cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of noise-equivalent image quality

It is common to characterize PET scanners by the performance measurement known as noise-equivalent count rate. Recently, measurement of this metric have been added to the suite of tests specified by the NEMA committee and has been used to aid classification of machine performance for whole-body PET. Additionally, the NEMA committee added a test for image quality. For a GE Discovery LS PET-CT system, the NEMA IQ phantom was scanned in 2D and 3D modes at several background activity concentrations following the NEMA protocol except that all scans were acquired for 4 minutes. NEMA measures of contrast and background variability were computed and used to generate a measure of contrast-to-noise. The system NECR was also computed. A comparison between NECR and (contrast-to-noise) was made. NECR correlated well with CNR, somewhat better in 2D imaging mode than in 3D. The goal of this work was evaluation of the link between NECR and IQ by computing the NEMA IQ ratio of contrast-to-noise at various NECR points.
Sitting-Meditation Interventions Among Youth: A Review of Treatment Efficacy

Persuasive arguments for meditation interventions and efficacy research among children and adolescents have been made on the basis of their diverse usefulness and beneficial effects observed in adults.1 This advocacy for applying empirical attention to meditation interventions has coincided with increased public interest in, and acceptance of, these practices. For example, the Mindful Awareness Research Center at the University of California Los Angeles Semel Institute (http://marc.ucla.edu) currently provides workshops for teachers and other educators to develop mindfulness approaches for children as young as pre-kindergarten age. Moreover, middle and high schools are increasingly implementing meditation interventions, although few empirical studies have been conducted in this setting.2,3 Meditation interventions are commonly implemented among youth in school-, community-, and clinic-based settings. For example, organizations such as the David Lynch Foundation have reached thousands of students in the United States by funding transcendental meditation (TM) school-based programs (eg, the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace [www.davidlynchfoundation.org]). These programs serve students aged 10 years and older and use TM as a modality to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and emotional problems, enhance learning, and provide stability to the nervous system. The US Committee for Stress-Free Schools (www.tmeducation.org), established in 2005, provided TM programs to students and teachers in public, charter, and probate schools throughout the United States and evaluated the effects of TM on intelligence, learning, academic performance, ADHD and learning disorders, anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, and other outcomes. Moreover, the Garrison Institute, a nonprofit agency, investigated mindfulness practices among kindergarten to 12th-grade students and found nearly 20 school- and community-based organizations with established mindfulness programs, as well as others that used elements of mindfulness as part of social and educational programs. To date, none of these centers have published peer-reviewed program evaluations, although qualitative and anecdotal evidence suggest increased self-awareness, self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and social skills in response to these programs.4
Differential vector quantization of real-time video

Describes hardware that has been built to compress video in real time using full-search vector quantization (VQ). This architecture implements a differential-vector-quantization (DVQ) algorithm and features a special-purpose digital associative memory, the VAMPIRE chip, which has been fabricated in 2 /spl mu/m CMOS. The authors describe the DVQ algorithm, its adaptations for sampled NTSC composite-color video, and details of its hardware implementation. They conclude by presenting images drawn from real-time operation of the DVQ hardware. >
The effect of cyst nematode race 3 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum interactions on nodulation and other agronomic characters of three soybean genotypes.

The effect of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) race 3 and strains of Bradyrhizobium japonkum interactions on nodulation and other agronomic characters of several soybean genotypes was investigated. Nodule weight was reduced in soybean cultivar Ogden treated with SCN plus Bradyrhizobia strains USDA 110 and 6 and on soybean cultivar Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 6. The result was reversed on soybean cultivar Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 110. The nodule number also decreased on soybean cultivars Ogden and Essex treated with SCN plus strains USDA 110 and 6. The fresh root weights of soybean cultivars Ogden and Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 110 were heavier than the fresh root weight of Essex treated with SCN plus strain USDA 6. Lower nitrogen content of stems and leaves was noted only in cultivar Essex treated with SCN plus strains USDA 110 and 6. Bradyrhizobia strain USDA 110 was more efficient in the initiation of nodules in cultivars Ogden and Essex than strain USDA 6. The nitrogen-fixing capacity of strain USDA 6 in Ogden was better than strain USDA 110. The differences in the agronomic performances of the various soybean genotypes were due to their degree of susceptibility to SCN and Bradyrhizobia strains and also to their genetic make-up.
Stabilization of time-varying singularly perturbed systems by observer-based slow-state feedback

This note develops an observer based on the slow reduced-order system of a time-varying full-order system. An upper bound μ*on the singular perturbation parameter μ is derived such that for μ smaller than μ*, the full-order system is stabilized by linear feedback of the observed slow state. The dependence of this bound on the system matrices and the observer and controller gain matrices is discussed.
Meson screening masses at finite temperature with Highly Improved Staggered Quarks

We report on the first study of the screening properties of the mesonicexcitations with strange ($s$) and charm ($c$) quarks, specifically the groundstates of the pseudo-scalar and vector meson excitations for the $\bar{s}s$,$\bar{s}c$ and $\bar{c}c$ flavor combinations, using the Highly ImprovedStaggered Quark action with dynamical physical strange quark andnearly-physical up and down quarks. By comparing with their respective vacuummeson masses and by investigating the influence of the changing temporalboundary conditions of the valence quarks we study the thermal modifications ofthese mesonic excitations. While the $\bar{s}s$ states show significantmodifications even below the chiral crossover temperature $T_c$, themodifications of the open-charm and charmonium like states become visible onlyfor temperatures $T\gtrsim T_c$ and $T\gtrsim1.2T_c$, respectively.
Combined panel session on propagation in doubly-refracting media and future directions for research in electromagnetic wave theory in modern physics

Presents the dialog between participants of the combined panel session on propagation in doubly-refracting media and future directions for research in electromagnetic wave theory in modern physics.
Medical error, incident investigation and the second victim: doing better but feeling worse?

In the past decade, hospitals and healthcare workers have become more familiar with medical errors and the harm they can cause. As a result, incident investigation has become a routine part of the hospital's response to an adverse event.1 In the USA, the Joint Commission's Sentinel event policy and the Veterans Affairs hospitals' adoption of root cause analysis have made root cause analysis standard operating procedure.2 Armed with the results of these investigations, research and quality improvement efforts are now taking on system improvements required to create a safer healthcare environment. There has also been increased attention paid to the appropriate handling of patients and families harmed by medical errors.3 There is developing recognition that disclosure of adverse events is necessary if hospitals are to learn from mistakes and improve patient safety outcomes.4 5 A growing number of accrediting and licensing bodies, as well as governmental entities and professional organisations, have stated the expectation that patients should be told about harmful medical errors.6–11 Progress has been slower in translating policy into action at the level of the frontline clinician. The recent worldwide recession and soaring healthcare budgets have resulted in increased pressure on healthcare workers to do more with less. But in the years since, one question has remained: are these policies also beneficial to physicians and other healthcare workers, many of whom are already struggling just to get their work done? In a typical incident investigation, the goal is to identify what happened, the problems that occurred in healthcare related to these events, and the factors that contributed to their occurrence. Information is extracted from physical artifacts, patient records and other documents, and witness statements.12 Once the sequence of events is made clear, there are three main considerations: the problems in care identified …
Ca2+-ATPases and their expression in the mammary gland of pregnant and lactating rats

The transcellular Ca2+fluxes required for milk production must be rigorously regulated to maintain the low cytosolic Ca2+concentrations critical to cell function. Ca2+-ATPases play a critical role ...
Raiders of the Lost ARCO: Resolving the Partial Settlement Credit Issue in Private Cost Recovery and Contribution Claims Under CERCLA

This article addresses the issue of partial settlement credit in private CERCLA litigation -- a matter about which the federal courts remain divided. The author addresses the merits of, and rationale for, both the UCFA's proportionate share approach and the UCATA's dollar reduction rule.Rather than determine the approach to partial settlement credit on the basis of the plaintiff's identity (government versus private), the author suggests that the nature of the claim should control the choice of law.Application of the UCATA to all § 107 cost recovery claims, whether government-initiated or private, would better comport with CERCLA's statutory scheme, better effectuate Congress's intent to fill CERCLA's statutory gaps by reference to common law principles, better promote timely cleanup and voluntary settlement, and be more principled. Such an approach was recommended by Judge Wagner in the ARCO litigation, and thus would not be entirely without precedent.
Increased Mitochondrial Mutational Load Correlates with the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in the Nile Rat (Arvicanthis niloticus)

It is critically important to understand the molecular mechanisms of the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. One such mechanism could be mitochondrial dysfunction in organs such as the liver. It is not known if the buildup of mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) mutations (mutational load; ML) leads to dysfunction and diabetes, e.g. via insulin resistance brought about by mtDNA ML in the liver. The association between diabetes and hepatic mtDNA mutations was studied over the course of type 2 diabetes onset and progression in Nile rats, a novel model of diet-induced diabetes that recapitulates the human disease. Age-matched diabetic and non-diabetic wild-type rats were scored for disease incidence and severity using random blood glucose (RBG), hyperlipidemia, and hepatic pathology after 8-21 weeks on diabetogenic diets after weaning. Hepatic mtDNA mutations were measured in the D-loop and ND3 regions using digital LATE-PCR with Lights-On/Lights-Off probes. Initial results showed that diabetic rats exhibite...
Energy drink consumption and substance use risk in middle school students.

Objectives Energy drink (ED) sales have increased greatly in recent years and ED is now a common topic in health behavior research. Most studies work with samples of college students and/or young adults and to a lesser degree with high school students. Research is lacking on ED consumption in younger users. The purpose of this study was to fill this gap and assess the prevalence of ED consumption in a sample of middle school students as well to analyze the relationships between ED use and illicit and licit drug use in girls and boys of this age.
Experimental Air-borne Disease. Quantitative Inoculation by Inhalation of Influenza Virus.

Successful infection of animals with a virus recovered from influenza patients1 laid the foundation for experimental study of the mode of transmission of this important respiratory disease. Intranasal instillation of influenza virus recovered from artificially infected air2 proved air conveyance of the virus to be possible, and destruction of the air-suspended virus by ultraviolet irradiation raised hopes of environmental control of epidemic influenza by sanitary ventilation. Demonstration of air-borne influenzal infection of ferrets3 and introduction of quantitative inhalation technics of inoculation4 provided experimental means for study of air-borne influenza and air-borne superinfections which frequently complicate the pathologic and epidemiologic patterns.The experiments to be presented have been conducted during the fall and winter of 1939-40 when other duties delayed the continuation of this study until a preliminary report seems desirable. Of the 25 experiments performed, employing some 1500 mice,...
History of primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Purpose of review This issue of Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology is focused on primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs). Like every disorder, PID has its own specific history, starting with the discovery of agammaglobulinemia in 1952 and still expanding at a rapid pace, covering, at the time of this publication, more than 180 genetically determined disorders. However, as this report attempts to demonstrate, the history of PID is intertwined with the development of modern medicine and is the direct result of the innovative thinking of physician scientists who introduced new concepts in pathology, microbiology, biochemistry, and immunology, based on carefully designed experiments. As a consequence of the novel ideas put forth in the late 19th century, progress in public health, the discovery of antimicrobials, and the utilization of biologic products led to the recognition of genetically determined defects of Immunity and the design of effective treatment strategies. Recent findings The discovery of the structure of DNA, its replication, and the mapping of the human genome has transformed the field of PID into a predictable science of cutting edge therapies and diagnostic concepts. Summary This review illustrates the historic events that led to the discovery, classification, and molecular definition of PID.
ENTOMOTOXIGENIC POTENTIAL OF WILD AND DOMESTICATED YELLOW-GREEN ASPERGILLI: TOXICITY TO CORN EARWORM AND FALL ARMYWORM LARVAE

Corn earworm (Heliothis zea) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae were fed on diets consisting of maize kernels fermented (8 da; 28 C) with individual strains of "wild" or domesticated yellow-green aspergilli (e.g., wild isolates = Aspergillus flavus var. flavus, A. flavus var. parasiticus; domesticated, non-aflatoxigenic koji molds = A. flavus var. oryzae, A. flavus var. sojae). Kernels fermented with individual strains of var. sojae were less toxic to larvae than kernels fermented with isolates of the related wild variety parasiticus. Likewise, kernels fermented with isolates of var. flavus were, with one exception (NRRL 6513), more toxic to fall armyworm larvae than kernels fermented with isolates of the related domesticated variety oryzae. As a group, strains of var. oryzae were no less toxic to corn earworm larvae than the var. flavus strains that were tested. Toxic fungal metabolities are believed to be the direct cause of larval mortality because dead larvae were not colonized by fungal hyphae. This is consistent with the hypothesis that wild strains ofA. flavus produce a suite of defensive entomotoxic metabolites having no adaptive value in a koji environment. We suggest that koji molds used in food fermentations be screened by means of insect bioassays as a relevant test of the toxigenic potential of individual domesticated strains.
Radical Scavenging Activity of Grape Wines Made in China

This study investigated the radical scavenging activity including·OH,H2O2,NO,and O· and reducing power of five brands of commercial grape wines made in China by spectrophotometry. All the brands of grape wines had varying radical scavenging activities and reducing powers. The activities of scavenging ·OH and O· radicals and the reducing power were significantly positively correlated to the procyanidin content,respectively while no significant correlation of the procyanidin content was found to the scavenging activities to NO and O·radicals. This might be due to the synergetic effect of procyanidins and other phytochemicals contained in grape wines and further studies need to be done to make clear the mechanisms of radical scavenging activity of grape wines.
Independent AMP and NAD signaling regulates C2C12 differentiation and metabolic adaptation

The balance of ATP production and consumption is reflected in adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) content and has been associated with phenotypic plasticity in striated muscle. Some studies have suggested that AMPK-dependent plasticity may be an indirect consequence of increased NAD synthesis and SIRT1 activity. The primary goal of this study was to assess the interaction of AMP- and NAD-dependent signaling in adaptation of C2C12 myotubes. Changes in myotube developmental and metabolic gene expression were compared following incubation with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to activate AMPK- and NAD-related signaling. AICAR showed no effect on NAD pool or nampt expression but significantly reduced histone H3 acetylation and GLUT1, cytochrome C oxidase subunit 2 (COX2), and MYH3 expression. In contrast, NMN supplementation for 24 h increased NAD pool by 45 % but did not reduce histone H3 acetylation nor promote mitochondrial gene expression. The combination of AMP and NAD signaling did not induce further metabolic adaptation, but NMN ameliorated AICAR-induced myotube reduction. We interpret these results as indication that AMP and NAD contribute to C2C12 differentiation and metabolic adaptation independently.
Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: Does Criterion B add diagnostic utility?

Abstract The current paper evaluates Criterion B for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Disorder, which states that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) must occur for at least one function. The majority of individuals who engage in NSSI report at least one function, so it is unclear if Criterion B provides diagnostic utility in individuals who already meet Criterion A (i.e., NSSI occurring on 5 or more days in the past 12 months). This paper compared individuals meeting Criterion A (threshold group) to those with 1–4 acts of NSSI in the past year (subthreshold group) in two different samples. The first sample included 217 undergraduate students, and the second sample included 1082 individuals from a behavioral health hospital, all with past-year NSSI. The majority of both samples reported at least one function of NSSI (99%). For the undergraduate sample, the number of and level of endorsement of functions were similar across threshold and subthreshold groups. For the behavioral health sample, the threshold group endorsed significantly more functions for NSSI and greater endorsement of affect regulation, self-punishment, and toughness compared to the subthreshold group. While some differences were found between NSSI groups, overall endorsement of functions for NSSI appears to be a universal characteristic regardless of NSSI frequency.
The Historical Sources of Tree Graphs and the Tree Method in the Work of Peirce and Gentzen

Charles Peirce’s development of his diagrammatic logic, his entitative and existential graphs, was significantly influenced by his affinity for tree graphs that were being used in chemistry. In his development of systems of natural deduction and sequent calculi, Gerhard Gentzen made use of the tree (tableau) method. In presenting the historical sources of both these tools, we draw on unpublished manuscripts from the Peirce Edition Project at the University of Indianapolis, where for many years the first author was a member of the research staff.
Emotion dysregulation and inflammation in African-American women with type 2 diabetes

C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, has been associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotion dysregulation is a transdiagnostic risk factor for many psychological disorders associated with chronic inflammatory state. The objective of this study was to determine whether inflammation is associated with emotion dysregulation in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined associations between trauma exposure, MDD, PTSD, emotion dysregulation, and CRP among 40 African-American women with T2DM recruited from an urban hospital. Emotion dysregulation was measured using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. PTSD and MDD were measured with structured clinical interviews. Child abuse and lifetime trauma load were also assessed. Analyses showed that both emotion dysregulation and current MDD were significantly associated with higher levels of CRP (p < 0.01). Current PTSD was not significantly related to CRP. In a regression model, emotion dysregulation was significantly associated with higher CRP (p < 0.001) independent of body mass index, trauma exposure, and MDD diagnosis. These findings suggest that emotion dysregulation may be an important risk factor for chronic inflammation beyond already known risk factors among women with T2DM, though a causal relationship cannot be determined from this study.
Aluminum hydride cluster cations: A mass spectrometric and computational study

Abstract A combined study using mass spectrometry and density functional theory (DFT) was conducted to investigate aluminum hydride cluster cations, Al n H m + (1 ⿤ n ⿤ 5, 0 ⿤ m ⿤ 12). The mass spectra revealed about 20 previously-unknown aluminum hydride cluster cations. Among these species, several showed high mass spectral intensities, suggesting that they had unusual stabilities. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to investigate the geometric structures of these clusters. Many of these clusters can be viewed as being composed of smaller, stable units, such as Al + , AlH 3 , Al 2 +/0 , H + and H 2 .
ANESTHESIA FOR OTIC SURGERY

SUMMARY This article has been directed at reviewing the basic anatomy and physiology of the ear as well as some of the surgical procedures that are commonly performed in the otic region. We have given an overview of the anesthetic concerns for otic surgery. The patient must be kept immobile and the operative field should be maintained as bloodless as possible. Intraoperative and postoperative problems were addressed and solutions offered. Also, some new anesthetic agents have been compared with those already available. They have the potential to make otic surgery more safe and comfortable for the patient.
Gender Differences in Academic Rank of Radiologists in U.S. Medical Schools

Purpose To determine whether there were gender differences in full professorship after accounting for factors known to influence academic advancement. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant study, with waiver of informed consent. In this cross-sectional study, the authors used a comprehensive 2014 physician database (5089 academic radiologists, inclusive of all U.S. academic radiologists in 2014; 11.3% of all U.S. radiologists) containing information on physician age, years since residency, National Institutes of Health funding, scientific publications (first or last author and total), clinical trial investigation, and clinical volume measured according to 2013 Medicare reimbursement. Primary outcome of gender differences in full professorship was estimated by using a multilevel logistic regression model adjusting for these factors. Results Among 5089 academic radiologists, 3638 (71.5%) were men. The average age for male and female radiologists was 52 and 49 years, respectively. Overall, 239 women (16.5%) and 948 (26.1%) men were full professors (P < .001). Women had fewer total and first or last author publications than men (total, 12.2 vs 17.6; first or last, 6.8 vs 10.7; P < .001 for both comparisons). Women were less likely than men to have National Institutes of Health funding (2.0% vs 3.6%; P = .004) and generated less annual Medicare revenue ($63 346 vs $75 854; P = .001). After multivariate adjustment, rates of full professorship among female and male radiologists were not significantly different (absolute adjusted difference for female vs male radiologists, -1.5%; 95% confidence interval: -3.8%, 0.9%). Conclusion Among radiologists with U.S. medical school faculty appointments in 2014, men and women were similarly likely to be full professor after several factors known to influence promotion were taken into account. However, unadjusted differences in promotion and research productivity were present, which suggests that female radiologists may lack equal research opportunities. © RSNA, 2016.
Synthesis and Characterization of PBP Pincer Iridium Complexes and Their Application in Alkane Transfer Dehydrogenation

This work reports on the synthesis of several new complexes of Ir supported by a diarylboryl/bis(phosphine) PBP pincer ligand. The previously reported complexes (PBP)Ir(Ph)(Cl) (1) and (PBP)Ir(H)(Cl) (2) were converted to the new complexes (PBP)IrH4 (3) and (PBP)Ir(Ph)(H) (4). Complexes 3 and 4 serve similarly as precatalysts for transfer dehydrogenation of cyclooctane. The turnover numbers achieved were relatively modest but were increased (to 220 at 200 °C) when 1-hexene was used as a sacrificial hydrogen acceptor vs tert-butylethylene. The dicarbonyl complex (PBP)Ir(CO)2 (6) was also synthesized, by the reaction of CO with either 3 or 4. Intermediates (PBPhP)Ir(H)(CO)2 (5) and (PBP)IrH2(CO) (7) were observed in these reactions. Complex 7 could be obtained in pure form by comproportionation of 3 and 6. Solid-state structures of 3 and 6 were determined by X-ray crystallography.
Al K x-ray yields with proton clusters. [90 to 150 keV/amu]

Beams of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}^{+}$ produce x rays, respectively, with 4% and 8% smaller yields per proton than a ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ beam of kinetic energies between 90 and 150 keV/amu. These effects are accounted for quantitatively by the enhanced stopping power of Al for ions moving in tight clusters.
Abstract 36: Deficiency in the Production of 20-HETE Contributes to Impaired Myogenic and TGF Responses in the Afferent Arteriole of Dahl S Rats

Previous studies have indicated that a deficiency in the formation of 20-HETE in the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb of Henle in Dahl S rats increases sodium reabsorption and contributes to the development of hypertension. The present study examined whether the lack of 20-HETE production in the renal vasculature contributes to the progression of renal injury by altering the myogenic or tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) response of the afferent arteriole (Af-Art). The production of 20-HETE was significantly lower by 54% in renal microvessels isolated from the kidneys of Dahl S rats versus that seen than in SS.5BN consomic strain in which chromosome 5 from the Brown Norway (BN) rat containing the CYP4A genes responsible for the formation of 20-HETE was transferred into the Dahl S genetic background. The luminal diameter of the Af-Art decreased by 14.7± 1.5% (from 20.5 ± 0.7 to 17.5 ± 0.8 μm, n=6) in SS.5BN rats whereas the diameter of the Af-Art remained unaltered in Dahl S rats (from 20.1 ± 0.6 to 21.7 ± 0.6 μm, n=7) when the perfusion pressure was increased from 60 mmHg to 120 mmHg. In other experiments, adenosine (1 μM) reduced the diameter of the Af-Art in the SS.5BN rats by 15±0.7% (from 20.1 ±0.4 to 17.1 ± 0.9 μm, n=3) whereas the Af-Art of Dahl S rats was unaltered. However, administration of a 20-HETE synthesis inhibitor, HET0016 (1 μM, n=6), or a selective 20-HETE antagonist, 6, 15-20-HEDE (10 μM, n=6) completely blocked the myogenic and adenosine responses in the Af-Art of SS.5BN rats but it had no effect in Dahl S rats. Administration of a 20-HETE agonist, 5, 14-20-HEDE (1 μM) restored the myogenic response (from 20.7 ± 0.7 to 17.6 ± 0.6 μm, n=7) and vasoconstrictor response to adenosine in the Af-Art of Dahl S rats. These studies confirm the key role of 20-HETE in modulating the responsiveness of the Af-Art and indicate that a deficiency in the formation of 20-HETE in renal microvessels contributes to the marked susceptibility of Dahl S rats to develop hypertension induced renal injury.
A mechanism by which MnTE-2-PyP suppresses growth in prostate cancer cells but not normal prostate fibroblast cells

Rationale MnTE-2-PyP (T2E), a Mn-based SOD mimic, is able to inhibit PC3 cell (advanced prostate cancer cell line) growth, but not normal fibroblasts growth in vitro. We hypothesize that T2E increases H2O2 levels in PC3 cells, but not normal fibroblasts, and that the oxidation of key proteins that regulate cell cycle contributes to the cancer growth arrest. Methods PC3 and mouse prostate fibroblasts (MPF) were used. A ROS-Glo assay was performed to measure H2O2 levels. Oxidized proteins were isolated by biotinylated iodoacetamide probes and identified by mass spectrometry. PP1 activity was measured using a Ser/Thr phosphatase assay kit. Cell cycle distribution was measured by FACS with PI and BrdU staining. Cyclin D and pRB levels and phosphorylation levels were examined by western blots. Results T2E increased H2O2 levels in PC3 cells by 63.3% (P = 0.0080) as compared to PBS-treated cells but not in normal fibroblasts. Accordingly, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1 was oxidized by T2E, which resulted in a 22.5% (P=0.022) decrease in PP1 activity in T2E -treated PC3 cells as compared to controls. Cyclin D1 levels decreased 25.8% (P=0.042) while phospho-cyclin D1 to total cyclin D1 ratio increased to 165.3% (P=0.0018) in T2E-treated PC3 cells as compared to PBS-treated ones. Cyclin D1 regulates pRB phosphorylation and this led to a 46.2% decrease (P=0.017) of phospho-pRB to total pRB in PC3 cells, which might account for the reduced proliferation of PC3 at Day 4 (48.9% decrease as compared to PBS treatment, P=0.030). However, no significant change in cyclin D1 levels were observed in MPF. Conclusion T2E increases H2O2 levels in PC3 cells but not MPF, and this causes the oxidation and loss of PP1 activity, which may result in the hyper-phosphorylation of cyclin D1. The increased phospho-cyclin D1 level leads to hypo-phosphorylaiton of pRB and induces cell growth arrest in T2E-treated PC3 cells, but PMF cyclin D1 levels are not affected by T2E.
Mapping research and governance needs for gene drives

A gene drive is a mechanism that biases inheritance of a trait in a sexually reproducing species of organisms. In this context, ‘bias’ means to increase the odds of a parent passing on a portion of...
Islands in the Air: Travelling by Plane in Anglophone Caribbean Literature

Although airports figure prominently in contemporary Caribbean life, literary responses to this space are less common than one might expect. This article explores why many Caribbean migration narratives actively avoid the airport, revealing how this becomes a strategy to negate tourists’ take-over of Caribbean space. Yet this article argues that developing a Caribbean perspective on the airport is vital because it provides insight into the larger forces reshaping Caribbean space in the twenty-first century. The article examines the history of small island airports and their connections to the tourism industry and the formation of the postcolonial nation state. This history frames the analysis of Caribbean diasporic texts by Jamaica Kincaid, Earl Lovelace, Dionne Brand, and Makeda Silvera. Each of these authors grapples with the rise in air travel in the Caribbean in the 1980s, due to cheaper fares and increased routes, and reclaim the airport as an important site of creative transformation and political critique for diasporic Caribbean identity.
Association of Rooming-in With Outcomes for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance Rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is straining perinatal care systems. Newborns with NAS traditionally receive care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), but rooming-in with mother and family has been proposed to reduce the use of pharmacotherapy, length of stay (LOS), and cost. Objective To systematically review and meta-analyze if rooming-in is associated with improved outcomes for newborns with NAS. Data Sources MEDLINE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception through June 25, 2017. Study Selection This investigation included randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, quasi-experimental studies, and before-and-after quality improvement investigations comparing rooming-in vs standard NICU care for newborns with NAS. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two independent investigators reviewed studies for inclusion. A random-effects model was used to pool dichotomous outcomes using risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI. The study evaluated continuous outcomes using weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was newborn treatment with pharmacotherapy. Secondary outcomes included LOS, inpatient cost, and harms from treatment, including in-hospital adverse events and readmission rates. Results Of 413 publications, 6 studies (n = 549 [number of patients]) met inclusion criteria. In meta-analysis of 6 studies, there was consistent evidence that rooming-in is preferable to NICU care for reducing both the use of pharmacotherapy (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.71;I2 = 85%) and LOS (WMD, −10.41 days; 95% CI, −16.84 to −3.98 days;I2 = 91%). Sensitivity analysis resolved the heterogeneity for the use of pharmacotherapy, significantly favoring rooming-in (RR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18-0.57;I2 = 13%). Three studies reported that inpatient costs were lower with rooming-in; however, significant heterogeneity precluded quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis favored rooming-in over NICU care for increasing breastfeeding rates and discharge home in familial custody, but few studies reported on these outcomes. Rooming-in was not associated with higher rates of readmission or in-hospital adverse events. Conclusions and Relevance Opioid-exposed newborns rooming-in with mother or other family members appear to be significantly less likely to be treated with pharmacotherapy and have substantial reductions in LOS compared with those cared for in NICUs. Rooming-in should be recommended as a preferred inpatient care model for NAS.
Von Wölfen und Detektiven: Erzählstrategien im Computerspiel The Wolf Among Us

Die ontologische Grenze zwischen interaktiven Filmen und Computerspielen ist, besonders in der aktuellen Konjunkturphase transmedialer Erzahlwelten, fliesend. Die Schwierigkeit, beide Formen prazise voneinander zu unterscheiden, birgt jedoch auch die Moglichkeit, die Ansatze der game studies mit denen der Filmanalyse zu verschmelzen und so beide Disziplinen produktiv weiterzuentwickeln.
The Roles of Xenobiotic Receptors: Beyond Chemical Disposition

Over the past 20 years, the ability of the xenobiotic receptors to coordinate an array of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in response to endogenous and exogenous stimuli has been extensively characterized and well documented. The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X receptor (PXR) are the xenobiotic receptors that have received the most attention since they regulate the expression of numerous proteins important to drug metabolism and clearance and formulate a central defensive mechanism to protect the body against xenobiotic challenges. However, accumulating evidence has shown that these xenobiotic sensors also control many cellular processes outside of their traditional realms of xenobiotic metabolism and disposition, including physiologic and/or pathophysiologic responses in energy homeostasis, cell proliferation, inflammation, tissue injury and repair, immune response, and cancer development. This review will highlight recent advances in studying the noncanonical functions of xenobiotic receptors with a particular focus placed on the roles of CAR and PXR in energy homeostasis and cancer development.
Short-Term Outcome in Children and Adolescents with Orthostatic Intolerance and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (P2.131)

Objective: To evaluate the short-term outcome of pediatric chronic orthostatic intolerance (OI) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Background: OI and POTS may cause severe functional disability. Outcome data in children and adolescents are scarce. Main symptoms include OI with light headed ness, syncope, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, and headaches. Design/Methods: We reviewed the records of patients with chronic OI. We defined POTS as frequent postural symptoms for 3 months or longer and postural heart rate increment >40 and OI if HR increment was ≥30–≤40 beat per minute, using 10-minutes tilt or active standing test. Patients were treated with extra fluids, salt, exercise, vasoconstrictors, Beta-blockers, SSRI medications, iron and vitamin D, as clinically indicated. Recovery was defined as 100% improvement. The association between recovery rates of various symptoms was analyzed by Chi Square and regression. Results: 62 patients were studied (32 POTS, 30 OI), ages 15.2±2.2 years, follow up for 8.7±9.1 months, 51 were females (82%). Total of 64% recovered in at least one main symptom. Rates of recovery were as follows (%): syncope (60), gastrointestinal dysfunction (36), OI (24), chronic fatigue (19), headaches (10), and cognitive dysfunction (10). Length of follow up was similar between those who did or did not recover. One patient had full recovery of all 6 main symptom groups, and 5 had no recovery in any symptom. Symptom associations with less likely recovery (all p Conclusions: Complete recovery from POTS/OI is rare after short-term follow up. Syncope has best prognosis, whereas chronic fatigue, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction have worse prognosis. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to explain the pathogenesis of various symptoms. Disclosure: Dr. Jarjour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hernandez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jarjour has nothing to disclose.
Abnormalities of the QRS Complex

Abnormalities of the QRS axis and the QRS interval have been discussed in earlier chapters and will be noted in this chapter only as they relate to other problems. As a general rule, the QRS complex reflects primarily left ventricular activity and to a much lesser extent right ventricular activity, since the mass of the left ventricle is so much greater. Thus, when hypertrophy, conduction abnormalities, and infarction occur in the left ventricle, they have a much greater effect on the electrocardiogram (ECG) than when they occur in the right ventricle. Abnormalities of the right ventricle may be entirely obscured.
Switching control of constrained linear systems

Hybrid controllers commonly consist of a supervisor, whose state is discrete, and a set of conventional controllers with continuous states. Usually, both the supervisor and the conventional controllers are dynamic, but each or both may be static (memoryless). Attention is focussed in this paper on the control of linear systems with hard constraints on both states and controls and subject to a bounded disturbance. To simplify derivation of a controller, it is assumed that the state of the linear system is accessible. Efficient control of constrained systems necessitates nonlinear control, even if the system being controlled is linear. The state space is partitioned into a set of overlapping polytopes {X i } or into a set of simplices {X ij } with disjoint interiors; the polytopes are nested (X i ⊂ Xi+1 for all i) and the simplices partition the polytopes (X i =⋃ j X ij ). The set X0 is robust control invariant, i.e. there exists a feedback controller which maintains the state of the system in X0 (despite the disturbance) if the initial state is in X0. Two nonlinear controllers are described. The first, which uses the polytope partition, determines the least integer i such that the current state x lies in X i , and determines (by solving an optimization problem) an admissible control which steers x to Xi-1. The second uses a precomputed affine controller for each simplex; the supervisor merely selects the current controller to be that corresponding to the simplex in which the current state resides. Both controllers steer any initial state to the target set X0 in minimum time (despite the disturbance). Both components (discrete and continuous) of the hybrid controller are static (memoryless).
Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Zucker Rats Restores Cardiac Function and Geometry Toward a Lean Phenotype Independent of Weight Loss.

ABSTRACT Objective Bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy (SG), significantly improves cardiac geometry and function in patients with heart failure. In this study, we used the obese Zucker rat as an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) to test the hypothesis that a SG will improve cardiac function independent of weight loss. Methods and Results Obese, male Zucker rats underwent SG, pair-fed sham, or ad-lib sham surgery. Lean Zucker rats also underwent ad-lib sham surgery. Echocardiograms were performed preoperatively and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Obese SG and obese pair-fed sham rats had similar body weights postoperatively. Obese SG and lean, ad-lib, sham rats had a significant increase in postoperative stroke volume, and left ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole. SG preserved systolic function and significantly improved isovolumetric relaxation time (13.9 ± 2.4 to 11.1 ± 2.1 ms, P = .02) independent of weight loss. Discussion SG has a beneficial impact on both systolic and diastolic cardiac function in obese Zucker rats toward a lean phenotype independent of weight loss and caloric restriction. These findings may represent a weight-loss independent mechanism generated from the gastrointestinal tract that has the potential to improve diastolic dysfunction independent of obesity status and translate to patients with HFpEF.
Assessment of Alternative Candidate Subcortical Insect Vectors From Walnut Crowns in Habitats Quarantined for Thousand Cankers Disease.

Thousand cankers disease (TCD) results from the combined activity of the fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida Kolařik, Freeland, Utley, and Tisserat and its principle vector, Pityophthorus juglandis (Blackman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Juglans L. spp. and Pterocarya Kunth spp. host plants. TCD has been reported from the eastern and western United States. To evaluate potential for other beetle species to vector the fungus in east Tennessee, specimens were collected using ethanol-baited traps that were suspended beneath crowns of TCD-symptomatic trees. Associations of G. morbida with insect species collected in traps were assessed in an unsuccessful, preliminary culture-based fungal assay, and then with a molecular-based detection method. For culture-based assays, rinsate from washed, individual insects was plated on nutrient media and growing colonies were subcultured to obtain axenic G. morbida cultures for identification. For the molecular-based method, G. morbida presence was detected by amplifying the previously developed, species-specific microsatellite locus GS004. Capillary electrophoresis was used to detect the amplified amplicons and representative reactions were validated using Sanger sequencing. Eleven beetle species were found to carry G. morbida, including Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford), Dryoxylon onoharaensum (Murayama), Hylocurus rudis (LeConte), Monarthrum fasciatum (Say), Monarthrum mali (Fitch), Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg), Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) (all Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Stenomimus pallidus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae), Oxoplatypus quadridentatus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae), and Xylops basilaris (Say) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). These findings raise concerns that alternative subcortical insect species that already occur within quarantined habitats can sustain incidence of introduced G. morbida and contribute to spread within the native range of black walnut, Juglans nigra L., in the eastern United States.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio ≥4 correlates with 6-month postoperative mortality in cancer patients age >75.

e23014Background: We assessed the correlation between elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a pro-inflammatory biomarker, with patient frailty and post-operative 6-month mortality. Methods...
You Can't Teach a New Phone Old Tricks: Smartphones Resist Traditional Compute Roles

The smartphone is an incredible computing platform. Loaded with powerful processing, vast data storage, near-global connectivity, built-in batteries, and a rich array of sensors, these devices reliably service the needs of billions of users every day. However, when tasked to run just a single application continuously without any human interaction, the smartphone platform becomes surprisingly unreliable. Over the course of a four-month deployment of Android-phone-based cellular gateways in Zanzibar, Tanzania, all 16 deployed phones failed despite significant engineering efforts, and six phones became physically damaged. This article examines what went wrong and how mobile computing platforms could adapt to support more traditional embedded computing roles and workloads.
Degradative-release as a function of drug structure from LDI-glycerol polyurethanes

Naphthalene analogs with differing hydroxyl and amine functionality were incorporated into degradable polyurethane foams synthesized from lysine diisocyanate and glycerol to determine if chemical structure can be used in controlled release sys- tems. Excitation and emission spectra of the various naphthalene analogs in aqueous solution were collected to ensure they were capable of being quantitatively detected in aqueous solution at low concentrations. The fluorescence stability of the compounds was assessed over a 2-week period at 70 ◦ C; the analogs were all found to exhibit signal decay to varying degrees. Polyurethane foam materials containing the naphthalene analogs were synthesized and examined via scanning electron microscopy; incor- porating naphthalene ligands did not grossly alter the polyurethane morphology. The analog distribution was then assessed via fluorescence microscopy, and the naphthalene analogs were found evenly dispersed throughout the polyurethane materi- als. Foam samples containing various analogs were then incubated in PBS buffer solution (pH 7.4) at 4, 22, 37 and 70 ◦ Cf or 11-weeks. Temperature dependent release of naphthalene analogs from the polyurethane foams was found to depend upon the functional groups present on the naphthalene analog. These results suggest that the chemical structure of a drug plays a unique role in controlling release from hydrolytically degradable drug delivery systems.
The expert opinion report (forthcoming) with Mr. Saeed Akbani, Management Consultant & Founder of Data Dynamics, Inc., St. Louis, USA

Saeed Akbani, founder of Data Dynamics, Inc., has 30 years of consulting experience in the areas of business performance improvement (through the application of technology and business process re-e...