cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor with AZD4547 mitigates juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

Background Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign tumor that presents in adolescent males. Although surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, recurrences complicate treatment. There is a need to develop less invasive approaches for management. JNA tumors are composed of fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. We identified fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in JNA-derived fibroblasts. FGFR influences fibroblast proliferation and VEGF is necessary for angiogenesis. We hypothesized that targeting FGFR would mitigate JNA fibroblast proliferation, invasion, and migration, and that targeting the VEGF receptor would attenuate endothelial tubule formation. Methods After informed consent, fibroblasts from JNA explants of 3 patients were isolated. Fibroblasts were treated with FGFR inhibitor AZD4547, 0 to 25 μg/mL for 72 hours and proliferation was quantified using CyQuant assay. Migration and invasion of JNA were assessed using 24-hour transwell assays with subsequent fixation and quantification. Mitigation of FGFR and downstream signaling was evaluated by immunoblotting. Tubule formation was assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with vehicle control (dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO]) or semaxanib (SU5416) as well as in serum-free media (SFM) or JNA conditioned media (CM). Tubule length was compared between treatment groups. Results Compared to control, AZD4547 inhibited JNA fibroblast proliferation, migration, and invasion through inhibition of FGFR and downstream signaling, specifically phosphorylation of - p44/42 mitogen activated protein kinase (p44/42 MAPK). JNA fibroblast CM significantly increased HUVEC tubule formation (p = 0.0039). Conclusion AZD4547 effectively mitigates FGFR signaling and decreases JNA fibroblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. SU5416 attenuated JNA fibroblast-induced tubule formation. AZD4547 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of JNA.
Field emission from carbon nanotube fibers in varying anode-cathode gap with the consideration of contact resistance

This paper studies field emission (FE) from a single carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber with different anode-cathode (AK) gap distances. It is found that the field enhancement factor depends strongly on the finite AK gap distance, due to the combination of geometrical effects and possible fiber morphology change. The geometrical effects of AK gap distance on the field enhancement factor are confirmed using COMSOL simulations. The slope drop in the Fowler-Northeim (FN) plot of the FE data in the high voltage is related to the electrical contact resistance between the CNT fiber and the substrate. It is found that even a small series resistance to the field emitter (<30% of the emission gap impedance) can strongly modify the FE characteristics in the high voltage regime, inducing a strong deviation from the linear FN plot.
Staple Line Leak Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Staple line leak following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most dreaded complication succeeding this operation. Fortunately, it has been declining steadily, and its management is now well organized, so much that the mortality subsequent to this operation is now one of the lowest, making it safer than gastric bypass and full duodenal switch operations. It has grown into the most popular operation in the USA (nearly 60% of all procedures) and also worldwide. Hence, all surgeons should be familiar with the management of this complication, as a function of time and size; there are many methods, ranging from just endoscopy to full-fledged laparoscopic (or open) Roux-en-Y conversions. With its dwindling incidence, it is unlikely that practicing surgeons will acquire enough expertise and experience to treat those, and prevention should be the best policy to avoid them all.
Heritable aspects of uterine anomalies. II. Genetic analysis of Müllerian aplasia

The genetics of Mullerian aplasia (absent fallopian tubes, absent or rudimentary uterine corpus and cervix, absent upper vagina) has never been investigated systematically. Some investigators believe the disorder is inherited in female-limited autosomal dominant fashion, males transmitting the mutant gene but, of course, not manifesting the trait. To investigate this possibility, we obtained pedigrees in 23 probands with Mullerian aplasia. None had an affected relative. The absence of affected individuals among 30 postpubertal sisters, 31 paternal aunts, and 40 maternal aunts makes it unlikely that a sex-limited autosomal dominant gene is a common cause of Mullerian aplasia in our population. Dominant genes might exist in other populations, and fresh dominant mutations cannot be excluded. However, polygenic/multifactorial inheritance is perhaps more plausible.
Preoperative anemia: a common finding that predicts worse outcomes in patients undergoing primary hiatal hernia repair

The increased incidence of anemia in patients with hiatal hernias (HH) and resolution of anemia after HH repair (HHR) have been clearly demonstrated. However, the implications of preoperative anemia on postoperative outcomes have not been well described. In this study, we aimed to identify the incidence of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing primary HHR at our institution and sought to determine whether preoperative anemia had an impact on postoperative outcomes. Using our IRB-approved institutional HH database, we retrospectively identified patients undergoing primary HHR between January 2011 and April 2017 at our institution. We identified patients with anemia, defined as serum hemoglobin levels less than 13 mg/dL in men and 12 mg/dL in women, measured within two weeks prior to surgery, and compared this group to a cohort of patients with normal preoperative hemoglobin. Perioperative outcomes analyzed included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, perioperative blood transfusions, failed postoperative extubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission. Outcomes were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses, with significance set at p < 0.05. We identified 263 patients undergoing HHR. The median age was 66 years and most patients were female (78%, n = 206). Seventy patients (27%) were anemic. In unadjusted analyses, anemia was significantly associated with failed postoperative extubation (7 vs. 2%, p = 0.03), ICU admission (13 vs. 5%, p = 0.03), postoperative blood transfusions (9 vs. 0%, p < 0.01), and postoperative complications (41 vs. 18%, p < 0.01). On adjusted multivariable analysis, anemia was associated with 2.6-fold greater odds of postoperative complications (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.36–4.86; p < 0.01). In this study, anemia had a prevalence of 27% in patients undergoing primary HHR. Anemic patients had 2.6-fold greater odds of developing postoperative complications. Anemia is common in patients undergoing primary HHR and warrants consideration for treatment prior to elective repair.
Statistical determination of steady state condition in bioremediation tests

Linear regression and two newly developed statistical techniques were used to determine steady states in the dependent y-variables (effluent concentration or removal rate of pollutants) using correlation coefficients (r) for the relationship between the independent x-variables (reactor operating or treatment time) and the dependent y-variables. The statistical technique applied to chlorophenol bioremediation using a varying number of data points for linear regression analysis was more useful in determining a steady state for six general data patterns from bioremediation tests than the statistical technique using a fixed number of data points for linear regression analysis.
Impact of Aortic Valve Replacement on Glycemic Control in Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: The Framingham Studies revealed that diabetes mellitus (DM) predisposed subjects to a two- to eight-fold increase in the risk of developing heart failure (HF). However, there is much less information available about the reverse issue; namely, whether there is an increased risk of developing DM in patients with HF. We sought to determine if reversal or partial reversal of HF through aortic valve replacement (AVR) would improve glycemic control in patients with DM at our institution. Methods: The electronic medical records of 57 consecutive diabetic patients were retrospectively analyzed. These patients had undergone AVR at a medium-sized academic medical center from May 2005 through May 2015, and had glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) measured before and after the procedure. The variables of interest included HbA1C, and echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV), and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) before and after valve replacement. Results: HbA1C decreased significantly during the first year after replacement, from 7.1% (range 4.4 - 13.0%) before surgery to 6.5% in the first year (P < .05). In addition, the calculated RVSP decreased from 44 mmHg (20 - 79 mmHg) to 37 mmHg (P < .05 from the preoperative value). LVEF and TRV did not change significantly. Reductions in HbA1C and RVSP during the first year were greater in patients who experienced an increase of 5% or more in EF at their first postoperative measurement. Patients with higher baseline HbA1C values had a greater decline in glycated Hb during the first year (P < .01). Conclusion: AVR was associated with a reduction of HbA1C and a decrease in pulmonary artery systolic pressure within one year of the procedure.
EXPERIÊNCIA DE MÃES COM A DIFICULDADE DE APRENDIZAGEM ESCOLAR DE SEUS FILHOS

A pesquisa objetivou compreender a dificuldade escolar pela perspectiva de maes, cujos filhos estavam em tratamento psicologico em uma clinica-escola na regiao Sul do Brasil. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa de abordagem fenomenologica, com coleta de dadospor meio de entrevista em profundidade. A analise das experiencias vividas centrou-seno modelo detranscricao, reducao e tematizacao proposto por Van Manem. A partir desse processo,emergiram unidades de significados que formarama estrutura do tema fenomenologico. Esse tema representou a essencia do fenomeno vivido pelas participantes em relacao a dificuldade de aprendizagem de seus filhos. Os relatos das maes quanto as experiencias infantis mostraram que experiencias geracionais, especialmente, as advindas do cuidado materno refletem na educacao dos filhos, seja atraves da reproducao, revivencia ou ressignificacao, o que pode contribuir para a dificuldade de aprendizagem da leitura e escrita escolar infantil.
Design for metrology for freeform optics manufacturing

Abstract Freeform optical surfaces offer significant design opportunities but pose new challenges in metrology and manufacturing. Evolution in optics manufacturing processes have changed the surface spatial frequencies that must be measured. Optical surface definition is expected to be with respect to fiducials and datums which must be realizable at all stages of manufacture; uncertainty in that realization becomes important in some cases. Concurrent engineering is required, but appropriate data has not been collated for use by optical designers. One approach to providing such data is described.
Normal-appearing white matter microstructural injury is associated with white matter hyperintensity burden in acute ischemic stroke.

BackgroundWhite matter hyperintensity of presumed vascular origin is a risk factor for poor stroke outcomes. In patients with acute ischemic stroke, however, the in vivo mechanisms of white matter ...
Intimidation and distraction in an exercise context

The number of gymnasium, fitness centre, and health club memberships in the US has increased dramatically over the past decade. Those persons who exercise at such facilities can be inspired by a va...
Bioinspired Water Desalination and Water Purification Approaches Using Membranes

As discussed in Chap. 1, 97.5% of water is saline water, therefore water desalination is increasingly important in some parts of the world. However, water desalinization remains an energy intensive process and prohibitively expensive. In addition, water contamination from human activity affects clean water supply. Water purification from all contaminants is important (Brown and Bhushan 2016; Bhushan 2018).
Encouraging Participatory Music Making Through Differentiation on the Ukulele

Students come to the music classroom with varying degrees of skill, interest, and comfort toward making music, yet educators must consider how to meet the needs of all students regardless of abilit...
The Long-Term Effects of New Evidence on Implicit Impressions of Other People:

Implicit impressions are often assumed to be difficult to update in light of new information. Even when an intervention appears to successfully change implicit evaluations, the effects have been fo...
Personal narrative as a 'breeding ground' for higher-order thinking talk in early parent-child interactions.

Personal narrative is decontextualized talk where individuals recount stories of personal experiences about past or future events. As an everyday discursive speech type, narrative potentially invites parents and children to explicitly link together, generalize from, and make inferences about representations-i.e., to engage in higher-order thinking talk (HOTT). Here we ask whether narratives in early parent-child interactions include proportionally more HOTT than other forms of everyday home language. Sixty-four children (31 girls; 36 White, 14 Black, 8 Hispanic, 6 mixed/other race) and their primary caregiver(s) (Mincome = $61,000) were recorded in 90-minute spontaneous home interactions every 4 months from 14-58 months. Speech was transcribed and coded for narrative and HOTT. We found that parents at all visits and children after 38 months used more HOTT in narrative than non-narrative, and more HOTT than expected by chance. At 38- and 50-months, we examined HOTT in a related but distinct form of decontextualized talk-pretend, or talk during imaginary episodes of interaction-as a control to test whether other forms of decontextualized talk also relate to HOTT. While pretend contained more HOTT than other (non-narrative/non-pretend) talk, it generally contained less HOTT than narrative. Additionally, unlike HOTT during narrative, the amount of HOTT during pretend did not exceed the amount expected by chance, suggesting narrative serves as a particularly rich 'breeding ground' for HOTT in parent-child interactions. These findings provide insight into the nature of narrative discourse, and suggest narrative potentially may be used as a lever to increase children's higher-order thinking.
Exchange Flows in Tributary Creeks Enhance Dispersion by Tidal Trapping

The North River estuary (Massachusetts, USA) is a tidal marsh creek network where tidal dispersion processes dominate the salt balance. A field study using moorings, shipboard measurements, and drone surveys was conducted to characterize and quantify tidal trapping due to tributary creeks. During flood tide, saltwater propagates up the main channel and gets “trapped” in the creeks. The creeks inherit an axial salinity gradient from the time-varying salinity at their boundary with the main channel, but it is stronger than the salinity gradient of the main channel because of relatively weaker currents. The stronger salinity gradient drives a baroclinic circulation that stratifies the creeks, while the main channel remains well-mixed. Because of the creeks’ shorter geometries, tidal currents in the creeks lead those in the main channel; therefore, the creeks never fill with the saltiest water which passes the main channel junction. This velocity phase difference is enhanced by the exchange flow in the creeks, which fast-tracks the fresher surface layer in the creeks back to the main channel. Through ebb tide, the relatively fresh creek outflows introduce a negative salinity anomaly into the main channel, where it is advected downstream by the tide. Using high-resolution measurements, we empirically determine the salinity anomaly in the main channel resulting from its exchange with the creeks to calculate a dispersion rate due to trapping. Our dispersion rate is larger than theoretical estimates that neglect the exchange flow in the creeks. Trapping contributes more than half the landward salt flux in this region.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Impedes CD40-Dependent Notch Signaling to Restrict Th 17 Polarization During Infection

Early Th17 responses are necessary to provide protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). However, we previously demonstrated that Mtb restricts Th17 polarization and that engaging the CD40 costimulatory pathway on dendritic cells (DCs) enhances Th17 responses and augments Mtb control. Defining the molecular mechanisms that limit Th17 polarization during Mtb infection will facilitate the design of TB vaccination strategies that induce protective Th17 immunity. Here, we identify the Notch ligand, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), as necessary for Th17 polarization and demonstrate that Mtb limits DLL4 signaling on DCs to prevent optimal Th17 responses. While Mtb infection induced only low levels of Dll4 mRNA in DCs, exogenously engaging CD40 on Mtb-infected DCs enhanced Dll4 expression and led to high frequencies of DLL4+ and DLL4+ Jagged1+ DCs. Antibody blockade of DLL4 on DCs reduced Th17 polarization but did not affect Th1 polarization. DLL4 was also required for inducing multifunctional CXCR3+ CCR6+ CD4 T cells co-expressing IL-17, IL-22 and IFN-γ in the lungs of mice, and DLL4-dependent Th17 responses inversely correlated with Mtb lung burdens. Additionally, we show that the Mtb Hip1 protease attenuates DLL4 expression on lung DCs by impeding CD40 signaling. Overall, our results demonstrate that Mtb impedes CD40-dependent Notch ligand signaling to restrict Th17 responses and identify the CD40-DLL4 pathways as targets for developing new Th17-inducing vaccines and adjuvants for TB.
Clinical Diagnostic Classification of Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Over the last two decades there has been emerging recognition of a degenerative brain disorder with Lewy bodies in cortical, as well as subcortical brain areas. Various terms including “diffuse Lewy body disease”,1 “senile dementia of the Lewy body type”,2 and “Lewy body variant of Alzheimer’s disease”3 have been used to describe the clinicopathological syndrome of dementia associated with cortical and subcortical Lewy bodies. Although the clinicopathological classifiication of this disorder, now referred to as Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB),4 recognizes overlapping features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), a specific constellation of clinical signs and symptoms have been suggested to distinguish DLB.
Long-Term Trends in Personal Given Name Frequencies in the UK

The frequency distribution of personal given names offers important evidence about the information economy. This paper presents data on the popularity of the most frequent personal given names (first names) in the UK over the past millennium. The popularity of a name is its frequency relative to the total name instances sampled. The data show that the popularity distribution of names, like the popularity of other symbols and artifacts associated with the information economy, can be helpfully viewed as a power law. Moreover, the data on name popularity suggest that historically distinctive changes in the information economy occurred in conjunction with the Industrial Revolution.
On the number of solutions for dynamic pole assignment problem

The number of complex dynamic compensators of order q assigning a given set of poles for a q-nondegenerate m-input, p-output system of McMillan degree n=q(m+p-1)+mp is given in this paper. As a corollary it follows that when this number is odd, the generic system can be arbitrarily pole assigned by output feedback with a real dynamic compensator of order at most q if and only if q(m+p-1)+mp/spl ges/n. >
Distributing a mobile robot simulator using remote procedure calls

The architecture of a distributed mobile robot simulator is presented. A sequential simulator for conducting experiments in path planning and sensor fusion is first implemented. The computationally intensive sections of the simulator are then identified. To exploit the fact that some of these computations may be performed in parallel, a distributed version of the simulator is implemented on a network of heterogeneous computers running variants of the UNIX (BSD) operating system. The various processes in the simulator communicate over Ethernet using remote procedure calls. The paper also discusses the performance issues involved in distributing the simulator. >
Integrated Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment for the South River, Virginia: a Bayesian Approach

iv Acknowledgements v Notes vi List of Figures ix List of Supplementary Materials x List of Acronyms and Abbreviations xi
POST Forms More Than Advance Directives Associated With Out-of-Hospital Death: Insights From a State Registry.

Abstract Context Patients' end-of-life care outcomes often do not reflect their preferences. Ninety-two percent of West Virginians prefer to die outside the hospital, yet only 58.8% do. Objectives To compare out-of-hospital death (OHD) between those with completed advance directive (AD) and Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) forms. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 2027 West Virginians who submitted AD and/or POST forms to the West Virginia e-Directive Registry and died between October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013. A multivariable logistic regression model examined the relationship between OHD by form type while adjusting for age and enrollment in hospice. Results Patients who completed an AD were significantly less likely to have an OHD (56.9%) than those who completed a POST form with comfort measures orders or a POST form with limited/full intervention orders (88.4% and 75.9%, respectively, P P Conclusion A prospective study is needed to validate that a statewide POST program and registry provide a more effective way than ADs to express, document, and honor patients' preferences for an OHD.
Atypical Features in a Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy Patient with a 68 CAG Repeat (P1.087)

Objective: To describe the clinical features and disease presentation in a patient with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) who has an unusually large CAG repeat expansion of 68. Background: SBMA is an X-linked motor neuron disease caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion within the androgen receptor gene. Patients with the disease have weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations in the limb and bulbar muscles. The disease occurs when the CAG repeat length increases to between 38 and 62 CAGs from a normal length of between 11 and 32 CAGs. Patients with CAG repeat lengths greater than 62 have not previously been reported. Design/Methods: We evaluated a 29 year old SBMA patient with 68 CAGs at the National Institutes of Health. History and physical examination were obtained, and muscle strength and function were assessed. DNA from the subject’s blood and fibroblasts were analyzed. Evaluation of androgen receptor expression in the fibroblasts was performed in comparison to control samples. Results: PCR amplification and sequencing of the androgen receptor gene confirmed a repeat length of 68 CAGs in both the blood and fibroblasts. Quantitative PCR and western blot analysis of patient fibroblasts showed levels of androgen receptor mRNA and protein equivalent to control samples. Evaluation of muscle and sensory function showed deficits typical for the disease. In addition, the patient had manifestations of small fiber neuropathy and abnormal sexual development. Conclusions: These findings expand the known phenotype associated with SBMA and shed new insights into the effects of the mutated androgen receptor. Disclosure: Dr. Grunseich has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kats has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bott has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kokkinis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rinaldi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fischbeck has nothing to disclose.
Steady-State Voltammetry with Stationary Disk Millielectrodes in Magnetic Fields: Nonlinear Dependence of the Mass-Transfer Limited Current on the Electron Balance of the Faradaic Process

Generally, faradaic current passing through an electrolytic cell placed in a magnetic field causes stirring of the electrolytic solution and current−voltage characteristics similar to those obtaine...
Paradoxical Rainfall Data

AT Blue Hill careful measurements of rainfall have been made for thirty-seven years. There is no break in the record and the amounts are checked by more than one gauge. Data for the entire period 1886–1922 are given in Blue Hill Meteorological Observations. The average monthly values are:
SAM — a baby with many faces

Abstract In the last issue of Food Policy , two articles appeared on the subject of the Mexican Food System, or the Sistema Alimenticio Mexicano (SAM). The first article by Frank Meissner 1 reviewed the background to SAM, the proposed strategies, intended targets, its funding and put forward a strong case for considering SAM as a constructive policy for alleviating Mexico's food and nutrition problems. However, Michael Redclift commented in his article that: 2 ‘There are three principal points to be made of Dr Meissner's article: its interpretation of Mexico's recent agrarian development is questionable; it does not distinguish between the analysis provided in the SAM documents and the policy measures to which they give rise; and, it glosses over serious problems of implementation, giving too little weight to the participatory element without which SAM is doomed to failure’. This rejoinder is Frank Meissner's response to Michael Redclift's comments.
A role for NADPH oxidase 4 in the activation of vascular endothelial cells by oxidized phospholipids

Abstract Previous studies from our group have demonstrated that oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (Ox-PAPC) activates over 1000 genes in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Prominent among these are genes regulating inflammation, cholesterol homeostasis, antioxidant enzymes, and the unfolded protein response. Previous studies from our lab and others suggested that transcriptional regulation by Ox-PAPC may be controlled, at least in part, by reactive oxygen species. We now present evidence that Ox-PAPC activation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) is responsible for the regulation of two of these important groups of genes: those controlling inflammation and those involved in sterol regulation. Our data demonstrate that Ox-PAPC increases reactive oxygen species formation in HAECs as seen by DCF fluorescence. NOX4 is the major molecule responsible for this increase because downregulation of NOX4 and its components (p22phox and rac1) blocked the Ox-PAPC effect. Our data show that Ox-PAPC did not change NOX4 transcription levels but did induce recruitment of rac1 to the membrane for NOX4 activation. We present evidence that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) activation is responsible for rac1 recruitment to the membrane. Finally, we demonstrate that knockdown of NOX4 and its components rac1 and p22phox decreases Ox-PAPC induction of inflammatory and sterol regulatory genes, but does not affect Ox-PAPC transcriptional regulation of other genes for antioxidants and the unfolded protein response. In summary, we have identified a VEGFR2/NOX4 regulatory pathway by which Ox-PAPC controls important endothelial functions.
Na+-dependent active transport of phenylglucosides in the chicken small intestine

Abstract 1. 1. Active transport of certain phenyl-β- d -glucopyranosides into rings of chicken small intestine, in vitro , has been demonstrated. 2. 2. This transport occurs by the same pathway as active free-sugar transport. 3. 3. The transport mechanism is specific, not only for the sugar, but also for the aglycon moiety. The compounds studied could be arranged in the following order of increasing transport: salicin, helicin, arbutin. 4. 4. The characteristics of sugar and phenylglucoside transport in chicken and hamster small intestine were compared and found to be qualitatively identical. Quantitative differences between the two species are described. 5. 5. In the light of these data and of a review of the literature it is suggested that most vertebrates possess a similar Na + -dependent mobile carrier system for sugar active transport, presumably evolved from some common ancestor.
Recent and Emerging Anti-seizure Drugs: 2013.

Recent and emerging pharmacotherapies have become available for use within the last 4 years to enhance our ability to manage people with epilepsy (PWE). More antiseizure drug (ASD) choices allow greater opportunity to match a unique medicine with each patient from the time of first seizure and for drug-resistant epilepsy. Balancing the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an ASD is unique for each person and epilepsy syndrome. This tailored approach to effectiveness includes seven new ASDs that have become available since 2009 to treat PWE expanding our armamentarium to more than two dozen ASDs in the US that are now available for use. “Which ASD is best?” is still a complex challenge that remains to be answered. Until the ASD is found that is a panacea for everyone, the role of new AEDs in the treatment of epilepsy lies in the hands of the clinician to address the overall needs of the person first and foremost. In this paper, the newest and emerging ASDs in 2013 are reviewed focusing on the pharmacology, efficacy, and adverse effects. Each ASD has benefits and risks and the ultimate role in clinical use will be established over time as experience with each agent grows.
Advances in Short-Pulse Fiber Lasers for Nonlinear Microscopy

Recent advances in the development of fiber lasers for applications in nonlinear bioimaging will be presented.
Enhancing the Concept of Disenfranchised Grief

Doka (1989a, p. 4) defined disenfranchised grief as “the grief that persons experience when they incur a loss that is not or cannot be openly acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported.”...
Observations on the dynamics of the complex cosine-root family

We develop an algorithm to study the behavior of orbits under iteration of the function The structure of the Julia set, or set of chaotic orbits, of a critically finite function such as this can be determined by the orbits of the critical values. Recent research has centered on functions with only one critical value. We describe computer experiments to show what happens when there are two such values whose orbits may behave similarly or exhibit totally different behavior. In this analysis we see Julia sets with structures similar to both the quadratic and the exponential case. We predict when these structures will occur by developing another algorithm to plot a bifurcation set of possibleα-values. A surprising result is that we see ′Julia-like′ sets in this bifurcation set.
Cation transport and metabolism in Streptococcus fecalis

Abstract 1. 1. Streptococcus fecalis maintains an intracellular K+ concentration of 559 mM and an intracellular Na+ concentration of less than 5 mM when growing exponentially in a medium containing 4.6 mM K+ and 151 mM Na+. Cells harvested from the stationary phase are K+-poor and Na+-rich. 2. 2. An energy-dependent net uptake of K+ is observed following resuspension of K+-poor, Na+-rich cells in a neutral medium containing both substrate and K+. 3. 3. Net K+ uptake under these conditions is the result of two cation-exchange processes: (i) a K+−Na+ exchange which accounts for aapprox. 60% of the total K+ uptake; and, (ii) a K+−H+ exchange utilizing H+ present in the cell at the time of harvesting. 4. 4. Net cation transport is absolutely dependent on the metabolism of exogenous substrate, and both glucose and arginine will support the process, though at significantly different rates. With either substrate, the initial rate of net K+ uptake is equal to the calculated rate of ATP production. 5. 5. A transient two-fold increase in the glycolytic rate is closely associated with the onset of K+ uptake indicating a coupling between active cation transport and energy-yielding processes in this organism.
Development of an articulated transporter/manipulator system

The development of an articulated transporter/manipulator system was undertaken to meet the navigational and manipulation needs expected in confined areas associated with the nuclear power industry...
Ploughshares into Swords: Race, Rebellion, and Identity in Gabriel's Virginia, 1730–1810

During the summer of 1800, slaves in and around Richmond conspired to overthrow their masters and abolish slavery. This book uses Gabriel's Conspiracy, and the evidence produced during the repression of the revolt, to expose the processes through which Virginians of African descent built an oppositional culture. Sidbury portrays the rich cultures of eighteenth-century black Virginians, and the multiple, and sometimes conflicting, senses of identity that emerged among enslaved and free people living in and around the rapidly growing state capital. The book also examines the conspirators' vision of themselves as God's chosen people, and the complicated African and European roots of their culture. In so doing, it offers an alternative interpretation of the meaning of the Virginia that was home to so many of the Founding Fathers. This narrative focuses on the history and perspectives of black and enslaved people, in order to develop 'Gabriel's Virginia' as a counterpoint to more common discussions of 'Jeffersonian Virginia'.
Effects of Stable Suppression of Group VIA Phospholipase A2 Expression on Phospholipid Content and Composition, Insulin Secretion, and Proliferation of INS-1 Insulinoma Cells

Studies involving pharmacologic inhibition or transient reduction of Group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) expression have suggested that it is a housekeeping enzyme that regulates cell 2-lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels, rates of arachidonate incorporation into phospholipids, and degradation of excess phosphatidylcholine (PC). In insulin-secreting islet β-cells and some other cells, in contrast, iPLA2β signaling functions have been proposed. Using retroviral vectors, we prepared clonal INS-1 β-cell lines in which iPLA2β expression is stably suppressed by small interfering RNA. Two such iPLA2β knockdown (iPLA2β-KD) cell lines express less than 20% of the iPLA2β of control INS-1 cell lines. The iPLA2β-KD INS-1 cells exhibit impaired insulin secretory responses and reduced proliferation rates. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses of PC and LPC species that accumulate in INS-1 cells cultured with arachidonic acid suggest that 18:0/20:4-glycerophosphocholine (GPC) synthesis involves sn-2 remodeling to yield 16:0/20:4-GPC and then sn-1 remodeling via a 1-lyso/20:4-GPC intermediate. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses also indicate that the PC and LPC content and composition of iPLA2β-KD and control INS-1 cells are nearly identical, as are the rates of arachidonate incorporation into PC and the composition and remodeling of other phospholipid classes. These findings indicate that iPLA2β plays signaling or effector roles in β-cell secretion and proliferation but that stable suppression of its expression does not affect β-cell GPC lipid content or composition even under conditions in which LPC is being actively consumed by conversion to PC. This calls into question the generality of proposed housekeeping functions for iPLA2β in PC homeostasis and remodeling.
The role of the Sid1p kinase and Cdc14p in regulating the onset of cytokinesis in fission yeast

Coordination of mitosis and cytokinesis is crucial for ensuring proper chromosome segregation and genomic stability. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the sid genes (cdc7, cdc11, cdc14, spg1, sid1, sid2 and sid4) define a signaling pathway that regulates septation and cytokinesis. Here we describe the characterization of a novel protein kinase, Sid1p. Sid1p localizes asymmetrically to one spindle pole body (SPB) in anaphase. Sid1p localization is maintained during medial ring constriction and septum synthesis and disappears prior to cell separation. Additionally, we found that Cdc14p is in a complex with Sid1p. Epistasis analysis places Sid1p–Cdc14p downstream of Spg1p–Cdc7p but upstream of Sid2p. Finally, we show that cyclin proteolysis during mitosis is unaffected by inactivating the sid pathway; in fact, loss of Cdc2–cyclin activity promotes Sid1p–Cdc14p association with the SPB, possibly providing a mechanism that couples cytokinesis with mitotic exit.
A prospective observational study examining quality of life in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

Abstract Background Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) often complicates advanced malignancy. Palliative options include surgical bypass, endoscopic stent, percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG), or percutaneous jejunostomy (PEJ). Methods We enrolled 50 patients with GOO secondary to unresectable primary or metastatic cancer in a study examining palliative interventions. Validated instruments assessed quality of life (QOL) at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months following intervention. Results Median overall survival was 64 days. A shorter hospital stay and trend to lower mortality were observed after stent placement; solid food intake and rates of secondary intervention were comparable. Both stent and surgical bypass were associated with acceptable QOL outcomes. Fifteen patients refused participation at 1 month and 28 died of disease before 3 months, so 10 patients completed all surveys. Conclusions Although malignant GOO is associated with poor survival, there are reasonable alternatives for palliation. QOL studies are difficult to complete in this population due to severity of illness and short life expectancy.
A fram tera-byte memory system—you can't get there from here! (or can you?)

Abstract A user's perspective is presented in a tera-byte, non-volatile, memory system trade study. The study compares physical and performance characteristics of several technologies using a basic architecture. The purposes of the trade study are: (1) to assess implementing a 1TB system within five years and (2) to assess several technologies for use in the system. For volatile memory, the requirements of battery back-up for system non-volatility are established. The system architecture is based on potential military, aerospace, and commercial applications of large capacity memory systems and their respective requirements.
Cryo-EM Study of Hepatitis B Virus Core Antigen Capsids Decorated with Antibodies from a Human Patient

The capsid (core antigen, HBcAg) is one of three major antigens present in patients infected with Hepatitis B virus. The capsids are icosahedral particles, whose most prominent features are spikes that extend 25 A out from the contiguous "floor". At the spike tip are two copies of the "immunodominant loop". Previously, the epitopes of seven murine monoclonal antibodies have been identified by cryo-EM analysis of Fab-labeled capsids. All but one are conformational and all but one map around the spike tip. The exception, which is also the tightest-binder, straddles an inter-molecular interface on the floor. Seeking to relate these observations to the immunological response of infected humans, we isolated anti-cAg antibodies from a patient, prepared Fabs, and analyzed their binding to capsids. A priori, one possibility was that many different Fabs would give an undifferentiated continuum of Fab-related density. In fact, the density observed was highly differentiated and could be reproduced by modeling with just five Fabs, three binding to the spike and two to the floor. These results show that epitopes on the floor, far (~30 A) from the immunodominant loop, are clinically relevant and that murine anti-cAg antibodies afford a good model for the human system.
The Association of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Health Care Expenditures for Back and Neck Problems

Background Health care costs associated with use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with spine problems have not been studied in a national sample.
Role of biomolecular logic systems in biosensors and bioactuators

An overview of recent advances in biosensors and bioactuators based on biocomputing systems is presented. Biosensors digitally process multiple biochemical signals through Boolean logic networks of coupled biomolecular reactions and produce an output in the form of a YES/NO response. Compared to traditional single- analyte sensing devices, the biocomputing approach enables high-fidelity multianalyte biosensing, which is particularly beneficial for biomedical applications. Multisignal digital biosensors thus promise advances in rapid diagnosis and treatment of diseases by processing complex patterns of physiological biomarkers. Specifically, they can provide timely detection and alert medical personnel of medical emergencies together with immediate therapeutic intervention. Application of the biocomputing concept has been successfully dem- onstrated for systems performing logic analysis of biomarkers corresponding to different injuries, particularly as exemplified for liver injury. Wide-ranging applications of multianalyte digital biosensors in medicine, environmen- tal monitoring, and homeland security are anticipated. "Smart" bioactuators, for signal-triggered drug release, for example, were designed by interfacing switchable electrodes with biocomputing systems. Integration of biosens- ing and bioactuating systems with biomolecular information processing systems advances the potential for fur- ther scientific innovations and various practical applications. © 2014 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) (DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.53.9.097107)
Life-threatening Chylothorax after Left Internal Mammary Artery Dissection: Therapeutic Considerations

Abstract Persistent chylothorax developed in a 53-year-old man after left internal mammary artery (LIMA) takedown and required surgical intervention. After an unsuccessful supraclavicular approach, left-sided standard thoracotomy showed thick adhesions around the LIMA takeoff with a diffuse oozing rather than an identifiable discrete leak. A possible leaking point was stitched, the area was sealed with fibrin adhesive, and complete remission ensued. Operation for chylothorax after LIMA takedown is challenging. A left-sided standard thoracotomy with minimal dissection and use of fibrin adhesive rather than blind stitching are recommended.
Modulation of antitumor alkylating agents by novobiocin, topotecan, and lonidamine.

Topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II allow a metabolically active cell to mobilize its supercoiled chromosomal DNA and undergo replication, transcription, recombination, and repair. Several topoisomerase inhibitors have recently been shown to be active in preclinical systems. Topotecan (SK&F 104864), a water-soluble camptothecin analog, is an inhibitor of topoisomerase I. Novobiocin is an inhibitor of toposiomerase II. Lonidamine depletes cellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and may impede energy-dependent DNA repair, MCF-7 human breast-cancer cells were treated in vitro with topotecan, novobiocin, and lonidamine alone, in paired combinations, and in combination with CDDP and melphalan. The three enzyme inhibitors alone and in combination did not increase tumor cell sensitivity to CDDP. However, the combinations of topotecan/novobiocin and lonidamine/novobiocin did enhance the cytotoxicity of melphalan. Mice bearing the FSaII fibrosarcoma were treated in vivo with topotecan, novobiocin, and lonidamine alone, in paired combinations, and in combination with CDDP, melphalan, BCNU, and cyclophosphamide. The combination of topotecan/novobiocin had the greatest impact on tumor cell sensitivity to each cytotoxic agent tested in both tumor cell-survival and tumor growth-delay assays. This sensitization was greatest at the highest concentrations of the cytotoxic agent tested. Combinations of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II inhibitors may be useful as modulators of antitumor alkylating agents.
Computer instruction set usage by programmers: an empirical investigation

The elimination of unused instruction sets would encourage more uniform programming practices and could allow the inclusion of more useful instructions.
Regulation of TLR7/9 signaling in plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), also known as type I interferon (IFN)-producing cells, are specialized immune cells characterized by their extraordinary capabilities of mounting rapid and massive type I IFN response to nucleic acids derived from virus, bacteria or dead cells. PDCs selectively express endosomal Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR9, which sense viral RNA and DNA respectively. Following type I IFN and cytokine responses, pDCs differentiate into antigen presenting cells and acquire the ability to regulate T cell-mediated adaptive immunity. The functions of pDCs have been implicated not only in antiviral innate immunity but also in immune tolerance, inflammation and tumor microenvironments. In this review, we will focus on TLR7/9 signaling and their regulation by pDC-specific receptors.