cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SATB1 and bladder cancer: Is there a functional link?

Abstract Purpose SATB1, a global genome organizer, has been shown to play a role in the development and progression of some solid tumors, but its role in bladder cancer is undetermined. Moreover, there is conflicting data about the role of SATB1 in other tumors. This study was initiated to assess a potential role for SATB1 with the hypothesis that SATB1 acts as a tumor promoter in bladder cancer. Materials and methods We evaluated SATB1 expression in bladder cancer cell lines (HTB-5, HTB-9) and compared them to a benign urothelial cell line (UROtsa). Short-hairpin RNA was used to silence SATB1 in multiple cell lines, and cell death and cell proliferation were assessed using multiple assays. Results SATB1 expression was increased significantly in all cancer cell lines compared to benign urothelial cells. SATB1 expression was knocked down by short-hairpin RNA and functional outcomes, including cell number, cell-cycle arrest, cell viability, and apoptosis after cisplatin treatment, were measured. Surprisingly, knockdown of SATB1 in 2 high-grade cancer cell lines showed opposing functional roles. Compared to the non-silencing control, HTB-5 cells, showed decreased cellular proliferation and increased sensitivity to cisplatin, whereas HTB-9 cells, showed increased cell numbers and increased resistance to cisplatin. Conclusion We conclude that our results in bladder cancer are consistent with the conflicting data reported in other cancers, and that SATB1 might have different roles in cancer dependent on genetic background and stage of the cancer.
TDP-43 Promotes Neurodegeneration by Impairing Chromatin Remodeling

Regulation of chromatin structure is critical for brain development and function. However, the involvement of chromatin dynamics in neurodegeneration is less well understood. Here we find, launching from Drosophila models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, that TDP-43 impairs the induction of multiple key stress genes required to protect from disease by reducing the recruitment of the chromatin remodeler Chd1 to chromatin. Chd1 depletion robustly enhances TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration and promotes the formation of stress granules. Conversely, upregulation of Chd1 restores nucleosomal dynamics, promotes normal induction of protective stress genes, and rescues stress sensitivity of TDP-43-expressing animals. TDP-43-mediated impairments are conserved in mammalian cells, and, importantly, the human ortholog CHD2 physically interacts with TDP-43 and is strikingly reduced in level in temporal cortex of human patient tissue. These findings indicate that TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration causes impaired chromatin dynamics that prevents appropriate expression of protective genes through compromised function of the chromatin remodeler Chd1/CHD2. Enhancing chromatin dynamics may be a treatment approach to amyotrophic lateral scleorosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Design of a spherical tensegrity robot for dynamic locomotion

This work presents a novel spherical tensegrity robot, T12-R, which is designed and prototyped based on a twelve-rod tensegrity structure that resembles a rhombicuboctahedron. The geometry of T12-R allows for fast rolling and a detailed description of the robot design is provided. A simulation study of T12-R shows that the robot is capable of performing static locomotion. Control strategies for achieving dynamic locomotion in hardware are discussed.
Therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Abstract Current phase 3 trials for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are discussed in this review. Modalities that are based on weight loss include therapeutic lifestyle changes, pharmacological weight loss drugs (e.g., orlistat), and bariatric surgery. Traditionally, insulin resistance has been targeted using pioglitazone, but liraglutide and elafibranor are emerging as potential treatments. With regard to the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathway, obeticholic acid has been approved for primary biliary cholangitis and is being studied as a treatment for NASH. Antioxidants include vitamin E and statins. Medications that target fibrogenesis directly instead of NASH include selonsertib.
Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Children's Social Interactions and Peer Responses in Mainstream Preschool Classrooms.

The authors examined the social practices and outcomes of 23 immigrant and 16 nonimmigrant preschoolers in English only preschool classrooms. In both classrooms, the majority of the children (nearl...
Early diagnosis of septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients.

Abstract Objectives Septic arthritis results in rapid joint destruction if not properly diagnosed and treated. A work up for septic arthritis includes a peripheral white blood cell count, inflammatory markers, and a joint aspiration. In the general population, the interpretation of these labs has been well-defined by prior studies. To this point, no study has determined how immunosuppressive states affect this work up. Methods Patients with immunosuppressive conditions who received a joint aspiration for a painful joint were retrospectively identified. Laboratory results from their work up were gathered and analyzed. Results 216 patients were included in the study, 21 of whom were diagnosed with septic arthritis. The average aspiration WBC count was 74,190 with 88% PMNs. 81% had a positive gram stain. Discussion Laboratory values for immunosuppressed patients with septic arthritis were similar to those associated with septic arthritis in historical general population controls.
Recombinant relaxin protects liver transplants from ischemia damage by hepatocyte glucocorticoid receptor: From bench-to-bedside

Author(s): Kageyama, Shoichi; Nakamura, Kojiro; Fujii, Takehiro; Ke, Bibo; Sosa, Rebecca A; Reed, Elaine F; Datta, Nakul; Zarrinpar, Ali; Busuttil, Ronald W; Kupiec-Weglinski, Jerzy W | Abstract: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a major risk factor of early graft dysfunction and acute/chronic rejection as well as a key obstacle to expanding the donor pool in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Although glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling may enhance cytoprotective programs, clinical use of glucocorticoid is limited because of adverse effects, whereas clinical relevance of GR-facilitated cytoprotection in OLT remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the significance of hepatic GR in clinical OLT and verify the impact of recombinant human relaxin (rhRLX), which may function as a GR agonist in a tissue/disease-specific manner. Fifty-one OLT patients were recruited under an institutional research board (IRB) protocol. Liver biopsies were collected after cold storage (presurgery) and 2 hours postreperfusion (before abdominal closure), followed by western blotting-assisted hepatic analyses. Forty-three percent of OLTs failed to increase GR perioperatively under surgical stress. Post-/pre-GR ratios at postoperative day 1 correlated negatively with serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/cleaved caspase-3 and positively with B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels. In a murine OLT model with extended (18-hour) cold storage, treatment with rhRLX ameliorated ischemia-reperfusion (IR) damage and improved survival while up-regulating hepatocyte GR and Bcl-xL/Bcl-2 expression in OLT. rhRLX-induced GR suppressed hepatocyte high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) translocation/release, accompanied by decreased Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), suppressed interleukin 1 beta (IL1β), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL)10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), CXCL1, and CXCL2 levels, and attenuated neutrophil/macrophage accumulation in OLT. Inhibition of GR in hepatocyte culture and in OLT diminished rhRLX-mediated cytoprotection.ConclusionThis translational study underscores the role of rhRLX-GR signaling as a regulator of hepatocellular protection against IR stress in OLT. In the context of a recent phase III clinical trial demonstrating positive outcomes of rhRLX in patients with acute heart failure, studies on rhRLX for the management of IRI in OLT recipients are warranted. (Hepatology 2018;68:258-273).
Acquisition of Bartonella elizabethae by Experimentally Exposed Oriental Rat Fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis; Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) and Excretion of Bartonella DNA in Flea Feces.

Few studies have been able to provide experimental evidence of the ability of fleas to maintain rodent-associated Bartonella infections and excrete these bacteria. These data are important for understanding the transmission cycles and prevalence of these bacteria in hosts and vectors. We used an artificial feeding approach to expose groups of the oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis Rothschild; Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) to rat blood inoculated with varying concentrations of Bartonella elizabethae Daly (Bartonellaceae: Rhizobiales). Flea populations were maintained by membrane feeding on pathogen-free bloodmeals for up to 13 d post infection. Individual fleas and pools of flea feces were tested for the presence of Bartonella DNA using molecular methods (quantitative and conventional polymerase chain reaction [PCR]). The threshold number of Bartonellae required in the infectious bloodmeal for fleas to be detected as positive was 106 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). Individual fleas were capable of harboring infections for at least 13 d post infection and continuously excreted Bartonella DNA in their feces over the same period. This experiment demonstrated that X. cheopis are capable of acquiring and excreting B. elizabethae over several days. These results will guide future work to model and understand the role of X. cheopis in the natural transmission cycle of rodent-borne Bartonella species. Future experiments using this artificial feeding approach will be useful for examining the horizontal transmission of B. elizabethae or other rodent-associated Bartonella species to naive hosts and for determining the viability of excreted bacteria.
More Examples for the Stable Case

Let P be a standard stochastic semigroup on the countably infinite set I. Suppose a, b, c are distinct elements of I. As usual, Q = P′(0) exists by (5.21). If Q(a, b) > 0 or if Q(a, c) > 0, then P(t, a, b)/P(t, a, c) converges as t → 0, namely to Q(a, b)/Q(a, c). If P is uniform, then P is analytic by (5.29), so the convergence holds by l’Hopital (10.78 and 80). Lester Dubins asked me whether the convergence held in general.
Neuroendocrinology of Social/Affiliative Behavior

Affiliation involves a complex set of behaviors that forms the basis for all prosocial relationships. Affiliative behaviors in animal models are modulated by neuroendocrine factors such as the neuropeptides oxytocin, vasopressin and prolactin, as well as gonadal steroids. This article discusses the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in the formation of social memories in rodents, the neuroendocrine regulation of parental care in rodents, and the involvement of neuropeptides in the formation of selective mother-infant bond in sheep and pair bonds in monogamous rodents. We briefly discuss the implications of these findings for the regulation of human social behavior.
Unusual or Rare Variations of Melanoma and Particular Histomorphologic Alterations

The capacity of melanoma for the expression of highly diverse histomorphologic pattens is simply without parallel in pathology. Thus melanoma can mimic a wide range of carcinomas, sarcomas, and even lymphomas. This is especially true for advanced, recurrent, and metastatic melanoma. Some of these unusual and rare manifestations of melanoma not previously mentioned are discussed in this section (Table 27).
Molecular Interactions in Ground and Excited States

The interaction between molecules is the central issue of chemistry. Molecules interact to break old chemical bonds and to form new bonds in chemical reactions. In weaker interactions molecules associate themselves to form molecular complexes or aggregates. In solutions interactions between solute and solvent molecules play the essential role. Much experimental evidence, both chemical and spectroscopic, demonstrates the existence and the nature of such molecular interactions.
PRECISE MATHEMATICS COMMUNICATION: THE USE OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL LANGUAGE

INTRODUCTION. When explaining their reasoning, students should communicate their mathematical thinking precisely, however, it is unclear if formal terminology is necessary or if students can explain or describe mathematical concepts using everyday language. This paper reports the results of two studies. The first explores the relation between students’ use of formal and informal mathematical language and procedural knowledge in mathematics; the second replicates and extends these findings using a longitudinal design over the course of an entire school year. METHOD . Study 1 uses a pre-test, intervention, post-test method across one unit of study. Study 2 uses the same pre-test, intervention, post-test method, however, it implements a longitudinal design across an entire school year using growth curve analysis. RESULTS. Findings show that students benefit most when they attempt to describe the targeted mathematical concepts, regardless of the type of language used. This finding is consistent with prior work showing that having students go through the process of self-explaining, independent of the quality of those explanations, yields benefits to learning (i.e. Chi, 2000). DISCUSSION. Although teachers should still use formal language in their classrooms; they should not be discouraged if students are initially unable to use formal language correctly. We suggest that teachers allow students to explain their reasoning using either formal or informal terms, especially while students are in the midst of developing an understanding the mathematical concepts.
Measuring Coaching in Undergraduate Medical Education: the Development and Psychometric Validation of New Instruments.

Coaching is emerging as a novel approach to guide medical students toward becoming competent, reflective physicians and master adaptive learners. However, no instruments currently exist to measure academic coaching at the undergraduate medical education level. To describe the development and psychometric assessments of two instruments designed to assess academic coaching of medical students toward creating a robust measurement model of this educational paradigm. Observational psychometric. All medical students in the 2014 and 2015 cohorts and all their coaches were invited to complete the instruments being tested, which led to 662 medical student responses from 292 medical students and 468 coaching responses from 22 coaches being included in analyses. Medical student response rates were 75.7% from 2014 and 75.5% from 2015. Overall, the coaches’ response rate was 71%. Two 31-item instruments were initially developed, one for medical students to assess their coach and one for faculty coaches to assess their students, both of which evaluated coaching based on definitions we formulated using existing literature. Each was administered to two cohorts of medical students and coaches in 2015 and 2016. An exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis as the extraction method and Varimax with Kaiser normalization as the rotation method was conducted. Eighteen items reflecting four domains were retained with eigenvalues higher than 1.0 for medical students’ assessment of coaching, which measured promoting self-monitoring, relationship building, promoting reflective behavior, and establishing foundational ground rules. Sixteen items reflecting two domains were retained for the faculty assessment of coaching with eigenvalues higher than 1.0: the Practice of Coaching and Relationship Formation. We successfully developed and psychometrically validated surveys designed to measure key aspects of the coaching relationship, coaching processes, and reflective outcomes. The new validated instruments offer a robust measurement model for academic coaching.
Effects of WO3 nanoparticle size on ethylene-butene metathesis activity

Abstract WO3 nanoparticles (NPs) of 2.64 ± 1.11 nm, 16.6 ± 3.7 nm, and 54.3 ± 18.5 nm were investigated in the cross-metathesis reaction of ethylene and trans-2-butene to form propylene. Measurements of reaction rates normalized by exposed WO3 surface area showed that decreasing WO3 particle sizes resulted in increasing propylene formation rates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of post-reaction catalysts showed that smaller WO3 NPs featured lower O/W surface atomic ratios, and thus higher degrees of surface unsaturation. Based on these results, high-temperature synthetic treatments aimed at increasing the degree of surface unsaturation of WO3 NPs showed significant improvements in metathesis activity when compared to baseline values. This work demonstrates that control of particle size for industrially-relevant catalysts drastically impacts reactivity.
Learning about research and readership development in STEM education: a systematic analysis of the journal’s publications from 2014 to 2018

In this editorial, we conduct a systematic review of 144 items published in the International Journal of STEM Education over its first 5-year period from 2014 to 2018. We analyze publication quantities and types, authorship nationality, publication readership, research topic, and top 10 most accessed and top 10 most cited articles over the years. The results provide a snapshot of the research and readership development in multidisciplinary STEM education as an international field.
Outcomes of Local Bone Graft and Fixation of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nascent Nonunions and Nonunions.

Background Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid have an increased risk of nonunion due to its tenuous blood supply. The optimal treatment of proximal pole scaphoid nonunions remains controversial. Objectives To review a single surgeon's experience with proximal pole scaphoid nascent nonunions (delayed unions) and nonunions that underwent surgical fixation with a cannulated headless compression screw and local autologous bone graft from the distal radius. Patients and Methods After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the electronic medical record of one tertiary care center was queried for patients with the diagnosis of “proximal pole scaphoid fractures” who underwent surgical fixation by a single surgeon over an 11-year period (2006–2017). Fifteen patients met initial query criteria; upon review of records, four patients were excluded due to the acute nature of the fracture, and one was excluded as surgical fixation included a vascularized bone graft. Results The final study cohort consisted of 10 patients with a total of 10 proximal pole scaphoid nonunions. Almost all of the patients in this study were male (9/10 [90%]), and sporting activities were the most common mechanism of injury (8/10 [80%]). Volumetric measurements of the scaphoid fractures on computed tomography (CT) revealed that the mean total volume of the scaphoid was 2.4 ± 0.48 cm3 and the mean volume of the proximal pole fragment was 0.38 ± 0.15 cm3. Postoperative CT scans were performed at a mean of 12.4 weeks (range: 8–16 weeks), with seven (7/10 [70%]) showing signs of complete union and three (3/10 [30%]) demonstrating partial union. None of the patients required additional procedures and there were no complications. Conclusions Our results suggest that proximal pole scaphoid fractures with delayed union and nonunion treated with surgical fixation and autologous local bone graft heal without the need for more complex vascularized procedures. The volume of the proximal pole fragment did not correlate with increased risk of ongoing nonunion after the index procedure. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.
Off Shore Wind Power: A Promising and Scalable Future Electricity Source

Existing statistical data on the sources of global electricity generation show that the world has been very slow to adopt renewable sources of electricity generation to replace our over reliance on fossils for such generation. Most modeling agrees that over the next 30 years, global demand for electricity will at least double meaning there is a requirement to bring an additional 3 TW of electrical generation on line. Ideally these new forms of electricity generation should be renewable and sustainable. It is in that context where we examine the feasibility of OFF shore wind and its capability of delivering this required 3 TW. On balance, there is reason to be optimistic in this approach. This optimism is largely based on the relatively rapid deployment of OFF wind facilities, primarily lead by the UK beginning in 2013 with the completion of the London Array. In addition, OFF shore deployment in 2013 used individual 3.6 MW turbines whereas by 2023, 12 MW turbines will likely become the unit turbine per OFF shore array, This is a significant increase in the scalability of this technology and a global commitment to eventually produce and install 10,000 12 MW turbines on an annual basis will reach the target goal of 3 TW. Here, we examine various logistical and material limitations that could possibly hinder the deployment of OFF shore arrays and conclude such potential obstacles can be overcome, although innovative transport and assembly infrastructure will be needed for the 107-m long blades that comprise a 12 MW turbine. The relatively high capacity factor of OFF shore windfarms (40–50%) favors this technology over solar PV which has a much lower capacity factor. Furthermore, nuclear power has a history of relatively slow build out and it’s very unlikely that this build out could be ramped up so that nuclear is a significant component of the required 3 TW; but in fact, since this can all be achieved through OFF shore wind, there is no real need for that alternative. As such, OFF shore wind production has a very bright future ahead of it and this should guide the necessary worldwide investment needed to help bring a new era of sustainability to the planet.
A phase II randomized trial of RAdium-223 dichloride and SABR versus SABR for oligomEtastatic prostate caNcerS (RAVENS).

TPS5586Background: Metastasis directed therapy (MDT) is able to prolong progression free survival (PFS) and forestall initiation of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with hormone-sensitive,...
Abbreviated Musculoskeletal MRI Protocols: Point-Improved Patient Access and Reduced Health Care Costs.

This article does not include an abstract. Please see the accompanying Counterpoint by Rina Patel and Thomas M. Link.
On gauge transformations of B\"acklund type and higher order nonlinear Schr\"odinger equations

We introduce a new, more general type of nonlinear gauge transformation in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics that involves derivatives of the wave function and belongs to the class of B\"acklund transformations. These transformations satisfy certain reasonable, previously proposed requirements for gauge transformations. Their application to the Schr\"odinger equation results in higher order partial differential equations. As an example, we derive a general family of 6th-order nonlinear Schr\"odinger equations, closed under our nonlinear gauge group. We also introduce a new gauge invariant current ${\bf \sigma}=\rho {\bf \nabla}\triangle \ln \rho $, where $\rho=\bar\psi \psi$. We derive gauge invariant quantities, and characterize the subclass of the 6th-order equations that is gauge equivalent to the free Schr\"odinger equation. We relate our development to nonlinear equations studied by Doebner and Goldin, and by Puszkarz.
Intergenerational Transmission of Rumination via Parenting Behaviors and Family Characteristics: The Impact on Adolescent Internalizing Symptoms

The relationship between rumination and internalizing psychopathology across the lifespan is robustly documented, yet the development of rumination is not well understood. In a prospective study of adolescents (N = 629, M age = 13.05 years, 51.5% female, 48.3% African American/Black) and their primary female caregivers (90.6% biological mothers), self-report measures of rumination, parental behaviors, family characteristics, and internalizing symptoms were completed. Maternal rumination was not predictive of adolescent rumination, but was associated with less effective parenting and maladaptive family characteristics. Neither parenting behaviors nor family characteristics predicted adolescent rumination. The indirect effects of maternal rumination on adolescent rumination through parenting behaviors and family characteristics were non-significant. The well-established relationship between adolescent rumination and internalizing symptoms was replicated, but there was no evidence of the intergenerational process impacting these symptoms. The findings do not support intergenerational transmission of rumination via parenting behaviors and family characteristics.
Same Season and Carry-Over Effects of Source-Sink Adjustments on Grapevine Yields and Non-structural Carbohydrates.

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is managed to balance the ratio of leaf area (source) to fruit mass (sink). Over cropping in the grapevine may reveal itself as spontaneous fruit abortion, delayed ripening, or as alternate bearing. The aim of this work was to study the same season and carry-over effects of manipulating source to sink ratios on grapevine phenology, leaf gas exchange, yield components, berry soluble solids accumulation, and reserve carbohydrate and soluble sugar concentration in roots. Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines were subjected to defoliation (33, 66, and 100% of the leaves retained) and fruit removal treatments (33, 66, and 100% of clusters retained) arranged in a factorial design. Results from two seasons of source-sink manipulations were substantially different. In both seasons defoliation treatments affected season-long net carbon assimilation (A N ) and stomatal conductance (g s ) where the less leaves were retained, the greater the A N and g s , and fruit removal had no impact on leaf gas exchange. In the first season, leaf area to fruit mass was hardly related to berry soluble solids and in the second season they were strongly correlated, suggesting a degree of acclimation. Defoliation treatments had great impacts on berry size, berries per cluster, and total soluble solids in both years. Fruit removal treatments only had effects on berry mass and berries per cluster in the first season, and only on berry soluble solids in the second. The predominant effect of defoliation (carbon starvation) cascaded onto reducing root starch content, root mass and delaying of veraison and leaf senescence, as well as harvest which was delayed up to 9 weeks with 33% of the leaves retained. In a third season, where grapevines grew without treatments, defoliation treatments had resultant carryover effects, including reduced leaf area, number of berries per cluster, clusters per vine, and yield, but not on leaf gas exchange dependent on previous seasons' severity of defoliation. Balancing source-to-sink ratio is crucial to obtain an adequate speed of ripening. However, this was the culmination of a more complex whole-plant regulation where the number of leaves (source strength) outweighed the effects of fruits (sink strength).
Frail Older Persons in Nutrition Supplement Programs: A Comparative Study of African American, Asian American, and Hispanic Participants

SUMMARY. Home-delivered and congregate meals, funded by Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA), target low-income, frail, isolated elders and provide them with a minimum of one third of the daily Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). Despite the benefits of these programs, Asian American and Hispanic elders are underrepresented among the participants. In order to inform researchers and practitioners of more effective outreach strategies for these minority elders, this study compared sociodemographic and need characteristics of African American, Asian American, and Hispanic participants in elderly nutrition programs in a large metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. Findings show that being Asian American and lacking English language proficiency decreased the likelihood of participation in home-delivered meal programs, even when nutrition and health sta188tuses were controlled for. Culturally acceptable outreach strategies are discussed. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <getinfo@haworthpressinc.com > Website: < http://www.HaworthPress.com > © 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
Group B streptococcal infection of the genitourinary tract in pregnant and non-pregnant patients with diabetes mellitus: An immunocompromised host or something more?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly encountered as part of the microbiota within the human gastrointestinal tract. A common cause of infections during pregnancy, GBS is responsible for invasive diseases ranging from urinary tract infections to chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease resulting from impaired regulation of blood glucose levels. The incidence of DM has steadily increased worldwide to affecting over 450 million people. Poorly controlled DM is associated with multiple health comorbidities including an increased risk for infection. Epidemiologic studies have clearly demonstrated that DM correlates with an increased risk for invasive GBS infections, including skin and soft tissue infections and sepsis in non-pregnant adults. However, the impact of DM on risk for invasive GBS urogenital infections, particularly during the already vulnerable time of pregnancy, is less clear. We review the evolving epidemiology, immunology, and pathophysiology of GBS urogenital infections including rectovaginal colonization during pregnancy, neonatal infections of infants exposed to DM in utero, and urinary tract infections in pregnant and non-pregnant adults in the context of DM and highlight in vitro studies examining why DM might increase risk for GBS urogenital infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Slow Axonal Transport in Nerve from Mice with a Genetic Myelin Deficiency (Trembler)

In a myelinated nerve, there is a relation between axonal diameter and the size of its myelin sheath: the larger the diameter of the axon, the thicker the myelin sheath. When the axonal diameter increases above 1 micron during development or regeneration, myelin formation in surrounding Schwann cells is triggered. However, recent studies suggest that the relation between axon and Schwann cell is more complex. In experiments involving sciatic nerve grafts between the normal and the myelin deficient mutant Trembler mice, Schwann cells were shown to locally influence the morphology and the diameter of axons (A.Aguayo 1977). Axonal diameter is dependent on its cytoskeleton and the cytoskeletal proteins are moving along the axon with the slow components of axonal transport. When slow axonal transport of the cytoskeletal protein decreases, as during regeneration for instance, one observes that the reduction in transport correlates with the decrease in axonal diameter. This has been quantified by Hoffman et al. for the neurofilament protein (Hoffman 1986).
Information for targeting to the chloroplastic inner envelope membrane is contained in the mature region of the maize Bt1-encoded protein

Based on the protein sequence deduced from a cDNA clone, it has been proposed that the maize bt1 locus encodes an amyloplast membrane metabolite translocator protein (Sullivan, T. D., Strelow, L. I., Illingworth, C. A., Phillips, R. L., and Nelson, O. E., Jr. (1991) Plant Cell 3, 1337-1348). The present work provides further evidence for this hypothesis by showing that the gene product of Bt1 could be imported into chloroplasts in vitro and processed to lower molecular weight mature proteins. More importantly, the imported mature proteins were localized to the inner envelope membrane, where metabolite translocators are located in plastids. In addition, the location of information for targeting to the inner membrane was investigated by constructing and analyzing the import of chimeric precursor proteins. A chimeric protein with the transit peptide of the precursor to the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase fused to the mature region of the Bt1-encoded protein was targeted to the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts. Moreover, a chimeric protein with the transit peptide of the Bt1-encoded protein fused to the mature protein of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein was targeted to the thylakoid. These results indicate that the transit peptide of the Bt1-encoded protein functions primarily as a stromal targeting sequence. The information for targeting to the chloroplastic inner envelope membrane is contained in the mature region of the protein.
From the University of Illinois VIA JPL and UCLA to Vytautas Magnus University: 50 Years of Computer Engineering by Algirdas AviŽienis

This article surveys pioneering contributions of Algirdas Avižienis to the fields of fault-tolerance and dependable computing, digital arithmetic, and computer design, made during his 50-year long career in computer engineering.
Dose-Dependent Enhancements by Interferon-γ on Functional Responses of Neutrophils From Chronic Granulomatous Disease Patients

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is recommended as prophylaxis against infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). However, since the optimal dose, the dosing interval, and the mechanisms of action are not well-defined, we studied the effects on CGD neutrophil (PMN) functions ex vivo of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Evaluations were made on oxidative capacity, measured by superoxide anion production and chemiluminescence after stimulation with f-met-leu-phe (f-MLP) or phorbol-myristate-acetate, the killing of Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae (assessed as conversion of the tetrazolium salt MTT to formazan), and on the expression of Fc gammaRI receptor (CD64). After randomization, 9 CGD patients (4 with gp91phox, 3 with p47phox, 1 with p67phox deficiency and 1 with unspecified CGD) were given IFN-gamma, either 50 or 100 microg/m2 subcutaneously on 2 consecutive days after double blinded randomization. Furthermore, one female hyperlyonized X-linked carrier with a CGD phenotype was also studied separately after IFN-gamma treatment. Evaluations were made the day before and on days 1, 3, 8, and 18 after IFN-gamma administration. The killing of A fumigatus hyphae, being close to zero before IFN-gamma, was enhanced on day 3, being 36% higher than pretreatment values in the high-dose CGD group and 17% in the low-dose group. The expression of Fc gammaRI on PMN increased 3.7-fold in the high-dose and 2.3-fold in the low-dose CGD group, being maximal on day 1. Oxidative functions were raised in only selected patients represented by different subtypes of CGD. The hyperlyonized carrier of X-linked CGD responded to IFN-gamma with more enhanced oxidative responses and Aspergillus killing of her PMNs than the other patients. This study suggests that a higher dose of IFN-gamma than currently recommended confers transient enhancements of certain PMN functions in CGD patients.
A Functional LIL and Some Weighted Occupation Measure Results for Fractional Brownian Motion

Weighted occupation measure results are obtained for fractional Brownian motion. Proofs depend on small ball probability estimates of the sup-norm for these processes, which are then used to obtain a functional law of the iterated logarithm. The occupation measure results are consequences of the law of the iterated logarithm.
Chocolate Nations: Living and Dying for Cocoa in West Africa – By Órla Ryan

A review of the book "Chocolate Nations: Living & Dying for Cocoa in West Africa," by Orla Ryan is presented.
The challenges of emulating human behavior in writing assessment

Abstract This is a response to Dr. Les Perelman's critique of Phase I of the Hewlett Trials. His argument is that the construct validity of the study was undermined because there was a high correlation between word count and vendor predicted scores. The response addresses the argument by showing that correlations do not mean causation. Further the reply illustrates how predications are actually formulated in automated essay scoring. The response concludes with an appeal for more research on the underlying constructs associated with writing.
A collocation approach to distillation column design

A reduced-order collocation method is applied to the optimal design of distillation columns. The resulting number of equations is determined by the user and is independent of the numbers of stages in the column sections. The collocation method furthermore permits these stage numbers to be treated as continuous variables, thus extending the discrete solution set. This greatly facilitates the optimization. Several demonstration problems are worked out.
Ultrastructural analysis of toxin binding and entry into mammalian cells.

VERY low concentrations of phytotoxins can kill mammalian cells, and some of them, such as ricin and abrin, isolated from Ricinus communis and Abrus precatorius, have been reported to suppress protein synthesis in cells1–3 and cell-free systems4,5. Ricin inhibits peptide chain elongation by catalytically inactivating the 60S subunits of ribosomes5–7. It is a galactosebinding glycoprotein of molecular weight 60,000, containing two nonidentical subunits linked by disulphide bridges8–11 and seems to be identical to the lectin R. communis agglutinin II (RCAII) isolated by affinity chromatography8–12. Ricin, or RCAII, has been used to suppress the growth of ascites tumour cells in vivo13, and as a cell surface probe for oligosaccharide receptors14–17 containing terminal D-galactose or N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-like saccharides11,14,18,19. I have found that RCAII enters mammalian cells by endocytosis (similar to the findings of Oliver et al.20) and is then released into the cytoplasm, where it apparently acts directly on protein synthesis.
Metadata database design as an aid to scientific discovery

The National Science Foundation has a vision. They see the nation's cyber infrastructure enhancing science by making all data and research results easily available to all researchers, with cross-disciplinary exposure leading to new breakthroughs. One component of this vision is the creation of virtual communities of practice, which require both informational and human systems. Currently, data centers have informational systems, and scientific networking sites have human systems, but these systems are not collocated or integrated, and they are often focused on a single discipline. Online scientific networking significantly lags social and business networking because conducting science requires data and access to publications, components not available through current online networking tools. Thus, one way scientific discovery can be substantially enabled is by data centers adding the human system to their already existing information systems—by reorganizing their metadata to support professional networking modules, and installing such modules. In this work, I present the organizational structure and some of the requirements being considered at the International Arctic Research Center for our next few system upgrades, and how they will enable professional networking at the different levels. Considerable scientific benefits can result from adopting a user-friendly interface and organizing metadata to allow greater search flexibility. Such organization also supplies the metadata necessary for integration of a professional networking system.
DC/DC converter with class E zero-voltage-switching inverter and class E zero-current-switching rectifier

A class-E resonant DC/DC power converter is introduced and verified experimentally. It is composed of a class-E zero-voltage-switching inverter and a class-E zero-current-switching rectifier. Therefore, it offers high efficiency at high frequencies. The measured DC/DC efficiency was 82.64% at full load with 7.3-W output power. A relative frequency range of only 6.12% was sufficient to regulate the DC output voltage at 20 V for load resistances ranging from 55 Omega to infinity. >
Summary of POHC Audit Results Using VOST and Bag Methods During RCRA Trial Burns

Audit materials containing Principal Organic Hazardous Constituents (POHCs) have been developed by EPA for use by Federal, State, and Local agencies or their contractors to assess the accuracy of measurement methods used during RCRA trial burn tests. Audit materials are currently available for 27 gaseous organics in five-, six-, seven-, and nine-component mixtures at ppb levels (7 to 10,000 ppb) in compressed gas cylinders in a balance gas of nitrogen. The logic used in selecting 27 gaseous organic compounds as audit materials and how these audit materials are successfully used in performance audits is described. Stability studies indicate that all of the organics tested (with the exception of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide below 10 ppb levels) are stable enough to be used as reliable audit materials. As of January 1990, 215 performance audits have been conducted to assess the accuracy of Volatile Organic Sampling Train (VOST) and bag measurement methods during or prior to RCRA trial burn tests. A sum...
Estimated effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on examiner-rated behavior at age 7 years.

Abstract Prenatal cocaine exposure has been linked to increased child behavior difficulties in some studies but not others. Objective The primary aim was to estimate the relationship between in utero cocaine exposure and child behavioral functioning at age 7 years with ratings made by blinded examiners during a structured testing session. A second aim was to examine whether caregiver drug use and psychological problems might mediate suspected relationships between prenatal cocaine exposure and aspects of examiner-rated behavior. Methods 407 children (212 cocaine-exposed, 195 non-exposed) participating in the longitudinal Miami Prenatal Cocaine Study (MPCS) were rated with regard to their behavior during a neuropsychological assessment conducted at age 7 years. Raters were trained research psychometricians blinded to drug exposure status. Individual behavioral items were summarized and the cocaine–behavior relationship was estimated within the context of latent variable modeling, using Mplus software. Results Two latent variables, Behavioral Regulation and Sociability, were derived via exploratory latent structure analysis with promax rotation. Prenatal cocaine exposure, statistically controlling for child sex, test age, and prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, was associated with Behavioral Regulation (estimated slope s = − 0.25; 95% CI = − 0.48, − 0.02; p = 0.04) but not Sociability (estimated slope s = − 0.03; 95% CI = − 0.26, 0.20; p = 0.79). Neither postnatal drug use by caregivers nor the severity of their psychological problems at age 5 follow-up predicted levels of child Behavioral Regulation or Sociability at age 7 years (p > 0.10). Conclusions Examiner ratings of child behavior at age 7 revealed less optimal behavioral regulation for prenatally cocaine-exposed compared to non-exposed children, in contrast with what had been previously found from parent-report data. This evidence highlights the potential value of trained observers in assessing behavioral outcomes of children exposed in utero to drugs and other toxicants.
Dural sinus thrombosis in early life

Summary A study has been presented dealing with 30 instances of thrombosis of the dural sinuses in infancy and childhood. These have been tabulated in connection with 50 instances previously reported 1 forming a total series of 80 cases. Of these, 42 cases were associated with various forms of sepsis: meningitis, scalp infections, otitis media, mastoiditis, and bacteremias without meningeal localization. Four instances followed surgical procedures. Thirty-three patients presented no evidence of infection of the centralnervous system or blood stream. They were all infants under thirty months of age. The illness began with an acute nutritional disturbance usually followed after a period of days or weeks by evidences of meningeal irritation, marked hyperpyrexia, and convulsions or other abnormal neurologic manifestations. Some infants died without any evidence of neurologic disturbance. In all of these patients, the superior longitudinal sinus was thrombosed in entirety or in part with variable involvement of other sinuses and cerebral veins. Twenty-one of these patients presented hemorrhages into the meninges associated in 19 cases with intracerebral hemorrhage and necrosis. Some of the patients succumbed within a few hours after the onset of the symptoms referable to involvement of the central nervous system. A few lived for ten days to one month. Finally, two patients recovered from their acute attacks and died later with organized and canalized thrombi in their superior longitudinal sinuses. These together with another patient with similar thrombi of different pathogenesis, form the basis of a separate report. This peculiar "nonseptic" type of sinus thrombosis has no counterpart in adult life and largely accounts for the much greater incidence of dural sinus thrombosis in early life than in adult life. The usual severity of the brain injury resulting from occlusion of the superior longitudinal sinus, the protean character of the associated clinical picture and its frequent occurrence make its recognition a matter of importance in neurologic diagnosis in childhood.
A study of the flow properties of rubbers using the rheometrics mechanical spectrometer

The dynamic shear properties of a natural rubber and several commercial synthetic polyisoprenes were measured in a Rheometrics mechanical spectrometer. The dynamic viscosity vs angular velocity curve was fitted to the three-constant Car, reau model. The rheological parameters were correlated with molecular characteristics such as gel content and weight average molecular weight. The viscosity measurements at high shear rate were obtained from capillary rheometry. The viscosity vs shear rate curve at the low shear rate end was found to be superimposible on the plot of dynamic shear viscosity vs twice the angular velocity.