cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transnationalism: Diaspora-Homeland Development

Based on detected correlations between the strategic collaboration of U.S.-based diasporas and their respective ancestral homelands on the one hand and the socioeconomic and technological development of those homelands on the other, this paper, which provides a conceptual foundation of the correlation, attempts to ignite a new area of research on transnationalism and development in the global South. The conceptual foundation suggesting such an important correlation is ensconced in the theoretical contexts of world systems and racial formation theories. The hierarchically ranked status of a nation in some ways reflects the hierarchically ranked status of its diaspora in the United States. Strategic collaboration and brain circulation between the diaspora and the homeland can favorably affect the status of transnational communities, both within the United States and within the wider global system.
Effect of Segregated and Integrated Educational Settings upon Selected Dialectal Features

Summary.-The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a segregated educational setting versus an integrated educational setting upon selected dialectal characteristics of 60 black children in elementary school. Half of the children were selected from an all-black school and half from an integrated school. The subjects repeated 13 sentences from the Carrow Elicited Language Inventory. Instances of three commonly identified dialectal variations (zero copula, omission of /s/ and /z/ inflections, and substitution of /d/ for voiced "th") were recorded and statistically ueated through the use of an analysis of variance. Analysis indicated that in neither group of subjects was there a statistically significant dedine in the presence of zero copula However, regarding the omission of /s/ and /z/ inflections, only in the language of subjects from the integrated school was there a decrease in dialectal responses. Finally, with regard to the substitution of /d/ for voiced "th," there was a statistically significant dedine in dialecral responses for both groups of subjects. The results are discussed as they pertain to trends and important research needs in the area of social dialects, particularly bladc English.
Cytoplasmic peptidoglycan intermediate levels in Staphylococcus aureus.

Intracellular cytoplasmic peptidoglycan (PG) intermediate levels were determined in Staphylococcus aureus during log-phase growth in enriched media. Levels of UDP-linked intermediates were quantitatively determined using ion pairing LC-MS/MS in negative mode, and amine intermediates were quantitatively determined stereospecifically as their Marfey's reagent derivatives in positive mode. Levels of UDP-linked intermediates in S. aureus varied from 1.4 μM for UDP-GlcNAc-Enolpyruvyate to 1200 μM for UDP-MurNAc. Levels of amine intermediates (L-Ala, D-Ala, D-Ala-D-Ala, L-Glu, D-Glu, and L-Lys) varied over a range of from 860 μM for D-Ala-D-Ala to 30-260 mM for the others. Total PG was determined from the D-Glu content of isolated PG, and used to estimate the rate of PG synthesis (in terms of cytoplasmic metabolite flux) as 690 μM/min. The total UDP-linked intermediates pool (2490 μM) is therefore sufficient to sustain growth for 3.6 min. Comparison of UDP-linked metabolite levels with published pathway enzyme characteristics demonstrates that enzymes on the UDP-branch range from >80% saturation for MurA, Z, and C, to <5% saturation for MurB. Metabolite levels were compared with literature values for Escherichia coli, with the major difference in UDP-intermediates being the level of UDP-MurNAc, which was high in S. aureus (1200 μM) and low in E. coli (45 μM).
Economic expansion and the health crisis in Paraguay

In spite of the rapid economic development experienced by Paraguay during recent years, the country's health conditions remain among the poorest in Latin America. This article strives to explain, by presenting a model of Paraguay's economic and health care systems, why health care and economic growth have not advanced at the same rate. By examining various economic and health care indicators, hospital registries, family planning activities, and statistics on drinking-water and health care services distribution among central departments with established populations, as well as recently populated peripheral areas, the conclusion is reached that the country's poor health conditions might be the direct result of accelerated expansion of the agricultural frontier. In closing, recommendations are made for updating health statistics via new health survey, improved training for rural health care personnel, and closer coordination among the four public hospital systems in the cities.
Role of central mineralocorticoid binding sites in development of hypertension

The possibility that central mineralocorticoid binding sites are involved in the development of mineralocorticoid hypertension was examined using chronic blockade of these sites with a specific mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 28318 administered by intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion. The antagonist significantly attenuated the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension, but the development of one-kidney, one-clip renal hypertension was not affected. This antihypertensive action was attributable to a central action, since intraperitoneal infusion of the same dose of mineralocorticoid antagonist did not alter the peak development of DOCA-salt hypertension. The icv infusion of RU 28318 did not change either the increase of fluid intake induced by DOCA-salt treatment or the pressor reactivity to centrally or peripherally injected arginine vasopressin and angiotensin II and peripherally administered phenylephrine. The antihypertensive action of icv infusion of the mineralocorticoid antagonist was associated with a reduction of neurogenic vasomotor tone and a restoration of impaired arterial baroreflexes. We conclude that functional integrity of central mineralocorticoid binding sites is required for the full development of DOCA-salt hypertension.
The Israel Cancer Association (B)

David Levine, vice president of the nonprofit organization Israel Cancer Association (ICA) and director of its annual fundraiser, has just finished watching a relatively new but well-respected muckraking television show called Fact. The program presented a report on the corruption plaguing a major Israeli nonprofit organization. In a simple and convincing manner, Fact contended that the money donated for years by Israeli citizens to soldiers' foundations was used for administrative costs and expense accounts; only a small portion benefited the soldiers. In the A case (UVA-BC-0143), Levine speculates on how Fact's report might reflect on his own organization and the financial ramifications it might hold for ICA's forthcoming annual fundraising drive. He does not look forward to tomorrow's meeting with his administrative staff, including his public-relations and marketing groups, concerning whether they should respond to the television report. The B case presents the options that the executive team considers. The case series ends with management's decision not to issue a formal response to the report.
Online Instructors’ Actions Reinforce the Development of a Sense of Community Among Course Participants

Nearly twenty percent of all U.S. higher education students were taking at least one online course in the fall of 2006 (Allen & Seaman, 2007; Kiriakidis, 2009, 2007a, 2007b). Most of the research focused on how to integrate technology in online environments to facilitate student learning (McKenzie, 2000, 2002, 2003; McNeely, 2005; U.S. Department of Education, 2007). Some researchers have concentrated on developing and training online faculty in using online technology (Moore, Moore, & Fowler, 2006; Kiriakidis, 2008a, 2008b, 2008c; Pankowski, 2004; Provenzio, Brett, & McCloskey, 2005; Stovall, 2007; Waterhouse, 2005), while others have focused on using technology to develop interactive online learning activities (Allen, 2003; Chin & Williams, 2005; Sims, 2003).
MOLT IN THE POCKET GOPHER, THOMOMYS BOTTAE

hair, if apparent in the two seasonal pelages of molting gophers, were also entered on the card. A total of 789 of these recordings was obtained from 198 individuals. Fourteen gophers living on the plot were dyed as an additional procedure, but this was at a time when trapping was less frequent. Nevertheless, during the ensuing fourteen months, ten of the dyed animals were recaptured a total of 21 times. Kill-trapped gophers.-Flat study skins were prepared from 355 gophers trapped on and around the study plot at the Experimental Range. Only a few skins were obtained from June to September-the season when rangeland gophers show little evidence of surface activity and are difficult to trap. The area of pigmentation on the flesh-side of the skins, indicative of follicular activity, was measured with a planimeter. Similar measurements were also made of the area of each skin that was in summer or winter pelage. The position of molt lines and other data were also obtained from nearly 100 animals collected from irrigated alfalfa fields at Davis. Dyed and bleached gophers.-A technique of dying hair black and of bleaching black hair to light brown was developed by the senior author and D. G. Constantine in 1949 (unpublished). The technique had been employed on studies of molt in cattle and swine, and it was found applicable to other mammalian species as well. To dye the animals, a black human hair dye with an oil base was used. Since it was not water soluble, the dye persisted until the hair was shed. It was diluted with an equal amount of 30-volume (3 %) hydrogen peroxide. Granulated soap was added until a thick liquid was obtained. The soap made application easier,
The Archaeological Significance of Mahamaes Cultivation on the Coast of Peru

Recent observations on the Central and North Coasts of Peru indicate the previously unrealized importance of a prehispanic agricultural technique ( mahamaes ) which permits effective cultivation of sizable areas without canal irrigation. Mahamaes cultivation may well have been significant in the origins of agriculture on the coast, and as a supplement to canal irrigation in later prehispanic times. Its apparent ability to support relatively large, sophisticated political structures suggests some reorganization of our thinking about the utility of the hydraulic agriculture model for coastal Peru.
Photoluminescence Measurements in Interband Transition in Fast Neutron Irradiated In0.07Ga0.93As/A10.4Ga0.6 As Multiple Quantum Wells

Interband transitions in n-type InGaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells were studied using a photoluminescence (PL) technique after the samples were irradiated with fast neutrons. It was observed that the PL intensity of the interband transition is reduced as the irradiation dose is increased. In Addition, the peak position energy of the interband transition was increased and then decreased as a function of irradiation dose. The results are explained in terms of electrons trapping, many-body effects, and irradiation-induced damages at the interfaces as well as in the well and barrier regions.
FATAL SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH VITAMIN E STATUS OF PREGNANT RATS.

SummaryFemale albino rats, depleted of Vit. E for at least 5 weeks before mating, were given total oral supplements of 0, 2, 6, or 20 mg dl-α-tocopherol on the 8th and 9th days of gestation. Their reproductive performance was compared with controls fed stock ration. The casein-cod liver oil diet (CClo) caused fetal resorption, lowered concentrations of tocopherol in serum, and induced susceptibility to hemolysis in the presence of dialuric acid. Oral supplements of tocopherol on the 8th and 9th days of gestation permitted fetal development to continue, but did not insure normal birth. Gestation was prolonged and most of the young were stillborn. Maternal mortality at parturition was 53%, 27%, and 8% for groups given 2, 6, and 20 mg tocopherol. Death followed lethargy, pallor, dyspnea, and vaginal hemorrhage. Small spleen, large hemorrhagic kidneys, and large adrenals (relative to body weight), accumulation of pleural fluid, and high serum concentration of non-protein nitrogen were characteristic of animal...
Clinically successful total wrist fusion using cancellous bone allograft

Background Total wrist fusion requires the use of bone graft to achieve a solid union. Local autogenous sources (distal radius and olecranon) are limited in amount, and the iliac crest is associated with donor site morbidity. In this study, we report the outcome of wrist fusions using allograft cancellous bone chips. Methods Fifteen patients underwent total wrist fusion for pancarpal arthritis using AO/ASIF wrist fusion plate and allograft cancellous bone chips. Mean patient age was 47 years, and mean follow-up was 32 months. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score; patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score and grip strength measurements were used as the primary outcome measures. Results All patients had improved DASH and PRWE scores. Grip strength increased 67% after the surgery. No patient had loosening of the hardware at a minimum of 18 months after the surgery. Conclusions The use of allograft cancellous bone chips provided a satisfactory outcome with no donor site morbidity.
Neurotransmitter-Induced Novel Modulation of a Nonselective Cation Channel by a cAMP-Dependent Mechanism in Rat Pineal Cells

Darvish, Nissim and James T. Russell. Neurotransmitter-induced novel modulation of a nonselective cation channel by a cAMP-dependent mechanism in rat pineal cells. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 2546–2556, 1...
Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra.

AbstractWe herein report a case of primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra, summarize the histopathology, review the available literature and discuss the treatment. Although a definitive regimen for the treatment of this virulent malignancy has not been established a 10-year survival has been obtained by surgical extirpation preceded by preoperative radiotherapy.
Abstract LB-049: Differential effects of functionalized and non-functionalized short multi-wall carbon nanotubes on survival of pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive type of cancer with poor prognosis and low five-year survival rate. Current treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not effective. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to treat patients with this devastating disease and to improve their prognosis. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitute a novel nanomaterial extensively studied to develop and exploit their potential in biomedical applications (e.g. drug delivery vehicles and diagnostic agents), including cancer nanobiomedicine. Modification of CNTs with functional groups may improve their aqueous solubility and selectively facilitate the attachment of drugs as well as macromolecules to CNTs, thereby creating new avenues for designing novel and highly targeted drugs. Even though the putative cytotoxicity of functionalized and non-functionalized CNTs is poorly understood, it can be gainfully exploited to enhance the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. The aim is this study is to investigate the hypothesis that functionalized and non-functionalized CNTs exert differential cytotoxic effects on pancreatic cancer cells. We employed the MTT assay to determine the effects of functionalized and non-functionalized short multi-wall carbon nanotubes (SMWCNTs) on survival of PANC1 cells and Western-blot analysis to elucidate some of the cell survival/proliferation mechanisms (e.g., ERG) underlying the effects induced by SMWCNTs. We used the Seahorse XFp technology to examine the effects of the SMWCNTs on cellular energetics (especially glycolysis & mitochondrial metabolism) in pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, we employed Annexin V/PI staining in combination with flow cytometry to determine the effects of SMWCNTs in inducing apoptosis in MiaPaca-2 cells. Dose-response studies on pancreatic cancer cells using the MTT assay indicated non-functionalized CNTs to be more cytotoxic than functionalized CNTs. Cell signaling studies indicate no alteration in AKT & phospho-AKT levels between functionalized & non-functionalized CNTs treatment. However, phospho-ERK levels were observed to consistently decrease with increasing concentrations of non-functionalized CNTs. Flow cytometric analysis showed increased apoptotic cell death with non-functionalized CNTs relative to that with functionalized CNTs. Overall, results from these studies indicate the differential effects of CNTs (functionalized versus non-functionalized) on pancreatic cancer cells and as such they may have implications in designing novel therapies for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Alok Bhushan, Rutika Kokate, Vilas Desai, Annie Chhun, Gagan Kaushal, Yao Zhang, James Lai. Differential effects of functionalized and non-functionalized short multi-wall carbon nanotubes on survival of pancreatic cancer cells. [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 LB-049.
Process Development for the Care of the Person Under Investigation for Ebola Virus Disease: a Collaboration of Biocontainment Unit and Emergency Medicine Personnel

Patients presenting with epidemiological risk factors for Ebola virus disease (EVD) and symptoms consistent with the disease require screening with a molecular assay. If the initial test is negative, but the patient has been symptomatic for less than 3 days, a follow-up test is required to reliably exclude the disease. During this time, persons under investigation (PUI) for EVD may have illnesses other than EVD that require further evaluation and management and well-defined processes are essential to the delivery of consistent, high-quality care for these patients while preserving the safety of healthcare providers.
Medically Unexplained Symptoms Associated with Adverse Childhood Events (P6.340)

Objective: This study aims to characterize the symptom profile of children presenting with multiple medically unexplained symptoms. We hypothesize that these symptoms represent a physiological response to a chronic state of stress or trauma. Background: Medically unexplained symptoms commonly present to neurologists with no apparent cause following extensive investigations. Such patients frequently present with multiple symptoms including memory problems, dizziness, syncope, photophobia and variable somatic complaints such as weakness or chronic headache. Methods: Study patients were identified from a weekly outpatient child neurology clinic between June to September 2015. Patients were included if they were age >2 years, with > 4 medically unexplained symptoms. Children with developmental delay were excluded. Symptoms were grouped under the following categories: 1) executive function, 2) sleep, 3) autonomic function, 4) somatic function, 5) enteric function, and 6) emotional regulation. Trauma history was obtained from a detailed social history in all patients. Results: Out of 100 consecutive patients, 17 were included; 12 females, median age 14 years (range 5-17 years). All patients described >1 symptom of sleep disturbance, autonomic dysfunction, somatic complaints and emotional dysregulation; 82[percnt] exhibited executive dysfunction, and 59[percnt] had digestive problems. Fifteen patients (88[percnt]) disclosed a history of trauma including domestic violence, parental substance abuse, physical or sexual abuse, bullying, or medical trauma, compared to 17[percnt] of controls (p<0.0001). Conclusions: We propose the term “nervous system dysregulation” to describe children with multiple medical symptoms involving at least one symptom in each category of 1) sleep disruption, 2) autonomic dysfunction, 3) somatic symptoms, and 4) emotional dysregulation. Children with this symptom profile are likely to have a history of adverse childhood events. Nervous system dysregulation should alert the physician to a possible history of trauma as a cause for symptoms to reduce the risks associated with unnecessary medical procedures and pursue appropriate therapy. Disclosure: Dr. Elbers has nothing to disclose. Dr. Batista has nothing to disclose.
Robust phase detection in distribution systems

This paper proposes an on-line algorithm to detect the phase connection for end users in a power distribution system. In distribution systems, feeder switching often changes the phase connection information of end users in the real-time operation. Recently, Advanced Metering infrastructure (AMI) are being installed in distribution systems. They enable utilities to record end-point voltages in defined intervals. This paper first presents a method to find phases belonging to same phase using synchronized data and fixed topology of distribution grid. Then, this paper presents a method to clean the noisy data through Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained by the historical data. The proposed methods is tested using modified 13-bus IEEE distribution test system on the low-voltage side.
Cocaine, Ghrelin, and the Mesolimbic System

Extensive evidence now implicates the acylated ghrelin peptide in the neural control of appetite and energy homeostasis. In addition to a stimulatory action on hypothalamic neurons controlling metabolic function, ghrelin acts on brain reward circuits throughout the mesolimbic system where binding to GHS-1a receptors alters the activity and firing of ventral tegmental area neurons. In this review we summarize behavioral, genomic, and cellular findings implicating ghrelin in the rewarding properties of cocaine. We also examine recent studies indicating that the allosteric modification of ghrelin and dopamine receptors contributes to changes in dopamine signaling. This may in turn impact the function of dopamine-secreting neurons and alter the psychoactive properties of cocaine, thereby enhancing stimulant drug reinforcement.
Predicting the Effect of Point Mutations on Protein Structural Stability

Predicting how a point mutation alters a protein's stability can guide drug design initiatives which aim to counter the effects of serious diseases. Mutagenesis studies give insights about the effects of amino acid substitutions, but such wet-lab work is prohibitive due to the time and costs needed to assess the consequences of even a single mutation. Computational methods for predicting the effects of a mutation are available, with promising accuracy rates. In this work we study the utility of several machine learning methods and their ability to predict the effects of mutations. We in silico generate mutant protein structures, and compute several rigidity metrics for each of them. Our approach does not require costly calculations of energy functions that rely on atomic-level statistical mechanics and molecular energetics. Our metrics are features for support vector regression, random forest, and deep neural network methods. We validate the effects of our in silico mutations against experimental Delta Delta G stability data. We attain Pearson Correlations upwards of 0.69.
Back to the Drawing Board: What the Recent Peace Agreement Means for South Sudan

Several days before South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, signed a peace agreement with formervice president Riek Machar on August 27, 2015, I was asked whether I thought Kiir would actually put pen to paper. I said, “Yes.” More precisely, I said, “Yes, but…” To understand my doubts about the recent peace agreement ― that indeed Kiir did sign ― one must look back to the region’s long ago and recent history.
Memristive devices from ZnO nanowire bundles and meshes

We report two types of memristive devices made of ZnO nanowire assemblies and Ag electrodes: nanowire-bundle and nanowire-mesh memristors. Although constructed with the same materials, these devices exhibit different characteristics. Nanowire-bundle memristors have small On/Off ratios and feature stable hysteresis under X-ray irradiation. Nanowire-mesh memristors show large On/Off ratios and multiple distinct states. We attribute the switching in bundle nanowires to the modification of the Schottky barrier by the mobile Ag ions and the stability of hysteresis to the ability of the bundles to retain Ag in the alleys between nanowires, as confirmed by first-principles calculations and energy dispersive x-ray measurements. For nanowire-mesh memristors, the high On/Off ratio leads us to attribute the switching mechanism to the formation and dissolution of Ag bridges in the nano-gaps at the intersections of nanowires.
Aplysinopsins as Promising Marine Natural Product Drug Leads: Recent Developments

Marine natural products represent a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites, one of which is the marine indole alkaloids aplysinopsins. Aplysinopsins were first described in 1977 from the extracts of Indo-Pacific sponge species. Since that initial description, they have been isolated from a wide range of marine sources: sponges, corals, mollusks, and sea anemones. Aplysinopsins are composed of an indole coupled with an imidazolidinone moiety. The structural variation of naturally occurring aplysinopsin analogs occurs in the bromination pattern on the indole moiety as well as the pattern of N-methylations on the imidazolidinone ring. There are multiple synthetic strategies used to access the aplysinopsin scaffold. The majority of them are convergent routes that begin with synthesis of the desired indole moiety followed by the imidazolidinone synthesis and, ultimately, coupling of the two systems via several different methodologies. Aplysinopsins possess a wide variety of biological activities, from antimicrobial and antimalarial to antitumor activity seen in mice. However, their neuromodulatory activities have generated the most recent interest in their bioactivity. Both natural and synthetic aplysinopsin analogs have been found to act on both the serotonin receptor and the monoamine oxidase system. This chapter will review recently published synthetic strategies used to construct aplysinopsin analogs. It will also highlight significant and promising biological activities displayed by aplysinopsins, with an emphasis of neuromodulatory activities.
L-asparaginase: early findings and current studies on the metabolism of L-asparagine in lymphoma cells.

Kidd has described some of his observations on the effect of guinea pig serum in inhibiting the growth of certain mouse tumors, and out of this apparently distant finding we are engaged in the present symposium [1].
Variationally Derived Coarse-Mesh Methods Based on an Alternative Flux Representation

A variational coarse-mesh technique is developed for the solution of the multigroup neutron transport equation in one-dimensional reactor lattices. In contrast to conventional nodal lattice applications that discretize diffusion theory and use node homogenized cross sections, the methods used here retain the spatial dependence of the cross sections and instead employ an alternative flux representation, a slowly modulated pin cell flux, that allows the neutron transport equation to be cast into a form whose solution has a relatively slow spatial and angular variation and that can be accurately described with relatively few variables. This alternative flux representation and the stationary property of a variational principle define a class of coarse-mesh discretizations of transport theory that are capable of achieving order-of-magnitude reductions of eigenvalue and pointwise scalar flux errors compared with diffusion theory while retaining the relatively low cost of diffusion theory.
Biological Treatment for Sjögren’s Syndrome

The diffuse lymphocyte infiltration of target organs in Sjogren’s syndrome seems potentially amenable to therapies which might alter specific lymphocyte populations or their migration to tissues. Especially because this illness responds unsatisfactorily to conventional immunosuppression, efforts are underway to ameliorate disease using monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and gene therapy. Promising data have been obtained using B-cell depletion with monoclonal antibodies, although further trials are necessary. Because B-cell homeostasis depends to a large degree on the cytokine BAFF/Blys, blocking of these molecules or their receptors may be a valuable approach in some patients. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the activation of interferon type I genes has opened the possibility that blocking antibodies to interferon-α or interferon-β may interrupt the disease process and reduce lymphocytic tissue infiltration. Monoclonal antibodies to adhesion molecules and other structures affecting lymphocyte homing may be particularly useful in this illness as well as antibodies to cytokines and their receptors, such as IL-6. Co-stimulation blockade using CTLA-4 is worthy of consideration for Sjogren’s syndrome treatment, in light of the important role for T cells in this illness. Finally, while far from clinical use, the delivery of cytokines such as IL-10 by viral vectors or other forms of gene therapy is also an appealing approach. The next few years should bear witness to important new, rational biological approaches to Sjogren’s syndrome which should increase our understanding of its basis and provide welcome relief for patients with severe illness.
Symmetry Properties of Rigid Molecules

In this chapter we turn to the problem of the symmetry properties of quasirigid molecules. Apart from being a question of fundamental importance in molecular physics, this subject is of some topical interest, as the availability of tunable infrared lasers has made it possible to obtain the vibration-rotation spectra of highly symmetric molecules such as CH4, SF6, and CF4 at very high resolution (~ 10−3 cm−1) and a prerequisite for interpretation of the interesting features revealed by such measurements [83] is a clear and detailed understanding of the assignment of symmetry labels to molecular states and tensor operators.
Patient preference-weighted assessments using the ASCO value framework in recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.

6630Background: The ASCO value framework allows comparisons of cancer treatments based on Net Health Benefit (NHB) and cost. We aimed to assess the value of treatments for recurrent, platinum-sensi...
Epigenetically Silenced Candidate Tumor Suppressor Genes in Prostate Cancer: Identified by Modeling Methylation Stratification and Applied to Progression Prediction.

Background: Recent studies have shown that epigenetic alterations, especially the hypermethylated promoters of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), contribute to prostate cancer progression and metastasis. This article proposes a novel algorithm to identify epigenetically silenced TSGs (epi-TSGs) for prostate cancer. Methods: Our method is based on the perception that the promoter CpG island(s) of a typical epi-TSG has a stratified methylation profile over tumor samples. In other words, we assume that the methylation profile resembles the combination of a binary distribution of a driver mutation and a continuous distribution representing measurement noise and intratumor heterogeneity. Results: Applying the proposed algorithm and an existing method to The Cancer Genome Atlas prostate cancer data, we identify 57 candidate epi-TSGs. Over one third of these epi-TSGs have been reported to carry potential tumor suppression functions. The negative correlations between the expression levels and methylation levels of these genes are validated on external independent datasets. We further find that the expression profiling of these genes is a robust predictive signature for Gleason scores, with the AUC statistic ranging from 0.75 to 0.79. The identified signature also shows prediction strength for tumor progression stages, biochemical recurrences, and metastasis events. Conclusions: We propose a novel method for pinpointing candidate epi-TSGs in prostate cancer. The expression profiling of the identified epi-TSGs demonstrates significant prediction strength for tumor progression. Impact: The proposed epi-TSGs identification method can be adapted to other cancer types beyond prostate cancer. The identified clinically significant epi-TSGs would shed light on the carcinogenesis of prostate adenocarcinomas.
Abstract 157: Assessment of Financial Hardship From Medical Bills Across the Spectrum of Diabetes Mellitus and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among Non-Elderly Adults in the United States

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) both increase the risk for experiencing an adverse cardiac event and affected individuals often have large medi...
The Unconstitutionality of Justice Black

In Ex Parte Levitt, the Supreme Court denied standing to a pro se litigant making esoteric claims against the appointment of Justice Hugo Black. The Court’s short opinion is now an unremarkable mainstay of modern federal courts doctrine. But the case merits closer examination. Indeed, Levitt’s challenge was probably meritorious, and Hugo Black’s appointment unconstitutional. Moreover, the Court’s standing analysis was probably wrong – though there might have been other reasons to deny the challenge. And finally, the case’s aftermath raises intriguing questions about the Supreme Court’s role in politics and constitutional law. But don't worry – his opinions are safe.
Trauma video review utilization: A survey of practice in the United States.

Abstract Introduction Trauma video review (TVR) for quality improvement and education in the United States has been described for nearly three decades. The most recent information on this practice indicated a declining prevalence. We hypothesized that TVR utilization has increased since most recent estimates. Methods We conducted a survey of TVR practices at level I and level II US trauma centers. We distributed an electronic survey covering past, current, and future TVR utilization to the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma membership. Results 45.0% of US level I and level II trauma centers completed surveys. 71/249 centers (28.5%) had active TVR programs. The use of TVR did not differ between level I and level II centers (28.8% vs. 27.8%, p = 0.87). Respondents using TVR were overwhelmingly positive about its perception (median score 8, [IQR 6–9]; 10 = ‘best’) at their institutions. Conclusions TVR use at Level I centers has increased over the past decade. Increased TVR utilization may form the basis for multicenter studies comparing processes of care during trauma resuscitation.
A Vision for Improving Quality of Life Among Spanish-Speaking Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Latina women with breast cancer suffer psychosocial health disparities and lack access to comprehensive cancer care. This chapter describes the current state of the science of behavioral interventions for Latino cancer survivors; our translational research program to improve the psychosocial health of Latina breast cancer survivors; and opportunities for future research in this area. We present a brief review of Nuevo Amanecer, the original randomized controlled trial of a peer-delivered cognitive-behavioral stress management program for Latina breast cancer survivors. We describe efforts in process to translate and test the program among rural Latina breast cancer survivors in the Nuevo Amanecer-II study and other translations of the program. We describe briefly a conceptual framework to guide research on behavioral interventions for Latino cancer survivors. We conclude with promising areas of research including expansion of culturally tailored, technology-assisted community health worker cancer support interventions and incorporation of biospecimens to advance precision medicine to reduce disparities in the quality of life of Latino cancer survivors. We argue for comprehensive approaches to improve quality of life among Latino cancer survivors that engage Latino communities in the design and implementation of behavioral interventions for Latino cancer survivors, can be delivered in community settings, and are linked to cancer care systems.
How I Manage Natural Killer Cell Deficiency

Natural killer (NK) cell deficiency (NKD) is a subset of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) in which an abnormality of NK cells represents a major immunological defect resulting in the patient's clinical immunodeficiency. This is distinct from a much larger group of PIDs that include an NK cell abnormality as a minor component of the immunodeficiency. Patients with NKD most frequently have atypical consequences of herpesviral infections. There are now 6 genes that have been ascribed to causing NKD, some exclusively and others that also cause other known immunodeficiencies. This list has grown in recent years and as such the mechanistic and molecular clarity around what defines an NKD is an emerging and important field of research. Continued increased clarity will allow for more rational approaches to the patients themselves from a therapeutic standpoint. Having evaluated numerous individuals for NKD, I share my perspective on approaching the diagnosis and managing these patients.
Health Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) adversely impacts virtually all organ systems. Neurocognitive consequences include impairments in daytime alertness, attention/vigilance, long-term visual and verbal memory, visuospatial/constructional abilities, and executive function while neuropsychological ones include depression, somatic syndromes, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Cardiovascular consequences of OSA include CHF, systemic hypertension, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia, and stroke. Respiratory consequences include poor symptom control in asthma, worse pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increased frequency of exacerbation in both asthma and COPD, increased prevalence and recurrence of pulmonary embolism, and a higher prevalence pulmonary hypertension. Endocrine consequences include diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and sexual dysfunction in men and women. Gastrointestinal consequences include gastroesophageal reflux disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Obstetric consequences include pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes, as well as maternal cardiovascular, pulmonary, and surgical complications. Perinatal consequences include low birth weight, preterm birth, NICU admission, and hyperbilirubinemia. Perioperative consequences include postoperative ICU transfer, respiratory complications, cardiovascular events, and neurologic complications. Accident-related consequences include motor vehicle crashes and work-related injuries. Oncologic consequences include increased cancer incidence including breast and colorectal cancer. Mortality-related consequences include higher death rates overall and from cardiovascular, noncardiovascular, and COPD-related causes. Nocturnal respiratory dysfunction (i.e., hypoxemia-reoxygenation and hypercapnia), poor sleep quality (i.e., increased arousals, poor sleep efficiency, and altered sleep architecture), and intrathoracic pressure variations result in oxidative stress, inflammation, sympathetic activation, endothelial dysfunction, neurohormonal changes, thrombophilia, and hemodynamic changes, which are the mechanisms for these adverse clinical outcomes.
Human Models in the Future Virtual Environment Systems

I thought I’d take this time to talk about the issue of human model simulation and I thought I’d place it in the context of what is the role of human models in the future virtual environment systems, or virtual reality. This mirrors some of our own work and some of the work of our colleagues, and we feel that there are three areas of the human modeling paradigm in which we are very active.
Effects of edible plant polyphenols on gluten protein functionality and potential applications of polyphenol–gluten interactions

Expanding plant-based protein applications is increasingly popular. Polyphenol interactions with wheat gluten proteins can be exploited to create novel functional foods and food ingredients. Polyphenols are antioxidants, thus generally decrease gluten strength by reducing disulfide cross-linking. Monomeric polyphenols can be used to reduce dough mix time and improve flexibility of the gluten network, including to plasticize gluten films. However, high-molecular-weight polyphenols (tannins) cross-link gluten proteins, thereby increasing protein network density and strength. Tannin-gluten interactions can greatly increase gluten tensile strength in dough matrices, as well as batter viscosity and stability. This could be leveraged to reduce detrimental effects of healthful inclusions, like bran and fiber, to loaf breads and other wheat-based products. Further, the dual functions of tannins as an antioxidant and gluten cross-linker could help restructure gluten proteins and improve the texture of plant-based meat alternatives. Tannin-gluten interactions may also be used to reduce inflammatory effects of gluten experienced by those with gluten allergies and celiac disease. Other potential applications of tannin-gluten interactions include formation of food matrices to reduce starch digestibility; creation of novel biomaterials for edible films or medical second skin type bandages; or targeted distribution of micronutrients in the digestive tract. This review focuses on the effects of polyphenols on wheat gluten functionality and discusses emerging opportunities to employ polyphenol-gluten interactions.
Trepidation and time: An examination of anxiety and thoughts and feelings about the past, present, and future among adolescents.

We examined relationships between general and specific anxiety symptoms and time perspective among adolescents and how these relationships varied by gender. Time perspective was conceptualized as a...
A systematic review of word selection in early childhood vocabulary instruction

Abstract This paper systematically reviews studies on early childhood vocabulary instruction, specifically examining word selection methods and the characteristics of words selected for instruction. We examine various aspects of word selection, including selection methods, the characteristics of the words, words’ difficulty and usefulness as indexed by rating systems, the context from which words were drawn, and the relationship between child and word characteristics. Analyses of 76 studies that met criteria revealed great variability in words and inconsistent adherence to research-based principles of word selection. Researchers prioritized unknown words and words described as Tier 2 when selecting words. The most frequently selected word type was concrete nouns; more than half of all words selected were concrete in nature. A small percentage of target words appeared on published lists of words recommended for instruction. Word selection varied by context, with different types of words selected for science content vs. narrative/fiction. Finally, there were few relationships between child characteristics and word characteristics.
A 1D Lyman-alpha profile camera for plasma edge neutral studies on the DIII-D tokamak.

A one dimensional, absolutely calibrated pinhole camera system was installed on the DIII-D tokamak to measure edge Lyman-alpha (Ly-α) emission from hydrogen isotopes, which can be used to infer neutral density and ionization rate profiles. The system is composed of two cameras, each providing a toroidal fan of 20 lines of sight, viewing the plasma edge on the inboard and outboard side of DIII-D. The cameras’ views lie in a horizontal plane 77 cm below the midplane. At its tangency radius, each channel provides a radial resolution of ∼2 cm full width at half maximum (FWHM) with a total coverage of 22 cm. Each camera consists of a rectangular pinhole, Ly-α reflective mirror, narrow-band Ly-α transmission filter, and a 20 channel AXUV photodetector. The combined mirror and transmission filter have a FWHM of 5 nm, centered near the Ly-α wavelength of 121.6 nm and is capable of rejecting significant, parasitic carbon-III (C-III) emission from intrinsic plasma impurities. To provide a high spatial resolution measurement in a compact footprint, the camera utilizes advanced engineering and manufacturing techniques including 3D printing, high stability mirror mounts, and a novel alignment procedure. Absolutely calibrated, spatially resolved Ly-α brightness measurements utilize a bright, isolated line with low parasitic surface reflections and enable quantitative comparison to modeling to study divertor neutral leakage, main chamber fueling, and radial particle transport.
Microanalysis Society Awards: 2020 Award Recipients

Each year, the Microanalysis Society (MAS) bestows several major awards during the Microscopy & Microanalysis annual meeting. Regrettably, there is never enough time on stage to detail these awardees’ contributions to the science of microanalysis and the Society, which we hope to rectify here and in future articles. The shift of the 2020 M&M meeting to a virtual format meant that our awardees did not receive their accolades on a physical main stage. These recipients were selected for recognition by a variety of mechanisms, of which many Society members may not be aware. For example, the MAS Awards Committee solicits nominations for annual Outstanding Paper Awards from M&M meeting attendees and symposium organizers via a simple webform (https://the-mas.org/mm-outstanding-paper-recommendation/), whereas the Duncumb Award requires a full nomination package from Society members, and other awards are selected solely at the discretion of the MAS President or Council. Additional description of the various MAS awards, including lists of previous award winners, can be found at https://the-mas.org/awards.
Balancing Patent Rights and Affordability of Prescription Drugs in Addressing Bio-Terrorism: An Analysis of In Re Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Antitrust Litigation

In this article, I review In re Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Antitrust Litigation (In re Ciprofloxacin) 166 F. Supp. 2d 740 (E.D.N.Y. 2001)(overruled in 261 F. Supp. 2d 188 (2003) on other grounds). In re Ciprofloxacin was decided a few weeks before the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001 and the ensuing bio-terrorist threat in which there were at least five anthrax-related fatalities between September 11 and November 22, 2001. In re Ciprofloxacin was brought by consumer from various U.S. states who contended that an agreement by Bayer to pay Barr Laboratories over $100 million was an unlawful restraint of trade in the market for Ciprofloxacin since it effectively eliminated the possibility of generic competition entering the market for Ciprofloxacin and as such foreclosed these consumers from purchasing the drug at competitive or lower prices. The court rejected Bayer's claim that there was a patent exception to antitrust injury. In agreeing with the consumers, the Court held that the validity of a patent did not foreclose the possibility of an antitrust injury. This unnoticed antitrust ruling and the decision by United States government to amass a stockpile of Ciprofloxacin by subsidizing Bayer's production of the drug in response to anthrax bio-terrorist threat shows that the U.S. has adopted two different attitudes in responding to public health emergencies. The first much more favorable in ensuring affordable access to patented drugs in the U.S. at at time when there were very few unfortunate fatalities versus a second and much less favorable approach towards ensuring similar access to life-saving medicines for the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa where fatalities have been in the millions. Thus In re Ciprofloxacin raises important questions relating to where the appropriate balance between protecting inventions, encouraging free competition, and assuring public health lies. Whereas in the domestic context (that is within the United States) the balance between patent protection and free competition has received considerable attention, at the international level, the emerging emergency exception to patent protection is undergoing excruciating growing pains not least because of the U.S.'s commitment to strong protection of pharmaceutical patents.