cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The release of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their lipoxygenation in the brain.

Stimulation of neuronal tissues with neurotransmitters results in the release of the polyunsaturated fatty acids 20:4n6 and 22:6n3. Astroglial cells hydrolyze 20:4n6 and 22:6n3 equally well under both stimulated and basal conditions. Despite the high abundance of 22:6n3 in neuronal membranes, 20:4n6 is preferentially hydrolyzed from neuronal cells. These results suggest that 22:6n3 may be of more physiological importance in neuronal membranes as a membrane component rather than as a released free fatty acid, while in astroglia, release of 22:6n3 may also be a significant step involved in receptor-stimulated signaling processes. Oxygenation of these polyunsaturated fatty acids occurs in the brain. However, in contrast to the prevailing belief, lipid peroxidation rather than lipoxygenation is primarily responsible for their formation. In rodent brains, any significant lipoxygenation appears to occur only in the pineal. The production of hydroxylated polyunsaturated fatty acids in pineal may play a role in the pineal function especially in relation to melatonin synthesis.
Temporomandibular Muscle Disorders

Diagnosing and treating temporomandibular muscle disorders is a challenging yet very rewarding venture. It requires carefully listening to patients so as to obtain a thorough history and identify potential contributing factors. An in-depth clinical exam confirms or refutes the suspicious structures contributing to the temporomandibular muscle disorder. Identifying and reducing the contributing factors is the key to developing the most cost-effective long-term management for patients with temporomandibular muscle disorders. With the patients’ participation, methodically develop the most cost-effective treatment plan, focusing upon each patient’s identified contributors. TMD self-management and education are the foundation for empowering self-reliance and enhancing a positive patient to practitioner relationship. Treatment often involves enlisting the help of other practitioners who provide therapies that are outside of the dentist’s realm of treatment, e.g., physical therapist and psychologist. As treatments are implemented, ensure the patient’s temporomandibular muscle pain is sufficiently reduced and the masticatory function is restored. Patients are not passive recipients of our therapies but are active partners in obtaining and maintaining their treatment goals.
Adjunctive Pharmacology for Coronary Intervention

Platelets play a pivotal role in the development of arterial thrombus formation in both the setting of plaque rupture during ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and in routine PCI through disruption of previously stable coronary plaques. In the setting of acute coronary syndromes, there are critical changes that occur within platelets that promote clot formation. These changes include (1) platelet adhesion mediated by von Willebrand factor and other adhesive proteins; (2) platelet activation, mediated in part by thromboxane A2; and (3) platelet aggregation due to fibrinogen cross-linking of platelets (Fig. 11.1). Many commonly used oral antiplatelet agents discussed subsequently work through mechanisms that disrupt one or more of these pathways.
The Geology of the Bahama-Blake Plateau Region

The fit of the continental blocks around the Atlantic achieved by Bullard et al. (1965) while generally striking contains features which militate against its too facile acceptance. The most obvious shortcoming is failure to deal with the whereabouts of much of Mexico and all of Central America. The second major difficulty is posed by the considerable overlap which occurs between the Florida-Blake plateau-Bahama region on the southeastern extremity of North America and the Senegal-Gambia-Portuguese Guinea-Cape Verde Islands region of Africa. This overlap signals a forbidden configuration—if the crust in these regions is as old or older than the time of the suggested fit. This chapter attempts to summarize what is known of the Bahama-Blake plateau area that may prove pertinent to an understanding of the history and origin of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Budgeting of Energy

Energy taken in as food is apportioned in various ways. Some builds new tissue as growth or is deposited in energy storage products such as fat or glycogen. Some is used in production of young. Much of it Fuels metabolism and is expended in bodily maintenance. Finally, what is not assimilated is lost in the faeces. An animal’s individual energy budget can be expressed as: $$\text{I = A + E,}$$ where I=Ingestion, A=Assimilation and E=Egestion (faeces and urine).
A Model Cessation Program

One of the best-known and clinically tested programs for the practicing physician has been produced by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is a comprehensive program, developed over five years along with multiple components to be used in schools, communities, and other venues.
Molecular Genetic Mapping of Papaya

The development of high-density genetic maps is a major advancement in papaya genomic research. Two low-density genetic maps were developed using morphological markers and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to develop three high-density genetic maps. Detailed analysis of the genetic maps provides insights into the nature of papaya chromosomes including the location of the sex determination region of the sex chromosomes, recombination hot spots, methylation patterns, centromere locations, and regions of high sequence divergence. The high-density SSR genetic map was integrated with the physical map, whole genome sequence, and cytological data, enhancing our ability to identify agronomic important genes.
Electromigration modeling for smart power applications

Solid state devices are being increasingly produced for automobiles, both as sensors and actuators. They have been introduced, for example, in fuel injection devices, in exhaust pipe for oxygen sensing and control, and in anti-lock brakes. Such devices were discussed in detail in Chapters 20 and 22 of [1]. On May 13, 1994 Leonard Borucki from Motorola described smart power device used in fuel injection. This is the same device (which was presented by him) as in Chapter 22 of [1]. However the earlier mathematical modeling dealt with the temperature only, whereas the present concern is with a more thorough modeling which includes electromigration, in which transport of metal ions in the grain boundaries result in void formation and growth, and eventual failure. At this level of modeling thermoelastic stress must also be included.
The K-Band Wide Field Survey: Understanding the Local Galaxies

We have conducted a wide-field K-selected galaxy survey with complementary optical I- and B-band imaging in six fields with a total coverage of 9.8 square degrees (Huang et al. 1997). The observations were carried out on the UH 0.6m and the UH 2.2m telescopes. The purpose of this survey is to study the properties of the local galaxies and explore the evolution of K-selected galaxies at low redshifts. Star-galaxy discrimination is performed using both galaxy color properties and object morphologies, and 6264 galaxies are found. This survey establishes the bright-end K-band galaxy number counts in the magnitude range 13 < K < 16 with high precision. We find that our bright-end counts have a significantly steeper slope than the prediction of a no-evolution model, which cannot be accounted for by observational or theoretical error. Since it is very unlikely that there is sufficient evolution at such low redshifts to account for this effect, we argue that there is a local deficiency of galaxies by a factor of 2 on scale sizes of around 300 Mpc. This would imply that local measurements of Ω0 underestimate the true value of the cosmological mass density by this factor and that local measurements of H 0 could be high by as much as 33%.
A Historical Perspective on the Use of Radionuclides for Therapy

At present, standard of care for targeted therapy with radionuclides include; 131I for therapy of well-differentiated thyroid cancer; 89Sr chloride, and 153Sm-EDTMP for bone pain; radionuclide microembolization with either resin or glass microspheres; radiolabeled antibodies in lymphoma; metaiodobenzylguanidine for pheochromocytoma; radio peptide therapy for carcinoid, and other endocrine tumors. Growth in this sector of nuclear medicine has been modest. Recent advances in targeted radiotherapy are predicted to set the stage for a phase of rapid growth of the therapeutic aspects of nuclear medicine, as the most unique and potentially most distinctive utilitarian feature of our specialty. A plethora of targeting agents, ranging from small molecules to large nanoparticles offers many alternatives for pharmaceutical carrier of the radioactivity. In particular, major improvement in efficient production of a range of biologicals such as peptides, nanobodies, affibodies, and antibodies has occurred in the recent past and this has led to serious consideration of these agents as carriers of radioactivity after parenteral injection. In this brief overview, we highlight selected advances that have occurred in quantitative imaging, cancer biology, and radiobiology/radiochemistry which are likely to have significant short-term impact on radionuclide therapy. In regard to imaging improvements, there is now widespread availability of the potential for truly quantitative images, especially fusion images based on PET-CT, PET MRI, and SPECT-CT that have the ability to permit internal dosimetry as a guide to optimize therapeutic radionuclide dosing for better management of individual patients. Such imaging improvements, are leading to opportunities for use of theranostic radiotracers, whereby the same drug with minor changes is used for both diagnosis at tracer levels and therapy at tumoricidal levels. From a cancer biology point of view, targeted therapy of specific oncoproteins can restore some cancer cells to a more, nearly normal or differentiated state and this may have special relevance to thyroid cancers and other cancers (Pacak et al. 2012). Thus, non-iodine avid thyroid cancers can be differentiated to concentrate therapeutic levels of radioactive iodine or MIBG, by treatment with a short course of drugs that overcome the effects of specific oncogenic proteins. In regard to radiobiology/radiochemistry improvements, practical methods for accessing alpha emitters as therapeutic radionuclides have been developed.
Nocardial clival osteomyelitis secondary to sphenoid sinusitis: an atypical skull base infection

Clival osteomyelitis is a life-threatening complication of untreated malignant otitis externa or paranasal sinus infection. Although various pathogens have been implicated, to our knowledge, primary nocardial clival osteomyelitis has never been reported. We describe a 74-year-old woman who presented with headaches, abducens and hypoglossal nerve palsies, facial numbness, photophobia, and neck stiffness. Imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass within the sphenoid sinus with clival extension. The lesion was extirpated via a binostril endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Histopathological and microbiological examination revealed a nocardial source. Clival osteomyelitis associated with sphenoid sinusitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of progressive skull base lesions in the setting of an underlying infection. Early recognition and intervention with antibiotics and surgical debridement is essential in the management of this rare entity.
Addressing sensor drift in a proprioceptive optical foam system

We previously reported an elastomeric, optical foam sensor that can sense different types of deformation1 . The elastomeric foam is embedded with optical fibers that shine light into the foam while simultaneously transmitting scattered light exiting the foam. We applied machine learning techniques to the optical fiber data to form a prediction model that predicts whether the foam is being twisted or bent (classification), as well as the magnitude and direction of the deformation (regression). The best classification model had 100% accuracy on new data points, and the best regression models had a mean absolute error of 0.06 degrees on new data points. This kind of proprioceptive ability could give soft robots much more information about their physical state and therefore improve our ability to control them; however, prediction error increases with time due to drift in the optical fiber outputs. This paper presents an attempt to address this drift. We applied a technique based on work presented by Di Carlo et. al2 . This unsupervised technique uses the evolutionary optimization process “covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy” (CMA-ES) to compute a correction factor that can be applied to unobserved, drifted data points. The best solutions reduced classification error by 49% and regression mean absolute error by 36%.
How Hope and Doubt Affect Climate Change Mobilization

The severe threats posed by anthropogenic climate change make hope and a sense of efficacy key ingredients in effective climate communication. Yet little is known about what makes individuals hopeful – or in contrast, doubtful – that humanity can reduce the problem, or how hope relates to activism. This study uses mixed-methods with two national surveys to 1) identify what makes people hopeful or doubtful that humanity will address the problem (Study 1, N = 674), and 2) whether hopeful and doubtful appraisals are related to activism or policy support (Study 2, N = 1,310). In Study 1, responses to open-ended questions reveal a lack of hope among the public. For those with hope, the most common reason relates to social phenomena – seeing others act or believing that collective awareness is rising (“constructive hope”). Hope for some, however, stems from the belief that God or nature will solve the problem without the need for human intervention (which we call “false hope”). The most prevalent doubts are low prioritization, greed, and intergroup conflict (i.e., the need for cooperation at various scales to successfully address the issue). We identified both “constructive” and “fatalistic” doubts. Constructive doubts are concerns that humanity won’t address the problem effectively, while fatalistic doubts are beliefs that we can’t address the problem even if we wanted to because it is in the hands of God or Mother Nature. Study 2, we used these emergent hope and doubt appraisals to develop survey measures. Regression analyses suggest that constructive hope and doubt predict increased policy support and political engagement, whereas false hope and fatalistic doubt predict the opposite. An interaction exists between constructive hope and doubt in predicting political behavioral intentions, which suggests that having hope that humans will reduce climate change, along with recognition that humans are not doing enough may also be constructive and motivate political action. Climate change communicators might consider focusing on constructive hope (e.g., human progress, the rise of clean energy), coupled with elements of constructive doubt (e.g., the reality of the threat, the need for more action), to mobilize action on climate change.
Malnutrition evaluation in head and neck cancer patients: Practice patterns among otolaryngologists and radiation oncologists.

BACKGROUND Physician practice patterns regarding diagnosis and management of malnutrition in the head and neck cancer patient population are not well studied. METHODS A 17-question survey was distributed to 1392 members of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS). The impact of hospital type, fellowship training, experience, and specialty was assessed. RESULTS Among AHNS members, there were 124 total respondents (9% response rate), including both otolaryngologists and radiation oncologists. Respondents strongly agreed (90%) that malnutrition negatively impacts patient outcomes. The majority (63%) felt comfortable screening for malnutrition, but 13% reported no routine assessment of malnutrition; 57% were unfamiliar with relevant guidelines. Barriers to screening included lack of familiarity with screening tools/guidelines, lack of time, and lack of access to dietitian. CONCLUSION Although there was a strong consensus among respondents that the identification and management of malnutrition among head and neck cancer patients is critical, familiarity with relevant guidelines was poor.
Infection from Outdoor Sporting Events—More Risk than We Think?

Competitive sports that involve extensive contact with mud are commonly held events and growing in popularity. However, the natural environment contributes to infection risks, and these events have been implicated in multiple infectious disease outbreaks. Soils and mud contain rich microbial communities and can include pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, and parasites), thereby offering risk of infection; there is also a risk of disease due to shedding, by participants, of pathogens directly into the environment. These disease risks are ubiquitous and are present in the most developed countries, as well as elsewhere. Prevention of the further spread of mud sport-related infections through secondary infections to non-participant community members is of critical importance. We recommend shifts in practice and policy, such as site condition monitoring, improved messaging with regards to infections risk, and implementation of pre- and post-event wash stations to reduce these risks.
Mr. Kim et al. Reply

We write to respond to an erudite letter to the editor by Zachary J. Williams.1 that extended analyses presented in our recent publication2 investigating the latent structure of autism phenotypic symptoms. The letter by Williams reported results of a bifactor analysis using the standardized loadings and interfactor correlations derived from a Schmid-Leiman orthogonalization of the optimal correlated factor model that we identified. Williams examined the relative contributions of the general and three specific autism symptom factors (ie, social interaction [SI], communication [COM], and restrictive and repetitive behavior [RRB]) to the autism symptom indicators. Those analyses indicated that the majority of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptom covariation could be explained by a single general autism factor, whereas the three specific autism symptom factors accounted for minimal covariation among indicators. To pursue the intriguing points raised in the letter, we performed additional analyses using the original raw data.
The score test for independence of two marginal Poisson variables

We propose a score test for testing independence of the marginals based on Lakshminarayana’s bivariate Poisson probability mass function. Each marginal distribution of the bivariate model is a univ...
Future Computing Systems (FCS) to Support "Understanding" Capability

The massive explosion in data acquisition, processing, and archiving, accelerated by the end of Moore's Law, creates a challenge and an opportunity for a complete redesign of technology, devices, hardware architecture, software stack and AI stack to enable future computing systems with "understanding" capability. We propose a Future Computing System (FCS) based on a memory driven computing AI architecture, that leverages different types of next generation accelerators (e.g., Ising and Hopfield Machines), connected over an intelligent successor of the Gen-Z interconnect. On top of this architecture we propose a software stack and subsequently, an AI stack built on top of the software stack. While intelligence characteristics (learning, training, self-awareness, etc.) permeate all layers, we also separate AI-specific components into a separate layer for clear design. There are two aspects of AI in FCSs: a) AI embedded in the system to make the system better: better performing, more robust, self-healing, maintainable, repairable, and energy efficient. b) AI as the level of reasoning over the information contained within the system: the supervised and unsupervised techniques finding relationships over the data placed into the system. Developing the software and AI stack will require adapting to each redundant component. At least initially, specialization will be required. For this reason, starting with an interoperable, memory driven computing architecture and associated interconnect is essential for subsequent generalization. Our architecture is composable, i.e., it could be pursued in: a) its entirety, b) per-layer c) per component inside of the layer (e.g., only one of the accelerators, use cases, etc.); or d) exploring specific characteristics across the layers.
Examining the relationship of tropospheric ozone and climate change on crop productivity using the multivariate panel data techniques

Abstract Home to one-fourth of the world's population and ranked amongst the fastest growing economies, the South Asian countries are marred with the predicament of inexorable pollution. Amidst the growing pollutants, ground-level ozone has become an important component in understanding health, and productivity of agricultural crops. In this regard spatio-temporal analysis of tropospheric ozone for wheat, rice and cotton crops was carried out. Followed-up with a multivariate regression model; establishing a statistical relationship between tropospheric ozone (TO) and crop productivity. The results indicate that predominantly ozone is increasing, with a significant trend visible in all crop growing seasons. Observations indicate higher concentrations of TO in the rice & cotton growing seasons, with a seasonal average of 68 ppb, compared to wheat growing season (55 ppb). Regression results specify that with an increase of 1% in tropospheric ozone concentration within the study area; crop productivity decreases for cotton (−4.0%), rice (−2.3%), and wheat (−0.7%). Furthermore, with the presence of the dominant tropospheric ozone in the regression model, the temperature's impact on productivity becomes statistically inconsequential.
Characterizing the acid/base behavior of oil-soluble surfactants at the interface of nonpolar solvents with a polar phase.

We propose a simple method of characterizing the (Lewis) acid/base behavior of oil-soluble nonionic surfactants at the interface of nonpolar solvents with a polar phase. Using interfacial tensiometry, we probe the effective acidic and basic response of nonpolar surfactant solutions to contact with a variety of polar reference liquids. The measured interfacial tensions are used as experimental coefficients in a set of equations borrowed from the thermodynamic “surface energy component model” of van Oss, Chaudhury, and Good (vOCG), but used here in a more heuristic fashion and with a revised interpretation of the parameters extracted to describe the dispersive, acidic, and basic character of the sample. We test the proposed characterization method using alkane solutions of purified polyisobutylene succinimide (PIBS) surfactants with systematic structural variations, and observe that the inferred parameter values are consistent with, and sensitive to, subtle differences in the surfactant chemistry. This sugg...
The Immunology of Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community acquired pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, and meningitis. The organism was first independently isolated by Pasteur and by Sternberg in 1880, and its association with lobar pneumonia was uncovered just a few years later.1 There are an estimated 150,000–570,000 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia in the United States each year and an estimated annual attack rate of 68–260 cases per 100,000 population.2 Closed communities may experience higher attack rates. The male to female ratio is 3:2. The highest age-specific incidence of infection is seen in infants younger than 2 years of age, but, in adults, the risk of infection increases with advancing age.3 Despite the availability of effective therapy, pneumonia caused by this organism remains potentially life-threatening with an overall case fatality rate of 5–7%. Both underlying disease, and youth or old age contribute significantly to higher mortality rates, and in some patient groups (e.g., alcoholics), the case fatality rate may be as high as 25%.
Computed tomography angiography-derived extracellular volume fraction predicts early recovery of left ventricular systolic function after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

AIMS Recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after aortic valve replacement has prognostic importance in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). The mechanism by which myocardial fibrosis impacts LVEF recovery in AS is not well characterized. We sought to evaluate the predictive value of extracellular volume fraction (ECV) quantified by cardiac CT angiography (CTA) for LVEF recovery in patients with AS after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS AND RESULTS In 109 pre-TAVR patients with LVEF <50% at baseline echocardiography, CTA-derived ECV was calculated as the ratio of change in CT attenuation of the myocardium and the left ventricular (LV) blood pool before and after contrast administration. Early LVEF recovery was defined as an absolute increase of ≥10% in LVEF measured by post-TAVR follow-up echocardiography within 6 months of the procedure. Early LVEF recovery was observed in 39 (36%) patients. The absolute increase in LVEF was 17.6 ± 8.8% in the LVEF recovery group and 0.9 ± 5.9% in the no LVEF recovery group (P < 0.001). ECV was significantly lower in patients with LVEF recovery compared with those without LVEF recovery (29.4 ± 6.1% vs. 33.2 ± 7.7%, respectively, P = 0.009). In multivariable analysis, mean pressure gradient across the aortic valve [odds ratio (OR): 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.11, P: 0.001], LV end-diastolic volume (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-0.99, P: 0.035), and ECV (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.99, P: 0.018) were independent predictors of early LVEF recovery. CONCLUSION Increased myocardial ECV on CTA is associated with impaired LVEF recovery post-TAVR in severe AS patients with impaired LV systolic function.
Frequency and Severity of Chlorothiazide-Induced Hyponatremia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Objective Although thiazide diuretics are commonly used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the risk of thiazide-induced hyponatremia in infants has not been well documented. The primary objective of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of hyponatremia in neonates and infants receiving enteral chlorothiazide. Secondary objectives included identifying: (1) percent change in serum sodium from before chlorothiazide initiation to nadir, (2) time to reach nadir serum sodium concentration, and (3) percentage of patients on chlorothiazide receiving sodium supplementation. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of NICU patients admitted between July 1, 2014 and July 31, 2019 who received ≥1 dose of enteral chlorothiazide. Mild, moderate, and severe hyponatremia were defined as serum sodium of 130 to 134 mEq/L, 120 to 129 mEq/L, and less than 120 mEq/L, respectively. Data including serum electrolytes, chlorothiazide dosing, and sodium supplementation were collected for the first 2 weeks of therapy. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed in SAS software, Version 9.4. Results One hundred and seven patients, receiving 127 chlorothiazide courses, were included. The median gestational age at birth and postmenstrual age at initiation were 26.0 and 35.9 weeks, respectively. The overall frequency of hyponatremia was 35.4% (45/127 courses). Mild, moderate, and severe hyponatremia were reported in 27 (21.3%), 16 (12.6%), and 2 (1.6%) courses. The median percent decrease in serum sodium from baseline to nadir was 2.9%, and the median time to nadir sodium was 5 days. Enteral sodium supplements were administered in 52 (40.9%) courses. Sixteen courses (12.6%) were discontinued within the first 14 days of therapy due to hyponatremia. Conclusion Hyponatremia occurred in over 35% of courses of enteral chlorothiazide in neonates and infants. Given the high frequency of hyponatremia, serum sodium should be monitored closely in infants receiving chlorothiazide. Providers should consider early initiation of sodium supplements if warranted. Key Points
Use of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in assessing transradial approach failure.

Abstract Background Radial access is now considered the preferred approach for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention because of the low risk of vascular complications. However, radial access failure is not uncommon, leading to crossover to a different access site. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our study aimed to assess the CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting failure of the transradial approach, resulting in crossover to transfemoral access (TFA) for coronary angiography. Methods We performed a single-center, non-randomized, retrospective study. The study included 1775 patients who underwent coronary angiography with or without subsequent percutaneous intervention between July 2018 and October 2019. The study population was divided into three groups based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score: low (≤2), intermediate (3–4), and high score (≥5) groups. The association between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and radial access failure was evaluated and compared between the groups. Results A total of 197 patients (11.1%) had crossover to the femoral artery. A large percentage of patients (19.2%) had radial access failure in the high CHA2DS2-VASc score group (≥5) compared with 12.5% in the intermediate score group (3–4) and only 6.3% in the low score group (≤2). The highest crossover rate (42.9%) was observed in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 8. Higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores were also associated with increased fluoroscopy time, contrast administration, and radiation exposure. Conclusion The CHA2DS2-VASc score can predict failure of the transradial approach, with a score of ≥5 having the highest correlation of failure requiring crossover to TFA.
Berkeley Law Visiting Scholars Program Workshop Presentation- Inequitable Subordination (Presentation Slides)

PowerPoint Presentation accompanying Berkeley Law Visiting Scholars Program Workshop on September 20, 2019. The presentation was entitled "Inequitable Subordination: Distressing Distressed Claims Purchasers by Propagating Subordination Benefit Elimination Theory," and focused on the intersection of equitable subordination and the modern bankruptcy claims market.
Pharmacological Aspects of Neuroendocrine Integration

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pharmacological aspects of neuroendocrine integration. Changes in endocrine function can be produced by drugs that act on the nervous system because a large segment of the endocrine system is under neural control. The link between the nervous system and the endocrine system appears in many instances to be adrenergic, or at least to have an adrenergic component in it. Circulating catecholamines and the catecholamines secreted at the endings of the renal nerves increase renin secretion by a mechanism involving a β -adrenergic receptor. Catecholamines inhibit insulin secretion by an α -adrenergic mechanism and stimulate it by a β- adrenergic mechanism. Hypothalamic catecholamines affect the secretion of most pituitary hormones, generally through receptors that are blocked by α -adrenergic blocking agents. Dopaminergic pathways stimulate follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and inhibit prolactin secretion. Noradrenergic pathways stimulate growth hormone secretion and inhibit adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) secretion. There is evidence that the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), oxytocin, and vasopressin are also regulated by catecholamine-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. The interactions between adrenergic mechanisms and the other unique factors that affect the secretion of renin, insulin, and the pituitary hormones merit further study.
Using Standardized Patients to Assess Clinical Competence in the Primary Care of Pediatric Cancer Patients

Cancer prevention, detection and aftercare in pediatric patients are often generalized to the standards and accepted practices used with adults. However, pediatrie patients bring with them attributes that can negate various principles used in adult oncology.1 2 Unlike most adults, children are not autonomous creatures. A child enters the medical setting involuntarily. The parents make the initial decisions on medical care. Parents decide which doctor, when a visit is warranted, and what treatment will be permitted. At times parents may be coerced into giving consent to invasive screening procedures or further treatment because of their perceived role as guardians of life. The family unit is more radically impacted when cancer is either a risk or a reality in a child. The physician decides how to diagnose and manage disease. Therefore, decisions are made wholly within the adult world.2 That, in effect, excludes the patient. This exclusion of patient decision-making is the antithesis of one principle of adult oncology — patient consent. Other principles are also nullified.
An overview of WFIRST/AFTA coronagraph optical modeling

The WFIRST/AFTA 2.4 m space telescope currently under study includes a stellar coronagraph for the imaging and spectral characterization of extrasolar planets. Based largely on performance predictions from end-to-end optical propagation modeling, promising coronagraphic methods were selected in late 2013 for further consideration for use on AFTA. Since those downselect analyses further modeling work has been done on evaluating refined coronagraph designs, wavefront sensing and control, detector representation, and time-dependent effects. Thermal, structural, ray trace, and diffraction propagation models are used in these studies. Presented here is the progress to date and plans for future analyses.
Chapter 2.1.3 Linkage strategies for mapping genes for complex traits in man

Summary Linkage strategies for analyzing complex traits in man differ from the more classical Mendelian linkage methods in that no knowledge of the inheritance pattern of the trait or the characteristics of the responsible gene are required. The so-called non-parametric statistical methods developed to study complex traits derive their genetic information from IBD allele sharing among relatives. The choice of which method to use depends on the nature and prevalence of the phenotype. If the trait of interest can be measured quantitatively that will provide more power to detect linkage than dichotomous versions of the same trait. For quantitative traits or common discrete traits, variance component methods in large pedigrees will provide the most power. For discrete traits with a prevalence of less than 10%, affected relative pair methods are most efficient. Ascertain- ment will maximize power for a single focal trait, but should be conducted in a systematic manner with identifiable probands. For studies of multiple related traits that are common or quantitative, random sampling is most efficient. While candidate genes of known functional relevance should be tested, a complete genome screen with evenly-spaced, highly polymorphic markers presents the greatest chance of success. Positional candidate regions identified through such a screen may then be followed up with family-based disequilibrium analyses for finer QTL mapping.
Pole Placement Self-Tuning Control of Unstable Nonminimum Phase Systems

An explicit self-tuning controller is developed that incorporates closed-loop pole location as the principal design criterion for the method of Clarke and Gawthrop. The algorithm includes a variable dead-time compensator to deal with unknown or time-varying delay, and a new method of treating steady-state offset. A technique has been developed and included in the algorithm that enables the controller to be "nearly self-tuning" in the sense that the closed-loop pole(s) and/or sampling period can be determined on-line so as to optimize the system set-point step response, leaving the system designer only to specify internal model orders and noise characteristics on which to initiate retuning. This controller can easily handle unstable, nonminimum phase systems in a single-loop configuration, as is demonstrated by several simulations including a non-linear model of a fixed-bed autothermal reactor.
Resolvin D1 Attenuates Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid–Induced Inflammatory Signaling in Human Airway Epithelial Cells via TAK1

The respiratory epithelium consists of lung sentinel cells, which are the first to contact inhaled inflammatory insults, including air pollutants, smoke, and microorganisms. To avoid damaging exuberant or chronic inflammation, the inflammatory process must be tightly controlled and terminated once the insult is mitigated. Inflammation resolution is now known to be an active process involving a new genus of lipid mediators, called “specialized proresolving lipid mediators,” that includes resolvin D1 (RvD1). We and others have reported that RvD1 counteracts proinflammatory signaling and promotes resolution. A knowledge gap is that the specific cellular targets and mechanisms of action for RvD1 remain largely unknown. In this article, we identified the mechanism whereby RvD1 disrupts inflammatory mediator production induced by the viral mimic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] in primary human lung epithelial cells. RvD1 strongly suppressed the viral mimic poly(I:C)-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production and proinflammatory signaling involving MAPKs and NF-κB. Most importantly, we found that RvD1 inhibited the phosphorylation of TAK1 (TGF-β–activated kinase 1), a key upstream regulatory kinase common to both the MAPK and NF-κB pathways, by inhibiting the formation of a poly(I:C)-induced signaling complex composed of TAK1, TAB1 (TAK1 binding protein), and TRAF6 (TNF receptor–associated factor 6). We confirmed that ALX/FPR2 and GPR32, two RvD1 receptors, were expressed on human small airway epithelial cells. Furthermore, blocking these receptors abrogated the inhibitory action of RvD1. In this article, we present the idea that RvD1 has the potential to be used as an anti-inflammatory and proresolving agent, possibly in the context of exuberant host responses to damaging respirable agents such as viruses.
Microbial Growth Measurement, Methods

Introduction Principles Definitions of Growth Balanced Growth Changes in Cell Composition at Different Growth Rates of Balanced Growth Unbalanced Growth Pitfalls in Measuring Growth Mycelial Habit of Growth Cell Differentiation Adsorption of Cells to Surfaces Direct Particle Counts Microscopic Enumeration Electronic Enumeration Flow Cytometry Colony Counts Equal Viable Counts Spread Plates Pour Plates Thin-Layer Plates Layered Plates Membrane Filter Methods Automation Special Situations Most Probable Number Method Direct Biomass Measurements Wet Weight Dry Weight Biomass by Light Scattering Theoretical Aspects Turbidimetry Nephelometry Flow Cytometry Methods Sampling Acknowledgment Bibliography Keywords: balanced growth; biomass estimation; cell differentiation; flow cytometry; particle counts; phases of the growth cycle; sampling head gas; turbidimetry; unbalanced growth; viable counts; mass spectrometry
Slow oscillations of membrane potential in interneurons that control heartbeat in the medicinal leech.

In the preceding paper (Arbas and Calabrese, 1987), we identified several properties that contribute to the activity of neurons (HN cells) that control heartbeat in the medicinal leech. Premotor HN (7) interneurons, which do not generate the heartbeat rhythm, exhibit Na+- dependent fast action potentials, Ca2+-mediated plateau potentials in the absence of Na+, and hyperpolarization-activated “restorative” changes in membrane potential that depolarize the membrane potential on hyperpolarization due to injected currents or synaptic inhibition. HN interneurons of ganglia 3 and 4 (i.e., timing oscillator interneurons) exhibit all of the properties described for HN (7) interneurons and have the additional characteristic that they are connected in oscillatory circuits. Reciprocal oscillations in membrane potential occurred in the bilateral HN interneurons (3) and (4) in the presence of elevated Ca2+ that were independent of Na+ -mediated action potentials. Their ability to oscillate in this way is based on 3 parameters: (1) production of a regenerative plateau potential by one of the pair of HN neurons in either ganglion, (2) inhibition of the contralateral HN neuron by the HN neuron in plateau, and (3) a phase transition mediated by escape from inhibition by the hyperpolarized HN neuron. The conductances responsible for restorative membrane potential shifts activated by hyperpolarization during synaptic inhibition may mediate the escape from inhibition that times the phase transition of the 2 HN neurons.
Properties of the phage f2 replicase. I. Optimal conditions for replicase activity and analysis of the polynucleotide product synthesized in vitro.

Abstract Nucleotide polymerization by partially purified f2 replicase in the presence of phage f2 RNA templates is stimulated by salt and by a brief preliminary incubation of the enzyme at high ionic strength. Salt stimulation of enzyme activity is observed with both plus (viral) and minus (complementary) strand RNA templates, is independent of the composition of the salt, and is maximal at an ionic strength of 0.1. The polynucleotide products of the in vitro reaction are homologous to f2 RNAs by annealing criteria. The in vitro product made in the presence of a mixture of plus and minus strand RNAs consists largely of f2 plus strand RNA. Both plus and minus strand RNAs are synthesized in the presence of plus strand template. Less than 20% of the replicase product sediments as 27 S single-stranded viral RNA in glycerol gradients. Most of the in vitro product is present in partially double-stranded species sedimenting in a broad band at about 15 S. These results suggest that the f2 replicase is capable of limited in vitro chain termination and reinitiation of RNA synthesis.
High Km of GLUT-2 glucose transporter does not explain its role in insulin secretion

Evidence indicates that the high-Km GLUT-2 function of the islet cells is essential for insulin secretion in response to glucose. To examine possible significance of the high-Km transport function of GLUT-2 in this secretory response, we have studied by computer simulation the effects of high- and low-Km glucose uptake on the steady-state intracellular glucose concentration and glucose phosphorylation in beta-cells. Our computations reveal that both the intracellular glucose concentration and the glucose phosphorylation catalyzed by glucokinase increase significantly as the extracellular glucose concentration increases from 5 to 20 mM, even with a transport Km as low as 1.5 mM, the lowest value known for GLUT-1. Our results indicate that the apparent requirement of GLUT-2 for glucose-sensitive insulin secretion cannot be explained simply by its high-Km transport function alone and suggest that an isoform-specific, direct coupling of GLUT-2 with a certain glycolytic enzyme, such as glucokinase, is essential for the secretory response.
Direct observation evaluations by emergency medicine faculty do not provide data that enhance resident assessment when compared to summative quarterly evaluations.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare quarterly global evaluations with direct observation evaluations to determine if direct observation evaluations provide unique data compared to those obtained from quarterly global evaluations. Methods: This observational, cohort study was performed at a 3-year emergency medicine (EM) residency program with 10 residents per year. Faculty used an online Web-based evaluation system to complete quarterly global evaluations and patient-specific direct observation evaluations. Two scores were collected for each resident within each quarterly evaluation period: 1) the quarterly evaluation score was the mean score across all faculty who performed a quarterly evaluation and, 2) the direct observation score was the mean score across all faculty who performed a direct observation evaluation. Pearson correlation coefficients were performed across these two groups of evaluations. Results: Over the 4-year period of the study 296 complete data sets were available for the analysis. When the quarterly evaluation score was correlated with the direct observation score for each resident at the same evaluation period, we found a very high correlation for each of the eight evaluation questions (r = 0.95–0.96, p < 0.0001). When these evaluations were stratified based on the number of direct observation evaluations that were performed during the evaluation period of interest, the correlation between the quarterly evaluation and the direct observation scores increased as the number of direct observations in the evaluation period increased. The evaluation scores from the faculty who had performed both direct observation and quarterly evaluation methods during the same resident evaluation period were highly correlated even with small numbers of evaluators. Conclusions: Direct observations are highly correlated with quarterly evaluations when there are greater than three direct observation evaluations completed; however, this correlation drops significantly when the number of direct observations is lower. Direct observation evaluations provide similar data when compared with data obtained from quarterly global evaluations. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:S72–S77 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Associations between family food behaviors, maternal depression, and child weight among low-income children

Although low-income children are at greater risk for overweight and obesity than their higher income counterparts, the majority of poor children are not overweight. The current study examined why such variation exists among diverse young children in poor families. Cross-sectional data were collected on 164 low-income, preschool aged children and their mothers living in two Rhode Island cities. Over half of the sample was Hispanic (55%). Mothers completed measures of family food behaviors and depression while trained assistants collected anthropometric data from children at seven day care centers and a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program outreach project. Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that higher maternal depression scores were associated with lower scores on maternal presence when child eats (P < .05), maternal control of child's eating routines (P < .03), and food resource management skills (P < .01), and with higher scores on child control of snacking (P < .03) and negative mealtime practices (P < .05). Multiple regression results revealed that greater maternal presence whenever the child ate was significantly associated with lower child BMI z scores (β = .166, P < .05). Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher scores on food resource management skills reduced the odds of child overweight (odds ratios = .72-.95, P < .01). Maternal depression did not modify the relationship between family food behaviors and child weight. Overall, caregiver presence whenever a child eats, not just at meals, and better parental food resource management skills may promote healthier weights in low-income preschoolers. Further research is needed to identify the mechanisms that connect caregiver presence and food resource management skills to healthier weights for this age group.
Anomalous reflections near a caustic

Abstract Waves propagating in a medium with highly variable refractive index tend to focus forming caustics. The energy content of the wave field in the vicinity of a caustic is higher than that of the ambient field away from the caustic. Consequently, waves scattering from heterogeneities located near caustics have more energy than a field scattering a little further away from the caustic. For a suitable choice of Sobolev norms for the domain and range spaces of the scattering operator, the restriction to scatterers supported away from caustics is a bounded operator, whereas the restriction to scatterers supported in a neighborhood of caustics is unbounded.