cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congressional Fellow report

Through the American Association of the Advancement of Science Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program, scientists and engineers from around the country have enjoyed a 20-year relationship with Congress—a mutually beneficial union that has significantly enhanced the legislative process involving science and technology policy. More than 500 postdoctorate to mid-career level scientists and engineers have worked as professional legislative staff members on Capitol Hill since 1973. Heralded for its unique public policy learning experience, the Congressional Fellowship program has enabled a number of scientists and engineers to flourish in the public policy arena after their experience in Washington. Several of these individuals have attained high-level policy positions within the government, a path they may not have followed without their involvement in the program. AGU is one of the twenty-two national science and engineering societies that support the program.
Differential responses of osteoblasts and macrophages upon Staphylococcus aureus infection

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the primary causes of bone infections which are often chronic and difficult to eradicate. Bacteria like S. aureus may survive upon internalization in cells and may be responsible for chronic and recurrent infections. In this study, we compared the responses of a phagocytic cell (i.e. macrophage) to a non-phagocytic cell (i.e. osteoblast) upon S. aureus internalization. Results: We found that upon internalization, S. aureus could survive for up to 5 and 7 days within macrophages and osteoblasts, respectively. Significantly more S. aureus was internalized in macrophages compared to osteoblasts and a significantly higher (100 fold) level of live intracellular S. aureus was detected in macrophages compared to osteoblasts. However, the percentage of S. aureus survival after infection was significantly lower in macrophages compared to osteoblasts at post-infection days 1–6. Interestingly, macrophages had relatively lower viability in shorter infection time periods (i.e. 0.5-4 h; significant at 2 h) but higher viability in longer infection time periods (i.e. 6–8 h; significant at 8 h) compared to osteoblasts. In addition, S. aureus infection led to significant changes in reactive oxygen species production in both macrophages and osteoblasts. Moreover, infected osteoblasts had significantly lower alkaline phosphatase activity at post-infection day 7 and infected macrophages had higher phagocytosis activity compared to non-infected cells. Conclusions: S. aureus was found to internalize and survive within osteoblasts and macrophages and led to differential responses between osteoblasts and macrophages. These findings may assist in evaluation of the pathogenesis of chronic and recurrent infections which may be related to the intracellular persistence of bacteria within host cells.
Surgical Implications of Sclerosing Mediastinitis: A Report of Six Cases and Review of the Literature

Sclerosing mediastinitis is an uncommon disease associated with a multiplicity of clinical syndromes. The cause of this disorder is probably an abnormal fibroproliferative response to an inflammatory stimulus, most commonly a granulomatous infection secondary to Histoplasma capsulatum . The pathophysiology of this disease is predicated on the encasement of mediastinal vital organ structures within a dense fibrotic mass. This mass appears to emanate from an invasive chronic inflammatory process causing erosion as well as external compression of these structures. The following case reports illustrate the diversity of this disease entity, representing a patient population from the Ohio River Valley, endemic for histoplasmosis. The purpose of this report is to elucidate the various clinical manifestations of sclerosing mediastinitis and to correlate the pathologic process with a rational approach to treatment. (Chest 1990: 97:338–46)
Proteins Specified by Herpes Simplex Virus II. Viral Glycoproteins Associated with Cellular Membranes

Membranes prepared from HEp-2 cells infected with herpes simplex virus and free from soluble proteins, virus, ribosomes, and other cellular constituents were solubilized and subjected to electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. The electropherograms showed the following. (i) The synthesis of host proteins and glycoproteins ceases after infection. However, the spectrum of host proteins in membranes remains unaltered. (ii) Between 4 and 22 hr postinfection, at least four glycoproteins are synthesized and bound to the smooth cytoplasmic membranes. On electrophoresis, these glycoproteins form two major and two minor bands in the gel and migrate with proteins ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 daltons in molecular weight. (iii) The same glycoproteins are present in all membranes fractionated by density and in partially purified virus. The implications of the data are discussed.
6-trans-Nonenal: An Off-flavor Component of Foam-Spray-Dried Milks

Abstract 6- trans -Nonenal has been identified as the compound responsible for the off-flavor which frequently appears in fresh, foam-spray-dried milks manufactured during the warm summer months in urban areas. The flavor threshold of this compound was found to be less than 0.07 part per billion in fresh, whole milk. Evidence suggests that 6- trans -nonenal originates by trace ozonolysis of minor lipid components on the surface of the dried product.
Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by Sodium Salicylate Mediated by Upregulation of p21Waf1 and p27Kip1

Background—Salicylates may have direct vascular effects by mechanisms that are independent of platelet inhibition. Methods and Results—We investigated the effect of salicylates on vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in vitro. Salicylate concentrations of 5 and 10 mmol/L inhibited serum- or PDGF-induced SMC cell count and [3H]thymidine incorporation by 62% and 81%, respectively. There was no evidence of cellular toxicity or apoptosis as determined by trypan blue exclusion and FACS analyses. Because cell cycle progression is regulated by hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein, we examined the effects of salicylate on Rb hyperphosphorylation. Treatment with salicylate, but not indomethacin, inhibited nuclear factor-κB activation and completely abolished Rb hyperphosphorylation in PDGF-treated SMCs. This effect was associated with a decrease in cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)-2 and, to a lesser extent, Cdk-6, but not Cdk-4 activit...
Implementing multiple protection domains in java

Safe language technology can be used for protection within a single address space. This protection is enforced by the language's type system, which ensures that references to objects cannot be forged. A safe language alone, however, lacks many features taken for granted in more traditional operating systems, such as rights revocation, thread protection, resource management, and support for domain termination. This paper describes the J-Kernel, a portable Java-based protection system that addresses these issues. J-Kernel protection domains can communicate through revocable capabilities, but are prevented from directly sharing unrevocable objects references. A number of micro-benchmarks are presented to characterize the costs of language-based protection, and an extensible web server based on the J-Kernel demonstrates the use of safe language techniques in a large application.
East and West: Transpersonal Psychology and Cross-Cultural Counseling.

In this article, the authors examine cross-cultural counseling (specifically Western counselor-Eastern client) within a transpersonal psychological framework. A meta-model is presented that allows counselors to adopt attitudes that transcend cultural differences. The benefit for counselors would be a superordinate framework in which various, specific counseling strategies could be better understood.
Fixture foolproofing for polygonal parts

A modular fixture is an arrangement of fixturing elements (fixels) that locate and immobilize a workpart. A complete algorithm for designing fixtures for polygonal parts in 2-D was proposed by Brost and Goldberg (1994). The algorithm finds all fixtures consisting of three fixed-size locators and one clamp on a regular grid of holes. However, often it is possible to load the workpart into the fixture in an incorrect pose. An incorrect loading may have disastrous consequences when the part program is executed. Therefore, fixtures that permit only one pose for the loaded workpiece are very desirable. We call them foolproof fixtures. In this paper we present an algorithm that accepts a fixture design, produced by the Brost-Goldberg algorithm, and augments it by inserting in certain grid holes foolproofing pins that make the incorrect loading impossible. The algorithm is complete in the sense that it either (i) produces a solution; (ii) terminates without a solution because none exists; or (iii) detects and flags those nongeneric situations it cannot handle. (These occur rarely.) The produced set of foolproofing pins may not be minimal. However, it is not much worse than the minimal one. Experimental results and complexity analysis are provided.
Sex Differences in Structure and Expression of the Sex Chromosome Genes CHD1Z and CHD1W in Zebra Finches

Genes on the sex chromosomes are unique because of their sex-specific inheritance. One question is whether homologous gene pairs on the sex chromosomes, which have diverged in their sequence, have acquired different functions. We have analyzed the first homologous pair of genes (CHD1Z and CHD1W) discovered on the avian Z and W sex chromosomes of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) to examine whether functional differences may have evolved. Sequence analysis revealed that the two genes maintained a high degree of similarity especially within the C, H, and D domains, but outside of these regions larger differences were observed. Expression studies showed that CHD1W was unique to females and has the potential to produce a protein that CHD1Z does not. CHD1Z mRNA was expressed at a higher level in the male brain than in the female brain at various post-hatch ages. Reporter constructs containing the 5' flanking regions of each gene showed they had the ability to drive reporter expression in primary cell cultures. The 5' flanking region sequence of CHD1Z and CHD1W exhibited little homology, and differences in putative promoter elements were apparent. These differences between CHD1Z and CHD1W suggest that the two proteins may have diverged in their function.
USL255 extended-release topiramate for the treatment of epilepsy.

USL255 is a once-daily, extended-release formulation of the well-established antiepileptic drug topiramate that was recently approved by the US FDA. As a capsule formulation, USL255 can be swallowed intact or opened and sprinkled onto soft food for patients with swallowing difficulties, including children (≥2 years old) and older patients. USL255 has been evaluated in seven key Phase I and III studies. Compared with immediate-release topiramate taken twice daily, once-daily USL255 provides equivalent topiramate exposure with a 26% reduction in plasma fluctuations. A multinational, Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with refractory partial-onset seizures (PREVAIL) demonstrated that USL255 (200 mg/day) significantly improved seizure control and clinical outcomes versus placebo. USL255 is generally safe and well-tolerated, with a low incidence of neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive adverse events. These data suggest that USL255 may provide a useful treatment op...
Expression of Bcl-XL Restores Cell Survival, but Not Proliferation and Effector Differentiation, in Cd28-Deficient T Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes deficient in the T cell costimulatory molecule CD28 exhibit defects in cell survival, clonal expansion, and differentiation into effector cells. It is known that CD28-mediated signaling results in the upregulation of the Bcl family member Bcl-XL. To investigate the role that Bcl-XL plays in the various functions of CD28, we expressed Bcl-XL in CD28-deficient primary T lymphocytes using retrovirus-mediated gene transfer. T cells were activated in vitro and infected with Bcl-XL or control retroviruses; this method allows gene expression in activated, cycling cells. Expression of Bcl-XL in naive T cells was achieved by reconstitution of the immune system of lethally irradiated recipient mice with retrovirus-infected purified bone marrow stem cells from CD28−/− or wild-type donor mice. Our studies demonstrate that Bcl-XL prolongs the survival of CD28−/− T cells but does not restore normal proliferation or effector cell development. These results indicate that the various functions of CD28 can be dissociated, and provide an experimental approach for testing the roles of downstream signals in the functions of cellular receptors such as CD28.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Metalloprotease NGO1686 Is Required for Full Piliation, and Piliation Is Required for Resistance to H2O2- and Neutrophil-Mediated Killing

ABSTRACT The sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea is caused exclusively by the human-specific pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Type IV pili are an essential virulence factor uniformly expressed on clinical gonococcal isolates and are required for several aspects of gonococcal pathogenesis, including adherence to host tissues, autoagglutination, twitching motility, and the uptake of DNA during transformation. Symptomatic gonococcal infection is characterized by the influx of neutrophils or polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to the site of infection. PMNs are a key component of gonococcal pathogenesis, mediating the innate immune response through the use of oxidative and nonoxidative killing mechanisms. The M23B family zinc metallopeptidase NGO1686 is required for gonococci to survive oxidative killing by H 2 O 2 - and PMN-mediated killing through unknown mechanisms, but the only known target of NGO1686 is peptidoglycan. We report that the effect of NGO1686 on survival after exposure to H 2 O 2 and PMNs is mediated through its role in elaborating pili and that nonpiliated mutants of N. gonorrhoeae are less resistant to killing by H 2 O 2 , LL-37, and PMNs than the corresponding piliated strains. These findings add to the various virulence-associated functions attributable to gonococcal pili and may explain the selection basis for piliation in clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae. IMPORTANCE Successful infectious agents need to overcome host defense systems to establish infection. We show that the Neisseria pilus, a major virulence factor of this organism, which causes gonorrhea, helps protect the bacterium from two major killing mechanisms used by the host to combat infections. We also show that to express the pilus, an enzyme needs to partially degrade the cell wall of the bacterium.
A Tetrameric Cage with D2h Symmetry through Alkyne Metathesis

Shape-persistent covalent organic polyhedrons (COPs) with ethynylene linkers are usually prepared through kinetically controlled cross-coupling reactions. The high-yielding synthesis of ethynylene-linked rigid tetrameric cages via one-step alkyne metathesis from readily accessible triyne precursors is presented. The tetrameric cage contains two macrocyclic panels and exhibits D2h symmetry. The assembly of such a COP is a thermodynamically controlled process, which involves the initial formation of macrocycles as key intermediates followed by the connection of two macrocycles with ethynylene linkages. With a large internal cavity, the cage exhibits a high binding selectivity toward C70 (K = 3.9×10(3) L mol(-1)) over C60 (no noticeable binding).
GreenHat: exploring the natural environment through experts' perspectives

We present GreenHat, an interactive mobile learning application that helps students learn about biodiversity and sustainability issues in their surroundings from experts' points of view, before participating in unfamiliar debates about their familiar surroundings. Using the interactive location-sensitive map and video on a smart phone, GreenHat simulates how experts go about making observations in the field and encourages students to actively observe their environment. We present our design process, our initial prototype, report the results from our preliminary evaluation, and discuss ongoing work.
Variation in Post-dispersal Seed Predation in Mature Peruvian Lowland Tropical Forest and Fallow Agricultural Sites1

Variation in post-dispersal seed predation between mature forest and fallow swidden agriculture sites (young forest) was examined for 26 tree and liana species in Peruvian lowland tropical forest. Exclosures were also used to determine the relative importance of vertebrate and invertebrate seed predators. Although species differed significantly in levels of predation, predation of seeds exposed to vertebrates was high (>75%) for all species, while seed predation by invertebrates was lower and more variable. Seed and seedling predation by insects was significantly higher in mature forest, while seed predation by rodents was higher in fallow areas. Other sources of mortality (primarily desiccation) were higher for seeds in fallow areas. The percentage of seeds moved was significantly different among species but not between forests.
Transcultural attitudes toward antisocial behavior: The “worst” crimes

Abstract Viewing criminal behaviors as sociopsychiatric phenomena clearly influenced by cultural norms and values that define which behaviors are considered deviant, the authors utilized a small-sample model to determine relevant qualitative attributes of public opinion among subjects in eight large cities scattered throughout the world. Results indicated that people in urban areas are most concerned about crimes of violence (especially homicide) and theft, as well as exploitation and public dishonesty. Significant differences among respondents were related primarily to geographic location rather than to other demographic or educational variables. Implications bearing upon psychiatric and judicial evaluation processes are discussed.
Exploring nucleoside hydrolase catalysis in silico: molecular dynamics study of enzyme-bound substrate and transition state.

The mechanism of action of inosine-uridine nucleoside hydrolase has been investigated by long-term molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in TIP3P water using stochastic boundary conditions. Five MD studies have been performed with enzyme substrate complex (E.S), enzyme substrate complex with protonated His241 (EH.S), enzyme transition state complex (E.TS), enzyme transition state complex with protonated His241 (EH.TS), and His241Ala transition state complex E(H241A).TS. Special attention has been given to the role of His241, which has been considered as the general acid catalyst to assist departure of the leaving nucleobase on the basis of its location in the active site in the X-ray crystal structure (). Yet on the basis of the location in the active site, Tyr229 is closer to the aniline ring of pAPIR as compared to His241. On initiation of MD simulations, His241 does not approach the nucleobase in the structures of EH.S, E.S, EH.TS, and E.TS. In the solvated enzyme, Tyr229, which is a member of the hydrogen bonding network inosine O2'.Asp14.His241.Tyr229.inosine N7, serves as a proton source to the leaving nucleobase. The loss of significant activity of His241Ala mutant is shown to be related to the disruption of the above hydrogen bonded network and the distancing of Tyr229 from inosine N7. The structures of the enzyme complexes with substrate or TS are not visibly altered on protonation of His241, a most unusual outcome. The bell-shaped pH dependence upon pK(app)'s of 7.1 and 9.1 may be attributed to the necessity of the dissociation of Asp10 or Asp15 and the acid form of Tyr229, respectively. In TS, the residue Ile81 migrated closer, whereas Arg233 moved away from the nucleobase. The probability of ribooxocarbenium ion stabilization by Asn168 and Asp14 is discussed. The Asp14-CO(2)(-) is hydrogen bonded to the ribose 2'-OH for 96% of the MD simulation time. Nucleophilic addition of water138 to ribooxocarbenium ion is suggested to be assisted by the proton shuttle from water138 --> Asp10 --> Asp15 --> water pool. An anticorrelation motion between Tyr229-OH and Asn168-OD1 in EH.S and E.S is observed. The relationship of this anticorrelated motion to mechanism, if any, deserves further exploration, perhaps the formation of a near attack conformation.
Linking Performance, Schedule, Cost, and Risk Using Technology Forecasting and Readiness Assessment

Defense system technical complexity continues to increase, making forecasting program performance, schedule, cost, and risk ever more challenging. The probability of overcoming these challenges can be improved by understanding the underlying principles, concepts, and history of technological advancement. Technology Time Trending (T 3 ) is a simple way to gain understanding of performance improvements over time, technology readiness, cost, and schedule risk. T 3 uses historical performance data over time to determine the rate of technological improvement. T 3 also allows the prediction of “when” a performance requirement is likely to be achievable based on historical performance trends. This connection of performance and time can be used to assess other factors important to executing successful programs such as technology maturity. In cases where the difficulty of achieving higher performance levels is insufficiently assessed, the associated program schedule and cost estimates can be seriously jeopardized leading to a very low probability of program success.
An analysis and improvement of congestion control in the CoAP Internet-of-Things protocol

An Internet of Things (IoT) environment typically consists of lossy and low powered networks (LLN) of interconnected sensors. An IoT messaging protocol that is gaining in popularity and importance is the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP). CoAP runs at the application layer, handling reliability and congestion control over the unreliable UDP layer. Due to low bandwidth and high scale of communication, congestion can occur among sensors in an LLN, or when communicating to a border router, or when clients from the Internet access the resources in an LLN. While CoAP was originally specified with a primitive congestion control mechanism, to address its various limitations a new congestion control protocol named CoAP Congestion Control Advanced (CoCoA) is being developed. We present an analysis and evaluation of CoCoA, and based on our findings we propose and implement CoCoA 4-state-Strong, an adaptation of CoCoA that uses a 4-state estimator for variable backoffs to significantly improve throughput, even in highly lossy networks, while maintaining a higher goodput.
SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA ABLATION IN THE TREATMENT OF SPONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY DISSECTION

A 42 year old female with history of SCAD of her left anterior descending artery that was diagnosed 1 month prior presented with her second episode of chest pain. She had mild ST elevation in her anterior leads and a mildly elevated troponin. A repeat angiogram revealed recurrent dissection of her
Hoplites and heresies: a note

A. J. Holladay has effectively reasserted the traditional view of the hoplite phalanx—that it was a dense mass of men, relying on the weight and cohesion of the whole rather than on the prowess of individuals in order to break the enemy's line. Further evidence in his support is provided by Plato's Laches , where Nicias is made to praise the art of fighting (that is, single combat) in hoplite armour, as a fitting part of a liberal education. But when it comes to its utility in warfare he is less enthusiastic. ‘This science will help somewhat even on the actual battlefield, whenever one has to fight ranged in order with many others. But its chief benefit will be when the ranks are broken, and one has to fight singlehanded against a single adversary, and either, in pursuit, attack someone who is defending himself, or else, in retreat, protect oneself from the attack of another.’ Nicias clearly has in mind a situation like that from which Socrates extracted himself so handsomely at the Battle of Delium, as the speakers in the dialogue have just recalled; though Socrates of course made his retreat without benefit of the newfangled art of fencing.
Intermittent Self-Catheterization

Clean intermittent self-catheterization has been well documented as a safe and effective treatment for urinary dysfunction. Effectiveness of this mode of therapy in the geriatric population is dependent on the attitudes and beliefs of the health care professional. When given a fair chance, the elderly often perform self-catheterization with minimal problems, if any.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone testing in idiopathic hirsutism and polycystic ovarian disease: a test of limited usefulness.

The plasma 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) concentration was determined in the basal state and 60minutes after cosyntropin, 0.25mg, in 139 patients with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Although there was an increased response of 17-OHP in subjects with PCOD when compared with IH subjects, in no instance was stimulated 17-OHP abnormal in the presence of normal basal 17-OHP. Two subjects with 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency were discovered; both demonstrated elevated basal levels of 17-OHP. We therefore conclude that routine adrenocorticotropic hormone testing is not a useful tool in detecting 21-OH deficiency in hyperandrogenic women.
Is Gender Socialization Affecting the Teaching Performance of Male Sex Educators

AbstractIt is possible that sexist gender role standards are being perpetuated in the sex educator's classroom. The author asks for recognition that this may be a problem for healthy sexual communication, given some differences between male and female sexual socialization and resulting attitudes.
Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration to Reduce Mortality in Severely Burned Patients

Acute kidney injury is common in critically ill burn patients, and it is associated with a very high mortality. In this chapter, the potential role of continuous venovenous hemofiltration in improving outcomes in severely burned patients is addressed.
The Breakdown of Standard Microstructure Techniques: And What to Do About it

U.S. equity markets have explosively increased their trade and quote frequency and the decline of the dominance of the NYSE has increased the importance of National Best Bid and Offer (NBBO) quotes. We address three methodology issues that arise in the computation of the NBBO: (1) millisecond versus second timestamps, (2) withdrawn quotes, and (3) cancelled quotes. We find that each of these three issues is a significant and independent source of distortion in measures of market quality. We find that the potential cost per year of poor routing decisions based on these distortions is $8.4 Billion. These distortions and costs are so massive that standard microstructure techniques essentially fail. We test fourteen different methods for calculating the NBBO based on different combinations of three data clean-up techniques, two alternative quote sources, and three quote timing techniques. We conclude that the first best solution is to use the Complete DTAQ NBBO, found by combining the NBBO and Quotes files in the Daily Trade And Quote (DTAQ) database, because this is the only way to avoid major distortions on most performance criteria and the only way to use the full sample. If a researcher is financially constrained to using only the Monthly Trade And Quote (MTAQ) database, then the second best solution is to use two clean-up techniques (Withdrawn Quotes and exclude the remaining NBBO Crossed and Locked observations) and use Interpolated Time as the quote timing technique. Looking to the future, we anticipate the ultimate demise of the NBBO and propose to replace it with a Relative Best Bid and Offer (RBBO) that is different for each market center.
Abstract 2537: Role of N-cadherin in connexin 43 mediated gap junctional formation between dormant breast cancer cells and bone marrow mesenchymal and stromal cells

Breast cancer (BC) remains a clinical problem. This is partly due to the existence of dormant BC cells (BCCs) in the bone marrow (BM) that could resurge decades after cancer remission. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) establish themselves in cycling quiescence within the BM microenvironment by forming gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the hematopoietic supporting stroma. MiRNAs can be exchanged between the CSCs and other BM cells through the gap junction to impart cycling quiescence of the CSCs. Although the CSCs express several members of the connexin (Cx) family of proteins, GJIC between CSCs and BM cells requires Cx43. Preventing the formation of GJIC between CSCs and endogenous BM cells enhanced cycle of the BCCs with enhanced chemosensitivity. Since Cx43 is also involved in hematopoietic regulation, in order to identify targets to reverse dormancy, this study investigated the molecular mechanisms by which Cx43 is regulated, including the role of N-cadherin as a facilitator of GJIC between CSCs and BM cells. CSCs are epithelial-mesenchymal cells (EMT) and therefore express N-cadherin. In other studies Cx43 has been shown to interact with N-cadherin to facilitate the movement of Cx43 to the cell membrane. To this end, we hypothesize that the intracellular complex formed by N-cadherin and Cx43 in CSCs is regulated by the chemokine CXCL-12. MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and T47D were stimulated with different levels of CXCL12. At different times, the expression of N-cadherin was studied by real time PCR, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The results showed CXCL12 regulated both N-cadherin and Cx43. However, the outcome on their expression depended on the invasiveness of the tumor. Direct interaction between N-cadherin and Cx43 was demonstrated by time-line tracking for co-localization, molecular modeling and immunoprecipitation. In summary, this study showed that co-localization of N-cadherin and Cx43 is controlled by low level of CXC12. Ongoing studies are investigating how these findings affect GJIC between CSCs and BM stroma/MSCs. Citation Format: Garima Sinha. Role of N-cadherin in connexin 43 mediated gap junctional formation between dormant breast cancer cells and bone marrow mesenchymal and stromal cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2537.
Transumbilical laparoscopically assisted extracorporeal appendectomy in children and young adults: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background To compare surgical outcomes of pediatric patients aged 0–15 with acute appendicitis treated with single-port, transumbilical, extracorporeal laparoscopically assisted appendectomy (SP) with young adult patients aged 16–21. Materials and methods Single center retrospective chart review in patients 21 years and younger with a pre-operative diagnosis of appendicitis who underwent SP between January 2010 and December 2015. Patients were divided into two groups based on age. Operative time (OT), length of stay (LOS), cost, rates of conversion to standard three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (TP), and rates of infection were compared between the groups. Results SP was performed in a total of 263 patients: 211 in pediatric patients aged 0–15 and 52 in patients aged 16–21. Age groups did not differ significantly on cost, LOS, operative time, rates of conversion to TP, or rates of infection. Conclusions SP has comparable surgical outcomes in adolescent, adult, and pediatric patients.
“The Job Has Become Advocating for the Job”: Threats to Funding Dramatically Influence Program Outcomes:

As public health funding is increasingly threatened, a better understanding is needed about how periods of funding uncertainty impact program staff, activities, and outcomes. In North Carolina, 2 years of uncertainty and threats of funding cuts for a statewide youth tobacco prevention initiative contributed to reduced grantee morale and confidence about achieving program goals, displaced focus from core program activities, and caused premature loss of personnel, resulting in substantially reduced program activities and outcomes. The range of negative impacts of funding uncertainty and threats highlights the need for programs to create an infrastructure to support ongoing sustainability planning and activities.
Soluble Amyloid-beta Aggregates from Human Alzheimer’s Disease Brains

Soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates likely contribute substantially to the dementia that characterizes Alzheimer's disease. However, despite intensive study of in vitro preparations and animal models, little is known about the characteristics of soluble Aβ aggregates in the human Alzheimer's disease brain. Here we present a new method for extracting soluble Aβ aggregates from human brains, separating them from insoluble aggregates and Aβ monomers using differential ultracentrifugation, and purifying them >6000 fold by dual antibody immunoprecipitation. The method resulted in <40% loss of starting material, no detectible ex vivo aggregation of monomeric Aβ, and no apparent ex vivo alterations in soluble aggregate sizes. By immunoelectron microscopy, soluble Aβ aggregates typically appear as clusters of 10-20 nanometer diameter ovoid structures with 2-3 amino-terminal Aβ antibody binding sites, distinct from previously characterized structures. This approach may facilitate investigation into the characteristics of native soluble Aβ aggregates, and deepen our understanding of Alzheimer's dementia.
Extracranial–Intracranial Bypass Procedures

Extracranial–intracranial bypass procedures are performed either for purposes of flow augmentation in the setting of cerebrovascular occlusive disease, or for flow replacement in the setting of planned vessel sacrifice. Flow replacement bypass is typically performed for the treatment of complex aneurysms, and its role is well accepted, although infrequently required. Extracranial–intracranial bypass for flow augmentation is a well-established treatment in moyamoya disease, but has a limited role for atherosclerotic occlusive disease treatment due to evidence failing to support its role in routine management in this setting. In this chapter, we briefly discuss the indications for extracranial–intracranial bypass, patient selection, and different types of bypasses, which can be offered for flow augmentation and flow replacement.
Lipids in Regulation of the Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeability, Bioenergetics, and Metabolism

The role of mitochondrial membranes in oxidative phosphorylation, energy production, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial metabolism is well established, especially with regard to lipid and steroid homeostasis, communication with other organelles, apoptosis, and human disease. Here we address the complementary role of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) as a platform for cytosolic proteins to function as potent regulators of the MOM permeability through their direct functional interaction with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), the major MOM channel. Two abundant cytosolic proteins, dimeric tubulin and α-synuclein (α-syn), modulate fluxes of ATP/ADP and other water-soluble mitochondrial metabolites through VDAC. Their interaction with VDAC is a multistep process in which the first step is the lipid-sensitive binding to the MOM and the second is the voltage-dependent blockage of the VDAC pore. Both proteins induce characteristic rapid reversible blockages of VDAC reconstituted into planar lipid membranes with nanomolar efficiency and are thus able to effectively regulate ATP/ADP fluxes through VDAC in a lipid-dependent manner. A proposed general model of VDAC inhibition explains satisfactorily how two very different and otherwise unrelated proteins induce qualitatively similar blockages of reconstituted VDAC. In in vitro biophysical experiments, tubulin and α-syn display similar lipid-dependent membrane-binding properties, which make these proteins well suited for targeting the MOM and strongly enhance the availability of these molecules for the voltage-sensitive interaction with VDAC. As the physiological significance of the association of tubulin and α-syn with mitochondrial membranes in cells is only beginning to be appreciated, we propose a new role of mitochondrial lipids in the control of MOM permeability. Overall, the emerging data indicate that the physiological conditions in the cell, such as the expression level of α-syn, the ratio between dimeric and polymerized tubulin in the cytosol, cytosolic pH, MOM lipid composition, level of lipid peroxidation, and potential across the MOM, strongly determine the efficiency with which both cytosolic proteins regulate normal metabolite exchange through VDAC or cause mitochondrial dysfunction.
Macrophage Polarization Contributes to the Anti-Tumoral Efficacy of Mesoporous Nanovectors Loaded with Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel.

Therapies targeted to the immune system, such as immunotherapy, are currently shaping a new, rapidly developing branch of promising cancer treatments, offering the potential to change the prognosis of previously non-responding patients. Macrophages comprise the most abundant population of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and can undergo differentiation into functional phenotypes depending on the local tissue environment. Based on these functional phenotypes, tumor associated macrophages (TAM) can either aid tumor progression (M2 phenotype) or inhibit it (M1 phenotype). Presence of M2 macrophages and a high ratio of M2/M1 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment are clinically associated with poor prognosis in many types of cancers. Herein, we evaluate the effect of macrophage phenotype on the transport and anti-cancer efficacy of albumin-bound paclitaxel (nAb-PTX) loaded into porous silicon multistage nanovectors (MSV). Studies in a co-culture of breast cancer cells (3D-spheroid) with macrophages and in vivo models were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of MSV-nAb-PTX as a function of macrophage phenotype. Association with MSV increased drug accumulation within the macrophages and the tumor spheroids, shifting the inflammation state of the TME towards the pro-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic milieu. Additionally, the treatment increased macrophage motility towards cancer cells, promoting the active transport of therapeutic nanovectors into the tumor lesion. Consequently, apoptosis of cancer cells was increased and proliferation decreased in the MSV-nAb-PTX treated group as compared to controls. The results also confirmed that the tested system shifts the macrophage differentiation towards an M1 phenotype, possessing an anti-proliferative effect towards the breast cancer cells. These factors were further incorporated into a mathematical model to help analyze the synergistic effect of the macrophage polarization state on the efficacy of MSV-nAb-PTX in alleviating hypo-vascularized tumor lesions. In conclusion, the ability of MSV-nAb-PTX to polarize TAM to the M1 phenotype, causing (1) enhanced penetration of the drug-carrying macrophages to the center of the tumor lesion and (2) increased toxicity to tumor cells may explain the increased anti-cancer efficacy of the system in comparison to nAb-PTX and other controls.
Bayesian Modeling of Lexical Resources for Low-Resource Settings

Lexical resources such as dictionaries and gazetteers are often used as auxiliary data for tasks such as part-of-speech induction and named-entity recognition. However, discriminative training with lexical features requires annotated data to reliably estimate the lexical feature weights and may result in overfitting the lexical features at the expense of features which generalize better. In this paper, we investigate a more robust approach: we stipulate that the lexicon is the result of an assumed generative process. Practically, this means that we may treat the lexical resources as observations under the proposed generative model. The lexical resources provide training data for the generative model without requiring separate data to estimate lexical feature weights. We evaluate the proposed approach in two settings: part-of-speech induction and low-resource named-entity recognition.
“You Can’t Patch a Wounded Soul with a Band-Aid”: Manifestations of Trauma in the Characters of Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain

This chapter focuses its attention on in-depth analyses of trauma as it manifests in the main characters from Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain. Quiet, often misunderstood in media and Internet discussions of her, is given in-depth consideration, critical as she is to the plot of The Phantom Pain and existing herself as a bodily embodiment of trauma. The Phantom Pain’s antagonist, Skull Face, is also considered at length since he occupies the unique position of being both evil and also himself a victim of childhood trauma. In addition to the analyses of these characters, all other major characters are given consideration as embodiments of trauma. The chapter demonstrates that Metal Gear Solid V takes its consideration of PTSD seriously and instead of presenting the player with a happy narrative ending, concludes with uncertainty.
Extract flood duration from Dartmouth Flood Observatory flood product

Climate change has become a hot topic in recent years. Flood is one of the most common natural hazards caused from extreme climate change. Scientists have spent a lot of money and time on monitoring flood in past decades. The development of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) brings new ways for scientists to analyze, monitor, and predict floods. Remote Sensing provides an alternative method to traditional flood survey with very fine temporal resolution data with much lower cost. Scientists have been utilizing data from MODIS satellite to detect flood in a lot of research. In this paper, flood duration layers are generated with utilizing Remote Sensing based flood data from Dartmouth Flood Observatory. The flood event layers provide detail view of flood events at pixel level. Flood data is currently processed and managed by RFCLASS website which developed by Center for Spatial Information Science and Systems. Few experiments have been designed to explore the possibility of minimizing cloud impact. Result indicated that there is a huge decrease in total events. Flood data generated in this research is ready to serve further research such as crop loss from flood. However, flood data is not fully accurate due to the similarity of spectral pattern between shadow and water surface. Further study is needed in order to remove error caused by shadow.
Putting trapped populations into place: Climate change and inter-district migration flows in Zambia.

Research shows that the association between adverse climate conditions and human migration is heterogeneous. One reason for this heterogeneity is the differential vulnerability of populations to climate change. This includes highly vulnerable, “trapped” populations that are too poor to migrate given deep and persistent poverty, the financial costs of migrating, and the erosion of already fragile economic livelihoods under climate change. Another reason for this heterogeneity is the differential vulnerability of places. However, despite the growing list of studies showing that the climate-migration relationship clearly varies across places, there is surprisingly little research on the characteristics of places themselves that trap, or immobilize, populations. Accordingly, we provide the first account of the “holding power” of places in the association between adverse climate conditions and migration flows among 55 districts in Zambia in 2000 and 2010. Methodologically, we combine high-resolution climate information with aggregated census micro data to estimate gravity models of inter-district migration flows. Results reveal that the association between adverse climate conditions and migration is positive only for wealthy migrant-sending districts. In contrast, poor districts are characterized by climate-related immobility. Yet, our findings show that access to migrant networks enables climate-related mobility in the poorest districts, suggesting a viable pathway to overcome mobility constraints. Planners and policy makers need to recognize the holding power of places that can trap populations and develop programs to support in situ adaptation and to facilitate migration to avoid humanitarian emergencies.
SATELLITE SOLAR POWER STATION CONSTRUCTION IN SPACE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the construction of the satellite solar power station in space. A space colony can be economically useful because (1) nearly all of the material for construction of the colony, and all the raw material for the products it would export, can be obtained from the lunar surface by a ground-based launching device and (2) the first colony can be used not only to construct manufactured products but also to build more colonies so that the productive output would be exponentially rather than linearly dependent on time. The end uses of the products of a space manufacturing facility would be in free space or in high orbit rather than on the earth.
Fitting a Square Peg into a Round Hole: Categorizing Works of Jewish Historiography of the Second Temple Period

The categories of Jewish historiography of the Second Temple Period frame how scholars and their students approach crucial texts of this era and therefore shape our understanding of history. Yet, these categories are fraught with difficulties. This article explores this issue by examining Daniel R. Schwartz’s categorization of Second Temple historiography as either Palestinian or diasporan works. While these categories provide interesting insights, they also leave far too many exceptions. This article demonstrates that such efforts of categorization warp our understanding of Second Temple historiography. Rather than categorize Second Temple historiography I suggest that each work ought to be considered from the point of view of its author’s aims.
Bradykinin Formation in Allergic Diseases and Hereditary Angioedema

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of bradykinin (BK) formation in allergic diseases. The plasma kinin-forming system consists of three essential plasma proteins, which interact in a complex fashion once bound to certain negatively charged surfaces or macromolecular complexes. These are coagulation Factor XII, prekallikrein and high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK). Once Factor XII is activated to Factor XIIa, it converts plasma prekallikrein to kallikrein (KLK) and KLK digests HMWK to liberate BK. Factor XIIa also converts coagulation Factor XI to Factor XIa to continue the intrinsic coagulation cascade. The interaction of all four of these proteins to initiate blood clotting is known as “contact activation”; thus, the formation of BK is a cleavage product of the initiating step of this cascade. The pathogenesis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) suggests liberation of a kinin that has variously been considered a product of the second component of complement or produced by contact activation. If C1 inhibitor is either absent (Type I HAE) or dysfunctional (Type II HAE), there is insufficient inhibition of all the activated forms of Factor XII, KLK or activated C1. Production of BK is markedly augmented under these conditions. The addition of dextran sulfate at concentrations insufficient to activate normal plasma leads to complete digestion of HMWK in HAE plasma within a few minutes. Thus, seemingly insignificant traumas or infections may be sufficient to initiate an attack in such patients.