bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DST-deactivation of nickel-63 nitrate
Authors: Cardone Fabio , Albertini Gianni , Bassani Domenico , Cherubini Giovanni , Petrucci Andrea , Rosada Alberto
Published: January 2019

Recent theoretical and experimental results, based on an extension of the Einstein theory of relativity, show that nuclear reactions of a new type can occur. In this framework, the feasibility of the deactivation of radionuclides is investigated. This paper reports the deactivation of nickel nitrate made of radioactive Nickel-63 in nitric acid by using ultrasounds. From the applicative point of view, it is a more realistic system then the previously considered thorium, not only because the molecule and the system are more complex but also because the problems related to the high corrosion and radioactivity have been treated at the same time, thus miming realistic situations like those of deactivation of nuclear waste.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Residual Stress in Coatings on Steel
Authors: Ojha Sarvesh , Thakare J. G. , Giri A. , Pandey Chandan , Mahapatra M. M. , Mulik R. S.
Published: January 2019

In the present work, an alumina–titania (13 %) coating has been deposited by the air plasma spray process on a mild steel substrate by preheating the substrate to different temperatures. Coating thickness was measured by a scanning electron microscope, the hardness of coatings was measured, and morphology was also checked. The crack compliance technique has been used to determine the residual stress, as it is a very simple method, and also, it is compatible with conventional machining equipment and wire electric discharge machining equipment. Specimens were cut by the diamond cutter up to certain depth in microns, and the strain relieved was recorded. For finding out the residual stress, these recorded values of strain have been used by doing a finite element analysis (FEA) using the ANSYS 15.0 (Ansys, Inc., Canonsburg, PA) software. For validation of the model, uniaxial tension was applied on a sample by using the INSTRON universal testing machine (Instron Inc., Norwood, MA), and strain values at both the coating side and the substrate side were recorded and matched with the model under the same value of the load. After verifying the model, an equation has been developed using the Minitab software (Minitab Inc, Bengaluru, India), and the strains previously recorded were used as an input to the equation obtained, and the value of residual stress was calculated. The maximum value of residual stress was found at the coating–substrate interface, and the values of residual stress for sample preheated at 250°C, 200°C, and 150°C were found to be compressive, with the magnitude of −176.28 MPa, −243.54 MPa, and −255.42 MPa, respectively.
ACESSO À CULTURA E PRESERVAÇÃO DE LUGARES DE MEMÓRIA NA FACULDADE DE DIREITO DO RECIFE
Authors: Carneiro Filho Humberto João , Pereira Ingrid Rique da Escóssia , Farias Diogo Stanley Vasconcelos de , Callado Filho Inácio José Buonafina
Published: January 2019

O presente artigo trata do Projeto Memória Acadêmica e de suas atividades para preservar a memória cultural da Faculdade de Direito do Recife, verdadeiro “lugar de memória” da sociedade pernambucana e brasileira como um todo, e promover o acesso a ela. Para tal, o projeto, através de seus extensionistas (estudantes dos cursos de Direito, História, Biblioteconomia e servidores da UFPE), realiza a digitalização de obras raras, principalmente as produzidas por professores da instituição no século XIX, disponibilizando-as em seu sítio eletrônico, e promove minicursos a respeito da história da Faculdade, além de visitas guiadas ao seu edifício histórico. Neste artigo são abordados traços da história da Faculdade de Direito do Recife no século XIX e da sua quase bicentenária Biblioteca; também se discute a importância de preservar os acervos arquivísticos e o papel da extensão universitária no acesso à cultura, enquanto promotora de ações de preservação e divulgação da memória acadêmica e cultural.
Non-Trigeminal Nociceptive Innervation of the Posterior Dura: Implications to Occipital Headache
Authors: Noseda Rodrigo , Melo-Carrillo Agustin , Nir Rony-Reuven , Strassman Andrew M. , Burstein Rami
Published: January 2019

Current understanding of the origin of occipital headache falls short of distinguishing between cause and effect. Most preclinical studies involving trigeminovascular neurons sample neurons that are responsive to stimulation of dural areas in the anterior 2/3 of the cranium and the periorbital skin. Hypothesizing that occipital headache may involve activation of meningeal nociceptors that innervate the posterior ⅓ of the dura, we sought to map the origin and course of meningeal nociceptors that innervate the posterior dura overlying the cerebellum. Using AAV-GFP tracing and single-unit recording techniques in male rats, we found that neurons in C2–C3 DRGs innervate the dura of the posterior fossa; that nearly half originate in DRG neurons containing CGRP and TRPV1; that nerve bundles traverse suboccipital muscles before entering the cranium through bony canals and large foramens; that central neurons receiving nociceptive information from the posterior dura are located in C2–C4 spinal cord and that their cutaneous and muscle receptive fields are found around the ears, occipital skin and neck muscles; and that administration of inflammatory mediators to their dural receptive field, sensitize their responses to stimulation of the posterior dura, peri-occipital skin and neck muscles. These findings lend rationale for the common practice of attempting to alleviate migraine headaches by targeting the greater and lesser occipital nerves with anesthetics. The findings also raise the possibility that such procedures may be more beneficial for alleviating occipital than non-occipital headaches and that occipital migraines may be associated more closely with cerebellar abnormalities than in non-occipital migraines.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOccipital headaches are common in both migraine and non-migraine headaches. Historically, two distinct scenarios have been proposed for such headaches; the first suggests that the headaches are caused by spasm or tension of scalp, shoulders, and neck muscles inserted in the occipital region, whereas the second suggests that these headaches are initiated by activation of meningeal nociceptors. The current study shows that the posterior dura overlying the cerebellum is innervated by cervicovascular neurons in C2 DRG whose axons reach the posterior dura through multiple intracranial and extracranial pathways, and sensitization of central cervicovascular neurons from the posterior dura can result in hyper-responsiveness to stimulation of neck muscles. The findings suggest that the origin of occipital and frontal migraine may differ.
Pregnancy in acromegaly is safe and is associated with improvements in IGF-1 concentrations
Authors: Hannon Anne Marie , O’Shea Triona , Thompson Claire A , Hannon Mark J , Dineen Rosemary , Khattak Aftab , Gibney James , O’Halloran Domhnall J , Hunter Steven , Thompson Christopher J , Sherlock Mark
Published: January 2019

Pregnancy is rarely reported in acromegaly. Many patients are diagnosed in later life and younger patients may have subfertility due to hypopituitarism. We present a case series of 17 pregnancies in 12 women with acromegaly.

Twelve women with acromegaly who completed pregnancy were identified from centres involved in the Irish Pituitary Study. Eleven women had pituitary macroadenomas and one woman had a microadenoma. Only 5/17 pregnancies had optimal biochemical control of acromegaly preconception, as defined by IGF-1 concentration in the age-related reference level and plasma GH concentration of <2 μg/L. In 6/17 pregnancies, dopamine agonist treatment was continued during pregnancy; all other acromegaly treatments were discontinued during pregnancy.

Effect of pregnancy on acromegaly: No patient developed new visual field abnormalities, or symptoms suggestive of tumour expansion during pregnancy. In 9/12 patients, plasma IGF-1 concentrations that were elevated preconception normalised during pregnancy. There was a reduction in plasma IGF-1 concentrations, though not into the normal range, in a further two pregnancies.

Effect of acromegaly on pregnancy: 15 healthy babies were born at term; one patient underwent emergency C-section at 32 weeks for pre-eclampsia, and one twin pregnancy had an elective C-section at 35 weeks’ gestation. Blood pressure remained within normal limits in the remainder of the pregnancies. Gestational diabetes did not develop in any pregnancy.

Our data suggests that pregnancy in women with acromegaly is generally safe, from a maternal and foetal perspective. Furthermore, biochemical control tends to improve despite the withdrawal of somatostatin analogue therapy during pregnancy.
Avaliação do estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes na admissão em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica
Authors: Caruccio Letícia Dione , Bosa Vera Lúcia , Maraschin Tatiana , Carvalho Paulo Roberto Antoniacci
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes na admissão em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica de um hospital público de referência.Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou 277 pacientes, de 0 a 19 anos que foram admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, nas primeiras 72 h de internação, no ano de 2013. As variáveis avaliadas, a partir dos prontuários, foram as medidas antropométricas de peso e estatura. Para verificar a associação do estado nutricional com as demais variáveis, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado, sendo considerado significativo p<0,05.Resultados: Entre os 277 pacientes, 53,4% (n=148) eram do sexo masculino. Encontrou-se 10,5% (n=21) de desnutrição, 20,1% (n=40) de excesso de peso e 69,34% (n=138) de eutrofia. Destaca-se, que a desnutrição foi mais prevalente entre os menores de 2 anos, enquanto o excesso de peso foi maior na faixa etária de 2 a 10 anos. Em 28,79% (n=57) da amostra foi encontrado baixa estatura, com maior prevalência entre os menores de 2 anos (p<0,001), podendo estar associado ao elevado número de prematuros na amostra (n=26, p=0,003).Conclusão: Na admissão de crianças e adolescentes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, desnutrição foi o estado nutricional menos prevalente quando comparamos com outros estudos. O número expressivo de prematuros pode estar associado à alta prevalência de baixa estatura encontrada.
D.Sc. in Chemistry, Head of the Labora tory, Siberian Physical-Technical Insti tute of Tomsk State University
Authors: Asratyan A. A. , Kazaryan M. A. , Lyabin N. A. , Ponomarev I. V. , Sachkov V. I. , Li H.
Published: January 2019

The article considers and analyzes an important stage in the development of laser systems for metal vapor from the point of view of biomedical applications. Since the advent of the first generation of domestic medical facilities with pulsed lasers on metal vapors, in particular, copper vapors (LSM), which were created in the FSUE “Research and Production Enterprise ‘Istok’”, not much time has passed. Now similar studies are widely developed and include a variety of uses, for instance, in oncology for treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT), angioplasty of intravascular destruction of atherosclerotic lesions, dermatology and cosmetology for the treatment of facial skin defects, as well as otorhinolaryngology, gynecology, proctology, urology, and others. In that cases, doctors use the Yantar-2Fand Yakhroma-2 installations, developed on the basis of the “Kurs” LPM with radiation wavelengths λ = 510.6 nm and 578 nm and the average radiation power Prad= 5–10 W and tunable in wavelengths in the range of λ = 620–670 nm. Laser radiation is delivered to the affected area of a bio-object using a flexible light-guide cable with a diameter of 400, 600 or 800 μm fiber, which is one of the most convenient medical instruments. A compact and air-cooled medical installation of the new generation “Yakhroma-Med” based on the pulsed LPM “Kulon” with an average radiation power at the output of the light-guide cable Prad= 1–3 W uses in dermatology and cosmetology (together with the Lebedev Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences). Today, YakhromaMed is the leader in non-ablative technologies and is optimal for removing vascular, pigmented and unstained skin defects, treating acne and smoothing wrinkles. It is used in more than 100 clinics in Russia and abroad. Moreover, for scientific and practical medicine in the field of oncology, low-intensity laser therapy and surgery, dermatology and cosmetology, etc., a compact air-cooled industrial multifunctional high-intensity medical unit “Kulon-Med” (similar to Yakhroma-Med) based on two pulsed lasers was developed: LM “Kulon” with an average radiation power Prad= 10 W and LVRK with radiation tunable in wavelengths in the range λ = 620–750 nm and radiation power Prad= 1–3 W (together with Ltd. NPP VELIT, Kurchatov Institute and the Hertzen Hermitage Research and Development Institute). The laser radiation is transported using four flexible light-guide cables with a conductive quartz fiber diameter of 400 and 600 μm, which makes it possible to perform a therapeutic and prophylactic procedure simultaneously in several rooms. Medical facilities of this class have been put in many medical institutions. This report on the use of CVL in medicine says only about the developments in theMoscow region.
Új szempontok a sószenzitív hypertoniák patomechanizmusában
Authors: Sulyok Endre
Published: January 2019

Abstract:

This article shortly outlines the evolution of hypertonia from risk factors to end-organ damage. The pathogenetic role of salt intake is underlined and in the light of recent clinical and experimental observations, the importance of renal and extrarenal mechanism in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension is analysed. The generally accepted concept that the inefficient renal sodium excretion and the subsequent expansion of the extracellular space is the major factor in blood pressure elevation is challenged. Evidences have been provided that the retained sodium dissociates from the volume of extracellular space and, also from the blood pressure. It has been shown that the negatively charged macromolecules in the subcutaneous interstitium bind sodium ions in osmotically inactive form and store sodium reversibly. The local tissue hypertonicity induces monocytes/macrophages invasion and activation that causes increased expression of tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) and the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor C that result in enhanced lymphangiogenesis. The expanded lymphatic system drains the excess sodium and volume back to the circulation. The reduction of buffer function of this system may contribute to the development or to worsening of hypertension. Similar buffer and barrier functions are attributed to the glycocalyx that covers the luminal surface of vascular endothelium. It is also recognised that the high sodium intake alone is an important pathogenetic factor in end-organ damage independent of hypertension. This may be accounted for by the induction and activation of Th17 cells as well as by the increased production of several pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(2): 43–49.
Variations in surface structures and wettability in the genus Pachnoda Burmeister
Authors: Godeau Guilhem , Orange François , Godeau René-Paul , Szczepanski Caroline R , Guittard Frédéric , Darmanin Thierry
Published: January 2019

In order to grow and live, all species need access to water and often the ability to control their intake thereof. Among species throughout the world, several animals and plants are known for unique surface patterns and features that influence their wettability in such a way that water is always readily accessible, even in arid and hot climates. In this work, the authors report a journey into the genus Pachnoda, studying 12 species or subspecies to compare their surface properties and wettabilities. This work reveals exceptional natural surface morphologies based on a honeycomb structure with significant variations depending on the Pachnoda genus. Even if the materials present on their surface are intrinsically hydrophilic, some of the species have parahydrophobic properties with apparent contact angles of up to 145° and extremely strong water adhesion. Only the Cassie–Baxter equation can explain these results indicating the presence of trapped air within these surface structures when a liquid, such as water, makes contact. Among the species explored here, water hydrophobicity and adhesion are controlled by the dimensions of the honeycombs, the presence of lamellar structures on the border of these features and the presence of roughness in their internal structures.
Total protein extraction from adipose tissue and cells v1
Authors: Green Caroline
Published: January 2019

Adipose tissue, especially white adipose tissue (WAT), has been shown to be associated with endocrine and organ inflammation in addition to energy storage. Extraction and analysis of proteins from adipose tissue is increasingly important for understanding many physiological/pathological conditions. However, due to the high fat and low protein content in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), it is technically challenging. It is well known that water-oil emulsions in biological samples are the most difficult to separate, and the pore-sized centrifugal column with unique surface properties and the optimized surfactant-free buffer system can quickly and efficiently emulsify water oil from adipose tissue homogenate. The extraction buffer is lower than the oil freezing point in the adipose tissue, and the adipose tissue homogenate can quickly separate the aqueous phase and the oil phase through the centrifugal column, and the total protein in the tissue is not lost. Protein yields can reach 2-3 mg/ml, which is much higher than other methods. Collected by Creative BioMart
Assessment of nutrition status in transplant patients using imaging, serologic markers and functional testing: Which best predicts early reversal of malnutrition?
Authors: Atoa Sam , Mangus Richard S.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Previous studies have shown that patients with malnutrition have worse clinical outcomes which lead to longer hospital stays and increased costs. Little has been studied in regards forms of testing such as functional 5M walk tests and serologic testing in predicting nutritional status.  
Experimental Design or Project Methods: Adults with end-stage liver, kidney, or pancreatic failure and with pre-transplant computed tomography (CT) imaging were selected from the transplant database. Each group was separated by organ and compared to each other by each nutritional measurement. Measures of nutrition status included a scaled scoring of core muscle mass, and visceral and subcutaneous fat stores, protein and albumin serum levels, BMI and sarcopenic index.  
Results: It is clear that Liver patients started off much more malnourished than other organ groups as indicated by the low protein and albumin levels at day 0. Liver patients with severe sarcopenia continued to lose weight after 90 days despite increased albumin levels which suggests there is a rapid and significant loss of weight post-transplant due to diuresis which doesn’t reverse until around day 60.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Serologic testing and imaging seemed to be good indicators of early reversal of malnutrition while functional testing did not. These finding will be analyzed against a control group to see which best predicts clinical outcomes such as length of post-operative hospital stays and fall risks. Being able to predict outcomes through nutritional status will help us to better prescreen high risk transplant candidates.
The Examination of non-pharmacologic treatment of pain after spinal cord injury
Authors: Piatt J. A. , Eldridge L. , Baker J. M.
Published: January 2019

Background: One of the primary debilitating secondary health conditions experienced by individuals living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is chronic pain. Approximately, over 30% of SCI patients endure chronic pain after sustaining the injury, and engage in opioid pharmacotherapy as the first form of treatment. The increase in use and misuse of prescribed opioids for chronic pain can lead to both physical and psychological health risks. This danger is exacerbated by the notion that a large percentage of the SCI population have a pre-existing condition of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. This study will examine how pain is actually being addressed through non-pharmaceutical methods among the SCI adult population. 
Experimental Design: Employing a cross-sectional web survey design with a convenience sample of adults with a SCI. A Qualtrics survey is currently being administered to known individuals with SCIs via email. The survey questions will illuminate what pain management strategies are being implemented in the SCI population within the US.  
Anticipated Results: The results from the data will provide insight on what non-pharmacological interventions can be employed in place of or in combination with the pharmacological management. This will allow community-based rehabilitation therapies to incorporate appropriate pain management strategies.  
Potential Impact: Non-pharmacological interventions may hold the answer in treating chronic pain in the SCI population by limiting or eliminating the use of opioids. This study will help develop the most appropriate non-pharmacological intervention to test in quasi-experimental clinical trials, and ultimately minimize the use of opioids for chronic pain.
Quantifying Cigarette Smoke Induced Oxidative DNA Damage of Wild Type & XPC Knockdown Human Bronchial Cells Using Human 8-oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase 1
Authors: Campbell Jarrett , Zhou Huaxin , Sears Catherine
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) induces DNA lesions and oxidative damage leading to the development of lung diseases such as emphysema and lung cancer.  Xeroderma Pigmentosum group C (XPC) is a protein which repairs CS bulky DNA lesions and oxidative DNA damage, including 8-OHdG.  We hypothesize that in vitro CS exposure will result in increased 8-OhdG and that XPC knockdown (KD) leads to higher levels of 8-OHdG. 
Experimental Methods: 
Briefly, immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas2B), were cultured and subsequently exposed to CS extract to induce DNA damage.  Cells in agarose were then gently lysed, immersed in an alkaline buffer, incubated with hOGG1 enzyme, and analyzed for DNA damage using single cell electrophoresis (Comet Assay).  Slides were stained and viewed by fluorescence microscopy. DNA damage is expressed as tail moment, measured by CometScore. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-way ANOVA (SigmaStat) with p-value < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. 
Results and Conclusion: 
Both XPC KD and wild-type (WT) Beas2B cells treated with 2.5% CS measured higher levels of DNA damage than air control.  The addition of hOGG1 lead to an increase in the tail moment in both AC and CS-exposed cells, indicating an increase in the oxidative DNA lesion, 8-OHdG.  Finally, XPC KD exposed to 2.5% CS demonstrated an increase in DNA damage and in 8-OHdG compared to WT (p<0.001).  In conclusion, these results further support that CS leads to increased oxidative DNA damage and suggests a role for XPC in regulation and repair of the oxidative DNA lesion, 8-OHdG.
Evaluating the effect of a Participatory Music Program on the Quality of Life and Community Reintegration of Homeless Veterans in Indianapolis
Authors: Cheng Phillip , Myers Laura , Lillie Aimee , Myers Jennifer , Crow Shannon , Rattray Nick , Wasmuth Sally , Hook Brittany , Lustig Ann , Burns Deb , Bravata Dawn
Published: January 2019

Background: 
Among Veterans, homelessness is a well-recognized, major problem. Approximately 20% of homeless persons in Indianapolis are Veterans. The Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program provides residential care for housing insecure Veterans with multiple needs. However, difficulty in combating issues of isolation and lack of avocation for members of the Program remains. Our goal and belief is that providing veterans with a participatory arts will significantly improve their quality of life and reintegration into the community. 
Methods: 
This prospective study will use mixed methods to compare intervention participants with usual care controls. Veterans will complete standardized measures including the 20-Item Short Form Health Survey, for quality of life, and Flow State Scale-2, for level of program engagement. Veterans who transition to community housing will complete the Military to Civilian Questionnaire. Veterans will also participate in semi-structured interviews for qualitative data. 
Anticipated Results: 
We anticipate that quality of life will improve among homeless Veterans who participate in the study compared to usual care controls. Further, that we will observe a higher level of community reintegration for participants who leave the Domiciliary. 
Significance: 
Offering an intervention that looks to change how Veterans see themselves in specific social roles and change how they structure their lives is vital in tackling issues contributing to homelessness. 
Potential Impact: 
This project will provide preliminary data about a participatory music program regarding improvement in quality of life for Veterans with housing insecurity. Findings can be used to build a larger implementation trial across VA domiciliaries nation-wide.
Establishing a Comprehensive Ethics-Based Checklist for Surgical Camp Activities at AMPATH-Kenya
Authors: Choi, BS Diane B. , Carpenter, MD Kyle L. , Keung, MD Connie H.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Global health has made strides in controlling and reducing harm from infectious diseases such as Polio and HIV/AIDS but this focus has not been mirrored in surgical and anesthesia care, especially in many low and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2010, an estimated 16.9 million lives were lost from conditions that required surgical care and 5 billion people in LMICs lack safe and affordable surgical and anesthesia. Organization of surgical camps can bring skilled physicians to temporarily meet the unmet surgical needs in underserved areas. However, currently there are no government agencies or accrediting bodies existing to assess the scope/impact of short-term surgical camp care or establish standards of care for such services.  
Experimental Design or Project Methods: The AMPATH mission of “start with healthcare and then do more to empower communities, educate tomorrow’s medical experts and research breakthroughs that will truly change the health of the world” was incorporated into the ethical checklist proposed. The four principles – beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice were used as guidance for the checklist.  
Results: The checklist can be organized into three main areas: Care, Empowerment & Training, and Research (Figure 1).
Role of CaMKK2 in Osteocytes within the Bone Microenvironment
Authors: Clough Nick , Williams Justin , Sankar Uma
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis:  
The Ca+2/calmodulin (CaM)-mediated protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) is a multi-functional kinase with effects on cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. The role of CaMKK2 in bone has been explored with its ablation favoring osteoblasts to osteoclasts and bone mass accrual as observed in Camkk2-/- mice, or following its inhibition by STO-609. One outstanding question is whether the anabolic effects of CaMKK2 are bone-cell intrinsic. While analyzing mice harboring bone-cell specific deletion of CaMKK2, we observed a high bone mass phenotype when the kinase is deleted from osteocytes, the most abundant cells within the bone. We therefore hypothesized that the loss of CaMKK2 enhances osteocyte differentiation. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 
We used two osteocyte cell lines MLO-Y4 and MLO-A5, both generated from mice expressing the immortalizing T-antigen, to test our hypothesis. The MLO-A5 line has post-osteoblast/pre-osteocyte characteristics while the MLO-Y4 line has mature osteocyte characteristics. CaMKK2 expression was silenced in MLO-A5 cells using Lentiviruses encoding CaMKK2 short hairpin (sh) RNA constructs. STO-609 was employed to inhibit CaMKK2 in the MLO-Y4 line as it proved resistant to transfection. Immunoblotting was used to verify CaMKK2 silencing/inhibition. Comparisons on cell morphologies were observed using immunofluorescence. As osteocytes are defined by dendritic morphology, the number of dendritic processes were analyzed. Additionally, the differences in the expression of the osteocyte markers SOST, E11 and DMP1 were examined by qRT-PCR. 
Results: 
To be finalized. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
Overall, our studies will provide more information towards understanding the role of CaMKK2 in bone biology and aid its development as a therapeutic target in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Humble But Powerful: The Role of “Access to Information & Knowledge” in Implementation Success in the RE-INSPIRE Study
Authors: Fry, M.S. Colin M. E. , Miech, PhD Edward J.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
This study examines the role access to information and knowledge in acute stroke care following a 2011 stroke quality improvement clustered randomized trial and a national acute ischemic stroke (AIS) directive in the Veterans Health Administration.  Access to information is associated with the highest levels of acute stroke care provision, as well as other key organizational features. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 
A multidisciplinary team analyzed and conducted semistructured interviews of clinical providers across 11 VAMCs over a 3-year period.  The interviews were then coded and analyzed using a mix methods approach. This study focused on the “Access to Information and Knowledge” organization feature defined in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs. 
Results: 
The manifestations of this organizational feature include: stroke binders, intranet share-points, pocket cards, algorithms, checklists, templates, stroke kits, flow sheets, care maps, posters, and room signs.  Acute stroke is a low-volume, high stakes, time sensitive condition at these sites. Therefore, proper access to information is especially important to ensure a continuity of care that transcends the idiosyncrasies of individual providers allowing for quick, correct, and complete care of the patient. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
The mere presence of certain tools in a clinical setting is not enough, but rather the feature relies on getting the right information, to the right people, at the right time.  Access to information exemplifies the need for implementation science, and insights from this study can be broadly applied to a plethora of scenarios in other clinical settings.
Effect of Frataxin Knockout on Mouse Cardiomyocytes Using DsRed.T3 as a Quantifying Marker
Authors: Galante Eric , Pride P Melanie , Chen, MD Frances , Payne, MD R Mark
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis:  
Discosoma Red (DsRed) is a strong fluorescent marker that has many practical uses for scientific studies. We engineered a transgenic mouse expressing DsRed.T3 only in cardiomyocyte nuclei, and then crossed this with a conditional knockout mouse with loss of Frataxin (FXN) in heart. It is known that dysfunction of the Frataxin (FXN) gene can cause Friedrich’s Ataxia (FRDA), a disease associated with ataxia, weakness and dilated cardiomyopathy in humans. The current study aimed to: 1) Determine if DsRed overexpression in cardiomyocyte nuclei would negatively affect cardiac tissue, and 2) Use the DsRed.T3 mouse to determine whether FXN knockout (KO) would cause a loss of cardiomyocytes. 
 
Experimental Design or Project Methods:  
The study was done by examining three different strains of mice: wild-type, DsRed.T.3 overexpressing Tg mice, and FXN KO mice with loss of FXN in cardiomyocytes. Mice were analyzed using genotyping, frozen immunofluorescent stains, α-actinin and Hoechst, TPLSM, confocal microscopy, western blotting, H&E, echocardiography, and heart:body weight ratios. 
Results:  
Results showed that DsRed.T3 localized to the nucleus of cardiomyocytes and that after 6.5 months there were some significant effects on cardiac function, although not on cardiac tissue. Further analysis is ongoing to determine if there is a loss of cardiomyocytes within the FXN KO group.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
This study shows promise for how researchers can study the heart, and more specifically, Friedreich’s Ataxia, while also shedding light on how FXN may ultimately affect the heart in FRDA patients.
Is Liver Function Homogenous? Correlation between CT Liver Volumes and Liver Function as Determined by Functional Hepatobiliary (HIDA) Scan
Authors: Gary, MS Jarrell G. , Haste, MD Paul , Tann, MD Mark
Published: January 2019

Background 
A hepatobiliary (HIDA) scan is a study historically done to evaluate for cholecystitis and more recently shown to be an effective way to measure liver function. Volumetric analysis on computed tomography (CT) is the most common way to evaluate future liver remnant prior to planned partial hepatectomy or radiation therapy. The aim of this study is to determine to what degree do lobar CT volume ratios correlate with distribution of functionality.     
Experimental Design 
A retrospective review and analysis of the images for 63 patients with liver cancer, imaged between 2016 and 2018, was performed. All functional HIDA scans were processed using MIM software. Total liver function, with lobar ratios, were obtained. Whole liver and lobar volume analysis on CT was also performed.  
Results  
The mean age was 63.6 [Symbol] 11.0 years with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. The mean total liver volume on CT was 1611.3 [Symbol] 590.5 mL (Right lobe: 961.5 [Symbol] 405.3 mL, Left lobe: 649.8 [Symbol] 331.7 mL). The mean ratio of right to left lobar volumes was 59.5 [Symbol] 13.5 % to 40.6 [Symbol] 13.5%. The mean ratio of right to left lobar liver function was 60.7 [Symbol] 20.7% to 39.5 [Symbol] 21.1%. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact 
The overall average ratio between right and left lobe liver function appears to closely relate to the volumetric ratio between the lobes. These promising results suggest that liver function is fairly homogenous, which could provide great value in planning future liver operations and radiation therapy.
Blueberry containing diets protect from bone loss induced by sex steroid deficiency differently depending on sex and by mechanisms independent of canonical sex steroid receptor signaling
Authors: Johnson O R , Sato A Y , Pellegrini G G , Cregor M , McAndrews K , Atkinson E , Choi R B , Maiz M , McCabe L D , McCabe G P , Peacock M , Weaver C M , Burr D , Bellido T
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
There is an unmet need for interventions that prevent bone loss induced by sex steroid deficiency. Loss of estrogens or androgens increases ROS in bone. We hypothesized that diets containing blueberries with antioxidant properties would protect from bone loss induced by sex steroid deficiency, depending on sex and on the expression of Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates the endogenous antioxidant response.  
Experimental Design: 
SHAM, ovariectomized (OVX), or orchidectomized (ORX) 4-month-old, wild type (WT) or Nrf2 knockout (KO) male and female mice were fed with control diet or diets containing 3 types of blueberries. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microarchitecture were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and microscopic computed tomography, respectively; and gene expression was quantified in bone RNA by quantitative PCR.    
Results: 
Control-fed OVX or ORX mice exhibited the expected BMD loss, to a similar extent, in WT and KO mice. One of the blueberry diets (Montgomery) prevented bone loss, totally in females and partially in males; and prevented ~50% of microarchitecture deterioration in ORX mice, independently of Nrf2 expression. OVX and ORX decreased expression of estrogen-response-element gene C3 or androgen-response-element gene Rhox5, respectively, in both WT and KO mice fed control or Montgomery diets, indicating that bone protection is not due to estrogenic/androgenic actions of the diet. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
Montgomery diet prevented bone loss due to sex steroid deficiency fully in females and partially in males. Thus, optimal skeletal benefits might be achieved by tailoring antioxidant-rich diets to patients of either sex.
Impact of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Scaffold-Free 3D-Bioprinting of the Liver Model
Authors: Koehler Cutter J. , Zhang Wenjun , Walsh Julia R. , Naqvi Raza A. , Gramelspacher Erika , Smith Lester J. , Li Ping , Ekser Burcin
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which compromise ~15% of liver cells, are vital to hepatocellular function. Scaffold-free 3D-bioprinting (SF3DBP) offers an avenue for the creation of realistic organ models without the use of biomaterials. Therefore, we hypothesized that co-culturing primary hepatocytes with HSC in SF3DBP liver model would uphold hepatocyte function over time, providing us a better 3D-liver model for research. 
Experimental Design: We used freshly thawed primary pig hepatocytes and immortalized pig HSC to generate spheroids with hepatocytes alone, HSC alone, or a combination of hepatocytes and HSC (2.5:1 ratio). Spheroids were formed using low adhesion plates, then characterized for distance from well center, diameter, roundness, and smoothness. A column of spheroids was printed using a Regenova 3D-bioprinter. Remaining loose spheroids are incubated over two weeks for albumin secretion, mRNA transcription, and histological analysis. 
Results: Co-cultures of hepatocytes and HSC (2.5:1 ratio) formed spheroids within 48 hours, as did HSC only spheroids (Figure 1). Spheroids composed of only hepatocytes failed to form round spheroids. The combination spheroids increased in roundness and decreased in diameter between characterizations over 6 days. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Spheroids proved too large to print at 48 hours but were successfully recognized and placed by the 3D-bioprinter. SF3DBP of combination spheroids would be viable by day 6. Optimization of spheroid composition using different cell ratios including HSC, hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and fibroblasts, as well as optimization of spheroid incubation time will allow for production and printing of more advanced liver models.
Genetic Defects in SHROOM3 Lead to Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Lorentz Samuel , Durbin, MD, MS Matthew D. , Ware, MD, PhD Stephanie
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Congenital heart disease(CHD) is the most common birth defect, but most genetic contributors remain unknown. We recently identified CHD patients with variants in a gene called SHROOM3. The SHROOM3 protein impacts the actin cytoskeleton by binding ActinF and Rho-kinase, causing actomyosin constriction. SHROOM3 also binds Dishevelled2(Dvl2), a component of Wnt/Planar cell polarity(PCP) signaling pathway, suggesting a connection between PCP signaling and actin-myosin contraction. We hypothesize SHROOM3 disruption alters PCP signaling and actin cytoskeleton during cardiac development, and is a novel contributor to CHD.  
Project Methods: We analyzed the cardiac phenotype of Shroom3 gene trap knockout mice at embryonic day 14.5. We characterized the expression of Shroom3 during cardiac development using LacZ staining at important stages of cardiac development. Using IHC, we measured actomyosin disruption in Shroom3 knockout embryos. We preformed in silico analysis on previously identified SHROOM3 variants from patients with CHD.  
Results: Shroom3 null mice had Ventricular Septal Defects (0.73, p=0.0006), Double Outlet Right Ventricle (0.33, p=0.04), Left Ventricular Noncompaction, and other CHD. Shroom3 mutant mice left ventricular wall thickness was 36% thinner compared to wild type mice (99.0±8.6µm, 63.0±8.4µm, p=0.005). LacZ shows the expression of Shroom3 through important stages of cardiac development, and IHC shows actomyosin disruption. In silico analysis demonstrates CHD patients have SHROOM3 variants in highly conserved nucleic acid and protein sequences, and significant protein structural changes.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Shroom3 null mice have cardiac defects resembling a Wnt/PCP disruption phenotype. Similarly, patients with CHD have likely pathogenic variants in SHROOM3. These data support a role for SHROOM3 in CHD pathogenesis and begin to elucidate mechanisms. Identifying SHROOM3’s role in CHD is critical to understanding cardiac development as well as the diagnosis, management and treatment of CHD.
Effect of Signal-Dependent Noise on Phase Synchrony Pattern
Authors: Misiolek Kalina A. , Rubchinsky Leonid L. , Worth Robert M.
Published: January 2019

Background: Intermittent phase synchrony is a phenomenon that occurs at subthreshold levels of oscillator coupling, where two oscillators appear to be synchronized at some times and desynchronized at others. Here, periods of “synchrony” are defined by a certain amount of statistically significant correlation between the time series of the oscillators.1 While general synchrony is observable in any number of settings (e.g. coupled pendula), intermittent synchrony has been detected in EEG readings from specific pairs of electrodes from patients with schizophrenia and Parkinson’s Disease.1 However, the extent to which EEG noise impacts synchrony pattern within the Rubchinsky et. al. model has not yet been studied.1 
Methods: Using non-experimental data in MATLAB, we propose to run a series of trials to study the effect of signal-dependent multiplicative noise on the patterns of phase synchrony between oscillators. In the first condition, we simulate two completely synchronized signals, add signal-dependent noise to one, and observe the resulting changes to the synchronization pattern. In the second condition, we begin with two completely desynchronized signals. 
Potential Impact: In studies of intermittent phase synchrony, it has been suggested that this pattern is the result of neuronal circuits which, as the EEG signals synchronize, fire more strongly and as a result become less responsive to outside input. This interpretation has the power to explain some of the symptoms experienced by patients. Thus, the specific pattern of synchronized and de-synchronized episodes is potentially highly significant. Our study is a necessary first step to understanding if the existing model and interpretations are accurate. 
References:

Rubchinsky, L. L., Ahn, S., & Park, C. (2014). Dynamics of desynchronized episodes in intermittent synchronization. Frontiers in Physics, 2. doi:10.3389/fphy.2014.00038
Minimally Invasive, Non-Terminal In Vivo Muscle Testing of a Porcine Tibia Fracture Model
Authors: Peters Alexander W. , Corona Benjamin T. , Milto Anthony J. , Tucker Aamir , Brinker Alex , Savaglio Michael , Adam Gremah , Ganesh Venkateswaran , Gunderson Zachary , Childress Paul , Natoli Roman M. , McKinley Todd O. , Kacena Melissa A.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Soft tissue injury surrounding tibia fractures is a key determinant of surgical care decisions and healing outcomes. We have established a porcine tibia fracture model with a corresponding volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury in the adjacent peroneus tertius (PT) muscle. Herein, we test the hypothesis that tibia fracture without VML induces an initial strength deficit that recovers within three months post-injury, while VML injuries present chronic strength deficits.  
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 15 castrated Yucatan minipigs pigs will be evaluated in the following groups: Tibia defect (TD)-only, TD+small VML, and TD+large VML. To date, 12 have undergone injury, and 3 have completed the study (TD-only, n=2;  TD+small VML, n=1).  
In vivo muscle testing of the anterior compartment of the lower hindlimb was performed before and 1, 2, and 3 months post-injury. 
Results: Before injury the non-operative and operative limbs had similar peak muscle strength (11.8±1.0 vs. 10.8±0.6 Nm; p=0.42), and non-operative limb strength did not change during the study (ANOVA p=.89). Relative to pre-injury values, the tibia defect with VML injury presented 71, 77, and 79% strength loss, while the tibia defect-only limbs presented 46, 60, and 48% strength loss at 1, 2, and 3 months post-injury, respectively. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: The data are limited by low sample sizes as this project is ongoing. Preliminary data do not appear to support the hypothesis, as limbs with TD-only presented persistent strength deficits, though potentially of lesser magnitude than VML injured limbs. The mechanism of strength loss following TD-only may be related to disuse.
Identification of genes and molecular pathways involved in a C. elegans model of neuroborreliosis
Authors: Prado Ruben , Bessing Gai-Linn , Snyder Nathaniel , Singh Gurpalik , Yang Frank , Nass Richard
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Lyme disease is caused by the spirochaete bacteria from the Borrelia species. Recent studies suggest that Lyme disease may be associated with dementia, brain atrophy, and protein aggregates that may be associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimers disease (AD). The molecular basis of the Borrelia-associated innate immune response and associated neuropathology is poorly defined.  A significant hindrance in dissecting these molecular components is the lack of facile in vivo genetic models to explore the mechanisms involved in the neuropathology. Here we hypothesize that the nematode C. elegans will be a useful model for Borrelia-associated innate immunity and neuropathology. 
Project Methods: We utilized transcriptional reporters, transgenic animals, neuronal morphology analysis, RNAi, host defense pathways, AD- and PD-associated pathologies, and behavior assays to determine the effect that Borrelia has on C. elegans viability. 
Results: C. elegans can be infected and survive using Borrelia as a food source, and the bacteria can induce highly conserved innate immune response pathways, and exacerbate PD-associated dopamine neuronal death in human A53T -synuclein-expressing animals. C. elegans models expressing AD-associated human A 1-42 also show significant movement defects and increased protein aggregates when exposed to Borrelia. 
Conclusions and Potential Impact: This study further characterizes a novel genetic model for Borrelia-associated innate immunity and neuropathology. Incorporating C. elegans genetic screens, this model should allow us to identify mediators of the Borrelia-associated pathologies that should facilitate the identification of molecular pathways and potential therapeutic targets.