cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INSULIN, GLUCAGON, AMINOACID IMBALANCE, AND HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

Hepatic encephalopathy (H.E.) is associated with and perhaps caused by changes in plasma-aminoacid patterns--decreased branched-chain aminoacids (B.C.A.A.) and increased aromatic aminoacids (A.A.A.). The decreased B.C.A.A. may be in part secondary to hyperinsulinaemia, but the B.C.A.A. are catabolised by both fat and muscle. The increase in A.A.A. may reflect a "catabolic stimulus" reflected in hyperglucagonaemia, particularly in severe hepatic failure and H.E., and a decreased insulin/glucagon ratio. Endogenous protein, lean body-mass, or liver then releases large amounts of A.A. and the A.A.A. cannot be catabolised by the failing liver, and thus accumulate in the circulation. With decreased plasma-B.C.A.A., the molar ratio of B.C.A.A. and A.A.A. decreases allowing the toxic A.A.A. to penetrate the blood-brain barrier in increased amounts and encephalopathy develops. Appropriate therapy for H.E. must include reversal of the "catabolic state" by providing sufficient B.C.A.A. and calories to decrease the flux of A.A.A. from muscle and liver, and the restoration of the normal molar ratio of B.C.A.A. and A.A.A.
Classification and risk assessment of individuals with familial polyposis, Gardner's syndrome, and familial non-polyposis colon cancer from [3H]thymidine labeling patterns in colonic epithelial cells

A probabilistic analysis has been developed to assist the binary classification and risk assessment of members of familial colon cancer kindreds. The analysis is based on the microautoradiographic observation of (/sup 3/H)thymidine-labeled epithelial cells in colonic mucosa of the kindred members. From biopsies of colonic mucosa which are labeled with (/sup 3/H)thymidine in vitro, the degree of similarity of each subject's cell-labeling pattern measured over entire crypts was automatically compared to the labeling patterns of high-risk and low-risk reference populations. Each individual was then presumptively classified and assigned to one of the reference populations, and a degree of risk for the classification was provided. In carrying out the analysis, a linear score was calculated for each individual relative to each of the reference populations, and the classification was based on the polarity of the score difference; the degree of risk was then quantitated from the magnitude of the score difference. When the method was applied to kindreds having either familial polyposis or familial non-polyposis colon cancer, it effectively segregated individuals affected with disease from others at low risk, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 71 to 92%. Further application of the method to asymptomatic family members believed to be atmore » 50% risk on the basis of pedigree evaluation revealed a biomodal distribution to nearly zero or full risk. The accuracy and simplicity of this approach and its capability of revealing early stages of abnormal colonic epithelial cell development indicate potential for preclinical screening of subjects at risk in cancer-prone kindreds and for assisting the analysis of modes of inheritance.« less
Methods for Skin Wounding and Assays for Wound Responses in C. elegans

The C. elegans epidermis and cuticle form a simple yet sophisticated skin layer that can repair localized damage resulting from wounding. Studies of wound responses and repair in this model have illuminated our understanding of the cytoskeletal and genomic responses to tissue damage. The two most commonly used methods to wound the C. elegans adult skin are pricks with microinjection needles, and local laser irradiation. Needle wounding locally disrupts the cuticle, epidermis, and associated extracellular matrix, and may also damage internal tissues. Laser irradiation results in more localized damage. Wounding triggers a succession of readily assayed responses including elevated epidermal Ca2+ (seconds-minutes), formation and closure of an actin-containing ring at the wound site (1-2 hr), elevated transcription of antimicrobial peptide genes (2-24 hr), and scar formation. Essentially all wild type adult animals survive wounding, whereas mutants defective in wound repair or other responses show decreased survival. Detailed protocols for needle and laser wounding, and assays for quantitation and visualization of wound responses and repair processes (Ca dynamics, actin dynamics, antimicrobial peptide induction, and survival) are presented.
Have Finance Companies Gained Shares in the Small Business Loan Market During the 1990s: Evidence from the 1993 and 1998 Surveys of Small Business

Although finance companies experienced growth in their owned and securitized receivables during the 1990s, it appears that this growth was not the result of increased involvement with small businesses.This study investigates the importance to small businesses of finance companies and other lending agencies, and assesses any changes in small business borrowing behaviors. Data on the financing sources of small businesses is used from 1993 and 1998 Surveys of Small Business Finances (SSBF). The 1993 sample (n=4638) and the 1998 sample (n=3561) are both adjusted for inflation as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor.The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics and other linear and non-linear statistics. The results indicate that small business borrowers are more likely to seek loans from finance companies only for leases and mortgage loans.Overall, the findings indicate that small business's involvement with finance companies has remained virtually unchanged from 1993 to 1998.Commercial banks, while providing for about the same amount of small businesses between 1993 and 1998, were providing larger sums of money to small businesses.(AKP)
Bioeconomics of invasive species: using real options theory to integrate ecology, economics, and risk management

Policy makers face two countervailing incentives in invasive species management—the Pull-incentive to move quickly and the Push-incentive to wait-and-see before making irreversible investments. Real options theory is used to help understand this fundamental trade-off both in design and application. In designing policies, real options theory shows how the management of invasive species should account for the intertwined concepts of ecological risk/ecological irreversibility and economic risk/economic irreversibility. In applying policies, real options theory shows for species spreading slowly with little uncertainty, the push-incentive dominates, advocating a wait-and-see approach. In contrast, for fastspreading species, their diffusion is too fast and too unpredictable to do anything other than act immediately – the pull-incentive dominates. In addition, results indicate both the source and the magnitude of uncertainty matter, but the nature of the impact depends on the irreversibility of the policy decision highlighting the key value of flexibility in policy design and application.
G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Gastrointestinal Physiology I. CCK receptors: an exemplary family *

The CCK and gastrin families of peptides act as hormones and neuropeptides on central and peripheral receptors to mediate secretion and motility in the gastrointestinal tract in the physiological response to a normal meal. Thus far, two CCK receptors have been molecularly identified to mediate the actions of CCK and gastrin, CCK-A and CCK-B receptors (CCK-AR and CCK-BR, respectively). The regulation of CCK-AR and CCK-BR affinity by guanine nucleotides and the receptor activation of G protein-dependent stimulation of phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase suggested that they were guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors [G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)]; however, the eventual cloning of their cDNAs revealed their heptahelical structure and confirmed their membership in the GPCR superfamily. The gastrointestinal system is a rich source of neuroendocrine hormones that interact with a large number of GPCRs to regulate the complex tasks of digestion, absorption, and excretion of a meal. This article focuses on the CCK family of GPCRs, and its activities in the gastrointestinal system.
Coral Disease and Global Climate Change

The health of the world’s coral reefs have steadily declined over the past two decades. The primary diver of this decline is as an increase in shallow ocean temperatures. Increased temperatures stress the normal metabolism of corals and change the normal microbiota associated with healthy colonies. Often the result is the development of diseased colonies. We tested the susceptibility of the scleractinian coral Montastrea faveolata to infection by a number of Vibrio spp. which were previously isolated from diseased corals at in situtemperatures (28°C) and increased temperatures (31°C) in temperature controlled seawater aquaria. Both inoculated and control corals in aquaria kept at in situtemperatures showed no disease signs after two weeks. Inoculated corals in aquaria kept at increased temperatures developed disease signs after three days, although control corals at increased temperatures remained disease free. We suggest that the inoculated, increased temperature corals developed disease signs due to (1) decreased resistance under increased temperatures, (2) increased growth rates of the pathogens, (3) initiation of the transcription of toxin genes, or (4) a combination of the first three. We suggest that the increase of global coral disease is due, in part, to increased global temperatures.
Engineering principles of synthetic biochemical oscillators with negative cyclic feedback

This paper analyzes oscillatory dynamics of a class of cyclic gene regulatory networks and provides engineering principles for the synthesis of biochemical oscillators. We first review previous results that the oscillatory parameter regime of the gene regulatory circuits can be rigorously explored by the local stability analysis of a unique equilibrium. The local stability analysis then leads to the first engineering principle that the circuit components, or genes, should be chosen so that the kinetic profiles of the circuit components are similar to each other. Using a homogeneous oscillator model, we further discuss design strategies to reduce the cell-to-cell variability of the oscillators that is caused by intrinsic noise.
Fast wire scanner for intense electron beams

We have developed a cost-effective, fast rotating wire scanner for use in accelerators where high beam currents would otherwise melt even carbon wires. This new design uses a simple planetary gear setup to rotate a carbon wire, fixed at one end, through the beam at speeds in excess of $20\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$. We present results from bench tests, as well as transverse beam profile measurements taken at Cornell's high-brightness energy recovery linac photoinjector, for beam currents up to 35 mA.
Abstract LB-356: Characterization of microRNA expression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by whole genome small RNA deep sequencing using human tissue cohort

Introduction: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a group of small non-coding regulating RNA and has shown altered expression in cancer. With great advantages in test specificity and capability to detect novel (unknown) miRNA and other small RNA targets, the next-generation deep sequencing technology is replacing microarray platforms, at least in the discovery phase. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney malignancies and one of the leading causes of death. Characterizing miRNA expression of ccRCC will enhance the understanding of its tumorigenesis and progression and will, therefore, lead to the development of cancer-specific molecular therapy. In this study, we analyzed miRNA expression using a human ccRCC cohort by whole genome small RNA deep sequencing. We characterized the miRNA expression in association with CCRCC and further validated the altered miRNA expression in a larger clinical cohort by RT-PCR. A group of tumor associated novel miRNAs have been discovered. Design : (1) Deep sequencing of whole genome small RNA (17-52 nucleotides in size) in a 6-sample frozen CCRCC cohort (3 benign and 3 ccRCC samples) using Illumina system (Solexa) was performed. (2) The miRNA expression of benign kidney and ccRCC samples was quantitatively compared. (3) 8 miRNAs, which were randomly selected from the list of top 20 aberrantly expressed miRNAs detected by deep sequencing, were tested using ABI RT-PCR technology in a 38-sample ccRCC cohort (9 benign kidney and 29 different stage ccRCC samples) for validation. (4) Analysis of unknown small RNAs was performed to find tumor associated novel miRNAs. Results : (1) Using a deep sequencing technology, we detected miRNAs and other small RNAs in frozen human samples of ccRCC cohort and successfully profiled miRNA expression in association with tumor. (2) We validated the altered expression of 8 selected miRNA targets in the 38-sample clinical ccRCC cohort using an RT-PCR method. (3) We discovered a group of novel miRNAs associated with ccRCC. Conclusions : We performed whole genome small RNA deep sequencing of human ccRCC tissue with further RT-PCR validation in a clinical sample cohort. We have characterized miRNA expression and discovered a group of novel miRNAs in association with ccRCC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-356.
The use of 50% nitrous oxide improves successful intravenous access in obese and growth-limited children in an outpatient setting

Commentary on: Ekbom K, Kalman S, Jakobsson J, et al. Efficient intravenous access without distress: a double-blind randomized study of midazolam and nitrous oxide in children and adolescents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2011;165:785–91.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Intravenous therapy is a common intervention in paediatric medicine. Its uses include the delivery of fluids, nutrition, medication and venous blood sampling. Patient anxiety and difficulty with intravenous placement are common. Patients who require frequent peripheral intravenous placement can have progressive difficulty with intravenous access and can also experience increased anxiety related to the procedure. Obesity or growth retardation can make intravenous insertion more difficult. Topical anaesthetic applied to the skin over an intravenous insertion site has been shown to decrease pain and anxiety related to the procedure.1 Oral midazolam and inhaled nitrous oxide are well studied common pharmacologic therapies noted to relieve anxiety and facilitate cooperation with procedures in children,2 ,3 but their role in improving successful intravenous access in children has not previously been evaluated. A total of 90 children were studied prospectively. Of … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DArchives%2Bof%2BPediatrics%2Band%2BAdolescent%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DArch%2BPediatr%2BAdolesc%2BMed%26rft.issn%253D0002-922X%26rft.volume%253D165%26rft.issue%253D9%26rft.spage%253D785%26rft.epage%253D791%26rft.atitle%253DEfficient%2Bintravenous%2Baccess%2Bwithout%2Bdistress%253A%2Ba%2Bdouble-blind%2Brandomized%2Bstudy%2Bof%2Bmidazolam%2Band%2Bnitrous%2Boxide%2Bin%2Bchildren%2Band%2Badolescents.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Farchpediatrics.2011.56%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F21536947%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.56&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=21536947&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F17%2F5%2F144.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000294537100002&link_type=ISI
Improved Free Vortex Wake Models Of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

Floating offshore wind turbines offer significant advantages compared to onshore and near-shore wind turbines in terms of their ability to be located in deep waters. However, due to the motion of floating platforms in response to wind and wave loading, the aerodynamics are substantially more complex. Traditional aerodynamic models and design codes do not adequately account for the floating platform dynamics. Turbines must therefore be over designed due to loading uncertainty and are not fully optimized for their operating conditions. Previous research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst developed the Wake Induced Dynamics Simulator, or WInDS, a free vortex wake model of wind turbines that explicitly includes the velocity components from platform motion. This work presents the ongoing development of the WInDS model: the inclusions of a LeishmanBeddoes dynamic stall model, solution acceleration through parallel computing, and aeroelastic coupling with FAST, NREL’s computer-aided engineering tool. These developments enable the analysis of the unsteady aerodynamics of floating wind turbines in a fully-coupled simulation. Both the effect of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics on the structural motion, and the resulting change in the aerodynamics due to structural motion are captured. A sample case is presented to demonstrate these capabilities. The presented improvements to WInDS will enable future research and analysis of the complex, coupled aero-hydro-elastic behavior of floating offshore wind turbines.
A Study of the Assembly Mechanism of the Mesoporous MSU-X Silica Two-Step Synthesis

Several synthetic pathways of mesostructured porous silica using nonionic surfactants or copolymers have been reported since the discovery of this new family of materials. We developed a process, which we call a two-step synthesis, that allows us to synthesize MSU-X mesoporous silica, with very good reproducibility and high reaction yields. This reaction implies a first assembly step between silica oligomers and nonionic micelles, followed by a condensation step induced by the addition of sodium fluoride as catalyst. We characterized nanoscopic hybrid objects made of silica and nonionic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) surfactants obtained once the assembly between silica and surfactants had occurred, as intermediates in the two-step synthesis of mesoporous silica of the MSU-X family. NMR, small-angle X-ray scattering, and dynamic light scattering experiments allowed us to propose a structural model involving nucleophilic participation of external OH groups, where a low-density framework of silica grows out of ...
THE GENETICS OF AN ISOLATING MECHANISM BETWEEN TWO SIBLING SPECIES OF DROSOPHILA.

Matings between Drosophila simulans females and males of the sibling species D. mauritiana are of abnormally short duration. These rapid matings interrupt the transfer of sperm, leading to substantial reproductive isolation in interspecific as compared to intraspecific copulations. Genetic analysis of this behavior shows that it is influenced much more by the male than the female genotype, with genes from D. simulans being dominant. In males, shortened copulation is caused by interspecific divergence at a minimum of three loci, with one gene on each of the major chromosomes. This is an underestimate of the true number of loci affecting the trait, which could be much larger. The two autosomes have the largest effect, whereas that of the X chromosome is much smaller. The genetic architecture of copulation duration and the larger effect of male than female genotype suggest that females can detect and discriminate against differences in male genitalia.
Structural and Kinetic Analysis of Miscoding Opposite the DNA Adduct 1,N6-Ethenodeoxyadenosine by Human Translesion DNA Polymerase η.

1,N6-Ethenodeoxyadenosine (1,N6-ϵdA) is the major etheno lesion formed in the reaction of DNA with epoxides substituted with good leaving groups (e.g. vinyl chloride epoxide). This lesion is also formed endogenously in DNA from lipid oxidation. Recombinant human DNA polymerase η (hpol η) can replicate oligonucleotide templates containing 1,N6-ϵdA. In steady-state kinetic analysis, hpol η preferred to incorporate dATP and dGTP, compared with dTTP. Mass spectral analysis of incorporation products also showed preferred purine (A, G) incorporation and extensive −1 frameshifts, suggesting pairing of the inserted purine and slippage before further replication. Five x-ray crystal structures of hpol η ternary complexes were determined, three at the insertion and two at the extension stage. Two insertion complexes revealed incoming non-hydrolyzable dATP or dGTP analogs not pairing with but instead in a staggered configuration relative to 1,N6-ϵdA in the anti conformation, thus opposite the 5′-T in the template, explaining the proclivity for frameshift misincorporation. In another insertion complex, dTTP was positioned opposite 1,N6-ϵdA, and the adduct base was in the syn conformation, with formation of two hydrogen bonds. At the extension stage, with either an incorporated dA or dT opposite 1,N6-ϵdA and 2′-deoxythymidine-5′-[(α,β)-imido]triphosphate opposite the 5′-A, the 3′-terminal nucleoside of the primer was disordered, consistent with the tendency not to incorporate dTTP opposite 1,N6-ϵdA. Collectively, the results show a preference for purine pairing opposite 1,N6-ϵdA and for −1 frameshifts.
GDNF and NGF Reverse Changes in Repriming of TTX-Sensitive Na+ Currents Following Axotomy of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Uninjured C-type rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons predominantly express slowly inactivating TTX-resistant (TTX-R) and slowly repriming TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) Na+ currents. After peripheral axo...
Imaging of paranasal sinus fungal disease

If a patient presents with a history and clinical findings suggestive of an inflammatory process, the sectional imaging examination of choice should be a CT scan. This study will minimize the chances of diagnostic error as described. MR imaging can be done to complement the CT scan in selected cases when additional information from such an MR image will contribute to management. In the final analysis, the radiologist today can give precise anatomic localization of pathology on a scale never before possible. It is the pathologist, however, who still must make the final diagnosis.
Origin and Role of a Subset of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils with Antigen-Presenting Cell Features in Early-Stage Human Lung Cancer

Summary Based on studies in mouse tumor models, granulocytes appear to play a tumor-promoting role. However, there are limited data about the phenotype and function of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in humans. Here, we identify a subset of TANs that exhibited characteristics of both neutrophils and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in early-stage human lung cancer. These APC-like "hybrid neutrophils," which originate from CD11b + CD15 hi CD10 − CD16 low immature progenitors, are able to cross-present antigens, as well as trigger and augment anti-tumor T cell responses. Interferon-γ and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor are requisite factors in the tumor that, working through the Ikaros transcription factor, synergistically exert their APC-promoting effects on the progenitors. Overall, these data demonstrate the existence of a specialized TAN subset with anti-tumor capabilities in human cancer.
Vapor chamber forced convection cooling using flow boiling in open microchannels and tapered manifolds

A microchannel flow boiling system is proposed, having a vapor chamber allowing for fluid condensation, with flow driven by a low-power pump. A gravity-driven flow configuration using ethanol in open microchannels and tapered manifolds was developed and tested previously using ethanol. This work extends the testing to develop performance characterization curves for the system at the desired flow rates. The low pressure drop, low flow rate system is highly efficient, requiring very minimal pumping power, due to the gravity-assisted nature of the flow. The configuration can be replicated at lower flow rates in a configuration similar to a thermosyphon loop, or with a low power pump. Higher performance beyond that of pool boiling is achieved in this configuration, with a low pressure drop, resulting in low power consumption. Pressure drop and flow rate dependence of system performance as well as overall system effectiveness is described by performance characterization curves, developed in the present work. The effects of the tapered manifold and the open microchannels are essential to the system performance, as they produce a remarkably low pressure drop, particularly at high heat flux.
Nutrition Therapy in Shock

The dictum of surgical metabolism describing the ebb and flow of nutrients after injury can be seen as an alteration of the hormonal milieu. Shock, therefore, is a state by which nutrients are delivered only by diffusion, while shock resolution is marked by a transition to nutrient diversion into essential and salvage pathways. The gut requires significant cardiac output at rest, and this demand increases during enteral feeding. The mismatch between supply and demand can be exacerbated during the shock state, or, paradoxically, improved. Enteral nutrition (EN) should be initiated within 24–48 h of the resolution of the shock state, and monitoring for feeding intolerance should be continued throughout recovery. Enteral formulas with additive amino acids or antioxidants have mixed reviews; however, “immunonutrition” is well supported. Careful attention to nutritional assessment and provision during the earliest phases of critical care, specifically shock, provides the best outcomes.
Hospital Administrators: The Challenge of Living in a Glass House

Article-at-a-Glance Background Public accountability is the watchword of the 1990s. A chief executive officer (CEO) has many “publics,” internal and external, demanding accountability. Most have different agendas. Although much rhetoric is focused on quality, access and cost seem to be the real interests of most constituents. Issues What tools help the CEO respond effectively in this environment? How useful will outcome measures be to the CEO in the current competitive environment? If outcome measures are not useful in gaining market share, do they have other value? What other means are available for the CEO to learn about the quality of care in their institution? In addition to quality, what other issues should be of primary concern? Conclusion Quality care, as measured by outcomes and other means, is a necessary but not sufficient condition for success in the current environment. Market share is still largely determined on the basis of price. A basic commitment to quality is still paramount. The CEO also needs to focus on value, defined as quality/cost x efficacy (appropriateness) in dealing with constituent groups. Other components of success include developing a clear vision for the institution and finding appropriate partners. Public accountability presents a challenge and an opportunity for CEOs to demonstrate commitment to meeting the hospital’s obligations.
Abstract 24: Autonomic Function and Obesity in the Coupling Between Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in obesity, induced in part by interleukin-6 (IL-6) derived from adipocytes. To test the hypothesis that sympathetic overactivity contributes to the increase in IL-6 and CRP, we measured these inflammatory markers in female subjects: 16 obese (42±2 yrs., BMI 37.5±1.3), 30 healthy controls (32±3 yrs., BMI 23.2±0.4), and 54 with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS, 31±1 yrs., BMI 22.2±0.4), a condition characterized by increased sympathetic tone. We also included 3 patients with congenital absence of norepinephrine (dopamine s-hydroxylase deficiency, DBH) as a comparison group for isolated sympathetic failure. Sympathetic activation, measured by low-frequency variability of blood pressure (LFSBP), was greater in obese and POTS compared to healthy controls (8.5±0.8 and 6.1±0.6 vs. 3.4±0.4 mmHg^2, P
Genetic, Epigenetic, and Transcriptomic Studies of NeuroAIDS

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) continue to affect a large proportion of HIV-1-infected individuals. The results of over two decades of research into delineating the neuropathogenesis of HAND underscore the role of inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and other pathogenic processes driven largely by host immune responses to viral presence. Host genotype, which largely determines host immune response, has proven an important factor in HIV infectivity and disease progression but has proven less useful for understanding HAND neuropathogenesis. Dynamic molecular genetic processes, including gene expression and epigenetics, may be even more applicable to HAND, in which symptoms wax and wane over time. In this chapter we summarize the current state of understanding of host genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic factors associated with HAND. We also discuss challenges and suggest some priorities for future research, including the need for (1) longitudinal studies using consistent phenotypic definitions of HAND; (2) focus on understudied populations such as children; (3) studies that correlate neuropathological or neurophysiological changes in multiple brain regions with genomic markers in affected individuals and with changes at the RNA, epigenomic, and/or protein levels; and (4) movement toward development of more reliable and valid phenotypes of HAND.
A Fast and Robust Extrinsic Calibration for RGB-D Camera Networks

From object tracking to 3D reconstruction, RGB-Depth (RGB-D) camera networks play an increasingly important role in many vision and graphics applications. Practical applications often use sparsely-placed cameras to maximize visibility, while using as few cameras as possible to minimize cost. In general, it is challenging to calibrate sparse camera networks due to the lack of shared scene features across different camera views. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm that can accurately and rapidly calibrate the geometric relationships across an arbitrary number of RGB-D cameras on a network. Our work has a number of novel features. First, to cope with the wide separation between different cameras, we establish view correspondences by using a spherical calibration object. We show that this approach outperforms other techniques based on planar calibration objects. Second, instead of modeling camera extrinsic calibration using rigid transformation, which is optimal only for pinhole cameras, we systematically test different view transformation functions including rigid transformation, polynomial transformation and manifold regression to determine the most robust mapping that generalizes well to unseen data. Third, we reformulate the celebrated bundle adjustment procedure to minimize the global 3D reprojection error so as to fine-tune the initial estimates. Finally, our scalable client-server architecture is computationally efficient: the calibration of a five-camera system, including data capture, can be done in minutes using only commodity PCs. Our proposed framework is compared with other state-of-the-arts systems using both quantitative measurements and visual alignment results of the merged point clouds.
Survivorship Care: What does it take? The experience at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC), University of Miami Health Systerm (UHEALTH).

82Background: SCCC faces obstacles similar to programs challenged with the development of a cancer survivorship program. Informatics is one of the major limiting resources in continuing to improve ...
A plant growth model for integrated weed management in direct-seeded rice: I. Development and sensitivity analyses of monoculture growth

A new model, DSRICE1, was developed to analyze weed management strategies in direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) systems. Previous rice models have not accounted for important cultural and weed management factors in direct-seeded systems, such as growth from seeds and water-depth effects on plant growth. Here we describe the development and sensitivity analysis of DSRICE1 for monoculture rice growth under water-seeded conditions. DSRICE1 is largely process-based and includes all standard weed management practices except fertility. Simulation inputs include latitude, daily solar radiation, daily maximum and minimum temperatures, water depth, and seed rate. Phenology depends on thermal units. Growth begins with seed storage mobilization to seedlings, and photosynthesis starts when the first leaf is extended. Canopy light dynamics depend on leaf and stem area distributions for both live and dead dry mass, and on water depth when submerged. Water-depth effects were explicitly simulated as reflection and attenuation of light. Model analyses revealed that parameter sensitivities varied over time. Some parameters were always important, while the effects of others were limited to particular parts of the season. Judged over the whole season, the most important parameters were for photosynthesis and light capture. Unlike in most monoculture simulations, early height gain rate was important in DSRICE1 because it determined when plants emerged from the water into full light. Analyses of model structure and specifications revealed that predictions were significantly affected by the use of skewed live leaf area distributions and the non-rectangular hyperbola for the light response curve, and the inclusion of waterdepth and dead canopy dry mass effects on canopy light dynamics. The cropping system and management processes simulated in DSRICE1 had important effects on model predictions of rice growth. Explicit consideration of these factors distinguishes DSRICE1 from other rice growth models, and may lead to better simulation analyses of system interactions with plant growth and weed management strategies. # 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Organizing the Chaos: Managing Request Tickets in a Large Environment

The Intel Performance Microprocessor Division Engineering Computing (PMD EC) team consists of 85 systems administrators serving the needs of 2,000 engineers while trying to manage 7+ terabytes of data and 2,500-3,000 computers. Without some kind of task management strategy, the needs of so large a group would quickly spread chaos and confusion. In fact, due to the nature of our relationship with our "customers" (PMD chip designers and other related employees and contractors), who have strict and demanding requirements of their computing environment's features and stability, extra discipline is required just to keep on top of our issues, and to properly prioritize and execute them.The EC group receives several hundred customer help requests each week. To organize and track these requests, ensuring that they are done in the right order, none are forgotten, and that our customers are kept informed as to our progress, we have evolved a set of tools, collectively named "REQADM" (for "REQuest ADMinistration"). This tool suite allows customers to submit requests, which get assigned to EC technicians to be worked on, and eventually brought to a resolved state.This paper describes the REQADM tools, the organization we evolved to support our customers, and the lessons learned along the way.
Contextual Stochastic Block Models

We provide the first information theoretical tight analysis for inference of latent community structure given a sparse graph along with high dimensional node covariates, correlated with the same latent communities. Our work bridges recent theoretical breakthroughs in detection of latent community structure without nodes covariates and a large body of empirical work using diverse heuristics for combining node covariates with graphs for inference. The tightness of our analysis implies in particular, the information theoretic necessity of combining the different sources of information. Our analysis holds for networks of large degrees as well as for a Gaussian version of the model.
Reference Security Architecture for Body Area Networks in Healthcare Applications

Body Area Network (BAN) and Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) are being used in the healthcare industry to improve medical outcomes by monitoring and treating patients while they go about their everyday lives. BAN facilitates data collection from the human body via a small wearable or implantable sensor. This technology has improved the quality of medical services provided and lowered some associated costs. BAN has a wide range of applications such as monitoring patients' medical conditions and enhancing their response to treatment plans, but at the same time security and privacy are among major concerns in BAN-based healthcare systems as the patients' data must be kept secure from adverse events and attackers during transmission and in storage. This paper reviewed BAN communication standards, security threats and vulnerabilities to BAN - based systems as well as existing security and privacy mechanisms. Based on the review the paper proposed a reference security architecture which focuses on developing a secure foundation of the BAN layer called Tier 1. The reference security architecture incorporates IEEE802.15.6 (WBAN) standard, which provides a security baseline. The architecture will assist BAN manufacturers and auditors to develop and ensure secure BAN.
Design Principles of Narrow and Wide Bandgap-Based Betavoltaic Batteries

A Monte Carlo electron transport code PENELOPE was used to analyze beta particle energy deposition in semiconductors for titanium tritide and beryllium tritide. The source thickness was incorporated into the model in order to take into account the self-absorption of beta particles in the source material. Furthermore, an isotropic source was modeled with the full beta energy spectrum of tritium to make the beta particle transport method more realistic. The simulated results for a 0.4- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick titanium tritide source with silicon carbide agreed well with the experimental results. The simulated results obtained for an optimized 2.5- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick beryllium tritide source with silicon carbide was about two times higher than the power for a 0.4- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick titanium tritide source with silicon carbide. An approximately two times higher short-circuit current density was obtained for beryllium tritide with silicon compared to silicon carbide. However, the power output density was about $10\times $ higher for silicon carbide. The width of the depletion region for a p-type dopant concentration of $\textsf {1} \times \textsf {10}^{\textsf {19}}/\textsf {cm}^{\textsf {3}}$ and an n-type dopant concentration of $\textsf {5} \times \textsf {10}^{\textsf {14}}/\textsf {cm}^{\textsf {3}}$ is about 1.4 and $2.5~\mu \text{m}$ in silicon and silicon carbide, respectively. The estimated beta particle penetration depth is about 1.48 ± 0.015 and $\textsf {1.03} \pm \textsf {0.015}~\mu \text{m}$ in silicon and silicon carbide, respectively. This suggests that the proper choice of dopant concentrations will achieve greater energy deposition in the depletion region, which in turn will increase the power output.
Obituary: Stanley J. Korsmeyer (1950-2005).

When Stan Korsmeyer was in the eighth grade and looking forward to playing high-school sports, he was told by the school coach that he would have to grow six inches before he would be allowed on any of the teams. Being determined but nonetheless pragmatic, Korsmeyer decided to focus his energies in an alternative direction — raising hogs. Raise hogs he did, and at age 14 Korsmeyer became the youngest person in the history of the Illinois State Fair to show the Grand Champion pair of Hampshire hogs. Two old-time Illinois farmers were heard discussing the competition. One asked, "Who showed the Grand Champions this year?" The other replied, "Just some kid." It was not "just some kid". It was Stan Korsmeyer, who even then dedicated himself to and excelled at whatever he did.
The Challenges of Clinical Practice in Small or Rural Communities: Case Studies in Managing Dual Relationships in and Outside of Therapy

Clinicians who practice and reside in small or rural communities face a unique challenge in managing dual relationships which are not experienced by clinicians in large urban areas. Effective clinical practice in small communities requires a unique understanding and flexibility regarding transference and countertransference issues. Most psychotherapy theory and practice techniques do not adequately prepare clinicians for the necessary adaptations they must make when practicing and residing in the same small community. Suggestions regarding procedural, ethical and practice oriented issues for the clinicians in such situations are addressed.
In Search of the Babayi: A cartography of a Distinct Filipina Theoethics

This paper on methodology is an attempt to find a distinct Filipino theology and ethics by retrieving the sense of the babayi (woman). The babayi comes from the ancient Asiatic script called the baybayin . Inspired by the courage and resiliency of the Filipina woman in the face of tragedy and war, the goal is to map out a theo-ethics that is uniquely reflective of the Filipino woman within the broader feminist and liberation ethics. As a method, it critiques the prevailing framing of Western feminism common among Filipino women writers. Following intersectionality , a paradigm that analyzes oppression as the crossroad of racism and poverty, this method locates the Filipina in the multiaxial framing of history, the struggle of poverty and discrimination, displacement, religion and dialogue, and ecology. This multidimensional approach considers the long history of oppression experienced by our people, reflects inherent Filipino values and provides a method for understanding the Filipina and her allies today. Keywords: babayi (woman), intersectionality, feminism, liberation
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for the Long-Term Treatment of Ocular Pain.

Purpose Ocular pain is a debilitating condition that is challenging to treat as therapies that target the ocular surface are often ineffective. We previously reported a short-term reduction in ocular pain after one periocular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) session. The current study aims to elucidate the long-term effect of TENS on ocular pain. Materials and methods Fourteen individuals with eye pain were identified as candidates for a TENS device (RS Medical, Vancouver) for home use after a successful trial in clinic between February 2018 and July 2019 at the Miami Veterans Administration Hospital or University of Miami. Ten of the 14 patients were included in this retrospective review, based on the inclusion of receiving and using the device for a minimum of three months. The median age of the ten patients was 47.5 years, range 32-73 years, and eight were male. The main outcome measures were 1) frequency of long-term integration of TENS into ocular pain management and 2) patient reported ocular pain intensity (0-10) pre- vs. post-treatment. Results Patients reported an initial median use of the device 14.0 times per week and over time reducing the frequency to 3.0 times per week. All reported that the TENS unit was successfully incorporated into their ocular pain management routine for at least three months (median duration of use 6.5 months, range 3-14 months). Nine of ten patients reported subjective pain reduction with use of the TENS device at home. Overall, pain intensity decreased by approximately 27.4% (mean rank = 5.6, Z = -2.1, p = 0.02) post- vs. pre-treatment. No adverse events associated with TENS were reported in any patient. Conclusion Our preliminary data suggest that TENS can be integrated into the long-term management of ocular pain with improvements in overall pain intensity.
Design of Calcium-Binding Proteins to Sense Calcium

Calcium controls numerous biological processes by interacting with different classes of calcium binding proteins (CaBP's), with different affinities, metal selectivities, kinetics, and calcium dependent conformational changes. Due to the diverse coordination chemistry of calcium, and complexity associated with protein folding and binding cooperativity, the rational design of CaBP's was anticipated to present multiple challenges. In this paper we will first discuss applications of statistical analysis of calcium binding sites in proteins and subsequent development of algorithms to predict and identify calcium binding proteins. Next, we report efforts to identify key determinants for calcium binding affinity, cooperativity and calcium dependent conformational changes using grafting and protein design. Finally, we report recent advances in designing protein calcium sensors to capture calcium dynamics in various cellular environments.
Differential modulation of P-glycoprotein expression and activity by non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors in cell culture.

Purpose. This study investigated the effects of the non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) nevirapine (NVR), efavirenz (EFV), and delavirdine (DLV) on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity and expression to anticipate P-gp related drug-drug interactions associated with combination therapy. Methods. NNRTIs were evaluated as P-gp substrates by measuring differential transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers. Inhibition of P-gp mediated rhodamine123 (Rh123) transport in Caco-2 cells was used to assess P-gp inhibition by NNRTIs. Induction of P-gp expression and activity in LS180V cells following 3-day exposure to NNRTIs was measured by western blot analysis and cellular Rh123 uptake, respectively. Results. The NNRTIs showed no differential transport between the basolateral to apical and apical to basolateral direction. NNRTI transport in either direction was not affected by the P-gp inhibitor verapamil. DLV inhibited Rh123 transport, causing a reduction to 15% of control at 100 μM (IC50 = 30 μM). NVR caused a concentration-dependent induction of P-gp expression in LS180V cells resulting in a 3.5-fold increase in immunoreactive P-gp at 100 μM NVR. Induction attributable to EFV and DLV was quantitatively smaller. NVR significantly reduced cellular uptake of Rh123 into LS180V cells, indicating increased drug efflux due to induced P-gp activity; effects of EFV and DLV were smaller. Acute DLV treatment of LS180V cells previously induced with NVR or ritonavir did not reverse the decreased Rh123 cell accumulation. Conclusions. NNRTIs show differential effects on P-gp activity and expression in vitro. Clinical studies are required to elucidate the clinical importance of potential drug interactions.
Ocular Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery Challenges

Chorioretinal vascular conditions are among the leading causes of blindness throughout the developed world. Patients usually lose vision because of breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier or complications of neovascularization, two consequences of angiogenesis. These pathophysiologic processes are driven by chemokines and cytokines (particularly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), which are upregulated by vascular and inflammatory damage to fragile tissues. For the past 15 years, the preferred treatment of these conditions has been the intravitreal injection of corticosteroids and drugs that inhibit the actions of VEGF. After intravitreal depot injections, anti-VEGF drugs reconstitute the blood-retinal barrier and inhibit the growth of neovascular complexes while causing significant vascular remodeling. Ranibizumab, aflibercept, and brolucizumab have been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of macular degeneration, whereas bevacizumab is often injected off-label. After intraocular injections, these drugs move through the vitreous and retina according to their size and charge until they bind VEGF and prevent its activation of trans-membrane receptors. The drugs are not metabolized within the eye, they exit primarily through the trabecular meshwork, and they are removed from the systemic circulation via the liver and kidneys. Anti-VEGF drug developers are presently focused on extending the duration of VEGF inhibition with port (reservoir) delivery systems, encapsulated cell technology, nanoparticle technology, and gene therapy. Though several drugs have shown early promise, some have failed to produce an adequate clinical response, and none has successfully completely phase III trials.