cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing health insurers' decisions to cover new genetic technologies.

Objective: To examine the relative importance of factors influencing health insurers' coverage of new genetic technologies. Methods: A national survey in which the decision makers for private health insurers were asked whether they would cover cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier screening, testing for genetic susceptibility to breast cancer (BRCA test), and medical costs of a clinical trial of gene therapy for CF under a variety of conditions. Results: Respondents' coverage of the two tests and of medical costs of clinical trials was low at the time of the study (4%–15.5% of insurers.) Their coverage of CF carrier screening and BRCA testing would be increased significantly if the group tested was restricted to those at high risk, if detection rates were higher and costs lower, and if testing was endorsed by a national professional group or consensus conference. Coverage of the medical costs of a trial of CF gene therapy would be significantly more likely if the trial was restricted to children or adults with severe CF, safety and effectiveness was proven, and therapy could be administered in a regional hospital or an outpatient setting rather than in a research hospital. Conclusions: Health insurers play a critical role in the diffusion of new genetic technologies. The validity of genetic tests and the safety and effectiveness of new therapies are primary factors influencing health insurers' coverage. Lower costs and approval of professional groups are other factors associated with increased coverage.
Multiple significant bortezomib-related toxicities in one patient: case report and literature review.

Abstract Bortezomib has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) and is generally well tolerated. We report a 65-year-old male patient undergoing bortezomib therapy for MM who, with the addition of liposomal doxorubicin, presented with severe paralytic ileus, peripheral neuropathy, pruritic rash, and testicular pain. Each of these toxicities was temporally related to the bortezomib-based therapy and the administration of concomitant liposomal doxorubicin. Herein, we discuss the patient's course and briefly review the literature on these bortezomib combination—related toxicities.
Salivary glucose levels are unable to predict oral candidiasis or monitor diabetes.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Salivary glucose levels and oral candidal carriage in type II diabetics. Sashikumar R, Kannan R. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010;109(5):706-11. Reviewer Wenche S. Borgnakke, DDS, MPH, PhD Purpose/Question (1) What is the relationship between salivary glucose and oral candida carriage? and (2) Can salivary glucose levels be used to monitor diabetes control? Source of Funding The Chennai Dental Research Foundation, India Type of Study/Design Cross-sectional Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Group Elevator Scheduling with Advanced Traffic Information for Normal Operations and Coordinated Emergency Evacuation

In a building, effective operations of transportation systems including elevators, escalators, and stairs are vital. Among them, group elevator scheduling has long been recognized as an important issue for transportation efficiency. The problem, however, is difficult because of the large state space, various traffic profiles, and uncertainties. With the progress in information technology and sensor networks, one potential way is to use advanced traffic information to reduce uncertainties and optimize the performance. How to effectively utilize such information remains an open and challenging issue. This paper presents the optimized scheduling of a group of elevators with advanced traffic information for normal operations and coordinated emergency evacuation. A look-ahead time window is first introduced to model advanced information. Key characteristics of group elevator scheduling are abstracted to establish an innovative formulation. The objective function is transformed into an additive form to facilitate the decomposition of the problem into individual car subproblems. Subproblems are independently solved by using a local search method in conjunction with dynamic programming with a novel definition of stages, states, decisions, and costs to optimize single car dispatching. With surrogate optimization, local search is “good enough” to set multiplier updating directions. Individual cars are then coordinated through the updating of multipliers by using surrogate optimization for near-optimal solutions. Numerical testing results demonstrate that near-optimal solutions are obtained for problems of moderate sizes under selected traffic patterns. The results also show the value of advanced information through testing different window sizes and rescheduling intervals.
West German economic reconstruction and moral reconstitution: An examination of economic instability and its impact on 'Holocaust moments'

After WWII, Germany found itself in physical ruin as well as in a moral shambles. The rebuilding process in West Germany included both economic reconstruction and moral reconstitution. In my paper ...
Maya Society under Colonial Rule: The Collective Enterprise of Survival

This book traces the history of the Maya Indians of Yucatan, Mexico, during a four-hundred-year period from late preconquest times through the end of Spanish rule in 1821. Nancy Farriss combines the tools of the historian and the anthropologist to reconstruct colonial Maya society and culture as a web of interlocking systems, from ecology and modes of subsistence through the corporate family and the community to the realm of the sacred. She shows how the Maya adapted to Spanish domination, changing in ways that embodied Maya principles as they applied their traditional collective strategies for survival to the new challenges; they fared better under colonial rule than the Aztecs or Incas, who lived in areas more economically attractive to the conquering Spaniards. The author draws on archives and private collections in Seville, Mexico City, and Yucatan; on linguistic evidence from native language documents; and on archaeological and ethnographic data from sources that include her own fieldwork. Her innovative book illuminates not only Maya history and culture but also the nature and functioning of premodern agrarian societies in general and their processes of sociocultural change, especially under colonial rule.
A grid generation and flow solution method for the Euler equations on unstructured grids

A grid generation and flow solution algorithm for the Euler equations on unstructured grids is presented. The grid generation scheme, which uses Delaunay triangulation, generates the field points for the mesh based on cell aspect ratios and allows clustering of grid points near solid surfaces. The flow solution method is an implicit algorithm in which the linear set of equations arising at each time step is solved using a Gauss-Seidel procedure that is completely vectorizable. Also, a study is conducted to examine the number of subiterations required for good convergence of the overall algorithm. Grid generation results are shown in two dimensions for an NACA 0012 airfoil as well as a two element configuration. Flow solution results are shown for a two dimensional flow over the NACA 0012 airfoil and for a two element configuration in which the solution was obtained through an adaptation procedure and compared with an exact solution. Preliminary three dimensional results also are shown in which the subsonic flow over a business jet is computed.
Are certain multicenter randomized clinical trial structures misleading clinical and policy decisions

Multicenter studies involving randomized clinical trials (RCTs) may have different structures. We discuss four general types. The first two, an "ideal" multicenter RCT and decentralized multicenter collaborative RCTs, we feel are, in different circumstances, highly recommended approaches. The other two, the multicenter RCT that ignores site differences and centralized multicenter collaborative RCTs, we argue, are not only not cost-effective but may also produce misleading results, thus impeding scientific progress and possibly putting patients at unnecessary risk.
Shear and Densification of Glass Powder Compacts

Sinter-forging types of experiments were carried out on powder compacts of glass. The shear and densification strains were measured simultaneously during the forging process. This information was analyzed to obtain the shear viscosity of the glass and the intrinsic sintering pressure, both as a function of density. The viscosity of the porous glass changed nonlinearly with density and was empirically fitted to an exponential function. The sintering pressure was found to increase with density; it was 100 kPa at ρ= 0.55 and 250 kPa at ρ= 0.90. In this range the sintering pressure could be adequately described in terms of a simple geometrical model. However, when the density approached 95%, the sintering pressure appeared to assume an uncertain value. The measurements were also used to calculate the viscous bulk modulus of the porous glass; these estimates agreed well with theoretical prediction.
Crystallization, structure and dynamics of the proton-translocating P-type ATPase

Large single three-dimensional crystals of the dodecylmaltoside complex of the Neurospora crassa plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase (H(+) P-ATPase) can be grown in polyethylene-glycol-containing solutions optimized for moderate supersaturation of both the protein surfaces and detergent micellar region. Large two-dimensional H(+) P-ATPase crystals also grow on the surface of such mixtures and on carbon films located at such surfaces. Electron crystallographic analysis of the two-dimensional crystals grown on carbon films has recently elucidated the structure of the H(+) P-ATPase at a resolution of 0.8 nm in the membrane plane. The two-dimensional crystals comprise two offset layers of ring-shaped ATPase hexamers with their exocytoplasmic surfaces face to face. Side-to-side interactions between the cytoplasmic regions of the hexamers in each layer can be seen, and an interaction between identical exocytoplasmic loops in opposing hexamer layers holds the two layers together. Detergent rings around the membrane-embedded region of the hexamers are clearly visible, and detergent-detergent interactions between the rings are also apparent. The crystal packing forces thus comprise both protein-protein and detergent-detergent interactions, supporting the validity of the original crystallization strategy. Ten transmembrane helices in each ATPase monomer are well-defined in the structure map. They are all relatively straight, closely packed, moderately tilted at various angles with respect to a plane normal to the membrane surface and average approximately 3.5 nm in length. The transmembrane helix region is connected in at least three places to the larger cytoplasmic region, which comprises several discrete domains separated by relatively wide, deep clefts. Previous work has shown that the H(+) P-ATPase undergoes substantial conformational changes during its catalytic cycle that are not changes in secondary structure. Importantly, the results of hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments indicate that these conformational changes are probably rigid-body interdomain movements that lead to cleft closure. When interpreted within the framework of established principles of enzyme catalysis, this information on the structure and dynamics of the H(+) P-ATPase molecule provides the basis of a rational model for the sequence of events that occurs as the ATPase proceeds through its transport cycle. The forces that drive the sequence can also be clearly stipulated. However, an understanding of the molecular mechanism of ion transport catalyzed by the H(+) P-ATPase awaits an atomic resolution structure.
Chemical Modeling of Fire Gases

When a fuel containing C, H, and O burns, CO2 and H2O are the major combustion products and, depending on the conditions, CO, unburnt gasified fuel, and other products of incomplete combustion are produced. In this paper, chemical modeling to calculate rates of generation and mass fractions of various products in reference to the fuel/O2 equivalence ratio is presented. In addition to chemical balances, empirical CO/CO 2 ratios are used. CO is con sidered to be the most significant factor for toxicity hazard assessment in build ing fires. This modeling provides generation rates and mass fractions of CO among other species of gases. This model can be used as a sub-model in fire models for estimating CO.
A Precision Intervalometer for the Remote Acquisition of Ultrasonic Data

An automated intervalometer has been developed which utilizes a signal processing technique which does not depend on the first arrival of the pulse, but generates a cursor from a crossover feature. The generated cursor gates a high-precision counter which measures and displays the delay and sends BCD data to a microcomputer data acquisition system. The insensitivity of this system to amplitude variations makes it possible to obtain differential time accuracies in the nanosecond range over a 70 db range of signal amplitudes in unattended operation, depending on noise levels and the degree of averaging. The high accuracy with which the ultrasonic velocity can be determined makes it possible to observe small changes in material properties. This technique should have wide application in the evaluation of concrete and steel.
Efficacy of glyphosate, glufosinate, and imazethapyr on selected weed species

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy, absorption, and translocation of glyphosate, glufosinate, and imazethapyr with selected weed species. In the greenhouse glyphosate, glufosinate, and imazethapyr were applied at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 times their label rates of 1,121, 410, and 70 g ha−1, respectively, on 10- to 15-cm black nightshade, common waterhemp, eastern black nightshade, field bindweed, giant ragweed, ivyleaf morningglory, prairie cupgrass, velvetleaf, and yellow nutsedge. Glyphosate applied at the 1-time rate caused injury greater than or similar to injury from the 1-time rate of glufosinate or imazethapyr on black nightshade, common waterhemp, eastern black nightshade, field bindweed, giant ragweed, prairie cupgrass, and velvetleaf. The 1-time rate of glufosinate injured ivyleaf morningglory and yellow nutsedge more than did the 1-time rate of glyphosate or imazethapyr. Under field conditions glyphosate caused the greatest injury to common waterhemp, prairie cupgrass, and ve...
Application of a Third-Order Upwind Scheme in the NCAR Ocean Model*

Abstract The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Ocean Model has been developed for use in NCAR’s Climate System Modeling project, a comprehensive development of a coupled ocean–atmosphere–sea ice–land surface model of the global climate system. As part of this development, new parameterizations of diffusive mixing by unresolved processes have been implemented for the tracer equations in the model. Because the strength of the mixing depends upon the density structure under these parameterizations, it is possible that local explicit mixing may be quite small in selected locations, in contrast to the constant diffusivity model generally used. When a spatially centered advection scheme is used in the standard model configuration, local overshooting of tracer values occurs, leading to unphysical maxima and minima in the fields. While the immediate problem is a local Gibbs’s phenomenon, there is the possibility that such local tracer anomalies might propagate by advection and diffusion far from the...
Determination of Ionic and Electronic Conductivities of Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82 O 9 − δ in Dry and Wet Atmospheres

Dense and porous samples of a mixed conducting material of composition of Ba 3 Ca 1.18 Nb 1.82 O 9-δ (BCN18) were fabricated. The electrical conductivity was measured over a partial pressure of oxygen, p O2 , range from 0.001 to 1 atm and over a temperature range from 500 to 700°C. The experimental results showed that the electrical conductivity of the material is predominantly due to electron-hole conduction in the p O2 and the temperature range investigated. The measured total conductivity as a function of p O2 could be described by an equation of the form σ t = σ ι + fp 1/4 O2 with good accuracy. By fitting to this equation, the conductivities due to oxygen ions and due to electron-holes were separately determined. Conductivity measurements were also carried out in H 2 O-containing atmospheres. In H 2 O-containing atmospheres with proton conduction present, the sum of proton conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity can also be determined by the same procedure. The activation energies for oxygen ion conduction and electron-hole conduction were estimated to be 0.54 and 0.84 eV. respectively.
Scoliosis associated with congenital deficiencies of the upper extremity.

We found that certain upper-extremity anomalies, specifically radial and ulnar hemimelia, phocomelia, and amelia, are associated with a striking incidence of scoliosis. Many of the curvatures were noted at an early age and progressed rapidly in severity. Several required spine fusion for control and several others were neglected to the point of severe clinical deformity. The physician treating congenital anomalies of the upper extremity should be aware of the possibility of a very early scoliosis. It is suggested that routine anteroposterior roentgenograms of the spine be obtained on all patients with upper-extremity anomalies of the types considered here since mild curves with a potential marked progression may not be appreciated by casual observation.
MEN-2A SYNDROME PRESENTING AS CATECHOLAMINE-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY VERSUS A MYO-PERICARDITIS

Pheochromocytomas are rare endocrine tumors that can affect various organ systems. Some cardiac manifestations include catecholamine induced cardiomyopathies, myopericarditis, and myocardial infarction. A 22-year-old woman presented with two months of episodic chest pain and severe headaches and
Human studies of biologic availability of niacin in coffee.

SummaryCoffee contains a significant amount of niacin which is biologically available for man. This beverage can furnish an appreciable share of daily requirement of niacin and should be considered in estimating the niacin content of the human diet.
Fumigation of Boll Weevil Pupae with Bisazir to Induce Sterility

When pupae of Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman were fumigated for 5 h in a circulating, saturated atmosphere of bisazir, 99% of the males were sterilized, and egg laying by treated females outcrossed with normal weevils was reduced by 90.6%. Sterile males transfered 11.8% more sperm than control males the 1st week post treatment but 42.6% less the 2nd week.
Dental Optical Tomography with UCNPs

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP) have the unique ability to emit both in the NIR and visible light upon NIR excitation. Herein we investigate experimentally the potential to use UCNPs in dental imaging ex vivo.
Latina/o or Mexicana/o?: The Relationship between Socially Assigned Race and Experiences with Discrimination.

Discrimination based on one’s racial or ethnic background is one of the oldest and most perverse practices in the United States. Although much research has relied on self-reported racial categories...
Protein modification of glutamine transporters in SV40-transformed hepatocytes and immunodetection of proteins associated with hepatic System N transport activity

The secondary active transport of glutamine into hepatocytes is mediated by the sodium-dependent System N amino acid transporter. In SV40-transformed fetal or adult hepatocytes, System N activity was increased by culturing the cells at the growth-permissive temperature of 33 degrees C compared with 40 degrees C. The sulfhydryl specific protein modification reagent p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMBS) inactivated all of System N activity in fetal cells, whereas in the adult cells PCMBS inactivated only the elevated System N activity expressed at 33 degrees C; basal System N activity remained unaffected. Also, the inactivation of transport in the adult cells could be blocked by the presence of the substrate glutamine, whereas that in the fetal cells was completely resistant to protection. To characterize the System N transport, murine monoclonal antibodies System N transporter, murine monoclonal antibodies were generated. Two hybridomas (3E1-2 and 1E7-3) produced antibodies that inhibit System N activity in hepatocytes and can immunoprecipitate the activity from a solubilized protein fraction. Based on two-dimensional PAGE, the molecular size of the carrier protein has been shown to be approximately 100 kDa.
Ab Initio Calculations Of Nuclear Reactions And Exotic Nuclei

Our ultimate goal is to develop a fundamental theory and efficient computational tools to describe dynamic processes between nuclei and to use such tools toward supporting several DOE milestones by: 1) performing predictive calculations of difficult-to-measure landmark reactions for nuclear astrophysics, such as those driving the neutrino signature of our sun; 2) improving our understanding of the structure of nuclei near the neutron drip line, which will be the focus of the DOE’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) being constructed at Michigan State University; but also 3) helping to reveal the true nature of the nuclear force. Furthermore, these theoretical developments will support plasma diagnostic efforts at facilities dedicated to the development of terrestrial fusion energy.
WholeTree Substrates Derived from Three Species of Pine in Production of Annual Vinca

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for use of container substrates composed of processed whole pine trees (WholeTree). Three species [loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)] of 8- to 10-year-old pine trees were harvested at ground level and the entire tree was chipped with a tree chipper. Chips from each tree species were processed with a hammer mill to pass through a 0.374-inch screen. On 29 June 2005 1-gal containers were filled with substrates, placed into full sun under overhead irrigation, and planted with a single liner (63.4 cm3) of 'Little Blanche' annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus). The test was repeated on 27 Aug. 2005 with 'Raspberry Red Cooler' annual vinca. Pine bark substrate had about 50% less air space and 32% greater water holding capacity than the other substrates. At 54 days after potting (DAP), shoot dry weights were 15% greater for plants grown in 100% pine bark substrate compared with plants grown in the three WholeTree substrates. However, there were no differences in plant growth indices for any substrate at 54 DAP. Plant tissue macronutrient content was similar among all substrates. Tissue micronutrient content was similar and within sufficiency ranges with the exception of manganese. Manganese was highest for substrates made from slash pine and loblolly pine. Root growth was similar among all treatments. Results from the second study were similar. Based on these results, WholeTree substrates derived from loblolly pine, slash pine, or longleaf pine have potential as an alternative, sustainable source for producing short-term horticultural crops.
Mexico’s Living Dead

In September 2014, I was as a judge for the Hearing on Feminicide and Gender Violences organized by the Permanent People’s Tribunal in Chihuahua, Mexico. Although the levels of social violence and insecurity have touched the lives of everyone, the impact has been most devastating for women. For three days we heard testimonies from victims of feminicide, disappearances and trafficking, structural violence, forced exile, domestic violence, sexual violence, and persecution as human-rights defenders. We heard repeated references to the police’s and military’s long history of violating human rights with impunity, to the complicity of the state authorities with organized crime, to cartel infiltration at all levels of government, to a narco-maquina (narco-machine) currently ruling Mexico. It became exceedingly difficult to determine whether it was agents of the state or organized crime groups that were perpetrating these crimes against humanity.
PKC and Insulin Pathways in Memory Storage: Targets for Synaptogenesis, Anti-apoptosis, and the Treatment of AD

Long-term memory is stored through the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes α and e that interact with insulin pathways in the brain, as well as through the PKC-mediated formation of structurally specific synaptic transformations. These natural mechanistic pathways whereby the brain adaptively modifies itself to record experience also provide a means for the brain to repair and protect itself against neurologic disorders that destroy synapses, as occurs in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), stroke, and head trauma.
Giorgio Vasari and Niccolò Machiavelli’s Medicean Appetite for Peace and Glory

This study examines the literary and visual connections between war and peace as a cultural diplomacy made by both Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) and Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574). The approach here is iconographical, focusing on three points. First, Machiavelli’s notions of condottiere, virtu, and war and peace in The Art of War (1521) are discussed in relation to Renaissance imagery, particularly in that produced as a result of Medicean patronage. Second, Vasari’s battle cycle in the Salone dei Cinquecento of the Palazzo Vecchio (1555-60) in Florence is examined within the context of peace as revealed in Renaissance art and emblems. Finally, Vasari’s assimilation of Machiavelli’s notions of the art of war are interpreted in relation to the painting cycle, which visually embodies the paradox of war and peace discussed in Machiavelli’s writing.
Stroke Code Simulation Lab; Save Time Save Brain! (P2.375)

OBJECTIVE: To train neurology residents in stroke-code response using simulation. BACKGROUND: Stroke codes notify key personnel of the arrival of stroke victims who may benefit from therapeutic interventions. In academic centers, stroke codes rely heavily on neurology residents who evaluate the patients and determine eligibility for thrombolytic therapy. Achieving optimal door-to-needle time is key to good patient outcomes, but it can be hindered by knowledge deficits, stress and lack of experience. DESIGN/METHODS: A stroke code simulation lab was created using mock cases that included a clinical scenario, CT scan and simulated examination. Examinees interviewed and examined a standardized patient, obtaining collateral information from a standardized support person. The examinee then, “ordered” laboratory and imaging tests, interpreted the results, and decided on therapeutic intervention. Each simulation lasted approximately 25 minutes. Checklists were completed by an observer. Simulations were followed by a group discussion, identifying elements performed accurately and elements missed. All examinees completed pre- and post-course quizzes, and a course evaluation. RESULTS: Seven PGY-2 and six PGY-3 residents participated in the course. A paired t-test comparing pre- and post-course quiz results showed a significant difference [pre-course mean score 61[percnt], SD=0.17, post-course mean score 81[percnt], SD=0.14; p value=0.0002]. Analysis of the 8-question-survey (11 responders) showed a weighted average of 4.5 on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating a very favorable response to the simulation experience. A second phase of the study analyzing door-to-needle time one year before and after institution of the simulation lab is underway. CONCLUSIONS: The stroke code simulation lab met its objectives of improving the neurology residents’ knowledge and experience managing stroke codes. It was perceived as a valuable exercise. Further data will determine if the stroke code simulation lab improves patient care. Disclosure: Dr. Mao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zidan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Afzal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cherukuri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Qadeer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bradshaw has received research support from Cytokinetcs.
Brain Slice Culture Demonstrates Expedited Cell Traficking in the Presence of Fractalkine in a Medulloblastoma Tumor Microenvironment Model

20% of childhood brain tumors are medulloblastomas (MB), and the five-year survival rate can be as low as 60%. The interaction between MB and native immune cells are not well understood, and identifying methods of crosstalk could produce better outcomes for patients. Fractalkine (FKN) is a ligand for the receptor CX 3 CR1 that plays an inhibitory role in the brain’s immune system by keeping microglia quiescent. Normally, FKN is surface bound and expressed by neurons and astrocytes, but under inflammatory conditions FKN is secreted to serve as a chemoattractant. Preliminary work in our lab shows that FKN is produced by MB and may act as a decoy to maintain microglial quiescence leading to immune escape. Therefore we investigated FKN signaling and microglial kinetics ex vivo utilizing organotypic brain slice culture coupled with real time 2-photon laser scanning microscopy. To differentiate microglia from MB, CX 3 CR1 +/GFP or CX 3 CR1 GFP/GFP knock-in mice were sacrificed, and the brain was removed and sectioned. Slices were collected and cultured on inserts in an incubation chamber during imaging. To determine baseline activity, CX 3 CR1 +/GFP and CX 3 CR1 GFP/GFP brain slices were imaged over 48 hours. MB tumor cells, labelled with SNARF-1, were added to the cultures and imaged over the same time course. Images were processed to differentiate the motility of microglia and tumors. We found that microglia from CX 3 CR1 +/GFP moved slower than microglia from CX 3 CR1 GFP/GFP at baseline and in the presence of tumor. Furthermore, we found that MB moved faster in CX 3 CR1 GFP/GFP slices, suggesting that fractalkine plays a role in the migration of MB.
Simulations of eddy kinetic energy transport in barotropic turbulence

Spatially localized stochastic forcing generates turbulent dynamics in a 2D fluid with a uniform background vorticity gradient, enabling a study of the turbulent transport of kinetic energy.
Mitochondrial dysregulation in BJ-hTERT “survivors” of Cr(VI) genotoxic insult that are resistant to genotoxin-induced clonogenic death.

5005 Dysregulation of the complex balance between cell growth and death is determinant for neoplastic progression. Certain forms of hexavalent chromium [(Cr(VI)] are human respiratory carcinogens. We have generated sub-populations of BJ-hTERT fibroblasts (transfected with the telomerase gene), which have acquired resistance to Cr (VI)-induced death. DP 5.14 cells were cloned from clonogenic survivors of 24 h exposure to 5 uM Cr (VI), and were markedly resistant to Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis and clonogenic lethality, which was not due to altered uptake. Transport across the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is regulated by a multi-protein pore complex, containing the voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC). Maintenance of OMM permeability is critical for cell survival. Our recent studies have uncovered a novel toxic stress response pathway involving Cr-induced transcriptional up-regulation of the mitochondrial VDAC protein in normal human fibroblasts, and its abrogation in death-resistant DP 5.14 cells. This discovery leads to the intriguing hypothesis that recovery after genotoxic insult may involve the selection of cells with intrinsic or induced mitochondrial dysregulation, leading to death resistance. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of VDAC and mitochondrial function in death resistance after genotoxic insult. We studied VDAC protein expression in BJ-hTERT and DP 5.14 cells by Western blotting. Similar to the gene expression data, 5 uM Na 2 CrO 4 exposure for 24h was associated with a 3-fold increase in VDAC protein expression, which was abrogated in the DP 5.14 subclone. Alterations in VDAC function lead to the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition, which results in the release of the inter-membrane space components into the cytosol. We have previously shown that Cr (VI)-induced apoptosis disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced cytochrome c release. Therefore, we determined mitochondrial membrane polarity using the cationic JC-9 dye. Cr (VI) enhanced mitochondrial membrane depolarization in BJ-hTERT cells, in a dose-dependent fashion, that was 2 -fold above the control with 9 um Na 2 CrO 4 , but remained unchanged in DP 5.14 cells. In addition, 2 uM exposure to H 2 O 2 for 30 min induced a significant 5.5 -fold increase in mitochondrial membrane depolarization in BJ-hTERT cells , which was only 1.6- fold higher in DP 5.1 4 cells, thus supporting a role for VDAC in death resistance. These results suggest that VDAC may be intrinsically dysregulated in “survivors” of in-situ Cr (VI) treatment. Since acquired resistance to genotoxin-induced death is a hallmark of neoplastic progression, VDAC dysregulation may promote cell survival in the face of genotoxin-induced damage, which in turn may contribute to genomic instability and lead to carcinogenesis. Supported by NIH grants CA107972 to SC, and ES05304 and ES09961 to SRP.
Case 10: Postoperative Painful Eye

A 50-year-old female (ASA 1) is scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Her past history is noncontributory. She takes no medication and has no allergies. The patient is otherwise healthy and has no complaints. She has removed her glasses and states that she does not use any contact lenses. You are joined by a medical student who put all the monitors on the patient including the oxygen saturation monitor on her right index finger. The patient is induced and the medical student ventilates the patient by mask. He places an endotracheal tube in the trachea successfully. The anesthetic proceeds uneventfully, and she wakes up pain-free and is taken to the recovery room in a stable condition.
Inverse Psoriasis: A Review of Topical Therapies:

Inverse psoriasis, also known as intertriginous or flexural psoriasis, remains a challenging condition to treat. For decades, the mainstay therapy approach has been low-potency steroids for short d...
Trade-offs in ecosystem impacts from nanomaterial versus organic chemical ultraviolet filters in sunscreens

Both nanoparticulate (nZnO and nTiO2) and organic chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters are active ingredients in sunscreen and protect against skin cancer, but limited research exists on the environmental effects of sunscreen release into aquatic systems. To examine the trade-offs of incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) into sunscreens over the past two decades, we targeted endpoints sensitive to the potential risks of different UV filters: solar reactive oxygen production in water and disruption of zebrafish embryo development. First, we developed methodology to extract nanoparticles from sunscreens with organic solvents. Zebrafish embryos exposed to parts-per-million NPs used in sunscreens displayed limited toxicological effects; nZnO particles appeared to be slightly more toxic than nTiO2 at the highest concentrations. In contrast, seven organic UV filters did not affect zebrafish embryogenesis at or near aqueous solubility. Second, to simulate potent photo-initiated reactions upon release into water, we examined methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light. nTiO2 from sunscreen caused 10 times faster MB loss than nZnO and approached the photocatalytic degradation rate of a commercial nTiO2 photocatalysts (P25). Organic UV filters did not cause measurable MB degradation. Finally, we estimated that between 1 and 10 ppm of sunscreen NPs in surface waters could produce similar steady state hydroxyl radical concentrations as naturally occurring fluvic acids under sunlight irradiation. Incorporation of NPs into sunscreen may increase environmental concentrations of reactive oxygen, albeit to a limited extent, which can influence transformation of dissolved substances and potentially affect ecosystem processes.
Leptonic decays of the Ω

Abstract Branching ratios, widths, and lepton energy spectra are derived for the leptonic decays of the Ω − into β 0 and β 0∗ . The calculations are made by hypothesizing that higher-order multipoles in an expansion of the baryon current are zero. The axial vector coupling is determined using the bag model.
Free-Electron-Like Metals of Groups III and IV

In this category the fcc materials A1 and Pb are included together with Ga and In in an assumed fcc structure and Tl in the hcp structure. The DOS of Al has strong free-electron character, similar to that of Na. In the unoccupied states the p-like levels mix with the d-like levels. For example, the p state Γ15 lies between the d states Γ25′ and Γ12. Pb has unique features: an energy gap appears between the s-like and p-like states and the d levels lie much higher than the p levels. Consequently, in Pb N(E F ) is almost exclusively p-like while in Al it has a strong s-like contribution. It should be noted here that for Pb the SK fit is good only for four bands throughout the whole Brillouin zone. Ga and In, which are calculated in a hypothetical fcc structure, are similar to Zn and Cd in that they have a set of narrow d bands far below E F , and free-electron characteristics near E F . The hcp T1 is also characterized by narrow d bands, as in Cd, but near E F the details of the band structure are different.
Truly Reconciling the Case of Jahi McMath.

This article clarifies some issues raised by Dr. Ariane Lewis in her recent “Current Opinion/Arguments” article on the case of Jahi McMath. Review of case materials. Jahi’s case most likely represents an instance of global ischemic penumbra (GIP) mimicking brain death (BD), with intracranial blood flow too low to support neuronal function or to be detected by radionuclide scan but sufficient to prevent widespread necrosis. Her MRI scan 9 months after the ischemic insult showed gross preservation of cortical and internal structures, incompatible with there ever having been a period of completely absent blood flow. Regarding Jahi’s alleged intermittent responsiveness, the set of videos, unsystematic as they are, constitutes convincing evidence that her movements in seeming response to command are not of spinal cord origin and are indeed voluntary responses, placing her in the category of minimally conscious state (MCS). In the absence of serial examinations by experts in MCS, the benefit of the doubt should be given. Unfortunately, her death on June 22, 2018, 4½ years after the diagnosis of BD, precludes such examinations. During those 4½ years, Jahi underwent menarche, with three documented menstrual periods, and ongoing pubertal development. Her case is an important example of false-positive diagnosis of BD, demonstrating the inability of current diagnostic standards to distinguish true BD from potentially reversible brain nonfunction due to GIP. The incidence of such mimicry is impossible to determine, because in most cases a BD diagnosis becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Exposome-Wide Association Studies: A Data-Driven Approach for Searching for Exposures Associated with Phenotype

The promise of a unified way to measure the human exposome is the discovery of novel environmental factors associated with and potentially causative of disease. The human exposome has been tentatively defined as the totality of environmental exposures such as dietary nutrients, pharmaceutical drugs, infectious agents, and pollutants encountered from birth to death. Much as human genetics has benefited from high-throughput profiling in the form of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), a data-driven paradigm for the exposome is needed to systematically and reproducibly discover the environmental determinants of disease. In this chapter, we describe methods for associating the exposome with phenotypic state such as disease. Specifically, this chapter will describe hands-on analytic examples and data to search the exposome for correlates with phenotype, called the “environment/exposome-wide association study” (EWAS). First, we will describe the philosophy behind such a study, including transparency and mitigation of the chances for selection biases. Second, we will describe how to mitigate chances of type 1 error and investigate the possibility of true signals in a sea of possible false positives. We will describe open-source tools for visualization and display of correlated data to enable investigators to efficiently ascertain patterns in phenotypic associations. We end by describing a few success stories of the approach.
Prematurity Does Not Increase Early Childhood Fracture Risk.

Objective To evaluate the impact of prematurity on fracture by age 5, controlling for medications and comorbidities of prematurity. Study design We performed a retrospective cohort study of infants born in Military Treatment Facilities in 2009-2010 with ≥5 years of follow-up care. Gestational age, low birth weight, comorbidities of prematurity (osteopenia, necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, and cholestasis) and fractures were identified by International Classification of Disease, 9th Edition, codes. Pharmaceutical records identified treatment with caffeine, diuretics, postnatal corticosteroids, and antacids. Poisson regression analysis determined fracture rate by 5 years of life. Results There were 65 938 infants born in 2009-2010 who received care in the military health system for ≥5 years, including 3589 born preterm; 165 born at ≤286/7 weeks of gestation, 380 born at 29-316/7 weeks of gestation, and 3044 born at 32-366/7 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth at any gestational age was not associated with fracture rate in adjusted models. The fracture rate was increased with cholestasis, proton pump inhibitor exposure, and male sex. Conclusions Prematurity was not associated with fracture rate. Neonatal cholestasis and proton pump inhibitor treatment were associated with increased fractures by age 5.
Trends in types of protein in US adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2010.

Objective To delineate trends in types of protein in US adults from 1999 to 2010, we examined the mean intake of beef, pork, lamb or goat, chicken, turkey, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes, and nuts and seeds (grams per kilogram of body weight) among adults and according to subgroups, including chronic disease status. Design Six cycles of the repeated cross-sectional surveys. Setting National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2010.ParticipantsUS adults aged ≥20 years (n 29 145, range: 4252-5762 per cycle). Results Overall, mean chicken (0·47 to 0·52 g/kg), turkey (0·09 to 0·13 g/kg), fish (0·21 to 0·27 g/kg) and legume (0·21 to 0·26 g/kg) intake increased, whereas dairy decreased (3·56 to 3·22 g/kg) in US adults (P l0·03). Beef, lamb or goat intake did not change in adults or among those with a chronic disease. Over time, beef intake declined less, and lamb or goat intake increased more, for those of lower socio-economic status compared with those of higher socio-economic status. Conclusions Despite recommendations to reduce red meat, beef, lamb or goat intake did not change in adults, among those with a chronic disease or with lower socio-economic status.
False Alarms and Overmonitoring: Major Factors in Alarm Fatigue Among Labor Nurses.

Background Nurses can be exposed to hundreds of alarms during their shift, contributing to alarm fatigue. Purpose The purposes were to explore similarities and differences in perceptions of clinical alarms by labor nurses caring for generally healthy women compared with perceptions of adult intensive care unit (ICU) and neonatal ICU nurses caring for critically ill patients and to seek nurses' suggestions for potential improvements. Methods Nurses were asked via focus groups about the utility of clinical alarms from medical devices. Results There was consensus that false alarms and too many devices generating alarms contributed to alarm fatigue, and most alarms lacked clinical relevance. Nurses identified certain types of alarms that they responded to immediately, but the vast majority of the alarms did not contribute to their clinical assessment or planned nursing care. Conclusions Monitoring only those patients who need it and only those physiologic values that are warranted, based on patient condition, may decrease alarm burden.
Hybrid-Powered Internet-of-Things for Infrastructure-to-Vehicle Communication

While autonomous and networked vehicles are being designed to navigate under different driving conditions, there is an emerging need for the infrastructure (roadways) to communicate with the vehicles so as to reliably convey current road conditions. Wireless sensors or devices that are embedded inside the infrastructure can facilitate real-time information exchange, however, its design requires a careful trade-offs between different factors such as operational lifetime, communication distance and latency. In this paper, we discuss three particular methods for establishing a radio-frequency communication link within our previously reported framework of infrastructural Internet-of-Things (i-IoT). We propose a figure of merit (FOM) to compare and contrast different topologies of infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication devices which includes the traditional battery-powered approach, a passive approach that harvests RF energy for its power source and only polls a sensor when power is available, and a hybrid approach that leverages an RF harvesting mechanism to activate a battery-powered sensor. The estimated FOM suggests that a hybrid approach is the most pragmatic for the particular use case of road-condition monitoring.
NIR Camera Based Mobile Seat Belt Enforcement System Using Deep Learning Techniques

Camera based traffic enforcement solutions have been ubiquitously employed in many countries around the world. Many companies offer camera based solutions towards toll violation, seat belt violation, red light violation, and speed violation enforcement. These systems are typically mounted on a fixed platform to hold the camera and the illuminator. However, installation of these fixed platforms is costly and their operation range is limited to the surrounding area of the installation. In this study, we propose a mobile seat belt enforcement system that can operate on mobile police vehicles. Proposed system utilizes deep learning algorithms towards the detection of the most common traffic violation; not wearing a seat belt while driving. Using a camera system placed on top of a vehicle, real world images are captured during day and night time. We conducted experiments using a test set containing 2600 real world images and achieved an overall accuracy of 83% on seat belt detection task.
Curiosity-Driven Multi-Criteria Hindsight Experience Replay

Author(s): Lanier, John Banister | Advisor(s): Baldi, Pierre | Abstract: Dealing with sparse rewards is a longstanding challenge in reinforcement learning. The recent use of hindsight methods have achieved success on a variety of sparse-reward tasks, but they fail on complex tasks such as stacking multiple blocks with a robot arm in simulation. Curiosity-driven exploration using the prediction error of a learned dynamics model as an intrinsic reward has been shown to be effective for exploring a number of sparse-reward environments. We present a method that combines hindsight with curiosity-driven exploration and curriculum learning in order to solve the challenging sparse-reward block stacking task. We are the first to stack more than two blocks using only sparse reward without human demonstrations.