cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-time testbed implementation of a distributed cooperative MAC and PHY

We present the implementation and experimental evaluation of a new, fully distributed protocol for random access systems that exploits symbol-level physical layer cooperation. By allowing single-antenna nodes to cooperate with their neighbors, MIMO-like performance is achieved. Our Distributed On-demand Cooperation (DOC) protocol is unique in its ability to realize a cooperative mode only under circumstances where cooperation can assist. Thus, under high SNR scenarios where cooperation is rarely necessary, DOC gracefully reverts to a standard CSMA/CA protocol. Our implementation of the custom DOC MAC and PHY is built on the Rice University Wireless Open-Access Research Platform (WARP). It operates in real-time without any offline processing, allowing for standalone operation and packet exchanges at timescales comparable to commercial IEEE 802.11 devices. This implementation of the DOC MAC/PHY system addresses real-world degradations like imperfections in synchronization and link-level coordination. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our implementation delivers substantial improvement in end-to-end throughput over that of a non-cooperative link.
A threshold effect for spacecraft charging

The existence of a threshold energy dependence is shown for the charging of geostationary spacecraft in eclipse. Applied Technology Satellite 6 and P78-2 (SCATHA) data show that plasma sheet fluxes must extend above 10 keV for these satellites to charge in eclipse. The existence of a threshold energy is significant because magnetospheric convection boundaries produce relatively sharp phase space boundaries, with electron fluxes falling rapidly above the energy associated with the local Alfven layer. The threshold effect is due to the shape of the normal secondary yield curve, in particular the high energy crossover, where the secondary yield drops below 1. A large portion of the ambient electron flux must exceed this energy for a negative current to exist.
Ultrasonics in organoborane chemistry. A novel and powerful method for rapid hydroboration

Abstract Ultrasound enhances remarkably the rates of certain hydroborations which are slow under normal conditions.
An assessment of ocean thermal energy conversion as an advanced electric generation methodology

The history of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), a process that employs the temperature difference between surface and deep ocean water to alternately evaporate and condense a working fluid, is reviewed. In the open-cycle OTEC configuration, the working fluid is seawater. In the closed-cycle configuration, a working fluid such as propane is used. OTEC is assessed for its practical merits for electric power generation. Because rather large amounts of seawater and working fluid are required, the energy requirements for pumping them may be greater than the energy recovered from the OTEC engine itself. The concept of net power production is discussed. The components of a typical OTEC plant are described with emphasis on the evaporator heat exchanger. Operation of an OTEC electric generating station is discussed, including transient operation. Recent experiments and efforts at the National Energy Laboratory-Hawaii (NELH) are summarized. Remarks are made on bottlenecks and the future of OTEC as an advanced electric generation methodology. >
Xanthomaculina Hale, a new lichen genus in the Parmeliaceae (Ascomycotina)

The endemic African lichen Parmelia hottentotta (Ach.) Ach. and related species are placed in a new genus, Xanthomaculina Hale, on the basis of cortical chemistry and a combination of conidial and morphological characters, including umbilicate growth form, presence of cilia and a vaulted cortex. One of the more unusual endemic lichens in South Africa is a species currently known as Parmelia hottentotta (Ach.) Ach. or Omphalodium hotten- tottum (Ach.) Flotow. It is an umbilicate saxicolous lichen with a large, yellowish green, leathery thallus. The generic position of this species has never been fixed to everyone's satisfaction. Beginning with Korber in 1855, it was treated either in the Umbilicariaceae or in the Parmeliaceae. Nylander (1860) referred it to Parmelia and included it with Omphalodium pisacomense Meyen & Flotow, the type of Omphalodium Meyen & Flotow, in ' stirps P. hottentotta '. Krempelhuber (1876) even described a specimen of it as Umbili- caria lecanorocarpa. Reinke (1894) reviewed the ' Parmelia hottentotta ' group in some detail and placed it in the Parmeliaceae. Minks (1900) also made a comprehensive study of Omphalodium. He clarified the status of its type species, O. pisacomense, an Andean species, and also recognized in the genus O. hottentottum (of which he considered O. arizonicum (Tuck.) Nyl. in Hue to be a synonym), O. mutabile (Taylor) Minks (i.e. Xanthoparmelia phaeophana (Stirton) Hale), O. rubinum (Vill.) Minks (i.e. Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca (Ach.) Zopf) and O. cartilagineum (Ach.) Minks (i.e. Lecanora (Placodiumj achariana A. L. Sm.). He considered the genus so delimited to belong to the Umbilicariaceae. Llano (1950) avoided the problem of the status of Omphalodium in his world monograph of the Umbilicariaceae by excluding it from the family, although he did suggest that it was closer to Parmelia. Beltman (1978) included it in her morphological studies of the Parmeliaceae but did not actually examine the type species, O. pisacomense, only' O. arizonicum ' and' O. hottentottum'. The type of Omphalodium, O. pisacomense, is indeed a curious lichen. It is dark brown, distinctly umbilicate and without rhizines. It has a con- spicuously wrinkled and reticulately ridged cortex and dense crowded masses of apothecia which have dark brown discs, up to 8 mm in diameter, and a thalline rim of the same colour as the thallus (Fig. 1). Spores are simple, 14-16 x 5-6 um in size and the conidia cylindrical to weakly bifusiform, 7x1 um. The upper cortex is uniformly thickened and entirely paraplec-
ON THE DISAMBIGUATION OF FINITE AUTOMATA AND FUNCTIONAL TRANSDUCERS

This paper introduces a new disambiguation algorithm for finite automata and functional finite-state transducers. It gives a full description of this algorithm, including a detailed pseudocode and ...
Systemic antimicrobial therapy of nosocomial pneumonia: monotherapy versus combination therapy.

The treatment of nosocomial pneumonia is difficult because of the absence of a precise microbial etiology in a sizable fraction of cases and the severity of predisposing conditions in patients who develop these infections.Staphylococcus aureus and aerobic gram-negative rods continue to be the most common isolates in these infections. Therapy of nosocomial pneumonia is often empiric, with initial antimicrobial therapy based upon local experience and sensitivity patterns, immune competence of the patient and disease severity. Combination therapy with an aminoglycoside and a beta-lactam has long been the cornerstone of therapy, and clinical success has been correlated with peak serum bactericidal levels of 1:8 in non-granulocytopenic patients and peak gentamicin and tobramycin levels > 8 µg/ml. The introduction of new broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as monobactams, third-generation cephalosporins and imipenem, has introduced the possibility of monotherapy for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia. In general, monotherapy has proven to be a useful alternative to combination therapy, with success rates ranging from 77 to 96%. Development of resistance during therapy, particularly byPseudomonas, Enterobacter andSerratia spp., remains an unresolved problem.
Effects of Pamidronate on Human Alveolar Osteoblasts In Vitro

Purpose Administration of bisphosphonates has recently been associated with the development of osteonecrotic lesions of the jaw (ONJ). To elucidate the potential contributions of osteogenic cells to the development and regeneration of ONJ, we have isolated primary cells from human alveolar and long/iliac bones, and examined the effects of pamidronate on cell viability, proliferation, osteogenesis, and wound healing. Materials and Methods Primary human osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells were isolated from alveolar and iliac/long bone and marrow tissue. Cellular proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, caspase-3, and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride assays) and wound healing in an in vitro scratch assay were assessed after exposure to pamidronate at a range of clinically relevant doses. Results Primary alveolar osteoblasts proliferated at significantly higher rates than long/iliac bone osteoblasts in vitro. Upon exposure of alveolar osteoblasts and long/iliac bone marrow stromal cells to pamidronate for more than 72 hours, we have observed significantly decreased cell viability, proliferation, osteogenesis, and in vitro wound healing at ≥6 × 10 −5 mol/L pamidronate, with the induction of apoptosis in approximately 20% of cell population. Conclusions The remodeling activity of alveolar bone, indicated by higher proliferation of alveolar osteoblasts, could be negatively affected by exposure to high concentrations of pamidronate over extended periods. The absence of anabolic effects of pamidronate on alveolar osteoblasts and the induction of apoptosis in osteogenic cells could negatively affect bone balance at this site and contribute to osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Ovarian Stromal and Germ Cell Tumors

Cancers arising from the stromal and germ cell layers of the ovary are rare, heterogeneous, difficult to study, and require specialized multidisciplinary management. We present a clinically relevant review of the literature of these malignancies, with particular emphasis on the more typical presentations. These tumors more commonly present in younger patients and have a high cure rate. They are associated with serum markers that are informative for diagnosis and surveillance. Surgery is often part of primary treatment, with staging and preservation of fertility being important priorities. Most patients with germ cell tumors require adjuvant chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP), as well as careful surveillance. The rarity of these tumors makes basic scientific advances more challenging.
Isotopic fractionation and zero-point effects in anionic H-bonded complexes: a comparison of the I− · HDO and F− · HDO ion–molecule clusters

Abstract Mid-infrared spectra of the argon-solvated X − · H 2 O, X − · HDO, and X − · D 2 O complexes (X=I, F) are reported in both the OH and OD stretching regions. Due to the asymmetric H-bonding arrangement adopted by the monohydrates, two isomers are possible for the mixed isotopomer (X − · DOH and X − · HOD). The spectra establish that the isomeric form with ionic H-bonding to the OD group is preferentially formed for the iodide complex (I − · DOH), while the fluoride ion binds preferentially to OH (F − · HOD). The behavior of the iodide monohydrate is traced to the zero-point contribution from the ion–molecule, out-of-plane bending vibrational mode, while the very strongly red-shifted, anharmonic OH stretches appear to overcome this effect in the F − · HOD complex.
Synthetic aperture hitchhiker imaging using non-cooperative sources of opportunity

A hitchhiker is a passive radar receiver that relies on sources of opportunity to perform radar tasks. 1–4 In this paper, we consider a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) system with static non-cooperative transmitters and mobile receivers traversing arbitrary trajectories and present an analytic image formation method. Due to its combined synthetic aperture and hitchhiking structure, we refer to the system under consideration as synthetic aperture hitchhiker (SAH). Our approach is applicable to cooperative and/or non-cooperative and static and/or mobile sources of opportunity. Conventional SAR processing involves correlation of the received signal from a receiver with the transmitted waveform as a first step of the image formation. For passive SAR, however, the transmitted waveform is not necessarily known. Instead, we use spatio-temporal correlation of received signals. Given a pair of receivers, the spatio-temporal correlation method compares the received signals to identify a target within the illuminated scene. We combine this with microlocal techniques to develop a filtered backprojection (FBP) type inversion method for passive SAR. 5 Combined correlation-FBP inversion method does not require the knowledge of the transmitter locations. Furthermore, FBP inversion has the advantage of computational efficiency and image formation under non-ideal conditions, such as arbitrary flight trajectories and non-flat topography.
Testing of high-strength ceramics with the split Hopkinson pressure bar

The split Hopkinson pressure bar was used to study the failure of a high-strength alumina at strain rates on the order of 103 s-1. There appears to be a critical strain rate above which the traditional method of using the transmitter bar signal to calculate the stress in the specimen is no longer valid. To compute the correct stress in the specimen it was necessary to use the strain signal from a gage mounted directly on the specimen.
Spontaneous abortion after amniocentesis in women with a history of spontaneous abortion

The incidence of spontaneous abortion after amniocentesis (19 to 28 weeks gestation) in women who have had previous spontaneous abortions is compared with the rate in women who have not had previous spontaneous abortions. The outcome of the pregnancy after amniocentesis and the previous history of spontaneous abortion is reported for 691 pregnancies. The rate of spontaneous abortion after amniocentesis was found to be significantly higher in women who had one or more previous spontaneous abortions, 12/238 (5 per cent), than in women who did not, 6/453 (1.3 per cent). In women who reported two or more previous spontaneous abortions, the rate was 7/81 (8.6 per cent). No statistically significant effect of maternal age or gravidity was detected. The incidence of spontaneous abortion after amniocentesis was greater in the three weeks following the procedure (three for each of the three weeks) than in the subsequent seven weeks (nine for seven weeks).
Slavery in the Late Roman World, AD 275–425: Sex, status, and social reproduction

SLAVERY AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION The rhetorical talent of John Chrysostom derived not least from his intuitive sense of where he stood vis-a-vis his audience, an awareness of the distance between his claims and prevailing opinion. It was a skill he needed as he led his congregation through the logic of Paul's teaching that marriage was acceptable “on account of fornications,” since it was “better to marry than to burn.” Chrysostom started his discussion on perfectly traditional grounds. Marriage was instituted for two reasons: the procreation of children and sexual self-control. For the Romans, marriage was defined by reproductive intent, and marriage contracts explicitly declared that a union was intended to create children. Chrysostom, though, quickly tried to undermine this primary purpose of marriage: the earth was full and in no need of additional bodies. Moreover, in the post-resurrection age, the promise of eternal life nullified the need to live through future generations. This left only one purpose for marriage. Paul was right: marriage was a bulwark against sexual sins. Switching subtly from the ancient code of “self-control” to the Christian vocabulary of sin, Chrysostom went completely beyond his audience's expectations. It was wrong for a married man to have sex, even with prostitutes or slaves. “What I am saying is illogical – but it's true.”
Trading Butter for Guns: Domestic Imperatives for Foreign Policy Substitution

The international relations literature largely presumes that leaders engage in foreign policy substitution but does not provide a compelling theoretical explanation or convincing empirical evidence that substitution occurs. This article offers a theory of foreign policy choice based on the differences between private and public goods. It assumes that private goods and public goods are useful under different circumstances and conditions. Leaders select a policy based on political needs, so private- and public-goods approaches are employed alternatively depending on domestic situations: policies are substituted one for another. The trade-off between aggressive unilateral economic behavior and military conflict as the United States conducted foreign policy during the cold war is examined. Results show that leaders facing economic concerns and/or domestic opposition prefer trade aggression, a patently private-good-like policy, and substitute such policies in response to changing domestic stimuli.
Pseudoureterocele: potential for misdiagnosis of an ectopic ureter as a ureterocele

Objective To present several case reports of children with ‘pseudoureteroceles’. Familiarization with this entity should help to avoid an error in diagnosis and possible improper therapy. Patients and methods Three girls with ectopic ureters entering mesonephric duct cysts are presented for review. Results Misdiagnosis of the pseudoureterocele as an ectopic ureter was made in two children. The ‘pseudoureterocele’ may lie dormant for many years and often presents with acute urinary incontinence and/or onset of urinary tract infections. Resection of the dysplastic kidney and ipsilateral ureter, marsupialization of the cyst into the vagina, and closure of the vesical fistula is the preferred treatment. Conclusion An ectopic ureter draining into a Gartner's duct cyst can be confused with an ectopic ureterocele. Correct diagnosis is vital to ensure proper treatment.
Neonatal Circumcision and Penile Inflammation in Young Boys

This study prospectively documents the incidence of penile inflammation in a consecutive sample of boys according to circumcision status whose visit with the physician included a genital examination in a private primary care pediatric practice in rural northern Wisconsin. Penile inflammation was more common in circumcised than noncircumcised boys, especially in the first 3 years of life (exact odds ratio, 8.01, 95% confidence interval, 31-329.15). When adjusted for the number of genital examinations and age younger than 3 years, exact logistic regression found an adjusted exact odds ratio of 7.91 (95% confidence interval, 1.76-77.66). The study found that rather than protecting against penile inflammation, neonatal circumcision increases the risk of penile inflammation, particularly in boys younger than 3 years old.
Regulatory B10 cell Development and Function

B cells are known to instigate and promulgate immune responses by producing antibodies and presenting antigens to T cells. However, a rare but potent B-cell subset in both humans and mice is capable of inhibiting immune responses through the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Regulatory B cells do not express any unique combination of surface markers but instead represent a small population of B cells that have acquired the unique ability to produce IL-10. This numerically rare B-cell subset is therefore functionally referred to as 'B10 cells' to reflect both their molecular program and the fact that their anti-inflammatory effects in models of autoimmunity, infection and cancer are solely attributable to IL-10 production. As with most B cells, B10 cell development and function appear to be predominantly, if not exclusively, driven by antigen-receptor signals. Once generated, B10 cells respond to both innate and adaptive immune signals, with a requirement for antigen-specific local interactions with T cells to induce IL-10 production and to provide optimal immune suppression in mouse models of autoimmune disease. B10 cells therefore provide an antigen-specific mechanism for delivering IL-10 locally to sites of immune activation and inflammation. The ability of B10 cells to regulate innate and adaptive immune responses makes them an ideal therapeutic target for the treatment of many immune-related disorders.
PELD: working well, but only half of the time?

The implementation of MELD and PELD represented an enormous advance toward allocation of deceased donor livers according to objective criteria that reflect illness severity. PELD, developed using the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation database, formed the basis of liver allocation for children (<18 years) (1). To acknowledge that a mathematical model cannot adequately reflect every individual’s need for transplant, the allocation policy retained Status 1 designation for both acute and chronic liver disease and established a mechanism to assign increased priority above the objectively calculated score. This process entails peer review by a regional review board (RRB). The RRB decides, based upon the request of the transplant physician, the merits of the case and the local dynamics of transplant access, whether to grant Status 1 designation or to assign an increased PELD score. Explicit in the development of these new policies was the need for frequent
Optimal Transmission Strategies for Dynamic Spectrum Access in Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive radio offers a promising technology to mitigate spectrum shortage in wireless communications. It enables secondary users (SUs) to opportunistically access low-occupancy primary spectral bands as long as their negative effect on the primary user (PU) access is constrained. This PU protection requirement is particularly challenging for multiple SUs over a wide geographical area. In this paper, we study the fundamental performance limit on the throughput of cognitive radio networks under the PU packet collision constraint. With perfect sensing, we develop an optimum spectrum access strategy under generic PU traffic patterns. Without perfect sensing, we quantify the impact of missed detection and false alarm, and propose a modified threshold-based spectrum access strategy that achieves close-to-optimal performance. Moreover, we develop and evaluate a distributed access scheme that enables multiple SUs to collectively protect the PU while adapting to behavioral changes in PU usage patterns. Our results provide useful insight on the trade-off between the protection of the primary user and the throughput performance of cognitive radios.
Frechet Kernels for Imaging Regional Earth Structure Based on Three-Dimensional Reference Models

High-resolution images of three-dimensional (3D) seismicstructuresare not only of scientific interest, but also of practical importance in predicting strong ground motion after large earthquakes. Given the source and station distributions, resolutions in current regional seismic tomography studies have been limited by two types of simplifying practices: the adoption of high-frequency approximations such as the ray theory and the use of one-dimensional (1D) reference (starting) models. We have developed a new approach to compute accurate finite-frequency 3D Frechet (sensitivity) kernels of observed travel time and amplitude anomalies relative to 3D reference models. In our approach, we use a fourth-order staggered-grid finite- difference method to model the seismic-wave propagation in 3D media, and the reciprocity property of the Green's tensor to reduce the number of numerical simu- lations. This approach accounts for the perturbations in compressional- and shear- wave speeds in the same way, leading to a capability of inverting for the shear-wave speed directly from seismic data. The algorithm is readily parallelized to allow for realistic regional high-resolution 3D tomography inversions. We have implemented the algorithm for the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) Community Velocity Model, SCEC CVM 3.0, a complex 3D model for Southern California in- cluding a number of sedimentary basins. By enabling the inversion of 3D structural perturbations to 3D reference models, our approach provides a practical means of iteratively solving the nonlinear regional tomography problems.
Impaired insulin-receptor autophosphorylation is an early defect in fat-fed, insulin-resistant rats

High-fat feeding results in impaired insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, but the role of the insulin receptor (IR) remains controversial. In the present study, female Fischer 344 rats were fed di...
Synthesis of zero-index metamaterial slabs using genetic algorithms

Zero-index metamaterials (ZIMs) have been receiving a lot of recent attention due to a variety of novel applications that could be realized by exploiting their unique electromagnetic properties. Volumetric ZIM realizations reported in the literature include an electromagnetic bandgap structure and a frequency selective surfaces approach. This paper presents a ZIM design methodology that achieves a desired intrinsic impedance characteristic in addition to the zero refractive index condition.
RoXOR: Re-thinking retransmissions in WiFi

It is widely believed that future small-cell unmanaged wireless networks will be dominated by interference caused by packet collisions and not by signal-to-noise issues. In such a network, a large fraction of the collisions are caused by hidden terminals. Here we present the design and evaluation of RoXOR, a system that can effectively combat random collisions caused by bursty traffic from hidden terminals. RoXOR relies on jointly using both the amount of redundancy and the structure of the redundancy, as expressed by a code. Using these degrees of freedom, we design and experimentally evaluate an iterative rateless code that with high probability achieves better performance as compared to methods such as ZigZag. The mean improvement, as measured by the per packet delay, is 12–18% for values typically used for a 802.11× protocol.
Time and Project Management Strategies for Librarians

Time and Project Management Strategies for Librarians is a collection of 33 papers written by practicing librarians. It includes essays that advise on the effective use of paid and unpaid staff, th...
Note on the Frequency of a “No Reason” (B) Score on Arrangement I of the Kahn Test of Symbol Arrangement (KTSA):

Shezrn and Warrcn (1967) ~uggerred char perroos who givc 3 "00 rmron" response (scared B) for rheir rearon for Arrangement I of rhe KTSA are to be conaidcred unusual io the sense [hat they differ from the oorm. From rhe expenencer of the senior author. ir is more usual aod rearanable for a prron to give a B-scored rerpoose to Arrangcmenr 1 of rhe KTSA since no directions have been given previously ro the S for ways in which hc should pursue rhc rnrk of arranging the obiear. We wished ro ooveroprr rwo problems: (1) Do nonparhological Sr give a B-scored rerponre to Arrangcmeor I more often than orher kiodr of responses? (2) Whar happens ro chis and/or orhet hod, of re;ponrer ro Arrangement I oa a larrr rerriog with the KTSA? The finr of the KTSAr were given to 50 male Sr and KTSA prorocolr were examined. (We had available five KTSA prufrlcr dooe in conrmtive test rerrioor raoging aver a period of approximately 8 ma.) The mean age of there Sr war 26 yr. (SD = 6.14) and the mean rducatian was 13.3 yr. (SD = 2.78). The composite symbol profile for all 50 Sr war 91.98-ZYXECFBD. Of there 50 Sr. 20 gave B scorer. 16 gave E scorer. 3 gave F rcocer, 3 eve Z scorer, and 8 gave a mixrure of E, F, or XE. Y, E. and ZE responses. Ir appeared therefore that the "arc majorirg of Sr gave either a B or E response to Arrangement I. To determine if this behavior could bc considered a chsracrerirtic of S, his fifth KTSA prorocol was examined for the score obrained on rcaroo for Arrangemenr I. Of [he 20 Ss whore first rcrr score on Acrnnpmenr I war B. 9 had changed this ro some orhcr scoring coregory. Of the 16 Ss whore initial KTSA Arrangement I score war E, only 3 showed a change. Gnrequeody, one onnot iurdfy arrumiog rhar rhe B scoring caregory ir unuruol for a "normal" S or a parhogoomooic feature of rigidiry aod/or unwillingness to change, when he has been givco some indicnrion char he will be quesriooed for his reason far arraoging rhe vzrious items. Furrher work is rcquired on this before ooe can accept either the hypothesis of Shearn and Warren or rhe speculation of rhe present auchorr rhar it is in fact more rearaoable ro nssume S may give a B scoring response ro Arrangement I of rhe KTSA.
Abstract 1235: p120ctn is a key effector of Ras-PKC∈-mediated oncogenic signaling

Within the family of protein kinase C (PKC) molecules only the novel isoform member PRKCE (PKC∈) acts as a bona fide oncogene in in-vitro and in-vivo models of tumorigenesis. Previous studies have reported cancer-specific misexpression of PKC∈ at levels well above that of normal adjacent tissue in breast, prostate and lung tumors. We find that oncogenic Ras signaling promotes PKC∈ expression and results in hyperphosphorylation of CTNND1/p120-catenin (p120ctn). In this context, loss of PKC∈ by genetic or pharmacological means results in normalization of morphology and signaling responses. In a KRasD13-dependent breast cancer model loss of PKC∈ function results in growth inhibition in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) culture systems as well as in orthotopic xenografts concomitant with the normalization of a subset of Ras-induced signaling responses. Using phospho-proteomic profiling analysis we observe that CTNND1 (p120ctn) phosphorylation at serine 268 (S268) occurs in a strictly PKC∈ dependent manner. Treatment with a specific PKC∈ inhibitor, PF-5263555, recapitulates the genetic loss of function phenotype and interferes with breast cancer cell growth in-vitro and in-vivo. We also show that PKC∈-mediated phosphorylation at S268 further stabilizes additional p120ctn phosphorylation sites and total protein levels of β-catenin. We demonstrate that p120ctn phosphorylation at S268 represents a specific readout for PKC∈ activity and as such can serve as a suitable biomarker for PKC∈ dysregulation in human cancer and for monitoring therapeutic response. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1235. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1235
Molecular diagnostic experience of whole-exome sequencing in adult patients

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool in medicine, but prior reports focus on predominantly pediatric cohorts with neurologic or developmental disorders. We describe the diagnostic yield and characteristics of WES in adults. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive WES reports for adults from a diagnostic laboratory. Phenotype composition was determined using Human Phenotype Ontology terms. Molecular diagnoses were reported for 17.5% (85/486) of adults, which is lower than that for a primarily pediatric population (25.2%; P = 0.0003); the diagnostic rate was higher (23.9%) for those 18–30 years of age compared to patients older than 30 years (10.4%; P = 0.0001). Dual Mendelian diagnoses contributed to 7% of diagnoses, revealing blended phenotypes. Diagnoses were more frequent among individuals with abnormalities of the nervous system, skeletal system, head/neck, and growth. Diagnostic rate was independent of family history information, and de novo mutations contributed to 61.4% of autosomal dominant diagnoses. Early WES experience in adults demonstrates molecular diagnoses in a substantial proportion of patients, informing clinical management, recurrence risk, and recommendations for relatives. A positive family history was not predictive, consistent with molecular diagnoses often revealed by de novo events, informing the Mendelian basis of genetic disease in adults. Genet Med 18 7, 678–685.
Rapid sequence excretory urography in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

AbstractRapid sequence excretory urograms are useful as a screening method when searching for pheochromocytomas. Two patients with pheochromocytomas are reported in whom the correct diagnosis was made preoperatively.
Effects of angiotensin II on electrolyte transport in the early and late distal tubule in rat kidney

We have demonstrated in previous studies that luminal administration of low doses of angiotensin II (ANG II) stimulate and high doses of ANG II inhibit fluid and HCO3- transport in proximal tubules of rat kidney. However, the role of ANG II on Na+ and HCO3- transport in the distal nephron has not yet been fully elucidated. The superficial early and late distal tubules (DT) of the nephron segments correspond to the distal convoluted tubule and initial collecting tubule. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of ANG II on Na+, HCO3-, and K+ transport in the early and late DT by separate perfusion of these tubule segments in vivo. [3H]inulin, Na+, K+, and total CO2 concentrations were measured in the perfusate and collected fluid, and transport of sodium (JNa), bicarbonate (JHCO3), potassium (JK), and fluid (JV) were analyzed as an index of the hormone effect. Intravenous infusion of the ANG II receptor antagonist [Sar1,Ile8]ANG II (1 microgram.kg-1.min-1) decreased JV, JNa, and JHCO3 in the early DT and decreased Jv and JNa in the late DT. Addition of ANG II (10(-11) M) to the tubular perfusate significantly increased the Jv, JNa, and JHCO3 in the early DT. Similar studies in late DT demonstrated an increase in Jv and JNa, decrease in JK, but no effect on JHCO3. The effects of ANG II on fluid and ion transport were abolished by the luminal application of amiloride (10(-3) M) and of the angiotensin-receptor blocker [Sar1,Ile8]ANG II (10(-6) M). These results suggest that ANG II stimulates Na+/H+ exchange in the early DT (distal convoluted tubule) and amiloride-sensitive Na+ transport (Na+ channels) in the late DT (initial collecting tubule) of cortical nephrons.
Racial differences in pet ownership in families of children with asthma.

Background Exposure to household domestic animals such as cats and dogs in early life may have some role in pathogenesis of asthma. Racial differences exist in the prevalence of asthma. We hypothesized that there may also be racial differences in pet ownership in families with asthma.
Effective Use of Computers in Instruction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the characteristics of effective programming of instruction, presenting evidence for the effectiveness of computer-based instruction. The three main types of instructional software are tutorial, drill-and-practice, and simulation. Each of these types is well suited for attaining a particular kind of learning objective. Tutorial programs are commonly used types of software. Tutorials present the learner with new instructional material, test the learner's knowledge of that material, and provide feedback for responses. A simulation program is a model of a realistic situation in which the learner can respond and receive feedback. In learning conditions that are difficult to construct, expensive, or unsafe, instructors may favor use of a simulation approach. Declarative knowledge is easily acquired through the use of rules, which drill-and-practice and tutorial software approaches can help develop. Procedural knowledge may be developed through rules or by contingency shaping, which simulations may foster. To facilitate new behaviors, prompting and fading of prompts can be embedded in instructional programs.
Tonic Upgaze of Childhood

A child with intermittent upward deviation of the eyes is reported from the Neuropediatric Unit CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Joys of Absence: Emotion, Emotion Display, and Interaction Tension in Video Game Play

Few theories of gaming enjoyment have focused what is absent in gameplay. One exception is Erving Goffman’s sociological theory of “euphoric ease”. Because spontaneous and socially demanded emotional involvement often align in gameplay, Goffman holds, it lacks the effortful self-monitoring and self-regulation of conduct and emotion typical for everyday life. This paper presents an empirical grounding of Goffman’s theory, drawing on a qualitative interview study on social norms of emotion regulation in video game play. Data suggests that the absence of emotional selfcontrol may indeed be a hygiene factor of game enjoyment most strongly found in solitary gameplay, afforded by a socio-material setting that licenses gaming-typical emotions and shields from potentially disapproving onlookers.
Fosfomycin for the Treatment of Cystitis in the Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant Population.

tudy Objectives To evaluate the use of fosfomycin (FOS) at the single-dose regimen approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as off-label multidose regimens for the treatment of cystitis after abdominal solid organ transplant (aSOT). Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Patients Adult inpatients with history of aSOT receiving FOS between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2015, for the treatment of cystitis. Measurements and Main Results Seventy-six courses of FOS were identified in 64 patients. Overall treatment success was 85.5%, with 11 failed treatment courses. Enterococcus was isolated in 59.3% of courses, of which 72.2% were vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Gram-negative organisms comprised a quarter of isolated bacteria, with most resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes. In the 11 failed treatment courses, 90% were targeted against enterococcus, of which 82% were VRE. Six of these failures (54%) were successfully retreated with uroselective therapy (FOS or nitrofurantoin). No significant difference in the success rate of single-dose versus multidose therapy was seen (80.6% vs 90%, p=0.33). Concomitant systemic antibiotics for other indications were present in 36.8% of courses, and they were significantly more frequent in the multidose group (67.5% vs 47.2%, p=0.04). However, multivariable logistic regression analysis found that after adjustment for broad-spectrum antibiotic use, no statistically significant difference in failure rates was found between the two regimens (p=0.42). Conclusion FOS appears to be successful in the treatment of cystitis in aSOT recipients. Multidose therapy did not significantly improve success over a single-dose regimen. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the true efficacy of FOS in the aSOT population.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CORONARY FLOW RESERVE AND ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS ALONG A CONTINUUM OF METABOLIC DISEASE IN SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS WITHOUT OVERT CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetes (DM) are associated with microvascular dysfunction. Impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the presence of normal myocardial perfusion is a marker of microvascular dysfunction and may be associated with adverse events along a continuum of metabolic
A disparity between locomotor economy and territory-holding ability in male house mice

ABSTRACT Both economical locomotion and physical fighting are important performance traits to many species because of their direct influence on components of Darwinian fitness. Locomotion represents a substantial portion of the total daily energy budget of many animals. Fighting performance often determines individual reproductive fitness through the means of resource control, social dominance and access to mates. However, phenotypic traits that improve either locomotor economy or fighting ability may diminish performance in the other. Here, we tested for a predicted disparity between locomotor economy and competitive ability in wild-derived house mice ( Mus musculus ). We used 8 week social competition trials in semi-natural enclosures to directly measure male competitive ability through territorial control and female occupancy within territories. We also measured oxygen consumption during locomotion for each mouse using running trials in an enclosed treadmill and open-flow respirometry. Our results show that territory-holding males have higher absolute and mass-specific oxygen consumption when running (i.e. reduced locomotor economy) compared with males that do not control territories. This relationship was present both before and after 8 week competition trials in semi-natural enclosures. This disparity between physical competitive ability and economical locomotion may impose viability costs on males in species for which competition over mates is common and may constrain the evolution of behavioral and phenotypic diversity, particularly in natural settings with environmental and resource variability.
Determination of Crucial Immunogenic Epitopes in Major Peanut Allergy Protein, Ara h2, via Novel Nanoallergen Platform

Current methods for detection and diagnosis of allergies do not provide epitope specific immunogenic information and hence lack critical information that could aid in the prediction of clinical responses. To address this issue, we developed a nanoparticle based platform, called nanoallergens that enable multivalent display of potential allergy epitopes for determining the immunogenicity of each IgE binding epitope. By synthesizing nanoallergens that present various epitopes from the major peanut allergen, Ara h2, we directly determined the immunogenicity of each epitope, alone and in combination with other epitopes, using patient sera. This information provided insights on which epitopes are most critical for physiological responses to Ara h2 and revealed the importance of both high and low affinity epitopes for allergic responses. We anticipate the nanoallergen platform to be used to provide information regarding allergic reactions and therefore potentially aid in more accurate diagnosis and design of personalized treatment options.
On-Chip Bimetallic Plasmo-Thermomechanical Detectors for Mid-Infrared Radiation

We present an on-chip radiation detector based on the bimetallic plasmo-thermomechanical fishbone nanowire arrays that are suspended on a silicon nitride waveguide to provide modulation on the propagating mode in the waveguide due to thermomechanical deflection. The design concept is scalable from visible to infrared (IR) spectrum. To demonstrate the concept, we design the suspended fishbone nanowires that are $18.6~\mu \text{m}$ long. The nanowire is composed of six strip antenna unit cells, and each unit cell has an absorption coefficient of 42.4% at 4.3- $\mu \text{m}$ target wavelength. The nanowire array includes nine wires with a period of $3.1~\mu \text{m}$ . The device has a figure of merit of $2.64\times 10^{\mathrm {-2}}~\mu \text{m}^{2}/\mu \text{W}$ . We investigate the modulation strength with respect to the IR radiation density at $4.3~\mu \text{m}$ , and the optimum readout power in the waveguide to avoid self-heating is also discussed.
A suite of tools for making effective use of automatically generated tests

Automated test generation tools (we hope) produce failing tests from time to time. In a world of fault-free code this would not be true, but in such a world we would not need automated test generation tools. Failing tests are generally speaking the most valuable products of the testing process, and users need tools that extract their full value. This paper describes the tools provided by the TSTL testing language for making use of tests (which are not limited to failing tests). In addition to the usual tools for simple delta-debugging and executing tests as regressions, TSTL provides tools for 1) minimizing tests by criteria other than failure, such as code coverage, 2) normalizing tests to achieve further reduction and canonicalization than provided by delta-debugging, 3) generalizing tests to describe the neighborhood of similar tests that fail in the same fashion, and 4) avoiding slippage, where delta-debugging causes a failing test to change underlying fault. These tools can be accessed both by easy-to-use command-line tools and via a powerful API that supports more complex custom test manipulations.
Integration of ALV into CTDSPL and CTDSPL2 genes in B-cell lymphomas promotes cell immortalization, migration and survival

// Shelby Winans 1 , Alyssa Flynn 1 , Sanandan Malhotra 1 , Vidya Balagopal 1 and Karen L. Beemon 1 1 Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA Correspondence to: Karen L. Beemon, email: KLB@jhu.edu Keywords: CTD small phosphatase like proteins, ALV, lymphoma, immortalization, migration Received: April 28, 2017 Accepted: June 09, 2017 Published: July 18, 2017 ABSTRACT Avian leukosis virus induces tumors in chickens by integrating into the genome and altering expression of nearby genes. Thus, ALV can be used as an insertional mutagenesis tool to identify novel genes involved in tumorigenesis. Deep sequencing analysis of viral integration sites has identified CTDSPL and CTDSPL2 as common integration sites in ALV-induced B-cell lymphomas, suggesting a potential role in driving oncogenesis. We show that in tumors with integrations in these genes, the viral promoter is driving the expression of a truncated fusion transcript. Overexpression in cultured chick embryo fibroblasts reveals that CTDSPL and CTDSPL2 have oncogenic properties, including promoting cell migration. We also show that CTDSPL2 has a previously uncharacterized role in protecting cells from apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Further, the truncated viral fusion transcripts of both CTDSPL and CTDSPL2 promote immortalization in primary cell culture.
Combined Application of Global Optimization and Nonlinear Dynamics to Detect State Resetting in Human Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, most of which appear to occur spontaneously. Our research, employing novel signal processing techniques based on the theory of nonlinear dynamics, led us to the hypothesis that seizures represent a spatiotemporal state transition in a complex chaotic system. Through the analysis of long-term intracranial EEG recordings obtained in patients with medically intractable seizures, we discovered that seizures were preceded by a preictal transition that evolves over tens of minutes. This transition is followed by a seizure. Following the seizure, the spatiotemporal dynamics appear to be reset. The study of this process has been hampered by its complexity and variability. A major problem was that the transitions involve a subset of brain sites that vary from seizure to seizure, even in the same patient. However, by combining dynamical analytic techniques with a powerful global optimization algorithm for selecting critical electrode sites, we have been able to elucidate important dynamical characteristics underlying human epilepsy. We illustrate the use of these approaches in confirming our hypothesis regarding postictal resetting of the preictal transition by the seizure. It is anticipated that these observations will lead to a better understanding of the physiological processes involved. From a practical perspective, this study indicates that it may be possible to develop novel therapeutic approaches involving carefully timed interventions and reset the preictal transition of the brain well prior to the onset of the seizure.
Preoperative Care of the Bariatric Patient

Preoperative care of the bariatric patient starts before the patient arrives. Both evaluation and individualized risk assessment are essential for achieving best outcomes and allowing the patient to give a truly informed consent. Best preoperative care will yield a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s medical history as it pertains to predicted outcomes, cardiac health, venous thromboembolism risk, sleep architecture and pulmonary function, gastroesophageal anatomy and Helicobacter pylori status, and psychological ability to comply with required postoperative recommendations for health maintenance and to achieve success following weight loss surgery. This chapter will describe evidence-based comprehensive preoperative evaluation of the bariatric patient, discuss risk assessment to optimize patient selection and informed consent, and explain establishment of preoperative pathways.