cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CYP genotypes influence the effect of tamoxifen therapy on serum lipids

Beneficial effects of tamoxifen therapy on LDL-cholesterol have been reported in several studies. We examined the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6 (*1, *4, *5, *6 and *10) and CYP2C9 (*1, *2 and *3) genes and serum lipid profile in 28 women who took tamoxifen (20mg/day) for the management of breast cancer. The fasting serum lipid profiles were evaluated before starting tamoxifen therapy and at the end of four months of treatment. The total and LDL-cholesterol lowering effect of tamoxifen was not significantly different among groups carrying different CYP2D6 genotype variants. The same was true for CYP2C9 groups. A significant decrease in total and LDL-cholesterol was noted in women who carried a combination of *1/*1 variants of CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 genes or a combination including *1/*1of either CYP combined with any other variant of the other CYP (p=0.0003 and 0.0001 for total and LDL cholesterol respectively). CYP2D6 *1/*10 combined with a heterozygous variant of CYP2C9 did not adversely influence the beneficial effect of tamoxifen consistent with the *10 variant only partially decreasing enzyme activity. No beneficial effect of tamoxifen was seen in the group of patients who carried variants of both CYPs. The use of new multi-comparison algorithms to evaluate the effects of multiple genetic variants on robust measures of drug response is critical to the demonstration of predictive pharmacogenetic patterns. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P69–P69; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.261
Children's Task-Switching Efficiency: Missing Our Cue?.

In simple rule-switching tests, 3- and 4-year-olds can follow each of two sorting rules but sometimes make perseverative errors when switching. Older children make few errors but respond slowly when switching. These age-related changes might reflect the maturation of executive functions (e.g., inhibition). However, they might also reflect children's ability to use task cues. Cue-processing difficulties predict switch costs in adult task switching (Logan & Schneider, 2007). It is unknown whether they explain children's task-switching errors or slowing. The current study tested whether inhibition, cue interpretation, or both predict 3- to 6-year-old children's switch-related errors (Experiment 1) and slowing (Experiment 2). Children performed a computerized task-switching test in which most trials were preceded by an audiovisual cue that instructed them to switch rules, or to stay—that is, continue using the current rule. Interspersed control trials used no cue. In Experiment 1, 3- and 4-year-olds made as m...
A fusion-based approach for tolerating faults in finite state machines

Given a set of n different deterministic finite state machines (DFSMs) modeling a distributed system, we examine the problem of tolerating f crash or Byzantine faults in such a system. The traditional approach to this problem involves replication and requires n · f backup DFSMs for crash faults and 2 · n · f backup DFSMs for Byzantine faults. For example, to tolerate two crash faults in three DFSMs, a replication based technique needs two copies of each of the given DFSMs, resulting in a system with six backup DFSMs. In this paper, we question the optimality of such an approach and present an approach called (f, m)-fusion that permits fewer backups than the replication based approaches. Given n different DFSMs, we examine the problem of tolerating f faults using just m additional DFSMs. We introduce the theory of fusion machines and provide an algorithm to generate backup DFSMs for both crash and Byzantine faults. We have implemented our algorithms in Java and have used them to automaticaly generate backup DFSMs for several examples.
Clinical outcomes after cardiac transplantation in muscular dystrophy patients.

Background Patients with muscular dystrophy are at risk of developing a dilated cardiomyopathy and can progress to advanced heart failure. At present, it is not known whether such patients can safely undergo cardiac transplantation. Methods This was a retrospective review of the Cardiac Transplant Research Database, a multi-institutional registry of 29 transplant centers in the United States, from the years 1990 to 2005. The post-cardiac transplant outcomes of 29 patients with muscular dystrophy were compared with 275 non-muscular dystrophy patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, matched for age, body mass index, gender, and race. Results Becker's muscular dystrophy was present in 52% of the patients. Survival in the muscular dystrophy patients was similar to the controls at 1 year (89% vs 91%; p = 0.5) and at 5 years (83% vs 78%; p = 0.5). The differences in rates of cumulative infection, rejection, or allograft vasculopathy between the 2 groups were not significant ( p > 0.5 for all comparisons). Conclusions Recognizing the limitations of the present investigation (ie, selection bias and data lacking in the functional capacity of the muscular dystrophy patients), the current study suggests that the clinical outcomes after cardiac transplantation in selected patients with muscular dystrophy are similar to those seen in age-matched patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Alternative Sigma Factor RpoE Is Important for Vibrio parahaemolyticus Cell Envelope Stress Response and Intestinal Colonization

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophile that inhabits brackish waters and a wide range of hosts, including crustaceans, fish, mollusks, and humans. In humans, it is the leading cause of bacterial seafood-borne gastroenteritis. The focus of this work was to determine the role of alternative sigma factors in the stress response of V. parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633, an O3:K6 pandemic isolate. Bioinformatics identified five putative extracytoplasmic function (ECF) family of alternative sigma factors: VP0055, VP2210, VP2358, VP2578, and VPA1690. ECF factors typically respond to cell wall/cell envelope stress, iron levels, and the oxidation state of the cell. We have demonstrated here that one such sigma factor, VP2578, a homologue of RpoE from Escherichia coli, is important for survival under a number of cell envelope stress conditions and in gastrointestinal colonization of a streptomycin-treated adult mouse. In this study, we determined that an rpoE deletion mutant strain BHM2578 compared to the wild type (WT) was significantly more sensitive to polymyxin B, ethanol, and high-temperature stresses. We demonstrated that in in vivo competition assays between the rpoE mutant and the WT marked with the β-galactosidase gene lacZ (WBWlacZ), the mutant strain was defective in colonization compared to the WT. In contrast, deletion of the rpoS stress response regulator did not affect in vivo survival. In addition, we examined the role of the outer membrane protein, OmpU, which in V. cholerae is proposed to be the sole activator of RpoE. We found that an ompU deletion mutant was sensitive to bile salt stress but resistant to polymyxin B stress, indicating OmpU is not essential for the cell envelope stress responses or RpoE function. Overall, these data demonstrate that RpoE is a key cell envelope stress response regulator and, similar to E. coli, RpoE may have several factors that stimulate its function.
Changes in nerve growth factor immunoreactivity following entorhinal cortex lesions: possible molecular mechanism regulating cholinergic sprouting.

To assess the possible role of trophic factors in lesion-induced plasticity, we have used a sensitive immunohistochemical technique to evaluate changes in nerve growth factor (NGF) staining in the hippocampal formation 3, 8, 16, and 30 days following entorhinal cortex lesions. Our results indicate that a band of NGF immunoreactivity appears in the outer molecular layer of the ipsilateral dentate gyrus following entorhinal ablation. The distribution of the NGF-immunoreactive band exactly coincides with the distribution of sprouting cholinergic terminals revealed by acetylcholinesterase histochemistry or NGF-receptor immunostaining. Increased NGF-immunoreactivity is detectable at 3 days postlesion, is most intense at 8 days, and decreases to near control levels by 30 days. Lesion-induced increases in NGF immunostaining also occur in animals in which septohippocampal fibers had been removed by prior destruction of the fimbria-fornix. Increases in NGF-immunoreactivity, however, are substantially reduced in animals receiving intraventricular injections of colchicine, which presumably blocks NGF release. These results indicate that (1) increases in NGF immunostaining, which occur following entorhinal lesions, precede any changes in cholinergic sprouting parameters and are greatest during the period of maximal cholinergic sprouting; (2) increased NGF-immunoreactivity is not due to NGF binding by septohippocampal fibers; and (3) increased NGF-immunoreactivity appears to depend on the release of NGF by neurons that produce it. We hypothesize that, following entorhinal lesions, NGF immunostaining within the hippocampal formation may represent NGF “anchored” within the tissue and that NGF accumulation by such a mechanism may direct the sprouting response of NGF-sensitive cholinergic neurons. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
External management succession, human capital, and firm performance: an integrative analysis

Economic analysis of human capital leads to a somewhat different question than that addressed by other management research on external succession: do differences between external successors in the transferability of their human capital affect firm performance, and if so, how? By comparing external successors that have within-industry and related-industry skills, we find that successors with less transferable (related-industry) skills have greater variance of firm performance. Our analysis provides an example of the benefits of integrating economic concepts with empirical research in competitive strategy, on a topic of central concern in the traditional strategic management literature, namely, top executives. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Library space in the digital age: the pressure is on

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss the need for librarians to be proactively involved in institutional decisions regarding repurposing or annexation of library space. As libraries transition from print to electronic delivery of journals, especially in STM intensive libraries, administration will begin to question the need to retain large runs of bound print journal volumes, especially in light of the ever‐present space crunch faced by many institutions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a viewpoint based on the experience of repurposing library space for alternative use.Findings – Librarians must be proactive when addressing library space issues. It is imperative that librarians are actively involved in defining the direction and future of the library rather than waiting for the decision to be made for them by their institution.Originality/value – The paper advocates the need to be proactive rather than reactive in planning for the future use of library space.
Effect of Static and Fatigue Cracking on Concrete Strain Measurements

Three concrete specimen types were tested to failure under static and cyclic loading. Simply supported beams, fully supported beams, and fully supported slabs were constructed from the same concrete mix. Strain gauges were used to help determine the effect static and fatigue cracks had on concrete strain measurements. Static load tests for all specimen types found strain gauges overestimated bending stresses after 70 percent of the static strength of the concrete. Stresses based on cyclic strain measurements were not useful in predicting the bending stresses in the concrete specimens. The strain gauges accumulated permanent deformations almost immediately after cyclic testing started. For all specimen types tested, strain gauges indicated that cracking in concrete occurred in a localized narrow band. Concrete in the cracking plane had increased strain levels, whereas adjacent uncracked regions experienced a reduction in strain levels. Location of the failure crack on each specimen type was essential for i...
Coronary artery fistulas: A case presentation and literature review

Coronary fistulas are rare anomalies that connect the coronary artery to either a cardiac chamber (coronary cameral fistula) or vein (arteriovenous fistula). They arise due to abnormalities in embryologic development and are often coincidental findings. The exact incidence is estimated to be between 0.1-0.2 percent of the general population. There are no consensus guidelines for management of these fistulas. We present a patient with a large fistula and will review the literature and management decisions for this clinical abnormality.A 66-year-old man with diabetes, hypertension and a prior bioprosthetic aortic valve presented to the Loma Linda VA Hospital with shortness of breath. An echocardiogram revealed moderate to severe prosthetic aortic stenosis, and an angiogram showed 80% mid left anterior descending (LAD) obstruction with a large arteriovenous fistula. The fistula extended from the circumflex artery to coronary sinus. He was referred for redo open heart surgery with aortic valve replacement, coronary bypass grafting and repair of the fistula. There are multiple case reports of these malformations causing symptoms of angina, coronary steal or heart failure based on various testing modalities. However, in 31 individuals with incidental findings of coronary fistulas from a small case series, no adverse effects on cardiac function were noted based on physical exam or functional testing. If treatment is deemed beneficial, surgery is the most available option and another study of 41 symptomatic patients reported low post-operative morbidity and mortality after nine-year follow-up. The authors believe that large fistulas found incidentally should be further evaluated for ischemia and monitored for symptoms. For individuals with small fistulas, conservative management is a viable strategy as there is a high incidence of spontaneous closure. If a fistula is determined to be symptomatic, operative repair is well tolerated.
Average regression-adjusted controlled regenerative estimates

Computer simulations of queuing systems are often used to generate estimates of system characteristics along with estimates of their precision. It is pointed out that obtaining precise estimates, especially for high traffic intensities, can require large amounts of computer time. Average regression-adjusted controlled regenerative estimates result from combining the two techniques of controlled regenerative estimates and average regression-adjusted regenerative estimates. Combining these two techniques can create estimates whose estimated mean-square error is much lower than can be obtained through using either technique alone. An example using data from a simulation of an M/M/1 queue is provided. In this example the estimated mean square error for the average regression-adjusted controlled regenerative estimate is just 10% of the mean square error estimate for the straightforward regenerative estimate. >
Small-molecule bioanalytical sample preparation method development starting from the BASICS.

Aim: To develop a robust small-molecule bioanalytical sample preparation method, systematic investigations of the bioanalytical handling conditions of analytes and IS of interest are preferred. So far, such investigations are done manually and are labor-intensive and error-prone. Result: An automation-assisted system has been developed to facilitate such systematic investigations. The system takes experimental design and automates the majority of the wet laboratory work. In addition, the system also automates the data extraction, recovery/loss computation, graphing and reporting. Conclusion: The automation-assisted system greatly reduces errors and labor involved in the systematic investigation of analytes and IS both for wet chemistry experiments and for data extraction and processing, enhances data processing efficiency and overall sample preparation method development productivity.
Utilizing selenious acid to reverse selenium deficiency in total parenteral nutrition patients

The ability of selenious acid to reverse selenium deficiency in eight adult home TPN patients was assessed. Initially, deficiency was documented by comparing both plasma selenium levels in patients (means = 0.035 micrograms/g) to those of 10 controls (means = 0.117 micrograms/g) (p less than 0.001) and by comparing erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity, as mumol NADPH oxidized/g Hb/min, in patients (means = 8.93) to controls (means = 31.76) (p less than 0.002). Subsequently, patients added 100 micrograms/day of selenious acid to their total parenteral nutrition solutions. Postsupplementation selenium status demonstrated a mean plasma level of 0.101 micrograms/g and a mean erythrocyte GSHPx activity of 17.56. Statistically, patients' plasma selenium levels were significantly different (p less than 0.001) when compared to pretreatment levels. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the restored levels and the levels of the controls. Postsupplementation erythrocyte GSHPx activity (means = 17.56) was not significantly different from the initial patient values, although activity did double. Additionally, there existed a significant difference between the postsupplementation enzyme activity and the controls (p less than 0.03). We conclude that selenious acid is able to normalize deficient plasma levels but not deficient erythrocyte GSHPx activity.
Absorption Spectrum of Np O 2 + 2 in CsU O 2 ( N O 3 ) 3

The absorption spectrum of Np${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{+2}$ doped in CsU${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{3}$ has been studied from 5000 to 22 000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Nine electronic levels have been identified through their vibronic patterns and magnetic properties. Four of these levels, at 6458, 9420, 17 841, and 20 815 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, are identified as pure electronic excitations within the $5{f}^{1}$ configuration. The other five electronic levels at 13 914, 16 071, 16 093, 17 968, and 21 021 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ arise from the excited configuration consisting of two $5f$ electrons and a hole in the bonding electrons. The observed Zeeman effect of the absorption lines at 6458, 9420, 17 841, and 20 815 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ agrees roughly with the calculation reported by Eisenstein and Pryce on the spectrum of Np${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{+2}$ doped in RbU${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{3}$, whose crystal structure is isomorphous to that of CsU${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{3}$.
Free-standing LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/carbon nanofiber network film as lightweight and high-power cathode for lithium ion batteries.

Lightweight and high-power LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/carbon nanofiber (CNF) network electrodes are developed as a high-voltage cathode for lithium ion batteries. The LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/CNF network electrodes are free-standing and can be used as a cathode without using any binder, carbon black, or metal current collector, and hence the total weight of the electrode is highly reduced while keeping the same areal loading of active materials. Compared with conventional electrodes, the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/CNF network electrodes can yield up to 55% reduction in total weight and 2.2 times enhancement in the weight percentage of active material in the whole electrode. Moreover, the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/carbon nanofiber (CNF) network electrodes showed excellent current rate capability in the large-current test up to 20C (1C = 140 mAh/g), when the conventional electrodes showed almost no capacity at the same condition. Further analysis of polarization resistance confirmed the favorable conductivity from the CNF network compared with the con...
Determination of the Trace Elements in Serum of the Pregnant Women

The trace elements change in serum of the pregnant women was observed. Determination of Fe、Mn、Cu、 Zn、Ca、Al、Pb in serum of the non-pregnant and the pregnant women were observed by ICP-AES. The content of Fe、 Mn、Ca in serum of the pregnant women obviously decrease than that of non-pregnant women(P0.01).The content of Cu and Zn in serum of the pregnant women obviously rise(P0.01). Al was lower than that of the non-pregnant women(P0.05), while Pb was higher(P0.05). There are obvious changes of trace elements including Fe、Mn、Cu、 Zn、Ca in serum of the non-pregnant and the pregnant women, so women should pay attention to reasonable nutriment during pregnancy.
Application of the second kind Euler integrals to semiconductor physics

The paper expounds the application of the second kind Euler integral in semiconductor physics, gives the simplified scheme which will not meet complicated polynomials. Besides,the temperature dependence of carrier concentration under certain temperatures is calculated. The result is concise and the physical significance is clear.
MRI Abnormalities Are Common In Little League Player’s Elbows A Longitudinal Study

Objectives:Youth baseball is extremely popular, but it has been associated with elbow pain and pathology. The purpose of this study was to examine pre- and post-season Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) changes in Little League baseball players and correlate these findings with the players’ throwing history and physical exams.Methods:A prospective study of Little League players age 10 -13 years was performed. Players were recruited prior to the start of the season and underwent bilateral elbow MRI. All players underwent a physical exam and responded to a questionnaire addressing their playing history and arm pain. At the end of the season, the players underwent repeat physical exam and MRI of their throwing arm. MRIs were read by two blinded radiologists. During the season, player statistics including innings played and pitch counts were recorded. Physical exam findings and players statistics were compared between subjects with and without MRI changes utilizing chi-square and ANOVA techniques.Results:Twenty...
Creation and Validation of a Novel Mobile Simulation Laboratory for High Fidelity, Prehospital, Difficult Airway Simulation.

Introduction Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a complex clinical skill complicated by the inherent challenge of providing care in the prehospital setting. Literature reports a low success rate of prehospital ETI attempts, partly due to the care environment and partly to the lack of consistent standardized training opportunities of prehospital providers in ETI. Hypothesis/Problem The availability of a mobile simulation laboratory (MSL) to study clinically critical interventions is needed in the prehospital setting to enhance instruction and maintain proficiency. This report is on the development and validation of a prehospital airway simulator and MSL that mimics in situ care provided in an ambulance. Methods The MSL was a Type 3 ambulance with four cameras allowing audio-video recordings of observable behaviors. The prehospital airway simulator is a modified airway mannequin with increased static tongue pressure and a rigid cervical collar. Airway experts validated the model in a static setting through ETI at varying tongue pressures with a goal of a Grade 3 Cormack-Lehane (CL) laryngeal view. Following completion of this development, the MSL was launched with the prehospital airway simulator to distant communities utilizing a single facilitator/driver. Paramedics were recruited to perform ETI in the MSL, and the detailed airway management observations were stored for further analysis. Results Nineteen airway experts performed 57 ETI attempts at varying tongue pressures demonstrating increased CL views at higher tongue pressures. Tongue pressure of 60 mm Hg generated 31% Grade 3/4 CL view and was chosen for the prehospital trials. The MSL was launched and tested by 18 paramedics. First pass success was 33% with another 33% failing to intubate within three attempts. Conclusions The MSL created was configured to deliver, record, and assess intubator behaviors with a difficult airway simulation. The MSL created a reproducible, high fidelity, mobile learning environment for assessment of simulated ETI performance by prehospital providers. Bischof JJ , Panchal AR , Finnegan GI , Terndrup TE . Creation and Validation of a Novel Mobile Simulation Laboratory for High Fidelity, Prehospital, Difficult Airway Simulation. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(5):465–470.
Updating the Gender Gap(s): A Multilevel Approach to What Underpins Changing Cultural Attitudes

A number of studies have shown that men and women hold dissimilar opinions on a variety of issues. While we have been cognizant of the existence of the gender gap, none of the extant research examines the extent to which these differences are a consequence of period and cohort effects simultaneously. Cohort and period explanations are central to how scholars theorize large-scale changes in public opinion. This study uses a multilevel approach—employing cross-classified random effects models—to explore the underpinnings of gender differences on social and cultural issues (such as social welfare opinions, gender roles, sexuality, abortion, racial equality, and crime- and justice-related attitudes) stemming from the replacement of individuals or because men and women are changing how they think. The advantage is that this approach encourages an effort to examine the relative impact of compositional and contextual factors over time and across birth cohorts and assesses the consequences of how changes in these factors affect some of our most fundamental hypotheses about the origins of a gendered culture war.
Social emotional information processing in adults: Development and psychometrics of a computerized video assessment in healthy controls and aggressive individuals

A computerized version of an assessment of Social-Emotional Information Processing (SEIP) using audio-video film stimuli instead of written narrative vignettes was developed for use in adult participants. This task allows for an assessment of encoding or relevant/irrelevant social-emotional information, attribution bias, and endorsement of appropriate, physically aggressive, and relationally aggressive responses to aversive social-emotional stimuli. The psychometric properties of this Video-SEIP (V-SEIP) assessment were examined in 75 healthy controls (HC) and in 75 individuals with DSM-5 Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and were also compared with the original questionnaire (SEIP-Q) version of the task (HC=26; IED=26). Internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest properties of the V-SEIP were good to excellent. In addition, IED participants displayed reduced encoding of relevant information from the film clips, elevated hostile attribution bias, elevated negative emotional response, and elevated endorsement of physically aggressive and relationally aggressive responses to the ambiguous social-emotional stimuli presented in the V-SEIP. These data indicate that the V-SEIP represents a valid and comprehensive alternative to the paper-and-pencil assessment of social-emotional information processing biases in adults.
A New Nearctic Species of Azana Walker Fungus Gnat1

Abstract. A new Nearctic species of the fungus gnat genus Azana Walker was discovered in western Michigan. Azana pilosa Taber n. sp. was distinguished from the closely related North American species Azana sinusa Coher by the presence of setae on the clypeus of both sexes. Ten males and one female flew to Malaise traps in late summer. Juveniles of A. pilosa remain unknown.
Social media listening and Title IX training crisis: Implications for discourse of renewal

ABSTRACTCourses: Undergraduate or graduate organizational/crisis communication or public relations coursesObjective: The goal for this single class activity is for students to apply discourse of renewal to an organizational crisis fueled through social media.
A novel cognitive anti-jamming stochastic game

This paper proposes a new cognitive anti-jamming stochastic game model for multi-agent environments in which each wideband autonomous cognitive radio (WACR) attempts to predict and evade the transmissions of other radios as well as a dynamic jammer signal. The cognitive framework is divided into two operations: sensing and transmission. Each is helped by its own learning algorithm based on Q-learning. It is shown, through both analysis and simulations, that the proposed cognitive anti-jamming technique has low computational complexity and significantly outperforms non-cognitive sub-band selection policy.
Abstract P016: Human Mesenchymal Bone Marrow--Derived Stem Cells Require Connexin 43 to Form Beating 3-Dimensional Tubes When Cocultured with Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have begun to manifest themselves as a safe and beneficial therapy for restoring cardiac function in failing hearts. However, the mechanism underlying this function is unclear. The present study was initiated to investigate the role of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in hMSC integration, migration and differentiation in co-culture with neonatal rat cardiomyocyte (NRVMs) in vitro. Cx43 is a gap junction connexin which is required for proper heart development and heart electrophysiology. We generated lentiviral constructs for Cx43 knockdown and Cx43 overexpression and used them to alter the level of Cx43 in hMSCs. The effectiveness of these vectors was confirmed by assessing Cx43 levels in hMSCs by Western Blot analysis and by Real Time-PCR. These hMSCs were co-cultured with NRVMs for up to 1 month on poly-lysine and collagen I coated glass cover slips. Co-cultures containing MSCs overexpressing Cx43 exhibited coordinated beating and three-dimensional tube formation in 10 days, whereas 14 days were required for control cells. The hMSCs were integrated into these beating three dimensional tubes. No tubes were observed in co-cultures with Cx43 knockdown hMSCs, rather we observed the formation of small, unconnected beating spheres after 30 days in co-culture. Human MSC-Cx43 knockdown cells were integrated into these spheres and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that Cx43 expression in hMSC-Cx43 knockdown remained reduced when compared to the control group. Real Time-PCR analysis using human specific primers showed significant upregulation of KDR, smooth muscle actin, Pecam1, CD34, CDH2, and CaCNA1C. Several genes, not initially seen in hMSCs, including Gata4, CDH5, SCN5A, SLC8A1, and KCNQ1, appeared in co-cultures with hMSCs with normal and elevated expression levels of Cx43. However, in co-culture of cardiomyocytes with Cx43 knockdown MSCs we observed downregulation of KDR, CHD2, SCN5A, SLC8A1, KCNQ1 compare to control. These results suggest a strong correlation between the presence of Cx43 and the ability of hMSCs to differentiate into cardiac and endothelial lineages.
Modification by cyclic adenosine monophosphate of basolateral membrane chloride conductance in chick retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: We investigated the hypothesis that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) modifies the basolateral membrane chloride conductance of chick retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). METHODS: Placing freshly dissected chick retina-RPE-choroid tissues in a perfusion chamber that allows separate perfusion of its retinal and choroidal sides, the authors examined the effect of choroidal perfusion of forskolin (50 mM), an adenylate cyclase activator, on extracellular and intracellular RPE potentials, resistances, light-evoked responses, and chloride diffusion potentials. RESULTS: Forskolin hyperpolarized the RPE basolateral membrane, decreased the apical/basal membrane resistance ratio, increased the amplitude of the RPE membrane c-wave hyperpolarizations, decreased the amplitude of the transepithelial c-wave, and suppressed the light peak. In addition, forskolin decreased the basolateral membrane chloride diffusion potential by 31%. The effects of forskolin were diminished by pretreatment of the basolateral membrane with DIDS, a chloride channel blocker, or by pretreatment of the apical membrane with bumetanide, a blocker of NaK2Cl cotransport. Transepithelial potential, resistance, and c-wave amplitude were not changed by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, which does not elevate cAMP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of cAMP results in diminished basolateral membrane chloride conductance in chick RPE. This could be due to a direct effect on the chloride channel or due to a decrease in intracellular chloride concentration secondary to inhibition of apical membrane NaK2Cl cotransport.
Chemoradiation after FOLFIRINOX for borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Background: The safety and efficacy of FOLFIRINOX (FX) followed by consolidative chemoradiation (CRT) in borderline resectable (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) has not been extensively studied. We sought to evaluate outcomes and toxicities of this regimen. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 33 patients with BRPC or LAPC treated with FX followed by CRT. Radiotherapy was directed at the primary tumor and any involved nodes (84.8% received 50–50.4 Gy with standard fractionation and concurrent capecitabine, while 15.2% of patients received 36 Gy in 15 fractions with weekly gemcitabine). Toxicities of FX and CRT were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.0), and radiographic response was evaluated using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local control (LC) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analyses, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the impact of clinicopathologic factors on OS. Results: Median follow-up was 19.9 months and patients received a median of 6.4 months of chemotherapy (range, 2.2–12.0 months). There were more T4 tumors than T3 tumors (70% vs . 30%). Grade ≥3 toxicities were low, including fatigue (9.1%), diarrhea (6.1%), neuropathy (6.1%), and dehydration (6.1%). R0 surgical resection was achieved in 5 patients (15.2%) after CRT. Median OS was 22.0 months (91% at 1 year and 45% at 2 years). Median DMFS was 17.8 months (69% at 1 year and 35% at 2 years). LC was 84% at 1 year and 55% at 2 years. Conclusions: OS is promising with the use of FX in BRPC and LAPC, and consolidative CRT was well tolerated in this cohort. Therefore, the role of radiation after multi-agent chemotherapy should be further evaluated in prospective trials.
Intravesical electrical stimulation treatment for overactive bladder: An observational study.

Purpose Intravesical electrical stimulation treatment (IVES) has been successfully used to treat neurogenic bladder. We report the results of an observational study regarding the use of IVES for women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and/or urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Materials and methods IVES was performed in women with OAB (defined by frequency ≥8/day, nocturia ≥2/night, or ≥3 episodes of UUI on 3-day voiding diary) who failed prior medical therapy. Subjects underwent 4 weeks of treatment with an 8-Fr Detruset™ IVES catheter. Primary outcome was Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Form OAB Questionnaire (OAB-q SF), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ), reduction in frequency and UUI on voiding diary, and adverse effects. Analysis was done with paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results Seventeen subjects completed the study. At 4 weeks post-treatment, 15 improved on PGI-I (11 subjects: 'a little better', 2: 'much better', 2: 'very much better'). There were significant improvements in symptom bother and health-related quality of life as measured by OAB-q SF and pelvic organ prolapse and urinary distress as measured by PFDI. Frequency decreased from 10.3±4.3 at baseline to 8.9±2.3 (p=0.04) at 3 months. No pain was reported during treatment. There was one urinary tract infection during the study period. No other adverse events were reported. Conclusions IVES appears to be a safe and effective novel treatment for OAB. Larger comparative studies are needed to investigate its potential for long-term treatment.
Provable de-anonymization of large datasets with sparse dimensions

There is a significant body of empirical work on statistical de-anonymization attacks against databases containing micro-data about individuals, e.g., their preferences, movie ratings, or transaction data. Our goal is to analytically explain why such attacks work. Specifically, we analyze a variant of the Narayanan-Shmatikov algorithm that was used to effectively de-anonymize the Netflix database of movie ratings. We prove theorems characterizing mathematical properties of the database and the auxiliary information available to the adversary that enable two classes of privacy attacks. In the first attack, the adversary successfully identifies the individual about whom she possesses auxiliary information (an isolation attack). In the second attack, the adversary learns additional information about the individual, although she may not be able to uniquely identify him (an information amplification attack). We demonstrate the applicability of the analytical results by empirically verifying that the mathematical properties assumed of the database are actually true for a significant fraction of the records in the Netflix movie ratings database, which contains ratings from about 500,000 users.
The Hypothetical-Deductive Model in Personality Psychology

Vollmer thinks of the hypothetical-deductive model as involving a two-level structure. On the lower level is a set of empirical laws connecting observable features of phenomena. These laws provide the backing for causal explanations of particular events. They in turn are explained by theoretical hypotheses couched in terms of nonobservable events, characteristics, or whatever. Apart from a few errors, most notably the suggestion that empirical laws can be deduced from theoretical principles alone (without connecting bridge hypotheses), this does represent a pattern that is found in a few highly developed sciences and that has undoubtedly exercised a powerful fascination for less developed sciences, not excluding psychology.
Abstract 3488: Elucidation of Warburg effect and cell cycle regulations through analysis of cancer tissue omics data and kinetic modeling

Cancer cells tend to depend more on anerobic glycolysis to generate adenosine 59- triphosphate (ATP), which is an inefficient energy producing process termed as “The Warburg effect”. The causes or functions of Warburg effect have been extensively studied, however, the growth advantage it confers to cancer cells still remains unclear. In this study, we propose that the metabolic shift in cancer cells would facilitate the accumulation of nutrients and biomass (e.g., nucleotides, amino acids and lipids), which would promote the cell cycle initiation and progression as unicellular organisms do. Specifically, by comprehensively analyze the gene expression and mutational profile in 16 cancer types, we identified (1) the gene expression profile of cancer cells is evolutionarily more unicellular like when compared to normal; and (2) certain cell cycle associated mutations are associated with the metabolic alternations in cancer cells, such as nucleotide synthesis pathways and lipids metabolism. Moreover, we developed a system of kinetic equations to capture the metabolic relations between nutrient metabolism and cell cycle initiation and progression. The kinetic model shows that the rapid nucleotide synthesis as well as high influx of glutamate would affect the activities of cell cycle signaling and CDKs genes. Our study provides a novel mechanistic view in linking the Warburg effect and cancer cell cycle initiation and progression. Citation Format: Tao Sheng. Elucidation of Warburg effect and cell cycle regulations through analysis of cancer tissue omics data and kinetic modeling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3488.
Evidence About the Benefits of Fluoridation: Caries Prevention Benefits

At appropriate levels, fluoride has been well established as a safe and effective agent in the prevention of dental caries. On the other hand, when individuals are exposed to excessive amounts of f...
Finding the problem: How students approach problem identification

Abstract The primary purpose of this study was to describe students’ strategic approaches to problem identification. Given the absence of descriptive research in creative problem identification strategies, the secondary purpose was to explore the multiple methods for coding students’ responses, including (a) deductive, (b) inductive, and (c) hybrid approaches. Eighth and ninth grade students (N = 90) responded to semi-structured interview prompts while completing a creative problem-solving task (i.e., Creative Problem Solving-Microanalysis Interview Protocol; CPS-MIP). All three coding approaches provided insights and limitations. Collectively, most students only discussed 1-2 strategies, and those strategies tended to represent lower levels of processing (e.g., Resource Management: regulating attention/perception). Fewer students used more complex strategies, such as Elaboration (i.e., exploring/connecting information), Analysis (i.e., considering/dissecting specific components), and Manipulation (i.e., actively altering information). Further, students struggled to integrate multiple strategies into cohesive plans; therefore, students may need explicit instruction and support to develop adaptive strategic approaches to problem identification.
The Strange, Sad Case of the “Bosnian Christian Girl”: Slavery, Conversion, and Jurisdiction on the Habsburg-Ottoman Border

This article examines the case of a Bosnian brother and sister at the center of a diplomatic dispute between Austria and the Ottoman Empire in 1852. Mara Illic had to cross the border into Austria in order to board a ship that would take her to Anatolia with the household of a pasa who had been banished. Milan called upon Austrian authorities to “liberate” Mara, whom he claimed had been enslaved when she was “forced” to convert to Islam as a young child. Austria's defense of its seizure of the girl and the Ottomans' insistence that she be returned reflect tension over sovereignty, jurisdiction, and personhood. The border brings into stark relief the conflict between different ways of conceptualizing categories like freedom and slavery, contract and coercion, confession and nationality.
Dual Targeting of Mesothelin and CD19 with Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T Cells in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

B cells infiltrate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and in preclinical cancer models, can suppress T cell immunosurveillance in cancer. Here, we conducted a pilot study to assess the safety and feasibility of administering lentiviral-transduced chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified autologous T cells redirected against mesothelin to target tumor cells along with CART cells redirected against CD19 to deplete B cells. Both CARs contained 4-1BB and CD3ζ signaling domains. Three patients with chemotherapy-refractory PDAC received 1.5 g/m2 cyclophosphamide prior to separate infusions of lentiviral-transduced T cells engineered to express chimeric anti-mesothelin immunoreceptor SS1 (CART-Meso, 3 × 107/m2) and chimeric anti-CD19 immunoreceptor (CART-19, 3 × 107/m2). Treatment was well tolerated without dose-limiting toxicities. Best response was stable disease (1 of 3 patients). CART-19 (compared to CART-Meso) cells showed the greatest expansion in the blood, although persistence was transient. B cells were successfully depleted in all subjects, became undetectable by 7–10 days post-infusion, and remained undetectable for at least 28 days. Together, concomitant delivery of CART-Meso and CART-19 cells in patients with PDAC is safe. CART-19 cells deplete normal B cells but at the dose tested in these 3 subjects did not improve CART-Meso cell persistence.
Characterizing the Metal–Ligand Bond Strength via Vibrational Spectroscopy: The Metal–Ligand Electronic Parameter (MLEP)

The field of organometallic chemistry has tremendously grown over the past decades and become an integral part of many areas of chemistry and beyond. Organometallic compounds find a wide use in synthesis, where organometallic compounds are utilized as homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysts or as stoichiometric reagents. In particular, modifying and fine-tuning organometallic catalysts has been at the focus. This requires an in-depth understanding of the complex metal–ligand (ML) interactions which are playing a key role in determining the diverse properties and rich chemistry of organometallic compounds. We introduce in this article the metal–ligand electronic parameter (MLEP), which is based on the local vibrational ML stretching force constant, fully reflecting the intrinsic strength of this bond. We discuss how local vibrational stretching force constants and other local vibrational properties can be derived from the normal vibrational modes, which are generally delocalized because of mode–mode coupling, via a conversion into local vibrational modes, first introduced by Konkoli and Cremer. The MLEP is ideally suited to set up a scale of bond strength orders, which identifies ML bonds with promising catalytic or other activities. The MLEP fully replaces the Tolman electronic parameter (TEP), an indirect measure, which is based on the normal vibrational CO stretching frequencies of [RnM(CO)mL] complexes and which has been used so far in hundreds of investigations. We show that the TEP is at best a qualitative parameter that may fail. Of course, when it was introduced by Tolman in the 1960s, one could not measure the low-frequency ML vibration directly, and our local mode concept did not exist. However, with these two problems solved, a new area of directly characterizing the ML bond has begun, which will open new avenues for enriching organometallic chemistry and beyond.
Resilience and Covid-19: action plans and strategies in a military community

A pandemic takes a toll on emotional health and tests psychological resilience. In particular, interpersonal interactions in military communities have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ...
Control of A 2R Planar Horizontal Underactuated Manipulator

This paper presents a new method for trajectory planning and control of a 2R planar horizontal robotic arm with only the first joint actuated, which is known to be controllable but not asymptotically stabilizable with smooth feedback controllers. The main idea is to first determine an admissible trajectory that satisfies both the constraints of system dynamics and boundary value conditions, and then design a feedforward controller for the system. For complex and highly nonlinear systems, an optimization method is applied to determine the trajectory. Moreover, a time-scaling method can be used to control the magnitude of the inputs and also make it easier to find a solution in the optimization procedure. To further improve the robustness of the controller, a feedback controller is designed along the planned trajectory. Position to position control of the robot is simulated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.