPL-DIX is also a convenient interface for generating input files for PISCES II and SUPREM III. >
Quality-controlled motion-compensated interpolation

Low-complexity video encoding is important for mobile and power-sensitive applications. One way to reduce encoding complexity is to drop frames at the encoder and perform motion-compensated frame interpolation at the decoder. We propose a method to estimate the quality of the interpolated frames at the decoder by transmitting a small amount of error control information in lieu of an omitted frame. Typically, this information is obtained from a projection of the frame on a suitable low-dimensional basis. The projection coefficients can be compressed by conventional techniques or, more efficiently, by Slepian-Wolf coding. Based on the quality estimate, the decoder can recognize and suppress occasional frames for which motion-compensated interpolation does not yield satisfactory picture quality. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach eliminates most interpolation artifacts and achieves much better visual quality at a negligible increase in bit-rate.
Towards a More General Theory of Franchise Governance

This chapter examines the nature of franchising and various business practices in terms of economic governance systems. Markets versus hierarchies, problems of collective action, and tournaments and adaptive imitation are linked to alternative types of franchise organization using established franchising taxonomies and previous research on franchise organization. Common activities of franchised operations are examined in light of governance systems. The chapter highlights some of the comparative advantages of alternative governance systems. The chapter also includes some implications for marketing channel strategy.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence in Selected Disabilities Over 10 Years

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S.; however, if the population aged 50 years or older received routine screening, approximately 60% of these deaths could be eliminated. This study investigates whether adults, aged 50–75 years, with one of three disabilities (blind/low vision [BLV], intellectual disability [ID], spinal cord injury [SCI]) receive CRC screening at rates equivalent to adults without the three disabilities, by accounting for combinations of recommended CRC screenings during a 10-year period (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test). Methods South Carolina Medicaid and Medicare, State Health Plan, and hospital discharge data (2000–2009) were analyzed (2013–2015) to estimate the proportion of adherence to and adjusted odds of CRC screening over time among adults with one of the three disabilities, BLV, ID, or SCI, versus adults without these conditions. Results The estimated proportion of adults who adhere to changing recommendations over time was lower for adults with ID (34.32%) or SCI (44.14%) compared with those without these disabilities (48.48%). All three case groups had significantly lower AORs of adherence versus those without (BLV: AOR=0.88, 95% CI=0.80, 0.96; ID: AOR=0.55, 95% CI=0.52, 0.59; SCI: AOR=0.88, 95% CI=0.82, 0.95). Conclusions In this study, adults with BLV, ID, or SCI were less likely to receive and adhere to CRC screening recommendations than those without these disabilities. This method provides a thorough evaluation of adherence to CRC screening by considering levels of adherence during each month of Medicaid or Medicare coverage.
Antibodies to Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein in Children with ADEM

Antibodies to native myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (nMOG) in 47 children during a first episode of CNS demyelination (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis [ADEM] in 19, and a clinical isolated syndrome [CIS] in 28) were investigated by a cell-based bioassay in a study at Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia, and at the University of Munich, Germany.
Phase Ib dose-escalation trial of the AKT inhibitor (AKTi) MK2206 in combination with paclitaxel (P) and trastuzumab (H) in patients (pts) with HER2-overexpressing (HER2+) cancer.

2605 Background: AKT plays a key role in the survival, resistance, and overall aggressive pathogenesis of HER2+ malignancies, suggesting that AKTis may be of therapeutic value. MK2206 is a selectiv...
3.19 Lightweight Fiber-Reinforced Composites for Ballistic Applications

During the last three decades lightweight ballistic composites have provided protection against a variety of ballistic threats during small and large military conflicts and protecting law-enforcing and security personnel against handgun threats. The lightweight fiber-reinforced ballistic composites consist of high-performance ballistic fibers combined with a polymer matrix. Section of the chapter covers: physical properties of the lightweight fibers, soft and molded hard ballistic composites, processing of ballistic composites, military helmets, handheld riot shields, molded composites panels armored military vehicles, ballistic threats such as shrapnel’s, bullets and improvised explosive devices (IED), specification for lightweight composites test standards, numerical analysis, life expectancy of ballistic composites, and future growth.
The spectrum of coincident entities with small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) diagnosed by cytology.

Background: The cytologic diagnosis of Small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) often relies on finding a small lymphoid population with the characteristic immunoprofile by ancillary testing. There are only a few reports of other processes identified with SLL/CLL. The aim of this study was to review the fine needle aspiration (FNA) and touch prep (TP) diagnoses of SLL/CLL in order to identify any coincident entities. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all FNA and TP cytology cases between January 2005 and May 2009 with a diagnosis of SLL/CLL to determine the presence of any coincident process. Results: We identified 29 cases, including 23 FNAs and six TPs, from 23 patients. Ancillary studies were utilized in 97% of the cases, including flow cytometry (FC, 79%), immunohistochemistry (IHC, 55%), fluorescent in situ hybridization studies (24%) and special stains (7%). Coincident entities were identified in nine cases (31%) and included seven (28%) neoplastic entities (Hodgkin lymphoma [HL], adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, seminoma) and two (7%) non-neoplastic entities (infection and immunoglobulin containing cells). Six cases (21%) suspicious for large cell transformation were also identified. Conclusion: In our review of SLL/CLL, coincident entities were present in 31% of the cases and included a spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic processes. FC was the most frequently utilized ancillary test, but IHC provided important information by excluding a mantle cell lymphoma or confirming a coincident process. Thus, cytomorphologic evaluation in these patients is important due to the high risk of a coincident process that may not be apparent by FC alone and may require clinical management.
A look at router geolocation in public and commercial databases

Internet measurement research frequently needs to map infrastructure components, such as routers, to their physical locations. Although public and commercial geolocation services are often used for this purpose, their accuracy when applied to network infrastructure has not been sufficiently assessed. Prior work focused on evaluating the overall accuracy of geolocation databases, which is dominated by their performance on end-user IP addresses. In this work, we evaluate the reliability of router geolocation in databases. We use a dataset of about 1.64M router interface IP addresses extracted from the CAIDA Ark dataset to examine the country- and city-level coverage and consistency of popular public and commercial geolocation databases. We also create and provide a ground-truth dataset of 16,586 router interface IP addresses and their city-level locations, and use it to evaluate the databases' accuracy with a regional breakdown analysis. Our results show that the databases are not reliable for geolocating routers and that there is room to improve their country- and city-level accuracy. Based on our results, we present a set of recommendations to researchers concerning the use of geolocation databases to geolocate routers.
Cohort profile: Study of Transition, Outcomes and Gender (STRONG) to assess health status of transgender people

Purpose The Study of Transition, Outcomes and Gender (STRONG) was initiated to assess the health status of transgender people in general and following gender-affirming treatments at Kaiser Permanente health plans in Georgia, Northern California and Southern California. The objectives of this communication are to describe methods of cohort ascertainment and data collection and to characterise the study population. Participants A stepwise methodology involving computerised searches of electronic medical records and free-text validation of eligibility and gender identity was used to identify a cohort of 6456 members with first evidence of transgender status (index date) between 2006 and 2014. The cohort included 3475 (54%) transfeminine (TF), 2892 (45%) transmasculine (TM) and 89 (1%) members whose natal sex and gender identity remained undetermined from the records. The cohort was matched to 127 608 enrollees with no transgender evidence (63 825 women and 63 783 men) on year of birth, race/ethnicity, study site and membership year of the index date. Cohort follow-up extends through the end of 2016. Findings to date About 58% of TF and 52% of TM cohort members received hormonal therapy at Kaiser Permanente. Chest surgery was more common among TM participants (12% vs 0.3%). The proportions of transgender participants who underwent genital reconstruction surgeries were similar (4%–5%) in the two transgender groups. Results indicate that there are sufficient numbers of events in the TF and TM cohorts to further examine mental health status, cardiovascular events, diabetes, HIV and most common cancers. Future plans STRONG is well positioned to fill existing knowledge gaps through comparisons of transgender and reference populations and through analyses of health status before and after gender affirmation treatment. Analyses will include incidence of cardiovascular disease, mental health, HIV and diabetes, as well as changes in laboratory-based endpoints (eg, polycythemia and bone density), overall and in relation to gender affirmation therapy.
Human amnion extracellular matrix derived bioactive hydrogel for cell delivery and tissue engineering

Author(s): Ryzhuk, Volodymyr; Zeng, Xu-Xin; Wang, Xijun; Melnychuk, Veniamin; Lankford, Lee; Farmer, Diana; Wang, Aijun
The S Sign: A New Radiographic Tool to Aid in the Diagnosis of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

Abstract Background Children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) are often seen by an array of medical professionals prior to diagnosis. Patients with mild slips, slips with knee pain, or bilateral slips can occasionally present a diagnostic challenge that increases the risk of a delay in diagnosis and associated complications. Objectives This study introduces a new radiographic parameter, which we refer to as the S-sign, and analyzes its diagnostic utility on a frog-leg lateral radiograph. Methods Twenty observers reviewed the radiographs from 35 patients with SCFE using Klein's line on anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and the S-sign on frog-leg lateral radiographs to diagnose an SCFE. Analysis included diagnostic outcomes and intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Results The S-sign was more accurate at identifying an SCFE compared with Klein's line (92.4% vs. 79.2%, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity was greater for the S-sign compared with Klein's line (89.0% and 95.2% vs. 68.3% and 89.0%, respectively). A combination of the S-sign and Klein's line yielded a sensitivity of 96.5% and a specificity of 85.0%. The combination of tests was more diagnostic for an SCFE, compared with using the Klein's line, which was statistically significant (p Conclusions With increased awareness of the S-sign and a usage of the combined test, clinicians can more reliably and accurately diagnose an SCFE. Clinicians are more likely to diagnose an SCFE using the combined test, compared with solely relying on Klein's line, which we found to be statistically significant.
IMPAIRMENTS IN LIMB FUNCTION IN SUBCLINICAL LOWER EXTREMITY PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE: RESULTS FROM THE CAMERON COUNTY HISPANIC COHORT

The epidemiology and relevance of subclinical lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Mexican Americans (MA) has not been well characterized. The aim of this prospective population-based cohort study was to assess leg function and symptom differences in subjects with and without
Rail Service Load Environment by Measurement and Modeling

A key factor in all aspects of rail vehicle and track performance, but particularly in the service life and reliability of the rail, is the wheel/rail load environment. The steel rail is subjected to certainly one of the more severe mechanical environments known to man. In many ways it is analogous to the roller bearing in a severe impact application. The steel rail is overloaded and overstressed by increasingly heavy locomotives and freight cars. In curves the rail must resist the triaxial loads of the nonsteering solid-axle wheelset, Figure 1. It can also be subjected to severe dynamic load conditions even under the lighter axle loadings of passenger and rail transit vehicles.
Obstetric Toxicology: Teratogens

The emergency physician frequently encounters women who seek care because of pregnancy- and nonpregnancy-related complaints. Many medications are safe for use during pregnancy, including several that are listed as potential teratogens based on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) pregnancy classification; but it is important that the emergency physician know and recognize which drugs can be given in pregnancy and which drugs are absolutely contraindicated. Expert resources should be identified and used because the FDA's classification of drugs based on pregnancy risk does not represent the most up-to-date or accurate assessment of a drug's safety.
Pharmacologic and immunologic management of cytomegalovirus infection after solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common opportunistic infection that causes significant morbidity and preventable mortality after solid-organ and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Areas covered: Current strategies of pharmacological treatment of CMV in solid-organ and hematologic stem cell transplantation are reviewed. The role of the newly approved drug, letermovir, and other novel investigational compounds is discussed. The complementary role of viral and immunologic monitoring in guiding the optimal role of pharmacologic agents on the management of CMV after transplantation is highlighted. Advances in immunotherapeutics are highlighted.Expert commentary: With advances in therapeutic and diagnostic modalities, the management of CMV infection and disease after transplantation continues to evolve. The authors provide a succinct yet comprehensive review of the current prevention and treatment for CMV infection and disease in transplant recipients. The role of the newly appr...
Macrophage Biology, Classification, and Phenotype in Cardiovascular Disease: JACC Macrophage in CVD Series (Part 1).

Abstract Macrophages represent one of the most numerous and diverse leukocyte types in the body. Furthermore, they are important regulators and promoters of many cardiovascular disease programs. Their functions range from sensing pathogens to digesting cell debris, modulating inflammation, and producing key cytokines and other regulatory factors throughout the body. Macrophage research has undergone a renaissance in recent years, which has propelled a newfound interest in their heterogeneity as well as a new understanding of ontological differences in their development. In addition, recent technological advances such as single-cell mass-cytometry by time-of-flight have enabled phenotype and functional analyses of individual immune myeloid cells, including macrophages, at unprecedented resolution. In this Part 1 of a 4-part review series covering the macrophage in cardiovascular disease, we focus on the basic principles of macrophage development, heterogeneity, phenotype, tissue-specific differentiation, and functionality as a basis to understand their role in cardiovascular disease.
Gene Disruption Using CRISPR-Cas9 Technology

The emergence of the clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology provides tools for researchers to modify genomes in a specific and efficient manner. The Type II CRISPR-Cas9 system enables gene editing by directed DNA cleavage followed by either non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR). Here, we described the use of the Type II CRISPR-Cas9 system in detail from designing the guides to analyzing the desired gene disruption events.
A Dynamic Heuristic Game Theory Model of an Arms Race

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a dynamic heuristic game theory model of an arms race. Models of the arms race are typically based on the Richardson model or on rational choice models. Rational choice models, by contrast, allow for optimizing behavior, where arms procurements are choice variables in the maximization of a certain objective function subject to certain constraints with regard to production possibilities and the reaction of the opponent, and with the process of arms acquisition embedded in the larger problem of welfare maximization. The arms race involves interactions between two or more countries in the acquisition of weapons. Heuristic decision rules with regard to weapons procurement can be described, as already noted, as a two-stage process. In the first stage, a bureaucratic-political decision is made to establish a certain rule or goal, while an economic decision is made in the second stage, using this rule or goal, to allocate resources to weapons acquisition.
Performance Analysis of a Helmet-Based Radar System for Impact Prediction

We analyze the performance of a helmet-based frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system for use in impact prediction in contact sports, or other risky environments. It has been shown that the head trauma and concussions can have significant detrimental effects on the health and quality life of contact sport athletes, from the high school to professional level. Impact prediction capability could be an important part of a comprehensive, helmet-based system for mitigating the neurological damage caused by impacts. Mitigation strategies include using imminent impact information in an audible warning system, or dynamic preloading and control of an active helmet suspension. Our analysis centers on the prediction of an impact offset parameter (and its uncertainty) in a representative player interaction scenario. We consider realistic radar measurement specifications consistent with our player interaction scenario, and COTS radar hardware, including oscillator phase noise, operation frequency, sweep frequency, bandwidth, range, target scattering cross-section, and antenna gain.
P4Guard: Designing P4 Based Firewall

A virtual firewall based on Network Function Virtualization (NFV) with Software Defined Networking (SDN) provides high scalability and flexibility for low-cost monitoring of legacy networks by dynamically deploying virtual network appliances rather than traditional hardware-based appliances. However, full utilization of virtual firewalls requires efficient management of computer virtualization resources and on-demand placement of virtual firewalls by steering traffic to the correct routing path using an SDN controller. In this paper, we design P4Guard, a software-based configurable firewall based on a high-level domain-specific language to specify packet processing logic using P4. P4Guard is a protocol-independent and platform-agnostic software-based firewall that can be incorporated into software switches that is highly usable and deployable. We evaluate the efficiency of P4Guard in processing traffic, compared to our previous virtual firewall in NFV.
Bleeding and spotting with the levonorgestrel 13.5 mg intrauterine system: the impact of insertion timing.

Abstract Objective To assess the impact of early versus late menstrual cycle insertion on bleeding/spotting in the 90 days following levonorgestrel (LNG) 13.5 mg intrauterine system (IUS) insertion. Study design In this observational study, participants received a LNG 13.5 mg IUS and provided 90 days of bleeding/spotting data by answering the following daily text: “Have you had no flow (0), spotting (1), or bleeding (2) today?” We dichotomized insertion timing as early (days 1–7 from last menstrual period) and late (remainder of menstrual cycle) and compared bleeding/spotting between the two groups in the 90- and 30-day reference periods. We used multivariate regression methods to study associations between cycle day at insertion, parity, historical bleeding, recent hormonal contraceptive use and bleeding/spotting. Results In the 90-day dichotomous analysis (n=125), we found no differences in the number of days of bleeding/spotting, bleeding or spotting between the early and late insertion groups. In the 30-day dichotomous analysis (n=131), early insertion was associated with fewer days of bleeding than late insertion (5±3 vs. 7±4 days, p Conclusions Early cycle insertion does not impact 90-day bleeding/spotting. Early cycle insertion and recent hormonal contraceptive use decrease 30-day bleeding. Implications The LNG 13.5 mg IUS may be inserted throughout the menstrual cycle with small differences in bleeding patterns in the 30 but not the 90 days following insertion. Shared decision making should determine timing of insertion.
Characterizing TDP-43307-319 Oligomeric Assembly: Mechanistic and Structural Implications Involved in the Etiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) is a salient feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 200 000 people worldwide. The protein undergoes both functional and pathogenic aggregation; the latter is irreversible and hypothesized to produce soluble oligomers that are toxic to neurons in addition to inclusions made of stable fibrous deposits. Despite progress made toward identifying disease-related proteins, the underlying pathogenic mechanism associated with these toxic oligomers remains elusive. Utilizing a multimodal approach that combines several measurement techniques (circular dichroism (CD), thioflavin T spectroscopy (ThT), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)) and high spatial resolution imaging tools (electron microscopy (EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM)), with soft ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we explore the oligomerization mechanisms, struc...