cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Could the artificial butter flavoring, diacetyl, cause Alzheimer's disease?

ISSN 1758-2024 10.2217/NMT.12.59 © 2012 Future Medicine Ltd Neurodegen. Dis. Manage. (2012) 2(6), 557–559 Due caution must be exercised while making definitive statements about a substance as integral to the butter substitute industry as diacetyl (DA). Adequate justice to the question in the title requires substantiated comment on the question’s four intrinsic components. Two components can be answered with relative facility: what is the theoretical link of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to DA? In addition, why is DA different from other chemically similar toxic substances, which are destroyed easily by the human body? However, rather involved is the address of two more important questions: what levels of DA suffice to initiate AD pathogenesis? What types of exposure cause the accumulation of toxic DA levels? AD pathology is biochemically and morphologically diverse, and is yet incompletely characterized. Two well-recognized features are the aggregation of the naturally occurring amyloid-b (Ab) peptide into pathological plaques, and the intraneuronal accumulation of hyperphosphorylated forms of the normally occurring tau protein (which forms neurofibrillary tangles) [1]. Although it is understood the underlying causes of such pathologies are in a constant state of flux, a ‘tilt’ in the balance between oxidative and reductive reactions toward the former has been unequivocally proven by many well-established groups to be present in the AD-afflicted brain [2]. Oxidative excess (oxidative stress) is expressed within the AD-afflicted brain as either excess free radicals, or excess reactive carbonyl species (RCSs), the latter being of relevance to this discussion. RCSs result from glucose and amino acid catabolism. Methylglyoxal (MG), a RCS, produced by neurons in large quantities, induces aggregation of Ab peptide into soluble toxic aggregates and insoluble toxic plaques [3]. MG also potentiates Ab’s toxicity toward neurons. Excesses of MG are normally destroyed by the glyoxalase (GLO) enzyme system, which utilizes ubiquitous glutathione and converts MG to the nontoxic lactate. Insufficient GLO activity in AD underscores the relevance of excess MG to AD pathogenesis [4]. DA is a close structural cousin of MG, in which one of MG’s hydrogens is replaced with a methyl group. This seemingly minor difference confers upon DA some rather worrisome capabilities. We have shown
Fundamental Thermochemical Properties of Ammonia Borane and Dehydrogenated Derivatives (BNHn, n = 0−6)

The heats of formation for BN, HBNH, H2BNH2, and H3BNH3 and their radicals, anions, cations, and protonated species were predicted using the CCSD(T) method with correlation consistent basis sets extrapolated to the complete basis set and core−valence, scalar relativistic, spin−orbit, and zero-point energy corrections. Chemical accuracy (±1 kcal/mol) is obtained for these heats of formation, allowing reliable results for electron and hydride affinities, ionization energies, basicities (neutral proton affinities), acidities (anion proton affinities), and bond dissociation energies of the BNHn (n = 0−6) molecules. The closed shell BNHn molecules, except for H3BNH3 (double diffuse functions on B and N required), do not bind an electron and behave as nitrogen acids and bases. Protonation of H3BNH3 leads to nearly spontaneous H2 release. The closed shell BNHn species exhibit ionization energies similar or smaller than those of hydrocarbons, and for the H2BNH radical, its ionization energy (∼5.9 eV) is close to ...
Paroxysmal ataxia and dysarthria in multiple sclerosis

Paroxysmal ataxia and dysarthria are part of the spectrum of transient neurological disturbances that can be frequently encountered in multiple sclerosis (MS). Prompt recognition of these symptoms is important because they can be the only manifestation of a MS relapse and symptomatic therapy is often beneficial. We report a patient who developed paroxysmal ataxia and dysarthria, documented by video imaging, while he was recovering from a MS relapse. Treatment with carbamazepine resulted in the complete reversal of the paroxysmal ataxia and dysarthria.
Narcissism is associated with weakened frontostriatal connectivity: a DTI study

Narcissism is characterized by the search for affirmation and admiration from others. Might this motivation to find external sources of acclaim exist to compensate for neurostructural deficits that link the self with reward? Greater structural connectivity between brain areas that process self-relevant stimuli (i.e. the medial prefrontal cortex) and reward (i.e. the ventral striatum) is associated with fundamentally positive self-views. We predicted that narcissism would be associated with less integrity of this frontostriatal pathway. We used diffusion tensor imaging to assess the frontostriatal structural connectivity among 50 healthy undergraduates (32 females, 18 males) who also completed a measure of grandiose narcissism. White matter integrity in the frontostriatal pathway was negatively associated with narcissism. Our findings, while purely correlational, suggest that narcissism arises, in part, from a neural disconnect between the self and reward. The exhibitionism and immodesty of narcissists may then be a regulatory strategy to compensate for this neural deficit.
Model-based hierarchical reinforcement learning and human action control

Recent work has reawakened interest in goal-directed or ‘model-based’ choice, where decisions are based on prospective evaluation of potential action outcomes. Concurrently, there has been growing attention to the role of hierarchy in decision-making and action control. We focus here on the intersection between these two areas of interest, considering the topic of hierarchical model-based control. To characterize this form of action control, we draw on the computational framework of hierarchical reinforcement learning, using this to interpret recent empirical findings. The resulting picture reveals how hierarchical model-based mechanisms might play a special and pivotal role in human decision-making, dramatically extending the scope and complexity of human behaviour.
Endothelial dysfunction, hemodynamic forces, and atherosclerosis

Vascular Endothelium: A Dynamic Interface A central premise of modern vascular biology is that the endothelial lining of the cardiovascular system is a dynami-cally mutable interface, which is locally responsive to various stimuli originating from the circulating blood or neighboring cells and tissues, and thus, can actively participate in the physiological adaptation or pathophysiological dysfunction of a given region of the vasculature.1 From a teleological point of view, the endothelium is well-suited to function in this capac-ity, given its unique anatomical position between blood and tissues and its ability to generate an impressive repertoire of biological effectors (e.g., nitric oxide, eicosanoids, cytokines, growth factors and inhibitors, vasoactive substances, procoagulants and anticoagulants, and fibrinolytic factors and inhibitors). Early studies of the mechanisms underlying this plasticity suggested that many of these endothelial-derived substances, in fact, function as agonist/antagonist pairs in multifactorial pathophysiological balances that serve to regulate hemostasis and thrombosis, inflammation, and other responses to injurious stimuli by the vascular lining. These studies also identified certain humoral substances, such as proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and gamma- interferon) and bacterial products (e.g., Gram negative endotoxins), as potent stimuli that could modify the “set-point” of these various pathophysiological balances. The reproducibility of this humoral mode of stimulation and its wide-reaching biological implications, has led to its extensive study, in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, as a biochemical paradigm of endothelial activation.2,3 In addition to these humoral stimuli, both systemic and local, the vascular endothelium is also constantly exposed to a spectrum of hemodynamic forces generated by pulsatile blood flow. These forces include hydrostatic pressures, cyclic strains, and wall shear stresses. There is increasing evidence that these biomechanical stimuli can directly influence endothelial structure and function, acutely and chronically, thus constituting a novel paradigm of endothelial activation. This brief editorial review is intended to provide a perspective on the role of biomechanical forces, alone and in conjunction with humoral stimuli, as relevant factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications. This is a rapidly developing field, and the following discussion, therefore, is intended to simply provide a conceptual framework.
Characterizing resource availability for volunteer computing and its impact on task distribution methods

Volunteer computing uses computational resources that would otherwise be unused, to solve computationally intensive projects [1]. We have collected data from several different types of computers about the durations of periods when the computers were able and unable to participate in volunteer computing projects. We found that those periods differed significantly, indicating that a single method of task distribution for a volunteer computing project may not be adequate to make the best use of the donated CPU cycles. The data we have collected will also be useful in future work, to analyze portions of volunteer computing clients in an attempt to reduce the wasted resources and increase the productivity of volunteer computing and to compare the amount of work that can be completed by using different types of volunteer computing clients.
Regression testing using orthogonal defect classification in a quality assurance environment

In an environment where software development is expanding in scope, it is necessary to develop new techniques that can be used to identify defects in a product, while at the same time keeping the cost of product certification to a minimum. For the initial deployment of any software, there is no way to get around performing a complete test of the product. However, subsequent iterations of software development require complete testing of the new features, and regression-testing of the existing features using orthogonal defect classification. Random sampling techniques may also be used; but unless they are properly designed, run the risk of not being adequately representative of the whole array of test cases. Using orthogonal arrays, we can break the test cases down into categories, thereby reducing the amount of testing without sacrificing the quality of the deliverables.
The effect of storage time on the degree of dye leakage of root-end filling materials

The quality of the apical seal obtained by root-end filling materials generally has been assessed by the extent of dye penetration. Most investigators have allowed the root-end filling materials to set before they are tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if storage time had any influence on the amount of dye leakage. Seventy extracted single rooted human anterior teeth were used. After removal of their anatomical crowns, the roots were instrumented, filled with gutta-percha and Roth's sealer, and subjected to test conditions. The roots were coated with two coats of nail polish. Root ends were resected and class I cavities prepared. Sixty class I root-end cavities were filled with with either amalgam, super EBA, or IRM (20 each). Ten roots in each group were placed immediately into India ink for 48 h, the other 10 were stored for 24 h before placement into the ink. Ten roots (five per group) were used as positive (gutta-percha, no sealer) and negative (bone wax) controls. The roots were then demineralized, linear dye leakage was measured, and the data were evaluated statistically using ANOVA. Super EBA, and IRM showed significantly less dye leakage than amalgam (P < 0.0001). No significant difference existed between Super EBA and IRM. Storage time had no significant influence on the amount of dye leakage observed in this study.
Effect of time of birth on maternal morbidity during childbirth hospitalization in California.

Objective This observational study aimed to determine the relationship between time of birth and maternal morbidity during childbirth hospitalization. Study Design Composite maternal morbidities were determined using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification and vital records codes, using linked hospital discharge and vital records data for 1,475,593 singleton births in California from 2005 through 2007. Time of birth, day of week, and sociodemographic, obstetric, and hospital volume risk factors were estimated using mixed effects logistic regression models. Results The odds for pelvic morbidity were lowest between 11 PM-7 AM compared to other time periods and the reference value of 7-11 AM. The odds for pelvic morbidity peaked between 11 AM-7 PM (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1101–1500 = 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.09; 1501–1900 = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06–1.10). Odds for severe morbidity were higher between 11 PM-7 AM (AOR, 2301-0300 = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21–1.41; 0301-0700 = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20–1.41) compared to other time periods. The adjusted odds were not statistically significant for weekend birth on pelvic morbidity (AOR, Saturday = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98–1.02]; Sunday = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99–1.03) or severe morbidity (AOR, Saturday = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00–1.18; Sunday = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.94–1.13). Cesarean birth, hypertensive disorders, birthweight, and sociodemographic factors that include age, race, ethnicity, and insurance status were also significantly associated with severe morbidity. Conclusion Even after controlling for sociodemographic factors and known risks such as cesarean birth and pregnancy complications such as hypertensive disorders, birth between 11 PM-7 AM is a significant independent risk factor for severe maternal morbidity.
Enrichment/isolation of phosphorylated peptides on hafnium oxide prior to mass spectrometric analysis

Hafnium oxide (hafnia) exhibits unique enrichment properties towards phosphorylated peptides that are complementary to those of titanium oxide (titania) and zirconium oxide (zirconia) for use with mass spectrometric analysis in the field of proteomics.
Synergistic Trap Response of the False Stable Fly and Little House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) to Acetic Acid and Ethanol, Two Principal Sugar Fermentation Volatiles

In an initial observation, large numbers of muscoid flies (Diptera) were captured as nontarget insects in traps baited with solutions of acetic acid plus ethanol. In subsequent field experiments, numbers of false stable fly Muscina stabulans (Fallen) and little house fly Fannia canicularis (L.) trapped with the combination of acetic acid plus ethanol were significantly higher than those trapped with either chemical alone, or in unbaited traps. Flies were trapped with acetic acid and ethanol that had been formulated in the water of the drowning solution of the trap, or dispensed from polypropylene vials with holes in the vial lids for diffusion of evaporated chemical. Numbers of both species of fly captured were greater with acetic acid and ethanol in glass McPhail traps, compared to four other similar wet trap designs. This combination of chemicals may be useful as an inexpensive and not unpleasant lure for monitoring or removing these two pest fly species.
Cognitive–Behavior Therapy: Reflections on the Evolution of a Therapeutic Orientation

This article presents an account of the evolution of cognitive–behavior therapy over the past 35 years, which began with the introduction of cognition into behavior therapy in the mid-1960s. As cognitive–behavior therapists became more experienced clinically and recognized that clients did not always engage in clearly reportable internal dialogues, the schema construct was used to understand more about clients' implicit meaning structures. It is noted that self-schemas play a particularly important role in understanding how therapeutic change can be undermined, and clinical guidelines are offered to deal with this dilemma. The distinction between cognitive–behavior therapy and cognitive therapy is discussed, and the importance of activating emotional experiencing in the clinical change process is underscored.
'Short' Falls: Who's Most Likely to Come up Short in Retirement, and When?

This paper provides new results showing how many years into retirement Baby Boomer and Gen Xer households are simulated to run short of money, by preretirement income quartile. It begins with a brief introduction of the various methods of quantifying retirement income adequacy, along with a description of EBRI’s Retirement Security Projection Model® (RSPM). This is followed by a series of results from the RSPM focusing on the percentage of Baby-Boomer and Gen-Xer households simulated to run short of money in retirement, as well as an estimate of how soon after retirement this is expected to take place. In that there are different perspectives on the flexibility of individuals in retirement to adjust lifestyle and/or spending, results are presented under three separate thresholds of deterministic expense (80, 90 and 100 percent of average expenses), as well as with and without nursing home and home health-care expenses. Under a variety of simulated post-retirement expense scenarios, the lowest preretirement income quartile is the cohort where the vast majority of the retirement readiness shortfall occurs, and the soonest. When nursing home and home health-care expenses are factored in, the number of households in the lowest-income quartile that is projected to run short of money within 20 years of retirement is considerably larger than those in the other three income quartiles combined. Extending the results to a maximum of 35 years in retirement (age 100, assuming retirement at age 65), 83 percent of the lowest-income quartile households would run short of money and almost half (47 percent) of those in the second-income quartile would face a similar situation. Only 28 percent of those in the third-income quartile and 13 percent of those in the highest income quartile are simulated to run short of money eventually. In presenting these results, EBRI does not favor or oppose any specific modification to the current retirement system. Rather, EBRI’s mission remains to provide objective analysis that can inform decision making by others. As the various design and program modification alternatives are debated (both reforms and status quo), it is instructive to keep in mind who’s most likely to come up short in retirement, when, and why. The PDF for the above title, published in the June 2014 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the full text of another June 2014 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “Consumer Engagement Among HSA and HRA Enrollees: Findings from the 2013 EBRI/Greenwald & Associates Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey.”
New Permian Fusulinids from Conglomerate Mesa, Southeastern Inyo Mountains, East-Central California

In the Conglomerate Mesa area in the southeastern Inyo Mountains, east-central California, a series of distinctive fusulinid assemblages ranging in age from late Artinskian to Kungurian or Roadian was developed in units 7–10 of the sedimentary rocks of Santa Rosa Flat (part of the Owens Valley Group). The fauna of unit 7 shows some eastern Klamath Mountains affinity, but most of the species in unit 7 and the lower half of unit 8 are highly endemic and comprise three new genera with 12 new species, two unusual unassigned forms, and two other new species assigned to previously described genera. New taxa include: Crenulosepta new genus with five new species, C. inyoensis, C. delicata, C. fusiformis, C. rossi, and C. wahlmani; Nigribaccinus new genus with three new species, N. giganteus, N. elegans, and N.? nestelli; and the new genus Inyoschwagerina with four new species, I. magnifica, I. elayeri, I. elongata, and I.? linderae. Cuniculinella Skinner and Wilde, 1965, is represented by one new species, C. parva, and Skinnerella Coogan, 1960 by one new species, S.? mcallisteri. Faunas from the upper half of unit 8, unit 9, and unit 10 have a strong West Texas affinity. New species from these units are Skinnerella davydovi, S. hexagona, Parafusulina cerrogordoensis, P. complexa, P. halli, P. owensensis, and P. ubehebensis.
A Critical Reevaluation of the Role of Acoustic Pressure in Source Localization by Fish

The notion that the otolithic organs in the fish ear function as accelerometers has been accepted for over 50 years. By direct excitation, they are capable of sensing the acoustic particle acceleration of an incident acoustic wave. The particle acceleration is a vector field that, for monopole sources, is directed along the source bearing. There are, in effect, many tens of thousands of these accelerometers in each of the six otolithic organs. The spatial orientation of their response axes are ordered but complex. The compliant swim bladder functions as a secondary generator of acceleration at the otoliths, either by direct connection as in otophysans or by acoustic scattering. The swim bladder (or other gas cavities) thus makes it possible for some fish to sense acoustic pressure as well as particle velocity. This mode of excitation of the otolithic organs is referred to as the “indirect” path. The effect of a coupled swim bladder is to extend the hearing range and lower the threshold of hearing. The direct signal is related to a vector and contains information about the source direction. As both directional direct-path and nondirectional indirect signals impinge simultaneously on the otolithic organs, some means of segregating them is required for directionalization to occur. This segregation has been demonstrated by Buwalda (1981). Exactly how source bearing is extracted from the direct signals is unknown as is the mechanism for separating the direct and indirect signals, but theories abound (e.g., Buwalda 1981; Rogers et al 1988; Schuijf 1975). It is generally believed that the indirect (pressure-related) signal serves no role in directionalization other than serving to resolve the 180° ambiguity that occurs because particle acceleration alone only yields the line of bearing to the source (Schuijf and Buwalda 1975). The pressure component is otherwise believed to have no role or to be a negative factor in directionalization. This paper proposes that this viewpoint is not supported by the data and suggests how pressure detection might contribute to directionalization.
Idiosyncratic Sentiments and Coordination Failures

Coordination models have been used in macroeconomics to study a variety of crises phenomena. It is well understood that, in these models, aggregate fluctuations can be purely self-fulfilling. In this paper I highlight that cross-sectional heterogeneity in expectations regarding the endogenous prospects of the economy can also emerge as a purely self-fulfilling equilibrium property. This in turn leads to some intriguing positive and normative implications: (i) It can rationalize idiosyncratic investor sentiment. (ii) It can be the source of significant heterogeneity in real and financial investment choices, even in the absence of any heterogeneity in individual characteristics or information about all economic fundamentals, and despite the presence of a strong incentive to coordinate on the same course of action. (iii) It can sustain rich fluctuations in aggregate investment and asset prices, including fluctuations that are smoother than those often associated with multiple-equilibria models of crises. (iv) It can capture the idea that investors learn slowly how to coordinate on a certain course of action. (v) It can boost welfare. (vi) It can render apparent coordination failures evidence of improved efficiency. *An earlier version was entitled "Private Sunspots and Idiosyncratic Investor Sentiment."
Evidence that taste buds are not present on the human adult uvula.

We conducted a study to investigate whether taste buds are present on the human adult uvula. Our impetus was to determine whether surgical procedures that involve removal of the uvula can affect ta...
Incidence, reasons, and risk factors for readmission after surgery for benign distal esophageal disease

Background Our aim was to ascertain the incidence of, reasons for, and risk factors associated with hospital readmission after an operation for benign distal esophageal disease. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2012–2014), patients with a primary diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, paraesophageal hiatal hernia, or achalasia who underwent fundoplication, paraesophageal hernia repair, or Heller myotomy were identified. The primary outcome was hospital readmission. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with hospital readmission. Results Of the 14,478 patients included in this study, 801 (5.5%) were readmitted at a median of 11 days (interquartile range 6–17) postprocedure. Intolerance of oral intake (21.8%), respiratory complications (11.6%), abdominal pain (6.0%), and venous thromboembolic events (4.7%) were some of the most common reasons for readmission. Open operative approach (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.71), chronic steroid use (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.10–2.00), emergency admission (odds ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.21), and predischarge complication (odds ratio 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.42–2.59) were associated most strongly with hospital readmission. Conclusion Implementing standardized perioperative strategies, such as nutritional counseling, early ambulation, intensive pulmonary toilet, and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, may help decrease the number of preventable readmissions and enhance the overall quality of care in this patient population.
Memory in Action: New Ethics of Engagement with Holocaust Memory

When one comes to or passes by a place of memory, one enters the realm of engaging with public remembrance that is considered ethical, or simply put, good. The role of this place, of visiting and of experiencing it, is usually clear; thus we see in the recent two decades, as Leggewie and Meyer (2005) note, politicians and intellectuals speaking in favor of accidental remembrance, or everyday remembrance that will, willy-nilly, make one engage with oneself and others, and with the past. This centrality of ethical remembrance, however, is rather new (Margalit 2002), and shifts the focus from the unethical and unruly deeds to the good deed of, first, facing and then engaging with the past. There have been shifts in ethical theory which complement the move from rejecting the unethical deeds into enabling ‘many ethics’ that challenged and transformed the universalistic, subject-centered and exclusionary intellectual bias of traditional ethics. As Zapf summarizes: ‘Instead of a unified system of knowledge and belief, plurality, diversity and heterogeneity have been foregrounded as new ethical orientation’ (2008: 172). Zapf maintains that de-hierarchization, process and cross-cultural openness and dialogue are the new leading ethical values. That such a shift has already occured in the memorial is clear on two counts. First, in the new focus on ethical engagement with the past and the ability to assess one’s dealing with the past in moral terms which are performed and mirrored in the site.
Towards Rational Design of Sensing Materials from Combinatorial Experiments

Sensing materials play a critical role in advancing selectivity, response speed, and sensitivity of gas determinations with sensors. The desirable capabilities of sensing materials originate from their numerous functional parameters, which can be tailored to meet specific sensing needs. By increasing the structural and functional complexity of sensing materials, the ability to rationally define the precise requirements that will result in desired materials properties becomes increasingly limited. Combinatorial experimentation methodologies impact all areas of sensing materials research. This chapter demonstrates the broad applicability of combinatorial technologies in discovery and optimization of new sensing materials for gas detection. We discuss general principles of combinatorial materials screening, followed by the discussion of the opportunities facilitated by combinatorial technologies for discovery and optimization of new sensing materials. We further critically analyze results of sensing materials development using discrete and gradient materials arrays. The emphasis of this chapter is on the analysis of results focused on the improvements of sensor selectivity and long-term stability of sensing materials. Examples from a wide variety of sensors based on various energy-transduction principles that involve radiant, mechanical, and electrical types of energy demonstrate the impact of combinatorial methodologies across diverse kinds of sensing materials.
Reproductive Justice and Reproductive Rights in the United States

A myriad of social and economic institutions, legal structures, and identities both enable and constrain reproductive experiences. Reproductive health, reproductive rights, and reproductive justice are related concepts that together describe the range of sites, forms of struggle, and goals within the broader reproductive movements. The terms point to how reproductive politics has been engaged in the United States and, to some degree, globally. The entry highlights some key historical approaches, legal cases, and social movement activity. Keywords: health; law; movements; race and racism; women's rights
Four Ur III Administrative Tablets in the Possession of Professor Francis Carroll, University of Manitoba

Resumen: El articulo contiene transliteraciones de cuatro tablillas cuneiformes que se encuentran en una coleccion privada en Winnipeg, Canada. Las cuatro son tipicas tablillas administrativas de Ur III: tres provienen de Umma y la cuarta de Drehem. El proposito de este articulo es poner los contenidos de estas tablillas a disposicion de la comunidad sumeriologica, en particular de aquellos que se especializan en el periodo de Ur III
Examining the Gender Gap in IT by Race: Young Adults' Decisions to Pursue an IT Career

This chapter contains sections titled: Sample and Methods, Results, Conclusions and Implications, Acknowledgments, Appendixes, Notes
AB0124 Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Display An Atherogenic Profile Associated with Disease Activity and Endothelial Dysfunction

Background Several studies have demonstrated that Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology, is associated with several comorbidities such as cardiac pathology, accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Yet, the relevance of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the development of atherosclerosis in AS patients is not fully known. Objectives 1) To analyze the gene expression profile associated with the development of atherosclerosis in PBMCs from AS patients. 2) To evaluate the role of PBMCs in the endothelial dysfunction present in AS patients. Methods Twenty five patients with AS and 25 healthy donors were included in the study. Disease function and activity status were analyzed using the BASFI and BASDAI indexes, respectively. The expression of 84 genes related to atherosclerosis was analyzed in purified PBMCs by PCR array, using total ARN pools of patients and healthy donors. Next, validation of several differentially expressed genes in PBMCs, selected on the basis of their expression levels and relevance in AS pathology, was carried out in our patient and healthy donor cohort. Endothelial function was determined by the post occlusive hyperaemia test using Laser-Doppler. To analyze the role of PBMCs in endothelial function, in vitro co-cultures of endothelial cells (HUVEC) and PBMCS from AS patients with different inflammatory status were performed. Results The endothelial function analysis demonstrated a significant reduction of post occlusive hyperaemia area in AS patients in relation to healthy donors, thus pointing at the presence of a prominent endothelial dysfunction in these patients. The analysis of the genetic profile in PBMCs showed a significant alteration in the expression of genes related to inflammatory (CCL2, CCL5, CCR1, CCR2, IL1R2, IL1A, IL2, IL5, NOS3, SPP1), and oxidative stress response (APOE, SOD1). An altered expression of genes linked to cellular adhesion (CDH5, ICAM-1, SELL, SPP1, CTGF, FN1, THBS4, TNC), lipid metabolism and transport (ABCA1, APOA1, APOE, FABP3, LPL, LPA, MSR1), cell growth and proliferation (CSF2, SSP1, BCL2, FABP3, FGF2, LIF, CRGF), as well as transcription and apoptosis regulators (PPARA, PPARD, EGR1, BCL2, BCL2A1, BCL2L1) was further demonstrated. In vitro treatment of HUVECs with PBMCs from AS patients with a high pro-inflammatory profile promoted a significant activation of the endothelial cells, which displayed increased expression of adhesion molecules, oxidative stress markers, cytokines and chemokines, all of them associated to the pro-atherogenic profile of these patients. Conclusions 1) Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from AS patients display an altered expression profile of key genes involved in the development of atherosclerosis. 2) That highly inflammatory PBMCs are responsible, at least partially, for the endothelial dysfunction displayed by AS patients. Acknowledgement Funded by JA PI-0314–2012, SER Disclosure of Interest None declared
Experimental Investigation of Continuous Magnesium Production by Carbothermal Reduction

Magnesium production by carbothermal reduction (CTR) has the potential to significantly reduce operational and capital costs relative to reduction by ferrosilicon or electrolysis of magnesium chloride. As magnesium is gaseous at CTR temperatures the challenge remains in the effective separation of magnesium vapor and CO by-product, which can recombine unproductively. Our initial investigations focused on CTR kinetics and magnesium yield in batch reactions at isothermal and isobaric conditions. Further experimentation simulated continuous production; magnesium metal was boiled in a thermogravimetric system and mixed with CO in a tubular condenser. Monitoring of the CO signal by nondispersive infrared absorption (NDIR) allowed for determination of the extent of reversion, and analysis of deposits revealed the purity of the product Mg. The effect of pressure and temperature were investigated in both systems. Based on these results a continuous moving bed condenser was fabricated to determine the feasibility of vapor product capture from CTR.
Refined EM Method for Solving Linearly Constrained Global Optimization Problems

The Electromagnetism-like Mechanism (EM) has been widely used for solving global optimization problems with box-constrained variables. It is a population-based stochastic search method. Since the method uses function evaluations only at each step, it does not require any special information or structure of the objective function. In this article, we extend the original EM for solving optimization problems with linear constraints. The proposed method mimics the behavior of electrically charged particles that are restricted in the feasible region formed by the linear constraints. The underlying idea is to direct the sample points to some attractive regions of the feasible domain. In refined EM, the major steps of the original EM are redesigned to handle the explicit linear constraints in an efficient manner to find global optimal solutions. The proposed method is evaluated using many known test problems and is compared with some existing methods. Computational results show that without using the higher-order information, refined EM converges rapidly (in terms of the number of functions evaluations) to the global optimal solutions and produces better results than other known methods in solving problems of a varying degree of difficulty.
Culture, Time, and the Development of Talent

The literature on giftedness gives the impression that most authors conceive of talent (talent, giftedness and prodigious performance will be used interchangeably) as a stable trait that belongs to a person. Although some writers have warned us not “to view giftedness as an absolute concept—something that exists in and of itself, without relation to anything else” (Renzulli 1980, p. 4), most people consider giftedness as an objective fact, something you either have or don’t have, like green eyes or a mole on the nose.
A distinctive histidine residue is essential for in vivo glycation‐inactivation of human CD59 transgenically expressed in mice erythrocytes: Implications for human diabetes complications

Clinical and experimental evidences support a link between the complement system and the pathogenesis of diabetes complications. CD59, an extracellular cell membrane-anchored protein, inhibits formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), the main effector of complement-mediated tissue damage. This complement regulatory activity of human CD59 (hCD59) is inhibited by hyperglycemia-induced ɛ-amino glycation of Lys41 . Biochemical and structural analyses of glycated proteins with known three-dimensional structure revealed that glycation of ɛ-amino lysyl residues occurs predominantly at "glycation motives" that include lysyl/lysyl pairs or proximity of a histidyl residue, in which the imidazolyl moiety is ≈ 5A from the ɛ-amino group. hCD59 contains a distinctive Lys41 /His44 putative glycation motif within its active site. In a model of transgenic diabetic mice expressing in erythrocytes either the wild type or a H44Q mutant form of hCD59, we demonstrate in vivo that the His44 is required for Lys41 glycation and consequent functional inactivation of hCD59, as evidenced using a mouse erythrocytes hemolytic assay. Since (1) the His44 residue is not present in CD59 from other animal species and (2) humans are particularly prone to develop complications of diabetes, our results indicate that the Lys41 /His44 glycation motif in human CD59 may confer humans a higher risk of developing vascular disease in response to hyperglycemia.
Optimal Energy Control of a Dual Fuel Vehicle Fuelled by Natural Gas and E10

Abstract Due to the increasing availability of natural gas, there is growing interest in using this fuel for transportation. Utilizing natural gas along with gasoline can provide a way to leverage the high knock resistance of natural gas while avoiding some of the ignitability challenges of this fuel. This paper leverages experimental data for a single cylinder engine to model power production on a mid-size sedan. Using this model, an optimal energy management strategy is explored. Several weighting strategies are considered including techniques which consider fuel availability, fuel cost, and carbon emissions. The effectiveness of these methods are considered over the UDDS, HWY, and US06 cycles. While there is little benefit to such a fuel blending algorithm at low loads, at high loads (such as those encountered in the US06 cycle) blending can provide up to a 7% improvement in efficiency.
Cultivating Constructivist Science Internships for High School Students through a Community of Practice with Cogenerative Dialogues.

Working with scientists has been suggested as an effective way for high-school students to learn authentic science. However, little research has involved students’ perceptions of science learning environments in a university internship. This study drew on the theoretical framework of community of practice with cogenerative dialogues to design an internship program that aims to build a constructivist internship for students. Students who learned science in the internship program developed stronger constructivist learning perceptions than those who learned science in school. Specifically, students perceived that they had more opportunities to think independently of the instructors and other students. Three effective principles for program design are: (a) high school students conduct open-inquiry projects with the support of scientists; (b) high school students and scientists conduct cogenerative dialogues regularly to address issues and share experiences; and (c) high school students present their project proposals and scientific findings at open house events. Implications of the results are discussed.
The Age of Rhyme: The Verse Culture of Victorian Cambridge

Adam Mazel, “The Age of Rhyme: The Verse Culture of Victorian Cambridge” (pp. 374–401) This essay introduces the verse culture of the Victorian-era University of Cambridge. While Cambridge verse covers a range of matters and manners, time is its master-theme and rhyme is its master-scheme. Seemingly sophomoric, Cambridge verse is significant as a case of verse doing social work for its writers and readers: versifying helped distinguish students and alumni as refined, cultivated members of the Victorian elite. In Cambridge verse, the social meanings of versifying condensed above all in the versifier’s facility with form, which implied the versifier’s refinement. For Cambridge men, rhyme play was a form of display, a performance of class.
Primary gastric melanoma: a rare presentation.

A man in his early 50s presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and dark tarry stools. He reported 3/10 burning left upper quadrant abdominal pain that started 2 days before. The pain radiated to the epigastric region and the patient was unsure what exacerbates or relieves the pain. Starting around the same time, the patient had 8 to 10 black tarry stools daily, which were loose in consistency, which were coming out of his ostomy bag. Review of systems was positive for weakness, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and change in stools. The patient has a history of T4 caecal adenocarcinoma with metastasis to bladder diagnosed in 2014, for which he underwent right hemicolectomy, low anterior resection, radical cystectomy and colostomy with urostomy that was reversed 2 years later. He also underwent chemotherapy/radiation therapy with (FIFLORI) leucovorin calcium (folinic acid), fluorouracil and irinotecan hydrochloride. Vitals showed a temperature of 97.5°F, pulse 87 beats per minute, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute and blood …
Contemporary Mediums and the Return of William James

Two 1970s channelers claimed to be in touch with the spirit of William James. Their writings present an interesting version of James that they admit is partially their own construction. Demonic possession for them becomes something psychologically nuanced: a semi-conscious, creative blend of personalities rather than uncontrolled alternations of controlling personalities. Using the investigations of contemporary psychologist Gary Schwartz, the writings of James, and the writings of two prominent mediums claiming to be in contact with a post-mortem James, an analysis is made not only of the epistemological issues involved in demonic influence but also the ethical issues involved in therapeutic practice. The insights of two contemporary mediums—Allison DuBois and John Edward—are given both a charitable and skeptical reading.
Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis of Retinal Vascular Disease

Retinal vascular diseases, in particular diabetic retinopathy and retinal venous occlusive disorders, are important causes of visual loss and blindness. Other important retinal vascular diseases which can affect visual function include arterial occlusive disease, parafoveal telangiectasis, Coat’s disease, vasculitides, macroaneurysms, and hypertensive retinopathy. Despite the various etiologies and underlying pathogenic processes, the mechanisms of visual loss are frequently similar among these diseases. One such common final pathway is the development of occlusions of the microcirculation (capillaries) with attendant retinal ischemia. The most frequent sequela, however, is a compromise in retinal vascular permeability leading to leakage and exudation with accumulation of fluid, lipid, and proteins within the retina [40] or in the subretinal space. Structural alterations are also a frequent outcome of retinal vascular disease. These changes include the development of cystoid spaces in the retina and vitreomacular traction.
Anatomy and Physiology of Androgen Regulation in Men

The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with an understanding of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis relative to the production of androgens and sperm in the testes. The physiologic action of the androgens will be reviewed as well. A detailed discussion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its effect on the anterior pituitary regarding production and release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with the end result in production of testosterone and spermatozoa will be outlined. The conversion and actions of androgens will be discussed. The two main pathways leading to the initiation of androgen action will be presented, as is a review of hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis. The variation of testicular function as men age will be discussed.
Design for Variety

Companies seek various methods to stay competitive; one possible method to gain customers and enhance competitiveness is to offer increased variety to the marketplace. However, increasing the amount of variety within a company has costs, which the company of course seeks to reduce. In this chapter we first discuss some specific challenges that companies such as Boeing, Denso, HP, and Seagate have with increased variety. We then present our Design for Variety (DFV) research. It focuses on methodologies that will help companies quantify the costs of providing variety and will qualitatively guide designers in developing products that incur minimum variety costs. Our proposed tools incorporate both quantitative indices and qualitative design charts.