cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triage, Sedation and Monitoring

Endoscopic emergencies provide a unique experience for the endoscopy team in regard to optimal management and interventions. These patients are often critically ill and may be at higher risk for cardiopulmonary adverse events. Hence, the triage of patients, optimal management regarding sedation issues, tools for cardiopulmonary monitoring, and the need to involve a dedicated anesthesia team for patients with endoscopic emergencies are discussed.
Extracellular matrix-derived tissues for neurological applications

Nervous system injury and degeneration may result in debilitating conditions that limit quality of life. To facilitate nervous system repair and improve functional outcomes, clinicians and researchers are utilizing therapies that provide proregenerative cues and structural support using exogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) derived neurological implants. These strategies are generally intended to structurally replace excised tissues, facilitate tissue regrowth, aid in hemostasis, and/or assist in the delivery of bioactive substances. ECM-based products offer several distinct advantages over synthetic materials, including bioactivity, active remodeling, and decreased inflammatory and foreign body responses. A range of naturally occurring, ECM-based materials including laminin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and fibronectin are being applied as biomaterial scaffolds, either alone or augmented with growth factors and/or living cells to promote nervous system repair and regeneration. The chapter presents the current uses of ECM-based neurological implants and future directions in the development of restorative ECM-based biomaterials, constructs, and other implants.
Chronopharmacological study of moclobemide effect on the rat pineal melatonin biosynthesis.

The chronopharmacological hypothesis of the mechanism of the antidepressant effect of MAO-A inhibitors predicts that clinical efficacy depends upon the time of the day at which the drugs are administered. In the present study moclobemide (10 mg/kg, s.c.) injected at the end of the light phase advanced the onset of the nighttime increase of the rat pineal melatonin biosynthesis while the same dose of drug injected at the end of the dark phase delayed the daytime decrease of melatonin biosynthesis. The results obtained suggest that the timing of MAO-A inhibitor administration should be considered in clinical practice.
Behavioural and neurological symptoms accompanied by cellular neuroinflammation in IL-10-deficient mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi.

Cerebral malaria is one of the most severe complications of Plasmodium falciparum infection and occurs mostly in young African children. This syndrome results from a combination of high levels of parasitaemia and inflammation. Although parasite sequestration in the brain is a feature of the human syndrome, sequestering strains do not uniformly cause severe malaria, suggesting interplay with other factors. Host genetic factors such as mutations in the promoters of the cytokines IL-10 and TNF are also clearly linked to severe disease. Plasmodium chabaudi, a rodent malaria parasite, leads to mild illness in wildtype animals. However, IL-10−/− mice respond to parasite with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TNF, leading to lethal disease in the absence of sequestration in the brain. These mice also exhibit cerebral symptoms including gross cerebral oedema and haemorrhage, allowing study of these critical features of disease without the influence of sequestration. The neurological consequences of P. chabaudi infection were investigated by performing a general behavioural screen (SHIRPA). The immune cell populations found in the brain during infection were also analysed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. IL-10−/− mice suffer significant declines in behavioural and physical capacities during infection compared to wildtype. In addition, grip strength and pain sensitivity were affected, suggestive of neurological involvement. Several immune cell populations were identified in the perfused brain on day 7 post-infection, suggesting that they are tightly adherent to the vascular endothelium, or potentially located within the brain parenchyma. There was an increase in both inflammatory monocyte and resident macrophage (CD11bhi, CD45+, MHCII+, Ly6C+/−) numbers in IL-10−/− compared to wildtype animals. In addition, the activation state of all monocytes and microglia (CD11bint, CD45−, MHC-II+) were increased. T cells making IFN-γ were also identified in the brain, but were localized within the vasculature, and not the parenchyma. These studies demonstrate exacerbated neuroinflammation concurrent with development of behavioural symptoms in P. chabaudi infection of IL-10−/− animals.
Model-based design to support complex systems implementation as a result of reverse engineering

For many applications, it is advantageous to employ a complex system instead of a simple mechanical system. When designing a complex system to fulfill the role of an existing mechanical system, there are many parameters and external functions that must be recreated. If these parameters and functions are not well documented, then they must be recovered directly from the existing system. This paper presents a framework for selecting a numerical model to represent these functions in order to assist the design of the successive complex system. Since model inputs must be recovered from direct measurement, the framework provides a single value ranking of the candidate models based on the reverse engineering work required to make these measurements.
Randomized Study of Double Cord Blood Transplantation (CBT) with Versus without Ex-Vivo Expansion (EXP).

The use of CB for stem cell transplantation is increasing. A major disadvantage of CB is delayed and failed engraftment when compared to marrow or blood transplantation. Double CBT and ex-vivo expansion are both strategies being investigated in order to improve hematopoietic reconstitution. We compared these approaches with the aim of improving the clinical outcomes of CBT patients. 48 patients were randomized to receive either two unmanipulated (UNM) CB units (N=24) or one UNM unit and one unit from which all the cells were EXP ex-vivo (N=24). Most CB units were HLA 4/6 matches. Diagnoses were AML (N=16), ALL(N=13), NHL(N= 5), HD(N=7), CML (N=5), and CLL(N=2). Patients (Table 1) were heavily pre-treated, with a median of 3 (1–8) prior regimens including autotransplants in 18%. Preparative regimens included ATG and either fludara plus dose-adjusted busulfan(N=13; myeloid diseases), or melphalan and thiotepa (N=21; lymphoid malignancies/HD); patients not eligible for high-dose therapy received non-myeloablative fludara plus cyclophosphamide and 200 GyTBI (=11) or melphalan(n=3). GVHD prophylaxis was tacrolimus plus either 3 doses of 5 mg/m 2 methotrexate or MMF (table 1). Ex-vivo expansion: the smallest unit was CD133-selected using the CliniMACS device (day -14). The T cell-containing CD133-negative fraction was frozen. The CD133+ fraction was cultured for 14 days in media containing SCF, G-CSF and TPO. On day 0, the 2nd UNM unit was infused, followed by the CD133-negative and the EXP fractions. Results. Infused median total nucleated cells (TNC)×10 8 /Kg was 0.36 and 0.36, and median CD34×10 6 /Kg was 0.16 and 0.13, respectively for EXP and UNM pts. Median TNC fold-expansion was 26 (0.44–275) and for CD34+ cells, 2.2 (0–18). There was a nonsignificant trend to more rapid engraftment in patients receiving EXP cells. Patients with >50-fold versus 20K/ul at a median of 29 days(17–44) versus 42(29–56). 25 patients are alive [median follow up is 11.1 mo (2–33.6)]. 100-day and 1-year non-relapse mortality rates are 10% and 22%, respectively (table 2). Chimerism showed that 1 CB unit dominated in all patients. Among 19 evaluable EXP patients, in 63% the UNM unit provided 100% of the hematopoiesis from day +30; the EXP unit was predominant in 3 cases (for 12, 2 and 2 mo.) and present but not predominant in 4 (5–25%, for 12, 7, 3 and 3 mo). Conclusion: EXP CBT was safe. The range of fold-expansion was highly variable. Accrual continues focusing on strategies which improve CB expansion.
White‐crowned sparrow males show immediate flexibility in song amplitude but not in song minimum frequency in response to changes in noise levels in the field

The soundscape acts as a selective agent on organisms that use acoustic signals to communicate. A number of studies document variation in structure, amplitude, or timing of signal production in correspondence with environmental noise levels thus supporting the hypothesis that organisms are changing their signaling behaviors to avoid masking. The time scale at which organisms respond is of particular interest. Signal structure may evolve across generations through processes such as cultural or genetic transmission. Individuals may also change their behavior during development (ontogenetic change) or in real time (i.e., immediate flexibility). These are not mutually exclusive mechanisms, and all must be investigated to understand how organisms respond to selection pressures from the soundscape. Previous work on white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) found that males holding territories in louder areas tend to sing higher frequency songs and that both noise levels and song frequency have increased over time (30 years) in urban areas. These previous findings suggest that songs are changing across generations; however, it is not known if this species also exhibits immediate flexibility. Here, we conducted an exploratory, observational study to ask whether males change the minimum frequency of their song in response to immediate changes in noise levels. We also ask whether males sing louder, as increased minimum frequency may be physiologically linked to producing sound at higher amplitudes, in response to immediate changes in environmental noise. We found that territorial males adjust song amplitude but not minimum frequency in response to changes in environmental noise levels. Our results suggest that males do not show immediate flexibility in song minimum frequency, although experimental manipulations are needed to test this hypothesis further. Our work highlights the need to investigate multiple mechanisms of adaptive response to soundscapes.
Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: Diminishing Returns With Advancing Age?

Article, see p 1772 Early randomized clinical trials of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy failed to establish survival benefit from this therapy; however, those trials were too small to provide definitive results.1,2 When the SCD-HeFT (Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial) was published in 2005, it was practice changing. SCD-HeFT showed that primary prevention ICDs significantly improve the survival of patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% attributable to ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy and New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.3 Patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy constituted about half of the 2521 total enrolled patients in SCD-HeFT.3 The results of SCD-HeFT formed the basis of a class I guideline recommendation for primary prevention ICDs in patients with New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure symptoms and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% attributable to nonischemic cardiomyopathy,4,5 a recommendation that has not changed since 2005. The role of primary prevention ICDs in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy was called into question with the recent publication of the DANISH trial (Danish Study to Assess the Efficacy of ICDs in Patients with Nonischemic Systolic Heart Failure on Mortality).6 This trial enrolled patients with New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure symptoms (or New York Heart Association class IV if cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT] was planned) with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% attributable to nonischemic cardiomyopathy and an increased level of N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide. Participants were required to be on guideline-directed medical therapy.6 The DANISH trial showed a reduction in sudden …
Security and Privacy in the Internet of Medical Things: Taxonomy and Risk Assessment

As the number of devices (things) connected to the Internet (Internet of things: IoT) is growing, achieving robust security and privacy (SaP) is becoming increasingly challenging. With the heavy use of medical things (MT), the SaP in the medical domain poses a serious issue that continues to grow. Due to the criticality and sensitivity of the data in the healthcare domain, ensuring the SaP of the Internet of medical things (IoMT) makes matters even more problematic. Lack of proper SaP in IoMT will not only leave patients' privacy at risk but may also put patients' lives at risk. In this paper, we provide a taxonomy of the SaP issues of IoMT. We also provide an approach to quantify IoMT risks and demonstrate how to assess risks in two IoMT devices. This work aims to increase the SaP awareness among IoMT stakeholders by enabling them to identify and quantify potential IoMT SaP risks.
Virus Evolution: Bacterial Viruses

Comparisons of bacteriophage genome sequences allow us to infer much about evolutionary mechanisms by which phages have arrived at their current state, and the recent availability of large numbers of genome sequences has strengthened those inferences. While there is abundant evidence for change in phage sequences due to accumulation of point mutations, the most dramatic changes are the result of recombination, especially nonhomologous recombination, creating novel juxtapositions of DNA sequences and novel genome rearrangements. The data point to a Darwinian process in which nonhomologous recombination occurs essentially randomly with respect to position in the sequence, resulting over the course of evolutionary time in a huge variety of mostly dysfunctional recombinants. All of these are lost to natural selection except for the few that retain full function. The net result is that phage genome sequences are pervasively mosaic with respect to each other; thus, through this process, they are the beneficiaries of abundant lateral gene transfer. Conserved protein structure in virus capsids gives a glimpse into the deeper evolutionary past of viruses, beyond the level of similarity visible in shared protein sequences. Such structural data imply common ancestry for groups of viruses whose current hosts come from all three domains of cellular life.
Integrate-and-fire neurons matched to physiological F-1 curves yield high input sensitivity and wide dynamic range

Simple integrate-and-fire neurons that accurately reproduce in vitro data from cortical regular spiking cells can display surprisingly sophisticated behavior. To reproduce in vitro f-I plots, voltage after spikes was reset to 5 mV below threshold, and simple spike rate adaptation was added. Small reset results in input sensitivity (high gain) on short time scales; adaptation leads to wide dynamic range over longer time scales. The model displays physiological ISI variability using either delta function or temporally realistic synaptic conductances. Cross correlation between pre- and post-synaptic spikes suggests that cortical neurons may be capable of transmitting information on the millisecond time scale.
Learning Communities and Unlinked Sections: A Contrast of Student Backgrounds, Student Outcomes, and In-class Experiences

Learning communities, the co-registration of student cohorts sharing curricular goals, are often associated with greater academic achievement, retention, inclusivity, and engagement. While not all previous studies unequivocally demonstrate a positive learning community effect on performance, many suggest that students participating in learning communities identify a greater sense of community and interaction with their peers and instructors. Few studies, however, have compiled both academic metrics of success as well as multiple quantitative measures of academic engagement. Moreover, few studies have contrasted these metrics to roughly equivalent classes where the only difference was linkage by a learning community, while holding course content, semester, and instructor constant. Our research goal was to compare academic performance, retention, student background, and engagement of students participating in learning communities to those in similar but unlinked sections. We found no significant differences in academic performance, student background, or engagement between linked learning community classes and unlinked, freestanding sections of the same class. We also found student retention was lower in learning community sections compared to unlinked sections. Some of our findings may reflect our student population of a non-residential, commuter campus where building relationships may be more difficult. We suggest that other metrics of success, including those that quantify interdisciplinary knowledge or skills and collaboration, may better reflect gains of success in learning community environments.
Collagen Biomarkers and Incidence of New Onset of Atrial Fibrillation in Subjects With No Overt Cardiovascular Disease at Baseline.

Background: Atrial fibrosis is a hallmark of structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF). Plasma procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) reflects collagen synthesis and degradatio...
Reformed Mesoporous Ge for Substrate Reuse in III-V Solar Cells

Mesoporous Ge was generated by bipolar electrochemical etching of (100) Ge. Through high-temperature annealing experiments, we found that the mesoporous Ge microstructure produces pore coalescence deep in the structure rather than at the surface. III-V epitaxy on annealed porous Ge with subsurface coalescence and coral-like structures on the surface produced shunted photovoltaic devices. The roughness of the annealed porous Ge film was reduced by a pre-annealing HBr treatment and a post-annealing ultrasonic DI water dip. A smoother reformed surface was obtained, on which a GaInAs upright device with an efficiency of 5.7% was grown, demonstrating a first step towards technical viability.
Selected Orthodontic Principles for Management of Cranio-Maxillofacial Deformities

An understanding of fundamental orthodontic principles involving diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical strategies is essential for achieving successful outcomes in the treatment of craniofacial patients, particularly cleft lip/palate. This article focuses on: customizing a mandibular dental arch form using the WALA ridge; accurately diagnosing the maxillary skeletal transverse dimension (cusp to cusp/fossa to fossa); coordinating the upper dental arch with the lower; using a smiling profile and glabella vertical to assess anteroposterior jaw position; and leveling the mandibular curve of Spee while considering the lower one-third of the face. These concepts influence treatment outcomes to the extent they are used.
Placemaking as a sustainable planning strategy: Serenbe Community

Placemaking offers a wholistic approach to the application of sustainable planning and design measures that cross the varying scales of residential development. A place can be described in terms of certain archetypal planning principles and specific sets of ectypal patterns that when taken together form the basis for this sustainable planning strategy. Using this set of place-making patterns, sustainability is explored in terms of the inherent geometry of a place, the spatial structure and characteristics for form, the opportunities affording the creation and support of community, the positive health affects of active living and social activities, and the grounding nature of a site contributing to the quality and spirit of place. The results are a coherent settlement form, diversity through densification and transect design, integration of necessary functions and essential mixes of use, generous preservation of land, and provision for organic agriculture. The ectypal patterns and their archetypal effects are analyzed for a small experimental community located southwest of Atlanta, Georgia. This paper addresses both an explanation of the evolving community and presentation of the in-progress research. Serenbe Community is a model residential development, which is a 900-acre constellation of interconnected hamlets designed around traditional values and environmental sustainability. This paper describes twenty place-making patterns and the ways in which they have informed the design, the realization, and the sustainability of this unique community.
171-OR: Preventing Diabetes: Resource Allocation between Risk-Based and Whole Population–Based Approaches

The national diabetes prevention goal set by CDC is to reduce new type 2 diabetes cases from 1.4 million in 2018 to 1.1 million in 2025 (a 21% reduction). Policymakers often debate the merits of interventions that focus on high-risk individuals vs. whole population-based interventions that benefit a broader spectrum of the population. To resolve this debate, we use a simulation modeling approach to optimize resource allocation among a risk-based intervention (the lifestyle change intervention specified in the National Diabetes Prevention Program [National DPP]) and three whole-population interventions (e.g., sugar sweetened beverage taxes, worksite health promotion, and bike lanes or walking paths). We use the simulation model to estimate the cost and number of diabetes cases prevented by combinations of risk-based and whole population-based interventions. We then plot the prevention frontier as the least-cost combination of interventions for each prevention target. The optimal allocation of resources across interventions can be selected by choosing a prevention target or specifying the available prevention budget. We find that neither the National DPP alone nor three whole population-based interventions combined are likely to meet the 2025 goal for type 2 diabetes prevention (Figure). Instead, a combination of the National DPP and whole population-based interventions will be needed. Disclosure S. Neuwahl: None. T.J. Hoerger: Research Support; Self; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. M. Laxy: None. H. Shao: None. A.L. Albright: None. P. Zhang: None. Funding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Composite Cutaneous Anterolateral Thigh Flap with Rolled Fascia Lata for Tibialis Anterior Tendon Reconstruction.

Rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) is a rare phenomenon with limited therapeutic options derived from sparse case reports. Without proper anchoring of the tibialis anterior, dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot become impaired, disrupting patient's gait. Reported techniques for repair fall into nonoperative (ankle-foot orthosis) or operative (primary closure, tendon transfer, free gracilis) modalities, depending on patient factors, mechanism of injury, and extent of defect. In this report, we outline a novel method of tendon repair and soft tissue coverage for a large defect. Methods We present a unique case of traumatic TAT rupture with a failed primary closure yielding a large (>15 cm) defect. The patient presented with a defect spanning the entire anterior compartment of the leg, limiting options for coverage and functional restoration. Results The patient's large, chronic defect was successfully repaired via a composite cutaneous anterolateral thigh and a rolled fascia lata free flap. The patient had robust return to function and is able to dorsiflex and invert the foot and ambulate. Conclusions The use of this donor site offers a novel, advantageous option for TAT repair. It should be considered for patients with large defects that make other repair methods unfeasible.
Parenteral iron therapy and phosphorus homeostasis: A review

Phosphorus has an essential role in cellular and extracellular metabolism; maintenance of normal phosphorus homeostasis is critical. Phosphorus homeostasis can be affected by diet and certain medications; some intravenous iron formulations can induce renal phosphate excretion and hypophosphatemia, likely through increasing serum concentrations of intact fibroblast growth factor 23. Case studies provide insights into two types of hypophosphatemia: acute symptomatic and chronic hypophosphatemia, while considering the role of pre-existing conditions and comorbidities, medications, and intravenous iron. This review examines phosphorus homeostasis and hypophosphatemia, with emphasis on effects of iron deficiency and iron replacement using intravenous iron formulations.
Robot Learning in Mixed Adversarial and Collaborative Settings

Previous work has shown that interacting with a human adversary can significantly improve the efficiency of the learning process in robot grasping. However, people are not consistent in applying adversarial forces; instead they may alternate between acting antagonistically with the robot or helping the robot achieve its tasks. We propose a physical framework for robot learning in a mixed adversarial/collaborative setting, where a second agent may act as a collaborator or as an antagonist, unbeknownst to the robot. The framework leverages prior estimates of the reward function to infer whether the actions of the second agent are collaborative or adversarial. Integrating the inference in an adversarial learning algorithm can significantly improve the robustness of learned grasps in a manipulation task.
Identification of Brillouin Zones by In-Plane Lasing from Light-Cone Surface Lattice Resonances

Because of translational symmetry, electromagnetic fields confined within 2D periodic optical structures can be represented within the first Brillouin zone (BZ). In contrast, the wavevectors of scattered electromagnetic fields outside the lattice are constrained by the 3D light cone, the free-photon dispersion in the surrounding medium. Here, we report that light-cone surface lattice resonances (SLRs) from plasmonic nanoparticle lattices can be used to observe the radiated electromagnetic fields from extended BZ edges. Our coupled dipole radiation theory reveals how lattice geometry and induced surface plasmon dipole orientation affect angular distributions of the radiated fields. Using dye molecules as local dipole emitters to excite the light-cone SLR modes, we experimentally identified high-order BZ edges by directional, in-plane lasing emission. These results provide insight into nanolaser architectures that can emit at multiple wavelengths and in-plane directions simply by rotating the nanocavity lattice.
The moderating roles of subjective (perceived) and objective task complexity in system use and performance

We distinguish between subjective (perceived) and objective task complexity.We distinguish between task motivation and DSS motivation.High task motivation enhances DSS motivation.Perceived task complexity moderates the effect of DSS motivation on DSS use.Objective task complexity moderates the effect of DSS use on performance. This study builds on previous research by separating the effects of subjective (perceived) and objective task complexity to examine perceived task complexity as a positive moderator of the impact of decision support system (DSS) motivation on DSS use, and objective task complexity as a positive moderator of the effect of DSS use on performance. We manipulated task motivation and task complexity, and measured perceived task complexity, task motivation, and DSS motivation. The DSS also captured actual DSS use and the essential information for deriving the performance construct. The findings suggest that individuals report increased motivation in the high than low motivation task, and high task motivation leads to increased motivation to use the DSS to perform the task. Further, the results reveal that perceived task complexity decreases in the presence of the DSS and this highlights the importance of the DSS in alleviating cognitive resources which enhances user motivation to use the DSS, resulting in increased usage of the DSS to complete the task. The findings also accentuate the pivotal role of the DSS in assisting information processing of an objectively complex task which promotes the positive effect of DSS use on performance.
Base-promoted rearrangement of cage α-haloketones—II : 12-oxa-3,5,9,10-tetrachlorohexacyclo[5.4.1.02,6.03,10.05,9.08,11]-dodecane-4-one☆

Abstract A synthesis of 12-oxa-3,5,9,10-tetrachlorohexacyclo[5.4.1.02,6.03,10.05,9.08,11]dodecane-4-one (6) from 4,4-dimethoxy-2,3,5,6-tetrachloropentacyclo [[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane-8,11-dione (1) is described. Reaction of 6 with sodium hydroxide in refluxing benzene, toluene, or tetrahydrofuran affords 11-oxa-3,4,5-exo-6-tetrachloropentacyclo [[6.2.1.02,7.04,10.05,9]undecane-endo-3-carboxylic acid (7a, 80·2% yield). The corresponding reaction of 6 with refluxing aqueous sodium hydroxide solution affords 4,12-dioxa-8,11-dichlorohexacyclo-[5.4.1.02,6.03,10.05,9.08,11]dodecane-1-carboxylic acid (8a, 66·5% yield). A mechanism which accounts for the formation of 7a and 8a from 6 is presented.
Studies on the enzymic decomposition of urocanic acid. VII. Identification of the enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of 4(5)-imidazolone-5(4)-propionic acid as an aldehyde oxidase.

Abstract The enzyme from guinea pig liver that catalyzes the oxidation of 4(5)-imidazolone-5(4)-propionic acid to hydantoin-5-propionic acid has been shown to have properties similar to those described for aldehyde oxidase (or so-called xanthine dehydrogenase). The guinea pig liver enzyme catalyzes oxidation of aldehydes, purines, a pyrimidine, and a number of other nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. The ratio of enzyme activity on imidazolone propionate and 4-hydroxypyrimidine remained reasonably constant over a 130-fold enrichment of enzyme purity. The guinea pig liver enzyme responded similarly to activators and inhibitors of the aldehyde oxidases from other sources. The enzyme resembles the so-called xanthine dehydrogenase in that it catalyzes oxidation of purine to 8-hydroxypurine, not 6-hydroxypurine. Utilization of oxygen for the oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine is very sluggish, but their oxidation is markedly accelerated by other electron acceptors, e.g., 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, as is the case with xanthine dehydrogenase.
Distributed Information System Design Based on Integrity Constraints Optimization: The FKDO Algorithm

In this paper, we present an algorithm to generate different distribution possibilities according to a design schema and a specified site number to help designers to choose the preferred distribution solution that reduces communication time and increases the data integrity between sites. In our article, we consider that integrity constraints are a major fact influencing the distribution choice due to the cost resulting from their verification and validation over the multiple sites. Our approach is based on the optimisation of dependencies between tables while keeping enough flexibility for designers.
Characterization of a hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma (144.11)

Previous studies from our laboratory using conditional knockout mice and functional genomics have shown that HNF4α inhibits hepatocyte proliferation and deletion of HNF4α promotes DEN-induced hepatic tumors in mice. To further delineate the role of HNF4α in hepatic tumorigenesis, we performed RNA-seq analysis on DEN-induced HCCs obtained from HNF4α-null, WT, and normal mouse liver tissue. A total of 2152 genes were differentially expressed in HCC obtained from HNF4α-null mice. Comparative genomics analysis of RNA-seq data with HNF4α ChIP-seq data revealed a novel gene signature for tumors lacking HNF4α. This analysis revealed 322 genes, which were at least 2-fold differentially expressed and contained a putative HNF4α binding site. We hypothesize that liver tumors that lack HNF4α activity tend to be highly aggressive and metastatic. We tested this hypothesis using the HNF4α gene signature to characterize the HNF4α activity status in various mouse models of HCC and are currently conducting a prospective an...
REVOLUTIONARY PRAXIS IN A POST-NEOLIBERAL ERA

This essay will look at the new modes of revolutionary praxis evolving in post-neoliberal Venezuela. In particular, it will explore the experiences of media associations such as the Asociacion Nacional de Medios Comunitarios, Libres y Alternativos (ANMCLA) in creating broad-based coalitions to interface with the radical government of Hugo Chavez. These coalitions have helped to defend the interests of social movements in their interactions with the Chavez government, which has carried out substantial anti-neoliberal policies but remains subject to the constraints of global capital. This form of coalitional politics is distinct from the trade unions and mass organizations that were the vehicles for radical politics during the Cuban Revolution. The changing face of radical politics reflects both the changing terrain of struggle as a result of neoliberal hegemony, but also an attempt to come to terms with legacies of authoritarianism in the Left.
Muslims in Nepal: The Local and Global Dimensions of a Changing Religious Minority

The study of South Asian Islam has expanded in recent decades to include communities and traditions on the margins of the political, cultural and religious centers of South Asia. However, only a small body of scholarship yet exists on the topic of Islam and Muslims in Nepal. In this Hindu majority country, the Muslim population is one of diversity and growing national visibility, and it is increasingly looking toward the global umma. This essay provides an overview of the history of Islam in Nepal and Nepal’s Muslim population, followed by a brief review of recent changes in Nepal’s religious and political identity that have created unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities for its minorities, including Muslims. It then reviews the main areas of inquiry undertaken by the few studies on Muslims in Nepal, particularly Muslim identity, Hindu–Muslim conflict, and Islamic revivalism. This is followed by a discussion of contemporary Muslim organizations in Nepal. The essay concludes with thoughts on directions for future research in this rich, but underexplored, area.
Sendero Luminoso after Fujimori: A sub-national analysis

After its return to democracy in 1980, Peru suffered from a brutal internal conflict, which wound down in the 1990s. Since the collapse of the Fujimori regime in 2000, democracy has stabilized and the economy is thriving. Today, Peru today appears comparably peaceful and prosperous. However, Peru has experienced a resurgence of violence by two surviving factions of Sendero. This article builds upon the insights from historical research on Sendero Luminoso and uses a sub-national, negative binomial regression analysis to engage the cross-national research on the causes of contemporary violence. This analysis utilizes disaggregated measures of primary resources, poverty, coca cultivation, geography, and government spending to uncover drivers of Sendero violence from 2001–2010.
Dislocation, Not Dissociation: The Neuroanatomical Argument Against Visual Experience Driving Motor Action

Common sense suggests that visual consciousness is essential to skilled motor action, but Andy Clark—inspired by Milner and Goodale's dual visual systems theory—has appealed to a wide range of experimental dissociations to argue that such an assumption is false. Critics of Clark's argument (e.g. Wallhagen, Mole) contend that the content driving motor action is actually within subjects' experience, just not easily discovered. In this article, I argue that even if such content exists, it cannot be guiding motor action, since a review of current visual neuroscience indicates that the visual brain areas producing conscious representations are distinct from those driving motor action.
A framework for designing and analyzing binary decision-making strategies in cellular systems

Cells make many binary (all-or-nothing) decisions based on noisy signals gathered from their environment and processed through noisy decision-making pathways. Reducing the effect of noise to improve the fidelity of decision-making comes at the expense of increased complexity, creating a tradeoff between performance and metabolic cost. We present a framework based on rate distortion theory, a branch of information theory, to quantify this tradeoff and design binary decision-making strategies that balance low cost and accuracy in optimal ways. With this framework, we show that several observed behaviors of binary decision-making systems, including random strategies, hysteresis, and irreversibility, are optimal in an information-theoretic sense for various situations. This framework can also be used to quantify the goals around which a decision-making system is optimized and to evaluate the optimality of cellular decision-making systems by a fundamental information-theoretic criterion. As proof of concept, we use the framework to quantify the goals of the externally triggered apoptosis pathway.
Where do Women Stand? New Evidence on the Presence and Absence of Gender Equality in the World's Constitutions

In countries around the world, constitutional protections of women's rights have provided a legal foundation to combat discriminatory laws, customs, and actions and a catalyst for advances in gender equality. This article draws on newly available data from 191 countries to analyze women's constitutional rights across the spheres of general equality and nondiscrimination, political participation, social and economic rights, family life, and customary and religious law. We examined how gender-specific and universal protections differed according to a constitution's year of adoption and last amendment, and identified regional patterns that persisted across all decades. Women were explicitly guaranteed general equality or nondiscrimination in 81% of constitutions, some aspect of political equality in 32%, marital equality in 27%, some aspect of work equality in 26%, and equal educational rights in 9% of constitutions. Protection of women's rights increased substantially between 1980 and 2011. As of June 2011, however, no constitution in the Middle East and North Africa guaranteed gender-specific protection in education, work, or marriage, and there were no guarantees of marital equality in South Asian constitutions. Of the constitutions that protected some aspect of gender equality, 5% stated that customary or religious laws could prevail over constitutional provisions.
Stimulation of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations by diacylglycerol in human myometrial cells.

Abstract Stimulation of G-protein coupled membrane receptors linked to phospholipase C results in production of the second messengers diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ). IP 3 releases Ca 2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, which triggers increased Ca 2+ influx across the plasma membrane, so-called capacitative calcium entry. DAG can also activate plasma membrane calcium-permeable channels but the mechanism is still not fully understood. In the pregnant human myometrial cell line PHM1 and in primary myometrial cells, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycerol (OAG), a membrane-permeant analogue of diacylglycerol, induced variable oscillatory patterns of intracellular free Ca 2+ . Similar behavior was seen with Sr 2+ entry. The Ca 2+ oscillations were not blocked by a broad spectrum of protein kinase C inhibitors, including chelerytrine, bisindolylmaleimide I and calphostin C, and were enhanced and prolonged by RHC-80267, an inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase. The OAG-induced oscillatory response was not dependent on Ca 2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum but required extracellular Ca 2+ . Our results indicate that diacylglycerol directly activates cation channels in PHM1 and primary myometrial cells and promotes intracellular Ca 2+ oscillations by actions independent of intracellular Ca 2+ -ATPase activity and protein kinase C involvement.
Pointwise convergence of approximation schemes for parameter estimation in parabolic equations

Abstract A finite element-based approximation scheme is presented for parameter estimation problems for parabolic PDEs on a two-dimensional domain. Pointwise convergence results relating the approximating subspaces to the full infinite-dimensional state space are discussed.
Cooperative interaction between leptin and amylin signaling in the ventral tegmental area for the control of food intake

Peripheral coadministration of amylin and leptin produces enhanced suppression of food intake and body weight, but the central nuclei mediating these effects remain unclear. Because each of these peptides controls feeding via actions at the ventral tegmental area (VTA), we tested the hypothesis that the VTA is a site of action for the cooperative effects of leptin and amylin on energy balance control. First, we show that intra-VTA injection of amylin and leptin at doses of each peptide that are effective in reducing food intake and body weight when administered separately produces an enhanced suppression of feeding when administered in combination. We also demonstrate that subthreshold doses of both amylin and leptin cause significant hypophagia and body weight loss when coadministered into the VTA. Additionally, we provide evidence that VTA amylin receptor blockade significantly attenuates the ability of intra-VTA leptin to reduce feeding and body weight gain. Together, these data provide the first evidence that the VTA mediates the interaction of amylin and leptin to cooperatively promote negative energy balance.
Synthesis and Structures of [Sr2−xEux]IrH5, [Sr2−xEux]RhH5, [Ca2−xEux]IrH5, and Eu2RhH5

Abstract Samples of various compositions of [Sr 2− x Eu x ] M H where M = Rh or Ir and [Ca 2− x Eu x ]IrH 5 were synthesized from stoichiometric mixtures of EuH 2 , SrH 2 , or CaH 2 , and Rh or Ir powders in a hydrogen atmosphere at 700°C. Powder X-ray diffraction data of the black single-phase products were indexed on the basis of a face-centered cubic lattice. The variations in the unit cell parameters as a function of x were consistent with Vegard's Rule for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 range. The unit cell parameters increased with decreasing x between the limits of 7.580 and 7.651 A for [Sr 2− x Eu x ]IrH 5 and between the limits of 7.557 and approximately 7.60 A° for [Sr 2− x Eu x ]RhH 5 . Unit cell parameters increased from 7.297 to 7.580 A as x went from 0.25 to 2 for [Ca 2− x Eu x ]IrH 5 . The estimated standard deviation for the unit cell parameters is 0.001 A. The crystal structures belonged to the Fm 3 m (No. 225) space group with random occupancy of Sr or Ca and Eu in the 8 c sites, Rh or Ir ions located at the 4 a sites, and H in the 24 e sites. The formation of Eu 2 RhH 5 is also reported. The X-ray diffraction data for this new ternary hydride were indexed FCC with the cell length equal to 7.555 A.
B-type natriuretic peptide predicts 30-day readmission for heart failure but not readmission for other causes.

Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker for heart failure (HF) severity, but its association with hospital readmission is not well defined. Methods and Results We identified all hospital discharges (n=109 875) with a primary diagnosis of HF in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System from 2006 to 2009. We examined the association between admission (n=53 585), discharge (n=24 326), and change in BNP (n=7187) and 30-day readmission for HF or other causes. Thirty-day HF readmission was associated with elevated admission BNP, elevated discharge BNP, and smaller percent change in BNP from admission to discharge. Patients with a discharge BNP ≥1000 ng/L had an unadjusted 30-day HF readmission rate over 3 times as high as patients whose discharge BNP was ≤200 ng/L (15% vs. 4.1%). BNP improved discrimination and risk classification for 30-day HF readmission when added to a base clinical model, with discharge BNP having the greatest effect (C-statistic, 0.639 to 0.664 [ P <0.0001]; net reclassification improvement, 9% [ P <0.0001]). In contrast, 30-day readmission for non-HF causes was not associated with BNP levels during index HF hospitalization. Conclusions In this study of over 50 000 veterans hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of HF, BNP levels measured during hospitalization were associated with 30-day HF readmission, but not readmissions for other causes. These data may help guide future study aimed at identifying the optimal timing for hospital discharge and help allocate high-intensity, HF-specific transitional care interventions to the patients most likely to benefit.
Multi-vehicle consensus with a time-varying reference state

In this paper, we study the consensus problem in multi-vehicle systems, where the information states of all vehicles approach a time-varying reference state under the condition that only a portion of the vehicles (e.g., the unique team leader) have access to the reference state and the portion of the vehicles might not have a directed path to all of the other vehicles in the team. We first analyze a consensus algorithm with a constant reference state using graph theoretical tools. We then propose consensus algorithms with a time-varying reference state and show necessary and sufficient conditions under which consensus is reached on the time-varying reference state. The time-varying reference state can be an exogenous signal or evolve according to a nonlinear model. These consensus algorithms are also extended to achieve relative state deviations among the vehicles. An application example to multi-vehicle formation control is given as a proof of concept.
Evaluating Water Transfers from Agriculture for Reducing Critical Habitat Water Shortages in the Platte Basin

Discrete sequential stochastic programming (DSSP) is coupled with the MODSIM basin-wide hydrologic model to estimate the foregone agricultural value associated with water transfers aimed at reducing water shortages for threatened and endangered species habitat. The value of irrigation water in agriculture is estimated for five agriculturally distinct regions of the Platte River Basin. Irrigation water in the upper-most region of the basin, farthest from the critical habitat, was estimated to be of lowest value in agricultural production. Results indicate that even though water transfers originating farther upstream result in less water yielded at the habitat, they appear to be more cost effective.
SU-E-T-540: Evaluation of Forced-Density Corrected Dose Calculation for Lung Cancer Treatment.

Purpose: The study was aimed to evaluate the accuracy of lungcancer treatment dose calculations using a bulk electron density for forced‐density correction, in situations where CTimages are acquired in other institutions and the information of CT number to electron density (CT‐to‐ED) conversion is unavailable for conducting pixel density correction. Methods: Eleven 3D SBRTlung cases were studied. Treatment plans were generated initially with pixel‐density correction using a known CT‐to‐ED conversion, in a CMS XIO treatment planning system using superposition algorithm. The plans were re‐calculated with contour‐based density correction, i.e., forced‐density correction: a density of 0.26 g/cm3 was assigned to lung structures, which was a population average taken from a literature, and unit density was assigned to other structures. Monitor units were kept the same in both plans. Results: The doses calculated using forced‐density correction were compared against those calculated using pixel‐density correction. The absolute percentage differences of PTV D95, PTV mean dose, and V20, among the 11 cases, were 2.49±1.69%, 1.69±1.5%, and 1.88±2.36%, respectively. Conclusions: The results showed that the dose calculation using the bulk density and forced density correction generated dose distributions close to those calculated using pixel‐density correction and actual CT‐to‐ED conversion. None