cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ghettos, thresholds, and crime: Does concentrated poverty really have an accelerating increasing effect on crime?

Theories make varying predictions regarding the functional form of the relationship between neighborhood poverty and crime rates, ranging from a diminishing positive effect, to a linear positive effect, to an exponentially increasing or even threshold effect. Nonetheless, surprisingly little empirical evidence exists testing this functional form. The present study estimates the functional form of the relationship between poverty and various types of serious crime in a sample of census tracts for 25 cities, and finds that a diminishing positive effect most appropriately characterizes this relationship whether estimating the models nonparametrically or parametrically. Only for the crime of murder is there some evidence of an accelerating effect, although this occurs in the range of 20 to 40% in poverty, with a leveling effect on crime beyond this point of very high poverty. Thus, there is no evidence here in support of the postulate of scholars extending William Julius Wilson’s insight that neighborhoods with very high levels of poverty will experience an exponentially higher rate of crime compared to other neighborhoods.
Dead Reckoning Navigation For Walking Robots

Abstract : Autonomous and teleoperated mobile robots require an accurate knowledge of their spatial location in order to accomplish many tasks. Many mobile robots make use of dead reckoning navigation because of its simplicity, low cost and robustness. Although dead reckoning navigation has been used for centuries for ships and wheeled vehicles, the application to a walking machine is novel. Since walking machines differ greatly from ships and wheeled vehicles, a new approach to dead reckoning was developed to solve this problem. This paper discusses the problem, a solution, preliminary test results and future goals for dead reckoning navigation. Experiments were done with the CMU Ambler, an autonomous, six-legged walking robot, but the results are general and apply to any statically stable walking robot. The current results show a systematic bias of two percent of body advance in the direction of travel. Although the cause of this bias is unknown, it is corrected in the position estimation routines.
Bronchogenic Carcinoma: Further Experience with Preoperative Irradiation

he overall five-year survival of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma is generally reported to be somewhere between 5% T and 10% [31. In an effort to raise this survival rate, the Divisions of Thoracic Surgery and Radiotherapy at the University of Maryland embarked some eight years ago on a program of combined preoperative radiotherapy and surgery for cancer of the lung [2]. In order to be eligible for the study, a patient had to have a lesion: (1) confined to one hemithorax with or without chest wall invasion; (2) with or without metastasis to mediastinal, scalene, or supraclavicular nodes; (3) without associated pleural effusion. From the start of the study until December, 1961, 192 patients met these criteria and constitute the basis for this report. All patients have had at least three years to be at risk. The radiotherapy plan has been published elsewhere [l], but con-
A Correlation-Based Transition Model Using Local Variables—Part II: Test Cases and Industrial Applications

A new correlation-based transition model has been developed, which is built strictly on local variables. As a result, the transition model is compatible with modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods using unstructured grids and massive parallel execution. The model is based on two transport equations, one for the intermittency and one for the transition onset criteria in terms of momentum thickness Reynolds number. The proposed transport equations do not attempt to model the physics of the transition process (unlike, e.g., turbulence models), but form a framework for the implementation of correlation-based models into general-purpose CFD methods. Part I of this paper (Menter, F. R., Langtry, R. B., Likki, S. R., Suzen, Y. B., Huang, P. G., and Volker, S., 2006, ASME J. Turbomach., 128(3), pp. 413–422) gives a detailed description of the mathematical formulation of the model and some of the basic test cases used for model validation. Part II (this part) details a significant number of test cases that have been used to validate the transition model for turbomachinery and aerodynamic applications, including the drag crisis of a cylinder, separation-induced transition on a circular leading edge, and natural transition on a wind turbine airfoil. Turbomachinery test cases include a highly loaded compressor cascade, a low-pressure turbine blade, a transonic turbine guide vane, a 3D annular compressor cascade, and unsteady transition due to wake impingement. In addition, predictions are shown for an actual industrial application, namely, a GE low-pressure turbine vane. In all cases, good agreement with the experiments could be achieved and the authors believe that the current model is a significant step forward in engineering transition modeling.
Live-cell imaging of compartment-specific redox changes in menkes disease fibroblasts

Background Copper is an essential micronutrient and its misbalance in the body is associated with severe neurodegenerative disorders. While the importance of copper in the body is evident, mechanisms by which copper misbalance induces pathologic changes and disease symptoms are poorly understood. In this study, using fibroblasts from Menkes disease patient, as a cellular model of copper accumulation, we examined whether excess copper triggers specific and distinct changes in the redox environment of different cellular compartments. Subjects and Methods Skin fibroblasts from Menkes disease patient (YS cells, ATP7A -/- ) and his heterozygous mother (ATP7A +/- ) were used as an experimental system. Glutathione mediated redox environment and levels of H2O2 were investigated in nuclei, cytosol, and mitochondria of live cells by tagging the respective ratiometric sensors (GRX-roGFP and HyPer) with a compartment-specific localization signal. Results Under basal conditions, the YS and XS cells show similar glutathione mediated redox environment in the nucleus and cytosol. However, the mitochondria are oxidizing in YS cells. YS cells were observed to accumulate higher level of peroxide in the cytosol and mitochondria. We also found that copper accumulation in cytosol and nuclei of YS cells sensitize cells to glutathione depletion suggesting importance of glutathione in protection of cells against copper overload Conclusion Our experiments revealed differential response of cellular compartments to excess copper in cells. Nuclei, in spite of being a site of copper accumulation, do not show marked redox changes, suggesting presence of robust protective mechanisms operating in this compartment. H2O2 accumulation in cytosol in YS cells does not change glutathione balance, whereas mitochondria appear most affected, since both H2O2 levels and glutathione balance are altered. We propose that mitochondria could be a primary site of copper toxicity in Menkes fibroblasts. Molecular mechanisms underlying differential redox responses are presently being investigated.
Soil organic carbon sequestration in cotton production systems of the southeastern United States: a review.

Past agricultural management practices have contributed to the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and emission of greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxideand nitrous oxide).Fortunately, however, conservationoriented agricultural management systems can be, and have been, developed to sequester SOC, improve soil quality, and increase crop productivity. Our objectives were to (i) review literature related to SOC sequestration in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production systems, (ii) recommend best management practices to sequester SOC, and (iii) outline the current political scenario and future probabilities for cottonproducers to benefitfrom SOC sequestration. From areview of 20 studies in the region, SOC increased with no tillage compared with conventional tillage by 0.48 6 0.56 Mg C ha 21 yr 21 (H0 :n o change,p , 0.001). More diverse rotations of cotton with high-residueproducing crops such as corn (Zea mays L.) and small grains would sequester greater quantities of SOC than continuous cotton. No-tillage cropping with a cover crop sequestered 0.67 6 0.63 Mg C ha 21 yr 21 , while that of no-tillage cropping without a cover crop sequestered 0.34 6 47 Mg C ha 21 yr 21 (mean comparison, p 5 0.04). Current government incentive programs recommend agricultural practices that would contribute to SOC sequestration. Participation in the Conservation Security Program could lead to government payments of up to $20 ha 21 . Current open-market trading of C credits would appear to yield less than $3 ha 21 , although prices would greatly increase should a government policy to limit greenhouse gas emissions be mandated.
Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β Type I and Type II Receptors Is Altered in Rat Lungs Undergoing Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis☆

Abstract Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a family of autocrine/paracrine/endocrine cytokines involved in controlling cell growth and extracellular matrix metabolism. TGF-β exerts its biological effects via binding to type I (TβRI) and type II (TβRII) receptors. To gain insight into the possible role of TGF-β receptors in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, we investigated the expression of TGF-β receptors and their ligands in a bleomycin-induced model of pulmonary fibrosis. We found that the expression of both TβRI and TβRII was altered in rat lungs during pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin. The increase in TβRI mRNA level was evident after 3 days of bleomycin administration, and TβRI mRNA continually increased for over 12 days after bleomycin instillation, whereas TβRII mRNA declined at day 3 post bleomycin instillation and then increased during the reparative phase of lung injury (days 8 and 12). The immunoreactivity for both TβRI and TβRII was detected in the cells of the interstitium, the epithelium, and the blood vessels of normal rat lungs. In bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, an extensive immunostaining for TβRI and TβRII was present in the cells at the sites of injury and active fibrosis. These results demonstrate that the expression of TGF-β type I and type II receptors was altered during pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting that the TGF-β signal transduction pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis.
Delayed diagnosis of retinoblastoma: analysis of degree, cause, and potential consequences.

Objective. To assess the degree, cause, and consequence of delays from presenting signs to diagnosis of retinoblastoma. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 64 consecutive patients who presented to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma. Seven patients with a positive family history were excluded. Results. The median times from presenting signs to diagnosis for patients with unilateral and bilateral disease were 1.5 and 2.25 months (range: 0–46), respectively; for those who presented with leukocoria and strabismus, median times were 1.5 (range: 0–46) and 2.5 months (range: 0–24). Parents noted the first signs in 75% of the cases. Seventy-seven percent delayed seeking treatment, and primary care physicians (PCPs) delayed referral in 30%. Only 3 patients were referred from PCPs solely for physical examination findings. No adverse consequence of delayed diagnosis could be established clearly, but a trend toward eye loss being associated with longer delays in patients with bilateral retinoblastoma was noted. Conclusion. Leukocoria and strabismus secondary to retinoblastoma are usually first recognized by relatives rather than PCPs. At routine visits, PCPs should inform parents about the importance of reporting eye abnormalities, and children whose parents complain of leukocoria (white, shiny, jello-like eye) should be referred promptly to an ophthalmologist regardless of whether an absent red reflex is appreciated.
Simulation of stresses and delamination in a plasma-sprayed thermal barrier system upon thermal cycling

A thermal barrier system with plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coating (TBC) has been analyzed subject to thermal cycling. The thermally grown oxide (TGO) is allowed to grow at the peak temperature in the cycle, with both thickening and lateral components of the growth strain. The stresses in the TGO are also allowed to relax at high temperature when they attain a critical level. The bond coat is allowed to yield with temperature dependent yield strength. The stresses induced in the TBC and in the TGO have been calculated. The vertical component of the stress in the TBC is shown to have a large tensile domain with a maximum that increases systematically as the system cycles. There is a corresponding increase in the amplitude of the interface undulations. The stresses in the TBC have been used to calculate energy release rates, G , for cracks in the TBC extending parallel to the interface, just above the peaks of the undulations. This analysis reveals a minimum value, Gmin preceding instability. Equating this minimum to the TBC toughness identifies a delamination criticality. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects of rate. temperature and absorption of organic solvents on the fracture of plain and glass-filled polystyrene

The rate/temperature dependent fracture behaviour of plain and glass-filled polystyrene has been investigated over the crack speed (a) range of 10 -6 to 10 -2 m sec -1 and in the temperature (7-) range of 296 to 363 K. The Kc (a, T) relationships obtained, where Kc is the stress intensity factor at fracture, are shown to follow those given by the Williams/ Marshall relaxation crack growth model and the toughness-biased rate theory. Crack propagation in both materials is shown to be controlled by a ~-relaxation molecular process associated with crazing. Crack instabilities observed in plain polystyrene are analysed successfully in terms of isothermal-adiabatic transitions at the crack tip. Fracture initiation experiments are also conducted in which the effects of organic liquids on the fracture resistances of both plain/glass-filled polystyrene have been determined. Good correlations between K~ z (Ki being the crack initiation stress intensity factor) and 6s, solvent solubility parameter, of various liquid environments have been obtained, which give a minimum/~ value at 6s ~ (~p, where ~p is the solubility parameter of the polymer. For a given temperature, liquid environment and crack speed, the glass-filled polystyrene is shown to possess greater resistances to crack propagation than plain polystyrene.
Readaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex relieves the mal de debarquement syndrome.

The Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS), a continuous feeling of swaying, rocking and/or bobbing, generally follows travel on the sea. The associated symptoms cause considerable distress. The underlying neural mechanisms are unknown, and to date there have been no effective treatments for this condition. Results in monkeys and humans suggested that MdDS was caused by maladaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to roll of the head during rotation. We studied twenty-four subjects with persistent MdDS (3 males, 21 females; 19.1 ± 33 months). Physical findings included body oscillation at 0.2Hz, oscillating vertical nystagmus when the head was rolled from side-to-side in darkness, and unilateral rotation during the Fukuda stepping test. We posited that the maladapted rocking and the physical symptoms could be diminished or extinguished by readapting the VOR. Subjects were treated by rolling the head from side-to-side while watching a rotating full-field visual stimulus. Seventeen of the twenty-four subjects had a complete or substantial recovery on average for approximately one year. Six were initially better, but the symptoms recurred. One subject did not respond to treatment. Thus, readaptation of the VOR has led to a cure or substantial improvement in 70% of the subjects with MdDS. We conclude that the adaptive processes associated with roll-while-rotating are responsible for producing MdDS, and that the symptoms can be reduced or resolved by readapting the VOR.
Who should be studied

It is time to shift our researchlight away from the poor and the black, who have begun to resent and resist unremitting service as study targets. More appropriate research subjects are groups and institutions that are in a position to obstruct or to tolerate needed changes.
The Effect of Entry by Wal-Mart Supercenters on Retail Grocery Concentration

The U.S. retail grocery industry shifted from an industry dominated by small grocers serving local markets to one characterized by large retailers present in international markets. Average retail grocery concentration as measured by CR4 increased from 19.9 in 1997 to 31.0 in 2002 (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 2000; 2005). Wal-Mart’s tremendous growth is the catalyst to this change, but little is known about Wal-Mart’s effect on market concentration. This analysis evaluates the effects of de novo entry by Wal-Mart Supercenters on retail grocery concentration. The effect of Wal-Mart Supercenters on changes in retail grocery concentration is estimated using econometric modeling. The results show that existing Wal-Mart Supercenter operations and entry by Wal-Mart Supercenters significantly increase the rate of change in retail grocery concentration. During the past two decades the U.S. retail grocery industry has seen a contraction of small “Mom and Pop” retailers, large chain retailers created via mergers and acquisitions, and the de novo entry of supercenters stores by Wal-Mart and Target (Kaufman 2002). The average retail grocery concentration, as measured by the sum of market share of the top four
The Complexity of Deviant Lifestyles

This article examines the complexity of the concept deviant lifestyle. A two-dimensional conceptual paradigm is developed. A horizontal depiction of eight deviant routines constituent to lifestyles and examples of these deviant activities is provided. The vertical dimension of the paradigm depicts five modes of frequency of occurrence of certain routine behavior.
Joseph C. Harsch, At the Hinge of History: A Reporter’s Story. Athens, Ga.: University of Georgia Press. 1993. Foreword by Joseph Fromm. 286 pp. 14 Photographs. Cloth, $29.95.

(1994). Joseph C. Harsch, At the Hinge of History: A Reporter’s Story. Athens, Ga.: University of Georgia Press. 1993. Foreword by Joseph Fromm. 286 pp. 14 Photographs. Cloth, $29.95. American Journalism: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 186-187.
Effects of Light and Temperature Steps on Circadian Rhythms of Neurospora and Gonyaulax

Many organisms have physiological activities that fluctuate on a daily basis; frequently these fluctuations will continue to occur on an approximately 24-hour basis even in the laboratory under constant conditions. Such rhythms are termed circadian rhythms. Light, temperature and certain chemicals have been shown to affect many circadian rhythms. These parameters are usually applied as a pulse (a step-up followed by a step-down) to a free-running rhythm under constant conditions. The pulse causes shifts from normal levels, but eventually the cycle returns into its exact normal rhythm with the only permanent change being a phase-shift relative to the control. Thus, such experiments and others have led to the development of the limit cycle model for circadian rhythms [1–4]. In an attempt to answer a variety of questions, there have been several types of experiments performed using light, temperature and chemicals. These experiments have names that are jargon to circadian rhythm researchers: pulse experiments resulting in phase response curves, entrainment experiments, “holding” experiments, skeleton photoperiod experiments, and step experiments [5]. It is important to realize, however, that all of these experiments are variations upon each other, i.e. they all involve a step-up and/or a step-down of the perturbation in question; the different experiments depend upon when these step-ups and step-downs are applied relative to each other, and when they are applied within a cycle.
Safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of lidocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel as a topical ocular anesthetic for use in ophthalmic procedures.

Purpose To review the current literature on safety, efficacy, and measures of surgeon and patient satisfaction with lidocaine hydrochloride gel as a tool for ocular anesthesia. Methods Pubmed search using keywords "lidocaine gel," "ophthalmic," and "surgery" and compiling cross-references. Twenty-six total references were reviewed, including 15 prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs, total N = 933, average N = 62), 6 nonrandomized prospective studies (total N = 234, average N = 39), 2 animal studies, 1 microbiologic study, and 2 letters to the editor. Results The RCTs and nonrandomized prospective studies evaluated a number of measures including timing of onset of anesthesia, duration of anesthesia, intraoperative and postoperative pain, need for additional anesthetic applications, intracameral lidocaine levels, and adverse effects. Control groups received topical drops, subconjunctival anesthetic, retrobulbar anesthetic, or sham gel. Lidocaine gel was shown to be at least as effective for pain control as alternative therapies in all studies, with longer duration of action than topical drops. Patient and surgeon satisfaction were high, and adverse effects were rare and comparable to those for anesthetic drop formulations. Surgical settings included cataract, pterygium, trabeculectomy, strabismus, intravitreal injection, vitrectomy, and penetrating keratoplasty. Conclusions Lidocaine gel is a safe, effective, and potentially underutilized tool for ophthalmic surgery.
Bioavailability and Electroreactivity of Zinc Complexed to Strong and Weak Organic Ligands.

Laboratory experiments have established the importance of complexation by organic ligands in determining the bioavailability of trace metals to marine phytoplankton, while electrochemical measurements with field samples have demonstrated that a large fraction of bioactive trace metals are complexed to strong organic ligands in seawater. Using the model organic ligands, EDTA and histidine, we show a quantitative correspondence between the bioavailability of Zn to the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, and its reduction at −1.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) on a hanging mercury drop electrode. Equilibrium calculations and polarographic data indicate that Zn bound in inorganic complexes and the 1:1 Zn-histidine complex, but not in the 1:2 Zn-histidine complex or the Zn–EDTA complexes, is taken up by the organism and reduced at the electrode surface, confirming a previous report of the bioavailability of weak Zn complexes. Electrochemical measurements of Zn speciation in seawater do not generally reveal the presence of weak ...
Asymptomatic Kawasaki Disease in a 3-Month-Old Infant.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States. It is a systemic vasculitis characterized by diffuse inflammation of medium and small blood vessels. If untreated it can lead to myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, or sudden death. Early recognition and treatment decrease the incidence of coronary consequences, resulting in improved clinical outcomes. Incomplete KD is much less likely to fulfill major clinical diagnostic criteria. Infants
Aborting Dignity: The Abortion Doctrine after Gonzales V. Carhart

Since its inception, the abortion doctrine has been stuck in a Catch-22: pro-choice lawyers have been pressured to use constitutional precedents, like privacy and dignity, gaining short-term wins at the cost of long-term stability. For example, in Roe v. Wade, pro-choice lawyers used privacy, successful in other due process cases, because it ensured a hook on which to establish the abortion right. But because privacy was not well-tailored to the particular goals of the abortion right, the doctrine’s foundation contained holes guaranteed to surface later. Today, a similar risk exists. In the wake of Justice Kennedy’s majority opinion in Gonzales v. Carhart, academics and attorneys have suggested the term “dignity” be used because of its salience with the Court. However, instead of appealing to the Court’s taxonomy, shouldn’t litigators choose terms more specific to the right to access an abortion?
The Use of Signal Coherence for Anomaly Detection in Nuclear Reactors

The theoretical background for the use of coherent detection in the determination of the existence of certain classes of anomalous behavior in nuclear reactors is developed. The analysis results in...
Abstract B071: Targeting the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 in luminal B breast cancers

In an effort to improve therapeutic tumor cell killing in luminal B breast cancers, we are investigating the combination of endocrine therapies with targeted inhibition of pro-survival proteins of the Bcl2 family, including Bcl2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1. Bcl2-family proteins are often overexpressed in breast cancers and are associated with tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and poor patient survival. These proteins function by sequestering pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins (BIM, BID, Noxa and Puma), thus inhibiting caspase-dependent apoptosis. We found Mcl1 gene amplification in 15/133 luminal B breast tumors (11%) curated through the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Bcl2l1 (encoding Bcl-xL) gene amplification in 1/133 luminal B breast tumors, although Bcl2l1 mRNA was upregulated in 19/133 samples. Bcl2 was not amplified or overexpressed in TCGA-curated luminal B breast tumors. The BH3 mimetic ABT-263, which specifically binds Bcl2 and Bcl-xL, increased tumor cell killing in 3 out of 4 estrogen-deprived luminal B human breast cancer cell lines. However, ZR75-1 cells, which are Mcl1 gene amplified, were resistant to ABT-263. Further, Mcl-1 protein upregulation was induced in HCC-1428 and T47D cells treated with ABT-263, suggesting that cells may use Mcl-1 upregulation to partially mitigate the effects of Bcl-xL targeting with ABT-263. Mcl-1 knockdown using an shRNA approach, decreased cell growth and increased caspase-dependent apoptosis, and increased sensitivity to ABT-263 in 4 of the 4 cell lines tested, including ZR75-1 cells. We used long-term estrogen withdrawal (LTED) to model the sustained response of breast cancer cells to aromatase inhibitors (e.g., exemestane). As compared to parental breast cancer cell lines under estrogen withdraw conditions, LTED populations drastically increased protein levels of Mcl-1. Future experiments will be aimed at assessing the impact of Mcl-1 depletion on ABT-263-treated LTED populations. We predict that combined inhibition of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 will improve response of cells to estrogen deprivation. In summary, these preliminary studies suggest that BH3 mimetics targeting Bcl-2 family proteins may be therapeutically efficacious in endocrine-refractory luminal B breast tumors, and support future endeavors to generate BH3-mimetics specifically targeting Mcl-1. Citation Format: Michelle M. Williams, Steve Fesik, Donna Hicks, Rebecca S. Cook. Targeting the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 in luminal B breast cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Breast Cancer Research: Genetics, Biology, and Clinical Applications; Oct 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2013;11(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B071.
Anti-Tumorigenic Effects of Resveratrol in Lung Cancer Cells Through Modulation of c-FLIP.

Background Resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties in multiple cancer types. Here we demonstrate that H460 lung cancer cells are more susceptible to resveratrol treatment in comparison to human bronchial epithelial Beas-2B cells. Resveratrol decreases cell viability and proliferation, and induces significant apoptosis in H460 cells. The apoptosis observed was accompanied by an increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, Bid, PARP and caspase 8 activation, and downregulation of pEGFR, pAkt, c-FLIP and NFkB protein expression. Furthermore, treatment with HH2O2 scavenger catalase significantly inhibited resveratrol-induced c-FLIP downregulation, caspase-8 activation and apoptosis. Overexpression of c-FLIP in H460 cells (FLIP cells) resulted in the inhibition of resveratrol-induced HH2O2 production, and a significant increase in resveratrolinduced apoptosis in comparison to H460 cells. In FLIP cells, catalase treatment did not rescue cells from a decrease in cell viability and apoptosis induction by resveratrol as compared to H460 cells. Resveratrol treatment also led to VEGF downregulation in FLIP cells. Furthermore, inhibition of pEGFR or pAkt using erlotinib and LY294002 respectively, enhanced the negative effect of resveratrol on FLIP cell viability and apoptosis. The reverse was observed when FLIP cells were supplemented with EGF, or transfected with WT-AKT plasmid; resulting in a 20% decrease in resveratrol-induced apoptosis. In addition, transfection with WT-AKT plasmid resulted in the inhibition of pro-apoptotic protein activation, and c-FLIP and pAkt downregulation. Conclusion Overall, resveratrol induced apoptosis in H460 lung cancer cells by specifically targeting pAkt and c-FLIP dowregulation by proteasomal degradation in a EGFR-dependent manner.
Topiramate (Topamax) for migraine prevention

Topiramate is more effective than placebo for migraine prevention. Its effectiveness appears to be similar to that of other antiepileptic drugs and beta blockers. Because of the high cost of topiramate and the relative frequency of adverse effects, other approaches to migraine prevention, such as beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, or riboflavin, should be used first.
Classifier-based closed-loop deep brain stimulation for essential tremor

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common therapy for the treatment of essential tremor (ET). Currently, this technology continuously delivers stimulation to deep brain regions to mitigate symptoms. Closed-loop DBS aims to deliver stimulation only when symptoms are present, thus improving battery life and decreasing potential side effects. In this study, we used an investigational DBS device implanted with an electrocorticography strip in a subject with essential tremor. Using local field potentials sensed from motor cortex, we built a system of classifiers capable of detecting tremor-inducing movement. These classifiers were incorporated into a closed-loop DBS system which changed stimulation voltage in real time to ameliorate tremor. This is the first time that machine learning has been used in a CLDBS system to detect symptoms and change DBS parameters in real time.
A systematic review of national policies for the management of persons exposed to tuberculosis.

Objective To describe mandates and policy gaps in tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation and management. Design We conducted a systematic review of national TB policy documents obtained using a systematic internet search and by contacting national TB programs. We included policies published in English, Spanish, and French, and abstracted data using a standardized form. Results We reviewed policy documents for 68 of 216 (31%) countries and territories. All countries recommended performing contact investigations, but 40% did not specify how contacts enter the health system for evaluation or who was responsible for this process. All countries recommended preventive therapy for contacts, but in 14 (21%) countries only young children were eligible. While four preventive therapy regimens exist, 48 (71%) countries recommended only isoniazid monotherapy. In addition, 28 (41%) countries lacked guidance on whether to give preventive therapy to contacts exposed to drug-resistant TB. Policies in 28 (41%) countries lacked recommendations for managing contacts with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after new TB exposure. Conclusion Policies recommending contact investigation and preventive therapy for contacts are widespread, but policy gaps exist in the areas of ensuring accountability and the management of vulnerable populations such as people living with HIV and those exposed to drug-resistant TB.
Association of Surgery and Anesthesia With Mental Disorder Diagnoses: What Would Sir Austin Bradford Hill Say?

Although each of the Bradford Hill criteria are not a sine qua non for causality, the criteria do provide a framework against which anesthetic exposure and outcome can be examined. The question underlying the hypothesis that GA causes neurobehavioral or mental disorder is far from being answered. To this end, further research on this subject is needed. However, future studies should address the methodological flaws of existing studies and re-examine the value of retrospective database studies, with their inherent biases and presumed matching criteria. Finally, as with many other studies in this area, “what we don’t know, we don’t know” may be more of a contributor to the findings than what we think we know. Studies that can identify a biomarker or develop a phenotype will become important elements in determining causation, as well as defining threshold values for toxicity with respect to anesthetic agents, doses, and duration and age of exposure.
Tool for osteoarthritis risk prediction (TOARP) over 8 years using baseline clinical data, X-ray, and MRI: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

Author(s): Joseph, Gabby B; McCulloch, Charles E; Nevitt, Michael C; Neumann, Jan; Gersing, Alexandra S; Kretzschmar, Martin; Schwaiger, Benedikt J; Lynch, John A; Heilmeier, Ursula; Lane, Nancy E; Link, Thomas M | Abstract: BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis (OA), a multifactorial disease causing joint degeneration, often leads to severe disability. The rising rates of disability highlight the need for implementing preventative measures at early stages of the disease, which would especially benefit subjects at high risk for OA development. PURPOSE:To develop a risk prediction tool for moderate-severe OA (TOARP) over 8 years based on subject characteristics, knee radiographs, and MRI data at baseline using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). STUDY TYPE:Retrospective. SUBJECTS:641 subjects with no/mild radiographic OA (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] 0-2) and no clinically significant symptoms (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index [WOMAC] 0-1) were selected from the OAI. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE:MR images were obtained using 3.0T. ASSESSMENT:Compartment-specific cartilage and meniscus morphology and cartilage T2 were assessed. Baseline subject demographics, risk factors, KL score, cartilage WORMS score, presence of meniscus tear, and cartilage T2 were used to predict the development of moderate/severe OA (KL = 3-4 or WOMAC pain ≥5 or total knee replacement [TKR]) over 8 years. STATISTICAL TESTS:Best subsets variable selection followed by cross-validation were used to assess which combinations of variables best predict moderate/severe OA. RESULTS:Model 1 included KL score, previous knee injury in the last 12 months, age, gender, and BMI. Model 2 included all variables in Model 1 plus presence of cartilage defects in the lateral femur and patella, and presence of a meniscal tear. Model 3 included all variables in Models 1 and 2, plus cartilage T2 in the medial tibia and medial femur. Compared to Model 1 (cross-validated AUC = 0.67), Model 3 performed significantly better (AUC = 0.72, P = 0.04), while Model 2 showed a statistical trend (AUC = 0.71, P = 0.08). DATA CONCLUSION:We established a risk calculator for the development of moderate/severe knee OA over 8 years that includes radiographic and MRI data. The inclusion of MRI-based morphological abnormalities and cartilage T2 significantly improved model performance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1517-1526.
Hormonal Specificity and Activation of Social Behaviour in the Male Zebra Finch

It is now well established that the actions of testosterone (T) in both the brain and peripheral tissues are mediated by its conversion to active metabolites in the various target tissues. T is metabolized to a variety of 5a- and 513-reduced andr4ogens in avian peripheral tissues (Raith et al. 1977, Massa et al. 1980), and to these hormones and various oestrogens in the brain (Canard et al. 1978, Davies et al. 1980, Massa et al. 1977, Nakamura and Tanabe 1974). A question of primary importance is which of the many metabolites are active, causing changes in the target tissues, and which are merely steps in the degradation and excretion of T? In birds, as in mammals, 5a-reduced androgens, particularly 5a-dihydrotestosterone (5a-DHT), appear to be the active metabolites of T in peripheral target tissues including the cloacal or proctodeal gland of Japanese quail (Adkins et al. 1981, Massa et al. 1980), the comb of chickens (Balthazart and Hirschberg 1979), and the syrinx of songbirds (Lieberburg and Nottebohm 1979).
Characterization of superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction in turbulent flow

A significant amount of the fuel consumed by marine vehicles is expended to overcome skin-friction drag resulting from turbulent boundary layer flows. Hence, a substantial reduction in this frictional drag would notably reduce cost and environmental impact. Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs), which entrap a layer of air underwater, have shown promise in reducing drag in small-scale applications and/or in laminar flow conditions. Recently, the efficacy of these surfaces in reducing drag resulting from turbulent flows has been shown. In this work we examine four different, mechanically durable, large-scale SHSs. When evaluated in fully developed turbulent flow, in the height-based Reynolds number range of 10 000 to 30 000, significant drag reduction was observed on some of the surfaces, dependent on their exact morphology. We then discuss how neither the roughness of the SHSs, nor the conventional contact angle goniometry method of evaluating the non-wettability of SHSs at ambient pressure, can predict their drag reduction under turbulent flow conditions. Instead, we propose a new characterization parameter, based on the contact angle hysteresis at higher pressure, which aids in the rational design of randomly rough, friction-reducing SHSs. Overall, we find that both the contact angle hysteresis at higher pressure, and the non-dimensionalized surface roughness, must be minimized to achieve meaningful turbulent drag reduction. Further, we show that even SHSs that are considered hydrodynamically smooth can cause significant drag increase if these two parameters are not sufficiently minimized.
62 – Models of Wound Healing in Growth Factor Studies

Wounds occur in all living creatures. A wound epitomizes the natural process of breakdown, and an organism's ability to heal a wound is evidence of its complexity and resilience. Human wounds can be categorized into three groups. The acute wound is defined as a discrete injury followed by a relatively rapid healing phase. Examples include surgical incisions or excisions. In contrast, the chronic wound is one that develops either quickly or over a longer period of time, and is characterized by a significant temporal delay in the healing process, usually greater than 2 months. Often the delay in healing is a result of a compromised healing environment. These wounds are then identified as compromised wounds. The majority of chronic wounds are compromised wounds and in most cases research has identified the compromise leading to the chronic wound. Animal models play a critical role in the development of biological therapeutics pertinent to wound healing. They allow testing of a therapy's efficacy and safety in a living model prior to its use in humans. It is important that the model and experimental protocol chosen allow for controlled, reproducible, and quantifiable experimentation. Only under these circumstances can the results be considered valid and subsequently applied to human subjects.
Stochastic Processes in Economic Models

Stochastic processes have found increasing applications in modern economic models. In earlier times they were mainly used as additive errors or noise in a deterministic model without contributing very much to our basic understanding of the model structure, except perhaps hleping in providing a satisfactory basis of econometric estimation, e.g., the use of Cochrane-Orcutt estimation in auto-correlated errors. Recent economic applications have emphasized by contrast as it were three significant contributions of the theory of stochastic process in applied economic models: (1) optimal control of dynamic stochastic systems: this leads to problems of stochastic control where the optimization objective has to be reformulated suitably, (2) stochastic stability of dynamic models, where the parameters or their estimates may be stochastic: this leads to self-tuning regulators, where optimal estimation and optimal control may be suitably combined, and (3) models of optimal search and learning in a random environment, where a suitable probabilitstic criterion, e.g., an entropy criterion has to be optimized: this leads to problems of improving the model specification which are also called problems of optimal design in control system engineering.
Concurrent emphysematous pyelonephritis and emphysematous cholecystitis due to community-acquired ESBL E. coli.

A 62-year-old man with a history of hypertension and poorly controlled type II diabetes mellitus presented to his primary care physician with a 5-day history of chills, decreased urinary output and haematuria. Urinalysis was consistent with urinary tract infection and the patient was prescribed ciprofloxacin. He did not take the antibiotics as instructed and subsequently had to come to Emergency Room due to worsening of his condition as well as new complaints of increased thirst, dark urine and lower back pain. He also admitted that for the previous 3 days he had not been taken insulin due to his illness. On examination, he was an obese man in no distress, fully alert and oriented. The temperature was 97oF, the blood pressure 125/58 mm Hg, the …
Characterization of Melt Blown Web Properties using Air Flow Technique

Fiber size, pore size, and air permeability are three important properties in melt blown (MB) webs. Air permeability governs the air resistance or the pressure drop of the air through the web. One ...
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Associated With Clopidogrel in a Young Male Patient

Background: Clopidogrel is a commonly prescribed antiplatelet drug in patients with stents and histories of arterial vascular disease. It generally has a favorable side effect profile with increasing bleeding risk as the main concern as an adverse event. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old previously healthy male presented to the neurological intensive care unit with a subarachnoid hemorrhage requiring a flow diverting stent to secure the aneurysm. The patient was stable for 2 weeks and had no changes to management or medication within 48 h of antiplatelet therapy. Within hours of first-time dosing of clopidogrel, the patient experienced a syncopal episode and dyspnea. He was difficult to arouse and using accessory muscles to breath with an otherwise benign exam. He was hypoxic with bibasilar crackles requiring bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPap). Imaging showed bilateral pulmonary edema and he was diagnosed with moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Infectious, cardiogenic, and contrast-induced ARDS were ruled out. Upon cessation of clopidogrel, his pulmonary function and mental status improved. Conclusions: This is the first reported case of a young and immunocompetent patient's severe pulmonary edema leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome in association with first- time dosing of clopidogrel.
Magnetic and electric investigations of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, April 1935 to March 1936

The work of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism since the report published in the Transactions of the Sixteenth Annual Meeting followed in general the lines indicated in that report, namely; (1) Reduction and study of accumulated observational data; (2) further development of technique and apparatus to record photographically the electrical conditions and variations in the ionosphere and their investigation and correlation with other geophysical phenomena; (3) continued theoretical formulation and experimental investigation of basic aspects of nuclear physics; (4) maintenance of field-work for the purpose of secular-variation studies and of observatory-records of the changes taking place continually in the Earth's magnetic and electric fields. The usual schedules of observations in terrestrial magnetism and electricity were continued at the Watheroo and Huancayo observatories, as also the reductions and discussions of the results obtained. Cooperation with the Apia Observatory was continued. The discussion of the Refuge Harbor report (terrestrial magnetism) of the Second MacMillan Expedition 1923–24, the data obtained at College-Fairbanks (terrestrial magnetism, aurora, and ionosphere), Point Barrow (terrestrial magnetism and aurora), Chesterfield (terrestrial magnetism and electricity, and aurora), and Little America (Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition—terrestrial magnetism and aurora) continued.
Two-photon photoassociation spectroscopy of the Σ + 2 YbLi molecular ground state

We report on measurements of the binding energies of several weakly bound vibrational states of the paramagnetic $^{174}\mathrm{Yb}^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ molecule in the electronic ground state using two-photon spectroscopy in an ultracold atomic mixture confined in an optical dipole trap. We theoretically analyze the experimental spectrum to obtain an accurate description of the long-range potential of the ground-state molecule. Based on the measured binding energies, we arrive at an improved value of the interspecies $s$-wave scattering length ${a}_{s0}=30\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{a}_{0}$. Employing coherent two-photon spectroscopy we also observe the creation of ``dark'' atom-molecule superposition states in the heteronuclear Yb-Li system. This paper is an important step towards the efficient production of ultracold YbLi molecules via association from an ultracold atomic mixture.
Chlamydia pneumoniae is present in the dental plaque of periodontitis patients and stimulates an inflammatory response in gingival epithelial cells

Chlamydia pneumoniae is an airborne, Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacterium which causes human respiratory infections and has been associated with atherosclerosis. Because individuals with periodontitis are at greater risk for atherosclerosis as well as respiratory infections, we in-vestigated the role of C. pneumoniae in inflammation and periodontal dis-ease. We found that C. pneumoniae was more frequently found in subgingival dental plaque obtained from periodontally diseased sites of the mouth versus healthy sites. The known periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, were also found in the plaque. In addition, C. pneumoniae could efficiently invade human gingival epithelial cells (GECs) in vitro, causing translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus along with increased secretion of mature IL-1β cytokine. Supernatants collected from C. pneumoniae-infected GECs showed increased activation of caspase-1 protein, which was significantly reduced when nlrp3 gene expression was silenced using shRNA lentiviral vectors. Our results demonstrate that C. pneumoniae was found in higher levels in periodontitis patients compared to control pa-tients. Additionally, C. pneumoniae could infect GECs, leading to inflammation caused by activation of NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome. We propose that the presence of C. pneumoniae in subgingival dental plaque may contribute to periodontal disease and could be used as a potential risk indicator of perio-dontal disease.