cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and the Crystal Structure of ( E )-2-(7-(3-(Thiophen-2-yl)acrylamido)-2,3-dihydro-5-oxobenzo[e][1,4]oxazepin-1(5H)-yl)ethyl acetate

Details of the synthesis and crystal structure determination of (E)-2-(7-(3-(thiophen-2-yl)acrylamido)-2,3-dihydro-5-oxobenzo[e][1,4]oxazepin-1(5H)-yl)ethyl acetate are presented. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic P−1 space group (a = 8.3377(17), b = 9.792(2), c = 12.469(3) A, α = 96.39(3)°, β = 108.50(3)°, γ = 97.68(3)°, V = 943.9(3) A3, Z = 2). Interesting features of the structure include intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the amide proton on one molecule and the carbonyl oxygen of the dihydrooxazepinone ring on an adjacent molecule, the boat conformation of the dihydrooxazepinone ring, and π-π stacking between thiophene and phenyl rings on adjacent molecules with a distance between centroids of 3.79(2) A. Synthesis and the crystal structure determination of (E)-2-(7-(3-(thiophen-2-yl)acrylamido)-2,3-dihydro-5-oxobenzo[e][1,4]oxazepin-1(5H)-yl)ethyl acetate are presented.
Correlations of recognition memory performance with expression and methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rats

Object recognition memory allows discrimination between novel and familiar objects. This kind of memory consists of two components: recollection, which depends on the hippocampus, and familiarity, which depends on the perirhinal cortex (Pcx). The importance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for recognition memory has already been recognized. Recent evidence suggests that DNA methylation regulates the expression of BDNF and memory. Behavioral and molecular approaches were used to understand the potential contribution of DNA methylation to recognition memory. To that end, rats were tested for their ability to distinguish novel from familiar objects by using a spontaneous object recognition task. Furthermore, the level of DNA methylation was estimated after trials with a methyl-sensitive PCR. We found a significant correlation between performance on the novel object task and the expression of BDNF, negatively in hippocampal slices and positively in perirhinal cortical slices. By contrast, methylation of DNA in CpG island 1 in the promoter of exon 1 in BDNF only correlated in hippocampal slices, but not in the Pxc cortical slices from trained animals. These results suggest that DNA methylation may be involved in the regulation of the BDNF gene during recognition memory, at least in the hippocampus.
Reservoir characteristics of the Bass Islands dolomite in Otsego County, Michigan: Results for a saline reservoir CO2 sequestration demonstration

As part of a phase II plan to understand, test, and evaluate the CO2 sequestration potential for deep saline reservoirs in Michigan, a demonstration test well was completed in late 2006 in Otsego County, northern lower Michigan. The well was drilled to 3630 ft (1006 m) and open-hole logged. Selected conventional cores totaling 180 ft (55 m) were taken in the saline reservoir (Bass Islands Formation), the immediately overlying confining unit (Bois Blanc Formation), and the overlying seal (Amherstberg Formation). Additionally, 24 sidewall cores were taken in several uphole formations. The whole core was sampled every foot by drilling 2-in. (5-cm)-long and 1-in. (2.5-cm)-diameter test plugs for porosity and permeability (PP) analyses. Seventy-four horizontal plugs, 12 vertical plugs, 6 whole cores, and 17 sidewall core plugs were sent to Core Laboratories for routine PP analyses. Fifteen blue-dyed, epoxy-impregnated thin sections were made from selected PP plugs. The whole core was slabbed for examination and description of lithology, sedimentary structures, and facies characteristics. This Upper Silurian and Lower–Middle Devonian stratigraphic section was carefully examined for lithology and facies characteristics that relate to reservoir and seal properties pertinent to CO2 sequestration. The overlying primary seal (Amherstberg Formation) is a low-porosity, low-permeability limestone that is highly fossiliferous and densely cemented with calcite and chalcedony. This unit is the ultimate vertical barrier to the vertical migration of fluids. The immediately overlying confining unit (Bois Blanc Formation) is a very cherty limestone and dolostone with moderate porosity and low permeability. Some fluids may move into this unit, but very low permeability will severely restrict the vertical flow. Thin sections show abundant microporosity. The target saline reservoir interval (Bass Islands Formation) is a variably porous and permeable dolostone composed of several tidal flat cyclic packages. The Bass Islands Formation has a gross thickness of 70 ft (21 m) with a reservoir interval composed of more than 40 ft (12 m) of greater than 10% porosity and permeability zones exceeding 500 md. Average porosity over the entire Bass Islands is 12.5%. Average permeability is 22.4 md. The CO2 injection tests, using the Bass Islands section, were completed during February and March 2008. Analysis of the Bass Islands Formation in northern Michigan indicated excellent reservoir quality for injection and storage of CO2 and high-quality sealing units to prevent vertical migration. Monitoring well data conducted during and after the injection test validates preinjection reservoir simulation modeling performed at Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs using well data and rock observations from this study.
Two-Pore Domain K+ Channels: Evidence for TWIK-2 in Blood Pressure Regulation

See related article, pp 672–678 The dynamic regulation of blood pressure relies on the ability of small arteries and arterioles to finely adjust their diameters to maintain peripheral vascular resistance and cardiovascular homeostasis. At the level of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), contraction is mediated by elevations in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration enabled by Ca2+-conducting channels located intracellularly or in the plasma membrane. The l-type Ca2+ channel opened by membrane depolarization is one key source of activator Ca2+ in VSMCs, and an upregulation of these channels may contribute to hypertension.1 In contrast, K+ channels in the plasma membrane mediate hyperpolarizing K+ efflux to set the resting membrane potential (Em) of VSMCs. A myriad of K+ channels, each showing unique properties and modulated by different neuroendocrine and mechanical factors, act in concert. The hyperpolarizing K+ current closes l-type Ca2+ channels to favor arterial dilation and counteracts pressor influences that could inordinately elevate blood pressure. Different gene families of K+ channels, including the voltage-gated K+ channels, Ca2+-activated K+ channels, inwardly rectifying K+ channels, and ATP-sensitive K+ channels, have been shown to dampen vascular excitability under various conditions. However, some of their properties, including voltage and Ca2+-dependent activation or metabolic dependence, are not well suited for stabilizing the resting Em. On the other hand, “leak” K+ channels, also referred to as “background” or “baseline” K+ channels, were postulated to lack voltage- or time-dependent inactivation and thereby represent ideal candidates for setting the resting Em …
Energetic N‐Trinitroethyl‐Substituted Mono‐, Di‐, and Triaminotetrazoles

A series of dense energetic N-trinitroethyl-substituted mono-, bis-, and tri-5-aminotetrazoles were obtained by reacting primary amines with in situ generated cyanogen azide, followed by the trinitroethyl functionalization that involves a condensation of a hydroxymethyl intermediate (prepared by a reaction with formaldehyde) with trinitromethane. These compounds were fully characterized by using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR, elemental analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and, in one case with 9, with single-crystal XRD analysis. The heats of formation for all compounds were calculated with Gaussian 03 and then combined with experimental densities to determine the detonation pressures (P) and velocities (D(v)) of the energetic materials. Interestingly, most of them exhibited high density, good thermal stability, acceptable oxygen balance, positive heat of formation, low impact sensitivity, and excellent detonation properties, which highlighted their practical application potentials as a fascinating class of highly energetic materials.
Alignment of possible secondary structures in multiple RNA sequences using simulated annealing

Multiple sequence alignment has been a useful technique for identifying RNA secondary structures. In this paper, an algorithm for aligning multiple RNA sequences to identify possible secondary structure is presented. In this algorithm, dot matrices generated from intr a-sequence comparisons are used to obtain possible common secondary structures. A hit probability for dot matrices is calculated and a score function based on this hit probability is defined. Simulated annealing is applied to optimize the score function. The solution set of multiple sequence alignment is introduced, and the effects on the solution set of increasing the number of alignment gaps and the alignment length are analyzed. Several additional strategies to reduce simulated annealing time are applied. A method is applied to reduce the computation time based on the solution set. Also, an optimized transition rule, double shuffle, which moves two positions in a sequence with each iteration, is applied to increase the rate of convergence. This algorithm was used to find possible common secondary structures in RNA sequences.
Symptoms and inflammation in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Objectives To evaluate the possibility that patients with inflammatory and noninflammatory chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) might present with different symptoms. Patients with CP/CPPS present with characteristic symptoms without bacteriuria. The new National Institutes of Health consensus suggests that CP/CPPS can be divided into inflammatory and noninflammatory categories. Methods Standardized symptom surveys were completed by 130 subjects who met the criteria for CP/CPPS after clinical examination and urethral, urine, expressed prostatic secretion (EPS), and seminal fluid analysis evaluations. Results When classified by either EPS or postprostatic massage urine (VB3) findings, subjects with and without inflammation had similar symptoms. However, when classified using the combination of EPS, VB3, and seminal fluid analysis, subjects with inflammatory CP/CPPS had more severe (P <0.02) and more frequent symptoms, in particular, difficulty reaching erection (P <0.01), weak urinary stream (P <0.01), urinary frequency (P = 0.03), and penile pain (P = 0.04). Conclusions The increased severity and frequency of symptoms among patients with inflammatory CP/CPPS provide empirical support for the new consensus classification on the basis of the combination of EPS, VB3, and seminal fluid analysis findings.
Operating system projects for undergraduates

This paper describes the projects written by students as part of our one-semester course in Operating Systems. It is aimed at Juniors and Seniors of average capabilities.The course is divided into three parts: (a) The assembly language, utilities and RT-11 operating system (*) of DEC's PDP-11 family, (b) general concepts in operating systems, and (c) a team programming project. Only the final third of the course will be discussed. In the remainder of this paper we describe the following: rationale for having the students write a stand-alone operating system in assembly language, the two design outlines given to the students, and our successes and failures with them.
Synthesis of reinitiated transcripts by mammalian RNA polymerase II is controlled by elongation factor SII.

Previous studies have revealed that the in vitro synthesis of reinitiated transcripts by RNA polymerase II requires an additional activity, designated reinitiation transcription factor (RTF), which is distinct from all of the general class II initiation factors. While further characterizing this activity, it was found that RTF displays properties indistinguishable from those of the RNA polymerase II elongation factor SII. In addition, Western blot analysis using SII-specific antibodies revealed that human SII is a major component in purified RTF preparations. The functional equivalence of the two proteins was established using recombinant SII, which proved fully capable of substituting for RTF in the reinitiation assay. In these reconstituted reactions, transcription complexes resulting from reinitiation events required SII to proceed through a 400 bp G-free cassette, while complexes resulting from the first round of initiations were SII-independent. Reinitiations can take place in the absence of SII; however, addition of the elongation factor is essential for full extension of the reinitiated transcripts. These results suggest that events taking place at the promoter (e.g. first-round initiations versus reinitiations) can create marked differences in the properties of RNA polymerase II elongation complexes.
Marital Status as a Moderating Factor in the Process of Disablement

Objective: To test current marital status as a moderator on the influence of depressive symptoms and chronic conditions on subsequent functional limitations. Method: Data come from the Health and R...
Yersinia pestis transition metal divalent cation transporters.

An important component of host innate immunity is the ability to withhold iron (Fe) from invading pathogens. More recently, it has become clear that similar battles between the host and pathogen for manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) are also critical for the ability of bacterial pathogens to proliferate in hosts. As with Fe, an increasing number of bacterial pathogens have been shown to lose virulence when Zn or Mn transporters are mutated. Similar to many other bacterial pathogens, Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague, has multiple high-affinity transport systems for acquiring Fe3+, Fe2+, Mn, and probably Zn from the host. Proper homeostasis of divalent cation transition metals (Fe2+, Mn, and Zn) may be critical for the progression of disease. Y. pestis likely achieves this homeostasis by (1) cation specificities of transporters; (2) using a combination of transporters; and (3) controlling expression of these transporters. This chapter will present new information on and review current knowledge of Fe2+, Mn, and Zn uptake systems in Y. pestis, their regulation, and role in pathogenesis.
Aminomethylphosphonic acid inhibits growth and metastasis of human prostate cancer in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model

// Keshab Raj Parajuli 1 , Qiuyang Zhang 1 , Sen Liu 1 , Zongbing You 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1 Departments of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA 2 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA 3 Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA 4 Tulane Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA 5 Tulane Center for Aging, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA Correspondence to: Zongbing You, e-mail: zyou@tulane.edu Keywords: aminomethylphosphonic acid, glyphosate, prostate cancer, metastasis, orthotopic xenograft mouse model Received: October 01, 2015 Accepted: January 23, 2016 Published: January 28, 2016 ABSTRACT Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) has been shown to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth in vitro . The purpose of the present study was to determine if AMPA could inhibit growth and metastasis of prostate cancer in vivo . Human prostate cancer PC-3-LacZ-luciferase cells were implanted into the ventral lateral lobes of the prostate in 39 athymic Nu/Nu nude male mice. Seven days later, mice were randomized into the control group ( n = 14, treated intraperitoneally with phosphate buffered saline), low dose group ( n = 10, treated intraperitoneally with AMPA at 400 mg/kg body weight/day), and high dose group ( n = 15, treated intraperitoneally with AMPA at 800 mg/kg body weight/day). Tumor growth and metastasis were examined every 4-7 days by bioluminescence imaging of live mice. We found that AMPA treatment significantly inhibited growth and metastasis of orthotopic xenograft prostate tumors and prolonged the survival time of the mice. AMPA treatment decreased expression of BIRC2 and activated caspase 3, leading to increased apoptosis in the prostate tumors. AMPA treatment decreased expression of cyclin D1. AMPA treatment also reduced angiogenesis in the prostate tumors. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AMPA can inhibit prostate cancer growth and metastasis, suggesting that AMPA may be developed into a therapeutic agent for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Database-related accuracy and uncertainty of pedotransfer functions

Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are becoming a more common way to predict soil hydraulic properties from soil texture, bulk density, and organic matter content. Thus far, the calibration and validation of PTFs has been hampered by a lack of suitable databases. In this paper we employed three databases
Novel Use of an Apical-Femoral Wire Rail to Assist With Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

The inability to reposition or retrieve balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valves once they have been deployed requires implantation of the valve in the descending aorta or open surgical procedures to extract the valve. We describe the challenging transfemoral delivery of an Edwards Lifesciences Sapien valve wherein we had difficulty crossing the aortic valve and the guidewire position was compromised. We performed a transapical puncture to snare the guidewire and create a left ventricular to femoral wire rail, allowing us to deliver the transfemoral transcatheter valve, salvaging a situation where we would have been required to implant the valve in the descending aorta. We believe this is the first time this technique has been reported and represents an important method to facilitate delivery of transcatheter valves where guidewire support is insufficient or lost.
Improvement in Increasing Tuberculosis Case Detection in Fuzhou City

[Objective]To explore the effect of strengthening organization and management on tuberculosis (TB) case detection.[Methods]Implementation of legislative management,strengthening administrative interventions,utilization of case-finding network in general hospital,responsibility improvement in specialist hospitals and TB prevention and control institutions were adopted in Fuzhou City.[Results]The registration rate of new smear positive cases raised from 23.8/100 000 in 2002 to 40.6/100 000 in 2006,the average cure rate was 87.8%.[Conclusion]It is effective to increase TB case detection and to improve TB control through organization and management.
Typical Power Supply Modes for New Rural Village Electrification

In order to accelerate the new rural electrification construction and improve the rural distribution construction level,after wide investigating and thorough analyzing,the typical power supply modes for the new rural village electrification are compiled based on New Rural Electrification Construction Actualization Compendium and New Rural Electrification Standard System.According to the level of economy and power consumption,the rural villages are classified into type A,B,C,based on which the typical power supply modes for the villages are classified into type A,B,C.Ten kinds of typical power supply modes are proposed according to different kinds of districts and different kinds of architecture structures,including three modes of A,three of B and four of C.The achievement has been widely applied in the new rural village electrification constructions and its effectiveness has been proved.
Resonant Stimulated X-Ray Raman Spectroscopy of Molecule Following Core Ionization

We investigate computationally the valence electronic excitations of the amino acid glycine following a sudden nitrogen core ionization induced by an attosecond X-ray pump pulse. The molecule left in a superposition of cationic excited states is then probed by a second broadband X-ray pulse together with a narrowband pulse tuned to the carbon K-edge. Transient X-ray absorption and attosecond stimulated X-ray Raman signals are simulated and related to the evolution of the valence excited state wavepacket.
Optimal Bidding in Performance-Based Regulation Markets: An MPEC Analysis With System Dynamics

In this paper, we address the problem of optimal bidding in performance-based regulation markets for a large price-maker regulation resource. Focusing on the case of the California Independent System Operator (ISO), detailed market components are considered, such as regulation capacity payment, regulation mileage payment, performance accuracy adjustment, automatic generation control dispatch, and participation factor. Our analysis also incorporates system dynamics of the regulation resource for different resource types and technologies. In principle, our problem formulation is a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). However, our fundamentally new formulations introduce several new challenges in solving the MPEC problem in the context of performance-based regulation markets that are not previously addressed. In fact, global optimization techniques fail to solve the original nonlinear program due to its complexity. Therefore, we undergo several innovative steps to transform the problem into a mixed-integer linear program which is solved with accuracy, reliability, and computational efficiency. Insightful case studies are presented using data from a California ISO regulation market project.
Current Research Toward Speech-to-Speech Translation

This chapter describes some of the efforts toward speech-to-speech translation systems and some related research efforts. Specifically, we describe following systems: SpeechTrans (CMU) SL-TRANS (ATR) JANUS (CMU) HMM-LR Parser (CMU) MINDS System (CMU) Knowledge Based Machine Translation System (CMU)
“Conquering Misperceptions about Commodity Futures Investing”: A Comment

This material comments on “Conquering Misperceptions about Commodity Futures Investing” (July/August).
Kinetics of Bone Marrow Blasts during Remission Induction Course in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Effect on Complete Remission and Relapse-Free Survival.

Achievement of complete remission (CR) is crucial to prolong survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The definition of CR has been well established; however, there are no objective measures for deciding when the probability of achieving CR has become so low that a patient’s disease can be considered resistant to therapy. In particular, it can be difficult to distinguish patients with resistant disease from those with persistent disease but who subsequently will enter CR, a distinction that underlies the decision to start a second course or change therapy. We attempted to facilitate this decision by examining the relation between the % marrow blasts 21 days, and later, after start of course 1 of initial induction therapy and the subsequent probability of CR on course 1. Our database consisted of the 593 adults with AML (≥20% blasts, acute promyelocytic leukemia excepted) who had bone marrow examined 21 days after beginning induction therapy including cytarabine at cumulative dose of 5–6 g/m2 at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from 1995 to 2004. 340 of the 593 patients had an additional bone marrow examination between day 22 and day 28 (day 22–28) of course 1; similarly, day 29–35 marrows were done in 185 patients, day 36–42 marrows in 89 patients and so on. Bone marrows were categorized as morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS;
A Revision of the Amiiform Fish Genus Sinamia with Phylogeny of Sinamiidae

Abstract. All species of the genus Sinamia (Sinamiidae, Amiiformes) are reviewed on the basis of the examination of the holotypes, paratypes, other specimens, and original descriptions of each species. Diagnoses are provided for all species. Phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the family Sinamiidae and demonstrates that the long dorsal fin base in Sinamia and Amia is a matter of convergence. It is considered that the species having a long dorsal fin base lived in still water with vegetation, like Amia calva, while the species having a short dorsal fin base probably lived in the open water.
A CLAWAR That Benefits From Abstracted Cockroach Locomotion Principles

MechaRoach II is a hexapod robot under development that will walk on horizontal surfaces, climb on inclined or vertical mesh surfaces, and test strategies for transitioning between the two. The locomotion principles that allow cockroaches to make these transitions have been studied and mechanisms using abstractions of those principles have been developed for the robot. These principles include leg and foot morphology, gait adaptation, and body flexion. MechaRoach II will have a single drive motor, a motor for steering, and a motor to actuate a body flexion joint. The single drive motor will power all six legs, and each leg will use 4-bar mechanisms to recreate cockroach-like foot trajectories. Cockroaches have been shown to flex their bodies downward between the first and second thoracic segments or rear their bodies upward using their middle legs during transitions between climbing on vertical surfaces and walking on horizontal ones. Similarly, MechaRoach II’s body joint will be used to rear the front of the robot upward or downward during transitioning. The robot will normally walk in a tripod gait with contralateral legs 180 degrees out of phase, but will use passive torsionally compliant devices to bring contralateral legs into phase for climbing.
Vessel Mapping for Dialysis Access Planning

The population of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States is progressively increasing, with hemodialysis (HD) as the major mode of renal replacement therapy. National guidelines recommend increasing the use of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) in both incident and prevalent hemodialysis patients. Pre-operative vascular mapping prior to the surgical creation of an AVF is now considered standard of care and may be helpful in achieving these goals. This manuscript focuses on the advantages and limitations of the various imaging techniques currently available for vessel mapping including physical examination, ultrasonography, angiography (iodinated contrast vs. CO2 ), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), with specific suggestions for clinical use.
Guidelines for Cultivating Academic Support at an Academic Health Science Center

This paper provides recommendations for implementing an office of academic support at an academic health science center. An office of academic support should provide individual consultation, assessment and feedback, brief term intervention, and appropriate referrals. Resources should be provided to both students and faculty and encourage active engagement in self-directed learning for professional development and academic achievement. Outreach efforts, institutional service, marketing, and program evaluation are additional important endeavor. By following these recommendations, the office of academic support can assist students in need, provide resources to prevent the development of academic difficulties, and promote academic excellence across the institution.
Comparison of FDA safety and efficacy data for KAMRA and Raindrop corneal inlays.

Aim To provide a side-by-side analysis of the summary of safety and effectiveness data (SSED) submitted to the FDA for the KAMRA and Raindrop corneal inlays for the correction of presbyopia. Methods SSED reports submitted to the FDA for KAMRA and Raindrop were compared with respect to loss of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), adverse event rates, induction of astigmatism, retention of contrast sensitivity, stability of manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), and achieved monocular uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 24mo. Results Totally 442/508 of KAMRA patients and 344/373 Raindrop patients remained enrolled in the clinical trials at 24mo. The proportion of KAMRA and Raindrop patients who lost ≥2 lines of CDVA at 24mo was 3.4% and 1%, respectively. The adverse event rate was comparable between the devices. No significant inductions of astigmatism were noted. Both technologies induced a transient myopic shift in MRSE followed by a hyperopic shift and subsequent stabilization. Totally 87% of KAMRA and 98% of Raindrop patients attained a monocular UNVA of J5 (20/40) or better at 24mo, 28% of KAMRA and 67% of Raindrop patients attained a monocular UNVA of J1 (20/20) or better at 24mo. Conclusion Both devices can be considered safe and effective, however, the results of corneal inlay implantation are mixed, and long-term patient satisfaction will likely depend on subjective expectations about the capabilities of the inlays. Variability in surgical technique and postoperative care within and between the two clinical trials diminishes the comparative power of this article.
A comparative study of visual representations in conventional, digitized and interactive high school science textbooks

With emerging new technologies being applied in teaching and learning, this study compares visual representations in three different high school biology textbook formats and analyses the senses eng...
Obsessions and Compulsions

In this chapter we describe developmental and clinical characteristics of obsessionality and ritualistic behaviors, highlighting both pathologic and nonpathological expressions in childhood and adolescence. We define and discuss obsessional thoughts and compulsions, ritualistic behavior, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) from a developmental perspective that places these behaviors in the familial context. With respect to OCD, we review empirical and theoretical literature that addresses clinical characteristics and phenomenology, observed age and gender effects in clinical populations, epidemiological studies, and issues of comorbidity. Finally, we propose a developmental model that begins with the emergence of early ritualistic behavior and suggests pathways to normative and maladaptive obsessional outcomes.
Development and Evaluation of Tri-Functional Immunoliposomes for the Treatment of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer.

Trastuzumab combined with Doxorubicin (DOX) demonstrates significant clinical activity in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC). However, emergence of treatment resistance and trastuzumab associated cardiotoxicity remain clinical challenges. In an effort to improve patient outcome, we have developed and evaluated novel tri-functional immunoliposomes (TFIL) that target HER2-receptors on BC cells and CD3-receptors on T-lymphocytes, and deliver DOX. Trastuzumab (anti-HER2) and OKT-3 (anti-CD3) antibodies were conjugated to liposomes using a micelle-transfer method. Cytotoxicity of targeted immunoliposomes loaded with DOX was examined in vitro on HER2-positive BC cells (BT474), with peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMC) as immune effector cells. TFIL demonstrated high antibody-liposome conjugation ratios (100–130 μg protein/μmol phospholipid) and cargo capacity (0.21 mol:mol drug:lipid), highly efficient DOX loading (>90%), a particle size favorable for extended circulation (~150 nm), and good stability (up to 3 months at 4°C). In the presence of PBMCs, TFIL showed complete killing of BT474 cells, and were superior to mono-targeted trastuzumab-bearing liposomes, non-targeted liposomes, and free Trastuzumab and DOX. Novel anti-HER2xCD3 + DOX TFIL show promise as a means to both engage immune cells against HER2 positive breast cancer cells and deliver chemotherapy, and have the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
Effects of Interventions That Include Aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication Input on the Communication of Individuals With Complex Communication Needs: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions that included aided AAC input (e.g., aided AAC modeling, a...
Effects of Ultrawide Band Microwave Pulses on Rat Hearts in Vitro

Current safety guidelines for radiofrequency radiation (RFR) are based on its thermal effects. However the effects of lower levels of RFR, particularly pulsed RFR, on biological tissues are largely unknown, although “nonthermal” or specific effects have been reported1,2. Continuous wave 960MHz RFR has been reported to change the beating rate of isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts3,4. We have therefore used this preparation to test for possible biological interactions of ultrawide band (UWB) pulsed radiation.
Biophysics of Membrane Currents in Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is associated with an increased risk of sudden death and multiple ion channel changes. These ion channel changes that are thought to underlie the increased arrhythmic risk. Understanding these changes and their origins should allow for more effective therapeutic strategies free from the proarrhythmic effects limiting current ion channel-blocking drugs. This review summarizes some of the recent findings about ion channel biophysical changes during HF with an eye to the new therapeutic possibilities suggested by the data.
Oblique Attempts to Expand the Criminalizing Authority of the State

As we know, in The Moral Limits of the Criminal Law Joel Feinberg defends “The Liberal Position (on the moral limits of the criminal law): The harm and offense principles, duly clarified and qualified, between them exhaust the class of good reasons for criminal prohibitions.” [HTS xvii] Feinberg explicitly rejects Legal Paternalism, which (roughly) would permit the criminalization of actions to prevent harm to the actor, and Legal Moralism, which (roughly) would permit the criminalization of actions that are inherently immoral. [HTS xvii]1 A fortiori, Feinberg rejects variants of these principles which would permit even greater limitations on liberty. [HTS xvi-xviii] Only “other-regarding” actions can morally be criminalized, those which (roughly) harm others (or pose a clear and present danger of harm to others), and those which offend others.
Effects of a Community Population Health Initiative on Blood Pressure Control in Latinos

Background Hypertension remains one of the most important, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Yet, the largest minority ethnic group (Hispanics/Latinos) often have different health outcomes an...
Alcohol Advertising on Facebook and the Desire to Drink Among Young Adults

Objective:Social networking sites (SNSs) may influence the behavior of SNS users by exposing them to information about the number of other users who engaged with a SNS post (i.e., user engagement) ...
Statewide Comparison of Origin-Destination Matrices Between California Travel Model and Twitter

Abstract Social media data can potentially be a good source of information for travel behavior and could potentially become a record of longitudinal travel behavior. Before judging their suitability as a source of data, information extensive comparisons with more traditional travel demand models are needed. In this paper we create an origin-destination (OD) matrix for the entire State of California using data from Twitter and compare it to the OD matrix of the calibrated California Statewide Travel Demand Model (CSTDM). The comparison uses a spatial lag Tobit model and latent class regression models to compare OD matrices taking into account the censored distributions of trips and spatial heterogeneity. In the process we also develop a conversion technique between Twitter-based ODs and CSTDM ODs. Our findings include discovery of four different classes of relationships between CTDM ODs and Twitter-based ODs producing different unit-contributions that depend on spatial contexts of the analyzed OD pairs. These four classes represent different types of trips in California. We also find considerable heterogeneity in the mix of these classes within different regions of the State of California.
Synthesis of greigite (Fe3S4) particles via a hydrothermal method

Greigite (Fe3S4) particles, with strong ferrimagnetic behavior, have been found to have desirable uses in the areas of biomedical and environmental applications. Size-dependent magnetic properties of greigite can play a crucial role in efficiency of its applications. This study reviews two synthetic approaches to producing such particles. The methods tested within this study include a coprecipitation synthesis and a hydrothermal process. While the coprecipitation method proved to be ineffective at producing greigite, the hydrothermal process showed promise after consistently producing greigite. For the hydrothermal process, the effects of synthesis time, autoclave atmosphere, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) addition as a capping agent to control particle growth were investigated using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) with Rietveld refinement, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that, while pyrite (FeS2) forms as an impurity phase, increasing the synthesis time up to 18 hours increases the greigite fraction up to 70 wt% and saturation magnetization up to ∼ 35 emu/g for the powder synthesized in argon. The SEM micrographs of this sample reveal a mean greigite particle size of ∼ 700 nm. It was found that adding PVP brings about a much more uniform microstructure of agglomerated plate-shape particles with nano-sized features.
Ruins of Empire: Decolonial Queer Ecologies in Cliff’s No Telephone to Heaven

This paper examines the ways in which Michelle Cliff’s No Telephone to Heaven (1987) uses postcolonial Gothic conventions to articulate a convergence of gender, race, sexuality, capitalism, colonialism, and environment. I argue that the novel diverges from colonial values in its production of conflicting identity politics, and that these can be best understood through decolonial queer ecologies. The paper begins by situating the work of Omise’eke Natasha Tinsley and Edouard Glissant to lay a foundation for the decolonial queer ecocritical analysis that follows. Both Tinsley and Glissant stress the importance of the land to Caribbean culture and people, but Tinsley further establishes a framework for queer Caribbean studies that can help one better understand my critique of Cliff’s No Telephone to Heaven . From this framework, I show how both raced and classed queer and trans characters transgress colonial boundaries through the ways that they reappropriate spaces and bodies in Jamaica’s ruinate. I further examine how the Afro-Carib people who assemble in the ruinate challenge imperialism by forming a coalition that embraces trans leadership. In order to renegotiate human agency in the ruins of empire, Cliff’s novel utilizes coalition building as a form of decolonization to explore non-hierarchical relationships between queer/non-queer characters and their relationship with the land. No Telephone to Heaven repurposes the Gothic as a means for characters to discover new, more productive relationships with one other and their environment.
The impact of exercise motives on adolescents’ sustained use of wearable technology

Wearable technology has become extremely prevalent; however, adoption and sustained long-term use are still issues. Understanding behaviours associated with the use and adoption of a wearable devic...
Clinical and Hemometabolic Status Impact Transitions in Acute on Chronic Heart Failure Shock: Insights from the CSWG Registry

Purpose Cardiogenic shock remains a complex global health entity associated with high mortality despite increased utilization and availability of acute mechanical circulatory support (AMCS) as a bridge to replacement, recovery and/or palliation. We sought to determine the disease trajectory of patients with chronic heart failure complicated with cardiogenic shock and the impact of surrogates related to clinical severity and impaired hemometabolic status. Methods 712 cardiogenic shock patients with acute-on-chronic heart failure as cause of shock were identified from the CSWG Registry and were evaluated by treatment, metabolic indicators of renal and liver dysfunction and hemodynamics with respect to outcome. Treatment parameters analyzed across the duration of in-patient hospitalization included the use of more than 1 AMCS device, the use of more than 1 vasopressor/inotrope, and the use of mechanical ventilation. Metabolic indicators were measured prior to any AMCS usage and included elevated INR, serum creatinine, and total bilirubin. Elevated right atrial pressure (RAP), wedge pressure and cardiac index at baseline was used to evaluate hemodynamic status. Recovery (discharge w/o replacement), replacement (bridge to VAD or OHT) and in-hospital mortality were the primary outcomes of interest. Results Out of 712 HF CS patients, 255 (35.81%) recovered, 277 (38.90%) bridged to either a VAD or OHT, and 180 (25.28%) did not survive their hospitalization. The variation in hemometabolic status and clinical severity across outcomes is summarized in the figure below. Conclusion Specific surrogates of worsening clinical (mechanical ventilation/increased inotropes/vasoactives), hemodynamic (increased RAP) and metabolic (increased SCr and Total Bilirubin) status in HF-CS were associated with impaired survival. Our findings support the value of studying dedicated system-based strategies for early clinical and hemometabolic situational awareness in HF-CS.
Electromagnetic interference on cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators during endoscopy as reported to the US Federal Drug Administration

More than 3 million patients have a cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) such as a pacemaker or implanted cardioverter-defibrillator in the USA. These devices are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) leading to malfunction and injury. Radiofrequency energy, the most common modality for obtaining hemostasis during endoscopy, is the most common source of EMI. Few studies have evaluated the effect of endoscopic radiofrequency energy on CIEDs. We aim to characterize CIED dysfunction related to endoscopic procedures. We hypothesize that EMI from endoscopic energy can result in patient injury. We queried the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for CIED dysfunction related to electrosurgical devices over a 10-year period (2009–2019). CIED dysfunction events were identified using seven problem codes (malfunction, electromagnetic interference, ambient noise, pacing problem, over-sensing, inappropriate shock, defibrillation). These were cross-referenced for the terms “cautery, electrocautery, endoscopy, esophagus, colonoscopy, colon, esophagoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy.” Reports were individually reviewed to confirm and characterize CIED malfunction due to an endoscopic procedure. A search for CIED dysfunction resulted in 43,759 reports. Three hundred and eleven reports (0.7%) were associated with electrocautery, and of these, 45 reports (14.5%) included endoscopy. Ten reports involving endoscopy (22%) specified upper (3, 7%) or lower (7, 16%) endoscopy while the remainder were non-specific. Twenty-six of reports involving endoscopy (58%) suffered injury because of CIED dysfunction: Of these, 17 (65%) received inappropriate shocks, 5 (19%) had pacing inhibition with bradycardia or asystole, 3 (12%) had CIED damage requiring explant and replacement, and 1 (4%) patient suffered ventricular tachycardia requiring hospital admission. The use of energy during endoscopy can cause dysfunction of CIEDs. This most commonly results in inappropriate defibrillation, symptomatic bradycardia, and asystole. Patients with CIEDs undergoing endoscopy should undergo pre- and post-procedure device interrogation and re-programming to avoid patient injury.
An institutional review of hospital resource utilization and patient radiation exposure in shunted idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) frequently utilize healthcare services and undergo radiological studies to assess refractory headache symptoms despite cerebrospinal fluid diversion. To delineate the clinical utility of different imaging modalities and to estimate cumulative patient radiation exposure in shunted patients with IIH, we retrospectively reviewed 100 randomly selected patients with IIH and a prior cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure treated at our institution between July 2010 and August 2018. Patients had an average of 16.3 office (SD ± 13.8), 12.4 emergency department (± 21.0), and 4.6 inpatient (± 5.1) encounters over an average 4.8 years of follow-up. Patients underwent an average of 9.0 head CTs (± 8.1), 10.3 shunt series x-rays (± 11.2), and 4.3 MRIs (± 3.7). Approximated radiation exposure per patient was 21.4 mSv (± 18.7). Radiological studies performed for acute symptoms usually demonstrated no actionable findings (82.5% CTs, 97.5% shunt series x-rays, and 79.6% MRIs). Shunted IIH patients undergo numerous radiological studies and are subject to considerable levels of radiation, yet imaging shows actionable findings in less than 10% percent of radiographic studies. IIH patients may benefit from radiation-reducing protocols and the use of alternative imaging to assess symptoms.
AzuCR RNA modulates carbon metabolism as a dual-function RNA in Escherichia coli

Abstract Bacteria have evolved small RNAs (sRNAs) to regulate numerous biological processes and stress responses. While sRNAs generally are considered to be “noncoding”, a few have been found to also encode a small protein. Here we describe one such dual-function RNA that modulates carbon utilization in Escherichia coli. The 164 nucleotide RNA was previously shown to encode a 28 amino acid protein (denoted AzuC). We discovered the membrane-associated AzuC protein interacts with GlpD, the aerobic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to increased GlpD activity. Overexpression of the RNA encoding AzuC results in a growth defect in glycerol and galactose medium. The defect in galactose medium was still observed for a stop codon mutant derivative, suggesting a potential regulatory role for the RNA. Consistent with this observation, we found that cadA and galE are repressed by base pairing with the RNA (denoted AzuCR). Interestingly, translation of AzuC interferes with the observed repression of cadA and galE by AzuCR and base pairing interferes with AzuC translation, demonstrating that the translation and base pairing functions compete.
Multifocal Pneumonia Amidst the Global COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case of Daptomycin-Induced Eosinophilic Pneumonia

Multifocal pneumonia amidst this global pandemic is often attributed to COVID-19, resulting in missed diagnosis of other potentially fatal illnesses such as eosinophilic pneumonia. Eosinophilic pneumonia is often associated with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A 65-year-old male presented to the emergency department for a four-day history of fatigue, cough, and worsening dyspnea; CT thorax showed extensive multifocal pneumonia, and COVID-19 was suspected. COVID-19 testing using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was negative, and complete blood count revealed peripheral eosinophilia, which is not expected in COVID-19. The patient was being treated concomitantly with daptomycin and ceftaroline for septic arthritis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. We reconsidered our initial diagnosis and held daptomycin, after which the patient started to improve. Due to hypoxia, steroids were added, which resulted in a dramatic improvement of the patient's symptoms. Daptomycin can have toxic effects, resulting in the accumulation of eosinophils in the lung parenchyma. Symptoms usually arise by the third week and include dyspnea, peripheral eosinophilia, and infiltrates involving the outer one-third of the lung fields. FDA drug safety guidance helped to establish this diagnosis. The treatment options include the removal of offending agents and steroids in severe cases.