cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Anoxemia on the Impermeability of the Stomach to Water

SummaryBarbitalized cats and dogs were subjected to various degrees of anoxemia, the most severe being a partial pressure of oxygen of 53 mm. of mercury. This causes a distinct increase in the venosity of the blood. It was found that no degree of anoxemia compatible with life could have any appreciable influence in the venosity of the blood. It was found that no degree of anoxemia compatible with life could have any appreciable influence on the amount of absorption from the stomatch. It was also found that about as much water is absorbed from the stomach of a dead animal as from that of a living one.From our findings, and related evidence from other workers previously quoted, it is concluded that some other factor that the venosity of the blood is of chief importance in the failure of the stomach to absorb water.
Noteworthy Chemistry of Chloroform

Inhaled chloroform anesthesia was introduced in 1847. Soon thereafter, the chemical reactivity of aerobically heated chloroform permitted John Snow and Claude Bernard to do seminal experiments in the assay of drug levels and drug metabolism. However, it was not widely appreciated until a clinical mishap in 1899 that thermal decomposition generated significant levels of toxic phosgene from air-polluting quantities of chloroform in poorly ventilated operating rooms that were illuminated by flames. Phosgene is also generated metabolically from chloroform. A clue appeared in the 1950s when subanesthetic traces of inhaled chloroform proved accidentally lethal to strains of male mice spontaneously expressing high levels of chloroform-metabolizing enzymes. Furthermore, in microbial experiments of 1967, the reactive chloroform molecule was inadvertently discovered to selectively inactivate vitamin B12-dependent enzymes. Chloroform can also activate enzymes. As a solvent, it was serendipitously found in 1903 to activate what is now known as plasminogen to plasmin.
Online Traveling Salesman Problems with Flexibility

The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is a well-known combinatorial optimization problem. We are concerned here with online versions of a generalization of the TSP on metric spaces where the server doesn't have to accept all requests. Associated with each request (to visit a point in the metric space) is a penalty (incurred if the request is rejected). Requests are revealed over time to a server, initially at a given origin, who must decide which requests to serve in order to minimize the time to serve all accepted requests plus the sum of the penalties associated with the rejected requests. In a first online version of this problem (basic version), we assume that the server's decision to accept or reject a request can be made any time after its release date. In a second online version of this problem (real-time version), we assume that the server's decision to accept or reject a request must be made exactly at its release date. After reviewing prior results on the online TSP, we first provide an optimal 2-competitive online algorithm for the basic version of the problem in a general metric space, improving prior results from the literature. We then consider the real-time version of the problem and show that there can't be any finite $c$-competitive online algorithm in a general metric space.
Victor Coxon, member, B.J.'s Black Tie Club at Palmer, 1936-1941.

The 1930's era was a turbulent time for B.J. Palmer who was proposing radical changes in chiropractic methodologies, i.e., the Hole-in-one upper cervical approach, neurocalometer examinations and heavy reliance on x-ray for vertebral listings. Palmer needed and found an inner circle of loyal supporters at the Fountain Head who were named the "Black Tie Club," identified at important Palmer functions wearing the flowing black tie--the Windsor. One such Black Tie Club member was Victor Coxon--a 1930 Palmer School graduate who passed away recently. The present article explores Coxon's assistant directorship of the B.J. Palmer Chiropractic Clinic, some of his many writings, as well as correspondence Dr. Coxon had with the author.
Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy–based relative localization analysis (STORM-RLA) for quantitative nanoscale assessment of spatial protein organization

The spatial association between proteins is crucial to understanding how they function in biological systems. Colocalization analysis of fluorescence microscopy images is widely used to assess this. However, colocalization analysis performed on two-dimensional images with diffraction-limited resolution merely indicates that the proteins are within 200-300 nm of each other in the xy-plane and within 500-700 nm of each other along the z-axis. Here we demonstrate a novel three-dimensional quantitative analysis applicable to single-molecule positional data: stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy-based relative localization analysis (STORM-RLA). This method offers significant advantages: 1) STORM imaging affords 20-nm resolution in the xy-plane and <50 nm along the z-axis; 2) STORM-RLA provides a quantitative assessment of the frequency and degree of overlap between clusters of colabeled proteins; and 3) STORM-RLA also calculates the precise distances between both overlapping and nonoverlapping clusters in three dimensions. Thus STORM-RLA represents a significant advance in the high-throughput quantitative assessment of the spatial organization of proteins.
A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocol for stickleback tissue.

Background Threespine stickleback are an important model for behaviour and evolutionary studies. A growing number of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and gene expression studies are identifying genes related to ecologically important traits in sticklebacks. In order to visualize the expression of candidate genes, we developed a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocol. Methods We present a protocol for FISH on fresh or flash-frozen dissected tissue, using either cryo- or paraffin embedding. The protocol covers probe design guidelines and synthesis, sample embedding, sectioning, and the hybridization process. The protocol is optimized for brain tissue. Key steps for modifying the protocol for other tissues are noted. Results The FISH protocol resulted in specific labelling under all combinations of dissection and embedding conditions. Paraffin embedding preserved morphology better than cryo-embedding. We provide representative results showing the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the brain.
Application of Cell-MateTM 3D matrix in modeling artificial breast ductal cancer as well as control “normal” tissues

In collaboration with BRTI Life sciences, LLC., the UWRF TCIC has been engaged in testing and evaluating a new synthetic 3D tissue engineering matrix material product called Cell-Mate. This new mat...
Response of transgenic Royal Gala apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) shoots carrying a modified cecropin MB39 gene, to Erwinia amylovora

Transgenic Royal Gala apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) shoots were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer using a binary plasmid vector pGV with T-DNA encoding MB39, a modified cecropin SB37 gene, joined to a secretory coding sequence from barley α-amylase and placed under the control of a wound-inducible osmotin promoter from tobacco. The integration of the cecropin MB39 gene into apple was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Seven independent transgenic lines were recovered from a total of 402 inoculated explants, with a transformation efficiency of 1.7%. Both non-transgenic and transgenic tetraploid plants were produced by treating leaf explants with colchicine at 25 mg l–1. Polyploidy was confirmed by flow cytometry. Three of the seven diploid transgenics were significantly more resistant to Erwinia amylovora than the non-transformed Royal Gala control and, in one case, a tetraploid transgenic line was significantly more resistant than the diploid shoot from which it was derived.
Studies of radiation fields of LCLS-II super conducting radio frequency cavities

The Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) will be a hard X-ray Free Electron Laser whose linac can deliver a 1.2 MW CW electron beam with bunch rates up to 1 MHz. To efficiently generate such a high power beam, Super-Conducting Radio-Frequency (SCRF) cavities will be installed in the upstream portion of the existing 3 km Linac at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The 9-cell niobium cavities will be cooled at 2K inside 35 cryomodules, each containing a string of eight of those cavities followed by a quadrupole. The strong electromagnetic fields in the SCRF cavities will extract electrons from the cavity walls that may be accelerated. Most such dark current will be deposited locally, although some electrons may reach several neighboring cryomodules, gaining substantial energy before they hit a collimator or other aperture. The power deposited by the field emitted electrons and the associated showers may pose radiation and machine protection issues at the cryomodules and also in other areas of the accelerator. Simulation of these effects is therefore crucial for the design of the machine. The in-house code Track3P was used to simulate field emitted electrons from the LCLS-II cavities, and a sophisticated 3D model of the cryomodules including all cavities was written to transport radiation with the Fluka Monte Carlo code, which was linked to Track3P through custom-made routines. This setup was used to compute power deposition in components, prompt and residual radiation fields, and radioisotope inventories.
Microstructure and Vertical Velocity Shear Distribution in Monterey Bay

Abstract High-resolution velocity shear and microstructure measurements were made simultaneously from the research submarine Dolphin in Monterey Canyon during October 1984. Inside the thermocline, the velocity shear appeared to be concentrated at set depths in layers 10 to 15 meters thick extending several kilometers horizontally. During the October 19 dive, the Dolphin depth-cycled between 20 and 60 m and followed a predetermined track 10 miles off Monterey. The track started with three parallel, seven mile east-west legs one mile apart and ended with a five mile southwest leg. During the last leg, five very distinct salinity and temperature ramps were observed between two strong shear layers (δU/δz δ0.02 sec -1 ). The ramps were estimated to be 5 m thick and 50 m horizontally. The corresponding T-S diagram did not show any anomaly indicating that the ramps are caused by a local mechanism, maybe some shear instability. Thereafter, the submarine encountered a different water mass and no more ramps were observed near the shear layers.
Characterization of mouse models for the Human p53 codon 72 polymorphism.

PR-8 The TP535 tumor suppressor is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers. In addition to mutation, the activity of p53 can be altered by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which can modify the structure and function of the protein. The TP53 gene contains a common SNP that results in either an arginine or proline encoded at position 72. Numerous epidemiology studies suggest that this R72P polymorphism modulates the risk for developing a variety of cancers. It has been previously reported that the R72P polymorphism correlates with increased incidence of lung cancer and poorer lung cancer prognosis in African-Americans as compared to Caucasian-Americans. Furthermore, African-Americans with the proline mutation have increased odds of lung cancer. Moreover, the R72P polymorphism affects several p53 activities including apoptosis. Currently this polymorphism can only be analyzed by epidemiology studies and in vitro cell culture systems, yielding some conflicting results. Genetically engineered mouse models are powerful tools for studying the function of single genes and even sites of post-translational modifications. Here, we describe the development of a humanized mouse model system, using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology to study this human p53 codon 72 polymorphism. Thus far, we have demonstrated that the human BAC transgenes encoding either the arginine or proline p53 variant can functionally rescue the murine p53 null phenotype. Both human p53 variant proteins are induced in response to DNA damage in the BAC transgenic line and their levels of expression are similar to the level of endogenous murine p53 induced in wild type mice. Furthermore, studies indicate that mice expressing the arginine variant have increased levels of apoptosis when compared to mice expressing the proline variant, which is consistent with previous in vitro findings. We intend to further elucidate the functional differences in the p53 variants within the in vivo environment and clarify the epidemiological studies with laboratory-controlled experiments. Finally, these mice can be used as a model for therapy trials since humans with these p53 variants have been shown to react differently to various therapies.
Impact of Number of Cycles of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum on Outcomes in Patients With Peyronie's Disease

Objective To analyze the impact of the number of cycles of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) intralesional injection therapy on outcomes to further characterize CCH therapy. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the records of all patients treated with CCH for Peyronie disease between April 2014 and March 2016. Collected variables included demographics, pre- and posttreatment sexual function, penile curvature, penile vascular findings, and treatment outcomes. Results A total of 77 patients were included in the study, of which 41 (53%) completed 4 cycles of treatment, consisting of 8 total injections. For all-comers regardless of numbers of cycles, curvature improved from 58.2° (standard deviation = 17.9°, range = 30°-105°) pre-treatment to 41.0° (standard deviation = 17.0°, range = 0°-85°) posttreatment (P < .001). In a repeated measures model, penile curvature improved significantly following the first 3 cycles, but not the fourth. Patients who had a ≥20% final reduction in curvature had a significantly greater change in curvature following the first injection (−16.2° vs −5.8°, P < .001). Conclusion Intralesional CCH therapy is an effective minimally invasive treatment for Peyronie disease, although the therapeutic benefit may decline after the third cycle of treatment. Patients with ≥20% reduction in curvature at the conclusion of treatment documented a greater curvature improvement after the first cycle and received more cycles of CCH.
Relationship between 18F-Flutemetamol uptake and RBANS performance in non-demented community-dwelling older adults.

AbstractObjective: The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) has been used extensively for clinical care and in research for patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, relatively few studies have evaluated the relationship between RBANS performance and AD imaging biomarkers. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the association between a relatively new amyloid positron emission tomography imaging biomarker and performance on the RBANS. Methods: Twenty-seven nondemented community-dwelling adults over the age of 65 underwent 18F-Flutemetamol amyloid– positron emission tomography imaging, along with cognitive testing using the RBANS and select behavioral measures. Partial correlation coefficients were used to identify relationships between the imaging and behavioral markers. Results: After controlling for age and education, amyloid deposition and RBANS Indexes of Immediate Memory, Delayed Memory, and Total Scale score were si...
Optomechanical Quantum Correlations

We present methods to measure optical quantum correlations arising from an optomechanical interaction even when large classical noise sources are present. We demonstrate quantum-backaction-noise-calibrated Brownian motion thermometry as a metrological application of quantum optomechanics.
Flow Decay: A Novel Spirometric Index to Quantify Dynamic Airway Resistance

BACKGROUND: Dynamic airway resistance from obstructive disease causes a concavity in the mid-expiratory portion of the spirometric flow-volume loop. We developed a simple model to measure the exponential decay in air flow during forced exhalation to quantify the extent of dynamic airway obstruction and facilitate the detection of obstructive airway diseases clinically. METHODS: We calculated flow decay as the slope of volume versus ln(1/flow) in mid-exhalation. We derived the normal range in a derivation group of healthy volunteers in whom spirometry had been performed repeatedly. We validated the derived upper limit of normal (mean + 2 × SD) by using it to distinguish a separate group of healthy subjects (n = 25) from subjects with independently diagnosed reversible airway obstruction (n = 31) and subjects with obstruction, hyperinflation, and air trapping (n = 62). RESULTS: In the derivation group (n = 7), the mean ± SD flow decay was 0.588 ± 0.107 L−1 (upper limit of normal = 0.802 L−1). Flow decay in 23 of 25 healthy subjects in the validation group was below the upper limit of normal. In contrast, it was above the upper limit of normal in 29 of 31 subjects with reversible airway obstruction (sensitivity 94%, 95% CI 79–99%; specificity 92%, 95% CI 74–99%) and in 59 of 62 of subjects with obstruction, hyperinflation, and air trapping (sensitivity 92%, 95% CI 74–99%; specificity 95%, 95% CI 86–99%). CONCLUSIONS: Flow decay distinguished subjects with obstructive lung defects from healthy subjects. It is a straightforward representation of spirometry data that provides a reproducible index to quantify dynamic airway obstruction.
Peridynamic Modeling of Cracking in Ceramic Matrix Composites

This study presents a peridynamic modeling approach to predict damage initiation and growth in fiber-reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC). Damage prediction is based on the critical stretch which is directly related to the strain energy release rate failure criteria. The capability of this approach is verified against benchmark solutions and experimental observations available in the literature. A new nonuniform discretization capability in peridynamics is applied to investigate crack propagation in CMCs in the presence of a fairly dense matrix, and with fine discretization of the interphase (coating) regions. In the presence of a weak interphase between the fibers and matrix, it predicts the propagation of cracks through the dense matrix while deflecting around the fibers through the interphase region.
An Investigation of the Relationship between Pesticide Usage and Climate Change

One concern of agriculturalists when regarding climate change involves the effects on pest populations. Climate change may allow pest migration or population expansions which may adversely affect agricultural productivity, profitability and possibly even viability. We examine the effect of current climate variations on the average and variability of U.S. per acre pesticide costs across the U.S. as a proxy for investigating the consequence for pest populations. Empirically, we find that increases in rainfall increases average per acre pesticide usage costs for corn, cotton, potatoes, soybeans, and wheat while hotter weather increases pesticide costs for corn, cotton, potatoes, and soybeans but decreases the cost for wheat. We also investigated the influence of climate on the variability of pesticide costs. There we find that hotter temperatures increase pesticide cost variance for corn, potatoes, and wheat while decreasing it for soybeans. Rainfall increases cause an increase in cost variability for cotton while decreasing it for corn, potatoes, soybeans, and wheat.
Silicon Carbide Thyristors

The basic structure and operation of the thyristor are discussed briefly in Chap. 2 and in more detail in the textbook [1]. The thyristor contains two coupled bipolar transistors that provide an internal positive feedback mechanism that allows the device to sustain itself in the on-state. Analytical models were provided in Chap. 2 for all the operating modes of the thyristor. These models are applicable to the silicon carbide devices discussed in this chapter. The motivation for the development of thyristors from silicon carbide originates from the high on-state voltage drop and slow switching speed of the high-voltage silicon devices. In Chap. 2, it was demonstrated that even a 10-kV silicon thyristor structure has a relatively high on-state voltage drop (close to 3 V) even when the high-level lifetime in its drift region is 100 μs. In the case of silicon carbide devices, the width of the drift region can be greatly reduced (about ten times) when compared with a silicon device with the same voltage rating. This allows obtaining devices with much faster switching speed.
The Complementarity of Mass Spectrometry to Edman Degradation or DNA Based Protein Sequencing

Over the past few years the advances in the methodologies for the rapid sequencing of long DNA chains have advanced to the point that it has become feasible to deduce the amino acid sequence of a protein from the base sequence of the structural gene responsible for the synthesis of the protein, using the genetic code. In principle, it is only necessary to determine a short segment of the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal sequences of the protein and the remaining amino acid sequence should fall into place.
Statistical Leveraging Methods in Big Data

With the advance in science and technologies in the past decade, big data becomes ubiquitous in all fields. The exponential growth of big data significantly outpaces the increase of storage and computational capacity of high performance computers. The challenge in analyzing big data calls for innovative analytical and computational methods that make better use of currently available computing power. An emerging powerful family of methods for effectively analyzing big data is called statistical leveraging. In these methods, one first takes a random subsample from the original full sample, then uses the subsample as a surrogate for any computation and estimation of interest. The key to success of statistical leveraging methods is to construct a data-adaptive sampling probability distribution, which gives preference to those data points that are influential to model fitting and statistical inference. In this chapter, we review the recent development of statistical leveraging methods. In particular, we focus on various algorithms for constructing subsampling probability distribution, and a coherent theoretical framework for investigating their estimation property and computing complexity. Simulation studies and real data examples are presented to demonstrate applications of the methodology.
Extracellular esterase activity as an indicator of endoplasmic reticulum calcium depletion.

Context: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium depletion is associated with diverse diseases, including cardiac, hepatic, and neurologic diseases.Objective: The aim of the present study was to identif...
Glutathione peroxidase-1 inhibits transcription of regenerating islet-derived protein-2 in pancreatic islets.

Abstract Our group previously demonstrated that overexpression of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) in mice (OE) led to escalated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and hyperinsulinemia. Because we found a strong correlation of this phenotype with a diminished expression of regenerating islet-derived protein 2 (REG2) in the OE pancreatic islets, the present study was to reveal underlying mechanisms for that down-regulation of REG2 by GPX1 as a major scavenger of reactive oxygen species. We first treated the OE and wild-type (WT) mice and their islets with ROS-generating diquat, streptozotocin, and H2O2 and ROS-scavenging ebselen and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Their effects on pancreatic and islet REG2 protein and(or) secretion were opposite (P
Abstract 2575: EZH2 mediates resistance to cisplatin in small cell lung cancer through nucleotide excision repair

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive form of lung cancer, with a five-year survival rate of 7%. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the first line treatment for SCLC; however, many patients develop treatment resistance and experience tumor recurrence. Targeting proteins critical to the repair of cisplatin DNA crosslinks is a strategy for overcoming acquired cisplatin resistance in SCLC, but many proteins that mediate crosslink repair have yet to be identified. To address this issue, we performed a synthetic lethal siRNA screen in cisplatin resistant SCLC cells, and identified EZH2 as one of the strongest mediators of cisplatin resistance. EZH2 localizes to sites of DNA damage which are induced by UVA-crosslinking laser microirradiation and interacts in a complex with DDB1, and DDB2, members of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Loss of EZH2 sensitizes SCLC cells to UV damage, and further, loss of EZH2 and DDB1 together are epistatic in the sensitization of SCLC to cisplatin, confirming a role for EZH2 in NER. Specifically, EZH2 promotes the stability of DDB2, which is responsible for the detection NER lesions. This occurs independently of EZH2’s methyltransferase activity on H3K27. Finally, we found EZH2 expression correlates with cisplatin resistance across SCLC cell lines. Together, this data suggests that EZH2 functions as a novel regulator of NER, and that EZH2 is a promising target for cisplatin resistant SCLC. Citation Format: Allyson E. Koyen. EZH2 mediates resistance to cisplatin in small cell lung cancer through nucleotide excision repair [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2575.
Building on the biocultural syntheses: 20 years and still expanding.

Building a New Biocultural Synthesis: Political Economic Perspectives in Human Biology called for an integration of political economy with ecological and adaptability perspectives in biocultural anthropology. A major goal of this volume was to explore the utility of including political-economic and sociocultural processes in analyses of human biological variation, nutrition, and health. A second goal was to enhance collaboration among subfields and work against the "chasm" that separated complementary perspectives in cultural and biological anthropology. Twenty years hence, new ways to link social inequalities and human biology have emerged in part through contributions of developmental origins of health and disease, epigenetics, microbiomes, and other new methods for tracing pathways of embodiment. Equally important, notions of "local/situated biologies" and "reactive genomes," provide frameworks for understanding biology and health at the nexus of ecologies, societies, and histories. We review and highlight these contributions toward expanding critical approaches to human biology. Developments over the past two decades have reinforced the central role of social environments and structural inequalities in shaping human biology and health. Yet, within biocultural approaches, a significant engagement with historical, political-economic, and sociocultural conditions remains relatively rare. We review potential barriers to such analyses, focusing on theoretical and methodological challenges as well as the subfield structure of anthropology. Achieving politically and socially contextualized and relevant critical biocultural approaches remains a challenge, but there is reason for optimism amid new theoretical and methodological developments and innovations brought by new generations of scholars.
Utilizing Ribose Compounds: How Bacteroides PUL It Off

Bacteroides genomes encode a large repertoire of proteins dedicated to the utilization of diverse plant polysaccharides and host glycans. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Glowacki et al. (2020) show that B. thetaiotaomicron can also extract the monosaccharide ribose from nucleosides and characterize proteins necessary for its utilization.
ACUTE LEFT ATRIAL STRAIN CHANGES BEFORE AND AFTER TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) effectively treats severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Left atrial (LA) strain measured by speckle tracking echocardiography quantifies LA function, and has not been evaluated in this population. We measured the baseline reservoir (eR), conduit,
Long-term survival following robot-assisted surgical treatment of early cervical cancer.

5607 Background: To determine progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with early stage cervical cancer surgically treated using robotic-assisted laparoscopy compared ...
Resource Allocation in COVID-19 Research: Which Trials? Which Patients?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ethicists and others have worked to allocate scarce resources in the clinical setting, including intensive care beds, ventilators, and personal protective equipment, i...
Pulmonary MRI: Applications and Use Cases

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has robust soft tissue characterization capability which was previously limited to evaluation of the mediastinum, cardiac, and chest wall imaging. MRI has now progressed from an experimental tool to complementary and alternate radiation free imaging modality for optimal identification and comprehensive evaluation of the lung parenchyma including structural, functional, and real-time imaging covering lung nodules/masses, infections, interstitial lung disease, airway diseases, and vascular and pleural abnormalities. Recent use of fast imaging techniques and respiratory gating has overcome several of the previously reported MRI technical difficulties such as respiratory, cardiac and diaphragmatic motion, as well as susceptibility related to air tissue interface in the lungs. MRI is a viable tool to the imaging armamentarium for the identification and characterization of pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities, providing complementary diagnostic information to computed tomography (CT), improving the non-invasive diagnostic accuracy and problem-solving for indeterminate lesions.
Association of Adherence to Quality Metrics with Recurrence or Mortality among Veterans with Colorectal Cancer.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has defined metrics for colorectal cancer; however, the association of metric adherence with patient clinical outcomes remains underexplored. The study aim was to evaluate the association of National Comprehensive Cancer Network metric adherence with recurrence and mortality in Veterans with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. Veterans with stage I–III colorectal cancer who underwent non-emergent resection from 2001 to 2015 at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center were included. The primary predictor was completion of eligible National Comprehensive Cancer Network metrics. The primary outcome was a composite of recurrence or all-cause death in three phases of care: surgical (up to 6 months after resection), treatment (6–18 months after resection), and surveillance (18 months–3 years after resection). Hazard ratios were estimated via Cox proportional hazards regression in a propensity score–weighted cohort. A total of 1107 electronic medical records of patients undergoing colorectal surgery were reviewed, and 379 patients were included (301 colon and 78 rectal cancer). In the surgical phase, the weighted analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% confidence interval 0.12–1.13) for metric-adherent patients compared with non-adherent patients. In the treatment and surveillance phases, the hazard ratios for metric-adherent care were 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.25–1.85) and 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.31–2.68), respectively. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline metric adherence was associated with a lower rate of recurrence and death in the surgical phase of care among stage I–III patients with resected colorectal cancer.
Advanced endoscopic imaging for detecting and guiding therapy of early neoplasias of the esophagus

Esophageal cancers, largely adenocarcinoma in Western countries and squamous cell cancer in Asia, present a significant burden of disease and remain one of the most lethal of cancers. Key to improving survival is the development and adoption of new imaging modalities to identify early neoplastic lesions, which may be small, multifocal, subsurface, and difficult to detect by standard endoscopy. Such advanced imaging is particularly relevant with the emergence of ablative techniques that often require multiple endoscopic sessions and may be complicated by bleeding, pain, strictures, and recurrences. Assessing the specific location, depth of involvement, and features correlated with neoplastic progression or incomplete treatment may optimize treatments. While not comprehensive of all endoscopic imaging modalities, we review here some of the recent advances in endoscopic luminal imaging, particularly with surface contrast enhancement using virtual chromoendoscopy, highly magnified subsurface imaging with confocal endomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, elastic scattering spectroscopy, angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry, and light scattering spectroscopy. While there is no single ideal imaging modality, various multimodal instruments are also being investigated. The future of combining computer-aided assessments, molecular markers, and improved imaging technologies to help localize and ablate early neoplastic lesions shed hope for improved disease outcome.
N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Longitudinal Risk of Hypertension.

Background Hypertension is a common condition that increases risk for future cardiovascular disease. N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is higher in individuals with hypertension, but studies of its association with hypertension risk have been mixed. Methods The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study enrolled 30,239 Black or White adults aged ≥45 years from 2003-2007. A subcohort included 4,400 participants who completed a second assessment in 2013-2016. NT-proBNP was measured by immunoassay in 1,323 participants without baseline hypertension, defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 or self-reported antihypertensive prescriptions. Two robust Poisson regression models assessed hypertension risk, yielding incidence rate ratios (IRRs): Model 1 included behavioral & demographic covariates and Model 2 added risk factors. A sensitivity analysis using a less conservative definition of hypertension (blood pressure ≥130/80 or self-reported antihypertensive prescriptions) was conducted. Results 466 participants developed hypertension after mean follow-up of 9.4 years. NT-proBNP was not associated with hypertension (Model 2 IRR per SD log NT-proBNP 1.01, 95% CI 0.92-1.12), with no differences by sex, BMI, age, or race. Similar findings were seen in lower-threshold sensitivity analysis. Conclusions NT-proBNP was not associated with incident hypertension; this did not differ by race or sex. Cross-sectional associations of natriuretic peptides with hypertension are likely due to myocardial stretch due to increased afterload.
A conceptual space for episodic and semantic memory

I propose a model that places episodic, semantic, and other commonly studied forms of memory into the same conceptual space. The space is defined by three dimensions required for Tulving's episodic and semantic memory. An implicit-explicit dimension contrasts both episodic and semantic memory with common forms of implicit memory. A self-reference dimension contrasts episodes that occurred to one person with semantic knowledge. A scene dimension contrasts episodes that occurred in specific contexts with context-free semantic information. The three dimensions are evaluated against existing behavioral and neural evidence to evaluate both the model and the concepts underlying the study of human memory. Unlike a hierarchy, which has properties specific to each category, the dimensions have properties that extend throughout the conceptual space. Thus, the properties apply to all forms of existing and yet-to-be-discovered memory within the space. Empty locations in the proposed space are filled with existing phenomena that lack a clear place in current theories of memory, including reports of episodic-like memories for events reported to but not witnessed by a person, fictional narrative accounts, deja vu, and implicit components contributing to personality, the self, and autobiographical memory.
MED1 is a lipogenesis coactivator required for postnatal adipose expansion

MED1 often serves as a surrogate of the general transcription coactivator complex Mediator for identifying active enhancers. MED1 is required for phenotypic conversion of fibroblasts to adipocytes in vitro, but its role in adipose development and expansion in vivo has not been reported. Here, we show that MED1 is not generally required for transcription during adipogenesis in culture and that MED1 is dispensable for adipose development in mice. Instead, MED1 is required for postnatal adipose expansion and the induction of fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis genes after pups switch diet from high-fat maternal milk to carbohydrate-based chow. During adipogenesis, MED1 is dispensable for induction of lineage-determining transcription factors (TFs) PPARγ and C/EBPα but is required for lipid accumulation in the late phase of differentiation. Mechanistically, MED1 controls the induction of lipogenesis genes by facilitating lipogenic TF ChREBP- and SREBP1a-dependent recruitment of Mediator to active enhancers. Together, our ﬁndings identify a cell- and gene-specific regulatory role of MED1 as a lipogenesis coactivator required for postnatal adipose expansion.
From One Pain to Many: The Emergence of Overlapping Pains in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare children and adolescents with overlapping chronic pains (OCP) to those with single chronic pains (SCP) among youth presenting in specialized clinical settings, in an effort to identify potential risk factors for developing overlapping pains. METHODS A total of 1235 youth ages 8 to 18 seen in a tertiary care multidisciplinary pain clinic or a multidisciplinary headache clinic completed self-report measures of pain, disability, psychological functioning and clinical history and characteristics at the time of initial clinic visit. Information was captured in a chronic pain data repository and accessed for the current study. RESULTS Subsequent pain symptoms developed on average 11.9 months (SD=24.5 mo) after onset of the first pain symptom. Compared with patients with SCP, patients with OCP report more medical comorbidity, more developmental issues, and poorer current sleep and school functioning. They also scored significantly higher than patients with SCP on self-reported functional disability, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, depression, anxiety, and psychological stress and lower quality of life (all Ps<0.001). In multivariate analysis, variables most strongly associated with presenting with OCP were age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.1, P<0.001), having a clinically significant high functional disability (OR: 1.4, P=0.3), and low quality of life (OR: 2.5, P<0.001). DISCUSSION Given their tendency toward more psychological and medical comorbidities, patients with OCP may require more intense and diverse treatment approaches. Some early life experiences may be a risk factor for development of OCP. Longitudinal studies are needed to fully evaluate the heightened risk for OCP associated with some of these factors.
Racial/Ethnic Socialization and Faith: Essential Ingredients for Achieving Liberation and Empowerment Among African American Youth

Although racial-ethnic socialization (RES) within the African American communities includes faith/spirituality, Christian social workers have not explored this relationship in ways that explicitly integrate the two. As a result, we have limited understanding of how Christian social workers can foster a holistic sense of self that integrates Christian and racial/ethnic identities to foster empowerment and liberation possibilities among black/African American youth. Drawing on literature related to RES and faith/spirituality, we argue that Christians social workers can integrate the process of faith development, with an explicit focus on Black liberation theology, with RES to promote psychological and spiritual liberation to foster self-worth and dignity of black youth to promote their positive development. This paper provides a review of the literature on racial/ethnic socialization. A discussion of how the Black church and liberation theology along with black history positively shapes racial identity and preparation to resist racism. We conclude with some practice and research recommendations
What is the Significance of the Relatively Large Tubulin Multigene Families for Plant Morphogenesis

The fibrous subcellular structures known as microtubules (MTs) are a major component of the cytoskeleton. They are found in most cell types of virtually all eukaryotic organisms where they play vital roles in cell function and in cellular morphogenesis. They are necessary for such typical eukaryotic cell behavior as mitosis and meiosis, where they provide the mechanism for chromosome movement, and they are responsible for intracellular vesicle transport and for some types of cell motility. Chromosome movement and MT-dependent vesicle transport are brought about by mechanoenzymes, such as dynein or kinesin, which attach to vesicles or kinetochores and move along the surface of the MT, pulling these structures with them. There appears to be a great deal of similarity if not identity in the components of these motility systems throughout the eukaryotes. The molecular composition and function of the mitotic spindle, for example, is similar in angiosperm and other groups of eukaryotes. However, other higher plant MT arrays appear to have unique functions that have no precise counterpart in other groups of organisms. This is particularly true of the cortical MTs that are involved in orienting the deposition of cellulose microfibrils and of the PPB that appears to control the plane of cytokinesis. Although the phragmoplast is analogous to the midbody of vertebrates in that both participate in cytokinesis, it is substantially different from the midbody in function. The phragmoplast MTs participate in constructing the new cell wall that partitions the dividing cell.
Characterization of adjacent breast tumors using oligonucleotide microarrays.

Background Current methodology often cannot distinguish second primary breast cancers from multifocal disease, a potentially important distinction for clinical management. In the present study we evaluated the use of oligonucleotide-based microarray analysis in determining the clonality of tumors by comparing gene expression profiles.
Increased elastin expression in astrocytes of the lamina cribrosa in response to elevated intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE. To determine whether abnormal clastin synthesis in the glaucomatous optic nerve head and lamina cribrosa is due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or secondary to axonal injury, monkeys with elevated IOP and with optic nerve transection were compared. METHODS. Unilateral, chronic elevated IOP was induced in 11 rhesus monkeys by laser scarification of the trabecular meshwork. IOP was monitored weekly and maintained within 25 to 45 mm Hg for 7 to 36 weeks. In 6 monkeys, unilateral, optic nerve transection was performed, and monkeys were killed after 4 weeks. Optic nerve damage was assessed by stereoscopic slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fundus photography and by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. The eyes were enucleated and processed for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization and for electron microscopic immunogold detection of elastin. Axonal loss was evaluated in cross sections of the optic nerve stained with phenylenediamine. RESULTS. Compared with normal contralateral controls, the lamina cribrosa of eyes with elevated IOP exhibited markedly increased elastin and the presence of elastotic aggregates in the extracellular matrix and upregulation of elastin mRNA in the astrocytes. In transected eyes, elastin appeared as fine fibers in the lamina cribrosa, without elastotic aggregates, and without new synthesis or abnormal deposition of elastin. At the transected site, new synthesis of elastin was present in the pia mater but not in astrocytes in the glial scar. CONCLUSIONS. This study demonstrates that abnormal elastin synthesis in experimental glaucomatous optic neuropathy in the monkey is specific to elevated IOP and not secondary to axonal loss. The mechanisms by which elevated IOP induces enhanced elastin synthesis in laminar astrocytes arc unknown but differ from those involved in acute axonal injury such as transection, where inflammation and breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier occur.
The Political Economy of Protectionism and Industrial Policy

This paper develops a model of trade and industrial policy where the politicians in charge of the government can direct the rents generated by their policies toward their political or economic objectives through different channels: lobbying, taxation, regulation, and tariff and quota allocation. Different mechanisms are distinguished by their point of rent extraction and differences in resource waste for each dollar of transfer. In conjunction with industrial policy, specific asset formation is also endogenized. We show that many characteristics of the model's equilibria transcend specific channels of rent extraction that prevail. The parameters that represent the effectiveness of rent transfer through various channels play a mediating role. The results show that the relationships between these parameters and policy outcomes may be different from those based on single-channel models. We show that under reasonable conditions, a variety of parameter changes induce a positive relationship between the restrictiveness of policies toward domestic and foreign competition. This helps explain a number of important empirical regularities such as the positive association of protection with import penetration and output-capital ratio. The model also offers a guide for empirical research on the role of lobbying and other rent extraction mechanisms in policy-making.
Optimizing Paced Ventricular Function in Patients with and without Repaired Congenital Heart Disease by Contractility‐Guided Lead Implant

Background This study evaluates the concept of optimizing ventricular pacing in regard to functional cardiac response. Lead implant based on physiologic variables of contractility at various sites was performed in patients with and without congenital heart disease (CHD). Since right ventricular apical pacing may adversely alter contractility and myocellular function, septal and outflow tract pacing have been advocated. However, there are few studies in the young and essentially none in those with CHD. Methods A total of 113 consecutive patients with and without repaired CHD, aged two to 51 (median 16), some with preexisting epicardial pacemakers, underwent transvenous pacemaker implant using standard sensing/pacing indices plus measurements of pressures, QRS, and contractility responses at each of five predefined potential ventricular implant sites: apex, inflow-, low-, mid-, and infundibular/outflow-septal with each patient serving as his/her own control. Implant was at the site of best contractility with active-fixation, low-threshold steroid-eluting leads. Results Measured contractility indices varied up to 31% (mean 12%) between sites per patient. Septal regions (mid-, inflow-, and low-) were associated with the most optimal and right ventricular epicardial showed the worst contractility (P < 0.05) responses. Apex was optimal in some CHD patients. Threshold and sensing were comparable up to 11 years (mean 7) postimplant regardless of septal site. Conclusion There is no single “sweet spot” for optimal ventricular pacing, and the best implant sites are patient and CHD variable. Current lead designs ensure chronic stability/performance regardless of site. Proactive contractility-guided pacing implant can optimize chronic paced ventricular function.