cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Division of labor between the chromodomains of HP1 and Suv39 methylase enables coordination of heterochromatin spread.

Summary In Schizosaccharomyces pombe , heterochromatin spread, which is marked by histone 3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me), requires the chromodomains (CDs) of the H3K9 methylase Suv39/Clr4 and the HP1/Swi6 protein. It is unclear how the actions of these two H3K9me-recognizing CDs are coordinated. We find that the intrinsic preference of Suv39/Clr4 is to generate dimethylated H3K9 product. The recognition of pre-existing H3K9me marks by the CD of Suv39/Clr4 stimulates overall catalysis, enabling the accumulation of small amounts of trimethylated product in vivo. Coincidentally, the Suv39/Clr4 CD, unlike the HP1/Swi6 CD, has been shown to prefer the trimethyl state over the dimethyl state. We show that this preference enables efficient heterochromatin spread in vivo by reducing competition with HP1 proteins for the more prevalent dimethyl state. Our results reveal a strategy by which "writers" and "readers" of a chromatin mark exploit different methylation states on the same residue in order to facilitate collaboration and avoid competition.
A fuzzy logic diagnosis system for classification of pharyngeal dysphagia

Identification and classification of the dysphagic patient at risk of aspiration is important from a clinical point of view. Recently, we have developed techniques to quantify various biomechanical parameters that characterize the dysphagic patient, and have developed an expert system to classify patients based on these measurements. The purpose of the present investigation was to develop a fuzzy logic diagnosis system for classification of the patient with pharyngeal dysphagia into four categories of risk for aspiration. Non-invasive acceleration and swallow pressure measurements were obtained and five parameters were extracted from these measurements. A set of membership functions were defined for each parameter. The measured parameter values were fuzzified and fed to a rule base which provided a set of output membership values corresponding to each of the categories. The set of output values were defuzzified to obtain a continuous measure of classification. The fuzzy system was evaluated using the data obtained from 22 subjects. There was a complete agreement between the fuzzy system classification and the clinician's classification in 18 of the 22 patients. The fuzzy system overestimated the risk by half a category in two patients and underestimated by half a category in two patients. The fuzzy logic diagnosis system, together with the biomechanical measures, provides a tool for continued patient assessment on a daily basis to identify the patient who needs further videofluorography examination.
Design of an Electrochemical Impedance Test Cell with Servomechanically Adjustable Cell Constant

This paper presents the design of an electrochemical impedance test cell for which the cell constant can be precisely varied so as to enable accurate, calibration-free measurements of the dielectric constant and conductivity of liquids and gases. This impedance test cell uses spherical electrodes separated by an adjustable small gap ranging from less than 1 mum up to 50 mum. Accurate material property measurements can be obtained by leveraging the dimensional accuracy of the spheres and the mechanical accuracy of the positioning mechanism. The accuracy of this impedance cell has been demonstrated in measurements of the dielectric constant of air and methanol.
Consistency Condition and ML-EM Checkerboard Artifacts

The expectation maximization (EM) algorithm for the maximum likelihood (ML) image reconstruction criterion generates severe checkerboard artifacts in the presence of noise. A classical remedy is to impose an a priori constraint for a penalized ML or maximum a posteriori probability solution. The penalty reduces the checkerboard artifacts and also introduces uncertainty because a priori information is usually unknown in clinic. Recent theoretical investigation reveals that the noise can be divided into two components. One is called null-space noise which annihilates during filtered backprojection (FBP)-type analytical image reconstruction. The other is called range-space noise which propagates into the FBP-type analytically reconstructed image. In particular, the null-space noise can be numerically estimated. The aim of this work is to investigate the relation between the null-space noise and the checkerboard artifacts in the ML-EM image reconstruction from noise projection data. It is expected that removing the null-space noise from the projection data could improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the data and, therefore, reduce the checkerboard artifacts in the ML-EM reconstructed images. The expectation was realized by computer simulation studies with application to single photon emission computed tomography, where the noise has been a major factor for image degradation. The reduction of the ML-EM checkerboard artifacts by removing the null-space noise avoids the uncertainty of using a priori penalty.
Measuring relationship maintenance behaviors: Critique and development of the revised relationship maintenance behavior scale

The most frequently utilized measures of relational maintenance (i.e., the five-factor relational maintenance strategies measure, or RMSM, and the revised seven-factor RMSM) suffer from fundamental measurement flaws. Therefore, this article describes a series of studies designed to identify weaknesses in these measures and offer an improvement — the Relational Maintenance Behavior Measure (RMBM). When sound item-construction practices are followed, neither prior RMSM is viable. However, the factor structure of the RMBM is stable across three samples. The RMBM and the five-factor RMSM were examined in association with the relational characteristics of satisfaction, liking, commitment, and love. It is argued that the RMBM is a psychometrically superior measure of the original maintenance dimensions identified in earlier research.
Structural Insights into NEDD8 Activation of Cullin-RING Ligases: Conformational Control of Conjugation

Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) comprise the largest ubiquitin E3 subclass, in which a central cullin subunit links a substrate-binding adaptor with an E2-binding RING. Covalent attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8 to a conserved C-terminal domain (ctd) lysine stimulates CRL ubiquitination activity and prevents binding of the inhibitor CAND1. Here we report striking conformational rearrangements in the crystal structure of NEDD8~Cul5(ctd)-Rbx1 and SAXS analysis of NEDD8~Cul1(ctd)-Rbx1 relative to their unmodified counterparts. In NEDD8ylated CRL structures, the cullin WHB and Rbx1 RING subdomains are dramatically reoriented, eliminating a CAND1-binding site and imparting multiple potential catalytic geometries to an associated E2. Biochemical analyses indicate that the structural malleability is important for both CRL NEDD8ylation and subsequent ubiquitination activities. Thus, our results point to a conformational control of CRL activity, with ligation of NEDD8 shifting equilibria to disfavor inactive CAND1-bound closed architectures, and favor dynamic, open forms that promote polyubiquitination.
EXCHANGE RATES AND ASYMMETRIC POLICY REGIMES: WHEN DOES EXCHANGE RATE TARGETING PAY?

SINCE the creation of the European Monetary System in 1979 and the Louvre Accord in 1987, economists and policy makers have debated whether exchange rate targeting can in fact secure better economic performance. Proposals for managing exchange rates via target zones, and arguments for and against the explicit coordination of economic policies, have become central themes in macroeconomic analysis. A rapidly expanding literature based on Williamson and Miller's (1987) target zone 'blueprint', on the Plaza and Louvre policy coordination agreements, and now on the European exchange rate mechanism itself, testifies to this. Unfortunately the few tests of the impact of target zones on economic
Simulating the Effect of Social Network Structure on Workflow Efficiency Performance

The effect of social network structure on team performance is difficult to investigate using standard field observational studies. This is because social network structure is an endogeneous variable, in that prior team performance can influence the values of structural measures such as centrality and connectedness. In this work we propose a novel simulation model based on agent-based modeling that allows social network structure to be treated as an exogeneous variable but still be allowed to evolve over time. The simulation model consists of experiments with multiple runs in each experiment. The social network amongst the agents is allowed to evolve between runs based on past performance. However, within each run, the social network is treated as an exogenous variable where it directly affects workflow performance. The simulation model we describe has several inputs and parameters that increase its validity, including a realistic workflow management depiction and real-world cognitive strategies by the agents.
Regulation of Estrogen-binding Capacity by Insulin in 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced Mammary Tumors in Rats

The role of insulin as a regulator of estrogen receptors (ER's) was investigated in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors in diabetic and insulin-treated rats. Induction of diabetes with streptozotocin produced regression of lesions classified as insulin dependent; lesions that continued to grow in diabetic rats were classified as insulin independent. Compared to tumors in intact hosts [ER, 39 ± 4 (S.E.) fmol/mg cytosol protein], regressing insulin-dependent lesions had ER levels of 8.5 ± 0.7 fmol, and insulin-independent tumors had ER levels of 24 ± 3 fmol. Treatment of diabetic rats with insulin, 8 IU/day, caused insulin-dependent regressing tumors to resume growth; these lesions had ER levels of 53 ± 10 fmol. Insulin-independent lesions in diabetic rats demonstrated two patterns after treatment with insulin; continued growth resulted in tumors having ER levels of 28 ± 11 fmol, whereas insulininduced tumor regression resulted in tumors that demonstrated ER levels of 40 ± 6 fmol/mg cytosol protein, a value equal to the level of ER in tumors growing in intact rats. Scatchard analysis of the saturation-binding data gave linear representations, and the estimated Kd for the ER was comparable for all groups, ranging from 0.44 to 1.90 × 10-9 m. Several additional tumors were classified as demonstrating static growth. When this behavior represented a response due to insulin treatment, ER levels were elevated. Static tumors remaining static after insulin treatment demonstrated low ER levels. We conclude that ( a ) cessation of tumor growth after induction of diabetes resulted in reduction of ER levels, ( b ) treatment with insulin that resulted in an altered tumor growth was accompanied by elevated ER levels, and ( c ) insulin may play a role in regulation of ER independent of tumor growth.
Pregnancy-specific enhancement of agonist-stimulated ERK-1/2 signaling in uterine artery endothelial cells increases Ca(2+) sensitivity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase as well as cytosolic phospholipase A(2).

Uterine artery endothelial cells (UAEC) from pregnant ewes (P-UAEC) demonstrate generally enhanced ability to couple growth factor and G protein-coupled receptors to the ERK-1/2 signaling pathway and stimulate NO production independently of elevated [Ca2+]. Herein we investigate the signaling and vasodilator responses to ATP, an agonist that also elevates [Ca2+]i in both NP and P-UAEC, to determine the relative importance of Ca2+ vs. ERK-1/2 in the activation of eNOS. We observed in both NP-UAEC and P-UAEC that ATP acts through G protein-coupled P2Y receptors to activate phospholipase C and dose-dependently elevate [Ca2+]i independently of extracellular Ca2+. The small reduction in the [Ca2+]i response in NP vs. P-UAEC did not, however, account for the difference in NO production by P-UAEC≫NP-UAEC. ATP had no stimulatory effect on Akt phosphorylation but rapidly stimulated ERK-1/2 phosphorylation in P-UAEC≫NP-UAEC in a manner that correlated with NO production. In both NP- and P-UAEC, both ERK-1/2 and Ca2...
High Mid‐Term Mortality Following Successful Lead Extraction for Infection

Background: Transvenous lead extraction patients tend to have multiple medical problems complicated by prolonged infections that may result in high-mortality rates following a successful procedure. Methods: All adult patients referred for lead extraction for infection over a 4-year period were included in this study. Mortality following the procedure was assessed using hospital records and the Social Security Death Index. Results: Indications for extraction were systemic infection (n = 34) and isolated pocket infection (n = 33). Of the 67 patients, 47 (70%) were still alive at follow-up (6–55 months). No patient died during or within 24 hours of the procedure, and two were sent to emergent surgery and did well. However, five died during prolonged hospitalizations, and two were discharged to hospice care and died shortly thereafter. The remaining 13 deaths occurred after discharge from the hospital at a mean interval of 15 months (range, 24 days to 35 months) following the procedure. Notably, six of seven patients who died in the hospital, and nine of 13 who died after discharge, had bacteremia as their indication for extraction, for an overall mortality risk of 44% in patients with systemic infection. Conclusions: True risk assessment for lead extraction patients is underestimated and may be related to the focus on the procedural risks, while the underlying illness and physiologic state may account for the excess mortality following a successful extraction. In most cases, the infected hardware contributed to the length and severity of the illness, and thus earlier consideration for extraction may be warranted. (PACE 2011; 32–36)
Considerations before repair of acquired rectourethral and urethrovaginal fistulas in children

Methods: From 1998 to 2006, we treated 19 children with rectourethral or urethrovaginal fistula, including rectourethral fistula in 15 boys and urethrovaginal fistula in 4 girls. The mean age of the patients was 6.2 years (range, 8 months to 11.5 years). The fistula occurred after pelvic fracture in 10 patients, and after iatrogenic injury in 9 including 4 after radical operation for Hirschsprung's disease and 5 due to anorectal malformation. Preoperatively, the general and local infections were controlled thoroughly, and complications such as urethral stricture and secondary megacolon were treated at first. At least 6 months after the last procedure, all patients underwent the 1-stage York-Mason procedure (via parasacrococcygeal incision) without colostomy and suprapubic cystostomy. Intraoperatively, the entire fistulous tract was excised completely. Results: Infection and partial dehiscence of the wound occurred in 2 patients respectively. All fistulae were closed successfully without fecal incontinence or postoperative anal stricture. No patient suffered from urinary incontinence after fistula repair. The scars around the fistula were removed because they would shrink and lead to subsequent urethral occlusion or stricture. Conclusions: The timing of operation for acquired rectourethral or urethrovaginal fistula is appropriate at least 6 months after the last procedure. The 1-stage YorkMason procedure for the repair of the fistula is feasible and effective.
A metrics-based approach to intrusion detection system evaluation for distributed real-time systems

This paper describes a set of metrics that will help administrators of distributed, real-time (clustered) computer facilities to select the best intrusion detection system for their facilities. The metrics herein are the subset of our general metric set that particularly impact real-time and distributed processing issues. We discuss related works in this field, the role of intrusion detection in information assurance, some basic classes of intrusion detection systems, a general architecture of network intrusion detection systems, and the scorecard metrics and their application to real-time and distributed processing systems. Finally we discuss the lessons we learned using a preliminary version of the metric scorecard to test three commercial intrusion detection systems and the opportunities for further work in this area.
Alcohol sales to pseudo-intoxicated bar patrons.

OBJECTIVES: Many establishments serve alcoholic beverages to obviously intoxicated patrons despite laws against such sales. To guide the development of interventions to reduce these illegal alcohol sales, this study used actors feigning intoxication to determine whether servers recognized obvious signs of intoxication and to assess the tactics servers used when dealing with intoxicated patrons. METHODS: Male actors ages 30 to 50 acted out signs of obvious intoxication as they attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages. If served during the first attempt, these pseudo-intoxicated buyers made second purchase attempts during the same visit. Observers accompanied the actors; after each visit, actors and observers recorded the servers' behavior and comments. RESULTS: Alcoholic beverages were served to actors portraying intoxicated patrons at 68% of first purchase attempts and 53% of second purchase attempts (62% of a total of 106 purchase attempts). The most common refusal technique was a direct refusal (68% of refusals), made with either no excuse or with reference to the actors' apparent intoxication level. Servers' second most commonly used refusal technique was offering alcohol-free beverages, such as coffee or water (18% of refusals). CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to determine why servers who recognize intoxication serve alcoholic beverages and what training, outlet policies, and external pressures are needed to reduce illegal alcohol sales to obviously intoxicated patrons. Language: en
17β-Estradiol inhibits angiotensin II activation of area postrema neurons

It is well established that the area postrema, as a circumventricular organ, is susceptible to modulation by circulating hormones and peptides. Furthermore, activation of the area postrema has been...
Laboratory transmission of fibromas (Shope) in cottontail rabbits by means of fleas and mosquitoes.

Summary1. Fibroma virus may be transmitted from cottontail to cottontail by means of pin pricks, fleas found on cottontails, and by the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus). 2. Aedes aegypti transmits fibroma virus under favorable circumstances, in as high a proportion of bites at 2 weeks following initial term feeding as at 24 hours. 3. Virus carrying mosquitoes induced fibromas on the eyelid and close to the eye of one cottontail when given the opportunity to feed at will. 4. Possible mechanisms involved in mosquito transmission are discussed.
Soils reveal widespread manganese enrichment from industrial inputs.

It is well-known that metals are emitted to the air by human activities and subsequently deposited to the land surface; however, we have not adequately evaluated the geographic extent and ecosystem impacts of industrial metal loading to soils. Here, we demonstrate that atmospheric inputs have widely contaminated soils with Mn in industrialized regions. Soils record elemental fluxes impacting the Earth’s surface and can be analyzed to quantify inputs and outputs during pedogenesis. We use a mass balance model to interpret details of Mn enrichment by examining soil, bedrock, precipitation, and porefluid chemistry in a first-order watershed in central Pennsylvania, USA. This reveals that ∼53% of Mn in ridge soils can be attributed to atmospheric deposition from anthropogenic sources. An analysis of published data sets indicates that over half of the soils surveyed in Pennsylvania (70%), North America (60%), and Europe (51%) are similarly enriched in Mn. We conclude that soil Mn enrichment due to industrial i...
Conspicuous Consumption: A Study of Exceptional Consumer Behavior

(1983). Conspicuous Consumption: A Study of Exceptional Consumer Behavior. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 791-799.
APPLICATION OF COMPUTER CONTROL IN ALUMINIUM ELECTROLYSIS

With the development of computer science , automatic control technique has been widely applied in aluminium smelters, which brings about much economic and social profit. Feed balance and heat balance is the kernel of automatic control system. Combining with the practice of aluminium smelters, this paper expatiates on the two kinds of balance and make prospect of computer control system for aluminium smelters in China.
Predicting Sources of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen to an Estuary from an Agro-Urban Coastal Watershed

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is the nitrogen (N)-containing component of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and in aquatic ecosystems is part of the biologically reactive nitrogen pool that can degrade water quality in N-sensitive waters. Unlike inorganic N (nitrate and ammonium) DON is comprised of many different molecules of variable reactivity. Few methods exist to track the sources of DON in watersheds. In this study, DOM excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence of eight discrete DON sources was measured and modeled with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and the resulting model (“FluorMod”) was fit to 516 EEMs measured in surface waters from the main stem of the Neuse River and its tributaries, located in eastern North Carolina. PARAFAC components were positively correlated to DON concentration. Principle components analysis (PCA) was used to confirm separation of the eight sources and model validation was achieved by measurement of source samples not included in the model development with an er...
Optimal Cefazolin Prophylactic Dosing for Bariatric Surgery: No Need for Higher Doses or Intraoperative Redosing

Purpose The goal of this pharmacokinetic (PK) study was to evaluate whether a single 2-g prophylactic dose of cefazolin given (IV) bolus provides effective protective cefazolin levels for prophylaxis against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), the primary skin pathogen in bariatric surgery.
INTRODUCTION TO OPTICAL BISTABILITY

This chapter provides an overview of optical bistability. Optical bistability is a rapidly expanding field of research because of its potential application to all-optical logic and because of the interesting phenomena it encompasses. Many bistable devices consist of a nonlinear medium within an optical resonator, just as lasers do; however, passive bistable devices are excited only by the incident coherent light. The counterparts of many phenomena studied in lasers, such as fluctuations, regenerative pulsations, and optical turbulence, can be observed in passive bistable systems, often under better controlled conditions. A system is said to be optically bistable if it has two output states for the same value of the input over some range of input values. There are two reasons for making a strong distinction between optical bistability in passive systems and optical bistability in lasers. First is the guess that passive systems are more likely to become practical because they are simpler and hence are likely to be smaller and require less power. Second, the two fields have evolved independently.
Penile Prosthesis Infection

Depending on the specific nature of the presentation, penile prosthesis infection can represent a true urological emergency. Certainly, infection is the most disastrous and feared complication of penile prosthesis surgery and is often associated with significant functional, cosmetic, and psychological sequelae. Penile prosthesis infection can result in removal of the device, with a substantial degree of accompanying morbidity, including patient disability, loss of penile length, and extreme difficulty in the insertion of another device.
Investigations of the Physiological and Morphological Foundations of Reflexive Physical Medicine

A review of the author’s own research program is provided in order to verify various beliefs, hypotheses, and theories surrounding reflexive physical medicine. Thermographic investigations confirmed neither the existence of hypothetic acupuncture meridians as energetic channels nor increased metabolism of classical acupuncture points (AP s ). However, thermography can visualize so-called trigger points on the skin surface. Radioisotopic investigations of acupuncture meridians did not provide any evidence that these hypothetic structures could be conductors of cosmic/radioactive energy. Measurements of skin electrical potentials showed no difference between classical AP s , meridians, and other skin spots, but monitoring of the electrical potentials of needles during their insertion in AP s revealed a statistically significant drop in these potentials when the AP s were correctly punctured. Investigation of skin electrical resistance with a standard ohmmeter of 1.5 V measuring voltage revealed that a dense network of so-called low-resistance points exists on the entire body surface, including the lips, where an absence of perspiration glands is observed. Investigations of the influence of organ pathology on the AP s ’ electrical resistance characteristics proved that the pathology of an internal organ causes significant rectification of electrical currents (diode phenomenon) in related AP s once the resistance breakthrough effect has been induced in the skin. The pathology of an internal organ also increases the impedance of corresponding AP s . The degree of rectification or difference in impedance is proportional to the extent of the pathological process within this organ. Investigations of histomorphological structures of AP s and meridians revealed that only known, typical-for-the-skin histomorphological structures are present within AP s and acupuncture meridians. AP s show significantly higher rates of free nerve endings compared to other skin spots, however.
Pomalidomide-dexamethasone in refractory multiple myeloma: long-term follow-up of a multi-cohort phase II clinical trial.

Pomalidomide–dexamethasone in refractory multiple myeloma: long-term follow-up of a multi-cohort phase II clinical trial
Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Potential pharmacologic interventions.

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is probably one of the two or three most studied pathophysiologic processes occurring in the medical intensive care unit. Most of the current understanding about this severe clinical illness and the mediators associated with it has come from the study of relevant animal models. In the mid-1970s, the development of the sheep model of ARDS and, later, the porcine model led to the discovery of a wide variety of lipid mediators, amines, cytokines, proteases, etc. Documentation of the presence of highly toxic mediators associated with the development of ARDS has led to a flurry of activity in drug development in this area. A substantial number of new therapies have been suggested and examined in recent years, many of which remain controversial. The following is a critical appraisal of the potential therapeutic options under investigation in recent years for the management of ARDS.
Observation of new mechanism for slowing femtosecond pulses by liquid-crystalline chiral photonic crystals

Studies with ultrafast laser pulses in cholesteric liquid crystalline photonic crystal have revealed a new and more effective mechanism than bandedge dispersion for slowing light when the laser wavelength is located within the photonic bandgap.
Reliable techniques for integrated circuit identification and true random number generation using 1.5-transistor flash memory

Abstract Flash memory bits, like other integrated circuit (IC) devices, are prone to random variability in their actual versus nominal characteristics. We present the use of 1.5-transistor flash memory cells in physically unclonable functions leveraging their erase speed variability. This type of memory is interesting for the internet of things due to its wide availability as intellectual property at foundries. Using experimentally measured results, we show simple methods that provide high reliability with no or limited need for helper data and error correction. High quality fingerprints for IC identification are demonstrated. Moreover, techniques to remove systematic variations from the array response are shown, allowing the resulting binary strings to pass all National Institute of Standards and Technology tests for randomness. Consequently, with low complexity helper functions, true random numbers can be readily produced.
Articulatory Kinematic Characteristics Across the Dysarthria Severity Spectrum in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Purpose The current study investigated whether articulatory kinematic patterns can be extrapolated across the spectrum of dysarthria severity in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)...
Inborn errors of metabolism.

Human nutrition science and practise to the outsider, at any rate, appears to emphasize the availability, procurement, preparation, and requirement of foodstuffs in man in both health and disease. Special consideration has, of course, been given to defining needs at various ages, the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), to the biochemistry of nutrients, and to the health problems of too little and too much food. However, adequate nutrition is only achieved when nutrients complete their roles in providing energy and in intermediate metabolism. Any acquired or genetically determined aberration of these processes can thus be construed as a disorder of nutrition. For the nutritionist the special interest of these conditions undoubtedly lies in the opportunities for dietary manipulation as a means of therapy (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1976a,b).
A standardized protocol to reduce pediatric baclofen pump infections: a quality improvement initiative

OBJECTIVEIntrathecal baclofen pumps are generally placed in children for the treatment of spasticity and dystonia. Use of implants in this pediatric population with comorbidities is reported to have a high risk of complications and infections. With the aim of reducing baclofen pump–related infections, a quality improvement project was instituted at the authors’ institution.METHODSA workflow paradigm unique to baclofen pump implantation aimed at decreasing implant-related infections was implemented. All baclofen pump operations performed at the authors’ institution between August 2012 and June 2016 were reviewed. An infection prevention protocol was created and implemented in August 2014 based on a literature review and the consensus opinion of the pediatric neurosurgeons in the group. Compliance with the prevention bundle was tracked. Case outcomes before and after implementation of the protocol with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses wer...
Procrastination, Flow, and Academic Performance in Real Time Using the Experience Sampling Method

The authors' aim was to first provide an alternative methodology in the assessment of procrastination and flow that would not reply on retrospective or prospective self-reports. Using real-time ass...
Treatment Options for Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is the fastest growing medication in the USA today. There are many reasons for the rapid growth of the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) market. We have an aging population with the number of US men 65 and older increasing two to three times faster than the number of men younger than 65. Furthermore, recent data demonstrate an increased association between poor general health, possibly mortality, and low serum testosterone levels. There is now less concern for the development of prostate cancer after TRT, making it a more attractive treatment option. Finally, new drugs entering the TRT market with increased promotion, marketing, and direct-to-consumer advertising are also driving market growth. Today, roughly 40 % of men over the age of 45 years old suffer from androgen deficiency and less than 10 % of these men are being treated. With such a large demand for treatment, clinicians should be aware of the different treatment options available.
Introduction: Third Annual Public Defense Conference

The Third Annual Conference on Public Defense, sponsored by Seattle University School of Law's Defender Initiative, was held in spring 2013 — the 50th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright. And thus many of the papers in this issue, most drawn from the conference, address what has been accomplished in that half century.The need for change resounds throughout the series of SJSJGideon's anniversary. The authors also express hope that our justice system can achieve Gideon's promise of fundamental fairness for indigent defendants. These excellent additions to the scholarly discourse are a significant contribution to ensuring what Gideon's Trumpet heralded: In the future, the name 'Gideon' will stand for the great principle that the poor are entitled to the same type of justice as those who are able to afford counsel.
Disinfection, Recontamination and Regrowth of Indicator Bacteria in a Wastewater Sludge Heat Treatment System

The largest sewage treatment plant in Hawaii produces 25,400 kg/day of primary sludge that is heat-treated (190°C) under 330 psig for 3 0 min. Although this treatment should result in a sterilized sludge product, the final sludge cake often contains high concentrations of fecal-borne indicator bacteria. The heat-treatment process was shown to disinfect the sludge of indicator bacteria. However, post contamination of the heat-treated sludge by raw sludge and by chlorinated primary effluent and the regrowth of indicator bacteria in the sludge storage tanks resulted in the presence of indicator bacteria in the sludge cake.
Computers in a Community of Learners

In this paper we describe the place of computers in a classroom designed to introduce students to an integrated curriculum in which they read and write in order to acquire and understand scientific content. We outline the ways in which students and teachers in different classroom contexts used the computers, and present some of the early results that have been obtained.
Opposing Roles of the Fork-head box genes FoxM1 and FoxA2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The fork-head box transcription factor FoxM1 is essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and its overexpression coincides with poor prognosis. Here, we show that the mechanisms by which FoxM1 drives HCC progression involve overcoming the inhibitory effects of the liver differentiation gene FoxA2. First, the expression patterns of FoxM1 and FoxA2 in human HCC are opposite. We show that FoxM1 represses expression of FoxA2 in G1 phase, a phase in the cell cycle in which cells can undergo differentiation. Repression of FoxA2 in G1 phase is important, as it is capable of inhibiting expression of the pluripotency genes that are expressed mainly in S/G2 phases. Using a transgenic mouse model for oncogenic Ras-driven HCC, we provide genetic evidence for a repression of FoxA2 by FoxM1. Conversely, FoxA2 inhibits expression of FoxM1, and inhibits FoxM1-induced tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Moreover, expression of FoxA2 in mouse liver expressing activated Ras inhibits FoxM1 expression and inhibits HCC progression. The observations provide strong genetic evidence for an opposing role of FoxM1 and FoxA2 in HCC progression.
Tailoring vibration suppression bands with hierarchical metamaterials containing local resonators

Abstract Vibration suppression at subwavelength scales is of great interest in acoustic and/or elastic metamaterial engineering which has a wide range of potential applications requiring dynamic stabilities by using light-weight structures and materials. In this study, we propose the concept of metamaterials with hierarchically organized local resonators, which possess the ability to efficiently tailor elastic wave or vibration attenuation to various frequency regions through different hierarchical designs. Wave dispersion relations and band gap behaviors of one-dimensional lumped mass-spring hierarchical metamaterials are characterized first with outward and inward hierarchical configurations. A honeycomb hierarchical lattice with embedded rubber-coated lead cylinders is then designed to demonstrate the vibration suppression at subwavelength scales in two separate frequency regions, where the first-order outward hierarchy is selected. Good agreement between experimental and numerical results are clearly observed in the frequency response functions of a metamaterial sample. The hierarchical metamaterials are demonstrated to be efficiency solutions in elastic wave bandgap engineering at subwavelength scales, which will benefit light-weight passive structures for low-frequency vibration and/or elastic wave mitigation.
Live Demonstration: An Open-Source Test-Bench for Autonomous Ultrasound Imaging

A complete low-cost open-source portable ultrasound test bench will be demonstrated for a variety of biomedical imaging applications. The test bench is a programmable 64-channel system with a modular design that can be easily updated with improved hardware and software for research on wearable and implantable medical ultrasound. Initial imaging results on tissue phantoms will be shown. Moreover, a rigid prototype of a novel wearable conformal ultrasound array with integrated imaging and modulation capabilities will be demonstrated. Preliminary measurement and characterization results of the prototype show promising results with ~2.4 MHz bandwidth.
Identification of a novel variant of Golli myelin basic protein BG21 in the uniquely neuroprotective white-footed mouse

The myelin basic protein (MBP) gene is a complex gene which codes for several distinct forms of MBP. The various forms of MBP are functionally involved in the development of the nervous system, T-cell regulation, and myelination. Several neurological disorders have been linked to MBP abnormality, further demonstrating its functional significance in the nervous system. The white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) exhibits profound neuroprotective characteristics, is asymptomatic to various disease-states, and has a lifespan twice that of the house mouse (Mus musculus). We used M. musculus mouse MBP as a reference to explore MBP in P. leucopus mice. Through genetic and downstream proteomic data analysis, we identified a novel variant of the BG21 isoform of MBP in P. leucopus mice. Variation in this isoform is present at the genetic level between the two species of mice. Our results show differences within the open reading frame of the transcripts accompanied by corresponding differences in protein structure prediction. These data introduce the potential of MBP variation as one of many causal variables contributing to the unique presentation of enhanced neuroprotection and longevity in P. leucopus mice.
Asymptomatic translucent dome-shaped cystic nodule on the finger.

A 44-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic papule on her finger (Figure). She reported no pain or trauma at the site. What is your diagnosis? Figure 1 Small translucent papule overlying the distal interphalangeal joint on the fifth finger. DIAGNOSIS: Digital mucous cyst. Digital mucous cysts are usually found on the dorsum of the fingers, most commonly on the distal phalanx. Rarely, lesions can present on the toes. The cysts appear bluish and when punctured drain a clear gelatinous material. Two different entities have been described. One involves the base of the nail. These lesions can be increasingly destructive due to pressure on the nail matrix, which causes a grooved nail or depressed nail deformity. The second entity overlies the distal interphalangeal joint (Figure) and is related to the underlying joint ganglion. The etiology of these lesions is debated. Oftentimes, a pedicle connecting the cyst to the underlying adjacent joint space can be demonstrated if methylene blue is injected into the distal interphalangeal joint (1). Other lesions are thought to be the result of a degenerative process. Hand surgeons are best equipped to deal with these lesions since the best treatment is surgical exploration and removal. Historically, repeated puncture and drainage has successfully eradicated these lesions in 72% of patients (2). However, patients are advised not to puncture and drain the cysts themselves since some do connect to the underlying joint and there is a risk of infection that could lead to joint destruction. Injection of a sclerosing agent into the cyst has been used successfully by some authors (3). Recently, a surgical flap procedure has been described that eradicated 92% of lesions on the fingers (4).
Muscle-like fatigue-resistant hydrogels by mechanical training

Skeletal muscles possess the combinational properties of high fatigue resistance (1,000 J/m2), high strength (1 MPa), low Young's modulus (100 kPa), and high water content (70 to 80 wt %), which have not been achieved in synthetic hydrogels. The muscle-like properties are highly desirable for hydrogels' nascent applications in load-bearing artificial tissues and soft devices. Here, we propose a strategy of mechanical training to achieve the aligned nanofibrillar architectures of skeletal muscles in synthetic hydrogels, resulting in the combinational muscle-like properties. These properties are obtained through the training-induced alignment of nanofibrils, without additional chemical modifications or additives. In situ confocal microscopy of the hydrogels' fracturing processes reveals that the fatigue resistance results from the crack pinning by the aligned nanofibrils, which require much higher energy to fracture than the corresponding amorphous polymer chains. This strategy is particularly applicable for 3D-printed microstructures of hydrogels, in which we can achieve isotropically fatigue-resistant, strong yet compliant properties.
114 Where children die; a retrospective cohort study of child death overview panel (CDOP) data

Aims There is a statutory requirement to review all child deaths as part of the safeguarding children guidance. The aim of this cohort study is to collate and evaluate child death data from all Child Death Overview Panels within the Yorkshire and Humber region to inform strategic planning, justify funding, and ultimately improve the care provided to children. Methods Retrospective cohort study. Data audited from all 14 CDOPs in the region. Descriptive analysis performed using SPSS. The dataset included: 3 full years of CDOP data (2013/2014 – 2015/16), all child deaths (expected and unexpected), age (0–17 inclusive), gender, ethnicity, partial postcode, place of death and category of death following review. Ethical approval not required as audit and no patient identifiable data collected. Missing data excluded from analysis on a pairwise basis. Results Over the study period there were 1221 deaths, with an average mortality rate of 407 deaths pa (total child population=1.1 million, 3.5 deaths/10000 children). The major causes of death were perinatal/neonatal events, and chromosomal, genetic and congenital anomalies; Combined these account for 60% (n=712/1183) of the dataset. ‘Expected’ deaths accounted for 64% (n=730/1149) of all child deaths. Place of death for expected deaths=Hospital deaths: 77% (n=564) Home: 9% (n=67), Hospice: 13% (n=91). When ethnicity data analysed for place of death (excluding neonatal and unexpected deaths), a greater proportion of white British children (n=201) died at home (16%, n=33) or within a hospice (23%, n=47) when compared to Asian children (Home: 12%, n=14; Hospice: 9%, n=10); Chi-squared 15.07, p=0.002. Conclusions Place of Death (POD) key quality indicator for EOL care. Limited evidence preferred POD in paediatrics. Ethnicity appears to affects POD. Oncology patients are more likely than children dying from other causes to die at home. This is likely due to the provision of POON services.
Tunable modulation of antibody‐antigen interaction by protease cleavage of protein M

While immunoglobulins find ubiquitous use in biotechnology as static binders, recent developments have created proantibodies that enable orthogonal switch-like behavior to antibody function. Previously, peptides with low binding affinity have been genetically fused to antibodies, to proteolytically control binding function by blocking the antigen-binding site. However, development of these artificial blockers requires panning for peptide sequences that reversibly affect antigen affinity for each antibody. Instead, a more general strategy to achieve dynamic control over antibody affinity may be feasible using protein M (ProtM) from Mycoplasma genitalium, a newly identified polyspecific immunity evasion protein that is capable of blocking antigen binding for a wide range of antibodies. Using C-terminus truncation to identify ProtM variants that are still capable of binding to antibodies without the ability to block antigens, we developed a novel and universal biological switch for antibodies. Using a site-specifically placed thrombin cut site, antibody affinity can be modulated by cleavage of the two distinct antibody-binding and antigen-blocking domains of ProtM. Because of the high affinity of ProtM toward a large variety of IgG subtypes, this strategy may be used as a universal approach to create proantibodies that are conditionally activated by disease-specific proteases such as matrix metalloproteinases.
Heart rate variability mediates motivation and fatigue throughout a high-intensity exercise program

High-intensity exercise interventions are often promoted as a time-efficient public health intervention to combat chronic disease. However, increased physical effort and subsequent fatigue can be b...
ATM inhibition drives metabolic adaptation via induction of macropinocytosis

Macropinocytosis is a nonspecific endocytic process that enhances cancer cell survival under nutrient-poor conditions. Ataxia-Telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a tumor suppressor that plays a role in cellular metabolic reprogramming. We report that suppression of ATM increases macropinocytosis in an AMPK-dependent manner to promote cancer cell survival in nutrient-poor conditions. Combined inhibition of ATM and macropinocytosis suppressed proliferation and induced cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Metabolite analysis of the ascites and interstitial fluid from tumors indicated decreased branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the microenvironment of ATM-inhibited tumors. Supplementation of ATM inhibitor-treated cells with BCAAs abrogated AMPK phosphorylation and macropinocytosis and rescued the cell death that occurs due to combined inhibition of ATM and macropinocytosis. These data reveal a novel molecular basis of ATM-mediated tumor suppression whereby loss of ATM promotes pro-tumorigenic uptake of nutrients to promote cancer cell survival and reveal a metabolic vulnerability of ATM-inhibited cells.
High-Speed Capillary Electrophoresis Using a Thin-Wall Fused-Silica Capillary Combined with Backscatter Interferometry.

High-speed capillary electrophoresis (HSCE) is implemented using a 10 cm total length fused-silica capillary (50 μm i.d., 80 μm o.d.) combined with refractive index (RI) detection using backscatter...