cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA7:Drosophilacancer models identify complex therapeutics

The complex genomic nature of human tumors presents a challenge for cancer research. To capture this genetic complexity, we generated multigenic models of several cancer types in Drosophila based on patient sequencing data, including thyroid, colorectal, and lung tumors. As we increased in genetic and metabolic complexity, the models prove increasingly resistant to targeted cancer therapies. We have mapped this emergent resistance to specific cancer gene combinations, and have found that drug combinations can “break” this resistance. To establish single compound candidate therapeutics, we collaborated with Kevan Shokat9s group to combine fly genetics and medicinal chemistry to develop single agents that suppress multiple targets, while rationally avoiding ‘anti-targets’ that promote toxicity. Finally, I will discuss our efforts to bring these Drosophila tools to individual patients through our new Center for Personalized Cancer Therapeutics. Citation Format: Ross Cagan. Drosophila cancer models identify complex therapeutics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: The Translational Impact of Model Organisms in Cancer; Nov 5-8, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr IA7.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Patients with Suspected Inherited Renal Cell Cancer: Application of the ACMG/NSGC Genetic Referral Guidelines to Patient Cohorts

Patients with suspected hereditary renal cell cancer (RCC) are under-referred for genetic evaluation. Characterizing the prevalence and characteristics of suspected inherited RCC is a crucial step toward advancing personalized, genetically-based cancer risk management for patients and their families. To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of suspected inherited RCC syndromes based on consensus criteria, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients with a diagnosis of RCC in SEER (2001–2011, n = 105,754) and in our institutional cancer registry (2004–2013, n = 998). Consensus criteria for referral of patients with RCC for genetic evaluation from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and National Society of Genetic Counselors (ACMG/NSGC) were applied to the two cohorts. The associations between meeting referral criteria with demographic characteristics were assessed with chi-square tests. Overall, 24.0 % of the SEER cohort and 33.7 % of our institutional cohort met ACMG/NSGC referral criteria for genetic counseling. While white patients more commonly met early onset clear cell RCC criteria, black patients met papillary RCC criteria at twice the rate of whites in both cohorts (p < 0.0001). As many as 1 in 5 individuals with RCC meet referral criteria for genetic evaluation based on newly emerging guidelines, with differences in pathology noted by race. Prospective genetic testing studies utilizing emerging referral guidelines should help to refine the genetic spectrum of inherited kidney cancer. This study supports efforts to increase awareness of referral of patients with RCC for genetic counseling particularly among urologic providers.
De novo [ PSI + ] prion formation involves multiple pathways to form infectious oligomers

Prion and other neurodegenerative diseases are associated with misfolded protein assemblies called amyloid. Research has begun to uncover common mechanisms underlying transmission of amyloids, yet how amyloids form in vivo is still unclear. Here, we take advantage of the yeast prion, [PSI +], to uncover the early steps of amyloid formation in vivo. [PSI +] is the prion form of the Sup35 protein. While [PSI +] formation is quite rare, the prion can be greatly induced by overexpression of the prion domain of the Sup35 protein. This de novo induction of [PSI +] shows the appearance of fluorescent cytoplasmic rings when the prion domain is fused with GFP. Our current work shows that de novo induction is more complex than previously thought. Using 4D live cell imaging, we observed that fluorescent structures are formed by four different pathways to yield [PSI +] cells. Biochemical analysis of de novo induced cultures indicates that newly formed SDS resistant oligomers change in size over time and lysates made from de novo induced cultures are able to convert [psi -] cells to [PSI +] cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that newly formed prion oligomers are infectious.
Neural codes for three-dimensional space

Several lines of evidence suggest that cortical areas in posterior parietal cortex of primates are involved in visual-spatial processing and in pre-motor planning and execution of eye movements. Most experimental investigations in parietal cortex have focused on issues related to two-dimensional visual function and on conjugate eye movements. However, there are several indications that posterior parietal cortex may operate in a three-dimensional coordinate system. In monkeys, we have investigated neurons in a specialized region of parietal cortex, sometimes referred to as the “parietal eye fields” or as area LIP due to its location on the lateral bank of the intraparietal sulcus. The vast majority of neurons in area LIP have eccentric response fields, most of which are tuned in three-dimensional space. There are also a large number of cells with tonic activity proportional to gaze position in three-dimensional space. We have found a small minority of neurons with activity related directly to sensory or motor parameters of the oculomotor near response. These included responses to binocular disparity, depth-related blur, vergence velocity and accommodation velocity; each of which was independent of retinal eccentricity or conjugate eye position.
Orbit: Orbital Exenteration with Split-Thickness Skin Graft

Exenteration is surgical removal of the orbital contents, including the globe, ocular adnexa, and eyelids. The eyelids may be spared in certain circumstances and used to line the exenteration cavity. It is usually indicated for invasive or devastating orbital neoplasms (primary or secondary from adjacent structures) or the treatment of angioinvasive fungal infections. The exposed orbital walls may be left to heal spontaneously, by granulation tissue or covered with a split-thickness skin graft. Given the radical nature of exenteration with a significantly associated cosmetic penalty, patients must be extensively counseled preoperatively regarding the necessity of the procedure and its potential drawbacks.
Bile Acid Deficiency in a Subgroup of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation Based on Biomarkers in Serum and Fecal Samples.

Background & Aims Short-term administration of delayed-release chenodeoxycholic acid to patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) accelerates colonic transit and reduces symptoms. A preliminary study has shown that patients with IBS-C have reduced levels of bile acids (BAs) in feces and reduced synthesis of BA. We compared the levels of primary and secondary BAs in fecal samples collected over a 48-hour period from patients with IBS-C on a diet that contained 100 g fat per day, and compared them with levels in samples from healthy volunteers (controls). We also examined the relationship between overall colonic transit and biomarkers of BAs in patients with IBS-C. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 45 patients with IBS-C and 184 controls. For controls, we estimated the 10th percentile of fasting serum levels of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4, n = 184) and 48-hour fecal BAs (n = 46), and the 90th percentile of the fasting serum level of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19, n = 50). Colonic transit was measured in patients using a validated scintigraphic method. Data from patients with IBS-C were analyzed using Spearman correlations to determine the relationships among levels of C4, FGF19, fecal BAs, and colonic transit. Results Among the patients with IBS-C, 2 of 45 had low serum levels of C4, 4 of 43 had increased serum levels of FGF19, and 6 of 39 had low levels of BAs in feces collected over 48 hours. Patients with IBS-C had a significant increase in the proportions of fecal lithocholic acid compared with controls ( P = .04), and a decrease in deoxycholic acid compared with controls ( P = .03). In patients with IBS-C, there were inverse relationships between serum levels of C4 and FGF19 and correlations among levels of 48-hour fecal BAs, colonic transit, and serum C4 and FGF19. Conclusions Approximately 15% of patients with IBS-C have reduced total BAs and level of deoxycholic acid in fecal samples collected over 48 hours on a 100 g fat diet. In these patients, lower levels of excretion of BAs into feces correlated with slower colonic transit.
An Epstein-Barr Virus MicroRNA Blocks Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Signaling by Targeting IL-1 Receptor 1

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encodes >44 viral microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially expressed throughout infection, can be detected in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive tumors, and manipulate several biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses. Here, we show that EBV BHRF1-2 miRNAs block NF-κB activation following treatment with proinflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Analysis of EBV PAR-CLIP miRNA targetome data sets combined with pathway analysis revealed multiple BHRF1-2 miRNA targets involved in interleukin signaling pathways. By further analyzing changes in cellular gene expression patterns, we identified the IL-1 receptor 1 (IL1R1) as a direct target of miR-BHRF1-2-5p. Targeting the IL1R1 3' untranslated region (UTR) by EBV miR-BHRF1-2-5p was confirmed using 3'-UTR luciferase reporter assays and Western blot assays. Manipulation of EBV BHRF1-2 miRNA activity in latently infected B cells altered steady-state cytokine levels and disrupted IL-1β responsiveness. These studies demonstrate functionally relevant BHRF1-2 miRNA interactions during EBV infection, which is an important step in understanding their roles in pathogenesis.IMPORTANCE IL-1 signaling plays an important role in inflammation and early activation of host innate immune responses following virus infection. Here, we demonstrate that a viral miRNA downregulates the IL-1 receptor 1 during EBV infection, which consequently alters the responsiveness of cells to IL-1 stimuli and changes the cytokine expression levels within infected cell populations. We postulate that this viral miRNA activity not only disrupts IL-1 autocrine and paracrine signaling loops that can alert effector cells to sites of infection but also provides a survival advantage by dampening excessive inflammation that may be detrimental to the infected cell.
Racial Melancholia: The Post/Colonial Work of Service-Learning

In this critical ethnography of a classroom at a research-intensive university, the author uses critical and postcolonial theories to highlight the micro-processes of service-learning. The author analyzes service-learners’ stories of their interactions at service placements, detailing how the race and class dynamics that students shared were informed from a desire that longs both for extrication from colonialism through connection with “Others” and an attachment to race and class-based hierarchies that continue to reinforce alienation. As service-learners desired to “help” those they saw as lacking resources, they simultaneously began to question their role of helping. The author asserts that unmasking the tensions and contradictions of how students wrestle with post/colonial practices raises critical questions for service-learning that can potentially create avenues for greater justice.
2007–2008: War Fades, Tandem Forms, Cherkesov Clan Dissolves, Sechinites Decline; Putin Generates New Factional Wars—General Procuracy vs the Investigations Committee of the Procuracy (ICP), Medvedev vs Sechin

In 2007–2008 the silovik war fades, a ruling tandem of Medvedev and Putin forms, the Cherkesov clan dissolves, and the Sechinites decline. Putin generates new factional wars: The General Procuracy vs the Investigations Committee of the Procuracy (ICP), and Medvedev vs Sechin. Sechin was appointed as a deputy prime minister with limited powers, and Patrushev as secretary of the Security Council. Especially notable was the sharp decline in Patrushev’s status, given that the Security Council had few effective executive powers. However, he was apparently reasonably content with the choice of his successor at the Federal Security Service (FSS), Aleksandr Bortnikov, an ally of Sechin and an old enemy of Cherkesov’s from St Petersburg days. As for Sechin, it turned out that by 2010 Putin was having him act almost as deputy head of the government, responsible for many aspects of its everyday work.
The Impact of Individual Differences on a Bilingual Vocabulary Approach for Latino Preschoolers.

Purpose The purpose of this study was twofold: First, we replicated in a new sample our previous findings that a culturally and linguistically responsive (CLR) bilingual approach for English vocabu...
Improving Transparency in Saudi Arabian Education: A Proposed Collaboration Between Scholars, Educators, and Government

This paper is the continuation of a previous research endeavor into issues of academic honesty and intellectual property in Saudi Arabia’s education system. While the previous work articulated the current landscape of intellectual property and academic honesty in the country, this paper presents an innovative new framework for addressing current issues using collaboration at the instructor, administrator, and government levels. This initiative, called the Transparency Project, serves as the author’s recommendation to mediate issues of academic dishonesty and to improve the overall quality and authenticity of Saudi scholarly discourse.
Measuring Listening Effort: Convergent Validity, Sensitivity, and Links With Cognitive and Personality Measures.

Purpose Listening effort (LE) describes the attentional or cognitive requirements for successful listening. Despite substantial theoretical and clinical interest in LE, inconsistent operationalizat...
Welfare of Animals, Political and Management Issues

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, Volume 4, pp. 2735–2739, © 2002, Elsevier Ltd.
Boundary Element Method for Composite Bodies

A general algorithm, based on Boundary Element Method for two dimensional composite bodies is presented. The composite body is viewed as a homogeneous orthotropic body. Unlike an isotopic body, an orthotropic body has 3 possible forms of fundamental solutions, depending upon the relationship of the four material constants of an orthotropic body. The structure of these fundamental solution is discussed briefly. Discretization of the problem results in integrals over straight line segments. The integrand of these integrals is a product of the fundamental solutions and a polynomial. Analytical expressions for any order of polynomial were found using an iterative scheme. The key to obtaining the analytical expressions is a set of transformation equations and the structure of the fundamental solution. These are discussed briefly in this paper. Results are presented for an elastostatic problem, a contact problem that arises in a pin fastened composite and a plate bending problem.
A Fully Consistent Formulation of Early-Time Approximations for Acoustic Media

A previous derivation of early-time approximations (ETA’s) to treat the transient fluid-structure interaction for a body submerged in an infinite acoustic meduim is extended. The extension accounts for variation of the wet-surface fields in the vicinity of the field point. This produces a third-order ETA that does not collapse to the crude plane-wave approximation where the wet surface is locally flat. Specific-acoustic-impedance curves are presented for a spherical surface that demonstrate modest superiority of the third-order ETA over the second-order ETA for even a curvature-dominated geometry.
Contingency Theory in Information Systems Research

Contingency theory, which originated in organizational theory, has been utilized in information systems (IS) research for the past 25 years. This ­theory is based on two central findings: First, there is not one best way to organize or manage a firm. Second, each specific method a firm could choose to organize or manage is not equally effective (Galbraith 1973). IS researchers have utilized the primary contingency theory variables of environment; technology, structure, and management effectiveness in their study of important topics; which include systems planning, systems design, systems implementation, performance, user involvement, and Internet adoption. This chapter describes the main contingency theory constructs which are used in IS research and the seminal work in organizational theory; the primary research methods; and lastly, the limitations of ­contingency theory.
Polymorphisms of Genes Related to Function and Metabolism of Vitamin D in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) endocrine system has emerged as an endogenous pleiotropic biological cell regulator with anti-neoplastic effects on breast, colorectal, and prostatic adenocarcinomas. We studied the association of gene expression, polymorphisms of VDR, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1 genes and serum vitamin D levels as surrogate markers of disease progression in patients with acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus (BE), or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We analyzed blood and tissue samples from patients with biopsy-confirmed BE or EAC for vitamin D levels, gene expressions, and polymorphisms in VDR (FokI [F/f], BsmI [B/b], ApaI [A/a], and TaqI [T/t]), CYP27B1 (HinfI [H/h]), and CYP24A1 (Hpy1881 [Y/y]). Percentages of homozygous dominant/recessive or heterozygous traits were assessed for each polymorphism in all patient subgroups. Genomic Bb and FF polymorphisms were highly prevalent in EAC patients, whereas BE patients had a high prevalence of wild-type Hpy1881 (YY polymorphism). Some polymorphisms (Yy for CYP24A1, bb for VDR) were noted only in EAC patients. Yy and bb forms were both uniquely present in some EAC patients without associated Barrett’s lesions, but not in patients with concomitant BE. AA and bb polymorphisms were associated with decreased response to neoadjuvant therapy. A high level of VDR and CYP24A1 mRNA expression was observed in EAC tissue of non-responders. Serum vitamin D deficiency was common in EAC patients. Specific polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolism-related genes are associated with the likelihood of reflux–BE–EAC progression. Identifying such polymorphisms may aid in development of better surveillance and diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.
MDockPeP: An ab-initio protein-peptide docking server

Protein-peptide interactions play a crucial role in a variety of cellular processes. The protein-peptide complex structure is a key to understand the mechanisms underlying protein-peptide interactions and is critical for peptide therapeutic development. We present a user-friendly protein-peptide docking server, MDockPeP. Starting from a peptide sequence and a protein receptor structure, the MDockPeP Server globally docks the all-atom, flexible peptide to the protein receptor. The produced modes are then evaluated with a statistical potential-based scoring function, ITScorePeP. This method was systematically validated using the peptiDB benchmarking database. At least one near-native peptide binding mode was ranked among top 10 (or top 500) in 59% (85%) of the bound cases, and in 40.6% (71.9%) of the challenging unbound cases. The server can be used for both protein-peptide complex structure prediction and initial-stage sampling of the protein-peptide binding modes for other docking or simulation methods. MDockPeP Server is freely available at http://zougrouptoolkit.missouri.edu/mdockpep. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of Phase-Change-Based Thermally Modulated Fiber Sorbents

Microencapsulated phase change materials (μPCM) are combined with the metal–organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 and a cellulose acetate fiber support to introduce thermal modulation into CO2 capture devices operating in subambient conditions. μPCM particles are incorporated into sorbent fibers during the fiber spin dope preparation step and are observed to withstand the spinning and subsequent solvent exchange steps with little to no loss of thermal modulating properties as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The spinning of this novel sorbent-μPCM fiber sorbent is the first instance of single step spinning of sorbents with a thermal modulator. It was found that μPCM weight loading as high as 75 wt % was attainable while maintaining spinable fibers. Breakthrough adsorption experiments and subsequent temperature profile analysis were collected to compare CO2 breakthrough capacity and heat release for sorbent systems with and without phase change materials incorporated. In adsorption modules w...
A retrospective study on factors predictive of operative intervention in symptomatic accessory navicular

Abstract Purpose The variables causing symptomatic accessory navicular are largely unknown and may inform management of symptomatic patients. The purpose of this study was to examine patient specif...
The impact of culture and relational quality in the cooperation between export companies and local distributors

The increased globalization and internationalization of business has highlighted the importance of understanding the role of culture and the quality of relations in influencing the cooperation between companies from a cross-cultural perspective. The role of trust and commitment, on one side, and the role of cultural similarities and dissimilarities, on the other hand, was sparsely examined in international contexts. Thus, the aim of this research is to understand how the culture and the quality of relations characterized by trust and commitment affect the established cooperation between Portuguese exporting companies and their distributors in Angola. For this purpose, a qualitative analysis is carried out in five Portuguese exporting companies and five Angolan distributors. The selection of Portuguese companies was based on a list of the largest fifty Portuguese exporting companies to Angola, based on the Portuguese Investment and Foreign Trade Agency, EPE (AICEP), in August 2011. After conducting interviews with the managers of exporting companies, the collaborators responsible for the export activities, and the Angolan distributors, the results show that culture, trust and commitment have an impact on the cooperation between Portuguese exporting companies and their Angolan distributors.
Liminality: Thinking Through Creative Practice, Unpredictability and Pedagogy of Collaboration. Arts-Based Knowledge Translation Frameworks

The pedagogical frameworks outlined in this paper are based in student learning at the intersection of academic knowledge acquisition and research, with discipline expert teaching. They centre on the cultivation of liminal spaces in which a student finds multiple entry points to a topic/s and multiple ways of generating outcomes. The examples provided demonstrate how thinking through creative practice and material culture research can cultivate the higher order critical and flexible thinking skills students require to engage with creative practice and collaborations which ‘support human life and learning’ (Tudor, Creativity: a higher order capability. Doctoral dissertation, University of Technology, Sydney, 2005). Experimentation is championed, and the learner engages with the senses though the sensual body; research, creative and innovative ideas-generation; place, identity and time. Thinking elastically through the capacity to ‘re-imagine’ established discourse is pivotal, to challenge existing prejudices, test and create new theories, challenge norms and embrace the ‘new’ to establish contemporary dialogues and narratives. The paper examines workshops that re-imagine historical memory, translate research through arts-based practices, innovate using tangible and ephemeral stimuli, develop collaborative entrepreneurial relationships and promote ‘doing’ by ‘becoming’ through the senses, in a unique community of creative practice (Dewey, Art as experience. Capricorn Books, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1934).
Convolutional Neural Network for Hybrid fNIRS-EEG Mental Workload Classification

The classification of workload memory tasks based on fNIRS and EEG signals requires solving high-dimensional pattern classification problems with a relatively small number of training patterns. In the use of conventional machine learning algorithms, feature selection is a fundamental difficulty given the large number of possible features and the small amount of available data. In this study, we bypass the challenges of feature selection and investigate the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for classifying workload memory tasks. CNNs are well suited for learning from the raw data without any a priori feature selection. CNNs take as input two-dimensional images, which differ in structure from the neural time series obtained on the scalp surface using EEG and fNIRS. Therefore, both the existing CNN architectures and fNIRS-EEG input must be adapted to allow fNIRS-EEG input to a CNN. In this work, we describe this adaptation, evaluate the performance of CNN classification of mental workload tasks. This study makes use of an open-source meta-dataset collected at the Technische Universitat Berlin; including simultaneous EEG and fNIRS recordings of 26 healthy participants during n-back tests. A CNN with three convolution layers and two fully connected layers is adapted to suit the given dataset. ReLU and ELU activation functions are employed to take advantage of their better dampening property in the vanishing gradient problem, fast convergence, and higher accuracy. The results achieved with the two activation functions are compared to select the best performing function. The proposed CNN approach achieves a considerable average improvement relative to conventional methods such as Support Vector Machines. The results across differences in time window length, activation functions, and other hyperparameters are benchmarked for each task. The best result is obtained with a three-second window and the ELU activation function, for which the CNN yields 89% correct classification, while the SVM achieves only 82% correct classification.
Open Distal Pancreatectomy with Splenectomy

This chapter discusses technical aspects of open distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, including instrumentation and equipment, patient positioning, and surgical steps. The authors also offer pearls and pitfalls.
Process development for the recovery of rare earth elements and critical metals from an acid mine leachate

Abstract Acid mine leachate (AML) may be a significant source of rare earth and other critical elements needed for the manufacturing of advanced electronics and renewable energy technologies. A systematic study was performed on a natural leachate collected from a coal preparation plant that treated bituminous coal containing elevated amounts of pyrite. The leachate contained 1.96 ppm total REEs, 2.52 ppm Zn, 2.15 ppm Ni, 1.22 ppm Cu, 0.77 ppm Co, and 25 ppm Mn. Sequential precipitation using simple pH control generated a pre-concentrate containing 0.82% total REEs, 1.08% Zn, 0.91% Ni, 0.50% Cu, 0.34% Co, 7.1% Mn. The pre-concentrate was further treated by re-dissolution using a 10 M HNO3 solution, which resulted in a solution pH of 1.5. The addition of oxalic acid to selectively precipitate the REEs followed by roasting of the precipitate generated a product containing >98% rare earth oxides. More than 95% of the Cu and Zn were recovered from the residual liquid using Na2S at pH 2 and 3, respectively. The CuS and ZnS contents in the corresponding concentrates were 60% and 58%, respectively. The majority of the Co and Ni remained in the residual liquid. Based on these findings, a process flowsheet was developed to recover the REEs and critical metals from AML.
Dermatologist transitions: Academics into private practices and vice versa

National experience demonstrates that most physicians will undergo a job change within the first few years of practice. Due to shifting payment models, personal preferences, and financial burden, among other factors, job transitions between private practice and academic medicine are expected. With the rising shortage of dermatologists and an increase in demand for dermatologic services, this particular topic is salient due to the impact on patient care, graduate medical education, and advances in research and medicine. The balance between these elements is fundamental for the future of dermatologic education and care. We address the challenges faced by dermatologists in both the academic and private practice settings, while offering insight into the motivations and barriers in the transition between the two.
Peroxiredoxin 2 Controls Proliferation in Extracellular Matrix-Detached SKOV3 Ovarian Cancer Cells

Ovarian carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer death for women living in the United States, where approximately 53% of individuals diagnosed succumb to this disease. This is primarily due to lack of early detection and the ability of ovarian cancer cells to spread, or metastasize, thus making the disease more difficult to treat. Non-tumorigenic epithelial cells rely on attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) to thrive; however, cancer cells must be able to survive detached from the ECM in order to metastasize to other areas of the body. Studies have examined how cancer cells can metastasize and survive detachment, and it is evident that these cancer cells must contend with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study focuses on the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) and its role in proliferation and cell survival in metastatic ovarian carcinoma. Here, we report that PRDX2 deficiency severely compromises growth in anchorage independence, and that PRDX2 deficiency uniquely abrogates proliferation in ECM detachment. Consequently, PRDX2 should be further explored as a therapeutic target for late-stage ovarian carcinoma.
Statistical mirror symmetry

Abstract In this paper, we investigate a duality between Hermitian and almost Kahler structures on the tangent manifold T M induced by pairs of conjugate connections on its base, affine Riemannian manifold M . In the context of information geometry, the classical theory of statistical manifold (which we call S -geometry) prescribes a parametrized family of probability distributions with a Fisher-Rao metric g and, using the Amari-Chensov tensor, a family of dualistic, torsion-free connections ∇ ( α ) , known as α-connections on M . Here we prescribe an alternative geometric framework (which we call P -geometry or partially flat geometry) by treating such parametrization as affine coordinates with respect to a flat connection ∇, and considering its g-conjugate connection ∇ ⁎ which is curvature-free but generally carries torsion. Under P -geometry, the triplet ( g , ∇ , ∇ ⁎ ) on M leads to a pair of complex and almost Kahler structures on T M , in “mirror correspondence” to each other. Such complex-to-symplectic correspondence is reminiscent of mirror symmetry in string theory. We discuss the statistical meaning of mirror correspondence in terms of reference duality and representation duality in (various generalizations of) contrast/divergence functions characterizing proximity of probability distributions within a parametric statistical model.
Nerve Reconstruction Using Processed Nerve Allograft in the U.S. Military

Background Processed nerve allograft (PNA) is an alternative to autograft for the reconstruction of peripheral nerves. We hypothesize that peripheral nerve repair with PNA in a military population will have a low rate of meaningful recovery (M ≥ 3) because of the frequency of blasting mechanisms and large zones of injury. Methods A retrospective review of the military Registry of Avance Nerve Graft Evaluating Utilization and Outcomes for the Reconstruction of Peripheral Nerve Discontinuities database was conducted at the Walter Reed Peripheral Nerve Consortium. All adult active duty military patients who underwent any peripheral nerve repair with PNA for complete nerve injuries augmented with PNA visit were included. Motor strength and sensory function were reported as a consensus from the multidisciplinary Peripheral Nerve Consortium. Motor and sensory testing was conducted in accordance with the British Medical Research Council. Results A total of 23 service members with 25 nerve injuries (3 sensory and 22 mixed motor/sensory) underwent reconstruction with PNA. The average age was 30 years and the majority were male (96%). The most common injury was to the sciatic nerve (28%) from a complex mechanism (gunshot, blast, compression, and avulsion). The average defect was 77 mm. Twenty-four percent of patients achieved a meaningful motor recovery. Longer follow-up was correlated with improved postoperative motor function (r = 0.49 and P = .03). Conclusions The military population had complex injuries with large nerve gaps. Despite the low rate of meaningful recovery (27.3%), large gaps in motor and mixed motor/sensory nerves are difficult to treat, and further research is needed to determine if autograft would achieve superior results. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic, Level III.
Patient Perspectives on Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose When not Using Insulin: a Cross-sectional Survey

Professional societies have recommended against use of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) in non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (NITT2D) to control blood sugar levels, but patients are still monitoring. To understand patients’ motivation to monitor their blood sugar, and whether they would stop if their physician suggested it. Cross-sectional in-person and electronic survey conducted between 2018 and 2020. Adults with type 2 diabetes not using insulin who self-monitor their blood sugar. The survey included questions about frequency and reason for using SMBG, and the impact of SMBG on quality of life and worry. It also asked, “If your doctor said you could stop checking your blood sugar, would you?” We categorized patients based on whether they would stop. To identify the characteristics independently associated with desire to stop SMBG, we performed a logistic regression using backward stepwise selection. We received 458 responses. The common reasons for using SMBG included the doctor wanted the patient to check (67%), desire to see the number (65%), and desire to see if their medications were working (61%). Forty-eight percent of respondents stated that using SMBG reduced their worry about their diabetes and 61% said it increased their quality of life. Fifty percent would stop using SMBG if given permission. In the regression model, respondents who said that they check their blood sugar levels because “I was told to” were more likely to want to stop (AOR: 1.69, 95%CI: 1.11, 2.58). Those that used SMBG due to habit and to understand their diabetes better had lower odds of wanting to stop (AOR: 0.33, 95%CI: 0.18–0.62; AOR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.39–0.93, respectively). Primary care physicians should discuss patients’ reasons for using SMBG and offer them the option of discontinuing.
Egocentric Object Recognition Leveraging the 3D Shape of the Grasping Hand

We present a systematic study on the relationship between the 3D shape of a hand that is about to grasp an object and recognition of the object to be grasped. In this paper, we investigate the direction from the shape of the hand to object recognition for unimpaired users. Our work shows that the 3D shape of a grasping hand from an egocentric point of view can help improve recognition of the objects being grasped. Previous work has attempted to exploit hand interactions or gaze information in the egocentric setting to guide object segmentation. However, all such analyses are conducted in 2D. We hypothesize that the 3D shape of a grasping hand is highly correlated to the physical attributes of the object being grasped. Hence, it can provide very beneficial visual information for object recognition. We validate this hypothesis by first building a 3D, egocentric vision pipeline to segment and reconstruct dense 3D point clouds of the grasping hands. Then, visual descriptors are extracted from the point cloud and subsequently fed into an object recognition system to recognize the object being grasped. Our experiments demonstrate that the 3D hand shape can indeed greatly help improve the visual recognition accuracy, when compared with the baseline where only 2D image features are utilized.
Model of auto associative memory that stores and retrieves data regardless of their orthogonality, randomness or size

The use of autoassociative memory to store nonorthogonal nonrandom data is discussed. The basic model of autoassociative memory examined is the Hopfield network. Hopfield networks are content-addressable memories processing all the emergent properties. A description of associative memory and a proof that it can also be used as a content-addressable memory, without any further computation than standard, are given. The results of simulations demonstrate an improved behavior when associative memory is used as content-addressable memory instead of Hopfield networks. The final model, a combination of Hopfield networks and associative memory, is discussed in detail, and a model of shared content-addressable memory (SCAM) based on this model is discussed. The problem of storing the same pattern twice and at the same time is addressed, and a solution is proposed to the problem of associating two patterns of activity in an autoassociative memory. >
Gender studies: A global perspective of their evolution contribution, and challenges to comparative higher education

The incorporation of new fields of study in the university tendsto be a contested process. This has been the case for women'sstudies despite its many conceptual, theoretical, and methodologicalcontributions. Moreover, these programs have constantly sufferedfinancial vulnerability and struggled for academic recognitionand autonomy. Comparative data about women's studies programs existbut could be enhanced by explicit cross-national studies. At thecrossroads today, women's studies can chose to adopt more feministpolitical concerns and engage in socially transformative researchprojects or succumb to forces of globalization that, in making theuniversity increasingly entrepreneurial, preempt concerns forequity and social justice.
Effects of Dietary Xylitol on Redox State and Gluconeogenesis in the Rat Liver

Rats fed a 20% xylitol diet were compared to rats fed for 6 weeks a diet of either 20% glucose, cornstarch or sucrose (plus 45% cornstarch), or the AIN-76TM diet (basal diet). There were no differences between the rats (diarrhea-free) fed xylitol and those fed the other carbohydrate sources in the lactate/pyruvate ratio in freeze clamped livers. Gluconeogenesis was measured from 10 mM of various precursors in isolated hepatocytes. Rats fed xylitol had: a) a lower rate of glucose production from lactate compared to rats fed the sucrose, glucose or basal diet; b) a lower rate of gluconeogenesis from xylitol than in rats fed either the basal or glucose diets, and c) equal capacity to produce glucose from pyruvate, glycerol, dihydroxyacetone or alanine as rats fed the other diets. Ethanol added to isolated hepatocyte incubations did not have a greater inhibitory effect on gluconeogenesis in xylitol-fed animals than in those fed the other carbohydrates. Results of this study indicate that dietary xylitol has little effect on the hepatic cytosolic redox state or on the ability of the rat liver to produce glucose in the presence of ethanol, but may have an effect on the rate of glucose production from some precursors.
High Trans-Fat but not Saturated Fat Beverage Causes an Acute Reduction in Vascular Endothelial Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Humans

A diet high in trans-fatty acids (TFA) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, mediated in part from dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance. A high-fat meal ...
Effect of ergot alkaloid consumption on recovery of horses completing a standardized performance exercise test under hot, humid conditions

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 33 (2013) 321-399 323 treatment and then again at days 30, 60, 90 during the supplementation period. Reflective three dimensional markers (3.81cmindiameter)wereplacedatall jointson fore and hind limbs during video recording. Video footage was captured using two high speed Ethernet GigE uEyeTM cameras (IDS Imaging Development Systems, Obersulm, Germany) placed perpendicular to the line of travel on either side of the horse. Video footage was recorded into the EquineTecTM (Monroe, GA, USA) software program for analysis. Blood via jugular puncture was taken the morning following video recording. Hematocrit values were analyzed immediately. Whole blood and plasma was frozen for later analysis. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) analysis was conducted onplasma according to procedures established by C. JoandD.U.Ahn [3].DatawasanalyzedusingSASversion9.3 ProcGLMwithrepeatedmeasuresover time todetermine the effects of treatment, time, and treatment by time interactions. P valuesof P<0.05were consideredsignificant.After90 days, glucosamine horses showed greater front leg retraction distance (P1⁄4.01) as compared to earlier time points. No significant difference in this parameter was seen in control horses. Additionally, a trend toward greater front fetlock flexionwasobserved inglucosamine supplementedhorses as compared to controls. No differences between control and treatment were observed in TBARS analysis. In conclusion, oral supplementation of glucosamine sulfate resulted in modest changes in biomechanical parameters measured. Differences in blood oxidative levels between treatments were not observed.
Interactions of First-Grade Teachers with Learning Disordered Children

Research suggests that the extent and nature of teacher-child classroom interactions are related to certain pupil characteristics, e.g., achievement level. The purpose of this study was to determine whether learning disordered students (broadly defined) were afforded different interactions from their regular classroom teachers than were children achieving at low, medium, or high levels. The dyadic teacher-child interactions of 110 first-grade students in four classrooms in two middle-class, suburban schools were recorded for seven hours per week for the first 13 weeks of the school year. Data analysis revealed that learning disordered children received more teacher criticism in interactions concerning classroom procedures and more teacher criticism and warning regarding behavior than their nondisabled peers. The authors concluded with the speculation that regular classroom teachers may be ill-equipped to manage the learning behavior of learning disordered children.
Transverse Beam Containment in the ANL 4-GeV Microtron

Optical systems have been designed to contain the electrons during the acceleration from 0.185-4.0 GeV. These systems are located in the dispersive straight sectionX and maintain a matched dispersion free beam with s* = 15.0 m in the linac centers, and transverse beam waists in the centers of the dispersive straight sections. A thin-lens code has been developed to design the multi-energy system. Three versions of the focussing systems have been evolved: (i) Two quadrupole triplets for E ? 1.62 GeV; (ii) A single triplet for 1.655 ? E 2.215 GeV, and (iii) A pentaquad system for E ? 2.250 GeV. For case (i) we step the exit edges for the 60° bending magnets so as to simulate a zero degree edge - this reduces vertical defocussing effects to an acceptable value. At the higher energies the exit edge angles are -60°. The entrance angles are 15° on the linac sides of the dipoles. Energy behavior of the Twiss parameters and quadrupole strengths are presented.
The attitudes of constant angular velocity motions

Abstract A rotation can be represented by a tensor which in turn can be parameterized by an angle of rotation and an axis of rotation. This paper presents the first systematic study of the class of rotation tensors which possess constant angular velocities. In addition to the expected rotations featuring constant axes of rotation and constant angular rates, the existence of two other types of rotation are shown. For these rotations, the time variation of the angle and axis of rotation are coupled by an integrable dynamical system. Although the temporal behavior of the axis and angle of rotation can be complex, it also demonstrated how the rotations can be considered as motions about the angular velocity vector. One of the methods used to show this result is based on an analogue to the geometry of a circular helix. The presence of the class of rotations in rigid body dynamics and twistless helical deformations of rods is also discussed.
Epidermal growth factor receptor as a target for cancer therapy

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was identified in 1962, followed by purification of the EGF receptor (EGFR) in 1980. Since then, overexpression of EGFR has been found to correlate with the poor outco...
A continuously recirculating optical pumping apparatus for high xenon polarization and surface NMR studies

A continuously recirculating xenon optical pumping apparatus was constructed and coupled to a 200 MHz NMR spectrometer. Steady-state 129 Xe polarizations as high as 69% were achieved approximately 5 min after circulation was begun, and this polarization is >3.5 times larger than observed for single pass operation. Using this apparatus, spin polarization induced nuclear Overhauser effect (SPINOE) experiments were performed on porous silicon samples and on 13 CD3OD adsorbed on TiO2-coated optical fibers to evaluate the capabilities of the system for studying low surface areas samples. The 13 C enhancement achieved was approximately 14.
Correlation between light attenuation and particulate concentration of a coal-fired power plant emission

Abstract Measurements were made of the light attenuation and mass concentration of paniculate emissions from a coal-fired power plant on three different occasions over a 5-year period. Linear correlation coefficients of 0.99, 0.96, and 0.96 were observed for the three individual sets of measurements, and a linear correlation coefficient of 0.93 was observed for all measurements. Light attenuation-mass measurements showed similar results when the plant was operating at full and half loads. Particle size measurements were made on four different occasions during the study with similar results. A mass mean particle size of 2 ± 1 μm was measured when the particulate control equipment was operated at maximum efficiency. When the control equipment was operated at reduced efficiencies to increase emissions, a mass mean particle size of 3.5 ± 1.5 μm was measured. The work indicates that an empirically calibrated light transmissometer has the potential for monitoring the mass concentration of particulate emissions from coal-fired power plants, although the stability of such correlations and the calibration frequencies necessary to maintain specific accuracies need to be better defined.
Vertical Profiles of CCN at Various Geographical Locations

Abstract Measurements of the number density, volatility and supersaturation spectra of CCN during aircraft soundings to about 15,000 ft MSL over Arizona, Central Pacific, Alaska, and in a convective region over Florida, and on five flights to an altitude of 35,000 ft off the cast and west coasts of the United States are presented. The results show that generally over continental areas away from strong anthropogenic sources the number of CCN is about ten times as great as in marine air masses and as found over snow-packed polar regions. Over continental areas the count decreases with altitude; whereas in the oceanic environments and polar regions the count sometimes increases above the inversion such that at higher altitudes there are no systematic differences between oceanic and continental environments. On several occasions, over the Pacific, anomalously high counts of several thousand CCN cm−3 have been encountered. Five soundings to 35,000 ft indicate no systematic increase or decrease in CCN with alti...