cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract OT2-3-04: A PILOT PHASE II STUDY TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF DENOSUMAB ON DISSEMINATED TUMOR CELLS (DTC) IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER (ESBC)

Background: Bone is the most common site of metastases in breast cancer (BC). The detection of keratin + cells (DTC) in bone marrow (BM) has been shown to correlate with an increased risk of disease recurrence. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa b (RANK) is critical to bone turnover. Pre-clinical studies have shown that the ligand to RANK (RANKL) can induce metastases of RANK-expressed tumor cells, and that treatment with a RANKL inhibitor can reduce BC metastases. Our previous study suggests that higher RANK expression in tumor at the time of diagnosis correlates with worse recurrent free survival (RFS). Denosumab, a humanized RANKL inhibitor, has been approved in patients (pts) with osteoporosis and metastatic BC to bone. Trial design: We designed a nonrandomized, open label phase II pilot study evaluating the impact of denosumab on DTCs in pts with ESBC and DTCs following (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy. A total of 45 pts will be enrolled; treatment (Rx) consists of denosumab by subcutaneous injection monthly for 6 months, then every 12 weeks for 6 months for a total of one year. BMA will be repeated at 6 and 12 mo; samples will be evaluated for DTC and for specific gene expression. Eligibility criteria: Eligible pts have completed adjuvant chemotherapy and at least 3 months (mo) of hormonal Rx as indicated, and have >10 DTC on screening bone marrow aspiration by immunomagnetic enrichment + flow cytometry (IE/FC). Specific aims: The primary efficacy endpoint is the reduction of DTC/ml from >10DTC/ml to ≤ 10DTC/ml at 6 mo and one year, and the feasibility of denosumab use in this setting. Secondary and exploratory endpoints are to evaluate the correlation of DTC at each time point with BC recurrence, and to analyze gene expression of markers related to bone destruction and inflammation in sorted DTC. Statistical methods: A total of 45 pts will be enrolled. Based on results from a previous trial testing zoledronic acid in a group of pts with similar eligibility, we expect to have evaluable BMA on 37 (82%) at 1 year. With standard Rx we expect 5% or fewer will have counts ≤10 DTC/ml at 1 year. Using STATA routine sample size (SAMPSI: sample size and power for means and proportions), as long as 20% of pts in treated group become DTC-negative, we will have 89% power to detect this degree of efficacy. These calculations are based on an “exact” test of the proportion of successes; those with reductions to ≤10DTC/ml in sample sizes of 37 based on one-sided testing at a 5% level of significance. We will compare the DTC/ml at 6 and 12 mo to baseline to evaluate reduction in counts. Present accrual and target accrual: trial will be open in July, 2012 with target accrual of 45 pts. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-3-04.
Beyond Definitions: Maintaining Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health on National Wildlife Refuges

Throughout its century-long history, the National Wildlife Refuge System has been dedicated to the protection of living systems. For many refuges, management emphasis involved a subset of nature such as migratory waterfowl. Passage of the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act defined a new mission but framed it with elusive terms such as biological integrity and environmental health. Although the context and meaning of these words have been explored for several decades, such as in implementation of the Clean Water Act, they remain the focus of ongoing debates. Because that controversy is unlikely to be resolved entirely, the Fish and Wildlife Service should place emphasis on moving beyond the debates about definitions to actually understand status and trends in refuge living systems. That understanding can only come with a rigorous sampling and analytical framework focused on practical and technically sound measures to track refuge condition. Defining precisely what parameters are to be measured and documenting how they behave in the face of human-induced and natural disturbances must form the centerpiece of these efforts. Equally important is the task of communicating the status and trends of living resources within refuge boundaries to Fish and Wildlife Service administrators, political leaders, and the public.
Simulating Local Adsorption Isotherms in Structurally Complex Porous Materials: A Direct Assessment of the Slit Pore Model

A fundamental understanding of the behavior of fluids confined in structurally complex nanoporous materials is crucial to the development of improved technologies for environmental remediation and energy storage. We present a computational method for assessing the impact that confinement has on the properties of fluids in model porous materials. The proposed method is demonstrated by calculating pore-size-specific adsorption isotherms and adsorption selectivites in a structurally heterogeneous nanoporous carbon (NPC) model. The results from this method are used to test the predictions made by the ubiquitous slit pore (SP) model. In general, we find that the SP model does not qualitatively capture the behavior of the pore-size-specific adsorption isotherms and selectivites in the NPC structure. These qualitative differences provide significant insight into the origins of the well-known deficiencies of the SP model to predict the adsorption behavior of real NPCs.
Two Species/Nonideal Solution Model for Amorphous/Amorphous Phase Transitions

A simple macroscopic thermodynamic model for first order transitions between two amorphous phases in a one component liquid is reviewed, augmented and evaluated. The model presumes the existence in the liquid of two species, whose concentrations are temperature and pressure dependent and which form a solution with large, positive deviations from ideality. Application of the model to recent data indicates that water can undergo an amorphous/amorphous phase transition below a critical temperature Tc of 217K and above a critical pressure Pc of 380 atm.
Metabolism of propionate-1-C-14 in the intact mouse.

SummaryTwenty-four normal and 16 obese mice were injected with radioactive propionate and the tag was followed into CO2, non-saponifiable lipids, fatty acids, glycogen, urine and feces. Propionate is a precursor for body fat synthesis in the whole animal. Conversion of propionate to lipids was greater in obese than in lean mice.
Abstract 3456: Characterization of dibenzo[a,l]pyrene-trans-11,12-diol glucuronidation by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases

A procarcinogen found most notably in tobacco smoke is dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P), which can be further metabolized into its epoxide, diol, and carcinogenic diol-epoxide forms. DB[a,l]P metabolites are some of the most potent carcinogens of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) family of compounds due to a structural feature called the fjord region. The activated metabolites of DB[a,l]P bind mostly to deoxyadenosine in DNA to form stable adducts, which can potentially lead to DNA damage. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes mediate the attachment of a UDP-glucuronic acid to a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous substrates including several carcinogens, resulting in increases in water solubility and elimination of the carcinogen from the body. The focus of the current study was to examine the detoxification of the carcinogenic diol form (DB[a,l]P-trans-11,12-diol) by glucuronidation. In order to understand the metabolism of this potent PAH by human UGT enzymes, HEK293 cell lines over-expressing individual UGTs were screened for glucuronidation activity toward DB[a,l]P-11,12-diol. Glucuronide products were quantified using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method. Six UGTs (UGTs 1A1, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, 1A10 and UGT2B7) were found to be highly active. Three glucuronide conjugates were observed in activity assays with UGT1A1 and 1A10, while only two glucuronides were formed with UGTs 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, and 2B7. Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that UGT1A9 is the most active isoform among all the UGTs, exhibiting the highest V max /K m for the two glucuronide products it formed. These results suggest that multiple UGTs are involved in stereospecific glucuronidation of DB[a,l]P metabolites in humans. In addition to the further characterization of (DB[a,l]P-trans-11,12-diol) glucuronide conjugates, studies examining the role of polymorphisms in active UGTs on cancer risk are currently on-going. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3456.
Locally 3-Arc-Transitive Regular Covers of Complete Bipartite Graphs

In this paper, locally $3$-arc-transitive regular covers of complete bipartite graphs are studied, and results are obtained that apply to arbitrary covering transformation groups. In particular, methods are obtained for classifying the locally $3$-arc-transitive graphs with a prescribed covering transformation group, and these results are applied to classify the locally $3$-arc-transitive regular covers of complete bipartite graphs with covering transformation group isomorphic to a cyclic group or an elementary abelian group of order $p^2$.
Durability of Hybrid Composite Beam Bridges Subjected to Various Environmental Conditioning

AbstractThe hybrid composite beam (HCB) is a novel idea that combines conventional construction materials (i.e., steel and concrete) with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in a new configuration. This hybridization aims to optimize the beam’s structural performance and produce a structural element that is more durable than conventional members. This study examined the durability of a commercial glass FRP (GFRP) laminate that was used to encase the HCB elements in a recently constructed HCB bridge. The E-glass/vinyl ester laminate was subjected to five aging regimes. These conditioning regimes simulated an alkaline attack, a salt attack, a salt attack that was preceded by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation exposure, and sustained stresses that were accompanied by controlled thermal cycles and natural weathering. The durability of the E-glass/vinyl ester laminate was examined in terms of changes that occurred in the ultimate tensile strength. A microstructural analysis was performed on both unconditioned ...
474 AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW MAY EXPLAIN WORSE OUTCOME IN FEMALE HEAD TRAUMA PATIENTS

Introduction Studies suggest that females fare worse than males after traumatic brain injury (TBI). To investigate whether gender differences in cerebral blood flow (CBF) could affect TBI outcome, we studied CBF, metabolism, and outcomes of 90 male (mean age 35.8±16.3; mean GCS=6.2) and 26 female trauma patients (mean age 39.6±22.7; mean GCS=6.8). Methods Patients from Los Angeles and Haifa, Israel were consented for CBF measurement and arterial-jugular venous sampling. Studies were conducted from postinjury days 0 to 9. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on subjects stratified into 4 age groups (under 25, 25–44, 45–59, and over 59 years). Results In females, a trend of decreasing CBF with increasing age was observed, reaching significance between youngest and oldest age groups (47.1 to 31.8 mg/100g/min, respectively; p=0.004). Mean GOS scores also decreased with increasing age (youngest:oldest=3.9 to 1.6; p=0.02). However, association of outcome and age may be partially explained by CBF (p=0.3 for age-outcome association after controlling for CBF). In contrast to females, males showed only slight decreases in CBF with increasing age (youngest:oldest= 39.2: 36.7 mg/100g/min; p=0.44). GOS followed a similar trend (youngest:oldest=3.2: 3.0; p=0.92). No differences were found between gender for hematocrit, hemoglobin, or intracranial pressure. Conclusion Increasing age appears to affect female trauma patients more adversely than males. CBF decreased significantly among older females compared to younger, but CBF in male patients decreased only slightly with age. Outcome followed similar patterns to CBF. Gender differences in CBF may help explain the disparity in outcome after TBI between males and females.
Comparison of Salmonella Enteritidis infection in hens molted via long-term feed withdrawal versus full-fed wheat middling.

Molting is an important economic management tool for the layer industry as a means of maximizing the effective laying life of a flock. Previous work has shown that molting birds through feed removal (FM) increased the severity of a Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infection. The current study was conducted to follow the progression of an SE infection in unmolted hens versus hens molted via 14-day FM or ad libitum feeding of wheat middlings (WM), in the presence or absence of 2.5% lactose administered in the drinking water. In two trials of the experiment, all hens were infected with approximately 1 × 107 SE at day 4 of molt and sampled for SE shedding on days 4, 10, 17, and 24 postinfection (PI). Organ levels of SE were determined on day 7 PI. All molt procedures caused cessation of egg lay within 3 to 7 days. In trials 1 and 2, birds subjected to total FM shed 3 to 5 logs more SE than either the control birds (unmolted) or the birds fed WM on days 4 and 10 PI. Liver and spleen, ovary, and cecum counts were al...
Abnormalities in cell cycle control in cancer and their clinical implications

Recent studies indicate that the functions of several genes that control the cell cycle are altered during the carcinogenic process and that these changes perturb both cell proliferation and genomic stability, thus promoting cell transformation and enhancing the process of tumor progression. The purpose of this paper is to review current information on the role of cyclins and related genes in the control of the mammalian cell cycle, the types of abnormalities in these genes found in human tumors and the possible clinical implications of these findings.
Somatic Skill Transmission as Storytelling: The Role of Embodied Judgment in Taijutsu Practice

Examining movement learning though Piercean semiotics, this article affirms the basic embodied notion that to utilize one’s body constitutes a form of thought. Through a case study that focuses on theorization of skilled movement in a Japanese martial art that has been transported into North America, I examine processes involved in somatic learning, including both ontological as well as epistemological aspects. I suggest that embodied skills are passed on through story telling, rather than through more conventional models of “passing down information.” Learning somatic skills, or learning more generally, can thereby be conceptualized as a process of attuning judgment, in contrast to acquiring a set of internalized representations about the world.
Evidence for the role of β2* nAChR desensitization in regulating body weight in obese mice.

Abstract Nicotine's effect on food intake and body weight has been well documented; however, the relevant receptors underlying these effects have not been firmly established. The purpose of the present study was to: (1) identify the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype involved in food intake and body weight; (2) establish whether food intake and body weight reduction produced by nicotinic drugs are due to activation or desensitization of nAChRs; and, (3) assess the role of the melanocortin system in nicotinic drug effects on food intake and body weight. To identify the nAChR, we tested the effect of sazetidine-A (SAZ-A), a relatively selective ligand of β2-containing nAChRs, on food intake and body weight in obese mice. SAZ-A (3 mg/kg; SC) administered twice-daily significantly decreased food intake and body weight. To assess whether these effects involved desensitization, SAZ-A was administered to non-obese mice via osmotic pump, which, due to its slow sustained drug delivery method, causes prolonged desensitization. SAZ-A via osmotic pump delivery significantly decreased the gain in body weight and reduced food intake. In contrast, body weight was unaffected by SAZ-A in β2−/− mice or in mice lacking the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). These results indicate that β2 containing nAChRs are essential to SAZ-A's inhibitory effect on body weight and food intake and engage the melanocortin system.
Structural Brain Abnormalities in Schizophrenia: Distribution, Etiology, and Implications

Structural brain abnormalities (SBAs) are now a widely-accepted feature of schizophrenia. More than 200 studies of schizophrenics have reported SBAs, with most implicating limbic system pathology and enlargement of the third and lateral ventricles (Bogerts, 1991; Cannon, 1991, Raz & Raz, 1990). However, many questions remain regarding the distribution, prevalence, etiology, and functional implications of SBAs in schizophrenia.
Histone Acetylation During Chromatin Replication and Nucleosome Assembly

Publisher Summary The biochemical and genetic data indicate that the reversible acetylation of nascent H4 is dispensable for histone deposition and physiological nucleosome alignment. Of course, the genetic evidence obtained from yeast may in part reflect the peculiarities of this system, while the ability of acetylated H3 to substitute for H4Ac2 remains untested. These matters should be fertile areas for future research. Approaches for addressing these problems might include a conditional mutant for HATB, or a specific inhibitor of this enzyme. In vitro assembly systems, in which the acetylation of H4 can be manipulated, should also prove valuable. Given that heightened DNaseI sensitivity is a feature of acetylated chromatin in general, it is perhaps ironic that the only clearly identified assembly-related effect of histone acetylation is the prolonged DNaseI sensitivity of chromatin replicated in the presence of butyrate. Whether this represents an actual role for acetylation during nucleosome assembly in vivo, it does underscore the importance of timely deacetylation in the proper and complete formation of chromatin.
Comfort Food: Nourishing Our Collective Stomachs and Our Collective Minds

Food is a powerful motivator in human functioning—it serves a biological need, as emotional support, and as a cultural symbol. Until recently, the term “comfort food” has been inadequately and unsc...
Noble metal-free catalytic decarboxylation of oleic acid to n-heptadecane on nickel-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)

Nickel based metal organic frameworks (Ni-MOFs) were successfully synthesized using new conjugated carboxylic acid linkers. These conjugated carboxylic acid linkers were synthesized using mild Heck coupling that led to the incorporation of functional groups not possible by traditional synthetic methods. Control of linker size allows for porosity tuning of the crystalline network and high surface area, that, in theory, results in the increased accessibility to Ni metal centers for catalysis. The resultant crystalline Ni-MOFs displayed BET areas as high as ∼314 m2 g−1. To investigate their catalytic activity for conversion of oleic acid to liquid hydrocarbons, Ni-MOFs were grown on zeolite 5A beads that served as catalytic supports. The resultant catalysts displayed heptadecane selectivity as high as ∼77% at mild reaction conditions, one of the highest yields for non-noble metal containing catalysts. The catalytic activity correlated to the concentration of acid sites. A slight decrease in catalytic activity was observed after catalysts recycling.
Biomass gasification and physical analysis of plant biomass and agricultural waste products in Louisiana.

There are many properties that can affect the quality of syngas generated from biomass gasification. Among the most critical are ash, heating value, moisture, and density of the feedstock. The focus of this study is to analyze the characteristics of different woody biomass materials and agricultural wastes typically found in Louisiana or similar regions. The energy content of combustible gases produced by gasification is also quantified. The feedstocks analyzed are pine, hardwood pellets, alfalfa, switchgrass, sugarcane bagasse, corn, cypress mulch, chipped bark nuggets, dairy manure, and poultry litter. Analyzing and comparing the different feedstock characteristics indicates that the differences in physical properties are largely responsible for varying energy generation capabilities from gas produced through gasification. Ultimately, it is determined that pine and hardwood are the best candidates for energy production through gasification, based on their high density, relatively low MC, and low ash content. Producer gas generated from pine gasification had the highest concentration of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane and resulted in the greatest energy output when combusted.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND THE LGBT POPULATION IN LONG-TERM CARE: COMPETENCY, TRAINING, AND BARRIERS

The study describes results of survey data on providers’ competency, training, and barriers encountered in delivering mental health care to LGBT older adults in nursing homes. Fifty-seven providers completed the survey: 47% psychologists, 12% social workers, 11% psychiatrists, and 4% nurses. Providers had practiced in nursing homes for about 12.5 years. 39% of providers reported they provided no care to LGBT residents the past year, while most of the 61% of providers who did reported working with 1–6 LGBT residents. 62% of providers reported the services they provided were focused on LGBT issues, while 38% reported that the focus was not at all related. For training, 86% of providers reported no formal coursework in LGBT issues or left the item blank; 81% reported no continuing education hours and 70% of providers reported no self-study hours. Providers reported that LGBT issues were relevant to their practice (83%), that they felt somewhat or well prepared to work with this population (76%), and were also somewhat or very willing to learn more (90%). Reported barriers included lack of training in LGBT issues, (85%) lack of familiarity with or availability of evidence-based treatments (76% and 79% respectively), resident unwilling to identify as LGBT (94%), and stigma (91% definitely or probably). Only 21% reported that their personal comfort could be a barrier. Results from this sample indicate facilities need more training, more evidence-based treatments, and less stigma to provide mental health care for the LGBT population.
Strategies for Achieving Healthy Vascular Aging

The population is aging rapidly worldwide, which will lead to an increased societal and economic burden of age-associated chronic disease, including cardiovascular diseases.1,2 Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed nations, and chronological age is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.3 Arterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) both increase with advancing age4–7 and are independent predictors of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality.8,9 As such, there is strong, ongoing demand for evidence-based strategies that prevent, delay, or reverse age-associated increases in BP and arterial stiffness.10,11 Indeed, the need for new approaches is expected to grow as the burden of age- and accelerated aging-associated cardiovascular dysfunction and disease continues to rise. In this review, we discuss the concept of healthy vascular aging (HVA) with regard to definition and contributing mechanisms, existing and promising HVA-enhancing lifestyle- and pharmacological-based strategies, and future directions. The focus will be primarily on data from observational and intervention studies in humans. Arterial stiffening and increases in BP occur with advancing age4–7 although population-based studies indicate that this is not an inevitable consequence of aging but rather results from an industrialized lifestyle. 12,13 The prevalence of hypertension dramatically increases with advancing age, affecting approximately two thirds of Americans ≥60 years.3 Hypertension is also highly prevalent in populations with chronic disease, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus.14,15 The most recent Joint National Commission 8 guidelines increased the BP treatment goal for individuals >60 years of age to <150/90 mm Hg with a goal of <140/90 mm Hg in adults 30 to 59 years of age, including individuals with diabetes mellitus and nondiabetic CKD.16 However, the recently completed multicenter randomized controlled trial, …
Structure of the 30 kDa HIV-1 RNA Dimerization Signal by a Hybrid Cryo-EM, NMR, and Molecular Dynamics Approach

Summary Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are routinely used to determine structures of macromolecules with molecular weights over 65 and under 25 kDa, respectively. We combined these techniques to study a 30 kDa HIV-1 dimer initiation site RNA ([DIS] 2 ; 47 nt/strand). A 9 A cryo-EM map clearly shows major groove features of the double helix and a right-handed superhelical twist. Simulated cryo-EM maps generated from time-averaged molecular dynamics trajectories (10 ns) exhibited levels of detail similar to those in the experimental maps, suggesting internal structural flexibility limits the cryo-EM resolution. Simultaneous inclusion of the cryo-EM map and 2 H-edited NMR-derived distance restraints during structure refinement generates a structure consistent with both datasets and supporting a flipped-out base within a conserved purine-rich bulge. Our findings demonstrate the power of combining global and local structural information from these techniques for structure determination of modest-sized RNAs.
Guidelines for developing and implementing humor in nursing classrooms.

The three teachers in this study selected many types of humor to exemplify their points. To avoid predictability, they varied their humor presentation styles and frequency by using simple cartoons projected on a screen, jokes and stories, and songs and dance routines. All three teachers engaged in a continuous search for new material to further expand their repertoire. Careful not to overuse humor, they never lost sight of the learning objectives, but they added enough humor to sustain students' attention. The teachers gradually increased their use of classroom humor as they felt more comfortable with the content and setting. All of the students' and teachers' comments corroborate the conclusions reached by Bryant and Zillmann 1989), "It would appear that success in teaching with humor...depends on employing the right type of humor, under the proper conditions, at the right time, and with properly motivated and receptive students' (p. 74). Not all types of humor are appropriate for all teachers. However, for teachers who carefully invest time and effort into learning to teach with humor, the reward can be a successful and enjoyable experience for all involved.
Moment-method techniques in electromagnetics from an application's viewpoint

The various issues of concern in the practical application of Moment--Method techniques in electromagnetics are discussed. Special attention is devoted to the steps involved in the development and use of a computer model. A survey of the state-of-the-art in connection with problem types most often encountered is also given. A recommendation is made for a methodological framework to be developed for EM problem solving to more effectively exploit analytical, computational and experimental procedures.
Normal Values of Esophageal Distensibility and Distension-Induced Contractility Measured by Functional Luminal Imaging Probe Panometry

Background & Aims Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) panometry provides a comprehensive evaluation of esophageal functional at the time of endoscopy, including assessment of esophageal distensibility and distension-induced esophageal contractility. However, the few and inconsistent findings from healthy individuals pose challenges to the application of FLIP to research and clinical practice. We performed FLIP panometry in asymptomatic volunteers. Methods We performed a prospective study of 20 asymptomatic volunteers (ages, 23–44; 14 women) who were evaluated with 16-cm FLIP positioned across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and distal esophagus (and in 8 subjects also repositioned at the proximal esophagus) during sedated upper endoscopy. FLIP data were analyzed with a customized program that generated FLIP panometry plots and calculated the EGJ-distensibility index (DI) and distensibility plateaus (DP) of distal and proximal esophageal body. Distension-induced esophageal contractility was also assessed. Results The median EGJ-DI was 5.8 mm2/mm Hg (interquartile range [IQR], 4.9–6.7 mm2/mm Hg); all 20 subjects had an EGJ-DI greater than 2.8 mm2/mm Hg. The median DP values from all subjects tested were 20.2 mm (IQR, 19.8–20.8 mm) at the distal body, 21.1 mm (IQR, 20.3–22.9 mm) at the proximal body, and greater than 18 mm at both locations. Repetitive antegrade contractions (RACs) were observed in all 20 subjects; in 19 of 20 (95%) subjects, the RAC pattern persisted for 10 or more consecutive antegrade contractions. Conclusions Normal parameters of FLIP panometry are EGJ-DI greater than 2.8 mm2/mm Hg, DP greater than 18 mm, and antegrade contractions that occur in a repetitive pattern (RACs)—these can be used as normal findings for esophageal distensibility and distension-induced contractility. These values can be used in comparative studies of esophageal diseases, such as achalasia and eosinophilic esophagitis, and will facilitate application of FLIP panometry to clinical practice.
Estimating the Effects of Module Area on Thin-Film Photovoltaic System Costs

We investigate the potential effects of module area on the cost and performance of photovoltaic systems. Applying a bottom-up methodology, we analyzed the costs associated with thin-film modules and systems as a function of module area. We calculate a potential for savings of up to $0.10/W and ${\$}$ 0.131W in module manufacturing costs for CdTe and CIGS respectively, with large area modules. We also find that an additional $0.04/W savings in balance-of-systems costs may be achieved. Sensitivity of the ${\$}$ /W cost savings to module efficiency, manufacturing yield, and other parameters is presented. Lifetime energy yield must also be maintained to realize reductions in the levelized cost of energy; the effects of module size on energy yield for monolithic thin-film modules are not yet well understood. Finally, we discuss possible non-cost barriers to adoption of large area modules.
Generating approximate halo catalogues for blind challenges in precision cosmology

We present a method for generating suites of dark-matter halo catalogs with only a few $N$-body simulations, focusing on making small changes to the underlying cosmology of a simulation with high precision. In the context of blind challenges, this allows us to reuse a simulation by giving it a new cosmology after the original cosmology is revealed. Starting with full $N$-body realizations of an original cosmology and a target cosmology, we fit a transfer function that displaces halos in the original so that the galaxy/HOD power spectrum matches that of the target cosmology. This measured transfer function can then be applied to a new realization of the original cosmology to create a new realization of the target cosmology. For a 1% change in $\sigma_8$, we achieve 0.1% accuracy to $k = 1h\,\mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$ in the real-space power spectrum; this degrades to 0.3% when the transfer function is applied to a new realization. We achieve similar accuracy in the redshift-space monopole and quadrupole. In all cases, the result is better than the sample variance of our $1.1h^{-1}\,\mathrm{Gpc}$ simulation boxes.
Biventricular Impella use in pediatric patients with severe graft dysfunction from acute rejection after heart transplantation.

Rejection with severe hemodynamic compromise is a significant source of morbidity and mortality for pediatric heart transplant patients. Traditionally, treatment for these patients includes inotropes and escalation to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when necessary. There is increasing interest in using percutaneous ventricular assistive devices in the pediatric population as a less invasive alternative to ECMO. We report the largest case series to date of biventricular support using percutaneous Impella devices. Retrospective case series was performed by chart review. Hemodynamics, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and indices of end organ function were collected before and after Impella placement. A 14-year-old male, 18-year-old male, and 19-year-old female, all status post heart transplant, presented with severely decreased biventricular function due to presumed clinical rejection, requiring maximal inotropic support without improvement. In all the three cases, simultaneous Impella CP and RP devices were placed percutaneously. Prior to implantation, LVEFs were 40%, 23%, and 25%, respectively. Hemodynamics measured invasively prior to device placement showed elevated filling pressures. Adverse events while on support included bleeding, hemolysis, and right femoral arterial dissection during implantation. All patients were successfully weaned from the devices and survived to discharge. The average time of right-sided support and total support was 11 days and 13 days, respectively. After device removal, right-sided pressures and echocardiographic measurements showed improvement in all patients. Bilateral Impella configuration (BiPella) is a viable option for temporary mechanical circulatory support in pediatric patients with significant graft dysfunction.
Long-term, Time-synchronized Temperature Monitoring using Self-Powered CMOS Timers

In this paper, we propose a framework for time synchronized sensing of temperature with applications in supply-chain monitoring. At the core of the proposed framework is a chip-scale self-powered timing device that has been shown to be robust to manufacturing artifacts and has been shown to precisely track absolute time for years. In this paper we exploit two key characteristics of the timer device: its sensitivity to temperature, and its ability to synchronize time across multiple devices that are subjected to identical environmental conditions. Here, we also propose a mathematical model that captures the time-temperature behavior of the timers more accurately. Sensor/timer prototypes were fabricated on a standard 0.5 µm CMOS process and experiments were conducted in a thermally-controlled chamber with continuous monitoring using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors. Results show that variations in the recovered temperature readings from our proposed framework were comparable to that of measured temperature using the COTS sensor. Due to its small form factor and robust behavior, we believe this sensor presents a solution for integrating and monitoring every individual samples in a supply-chain.
Tumor lysis syndrome in gynecologic cancers: An uncommon but important diagnosis to recognize

Abstract Objectives To describe the incidence, treatment and outcomes associated with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in women with gynecologic cancer (GOC). Methods A retrospective multi-institutional review of TLS associated with GOC. Women presenting with an elevated serum uric acid managed with intravenous (IV) rasburicase were included. Descriptive statistics of patient demographics, clinical findings, and outcome data was completed. Results From two large academic institutions N = 18 patients were found to meet inclusion criteria from 2008 to 2018, reflecting an approximate 5% incidence of clinically treated TLS associated with GOC in our cohort. Median age was 60 years, a majority were Caucasian (n = 11, 61.1%), median BMI was 36.2. TLS was associated with a high-grade GOC in n = 17 (94.4%) cases. TLS was commonly diagnosed with a new GOC (n = 12, 70.6%) and following receipt of chemotherapy in n = 9 (50.0%) cases. Six (66.7%) patients were treated with paclitaxel or combination, five (55.5%) with a platinum or combination, and two (22.2%) with a CD47 inhibitor. Chief complaints included electrolyte and renal abnormalities (n = 11, 73.3%). Peak serum uric acid, potassium, creatinine and phosphorus levels were 14.1 mg/dL, 5.7 mEq/L, 5.1 mg/dL, and 6.8 mg/dL, respectively. Nine patients received hospice during their admission with 3 (20%) deaths occurring as inpatients. There were 12 deaths with median OS of 16 d (range: 2–87 d). Conclusions Though rare, TLS can be associated with GOC. Early recognition of presenting symptoms, laboratory findings and expedited treatment may help with electrolyte recovery; however, TLS associated with GOC may herald a rapidly deteriorating state with significant associated mortality.
The fossil fuel industry’s framing of carbon capture and storage: Faith in innovation, value instrumentalization, and status quo maintenance

Abstract Drawing from the critical theory of Herbert Marcuse, we expect that the fossil fuel industry will support carbon capture and storage (CCS) because it can further and prolong profitability in the industry. Through a qualitative analysis of fossil fuel company and trade organization framings of CCS, three frames are identified: (1) faith in innovation, or, the belief that any barrier that fetters technological solutions to environmental problems can be overcome; (2) value instrumentalization, or, the predominance of instrumental values when justifying or explaining the benefits of technological solutions; and (3) status quo maintenance, or, the application or anticipated application of technological solutions in order to reproduce the most fundamental processes and social structures that characterize modern societies. Frames tend to omit the following issues and concerns relevant to CCS: (4) potential social and environmental risks (risk minimization); (5) non-instrumental values (value restriction); and (6) possible future scenarios that are qualitatively different than a growing economy powered by increased energy throughput (possibility blindness). The potential climate and energy policy implications of these framings are analyzed and assessed.
Autonomy-restrictive socialization of anger: Associations with school-aged children's physiology, trait anxiety, state distress, and relationship closeness.

Parental socialization that infringes on children's autonomy may have consequences for physiological regulation, trait anxiety, and state distress. One such practice is the use of positive conditional regard (CR)-the provision of extra attention/affection when children meet parents' expectations. Self-determination theory proposes that CR thwarts satisfaction of children's basic needs for relatedness and autonomy by placing these needs in conflict. We evaluate associations among children's (N = 106, 51% male, Mage = 10.27 years, SD = 1.09) reports of their mothers' use of positive CR to suppress anger expression (PCR-anger), their physiological regulation (resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia, RSA), and their trait anxiety and state distress, in light of perceived relationship closeness. After controlling demographics, mothers' reports of positive and negative CR-anger, children's reports of mothers' negative CR-anger and depressive symptoms, greater child-reported positive CR-anger was significantly associated with greater child anxiety and with lower resting RSA. Resting RSA mediated associations of child-reported positive CR-anger with greater child anxiety and post-failure distress. These indirect effects were significant for children low or moderate in closeness to mother. We conclude that autonomy-restrictive socialization is a concurrent correlate of children's physiological regulation, anxiety, and state distress, with these associations dependent on relational distance.
Making Peace When the Whole World Has Come to Fight: The Mediation of Internationalized Civil Wars*

After a quarter-century during which it was a relatively rare phenomenon, external military intervention is now a common occurrence during contemporary civil war. Research has highlighted the addit...
A Novel Flow Cytometric Assay to Identify Inhibitors of RBPJ-DNA Interactions:

Notch signaling is often involved in cancer cell initiation and proliferation. Aberrant Notch activation underlies more than 50% of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL); accordingly, chemica...
How to ask for donations: a language perspective on online fundraising success

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of message framing and language use on intentions to donate in online fundraising campaigns. A 2 (Message framing: Gain-framed vs. Loss-framed) b...
Fundamental Properties of Ferroelectric and Anti-Ferroelectric Hafnium Zirconium Oxides: Scaling Limit, Switching Speed and Polarization Density

The ferroelectric (FE) and anti-ferroelectric (AFE) properties of hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO) are investigated systematically down to 3 nm. The ferroelectric polarization, switching speed and the impact of metal electrodes, such as atomic layer deposited (ALD) TiN and WN versus sputtered W, are studied. Record high remnant polarization (P r ) on FE HZO and record high saturation polarization (PS) on AFE HZO are achieved with WN electrodes, especially in ultrathin sub-10 nm regime. [1, 2] A high dielectric constant of 30.4 is achieved on AFE HZO. The polarization switching speeds of FE and AFE HZO are also systematically studied. For the first time, it is found polarization switching speed is faster in AFE HZO than FE HZO. Record fast sub- nanosecond single pulse polarization switch is achieved on FE HZO for the first time, [3] The work is supported by DARPA/SRC JUMP ASCENT Center.
Maternal obesity alters placental lysophosphatidylcholines, lipid storage, and the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism‡

Dyslipidemia is a characteristic of maternal obesity and previous studies have demonstrated abnormalities in fatty acid oxidation and storage in term placentas. However, there is little information about the effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on placental lipid metabolism during early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between lipid profiles and markers of metabolism in placentas from obese and lean dams at midgestation. Mice were fed a western diet (WD) or normal diet (ND) and lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and/or phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were measured in dam circulation and placenta sections using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging, respectively. In WD dam, circulating LPCs containing 16:1, 18:1, 20:0, and 20:3 fatty acids were increased and 18:2 and 20:4 were decreased. In WD placenta from both sexes, LPC 18:1 and PC 36:1 and 38:3 were increased. Furthermore, there were moderate to strong correlations between LPC 18:1, PC 36:1, and PC 38:3. Treatment-, spatial-, and sex-dependent differences in LPC 20:1 and 20:3 were also detected. To identify genes that may regulate diet-dependent differences in placenta lipid profiles, the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and nutrient transport was measured in whole placenta and isolated labyrinth using droplet digital PCR and Nanostring nCounter assays. Several apolipoproteins were increased in WD placentas. However, no differences in nutrient transport or fatty acid metabolism were detected. Together, these data indicate that lipid storage is increased in midgestation WD placentas, which may lead to lipotoxicity, altered lipid metabolism and transport to the fetus later in gestation.
Should students change their answers on multiple choice questions

Multiple choice exams are ubiquitous, but advice on test-taking strategies varies and is not always well informed by research. This study evaluated the question of whether students benefit or are h...
Estrogen-induced hsa-miR-10b-5p is elevated in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and downregulates splicing factor SRSF1

OBJECTIVE Autoimmune diseases affect women disproportionately more than men. Estrogen is implicated in immune cell dysfunction, yet its precise molecular roles are not fully known. We recently identified new roles for serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) in T cell function and autoimmunity. SRSF1 levels are decreased in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are associated with active disease and comorbidity. However, the molecular mechanisms that control SRSF1 expression are unknown. Srsf1 messenger RNA (mRNA) has a long 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR), suggesting posttranscriptional control. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of estrogen and posttranscriptional mechanisms of SRSF1 regulation in T cells and SLE. METHODS In silico bioinformatics analysis of Srsf1-3'-UTR revealed multiple microRNA (miRNA; miR)-binding sites. Additional screening and literature searches narrowed down hsa-miR-10b-5p for further study. Peripheral blood T cells from healthy individuals and SLE patients were evaluated for mRNA and miRNA expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and SRSF1 protein levels were assessed by immunoblotting. T cells were cultured with β-estradiol, and transient transfections were used to overexpress miRNAs. Luciferase assays were used to measure 3'-UTR activity. RESULTS We demonstrated that estrogen increased hsa-miR-10b-5p expression in human T cells, and hsa-miR-10b-5p down-regulated SRSF1 protein expression. Mechanistically, hsa-mir-10b-5p regulated SRSF1 posttranscriptionally via control of its 3'-UTR activity. Importantly, hsa-miR-10b-5p expression levels were elevated in T cells from healthy women compared to healthy men and also elevated in T cells from SLE patients. CONCLUSION We identified a previously unrecognized molecular link between estrogen and gene regulation in immune cells, with potential relevance to systemic autoimmune disease.
Quadrupedal Robotic Guide Dog with Vocal Human-Robot Interaction.

Guide dogs play a critical role in the lives of many, however training them is a time- and labor-intensive process. We are developing a method to allow an autonomous robot to physically guide humans using direct human-robot communication. The proposed algorithm will be deployed on a Unitree A1 quadrupedal robot and will autonomously navigate the person to their destination while communicating with the person using a speech interface compatible with the robot. This speech interface utilizes cloud based services such as Amazon Polly and Google Cloud to serve as the text-to-speech and speech-to-text engines.
Chapter 6 The Use of Complexing Eluents for the High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Metal Species

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of complexing eluents for the high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) determination of metal species. The use of complexing agents in HPLC analyses are numerous and varied. One method which has been used to classify the different techniques is based on when the complexing agent is reacted with the metal ion. There are pre-column and post-column techniques, along with in situ, which refers to derivatization within the column when the complexing agent is a component of the mobile phase. These techniques have offered the analyst profoundly different analytical capabilities. In situ derivatization has been widely utilized to elute metal ions from either cation-exchange or dynamically coated reverse-phase columns. In addition to an increase in column efficiency over traditional single- or dual-column cation-exchange separations, the in situ use of complexing agents has facilitated polyvalent cation separations without the need of concentrated eluent solutions. In fact, a direct outcome of using complexing agents in the mobile phase has been the development of a method for the analysis of polyvalent metal ions which entails single-column cation-exchange separation with conductivity detection.