cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discovery of Multicomponent Heterogeneous Catalysts via Admixture Screening: PdBiTe Catalysts for Aerobic Oxidative Esterification of Primary Alcohols

In the present study, we demonstrate the utility of “admixture screening” for the discovery of new multicomponent heterogeneous Pd catalyst compositions that are highly effective for aerobic oxidative methyl esterification of primary alcohols. The identification of possible catalysts for this reaction was initiated by the screening of simple binary and ternary admixtures of Pd/charcoal in combination with one or two metal and/or metalloid components as the catalyst. This approach permitted rapid evaluation of over 400 admixture combinations for the oxidative methyl esterification of 1-octanol at 60 °C in methanol. Product yields from these reactions varied widely, ranging from 2% to 88%. The highest yields were observed with Bi-, Te-, and Pb-based additives, and particularly from those containing both Bi and Te. Validation of the results was achieved by preparing specific PdBiTe catalyst formulations via a wet-impregnation method, followed by application of response surface methodology to identify the opt...
Abstract 16: Evaluation of the efficacy of clotrimazole treatment in human melanoma cell lines that overexpress the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and the lung resistance-related protein (LRP)

Drug resistance to chemotherapy, mediated in part by overexpression of P-glycoprotein (MDR-1), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), or lung resistance-realted protein (LRP), continues to be a major problem in the treatment of melanoma. Because we previously demonstrated the ability of clotrimazole to enhance cytotoxicity in human metastatic melanoma cells, here we evaluated the ability of clotrimazole to treat drug-resistant human melanoma cells that overexpress MRP and/or LRP. We utilized human melanoma cell lines that overexpress either MDR or LRP, and human melanoma cell lines that overexpress both. Cell growth and cell death were analyzed by flow cytometry, proliferation assays, and immunoblotting after drug treatments and RNA interference. Clotrimazole caused significant decreases in proliferation and increases in cell death in both drug-sensitive melanoma lines and those overexpressing MRP and LRP. No extensive cell death was induced by clotrimazole treatment in noncancerous human skin cell lines. These results indicate that clotrimazole selectively induces cytotoxicity in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant melanoma lines. As clotrimazole is known to inhibit various transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, we pretreated these melanoma lines with TRP inhibitors or RNAi. Inhibitors of the TRP melastatin-8 channel (TRPM8) or TRP vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) failed to produce comparable levels of cell death caused by clotrimazole. However, RNAi silencing of the TRPM2 cation channel caused significant levels of cell death in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant melanoma lines. These results indicated that inhibition of TRPM2 channels may have a primary role in the ability of clotrimazole to treat drug-sensitive and drug-resistant melanoma lines. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that clotrimazole selectively increases cell death in drug-resistant melanoma lines, with minimal deleterious effects in normal skin cells. Taken together, we conclude that clotrimazole has in vitro efficacy toward the treatment of drug-resistant human melanoma cells. Thus, these preliminary studies indicate that clotrimazole has the potential to successfully treat drug resistant melanoma in the future. Citation Format: Steven D. Blake, Shelby G. McKamey, Christopher M. Tweed, David W. Koh. Evaluation of the efficacy of clotrimazole treatment in human melanoma cell lines that overexpress the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and the lung resistance-related protein (LRP) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 16. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-16
English is an African language – Ka Dupe! [for and against Ngũgĩ]

In a radical departure from the orthodoxies of postcolonial African cultural and linguistic nationalism, the paper calls for acceptance of English as an African language with a central argument tha...
Hanson-Antczak-Type Sonvexity III

In this chapter, several second-order parametric duality results under various Hanson-Antczak-type generalized \((\alpha ,\beta , \gamma ,\xi ,\eta ,\rho ,\theta )\)-V-invexity conditions for a semi-infinite multiobjective fractional programming problem are presented.
Ethno-theatre: Exploring a narrative intervention for trafficking survivors

ABSTRACTIn the age of positivist research inquiry, evidence-based research is gaining momentum. Quantitative data supporting theoretical reasoning is allowing several advances in the Western social work curriculum and practice. However, with increasing emphasis on quantifiable significance of research outcomes, several issues and populations are being underrepresented in social work arena. Historically, the Eastern social work tradition has embraced multiple research approaches from various social science disciplines. Deriving from an anthropological approach, in this article ethno-theatre is used as a tool of narrative therapy for victims of human trafficking to assess its impact of witnessing lived experience narrated by trained actors. Results of this study reveal that staging victim narratives for girls who were sex-trafficked as minors create a cathartic environment of comfort where victims feel positive, important and empowered. This model hypothesizes that ethno-theatre operated within the framewor...
Red Alert: On The Need for More Research on Corporate Social Responsibility Appeals in Advertising

Because of my own research interests, I make a point of watching the advertising as “big events” such as the Super Bowl, World Cup Soccer, the Academy Awards, and the Olympics. These events in some...
Review of mini-clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-cex) in a psychiatry clerkship

Background Direct observation of medical students with actual patients is important for the assessment of clinical skills including interviewing and counseling skills. This article describes medical students' experience of mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) during their clerkship in consultation psychiatry. Materials and methods In our center during inpatient consultation psychiatry clerkship, all rotating students are expected to complete one mini-CEX assessment as part of their clinical training. We conducted retrospective analysis of mini-CEX ratings completed from 2013 to 2016. All evaluations took place at inpatient medical setting in patients admitted with medical conditions and psychiatric comorbidities. Results A total of 113 evaluations were reviewed. The time examiner observed the interaction of a student with the patient was 14.24 minutes (mean), and the time spent in providing feedback to the student was 9.71 minutes. Complexity of problem was rated as low in 0.88% (n=1), moderate in 50.44% (n=57), and high in 48.67% (n=55). Highest ratings were for professionalism, similar to previous reports. Total score calculated by examiner showed no difference by the complexity of the patient; however, we observed a trend in higher counseling score for the high complexity group. Conclusion Mini-CEX assessment during busy clerkship is feasible with good outcomes. Direct observation of medical trainees with actual patients is important for the assessment of performance-based clinical skills. Hospital psychiatry rotation covering various medical and surgical units offers a great opportunity for exposure in patient communication.
The Adaptationist Programme in Molecular Evolution: The Origins of Genetic Codes

Salthe (1982) has recently argued that a few notable contemporary evolutionary spokespersons are “guilty of excluding the origin of life from evolutionary theory.” This Anglo-American position has had strong currents ever since Darwin and has been criticized since then, especially by scholars from a Germanic-monistic tradition (Farley, 1972): British scientists, whether followers of Bacon, Mill, or Whewell, were in agreement that any discussion of the origin of life was beyond the scope of science... a reluctance to discuss the origin of life was [due to] the strong background of Natural Theology. To dismiss God as the designer of organic life was one thing, but to dismiss him as the creator of life was quite another.
Do the Different Sensory Areas Within the Cat Anterior Ectosylvian Sulcal Cortex Collectively Represent a Network Multisensory Hub

Current theory supports that the numerous functional areas of the cerebral cortex are organized and function as a network. Using connectional databases and computational approaches, the cerebral network has been demonstrated to exhibit a hierarchical structure composed of areas, clusters and, ultimately, hubs. Hubs are highly connected, higher-order regions that also facilitate communication between different sensory modalities. One region computationally identified network hub is the visual area of the Anterior Ectosylvian Sulcal cortex (AESc) of the cat. The Anterior Ectosylvian Visual area (AEV) is but one component of the AESc that also includes the auditory (Field of the Anterior Ectosylvian Sulcus - FAES) and somatosensory (Fourth somatosensory representation - SIV). To better understand the nature of cortical network hubs, the present report reviews the biological features of the AESc. Within the AESc, each area has extensive external cortical connections as well as among one another. Each of these core representations is separated by a transition zone characterized by bimodal neurons that share sensory properties of both adjoining core areas. Finally, core and transition zones are underlain by a continuous sheet of layer 5 neurons that project to common output structures. Altogether, these shared properties suggest that the collective AESc region represents a multiple sensory/multisensory cortical network hub. Ultimately, such an interconnected, composite structure adds complexity and biological detail to the understanding of cortical network hubs and their function in cortical processing.
A New Calibration Method for Achieving High Insertion-Loss Measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer

We present a new calibration method for achieving high insertion-loss measurements with a vector network analyzer (VNA). The method requires a characterized attenuator and other additional hardware, including an amplifier, an isolator, two directional couplers, and two attenuators. With this setup, we measure wave-parameters rather than scattering-parameters. This technique enables us to shift the dynamic range of our measurements while decreasing uncertainties due to the noise floor of the VNA. With hardware available in our laboratory, we can measure values of insertion-loss up to 150 dB.
Effect of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy vs Standard of Care on Tinnitus-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is an internationally recognized, but controversial, protocol of uncertain efficacy that uses tinnitus-specific educational counseling (TC) and sound therapy (ST) to reduce the patient’s tinnitus-evoked negative reaction to, and awareness of, tinnitus. Objective To compare the efficacy of TRT and its components, ST and TC, with the standard of care (SoC) in reducing the negative effect of tinnitus on quality of life. Design, Setting, and Participants A randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 3 trial was conducted from August 4, 2011, to June 20, 2017, at 6 US military hospitals, the study chairs’ office, and a data coordinating center, among 151 active-duty and retired military personnel and dependents with functionally adequate hearing sensitivity and moderate to severe subjective tinnitus. All analyses were based on intention to treat. Interventions Central randomized allocation to TRT (TC and ST with conventional sound generators), partial TRT (TC with placebo sound generators), or SoC. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was mean change on the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), assessed longitudinally between baseline and 18 months after start of therapy. The secondary outcomes were changes in TQ subscales, Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) total and subscales, as well as a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Results Among the 151 participants in the study (44 women and 107 men; mean [SD] age, 50.6 [11.3] years), 51 were randomized to receive TRT, 51 to receive partial TRT, and 49 to receive standard of care. Longitudinal analyses showed no difference between partial TRT or TRT compared with SoC, or partial TRT compared with TRT, on TQ, TFI, or THI total scores. Comparison of changes in mean score from baseline to the 18-month visit also showed no difference between treatment groups. Significant improvement was observed at 18 months in all treatment groups on TQ scores for TRT (effect size, −1.32; 95% CI, −1.78 to −0.85), partial TRT (effect size, −1.16; 95% CI, −1.56 to −0.76), and SoC (effect size, −1.01; 95% CI, −1.41 to −0.61). Compared with baseline scores, at 18 months there were reductions in scores by 7 points or more on the TQ score for 86 of 111 participants (77.55%; 95% CI, 69.7%-85.2%), 13 points or more on the TFI for 52 of 111 participants (46.8%; 95% CI, 37.6%-56.1%), 7 points or more on the THI for 63 of 111 participants (56.8%; 95% CI, 47.5%-66.0%), and 2 points or more on the VAS for 45 of 93 participants (48.4%; 95% CI, 38.2%-58.5%). Conclusions and Relevance There were few differences between treatment groups. About half of participants showed clinically meaningful reductions in the effect of tinnitus. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT01177137
Integrated Multiobjective Optimization and Simulation Model Applied to Drinking Water Treatment Placement in the Context of Existing Infrastructure

AbstractDrinking water systems provide consistent and safe supplies of water across urban areas through the use of treatment and distribution infrastructure. Design of drinking water infrastructure...
Biochemistry in the Lab: A Manual for Undergraduates

Most lab manuals assume a high level of knowledge among biochemistry students, as well as a large amount of experience combining knowledge from separate scientific disciplines. Biochemistry in the Lab: A Manual for Undergraduates expects little more than basic chemistry. It explains procedures clearly, as well as giving a clear explanation of the theoretical reason for those steps. Key Features: Presents a comprehensive approach to modern biochemistry laboratory teaching, together with a complete experimental experience Includes chemical biology as its foundation, teaching readers experimental methods specific to the field Provides instructor experiments that are easy to prepare and execute, at comparatively low cost Supersedes existing, older texts with information that is adjusted to modern experimental biochemistry Is written by an expert in the field This textbook presents a foundational approach to modern biochemistry laboratory teaching together with a complete experimental experience, from protein purification and characterization to advanced analytical techniques. It has modules to help instructors present the techniques used in a time critical manner, as well as several modules to study protein chemistry, including gel techniques, enzymology, crystal growth, unfolding studies, and fluorescence. It proceeds from the simplest and most important techniques to the most difficult and specialized ones. It offers instructors experiments that are easy to prepare and execute, at comparatively low cost.
Characterizing the impact of health literacy, computer ability, patient demographics, and portal usage on patient satisfaction with a patient portal.

Objective We sought to measure patient portal satisfaction with patient portals and characterize its relationship to attitude towards computers, health literacy, portal usage, and patient demographics. Materials and Methods We invited 13 040 patients from an academic medical center to complete a survey measuring satisfaction, perceived control over computers, and health literacy using validated instruments (End User Computing Satisfaction, Computer Attitude Measure, and Brief Health Literacy Screen). We extracted portal usage and demographic information from the medical center data warehouse. Results A total of 6026 (46.2%) patients completed the survey. The median (IQR) scores for satisfaction, computer control, and health literacy were 87% (20%), 86% (22%), and 95% (15%), respectively. The normalized mean (SD) usage of messaging, lab, appointment, medication, and immunization functions were 6.6 (2.6), 4.6 (2.4), 3.1 (1.7), 1.5 (1.2), and 0.88 (0.91) times, respectively. Logistic regression yielded significant odds ratios [99% CI] for computer control (3.6 [2.5-5.2]), health literacy (12 [6.9-23]), and immunization function usage (0.84 [0.73-0.96]). Discussion Respondents were highly satisfied and had high degrees of computer control and health literacy. Statistical analysis revealed that higher computer control and health literacy predicted higher satisfaction, whereas usage of the immunization function predicted lower satisfaction. Overall, the analytical model had low predictive capability, suggesting that we failed to capture the main drivers of satisfaction, or there was inadequate variation in satisfaction to delineate its contributing factors. Conclusion This study provides insight into patient satisfaction with and usage of a patient portal. These data can guide the development of the patient portal, with the ultimate goal of increasing functionality and usability to enhance the patient experience.
Uncertainty Propagation for Compositional Flow Using a Probability Distribution Method

The paper presents a novel approach for uncertainty propagation in multicomponent two-phase displacements. This approach originates from and extends the frozen streamlines (FROST) distribution method for two-phase Buckley–Leverett displacements described in Ibrahima et al. (Transp Porous Media 109(1):81–107, 2015). The developed FROST method for multicomponent systems relies on the analytical solutions of gas–oil displacements provided by the theory of gas injection processes. With examples considering a stochastic porosity field in 1-D, we apply the developed framework to uncertainty propagation in three- and four-component systems to obtain the probability distribution of different compositions in space and time and verify that the results are in excellent agreement with the reference analytical Monte Carlo simulations.
Pore-scale evidence of ion exclusion during methane hydrate growth and evolution of hydrate pore-habit in sandy sediments

Abstract Hydrate-bearing sediments constitute complex hydrological systems, within which the pore habit of hydrate significantly affects all physical properties. However, there is scarce pore-scale evidence of the evolution of hydrate growth in porous media and the influence of water salinity in the micro-morphology of hydrate. In this paper, we used X-ray computed micro-tomography (CT) to monitor three experiments of methane hydrate growth in sand partially saturated with either NaBr or KI brine under excess-gas conditions. Gas, brine and hydrate are observed to co-exist at the pore-scale during the evolution of hydrate pore-habit towards three-phase equilibrium. The experiments and data analysis reveal that (1) hydrate forms as a porous medium mixed with inclusions of brine and gas, where hydrate and brine evolve gradually into separate phases as hydrate cages exclude salt ions, (2) hydrate growth mobilizes water over fairly long distances resulting in heterogeneous hydrate distribution, and (3) hydrate can exhibit interconnecting pore-habit at local hydrate saturations higher than ~50%, even if grown under excess-gas conditions. The results imply that hydrate micro-morphology and pore habit evolve during hydrate formation and, we suggest, so do the physical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments. Our findings provide new insights into the micro-morphology of hydrate and evolution of the properties of hydrate-bearing sediments synthesized in the laboratory and in natural systems.
The Ryanodine Receptor Contributes to the Lysophosphatidylcholine-Induced Mineralization in Valvular Interstitial Cells

Fibrocalcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is caused by the deposition of calcific nodules in the aortic valve leaflets, resulting in progressive loss of function that ultimately requires surgical intervention. This process is actively mediated by the resident valvular interstitial cells (VICs), which, in response to oxidized lipids, transition from a quiescent to an osteoblast-like state. The purpose of this study was to examine if the ryanodine receptor, an intracellular calcium channel, could be therapeutically targeted to prevent this phenotypic conversion. The expression of the ryanodine receptor in porcine aortic VICs was characterized by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Next, the VICs were exposed to lysophosphatidylcholine, an oxidized lipid commonly found in low-density lipoprotein, while the activity of the ryanodine receptor was modulated with ryanodine. The cultures were analyzed for markers of cellular mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, proliferation, and apoptosis. Porcine aortic VICs predominantly express isoform 3 of the ryanodine receptors, and this protein mediates the cellular response to LPC. Exposure to LPC caused elevated intracellular calcium concentration in VICs, raised levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, and increased calcific nodule formation, but these changes were reversed when the activity of the ryanodine receptor was blocked. Our findings suggest blocking the activity of the ryanodine receptor can attenuate the valvular mineralization caused by LPC. We conclude that oxidized lipids, such as LPC, play an important role in the development and progression of CAVD and that the ryanodine receptor is a promising target for pharmacological intervention.
Emerging Roles for 3' UTRs in Neurons.

The 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) of mRNAs serve as hubs for post-transcriptional control as the targets of microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Sequences in 3′ UTRs confer alterations in mRNA stability, direct mRNA localization to subcellular regions, and impart translational control. Thousands of mRNAs are localized to subcellular compartments in neurons—including axons, dendrites, and synapses—where they are thought to undergo local translation. Despite an established role for 3′ UTR sequences in imparting mRNA localization in neurons, the specific RNA sequences and structural features at play remain poorly understood. The nervous system selectively expresses longer 3′ UTR isoforms via alternative polyadenylation (APA). The regulation of APA in neurons and the neuronal functions of longer 3′ UTR mRNA isoforms are starting to be uncovered. Surprising roles for 3′ UTRs are emerging beyond the regulation of protein synthesis and include roles as RBP delivery scaffolds and regulators of alternative splicing. Evidence is also emerging that 3′ UTRs can be cleaved, leading to stable, isolated 3′ UTR fragments which are of unknown function. Mutations in 3′ UTRs are implicated in several neurological disorders—more studies are needed to uncover how these mutations impact gene regulation and what is their relationship to disease severity.
Chest radiologic manifestations of severe hand-foot-mouth disease in children

Objective To investigate the chest radiologic manifestations of severe hand-footmouth Disease(HFMD).Methods Chest X-ray and CT manifestations of 34 children with HFMD were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were confirmed by comprehensive clinical data.Results The Xray of HFMD showed the decreased translucency of the lung field,mainly to different size,range patchy shadows for content type,and pulmonary interstitial infiltration with abnormal lung markings,stripe,reticular shadows.Conclusions The chest X-ray,CT manifestations of children patients with HFMD are correlated with the progression of disease,which reflect condition changs,has important guiding significance for treatment and prognosis. Key words: Hand-foot-mouth disease; Severe case; Chest; X-ray; Chest computed tomography(CT)
Evidence for an expanded repertoire of electron acceptors for the anaerobic oxidation of methane in authigenic carbonates in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean

Authigenic carbonates represent a significant microbial sink for methane, yet little is known about the microbiome responsible for the methane removal. We identify carbonate microbiomes distributed over 21 locations hosted by 7 different cold seeps in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans by carrying out a gene-based survey using 16S rRNA- and mcrA gene sequencing coupled with metagenomic analyses. These sites were dominated by bacteria affiliated to the Firmicutes, Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria. ANME-1 and -2 clades were abundant in the carbonates yet their typical syntrophic partners, sulfate reducing bacteria, were not significantly present. Our analysis indicated that methane oxidizers affiliated to the ANME-1 and -2 as well as to the Candidatus Methanoperedens clades, are capable of performing complete methane- and potentially short-chain alkane oxidations independently using oxidized sulfur and nitrogen compounds as terminal electron acceptors. Gammaproteobacteria are hypothetically capable of utilizing oxidized nitrogen compounds in potential syntrophy with methane oxidizing archaea. Carbonate structures represent a window for a more diverse utilization of electron acceptors for anaerobic methane oxidation along the Atlantic and Pacific Margin.
Exceptional mortality risk among police-identified young black male gang members

Abstract Gang membership is associated with many risky behaviors but is often overlooked as a source of mortality among young Americans. Gang Member-Linked Mortality Files (GM-LMFs) match St. Louis, Missouri gang members listed in a law enforcement gang database to mortality records in the National Death Index. We created three analytic samples composed of black males aged 15–35 years by merging cases of the GM-LMFs with National Vital Statistics System and Census data in years 1993–2016. Mortality rates standardized to the 15–35-year-old 2010 U.S. male population were estimated for all-cause (1477.4, 99% CI = 1451.5–1503.3), homicide (950.1, 99% CI = 932.2–967.9), non-homicide injury (314.0, 99% CI = 308.8–319.2), and non-injury (213.3, 99% CI = 202.3–224.4) deaths in the GM-LMFs. We fitted Poisson rate models to estimate mortality rate ratios (RR) between gang members and demographically-matched comparison groups. Black male gang members in St. Louis were at an elevated mortality risk from all causes of death, and homicides contributed substantially to this risk. Compared to black males in St. Louis, gang members experienced greater relative risk of all-cause (RR = 2.9, 99% CI = 2.4–3.5), homicide (RR = 3.2, 99% CI = 2.5–4.1), and non-homicide injury (RR = 4.0, 99% CI = 2.8–5.8) mortality between 1993 and 2016. Relative risk was greater when compared to black males in St. Louis MSA, Missouri, and the USA. These results identify a key source of excess mortality among young black Americans. Health policies and interventions may be most efficacious when they acknowledge, address, and incorporate information about and target high-risk populations, including gang members, that contribute to relatively high mortality risk in the USA.
Ruling Against the Executive in Amparo Cases: Evidence from Peru’s Constitutional Tribunal

In this paper, we systematically analyze decisions made by the Peruvian Constitutional Tribunal from 1996 to 2006 in amparo cases, which significantly impact individual rights. We ask the following question: in these types of cases, what conditions led the Tribunal to assert itself against the executive? Through an analysis of Tribunal decisions during the presidencies of Alberto Fujimori and Alejandro Toledo, we find that the Tribunal is more likely to rule against the executive, as the public’s confidence in the executive decreases and as the share of congressional seats of the president’s party declines. Further, the Tribunal is more willing to decide cases against the executive in areas that most pervade its docket, specifically in the areas of pensions and employment. These findings add to the comparative and American judicial politics literature by showing that high courts, even relatively weak ones, follow politics, but that case subject area and prevalence may temper this tendency.
66942 Metabolomic endotype of bioenergetic dysfunction predicts mortality in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure

ABSTRACT IMPACT: The pathophysiologic features of a metabolomic endotype that predicts patient outcomes due to sepsis have the potential to direct new therapies that target immune dysregulation and bioenergetic insufficiency. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring mechanical ventilation is a frequent complication of sepsis and other disorders. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite its severity and prevalence, little is known about metabolic and bioenergetic changes that accompanying ARF. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In this study, semiquantitative and quantitative ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UHPLC MS) analysis was performed on patient serum collected from the Trial with Acute Respiratory failure patients: evaluation of Global Exercise Therapies (TARGET). Serum from survivors (n=15) and nonsurvivors (n=15) was collected at day 1 and day 3 after admission to the medical intensive care unit as well as at discharge in survivors. Pathway analysis of the biochemical changes was performed to determine whether the disruption in specific metabolic pathways can identify the bioenergetic and metabolomic profile of these patients. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Significant metabolomic differences were related to biosynthetic intermediates of redox cofactors nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NAD phosphate (NADP), increased acyl-carnitines, and decreased acyl-glycerophosphocholines in nonsurvivors compared to survivors. The metabolites associated with poor outcomes are substrates of enzymatic processes dependent on NAD(P), while the abundance of NAD cofactors rely on the bioavailability of dietary vitamins B1, B2 and B6. Changes in the efficiency of the nicotinamide-derived cofactors’ biosynthetic pathways also associate with an alteration of the glutathione-dependent drug metabolism as characterized by the substantial differences observed in the acetaminophen metabolome. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This metabolomic endotype represents a previously unappreciated association between severity of outcomes and micronutrient deficiency, thus pointing to new pharmacologic targets and highlighting the need for nutritional remediation upon hospitalization to improve patient outcomes due to ARF.
COVID-19: Moral and Ethical Implications for Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has made a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide, with a large influx of patients prompting the cancellation of elective surgery in order to conserve resources and prevent the risk of exposure to the novel virus. In this case report, we present a 66-year-old male patient, with a history of cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, exhibiting an increasing loss of function over the course of 10 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient was initially refused transport to the hospital by emergency medical services and later transported per independent request from his surgeon. Upon admittance to the hospital, the patient was found to have severe spinal cord compression with myelopathic symptoms and underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. This case highlights the need for more specific guidelines regarding the evaluation of a spinal injury by EMS and the hospital system amid a national crisis.
Perspectives of Patients and Providers on the Use of Telemedicine for Chronic Disease Specialty Care in the Alaska Tribal Health System.

Background: There are disparities in access to specialty care for chronic diseases in rural populations. Telemedicine has been proposed to improve access. Introduction: The objective of this study was to identify predictors of telemedicine use for chronic disease specialty care in the Alaska Tribal Health System. Materials and Methods: We collected data from patients and providers about benefits, barriers, and deciding factors for or against telemedicine use. Participants were recruited from three regional tribal health organizations in Alaska during 2019. Data were collected using a patient survey, a provider survey, and patient focus groups. Results: Of the 153 patients surveyed, 104 had never used telemedicine, and 71 (68% of never users) were open to it if offered. Of the 29 providers surveyed, 27 (93%) stated a preference for using telemedicine in the follow-up phase of care. In the focus groups conducted with telemedicine ever users (n = 23) and never users (n = 14), the identified barriers and benefits were similar, but never users were more likely to emphasize patient preference as a deciding factor, whereas ever users described clinic-related deciding factors more commonly. Relationship building before telemedicine visits was identified as important by some focus group participants. Discussion: This study adds to the literature on patient and provider views of benefits, barriers, and deciding factors for or against the use of telemedicine before the COVID-19 pandemic. These views may evolve over time. Conclusions: Patients and providers identify benefits of telemedicine that may outweigh the barriers in many settings.
Modeling Interface Debonding in Coated Fuel Particles with BISON

This work introduces a meshed debonding model intended for use with tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles. The ability to better examine the potential effects of interface debonding betwee...
Clinical Manifestations of Isolated Elevated Homosysteine-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Adults (P7.084)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical features of isolated elevated plasma homosysteine (eHcy)-induced peripheral neuropathy (IHIN) in adults. BACKGROUND: Homocysteine is an intermediary metabolite of methionine during methylation. eHcy has been observed in many medical conditions. Lately, we reported that eHcy is an independent risk factor for the development of peripheral neuropathy and the electrophysiologic features of IHIN are a mild large fiber sensorimotor neuropathy with mixed neurophysiologic features of mild demyelination and distal axonal degeneration, although small fiber involvement cannot be dismissed. However, no description of IHIN clinical features is seen in literature. DESIGN/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts with a diagnosis IHIN of subjects who visited neuromuscular clinic from January 1, 2012 to September 30, 2014. Subjects with any identifiable etiology other than eHcy for neuropathy, such as vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency; metabolic, toxic, endocrinologic, infectious, inflammatory, renal or liver diseases; or traumatic nerve injury, were excluded. Their clinical presentations were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty subjects (age: 63.2±14.8 years, mean±SD, Male/Female=13/17) who met the inclusion criteria were included. They all had an isolated increased homocysteine level (15.4±5.3 μmol/L; normal: 5.4) and methylmanolic acid (154.8±81.9 nmoI/L; normal: 73-376). Among them, complaints of sensory symptoms were predominantly prevalent. Distal sensory deficits, although mild, were seen in approximately 2/3 of the cohort (18/30, 60[percnt]) including numbness (16/30, 46.7[percnt]), tingling (10/30, 33.3[percnt]) pain (7/30, 23.3[percnt]) and abnormal Romberg sign (7/29, 24.1[percnt]). Subjective complaints of mild distal limb weakness (4/30, 13.3[percnt]) were also seen. Decreased tendon reflexes were seen in less than half IHIN subjects (12/28, 42.9[percnt]). CONCLUSIONS: Sensory deficits constituted predominant components of IHIN clinical presentations in our series. Characterizing clinical features of IHIN would help better understand eHcy-related neuropathy and improve its management. Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Shandal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Luo has nothing to disclose.
Selective Purification of Na,K-ATPase and CA2+, Mg2+-ATPase from Eel Electroplax

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methods used for selective purification of Na,K-ATPase and CA 2+ ,Mg 2+ -ATPase from eel electroplax. After screening a number of commercially available detergents, it is found that the nonionic polyoxyethylene detergent Brij-56 provides a soluble Na,K-ATPase of high specific activity with high yield and relative ease of preparation. This method involves a repetitive extraction of the eel microsomes with 0.6 M KCl, followed by a deionized water wash before exposing the microsome to first a low (1:5) and then a high (1:1) ratio of detergent to protein. The latter detergent extraction solubilizes the Na, K-ATPase, which exhibits a high degree of homogeneity, and has a specific activity at 25°C of 5.2 μmoles Pi/(mg × min). This soluble enzyme can be stored in definitely in liquid nitrogen. Eel electroplax also contain a high concentration of calmodulin. Calmodulin has been shown to modulate the activity of calcium pumps in other membrane systems such as the red blood cell, brain, and adipocytes. The presence of such a calcium pump has not been reported in electroplax.
Information Cannot be Owned: There is More of a Difference than Many Think

Apart from technology, the information age has up to now badly served its idol. It has failed sufficiently to recognize specific features of information. This is shown with respect to the question whether legal rights on information can take the form of ownership. The answer is negative considering that communication by its very nature is free and constitutes a basic value, and furthermore that law is itself information and cannot systematically dispose of information flows. Analyzing the phenomenon of information, the differences of its properties as compared with those of a physical object are illustrated and assessed as fundamental; ownership would therefore be for information a Procrustean bed leading to mere arbitrariness. Intellectual property, although granting exclusive rights concerning information is not by itself opposed to these findings. But the conflict arises, if its purpose of shaping competitive advantages is spoiled to the detriment of information flows by lack of neutrality in two senses: the lack of balance between the title holder's value generation and the reward, and of neutrality towards the various kinds of communicative relationships.
Preferential neuronal loss in layer III of the medial entorhinal cortex in rat models of temporal lobe epilepsy

We recently described a pronounced neuronal loss in layer III of the entorhinal cortex (EC) in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (Du et al., 1993a). To explore the pathophysiology underlying this distinct neuropathology, we examined the EC in three established rat models of epilepsy using Nissl staining and parvalbumin immunohistochemistry. Adult male rats were either electrically stimulated in the ventral hippocampus for 90 min or injected with kainic acid or lithium/pilocarpine. Animals were observed for behavioral changes for up to 6 hr and were killed 24 hr or 4 weeks after the experimental treatments. At 24 hr, all animals that had exhibited a bout of acute status epilepticus showed a consistent pattern of neuronal loss in the EC in Nissl-stained sections. Neurodegeneration was most pronounced in layer III of the medial Ec at all dorsoventral levels. A few surviving neurons were frequently present in the lesioned area. An identical pattern of nerve cell loss was also seen in the EC of rats killed 4 weeks following the treatments. This lesion was completely prevented by an injection of diazepam and pentobarbital, given 1 hr after kainic acid administration. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a relative resistance of parvalbumin-positive neurons in layer III of the medial EC. Taken together, these experiments indicate that prolonged seizures cause a preferential neuronal loss in layer III of the medial EC and that this lesion may be related to a pathological elevation of intracellular calcium ion concentrations.
On Schrodinger Maps

We study the question of well-posedness of the Cauchy problem for Schrodinger maps from ℝ × ℝ2 to the sphere 2 or to ℍ2, the hyperbolic space. The idea is to choose an appropriate gauge change so that the derivatives of the map will satisfy a certain nonlinear Schrodinger system of equations and then study this modified Schrodinger map system (MSM). We then prove local well-posedness of the Cauchy problem for the MSM with minimal regularity assumptions on the data and outline a method to derive well-posedness of the Schrodinger map itself from it. In proving well-posedness of the MSM, the heart of the matter is resolved by considering truly quatrilinear forms of weighted L2-functions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elastic Bottom Propagation Mechanisms Investigated by Parabolic Equation Methods

Abstract : The long-term goal is to develop elastic parabolic equation (PE) method capabilities in order to study elastic propagation mechanisms and their effects on underwater acoustic environments in the form of scattering at an elastic interface, oceanic T-waves, and Scholte waves.
Use of lipid composition and metabolism to examine structure and activity of estuarine detrital microflora.

Earlier studies have shown that the activity of the estuarine detrital microflora measured by various enzyme activities, muramic acid and adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) content, heterotrophic potentials, and respiratory activities correlates with the incorporation of 14C and 32P into the microbial lipids. In this study, these lipids were reproducibly fractionated into neutral lipid, glycolipid, and phospholipid classes. Distinct differences between the active microflora of oak leaves, sweet gum leaves, and pine needles were evidenced both in the rate of lipid synthesis and in the proportions of neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. Successional changes in the microflora of leaves incubated in a semitropical estuary, previously suggested by ATP-to-muramic acid ratios and scanning electron micrography, were reflected in changes in the proportions of 14C in major lipid classes when analyzed from the same type of detritus. Short incubation times with 14C gave lipid compositions rich in phospholipids that are typical for the faster-growing bacterial populations; longer incubation with 14C gave lipid compositions richer in neutral and glycolipids, more characteristic of slower-growing eukaryotes or morphologically more complex prokaryotes. The metabolism of the lipids of the estuarine detrital microflora was examined by a pulse-chase experiment with 14C. Glycolipids lost 14C at a rate equal to the loss of 14C of the slow component of muramic acid. Individual phospholipids lost 14C from their backbone glycerol esters at different rates.
Prolan and estrin in the serum and urine of diabetic and nondiabetic women during pregnancy, with especial reference to late pregnancy toxemia

Abstract Analyses on 12 nondiabetic women throughout normal pregnancies indicate that the peak in prolan of both urine and serum occurs at approximately two months and that by the beginning of the fourth month this hormone reaches a lower and fairly constant level coincident with an increase in estrin. The most rapid rise in estrin of both urine and serum takes place during the last trimester. The data on 6 cases of late pregnancy toxemia (4 of them diabetics) confirm the previously reported finding of high prolan and low estrin in this condition and demonstrate that the abnormal rise in serum prolan precedes the clinical manifestations by at least six weeks . The curves on 5 diabetic women throughout normal pregnancies are essentially similar to those of the normal nondiabetics. A somewhat later rise in estrin and a less marked plateau of prolan suggests, however, that the high incidence of toxemia in diabetic pregnancies may be linked with a prolan-estrin imbalance which approaches the toxemic borderline. In 4 cases, two diabetic patients, high serum prolan at five to seven months led to the prediction of late pregnancy toxemia. One of these women (diabetic) had a premature delivery at seven and one-half months. The other 3 showed a very marked rise in estrin during the last trimester coincident with a drop in prolan to within the limits of normal and the appearance of only very mild toxic symptoms. Of the 11 diabetic patients followed, 4 had either stillbirths or edematous giant infants. All 4 of these women showed the prolan-estrin imbalance typical of toxemia at five to seven months. The diabetic patients with normal curves for prolan and estrin delivered normal, living infants. Two of the diabetic patients, on the other hand, whose prolan was excessive and who developed severe toxemia, were delivered by cesarean section at seven and one-half months of normal, living infants. Although it might be argued that in these two cases early delivery had preceded abnormal growth of the fetus, the data at hand are too limited to permit the establishment of any connection between the endocrine findings and the type of infant in diabetic pregnancies.
Electrokymographic studies of asynchronism of ejection from the ventricles; normal subjects and patients with bundle branch block.

Abstract 1. 1. The electrokymograph was utilized to study asynchronism of ejection from the ventricles of man. 2. 2. Analysis of electrokymograms from the pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta demonstrated that asynchronous ventricular ejection was more frequent than synchronous ejection in the normal subjects studied. 3. 3. A simple method of detecting increased degrees of asynchronism in patients with bundle branch block was demonstrated, utilizing the pulmonary artery electrokymograms and the simultaneously recorded carotid sphygmogram. 4. 4. In patients with left bundle branch block, the ejection wave on the pulmonary artery curve preceded that on the carotid record by a significantly greater time than in the normal subjects. 5. 5. In patients with right bundle branch block, the ejection wave on the pulmonary artery curve occurred after that on the carotid record by a significantly greater time than in the normal subjects.
Construction of Bayesian networks for diagnostics

Bayesian networks have been proposed by many authors as the modeling technique of choice for the development of diagnostic systems. This paper describes a procedure for efficient creation of Bayesian networks for diagnostics. We have applied this procedure in diagnostic systems for diesel locomotives, satellite communication systems, and satellite testing equipment. We divide the process into several phases: problem decomposition, sub-problem definition, design and testing of a Bayesian networks for subsystems, and finally integration into a complete Bayesian network, We describe all of the steps of the network design process, especially details of knowledge acquisition and the integration of information from different sources. We develop the networks starting with the simplest forms of Bayesian networks, increasing their complexity as needed while carefully balancing model accuracy and knowledge acquisition cost.