cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved Delivery Through Biological Membranes XIX: Novel Redox Carriers for Brain-Specific Chemical Delivery Systems

New dihydropyridine in equilibrium pyridinium salt-type redox carrier systems were developed in which the drug is linked via the ring nitrogen atom of nicotinamide. The rate of oxidation of the dihydropyridine forms, and thus the overall and brain-specific distribution of the corresponding 3-carbamoyl-1-carbamoylalkyl-drug quaternary salts, depends on the number of methylene groups separating the ring nitrogen and the carbamoyl function linked to the drug.
Places and Postures A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Sitting in 5-Month-Olds

Motor development-traditionally described in terms of age-related stages-is typically studied in the laboratory with participants of Western European descent. Cross-cultural studies typically focus on group differences in age-related stages relative to Western norms. We adopted a less traditional approach: We observed 5-month-olds and their mothers from six cultural groups around the world during one hour at home while they engaged in natural daily activities. We examined group differences in infants' sitting proficiency, everyday opportunities to practice sitting, the surfaces on which sitting took place, and mothers' proximity to sitting infants. Infants had opportunities to practice sitting in varied contexts-including ground, infant chairs, and raised surfaces. Proficiency varied considerably within and between cultural groups: 64% of the sample sat only with support from mother or furniture and 36% sat independently. Some infants sat unsupported for 20+ minutes, in some cases so securely that mothers moved beyond arms' reach of their infants even while infants sat on raised surfaces. Our observations of infant sitting across cultures provide new insights into the striking range of ability, varied opportunities for practice, and contextual factors that influence the proficiency of infant motor skills.
Encapsulation of docetaxel in oily core polyester nanocapsules intended for breast cancer therapy

This study is designed to test the hypothesis that docetaxel [Doc] containing oily core nanocapsules [NCs] could be successfully prepared with a high percentage encapsulation efficiency [EE%] and high drug loading. The oily core NCs were generated according to the emulsion solvent diffusion method using neutral Labrafac CC and poly(d, l-lactide) [PLA] as oily core and shell, respectively. The engineered NCs were characterized for particle mean diameter, zeta potential, EE%, drug release kinetics, morphology, crystallinity, and cytotoxicity on the SUM 225 breast cancer cell line by dynamic light scattering, high performance liquid chromatography, electron microscopies, powder X-ray diffraction, and lactate dehydrogenase bioassay. Typically, the formation of Doc-loaded, oily core, polyester-based NCs was evidenced by spherical nanometric particles (115 to 582 nm) with a low polydispersity index (< 0.05), high EE% (65% to 93%), high drug loading (up to 68.3%), and a smooth surface. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that Doc was not present in a crystalline state because it was dissolved within the NCs' oily core and the PLA shell. The drug/polymer interaction has been indeed thermodynamically explained using the Flory-Huggins interaction parameters. Doc release kinetic data over 144 h fitted very well with the Higuchi model (R 2 > 0.93), indicating that drug release occurred mainly by controlled diffusion. At the highest drug concentration (5 μM), the Doc-loaded oily core NCs (as a reservoir nanosystem) enhanced the native drug cytotoxicity. These data suggest that the oily core NCs are promising templates for controlled delivery of poorly water soluble chemotherapeutic agents, such as Doc.
Temporary inaccessibility for avidin to a biotinylated antibody in mice

1402 Objectives A clearance step is often included in a pretargeting procedure. Avidin as an clearing agent clears the biotinylated pretargeting antibody rapidly but the clearance efficiency is lower than the desired level (for example, > 90%). To reduce the non-specific background, we have investigated the in vivo interaction of the avidin with a biotinylated antibody. Methods A biotin and a synthetic DNA analogue termed morpholino phosphorodiamidate oligomer (MORF) were conjugated to a pretargeting IgG antibody. Avidin was used as a clearing agent for the antibody in the circulation. The first study tested the prolongation of the pretargeting interval to improve clearance. In the second study, a radiolabeled biotin-Ab-MORF was directly combined with excess avidin prior to injection into mice. In the third study, multiple avidin injections were applied to the mice that received the biotin-Ab-MORF. Results The prolongation of the pretargeting interval demonstrated limited improvement and the clearance efficiency remained low. However, if the biotinylated antibody was bound to avidin, it was cleared rapidly (in ~ 0.5 h); the avidin-treated antibody remaining in the blood was only 12% of the avidin-untreated control antibody. Thus, the lower clearance efficiency in the first study could not be explained by the 88% clearable molecules measured in the second. Multiple avidin injections confirmed most of the antibody that survived the first clearance was still clearable. Three injections of avidin achieved a collective efficiency of 80%, i.e. 91% (80/88) of the avidin-clearable MORF modified antibody. Conclusions Although clearable, the biotinylated antibody in some compartments was not accessible temporarily to the IV-injected avidin, but a continuous infusion of avidin would be predicted to achieve the clearance of all the clearable molecules. Research Support The research support was mainly from NIH DK94994 and CA94199.
NULL MODELS FOR THE NUMBER OF EVOLUTIONARY STEPS IN A CHARACTER ON A PHYLOGENETIC TREE.

Random trees and random characters can be used in null models for testing phylogenetic hypothesis. We consider three interpretations of random trees: first, that trees are selected from the set of all possible trees with equal probability; second, that trees are formed by random speciation or coalescence (equivalent); and third, that trees are formed by a series of random partitions of the taxa. We consider two interpretations of random characters: first, that the number of taxa with each state is held constant, but the states are randomly reshuffled among the taxa; and second, that the probability each taxon is assigned a particular state is constant from one taxon to the next. Under null models representing various combinations of randomizations of trees and characters, exact recursion equations are given to calculate the probability distribution of the number of character state changes required by a phylogenetic tree. Possible applications of these probability distributions are discussed. They can be used, for example, to test for a panmictic population structure within a species or to test phylogenetic inertia in a character's evolution. Whether and how a null model incorporates tree randomness makes little difference to the probability distribution in many but not all circumstances. The null model's sense of character randomness appears more critical. The difficult issue of choosing a null model is discussed.
Synthesis and structure ofexo-11-cyano-endo-11-(trimethylsilyloxy)pentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecan-8-one

The crystal structure of an asymmetric pentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecan-8,11-dione derivative is reported, in which Me3SiCN has been added across one of the keto groups. The cage structure demonstrates the expected effects of this addition.
Hypothalamic growth hormone releasing factor: release and synthesis after exposure to a high ambient temperature.

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate temporal effects of environmental heat stress on the release and synthesis of hypothalamic GHRF in rats. The experiments consisted of five treatment groups; one group of normals at 25° ± 1° and four groups, each exposed to 35.5° ± 0.5° for 1, 4, 96, and 240 hr, respectively. GHRF activity was measured by in vivo depletion of pituitary GH content in immature rats. Vasopressor and antidiuretic activities of crude milk median eminence extracts were abolished by treating the extracts with thioglycollic acid. Exposures for 1, 4, and 96 hr significantly (p < 0.01) elevated GHRF activity as compared to the control which returned to a normal level by 240 hr. No significant difference existed in GHRF activity for two consecutive periods of exposures, indicating a continuous synthesis of GHRF. Enhanced GHRF activity on heat exposure has been discussed in light of the increased endogenous turnover of hypothalamic norepinephrine on heat exposure and the enhanced firing ra...
Using Cited Half-life to Adjust Download Statistics

“Supplying accurate CPU [cost-per-serial use] information to faculty and appropriate marketing of the alternate modes of delivery ... become the key to achieving an optimal cost-efficient serials collection in an academic library.”1 A model is presented for adjusting use statistics using a journal’s ISI Journal Citation Reports cited half-life. The goal is to improve the method used to evaluate the raw electronic download figure. The proposed model will still undercount total use, but the undercounting will be proportional across disciplines and less severe. By using this model, librarians can avoid making cancellation decisions that may cost their libraries more money in the long run.
Reading and working memory in adults with or without formal musical training: Musical and lexical tone:

Studies of working memory for musical tone are seldom reported, and verbal working memory experiments have not focused on the tonal aspects of a language such as Mandarin Chinese. We examined the relationships among musical experience, tonal language processing, and working memory in adult reading of musical notation and Mandarin Chinese. We hypothesized that 30 adults with formal musical training trained in translating print to sound in sight-reading would have an advantage over 30 adults without formal musical training in converting print to lexical tone in reading a tonal language. Using n-back reading tasks, we found that the adults with formal musical training were better able to extract lexical tone information from print than the adults without formal musical training, or to maintain it in working memory. Even in a Mandarin homophone task, requiring phonological judgments of print, adults with formal musical training demonstrated superior performance. We discuss possible reasons why musical experie...
Measurement of Rayleigh-wave magnitudes for North Korean nuclear tests

We collect regional seismic data recorded at broadband seismic stations from 77 earthquakes,3 chemical explosions and 2 nuclear explosions between 1995 and 2009 in Northeast China and its vicinity.These data are used to calibrate the regional seismic network for measuring the Rayleigh-wave magnitude.Based on vertical-component Rayleigh wave records between 8 and 25 s,we obtain the maximum-amplitude surface-wave magnitudes.Using records from 82 events,we calculate the site corrections at different period for all stations.After removing the site response,we obtain the Rayleigh-wave magnitude for individual station-event pair.Finally the network average magnitude is obtained for each event.The Rayleigh-wave magnitudes are 2.93±0.19 and 3.62±0.21 for 2006 and 2009 North Korean nuclear explosions.The comparison between the Rayleigh-wave magnitude Ms and the body wave magnitude mb(Lg) suggests that Ms-mb method is invalid in discriminating the nuclear explosions from earthquake populations in Northeast China/North Korea region and within the regional distances.The two North Korean nuclear explosions excited strong Rayleigh waves,leading to the poor performance of Ms-mb discrimination.The possible reasons include near-source heterogeneities,asymmetric source or existing tensile tectonic release.Given the depth of burial between 0.01 and 1.0 km and using the obtained Rayleigh-wave magnitudes,the yields of the 2006 and 2009 North Korean nuclear tests are estimated to be 0.42~3.17 kt and 2.06~15.53 kt,respectively.
Polymer Multilayers that Promote the Rapid Release and Contact Transfer of DNA.

We report a layer-by-layer approach to the fabrication of thin polymer-based multilayers that release DNA rapidly in physiologically relevant environments. This approach exploits the properties of a weak anionic polyelectrolyte [poly(acrylic acid); PAA] to disrupt ionic interactions and promote disassembly in coatings that otherwise erode slowly. We investigated this approach using multilayers fabricated from plasmid DNA and linear poly(ethylenimine) (LPEI), a model synthetic cationic polymer used widely for DNA delivery. LPEI/DNA multilayers erode and release DNA slowly over ∼4 days when incubated in PBS buffer. In contrast, substitution of every other layer of DNA with PAA lead to thin films that released DNA rapidly, with >60% being released in the first 5 min. These quick-release coatings release bioactive DNA and can be used to fabricate uniform coatings on a variety of objects, including the tips of inflatable balloon catheters. We demonstrate that these coatings can promote high levels of cell tran...
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: from revolution to evolution.

The advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation has transformed the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. This disease, which previously could only be managed by open-heart surgery, can now be treated via a percutaneous technique.
Post-resection outcomes for pediatric ovarian neoplasm: is ovarian-preserving surgery a good option?

Pediatric surgeons often care for children with ovarian tumors. Few studies report long-term outcomes for these patients. This study characterizes intermediate-term results for patients who underwent surgical resection of ovarian neoplasms as children. Patients who underwent surgery for ovarian neoplasms at a children’s hospital were identified. They were invited to participate in a telephone-based survey assessing post-surgical recurrence, dysmenorrhea, quality of life, and fertility. 188 patients were identified; 79 met criteria. 31 patients had ovarian-sparing tumor resection; 48 had oophorectomy; five had recurrences. 56 were successfully interviewed at a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Dysmenorrhea rates of 52 and 78 % were reported (p = 0.07), respectively. Two patients suffered from infertility. Quality of life was generally reported as good. Intermediate outcomes are good for patients who underwent ovarian-sparing tumor resection or oophorectomy for pediatric ovarian tumors. Additional long-term monitoring would be beneficial to better assess fertility and dysmenorrhea outcomes.
Promoting appropriate genetic testing: the impact of a combined test review and consultative service

Genetic test misorders can adversely affect patient care. However, little is known about the types of misorders and the overall impact of a utilization management (UM) program on curbing misorders. This study aimed to identify different types of misorders and analyze the impact of a combined test review and consultative service on reducing misorders over time. Selected genetic tests were systematically reviewed between January and December 2015 at Stanford Health Care. Misorders were categorized into five types: clerical errors, redundant testing, better alternatives, controversial, and uncategorized. Moreover, consultations were offered to help clinicians with test selection. Of the 629 molecular test orders reviewed, 13% were classified as misorders, and 7% were modified or canceled. Controversial misorders constitute the most common type (42%); however, unlike the other misorder types, they were negligibly affected by test review. Simultaneously, 71 consults were received. With the introduction of the UM program, genetic test misorders went from 22% at baseline to 3% at the end of the year. Our results show that the combined approach of test review and consultative service effectively reduced misorders over time and suggest that a UM program focused on eliminating misorders can positively influence health-care providers’ behaviors. Genet Med advance online publication 26 January 2017
Two-Mode Cluster Analysis via Hierarchical Bayes

This manuscript introduces a new Bayesian finite mixture methodology for the joint clustering of row and column stimuli/objects associated with two-mode asymmetric proximity, dominance, or profile data. That is, common clusters are derived which partition both the row and column stimuli/objects simultaneously into the same derived set of clusters. In this manner, interrelationships between both sets of entities (rows and columns) are easily ascertained. We describe the technical details of the proposed two-mode clustering methodology including its Bayesian mixture formulation and a Bayes factor heuristic for model selection. Lastly, a marketing application is provided examining consumer preferences for various brands of luxury automobiles.
Observation of the decay B̄ D+0ρ-

The decay B-bar /sup 0/..-->..D/sup asterisk+/rho/sup -/ has been observed and the branching ratio is found to be (8.1 +- 2.9/sub -2.4//sup +5.9/)%. The result is compared with theoretical predictions.
The Effects of Hallucinogens on Gene Expression

The classic serotonergic hallucinogens, or psychedelics, have the ability to profoundly alter perception and behavior. These can include visual distortions, hallucinations, detachment from reality, and mystical experiences. Some psychedelics, like LSD, are able to produce these effects with remarkably low doses of drug. Others, like psilocybin, have recently been demonstrated to have significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction that persist for at least several months after only a single therapeutic session. How does this occur? Much work has recently been published from imaging studies showing that psychedelics alter brain network connectivity. They facilitate a disintegration of the default mode network, producing a hyperconnectivity between brain regions that allow centers that do not normally communicate with each other to do so. The immediate and acute effects on both behaviors and network connectivity are likely mediated by effector pathways downstream of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activation. These acute molecular processes also influence gene expression changes, which likely influence synaptic plasticity and facilitate more long-term changes in brain neurochemistry ultimately underlying the therapeutic efficacy of a single administration to achieve long-lasting effects. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the molecular genetic responses to psychedelics within the brain and discuss how gene expression changes may contribute to altered cellular physiology and behaviors.
Accuracy of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging using detection of fiber loss and a visual analog scale for diagnosing partial and complete cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in dogs

Canine cranial cruciate ligament rupture is often bilateral and asymmetrical, ranging from partial to complete rupture. The purpose of our diagnostic accuracy study was to assess the accuracy of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection of fiber loss and use of a visual analog scale in the diagnosis of complete versus partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture in 28 clinical dogs with unilateral complete rupture and contralateral partial rupture. Three Tesla MRI was performed on 56 stifles using sagittal sequences (T2-weighted fast spin echo with fat saturation, proton density fast spin echo, and T2-weighted 3D fast spin echo CUBE). Two MRI observers assessed the cranial cruciate ligament for fiber loss and completed a visual analog scale. The MRI data were compared to arthroscopy and clinical status. Accuracy classifying partial or complete rupture was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Compared to arthroscopy, for complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI detection of fiber loss were 0.78, 0.50-0.60, and 0.68-0.71, respectively, and, for partial tears, specificity was 1.00. An MRI visual analog scale score ≥79 was indicative of complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture (sensitivity 0.72-0.94 and specificity 0.71-0.84). Using a visual analog scale cut-point ≥79, observers achieved good accuracy discriminating clinical status of partial or complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture (area under the curve 0.87-0.93). MRI evaluation for fiber loss and use of a visual analog scale are specific in stifles with clinically stable partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture. In stifles with clinically unstable complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture, both MRI tests are sensitive though not specific compared to arthroscopy. As a diagnostic imaging method, MRI may help guide treatment in patients with cranial cruciate ligament damage, particularly for stable partial rupture.
The Jefferson Highway: Blazing the Way from Winnipeg to New Orleans

Review of: "The Jefferson Highway: Blazing the Way from Winnipeg to New Orleans," by Lyell D Henry Jr.
Consensus Ensemble System for Traffic Flow Prediction

Traffic flow prediction is a key component of an intelligent transportation system. Accurate traffic flow prediction provides a foundation for other tasks, such as signal coordination and travel time forecasting. There are many known methods in literature for the short-term traffic flow prediction problem, but their efficacy depends heavily on the traffic characteristics. It is difficult, if not impossible, to pick a single method that works well over time. In this paper, we present an automated framework to address this practical issue. Instead of selecting a single method, we combine predictions from multiple methods to generate a consensus traffic flow prediction. We propose an ensemble learning model that exploits the temporal characteristics of the data, and balances the accuracy of individual models and their mutual dependence through a covariance-regularizer. We additionally use a pruning scheme to remove anomalous individual predictions. We apply our proposed model to multi-step-ahead arterial roadway flow prediction. In tests, our method consistently outperforms recently published ensemble prediction methods based on ridge regression and lasso. Our method also produces steady results even when the standalone models and other ensemble methods make wildly exaggerated predictions.
Megan’s Law 20 Years Later: An Empirical Analysis and Policy Review:

This present study examines the sexual and general recidivism rates of 547 convicted sex offenders released before and after the enactment of Megan’s Law in New Jersey. Presenting the longest Megan...
Remember the basics: key success factors for launching and institutionalizing a software product line

The concept of a software product line developed by the Software Engineering Institute is a comprehensive model for an organization building applications based on common architectures and other core assets. In a transition project for launching and institutionalizing a software product line we need to address virtually all areas of a software development organization. Such a transition project will be very difficult and there is usually very little experience in the organization in running such a project successfully. This paper discusses four factors that are essential for the transition project's success. These factors are: a clearly defined goal, strong project management, strong management support, and pilot projects. Although these factors seem to be very basic, experience shows that they are often neglected. In this paper we will show why they are essential for a successful transition project.
Return and volatility spillovers among cryptocurrencies

Abstract This paper measures interdependencies among 18 major cryptocurrencies and shows that (i) Bitcoin is the dominant contributor of return and volatility spillovers among all the sampled cryptocurrencies; (ii) return and volatility spillovers have risen steadily over time; (iii) there are ’spikes’ in spillovers during major news events regarding cryptocurrencies. These findings suggest growing interdependence among cryptocurrencies and, by extension, a higher degree of contagion risk. It may be the case that cryptocurrencies are becoming more integrated, albeit this makes for interesting future empirical testing. In addition, the time-varying nature of spillovers reveals a certain dimension of uncertainty regarding the future of these digital currencies.
Opioid epidemic and liver disease

Opioid use in the United States and in many parts of the world has reached epidemic proportions. This has led to excess mortality as well as significant changes in the epidemiology of liver disease. Herein, we review the impact of the opioid epidemic on liver disease, focusing on the multifaceted impact this epidemic has had on liver disease and liver transplantation. In particular, the opioid crisis has led to a significant shift in incident hepatitis C virus infection to younger populations and to women, leading to changes in screening recommendations. Less well characterized are the potential direct and indirect hepatotoxic effects of opioids, as well as the changes in the incidence of hepatitis B virus infection and alcohol abuse that are likely rising in this population as well. Finally, the opioid epidemic has led to a significant rise in the proportion of organ donors who died due to overdose. These donors have led to an overall increase in donor numbers, but also to new considerations about the better use of donors with perceived or actual risk of disease transmission, especially hepatitis C. Clearly, additional efforts are needed to combat the opioid epidemic. Moreover, better understanding of the epidemiology and underlying pathophysiology will help to identify and treat liver disease in this high-risk population.
Antibiotic- and Fluid-Focused Bundles Potentially Improve Sepsis Management, but High-Quality Evidence Is Lacking for the Specificity Required in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service's Sepsis Bundle (SEP-1)

Objective:To address three controversial components in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service’s sepsis bundle for performance measure (SEP-1): antibiotics within 3 hours, a 30 mL/kg fluid infusion for all hypotensive patients, and repeat lactate measurements within 6 hours if initially elevat
Modeling the effects of helium-vacancy clusters on the stress-strain response of a grain boundary in iron by a mechanistic finite element approach informed by molecular dynamics data

Abstract The effects of helium (He)-vacancy clusters on the stress-strain behavior of polycrystalline iron (α-Fe) are investigated by a mechanistic finite element (FE) approach using a continuum damage mechanics (CDM) description of the material behavior informed by molecular dynamics (MD) data. First, MD analyses of a single crystal (loading normal to {332} plane) and a bicrystal system containing a Σ11 {332} grain boundary (GB) were performed to compute the uniaxial tensile response of an Fe single crystal and a system with a GB. MD results were then used in FE analyses of the same systems to identify parameters for the CDM constitutive relations for the crystal and the traction-separation law for the GB depicted by cohesive elements. Next, a 3D FE model of an α-Fe bicrystal system with an imperfect GB subjected to uniaxial tensile loading was developed. This model includes an equivalent hollow sphere under internal pressure in the middle of the GB to model the effects of pressurized He bubbles at 5 K, room temperature (RT) and 600 K on stress, strain and damage distributions. The radius of the equivalent sphere was determined assuming the presence of two vacancies in the system. Finally, MD stress/strain data of the same bicrystal system with He-vacancy clusters were compared to the corresponding FE results to validate this mechanistic approach that appears to be efficient in terms of computational time. FE model predictions of system strength and fracture strain are in fairly good agreement with the MD results at all three temperatures. Our results show that small and highly pressurized He-vacancy clusters reduce GB strength and fracture strain more significantly at 5 K than at RT and 600 K.
Opportunistic Techniques to Inject OFDM Subcarriers into Navigational Radar Spectral Guard Bands and Mainlobe for Spectrum Sharing

In this paper, we investigate the effects of an opportunistic spectrally shaped communications waveform impinging into the spectrum of a radar with practical spectral shape (e.g., commercial navigation radar). The communications signal employs orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) with the subcarriers modulated by quaternary phase shift keying (QPSK). We use waterfilling and adhoc waterfilling inversion (AWI) techniques to shape the communications spectrum to fill the spectral tails (i.e., guard bands) and to even inject subcarriers into the radar bandwidth. Unsurprisingly, the high-powered radar interferes with the communications waveform such that the symbol error rate (SER) is drastically degraded. We propose estimation and subtraction of the radar interference from the interfered subcarriers resulting in SERs that are vastly improved while the radar probability of detection P D is minimally affected.
Larkspur Poisoning of Cattle: Plant and Animal Factors that Influence Plant Toxicity

On the Ground • Toxic larkspurs (Delphinium species) cause large economic losses from cattle deaths, increased management costs, and reduced utilization of pastures and rangelands. • Larkspur toxicity to cattle can vary by geographic location due to toxic alkaloid content. • Larkspur alkaloid chemistry can be used to predict plant toxicity. • Cattle breeds differ in their susceptibility to larkspur poisoning. • As cattle age from yearlings to two-year olds, they become less susceptible to larkspur. • Heifers are three times more likely to be poisoned at the same dose of larkspur alkaloids than either bulls or steers, suggesting that they must be managed differently on rangelands where larkspur is present.
Self-Reflexivity, Knowledge Production, and Cross-Racial Solidarity

This chapter discusses three interrelated issues that demonstrate how Pacific, Asian, and North American Asian Women in Theology and Ministry (PANAAWTM) has been an integral part of the author’s intellectual formation as a feminist scholar-teacher: the author’s positionality as a U.S.-based Asian woman, contributions of Asian/American women to her scholarly work, and her ongoing work on Afro/black-Asian connections. Seeking to promote more dialogues between African American and Asian and Asian American religious/theological studies as well as cross-racial solidarity, the author discusses the “analytical constraint” of the narrative of cross-racial solidarity, the problems with the exhortation to move beyond the black/white paradigm, and the problematic ways through which Indigeneity is invoked in Afro-Asian inquiry.
Students with Learning Differences: A Review of From Disability to Diversity

An increasing number of students with disabilities enter higher education each year. In 2016, 19% of college students reported a disability (Snyder, de Bray, & Dillow, 2019), and postsecondary educ...
Barriers and facilitators to retaining a cohort of street-based cisgender female sex workers recruited in Baltimore, Maryland, USA: results from the SAPPHIRE study.

Despite experiencing HIV/STIs, violence, and other morbidities at higher rates than the general public, street-based female sex workers are often absent from public health research and surveillance due to the difficulty and high costs associated with engagement and retention. The current study builds on existing literature by examining barriers and facilitators of retaining a street-based cohort of cisgender female sex workers recruited in a mobile setting in Baltimore, Maryland who participated in the SAPPHIRE study. Participants completed interviews and sexual health testing at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months. Retention strategies are described and discussed in light of their benefits and challenges. Strategies included collecting several forms of participant contact information, maintaining an extensive field presence by data collectors, conducting social media outreach and public record searches, and providing cash and non-cash incentives. We also calculated raw and adjusted retention proportions at each follow-up period. Lastly, baseline sample characteristics were compared by number of completed visits across demographic, structural vulnerabilities, work environment, and substance use variables using F-tests and Pearson’s chi-square tests. Although there were drawbacks to each retention strategy, each method was useful in tandem in achieving a successful follow-up rate. While direct forms of contact such as phone calls, social media outreach, and email were useful for retaining more stable participants, less stable participants required extensive field-based efforts such as home and site visits that increase the likelihood of random encounters. Overall, adjusted retention exceeded 70% for the duration of the 12-month study. Participants who were younger, recently experienced homelessness, and injected drugs daily were less likely to have completed all or most follow-up visits. Retention of street-based female sex workers required the simultaneous use of diverse retention strategies that were tailored to participant characteristics. With familiarity of the dynamic nature of the study population characteristics, resources can be appropriately allocated to strategies most likely to result in successful retention.
Large-scale in-memory analytics on Intel® Optane™ DC persistent memory

New data storage technologies such as the recently introduced Intel® Optane™ DC Persistent Memory Module (PMM) offer exciting opportunities for optimizing the query processing performance of database workloads. In particular, the unique combination of low latency, byte-addressability, persistence, and large capacity make persistent memory (PMem) an attractive alternative along with DRAM and SSDs. Exploring the performance characteristics of this new medium is the first critical step in understanding how it will impact the design and performance of database systems. In this paper, we present one of the first experimental studies on characterizing Intel® Optane™ DC PMM's performance behavior in the context of analytical database workloads. First, we analyze basic access patterns common in such workloads, such as sequential, selective, and random reads as well as the complete Star Schema Benchmark, comparing standalone DRAM- and PMem-based implementations. Then we extend our analysis to join algorithms over larger datasets, which require using DRAM and PMem in a hybrid fashion while paying special attention to the read-write asymmetry of PMem. Our study reveals interesting performance tradeoffs that can help guide the design of next-generation OLAP systems in presence of persistent memory in the storage hierarchy.
Luck or insight? The Simon–Ehrlich bet re‐examined

After a long argument about the effect of population growth on the availability of resources, Julian Simon and Paul Ehrlich undertook a $1,000 bet in October1980. The wager concerned the inflation‐adjusted prices of five metals. If, over ten years, prices rose, Simon would pay Ehrlich. If they fell, Ehrlich would pay Simon. In October 1990 Ehrlich mailed Simon a cheque, as the real price of the five‐metal basket of commodities had fallen by 36 per cent. Since then, some researchers have argued that Simon ‘got lucky’; over other periods the result would have been different. We review data from 1900–2019 and find that, if war years are excluded, Simon would have won the bet 69.9 per cent of the time. During this 119‐year period, the time price of the five‐metal basket fell by 87.2 per cent despite both US and world populations having grown substantially.
Sweet Syndrome in an Elderly Man With Well-Controlled Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, or Sweet syndrome, is a rare disorder associated with medications, underlying malignancy, or systemic inflammatory conditions. We present the case of a 71-year-old male living with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy, who presented with multiple painful, pseudo-vesicular, almost-necrotic appearing papules on his bilateral palms in the setting of constitutional symptoms and altered mental status. Biopsy of his palmar lesions revealed a dense, diffuse, dermal neutrophilic infiltrate consistent with Sweet syndrome. Infectious, rheumatologic, and oncologic work-up was negative. He was treated initially with intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone, and dapsone; and he was continued on suppressive dapsone. He responded well clinically, but he relapsed multiple times in the setting of medication non-adherence before his ultimate diagnosis with sarcoidosis. A review of the literature of persons living with HIV and diagnosed with Sweet syndrome reveals no clear clinical association between the two despite plausible pathologic mechanisms. Patients living with HIV who are diagnosed with Sweet syndrome should be evaluated thoroughly for potential etiologies; the search for the underlying etiology of Sweet syndrome should go beyond their diagnosis of HIV.
Congenital Diseases of DNA Replication: Clinical Phenotypes and Molecular Mechanisms

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication can be divided into three major steps: initiation, elongation and termination. Each time a human cell divides, these steps must be reiteratively carried out. Disruption of DNA replication can lead to genomic instability, with the accumulation of point mutations or larger chromosomal anomalies such as rearrangements. While cancer is the most common class of disease associated with genomic instability, several congenital diseases with dysfunctional DNA replication give rise to similar DNA alterations. In this review, we discuss all congenital diseases that arise from pathogenic variants in essential replication genes across the spectrum of aberrant replisome assembly, origin activation and DNA synthesis. For each of these conditions, we describe their clinical phenotypes as well as molecular studies aimed at determining the functional mechanisms of disease, including the assessment of genomic stability. By comparing and contrasting these diseases, we hope to illuminate how the disruption of DNA replication at distinct steps affects human health in a surprisingly cell-type-specific manner.
Functional Characterization of Organoids Derived From Irreversibly Damaged Liver of Patients With NASH.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) will soon become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the US and is also associated with increased COVID-19 mortality. Currently, there are no FDA approved drugs available that slow NASH progression or address NASH liver involvement in COVID-19. Since animal models cannot fully recapitulate human NASH, we hypothesized that stem cells isolated directly from end-stage NASH patient liver may address current knowledge gaps in human NASH pathology. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We devised methods allowing derivation, proliferation, hepatic differentiation and extensive characterization of bipotent ductal organoids from irreversibly damaged NASH patient liver. The transcriptomes of organoids derived from NASH liver, but not healthy liver show significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory and cytochrome p450-related pathways, as well as of known liver fibrosis and tumor markers, with the degree of upregulation being NASH patient-specific. Functionally, NASH liver organoids exhibit reduced passaging/growth capacity and show hallmarks of NASH liver, including decreased albumin production, increased free fatty acid induced lipid accumulation, increased sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli and increased CYP450 metabolism. After hepatic differentiation, NASH liver organoids exhibit reduced ability to dedifferentiate back to the biliary state, consistent with the known reduced regenerative ability of NASH livers. Intriguingly, NASH liver organoids also show strongly increased permissiveness to SARS-CoV-2-VSV pseudovirus as well as upregulation of ubiquitin D (Fat10), a known inhibitor of the antiviral interferon host response. CONCLUSION: Expansion of primary liver stem cells/organoids derived directly from irreversibly damaged NASH patient liver opens up new experimental avenues for personalized disease modeling and drug development that has the potential to slow human NASH progression and to counteract NASH related SARS-CoV-2 effects.
Cerebrospinal fluid orexin in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective/background A growing body of evidence suggests that sleep and Alzheimer's disease (AD) have a bi-directional relationship. Emerging research also suggests that orexin, a key neurotransmitter involved in sleep-wake regulation, may be altered in persons with AD, however results have not been consistent across prior studies. This investigation was conducted to both evaluate the aggregate literature to minimize the risk of bias and identify potential factors associated with heterogeneity across studies. Methods Systematic review identified relevant investigations that compared cerebrospinal fluid orexin in persons with AD and controls. Meta-analysis (random effects model) compared effect size (Hedge's g) for orexin between AD and controls. Meta-regression was additionally performed for key variables of interest to evaluate potential causes of heterogeneity among studies. Results 17 studies were identified that met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Evidence of publication bias was not identified. Non-significant increases in orexin were observed in AD relative to controls, with moderate to large heterogeneity among studies (Hedge's g = 0.20, p = 0.136, I2 = 72.6%). Meta-regression demonstrated both year of publication (β = 0.055, p = 0.020) and effect size for phosphorylated tau in AD versus controls (β = 0.417, p = 0.031) were associated with differences in orexin. Conclusions Results do not support broad differences in orexin in AD compared to controls, however, evolving diagnostic criteria may have affected findings across studies. Future research that examines orexin in AD over the longitudinal course of the disorder and explores potential links between phosphorylated tau and orexin are indicated.
Aldosteronoma

Aldosteronoma is a surgically curable cause of hypertension. Recent studies have found aldosteronomas to be a more common cause of hypertension than previously thought. At least 2% of patients with hypertension may have an aldosteronoma. More than 50% of these patients are normokalemic because of earlier diagnosis or milder disease, but still benefit from adrenalectomy. Patients with hypertension should be screened for possible primary hyperaldosteronism regardless of their serum potassium level. When used in conjunction with the appropriate laboratory tests, high-resolution computerized tomography scanning helps the surgeon to differentiate accurately between an adrenal adenoma and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Focused approach and laparoscopic resection are the norm for the surgical treatment of aldosteronoma.
Analytic theory for the determination of velocity and stability of bubbles in a Hele-Shaw cell. I - Velocity selection. II - Stability

An asymptotic theory is presented for the determination of velocity and linear stability of a steady symmetric bubble in a Hele-Shaw cell for small surface tension. First the bubble velocity relative to the fluid velocity at infinity is determined for small surface tension by means of a transcendentally small correction to the asymptotic series solution. In addition, a linear stability analysis shows that only the solution branch corresponding to the largest possible bubble velocity for given surface tension is stable, while all the others are unstable.
Knowledge-Based Reengineering of Business Processes: Leveraging the Power of Natural Language

The number of business process reengineering projects in industry and the number of persons involved in such projects has risen rapidly since Hammer and Champy introduced the concept in 1993. As substantial costs are associated with reengineering projects, much effort has been concentrated in developing tools to support BPR projects. In the last three years alone, more than 50 BPR tools have been brought to market. Many of these tools are extensions of tools for Computer-Aided Software Engineering or have been modeled after CASE tools. They therefore face some of the same obstacles, such as step learning curves and acceptance problems (Summer and Ryan, 1994). As a study by Elzinga et al. (1995) showed, participants in BPR projects perceive the lack of user-friendly tools as one of the key problems for more effective BPR projects. One of the reasons for these problems is the generic nature of current tools, which typically incorporate very little knowledge about realistic business situations. In this paper, we show that it is possible to develop a new generation of BPR tools which leverage some of the knowledge contained in natural language. To prove our point, we present a prototype BPR tool which transforms a natural language description of a business process into a process diagram.
The Pharmacology of DDT

Publisher Summary The common or popularized expression DDT is a contraction for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. This chapter discusses the analytical procedures and stability of DDT. The widespread use of DDT makes it mandatory to develop analytical procedures that meet the various conditions of determining small quantities in spray residues and biological materials. It is common knowledge that repeated spraying of DDT is necessary to control some insect pests. This suggests that the insecticide loses its efficiency, and various reasons have been advanced for this inactivation. Volatilization, the effect of weathering, occlusion, or attenuation on developing fruit has been discussed. Under pharmacology, the chapter discusses systemic actions and mechanism of convulsive actions, cardiac effects, percutaneous absorption, irritation and sensitization, acute and chronic toxicity, absorption and distribution, and fate and excretion. It reports the most informative observations on the effect of DDT in man and discusses the gross pathologic changes induced by DDT. The greatest hazard of DDT and the treatment and antidotes of acute poisoning have been mentioned.
γ-Glutamyl Cyclotransferase DISTRIBUTION, ISOZYMIC FORMS, AND SPECIFICITY

Abstract γ-Glutamyl cyclotransferase activity was found in homogenates of 11 rat tissues (kidney, liver, testes, spleen, brain, lung, heart, thymus, thyroid, skeletal muscle, and adrenal); two forms of the enzyme separable by starch gel electrophoresis were found in all tissues examined. l-γ-Glutamyl-l-glutamine and l-γ-glutamyl-l-methionine were the most active of nine substrates studied. The two enzyme forms present in rat liver were separated by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and found to exhibit the same molecular weight (about 27,000) and similar substrate specificity. However, the substrate specificity of the two isolated γ-glutamyl cyclotransferases was different from that of the liver homogenate and data were obtained indicating that the specificity of the enzyme changes during isolation and on storage at low temperature. Changes in the electrophoretic pattern are also observed after such storage. In general, the observed changes in specificity were decreases in activity toward γ-glutamylglutamine and other γ-glutamyl amino acids and either no change or a moderate increase in activity toward γ-glutamyl-γ-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide. The findings suggest that the changes in specificity are associated with a process (possibly limited proteolysis) that modifies the enzyme in such a manner as to alter that portion of the active site that binds the amino acid moiety of the γ-glutamyl amino acid substrate; the portion of the active site that binds the γ-glutamyl moiety appears to be modified relatively less.