cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coping with suicidal urges among youth seen in a psychiatric emergency department

This study of youth seeking psychiatric emergency department (ED) services examined (1) youth self-efficacy to use suicide-specific coping strategies, (2) whether these self-efficacy beliefs varied by demographic and clinical characteristics, (3) and associations of these beliefs with suicide attempts and ED visits 3-5 months later. Participants were 286 psychiatric ED patients (59% Female), ages 13-25. Ratings of self-efficacy to engage in 10 suicide-specific coping behaviors were assessed at index visit. A total of 226 participants (79%) were assessed 3-5 months later. Youth endorsed low-to-moderate self-efficacy for different suicide-specific coping behaviors, with lowest ratings endorsed for limiting access to lethal means and accessing professional resources. More severe baseline psychopathology was associated with lower self-efficacy. Males endorsed higher self-efficacy for coping behaviors not requiring external support. Lower coping self-efficacy for some of the key strategies, and lower confidence that these strategies will be helpful, differentiated those with and without follow-up suicide attempts and ED visits. The generally low-to-moderate confidence in youths' ability to engage in coping behaviors to manage suicidal crises, and its association with follow-up suicidal crises, is concerning because many of these strategies are commonly included as part of discharge recommendations or safety planning. Implications of findings are discussed.
Analysis on the epidemic situation of fall injuries among residents in Jiangxi Province

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of fall injuries among residents in Jiangxi Province. Methods Multi- stage stratified random cluster sampling was used to select 319,543 residents in Jiangxi Province,and a household questionnaire survey on falls occurred within one- year was conducted. Results The incidence rate of non- fatal falls in the residents was 1. 53%,with no differences between males and females( 1. 56% vs. 1. 51%,P 0. 05). The incidence rate in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas( 1. 70% vs. 1. 49%,P 0. 01). The incidence rate of the residents aged 60 years and over was the highest( 3. 16%). Leading causes of falls varied in different populations. Falling was the main injury occurred in boys aged 0- 6 years( 0. 7%) and male residents aged 18- 59 years( 0. 42%). Slipping down occurred most commonly in residents aged 7- 17 years( 0. 37%) and female residents aged 60 years and over( 1. 80%). Residents aged 18- 59 years suffered the longest limited- activity days due to disability caused by falls,moreover,their medical costs of hospitalization for 10 days and over due to falls at work were the highest. The rate of disability caused by falls was 3. 08% and the top 3 leading causes were study,working and falling. The incidence rate of fatal falls was 28. 48 /100,000 and the top 2 main causes were falling and slipping down. Conclusions The incidence rate of fall injuries is high among local residents in Jiangxi Province,especially in residents aged 60 years and over. And fall injuries occurring in residents aged 18- 59 year caused the heaviest burden. Various pertinence measures should be taken to prevent and control falls according to the characteristics in different subgroups of population.
Abstract PR07: Functional identification of a mitochondrial glutamine carrier using isotope tracers

Mitochondria are the central metabolic hub of cells, and cells have the ability to metabolize numerous substrates in biochemical pathways within these organelles. Glutamine is a vital nutrient that serves as both nitrogen carrier and anaperotic substrate for mammalian cells. Various cancer cells exhibit dependence on glutaminolysis to fuel bioenergetic and biosynthetic metabolic pathways. This pathway is catalyzed, in part, via mitochondrial glutaminase; however, the mechanism through which glutamine is transported into the matrix is not well known. In fact, the function of nearly half the known mitochondrial solute carriers (SLC25 family) is yet to be described. Using a combination of cell engineering strategies, metabolic tracing using 15N and 13C labeled substrates, and respirometry applied to both intact and permeabilized cultures we have identified a putative mitochondrial glutamine carrier (MQC). Knockdown of this carrier decreases cell growth and drives cells to use alternate pathways for oxidation of glutamine in the TCA cycle. Cancer cells treated with inhibitors of glutaminase exhibit a similar metabolic phenotype as demonstrated via 13C tracing. These results functionally identify a critical node in mitochondrial metabolism and further highlight the utility of metabolic tracing and mass spectrometry for elucidating metabolic function. Citation Format: Christian Metallo. Functional identification of a mitochondrial glutamine carrier using isotope tracers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Metabolism and Cancer; Jun 7-10, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(1_Suppl):Abstract nr PR07.
Nonselection and nonresponse bias in clinical research.

In summary, nonselection and nonresponse bias can have a potent impact on the validity of clinical veterinary research studies and should be carefully assessed by investigators and readers. The risk of nonselection and nonresponse bias has been compared to "lowering yourself into a dark pit and trusting you won't be bitten by a snake ... before you go into the pit, you should stand outside and listen for a hissing sound ... if you hear one, do not go on ... if you do not hear anything, you may proceed with caution, being confident that at worst you will be bitten by a quiet snake."
Dark cold atoms at high densities

Optical trapping and cooling of atoms at high densities is limited by strong absorption of both the incident laser light and the emitted fluorescence. Reabsorption of the emitted fluorescence gives rise to repulsive forces between the trapped atoms and also to additional heating thus limiting both density and ultimate temperature. We have recently demonstrated a method to avoid these effects by shelving most of the atoms being trapped or cooled in a dark hyperfine state. At any instant, about one percent of the atoms are in the bright state where the trapping and cooling forces are exerted. This scheme ensures transparency of the atom cloud at very high optical densities.
Abstract 3665: WAC: A candidate tumor suppressor gene in colorectal cancer

Our lab recently performed a DNA transposon forward genetic screen in mice that was designed to identify low-frequency mutations that contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression. Results from this screen identified the WW domain-containing adaptor with coiled-coil (WAC) gene as a top DNA transposon insertion site. WAC has previously been implicated in several cellular processes including amino acid starvation-induced autophagy, golgi biogenesis, and transcription associated histone modification but has never before been linked to tumorigenesis. Transposon mutagenesis screens performed by others (Takeda et al. Nature Genetics 2015) have also identified Wac as a common insertion site, a result that further implicates WAC as a candidate CRC driver gene. Analyses of transposon insertion patterns within Wac predict loss of gene function and a role as a tumor suppressor. Soft agar colony formation assays reveal that shRNA mediated silencing of Wac cooperates with Apc mutations in mouse colorectal cells to promote cellular transformation. Additional colony formation assays using immortalized human colonic epithelial cells and the adenoma derived AAC1 cell line also shows that silencing WAC is protumorigenic. Using a zebrafish model we demonstrated that overexpression of wild type but not cancer-associated mutant forms of WAC induce expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21, which suggests that loss of WAC may lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation. Finally, using publicly available mutation data we determined that WAC is somatically mutated in both breast and lung cancers; a finding that indicates WAC may serve a critical tumor suppressive role in several tissues. Currently we are developing a conditional knockout mouse to further investigate the role of WAC in CRC tumor formation. Citation Format: Christopher R. Clark, Caitlin Conboy, Makayla Maile, Callie Janik, Julia Hatler, Robert Cormier, David Largaespada, Timothy K. Starr. WAC: A candidate tumor suppressor gene in colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3665.
Fault Induced Delayed Voltage Recovery (FIDVR) model validation

The purpose of this paper is to present the validation of the WECC's air conditioner motor model (LD1PAC) that can be used to properly replicate Fault Induced Delayed Voltage Recovery (FIDVR) events. WECC tested 27 Residential Air Conditioning (RAC) that served as foundation for developing, testing, and validating the LD1PAC. In addition to the RAC dynamic behavior, this model include various RAC's control mechanisms such as power contactor, motor windings thermal protection, and thermostat. The LD1PAC was extensively tested for mathematical stability where over 15 iteration and repairs were necessary to assure its stability. Later, the model was validated with the actual performance of the tested RAC. The voltage ramp provided a very close match with the actual dynamic performance of a RAC. This model was also validated with actual field FIDVR events captured by Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). This information can be used by utilities and independent system operators (ISOs) to improve FIDVR events validation and design appropriate measures to stabilize the system during these events.
Impact of tumor histology and grade on treatment success of percutaneous renal cryoablation

We analyzed oncological outcomes in patients who underwent percutaneous renal cryoablation (PRC) with documented renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by perioperative biopsy. Multicenter retrospective analysis of 153 patients [median follow-up 48 months] who underwent PRC from 09/2005 to 08/2014 was performed. We divided the cohort into patients who developed recurrence versus no recurrence. Kaplan–Meier analyses examined recurrence-free survival (RFS) according to grade and histology. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with tumor recurrence. One hundred and fifty-three patients were analyzed [18 patients (11.8 %) with recurrence and 135 (88.2 %) patients without recurrence]. There were no differences between the groups with respect to demographics, RENAL score, and number of probes utilized. Recurrence group had larger tumor size (3.1 vs. 2.4 cm; p = 0.011), upper pole tumor location (p = 0.016), and greater proportions of high-grade tumor (33 vs. 0.7 %; p 3 cm (OR 2.46; p = 0.019), clear cell histology (OR 2.12; p = 0.027), and high tumor grade (OR 2.33, p < 0.001) as independent risk factors associated with tumor recurrence. Association of higher grade and clear cell histology with recurrence and progression suggests need for increased emphasis on preoperative risk stratification by biopsy, with grade 1 and non-clear cell RCC being associated with improved treatment success than higher grade and clear cell RCC.
Development of the Commercial Route for the Manufacture of a 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor PF-04191834

A de novo three-step-one-pot process for the formation of PF-04191834 was developed. This methodology employed inexpensive, odorless, and readily available commodity chemical iso-octyl-3-mercaptopropionate as a sulfur source, which could be a general alternative to the popular TIPS-SH in the formation of diarylthioethers via Migita coupling. A kinetic study revealed that, at high temperature, reductive elimination could be the rate-limiting step in the catalytic cycle, which opens pathways for the generation of undesired impurities. By proper control of the reaction conditions, the desired API was synthesized in >70% crude yield and in 55% isolated yield after vigorous purifications. This process was successfully demonstrated on a 20 kg scale.
MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF 3HE NANO-CLUSTERS

Using pulsed NMR, we have measured the magnetic susceptibility versus temperature of 3 He nano-clusters embedded in a matrix of 4 He, following phase separation of the mixture. Measurements were made in the temperature range from 2 mK to 35 mK at three different pressures, 3.647 MPa, 3.410 MPa and 3.075 MPa, for which the samples remain all solid, undergo partial melting, or are separated as a liquid, respectively. For 3.410 MPa, for which partial melting occurs near 15 mK, measurements up to 35 mK suggest a positive Weiss θ, which would indicate a ferromagnetic tendency.
2578: Improved vascularized composite allograft survival in sensitized rats after syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and fludarabine

BackgroundVascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a promising option for patients with devastating injuries from severe burn or trauma The initial management of this patient population ...
PX-478, a Novel Small Molecule Inhibitor of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) Downregulates HIF and Induces Cytotoxicity in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Cells.

Abstract Abstract 2713 Poster Board II-689 Introduction: HIF-1 is a transcription factor that serves as a master regulator of cellular responses to hypoxia and regulates genes required for adaptation to hypoxia. Although the expression of HIF-1α subunit is constitutive, HIF-1α protein levels are regulated in response to oxygen tension. Under normoxic conditions, HIF-1α is degraded by the proteasome, and HIF-1 remains inactive. In hypoxia, HIF-1α is stabilized and forms a complex with HIF-1β that allows HIF-1 to function as a transcription factor. Thus, HIF-1α is activated only during hypoxia under normal physiologic conditions. By contrast, HIF-1α is frequently activated in cancer cells, including under normoxic conditions by oncogene products or impaired activity of tumor suppressor genes. We previously reported that there is constitutive stabilization of HIF-1α in many non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines as well as among a significant fraction of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma patients (Evens et al, BJH, 2008), implicating a potential role of dysregulated HIF activation in NHL. Constitutive expression of HIF-1α enhances vascularization, increases glucose metabolism, and induces the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins in cancer tissues. HIF-1α is thought to be one of the most important molecular targets in the treatment of cancer. PX-478 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of HIF-1α being developed for the treatment of cancer. Methods: We treated several DLBCL cell lines (SUDHL4, SUDHL6, and SUDHL10) with increasing concentrations (2–25μM) of PX-478 for 4 hours followed by 20-hour incubation under normoxic (5% oxygen) or hypoxic (1.5% oxygen) conditions. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α were measured by Western blotting after pre-incubation of cells with 5–25μM PX-478 followed by 20-hour incubation under normoxia or hypoxia. Results: Under hypoxic conditions, dose-dependent downregulation of HIF-1α protein levels were noted with complete absence of HIF-1α by 20μM. Interestingly, lower concentrations of PX-478 were needed for effective HIF-1α downregulation in normoxia. Of note, there was no change in HIF-2α protein levels observed in either normoxic or hypoxic conditions. In cell viability studies, time- and dose-dependent cell death of PX-478 was documented in all cell lines with an associated IC50 of 15–20μM ( figure below). Download : Download high-res image (96KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusion: Our observations suggest that the novel small molecule HIF-1α inhibitor, PX-478, effectively downregulates HIF-1α protein at low concentrations and induces cell death in DLBCL cells. Further studies to elucidate the mechanisms of HIF-1α dependent cell death in lymphoma and the associated novel therapeutics to target this pathway are warranted. Disclosures: Gordon: Cure Tech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Analysis of Gas Membrane Ultra-High Purification of Small Quantities of Mono-Isotopic Silane

Abstract A small quantity of high-value, crude, mono-isotopic silane is a prospective gas for a small-scale, high-recovery, ultra-high membrane purification process. This is an unusual application of gas membrane separation for which we provide a comprehensive analysis of a simple purification model. The goal is to develop direct analytic expressions for estimating the feasibility and efficiency of the method, and guide process design; this is only possible for binary mixtures of silane in the dilute limit which is a somewhat realistic case. In addition, analytic solutions are invaluable to verify numerical solutions obtained from computer-aided methods. Hence, here we provide new analytic solutions for the purification loops proposed. Among the common impurities in crude silane, methane poses a special membrane separation challenge since it is chemically similar to silane. Other potential problematic compounds are: ethylene, diborane and ethane (in this order). Nevertheless, we demonstrate, theoretically, that a carefully designed membrane system may be able to purify mono-isotopic, crude silane to electronics-grade level in a reasonable amount of time and expenses. We advocate a combination of membrane materials that preferentially reject heavy impurities based on mobility selectivity, and light impurities based on solubility selectivity. We provide estimates for the purification of significant contaminants of interest. In this study, we suggest cellulose acetate and polydimethylsiloxane as examples of membrane materials on the basis of limited permeability data found in the open literature. We provide estimates on the membrane area needed and priming volume of the cell enclosure for fabrication purposes when using the suggested membrane materials. These estimates are largely theoretical in view of the absence of reliable experimental data for the permeability of silane. Last but not least, future extension of this work to the non-dilute limit may apply to the recovery of silane from rejected streams of natural silicon semi-conductor processes.
Challenges of archiving and preserving born-digital news applications:

Born-digital news content is increasingly becoming the format of the first draft of history. Archiving and preserving this history is of paramount importance to the future of scholarly research, bu...
Toxic Leukoencephalopathy in a Teenager Caused by the Recreational Ingestion of 25I-NBOMe: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Over the past 5 years, the designer drug classification of illicit substances has gained the attention of law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and concerned parents around the world. These drugs are often marketed as safe and legal alternatives to their already banned counterparts and are easily acquired online, at “head” shops or behind the counter at local convenient stores. This new drug class includes synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, and phenylethylamine derivatives of the 2C class of hallucinogens. Many of these drugs were created for animal research purposes only and were never intended for human consumption. As such, little is known about their pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics, and adverse effect profile. Variability in preparation may further alter the already unpredictable safety profile. We report an otherwise healthy 16-year-old adolescent who presented to the emergency department for worsening left-sided weakness, new onset seizure activity, changes in mental status, and an overall decline in health. He self-reported the recreational ingestion of 25I-NBOMe prior to admission. Magnetic resonance imaging and a brain biopsy performed during the course of his admission confirmed the diagnosis of toxic leukoencephalopathy secondary to synthetic hallucinogenic drug use. The basic pharmacology and end-organ effects of 25I-NBOMe are reviewed, their adverse effect profile is presented, and potential anesthetic implications are postulated. J Med Cases. 2017;8(6):174-179 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2811w
Synthesis of E- and Z-trisubstituted alkenes by catalytic cross-metathesis

Catalytic cross-metathesis is a central transformation in chemistry, yet corresponding methods for the stereoselective generation of acyclic trisubstituted alkenes in either the E or the Z isomeric forms are not known. The key problems are a lack of chemoselectivity-namely, the preponderance of side reactions involving only the less hindered starting alkene, resulting in homo-metathesis by-products-and the formation of short-lived methylidene complexes. By contrast, in catalytic cross-coupling, substrates are more distinct and homocoupling is less of a problem. Here we show that through cross-metathesis reactions involving E- or Z-trisubstituted alkenes, which are easily prepared from commercially available starting materials by cross-coupling reactions, many desirable and otherwise difficult-to-access linear E- or Z-trisubstituted alkenes can be synthesized efficiently and in exceptional stereoisomeric purity (up to 98 per cent E or 95 per cent Z). The utility of the strategy is demonstrated by the concise stereoselective syntheses of biologically active compounds, such as the antifungal indiacen B and the anti-inflammatory coibacin D.
Immigrant Parent Involvement in Government Funded Early Childhood Education Programming: An Examination of FACES.

Head Start is a federally funded early childhood education programme that takes a unique 2-generation approach to working with families. Family engagement in early education like Head Start has bee...
Fatty acids in femaleMacracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (Acanthocephala)

Neutral lipids and phospholipids in the body wall, lemnisci and pseudocoel and neutral lipids of fluid found in the “tube” system of the lemnisci and the lacunar system of the body wall ofMacracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (Acanthocephala) were determined by the technique of thin layer chromtography and gas chromatography (GC). Sixteen different fatty acids from nonpolar lipids were identified as follows: 8∶0, 10∶0, 11∶0, 12∶0, 13∶0, 14∶0, 14∶1, 16∶0, 18∶0, 18∶1, 18∶2 and/or 20∶0, 18∶3 and/or 20∶1, 20∶3, 22∶1, 24∶1 and 22∶6. In addition, there were three unidentified GC peaks corresponding to chain lengths greater than 20 carbons. Sixteen different fatty acids from phospholipids were identified in each of the three fractions analyzed. They were as follows: 10∶0, 11∶0, 12∶0, 13∶0, 14∶0, 14∶1, 16∶0, 16∶1, 18∶0, 18∶1, 18∶2 and/or 20∶0, 20∶2, 20∶3, 22∶1, 24∶1, and 22∶6. Four unidentified peaks were also observed. There was a significant difference in the percentage of lipid as well as the concentration of particular fatty acids when each fraction was compared. There was also an abundant supply of sterols and glycerides in each fraction.
Mass Spectrometry and NMR Spectroscopy–Based Quantitative Metabolomics

Abstract Quantitative metabolomics, in which known metabolites in biological mixtures are quantitatively analyzed before statistical analysis, is gaining increased importance in the rapidly growing field of metabolomics. A major benefit of the quantitative metabolomics approach compared to the global chemometric analysis of the spectral data is that it can reduce potential errors arising from numerous factors including background distortions, strong solvent signals, and peak misalignments. Quantitative metabolomics promises reliable insights into systems biology through accurate metabolite concentration measurements. The two most commonly used analytical methods in quantitative metabolomics are mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Numerous approaches within these two major methods provide complementary as well as supplementary information on the concentrations of metabolites, their ranges, and changes in complex biological mixtures. Current technological advancements in MS and NMR combined with new experimental and computational methods enable routine quantitative analysis of hundreds of metabolites. This chapter focuses on the recent developments in MS and NMR methods, emphasizing targeted analysis of metabolite concentrations for quantitative metabolomics.
Comparing embodiment experiences in expert meditators and non-meditators using the rubber hand illusion

Abstract One assessment of embodiment is the rubber hand illusion (RHI), a visuo-tactile illusion in which individuals attribute a sense of ownership to a rubber hand and disownership to their real hand. Interestingly, interoception seems to influence RHI susceptibility. In this study, we administered the RHI and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) to examine embodiment experiences and interoceptive awareness in experienced meditators (n = 15) and non-meditators (n = 15). We found that meditators reported less intensity in rubber hand ownership, but there was no significant difference between groups with respect to disownership of their real hand or drift in finger proprioception. Moreover, we found, from our MAIA results, that disownership experiences were associated with a feeling of trusting one’s body in non-meditators and with the ability to maintain attention to unpleasant bodily sensations in meditators. These results suggest a unique relationship between interoceptive awareness and embodiment related to meditation.
Long-term in vivo performance of novel ultrasound powered implantable devices

Neuromodulation devices have been approved for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures, with many other applications currently under research investigation. These devices rely on implanted battery powered pulse generators, that require replacement over time. Miniaturized ultrasound powered implantable devices have the potential to eliminate the need for batteries in neuromodulation devices. While these devices have been assessed in vitro, long-term in vivo assessment is required to determine device safety and performance. In this study, we developed a multi-stage long-term test platform to assess the performance of miniaturized ultrasound powered implantable devices.
Ecological differentiation facilitates fine-scale coexistence of sexual and asexual Boechera.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Ecological differentiation (ED) between sexual and asexual organisms may permit the maintenance of reproductive polymorphism. Several studies of sexual/asexual ED in plants have shown that the geographic ranges of asexuals extend beyond those of sexuals, often in areas of higher latitude or elevation. But very little is known about ED at fine scales, wherein coexistence of sexuals and asexuals may be permitted by differential niche occupation. METHODS We used 149 populations of sexual and apomictic lineages in the genus Boechera (rock cress) collected across a portion of this mustard's vast range. We characterized reproductive mode, ploidy, and species identity or hybrid parentage of each individual, and then used a multipronged statistical approach to (1) identify ED between sexuals and asexuals; (2) investigate the impacts of two confounding factors, polyploidy and hybridization, on ED; and (3) determine the environmental variables underlying ED. KEY RESULTS We found that sexuals and asexuals are significantly ecologically differentiated across the landscape, despite fine-scale interdigitation of these two reproductive forms. Asexual reproduction was strongly associated with greater disturbance, reduced slope, and greater environmental variability. Although ploidy had little effect on the patterns observed, hybridization has a unique impact on the relationships between asexual reproduction and specific environmental variables. CONCLUSIONS Ecological differentiation along the axes of disturbance, slope, and climatic variability, as well as the effects of heterozygosity, may contribute to the maintenance of sexuality and asexuality across the landscape, ultimately impacting the establishment and spread of asexual lineages.
Holocene hydroclimate and environmental change inferred from a high-resolution multi-proxy record from Lago Ditkebi, Chirripó National Park, Costa Rica

Abstract Multi-proxy analysis of a sediment core recovered from Lago Ditkebi in Chirripo National Park, Costa Rica, was undertaken to develop a multi-decadal to sub-centennial-scale reconstruction of Holocene hydroclimate and environmental change for the region. Analyses of sub-fossil chironomid assemblages, macroscopic charcoal, and bulk sediment geochemistry suggest that the glacial highlands in Chirripo National Park experienced notable hydroclimate variability, periodical burning by wildfires and climate-related vegetation change during the last ~8100 years. A single chironomid taxon, Procladius, most commonly associated with cold glacial lakes in Costa Rica, dominates the Holocene sub-fossil chironomid assemblage in Lago Ditkebi. Inferred from the proxy records, the interval between ~8100 and 5270 cal yr BP at the glacial highlands was relatively cold and dry with low effective moisture and limited fire activity. Cool and dry conditions were also observed between ~2820 cal yr BP and present but co-occurred with more frequent, low-severity fires. The highest fire frequency occurred between ~3300 and 1600 cal yr BP. The shifts in the chironomid assemblage and the low δ13C values detected between ~5270 and 2820 cal yr BP suggest a warm and wet climate and a decrease in abundance of Muhlenbergia, a C4 grass during that time. Concurrent maxima in C/N, charcoal accumulation and the abundance of thermophilous chironomid taxon, Polypedilum N type, at ~5200 cal yr BP are indicative of an abrupt climate change event that was characterized by rapid warming, quickly increased effective moisture and intense wildfires in the glacial highlands of Costa Rica.
The Impact of Hemodynamic Reflex Compensation Following Myocardial Infarction on Subsequent Ventricular Remodeling.

Patients who survive a myocardial infarction (MI) are at risk for ventricular dilation and heart failure. While infarct size is an important determinant of post-MI remodeling, different patients with the same size infarct often display different levels of left ventricular (LV) dilation. The acute physiologic response to MI involves reflex compensation, whereby increases in heart rate, arterial resistance, venoconstriction, and contractility of the surviving myocardium act to maintain mean arterial pressure. We hypothesized that variability in compensation might underlie some of the reported variability in post-MI remodeling, a hypothesis that is difficult to test using experimental data alone because some responses are difficult or impossible to measure directly. We therefore employed a computational model to estimate the balance of compensatory mechanisms from experimentally reported hemodynamic data. We found a strikingly wide range of compensatory reflex profiles in response to MI in dogs and verified that pharmacologic blockade of sympathetic and parasympathetic reflexes nearly abolished this variability. Then, using a previously published model of post-infarction remodeling, we showed that observed variability in compensation translated to variability in predicted LV dilation consistent with published data. Treatment with a vasodilator shifted the compensatory response away from arterial and venous vasoconstriction and towards increased heart rate and myocardial contractility. Importantly, this shift reduced predicted dilation, a prediction that matched prior experimental studies. Thus, post-infarction reflex compensation could represent both a source of individual variability in the extent of LV remodeling and a target for therapies aimed at reducing that remodeling.
Some lessons learned that built self-efficacy

I am pleased to contribute a chapter to this volume. Whether anything I say is helpful or meaningful – well, as the saying goes, “Let the voters decide!” As a spoiler alert, I have had a most-satisfying 40-year academic career. Of course, in retrospect there are some things I might have done differently. But I believe that things have worked out well, and along the way I have met and interacted with many fascinating people. In this chapter I discuss my background, career progression, significant influences on my life, and lessons learned along the way.
A Quaternary FPGA Architecture Using Floating Gate Memories

A new quaternary FPGA (QFPGA) architecture based on floating-gate memories is presented and analyzed. Technology scaling has delivered substantial FPGA performance, but consumer demands grow beyond binary circuit capabilities. Non-binary FPGAs have been explored, but previous architectures use non-standard fabrication and optimistic performance analysis. The proposed QFPGA based on floating-gate memories has competitive power performance compared to contemporaries QFPGA architectures from literature when simulated FinFET technology.
Co-targeting myelin inhibitors and CSPGs enhances sensory axon regeneration within, but not into, the spinal cord

ABSTRACT A major barrier to intraspinal regeneration after dorsal root (DR) injury is the DR entry zone (DREZ), the CNS/PNS interface. DR axons stop regenerating at the DREZ, even if regenerative capacity is increased by a conditioning lesion. This potent blockade has long been attributed to myelin-associated inhibitors and CSPGs, but incomplete lesions and conflicting reports have hampered conclusive agreement. Here we evaluated DR regeneration in adult mice, using novel strategies to facilitate complete lesions and comprehensive analyses, selective tracing of proprio-/mechanoreceptive axons with AAV2, and genetic or viral targeting of Nogo, MAG, OMgp, CSPGs and GDNF. Simultaneously eliminating Nogo/MAG/OMgp elicited little intraspinal penetration of DR axons, even with additional removal of CSPGs and a conditioning lesion. Their absence, however, synergistically enhanced GDNF-elicited intraspinal regeneration. We conclude that myelin inhibitors and CSPGs constrain intraspinal regrowth of DR axons, but that they are not the primary mechanism(s) stopping axons at the DREZ.
Intraprocedural MRI monitoring during percutaneous cryoablation procedures of the head and neck, and spine: a single institution experience.

Abstract Rationale and objectives Evaluate whether intraprocedural MRI monitoring of percutaneous cryoablation procedures of head and neck, and spine lesions is effective for avoiding iatrogenic neurovascular and mucosal injury. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 64 consecutive percutaneous head and neck, and spine cryoablation procedures with intraprocedural MRI monitoring performed on 45 patients (mean age 55 years, range 17–91 years). Ablation goals were either complete local control of primary or metastatic lesions or pain relief. Results The technical success rate was 100%. The complication rate was 13% with only 2 complications (3%) requiring further intervention. There were no deaths or persistent neurological or vascular complications. Subsequent cryoablation in the same location was performed in 12 patients (27%). Subsequent surgical intervention in the same location was performed in 7 patients (16%) for progressive disease or worsening symptoms. Conclusions MRI provides excellent visualization of the ice ball margin during percutaneous cryoablation procedures. Accurate intraprocedural visualization of the ice ball allows for adjustment of cryoablation parameters to avoid damage to adjacent vital neurovascular structures or mucosal surfaces. Intraprocedural MRI monitoring is thus a novel and highly effective method that allows a high rate of technical success for cryoablation in the head and neck, and spine while avoiding iatrogenic injury.
The Bucket Test Improves Detection of Stroke in Patients With Acute Dizziness

Abstract Background It is challenging to detect posterior circulation strokes in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute dizziness. The current approach uses a combinatorial head-impulse, nystagmus, and test-of-skew method and is sensitive enough to differentiate central causes from peripheral ones. However, it is difficult to perform and underused. Further, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is not always available and can have low sensitivity for detecting posterior circulation strokes. Objectives We evaluated the feasibility and utility of the bucket test (BT), which measures the difference between patient's subjective perception of the visual vertical and the true vertical, as a screening tool for stroke in patients presenting to the ED with acute dizziness. Methods In this work, we prospectively enrolled 81 patients that presented to our academic medical center ED with dizziness as their chief complaint. The BT was performed 3 times for every patient. Results Seventy-one patients met the study criteria and were included in the analysis. Ten patients were excluded because of a history of drug-seeking behavior. There were no reported difficulties performing the BT. Six patients (8%) were diagnosed with ischemic stroke on MRI and 1 additional patient was diagnosed with transient ischemic attack and found to have a stroke on subsequent MRI. All 7 patients with dizziness attributed to cerebrovascular etiology had an abnormal BT, resulting in a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 59–100%). The specificity of the BT was 38% (95% CI 24–52%). The positive predictive value of the BT for detecting stroke was 18% (95% CI 15–21%). Conclusions The BT is an easy, cheap, safe, and quick test that is feasible and sensitive to screen acutely dizzy patients for stroke in the ED.
Intestinal Electrical Stimulation Enhances Release of Postprandial Incretin Hormones Via Cholinergic Mechanisms

Intestinal electrical stimulation (IES) has been reported to reduce body weight and improve glucose tolerance in obese and diabetic rats. Our study aimed to investigate possible IES mechanisms involving incretin hormones using intraduodenal glucose infusion in rats. We hypothesized that the enhanced release of postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) at early phase by IES was mediated through neuro/paracrine mechanisms involving the vagal nerve and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). Fifteen normal male Sprague-Dawley rats chronically implanted with duodenal electrodes for IES, and an intra-duodenum catheter for the infusion of glucose were studied in a series of sessions with IES of different parameters with and without atropine and M3 receptor antagonist. Blood samples were collected via the tail vein for the measurement of blood glucose, and plasma GLP-1, and GIP. (1) Compared to sham-IES, IES of 0.3 ms reduced blood glucose by 16.5–28.4% between 30 and 120 min (all time points p < 0.05), and IES of 3-ms reduced blood glucose at 60 (12.6%) and 90 min (11.8%). IES of 0.3 ms showed a greater hypoglycemic effect than 3 ms (p = 0.024) at 30 min. (2) IES elevated plasma GLP-1 with 0.3 ms (p = 0.001) and with 3 ms p = 0.03). (3) IES substantially elevated plasma GIP with 0.3 ms (p = 0.002) and with 3 ms (p < 0.001). (4) Pretreatment of atropine and the M3 receptor antagonist 4-DAMP blocked the effects of IES on GLP-1, GIP, and blood glucose. IES reduces postprandial blood glucose by enhancing the release of GLP-1 and GIP mediated via the cholinergic mechanism.
Ultrasound stimulation of the motor cortex during tonic muscle contraction

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (tUS) shows potential as a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique, offering increased spatial precision compared to other NIBS techniques. However, its reported effects on primary motor cortex (M1) are limited. We aimed to better understand tUS effects in human M1 by performing tUS of the hand area of M1 (M1hand) during tonic muscle contraction of the index finger. Stimulation during muscle contraction was chosen because of the transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced phenomenon known as cortical silent period (cSP), in which transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of M1hand involuntarily suppresses voluntary motor activity. Since cSP is widely considered an inhibitory phenomenon, it presents an ideal parallel for tUS, which has often been proposed to preferentially influence inhibitory interneurons. Recording electromyography (EMG) of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle, we investigated effects on muscle activity both during and after tUS. We found no change in FDI EMG activity concurrent with tUS stimulation. Using single-pulse TMS, we found no difference in M1 excitability before versus after sparsely repetitive tUS exposure. Using acoustic simulations in models made from structural MRI of the participants that matched the experimental setups, we estimated in-brain pressures and generated an estimate of cumulative tUS exposure experienced by M1hand for each subject. We were unable to find any correlation between cumulative M1hand exposure and M1 excitability change. We also present data that suggest a TMS-induced MEP always preceded a near-threshold cSP.
Direct Photon Studies Current Status of Experiment E706 (Fermilab)

Experiment E706 is designed to study interactions of protons, pions and kaons in a variety of targets, triggering on high transverse momentum (greater than 4 GeV/c) electromagnetic showers. This is a second generation fixed target experiment, using high energy beams (800 GeV primary protons from the Fermilab Tevatron), and a wide acceptance spectrometer, intended to reach 10–11 GeV/c in direct photon transverse momenta.
eBay, Inc.: The Online Auction Industry

In 1997, Pierre Omindyar, online auction house eBays founder, drove into Silicon Valley without a business plan, laptop, presentation or even a functional website. However, his concept of a worldwide flea market was so attractive that Benchmark Capital could not resist. In early 2002, eBay, one of the few Internet businesses that has been profitable during the economic slowdown of 2000/2001, had total sales approaching $1 billion; however, CEO Meg Whitman has promised to increase revenues by more than three times to $3 billion by 2005. A question for eBay was how to continue to increase revenues in an increasingly competitive market. Expansion was limited outside of new geographic territories, and every market participant was striving for a piece of the industry. The main question to be resolved was how to differentiate eBay from its competition and achieve a competitive advantage within both a short and long-term time frame.
Partial Purification and Characterization of a Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase and an Inhibitor Protein Required for Inactivation of Spinach Leaf Nitrate Reductase

Evidence is accumulating that the activity of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaf NADH:nitrate reductase (NR) is modulated both in vitro and in vivo by protein phosphorylation. From the present study we report the partial purification of the two protein factors needed for NR inactivation. We identified NR-protein kinase (NR-PK) as a calcium-dependent and metabolite-regulated protein kinase and have provided additional evidence that phosphorylation of NR is necessary but not sufficient to inactivate the enzyme. The inhibitor protein required for inactivation of phospho-NR was purified 625-fold by polyethylene glycol fractionation and sequential column chromatography. Using partially purified inhibitor protein and NR-PK, we characterized NR inactivation (increased sensitivity to Mg2+ inhibition) in a reconstituted in vitro system. NR-PK activity was inhibited by a variety of metabolic phosphate esters including di-hydroxyacetone phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. Light-to-dark transition experiments with a starchless tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) mutant, which accumulates phosphate esters during the photoperiod, indicated that NR inactivation in vivo might, indeed, be down-regulated by metabolites. Additionally, we postulate that cytosolic free calcium could play an important role in the regulation of NR activity in vivo.
Abstract B01: Superoxide dismutase significantly reversed the development of cisplatin resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer

Background: We have previously demonstrated that cisplatin resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells manifest a severe prooxidant state, which may be responsible for the maintenance of the resistant oncogenic phenotype. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether superoxide dismutase (SOD), a key antioxidant, could delay the development of cisplatin resistance in EOC cells. Methods: Human EOC cell lines, SKOV-3 and MDAH-2774 were utilized for this study. Cells were divided into three groups; untreated, cisplatin treated controls, and combined treated cisplatin plus SOD (20 U/ml). Control cells were cultured in the presence of a stepwise increase in cisplatin (0.25 μM increments every 72 hours up to a final dose of 1 μM). Combined treated cells were cultured in the same fashion as controls except for the addition of 20 U/ml SOD every 72 hours. Cells were considered resistant to cisplatin when a significantly similar or greater fold change of live cells was observed despite an increase in the concentration of cisplatin as compared to the untreated cells. The number of live and dead cells was determined every 72 hours, utilizing the Trypan blue dye exclusion method. Statistical analysis: Z-scores were used for statistical analysis at p-value 0.05 two-tailed; 2.81 untreated cells vs. cisplatin-treated controls 1.53 in SKOV-3, p>0.05 two-tailed). Similarly, combined treatment cells demonstrated cisplatin resistance at a concentration of 1 μM (1.00 untreated cells vs. 24.75 SOD+cisplatin-treated controls for MDAH-2774, p>0.05 two-tailed; 2.81 untreated cells vs. 1.00 SOD+cisplatin-treated controls 1.00 for SKOV-3, p>0.05 two-tailed). However, with increasing concentrations of SOD (40 and then 60 U/ml) there was a significant decrease in the fold change of live cells (23.75 cisplatin-treated controls versus 1.00 SOD+cisplatin-treated (p 0.05); 1.45 cisplatin-treated controls versus 1.00 SOD+cisplatin-treated (p>0.05), 1.00 SOD+cisplatin-treated versus 0.97 cisplatin-treated controls (p>0.05), at 40 and 60 U/ml respectively in SKOV-3). Conclusion: Our results indicate a potential role for SOD in protecting against the acquisition of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells and may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention in combination with chemotherapy treatment. Citation Format: Jimmy Belotte, Osama Nusrat, Nicole F. Fletcher, Mohammed G. Saed, Bailey Neubauer, Husam M. Abu-Soud. Superoxide dismutase significantly reversed the development of cisplatin resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Drug Sensitivity and Resistance: Improving Cancer Therapy; Jun 18-21, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(4 Suppl): Abstract nr B01.
Phenomenon-aware sensor database systems

Recent advances in large-scale sensor-network technologies enable the deployment of a huge number of sensors in the surrounding environment. Sensors do not live in isolation. Instead, close-by sensors experience similar environmental conditions. Hence, close-by sensors may indulge in a correlated behavior and generate a “phenomenon”. A phenomenon is characterized by a group of sensors that show “similar” behavior over a period of time. Examples of detectable phenomena include the propagation over time of a pollution cloud or an oil spill region. In this research, we propose a framework to detect and track various forms of phenomena in a sensor field. This framework empowers sensor database systems with phenomenon-awareness capabilities. Phenomenon-aware sensor database systems use high-level knowledge about phenomena in the sensor field to control the acquisition of sensor data and to optimize subsequent user queries. As a vehicle for our research, we build the Nile-PDT system, a framework for Phenomenon Detection and Tracking inside Nile, a prototype data stream management system developed at Purdue University.