cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1286: Elucidating the role of E2F2 in mediating human breast cancer metastasis

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL In human breast cancer it is not the primary tumor that is the cause of mortality but tumor metastasis to distant sites. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the biological mechanisms that underlie the metastatic processes. To address this, we utilized bioinformatic methods in combination with biochemical assays and genetic studies. Specifically, we crossed MMTV-Myc transgenic mice with various activator E2Fs mutants. We found that the tumor incidence decreased in MMTV-Myc mice interbred with E2F2 and E2F3 mutant backgrounds. Surprisingly, we also found that the loss of E2F2 sharply increased the percentage of lung metastasis in MMTV-Myc mice. Here, we test whether these observations in mice translate to human breast cancer and identify the genes under the control of E2F2 transcription factor that are responsible for mediating breast cancer metastasis. To achieve these aims, we examined the probability of activation of the E2F2 transcription factors in human breast cancer. We calculated the probability of E2F2 activation and used this data to stratify the human breast cancer samples and their associated metastatic clinical data. Examining this data we found that a low probability of E2F2 pathway activation led to decreased time to distant metastasis. To account for this discrepancy, we performed hierarchical clustering of human and mouse gene expression datasets. We found two clusters of human breast tumors in which E2F2 played distinctly different roles in mediating metastasis. One particular cluster clustered with our mouse gene expression data and exhibited the same role for E2F2 where it increased time to distant metastasis. In addition, we examined the ontology of the genes in this cluster and found that the majority of these genes had putative E2F binding sites. To further identify genes that are involved in metastasis, we stratified human breast cancer metastasis clinical annotation using gene expression values from these genes. We found that there were seven genes that are uniquely differentially regulated in this cluster. Interestingly, we observed that this group of seven genes included genes that were implicated in the metastatic process such as MMP16. Taken together, our results showed that there is an important role for E2F2 in mediating breast cancer metastasis and using our bioinformatic methods, we have begun to elucidate this role of E2F2 in mediating breast cancer metastasis. Our future directions include further validation of these target genes in vitro and in vivo to establish the mechanism by which E2F2 mediates breast cancer metastasis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1286. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1286
Is Setting Up a Facebook Page Enough for a Social Movement

While hundreds of protests happened within two months under the Occupy banner in 2011, the rapid spread of the movement was uneven: some localities had dozens of events and robust occupations, whil...
Diagnosis of aluminum in three kinds of flour product in Hangzhou

Objective:Diagnosis of aluminum in three kinds of flour product in HangZhou market by chrome azurol S spectrophotometry.Methods:Gathering three kinds of flour product samples from different department in Hangzhou.To examine and analyze their aluminum by dry ashing.Results:The qualified rate of 88 three kinds of flour product samples is 20.4%(18/88),among them the qualified rate of 58 twisted crullers is 3.4%(2/58),the qualified rate of 21 steamed buns is 57.1%(12/21),the qualified rate of 9 steamed sponge cakes is 44.4%(4/9).Conclusion:The sample when processing by dry ashing,we should not be concerned with influence by PH.The testing results show that the results are reliable by chrome azurol S spectrophotometry.The aluminum content of three kinds of flour product such as twisted cruller,steamed bun and steamed sponge cakes in Hangzhou exceeds the allowed limit seriously.The concerned department should pay attention to it.
Vehicle Self-Surveillance: Sensor-Enabled Automatic Driver Recognition

Motor vehicles are widely used, quite valuable, and often targeted for theft. Preventive measures include car alarms, proximity control, and physical locks, which can be bypassed if the car is left unlocked, or if the thief obtains the keys. Reactive strategies like cameras, motion detectors, human patrolling, and GPS tracking can monitor a vehicle, but may not detect car thefts in a timely manner. We propose a fast automatic driver recognition system that identifies unauthorized drivers while overcoming the drawbacks of previous approaches. We factor drivers' trips into elemental driving events, from which we extract their driving preference features that cannot be exactly reproduced by a thief driving away in the stolen car. We performed real world evaluation using the driving data collected from 31 volunteers. Experiment results show we can distinguish the current driver as the owner with 97% accuracy, while preventing impersonation 91% of the time.
Escapes From Correctional Custody A New Examination of an Old Phenomenon

Despite a shared interest in escapes from correctional custody by policy makers, facility administrators, media, and the public, there is a dearth of empirical research on this event. Our study synthesizes prior research, distinguishing between inmate-, incident-, and facility-level variables. We introduce the Correctional Incident Database, which employs a novel approach for collecting escape data. Finally, we describe a sample of 611 inmates involved in 503 escape incidents from 398 facilities. Our findings indicate that escapes from jail are a frequent, yet overlooked, phenomenon. The results also challenge the (mis)perception that escapes are often sensational and violent events.
Globalization and Development Cooperation: A Reformer’s Agenda

Gerry Helleiner’s extensive writings on international economic cooperation possess many virtues: generosity of spirit, clarity of thought and exposition, a global perspective and a willingness to challenge the status quo. These virtues are much needed today as the world enters a new era and confronts problems which have long been relatively neglected. Prominent among neglected issues is the framework for development cooperation.1 The original framework was established in the aftermath of the Second World War and grew to its present size and shape during the decades of the Cold War. The time has come to reconsider the entire structure and perhaps to revamp it. The purpose of this essay is to contribute to such a reconsideration. If it possesses at least some of the virtues of Gerry Helleiner’s own writings on this subject, I shall be very pleased.
The Etiology and Prevention of Aerodigestive Tract Cancers

In the United States, the currently estimated number of deaths owing to upper digestive (oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus) and respiratory (larynx and lung) tract cancers represents almost 40% of the overall cancer mortality rate in males and 23% in females. Of the approximately 1,040,000 incidences of cancers in men and women estimated for 1990 in the United States, 20% have been diagnosed in the aerodigestive tract (Table 1) (1). Aerodigestive tract cancer incidence rates appear more commonly in males throughout the world, where the male:female incidence ratios may vary between 2 and 6, and, within most geographic areas, vary inversely with socioeconomic status. In North America and Western Europe, the major risk factors for aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are alcohol and tobacco. Approximately 140,000 deaths in the United States each year, owing to upper digestive and respiratory tract cancers, can be attributed to cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.
Extraction of a reward expectation signal from cortical units following ballistic movements generated by a brain machine interface

Movement decoding algorithms used in today's brain-machine interface (BMI) technologies require movement-related neural activity in large quantities as training data to decode with sufficient accuracy the intended movements of the user. Because of physical disability the end users of BMI systems may be unable to readily provide such training data. Moreover, variability in the neural control of movements across patients with disability may result in individually unique training data. These issues limit the generalizability of movement decoding algorithms across BMI users. One potential method of circumventing this generalizability limitation and individualizing BMI technology is the use of reinforcement learning, a group of techniques that require minimal feedback in order to find solutions to an arbitrary problem. One promising means of providing feedback to a reinforcement learning-based BMI is via a neural reward signal found in multiple cortical and subcortical areas. Particularly attractive is the idea of parallel extraction of both the movement control signal and the reward signal from the same electrode array. We examined the neural signal underlying the expectation of reward depending on the probability of successfully reaching a target given the initial ballistic movement generated by a BMI. The real-time extraction of such signal could be used to determine if the user expects a movement generated by a BMI to succeed or fail. This information could then be used to update the control architecture of the BMI to generate an output more in line with the user's intention.
Selective Inhibitors of Human Liver Carboxylesterase Based on a β-Lapachone Scaffold: Novel Reagents for Reaction Profiling

Carboxylesterases (CEs) are ubiquitous enzymes that are responsible for the metabolism of xenobiotics, including drugs such as irinotecan and oseltamivir. Inhibition of CEs significantly modulates the efficacy of such agents. We report here that β-lapachone is a potent, reversible CE inhibitor with Ki values in the nanomolar range. A series of amino and phenoxy analogues have been synthesized, and although the former are very poor inhibitors, the latter compounds are highly effective in modulating CE activity. Our data demonstrate that tautomerism of the amino derivatives to the imino forms likely accounts for their loss in biological activity. A series of N-methylated amino derivatives, which are unable to undergo such tautomerism, were equal in potency to the phenoxy analogues and demonstrated selectivity for the liver enzyme hCE1. These specific inhibitors, which are active in cell culture models, will be exceptionally useful reagents for reaction profiling of esterified drugs in complex biological sam...
Pyrobaculum igneiluti sp. nov., a novel anaerobic hyperthermophilic archaeon that reduces thiosulfate and ferric iron.

A novel anaerobic, hyperthermophilic archaeon was isolated from a mud volcano in the Salton Sea geothermal system in southern California, USA. The isolate, named strain 521T, grew optimally at 90 °C, at pH 5.5–7.3 and with 0–2.0 % (w/v) NaCl, with a generation time of 10 h under optimal conditions. Cells were rod-shaped and non-motile, ranging from 2 to 7 µm in length. Strain 521T grew only in the presence of thiosulfate and/or Fe(III) (ferrihydrite) as terminal electron acceptors under strictly anaerobic conditions, and preferred protein-rich compounds as energy sources, although the isolate was capable of chemolithoautotrophic growth. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis places this isolate within the crenarchaeal genus Pyrobaculum . To our knowledge, this is the first Pyrobaculum strain to be isolated from an anaerobic mud volcano and to reduce only either thiosulfate or ferric iron. An in silico genome-to-genome distance calculator reported <25 % DNA–DNA hybridization between strain 521T and eight other Pyrobaculum species. Due to its genotypic and phenotypic differences, we conclude that strain 521T represents a novel species, for which the name Pyrobaculum igneiluti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 521T (=DSM 103086T=ATCC TSD-56T).
Patient characteristics associated with dose-limiting sunitinib adverse events

e16110 Background: Sunitinib, an inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases, is FDA approved for metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Though better tolerated than historical therapies, sunitinib is associated with adverse events (AEs) that may require dose modifications (DM). We sought to identify 1) baseline patient (pt) characteristics that predispose for DM, 2) the most common AEs requiring DM in a non-protocol setting, and 3) the impact of dose limiting AEs on treatment continuation. Methods: Single-center, retrospective chart review. Pts ≥ 18 years of age with mRCC of clear-cell histology on sunitinib therapy with active follow-up at MDACC were eligible. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of 66 pt variables (demographics, laboratory analysis, past medical and treatment history, etc) and dose-limiting AEs was completed, with a 6 month endpoint of sunitinib continuation, alternative therapy, or death. Results: From January 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, 146 pts were identified me...
Government Guarantees and Banks' Income Smoothing

This paper examines the effect of government guarantees on banks’ loan loss provision smoothing. In our first setting we examine the direct reduction of government guarantees previously granted to a specific class of German banks known as the Landesbanken. Using a difference-in-difference design, we find an increase in earnings management via loan loss provision smoothing following the removal of explicit government guarantees. In our second setting we consider the creation of the Eurozone in 1999 as a positive shock to the relative importance of member countries’ banking system, suggesting an increase to banks’ implicit government guarantees. Similar to our first analysis, our results suggest that increasing government guarantees is associated with a statistically and economically significant reduction in banks' loan loss provision smoothing. These results also persist using a differences-in-differences framework considering banks from countries not affected by the monetary union as controls and after controlling for macro and bank specific variables that were contemporaneously affected by the Euro adoption. Overall, our findings highlight the role of government guarantees as a significant and economically important determinant of banks’ financial reporting behavior.
Population temporal structure supplements the rate code during sensorimotor transformations

In order to successfully interact with the environment the brain must funnel down the sensory inputs it receives to specific movements at specific times. Such sensory-to-motor transformations are critically mediated by neurons in premotor brain networks whose evolving activities represent sensory, cognitive, and movement-related information1-3. However, this multiplexing poses a conundrum - how does a decoder know precisely when to initiate a movement if such neurons are also active at times other than when a movement occurs (e.g., in response to sensory stimulation)? Extant models of movement generation that rely on firing rate, including rise-to-threshold4, inhibitory gating5, and dynamical switches at the population level6,7, leave certain explanatory gaps unfilled. Here, we propose a novel hypothesis: movement is triggered not only by an increase in firing rate, but critically by a reliable temporal pattern in the population response. We show that in brain regions involved in orienting eye movements - the superior colliculus (SC) and the frontal eye fields (FEF) - the temporal dynamics between neurons during visually-driven activity is different from that during pre-movement activation. Specifically, using a measure that captures the fidelity of the population code - here called temporal stability - we show that the temporal structure fluctuates in the visual response but remains stable during the pre-movement response, thus distinguishing incoming sensory input from motor output. This is an important attribute because SC and FEF “visuomovement” neurons project directly to the brainstem8,9 which houses the controller for gaze shifts, and any increase in the incoming drive is poised to trigger a (potentially undesirable) gaze shift. We also demonstrate that a simple firing rate-based network with synaptic facilitation can distinguish between stable and fluctuating population codes, suggesting a putative mechanism for interpreting temporal structure. These findings offer an alternative perspective on the relationship between spatial attention and motor preparation10,11 by situating the correlates of movement initiation in the temporal features of activity in shared neural substrates. They also suggest a need to look beyond the instantaneous rate code and consider the effects of short-term population history on neuronal communication and its effects on behaviour.
Overview of Normal Sleep

In this chapter, a brief overview of normal sleep is given for a clearer understanding of subsequent chapters dealing with basic science, technical considerations, and clinical aspects. After a short historical perspective of sleep and sleep medicine, the chapter succinctly summarizes the definition of sleep, sleep architecture, the ontogeny and phylogeny of sleep, sleep habits and need, dreams, circadian sleep–wake rhythm, chronobiology, cytokines, immune system and sleep factors, and ending with theories of the functions of sleep.
Soft Tissue Management in Facial Trauma

The management of soft tissue injury after facial trauma poses unique challenges to the plastic surgeon, given the specialized nature of facial tissue and the aesthetic importance of the face. The general principles of trauma management and wound care are applied in all cases. The management of severe injuries to the face is discussed in relation to the location and the mechanism of injury. Facial transplants have arisen in the past decade for the management of catastrophic soft tissue defects, although high morbidity and mortality after these non-life-saving operations must be considered in patient selection.
How to Map Theory: Reliable Methods Are Fruitless Without Rigorous Theory

Good science requires both reliable methods and rigorous theory. Theory allows us to build a unified structure of knowledge, to connect the dots of individual studies and reveal the bigger picture. Some have criticized the proliferation of pet "Theories," but generic "theory" is essential to healthy science, because questions of theory are ultimately those of validity. Although reliable methods and rigorous theory are synergistic, Action Identification suggests psychological tension between them: The more we focus on methodological details, the less we notice the broader connections. Therefore, psychology needs to supplement training in methods (how to design studies and analyze data) with training in theory (how to connect studies and synthesize ideas). This article provides a technique for visually outlining theory: theory mapping. Theory mapping contains five elements, which are illustrated with moral judgment and with cars. Also included are 15 additional theory maps provided by experts in emotion, culture, priming, power, stress, ideology, morality, marketing, decision-making, and more (see all at theorymaps.org ). Theory mapping provides both precision and synthesis, which helps to resolve arguments, prevent redundancies, assess the theoretical contribution of papers, and evaluate the likelihood of surprising effects.
FTIR Study of Carbon Dioxide Interaction with some Room Temperature Ionic Liquids

Four ionic liquids were investigated for abilities to capture CO2 alone or with added catalyst at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Hydrated aluminum nitrate Al (NO3)3.9H2O-urea with added CaO, hydrated ammonium aluminum sulfate NH4Al (SO4)2.12H2O-urea with added solid NaOH did not show in FTIR chart sign of either physical or chemical absorption of CO2, however hydrated ammonium aluminum sulfate NH4Al (SO4)2.12H2O-urea with added NaOHaq or few water showed a chemical absorption of CO2 at 1666 cm-1 as in aluminum chloride-urea ionic liquid while aluminum chloride-acetamide showed weaker or no ability to capture CO2.
Potential for fungal dyes as colorants in oil and acrylic paints

Potential applications for colorants derived from the spalting fungi Chlorociboria aeruginascens, Chlorociboria aeruginosa, Scytalidium cuboideum, and Scytalidium ganodermophthorum are of growing interest across a variety of fields, from wood and textile dyes, to solar cells. Previous research found that these dyes could be carried in natural oils, specifically raw linseed oil, instead of organic solvents, thereby eliminating the toxicity issues surrounding such carriers. In this work, dyes from the aforementioned fungi were extracted, carried in raw linseed oil, and mixed with a range of oil and acrylic paints to determine if the oil carrier was appropriate for delivering the dyes into a paint matrix. The oil-based dyes did not mix evenly with the acrylic paints; however, the acrylic paints maintained the color of the dyes. In contrast, the oil-based paints mixed well with the dyes, but the dyes decolorized (completely lost color) due to the presence of refined linseed oil in the paint base. Artists’ paints do not appear to be compatible with fungal dyes when carried in oil; however, there are still many potential applications for the oil-based dyes, such as wood and textile dyeing.
Womenomics and Acrobatics: Why Japanese Feminists Remain Skeptical about Feminist State Policy

Neoliberalism and conservative ideology have come together in Japan as ‘womenomics’, a state policy to boost women’s labour productivity as well as the nation’s birth rate. Feminists have responded with scepticism to this policy, proposed by the strongly conservative and nationalist Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. The content of ‘womenomics’ includes a new law to promote the advancement of women to leadership positions, and reflects the government’s concern for Japan’s international standing. The demographic crisis of a rapidly aging society with a declining birth rate is another background to the policy. Policies to boost the birth rate have been hard to reconcile with policies to promote women in leadership positions in corporate life. The gendered division of labour and the structure of the labour market exacerbate problems as neoliberal reforms are introduced belatedly to Japan. The resistance to neoliberalism has come from conservatives, and thus feminists in Japan have had to perform complicated acrobatics. The long-term prospects depend on finding ways to promote equality in a potentially shrinking nation while continuing to resist the seductions of neoliberal state policies that purport to advance the interests of women.
Effect of Captopril on Urinary Cystine Excretion in Homozygous Cystinuria

AbstractWe determined if captopril could reduce urinary cystine excretion in homozygous cystinuric patients. Seven patients were treated with 150mg. captopril daily after determination of baseline 24-hour urine cystine excretion. All patients had a history of multiple cystine stones, and were on chronic fluid and alkalization therapy. Five patients had previously been on D-penicillamine. Cystine excretion studies were repeated 1 to 5 months after institution of captopril.Baseline 24-hour urinary cystine excretion ranged from 580 to 970mg. per gm. creatinine (mean 744). After institution of captopril these levels decreased to a range of 113 to 581mg. per gm. creatinine (mean 371). These values on treatment represented a statistically significant decrease to between 18 and 89% of baseline levels (p equals 0.0045).We conclude that captopril can significantly, and at times profoundly, decrease urinary cystine excretion in patients with homozygous cystinuria. Further studies are required to elucidate fully the...
Bifurcation with Z 2-Symmetry

If g ∈ ℰ x , λ , we say that g has Z 2-symmetry if g is an odd function of x; in symbols, if (0.1) We use this terminology because we think of a two-element group Z 2 = {I, R} acting on the real line, where I is the identity and Rx = −x; equation (0.1) asserts that g commutes with the action of this group. In this chapter we study bifurcation problems with Z 2-symmetry. Bifurcation problems with this symmetry arise often in applications. For example, the buckling model of Chapter I, §1 was Z 2-symmetric; in that case the physical representation of the symmetry was reflection across the horizontal axis. Moreover, bifurcation problems of the form (0.1) play a central role in our treatment of the Hopf bifurcation in Chapter VIII.
The potential for growth in foreign direct investment in the horticultural sector of Armenia

The Potential for Growth in Foreign Direct Investment in the Horticultural Sector of Armenia
Influence of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Inoculum on Gnotobiotic and Conventional Pigs

Summary Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of L. acidopbilus (bacteria commonly found in probiotics) inoculum on gnotobiotic and conventional pigs. The localization and population levels of L. acidopbilus (LA) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of 24 gnotobiotic pigs (12 treated and 12 control) were determined by microbiological techniques. Each of the treated pigs received a 10-ml inoculum (2 x 1011 viable cells/ml) of acidophilus culture (strain DDS 1) isolated from milk. The control pigs received a sterile deionized water inoculum. The inocula (10 ml) were given in milk daily for 3 days starting when the pigs were approximately 5 days old. At 3, 5, 7 and 9 days postinoculation, pigs were killed, and tissues were removed from seven locations in the GI tract. A 1-g sample of tissue and ingesta (contents) was homogenized and diluted for plate counts on MRS Agar. The treated group had higher LA populations (P<.001) than did the controls. The LA population remained relatively constant over the four periods for the treated group. The colonization did not appear to influence serum metabolites but did increase white blood cell counts (P<.06). In the treated group, the large intestine (cecum and colon) had higher LA populations (P<.001) than the stomach (cardiac and fundic regions) and small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum). Fecal samples were cultured for determination of the correlation between fecal and tissue
Introducing Emotional Interfaces to Healthcare Systems

The use of healthcare websites is gaining importance in the United States. It is conceivable that when using healthcare websites, the users may not be in a happy or euphoric emotional state, and would like to be comforted. In this paper, we argue that using emotional interfaces in healthcare systems will attract users, and motivate them to stay, participate and return. We suggest a possible future state for emotional interfaces in healthcare systems. In this context, we present a review of relevant theories and research studies from Computer Science and Psychology, and a subjective ranking of some well-known healthcare websites in the United States with respect to their hedonic and emotional values. Lastly, we discuss our proposal for developing emotional interfaces for healthcare websites.
Spall strength dependence on grain size and strain rate in tantalum

Abstract We examine the effect of grain size on the dynamic failure of tantalum during laser-shock compression and release and identify a significant effect of grain size on spall strength, which is opposite to the prediction of the Hall-Petch relationship because spall is primarily intergranular in both poly and nanocrystalline samples; thus, monocrystals have a higher spall strength than polycrystals, which, in turn, are stronger in tension than ultra-fine grain sized specimens. Post-shock characterization reveals ductile failure which evolves by void nucleation, growth, and coalescence. Whereas in the monocrystal the voids grow in the interior, nucleation is both intra - and intergranular in the poly and ultra-fine-grained crystals. The fact that spall is primarily intergranular in both poly and nanocrystalline samples is a strong evidence for higher growth rates of intergranular voids, which have a distinctly oblate spheroid shape in contrast with intragranular voids, which are more spherical. The length of geometrically-necessary dislocations required to form a grain-boundary (intergranular) void is lower than that of grain-interior (intragranular) void with the same maximum diameter; thus, the energy required is lower. Consistent with prior literature and theory we also identify an increase with spall strength with strain rate from 6 × 106 to 5 × 107 s−1. Molecular dynamics calculations agree with the experimental results and also predict grain-boundary separation in the spalling of polycrystals as well as an increase in spall strength with strain rate. An analytical model based on the kinetics of nucleation and growth of intra- and intergranular voids and extending the Curran-Seaman-Shockey theory is applied which shows the competition between the two processes for polycrystals.
Respiratory Epithelial Cells as Master Communicators during Viral Infections

Communication by epithelial cells during respiratory viral infections is critical in orchestrating effective antiviral responses but also can lead to excessive inflammation. This review will evaluate studies that investigate how respiratory epithelial cells influence the behavior of immune cells and how epithelial cell/immune cell interactions contribute to antiviral responses and immunopathology outcomes. Previous studies have characterized cytokine responses of virus-infected epithelial cells. More recent studies have carefully demonstrated the effects of these cytokines on cellular behaviors within the infected lung. Infected epithelial cells release exosomes that specifically regulate responses of monocytes and neighboring epithelial cells without promoting spread of virus. In contrast, rhinovirus-infected cells induce monocytes to upregulate expression of the viral receptor, promoting spread of the virus to alternate cell types. The precise alteration of PDL expression on infected epithelial cells has been shown to switch between inhibition and activation of antiviral responses. These studies have more precisely defined the interactions between epithelial and immune cells during viral infections. This level of understanding is critical for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that promote effective antiviral responses or epithelial repair or inhibit damaging inflammatory responses during severe respiratory viral infections.
The ambivalent sleeper.

A 27-year-old, fit male Veteran who had received a prescription for Ambien was seen in sleep clinic, saying “I just can't sleep.” He reported wanting more sleep and also feeling uncomfortable “needing a medication to sleep.” The Veteran initially experienced sleep difficulties in Iraq, when he was prescribed Ambien to facilitate sleep during irregular work schedules. He received another prescription for Ambien when returning stateside one year before his clinic visit. Since that time, he attempted to discontinue use of the medication several times, but he has been unsuccessful. Within the last year, he has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is controlled by medications. He has no other medical diagnoses.
National estimates of poisoning events related to liquid nicotine in young children treated in US hospital emergency departments, 2013-2017.

An estimated 2 million youth (in 2017) and 7.9 million adults (in 2015) reported currently using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Reports of poisoning events related to liquid nicotine (e-liquids) in ENDS have been on the rise, but current, nationally-representative estimates of hospital-treated poisoning cases related to e-liquid nicotine exposure in the United States (US) are lacking. We used National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data from 2013 to 2017 to calculate national estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of poisoning incidents related to e-liquid nicotine exposure. From 2013 to 2017, an estimated 4745 poisoning cases related to e-liquids among children under age five were treated in US hospital emergency departments; the number of cases increased from 181 (95% CI: 0–369) in 2013 to 1736 (95% CI, 871–2602) in 2015 and then decreased to 411 (95% CI, 84–738) in 2017. Most of the cases were treated and released; 4.1% were admitted to the hospital. The most common route of exposure was through ingestion (96.9%), and 2.6% of the cases were through dermal exposure. The highest amounts of e-liquids or nicotine ingested were 118.2mL, 1 bottle, and 100 mg, and the most common symptoms (63.6%) related to nicotine poisoning were nausea and vomiting. This study provides national estimates of poisoning cases associated with nicotine exposure from e-liquids among children under age five. Findings on e-liquid volume or nicotine dose, when available, provide important insights into exposures associated with toxicity in children. Since NEISS data do not include product codes specific to ENDS or provide information on poisoning severity, we used general keywords to capture these events, which might underestimate the population burden. Information from this study may complement efforts, such as public education, to prevent unintended exposure to nicotine in e-liquids among children.
Transducin1, Phototransduction and the Development of Early Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose Recent evidence suggests that retinal photoreceptor cells have an important role in the pathogenesis of retinal microvascular lesions in diabetes. We investigated the role of rod cell phototransduction on the pathogenesis of early diabetic retinopathy (DR) using Gnat1-/- mice (which causes permanent inhibition of phototransduction in rod cells without degeneration). Methods Retinal thickness, oxidative stress, expression of inflammatory proteins, electroretinograms (ERG) and optokinetic responses, and capillary permeability and degeneration were evaluated at up to 8 months of diabetes. Results The diabetes-induced degeneration of retinal capillaries was significantly inhibited in the Gnat1-/- diabetics. The effect of the Gnat1 deletion on the diabetes-induced increase in permeability showed a nonuniform accumulation of albumin in the neural retina; the defect was inhibited in diabetic Gnat1-/- mice in the inner plexiform layer (IPL), but neither in the outer plexiform (OPL) nor inner nuclear (INL) layers. In Gnat1-deficient animals, the diabetes-induced increase in expression of inflammatory associated proteins (iNOS and ICAM-1, and phosphorylation of IĸB) in the retina, and the leukocyte mediated killing of retinal endothelial cells were inhibited, however the diabetes-mediated induction of oxidative stress was not inhibited. Conclusions In conclusion, deletion of transducin1 (and the resulting inhibition of phototransduction in rod cells) inhibits the development of retinal vascular pathology in early DR.
Public space security and contentious politics of Morocco’s Rif protests

This article argues that mass protests across the Rif are rooted in the region’s socio-economic marginalization and historical and contemporary violence inflicted by the Moroccan state onto what co...
Conservative gadolinium administration to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: decreasing exposure, cost, and time, without change in medical management

Cardiac MR (CMR) is increasingly used to assess for cardiac involvement in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The frequent use of gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs) has been called into question with reports of intracranial gadolinium deposition in patients receiving multiple administrations. We adopted a conservative GBCA administration policy, limiting the frequency of GBCA exposure in patients with previously documented late gadolinium enhancement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical effects of this policy change. Data were retrospectively reviewed on 405 consecutive patients with DMD who underwent CMR evaluation. Patients were grouped into conservative GBCA administration or historical control. CMR reports were evaluated and clinical reports were reviewed to determine actionable changes. Ohio Medicaid reimbursements were used to estimate costs. A total of 187 patients comprised the conservative GBCA group and 218 patients the historical cohort. The conservative GBCA group had lower contrast administration rates (84% vs. 99%, p < 0.0001), shorter scan times (35.2 vs. 39.0 min, p < 0.0001), and lower estimated medical costs ($339 vs. $351/study). There was no change regarding the initial presence of first-time late gadolinium enhancement, and no difference in actionable change. Contrast administration substantially decreased 7 months post-policy change (65%) compared to the initial 7 months (96%, p < 0.0001). In the current era with unclear concern for intracranial gadolinium deposition, thoughtful GBCA administration is warranted in patients anticipated to undergo multiple CMRs. Our updated approach has resulted in fewer patients receiving contrast, shorter scan times, and less medical costs, without appreciable changes to patient management.
Child Check: Education of Parents as Early Identification Agents.

This paper describes development and field testing of a set of materials and procedures designed to educate parents to act as agents in the early identification of handicapping conditions in young ...
Shotgun wound to manubrium sterni, right anterior neck, and right supraclavicular area.

A 38-year-old man presented to the trauma center with a close-range oblique shotgun wound to the manubrium sterni, right anterior neck, and right supraclavicular area. The patient was alert and responsive on arrival. His initial vital signs included a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, a systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg, and a respiratory rate of 20 per minute. There was a 12 cm wide by 4 cm high rectangular avulsion of the skin extending from the medial left infraclavicular area across the manubrium sterni and the lower anterior neck. At the right end of the defect was a deep hole 3 cm in diameter which had been stuffed with dry mesh gauze by an emergency medical technician at the scene prior to transport to the trauma center. Unfortunately, the gauze was saturated with arterial blood. The most appropriate first step in the management of this patient in addition to resuscitation is: 1. Transfemoral insertion of a resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta device. 2. Bilateral anterolateral thoracotomy at the third interspace. 3. Endotracheal intubation. 4. Cricothyroidotomy. There was no clear-cut air leak from the deep anterior cervical hole. Therefore, endotracheal intubation was performed in the emergency room, followed by an anterior X-ray of the neck and upper chest (figure 1). Manual compression was applied to the blood-soaked gauze in the wound in the lower anterior neck as the patient was moved to the operating room. Figure 1 An X-ray of the lower neck and upper chest demonstrating the distribution of the shotgun pellets. The patient’s upper extremities were placed at his sides, and a transverse shoulder roll was used to hyperextend the neck. Findings on physical examination (left-to-right oblique shotgun wound with deep hole in the suprasternal area) and X-ray (pellets concentrated in the medial right supraclavicular area) were reviewed prior to deciding on …
"If you die a bad death, we give you a bad burial:" Mortuary practices and "bad death" among the Akan in Ghana.

This article describes features of bad deaths and their associated mortuary rituals among the Akan of Ghana. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 30 Akan cultural experts. In ...
Four Schools of Thought on the Relationship Between War and Genocide

This review article asks: what is the relationship between war and genocide, as determined by scholars in the field of genocide studies? Where explored in the literature, there is a consensus that ...
Bond Markets in China

The paper reviewed the evolution and current situation of the fixed-income securities market in China including both government securities markets and non-government bond markets. Then, the paper analyzes the development issues of fixed-income securities in China and offers recommendations for further development.
Limits on $\nu_{\tau}$ mass by DELPHI

A limit on the tau neutrino mass is obtained using all the $Z^{0} \to \tau^{+} \tau^{-}$ data collected at LEP by the DELPHI detector between 1992 and 1995. In this analysis events in which one of the taus decays into one charged particle, while the second $\tau$ decays into f{}ive charged pions (1-5 topology) have been used. The neutrino mass is determined from a bidimensional \fit ~on the invariant mass $m^{*}_{5 \pi}$ and on the energy $E_{5 \pi}$ of the f{}ive $\pi^{\pm}$ system. The result found is $m_{\nu_{\tau}}<$ 48.0 MeV/$c^{2}$ at 95% conf{}idence level.
icepack: a new glacier flow modeling package in Python, version 1.0

Abstract. We introduce a new software package called “icepack” for modeling the flow of glaciers and ice sheets. The icepack package is built on the finite element modeling library Firedrake, which uses the Unified Form Language (UFL), a domain-specific language embedded into Python for describing weak forms of partial differential equations. The diagnostic models in icepack are formulated through action principles that are specified in UFL. The components of each action functional can be substituted for different forms of the user's choosing, which makes it easy to experiment with the model physics. The action functional itself can be used to define a solver convergence criterion that is independent of the mesh and requires little tuning on the part of the user. The icepack package includes the 2D shallow ice and shallow stream models. We have also defined a 3D hybrid model based on spectral semi-discretization of the Blatter–Pattyn equations. Finally, icepack includes a Gauss–Newton solver for inverse problems that runs substantially faster than the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method often used in the glaciological literature. The overall design philosophy of icepack is to be as usable as possible for a wide a swath of the glaciological community, including both experts and novices in computational science.
Polynomials that preserve nonnegative matrices

In further pursuit of a solution to the celebrated nonnegative inverse eigenvalue problem, Loewy and London [Linear and Multilinear Algebra 6 (1978/79), no.~1, 83--90] posed the problem of characterizing all polynomials that preserve all nonnegative matrices of a fixed order. If $\mathscr{P}_n$ denotes the set of all polynomials that preserve all $n$-by-$n$ nonnegative matrices, then it is clear that polynomials with nonnegative coefficients belong to $\mathscr{P}_n$. However, it is known that $\mathscr{P}_n$ contains polynomials with negative entries. In this work, novel results for $\mathscr{P}_n$ with respect to the coefficients of the polynomials belonging to $\mathscr{P}_n$. Along the way, a generalization for the even-part and odd-part are given and shown to be equivalent to another construction that appeared in the literature. Implications for further research are discussed.
A systematic review of social, emotional, and behavioral interventions and outcomes for students in alternative education

Alternative education settings (AES) educate many students with social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) challenges. However, there is limited synthesized research available on how to best support s...
Sustainability and Happiness as “Promoting Life”

While various authors have tried to merge happiness and sustainability together in such concepts as sustainable happiness and sustainable well-being, among others, the link is tenuous as the theories built around these concepts are incomplete. In this work, I strive to fill this gap by integrating further conceptualizations of the value of life. While happiness and sustainability are not one in the same, since someone can be happy in unsustainable ways and since something can be performed sustainably without causing happiness, I reflect on the overlap where happiness and sustainability come together. This overlap seems to be the most meaningful and purposeful notions of the terms and the sense in which they have their most normative force. I will attempt to identify the overlap to define both happiness and sustainability as the promotion of life. I will evaluate whether and how this stipulative, working definition for these terms can be useful for practical guidance in real projects in an attempt to bridge theory and application. I review the place of happiness and positive psychology in well-being philosophy and recent advances incorporating sustainability into well-being theory. I also discuss various conceptions of the value of life. I then incorporate these preceding philosophies together to form a conceptual map of the variety of assessments of life that exist. From these concepts, I develop preliminary principles that might serve as a guide for practical living, for happier, more sustainable, and more ethical lives.
Role of TRP Ion Channels in Pruritus.

Abstract The transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily responds to various physical, chemical, and environmental stimuli including the detection of sensations both harmful and non-harmful. Among these sensations is pruritus, or itch. There are at least 27 different TRP channels and about six of them are involved in pruriception. The function of these six receptors is primarily seen in the skin and the dorsal root ganglia. Identification and biological insights provided by these receptors in pruriception is important for human health as mutations and activations of many of these channels cause discomfort and disease. This review will focus on involvement of TRP channels in pruriception that may render these channels as the targets of many antagonistic topical medications, which may help patients’ better cope with the pruritus that results from various cutaneous and systemic diseases.
DYNAMICS OF PLATELET AGGREGATION AND ADHESION TO REACTIVE SURFACES UNDER FLOW

Platelets are the key participants in thrombotic events that take place following vascular injury. These tiny ellipsoid blood cells are recruited to the exposed subendothelial region at the vascular lesion and aggregate to form a hemostatic plug that blocks further blood loss and seals the wound. The shear effects of hemodynamic flow play an important role in governing the ability of platelets to (1) contact, tether to, and adhere at the subendothelial surface, (2) become activated, and (3) form spontaneous platelet aggregates in the blood. Hemodynamic forces influence the binding kinetics of platelet–surface molecular bonds and regulate platelet function in different regions of the vasculature such as arterioles and veins, which are subject to very different flow conditions. Any abnormalities in the flow pattern and shear rate can cause irregularities in platelet behavior giving rise to a variety of pathological consequences ranging from minor to life-threatening. Examples of cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases resulting from pathological thrombosis are venous stasis, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke. The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize the reader with the physiological process of platelet adhesion, the key receptors and ligands involved, and the effects of shear flow on platelet motion, adhesion, and aggregation. Current understanding of the biophysical aspects of platelet adhesive dynamics, pathological consequences arising from abnormalities either in participating receptor–ligand binding properties or in flow behavior, and recent theoretical studies that probe further into the effects of shear flow on platelet adhesive phenomena are discussed here.
Engineering Development of a Fluid-bed Fluoride Volatility Process II Pilot-Scale Studies

As a step in the development of a new reprocessing method for spent nuclear fuels, a fluoride volatility pilot plant has successfully demonstrated the recovery of uranium as uranium hexafluoride fr...