cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I on Glomerular Cells in Vitro

Since mesangial proliferation is the hallmark of many human glomerular diseases we investigated whether glomerular cells have receptors for insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a growth peptide. All three glomerular cell types; mesangial, epithelial, and endothelial cells were found to have surface receptors for IGF-I. This peptide was a potent mitogen for mesangial cells in vitro and acted as a progression factor. In addition, IGF-I-like molecules may play an important role in glomerular disease.
Spectral Gap and Concentration for Some Spherically Symmetric Probability Measures

We study the spectral gap and a related concentration property for a family of spherically symmetric probability measures.
Designing CS1 as an eye-opening tool to the utility of computer science and a research-initiating tool

This paper discusses the practice of how CS1, the first programming course in the curriculum, has been used as an eye-opening tool to the utility of computer science and also as a tool to lead lower-division students in taking their first steps toward research. Meaningful projects connected to the real world are very important in motivating and engaging students. Specifically, simulation of real-world applications can bring an eye-opening experience to students. Through these simulations, students can learn how real-world applications can be built on the basic programming constructs discussed in the class. Furthermore, this experience can encourage students to take the first step toward research. In addition to the simulation-based projects for CS1, this study also discusses the lower division student research that was derived from one of these projects and the experience with it.
G-CSF Administration Increases Pulmonary Toxicity for Hodgkin’s Disease Patients Treated with Bleomycin-Containing Chemotherapy.

Background: In Hodgkin’s Disease (HD), G-CSF has been used to maintain maximum dose intensity by avoiding neutropenia and treatment delays. Pre-clinical data and anecdotal reports have shown an association between G-CSF administration and bleomycin pulmonary toxicity (BPT). This complication may cause access morbidity and have a detrimental impact on survival in this otherwise good prognosis population. We embarked on a retrospective analysis to determine if G-CSF increased the incidence of this complication or had an impact on outcomes. Methods: We reviewed all patients managed for HD at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from January 1986 to February 2003. BPT was defined by the presence of pulmonary symptoms, bilateral interstitial infiltrates, and no evidence for an infectious etiology. Patients who received G-CSF support with one or more of their bleomycin-containing chemotherapy cycles were considered as being treated with G-CSF. Results: A retrospective review identified 141 patients with HD treated with a bleomycin-containing regimen. The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 34 years. Fifty four percent were males. The histology was nodular sclerosing in 85%. The Hasenclever index was 0 in 15%, 1 in 35%, 2 in 24%, 3 in 16%, 4 in 9%, and ≥ 5 in 1%. The G-CSF and non G-CSF groups were balanced for poor prognosis risk factors including Hasenclever index. Frontline chemotherapy included ABVD in 57%, MOPP-ABV(D) in 33%, COPP-ABV in 8%, BEACOPP in 3%, and Stanford V in 2%. Forty one percent of patients received radiation. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) for all patients were 87% and 79% respectively. G-CSF was administered to 52% (74/141) of patients. BPT occurred in 18% of patients (25/141). A higher rate of BPT was observed in patients receiving G-CSF, 26% (19/74) versus 9% (6/67) in non G-CSF patients (p=0.0141). In this population, G-CSF administration was the only factor associated with an increased risk of BPT. There was no difference between the two groups for BPT associated risk factors including radiation, bleomycin dose, renal insufficiency, smoking history, and underlying lung disease. Additionally these risk factors showed no correlation with the development of BPT. The mortality from BPT was 4.2% (6/141) in all patients and 24% (6/25) in patients who developed the pulmonary syndrome. Of the 6 patients who died acutely, 83% (5/6) received G-CSF. CR rates were equal between the G-CSF and non G-CSF groups at 92% and 94% respectively. Five year OS and PFS were equal between the G-CSF and non G-CSF groups at 82% versus 89% (p=0.473) and 74% versus 84% (p=0.152) respectively. Conclusion: G-CSF administration increases the incidence of pulmonary toxicity in HD patients treated with bleomycin based chemotherapy. The major impact was on treatment related morbidity as 5-year OS and PFS were equal between the G-CSF and non G-CSF groups.
Computational Mechanism for Initiation and Growth of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Using Palladium N-Heterocyclic Carbene Precatalysts

The living, chain-growth polymerization of (hetero)aryl monomers by carbene-ligated palladium precatalysts gives conjugated polymers with narrow dispersities as well as specified molecular weights and sequences. Despite this success, the mechanism for Pd precatalyst initiation and subsequent polymer growth is unknown. A quantum chemical study is presented herein to provide insight into thiophene homopolymerization initiated by (IPr)PdCl2(3-chloropyridine) (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) using novel reaction discovery tools for generating and evaluating mechanistic hypotheses. This study reveals the role for the “throw-away” 3-chloropyridine ligand during initiation via a stepwise transmetalation pathway that involves pyridine dissociation, followed by pyridine reassociation to liberate the Grignard byproduct (MgCl2) and stabilize the resulting Pd intermediate. In contrast, 3-chloropyridine association to Pd during propagation hinders catalyst turnover by producing a low-energy, of...
Application of a series coupler based on infinite wavelength phenomenon

In this paper, the applicability of a power coupler designed based on the infinite wavelength phenomenon present in composite right/left handed transmission lines is investigated. The coupler is used as a power divider at 2.36 GHz. Results show excellent output power balance for two examples of the power divider. One has equally spaced output ports while the other has non-uniformly spaced output ports. Filtering characteristics of the coupler is shown to reduce oscillator phase noise by 10 dB for 10 KHz offset and provide harmonic rejection. The power combining function of the coupler was demonstrated using free running transistor oscillators. Results of mutual frequency locking are shown as well as external injection locking.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Investigation of a Series of Push–Pull Boron Dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs)

A series of push–pull BODIPYs bearing multiple electron-donating and electron-acceptor groups were synthesized regioselectively from 2,3,5,6,8-pentachloro-BODIPY, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, and X-ray crystallography. The influence of the push–pull substituents on the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of BODIPYs was investigated. Bathochromic shifts were observed for both absorbance (up to 37 nm) and emission (up to 60 nm) in different solvents upon introduction of the push–pull moieties. DFT calculations, consistent with the spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetry studies, show decreased HOMO–LUMO energy gaps upon the installation of the push–pull moieties. BODIPY 7 bearing thienyl groups on the 2 and 6 positions showed the largest λmax for both absorption (635–653 nm) and emission (706–707 nm), but also the lowest fluorescence quantum yields. All BODIPYs were nontoxic in the dark (IC50 > 200 μM) and showed low phototoxicity (IC50 > 100 μM, 1.5 J/cm2) toward human HEp2 cells. Des...
Impurities in Snow: Effects on Albedo and Snowmelt (Review)

Very small (ppm) amounts of soil dust in snow can significantly reduce snow albedo and thereby affect the snow-surface energy budget. Ice cores from Greenland show enhanced dust concentrations in ice from the last glacial maximum, in amounts capable of causing measurable effects on snow albedo. This enhanced dust is probably due in part to the expanded desert areas at that time. Volcanic ash layers visible in the Byrd station core reduced the snow albedo in West Antarctica when they were on the surface. The ash is unlikely to have had a long-term effect on albedo because of the episodic nature of volcanic eruptions. Very large amounts of dust on snow can inhibit snow-melt by insulating the snow. A debris cover probably slowed the melting of parts of the North American ice sheet during its most recent decay phase. Snow in the Arctic Ocean is presently suffering large-scale contamination by carbon soot from anthropogenic sources. Preliminary estimates indicate that soot concentrations in Arctic snow are sufficient to reduce snow albedo measurably.
MONKEY BUSINESS: trans*, animacy, and the boundaries of kind

This essay dwells in the interstitial space between human and nonhuman species attributions to consider the dense political and theoretical activity that the domain capacitates. It begins by discussing the bifurcated funding work of the Arcus Foundation – LGBT rights and great ape conservation – as a means of examining how currently prevailing species divisions that putatively work through expansive notions of embodiment in actuality deploy the same logics present in colonial schemes of bodily division. It then relatedly considers an intimate transspecies relationship between a human, Sandra Herold, and a chimpanzee, Travis, which ended tragically. The essay then puts the concepts of trans* and animacy into productive tension to explore how life and liveness become contingently associated with certain bodies through shifting processes of racial and sexual division. Building from these conceptual framings, it preliminarily introduces a new analytic tool, trans*plant, to facilitate more comprehensiv...
Measurement Repeatability of Central and Peripheral Blood Pressures: The ARIC Study

Background Central systolic and pulse pressures are markers of risk for small vessel disease in the brain and kidneys. The extent to which these markers are reproducible in the setting of population studies is less well established. We estimated short-term repeatability of central systolic and pulse pressures, and those of their peripheral measures for comparison. Methods Participants aged 65 years and over (n = 79, 56% women) were drawn from the 2011-2013 examination of the ARIC cohort. Measurements were obtained with automated devices in the supine position, except for conventional sitting pressures, from paired measurements at each of 2 visits separated by 4 to 8 weeks. Three-level variance component models with between-participant, between-visit, and within-visit components estimated reliability metrics. Results Mean central systolic and pulse pressures were higher than conventional brachial measures, yet their 4 to 8 week measurement repeatability was similar: reliability coefficients were 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.49, 0.74) and 0.63 (0.51, 0.76) for central and sitting brachial systolic pressures, and 0.66 (0.54. 0.77) and 0.73 (0.63, 0.82) for their corresponding pulse pressures. Between-participant variation contributed to two-thirds of the short-term repeatability for all measures. Within-visit variation remained uniformly low across visits. Conclusions Our results indicate that the average of 2 standardized measurements obtained at a single visit can provide reliable estimates of central systolic and pulse pressures. The reliability coefficients of central and peripheral blood pressure measures were comparable. Estimates are presented of minimal detectable change and difference to aid in study design and evaluation of analytic results.
Uterine serous carcinoma: Reassessing effectiveness of platinum-based adjuvant therapy.

Abstract Objective Two randomized trials failed to demonstrate efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy (PbCT) for uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Our objective was to reassess the value of PbCT for patients with microscopic residuum (R0). Methods Progression-free survival (PFS) after surgery was analyzed for 409 patients and correlated with adjuvant therapies: vaginal brachytherapy (VBRT), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), PbCT, or combinations. Results The estimated 5-year PFS for stage I ( n =209) USC was 65.1% for observation only; 90.7%, VBRT only; and 91.1%, PbCT±VBRT (85% received VBRT); VBRT significantly ( P =.004) impacted PFS, but the added value of PbCT remains uncertain. Of 58 stage IIIC, PbCT-treated patients (±EBRT), 5-year PFS was 33.9%; most failures had a vascular disseminated component. Median PFS for 72 stage IV, PbCT-treated patients was 18.6months for R0; 8.0, R1≤1cm residual disease; and 4.6, R2>1cm ( P =.008). The progression rate (PR) during 1 to 2year follow-up for R0 was similar to PR during 0–1year follow-up for R1 ( P =.31), suggesting recurrences in patients with R0 disease before 2years are likely platinum resistant. PRs during follow-up were nearly identical for R0≥2years and R1≥1year ( P =.95), presumably showing limited numbers of platinum-sensitive tumors. Conclusions A comparison of PR for patients treated with PbCT for stage IV R0 and R1 disease suggested that a 1-year lag interval precedes clinical recognition of PbCT refractory/resistant R0 disease. Most patients treated with PbCT who had microscopic residuum had recurrences within 2years (across stages), emphasizing the need for more effective therapy.
A fluorescence-based imaging approach to pharmacokinetic analysis of intracochlear drug delivery.

Abstract Advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies are enhancing the development of intracochlear delivery devices for the treatment of hearing loss with emerging pharmacological therapies. Direct intracochlear delivery addresses the limitations of systemic and intratympanic delivery. However, optimization of delivery parameters for these devices requires pharmacokinetic assessment of the spatiotemporal drug distribution inside the cochlea. Robust methods of measuring drug concentration in the perilymph have been developed, but lack spatial resolution along the tonotopic axis or require complex physiological measurements. Here we describe an approach for quantifying distribution of fluorescent drug-surrogate probe along the cochlea's sensory epithelium with high spatial resolution enabled by confocal fluorescence imaging. Fluorescence from FM 1–43 FX, a fixable endocytosis marker, was quantified using confocal fluorescence imaging of whole mount sections of the organ of Corti from cochleae resected and fixed at several time points after intracochlear delivery. Intracochlear delivery of FM 1–43 FX near the base of the cochlea produces a base-apex gradient of fluorescence in the row of inner hair cells after 1 h post-delivery that is consistent with diffusion-limited transport along the scala tympani. By 3 h post-delivery there is approximately an order of magnitude decrease in peak average fluorescence intensity, suggesting FM 1–43 FX clearance from both the perilymph and inner hair cells. The increase in fluorescence intensity at 72 h post-delivery compared to 3 h post-delivery may implicate a potential radial transport pathway into the scala media.
Design Considerations in Advanced Systems for Differential Scanning Calorimetry

A direct power measuring Differential Scanning Calorimeter, such as the Perkin-Elmer DSC-1B, has both unique capabilities and unique design problems. The juxtaposition of heating and sensing elements in a low thermal mass sample holder puts particular strain on the temperature programmer. Programming noise and fluctuations are not thermally filtered or smoothed by large furnace systems as in conventional designs. Also, for rapid programmed cooling experiments and quick turn-around times, it is desirable that the immediate environment of the sample holders be maintained at low temperature. Consequently, large temperature gradients can exist between sample holders and surroundings which can affect baseline reproducibility and linearity. Further, the benefits of direct power measurement are realizable only through a considerably more complex sample holder construction than typical of AT measuring systems. This has limited the extension of DSC to higher temperatures. In this paper these problems will be discussed, solutions proposed, and the performance of an experimental extended range DSC incorporating some new design features will be briefly described.
Length estimations of presumed upward connecting leaders in lightning flashes to flat water and flat ground.

Using video data recorded at 50,000 frames per second for nearby negative lightning flashes, estimates are derived for the length of positive upward connecting leaders (UCLs) that presumably formed prior to new ground attachments. Return strokes were 1.7 to 7.8 km distant, yielding image resolutions of 4.25 to 19.5 m. No UCLs are imaged in these data, indicating those features were too transient or too dim compared to other lightning processes that are imaged at these resolutions. Upper bound lengths for 17 presumed UCLs are determined from the height above flat ground or water of the successful stepped leader tip in the image immediately prior to (within 20 μs before) the return stroke. Better estimates of maximum UCL lengths are determined using the downward stepped leader tip's speed of advance and the estimated return stroke time within its first frame. For 17 strokes, the upper bound length of the possible UCL averages 31.6 m and ranges from 11.3 to 50.3 m. Among the close strokes (those with spatial resolution <8 m per pixel), the five which connected to water (salt water lagoon) have UCL upper bound estimates averaging significantly shorter (24.1 m) than the average for the three close strokes which connected to land (36.9 m). The better estimates of maximum UCL lengths for the eight close strokes average 20.2 m, with slightly shorter average of 18.3 m for the five that connected to water. All the better estimates of UCL maximum lengths are <38 m in this dataset
Hypertension, overweight/obesity, and diabetes among immigrants in the United States: an analysis of the 2010-2016 National Health Interview Survey.

Ethnic minority populations in the United States (US) are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including hypertension, overweight/obesity, and diabetes. The size and diversity of ethnic minority immigrant populations in the US have increased substantially over the past three decades. However, most studies on immigrants in the US are limited to Asians and Hispanics; only a few have examined the prevalence of CVD risk factors across diverse immigrant populations. The prevalence of diagnosed hypertension, overweight/obesity, and diagnosed diabetes was examined and contrasted among a socioeconomically diverse sample of immigrants. It was hypothesized that considerable variability would exist in the prevalence of hypertension, overweight and diabetes. A cross-sectional analysis of the 2010–2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was conducted among 41,717 immigrants born in Europe, South America, Mexico/Central America/Caribbean, Russia, Africa, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Southeast Asia. The outcomes were the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension, overweight/obesity, and diagnosed diabetes. The highest multivariable adjusted prevalence of diagnosed hypertension was observed in Russian (24.2%) and Southeast Asian immigrants (23.5%). Immigrants from Mexico/Central America/Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity (71.5 and 73.4%, respectively) and diagnosed diabetes (9.6 and 10.1%, respectively). Compared to European immigrants, immigrants from Mexico/Central America/Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent respectively had higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (Prevalence Ratio (PR): 1.19[95% CI, 1.13–1.24]) and (PR: 1.22[95% CI, 1.14–1.29]), and diabetes (PR: 1.70[95% CI, 1.42–2.03]) and (PR: 1.78[95% CI, 1.36–2.32]). African immigrants and Middle Eastern immigrants had a higher prevalence of diabetes (PR: 1.41[95% CI, 1.01–1.96]) and PR: 1.57(95% CI: 1.09–2.25), respectively, than European immigrants —without a corresponding higher prevalence of overweight/obesity. Immigrants from Mexico/Central America/Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent bore the highest burden of overweight/obesity and diabetes while those from Southeast Asia and Russia bore the highest burden of hypertension.
Vascular Access for Dialysis, Chemotherapy, and Nutritional Support

The success of many modern medical therapies is intimately tied to the success of vascular access. Hemodialysis for renal failure, chemotherapy for cancer, hyperalimentation for nutritional support, plasmapheresis for autoimmune disease, central pressure monitoring for the patient in intensive care, and blood replacement for the trauma victim are examples of therapies that depend on effective and reliable vascular access. The importance of angioaccess is so great that entire monographs have been written on vascular access in general,1 catheter access to the central veins,2 and vascular access specifically for dialysis,3 chemotherapy,4 and nutritional support.5 The evolution of vascular access has a long and interesting but somewhat disjointed history.
Hierarchy of Formal Languages

This chapter is the key to the rest of the book. It includes the major definitions of the class of problems to be considered and the Hierarchy of Formal Languages to solve these problems. Here, we define mathematical structures essential for finding strategies for opposing sides of LG systems: states, transitions, trajectories, Zones, translations, searches, etc. These are the building blocks of the Hierarchy of Formal Languages that reflect the “geometry” of LG. The formal tools that couple them together and generate this Hierarchy are described in Chapters 8–12.
SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTIAL SPACE: CONTEXTUALIZING NEW URBANISM WITHIN A BROADER THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This study engages the planning and urban design literature as well as social theory to develop a nuanced understanding of issues related to neighborhood form and sense of community. The study analyzes the meaning of community from economic, social, and cultural perspectives. It contextualizes the New Urbanism use of physical design as a subtext for community within a broader theoretical context. The study revisits the New Urbanism design principle regarding the interface between the private and public realm and its relationship to the idea of place and social attachment. While questioning the relevance of the New Urbanism planning agenda to U.S. metropolitan formations, the study discussions underline the value of its design formula for the social life of residential neighborhoods. The multidisciplinary approach of this study unravels some of the confusion over sociospatial dialectics in general, and community and built environment in particular. It opens the door for further cross-disciplinary research aimed at understanding and potentially optimizing the relationship between people and their built environments.
Risk Stratification of Type 2 Long-QT Syndrome Mutation Carriers With Normal QTc Interval: The Value of Sex, T-Wave Morphology, and Mutation Type.

Background: Long-QT (LQT) syndrome mutation carriers have higher risk of cardiac events than unaffected family members even in the absence of QTc prolongation. Changes in T-wave morphology may refl...
Ribonucleaseaktivität auf der Hautoberfläche

Auf der Hautoberflache last sich eine Ribonucleaseaktivitat nachweisen. Sie entstammt im wesentlichen dem Talg.
On D. Hägele’s approach to the Bessis–Moussa–Villani conjecture

Abstract The reformulation of the Bessis–Moussa–Villani (BMV) conjecture given by Lieb and Seiringer asserts that the coefficient α m , k ( A , B ) of t k in the polynomial Tr ( A + tB ) m , with A , B positive semidefinite matrices, is nonnegative for all m , k . We propose a natural extension of a method of attack on this problem due to Hagele, and investigate for what values of m , k the method is successful, obtaining a complete determination when either m or k is odd.
ADAMS’ COBAR CONSTRUCTION REVISITED

We give a short and streamlined proof of the following statement recently proven by the author and M. Zeinalian: the cobar construction of the dg coassociative coalgebra of normalized singular chains on a path-connected pointed space is naturally quasi-isomorphic as a dg associative algebra to the singular chains on the based loop space. This extends a classical theorem of F. Adams originally proven for simply connected spaces. Our proof is based on relating the cobar functor to the left adjoint of the homotopy coherent nerve functor.
Fractionally Ablative Er: YAG Laser Resurfacing for Thermal Burn Scars: a Split-Scar, Controlled, Prospective Cohort Study

Background Thermal burn scars can have catastrophic impact on the quality of life and personal image, and over time can lead to profound physical and psychological debilitation. There are no established treatments to significantly improve burn scars. Objective To demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of fractionally ablative Er:YAG resurfacing of mature burn scars. Methods Sixteen subjects were enrolled and received 3 treatments of fractionally ablative Er:YAG resurfacing at monthly intervals. Twelve completed the study. Scars were scored with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) by the patient and physician before and after treatment. Blinded photographic analysis (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) and blinded histologic analysis of tissue before and after treatment was also performed. Results Significant Improvement in VSS scores were seen in all 12 patients, reported by patients and the evaluating physician alike. Photographic analysis demonstrated subjective improvement in all 12 patients. Histologically, there was significant improvement in collagen architecture and the number of vessels per high-power field. The treatments were tolerated well by patients, and 1 superficial skin infection occurred. Conclusion Fractionally ablative Er:YAG laser resurfacing is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of thermal burn scars with subjective and objective improvement as seen from the patient and physician.
Aortic Rupture during Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. Report of Our Experience and Review of the Literature.

Background Aortic neck wall rupture during endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) is an underreported potentially fatal complication. Only a few cases have been reported. The main cause of this complication is repeated attempts at balloon inflation or overdilation to treat an intraoperative Type 1a endoleak. We report three cases complicated by procedure-related aortic neck wall rupture during EVAR. We also review the literature regarding the causes and outcomes of this complication. Methods Medical records of all patients undergoing EVAR between January 2009 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Overall, 824 EVAR procedures were performed, and rupture of the aortic neck wall was observed in three patients. In all cases, a Type 1a endoleak was observed and, in all cases, repeated ballooning attempts had been performed to resolve the endoleaks. In all cases, conversion to open repair was performed and all patients survived. Conclusion In cases of Type 1a endoleak, a maximum of two ballooning attempts should be performed even if a Type 1a endoleak persists. In case of intraoperative aortic neck wall rupture, control of the hemorrhage should be achieved immediately by advancing the balloon above the site of rupture. Emergency surgical conversion in case of hemodynamic stability is the first choice. According to the literature, emergency surgical conversion, especially in cases of endograft with suprarenal fixation, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates, mainly due to hemorrhage and to the length of the procedure required to repair the aortic neck wall injury.
Fatty Acid Desaturase 1 Influences Hepatic Lipid Homeostasis by Modulating the PPARα-FGF21 Axis

The fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), also known as delta-5 desaturase (D5D), is one of the rate-limiting enzymes involved in the desaturation and elongation cascade of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to generate long-chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs). Reduced function of D5D and decreased hepatic FADS1 expression, as well as low levels of LC-PUFAs, were associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the causal role of D5D in hepatic lipid homeostasis remains unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that down-regulation of FADS1 increases susceptibility to hepatic lipid accumulation. We used in vitro and in vivo models to test this hypothesis and to delineate the molecular mechanisms mediating the effect of reduced FADS1 function. Our study demonstrated that FADS1 knockdown significantly reduced cellular levels of LC-PUFAs and increased lipid accumulation and lipid droplet formation in HepG2 cells. The lipid accumulation was associated with significant alterations in multiple pathways involved in lipid homeostasis, especially fatty acid oxidation. These effects were demonstrated to be mediated by the reduced function of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα)-fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) axis, which can be reversed by treatment with docosahexaenoic acid, PPARα agonist, or FGF21. In vivo, FADS1-knockout mice fed with high-fat diet developed increased hepatic steatosis as compared with their wild-type littermates. Molecular analyses of the mouse liver tissue largely corroborated the observations in vitro, especially along with reduced protein expression of PPARα and FGF21. Conclusion: Collectively, these results suggest that dysregulation in FADS1 alters liver lipid homeostasis in the liver by down-regulating the PPARα-FGF21 signaling axis.
A general algorithm for distributed treatments of multiple brain metastases

Purpose Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a primary treatment for multiple brain metastases (BM) but may require distribution of BMs over several sessions to make delivery time and radiation toxicity manageable. Contrasting to equal fraction dose in conventional fractionation, distributed SRS delivers full dose to a subset of BMs in each session while avoids adjacent BMs in the same session to reduce toxicity from overlapping radiation. However, current clinical treatment planning for distributed SRS relies on manual BM assignment, which can be tedious and error prone. This work describes a novel approach to automate the distribution of BM in the Gamma Knife (GK) clinical workflow. Methods We represent each BM as an electrostatic field of the same polarity that exerts repulsive forces on other BMs in the same session. This representation naturally leads to separation of close BMs into different sessions to lower the potential energy. Indeed, the BM distribution problem can be formulated as minimization of the total potential energy from all treatment sessions subject to delivery time constraints in mixed-integer quadratic programming (MIQP). We retrospectively studied eight clinical GK cases of multiple BM and compared the automated MIQP solution with clinically used BM distribution to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach. Results With the problem size equal to the number of BMs times the number of sessions, this MIQP can be solved in a minute on a personal workstation. The MIQP solution effectively separated BMs for a given number of treatment sessions and evened out the delivery time distribution among sessions. Compared to the clinically used manual BM distributions in paired t-test for a similar range of delivery time variation, the automated BM distributions had lower energy objectives (range of decrease: [11% 89%]; median: 25%; P= .0173), more uniformly distributed treatment volumes (range of decrease for the normalized standard deviation of volume distribution: [0.02 0.95]; median: 0.16; P= .013), more scattered BMs in each treatment session (range of increase for the mean minimum BM distance: [0 14] mm; median: 6 mm; P= .008), and lower overall V12 (range of decrease: [0.0 1.6] cc; median: 0.2 cc; P= .052). Moreover, without distribution, i.e. with all BMs treated in the same session, V12 was substantially larger compared to both manual and automated BM distributions; the increase ranged from 0.1 cc to 16.6 cc with median of 1.3 cc. Conclusions The proposed approach models the clinical practice and provides an efficient solution for optimal selection of BM subsets for distributed SRS. Further evaluations are underway to establish this approach as a tool for improving clinical workflow and to facilitate systematic study on the benefits of distributed SRS treatments.
Using an App to monitor postoperative pain at home in pediatric patients.

A prospective comparative study was conducted in 487 pediatric patients (69% male, mean age = 6.4 ± 4.0) to evaluate (a) the incidence, intensity, and characteristics of pain in pediatric patients ...
Worsening Renal Function during Index Hospitalization Does Not Predict Prognosis in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients.

Introduction Worsening renal function (WRF) predicts poor prognosis in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The effect of WRF in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unclear. Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether WRF during index hospitalization for HFpEF is associated with increased death or readmission for heart failure. Methods National Veterans Affairs electronic medical data recorded between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2014, were screened to identify index hospitalizations for HFpEF using an iterative algorithm. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on changes in serum Cr (sCr) during this admission. WRF was defined as a rise in sCr ≥0.3 mg/dL. Group 1 had no evidence of WRF, group 2 had transient WRF, and group 3 had persistent WRF at the time of discharge. Results A total of 10,902 patients with index hospitalizations for HFpEF were identified (mean age 72, 97% male). Twenty-nine percent had WRF during this hospital admission, with 48% showing recovery of sCr and 52% with no recovery at discharge. The mortality rate over a mean follow-up duration of 3.26 years was 72%. Compared to group 1, groups 2 and 3 showed no significant difference in risk of death from any cause (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87, 1.03] and 1.02 [95% CI: 0.93, 1.11], respectively), days hospitalized for any cause (incidence density ratio [IDR] = 1.01 [95% CI: 0.92, 1.11] and 1.01 [95% CI: 0.93, 1.11], respectively), or days hospitalized for heart failure (IDR = 0.94 [95% CI: 0.80, 1.10] and 0.94 [95% CI: 0.81, 1.09], respectively) in analyses adjusted for covariates affecting renal function and outcomes. Conclusions While there is a high incidence of WRF during index hospitalizations for HFpEF, WRF is not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization. This suggests that WRF alone should not influence decisions regarding heart failure management.
Data (Mis)representation and COVID-19: Leveraging Misleading Data Visualizations for Developing Statistical Literacy Across Grades 6–16

The novel coronavirus has forced the world to interact with data visualizations in order to make decisions at the individual level that have, sometimes, grave consequences. As a result, the lack of...
Determination of a Strain Energy Density Function for the Tricuspid Valve Leaflets Using Constant Invariant-Based Mechanical Characterizations

The tricuspid valve (TV) regulates the blood flow within the right side of the heart. Despite recent improvements in understanding TV mechanical and microstructural properties, limited attention has been devoted to the development of TV-specific constitutive models. The objective of this work is to use the first-of-its-kind experimental data from constant invariant-based mechanical characterizations to determine a suitable invariant-based strain energy density function (SEDF). Six specimens for each TV leaflet are characterized using constant invariant mechanical testing. The data is then fit with three candidate SEDF forms: (i) a polynomial model-the transversely isotropic version of the Mooney-Rivlin model, (ii) an exponential model, and (iii) a combined polynomial-exponential model. Similar fitting capabilities were found for the exponential and the polynomial forms (R2=0.92-0.99 versus 0.91-0.97) compared to the combined polynomial-exponential SEDF (R2=0.65-0.95). Furthermore, the polynomial form had larger Pearson's correlation coefficients than the exponential form (0.51 versus 0.30), indicating a more well-defined search space. Finally, the exponential and the combined polynomial-exponential forms had notably smaller but more eccentric model parameter's confidence regions than the polynomial form. Further evaluations of invariant decoupling revealed that the decoupling of the invariant terms within the exponential form leads to a less satisfactory performance. From these results, we conclude that the exponential form is better suited for the TV leaflets owing to its superb fitting capabilities and smaller parameter's confidence regions.
The Poetry of Disturbance: The Discomforts of Postwar American Poetry

In The Poetry of Disturbance, David Bergman argues that post-war poetry underwent a significant if subtle shift in emphasis, moving from the modernist concern with the poem as a visual text to one that was chiefly oral in nature. The resulting change was disturbing, especially for those brought up on the principles of high modernism. This new stress on orality implied a shift in the economy of the poem, away from the austerity of language advocated by Pound and Eliot to a style that conveyed freedom, expansiveness, and an innovative directness.
Abstract NS6: Factors Affecting Uncertainty in Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

Caregiving for stroke survivors is a known risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Little has been reported on caregiving in the early poststroke period, a time when uncertainty is probably at its highest. Uncertainty has been related to poor health outcomes in other populations. In the early poststroke period caregivers may be uncertain about the potential for recovery and their sudden assumption of the new caregiver role, but factors affecting uncertainty in these caregivers are not known. Methods: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal observational study and recruited 40 caregivers (68% female, mean age 58±14.22 years, 60% children) and their stroke-survivor relatives (38% male, mean age 76±7.80 years) from acute care settings in the northeastern US. We measured caregivers’ uncertainty using the Perception of Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Family Members (range: 31-155, higher scores: greater uncertainty) and collected caregiver and stroke-survivor sociodemographic, clinical and response characteristics (e.g., coping capacity, caregiver comorbidity, social support, severity of stroke and stroke-survivor functional status and comorbidity) by self-report and chart abstraction. Multivariate stepwise regression was used to examine factors affecting uncertainty within 2 weeks following stroke (T1) and at 6 weeks poststroke (T2). Results: Uncertainty was high in caregivers at both time points (T1: 83.73±23.47, T2: 85.23±23.94). Caregiver older age ( p = 0.001 at T1 and T2) and lower coping capacity ( p p = 0.047) were associated with greater caregiver uncertainty. Conclusions: Caregivers experience persistently high uncertainty during the first 6 weeks poststroke. Caregiver age and coping capacity and stroke-survivor functional status may help identify stroke-survivor caregivers at highest risk for early uncertainty. These caregivers may be in the greatest need of interventions.
Characterization of the interaction of polyomavirus middle T antigen with type 2A protein phosphatase.

Abstract Two cellular proteins of 36 and 63 kDa which bind the small T and middle T antigens of polyomavirus recently have been identified as the catalytic and regulatory subunits of the phosphoserine/threonine-specific type 2A protein phosphatase (PP2A). We report here the presence of phosphoseryl phosphatase activity associated with polyomavirus small T and middle T antigens in immunoprecipitates prepared from virus-infected and transformed cells. Phosphatase activity was also found associated with middle T-antigen mutants, some of which had been defined previously to associate with 36- and 63-kDa cellular proteins. Middle T-antigen-associated phosphatase activity was sensitive to okadaic acid and microcystin-LR, inhibitors of PP2A, and insensitive to inhibitor 1 or 2, orthovanadate, or EDTA. Using antiserum specific for the catalytic subunit of PP2A, we found that unlike the majority of PP2A, middle T-antigen-bound PP2A was membrane associated. However, no gross change in the amount, activity, or localization of PP2A could be attributed to middle T-antigen expression in transformed cells. Anti-PP2A antibodies coprecipitated a 63-kDa protein from normal cells and in addition coprecipitated middle T antigen, 60- and 61-kDa proteins (identified as src family members), and an 81-kDa protein from middle T-antigen-transformed cells. Furthermore, we detected protein kinase activity in PP2A immunoprecipitates and protein phosphatase activity in src immune complexes from extracts of middle T-antigen-transformed, but not normal, cells. These results reinforce the notion that at least a portion of middle T antigen bridges a protein kinase with a protein phosphatase.
Multisite and hierarchal protein phosphorylation

Multisite phosphorylation is a prevalent form of protein modification whose full implications are just beginning to be understood. Multiple protein modifications expand the repertoire of structural changes that can be elicited in proteins and permit more intricate regulatory circuits to operate.
The Mystery of Sexuality

Mystery is a term that permeates and energizes the Catholic tradition. In its strictest terms, it refers to the infinite incomprehensibility of God, but the USCCB speaks also of “the great mystery” of human sexuality. In this essay, only to establish the meanings of mystery as we use the word, we consider, first and briefly, the mystery of God and the oikonomia established by God and, then and more extendedly, the mystery of human sexuality. We offer a meditation on this mystery, leading to a theological understanding of it as a lower-case sacrament of the presence of the incomprehensible God in human history. This analysis leads us to conclude that human sexuality demands ongoing analysis to be better understood physically, psychologically and spiritually in order to be better understood theologically as a lower-case sacrament revelatory of the presence of God.
College Course Scheduling

AbstractTo date, the role of the computer in solving the classroom scheduling problem has been limited. The fact that existing software cannot solve the entire scheduling problem does not preclude it from assisting in the process. But what characteristics should a future automated scheduling system possess? Is there a need for computer-assisted course scheduling? This paper reports the results of a national survey of 1494 college registrars in the U.S. The results indicate that the market for special computer software to support the course and classroom scheduling process is very large and that the software should concentrate on the systematic interaction between the human and computer rather than through the use of a closed-form mathematical optimization algorithm. Graphics-based spreadsheet systems and expert systems approaches are suggested.
The distinctive nature of Calvin’s Institutes and certain motifs in his theology

Calvin’s life, work, and theological writings are all of a piece. One cannot fullyappreciate the Institutes if one is not aware of Calvin’s own personal piety and consciousness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life. The Institutes was noteven originally written as a dogmatic or systematic theology, but as an aid to the understanding of the Bible. Calvin’s original intention was to write a handbook which would serve as an introduction to the reading of the Bible, not for theologians but for laity.
6 Changing Responsibilities and Collective Action: Examining Early North African Pastoralism

This chapter uses the concept of an economic transition point to examine and challenge assumptions about static gender roles in pastoralist societies. The transition from a hunting-and-gathering economy to an agro-pastoralist economy would have forced North Africans to perform tasks related to both economic systems until the pastoralist way of life could be firmly established. The greater need for labor in these transitional societies would have discouraged the formation of strict gender divisions like those seen in today's pastoralist societies. The changing needs of the economy would have necessitated a flexible division of labor. To examine these changing needs, this chapter examines evidence from rock art, archaeological sites, and modern pastoralist ethnography.
Concatenation and piggyback mechanisms for the IEEE 802.11 MAC

The IEEE 802.11 medium access control (MAC) is a very robust protocol for the best-effort service in the wireless medium. However, many studies have been reported that it is not very efficient. One of the fundamental problems of MAC inefficiency is overhead. In this paper, we propose two novel mechanisms to reduce overhead of the IEEE 802.11 protocols: a concatenation mechanism and a piggyback mechanism. Performance analysis is conducted with simulations. Studies show that both proposed schemes have greatly improved the system performance.
Stem cells in clinical trials for treatment of retinal degeneration.

Introduction: After decades of basic science research involving the testing of regenerative strategies in animal models of retinal degenerative diseases, a number of clinical trials are now underway, with additional trials set to begin shortly. These efforts will evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of cell-based products in the eyes of patients with a number of retinal conditions, notably including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt’s disease.Areas covered: This review considers the scientific work and early trials with fetal cells and tissues that set the stage for the current clinical investigatory work, as well the trials themselves, specifically those either now completed, underway or close to initiation. The cells of interest include retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from embryonic stem or induced pluripotent stem cells, undifferentiated neural or retinal progenitors or cells from the vascular/bone marrow compartment or umbilical cord tissue.Expert op...
Summary of the fuzzy Hopfield-Tank TSP model

This paper discusses recent results concerning the dynamics of the Hopfield-Tank travelling salesman problem (TSP) model (Euclidean). Ayier's subspace approach is used to ensure feasible solutions. A fuzzy approach to "reading" the state of the system is introduced. This consists of computing, at each iteration, the center of mass of the positive activations in each row of the neural array and sorting them to obtain a "fuzzy" tour at each iteration. The fuzzy approach exposes the inner workings of the system in a unique and surprising way. The system goes through three phases: centroid, monotonic, and nearest-city. These phases are directly related to city position statistics, such as the centroid and principal axis of the city coordinates. We provide a 50 city example.