cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Evidence-based treatment approaches for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) comprise psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or a combination of the two. First-line pharmacotherapy agents include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and, in certain European guidelines, pregabalin, which gained European Commission approval. Although short- and long-term efficacy have been established for these agents in controlled trials, response rates of 60–70 % are insufficient, remission rates are relatively modest, and relapse rates considerable. Moreover, questions increasingly arise regarding tolerability and side-effect profiles. As an alternative, antipsychotics have long been of interest for the treatment of anxiety disorders, but investigation had been tempered by their potential for irreversible side effects. With the improved side-effect profiles of atypical antipsychotics, these agents are increasingly being investigated across Axis I disorders. Atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone have been shown to be helpful in addressing a range of anxiety and depressive symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, and have since been used in the treatment of a range of mood and anxiety disorders. In this article, we review the efficacy and tolerability of atypical antipsychotics as adjunctive therapy and/or monotherapy for individuals with GAD, a currently off-label indication. The most evidence has accumulated for quetiapine. Findings suggest that approximately 50 % of participants tolerate the side effects, most commonly sedation and fatigue. Among this subset, those who continue treatment demonstrate significant reductions in anxiety when used as adjunctive therapy or monotherapy. The appropriateness of the use of antipsychotics in the treatment of GAD is discussed.
Iterative SINR-Max Cooperative Beamforming in Multiuser MIMO Systems

We have proposed the SINR-max cooperative beamforming design, which aims to maximize the signal-to-interference-noise ratio of each user by exploiting the advantage of the full multiuser channel state information available at the transmitters. The SINR-max cooperative beamformers are solutions to a set of complicated equations and thus have no closed-form expression. In our previous work, statistical modeling is applied to beamformers to ease the mathematical complication but the obtained beamformers are not the exact solutions to original equations. In this paper, we proposed two iterative algorithms to solve for the exact SINR-max beamformer. Furthermore, the efficiency of the SINR-max cooperative beamforming design can be improved by adopting the power iteration method.
Development of an Efficient Synthesis of the Pyrrolquinolone PHA-529311

An efficient synthesis of N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-8-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-6-oxo-6H-pyrrol[3.2.1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxamide (5) was developed. The route was chosen due to its reasonab...
The FIFE Data Publication Experiment

Abstract The First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE) provided an opportunity to test the concept of data publication for long-term access to valuable scientific data. In analogy with the procedures used in research publication, the FIFE Information System and NASA’s Pilot Land Data System adapted the functions performed by authors, editors, and publishers to an information management environment. Procedures and standards were developed to organize, quality check, document, and review data and associated supporting information for publication on a series of five CD-ROM volumes. The CD-ROM series has been successfully published and is in widespread use in the scientific community. The preliminary indications are that this publication will pass the “20-year test” recommended by a committee of the National Research Council for preserving global change data. It is concluded that the data publication approach, using near-permanent distributable publication units like CD-ROMs, is an important addition to the tools ...
Uric acid and hypertension in adolescents

Hypertension is the most common form of cardiovascular disease. Although it is less common in adolescents than in adults, hypertension and the associated organ damage can and often does begin early in life. Consequently, for many with high blood pressure (BP), measures directed at the long-term prevention of cardiovascular morbidity may need to be started in adolescence to achieve maximal effectiveness. This article discusses some of the problems unique to hypertension in the young, as well as recent discoveries regarding the likely role played by increases in serum uric acid level in the development of adolescent-onset essential hypertension.
Approximation of evolutional system using singular forcing

Abstract A method of finding an asymptotic approximation of the solution of a general class of linear evolutional time-varying systems is developed and applied to illustrative problems, including ordinary and partial differential evolutional systems. The evolutional problem is first forced into the singularly perturbed form by coordinate re-scaling. Singular perturbation methods are then used to find an approximate solution of the forced evolutional problem. The developed approach can be used to: find an approximate solution, often in analytical form, for a broad class of ordinary and partial differential equations; analyze steady-state and transient behavior of the ODE and PDE models; develop hybrid asymptotic-numerical methods for solving time-varying evolutional problems.
A constitutive, transient receptor potential-like Ca2+ influx pathway in presynaptic nerve endings independent of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

Abstract Calcium levels in the presynaptic nerve terminal are altered by several pathways, including voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, Ca2+-ATPase, and the mitochondria. The influx pathway for homeostatic control of [Ca2+]i in the nerve terminal has been unclear. One approach to detecting the pathway that maintains internal Ca2+ is to test for activation of Ca2+ influx following Ca2+ depletion. Here, we demonstrate that a constitutive influx pathway for Ca2+ exists in presynaptic terminals to maintain internal Ca2+ independent of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and Na+/Ca2+ exchange, as measured in intact isolated nerve endings from mouse cortex and in intact varicosities in a neuronal cell line using fluorescence spectroscopy and confocal imaging. The Mg2+ and lanthanide sensitivity of the influx pathway, in addition to its pharmacological and short hairpin RNA sensitivity, and the results of immunostaining for transient receptor potential (TRP) channels indicate the involvement of TRPC channels, possibly TRPC5 and TRPC1. This constitutive Ca2+ influx pathway likely serves to maintain synaptic function under widely varying levels of synaptic activity.
Unionization and the cost of producing hospital services

Since the inclusion of nonprofit hospitals under the provisions of the NLRA in 1974, the extent of unionization among hospital workers has increased sharply. The implications of this trend for hospital costs are examined here by analyzing data from 617 short-term hospitals in the Northeast. It is estimated that unionization on average increases production costs by 5 to 9 percent, with the bulk of this increase resulting from factors other than wage increases. Cost impacts are also found to be greater for national unions and where cost-based payment is more prevalent, and smaller for RN’s and service employees.
A fast echo canceller initialization method for the CCITT V.32 modem

An investigation is conducted of the use of a fast-converging frequency-domain adjustment method for the echo canceller that conforms to the CCITT V.32 standard. The method requires no additional processor cycles (or cost increase) over that already required during steady-state operation of the V.32 modem, and reduces the training period to a maximum of 7.5 s, and nominally about 2.5 s. The presence of intermediate echoes can be detected naturally with the presented methods. Simple modifications of the new method are also introduced to accommodate special situations where intermediate echoes and/or frequency offset are present. >
Tales of the continuum: a subsampled history of analog circuits

This whirlwind survey of analog computation pays tribute to the MA702, MA709, LM1 LM101A, MA741 and subsequent contributions of Robert J. Widlar,"the father" of analog integrated ciruits and explores his influence on collaborators and succesors including Paul Brokaw, Dave Fullagar, George Erdi, Hans Camenzind, Bill Hewlett, Dave Packard, and Barrie Gilbert. By Thomas H. Lee.
The multifamily likelihood ratio test for multiple signal model detection

The generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is a standard tool for designing signal detectors. It produces detectors that perform well when the signal model is known, except for a fixed set of signal parameters. However, it is unable to accommodate multiple signal models. We introduce the multifamily likelihood ratio test, which extends the GLRT and alleviates this limitation.
Cochlear implants and neuroplasticity: linking auditory exposure and practice

Hearing loss is primarily a brain issues, not an ear issue. Technology, e.g. cochlear implants and hearing aids are necessary to reach the brain of a child with hearing loss in order to create a neural structure for listening, language and literacy. The brain requires a great deal of auditory exposure and practice to develop the strong neural connections that serve as a platform for knowledge acquisition. By integrating research from multiple fields, this article links experience dependent plasticity with the amount of auditory practice that is necessary to generate and change neural pathways for children with hearing loss.
Mycobacterium chelonae necrotizing pneumonia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: report of clinical response to treatment with tigecycline

We present a case of progressive Mycobacterium chelonae ssp. chelonae necrotizing pneumonia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the presence of chronic graft-versus-host disease. The patient failed to respond to standard combination therapy with multiple agents and developed resistance to most drugs over the course of treatment. Tigecycline, a new glycylcycline antimicrobial agent with in vitro activity against M. chelonae, was then used with a clinical response to treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case demonstrating tigecycline to have a degree of clinical effectiveness to treat refractory pulmonary infection with M. chelonae in an HSCT recipient.
Hydrolytic Behavior of Isoalloxazines Related to Riboflavin II: Kinetics of Degradation of 9-Methylisoalloxazine in Alkaline Media

The kinetics of hydrolysis of 9-methylisoalloxazine under aerobic conditions was investigated at hydroxide-ion concentrations both below and above its pKa. The nature of the pH profile indicated that a specific base-catalyzed reaction was responsible for the degradation and that the unionized species was much more susceptible to hydrolysis than the ionized form. The hydrolysis in pH 9.0 borate buffer and in strongly alkaline medium was investigated rather extensively. Here quantitative separation of the reaction intermediates and products was achieved by the use of ion-exchange chromatography. Rate studies showed that under strongly basic conditions the parent isoalloxazine disappeared faster than the intermediate anil, while the reverse was true at pH 9.0. These studies also showed that the rate of disappearance of the anil paralleled the rate of appearance of its decomposition products. Evidence was obtained to indicate that the degradation of the isoalloxazine involved an initial hydroxide-ion attack at the Cα position to yield a carbinolamine which underwent further reaction to yield the anil or the ureide and then the final products.
Work in Progress - Women in Computer Science: Why There is No Problem in One Former Soviet Republic

It is well known that women's involvement in Computer Science is very low in the USA and many other countries around the world. However, there are countries, such as republics of former Soviet Union, that have well represented female populations in CS. In 2005 we started a study involving former Soviet countries and the USA. Our goal was (i) to identify the factors that attract women to CS in former Soviet countries, and find out whether these factors exist and/or work in the USA, (ii) to find out whether the well known negative factors that affect women in the USA exist and/or work in those countries. We have conducted an extensive series of surveys and interviews in one former Soviet country, the Republic of Armenia, followed by a round of matching surveys in the USA. This paper presents a summary of the preliminary results of our study.
Estimating long-run marginal cost for mineral deposits:The case of uranium☆

Abstract The ideal timing for the production and use of an exhaustible mineral resource depends crucially on the effect of depletion on production costs. These costs depend, in turn, not only on production technology and factor prices but upon the physical distributional properties of the resource in question. This paper develops and applies a procedure for characterizing the aggregate long-run relationship between production costs and the depletion of a mineral resource. The estimation technique makes use of individual deposit data on grade, tonnage, and depth (as well as past production and prices) to derive the underlying distribution of the mineral resource by production cost. These production costs are ex-post in that they include both extraction and discovery costs. The empirical methodology developed is particularly powerful for resource planning, since it explicitly accounts for the limitations of mining deposit data for long-run cost appraisal.
The Infrared Spectra and Structure of the Amadori Product Formed from Glucose and Glycine

IR spectra are given for 1-deoxy-1-glycino-D-fructose as an anion, cation, zwitterion, and deuterated zwitterion. The major bands are assigned to the vibrations of molecular subgroups. The spectra show that the deoxyfructose residue is predominately in the β-D-pyranose form, although small fractions of other isomers may also be present. These results may be useful in the study of nonenzymatically glycosylated proteins.
Stratified rotating edge waves

The dispersion relation is found for edge waves in a rotating stratified fluid over a constant sloping bottom. The dispersion relation is then extended to the case of arbitrary gentle bottom bathymetry. Superinertial trapped modes do not exist in the rigid-lid Boussinesq case. The effect of some of the approximations that have been made in this problem is discussed.
Neuroendocrine physiology of the early and late menopause.

The average age at menopause is approximately 51 years, but there is now evidence that reproductive aging begins far earlier and is a much more gradual process than the events marked clinically by irregular cycles and the subsequent final menstrual period (FMP). Recent studies of reproductive aging have provided important insights into the control of reproduction in women; in addition they have defined the changes in neuroendocrine and ovarian hormones that accompany this dynamic period and have provided information that is critical to management of infertility in older reproductive-aged women and to understanding the symptomatology of the transition to menopause. This article reviews the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in women and describes the current understanding of the hormonal changes of the early and late menopause that derive from studies in older reproductive-aged women and postmenopausal women.
Physiologic studies of male sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: We conducted this investigation to better define the neural disruptions that result in sexual dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis (MS), using genital electrodiagnostic testing and...
Plunderer and Protector of Cultural Property: Security-Intelligence Services Shape the Strategic Value of Art

International conventions that criminalize wartime abuse of cultural property and bilateral treaties that target trafficking in antiquities reflect evolving consideration for looted art in foreign policy. Since the poignant plunder of Jewish collections by Nazi authorities, restitution of artworks has garnered political clout, and looting of developing nations during the Cold War era compounded the significance of cultural property in foreign affairs. In parallel, the increasing financial volume of the art market over the past half-century has attracted the attention of transnational organized crime and has implications for funding of terrorist groups. This paper examines how security-intelligence services of World War II and the Cold War have controlled the looting and recovery of fine art and antiquities. The examination reveals that, in the post-Cold War period, the areas of application for foreign intelligence on looted art have expanded from diplomacy to security policy.
Near-drowning in the pediatric population.

Near-drowning is a frequently preventable catastrophe that has significant morbidity and mortality Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the scene of the accident is the most important therapeutic intervention because the die is cast by the time the child arrives at the emergency room. Preventative measures are most critical because the ability to treat the neurologic complications have proved ineffective.
Green energy solution for femtocell power control in massive deployments

Mobile data traffic has skyrocketed in recent years and will continue to grow and demand more capacity. Continued heterogeneous networks' evolution and the utilization of massive Femtocell deployments will facilitate the meeting of capacity demands as expected towards 5G and telecom 2020-vision. The CO2 footprint of power usage is becoming spotlighted and energy-aware solutions are required. This paper reviews recent Femtocell downlink power control frameworks and proposes a novel comprehensive one taking into consideration issues like intra-interference (Femto-Femto), dense-deployments and environmental impact. Simulation results show up to 68% user throughput improvement and up to 20.69kg/year CO2-emission reduction for one Femtocell.
Abstract LB-427: Differential effects of resveratrol-induced SIRT1 in prostate cancer: A novel therapeutic target

Silence information regulator (SIRT1) is a Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + )-dependent histone deacetylase that regulates various biological processes including cell survival, apoptosis, metabolism and aging. Given the role for calorie restriction (CR) in delaying the onset of aging and age-related disorders including cancers, efforts are under way to develop CR mimetics as therapeutic agents. Resveratrol, a CR mimetic activates SIRT1 and has been shown to extend life span. Further, resveratrol has been shown to prevent tumor development and cancer cell proliferation in a wide variety of models including prostate. However the precise role of SIRT1 in prostate cancer development and progression remains unexplored. Towards developing SIRT1 targeted preventive approaches, we conducted studies using human prostate cancer cell lines and a preclinical animal model that develops high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) in response to hormone stimulation. Our studies show that androgen independent prostate cancer cell lines (DU145 and PC-3) express higher levels of SIRT1 compared to non tumorigenic RWPE-1 consistent with the published results. Resveratrol-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation was associated with reduction in the levels of pAkt (Ser 473 and Thr 308 ), SIRT1and Cyclin D1 in PC-3 cells but not in DU145. Most interestingly we did not detect SIRT1 enzymatic activation following resveratrol treatment. Further pretreatment of prostate cancer cells with known pharmacological SIRT1 inhibitor (Nicotinamide) enhanced resveratrol mediated proliferation inhibition. Dietary intervention with increasing doses of resveratrol for 3 weeks showed no protective effect on the development of PIN lesions or chronic inflammation or atrophy in rats stimulated with hormones. Our studies show for the first time that (i) SIRT1 may not be a direct target of resveratrol; (ii) combination of resveratrol and SIRT1inhibitor may provide a new approach to prevent development and progression of prostate cancer. Supported by CA 137518 (APK). Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-427.
Activity in pervasive computing project-based science classrooms

Project-Based Science (PBS) is an educational paradigm supported by recent developments in learning and motivation theory that suggest learning may be facilitated through meaningful and inquiry-oriented activities (Blumenfeld, et al., 1991). Project-based science learning environments produce communities rich with activities that enable students to explore and construct understandings and meanings in science. These socially-situated activities lead to the development of a unique culture with its own set of values, meanings, and practices presumably centered around learning and doing science (Latour & Woolgar, 1979; Lave & Wenger, 1991; Ruopp, 1993). In PBS classrooms, students actively construct their knowledge during projects consisting of: 1) a question or problem that serves to organize and drive activities; 2) a series of products that address the question or problem; 3) students engaging in authentic investigations; 4) communities of students, teachers, and members of society engaging in discourse about the problem as well as collaborating together; and 5) the use of cognitive tools, including portable computers, Internet information and communications, modeling and simulation software, page layout and presentation tools, and hypermedia construction kits.
Minerva: Proactive Disk Scheduling for QoS in Multitier, Multitenant Cloud Environments

In recent years, Internet-connected devices have become ubiquitous, leading to increased demand for computing and storage resources. The cloud has emerged as a cost-effective and scalable solution to infrastructure requirements, making it possible to consolidate several disparate computing resources into a single physical machine. However, while the availability of multicore CPUs, high-capacity memory modules, and virtualization technologies has increased the density of converged infrastructure, disk I/O has remained a substantial performance bottleneck, especially when dealing with high-capacity mechanical disks. Here, the authors investigate how proactive disk scheduling, backed by predictive models and client-side coordination, can influence the overall throughput and responsiveness of a cluster in data-intensive computing environments. They evaluate their framework with a representative MapReduce job on a 1,200-virtual-machine cluster, demonstrating a 21 percent improvement in completion time under heavy disk contention.
The biochemical origins of the surface-enhanced Raman spectra of bacteria: a metabolomics profiling by SERS

The dominant molecular species contributing to the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectra of bacteria excited at 785 nm are the metabolites of purine degradation: adenine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, guanine, uric acid, and adenosine monophosphate. These molecules result from the starvation response of the bacterial cells in pure water washes following enrichment from nutrient-rich environments. Vibrational shifts due to isotopic labeling, bacterial SERS spectral fitting, SERS and mass spectrometry analysis of bacterial supernatant, SERS spectra of defined bacterial mutants, and the enzymatic substrate dependence of SERS spectra are used to identify these molecular components. The absence or presence of different degradation/salvage enzymes in the known purine metabolism pathways of these organisms plays a central role in determining the bacterial specificity of these purine-base SERS signatures. These results provide the biochemical basis for the development of SERS as a rapid bacterial diagnostic and illustrate how SERS can be applied more generally for metabolic profiling as a probe of cellular activity.
Amygdala pain mechanisms.

A limbic brain area, the amygdala plays a key role in emotional responses and affective states and disorders such as learned fear, anxiety, and depression. The amygdala has also emerged as an important brain center for the emotional–affective dimension of pain and for pain modulation. Hyperactivity in the laterocapsular division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeLC, also termed the “nociceptive amygdala”) accounts for pain-related emotional responses and anxiety-like behavior. Abnormally enhanced output from the CeLC is the consequence of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. Impaired inhibitory control mediated by a cluster of GABAergic interneurons in the intercalated cell masses (ITC) allows the development of glutamate- and neuropeptide-driven synaptic plasticity of excitatory inputs from the brainstem (parabrachial area) and from the lateral–basolateral amygdala network (LA-BLA, site of integration of polymodal sensory information). BLA hyperactivity also generates abnormally enhanced feedforward inhibition of principal cells in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a limbic cortical area that is strongly interconnected with the amygdala. Pain-related mPFC deactivation results in cognitive deficits and failure to engage cortically driven ITC-mediated inhibitory control of amygdala processing. Impaired cortical control allows the uncontrolled persistence of amygdala pain mechanisms.
Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure and assessment of malrotation

Upper gastrointestinal series are frequently obtained on children with abdominal pain and vomiting. If the ligament of Treitz (LOT) is in an equivocal position and not to the left of the spine at L1 or L2 it is important to determine the position and fixation of the cecum to assess the breadth of the mesenteric pedicle. Radiographic studies may not accurately accomplish this because of the changing position of the cecum. Laparoscopy can he used to determine the position of LOT and whether the cecum is fixed in the right lower quadrant. If the patient is judged to be at risk for volvulus (i.e., a shortened mesenteric pedicle) a Ladd's procedure can be accomplished laparoscopically with good long-term results. The use of the laparoscope is not advocated when acute volvulus is suspected.
TREX through Cutaneous Health and Disease.

TREX1 and 2 are exonucleases that repair and degrade DNA. Degradation of DNA is involved in maintaining the integrity of the epidermis. The importance of these enzymes to cutaneous integrity is observed when TREX1 and TREX2 pathways become aberrant, and autoimmune or cancerous diseases ensue. Manils et al. have now shown that overexpression of TREX2 may play a role in potentiating psoriasis. Thus, these pathways are likely targets for novel therapeutics.
Mudra: User-friendly Fine-grained Gesture Recognition using WiFi Signals

There has been a great interest in recognizing gestures using wireless communication signals. We are motivated in detecting extremely fine, subtle finger gestures with WiFi signals. We envision this technology to find applications in finger-gesture control, disabled-friendly devices, physical therapy etc. The requirements of mm-level sensitivity and user-friendly feature using existing WiFi signals pose great challenges. Here, we present Mudra, a fine-grained finger gesture recognition system which leverages WiFi signals to enable a near-human-to-machine interaction with finger motion. Mudra uses a two-antenna receiver to detect and recognize finger gesture. It uses the signals received from one antenna to cancel the signal from the other. This "cancellation" is extremely sensitive to and enables us detect small variation in channel due to finger movements. Since Mudra decodes gestures with existing WiFi transmissions, Mudra enables gesture recognition without sacrificing WiFi transmission opportunities. Besides, Mudra is user-friendly with no need of user training. To demonstrate Mudra, we implement prototype on the NI-based SDR platform and use COTS WiFi adapter. We evaluate Mudra in a typical office environment. The results show that our system can achieve 96% accuracy.
CYP3A4 Induction by Rifampin: An Alternative Pathway for Vitamin D Inactivation in Patients With CYP24A1 Mutations

Context The P450 enzyme CYP24A1 is the principal inactivator of vitamin D metabolites. Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in CYP24A1 are associated with elevated serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with consequent hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria and represent the most common form of idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia (IIH). Current management strategies for this condition include a low-calcium diet, reduced dietary vitamin D intake, and limited sunlight exposure. CYP3A4 is a P450 enzyme that inactivates many drugs and xenobiotics and may represent an alternative pathway for inactivation of vitamin D metabolites. Objective Our goal was to determine if rifampin, a potent inducer of CYP3A4, can normalize mineral metabolism in patients with IIH due to mutations in CYP24A1. Methods We treated two patients with IIH with daily rifampin (10 mg/kg/d, up to a maximum of 600 mg). Serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), liver, and adrenal function and vitamin D metabolites, as well as urinary calcium excretion, were monitored during treatment of up to 13 months. Results Prior to treatment, both patients had hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and nephrocalcinosis with elevated serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and suppressed serum PTH. Daily treatment with rifampin was well tolerated and led to normalization or improvement in all clinical and biochemical parameters. Conclusion These observations suggest that rifampin-induced overexpression of CYP3A4 provides an alternative pathway for inactivation of vitamin D metabolites in patients who lack CYP24A1 function.
Surveillance and Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Breast Oncologic Surgery with Immediate Reconstruction

Surgical site infection (SSI) after immediate breast reconstruction is much more common than would be expected after a clean surgical procedure. Although the SSI rates reported in individual studies are quite variable, there are no obvious explanations for the variation in infection rates between institutions. The microbiology of these SSIs is unusual, with higher proportions of infections caused by atypical Mycobacterium species and Gram-negative bacilli than would be expected for this anatomic site. In an effort to prevent SSIs, many surgeons use a variety of different practices including irrigation and soaking of implants with antibiotic solutions and prolonged duration of prophylactic antibiotics, although the literature to support these practices is very sparse. In particular, prolonged use of antibiotics post-discharge is concerning due to the potential for harm, including increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection, development of antibiotic-resistant organisms, and drug-related allergic reactions. With higher rates of mastectomy and breast implant reconstruction in women with early-stage breast cancer, including greater utilization of reconstruction in higher-risk individuals, the number of women suffering from infection after oncologic reconstruction will likely continue to increase. It is imperative that more research be done to identify modifiable factors associated with increased risk of infection. It is also essential that larger studies with rigorous study designs be performed to identify optimal strategies to decrease the risk of SSI in this vulnerable population.
Lubricant Properties of ω − 1 Hydroxy Branched Fatty Acid-Containing Natural and Synthetic Lipids

Hydroxy fatty acids, such as those derived from castor and lesquerella seed oils, make ideal substrates for the synthesis of bio-lubricants, cosmetics, coatings, plastics, and lubricant additives. However, feedstocks of such fatty acids suffer from major drawbacks, such as a lack of a cropping system to produce those seeds or toxic by-products in generating the seed oil, all of which limit availability and thus add to costs. In this study, we explore lubrication properties of microbially derived hydroxy fatty acids and demonstrate that such microbial ω − 1 hydroxy fatty acids, and their derivatives, exhibit lubrication traits (e.g., anti-friction and anti-wear properties) comparable to those of seed-derived hydroxy fatty acids. These ω − 1 hydroxy fatty acids can be recovered from sophorolipids produced by the yeast Candida bombicola ATCC 22214, or by bioengineering bacterial systems to produce them from sugar (Garg et al. in Metab Eng 35:9–20, 2016). Optimization of this latter system can pave the way for a less costly and sustainable alternative to plant-derived bio-lubricants.
Trio Act of Boronolectin with Antibiotic-Metal Complexed Macromolecules toward Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Efficacy.

Bacterial infections, particularly by Gram-negative pathogens, have become a serious threat to global healthcare due to the diminishing effectiveness of existing antibiotics. We report a nontraditional therapy to combine three components in one macromolecular system, in which boronic acid adheres to peptidoglycan or lipopolysaccharide via boron-polyol based boronolectin chemistry, cationic metal polymer frameworks interact with negatively charged cell membranes, and β-lactam antibiotics are reinstated with enhanced vitality to attack bacteria via evading the detrimental enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis. These macromolecular systems exhibited high efficacy in combating pathogenic bacteria, especially Gram-negative strains, due to synergistic effects of multicomponents on interactions with bacterial cells. In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity and hemolysis evaluation indicated that these multifunctional copolymers did not induce cell death by apoptosis, as well as did not alter the phenotypes of immune cells and di...
Thinking/Practicing Clinical Legal Education from within the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Lessons from the Al-Quds Human Rights Clinic

introduction Mention the words “Middle East” and two types of images are immediately summoned up by most audiences — images related to the ancient history of the region and images related to the current struggles for peace and dignity. There are the images of the holy places revered by multiple religions — the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. And, there are the images of war, occupation, and resistance — the “Wall,” the demolished homes, the bombings, and the interminable checkpoints.
Assessment of Simple Models for Molecular Simulation of Ethylene Carbonate and Propylene Carbonate as Solvents for Electrolyte Solutions

Progress in understanding liquid ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) on the basis of molecular simulation, emphasizing simple models of interatomic forces, is reviewed. Results on the bulk liquids are examined from the perspective of anticipated applications to materials for electrical energy storage devices. Preliminary results on electrochemical double-layer capacitors based on carbon nanotube forests and on model solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers of lithium ion batteries are considered as examples. The basic results discussed suggest that an empirically parameterized, non-polarizable force field can reproduce experimental structural, thermodynamic, and dielectric properties of EC and PC liquids with acceptable accuracy. More sophisticated force fields might include molecular polarizability and Buckingham-model description of inter-atomic overlap repulsions as extensions to Lennard-Jones models of van der Waals interactions. Simple approaches should be similarly successful also for applications to organic molecular ions in EC/PC solutions, but the important case of Li $$^+$$ deserves special attention because of the particularly strong interactions of that small ion with neighboring solvent molecules. To treat the Li $$^+$$ ions in liquid EC/PC solutions, we identify interaction models defined by empirically scaled partial charges for ion-solvent interactions. The empirical adjustments use more basic inputs, electronic structure calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, and also experimental results on Li $$^+$$ thermodynamics and transport in EC/PC solutions. Application of such models to the mechanism of Li $$^+$$ transport in glassy SEI models emphasizes the advantage of long time-scale molecular dynamics studies of these non-equilibrium materials.
Embodying Nonduality: Depth Psychology in American Mysticism

Within the field of psychology of religion, depth psychology has been commonly adopted to interpret and often reduce mystical experience to psychodynamics. This paper takes a different approach by exploring how two contemporary American mystical teachers—Judith Blackstone’s Realization Process and Hameed Ali’s Diamond Approach—have respectively draw on the insights of depth psychology to aid in what they present as the embodiment of nondual realization. It focuses on two themes in particular: (i) the reframing of karmic obstructions such as vasanas, samskaras, and skandhas into the language of psychodynamic theory such as self-representations and object relations and (ii) the insertion of psychoanalytic narratives of individuation and relationality into nondual ontologies.
Application of Mixture Design Response Surface Methodology for Combination Chemotherapy in PC-3 Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Combining chemotherapeutics to treat malignant tumors has been shown to be effective in preventing drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and reducing tumor size. We modeled combination drug therapy in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells using mixture design response surface methodology (MDRSM), a statistical technique designed to optimize compositions that we applied in a novel manner to design combinations of chemotherapeutics. Conventional chemotherapeutics (mitoxantrone, cabazitaxel, and docetaxel) and natural bioactive compounds (resveratrol, piperlongumine, and flavopiridol) were used in 12 different combinations containing three drugs at varying concentrations. Cell viability and cell cycle data were collected and used to plot response surfaces in MDRSM that identified the most effective concentrations of each drug in combination. MDRSM allows for extrapolation of data from three or more compounds in variable ratio combinations, unlike the Chou-Talalay method. MDRSM combinations were compared with combination index data from the Chou-Talalay method and were found to coincide. We propose MDRSM as an effective tool in devising combination treatments that can improve treatment effectiveness and increase treatment personalization, because MDRSM measures effectiveness rather than synergism, potentiation, or antagonism.
The identity of undergraduate public affairs education: Opportunities and challenges

Undergraduate public affairs education is an established part of American higher education. The purpose of this article is to describe the current structure of public affairs undergraduate educatio...
Chaos and providence

Le but de cet article est d'examiner le possible lien entre le chaos tel qu'il est concu dans les mathematiques contemporaines et la providence divine. L'A. suggere que le hasard peut tres bien etre un moyen par lequel Dieu se sert du chaos pour agir providentiellement dans Sa Creation, sans pour autant faire du chaos une preuve de l'existence de Dieu. A partir du fait que Dieu existe avec les attributs qui lui sont generalement reconnus, il veut offrir une explication de la facon dont Dieu peut utiliser le hasard et le chaos pour agir dans l'univers selon les lois de la physique.
EFFECTS OF MONOVALENT CATIONS ON CEREBROSIDE SULFATE BINDING TO OPIATE AGONISTS AND ANTAGONISTS

Monovalent cations, Li + , Na + , K + and Rb + , differentially affected the binding of the opiate agonists and antagonists to mixed micelles of cerebroside sulfate (CS) and nonacidic lipids. The cations were more effective in inhibiting the binding of agonists than that of antagonists. At a low concentration of Na + and Li + that inhibited 3 H-dihydromorphine binding, the 3 H-naloxone binding was enhanced specifically by Li + and Na + . Studies of the Na + effect on the binding revealed that the cation decreased more effectively the apparent affinity of agonist than that of antagonist. This effect was similar to the effect of Na+ on the brain tissue binding to opiate agonists and antagonists.
Vignettes of Ambiguity

This article is an exploration of ambiguity as it appears in various guises in philosophical, social, political, and educational situations. Among these situations is the experience of exile. The exploration is conducted by means of literary anecdotes and real-life instances, hence the use of vignettes. The suggestion is made that ambiguity can be conquered only in the concrete, through a life stamped by justice and solidarity with other fellow human beings.
Panel Agile Methods in a Mature Process Environment

Agile software development methods are gaining in popularity, especially in highly-volatile business sectors where time-to-market or time-to-implement is short and system requirements change rapidly. While some proponents of agile methods have declared process maturity as anathema, a significant number of mature organizations are interested in gaining the benefits of agile methods. How should agile methods integrate into the carefully orchestrated realm of process assets, SEPGs, and appraisals? This panel will highlight the benefits and pitfalls of agility, and discuss ways to investigate or implement agile methods without jeopardizing process improvement goals.
DNA damage repair (DDR) germline mutations in patients (Pts) with urothelial carcinoma (UC).

1516Background: We previously reported on germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes in 113 pts with UC, with a 19% rate of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P-LP) variants in DDR genes. Here...
Correction: The efficiency of cytosolic drug delivery using pH-responsive endosomolytic polymers does not correlate with activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Inefficient cytosolic delivery has limited the development of many promising biomacromolecular drugs, a long-standing challenge that has prompted extensive development of drug carriers that facilitate endosomal escape. Although many such carriers have shown considerable promise for cytosolic delivery of a diversity of therapeutics, the rupture or destabilization of endo/lysosomal membranes has also been associated with activation of the inflammasome with attendant risk of inflammation and toxicity. In this study, we investigated relationships between pH-dependent membrane destabilization, cytosolic drug delivery, and inflammasome activation using a series of well-defined poly[(ethylene glycol)-block-[(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-co-(butyl methacrylate)] copolymers of variable second block composition and pH-responsive properties. We found that polymers that demonstrated the most potent membrane-destabilizing activity at early endosomal pH values in an erythrocyte hemolysis assay were most efficient at delivery of siRNA, yet tended to be associated with the least amount of NOD-like related protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. By contrast, polymers that displayed minimal hemolysis activity and poor siRNA knockdown, and instead mediated lysosomal rupture likely due to a proton sponge mechanism, strongly induced NLPR3 inflammasome activation in a caspase- and cathepsin-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings reinforce the importance of early endosomal escape in minimizing inflammasome activation and also demonstrate the ability to tune the degree inflammasome activation via control of polymer structure with potential implications for design of vaccine adjuvants and immunotherapeutics.
Structural Health Monitoring Using Carbon Nanotube Fibers

Abstract Carbon nanotube fibers or yarns are lightweight, stiff, strong, ductile and electrically conductive materials that also exhibit a remarkable piezoresistivity. This piezoresistivity combined with their unique aspect ratio, integrability, and ability for continuous sensing makes them ideal for structural health monitoring, wearable smart textiles, and other sensing applications. This chapter describes the concepts and latest experimental results on structural health monitoring using carbon nanotube fiber sensors including damage detection in laminated composite materials. A combination of sensor configurations is used to detect the presence and exact location of incipient damage as well as its extent and propagation patterns. This monitoring approach is accomplished through impedance and resistance measurements without adding much weight or altering the integrity of the host material. These experimental results using the carbon nanotube fiber sensors are validated using existing techniques including optical fibers monitored through time-domain reflectometry and X-ray tomography.
Reservoir Design and Operation for the Food-Energy-Water Nexus

As populations grow concurrently with changing climates, expanding economies and urbanization, competition for food, energy, and water resources increases. The intersection of these areas, sometimes referred to as the food-energy-water nexus, poses significant challenges. Using mixed-integer linear programming, this paper considers the impact of nexus decisions related to agricultural irrigation, water storage, and power generation on a river basin in northeastern Colorado. The model minimizes the cost of mitigating agricultural water shortages by designing additional storage for, and assigning flow of, excess water while identifying the location of the highest, most consistent volume to facilitate thermal power generation, while adhering to physical and topographical constraints that govern the movement of the river. We find that the optimal solution is a series of small reservoirs (cumulative storage volume of 31,023 acre-feet) to mitigate unmet agricultural demands, and the lowermost portion of the river has the highest, most consistent flow to facilitate thermal power generation. However, there exists enough water in the river during the time horizon of the study to support energy generation at any point along the river. Our optimization model can be used by long-range planners to make strategic food, energy, and water infrastructure decisions.
Superheavy nuclei and hypernuclei: extending the limits of the nuclear chart

Emergence of superheavy nuclei and hypernuclei, two fields of intense research in nuclear physics, has made a big impact on the nuclear chart; while the discovery of the superheavy oganesson has completed the seven full rows of the periodic table, discovery of several exotic hypernuclei have added a third dimension, called strangeness, to the existing nuclear chart. Highlights of some recent developments in these two fields are presented