cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of implosions of tungsten single and double planar wire arrays produced on the 1-MA generator at UNR

Summary form only given. Analysis of the results of tungsten single and double planar wire array (PWA) experiments performed on the UNR 1 MA generator "Zebra" is presented. Uniform as well as combined PWAs with Al wires arrays were investigated and compared. Previous spectroscopic work focused on analysis of time-integrated spatially resolved (TISR) stagnation phase data, while this presentation continues and expands that study to include the early implosion plasma stage and more data from recent shots. A full diagnostic set was utilized, including a pulse laser shadowgraphy system, a gated fast intensified CCD (ICCD) camera, an X-ray time-gated pinhole camera, a TISR spectrometer, and a time-gated spatially integrated (TGSI) spectrometer. Non-LTE kinetic modeling is used to describe spectroscopic data for combined PWAs in particular. wire ablation dynamics model is employed to model the implosion and interpret shadowgraphy data. Opacity effects in plasmas from uniform and combined PWAs with Al wires are discussed and compared. The advantage of using the tracer Al wires is emphasized. Applications to current fusion research are also considered.
The Saint Petersburg Game: An Exposition of the Classical Treatment

An early attempt to measure risk was the 1738 paper of Bernoulli in which he describes the well-known Saint Petersburg paradox. Subsequent writers have considered this game to draw conclusions about the nature of risk or to test newly devised risk models. We analyze the paradox, evaluate various theories which have been advanced to resolve it, and briefly examine the implications of these theories on the wider area of risk analysis.
Two-Year Outcome of Patients Treated With Sirolimus- Versus Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents in an Unselected Population With Coronary Artery Disease (from the REWARDS Registry)

Multiple studies comparing sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) in patients with coronary artery disease have been performed. Despite these comparisons, it remains uncertain whether a differential in long-term efficacy and safety exists. Unselected patients treated exclusively with 1 drug-eluting stent type were enrolled in the Registry Experience at the Washington Hospital Center with Drug-Eluting Stents. There were 2,099 patients (3,766 lesions) treated with SES and 1,079 patients (1,850 lesions) treated with PES. Patients were followed at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years for the clinical endpoints of death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and definite and definite/probable stent thrombosis. Patients in the SES group had more dyslipidemia, history of congestive heart failure, and ostial lesions; patients treated with PES had more previous coronary artery bypass surgery, unstable angina, and type C lesions. At 2 years, unadjusted major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (22.6% vs 21.1%, p = 0.3) and target vessel revascularization (13.3% vs 11.2%, p = 0.1) were comparable. The incidence of definite stent thrombosis was higher in the SES group (1.8% vs 0.9%, p = 0.05) driven by early events. Similar results were seen after adjustment for baseline differences: MACE (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9 to 1.3, p = 0.5), definite stent thrombosis (hazard ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 5.2, p = 0.05), and target vessel revascularization (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.4, p = 0.4). The incidence and rate of late stent thrombosis (>30 days) were similar (0.7% vs 0.5%, p = 0.4 and 0.24%/year, both groups, respectively). In conclusion, no major differential in long-term safety or efficacy was detected between SES and PES; both stent types were efficacious in reducing revascularization but were limited by a small continual increase in late stent thrombosis.
The effect of equipment usage and residual task difficulty on use of personal assistance, days in bed, and nursing home placement

Objectives: To determine whether residual difficulty in functioning in spite of equipment use is linked with increased use of personal assistance. Design: Longitudinal. Two waves of the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) database were used to test the effect of residual difficulty on hours of personal assistance and bed days at Wave 1 on hours of personal assistance, bed days, and nursing home placement at Waves 1 and 2. Setting: A nationally representative setting of community-dwelling persons aged 70 and older and their spouses, regardless of age at Wave 1 AHEAD. There was movement of some respondents into nursing homes by the Wave 2 interview. Participants: Respondents to the AHEAD survey, N=8,222 at Wave 1. Measurements: The dependent variables were hours of personal assistance in the month before the AHEAD survey (Waves 1 and 2), number of days in month before the survey in which the person did not get out of bed (Waves 1 and 2), and residence in a nursing home at Wave 2. The key explanatory variable was a mutually exclusive (four category) variable that specified whether there was residual difficulty (yes/no) in indoor mobility in spite of using equipment to aid specifically with indoor mobility. The four-category variable was defined by the four categories created by a cross-tabulation of equipment use (yes/no) and difficulty with indoor mobility (yes/no). A similar four-category variable was also defined for transferring in the home. Results: In cross section, equipment users with residual difficulty reported more hours of personal assistance in the case of indoor mobility impairment and were more likely to have some hours of personal assistance than those without residual difficulty with indoor mobility and transferring. Longitudinally, those with residual difficulty at Wave 1 were more likely to need some personal assistance hours at Wave 2 (odds ratio=1.67, 95% confidence interval= 1.23–2.26 for indoor mobility). For transferring, those with residual difficulty had 43 more hours of personal assistance per month (P=.001) than those for whom equipment resolved their disability. Residual disability was linked to more bed days for users of indoor mobility and transferring equipment, but it was not predictive of nursing home placement by Wave 2. Conclusion: Equipment for indoor mobility or transfers apparently resolves difficulty for some users of the equipment but not for others. Residual task difficulty in spite of equipment for indoor mobility and transferring is linked with worse outcomes, including increased dependency on personal assistance and more days in bed. This shows that more attention is needed to determine whether equipment prescribed is appropriate for a patient's difficulty and that follow-up assessment is crucial after equipment is prescribed.
The Shortened Infusion Time of Intravenous Ibuprofen, Part 2: A Multicenter, Open-label, Surgical Surveillance Trial to Evaluate Safety

Abstract Purpose The literature and clinical data support the use of intravenous (IV) infusions of ibuprofen to control pain and reduce the opioid requirements associated with surgical pain. According to current guidelines, IV ibuprofen can be administered via a slow IV infusion performed during a 30-minute period. Although recent studies indicate that more rapid infusions may yield additional benefits for patients, the safety of such an approach needs further evaluation. The main purpose of this study was to determine the safety of single and multiple doses of IV ibuprofen (800 mg) administered over 5 to 10 minutes at the induction of anesthesia and after the surgical procedure for the treatment of postoperative pain. Methods This was a Phase IV, multicenter, open-label, clinical surveillance study. It was conducted at 21 hospitals in the United States, and 300 adult hospitalized patients undergoing surgery were enrolled. The exclusion criteria for the study were: inadequate IV access; hypersensitivity to any component of IV ibuprofen, aspirin, or related products; and any active, clinically significant bleeding. Also excluded were patients who had taken NSAIDs Findings Approximately 22% (65 of 300) of patients reported adverse events (serious and nonserious). The most common adverse event was infusion site pain (34 of 300 [11%]). No deaths were reported. Nine subjects reported serious adverse events, 8 of which occurred during the first 6 hours. All serious events reported were judged unrelated to ibuprofen. Of the 300 total patients, 2 (0.67%) discontinued the study drug due to an adverse event (1 patient discontinued the study because of infusion site pain, and 1 patient withdrew due to a hypersensitivity reaction after drug administration). Implications Our study found that IV ibuprofen infused over 5 to 10 minutes at induction of anesthesia is a safe administration option for surgical patients. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01334957.
Damage Detection of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Novel Distributed Crack/Strain Sensors:

Coaxial cables are used as distributed sensors to detect cracks or measure strains in reinforced concrete (RC) structures with the electrical time domain reflectometry (ETDR). An emphasis was placed on the development and validation of a type of novel cable sensors. The new sensor was designed based on the change in topology of its outer conductor under strain conditions instead of the change in geometry of a conventional cable sensor. Finite difference time domain (FDTM) models of four types of cables were established to understand the inter-relationship among various design parameters. They were calibrated with a standard displacement transducer in nine tension tests and then mounted near the surface of six RC beams of 0.91-m long to validate their sensitivity and performance. The bending test results of RC beams are in general agreement with those from the calibration test of cables. Both indicate that the proposed sensors are over 15-80 times more sensitive than sensors based on commercial coaxial cab...
Wolf Piezoelectric Lithotripsy

The Wolf Piezolith 2000 is an extracorporeal piezoelectric-based shock wave unit which employs a significantly different source of shock wave generation from previous units. Three thousand piezoceramic crystals are utilized in this lithotripter. The crystals are fixed to a spherical disk and each is focused at the center point of the “sphere.” Because no precursorial shock wave is present, because of a center focal point for the shock wave, and because of the lower pressure of shock wave in this machine, the patient feels no pain and it is possible to treat without any kind of anesthesia, including IV sedation.
Transfer and expression of a Streptomyces cholesterol oxidase gene in Streptococcus thermophilus.

The recombinant plasmid pNCO937 (8.1 kbp) containing a Streptomyces sp. cholesterol oxidase gene was introduced into Streptococcus thermophilus by electrotransformation. Transformation frequency was 7.2 times 10(5) colony forming units/micrograms of DNA. The presence of the cholesterol oxidase gene in S. thermophilus was confirmed with Southern blot analysis using a biotinylated probe. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis showed the expression of the Streptomyces cholesterol oxidase gene resulting in the oxidation of cholesterol to 4-cholesten-3-one. S. thermophilus may be a suitable host for the expression of other genes regulating prokaryotic cholesterol metabolism.
Incorporating an internet-based voicemail drug information assessment in an introductory pharmacy practice course.

Abstract Objectives To examine the implementation and student perceptions of an innovative verbal drug information assessment. Design The drug information assignment in an introductory pharmacy practice course was redesigned and an assessment of a verbal response to a drug information request was added with the use of an internet-based voicemail (IBVM) system. Assessment Students performed well on both the verbal vs. written assessments. Most students strongly agreed or agreed that completing both assignments was a valuable experience; however, more students agreed that the verbal assignment was useful (90% vs. 83%). More students agreed that the verbal assignment helped prepare them as a pharmacist (97% vs. 85%) and that the verbal assignment increased their confidence (82% vs. 78%). Student comments echoed these results; additionally, many indicated that the verbal assessment was realistic. Conclusion The IBVM assessment was successful, user-friendly, and this mode of assessment may be useful in other courses.
Modeling the Excess Cell Surface Stored in a Complex Morphology of Bleb-Like Protrusions.

Cells transition from spread to rounded morphologies in diverse physiological contexts including mitosis and mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transitions. When these drastic shape changes occur rapidly, cell volume and surface area are approximately conserved. Consequently, the rounded cells are suddenly presented with a several-fold excess of cell surface whose area far exceeds that of a smooth sphere enclosing the cell volume. This excess is stored in a population of bleb-like protrusions (BLiPs), whose size distribution is shown by electron micrographs to be skewed. We introduce three complementary models of rounded cell morphologies with a prescribed excess surface area. A 2D Hamiltonian model provides a mechanistic description of how discrete attachment points between the cell surface and cortex together with surface bending energy can generate a morphology that satisfies a prescribed excess area and BLiP number density. A 3D random seed-and-growth model simulates efficient packing of BLiPs over a primary rounded shape, demonstrating a pathway for skewed BLiP size distributions that recapitulate 3D morphologies. Finally, a phase field model (2D and 3D) posits energy-based constitutive laws for the cell membrane, nematic F-actin cortex, interior cytosol, and external aqueous medium. The cell surface is equipped with a spontaneous curvature function, a proxy for the cell surface-cortex couple, that is a priori unknown, which the model “learns” from the thin section transmission electron micrograph image (2D) or the “seed and growth” model image (3D). Converged phase field simulations predict self-consistent amplitudes and spatial localization of pressure and stress throughout the cell for any posited stationary morphology target and cell compartment constitutive properties. The models form a general framework for future studies of cell morphological dynamics in a variety of biological contexts.
Patent Law—Patentability Post-Bilski: No Need to Throw the Baby Out With the Bath Water When Determining Subject Matter Eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101

idea gives rise to much confusion within the area of patent law, making any patentability determination controversial. This gray area includes software, digital programs, and business processes. 1. Rules of the Abrams Test In In re Abrams,51 the appellant sought review of the USPTO's rejection of the claims presented in his application for a petroleum prospecting method.52 The Board rejected the application on the basis "that the steps in the claims which constitute the heart of the invention [were] purely mental in character," and they failed to describe a process involving eligible subject matter.53 On appeal, the court was asked to apply the following three "rules of law" to cases that contain so-called mental steps 4: 1. If all the steps of a method claim are purely mental in character, the subject matter thereof is not patentable within the meaning of the patent statutes. 2. If a method claim embodies both positive and physical steps as well as so-called mental steps, yet the alleged novelty or advance over the art resides in one or more of the so-called mental steps, then the claim is considered unpatentable for the same reason that it would be if all the steps were purely mental in character. 3. If a method claim embodies both positive and physical steps as well as so-called mental steps, yet the novelty or advance over the art resides in one or more of the positive and physical steps and the so-called mental step or steps are incidental parts of the process which are essential to de51. 188F.2d165(C.C.P.A. 1951). 52. Id. at 165. The primary examiner determined that while the invention involved a new and useful method of prospecting for petroleum deposits, steps involved were mainly mental in nature and therefore non-statutory. Id. at 167. This mental process is indicated by such terms in the claims as "calculating" applied for instance to mathematically making certain computations from figures taken down from pressure observation, "comparing" applied to mere mental comparison of figures on a sheet[, "converting" as related to mathematically calculating the flow data or pressure rise with respect to a standard reference pressure, "determining" applied, for instance, to the reading of the pressure rise figures[, and] "correcting" involving mere mathematical calculations. Id. (quoting "the statement of the examiner following the appeal to the [B]oard"). 53. These claims were rejected pursuant to Section 4886 R.S.. Id. at 165. Section 4886 R.S. was included in § 31 of the former Title 35, which was modified by the Patent Act of 1952 one year after this case was decided. 35 U.S.C. § 101. 54. In re Abrams, 188 F.2d at 166. [Vol, 34
A bio-psychosocial intervention program for improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors: Results of a prospective randomized trial

Background: Given the 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in America, quality of life (QoL) is a vital issue. Bio-psychosocialmilieu of survivorship is increasingly important. This study assesses the impact of bio-psychosocial intervention (BPSI) on theQoL of breast cancer survivors utilizing Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT-B) instrument. Methods: A prospective randomized trial was designed; intervention arm included a 4-hour BPSI coping skills class; control armreceived standard of cancer (SOC) and follow up care. Women diagnosed within 2 years of study initiation were eligible. Samplesize was based on 8-point difference in FACT-B score, 90% power, 5% type I error, and 20% attrition. FACT-B questionnaire wasadministered to all patients at baseline and at 6-month intervals. SAS 9.3 software was used to analyze data using Chi-square testfor categorical and Wilcoxon rank sum for ordinal data; linear mixed modeling was used for longitudinal analysis. Results: One hundred and three of 120 (86%) patients were available for analysis. Forty-seven patients were in BSPI arm, and 56received SOC. For BPSI arm vs. SOC arm, the median (interquartile) age [60 (52, 68) vs. 58 (52, 68)yrs. P = .9135], cancer-stage(0: 1: 2: 3 = 11%: 41%: 35%: 13% vs. 18%: 46%: 22%: 15%, P = .4645), and biology (triple-negative: HER2+ : ER+ =9%: 74%: 17% vs. 8%: 72%: 20%, P = .8454), respectively, was similar. Mean (SE) FACT-B scores in BPSI vs. SOC arms at6 months and 1 year were 115.1 (2.2) vs. 114.6 (2.0) ( P = .8731) and 124.7(2.8) vs. 101.4 (2.4) ( P = .0001). The inter-groupdifference significantly expanded at 1 year ( P = .0001). The 12-month difference persisted when confounding baseline variableswere adjusted for in in multivariate modeling. Conclusion: BPSI coping skills class significantly improved the QoL of breast cancer survivors by one year post-interventiontime point.
A Frequency Agile Microstrip Patch Phased Array Antenna With Polarization Reconfiguration

A novel multifunctional $1 \times 4$ phased array antenna employing wideband frequency agile microstrip patches with simultaneous polarization reconfiguration has been designed and experimentally verified. Each radiating element consists of a circular microstrip patch connected to an annular microstrip ring via four varactor diodes for achieving frequency agility between 1.5 and 2.4 GHz (frequency agility bandwidth $\approx 46$ %, $S_{11} \leq -10$ dB). Employing two feed points per radiator enables switching among four polarization senses (two linear and two circular polarizations) using a polarization feed network (PFN). For realizing beam steering, the optimum amplitude and phase excitation coefficients for each radiating element were calculated using projection matrix method based on active element pattern, which is then applied to each corresponding radiating element using programmable digital phase shifters, low noise amplifiers, and attenuators arranged in a beam forming network. Measurement shows ±52° beam peak steering at 1.5 GHz and ±28° beam peak steering at 2.4 GHz based on 3 dB gain variation criteria for both the linear and circular polarizations. The simulated and measured results agree reasonably well.
Abstract 1791: Effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on circulating markers of inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a major role in colon carcinogenesis. Recent evidence from experimental models suggests that vitamin D and calcium may reduce systemic inflammation and local inflammation in the colorectum, thus contributing to reducing risk for colorectal neoplasia. However, human experimental evidence to support these purported anti-inflammatory effects remains inconclusive, coming from very few, small, mainly short-term clinical studies with a variety of doses and administration regimens, with and without calcium supplementation in very different patient populations, and with a limited number of inflammatory biomarkers measured. To address this, we tested the effects of calcium (1.2 g/d) and/or vitamin D3 (1,000 IU/d) supplementation for 3 or 5 years on circulating pro- (IFNγ, TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in 471 participants with previous colorectal adenoma in a recently completed, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, modified 2 × 2 factorial chemoprevention clinical trial (NCT00153816). The cytokines were measured in plasma using multiplex electrochemiluminescence detection-based immunoassays. Over a 3- or 5-year treatment period, we found no appreciable effects of calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines (all P-values > 0.3). However, there was a suggestion that vitamin D may favorably modulate concentrations of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In the calcium, vitamin D, and calcium plus vitamin D groups, the relative increase vs. placebo in IL-10 from baseline to end of follow-up was 3% (P = 0.78), 15% (P = 0.15), 13% (P = 0.35). Our preliminary results indicate no considerable effects of calcium and vitamin D treatment on circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and might suggest that vitamin D may increase circulating levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which plays an important role in the Th2-type immune response. Citation Format: Veronika Fedirko, Julia Latash, Roberd M. Bostick, Elizabeth L. Barry, John A. Baron on behalf of Investigators in the PPS4 Study. Effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on circulating markers of inflammation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1791.
Mann–Whitney U Test

The Mann–Whitney U test is often viewed as the nonparametric equivalent of Student’s t-Test for Independent Samples, but this comparison may be somewhat too convenient. The two tests (the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-Test and the parametric Student’s t-Test for Independent Samples) may have similar purposes in that they are both used to determine if there are statistically significant differences between two groups. However, the Mann–Whitney U-Test is used with nonparametric data (typically, ordinal data) whereas the Student’s t-Test for Independent Samples is used with data that meet the assumptions associated with parametric distributions (typically interval data that approximate an acceptable level of normal distribution). Even so, the Mann–Whitney U-Test has many appropriate uses and it should be considered when using ranked data, data that deviate from acceptable distribution patterns, or for when there are noticeable differences in the number of subjects in the two comparative groups.
Nasal septal perforation secondary to systemic bevacizumab.

Abstract Importance A case of nasal septal perforation secondary to systemic bevacizumab therapy for ovarian cancer is reported. Bevacizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) inhibitor that is becoming more widely utilized in the oncologic community. There is only one prior report of septal perforation secondary to bevacizumab in the Otolaryngology specific literature. The purpose of this report is: 1) to raise awareness and discuss the literature surrounding the sinonasal complications of bevacizumab and 2) provide workup and treatment recommendations based on the sum of the available literature. Observations We review the clinical record of a 59 year old patient who presented with an anterior septal perforation while taking bevacizumab therapy for ovarian cancer. She had mild symptoms. Her oncologist held bevacizumab and topical moisture therapy was started. After several weeks, the perforation remained stable and bevacizumab was restarted for her ovarian cancer. Conclusion and relevance Bevacizumab is associated with both septal perforation and more widespread sinonasal toxicity. These lesions tend to produce only mild symptoms and can usually be managed conservatively. The decision to hold bevacizumab therapy should be made in conjunction with the patient and medical oncologist. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the toxicity from this increasingly common oncologic therapy.
Cluster Ion Chemistry: Summary of the Workshop

One of the exciting areas in ion chemistry that has flourished in the the past decade is studies of cluster ions. This encompasses a broad range of species from proton bound molecules to aggregates of atoms. This diversity is reflected in the contributions to the workshop on cluster ion chemistry which are summarized below. In addition to these seven reports, the workshop included oral presentations from A. J. Stace on rare gas cluster ions, T. Baer on ion complexes, and M. T. Bowers on reactions of niobium cluster ions.
Efficient Pr3+ laser material excitation by three-for-one cross-relaxation

Pr 3+ has three excited manifolds with the right energy spacings for emission between 3.5 and 5.5 microns, and can be excited efficiently using laser diodes developed for telecommunications. In the potential laser crystal Pr:RbPb 2 Cl 5 , we have observed strikingly strong fluorescence in this wavelength range following 1.53-micron excitation. Careful analysis indicates this must be due to two cross-relaxation processes that, together, efficiently convert one Pr 3+ initially excited to the 3 F 3 manifold into three ions excited to the 3 H 5 manifold. This newly discovered “three-for-one” crossrelaxation process in Pr 3+ may greatly enhance its utility as a mid-infrared laser ion.
Child Abuse in Arizona and Utah Polygamous Families: An Argument in Favor of Strict and Broad Enforcement of Punishments for Polygamy-related Crimes Against Children

This paper argues that stories about young girls running away from the polygamous communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, are evidence that the policies that are meant to protect children in polygamous families are not working. This paper argues that while Utah state law enforcement and child welfare agencies have the authority to adequately protect children in the polygamous communities of Colorado City and Hildale, the stateâ€™s current policies do not allow agencies enough scope, range, or power to enforce the statutes. This paper also argues that the reason that public officials face political ramifications when attempting to enact such policy. Policies in place are ill-equipped to deal with the physical isolation of Colorado City and Hildale; the closed nature of the society; the large resources required to deal with polygamy-related crimes; the power of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saintsâ€™ leaders; and the apathy of the public in Utah and Arizona.
No Evidence That Sleep Deprivation Effects and the Vigilance Decrement Are Functionally Equivalent: Comment on Veksler and Gunzelmann (2017)

Veksler and Gunzelmann (2017) make an extraordinary claim, which is that sleep deprivation effects and the vigilance decrement are functionally equivalent. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, which is missing from Veksler and Gunzelmann's study. Their behavioral data offer only weak theoretical constraint, and to the extent their modeling exercise supports any position, it is that these two performance impairments involve functionally distinct underlying mechanisms.
Cationic Poly(benzyl ether)s as Self-Immolative Antimicrobial Polymers.

Self-immolative polymers (SIMPs) are macromolecules that spontaneously undergo depolymerization into small molecules when triggered by specific external stimuli. We report here the first examples of antimicrobial SIMPs with potent, rapid, and broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Their antibacterial and hemolytic activities were examined as a function of cationic functionality. Polymers bearing primary ammonium cationic groups showed more potent bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, relative to tertiary and quaternary ammonium counterparts, whereas the quaternary ammonium polymers showed the lowest hemolytic toxicity. These antibacterial polycations undergo end-to-end depolymerization when triggered by an externally applied stimulus. Specifically, poly(benzyl ether)s end-capped with a silyl ether group and bearing pendant allyl side chains were converted to polycations by photoinitiated thiol–ene radical addition using cysteamine HCl. The intact polycations are stable in solution, but they spont...
Midkine and pleiotrophin concentrations in needle biopsies of breast and lung masses.

Background/objective Midkine (MDK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) are two closely related heparin-binding growth factors which are overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers. We hypothesized that the concentrations of these factors in washout of biopsy needles would be higher in breast and lung cancer than in benign lesions. Methods Seventy subjects underwent pre-operative core needle biopsies of 78 breast masses (16 malignancies). In 11 subjects, fine needle aspiration was performed ex vivo on 7 non-small cell lung cancers and 11 normal lung specimens within surgically excised lung tissue. The biopsy needle was washed with buffer for immunoassay. Results The MDK/DNA and the PTN/DNA ratio in most of the malignant breast masses were similar to the ratios in benign masses except one lobular carcinoma in situ (24-fold higher PTN/DNA ratio than the average benign mass). The MDK/DNA and PTN/DNA ratio were similar in most malignant and normal lung tissue except one squamous cell carcinoma (38-fold higher MDK/DNA ratio than the average of normal lung tissue). Conclusions Both MDK and PTN are readily measurable in washout of needle biopsy samples from breast and lung masses and levels are highly elevated only in a specific subset of these malignancies.
Abstract #1775: Crocetin, a carotenoid compound derived from saffron, antagonizes the anticancer effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and no significant treatment is at present available. Although there are an increasing number of therapeutic options available for patients with advanced disease, their efficacy is time limited and non-curative. Presently approximately 50-60% of cancer patients in the United States utilize therapies derived from plants, herbs, flowers, or nutrients (complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]), exclusively or concurrently with their traditional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. One such CAM therapy is \#8220;crocetin\#8221;, a carotenoid compound isolated from the saffron plant. Recent studies demonstrated that crocetin has a significant antitumorigenic effect in both in vitro and in vivo on pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine, a nucleoside analogue, is the drug of choice in pancreatic cancer and it has also been demonstrated that gemcitabine significantly reduces growth and proliferation in pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the aim of the series of experiments was to determine whether crocetin affects gemcitabine induced proliferation pancreatic cancer. MIA-PaCa-2 cells were treated with crocetin and gemcitabine together at different time intervals and a proliferation assay using H3-thymidine incorporation was used. Gemcitabine at lower doses (0.01 and 0.05 µM) in combination with crocetin (200 µM) antagonize the inhibition of proliferation by gemcitabine whereas crocetin and gemcitabine both individually inhibited proliferation. Similar antagonistic effect was also observed when crocetin was treated before after 4 hr time intervals of gemcitabine treatment. Gemcitabine at lower dose (0.01 µM) in combination with crocetin impaired Mia-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell migration and cell death. This study indicated that crocetin reduces anti-proliferative effect of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. This complex interaction between, crocetin and gemcitabine could suggest that caution is required for dietary compounds during chemotherapy. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 1775.
The Role of System Theory in Biology

In this chapter we introduce the reader to current methods for generating biological data, including such topics as micro-array (or gene expression) studies, ChIP-seq studies, siRNAs, and micro-RNAs. Special features of biological data that necessitate the development of new algorithms are highlighted, such as the lack of standardization in experimental procedures that lead in turn to broad variability of the data sets.
An Integrative Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Study of Lung Function in Children With Asthma.

Background Single omic analyses have provided some insight into the basis of lung function in children with asthma, but the underlying biologic pathways are still poorly understood. Methods Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify modules of coregulated gene transcripts and metabolites in blood among 325 children with asthma from the Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica study. The biology of modules associated with lung function as measured by FEV1, the FEV1/FVC ratio, bronchodilator response, and airway responsiveness to methacholine was explored. Significantly correlated gene-metabolite module pairs were then identified, and their constituent features were analyzed for biologic pathway enrichments. Results WGCNA clustered 25,060 gene probes and 8,185 metabolite features into eight gene modules and eight metabolite modules, where four and six, respectively, were associated with lung function (P ≤ .05). The gene modules were enriched for immune, mitotic, and metabolic processes and asthma-associated microRNA targets. The metabolite modules were enriched for lipid and amino acid metabolism. Integration of correlated gene-metabolite modules expanded the single omic findings, linking the FEV1/FVC ratio with ORMDL3 and dysregulated lipid metabolism. This finding was replicated in an independent population. Conclusions The results of this hypothesis-generating study suggest a mechanistic basis for multiple asthma genes, including ORMDL3, and a role for lipid metabolism. They demonstrate that integrating multiple omic technologies may provide a more informative picture of asthmatic lung function biology than single omic analyses.
Learning partially observable action schemas

We present an algorithm that derives actions' effects and preconditions in partially observable, relational domains. Our algorithm has two unique features: an expressive relational language, and an exact tractable computation. An action-schema language that we present permits learning of preconditions and effects that include implicit objects and unstated relationships between objects. For example, we can learn that replacing a blown fuse turns on all the lights whose switch is set to on. The algorithm maintains and outputs a relational-logical representation of all possible action-schema models after a sequence of executed actions and partial observations. Importantly, our algorithm takes polynomial time in the number of time steps and predicates. Time dependence on other domain parameters varies with the action-schema language. Our experiments show that the relational structure speeds up both learning and generalization, and outperforms propositional learning methods. It also allows establishing apriori-unknown connections between objects (e.g. light bulbs and their switches), and permits learning conditional effects in realistic and complex situations. Our algorithm takes advantage of a DAG structure that can be updated efficiently and preserves compactness of representation.
Celiac Plexus Block: Retrocrural Computed Tomographic Anatomy in Patients With and Without Pancreatic Cancer

Background and Objectives Neurolytic celiac plexus block is often performed for analgesia from pancreatic cancer, but it is not known if the cancer alters the anatomy relevant to the successful performance of retrocrural celiac plexus block. Methods Abdominal computed tomographic scans were used to simulate retrocrural celiac plexus block in patients with and without pancreatic cancer. Results Simulated right-sided needle placement in the retrocrural space was more likely to fail in patients with pancreatic cancer than in patients without cancer. Such predicted failure often occurred when the cross-sectional area of the right retrocrural space was less than 1.0 cm2. Conclusions The predicted success of simulated retrocrural celiac plexus block differed between patients with and without pancreatic cancer. These findings have implications for the performance of celiac plexus block.
Self-development in Childhood

Beginning in early childhood, children develop concepts about their characteristics and capabilities that come to define the self. These self-evaluations undergo developmental change, given cognitive advances that unfold with age. Young children's self-evaluations represent very concrete, behavioral descriptions of their attributes and abilities (e.g., ‘I know my numbers’). Older children become capable of describing themselves in terms of traits, namely, higher-order generalizations about the self (e.g., ‘I'm smart at math and science’). At adolescence, self-descriptions become increasingly abstract (e.g., ‘I'm an intelligent person’). Moreover, children come to evaluate themselves differently in different domains (e.g., scholastic competence, social acceptance, physical appearance, etc.), reporting positive evaluations in some domains but more negative self-evaluations in other domains.
Effects of upper body strength, hand placement and foot placement on ladder fall severity.

Abstract Background A plurality of fatal falls to lower levels involve ladders. After a slip/misstep on a ladder, climbers use their upper and lower limbs to reestablish contact with the ladder. Research question This study investigates the impact of upper body strength, hand placement and foot placement on fall severity after a ladder climbing perturbation. Methods Participants performed upper body strength tests (breakaway and grip strength) and climbed a vertical, fixed ladder while a misstep perturbation was applied under the foot. After the perturbation, three hand placement and two foot placement responses were generally observed. Common hand placement responses included the hand moving two rungs, one rung, or did not move to a different rung. Foot placement responses included at least one foot or no feet reestablished contact with the ladder rung(s). Fall severity was quantified by the peak harness force observed after the perturbation. Results Increased strength, reestablishing at least one foot on the ladder, and ascending (compared with descending) the ladder was associated with a reduction in fall severity. An interaction effect indicated that the impact of hand placement was altered by climbing direction. Moving the hand one rung during ascent and moving the hand two rungs during descent was associated with an increased fall severity. Cases where the hand decoupled from the ladder was associated with higher fall severity. Upper body strength assessed using a portable grip dynamometer was sufficient to predict fall severity. Discussion This study confirms the multifactor role of upper body strength, hand placement and foot placement in preventing falls from ladders. Furthermore, a portable dynamometer shows potential to screen for high-risk individuals. Results of this investigation may guide targeted interventions to prevent falls from ladders.
Yogaman: An Inexpensive, Anatomically-detailed Chest Tube Placement Trainer.

Author(s): Young, Timothy P.; Schaefer, Mark D.; Kuntz, Heather M.; Estes, Molly K.; Kiemeney, Michael; Wolk, Brian J.; Guptill, Mindi | Abstract: Introduction: Opportunities for chest tube placement in emergency medicine training programs have decreased, making competence development and maintenance with live patients problematic. Available trainers are expensive and may require costly maintenance.Methods: We constructed an anatomically-detailed model using a Halloween skeleton thorax, dress form torso, and yoga mat. Participants in a trial session completed a survey regarding either their comfort with chest tube placement before and after the session or the realism of Yogaman vs. cadaver lab, depending on whether they had placed l10 or 10 or more chest tubes in live patients.Results: Inexperienced providers reported an improvement in comfort after working with Yogaman, (comfort before 47 millimeters [mm] [interquartile ratio {IQR}, 20-53 mm]; comfort after 75 mm [IQR, 39-80 mm], p=0.01). Experienced providers rated realism of Yogaman and cadaver lab similarly (Yogaman 79 mm [IQR, 74-83 mm]; cadaver lab 78 mm [IQR, 76-89 mm], p=0.67). All evaluators either agreed or strongly agreed that Yogaman was useful for teaching chest tube placement in a residency program.Conclusion: Our chest tube trainer allowed for landmark identification, tissue dissection, pleura puncture, lung palpation, and tube securing. It improved comfort of inexperienced providers and was rated similarly to cadaver lab in realism by experienced providers. It is easily reusable and, at $198, costs a fraction of the price of available commercial trainers.
Involvement of β-catenin in cytoskeleton disruption following adult neural stem cell exposure to low-level silver nanoparticles.

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly incorporated in consumer products to confer antibacterial properties. AgNPs are shed during everyday use of these products, resulting in ingestion or inhalation and bioaccumulation in tissues including the brain. While these low levels of AgNPs do not induce DNA fragmentation typical of apoptosis or necrosis, they do interfere with cytoskeletal structure and dynamics in cultured differentiating adult neural stem cells (NSCs). Moreover, these cells form f-actin inclusions in response to 1 μg/ml AgNPs. Here, we report that these cytoskeletal inclusions colocalize with aggregates of the signaling protein β-catenin, a modulator of cytoskeletal dynamics. Pharmacological alteration of β-catenin signaling reduced formation of f-actin inclusions. AgNP exposure also resulted in a reduction of neurite length in differentiating NSCs, which was mimicked by pharmacological activation of β-catenin signaling. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway resulted in increased neurite lengths in control cells, but did not reverse the neurite collapse induced by AgNP exposure. Substantial changes in neurite length, in response to low-level AgNP or pharmacological manipulation of β-catenin signaling, occurred within the first six hours of exposure and were most evident in cells differentiating towards neural-like morphologies. We conclude that low-level exposure to AgNP, such as that resulting from use of consumer products, may disrupt β-catenin signaling in neural cells in an indirect or non-additive manner. Exposure to AgNP shed from consumer products at levels currently considered safe, may therefore alter physiological function of neural cells. This is of concern particularly regarding children, whose brains contain many developing neurons, and who may face bioaccumulation of AgNP over decades of exposure.
Trans-Selective Olefination of Carbonyl Compounds by Low-Valent Titanium-Mediated Dehydroxybenzotriazolylation

Lithiation with n-butyllithium of a variety of benzotriazole derivatives 1a−f and 5a−d, all containing a proton α to the benzotriazolyl moiety, gave anions which underwent addition to aliphatic, aromatic, and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and cyclic and acyclic ketones. The resultant N-(β-hydroxyalkyl)benzotriazole derivatives 3a−m, 6a−g, 9a−d, and 10a were dehydroxybenzotriazolylated when treated with low-valent titanium to give alkenes 4a−m, dienes 7a−j, and triene 11a, with selectivity for the trans isomers without separation of diastereoisomeric intermediates. This method offers an alternative to the three most frequently used methods for the formation of alkenes from carbonyl compoundsthe Wittig, Peterson, and Julia reactionsespecially in the formation of tri- and tetrasubstituted alkenes.
History of abuse and its transmission to parenting: A comparison among adolescent and adult mothers

Utilizing data collected in the Parenting for the First Time Project, this study's major objective was to assess the associations among maternal exposure to abuse, both past and more recent, and subsequent parenting practices and behavior among teen and adult first-time mothers. Retrospective and crosssectional data were obtained using in-person interviews during the prenatal period and at six months postpartum. Teen mothers were found to report a higher frequency of exposure to and engagement in abuse than their adult counterparts, and history of abuse related to parenting. For the total sample of mothers; particularly higher education adult mothers, history of abuse was a significant predictor of parenting practices and behaviors. Taken together, these findings elucidate the urgent need to stop the cycle of violence and abuse.
Regulation of gene expression in Escherichia coli by cyclic AMP.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the critical role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the regulation of the metabolism of higher organisms and its action as a second messenger in hormone action that was well established before cyclic AMP was even detected in Escherichia coli . The first clue to the possible role of cyclic AMP in mediating catabolite repression was provided by the studies of Makman and Sutherland. Cyclic AMP levels are high in cells growing on glycerol in which the differential rate of synthesis of inducible enzymes is high. The conclusion that cyclic AMP acts at a transcriptional level is supported by other studies on the nature of the genetic site at which cyclic AMP acts. The lac promoter mutants are not the only class of mutants unresponsive to cyclic AMP. Transcription has also been studied in crude cell-free extracts, and cyclic AMP has been found to increase lac mRNA synthesis. In E. coli cyclic AMP is required for the synthesis of inducible enzymes.