cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic Alcohol Exposure Increases Circulating Bioactive Oxidized Phospholipids

Ethanol metabolism by liver generates short lived reactive oxygen species that damage liver but also affects distal organs through unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that dissemination of liver oxidative stress proceeds through release of biologically active oxidized lipids to the circulation. We searched for these by tandem mass spectrometry in plasma of rats fed a Lieber-DeCarli ethanol diet or in patients with established alcoholic liver inflammation, steatohepatitis. We found a severalfold increase in plasma peroxidized phosphatidylcholines, inflammatory and pro-apoptotic oxidatively truncated phospholipids, and platelet-activating factor, a remarkably potent and pleiotropic inflammatory mediator, in rats chronically ingesting ethanol. Circulating peroxidized phospholipids also increased in humans with established steatohepatitis. However, reactive oxygen species generated by liver ethanol catabolism were not directly responsible for circulating oxidized phospholipids because the delayed appearance of these lipids did not correlate with ethanol exposure, hepatic oxidative insult, nor plasma alanine transaminase marking hepatocyte damage. Rather, circulating oxidized lipids correlated with steatohepatitis and tumor necrosis factor-α deposition in liver. The organic osmolyte 2-aminoethylsulfonic acid (taurine), which reduces liver endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation, even though it is not an antioxidant, abolished liver damage and the increase in circulating oxidized phospholipids. Thus, circulating oxidized phospholipids are markers of developing steatohepatitis temporally distinct from oxidant stress associated with hepatic ethanol catabolism. Previously, circulating markers of the critical transition to pathologic steatohepatitis were unknown. Circulating oxidatively truncated phospholipids are pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediators with the potential to systemically distribute the effect of chronic ethanol exposure. Suppressing hepatic inflammation, not ethanol catabolism, reduces circulating inflammatory and apoptotic agonists.
Are Underground Markets Really More Violent? Evidence from Early 20th Century America

The violent nature of illegal markets is one rationale for legalizing the sale of narcotics. High U.S. crime rates during the 1920s are regularly presented as evidence of the strong positive relationship between market illegality and violence. The author tests this theory by exploiting state-level variation in homicides and in the passage and repeal of temperance laws before and after Federal Prohibition. Support for the "wet" cause was positively associated with homicides in dry states. However, on average, murder rates did not increase when alcohol markets were criminalized. Observed crime trends during the early 20th century are primarily explained by demographic changes.
Enhanced PID controller design

A method is presented for designing proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller for single-input, single-output (SISO) systems and is subsequently extended to multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) systems of a certain class. All systems are assumed to be linear time-invariant systems and to employ unity output feedback. The method is shown to be particularly applicable to multiple robot joint control. It is shown that in many cases, the PID controller can be designed for each joint separately. >
Compositional diversity in late Cenozoic mafic lavas in the Rio Grande rift and Basin and Range province, southern New Mexico

This study reports major- and trace-element compositions of late Cenozoic (5 Ma and younger) mafic volcanic rocks from southern New Mexico. Stratigraphic sampling is reported for two of the volcanic fields, the Potrillo and the Jornado del Muerto volcanic fields; reconnaissance sampling, for an additional seven fields. These are among the first chemical analyses for some of these volcanic fields, and they provide insight into the dynamics of melt generation in this continental rift zone. The lavas fall into two groups: (1) an alkaline suite of basanite, alkali basalt, and trachybasalt with low SiO2 and high abundances of incompatible elements (TiO2, Nb, Rb, and Sr); (2) a subalkaline suite of subalkali basalts with high SiO2 and low abundances of the incompatible elements. Compositions of volcanic rocks from the Geronimo volcanic field, the Taos Plateau volcanic field, and the transition zone in central New Mexico are similar to those reported in this study, confirming that these are general characteristics of lavas throughout the region. For many of the large fields, the volcanic rocks belong exclusively to one compositional group or the other. Furthermore, there appear to be no patterns to the distribution of these compositional groups; for example, the Potrillo volcanic field, which is composed exclusively of alkaline lavas, and the Jornado del Muerto volcanic field, which is dominantly subalkaline, both occur in the axis of the Rio Grande rift. We see no evidence for evolution in melt chemistry during the past 5 m.y. In the Potrillo volcanic field, for which we have the best documentation of stratigraphic changes in composition, incompatible elements increase upsection and are correlated with decreasing Mg number, suggesting that magmas underwent differentiation before their final ascent. Phenocrystic olivine and plagioclase, which are liquidus phases at low pressure, imply a shallow depth for this crystallization event. Processes responsible for chemical divergence between the alkaline and subalkaline groups occurred at an early stage of magmatic evolution. Correlation between incompatible-element enrichment and silica undersaturation suggests that variable degrees of partial melting played a significant role in the generation of the two lava types.
A DWARF MUTATION IN THE RABBIT : THE CONSTITUTIONAL INFLUENCE ON HOMOZYGOUS AND HETEROZYGOUS INDIVIDUALS.

An hereditary type of dwarfism in the rabbit has been described. In contrast to the dwarfs described in other animals, this type is evident at birth and conforms to the classification, nannosomia primordialis, as used in human pathology. In homozygous form the variation is lethal and produces a miniature individual approximately one-third the size of its normal sibs. Heterozygous animals are approximately two-thirds the size of normal sibs at birth and never attain an equal stature. The expression of the variation is modified by genetic factors carried by a line of cretinoid animals and, rarely, dwarfs derived from crosses with this line survive for 1 to 2 months. The striking changes in such survivors are hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the acidophilic cells of the pituitary and atrophy of the gonads. Such changes are not present in ordinary dwarfs and it is concluded that the acidophilic hyperplasia represents the influence of the modifying factors of the cretinoid line and supplies the growth hormone responsible for survival. The gonadotropic hormone is not supplied by the secretory activity of these cells and as a result the gonads atrophy. The evidence at hand indicates that the primary effect of the dwarfing gene is an inhibition of the secretory functions of the pituitary. In homozygous individuals, the inhibition is complete and the variation is expressed as a lethal dwarf. In heterozygous animals, the function of the organ is altered, producing an undersized individual. The modifying factors of the cretinoid line act either to partially remove the inhibition or to alter the constitution of the animal so that life is possible for a short period without the full complement of pituitary hormones.
A nickel-iron analogue of balangeroite and gageite (Sasaguri, Kyushu, Japan)

In two samples of antigorite serpentinite from Sasaguri, Kyushu, Japan, we have found trace amounts of a NiFe-rich silicate whose atomic proportions in terms of the ratio of M to T cations match those of the fibrous MgFe-silicate hydrate balangeroite. Balangeroite in serpentinite at the type locality in Italy is not reported to contain Ni, whereas the balangeroite analogue from Japan has very little MgO. One sample from Japan is nickel-rich (up to 39 wt% NiO), and the other Fe-rich (up to 61 wt% total FeO). The Ni-rich sample appears to contain ~2 wt% Cl, and the Fe-rich sample contains up to 2.3 wt% P2O5. A wide miscibility gap in the ternary system Mg-Fe-Ni separates the Italian and Japanese minerals. Anhydrous microprobe totals are low, and we attribute this to a submicroscopic porosity, which is imaged by electron-beam scanning. Owing to its small grain-size (<25 μm) and very low modal abundance, our identification is as yet not confirmed by physical methods, such as XRD or micro-Raman spectroscopy.
Persistent hypercholesterolemia is associated with the development of obesity among girls: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Background: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Cross-sectional data suggest that hypercholesterolemia is associated with the development of childhood obesity. Objective: The objective was to assess age-related changes in relative weight and the association between relative weight and CVD risk factors in hypercholesterolemic and nonhypercholesterolemic children who were nonobese at baseline. Design: Data on relative weight and CVD risk factors were extracted from the Bogalusa Heart Study for nonobese 5‐6-y-old black and white hypercholesterolemic (LDL cholesterol > 75th percentile; n = 58) and nonhypercholesterolemic (LDL cholesterol < 60th percentile; n = 215) children (41% black, 52% girls) who were also assessed 3 and 6 y later. Changes in body mass index (BMI) and CVD risk factors were assessed as a function of age, sex, race, and cholesterol concentration. Results: BMI increased more in the hypercholesterolemic (n = 31) than in the nonhypercholesterolemic (n = 111) girls during the 6 y of follow-up but was not significantly different between hypercholesterolemic (n = 27) and nonhypercholesterolemic (n = 104) boys aged 5‐12 y. Associations between BMI and the risk factors blood pressure, insulin, and blood lipids were observed to be stronger with increasing age and, in some cases, stronger in hypercholesterolemic children and girls. Conclusions: Hypercholesterolemia is associated with increased relative weight in girls. The increased relative weight, even at an early age, is associated with a deleterious effect on blood lipids and other CVD risk factors in hypercholesterolemic children, although the strength of these associations is sex dependent. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:730‐5.
The engineering background of the concept of isoelastic implants

The concept of the so-called isoelastic implant is re-evaluated in three different aspects, using old and basic principles of mechanical engineering. All three are different approaches to the nut and bolt model. The results of these calculations confirm the well-established engineering knowledge that all such essentially cylindrical interfaces necessarily result in a stress concentration in the area beginning (or ending) the load-transmitting interface closest to the point of load application if loaded axially, and that this concentration is more pronounced the more the situation of isoelasticity is approached. Some general conclusions as to the limits of the usefulness of the concept of isoelastic implants and some possible advantages of their applications are outlined in the discussion.
Protection of a Textile Parachute Riser from Temperature and Abrasion Using a Textile Cover System

Steel cable was chosen to replace the Kevlar webbing at the lower end of the drogue and main parachute risers on NASA’s Orion Crew exploration Vehicle Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) to protect the risers from extreme temperatures and abrasion should they contact the crew module during deployment. This causes a significant mass increase to the system, as well as an increase in the deployment complexity. For these reasons, an investigation was conducted to determine whether sacrificial, non-load-bearing textile riser covers could be developed to mitigate thermal and abrasion concerns. Testing was conducted to evaluate the performance of numerous combinations of candidate cover materials, as well as different protection approaches. The testing consisted of subjecting Kevlar riser samples protected by these covers to thermal and abrasion conditions approximating the worst-case riser/crew module contact interactions. Modifications to the cover design and protection approach were made as testing progressed to optimize the effectiveness, weight, and flexibility of the covers. This paper describes the testing performed and documents the results of this investigation.
Reduced-Order Modeling of Two-Sided Frictional Interfaces

We consider a model describing the behavior of a two-sided interface allowing for both elasticity and microslip of the joint. A reduced-order approximation of this system is developed based on a decomposition of the original model into an elastic chain and a dissipative component equivalent to a series-series Iwan chain. The Iwan chain is then solved using a quasi-static complementarity formulation while the order of the elastic chain is reduced using modal analysis. The computational efficiency of the resulting reduced-order model is significantly increased, while the overall response of the interface to realistic forcing conditions is maintained.© 2007 ASME
Enzymatic isolation and serum-free culture of human renal cells : retaining properties of proximal tubule cells.

Procedures for the culture of the human renal proximal tubule (HPT) cellutilizing explanted tissue have been previously reported by this laboratory (1). Several other investigators have also reported the isolation and culture of human renal tubule cells (2, and references therein). Although explantation of tissue fragments remains an effective way to initiate cell cultures, cell outgrowth and the attainment of confluent cultures may take several weeks. The cell-culture methodology described in this chapter results in a high yield of confluent primary cultures in 7-10 d. The technique involves the digestion of minced cortical tissue with collagenase, followed by a filtering step to remove tissue fragments. The filtrate is centrifuged, and the cell pellet is resuspended in serum-free growth medium and dispensed onto prepared growth surfaces.
Influence of congestive heart failure on blood levels of lidocaine and its active monodeethylated metabolite

The blood concentrations of lidocfaine and its active monodeethylated metabolite, monethylglycinexylidide (MEGX), were measured in 31 patients who were receiving infusiions of lidocaine intravenously. In 3 patients who were studied intensively, the elimination half-life of MEGX was 120 min, which was similar to the elimination half-life of lidocaine (139 min). An addition 3 patients demonstrated a higher ratio of the concentration in blood of MEGX to lidocaine, and the MEGX may have contributed, in 1 patient, to the central nervous system toxicity that occurred during the infusion. Elevated concentrations of MEGX in blood were associated with congestive heart failure (r equalto 0.5, p equal to 0.004). Our data suggest that the elimination of MEGX may be decreased in patients with depressed cardiac output and sympathomimetic compensation.
Recruiting IT faculty

The current shortage of qualified IT professionals in industry now extends to academia. Academic departments need a systematic approach to recruit new IT faculty effectively. This process is hindered not only by the shortage of formally qualified PhDs, but also by the lack of consensus in the definition of "IT" and the competition with industry for skilled professionals, even at the PhD level. Another challenge is the gap between new PhDs seeking research positions and the shortage of qualified faculty in institutions for which teaching is a priority. This tutorial explores these and other issues related to IT faculty recruiting, and provides a systematic and practical methodology for pro-actively attracting the right people to the right places in academia. An effective recruiting process requires thoughtful problem definition, identification of appropriate sources of alternatives, consistency and fairness in selection using well-defined criteria, and aggressive closure.
Abstract 5247: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) reverses aggressive breast cancer in the radiation chimera model

CAPE is the major active component of propolis, a widely available, safe, honeybee natural product with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. We have previously shown diverse effects of CAPE in breast cancer. We postulated that CAPE may be useful in chemoprevention for women at high risk for triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) and evaluated this in a radiation chimera mouse model in which the tumor spectrum is shifted to TNBC. The radiation chimera model consists of surgically clearing the mammary epithelium from the inguinal glands of 3-week old BALB/c mice, the mice were irradiated with 1 Gy or sham irradiated at 10-12 weeks of age, and bilaterally transplanted 3 days later with syngeneic Trp53 null mammary fragments. Mice were placed on a CAPE diet or a control diet at 1 month post transplantation that was maintained for the course of the experiment. Mammary tumor development was monitored by palpation for up to 18 months. The first tumor was resected at 1cm3 and mice monitored for tumor recurrence or second tumor formation. Tumors were immunostained for estrogen receptor (ER) status and ER negative tumors were selected from all the groups for RNA sequencing. No difference in body weight or tumor incidence was observed between mice on the CAPE versus control diet. Host irradiation significantly accelerated tumor growth rate compared to the control sham irradiated mice. CAPE treatment blocked this effect, but did not affect the control tumor growth rate. Resected tumors in CAPE treated mice recurred at significantly longer intervals (average of 40 days in the control group versus 90 days with CAPE treatment) and much less frequently than tumors from mice on a control diet. Mean expression analysis showed that CAPE induces a distinct gene expression pattern in ER negative tumors from irradiated mice. As previously described, the transcriptional profile of ER negative tumors was enriched in immune response genes in tumors from irradiated mice on a control diet. Interestingly, this difference was abrogated in mice on the CAPE diet. These findings support the potential use of CAPE to modify the aggressive behavior of TNBC. This may be due to effects on the immune system in which CAPE acts to re-establish anti tumor immunity. Thus, CAPE may be useful in chemoprevention both for women at high risk for TNBC and to prevent or delay TNBC breast cancer recurrence. Citation Format: Coral O. Omene, Manan Patel, Irineu IllaBochaca, Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) reverses aggressive breast cancer in the radiation chimera model. [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 5247.
Gold Nanoantenna-Mediated Photothermal Drug Delivery from Thermosensitive Liposomes in Breast Cancer

In this work, we demonstrate controlled drug delivery from low-temperature-sensitive liposomes (LTSLs) mediated by photothermal heating from multibranched gold nanoantennas (MGNs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in vitro. The unique geometry of MGNs enables the generation of mild hyperthermia (∼42 °C) by converting near-infrared light to heat and effectively delivering doxorubicin (DOX) from the LTSLs in breast cancer cells. We confirmed the cellular uptake of MGNs by using both fluorescence confocal Z-stack imaging and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. We performed a cellular viability assay and live/dead cell fluorescence imaging of the combined therapeutic effects of MGNs with DOX-loaded LTSLs (DOX-LTSLs) and compared them with free DOX and DOX-loaded non-temperature-sensitive liposomes (DOX-NTSLs). Imaging of fluorescent live/dead cell indicators and MTT assay outcomes both demonstrated significant decreases in cellular viability when cells were treated with the combination...
LA AMISTAD EN EL PELIGRO DE J. DE VALDIVIELSO

The play portrays the history of salvation by means of the allegory of life as a journey from Paradise back to God. Two incidents are dramatized, which share the same basic pattern of temptation, fall, repentance, and reconciliation, but are developed very differently, each becoming a short allegory. The first is rather unusual: man falls into a muddy lake, and as Christ pulls him out he falls (becomes muddy, i.e. assumes human nature) and saves man. Cleaned with the waters of baptism, he is ready to continue his pilgrimage. I explain the philological background of the allegory; its early development; and its moral content.
Fast-forward modeling of compressional arrival slowness logs in high-angle and horizontal wells

ABSTRACTCompressional (P) and shear (S) sonic propagation modes are routinely measured with modern borehole acoustic logging instruments. Slownesses (inverse of velocity) of P- and S-modes provide information on compressional and shear slownesses of rock formations surrounding the wellbore, respectively. When a high-angle well penetrates horizontal thin layers, the layers function as waveguides for the propagation of sonic waves. Layer-trapped and borehole-guided waves interfere with each other, giving rise to abnormal amplitude variations and phase discontinuity in the time waveforms acquired at receivers. Consequently, waveforms measured across the receiver array often exhibit low semblance, which renders conventional waveform semblance-based processing techniques inadequate for reliable estimation of formation slowness. Instead of calculating waveform semblance, we invoke compressional first-arrival times to describe the propagation properties of the P-mode in high-angle and horizontal (HA/HZ) wells, a...
Half-iteration early termination of turbo decoding

Early stopping (ES) methods reduce the average number of iterations required for decoding turbo codes. These methods monitor the generated outputs along the iterations to terminate the loop once this output reaches a satisfactory level of reliability. It is the norm among the published ES methods to be applied after the output of the second decoder becomes available. In other words, an iteration index includes both decoders. In this paper, we propose a more efficient way to apply an ES method. This improvement relies on the fact that almost any ES check can be executed twice per iteration, i.e., after each decoder instead of after only the second one. In all the cases, the used ES algorithm considers the two most recent outputs from the constituent decoders. Results show further reduction in the average iterations for the decoding, which is practically important for conserving decoding resources.
VideoMec: a metadata-enhanced crowdsourcing system for mobile videos

The exponential growth of mobile videos has enabled a variety of video crowdsourcing applications. However, existing crowdsourcing approaches require all video files to be uploaded, wasting a large amount of bandwidth since not all crowdsourced videos are useful. Moreover, it is difficult for applications to find desired videos based on user-generated annotations, which can be inaccurate or miss important information. To address these issues, we present VideoMec, a video crowdsourcing system that automatically generates video descriptions based on various geographical and geometrical information, called metadata, from multiple embedded sensors in off-the-shelf mobile devices. With VideoMec, only a small amount of metadata needs to be uploaded to the server, hence reducing the bandwidth and energy consumption of mobile devices. Based on the uploaded metadata, VideoMec supports comprehensive queries for applications to find and fetch desired videos. For time-sensitive applications, it may not be possible to upload all desired videos in time due to limited wireless bandwidth and large video files. Thus, we formalize two optimization problems and propose efficient algorithms to select the most important videos to upload under bandwidth and time constraints. We have implemented a prototype of VideoMec, evaluated its performance, and demonstrated its effectiveness based on real experiments.
Pulmonary Manifestations of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease that can cause a myriad of symptoms and clinical abnormalities. While sarcoidosis has been recognized in the modern medical literature for nearly 150 years, the cause of sarcoidosis is still unknown and the diagnosis remains one of exclusion. More than half of sarcoidosis patients have at least two organs involved, implying that diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary approach. The prognosis of sarcoidosis is good for the majority of patients, but it is difficult to predict which ones will remit spontaneously at the outset of the disease. It does not appear that early treatment substantially influences the likelihood of spontaneous remission. Therefore, the indications for treatment fall broadly into the two categories of threats to organ function and significant impairment of the quality of life. A range of associated manifestations, such as pulmonary hypertension, mycetomas, upper airways involvement, and sleep apnea, may complicate the management of sarcoidosis.
Minimally Invasive Techniques for Treating Gynecologic Malignancies

For many women with endometrial and cervical cancers, minimally invasive surgery represents an alternative standard of care to open abdominal procedures, with fewer complications, better postoperative quality of life, and overall lower cost. At the NCCN 22nd Annual Conference, Amanda N. Fader, MD, reviewed several minimally invasive strategies for treating gynecologic cancers, including conventional laparoscopy, robotic-assisted laparoscopy, sentinel lymph node technology, and single-port surgery; highlighted some of the contemporary literature on the role of these procedures; and explored some of the challenges and barriers to their successful performance.
Molecular and Clinical Characterization of a Claudin-Low Subtype of Gastric Cancer

PurposeClaudin-low molecular subtypes have been identified in breast and bladder cancers and are characterized by low expression of claudins, enrichment for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumor-initiating cell (TIC) features. We evaluated whether the claudin-low subtype also exists in gastric cancer.Materials and MethodsFour hundred fifteen tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) gastric cancer mRNA data set were clustered on the claudin, EMT, and TIC gene sets to identify claudin-low tumors. We derived a 24-gene predictor that classifies gastric cancer into claudin-low and non–claudin-low subtypes. This predictor was validated with the Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) data set. We characterized molecular and clinical features of claudin-low tumors.ResultsWe identified 46 tumors that had consensus enrichment for claudin-low features in TCGA data set. Claudin-low tumors were most commonly diffuse histologic type (82%) and originally classified as TCGA genomically stable (GS) subtype (...
A thermal study of a Gunn diode in microstrip circuits

The steady-state thermal behavior of a microstrip Gunn diode circuit is studied with the goal of reducing the device temperature by varying microstrip thicknesses. The temperature increases in the device and in the heat sink are considered separately. The device temperature is analyzed by the finite element technique. The heat sink resistance is calculated by simplified analytical schemes.
Coping with Reform: The Intermix of Teacher Morale, Teacher Burnout, and Teacher Accountability

Numerous portraits of public school teachers in the United States reveal that between one third and one half of teachers surveyed are alienated from their jobs, their colleagues, and students, feel burned out, want to quit, and wish that they had not chosen careers in teaching (Duke, 1984; Dworkin, 1985, 1987; Elam, Rose, & Gallup, 1993; LeCompte & Dworkin, 1991). In addition, cross-national work indicates that low morale among public school teachers is often in epidemic proportion in the developed nations of the world (Menlo & Poppleton, 1990; Poppleton, 1990). In many instances, diminished morale has been blamed on a variety of stressful factors associated with public school teaching, including the perceived absence of support by campus principals and other school administrators, other teachers, students, and parents. Additional Stressors include low salaries, diminished public confidence in public education, student discipline problems and school violence, declining student performance that has prompted more stringent school and teacher accountability measures, cultural and social class differences between teachers and their students that lead to a sense of ‘culture shock,’ and efforts to ‘teacher proof’ curricula and deprive teachers of a sense of professional autonomy (see Duke, 1984; Dworkin, 1987; LeCompte & Dworkin, 1991).
Singing our own song: Navigating identity politics through activism in music:

This work builds upon considerations of musicking that suggest processes of performing, creating, listening, and producing of music are sites for identity formation and meaning-making activities. I...
Determining the mechanisms through which recent life stress predicts working memory impairments: precision or capacity?

Prior research has found that recent life stress exposure is related to poorer working memory performance, but it remains unclear which aspects of working memory are related to stress. To address t...
Preliminary N-acetylcysteine results for LDN 6722 - Role of oxidative stress and inflammation in Gaucher disease type 1: Potential use of antioxidant anti-inflammatory medications

Enzyme replacement and substrate reduction therapies have significantly improved outcomes in patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1), but do not completely return glucocerebroside levels to the normal range nor prevent continuing tissue injury. Preliminary biomarker analyses indicate a role for oxidative stress and inflammation in GD1 pathophysiology. Thus, additional treatment strategies that target oxidative stress and inflammation have the potential to ameliorate both systemic and brain symptoms and may alter disease progression. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a FDA-approved medication with antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity, is also available as an inexpensive dietary supplement with a good safety profile. Our objective is to determine whether oxidative stress and inflammation in the blood and brains of individuals with GD1 can be altered with orally administered NAC. In this open-label study, we have currently enrolled 13 patients who received NAC at 3600mg/day dose. Blood sample collection for biomarker analysis and brain imaging using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was done before and following 3 months of NAC. Total glutathione in red blood cells, which is a measure of oxidative stress, and plasma NAC concentrations were measured using a validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method. Intracellular antioxidant enzyme activity and plasma markers for inflammation and lipid and protein modifications were measured using colorimetric and immunoassays. Interim analysis of data from 10 patients revealed that NAC at this dose did not significantly alter any of the neurochemical markers. However, validated MRS markers related to neuronal health such as N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and glutamate showed trends toward improvement. Similar trends were also observed in blood antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers. Pharmacokinetic analysis using serial samples collected 90-days after NAC regimen is underway to determine if a dose increase is warranted. If these favorable trends subsequently are shown to be significant, NAC could be a new adjunctive therapeutic option.
1 Age and Sex

In this chapter, I first consider the definition of age and sex. Age is relatively easy to define as long as it is based on chronological age. But the definition of age becomes more difficult to define if the researcher uses prospective age. With regard to sex, some may think that sex is easy to define, but it is not. First, sex and gender are not the same. There are many issues that need to be considered in determining one’s sex, and there are many issues that need to be considered in determining one’s gender. Both sets of issues are reviewed. Next, I review some of the theoretical issues pertaining to what demographers refer to as stable population theory. I next cover some of the methods and approaches demographers use to represent age and sex structure. I conclude the chapter with discussions of two key areas of age and sex structure, namely, the sex ratio at birth (SRB) and population aging.
On Observers’ Conjunctive Attributions and Blame for Workplace Mistreatment

ABSTRACTThis essay reflects on the need for more research to address observers’ perspectives and reactions when witnessing or hearing about workplace mistreatment. After describing workplace mistre...
Evaluation and a Proposed Revision of the CAMM Among Underrepresented Elementary School Children

The Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) is a frequently used measure of mindfulness in school settings. This study evaluates the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the ...
Increased Risk of Hypertension with Enzalutamide in Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Hypertension is associated with enzalutamide in the treatment of prostate cancer. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to determine the risk of hypertension. Databases includi...
A utility-based Bayesian optimal interval (U-BOIN) phase I/II design to identify the optimal biological dose for targeted and immune therapies

In the era of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the objective of dose finding is often to identify the optimal biological dose (OBD), rather than the maximum tolerated dose. We develop a utility-based Bayesian optimal interval (U-BOIN) phase I/II design to find the OBD. We jointly model toxicity and efficacy using a multinomial-Dirichlet model, and employ a utility function to measure dose risk-benefit trade-off. The U-BOIN design consists of two seamless stages. In stage I, the Bayesian optimal interval design is used to quickly explore the dose space and collect preliminary toxicity and efficacy data. In stage II, we continuously update the posterior estimate of the utility for each dose after each cohort, using accumulating efficacy and toxicity from both stages I and II, and then use the posterior estimate to direct the dose assignment and selection. Compared to existing phase I/II designs, one prominent advantage of the U-BOIN design is its simplicity for implementation. Once the trial is designed, it can be easily applied using predetermined decision tables, without complex model fitting and estimation. Our simulation study shows that, despite its simplicity, the U-BOIN design is robust and has high accuracy to identify the OBD. We extend the design to accommodate delayed efficacy by leveraging the short-term endpoint (eg, immune activity or other biological activity of targeted agents), and using it to predict the delayed efficacy outcome to facilitate real-time decision making. A user-friendly software to implement the U-BOIN is freely available at www.trialdesign.org.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Lymphoma Survivors

Background: Improved management of lymphoma patients has resulted in increasing numbers of long term survivors suffering from a broad spectrum of late effects of treatment. In particular lymphoma patients are exposed to nephrotoxic insults from therapy and its complications such as sepsis and tumor lysis syndrome, as well as from repeated contrast-enhanced imaging studies. Multiple episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in survivors. In a recent retrospective cohort study 34% of lymphoma patients were found to have CKD at 3 year follow up (1). Here we describe the progressive development of CKD in a cohort of lymphoma survivors over a 10-year period. Methods: Three hundred and ninety-seven consecutive adults with biopsy proven lymphoma diagnosed and treated at our center between 2003 and 2017 were included in this study. Baseline characteristics including lymphoma subtype, age, race, gender, lymphoma therapy, number of CT scans and episodes of AKI were recorded. CKD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), body mass index (BMI), uric acid levels and infection with human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis were also recoded at baseline. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation at diagnosis (time 0 or baseline) and after 1, 2, 5 and 10 years to calculate rate of GFR decline over time. CKD was defined as GFR Results: Of 397 patients studied 174 (44%) had high grade and 159 (40%) low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 61 (15%) had Hodgkin lymphoma and 3 (1%) grey zone lymphoma. Median age was 55 y (18-88), 54% were male, 60% were African Americans. At presentation 42% had hypertension, 15% had DM, 11% had HIV, 13% had hyperuricemia, 32% were obese and 13% had CKD.A total of 61% received chemoimmunotherapy, 24% received chemotherapy, 9% received immunotherapy and 6% were observed without treatment. GFR declined progressively from 96.5 mL/min per 1.73 m2 at baseline, to 77.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2 at 10 years with a rate of decline of 4.6 mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year. CKD developed in 125 patients (31%) over the study period. In multivariate analysis age (HR:1.07, CI95:1.04-1.08, p Conclusion: In this study CKD was a significant long-term complication in lymphoma survivors. With a progressive fall in their GFR, increasing numbers of lymphoma survivors developed CKD over the study period reaching 31% at 10 years. Age, hypertension, DM and raised uric acid at diagnosis increased the risk of CKD while obesity appeared protective. Renal injury in lymphoma survivors is probably multi-factorial. Further studies are needed to develop treatment approaches with reduced risk of CKD. 1. Ubukata M, Hara M, Nishizawa Y, Fujii T, Nitta K, Ohta A. Prevalence and mortality of chronic kidney disease in lymphoma patients: A large retrospective cohort study. Medicine. 2018;97(2):e9615. Download : Download high-res image (161KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Role of parental confirmation in body dissatisfaction and body change behaviors among college men.

Objective: To examine how the components of confirmation (i.e., acceptance and challenge) from mother and father have an indirect effect on college men’s body dissatisfaction through self-concept, ...
Responsiveness to Intervention: A Review of Field Studies and Implications for Rural Special Education:

This review summarizes field studies of responsiveness to intervention (RTI) models. Eleven studies were located that met inclusion criteria. Studies were classified as either district/state implem...
A study of emulsification with ultrasonic waves. I.

An attempt has been made to study and evaluate some of the factors involved in emulsification with ultrasonic energy. The stability of the emulsifying agent to ultrasonic waves is a factor in its choice in emulsification. Two exposure chambers were found to be superior; one a cellulose acetate chamber and the other a Pyrex test tube fitted with a brass diaphragm. These two types produced the best emulsions and showed no appreciable stationary wave pattern found to be unfavorable to emulsification. Orientation of the exposure chamber was shown to be important in emulsification with ultrasonic waves. A distance of an exact number of half wavelengths between the bottom of the exposure chamber and the crystal was shown to deliver maximum acoustical energy to the contents of the chamber and at these points emulsification was best.
Carnosic Acid as the Major Bioactive Component in Rosemary Extract Ameliorates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Mice

Rosemary has been used as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants in Europe and the United States. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of carnosic acid (CA) enriched rosem...
Effects of therapeutic education on self-efficacy, self-care activities and glycemic control of type 2 diabetic patients in a primary healthcare center in Lebanon

Diabetes type 2 is a chronic hyperglycemia, its control depends on the patient’s Self-efficacy and self-care activities. Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) enhances the patient involvement and engagement in managing chronic diseases effectively by improving the health outcomes. It helps the patients developing competencies of self-care, coping with diabetes and controlling glycaemia. The objectives of this study are to assess the effects of TPE in type 2 Diabetic patients in Lebanon on their glycemic control, Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSES) and their self-care activities (Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities SDSCA). A total of 100 diabetic patients (50 experimental, 50 control) were recruited from a primary care center according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The experimental group followed the TPE by a multidisciplinary team. Glycemic control, DMSES and SDSCA were measured at baseline and after three months. The experimental group (EG) was followed up by phone calls every two weeks after the TPE. The results revealed that the experimental group showed significant improvement at the level of self-efficacy in managing their disease concerning general nutrition, specific nutrition, control of glycaemia, physical activity, weight control and medical control (α 0.05). In addition, the glycemic control HbA1c had improved in the EG after the intervention compared to the CG. The findings of this study demonstrated that Therapeutic Patient Education is efficient in contributing to better glycemic control, better DMSES and SDSCA. Health professionals are best suited to help diabetic patients improve their self-efficacy in managing diabetes, controlling glycemia and improving their self-care.
Bilirubin as a Metabolic Hormone: The Physiological Relevance of Low Levels

Recent research on bilirubin, a historically well-known waste product of heme catabolism, suggests an entirely new function as a metabolic hormone that drives gene transcription by nuclear receptors. Studies are now revealing that low plasma bilirubin levels, defined as "hypobilirubinemia," are a possible new pathology analogous to the other end of the spectrum of extreme hyperbilirubinemia seen in patients with jaundice and liver dysfunction. Hypobilirubinemia is most commonly seen in patients with metabolic dysfunction, which may lead to cardiovascular complications and possibly stroke. We address the clinical significance of low bilirubin levels. A better understanding of bilirubin's hormonal function may explain why hypobilirubinemia might be deleterious. We present mechanisms by which bilirubin may be protective at mildly elevated levels and research directions that could generate treatment possibilities for patients with hypobilirubinemia, such as targeting of pathways that regulate its production or turnover or the newly designed bilirubin nanoparticles. Our review here calls for a shift in the perspective of an old molecule that could benefit millions of patients with hypobilirubinemia.
Hilbert’s Irreducibility Theorem

In its simplest form, Hilbert’s theorem asserts : let f(t, X) be a polynomial in Q[f, X] (so in two variables), and assume that f(t, X) is irreducible. Then there exist infinitely many rational numbers t 0 such that f(t 0, X) is irreducible over Q.
Globalization, the State and the Labor Process

After defining key terms, state and labor processes in pre-globalization capitalism are examined and the nation-state is found to be the key constraining element in state imperatives of accumulation, legitimation, and mediation of class conflict. In the globalization period, the labor processes in four commodity systems - automobiles, petroleum, sugar, and bananas - are compared. The main changes in labor processes in agricullure during globalization involve the elaboration of the division of labor and combined and uneven development. Both are examined in the context of several agricultural commodities. It is concluded that globalization creates greater degrees of freedom from the constraint of nation-states for capital to install new labor processes.
Mathematical foundation for ensemble machine learning and ensemble portfolio analysis

In ensemble machine learning we combine decisions of experts to derive at a decision that is better than the individual ones. The process of combining these decisions can be as simple as majority voting or simple averaging or it can be more complicated and involve multiple steps. In this paper we consider the application of ensemble machine learning to the problem of constructing portfolios from individual decisions of multiple experts. We will compare the performance of portfolios constructed by simple averaging and by a novel multistage decision algorithm. This new algorithm constructs a portfolio from subsets of stocks in individual portfolios. Compared to these individual portfolios and a portfolio constructed by simple averaging, the portfolios constructed by proposed method could result in higher annualized return and a modest increase in volatility. We provide extensive numerical comparisons on the viability of the new approach.
Advancing Fundamental Principles Through Doctrine and Practice: Comments on Darryl Robinson, Justice in Extreme Cases

Darryl Robinson’s terrific new book makes an extraordinary contribution to the literature on international criminal law (ICL). I learned a lot from reading his book and find his approach convincing. I share his criticisms of international criminal tribunal reasoning. I welcome the call for greater attention to deontic considerations. I agree on the importance of the fundamental principles that Robinson identifies, and I also agree that justifying these principles does not require consensus on moral foundations. At the same time, Robinson's analysis raises complex questions about the interpretation, application, and practical significance of these fundamental principles for a project focused on the reform of ICL. It is these questions that are the focus of my comments. One of the great contributions of Robinson’s book is the attention he devotes to justifying and defending fundamental principles that are often taken for granted or treated casually. Robinson makes a compelling case that international tribunal case law must take greater account of deontic considerations, and the jurisprudence would benefit from a careful reading of Robinson’s work. A more difficult question concerns the practical implications for doctrinal substance. Three complications, in particular, come to mind. One concerns the relationship between published judicial reasoning and the resulting doctrinal decisions. Another concerns the contested interpretation and understanding of the fundamental principles. The third concerns the limitations of formal doctrine as a vehicle to vindicate fundamental principles. I elaborate upon these concerns through consideration of three modes of individual responsibility that have proven controversial in ICL: joint criminal enterprise (JCE), aiding and abetting, and command responsibility.