cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative trait loci for energy balance traits in an advanced intercross line derived from mice divergently selected for heat loss

Obesity in human populations, currently a serious health concern, is considered to be the consequence of an energy imbalance in which more energy in calories is consumed than is expended. We used interval mapping techniques to investigate the genetic basis of a number of energy balance traits in an F11 advanced intercross population of mice created from an original intercross of lines selected for increased and decreased heat loss. We uncovered a total of 137 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits at 41 unique sites on 18 of the 20 chromosomes in the mouse genome, with X-linked QTLs being most prevalent. Two QTLs were found for the selection target of heat loss, one on distal chromosome 1 and another on proximal chromosome 2. The number of QTLs affecting the various traits generally was consistent with previous estimates of heritabilities in the same population, with the most found for two bone mineral traits and the least for feed intake and several body composition traits. QTLs were generally additive in their effects, and some, especially those affecting the body weight traits, were sex-specific. Pleiotropy was extensive within trait groups (body weights, adiposity and organ weight traits, bone traits) and especially between body composition traits adjusted and not adjusted for body weight at sacrifice. Nine QTLs were found for one or more of the adiposity traits, five of which appeared to be unique. The confidence intervals among all QTLs averaged 13.3 Mb, much smaller than usually observed in an F2 cross, and in some cases this allowed us to make reasonable inferences about candidate genes underlying these QTLs. This study combined QTL mapping with genetic parameter analysis in a large segregating population, and has advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits related to obesity.
Genetics of Chloride Deficiency Expression in Barley

Greenhouse‐grown barley exhibited symptoms resembling physiological leaf spot of wheat, a symptom of chloride (Cl−) deficiency. Twenty parents of barley mapping populations were grown hydroponically and exposed to 0 or 2.8 mmol Cl−. Response to Cl− was measured as the percentage of leaf area spotted. Chloride treatment reduced leaf spotting, and barley lines differed in susceptibility. The cultivar ‘Shyri’ was highly susceptible to leaf spotting, whereas ‘Galena’ was resistant. The mapping population derived from a ‘Shyri’/‘Galena’ cross was chosen for further study. The 100 double‐haploid progeny were grown hydroponically with complete nutrient solutions containing 0 or 0.8 mmol Cl−. Measured variables included percentage of leaf area spotted, leaf nutrient concentrations, plant height, and dry‐matter yield. Control plants exhibited 60% more leaf spotting and produced 23% less dry matter than plants receiving Cl−. Leaf Cl− concentrations ranged from 0.8 g kg−1 in control plants to 7.8 g kg−1 in plants ex...
An evaluation of US patent 2015065565 (A1) for a new class of SGLT2 inhibitors for treatment 1 of type II diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing and serious global health problem. Pharmacological inhibition of the sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2; SLC5A2) increases urinary glucose excretion, decreasing plasma glucose levels in an insulin-independent manner. Agents that inhibit SGLT2 have recently become available for clinical therapy of T2DM.Areas covered: The patent claims a new class of SGLT2 inhibitors: derivatives of dioxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol (including ertugliflozin; PF-04971729). The invention describes the design, synthesis and pharmacological tests related to ertugliflozin, which could ultimately lead to efficacious therapy for T2DM alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic agents.Expert opinion: Ertugliflozin is likely to be of great clinical significance in the near future. Continued analysis of ertugliflozin derivatives to now validate safe and efficacious treatment of T2DM in a larger number of clinical subjects over an extended period is needed to furt...
Objective physical activity measurement in the osteoarthritis initiative: Are guidelines being met?

Objective Osteoarthritis (OA) clinical practice guidelines identify a substantial therapeutic role for physical activity, but objective information about the physical activity of this population is lacking. The aim of this study was to objectively measure levels of physical activity in adults with knee OA and report the prevalence of meeting public health physical activity guidelines. Methods Cross-sectional accelerometry data from 1,111 adults with radiographic knee OA (49–84 years old) participating in the Osteoarthritis Initiative accelerometry monitoring ancillary study were assessed for meeting the aerobic component of the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (≥150 minutes/week moderate-to-vigorous–intensity activity lasting ≥10 minutes). Quantile regression was used to test median sex differences in physical activity levels. Results Aerobic physical activity guidelines were met by 12.9% of men and 7.7% of women with knee OA. A substantial proportion of men and women (40.1% and 56.5%, respectively) were inactive, having done no moderate-to-vigorous activity that lasted 10 minutes or more during the 7 days. Although men engaged in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous activity (average daily minutes 20.7 versus 12.3), they also spent more time in no or very-low-intensity activity than women (average daily minutes 608.2 versus 585.8). Conclusion Despite substantial health benefits from physical activity, adults with knee OA were particularly inactive based on objective accelerometry monitoring. The proportions of men and women who met public health physical activity guidelines were substantially less than those previously reported based on self-reported activity in arthritis populations. These findings support intensified public health efforts to increase physical activity levels among people with knee OA.
High Dose Rate Ion Implantation Processes and System Characterizations (Semiconductor Technology Applications)

A new generation of ion implantation systems was introduced in a production environment at the beginning of 1980. In the implementation of high dose rate doping in device technology, the system characterization in process becomes critical and requires methods which will characterize beam line parameters by their effect on the process. High-power beam effects, such as wafer heating, have to be under control. This is achieved by correlating the beam line status with correct wafer cooling and wafer scanning to maintain the implanted layer in an amorphous condition during the process. A new technique for machine diagnosis by beam patterning on polysilicon is described. Diagnostic techniques used before and after annealing and process results on the AIT IIIA and AIT IIIX, prove the feasibility of high current implantation processes in the predeposition application of source and drain for MOS integrated circuits, and for emitters in bipolar integrated circuits.
Two and Twenty: Taxing Partnership Profits in Private Equity Funds

Private equity fund managers take a share of the profits of the partnership as the equity portion of their compensation. The tax rules for compensating service partners create a planning opportunity for managers who receive the industry-standard "two and twenty" (a two percent management fee and twenty percent profits interest). By taking a portion of their pay in the form of partnership profits, fund managers defer income derived from their labor efforts and convert it from ordinary income into long-term capital gain. This quirk in the tax law allows some of the richest workers in the country to pay tax on their labor income at a low rate. Changes in the investment world - the growth of private equity funds, the adoption of portable alpha strategies by institutional investors, and aggressive tax planning - suggest that reconsideration of the partnership profits puzzle is overdue. In this Article, I offer a menu of reform alternatives, including a novel cost-of-capital approach that would strike an appropriate balance between treating returns on human capital as ordinary income and rewarding entrepreneurial activity with a tax subsidy. While there is ample room for disagreement about the scope and mechanics of the reform alternatives, this Article establishes that the status quo is an untenable position as a matter of tax policy. Among the various alternatives, perhaps the best starting point is a baseline rule that would treat carried interest distributions as ordinary income. Alternatively, Congress could adopt a more complex "cost of capital" approach that would convert a portion of carried interest into ordinary income on an annual basis, or it could allow fund managers to elect into either the ordinary income or "cost of capital" approach. Any of these alternatives to the status quo would tax carried interest distributions to fund managers in a manner that more closely matches how our tax system treats other forms of compensation, thereby improving economic efficiency and discouraging wasteful regulatory gamesmanship. These changes would also reconcile private equity compensation with our progressive tax rate system and widely-held principles of distributive justice.
Preparation of Porous Oxide Beads Using Polymeric Beads to Control Bead Size and Shape

A method was developed for preparing silica gels by silicon alkoxide hydrolysis usingwater-swellable polymers to control the shape. A variety of polymer beads with different water absorbencies and different bead sizes were used. Silica beads in a wide range of sizes were prepared from polymer beads. The final bead size was dependent on the size and water absorbency of the beads, on the extent of reaction, and on the final density. It was shown that porosity could be formed in two regions. The silica beads contained pores of 3–4 nm that were attributed to the intrinsic gel structure. In addition, when large amounts of polymer were removed, additional porosity on the scale of 20–50 nm was formed. It was also shown that surface areas varied dramatically with calcining. For beads containing only small pores, surface areas varied from 400 m2/g to less than 0.2 m2/g as the calcining temperature was increased from 600°C to 1000°C. Beads containing porosity formed by removal of the polymer remained porous even after calcining at 1000°C.
State of the art. Neonatal respiratory failure.

Tremendous advances in the management of neonatal respiratory distress, which have dramatically decreased the morbidity and mortality of the neonatal patient, have been made during the last three decades. The technological explosion of the 1990s resulted in the adoption of several innovative techniques for neonatal ventilation. This article discusses the clinical application, adverse effects, and nursing implications of four of these treatment options: patient-triggered ventilation (PTV), high- frequency ventilation (HFV), liquid ventilation, and nitric oxide (NO) therapy.
Cervical spinal canal narrowing in idiopathic syringomyelia

The cervical spine in Chiari I patient with syringomyelia has significantly different anteroposterior diameters than it does in Chiari I patients without syringomyelia. We tested the hypothesis that patients with idiopathic syringomyelia (IS) also have abnormal cervical spinal canal diameters. The finding in both groups may relate to the pathogenesis of syringomyelia. Local institutional review boards approved this retrospective study. Patients with IS were compared to age-matched controls with normal sagittal spine MR. All subjects had T1-weighted spin-echo (500/20) and T2-weighted fast spin-echo (2000/90) sagittal cervical spine images at 1.5 T. Readers blinded to demographic data and study hypothesis measured anteroposterior diameters at each cervical level. The spinal canal diameters were compared with a Mann-Whitney U test. The overall difference was assessed with a Friedman test. Seventeen subjects were read by two reviewers to assess inter-rater reliability. Fifty IS patients with 50 age-matched controls were studied. IS subjects had one or more syrinxes varying from 1 to 19 spinal segments. Spinal canal diameters narrowed from C1 to C3 and then enlarged from C5 to C7 in both groups. Diameters from C2 to C4 were narrower in the IS group (p < 0.005) than in controls. The ratio of the C3 to the C7 diameters was also smaller (p = 0.004) in IS than controls. Collectively, the spinal canal diameters in the IS were significantly different from controls (Friedman test p < 0.0001). Patients with IS have abnormally narrow upper and mid cervical spinal canal diameters and greater positive tapering between C3 and C7.
Direct current stimulation induces mGluR5-dependent neocortical plasticity.

Objective To obtain insights into mechanisms mediating changes in cortical excitability induced by cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Methods Neocortical slices were exposed to direct current stimulation (DCS) delivered through Ag/AgCl electrodes over a range of current orientations, magnitudes, and durations. DCS-induced cortical plasticity and its receptor dependency were measured as the change in layer II/III field excitatory postsynaptic potentials by a multielectrode array, both with and without neurotransmitter receptor blockers or allosteric modulators. In vivo, tDCS was delivered to intact mice scalp via surface electrodes. Molecular consequences of DCS in vitro or tDCS in vivo were tested by immunoblot of protein extracted from stimulated slices or the neocortex harvested from stimulated intact mice. Results Cathodal DCS in vitro induces a long-term depression (DCS-LTD) of excitatory synaptic strength in both human and mouse neocortical slices. DCS-LTD is abolished with an mGluR5 negative allosteric modulator, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, and inhibitor of protein synthesis. However, DCS-LTD persists despite either γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor inhibition. An mGluR5-positive allosteric modulator, in contrast, transformed transient synaptic depression resultant from brief DCS application into durable DCS-LTD. Interpretation We identify a novel molecular pathway by which tDCS modulates cortical excitability, and indicate a capacity for synergistic interaction between tDCS and pharmacologic mGluR5 facilitation. The findings support exploration of cathodal tDCS as a treatment of neurologic conditions characterized by aberrant regional cortical excitability referable to mGluR5-mTOR signaling. Ann Neurol 2016;80:233–246
Christianity and Social Work: Readings on the Integration of Christian Faith and Social Work Practice (5th ed.), edited by T. Laine Scales and M. S. Kennedy

Now in its 5th edition, this volume of essays offers valuable resources for social work educators, students, and practitioners who seek thoughtful approaches to the integration of Christian values,...
CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING FOR SURGICAL RISK STRATIFICATION IN ADULTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Background: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) often require repeat cardiothoracic surgery, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Currently there are few preoperative risk assessment tools available. In the general adult population, preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise
Recent Technology Advances of Emerging Memories

Editor’s note: Phase change memory, spin-transfer torque random access memory, and resistive random access memory are three major emerging memory technologies that receive tremendous attentions from both academia and industry. In this survey article, the authors summarize the latest research progress of these technologies in device engineering, circuit design, computer architecture, and application. —Tei-Wei Kuo, National Taiwan University
Evaluating Momentum and Contrarian Strategies For Technology Stocks During Excessive Speculation

Momentum and contrarian returns have been documented by a large number of studies. In this paper we investigate the performance of technology stocks by using these two widely followed investment strategies during a speculative boom period. We discuss the effectiveness of various long and short trading strategies for a well balanced sample of technology stocks and find that by executing a simple buy bottom strategy, a technology investor could take advantage of the overreactions in order to generate higher returns during the period of excessive speculation. We also show that accounting for conditionally heteroskedasticity increases the evidence that risk adjusted returns are strongly related to market betas of a benchmark return and NASDAQ composite index returns.
Lung Perfusion with Angiotensins I and II

Perfusion of isolated rat and guinea pig lungs with angiotensin I or II in Krebs9 solution results in significant losses of peptide activity. This was not prevented by angiotensin cofactor. In addition to being converted to the octapeptide during passage through the lung, angiotensin I released a myotropic substance which is different from serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and prostaglandin E 1 and F 2α . This substance was not one of the several fragments of angiotensin I tested. There was a decreased responsiveness of rabbit aorta following repeated exposure to lung perfusate containing angiotensin I. Since repeated direct exposure to this peptide and metabolic fragments in Krebs9 solution did not produce this effect, it was assumed to be caused by a substance released from the lungs.
Quality of Cucumbers Commercially Fermented in Calcium Chloride Brine without Sodium Salts

Commercial cucumber fermentation produces large volumes of salty wastewater. This study evaluated the quality of fermented cucumbers produced commercially using an alternative calcium chloride (CaCl₂) brining process. Fermentation conducted in calcium brines (0.1 M CaCl₂, 6 mM potassium sorbate, equilibrated) with a starter culture was compared to standard industrial fermentation. Production variables included commercial processor (n=6), seasonal variation (June–September, 2 years), vessel size (10,000–40,000 L), cucumber size (2.7–5.1 cm diameter), and bulk storage time (55–280 days). Cucumber mesocarp firmness, color, bloater defects, pH, and organic acids were measured. Complete lactic acid fermentation was achieved, resulting in terminal fermentation pH values of 3.23 ± 0.09 and 3.30 ± 0.12 for CaCl₂ and NaCl processes, respectively. On average, CaCl₂ brined, fermented cucumbers were 1.8 N less firm, which remained significant in the finished product (P<0.0001). Color differences evidenced by higher hue and lower chroma values (P<0.0269) were consistent with increased photooxidation in CaCl₂ brined cucumbers. Commercial implementation of CaCl₂ brines for cucumber fermentation in open tanks variably resulted in texture and color defects that can impact product quality. Additional research is needed to understand the atypical softening observed at the commercial scale and identify process controls for quality improvements.
Disappearance of the metal-insulator transition in iridate pyrochlores on approaching the ideal R2Ir2O7 stoichiometry

Abstract Recently, rare earth iridates, R2Ir2O7, with the pyrochlore structure have been intensively investigated due to their promise as either topological Mott insulators or Weyl semimetals. Single crystals of such pyrochlores with R = Nd, Sm, Eu, and Dy were prepared hydrothermally in sealed gold tubes at 975 K and show significantly higher electrical resistivities than previously reported for either crystals or polycrystalline samples. Furthermore, none of the present crystals exhibit the metal-insulator transition found for some samples of these phases. Lower resistivities are ascribed to lack of control of x and y in R2-xIr2O7-y in other more commonly used synthesis methods, yielding uncertainty in the Ir oxidation state. We also report resistivity of R2Ru2O7 crystals for R = Yb, Gd, Eu, and Nd, prepared in the same manner. These results suggest that the observed charge transport in hydrothermally grown iridate crystals is that of essentially stoichiometric phases and is consistent a with the existence of Weyl nodes.
A data analytics based approach for modeling the effects of a carbon market on the sustainable control of CO2 emissions in Latin America

Sustainability defines itself with preserving the natural resources, while maintaining a sustained rate of economic growth. Latin American countries are rich in natural resources and this has created an opportunity in exploiting the resources in order to gain economic advances. In particular, the newly rising economic powers in the region are attracting international investments in their oil exploration and production industries. Brazil, Venezuela and Columbia in South and Mexico in North America are among the largest Latin American oil producers of the world. On the other hand, the increasingly concerning effects of the climate change phenomena has drawn significant attention towards methods of controlling the roots of the problem. An important cause as confirmed by the historic emissions data is the man-made Greenhouse Gas emissions resulting from excessive use of fossil fuels, and more importantly the carbon-intensive coal and oil. In this paper, we investigate the possible impacts of an emission control system on Latin American oil producers to control the rate of emissions through a financial market which is referred to as the carbon market. Variations of this system has successfully been implemented in the Europe and some states of the US, such as the state of California. Our approach is based on the system dynamics methodology where the main factors of a complex system are extracted and their causal relations are exploited to obtain mathematical models that can explain the behaviors of overall system. The general tools provided by the system dynamics approach for policy testing makes it very appealing for our purpose which is to test the effect of a carbon market on the Latin American producers. We extend our previous models to fit the Latin American economies focusing on the sustainability issues.
Taking the time? Explaining effortful participation among low-cost online survey participants:

Recent research has shown that Amazon MTurk workers exhibit substantially more effort and attention than respondents in student samples when participating in survey experiments. In this paper, I ex...
Use of Family of Models for Performance Predictions and Decision Making

The issue about performance prediction is the need of a well representative model which can be analytical or mathematical due to non-availability of the future data. Analytical or mathematical models can be identified with the help of current data coming from structural health monitoring (SHM) systems and these models can be used for future performance predictions by incorporating uncertainties coming from modeling and monitoring data. In this study, a well calibrated finite element model (FEM) of a real life structure, which is accepted as the parent model of the family models, is introduced. Based on this model, offspring models, which include the modeling and measurement uncertainties are generated. In the offspring generation process uncertainties such as boundary conditions, loads, geometric and mechanical properties of the elements are defined with distributions. After the generation process, offspring models are analyzed and set of results are obtained for a family of models. These results are used for structural reliability calculations in the performance prediction part of the paper. At this point, the other important considerations such as system model definition and correlation of the components for the system reliability approach are also taken into account. Finally, future performances in the case of instantaneous or continuous structural changes are considered for structural system reliability prediction, which is critical for decision making about future performance of the structure, by incorporating uncertainties from measurement through modeling on the movable bridge.
Evaluating the impact of multilevel evidence-based implementation strategies to enhance provider recommendation on human papillomavirus vaccination rates among an empaneled primary care patient population: a study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial.

Each year, human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 30,000 cancers in the USA despite the availability of effective and safe vaccines. Uptake of HPV vaccine has been low and lags behind other adolescent vaccines. This protocol describes a multilevel intervention to improve HPV vaccination rates. Using a cluster randomized trial, we will evaluate the independent and combined impact of two evidence-based implementation strategies with innovative enhancements on HPV vaccination rates for female and male patients. The clusters are six primary care sites providing care to pediatric populations. We will use a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design, including process evaluation, to test the hypothesis that compared with the current course of care and a practice-level intervention using reminder-recall interventions coupled with provider-level audit and feedback with education increases HPV vaccination rates in exposed clusters. The factorial design allows us to use a single trial to test these two interventions and to assess each individually and in combination. Our design has four 12-month steps. The first step will be a baseline period; data collected during it will provide a within-practice control group for each cluster. Second, two clusters will be randomly assigned to receive intervention 1 (reminder and recall), and two clusters will be randomly selected to receive intervention 2 (audit and feedback with education). Third, the other two clusters will be randomly allocated to intervention 1 or 2. Clusters initially with intervention 1 will be randomly allocated to 1 + 2 or 1; clusters initially with intervention 2 will be randomly allocated to 1 + 2 or 2. Fourth, all clusters will receive both interventions. To ensure balance of patient numbers across interventions, we will use block randomization at the first step, with the six clusters grouped into three pairs according to volume. Our primary outcome will be vaccination rates. Results of our clinical trial and process evaluation will provide evidence showing whether practice- and provider-level interventions improve HPV vaccination rates and will offer insight into contextual factors associated with direction and magnitude of trial outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03501992 , registered April 18, 2018.
Mode I steady-state crack propagation through a fully-yielded ligament in thin ductile metal foils

Abstract Steady-state crack propagation is the advance of a self-similar crack tip with a constant driving force. Though steady-state growth is often described with analytical models, it is rarely experimentally observed or characterized under quasi-static loading conditions. Thin ductile metal sheets, such as the 25.4 μm, 50.8 μm, and 127 μm thick 1235 aluminum specimens used in this study, exhibit steady-state crack propagation but cannot be characterized by conventional linear-elastic (K) or elastic-plastic (J) crack tip parameters that require contained crack tip plastic zones. Instead we used a fully-yielded plastic crack growth resistance analysis (i.e., ligament stresses were above the tensile yield stress) to identify when cracks in thin aluminum sheet specimens reached steady-state propagation conditions. At steady-state a constant, characteristic crack growth resistance, σ c was observed for each sheet thickness ( σ c 25.4 μ m = 60 MPa , σ c 50.8 μ m = 95 MPa , and σ c 127 μ m = 93 MPa ). This σ c -controlled crack growth is dramatically different from conventional linear elastic and elastic plastic crack growth because the plastic zone is uncontained and extends across the remaining ligament.
Printing Strain Gauges on Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Robot End Effectors

Force feedback during robotic surgery is critical in order to minimize potential injury to the patient and decrease recovery time from surgical procedures. Here we describe the use of a novel strain gauge printing method to apply low profile, low cost sensors directly to the surface of da Vinci surgical robot end effectors (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.) to sense deflection and provide force feedback. This additive, vapor-deposition-based sensor fabrication method is used to deposit strain gauges directly onto the surfaces of the end effectors with minimal disruption to the device and without the need for adhesives or machining operations. Initial experiments characterize sensor performance and indicate the applicability of the proposed approach for force feedback during minimally invasive procedures.
Stress-Log: An IoT-based Smart System to Monitor Stress-Eating

Stress eating, i.e., overeating due to stress, is one of the reasons for obesity. Chronic stress releases the hormone cortisol which increases the appetite levels of a person. Initial onset of stress causes a temporary loss of appetite but chronic stress leads to the development of addiction and/or cravings for ’comfort foods’ that are calorific values. Chronic stress, uncontrolled or unmonitored food consumption, and obesity are intricately connected, even involving certain neurological adaptations. We propose a system which helps in identifying stress eating compared to normal eating. It allows the users to make a choice between two proposed methods for monitoring food intake: wearable and non-wearable. These methods take the log of food consumed by the user, calculate the calorie counts and notify the user about the eating behavior with an accuracy of 97%.
Detection of tumors with fluoromarker-releasing bacteria.

Combining the specificity of tumor-targeting bacteria with the sensitivity of biomarker detection would create a screening method able to detect small tumors and metastases. To create this system, we genetically modified an attenuated strain of Salmonella enterica to release a recombinant fluorescent biomarker (or fluoromarker). Salmonella expressing ZsGreen were intravenously administered to tumor-bearing mice and fluoromarker production was induced after 48 hr. The quantities and locations of bacteria and ZsGreen were measured in tumors, livers and spleens by immunofluorescence, and the plasma concentration of ZsGreen was measured using single-layer ELISA. In the plasma, the ZsGreen concentration was in the range of 0.5-1.5 ng/ml and was dependent on tumor mass (with a proportion of 0.81 ± 0.32 ng·ml-1 ·g-1 ). No adverse reaction to ZsGreen or bacteria was observed in any mice. ZsGreen was released at an average rate of 4.3 fg·CFU-1 ·hr-1 and cleared from the plasma with a rate constant of 0.259 hr-1 . ZsGreen production was highest in viable tissue (7.6 fg·CFU-1 ·hr-1 ) and lowest in necrotic tissue (0.47 fg·CFU-1 ·hr-1 ). The mass transfer rate constant from tumor to blood was 0.0125 hr-1 . Based on these measurements, this system has the capability to detect tumors as small as 0.12 g. These results demonstrate four essential mechanisms of this method: (i) preferential tumor colonization by bacteria, (ii) fluoromarker release in vivo, (iii) fluoromarker transport through tumor tissue and (iv) slow enough systemic clearance to enable measurement. This bacteria-based blood test would be minimally invasive and has the potential to identify previously undetectable microscopic tumors.
Tumor necrosis factor-A polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk: A meta-analysis

4242 Inflammation is one of the early phases in the development of gastric cancer. Therefore, several studies have examined the association of polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-A gene (TNF-A) with gastric cancer risk. This meta-analysis reviews and summarizes published evidence for these associations. Searching the PubMed Database yielded 20 independent studies that reported on the associations between TNF-A -308 or TNF-A -238 G>A polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated in the random-effects model using the DerSimonian-Laird method. Q-statistics and I2 statistics were calculated to examine heterogeneity, and funnel plots were plotted to examine small study effects. For TNF-A -308 polymorphism, the overall OR (95% CI) for AG and AA genotypes versus GG genotype was 1.06 (0.90 - 1.26). I2 statistic for this association was 44% and the P-value for Q-statistic was 0.02. For TNF-A -238 polymorphism, the overall OR (95% CI) for AG and AA genotypes versus GG genotype was 1.15 (0.87 - 1.52). I2statistic for this association was equal to zero and the P-value for Q-statistic was 0.43. Limiting the analyses to noncardia gastric cancers, intestinal type cancers, H. pylori-positive subjects, Western or East-Asian populations, or studies in which genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the summary OR remained non-significant for both of these polymorphisms. In conclusion, the overall associations between TNF-A -308 and TNF-A -238 A carrying genotypes (GA and AA) and gastric cancer were null, but there might be some result heterogeneity.
Sharon v. Time: 'Full of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing'

This article explores the case Sharon v. Time, the Kahan Report, and Sharon’s responsibility under International Law. In 1982, Lebanese Christian militias massacred a refugee camp, guarded by the Israeli Defense Forces. The Kahan Report, commissioned to find out more about the massacre, placed indirect responsibility on various Israeli people, including Sharon. A 1983 issue of Time Magazine wrote about Sharon’s involvement, bringing about the lawsuit.
Alcoholics Anonymous: A Vehicle for Achieving Capacity for Secure Attachment Relationships and Adaptive Affect Regulation

This paper examines similarities between the empirically based concepts of attachment theory and the principles and philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is argued that AA can function as a c...
Ketogenic diet combined with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine inhibits tumor growth in a mouse model of anaplastic thyroid cancer

Abstract Background Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an aggressive and fatal malignancy. Many advanced cancers are characterized by glucose dependency, leading to oxidative stress and cellular proliferation. Therefore, we sought to determine if a low glucose environment (in vitro) or a ketogenic diet (in vivo) could inhibit anaplastic thyroid cancer tumor growth when combined with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Methods In vivo, nude mice were injected with the anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line 8505C (n = 6/group). Group 1 was fed a standard diet; Group 2 was fed a ketogenic diet; Group 3 was given standard diet with N-acetylcysteine (40 mM in the drinking water); and Group 4 was fed ketogenic diet with N-acetylcysteine. Tumor volumes, ketones, and glucose were measured. H&E stains and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and Caspase 3 were performed on the tumors. In vitro, 8505C cells were cultured in high glucose (25 mM), low glucose (3 mM), high glucose plus N-acetylcysteine (200 uM), or low glucose plus N-acetylcysteine for 96 hours. We performed CyQUANT proliferation (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA), Seahorse glycolytic stress (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA), and reactive oxidative stress assays. Results Ketogenic diet plus N-acetylcysteine decreased in vivo tumor volume compared to standard diet (22.5 ± 12.4 mm3 vs 147 ± 54.4 mm3, P Conclusion The combination of a ketogenic diet or glucose restriction with the antioxidant- N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Further studies are warranted to explore these metabolic therapies in anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Ghostly givings: Nao Bustamante’s melancholic conjuring of brownness

Centering the relationship between artist Nao Bustamante and the late theorist Jose Esteban Munoz, this article explores the ghostly offerings of performative communal melancholia. Elaborating the ...
Oil spill modeling: Mapping the knowledge domain:

The year 2019 marks the anniversary of two major US offshore oil spills: the 50th anniversary of the Santa Barbara spill and the 30th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez. The consequences of these spil...
Abstract P149: Association Between Disabilities And Cardiovascular Disease Mortality In Diabetic Men And Women

The associations of physical disabilities with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in diabetic patients remains less explored. Purpose: We investigated the associations of activities of daily li...
Extracting Interpretable Features for Fetal Heart Rate Recordings with Gaussian Processes

During labor, fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine activity (UA) are continuously monitored with Cardiotocography (CTG). The FHR and UA signals are visually inspected by obstetricians to assess the fetal well-being. However, due to the subjectivity of the visual inspection, the evaluations of CTG recordings performed by obstetricians have high inter- and intra-variability. The computerized analysis of FHR relies on features either hand-crafted by experts or automatically learned by machine learning methods. However, the popular interpretable FHR features, in general, have low correlation with the pH value of the umbilical cord blood at birth, which is the current gold standard for labeling FHRs in the computerized analysis of FHRs. The features found by machine learning methods, by contrast, usually have limited interpretability. In this paper, in a follow up of our previous work on FHR analysis using Gaussian processes (GPs), we explore the possibility of using the hyperparameters of GPs as interpretable features. Our results indicate that some GP features achieve high correlation with the pH values, while at the same time they are not highly correlated with other popular features.
NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF SUPERNOVA DUST DESTRUCTION. II. METAL-ENRICHED EJECTA KNOTS

Following our previous work, we investigate through hydrodynamic simulations the destruction of newly formed dust grains by sputtering in the reverse shocks of supernova remnants. Using an idealized setup of a planar shock impacting a dense, spherical clump, we implant a population of Lagrangian particles into the clump to represent a distribution of dust grains in size and composition. We vary the relative velocity between the reverse shock and ejecta clump to explore the effects of shock heating and cloud compression. Because supernova ejecta will be metal-enriched, we consider gas metallicities from Z/Z ☉ = 1 to 100 and their influence on the cooling properties of the cloud and the thermal sputtering rates of embedded dust grains. We post-process the simulation output to calculate grain sputtering for a variety of species and size distributions. In the metallicity regime considered in this paper, the balance between increased radiative cooling and increased grain erosion depends on the impact velocity of the reverse shock. For slow shocks (v shock ≤ 3000 km s–1), the amount of dust destruction is comparable across metallicities or in some cases is decreased with increased metallicity. For higher shock velocities (v shock ≥ 5000 km s–1), an increase in metallicity from Z/Z ☉ = 10 to 100 can lead to an additional 24% destruction of the initial dust mass. While the total dust destruction varies widely across grain species and simulation parameters, our most extreme cases result in complete destruction for some grain species and only 44% dust mass survival for the most robust species. These survival rates are important in understanding how early supernovae contribute to the observed dust masses in high-redshift galaxies.
Neuropsychological outcomes following supratotal resection for high‐grade glioma: a review

Supratotal resection (SpTR) of high-grade glioma (HGG), in which surgical removal of the tumor is extended outside the margins of the preoperative radiographic abnormality, has been suggested to improve overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in patients harboring tumors of non-eloquent cortex when compared to gross total resection (GTR). While current literature demonstrates these findings without an increase in post-operative complications or neurological deficits, there remains a paucity of data examining the neuropsychological outcomes of SpTR for HGG. As quality of life dramatically influences survival rates in these patients, it is crucial for neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and neuropsychiatrists to understand the behavioral and cognitive outcomes following SpTR, such that optimal treatment strategies can be tailored for each patient. We performed a comprehensive review of the available literature regarding survival, neuropsychological, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes following SpTR for HGG. We also review neuropsychological and QOL outcomes following GTR for HGG to serve as a framework for better understanding potential implications of SpTR. While results are limited following SpTR for HGG, available data suggests similar outcomes to those seen in patients undergoing GTR of HGG, as well as low-grade glioma. These include a short-term decline in neuropsychological functioning post-surgically with a return to baseline across most neurocognitive domains occurring within several months. Memory and attention remain relatively diminished at long term follow-up. Limited data exist examining postoperative cognitive and behavioral outcomes following SpTR for HGG. While the available data suggests a return to baseline for many neurocognitive domains, attention and memory deficits may persist. However, sample sizes are relatively small and have not been examined in the context of QOL and OS/PFS. More rigorous pre- and post-surgical neuropsychological assessment will help shed light on the long-term cognitive and behavioral effects of SpTR in the setting of HGG and inform clinical care and counseling when SpTR is considered.
Comparative profiles of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific milk antibodies elicited by COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the USA

Three COVID-19 vaccines are licensed for emergency use in the USA: the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna/NIH mRNA-based vaccines, and the Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen human adenovirus (Ad26) vaccine. These vaccines have immunized [~]160 million people nationwide, comprising [~]53% Pfizer, 39% Moderna, and 8% J&J recipients [1]. Although at varying stages of clinical investigation for use in children, no COVID-19 vaccines are yet available for this population, posing a significant public health concern. One method to protect infants and young children may be passive immunization via antibodies (Abs) provided in the milk of a lactating vaccinated person. Our early work [2] and other recent reports [3-5] examining the milk Ab response to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination have demonstrated that unlike the post-SARS-CoV-2 infection milk Ab profile, which is rich in specific secretory (s)IgA, the vaccine response is highly IgG-dominant. In this report, we present a comparative assessment of the milk Ab response elicited by not only the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but importantly, the J&J vaccine as well. This analysis revealed that compared to mRNA vaccine recipients, 49% - 63% fewer J&J vaccine recipient milk samples were positive for Spike-specific IgG, with positive samples exhibiting significantly lower mean IgG titers. J&J recipient milk samples contained significantly less specific IgA than Moderna recipient milk samples, which exhibited significantly greater relative IgA increases compared to both Pfizer and J&J recipients. Absolute and relative vaccine-induced secretory Ab titers were similarly low for all groups, though [~]25% more Moderna recipients exhibited a relative increase compared to Pfizer and J&J recipients. These data indicate that J&J vaccine poorly elicits Spike-specific Ab in milk compared to mRNA-based vaccines and that this vaccine should be considered a last choice for immunizing those intending to elicit a strong Ab response in their milk. These data also suggest that Moderna vaccine elicits a superior, albeit moderate, milk (s)IgA response, and highlight the need to design vaccines with optimal protection of the breastfeeding infant in mind.
A Case Report of Opisthotonos Associated with Administration of Intramuscular Ketamine.

Introduction Ketamine, a commonly used medication to treat agitation, has known adverse effects such as emergence reactions, vomiting, and laryngospasm. Opisthotonos has not been a commonly reported adverse reaction. Case report We report a case of opisthotonos brought on by administration of ketamine. A 24-year-old male with a history of schizophrenia was brought in by emergency medical services with opisthotonos shortly after treatment with 250 milligrams intramuscular ketamine by paramedics. He had become increasingly paranoid after being off his aripiprazole for a few weeks, and his family had become afraid for his and their safety. Paramedics administered ketamine to control his combative agitation, per protocol. The patient's extreme neck and back extension rapidly resolved with the administration of midazolam. Further history and workup did not reveal another cause for opisthotonos. Conclusion This is the first reported case to our knowledge of ketamine-associated opisthotonos in the emergency setting. Emergency care providers should be aware of this potential side effect.
Geochemical Rate Models: An Introduction to Geochemical Kinetics

Preface 1. Geochemical models 2. Modeling tools 3. Rate equations 4. Chemical reactors 5. Molecular kinetics 6. Surface kinetics 7. Diffusion and advection 8. Quasi-kinetics 9. Accretion and transformation kinetics 10. Pattern formation References Index.
A Review of Reasonable Doubt

In every national poll that has been taken in the United States since the assassination of John F. Kennedy on 22 Nov. 1963, a large majority of Americans have expressed their unwillingness to accept the principal conclusion of the Warren Commission Report (WCR), namely, that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the planning and execution of the President's murder in Dallas 23 years ago. While it is obviously true that guilt or innocence and the question of conspiracy are not matters to be ultimately determined by popular vote, the continuing and overwhelming rejection of the findings of a Presidential blue ribbon panel is not a matter that should be casually ignored. When one considers the intensive, well-orchestrated efforts by various governmental agencies and powerful segments of the news media during the past two decades (frequently associated with ad hominem attacks against one or more of the WCR critics) to convince the American public of the thoroughness and validity of the original investigation, then the repudiation of the WCR by a substantial majority of people in this country (and throughout the world) assumes a much greater significance.
The Institutional Theory of John R. Commons: Foundation for a Heterodox Labor Economics

Over the last three decades neoclassical economic theory has become the dominate approach for the study of labor, most clearly in North America but also increasingly in Europe and elsewhere. Rival heterodox approaches, on the other hand, are threatened with marginalization, partly due to the imperializing tendencies of neoclassical economics and partly due to the inability of heterodox economists to articulate an alternative unified theoretical framework. The purpose of this paper is to push forward the heterodox project by outlining a theoretical framework and set of core ideas that may provide the basis for an alterative paradigm. Toward this end, I re-examine the theoretical writings of institutional economist John R. Commons and describe and synthesize his theory of institutional economics. Although his theory is general, I focus on its application to the study of labor. Key concepts are bounded rationality, property rights, working rules, institutions, transactions, and incomplete contracts. I argue that these concepts not only form a coherent body of theory but also give rise to numerous insights and predictions about labor markets and the employment relationship, highlight crucial weaknesses and lacunas in the neoclassical approach, and provide a theoretical framework for an integration of the economic and social dimensions of human behavior.