cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inward currents induced by ischemia in rat spinal cord dorsal horn neurons

Hypoxia and ischemia occur in the spinal cord when blood vessels of the spinal cord are compressed under pathological conditions such as spinal stenosis, tumors, and traumatic spinal injury. Here by using spinal cord slice preparations and patch-clamp recordings we investigated the influence of an ischemia-simulating medium on dorsal horn neurons in deep lamina, a region that plays a significant role in sensory hypersensitivity and pathological pain. We found that the ischemia-simulating medium induced large inward currents in dorsal horn neurons recorded. The onset of the ischemia-induced inward currents was age-dependent, being onset earlier in older animals. Increases of sensory input by the stimulation of afferent fibers with electrical impulses or by capsaicin significantly speeded up the onset of the ischemia-induced inward currents. The ischemia-induced inward currents were abolished by the glutamate receptor antagonists CNQX (20 μM) and APV (50 μM). The ischemia-induced inward currents were also substantially inhibited by the glutamate transporter inhibitor TBOA (100 μM). Our results suggest that ischemia caused reversal operation of glutamate transporters, leading to the release of glutamate via glutamate transporters and the subsequent activation of glutamate receptors in the spinal dorsal horn neurons.
Telomerase activity, cell proliferation, and cancer

Telomerase and telomere length have received a lot of recent attention from the biomedical research community. The cancer field started to take an interest in telomerase and telomere length approximately 7 years ago. Early experiments showed that telomeres shorten in primary fibroblasts with increased divisions in culture (1, 2) and that telomerase activity was not detected in these primary cultures. In contrast, after immortalization, telomere lengths are stabilized and telomerase is active (3). This suggested that telomerase might be required for the indefinite growth of immortal cells in culture. Around the same time, other experiments showed that tumors have shorter telomeres than normal tissue (2, 4) and that telomerase is active in many tumors and not in many normal samples (5, 6). Thus, the idea emerged that telomerase might be required for tumor growth in vivo. Testing this idea has fed the exponential increase in telomerase papers in the past 5 years.
Sustained Activation of Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling in Human Prostate Cancer LNCaP Cells Depleted of Androgen

Objectives: The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is involved in the control of cell growth and differentiation. In this study, we have investigated the effect of androgen withdrawal on this pathway and its potential role in the induction of neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. For this purpose, we used the androgen-sensitive human prostate cancer LNCaP cells as an in vitro model. Methods and Results: The incubation of LNCaP cells for 6 days in medium, either free of serum or supplemented with serum depleted of steroids (i.e., charcoal-stripped serum), resulted in NE differentiation as determined by growth arrest, the formation of neurites, and an increase in neuron-specific enolase protein expression. Sustained extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation/activity and enhanced ERK/MAPK kinase (MEK) activity also were observed on serum or steroid withdrawal. A synthetic androgen, mibolerone, blocked both NE differentiation and ERK phosphorylation induced by the incubation of the cells in steroid-depleted medium, thus confirming androgen specificity. Furthermore, a culture of LNCaP cells in complete medium supplemented with a 5-α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, also induced NE differentiation and ERK phosphorylation. This implicates depletion of the principal prostatic androgen, dihydrotestosterone, as the specific mediator of these effects. In contrast to ERK, the phosphorylation status of the stress-activated MAPK members c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 was not altered by steroid withdrawal. The MEK inhibitor U0126 was used to study the potential role of ERK in regulating NE differentiation. However, U0126 did not reverse NE differentiation associated with steroid depletion, even though ERK phosphorylation was suppressed. The role of erb B tyrosine kinase receptors in mediating ERK phosphorylation during steroid depletion also was investigated. erb B1 protein levels decreased, erb B3 protein levels and phosphorylation remained unaltered, and erb B2 phosphoprotein levels increased after steroid depletion. Stable expression of an intracellular antibody to erb B2, however, did not prevent the up-regulation of ERK phosphorylation that is associated with steroid depletion. Conclusions: Androgen depletion induces sustained erb B-independent ERK signaling in LNCaP cells, however, this pathway is not essential for the associated NE differentiation.
Puesta al día en enterococos - año 2001: Identificación de especies y estudio de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana

In recent years, enterococci have emerged as important pathogens. These organisms are now the third most commonly encountered nosocomial bloodstream infection pathogens in many part of the world. Due to increasing frequency with which multi-drug resistant enterococci are isolated from clinical specimens, there is a need for rapid reporting of results of identification tests and tests for susceptibility testing to antimicrobial agents. In 1999, we published an update of regarding the identification of the different species of enterococci as well as the recommendations for accurately detecting resistance among these isolates. In the current report, we will discuss additional tests for identification of enterococcal species as well as, the current recommendations for susceptibility testing
Domains of the TMV movement protein involved in subcellular localization.

Summary To identify and map functionally important regions of the tobacco mosaic virus movement protein, deletions of three amino acids were introduced at intervals of 10 amino acids throughout the protein. Mutations located between amino acids 1 and 160 abolished the capacity of the protein to transport virus from cell to cell, while some of the mutations in the C-terminal third of the protein permitted function. Despite extensive tests, no examples were found of intermolecular complementation between mutants, suggesting that function requires each movement protein molecule to be fully competent. Many of the mutants were fused to green fluorescent protein, and their subcellular localizations were determined by fluorescence microscopy in infected plants and protoplasts. Most mutants lost the ability to accumulate in one or more of the multiple subcellular sites targeted by wild-type movement protein, suggesting that specific functional domains were disrupted. The order in which accumulation at subcellular sites occurs during infection does not represent a targeting pathway. Association of the movement protein with microtubules or with plasmodesmata can occur in the absence of other associations. The region of the protein around amino acids 9‐11 may be involved in targeting the protein to cortical bodies (probably associated with the endoplasmic reticulum) and to plasmodesmata. The region around residues 49‐51 may be involved in co-alignment of the protein with microtubules. The region around residues 88‐101 appears to play a role in targeting to both the cortical bodies and microtubules. Thus, the movement protein contains independently functional domains.
Characterization of Two SHP-2-associated Binding Proteins and Potential Substrates in Hematopoietic Cells

Multiple studies have demonstrated an important role for the Src homology 2-containing tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) in receptor tyrosine kinase-regulated cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies have identified potential SHP-2 substrates which mediate these effects. SHP-2 also is implicated in several cytokine receptor signaling pathways and in Bcr-Abl transformation. However, its precise role and targets in normal and abnormal hematopoietic cells remain to be determined. We identified two novel tyrosyl-phosphorylated proteins associated with SHP-2 in hematopoietic cells. The first, a 97-kDa cytosolic protein (p97), associates inducibly with SHP-2 upon cytokine stimulation and constitutively in Bcr-Abl-transformed cells. In contrast, p135, a 135-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein, forms a distinct complex with SHP-2, independent of cytokine stimulation or Bcr-Abl transformation. Far Western analysis reveals that SHP-2, via its Src homology 2 domains, can interact directly with either protein. In vitro dephosphorylation experiments, as well as transient transfection studies using wild type and mutant SHP-2 constructs, suggest that p97 and p135 also are SHP-2 substrates. Our results indicate that SHP-2 forms at least two separate complexes in hematopoietic cells and point to new potential SHP-2 targets.
Vitamin D, intermediary metabolism and prostate cancer tumor progression

Epidemiological data have demonstrated an inverse association between serum vitamin D3 levels, cancer incidence and related mortality. However, the effects of vitamin D on prostate cancer biology and its utility for prevention of prostate cancer progression are not as well defined. The data are often conflicting: some reports suggest that vitamin D3 induces apoptosis in androgen dependent prostate cancer cell lines, while others suggest that vitamin D3 only induces cell cycle arrest. Recent molecular studies have identified an extensive synergistic crosstalk between the vitamin D- and androgen-mediated mRNA and miRNA expression, adding an additional layer of post-transcriptional regulation to the known VDR- and AR-regulated gene activation. The Warburg effect, the inefficient metabolic pathway that converts glucose to lactate for rapid energy generation, is a phenomenon common to many different types of cancer. This process supports cell proliferation and promotes cancer progression via alteration of glucose, glutamine and lipid metabolism. Prostate cancer is a notable exception to this general process since the metabolic switch that occurs early during malignancy is the reverse of the Warburg effect. This “anti-Warburg effect” is due to the unique biology of normal prostate cells that harbor a truncated TCA cycle that is required to produce and secret citrate. In prostate cancer cells, the TCA cycle activity is restored and citrate oxidation is used to produce energy for cancer cell proliferation. 1,25(OH)2D3 and androgen together modulates the TCA cycle via transcriptional regulation of zinc transporters, suggesting that 1,25(OH)2D3 and androgen maintain normal prostate metabolism by blocking citrate oxidation. These data demonstrate the importance of androgens in the anti-proliferative effect of vitamin D in prostate cancer and highlight the importance of understanding the crosstalk between these two signaling pathways.
Gamna-Gandy Bodies Sonographic Features With Histopathologic Correlation

Gamna-Gandy bodies (GGB) are siderotic nodules present in the spleen. The most common cause of GGB is portal hypertension (PHT); however, they can be seen in other conditions such as sickle cell anemia, acquired hemochromatosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and angiosarcoma. A rare existence in patients with cardiac myxomas has also been described. Sonographic features of GGB can be mimicked by other conditions such as histoplasmosis, sickle cell disease, and disseminated Pneumocystis carinii infection; therefore, it is important to recognize this entity. This report presents sonographic features of GGB in the spleen with histopathologic correlation.
Medications Used to Treat Glaucoma

The goals of glaucoma therapy for the patient and the physician are ultimately the same ones, but they are often approached from very different perspectives. Most patients with glaucoma visit their ophthalmologist on a regular basis because they understand that they have a potentially blinding disease that requires compliance with examinations and therapy. The patient’s goal is to preserve the vision manifested in his or her visual field. While the treating ophthalmologist’s overriding goal also is to preserve visual function for the patient, the doctor’s immediate goal is to preserve those physiological structures whose anatomy underlies the basis for the ability to see. In treating the patient, the ophthalmologist needs to take into account new understandings of risk factors as well as new concepts, such as those that suggest that aging is a major risk factor for glaucoma.
Numerical modeling of segmented traveling-wave electroabsorption modulators

A numerical modeling approach based on the microwave transmission (ABCD) matrix theory is developed for analyzing the frequency response of segmented traveling-wave electroabsorption modulators (STEAM). It is found that for 300 /spl mu/m long exemplary modulation length, the STEAM can provide much wider bandwidth (73 GHz) than the lumped-element (26 GHz) and the continuous traveling-wave (47 GHz) counter-parts, with a small penalty of E/O conversion gain if low-loss passive optical waveguide is available.
Management of Hypoxia During One Lung Ventilation

Thoracic operations are usually performed with the patient in the lateral position with selective one-lung ventilation (OLV) to the dependent lung. Even after the non-dependent, operated lung is intentionally collapsed it continues to be perfused with blood. Even under the best of circumstances this wasted perfusion, or “shunt”, remains 20–25% of cardiac output. Even so, the majority of patients undergoing thoracic operations are able to maintain adequate arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) during OLV. The extent of shunt is determined by many factors [1]. If hypoxia does occur during OLV then efforts are directed toward optimizing the matching of ventilation with perfusion (V/Q) in the dependent ventilated lung and/or increasing the oxygen content of the shunted blood returning from the collapsed lung.
The development of a cross-platform multi-player virtual application of Kolintang musical instruments using various controllers

Kolintang (Indonesian's xylophones) is popular nationwide as the traditional music instruments from Minahasa, a regency in North Sulawesi. It is usually played in ancestor worshipping rituals as it was believed that Kolintang had a close relationship with the traditional belief of North Sulawesi's natives and as their culture. Currently, there are several Kolintang applications developed that run either on Windows and Android and use different types of controllers like a web camera, touch screen, and keyboard. Despite their differences, these applications are played offline by a single player only without using an Internet connection. In addition, there is no depth discussion on how the performance of these applications was tested. Thus, this research will develop a more advance Kolintang application that can be played by multiple players simultaneously on multiple platforms, Android and Windows Based, using various controllers such as webcam, keyboard, mouse, or touch screen. The findings revealed that the interaction is best visualized within the range of two to three meters long. The sounding range of this application is safe for human hearing. The Root mean square error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) tests can only be done to measure the real time auditory feedback from the application since there is no avail ideal data model for sounding range and application load time. The loading time for this application is faster than any Kolintang applications that have been previously developed. This application needs further improvements on the real time auditory feedbacks by diagnosing the variation in the errors in a set of forecasts.
Innovating Technology, Innovating Ethics: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Technology - Stakeholder Relationships

This dissertation is a grounded theory study focusing on technology - stakeholder relationships - their identification, variation, influences, and effects. I argue that technology-stakeholder relationships have moral implications and that both technology and stakeholders contribute to the relationships. By focusing on the relationships rather than individual actors, the study is decidedly pragmatic and relies upon the concepts of John Dewey to incorporate technology and stakeholders as both instrumental to and consummatory of their relationships. The theoretical findings are threefold. First, the technology-stakeholder approach builds upon Latour's actor-network theory within Science and Technology Studies and Freeman's stakeholder theory within management. Second, I identify factors of both technology and stakeholders that contribute to the changing relationships. Third, I argue the good, bad, and ugly of technology-stakeholder relationships is dependent not upon the degree of change but the balance and legitimacy of the relationship. Technology-stakeholder relationships contain a delegation of duties, responsibilities, and standards with moral implications. When business innovates technology, business innovates ethics. Furthermore, once the ethical implications of innovation are acknowledged, I turn to ask what are the ethics of innovation? Both technology and stakeholders share responsibility for the relationship's goals, duties, responsibilities, and standards.
CONVERGENT EVOLUTION BETWEEN PHYLA: A TEST CASE OF MIMICRY BETWEEN CADDISFLY LARVAE (HELICOPSYCHE BOREALIS) AND AQUATIC SNAILS (PHYSA INTEGRA).

Many cases of potential mimicry are reported simply because the species in question are quite similar in external appearance. However, neither data nor testable hypotheses are advanced to determine if mimicry actually exists (e.g., Eaton, 1976; Gingerich, 1975). We have observed morphological similarity in the structure of the protective body cases of caddisfly larvae (Helicopsyche borealis: Insecta; Trichoptera) and aquatic snails (Physa integra: Gastropoda). The resemblance of body coverings between larvae and snails appears analogous to Batesian mimicry (see Wickler, 1968), whereby the apparent model (i.e., the snail) might be undesirable, but because of a protective body covering rather than a noxious taste. A possible mimic (i.e., the caddisfly larvae) could then enhance its survival probability, if less predation resulted (because of its resemblance to the model) and if a predator could not discriminate between the two species. The protective cases of caddisfly larvae and aquatic snails are similar in coloration and characterized by a prominent whorl (Fig. 1B, C). Originally, H. borealis was described as a snail based on the case only (Lea, 1834); and, although early taxonomists placed them in the same family (Denning, pers. comm.), fundamental differences exist in shell construction. The cases of caddisfly larvae are formed by cementing sand grains together with excretions from silk glands. In contrast, the shells of aquatic snails are formed by calcium carbonate excretions from the mantle. Since these species occur in sympatry (Pennak, 1953; Cummins, pers. comm.), we tentatively hypothesized that caddisfly larvae mimic the external morphology of aquatic snails. In nature, fishes are a known predator of caddisfly larvae (Pennak, 1953). However, further systematic study of the specific circumstances regarding their predation is necessary. If our tentative hypothesis were correct, the fol
Factor VIII-related Antigen Staining by Immunoperoxidase Technic in Smaller Laboratories: A Potential Problem

A case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to bone was studied using immunoperoxidase methods for Factor VIII-related antigen, producing positive staining in the tumor cells. Electron microscopy proved the squamous nature of the tumor, and, subsequently, a pulmonary primary tumor was found. Testing of additional tumor types revealed positive staining for Factor VIII in squamous cell carcinomas, tumors with squamous differentiation, and in renal cell carcinoma. Problems of antibody purity and specificity always must be considered, but in the smaller laboratory where personnel and expertise for such quality control do not exist, there is a hazard of nonspecific reaction and misdiagnosis.
Influence of Crystal Protein Composition of Bacillus thuringiensis Strains on Cross-Resistance in Indianmeal Moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Cross-resistance spectra of colonies of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) resistant to strains of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subspp. kurstaki, aizawai , and entomocidus reflected the toxin composition of the B. thuringiensis isolates used for selection. Subsp. kurstaki caused relatively narrow-spectrum resistance to CryIA(b) and CryIA(c) toxins. The subspp. aizawai and, entomocidus strains caused broader-spectrum resistance to CryIA(a), CryIA(b), CryIA(c), CryIB, CryIC, and CryIIA toxins. Thus, some isolates of subspp. aizawai and entomocidus can elicit resistance to half of the known B. thuringiensis toxins active against Lepidoptera.
Improving departure throughput by dynamically adjusting inter-arrival spacing

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York has many unique challenges that create excess taxi-out delays. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential benefit that could be gained by tactically adjusting the Terminal Sequencing and Spacing (TSS) schedule to precisely manage inter-arrival spacing to maximize the number of departures per arrival pair. Three strategies for dynamically adjusting arrival schedules are proposed in this paper: Delay Control, Delay and Advance, and No Slack Capacity. The benefits of these strategies were examined on actual traffic data at LGA. The results showed that by applying these strategies, a 10 to 60 increase in departures and a reduction in un-utilized departure capacity (gaps) could be achieved during the airports busiest six-hour period. Significant increases in departure throughput would improve air traffic operations by reducing departure delay time. Furthermore, the concept could be used to resolve temporal mismatches between departure capacity and demand which also cause excessive departure delays.
Artificial Feeding of Ixodid Ticks for Studies on the Transmission of Disease Agents

tional requirements of haematophagous arthropods and on their capability as vectors of infectious disease agents. The objective of most of these techniques is to feed a particular arthropod upon normal or infectious liquids, usually blood, through various types of membranes. Thus, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, bugs, lice and even ticks have been fed through artificial membranes or through membranes prepared from the skins of mice, rats, rabbits, chickens and other animals.*
Porous Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Separation of H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 Mixtures

Porous carbon nanotubes, which are single-walled carbon nanotubes having tailored pores in their sidewalls, are proposed as potential membrane materials for separating gas mixtures with high selectivity and high permeance. We present both quantum mechanical calculations and classical statistical mechanical calculations with empirical potentials showing that porous carbon nanotubes having the correct pore size can very effectively separate mixtures of H2/CH4 and also of CO2/CH4. In each of these mixtures, CH4 is effectively prevented from entering the pore due to size exclusion. These porous carbon nanotubes could be used in mixed matrix polymer membranes to increase both the permeance and the selectivity for targeted gas mixtures.
Why theory matters: An examination of contemporary learning time reforms

This article explores the contemporary policy reform push to extend and expand learning time in schools. In light of the potential and continued prominence of learning time reforms in today’s national educational landscape, this article makes visible the ways in which theory matters for the near- and long-term success of equity-focused educational reforms. Using the recent enactment of learning time reforms in Colorado as an illustration, and the zone of mediation framework as a conceptual lens, this article demonstrates how such reforms are likely to be weakened and undermined without strong theoretical grounding.
Generalizing Treatment Effect Estimates From Sample to Population: A Case Study in the Difficulties of Finding Sufficient Data.

Background:Given increasing concerns about the relevance of research to policy and practice, there is growing interest in assessing and enhancing the external validity of randomized trials: determining how useful a given randomized trial is for informing a policy question for a specific target population.Objectives:This article highlights recent advances in assessing and enhancing external validity, with a focus on the data needed to make ex post statistical adjustments to enhance the applicability of experimental findings to populations potentially different from their study sample.Research design:We use a case study to illustrate how to generalize treatment effect estimates from a randomized trial sample to a target population, in particular comparing the sample of children in a randomized trial of a supplemental program for Head Start centers (the Research-Based, Developmentally Informed study) to the national population of children eligible for Head Start, as represented in the Head Start Impact Study...
Despair and Hope: Political Cinema in Hong Kong

This chapter draws on the works of Herman Yau and Vincent Chui to discuss the different cinematic modes of moral politics in today’s Hong Kong. In Chaos, Herman Yau singles out fear, terror, violence, and the threat of violence as ingredients of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” model and reveals the sense of human powerlessness under such a violent system. By comparison, in Three Narrow Gates, Vincent Chui argues that the public can always transcend their religious, gender, and class differences in the common struggle against all forms of state violence. These two directors reveal the dynamics of moral politics as a viable opposition against all forms of state violence in the postcolonial era and ask the audiences to put aside their differences and fight for their civil rights.
Visual Assessment of the Intensity and Pattern of T1 Hyperintensity on MRI to Differentiate Hemorrhagic Renal Cysts From Renal Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to apply a visual assessment of the intensity and pattern of T1 hyperintensity at MRI to differentiate hemorrhagic renal cysts from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 144 T1-hyperintense renal lesions (62 cysts, all showing no enhancement on subtracted contrast-enhanced images and either 2-year stability or unenhanced CT density > 70 HU, and 82 histologically confirmed RCCs) in 144 patients were included. Two radiologists independently characterized qualitative features of the T1 hyperintensity in each lesion on unenhanced T1-weighted images. An additional radiologist placed ROIs to measure lesions' T1 signal intensity normalized to that of the psoas muscle. Chi-square and unpaired t tests were performed to compare the pattern of T1 hyperintensity between groups. RESULTS. The T1 hyperintensity was considered marked in 62.9% of cysts and 17.1% of RCCs for reader 1 and in 46.8% of cysts and 8.5% of RCCs for reader 2 (p < 0.001). The T1 hype...
Medication prior authorization in pediatric hematology and oncology.

Author(s): Dickens, David S; Pollock, Brad H | Abstract: BackgroundMedication prior authorization (PA) is a commonly occurring requirement, particularly for medications used for rare conditions. Based on standard definitions, cancer and many blood disorders affecting children are rare. The study aims were to describe the relative frequency of PA requests and their association with payers and medications in order to identify opportunities to improve system efficiency.ProcedureRequests for medication PA were logged prospectively for patients seen at a single institution over a 7-month period. Period prevalence was used to estimate the relative frequency of PA requests. Descriptive statistics summarized the relationship among payers, medications, and approvals relative to the frequency of PA requests.ResultsFor the study duration of 150 clinic days, there were 5,583 patient visits. A total of 142 medication PA requests were received resulting in a period prevalence rate of 2.5% patient visits. Of the 137 medication PA requests with available outcome data, 135 (98.5%) were ultimately approved with additional provider efforts. The median clinic staff time spent per request was 46 min with an interquartile range of 25-80 min. There was striking process heterogeneity among different payers.ConclusionVirtually no medication PA request in pediatric hematology and oncology (PHO) leads to alterations in care. Medication utilization management strategies in PHO fail to provide benefits reported in other areas of medicine and have unmeasured negative effects on timeliness of care and parenteral psychological/emotional health. There is opportunity for increasing efficiency through payer and provider collaboration on the creation of prescribing standards for PHO patients.
Genetic Epidemiology of Adult Onset Type 2 Diabetes in Asian Indian Population: Past, Present and Future

Incidence and prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continue to rise in Indian populations. Despite known roles for obesity, sedentary lifestyles and diet, genetic predisposition accounts for significant risk. The identification of susceptibility loci for both monogenic and typical (oligogenic) diabetes have introduced novel genes, pathways and mechanisms of diabetes pathogenesis. Very little data is available on T2DM susceptibility loci in Asian Indian population. An extensive consortium based approach is required to identify the susceptibility locus and genes responsible for common form of familial diabetes in India. By defining the genetic susceptibility loci, such studies will eventually facilitate a direct, systematic exploration of the interactions of environmental factors, obesity, insulin resistance, and genetic predisposition in the pathogenesis of T2DM and prediabetic traits and also will open new pathways of exploration and therapy. This article is a systematic review of genetic epidemiology of adult onset Type 2 Diabetes in Asian Indian Population and related research initiatives in India and abroad.
Representations for continuous learning

Systems deployed in unstructured environments must be able to adapt to novel situations. This requires the ability to perform in domains that may be vastly different from training domains. My dissertation focuses on the representations used in lifelong learning and how these representations enable predictions and knowledge sharing over time, allowing an agent to continuously learn and adapt in changing environments. Specifically, my contributions will enable lifelong learning systems to efficiently accumulate data, use prior knowledge to predict models for novel tasks, and alter existing models to account for changes in the environment.
Space-type radiation induces multimodal responses in the mouse gut microbiome and metabolome.

Space travel is associated with continuous low dose rate exposure to high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. Pathophysiological manifestations after low dose radiation exposure are strongly influenced by non-cytocidal radiation effects, including changes in the microbiome and host gene expression. Although the importance of the gut microbiome in the maintenance of human health is well established, little is known about the role of radiation in altering the microbiome during deep-space travel. Using a mouse model for exposure to high LET radiation, we observed substantial changes in the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiome. These were accompanied by changes in the abundance of multiple metabolites, which were related to the enzymatic activity of the predicted metagenome by means of metabolic network modeling. There was a complex dynamic in microbial and metabolic composition at different radiation doses, suggestive of transient, dose-dependent interactions between microbial ecology and signals from the host’s cellular damage repair processes. The observed radiation-induced changes in microbiota diversity and composition were analyzed at the functional level. A constitutive change in activity was found for several pathways dominated by microbiome-specific enzymatic reactions like carbohydrate digestion and absorption and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, while the activity in other radiation-responsive pathways like phosphatidylinositol signaling could be linked to dose-dependent changes in the abundance of specific taxa. The implication of microbiome-mediated pathophysiology after low dose ionizing radiation may be an unappreciated biologic hazard of space travel and deserves experimental validation. This study provides a conceptual and analytical basis of further investigations to increase our understanding of the chronic effects of space radiation on human health, and points to potential new targets for intervention in adverse radiation effects.
Kepler 47: First Multi-circumbinary Planet System

The eclipsing binary Kepler-47 is the first system detected to have multiple ▶ circumbinary planets (Orosz et al. 2012). The binary consists of a Sun-like star and a companion roughly one-third its size, orbiting each other every 7.45 days. The planets were detected using transit photometry when each planet transits the stars of the binary. Figure 1 shows some of the planetary transits of this system. The inner and outer planets of Kepler-47 system have radii 3.0 and 4.6 times that of Earth, respectively. The inner planet, Kepler-47b, has an orbital period of 49.5 days. The outer planet’s orbital period is 303.2 days. Calculation of the ▶Habitable Zone (HZ) of the Kepler-47 binary by Haghighipour and Kaltenegger (2013) has shown that the outer planet, Kepler-47c, is in the binary Habitable Zone (Fig. 2). Since this planet is larger than Earth, it cannot be habitable. However, it can have natural moons that could be habitable. A movie of the evolution of the Habitable zone of this system can be found at http://astro.twam. info/hz-ptype/. The detection of the Kepler-47 planetary system as the first with multiple planets in circumbinary orbits establishes that close binary stars can host complete (and even habitable) planetary systems. Figure 3 shows an artist’s rendering of this system.
Visualizing Deep Neural Networks for Text Analytics

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have made tremendous progress in many different areas in recent years. How these networks function internally, however, is often not well understood. Advances in under-standing DNNs will benefit and accelerate the development of the field. We present TNNVis, a visualization system that supports un-derstanding of deep neural networks specifically designed to analyze text. TNNVis focuses on DNNs composed of fully connected and convolutional layers. It integrates visual encodings and interaction techniques chosen specifically for our tasks. The tool allows users to: (1) visually explore DNN models with arbitrary input using a combination of node–link diagrams and matrix representation; (2) quickly identify activation values, weights, and feature map patterns within a network; (3) flexibly focus on visual information of interest with threshold, inspection, insight query, and tooltip operations; (4) discover network activation and training patterns through animation; and (5) compare differences between internal activation patterns for different inputs to the DNN. These functions allow neural network researchers to examine their DNN models from new perspectives, producing insights on how these models function. Clustering and summarization techniques are employed to support large convolutional and fully connected layers. Based on several part of speech models with different structure and size, we present multiple use cases where visualization facilitates an understanding of the models.
Introducing Adaptive, Aware, and Cognitive Radios

In the late 1990s, nearly all telecommunications radios were built using digital signal processor (DSP) processors to implement modulation and signal processing functions, and a General Purpose Processor (GPP) to implement operator interface, network signaling, and system overhead functions. This architecture is attractive to a manufacturer because the same basic electronics can be used over and over for each new radio design, thereby reducing engineering development, enabling volume purchasing, and optimizing production of a common platform, while retaining the flexibility for sophisticated waveforms and protocols. A few manufacturers called their radios “Software Defined Radios” (SDRs), recognizing the power and market attractiveness of the customer community being able to add additional functionality that is highly tuned to market specific applications. In the early 2000s, a few of these vendors made application layer software functionality available for additional value added functions to aid the user. Users could add music, games, or other applications, as long as the radio waveform functions remained untampered. Similarly, in the late 2000s, many radios will make the software functionality available for various classes of adaptivity and significantly extend user support functionality. This will initiate the generation of “Cognitive Radios”. Thus, with minimal additional hardware, additional software features will enable users, network operators, spectrum owners, and regulators to accomplish much more than with the fixed application radios of an earlier generation. To understand this important design trend, we must first understand the background, history, and terminology.
The Effects of Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health on the Relationship Between Race and Health Status in U.S. Breast Cancer Survivors

Background: To examine the association between race and health outcomes among U.S. breast cancer (BC) survivors and explore to what extent do social and behavioral factors contribute to racial disp...
Enhancing activity recognition using CPD-based activity segmentation

Abstract Segmenting behavior-based sensor data and recognizing the activity that the data represents are vital steps in all applications of human activity learning such as health monitoring, security, and intervention. In this paper, we enhance activity recognition by identifying activity transitions. To accomplish this goal, we introduce a change point detection-based activity segmentation model which partitions behavior-driven sensor data into non-overlapping activities in real time. In addition to providing valuable activity information, activity segmentation also can be used to improve the performance of activity recognition. We evaluate our proposed segmentation-enhanced activity recognition method on data collected from 29 smart homes. Results of this analysis indicate that the method not only provides useful information about activity boundaries and transitions between activities but also increases recognition accuracy by 7.59% and f measure by 6.69% in comparison with the traditional window-based methods.
A CMOS Perimeter Gated SPAD Based mini-Digital Silicon Photomultiplier

In this paper, a CMOS perimeter gated single photon avalanche diode (PGSPAD) based mini-digital silicon multiplier (SiPM) is presented. A PGSPAD’s additional terminal tunes the dark count, efficiency, and measurement range of the device. Spatial and temporal data compression schemes, reduce the total readout electronics and improve fill factor (FF). For a more compact, low power implementation, a single analog counter provides temporal integration of PGSPAD avalanche events. An event generator realizes the fully digital asynchronous address event representation readout at the top level of the detector. The SiPM is implemented in standard $0.5 \mu \mathrm{m}$ CMOS process and simulation results show temporal compression and dead time improvement by 10 and 25%. The designed PGSPAD mini-digital SiPM is suitable as the pixel of PGSPAD digital SiPM for nuclear imaging applications.
Orbital Septum Fibrosis in Congenital Ptosis Correlates With Eyelid Function: A Clinicopathologic Study.

PURPOSE Congenital ptosis can threaten visual function and is usually treated with surgical correction. This study tests the hypothesis that congenital ptosis involves not only the levator muscle but also the orbital septum, which may tether the eyelid in the primary position. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on 30 patients (41 eyelids) with congenital ptosis who underwent surgical correction that included partial septum excision. Histologic analysis was performed by a masked pediatric pathologist, with grading of septal tissue disorganization and fibrosis based on standard histologic criteria. An independent comparison of histologic grading with clinical ptosis measures was then performed. RESULTS Fifteen eyelids demonstrated significant septal fibrosis, 19 were mild, and 7 were not fibrotic. Thirty-six eyelids demonstrated histologic disorganization. Mildly fibrotic eyelids were found to have reduced preoperative levator function than those that were not fibrotic (2.84 ± 1.92 vs. 9.57 ± 4.76 mm; p < 0.0001). Samples that demonstrated significant fibrosis were also found to have reduced preoperative levator function (4.67 ± 2.12 vs. 9.57 ± 4.76 mm; p = 0.0007). Histologically disorganized samples were also found to have a lower preoperative levator function (9.50 ± 6.04 vs. 3.99 ± 2.49; p = 0.0052). CONCLUSIONS Orbital septae in patients with congenital ptosis demonstrate histologic disorganization and fibrosis. When decreased levator function is observed clinically, septal fibrosis and/or disorganization is likely present. These observations suggest that debulking the fibrotic septum during congenital ptosis surgery may improve outcomes by releasing the eyelid from its congenitally tethered position, improving eyelid elasticity.
Sex Differences in Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. Although awareness of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk and presentation in women has increased over the last 3 decades, sex-related disparities persist. Women continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials, and this affects the accuracy of cardiovascular risk assessment models, diagnostic modalities, and treatments for this population. More women than men present with atypical symptoms during an acute coronary syndrome, and this may be attributed to a gender-specific pathophysiology of disease. Nonobstructive CAD and plaque erosion is more common in women who present with acute myocardial infarction compared to men. Further studies are needed to determine whether sex-based diagnostic modalities and therapy can improve the morbidity and mortality of women with CAD. However, until these studies are performed, it is imperative that the current, gender-neutral guidelines be applied for women just as for men. This chapter reviews the differences in awareness, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management between men and women with CAD.
Samarium-Mediated Iodine-Catalysed Reductive amination of the Adamantyl Methyl Ketone†:

Adamantyl amines were prepared by samarium-metal induced iodine-catalysed reduction of the imines in a one-pot operation.
Heterogeneity of HDAC3 expression and its modulation by valproic acid in glioblastoma cells.

e13038 Background: Glioblastoma (gbm) is a devastating malignancy and a therapeutic challenge. Our group and others have observed long-term gbm survivors treated with valproic acid (VPA), a histone...
Knowledge of cancer clinical trials in a population being screened for cancer

6095 Background: Only 2.5 percent of adult cancer patients enrolled in cooperative group clinical trials between 1998 and 1999. Increasing participation in clinical trials is important in efforts t...
Anger, Forgiveness, and Restorative Justice in Light of Clerical Sexual Abuse and Its Cover-up:

Catholic tradition provides resources for understanding morally legitimate anger as ordered to the good of survivors and their wider communities, a way of conceiving of forgiveness as a caritas-ins...
In vivo characterization of toxicity of norcocaethylene and norcocaine identified as the most toxic cocaine metabolites in male mice.

Abstract Background Majority of cocaine users also consume alcohol, and concurrent use of cocaine and alcohol produces cocaethylene, norcocaine, norcocaethylene, and other non-toxic metabolites. It is essential to know their relative toxicity for development of a truly effective therapeutics for cocaine toxicity treatment. Methods Drug (norcocaethylene or norcocaine)-induced acute toxicity was characterized by the occurrence (and the timing) of prostration, seizure, and death after intraperitoneal administration of the drug (n = 15) using the same strain (Swiss Webster) of male mice reported in previous study by Hearn et al. to determine LD50 of cocaine and cocaethylene. In addition, drug (cocaine, cocaethylene, norcocaine, or norcocaethylene)-induced hyperactivity was determined by locomotor activity testing (n = 8). Results According to the animal data, norcocaethylene (LD50=∼39.4 mg/kg) and norcocaine (LD50=∼49.7 mg/kg) are the most toxic metabolites, but they do not induce significant hyperactivity. In addition, the relative toxicity of drugs correlates with the time to the occurrence of prostration/seizure/death after the drug administration. Conclusions The relative toxicity of these toxic drugs can be ranked in this order: norcocaethylene > norcocaine > cocaethylene > cocaine. The data suggest that norcocaethylene, norcocaine, and cocaethylene are all significant contributors to acute toxicity of cocaine in concurrent use of cocaine and alcohol. Hence, future therapeutic development for cocaine toxicity treatment must account for detoxification of these more toxic metabolites. In addition, the relative toxicity of different drugs correlates with the average time to the occurrence of death, seizure, or prostration after the drug administration with a same dose close to their LD50 values.
Congestive heart failure-related hospital deaths across the urban-rural continuum in the United States.

Abstract Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a growing public health problem that affects nearly 6.5 million individuals nationwide. Access to quality outpatient care and disease management programs has been shown to improve disease treatment and prognosis. Rural populations face unique challenges in the availability and accessibility of quality cardiovascular care. In 2018, we conducted a pooled cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2009–2014 to examine recent trends in CHF-related hospital deaths in the United States, highlighting urban-rural differences within each census region. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to compare the odds of CHF-related hospital death, by levels of rurality and within each census region. Most CHF-related hospital deaths occurred in the South and Midwest census regions and in large central metropolitan areas. Findings from census region stratified models revealed that non-core residents living within the West (OR 1.47, CI 1.26, 1.71), Midwest (OR 1.30, CI 1.17, 1.44), and South (OR = 1.21, 95% C.I. = 1.12–1.32) had a higher relative risk (but not higher absolute numbers) of experiencing death during a CHF-related hospitalization, compared to patients in large central metropolitan areas. Within each census region, there were also differences in odds of a CHF-related hospital death depending on patient sex, comorbidities, insurance type, median annual income, and year. As efforts to reduce rural health disparities in CHF morbidity continue, more work is needed to understand and test interventions to reduce the risk of death from CHF in noncore areas of the West, Midwest, and South.