cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis: Metabolic acidosis with a twist

A 47-year-old woman with a self-reported 11-year history of diabetes mellitus presented with 2 days of nausea, vomiting, decreased oral intake, and back pain radiating to the neck. Her review of systems was remarkable for a “throbbing” headache of 1 day’s duration. Her medications included levothyroxine, subcutaneous long-acting insulin (glargine), topiramate, and canagliflozin, a selective sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor of the gloflozin class, which had been initiated 2 weeks earlier. Her medical history was remarkable for post-thyroidectomy Graves’ disease, cholecystectomy for multiple cholelithiasis, depression, fibromyalgia, and hyperlipidemia. She also had a history of spinal fusion surgery. In the emergency department, she appeared volume depleted. Her vital signs were temperature 98.9° F, blood pressure 118/76 mmHg, and a regular heart rate of 91 bpm. Her BMI was 27.45 kg/m2. Physical examination was remarkable for dry mucosal membranes, the absence of axillary sweat, and mild epigastric tenderness. Blood chemistry tests revealed a glucose of 152 mg/dL, sodium 138 mEq/L, potassium 4.4 mEq/L, chloride 105 mEq/L, and total carbon dioxide 16 mEq/L, with an anion gap of 17. Her serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were 16 mg/dL and 0.76 mg/dL, respectively. An arterial blood gas revealed a mixed acid-base disorder with both an anion gap and non–anion gap metabolic acidosis, as well as a primary respiratory acidosis with a pH of 7.18, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) of 47.6 mmHg, and bicarbonate of 17 mEq/L. Urinalysis revealed a pH of 5 with 2+ ketones and 3+ glucose. Thyroid and liver function tests were unremarkable, and her serum lactic acid level was 1 mEq/L. Urine and serum drug screens were nondiagnostic. Initial management included withholding insulin, discontinuing canagliflozin, and initiating intravenous volume expansion with 5 L of 0.9% saline on a medical-surgical floor. Cultures, a spine MRI, and …
Metal-Promoted Assembly of Two Collagen Mimetic Peptides into a Biofunctional "Spiraled Horn" Scaffold.

Biofunctional scaffolds for the delivery of living cells are of the utmost importance for regenerative medicine. Herein, a novel, robust “spiraled horn” scaffold was elucidated through the Co2+-promoted hierarchical assembly of two collagen mimetic peptides, NCoH and HisCol. Each “horn” displayed a periodic banding pattern with band lengths corresponding to the length of the collagen peptide triple helix. Strand exchange between the two peptide trimers resulted in failure to form this intricate morphology, lending support to a precise metal-ligand-based mechanism of assembly. Little change occurred to the observed morphology when the Co2+ concentration was varied from 0.5 to 4.0 mM, and the scaffold was found to be fully formed within two minutes of exposure to the metal ion. The horned network also displayed biological functionality by binding to a His-tagged fluorophore and associating with cells.
Flat panel displays or bust

Liquid crystals were discovered over 100 years ago by the Austrian botanist Friedrick Reinitzer. They have been an industrially important material for the last 25 years and today the world market for activematrix liquid crystal displays (LCDs) is worth about $750m per year. Liquid crystal R&D has been driven by the display industry as LCDs, unlike cathode ray tubes, are two-dimensional (flat) light-weight devices with low power requirements.
A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Impact of the Retzius-sparing Approach on Early Urinary Continence Recovery After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Background Retzius-sparing (posterior) robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) may expedite postoperative urinary continence recovery. Objective To compare the short-term (≤3 mo) urinary continence (UC), urinary function (UF), and UF-related bother outcomes of posterior RARP compared with standard anterior approach RARP. Design, setting, and participants A total of 120 patients aged 40–75 yr with low–intermediate-risk prostate cancer (per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines) underwent primary RARP at a tertiary care institution. Intervention Eligible men were randomized to receive either posterior ( n =60) or anterior ( n =60) RARP. Outcome measurements and statistical analyses Primary outcome was UC (defined as 0 pads/one security liner per day) 1 week after catheter removal. Secondary outcomes were short-term (≤3 mo) UC recovery, and UF and UF-related bother scores (measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] and IPSS quality-of-life scores, respectively) assessed at 1 and 2 wk, and 1 and 3 mo following catheter removal. Continence outcomes were objectively verified using 24-hr pad weights. UC recovery was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression; UF and UF-related bother outcomes were compared using linear generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Perioperative complications, positive surgical margin, and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) represent secondary outcomes reported in the study. Results and limitations Compared with 48% in the anterior arm, 71% men undergoing posterior RARP were continent 1 wk after catheter removal ( p =0.01); corresponding median 24-h pad weights were 25 and 5g ( p =0.001). Median time to continence in posterior versus anterior RARP was 2 and 8 d postcatheter removal, respectively (log-rank p =0.02); results were confirmed on multivariable regression analyses. GEE analyses showed that UF-related bother (but not UF) scores were significantly lower in the posterior versus anterior RARP group at 1 wk, 2 wk, and 1 mo on GEE analyses. Incidence of postoperative complications (12% anterior vs 18% posterior) and probability of BCRFS (0.91 vs 0.91) were comparable in the two arms. Conclusions In this single-center randomized study, the Retzius-sparing approach of RARP resulted in earlier recovery of UC and lower UF-related bother compared with standard RARP. These results require long-term validation and reproduction by other centers, as well as studies on men with high-risk localized disease. Patient summary In our hands, men with low–intermediate-risk prostate cancer undergoing Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) had earlier recovery of urinary continence and lower urinary function-related bother than those undergoing standard RARP.
Ultrasound use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with delays in chest compressions

Abstract Aim High-quality chest compressions are a critical component of the resuscitation of patients in cardiopulmonary arrest. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used frequently during emergency department (ED) resuscitations, but there has been limited research assessing its benefits and harms during the delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We hypothesized that use of POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation adversely affects high-quality CPR by lengthening the duration of pulse checks beyond the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines recommendation of 10 s. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of adults in cardiac arrest treated in an urban ED between August 2015 and September 2016. Resuscitations were recorded using video equipment in designated resuscitation rooms, and the use of POCUS was documented and timed. A linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate the effect of POCUS on pulse check duration. Results Twenty-three patients were enrolled in our study. The mean duration of pulse checks with POCUS was 21.0 s (95% CI, 18–24) compared with 13.0 s (95% CI, 12–15) for those without POCUS. POCUS increased the duration of pulse checks and CPR interruption by 8.4 s (95% CI, 6.7–10.0 [p Conclusions The use of POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation was associated with significantly increased duration of pulse checks, nearly doubling the 10-s maximum duration recommended in current guidelines. It is important for acute care providers to pay close attention to the duration of interruptions in the delivery of chest compressions when using POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation.
Extracurricular Involvement in High School and Later-Life Participation in Voluntary Associations.

Objectives Scholars have identified participation in voluntary associations as a central component of civic engagement for younger and older people alike. However, there has been little longitudinal examination of how such participation potentially fluctuates across multiple periods of the life course, as well as the extent to which involvement in youth is associated with participation in later life. Method We used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study-which is among the oldest and most comprehensive cohort studies in the United States to date. Respondents reported their voluntary association participation periodically between the ages of approximately 36 and 72 years. Data collected from high school yearbooks were used to examine whether histories of extracurricular involvement in adolescence were associated with patterns of voluntary association participation across adulthood. Results Results from growth curve models indicated that, on average, voluntary association participation peaked in midlife and declined into the 60s and early 70s. Nevertheless, levels of participation were consistently higher among individuals with greater extracurricular involvement in high school, and the rate of decline in participation from midlife to young-old age was also less steep for these individuals. Discussion Findings support conceptualizing voluntary association participation among older adults as part of life course trajectories of participation, with influences originating as early as adolescence.
Experimental study of horizontal air-water plug-to-slug transition flow in different pipe sizes

Abstract The current work investigates the plug-to-slug transition in horizontal air–water two-phase flow in small (38.1 mm) and large (101.6 mm) diameter pipes. An extensive database is established to study the local interfacial structure in plug-to-slug transition flow. Detailed measurements across the flow area are performed for nine and six test conditions in small and large pipes, respectively, at three different axial locations downstream of the inlet using the local four-sensor conductivity probe. The effects of jg, jf, development length and pipe size are investigated. It is found that the number of small bubbles in the liquid plug/slug increases significantly in plug-to-slug transition with increasing jg, which are generated by the strong shear between the gas slug and liquid film. Due to the relative motion, these small bubbles either coalesce with the nose of the following plug/slug bubble, or slide between the plug/slug bubble and the wall, and then travel around the pipe circumference to reside beneath the large bubbles. This explains the large number of small bubbles observed at the top of the liquid film for the conditions at high gas flow rates. In the process of traveling downwards, some of the small bubbles coalesce with the slug bubbles. It is also found that increasing jg or jf decreases the size of the small bubbles. While shearing-off is believed to dominate as jg increases, turbulent-impact is enhanced as jf increases due to the increasing turbulence level in the liquid phase. Increasing jg, development length, or decreasing jf slightly increases the depths of the plug/slug bubbles; however, significant growth of plug/slug bubbles is observed in the axial direction. For the same condition, the contribution from large bubbles to total void fraction increases as pipe size increases, while the distribution of total void fraction is similar. The size of both small and large bubbles is found to be larger in the large diameter pipe. Due to the current bubble injection mechanism, small bubbles are generated at the inlet; they coalesce into large bubbles as the flow develops. The large bubble is found to accelerate as it grows along the axial direction, which can lead to a decreasing void fraction although pressure keeps decreasing.
Large Area Precision Cell Traction Force Measurements Using Gold Disk Mounted Micro-Pillars

Detecting cell traction forces using conventional waveguide or fluorescent-coated micro-pillars requires imaging using high magnification (60×) lenses for precision measurement. The fields-of-view are typically small. This work presents a novel gold disk micro-pillars (GDMP) platform that enables concurrent and high precision cell traction force measurements over a large area (0.60mm2) with 75nm pillar displacement precision using low magnification (10×) optics.
The elusive podocyte crossmatch for recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a glomerular disorder with a high rate of recurrence. Although kidney biopsies remain the gold standard to diagnose recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, non-invasive prognostic assays could facilitate preventive treatments and offer insight into disease pathogenicity and heterogeneity. Srivastava et al. describe a simple, cell-based assay to predict recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Although the study needs to be optimized and validated, its novelty is that it does not depend on the specificity of a given permeability factor.
Random walker's view of networks whose growth it shapes

We study a simple model in which the growth of a network is determined by the location of one or more random walkers. Depending on walker motility rate, the model generates a spectrum of structures situated between well-known limiting cases. We demonstrate that the average degree observed by a walker is a function of its motility rate. Modulating the extent to which the location of node attachment is determined by the walker as opposed to random selection is akin to scaling the speed of the walker and generates new limiting behavior. The model raises questions about energetic and computational resource requirements in a physical instantiation.
White-box testing of big data analytics with complex user-defined functions

Data-intensive scalable computing (DISC) systems such as Google’s MapReduce, Apache Hadoop, and Apache Spark are being leveraged to process massive quantities of data in the cloud. Modern DISC applications pose new challenges in exhaustive, automatic testing because they consist of dataflow operators, and complex user-defined functions (UDF) are prevalent unlike SQL queries. We design a new white-box testing approach, called BigTest to reason about the internal semantics of UDFs in tandem with the equivalence classes created by each dataflow and relational operator. Our evaluation shows that, despite ultra-large scale input data size, real world DISC applications are often significantly skewed and inadequate in terms of test coverage, leaving 34% of Joint Dataflow and UDF (JDU) paths untested. BigTest shows the potential to minimize data size for local testing by 10^5 to 10^8 orders of magnitude while revealing 2X more manually-injected faults than the previous approach. Our experiment shows that only few of the data records (order of tens) are actually required to achieve the same JDU coverage as the entire production data. The reduction in test data also provides CPU time saving of 194X on average, demonstrating that interactive and fast local testing is feasible for big data analytics, obviating the need to test applications on huge production data.
Do We Know Enough to Plan for Transition? A National Survey of State Agencies Responsible for Services to Persons wtih Severe Handicaps

Transition of students with severe handicaps from school to community life has become a principle concern of parents, advocates, and professionals. The failure of students with disabilities to access appropriate vocational and residential services following school has highlighted the need for comprehensive transition planning at both an individual and systems level. Through interviews with state administrators of educational, vocational, and residential services, this study attempted to define the scope of the postschool service needs of individuals exiting public school programs on a national level. The results of the survey are discussed in terms of the implications for state agencies in effectively planning the transition of students with severe handicaps from school to postschool services.
Peripheral field stimulation for Atypical face pain

Abstract A 37-year-old woman who had been in severe pain for over 4 years after three dental procedures was referred to the clinic. Two other oral surgeons and a pain physician who specializes in facial pain had seen her over the past 2 years and concluded that the pain was likely from damage to parts of the left superior and also, secondarily, to the inferior alveolar nerves. She had tried several blocks and high doses of gabapentin, carbamezapine, duloxetine, and pregabalin without noticeable benefit or at least any possibility to drop her pain level below about 8/10. Her pain was burning and aching with intermittent sharper searing pains, all consistent with damage to these trigeminal nerve branches. On the skin surface, the pain appeared to be delineated fairly locally over the upper and lower regions of the maxilla and mouth, extending almost to the tragus laterally and about 3 cm from the midline medially. Touching the area on the skin or using her teeth or mouth for chewing on that side, or sometimes on either side, exacerbated the pain, but at baseline, it was virtually always at least a 7/10. She had no particular loss of sensation in the area, although it was difficult to be sure there was no loss at all as it was intolerable for her to test the area well enough.
Combined antegrade and retrograde thoracic duct embolization for complete transection of the thoracic duct.

Abstract Chylothorax is an uncommon complication after thoracoabdominal surgery and is typically due to injury of the thoracic duct (TD) or one of its tributaries. Patients who fail conservative management benefit from thoracic duct embolization (TDE). TDE is a percutaneous technique that includes pedal or intranodal lymphangiography, transabdominal catheterization of the TD, and glue embolization of the TD. Alternative access to the TD can be achieved via retrograde transvenous approach or direct US-guided puncture in the left neck followed by TDE. This case involves chylothorax in a 58-year-old male due to disruption of the main TD during esophagectomy, resulting in disjointed leaks from 2 separate areas related to a single complex injury. Lymphangiography and embolization via both transcervical and transabdominal approaches were performed to stop the leak.
The Effects of an Indigenous Health Curriculum for Medical Students.

Indigenous patients experience a variety of healthcare challenges including accessing and receiving needed healthcare services, as well as experiencing disproportionate amounts of bias and discrimination within the healthcare system. In an effort to improve patient-provider interactions and reduce bias towards Indigenous patients, a curriculum was developed to improve first-year medical students’ Indigenous health knowledge. Two cohorts of students were assessed for their Indigenous health knowledge, cultural intelligence, ethnocultural empathy, and social justice beliefs before the lecture series, directly after, and 6 months later. Results of paired t test analysis revealed that Indigenous health knowledge significantly improved after the training and 6 months later. Some improvements were noted in the areas of cultural intelligence and ethnocultural empathy in the second cohort. It is feasible to teach and improve Indigenous-specific health knowledge of medical students using a brief intervention of lectures. However, other critical components of culturally appropriate care including social justice beliefs and actions, ethnocultural empathy, and cultural humility may require increased and immersed cultural training.
The Temporomandibular Joint: A Critical Review of Life-Support Functions, Development, Articular Surfaces, Biomechanics and Degeneration

The temporomandibular joint is a highly conserved articulation because it promotes survival and propagation via the essential functions of mastication, communication, and routine mating success (dentofacial esthetics). The temporomandibular joint is a unique secondary joint formed between the endochondral temporal bone and the mandibular secondary condylar cartilage via Indian hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein signaling that is closely related to ear development. A dynamic epigenetic environment is provided by Spry1 and Spry2 genetic induction of the lateral pterygoid and temporalis muscles. Mechanical loading of the condylar periosteum during fetal development produces a superficial layer of fibrocartilage that separates from the condyle to form the interposed temporomandibular joint disc. The articular surfaces of the condyle and fossa are dynamically modified periosteum that has healing and regenerative capability. This unique tissue is composed of a superficial fibrous layer (synovial surface) with an underlying proliferative (cambium) layer that produces a cushioning layer of fibrocartilage which subsequently forms bone. Prior to occlusion of the first primary (deciduous) molars at about 16 months, facial development is dominated by primary genetic mechanisms. After achieving posterior functional occlusion, biomechanics enhances temporomandibular joint maturation, and assumes control of facial growth, development and adaptation. Concurrently, hypothalamus control of musculoskeletal physiology shifts from insulin-like growth factor IGF2 to IGF1, which affects bone via muscular loading (biomechanics). Three layers of temporomandibular joint fibrocartilage are resistant to heavy functional loading, but parafunctional clenching may result in degeneration that is first manifest as trabecular sclerosis of the mandibular condyle.
Chest tubes: importance of connecting the dots for students using simulation and theory

Abstract Chest tube management is a complex skill requiring thorough respiratory system knowledge. Literature suggests experiential learning activities can be helpful, but there is a lack of evidence supporting the use of simulation to improve student performance in theory courses. Nonexperimental correlational design was used to investigate the relationship between utilization of chest tube simulation and scores on ensuing theory examination. The students with the chest tube simulation prior to the examination scored significantly higher (M = 15.06, SD = 1.66) compared to students who did not (M = 13.30; SD = 2.26); t (398) = 9.28, p≤ 0.001. There was a significant difference in examination scores between the groups. The only notable variance between groups was the timing of the chest tube simulation compared to the examination. This suggests that teaching using multiple modalities improves retention of procedural skills and knowledge.
Perceptions of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) among Asylum Seekers in New York City

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) affects millions of girls and women globally each year despite widespread criminalization of the practice. Eradication efforts have focused on the health risks associated with FGM/C however, it is important to understand the sociocultural context in which this practice exists. We conducted a cross-sectional study using retrospective chart review and structured interviews with women recruited through the Bellevue/New York University Program for Survivors of Torture. Of the 43 participants enrolled in the study, 88.4% initially indicated there is no benefit of undergoing FGM/C but when prompted, agreed that social acceptance (16.3%), religious approval (11.6%), and better marriage prospects (9.3%) are possible benefits. More sexual pleasure for the women (46.5%), avoiding pain (30.2%), and fewer medical problems (16.3%) were stated as benefits of not undergoing FGM/C. Overall, 40 (93%) participants believed the practice should be discontinued. This study highlights that there may be a perception of social benefit of undergoing FGM/C. Although most participants believed the practice should be discontinued, the complex social milieu within which this practice exists must be addressed.
The Factors Significant to the Introduction of Institutional Open Access Policies: Two Case Studies of R-1 Universities

INTRODUCTION US universities are increasingly unable to afford research journal subscriptions due to the rising prices charged by for-profit academic publishers. Open access (OA) appears to be the most backed option to disrupt the current publishing model. The purpose of this study is to understand the factors significant to the introduction of institutional OA policies at selected United States R-1 universities. METHODS An in-depth qualitative study, including interviews with stakeholders, was conducted on two R-1universities with OA policies that have been implemented for at least five years. results The results of this study reveal that while the perceived sustainability of the scholarly communication business model was an initial driver, open dissemination of knowledge was the primary factor for the development of institutional policies. discussion Open dissemination of knowledge aligns with the mission of both institutions. Interviewees believe that a wider and more open dissemination of the institution’s research cost could positively affect their faculty’s research impact, which could then affect the institution’s reputation, rankings, classifications and funding. CONCLUSION While the initial driver for exploring OA scholarly communication for both institutions was the perceived unsustainability of the scholarly communication model, the most important factor that led to the creation of their policies was the desire to disseminate the faculty’s scholarship.
In the club: how and why central bankers created a hierarchy of sovereign borrowers, c. 1988–2007

From roughly 1988 to 2007, global banks faced strong regulatory incentives to lend to members of the OECD and those of the IMF’s General Arrangements to Borrow (GAB), along with disincentives to le...
Pubertal stress recalibration and later social and emotional adjustment among adolescents: The role of early life stress.

Abstract The current study investigated whether recalibration of the hypothalamic-pituitary -adrenocortical (HPA) axis stress response in youth who had previously experienced early life stress (ELS) would predict socioemotional adjustment in a follow-up assessment approximately 2–4 years later when youth were 12- to 21-years old. The sample consisted of previously institutionalized (PI) (N = 96) youth and a comparison non-adopted (NA) group (N = 117). Youth were 16 years old on average at the time of the follow-up assessment. Parent and youth-reported measures were used to assess youth’s internalizing symptoms and emotion regulation. Parent-reported measures were used to assess youth’s externalizing symptoms. We tested whether showing cortisol increases (vs. not) across the peripubertal period was associated with later social and emotional adjustment differently for PI and NA youth. Significant interactions emerged showing that for PI youth only, increases in cortisol reactivity across the peripubertal period was associated with poorer subsequent socioemotional functioning.
An Improved Ultrasonic Image Presentation

NDE technology encompasses a broad field of applications [1] such as material selection, properties characterization, defect detection, damage assessment, process monitoring, in-service sensing, etc. However, the most common application of NDE, for hardware manufacturers, remains in quality assurance of products at various check points. In such operations, process engineers and customers demand well archived inspection procedures and test records for future reference. Although inspection reports may serve this purpose, imaging techniques that directly correlate measured NDE parameters with specimen coordinates are the preferred methods for inspection and data presentation.
Memory efficient sanitization of a deduplicated storage system

Sanitization is the process of securely erasing sensitive data from a storage system, effectively restoring the system to a state as if the sensitive data had never been stored. Depending on the threat model, sanitization could require erasing all unreferenced blocks. This is particularly challenging in deduplicated storage systems because each piece of data on the physical media could be referred to by multiple namespace objects. For large storage systems, where available memory is a small fraction of storage capacity, standard techniques for tracking data references will not fit in memory, and we discuss multiple sanitization techniques that trade-off I/O and memory requirements. We have three key contributions. First, we provide an understanding of the threat model and what is required to sanitize a deduplicated storage system as compared to a device. Second, we have designed a memory efficient algorithm using perfect hashing that only requires from 2.54 to 2.87 bits per reference (98% savings) while minimizing the amount of I/O. Third, we present a complete sanitization design for EMC Data Domain.
Taxing Amazon: The Problems with the State 'Amazon' Taxes and the Need for Federal Intervention

In recent years, amid the most severe budget crisis since the Great Depression for states across the nation, many states have passed or are considering legislation aimed at requiring online entities, most notably Amazon, to collect sales tax. These states seek to ease their financial woes, but the legislation has resulted in fierce legal conflicts, merchants breaking ties with in-state affiliates in an attempt to avoid the new requirements, and confusion and uncertainty for taxpayers. Of course, in many states, all purchases made by its domiciled citizens are taxable; the issue then becomes whether the merchants should be required to collect the sales tax or whether it should be left to the taxpayer to report the purchases on their tax return. On its face, this does not appear to be an issue at all; after all in either scenario the State would receive the same amount of tax revenue. Part of the problem with that assertion is the time value of money, but the real issue is one of enforcement. As a matter of practice, few taxpayers actually report their online purchases, resulting in huge tax gaps for the states. Accepting the states interest in requiring online entities like Amazon to collect sales tax as legitimate, the question then becomes how to implement such a requirement in a way that avoids, or at least mitigates, the problems that have arisen as a result of states attempts at forming such a requirement. This article will discuss the various state 'Amazon' taxes, highlight the problems with the current statutes, and advocate that federal intervention is needed. Specifically, this article will argue that the recently re-introduced Main Street Fairness Act is the answer, and will discuss the benefits and primary criticisms of that Act.
Endocrinology and Dialysis: Management of Lipid Abnormalities Associated with End-Stage Renal Disease: LIPID MANAGEMENT IN ESRD

The management of lipid abnormalities in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains controversial. Large, well-designed studies investigating the effects of dyslipidemia on cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and the role of cholesterol lowering drugs in reducing mortality in ESRD patients are lacking. While it seems reasonable to suspect that dyslipidemia and its treatment in ESRD patients will affect CV morbidity and mortality similar to that in the general population, recent studies have suggested that this may not be the case. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetics of lipid lowering drugs are altered in patients with ESRD and must be considered when treating this group of patients. This article reviews the major classes of drugs used to treat dyslipidemia, emphasizing their role in patients with ESRD.
Use of EBSD Data in Mesoscale Numerical Analyses

Experimentation, theory, and modeling have all played vital roles in defining what is known about microstructural evolution and the effects of microstructure on material properties. Recently, technology has become an enabling factor, allowing significant advances to be made on several fronts. Experimental evidence of crystallographic slip and the basic theory of crystal plasticity were established in the early 20th century (Polanyi, 1922; Schmid, 1924; Taylor and Elam, 1925), and the theory and models evolved incrementally over the next 60 years (Taylor, 1938; Bishop and Hill, 1951; Hutchinson, 1964; Hill and Rice, 1972; Honneff and Mecking, 1978; Asaro, 1983a; Kocks et al., 1986). During this time, modeling was primarily concerned with the average response of polycrystalline aggregates. While some detailed finite element modeling (FEM) with crystal plasticity constitutive relations was performed in the early 1980’s (Peirce et al., 1982, 1983), such simulations over taxed the capacity of the available computer hardware. Advances in computer capabilities led to a flurry of activity in finite element modeling in the next 10 years (Harren et al., 1988; Havileck et al., 1990; Zikry and Nemat-Nasser, 1990; Becker et al., 1991; Kalidindi et al., 1992; Beaudoin et al., 1993; Saeedvafa and Rice, 1992; Mohan et al., 1992), thus increasing understanding of lattice orientation evolution and generating detailed predictions of spatial orientation distributions that could not be readily validated with existing experimental characterization methods.
Aminotripeptidase of Swine Kidney I. ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THREE DIFFERENT FORMS; UTILITY OF THE ENZYME IN SEQUENCE WORK

Abstract The aminotripeptidase (tripeptidase:aminoacyl oligopeptide hydrolase, EC 3.4.1.3) of swine kidney has been isolated as three different homogeneous proteins that differ in chromatographic behavior, molecular weight, and in other properties. The enzyme is inactivated by certain sulfhydryl reagents and by some metal-chelating agents. Disulfide bonds are absent. Inactivation by the chelating agents can be reversed by the addition of certain metal ions. Although the enzyme contains zinc, the metal is not present in stoichiometric amount, and the role of this metal ion is unclear. Earlier and present studies of the specificity of the tripeptidase indicate that the enzyme does not hydrolyze di-, tetra-, or longer peptides, di- or tripeptide amides, or acyl peptides. Tripeptides with NH2-terminal glutamic or aspartic acids or with a central proline or hydroxyproline residue are resistant to hydrolysis. The enzyme is useful in ascertaining the sequence of tripeptides because of its rapid liberation of the NH2-terminal residue as the free amino acid. With longer peptides, it is convenient to remove one or more residues by the Edman degradation to leave the COOH-terminal tripeptide which can then be hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Phenylthiocarbamyl peptides or other products of the Edman procedure do not interfere with the hydrolysis of the residual free tripeptide.
Book Review: Judgment Reserved: A Landmark Environmental Case by Frank D. Schaumburg

This is a review of the book by Frank D. Schaumburg titled “Judgment Reserved: A Landmark Environmental Case” which deals with the federal case brought to end the discharge of tailings into Lake Superior by the taconite ore processing plant of Reserve Mining Company. The article critically analyzes Dr. Schaumburg’s ultimate conclusion that the nature of the judicial system itself renders it incompetent to handle the decision called for in the Reserve Mining case and similar cases in which there is a dispute involving competing use of natural resources. The reviewer goes on to examine the court’s competency, deference to science, and other approaches to environmental disputes.
Integrating Technology, Art, and Writing to Create Comic Books

(2006). Integrating Technology, Art, and Writing to Create Comic Books. Middle School Journal: Vol. 37, The Neglected Core and More, pp. 30-36.
Amino Acid Composition of Human Plasma Prothrombin

The amino acid composition of purified human plasma prothrombin was determined by ion exchange chromatography. In some cases, the carbohydrate composition was also estimated. Seven preparations, isolated in two different laboratories and finally purified by two different methods, were studied. Within experimental error, all the preparations had the same amino acid composition, which was as follows (number of amino acid residues per molecule of prothrombin): alanine, 34; arginine, 35 or 36; aspartic acid, 55 or 56; half-cystine, 23; glutamic acid, 69; glycine, 43; histidine, 9; isoleucine, 21; leucine, 38; lysine, 26; methionine, 7; phenylalanine, 20; proline, 31; serine, 37 or 38; threonine, 38; tryptophan, 20; tyrosine, 21; valine, 29; and amide-NH3, 40. About 90% of the weight of the human prothrombin molecule is composed of amino acid residues, the remainder consisting of carbohydrate, estimated to be 4.1% hexose, 3.4% neuraminic acids, and about 2.4% acetylglucosamine. From the amino acid and carbohydrate composition a partial specific volume of 0.71 ml g−1 and a molecular weight of 68,700 ± 200 were calculated. The latter agrees well with hydrodynamic measurements. For comparison purposes, the amino acid composition of a chromatographically purified sample of bovine prothrombin was also examined. Certain differences in the composition of human prothrombin from that of bovine and other species are noted and discussed in relation to their differences in physical and chemical properties.
Inhibition of retinal angiogenesis by peptides derived from thrombospondin-1.

Purpose Thrombospondin (TSP)1 is a tumor suppressor with activity that is associated with its ability to inhibit neovascularization. Previous studies have mapped this antiangiogenic activity to the type 1 repeats and the amino-terminal portion of the molecule within the procollagen-like domain. The present study was performed to investigate the ability of TSP-1 and peptides derived from the type 1 repeats to inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Methods TSP-1 and peptides with tryptophan-rich, heparin-binding sequences and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 activation sequences were evaluated in two models of retinal angiogenesis: a retinal explant assay and a rat model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Results Platelet-derived TSP-1 inhibited angiogenesis in both experimental models. Peptides from the native TSP-1 sequence, which contained both the tryptophan-rich repeat and the TGF-beta1 activation sequence, were the most potent inhibitors of endothelial cell outgrowth in the retinal explant assay. In contrast, a peptide containing only the tryptophan-rich, heparin-binding sequence was most active in inhibiting neovascular disease in the rat ROP model. Conclusions These results indicate that the type 1 repeats of TSP-1 contain two subdomains that may independently influence the process of neovascularization, and that peptides derived from these type 1 repeats may be promising pharmacologic agents for treatment of retinal angiogenesis.
Civil War and Social Cohesion: Lab‐in‐the‐Field Evidence from Nepal

We study effects of wartime violence on social cohesion in the context of Nepal's 10-year civil war. We begin with the observation that violence increased levels of collective action like voting and community organization�a finding consistent with other recent studies of postconflict societies. We use lab-in-the-field techniques to tease apart such effects. Our causal-identification strategy exploits communities' exogenous isolation from the unpredictable path of insurgency combined with matching. We find that violence-affected communities exhibit higher levels of prosocial motivation, measured by altruistic giving, public good contributions, investment in trust-based transactions, and willingness to reciprocate trust-based investments. We find evidence to support two social transformation mechanisms: (1) a purging mechanism by which less social persons disproportionately flee communities plagued by war and (2) a collective coping mechanism by which individuals who have few options to flee band together to cope with threats.
Abstract 3493: Disulfiram a dual mgmt and aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor sensitizes pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine and abraxane

Background: O 6 methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is overexpressed in a majority of cancers, including pancreatic cancer. MGMT has been the focus of significant research for its role in the repair of DNA damage caused by chemotherapeutic agents. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase as a progenitor/stem cell marker has been linked to chemotherapy and radiation resistance. Methods: We tested the administration of Antabuse (disulfiram, DSF) at nontoxic doses in combination with gemcitabine (GEM) and Abraxane (ABX) on pancreatic cancer cells. Results: DSF at very low doses (achievable in human serum with standard DSF clinical dosing) decreases pancreatic cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. DSF further sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to GEM and ABX and significantly inhibits pancreatic cancer growth without causing unwanted side effects to the normal pancreatic cells. Dose effect and isobologram studies confirm synergistic activity of DSF and ABX combination and moderate synergism for DSF and GEM combination. DSF, either alone or in combination with GEM (DSF ± GEM) and/or ABX (DSF ± ABX), significantly inhibits expression of MGMT, aldehyde dehydrogenase, antigen Ki-67 and BIRC5 gene (survivin) - all involved in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis. DSF+/-GEM+/-ABX induces the expression of p21Cip1, a cell cycle inhibitor. We show an inverse correlation between aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and MGMT expression, where MGMT expression is high, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is low and where aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is high, MGMT levels were low. The ALDH3A1 expression is significantly higher in highly metastatic cancer cells (L3.6pl) compared to other metastatic cancer cells (PANC1, Mia PaCa2, ASPC1). We further report that in our model DSF at very low doses (achievable in human serum with standard DSF clinical dosing) effectively inhibits both aldehyde dehydrogenase and MGMT in pancreatic cancer cells. DSF also induces caspase activation indicative of mitochondrial induced apoptosis in these cells. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DSF as dual inhibitor of MGMT and aldehyde dehydrogenase potentially provides a novel therapeutic approach to inhibiting pancreatic cancer growth/metastasis and synergistically enhances GEM and ABX activity. Citation Format: George C. Bobustuc, Alisher Holmuhamedov, Kalkunte S. Srivenugopal, Jacob C. Frick, JAMES L. WEESE, Santhi D. Konduri. Disulfiram a dual mgmt and aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor sensitizes pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine and abraxane. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3493. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3493
Catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in erythrocytes of pregnant women with sickle cell disease before, during, and after transfusion and partial exchange transfusion

Abstract In the present investigation, we found that the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity in erythrocytes of pregnant women with sickle cell disease was strikingly elevated compared with that in erythrocytes of men and pregnant and nonpregnant women. Moreover, the enzyme activity in erythrocytes remained high during and after transfusion or partial exchange transfusion even though the enzyme activity in donor cells was low. This finding is suggestive of the possibility that a factor(s) in plasma of persons with sickle cell disease activates erythrocyte COMT activity.
Feasibility of endovascular repair of splenic artery aneurysms using stent grafts

Objective Percutaneous transcatheter embolization of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) has been widely accepted as the first line of treatment in patients with symptoms, rupture, or large aneurysm size. Although embolization can usually be performed safely, ischemic complications, such as splenic infarct or abscess, occur in some patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of endovascular SAA repair (ESAAR) using stent grafts, which may allow treatment while preserving flow to the spleen. Methods We reviewed the clinical data of all consecutive patients who underwent ESAAR using stent grafts. Brachial access was used except for patients with favorable angle of origin from the aorta. To overcome tortuosity and provide support, a coaxial system with a hydrophilic sheath was used. Low-profile 0.018-inch stent grafts were used for distal SAAs with a 10-mm to 15-mm length of proximal and distal segment of splenic artery measuring 4 to 11 mm in diameter. Follow-up included clinical examination and computed tomography imaging within 4 to 6 months after the procedure and yearly thereafter. End points were morbidity, stent graft patency, and freedom from endoleaks and reinterventions. Results ESAAR was attempted in 10 patients, four males and six females, with median age of 64 years (range, 48-77 years). Median SAA size was 2.8 cm (range, 2-5.7 cm). Nine patients were asymptomatic, and one had pancreatitis and gastrointestinal bleeding. The arterial access site was the brachial artery in six patients and the femoral artery in four. Two patients had brachial and femoral access to facilitate splenic artery stenting. Technical success of ESAAR using stent grafts was 80% (8 of 10). In two patients with distal SAAs, stent graft placement was not possible due to excessive vessel tortuosity, and treatment was by coil embolization. One patient developed brachial artery thrombosis, which was treated surgically. There were no ischemic complications in patients treated by ESAAR with stent grafts. Median length of stay was 1 day. One patient treated by coil embolization developed splenic infarct, which required readmission for pain control. Median follow-up was 9 months. Follow-up imaging in all successfully stented patients revealed patent stent grafts, no endoleak, and no aneurysm sac enlargement. No reinterventions were required. Conclusions ESAAR using self-expandable stent grafts offers a viable alternative to coil embolization in selected patients with SAAs. Distal SAAs with excessive vessel tortuosity may result in technical failure requiring embolization. Among patients who underwent successful ESAAR, there were no ischemic complications, stent graft occlusions, endoleaks, or sac enlargement.
Copper Stimulates Amylase Release From Isolated Rat Pancreatic Acini Independent of Ca2

Cu2+ and other metal divalent cations influencing the oxidation state of protein sulfhydryl groups were investigated for their effects on pancreatic function. The transition cations stimulated the release of amylase from isolated rat pancreatic acini with a potency order Cu2+ ≈ Cd2+ > Zn2+. Amylase release was also stimulated by the organic sulfhydryl oxidant, diamide. Cu2+-stimulated amylase release was maximal after a delay of 10 min, whereas the effects of cholecystokinin were maximal within 5 min. Cu2+-induced amylase release was only partially inhibited by dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and was not inhibited by atropine. Furthermore, the effect of Cu2+ was additive to that of cholecystokinin and carbamylcholine. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ by pretreatment of acini with cholecystokinin in Ca2+-free medium (plus ethyleneglycol bis(β-aminoethylether)-N,N′-tetraacetic acid) had no effect on subsequent stimulation by Cu2+, although it abolished the response to cholecystokinin. Cu2+ induced only a small and delayed increase in 45Ca2+ efflux, whereas cholecystokinin induced an immediate large increase. It was concluded that Cu2+ has multiple effects on pancreatic amylase release. A major component is independent of known secretagogue receptors or intracellular Ca2+. It is suggested that changes in the oxidation state of protein sulfhydryl groups may be involved in pancreatic zymogen release.