cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting energy metabolism in brain cancer: review and hypothesis

Malignant brain tumors are a significant health problem in children and adults and are often unmanageable. As a metabolic disorder involving the dysregulation of glycolysis and respiration, malignant brain cancer is potentially manageable through changes in metabolic environment. A radically different approach to brain cancer management is proposed that combines metabolic control analysis with the evolutionarily conserved capacity of normal cells to survive extreme shifts in physiological environment. In contrast to malignant brain tumors that are largely dependent on glycolysis for energy, normal neurons and glia readily transition to ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate) for energy in vivo when glucose levels are reduced. The bioenergetic transition from glucose to ketone bodies metabolically targets brain tumors through integrated anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. The approach focuses more on the genomic flexibility of normal cells than on the genomic defects of tumor cells and is supported from recent studies in orthotopic mouse brain tumor models and in human pediatric astrocytoma treated with dietary energy restriction and the ketogenic diet.
Parametric excitations and lock-in of flexible hydrofoils in two-phase flows

Abstract This work introduces a reduced-order method to study the parametric excitations and lock-in of flexible hydrofoils caused by unsteady two-phase (cavitating) flow. The reduced-order method is based on a 1-DOF structural model coupled with a van der Pol wake oscillator with empirically derived relations for the variation in lift, cavity-length, and cavity-shedding frequency as a function of a non-dimensional cavitation parameter. The results are compared with several available data from both numerical simulations and experimental measurements. The frequency content of both the predicted and measured vibrations suggested that, in addition to the primary cavity-shedding frequency and the hydrofoil natural frequencies, unsteady two-phase flows may excite additional modulated frequencies due to time-varying fluid-added mass effects. The results show that these frequency modulations might cause the flexible hydrofoil to undergo higher-order resonances, as well as parametric resonances. While the maximum deformations for the primary and higher-order resonances were observed to damp out, parametric resonances might persist even with realistic fluid damping coefficients (4–12%). It was observed that with higher effective foil flexibility, the cavity-shedding frequencies may be significantly modified from the rigid foil trends, and may instead lock-in with the system natural frequencies.
Diagnoses of hybrid hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae). 17. Documentation of the intrageneric hybrid (Archilochus colubris × Archilochus alexandri)

Abstract Although the breeding ranges of Archilochus alexandri (Black-chinned Hummingbird) and Archilochus colubris (Ruby-throated Hummingbird) are narrowly parapatric in central Texas and central and southern Oklahoma, there have been few reports of hybridization in the literature and no well-documented hybrid specimens. Here we provide a comprehensive assessment of two male hybrids collected, respectively, in Grayson County, Texas, and East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. As has been the pattern in other hummingbird hybrids, both specimens exhibit a blended mosaic of plumage characters of the parental species. Sequence for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) for the hybrid specimen from East Baton Rouge Parish (LSU 182,831) confirms A. colubris as the female parent.
Sediment fabric and anisotropy of hydraulic conductivity in sandy till, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

The orientation of macroscopic and microscopic particles in silty, sandy basal till appears to have little effect on aquifer anisotropy. The orientation of 108 elongate pebble and cobble-sized particles was measured in a trench adjacent to 25 wells screened in the till. In addition, the orientation of elongate silt and sand-sized particles was measured in thin sections of five oriented samples taken from the same trench. The orientations of the macro- and microfabric measurements agree with each other and with drumlin orientations in the vicinity. There is no preferential direction of transmissivity ( i.e . no horizontal anisotropy) based on analysis of pumping test data. This is most likely due to the relatively small number of elongated, and therefore oriented, particles in the matrix.
Characterization of an on-column electrochemical detector for open-tubular liquid chromatography

Description d'un processus de nettoyage electrochimique de l'electrode pour enlever les adsorbats parasites. Utilisation d'une technique amperometrique differentielle pulsee par la detection, dans le cas de l'oxydation d'acetaminophene
An Evolutionary Multi-Architecture Multi-Objective Optimization Algorithm for Design Space Exploration

The increasing complexity of future aerospace vehicles gives rise to large combinatorial spaces of possible configurations for which no baseline has been established. To ensure that the best concept is selected, the entire design space has to be explored. In addition, the presence of evolving requirements’ uncertainty due to the lack of experience and established regulations requires flexible decision-making techniques to be implemented to alleviate the risks inherent to the launch of new programs. To address these challenges, a new evolutionary multi-architecture multi-objective optimization algorithm is presented. The proposed approach allows designers to efficiently and exhaustively generate variable-oriented architectures that can be further optimized and compared. It provides a dynamic decision-making environment able to identify trends and trade-offs, while also prioritizing designs. The application of the proposed methodology on suborbital vehicles highlights key promising technological enablers, which can be leveraged to design high-performance and robust concepts.
Glycosaminoglycans of Cardiac Tumors

SummaryThe glycosaminoglycan composition of six human cardiac tumors (three myxomas, a malignant mesenchymoma, a rhabdomyoma, and an angiosarcoma) and five control hearts were studied. Found in two different relative proportions, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin 6-sulfate were the major glycosaminoglycans in the myxomas, suggesting the possible existence of two biochemically different myxomas, one high in hyaluronic acid, the other high in chondroitin 6-sulfate. The glycosaminoglycans of angiosarcoma tissues were mainly hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate and chondroitin 4-sulfate. Tissue of the left and right ventricles of the same heart had the same relative proportions of glycosaminoglycans. Biochemical studies on the connective tissue components may be helpful in understanding the nature of the tumors.
Using Virtual Reality Simulation Through Product Lifecycle

This papers present using Virtual reality (VR) simulation trough product lifecycle for product testing that would lead to better new products without faults. Using complete VR product simulation for new products, from design, manufacturing, and maintenance to the end-user and recycle state allows the end-user to test the virtual products, and by providing feedback to reduces design errors and contribute for better design. After production the same VR product simulation can be used for training, virtual user manual virtual user manual, virtual repair maintenance, and for disassembly before recycle. A framework for building VR simulation for designed products is described and working application examples are provided. An expanding of the VR simulation applications for using with extensive range of computation platforms and devices is proposed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Pancreatic problems. 2. Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic tumors.

The goal of therapy in chronic pancreatitis is to put the pancreas at rest. However, symptoms may continue despite intensive medical therapy, and radical surgical procedures may be necessary. Surgical exploration is warranted when the patient has a pancreatic tumor, because survival rates vary with the location of the lesion.
Law as a Liberal Art

Law is a liberal art. Today, this lesson is forgotten by legal educators, legal practitioners, and citizens. This amnesia is not just a problem of proper academic categorization; it has profound effects on the full realization of the rule of law in contemporary constitutional democracies. The essence of law is captured by the ancient Trivium: grammar, logic (really, dialectic) and rhetoric.
The Role of Transfers and Monetary Reform in the Current Economic Slowdown

This paper represents an attempt to translate recent developments in macroeconomic theory which are rooted in the microeconomics of imperfect information into current economic diagnoses and policy prescriptions. The theoretical models in question fall under the heading of what Phelps 1 has described as structuralist models in the sense that business cycle phenomena are ascribed fundamentally to real market imperfections, although monetary disturbances may alleviate or exacerbate the macroeconomic impact of these imperfections. Within the broad framework of structuralist explanations, the developments on which we will focus are primarily related to capital market imperfections (and to an extent the broader impact of government policy on the dynamics of firm investment). Finally, within the area of capital market imperfections, the paper will focus on the issue of wealth transfers rather than financial market efficiencies. The final distinction is the one which we wish to emphasize since it is probably the least well-developed aspect of the literature on information-related structural market imperfections.
Delayed effects of capture-induced barotrauma on physical condition and behavioral competency of recompressed yelloweye rockfish, Sebastes ruberrimus

Abstract Rebuilding of some U.S. West Coast rockfish ( Sebastes spp.) stocks relies heavily on mandatory fishery discard, however the long-term condition of discarded fish experiencing capture-related barotrauma is unknown. We conducted two studies designed to evaluate delayed mortality, physical condition, and behavioral competency of yelloweye rockfish, Sebastes ruberrimus , experiencing barotrauma during capture followed by recompression (assisted return to depth of capture). First, we used sea-cage and laboratory holding to evaluate fish condition at 2, 15, and 30 days post-capture from 140 to 150 m depth. All external barotrauma signs resolved following 2 days of recompression, but fish that survived (10/12) had compromised buoyancy regulation, swim bladder injuries, and coelomic and visceral hemorrhages at both 15 and 30 days post-capture. For the second study, we used a video-equipped sea-cage to observe fish behavior for one hour following capture and return to the sea floor. Trials were conducted with 24 fish captured from 54 to 199 m water depth. All fish survived, but 50% of fish from the deepest depth ranges showed impairment in their ability to vertically orient ( P P
Transcriptional and Chromatin Dynamics of Muscle Regeneration After Severe Trauma

Following injury, adult skeletal muscle undergoes a well-coordinated sequence of molecular and physiological events to promote repair and regeneration. However, a thorough understanding of the in vivo epigenomic and transcriptional mechanisms that control these reparative events is lacking. To address this, we monitored the in vivo dynamics of three histone modifications and coding and noncoding RNA expression throughout the regenerative process in a mouse model of traumatic muscle injury. We first illustrate how both coding and noncoding RNAs in tissues and sorted satellite cells are modified and regulated during various stages after trauma. Next, we use chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing to evaluate the chromatin state of cis-regulatory elements (promoters and enhancers) and view how these elements evolve and influence various muscle repair and regeneration transcriptional programs. These results provide a comprehensive view of the central factors that regulate muscle regeneration and underscore the multiple levels through which both transcriptional and epigenetic patterns are regulated to enact appropriate repair and regeneration.
Pain Management in Elderly Patients

The aging process leads to progressive physiological changes. Individuals are more vulnerable to injury at both extremes of age and are more adaptable when bodily injury occurs in adulthood. This chapter will emphasize the changes that one experiences with age. Chronological age refers to age according to birth date, whereas biological age is the estimated age based on the degree of physiological degeneration or loss of physiologic reserve (Lee 2003). Physiologic changes do not necessarily parallel that of chronological age. Furthermore, specific physiological processes may age at different rates in the same individual. In addition to normal physiologic changes that occur with aging, coexisting medical conditions are also more prevalent in the elderly. The normal physiological changes associated with aging are distinct from changes brought on by disease. The pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, neurologic, and cognitive changes in the elderly are affected as much by normal physiology as they are by disease.
Addition of Bortezomib (Velcade™) to High Dose Melphalan (Vel-Mel) as an Effective Conditioning Regimen with Autologous Stem Cell Support in Multiple Myeloma (MM).

Velcade has shown promising activity alone and, more recently, in combination with other anti-myeloma agents (dexamethasone, thalidomide, doxil, standard dose melphalan) for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. We have now explored the efficacy and safety of Velcade™ 1.0 or 1.3mg/m2 administered on days -4 and -1 prior to Melphalan, which was given in two fractionated doses for a total of 100–250 mg/m2 on days -4 and -1 or as single dosing on day -1 supported on day 0 by PBSC infusion. Follow-up is now 1–5 months; detailed follow-up data will be available at presentation. Of 37 patients currently evaluable for toxicity, 27 are also evaluable for response. Patient characteristics are outlined in Table 1, depicting a high risk population. The treatment was administered in the out-patient setting in 37 patients, 27 of whom were entirely managed through ambulatory care. Hospital admission was required for pneumonia in 4, sepsis in 3, nausea and vomiting in 2 and ileus in 1 patient. In 37 evaluable patients, hematopoetic recovery depended upon the timing of PBSC collection (prior to the first, second or the Vel-Mel transplant). Neutrophil recovery to > 1,000/μL occurred at a median of 13 days and platelet recovery to 50,000/μl at a median of 17 days. Non-hematologic toxicities included ≥ grade III mucositis in 5, diarrhea in 11, febrile neutropenia in 5, pneumonia/sepsis in 14, and fatigue in 22 patients. No fatal complications were seen. Of 27 evaluable patients, partial response (≥ 75% of serum M protein reduction, ≥ 75% of urinary M excretion) was obtained in 9 (39%) including 6 (26%) who showed a complete disappearance of serum M and urine M. Bone marrow follow-up examinations were available in 17 patients and revealed a median reduction in plasmacytosis of 75% including 2 patients achieving a normal bone marrow plasmocytosis Our results are promising and demonstrate that Vel can be safely added to Mel at doses as high as 250 mg/m2 in fractionated dosing with a high response rate also in high-risk, advanced disease. This approach will be formally evaluated in a randomized trial comparing tandem transplants with Mel 200 mg/m2 alone versus added Vel 1.0 mg/m2 on days 1 and 4 followed on each day by Mel 140 (total 280 mg/m2).
Trifluoromethylation of Secondary Nitroalkanes

Using a commercially available Umemoto’s reagent, the metal-free trifluoromethylation of nitroalkanes is now possible. This method provides a general, high-yielding synthesis of α-(trifluoromethyl)nitroalkanes. The quaternary α-(trifluoromethyl)nitroalkanes obtained from this transformation can be elaborated to a variety of complex nitrogen-containing molecules, including α-(trifluoromethyl)amines.
Behavior and Health Disparities

The roles of diet, physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are widely recognized as determinants for poor health outcomes. However, some of the choices are themselves determined by availability such that heavy marketing of unhealthy foods, alcohol, and cigarettes, especially targeting children, is commonplace in low-income neighborhoods along with limited access to stores selling healthy foods. Many of the behavioral factors are complicated by psychological and emotional issues, such as depression. Behavioral intervention is one option to reduce health disparities.
Using a Mathematics Cultural Resonance Approach for Building Capacity in the Mathematical Sciences for African American Communities

The underrepresentation of African Americans in the mathematical sciences in post-secondary education and in professional settings has been well documented. This state of affairs has persisted despite multiple and varied efforts over the years to address the concern. We assert that defining efforts around closing achievement gaps and/or through making moral arguments, such as has often been the case, is insufficient for compelling the levels of commitment and action needed to address meaningfully issues that contribute to the seeming intractability of Black underrepresentation in the mathematical sciences. The equity and access issues at play are embedded in the histories of oppression and devaluation faced by Black people in this nation.
HSCT recipient pretransplantation evaluation

All patients being considered for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are required by federal (e.g., the FDA) and other regulatory agencies [e.g., Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)] to undergo a pre-HSCT evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is to ensure that the HSCT candidate is adequately “fit” enough to tolerate HSCT and to determine if the potential benefit from HSCT (i.e., a cure from a malignancy, halting the progression of a disorder, or replacement of a non- or dysfunctional immune system) outweighs the potential risks including death and short- and long-term debilitating side effects. To this end, organ function (e.g., liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs) and performance status are determined. Because HSCT recipients are profoundly immunocompromised and thus susceptible to life-threatening and opportunistic infections as well as reactivation of latent infections, all HSCT candidates undergo a thorough infection evaluation prior to the start of the conditioning regimen. All potential HSCT recipients also undergo restaging or reassessment of their disease state. The results of this evaluation along with the results of the other pre-HSCT testing are used to customize the patient’s conditioning regimen and supportive care plan in order to maximize the benefits while minimizing the morbidity of HSCT. This chapter details the components of this pre-HSCT recipient evaluation.
Time-Lagged Response of the Antarctic and High-Latitude Atmosphere to Tropical MJO Convection

ABSTRACTIntraseasonal tropical variability has important implications for the mid- and high-latitude atmosphere, and in recent studies has been shown to modulate a number of weather processes in th...
Abnormal Turning and Its Association with Self-Reported Symptoms in Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract Turning is common in daily activity and requires rapid, coordinated reorientation of the head, trunk, and pelvis toward the new direction of travel. Yet, turning gait has not been well exp...
New opportunities in automotive tribology

In this article we give an introduction to the field of automotive tribology as a guide to the following articles in this focus issue, and we review the recent application to automotive tribology of several molecular and microscopic level techniques. These include scanning force microscopy (SFM), nanohardness techniques, surface forces apparatus (SFA), computer modeling, vibrational spectroscopies, three UHV‐surface science techniques, and microcalorimetry. They are currently being used, in conjunction with more traditional techniques, to further both practical and fundamental knowledge of automotive tribological systems.
The Role of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in Axial Stability of the Forearm.

Background The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) provides stability to the wrist and disruption of this complex can result in axial instability which can lead to ulnocarpal abutment. Purpose This article determines the individual contributions of the volar radioulnar ligament (VRUL), dorsal radioulnar ligament (DRUL), and foveal attachment of the TFCC to longitudinal stability of the forearm under axial load. Materials and Methods Eighteen cadaveric specimens were randomly assigned into three groups representing the component of the TFCC to be initially transected: VRUL, DRUL, and foveal attachment. Prior to transection, posterioranterior radiographs of the wrist were obtained at 0, 44.5, and 90 N of axial load. Serial transection of the TFCC components were performed with radiographs obtained at each of the aforementioned loads. Ulnar variance was assessed with two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t -tests. Results Transection of the foveal attachment demonstrated a significant change in ulnar variance of 1.5 and 0.6 mm under 45 and 90 N of load, respectively. At 0 N of load, there was no significant change in ulnar variance between an intact wrist and a wrist with all three ligaments transected; however, a significant change in ulnar variance, 1.0 mm, was observed under 90 N of load. Conclusion The foveal attachment of the TFCC provides the largest contribution to axial stability. Clinical Relevance The TFCC provides axial stability to the wrist and disruption of the TFCC may result in change in ulnar variance observed on an axial loaded wrist radiograph.
Neurochemical Regulation of Light Emission from Photocytes

Physiological studies indicate that the initiation of a firefly’s flash is neurogenically controlled through a pacemaker, present in the insect’s brain, which sends periodic volleys of nerve impulses to the light organ (or lantern) located under the ventral cuticle of the distal abdominal segments. The onset of light production during a flash is associated with depolarization of the light emitting photocytes in the lantern. The terminal neurons in this activation pathway appear to be a group of octopamine-containing dorsal unpaired median (DUM) cells, located in the distal two abdominal ganglia (Christensen and Carlson, 1981; Christensen et al, 1983). Putative octopaminergic nerve endings terminate near the redundant rosettes of photogenic cells which make up the light-emitting portion of the lantern. Octopamine has been shown to be present in significant amounts in the light organ (Robertson and Carlson, 1976), and octopamine (or its N-methyl derivative, synephrine) applied directly to light organs causes a bright glow both in normal and denervated lanterns (Carlson, 1968; 1972). These studies suggest that octopamine may be acting postsynaptically as the primary neurotransmitter at the nerve-light organ junction. A number of biochemical experiments that we have carried out over the past few years support this hypothesis and suggest, further, that cyclic AMP may mediate octopamine’s effect on light emission.
Coles Creek fauna procurement strategies: subsistence diversity among late prehistoric hunter-gatherer-horticulturalists in the Lower Mississippi Valley

In the late 1980s, a collaborative effort between Harvard University’s Lower Mississippi Survey and Tulane University’s Center for Archaeology launched a study examining the causes and consequences...
MRI-Guided Laser Ablation of Liver Tumors

Percutaneous thermal ablation has become a viable option for locoregional control of localized hepatic malignancy. Commonly used ablative technologies include radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation. The use of MRI to guide and monitor these ablation procedures is associated with a considerably more refined technique primarily due to the ability of MRI to monitor the thermal effects of tissue heating as they occur. As such, MRI facilitates a tailored approach to treatment based on the actual visualization of individual tumor response. This approach represents a fundamental conceptual departure from the current standard CT- and ultrasound-guided ablations where amount and duration of deployed energy follow a predetermined “recipe” based on vendor’s recommendation and user’s experience. In this chapter, we introduce the readers to the basics of laser/tissue interactions during ablation. We then elaborate on the multifaceted role of MRI during liver ablation and how it contributes to creating a new refined approach to these procedures. We build on this background to transition to the rationale of choosing laser energy for ablation and how it best suits the MRI environment. We then describe the interventional MRI suite setup for liver laser ablation and conclude with a detailed step-by-step description of the various technical phases of guiding and monitoring a liver laser ablation procedure under MRI.
Why are restricted food items still sold after the implementation of the school store policy? the case of South Korea

Abstract The South Korean government has banned sales of unhealthy foods in school stores since 2009; however, most school stores still sell restricted foods. This study aimed to understand the implementation processes and the reasons for incomplete implementation of the school nutrition policy in South Korea. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 policy actors including school store owners, school staff, public officials, politicians, employees of food companies, and experts. Observations of foods sold in school stores were conducted. Interview transcripts were analyzed using both emergent codes and an a priori code list (participants, base values, perspectives, and effects) based on Lasswell’s social process model using NVivo 10. All interviewees perceived that school stores complied with the policy well; however, restricted foods were found in all interviewed school stores during the observations. Although all policy actors understood the intent of the policy; some of them were not interested in the policy or were unsatisfied with the policy and its outcomes such as profit loss. Perspectives and values towards the policy were different for each policy actor group. Poor monitoring of school store foods, lack of awareness of the policy, profit-seeking, and lack of interest in school stores were identified as reasons for incomplete implementation of the policy. The findings support the needs for consideration of various actors’ perspectives, especially for those who are affected by the policy, when implementing school nutrition policies. A stronger understanding of various actors’ involvement in policy processes can inform strategies to enhance implementation and thereby reach outcomes that align with the original policy intent.
2.24 Tbit/s PAM-4 transmission by an InAs/InP quantum dot mode-locked laser

We have developed an InAs/InP quantum dot (QD) mode-locked laser (MLL) with the channel spacing of 50 GHz. Its 3-dB bandwidth covering from 1546.89 nm to 1560.69 nm is 13.8 nm to provide 35 wavelength channels. We have investigated the relative intensity noises (RINs), phase noises, pulse duration and RF beating signals. By using this QD MLL we have successfully obtained the clear PAM-4 eye diagrams from any one of the filtered individual channels of the 50-GHz QD C-band MLL to demonstrate 2.24 Tbit/s (35x64 Gbit/s) PAM- 4 transmission bandwidth.
Physiology is hard: a replication study of students' perceived learning difficulties.

Human Anatomy and Physiology (HAP) has long been recognized as a difficult course. A 2007 study (Michael J. Adv Physiol Educ 31: 34–40, 2007) sought to better understand this difficulty by asking f...
Quantifying Hydrological Impacts of Climate Change Uncertainties on a Watershed in Northern Virginia

AbstractForecasted changes to climate were used to model variations in the streamflow characteristics of a northern Virginia catchment. Two emission scenarios were applied from international climat...
Chemical biology and cancer drug discovery: A Johns Hopkins perspective.

The traditional view of the role of chemistry in research on cancer has been that it serves a synthetic function to make therapeutic agents. While drug development is still an important component of the chemistry-cancer interface, there recently has been an expansion of opportunities that extend to the drug discovery and pathophysiologic realms. I will describe the development and application of chemical and biochemical technologies being investigated in a number of labs at Johns Hopkins that can be used to dissect cancer-related signaling and transcriptional pathways. These research programs naturally lend themselves to rich collaborative opportunities between cancer biologists and chemists. Moreover, the modern cancer-chemistry interface stimulates the training of a new wave of oncologists as they strive to achieve the important goals of better diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic diseases.
A simulation approach to address MQ-9 flying training unit manning shortfalls

Increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) by the United States Air Force (USAF) has put a strain on flying training units responsible for producing aircrew. An increase in student quotas, coupled with new training requirements stemming from a transition to the MQ-9 airframe, impact the resources needed to meet the desired level of student throughput. This research uses historical data of a UAV flying training unit to develop a simulation model of daily operations within a training squadron. Current requirements, operations, and instructor manning levels are used to provide a baseline assessment of the relationship between unit manning and aircrew production. Subsequent analysis investigates the effects of course frequency, class size, and quantity of instructors on student throughput. Results from this research recommend novel approaches in course execution to more fully utilize instructor capacity and inform UAV flying training units on appropriate manning levels required to meet USAF needs.
Vitamin A Absorption Determined in Rats Using a Plasma Isotope Ratio Method.

Background Better methods are needed for determining vitamin A absorption efficiency. Objective Our objective was to measure vitamin A absorption in rats by adapting a plasma isotope ratio method previously used to determine cholesterol absorption. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats [n = 14; 340 ± 16 g (mean ± SD)] received an oral tracer dose of [3H]retinyl acetate in oil plus an intravenous dose of [14C]vitamin A-labeled lymph prepared in a donor rat that had received [14C]retinyl acetate intraduodenally. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12, and plasma was analyzed for 3H and 14C; vitamin A absorption was calculated for each sample as (fraction of oral dose/fraction of intravenous dose) × 100. Radioactivity was also measured in feces and urine collected as pools on days 3, 6, 9, and 12 and in liver and remaining carcass on day 12. Results Vitamin A absorption calculated as the plasma isotope ratio was >100% on day 1, 78% ± 5% on day 6, 76% ± 5% on day 9, and 74% ± 5% on day 12; fitting the data to an exponential function plus a constant predicted an absorption of 75% by day 14. Recovery of the oral dose in feces (day 0 to day 6) was low (6.2% ± 0.84%, n = 10) and the mean isotope ratio in day 9-12 urine pool was lower than that in plasma. Conclusions The plasma isotope ratio holds promise for estimating vitamin A absorption, but additional work is needed to determine how long studies need to be and if the doses should be administered simultaneously. For application of this method in humans, artificial chylomicrons labeled with a stable isotope of retinyl acetate could be used for the intravenous dose, with a different isotope required for the oral dose.
The paradoxes of practical research: The good intentions of inclusion that exclude and abject:

There is an alluring, daunting, and haunting desire for practical knowledge in the contemporary social and education sciences about school change. This desire is not new: it haunts the turn of 20th...
Anesthesia for DCD Liver Transplantation

Since the advent of liver transplantation, optimal anesthesia care is necessary for positive perioperative outcomes. In the context of liver transplantation using grafts from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors, the anesthesiologist must understand the pathophysiology of these grafts and their predisposition to an increased incidence of intraoperative events such as post-reperfusion syndrome, which can affect both short- and long-term outcomes. Although there is minimal research in this area, it generally supports that DCD grafts result in a higher incidence of intraoperative instability. Anesthesiologists should be aware of these implications and prepare accordingly for these cases, with considerations for advanced monitoring and alternative therapies for vasoplegia and cardiopulmonary collapse.
The temporal dynamics of emotion dysregulation in prescription opioid misuse

Abstract Background Opioid misuse is theorized to compromise the capacity to regulate positive and negative emotions. Yet, the temporal dynamics of emotion dysregulation in opioid misuse remain unclear. Methods Patients with chronic pain on long-term opioid therapy (N = 71) participated in an experiment in which they completed an event-related emotion regulation task while heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin responses (GSR) were recorded over a 5 s emotional picture viewing period. Participants were asked to passively view the images or to proactively regulate their emotional responses via reappraisal (i.e., negative emotion regulation) and savoring (i.e., positive emotion regulation) strategies. Using a validated cutpoint on the Current Opioid Misuse Measure, participants were classified as medication-adherent or opioid misusers. Results Medication-adherent patients were able to significantly decrease GSR and HR during negative emotion regulation, whereas opioid misusers exhibited contradictory increases in these autonomic parameters during negative emotion regulation. Furthermore, GSR during positive emotion regulation increased for non-misusers, whereas GSR during positive emotion regulation did not increase for misusers. These autonomic differences, which remained significant even after controlling for a range of covariates, were evident within 1 s of emotional stimulus presentation but reached their maxima 3–4 s later. Conclusions Opioid misuse among people with chronic pain is associated with emotion dysregulation that occurs within the first few seconds of an emotional provocation. Treatments for opioid misuse should aim to remediate these deficits in emotion regulation.
Reoperation Rates of Percutaneous and Paddle Leads in Spinal Cord Stimulator Systems: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

Objective We hypothesize that reoperation rates of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems utilizing percutaneous leads are comparable to those utilizing paddle leads. We attempt here to characterize causes for those reoperations and identify any related patient characteristics. Design and subjects This study is a single-center retrospective chart review of 291 subjects (410 operations) who underwent at least one permanent SCS implantation utilizing percutaneous or paddle leads over a 10-year period at the Medical University of South Carolina. Methods Charts were reviewed for height, weight, body mass index, gender, race, age, stimulator type, type of reoperation, diabetes status, history and type of prior back surgery, top lead location, and number of leads placed. Comparisons of patient and procedural characteristics were conducted using a two-sample t test (continuous variables), chi-square, or Fisher exact approach (categorical variables). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were developed, identifying associations between patient characteristics, SCS characteristics, reoperation rates, and time to reoperation. Results Thirty point five eight percent of subjects (89/291), required at least one reoperation. The reoperation rate was 27.84% for percutaneous systems (N = 54/194) and 27.78% for percutaneous systems (N = 60/216). Time to reoperation also did not differ between the two systems (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.70-1.60). Of all factors examined, younger age at time of placement was the only factor associated with risk of reoperation (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.62-0.87, P Conclusions Our data suggest that reoperation rates and time to reoperation between percutaneous and paddle leads are clinically similar; therefore, rates of reoperation should have no bearing on which system to choose.
PDA Got SERious Nerves.

Pancreatic innervation is an important factor in pancreatic cancer etiology and progression. Recent work by Banh et al. has revealed that serine released from the axons of sensory and sympathetic neurons supports pancreatic cancer metabolism during nutrient-deprived conditions. These findings rationalize a therapeutic strategy to combine dietary manipulation and pharmacological denervation to target pancreatic cancer.
AWGAN: Empowering High-Dimensional Discriminator Output for Generative Adversarial Networks

Empirically multidimensional discriminator (critic) output can be advantageous, while a solid explanation for it has not been discussed. In this paper, (i) we rigorously prove that high-dimensional critic output has advantage on distinguishing real and fake distributions; (ii) we also introduce an square-root velocity transformation (SRVT) block which further magnifies this advantage. The proof is based on our proposed maximal p-centrality discrepancy which is bounded above by p-Wasserstein distance and perfectly fits the Wasserstein GAN framework with high-dimensional critic output n. We have also showed when n = 1, the proposed discrepancy is equivalent to 1-Wasserstein distance. The SRVT block is applied to break the symmetric structure of high-dimensional critic output and improve the generalization capability of the discriminator network. In terms of implementation, the proposed framework does not require additional hyper-parameter tuning, which largely facilitates its usage. Experiments on image generation tasks show performance improvement on benchmark datasets.
Abnormal neuropsychological memory testing and hippocampal volume in a clinical population. (P5.1-013)

Objective: Identifying the proportion of individuals with abnormal neuropsychological memory testing scores based on quantified hippocampal volumes. Background: Determining the likelihood of abnormal memory test scores based on hippocampal volumes can aid the diagnostic process for dementia when neuropsychological testing is not available. Design/Methods: 177 patients who received hippocampal volumetric MRI readings were provisionally diagnosed after a neurologic and neuropsychological evaluation with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD n=65), Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI n=64), or subjective cognitive complaints (SCC n=48). Results: Hippocampal volumetric measurements significantly correlated with the neuropsychological memory tests. 48% of those with AD and 45% of those with MCI had hippocampal volumes below the 5th percentile (versus 4% of those with SCC). Hippocampal volumes below the 16th percentile were seen in 62% of the AD group, 58% for MCI and 8% in SCC. ROC calculation of area under the curve was .80 for hippocampal volume and 1 memory test falling below 1.5 standard deviations and .74 for two memory tests being impaired at that level. Sensitivity for those with a 5% or less volumetric reading was 95% while specificity was 56% for one impaired memory test and 81% and 52% for having two impaired memory tests. Sensitivity and specificity declined for those with 16% or less volumetric measurements to 88%/44% for one impaired test and 74%/36% for two impaired memory tests. Conclusions: Volumetric measurements of 5% or below were quite sensitive to the likelihood of having one impaired neuropsychological memory test although both sensitivity and specificity declined once the hippocampal readings moved closer to the lower end of the normal range. Thus while hippocampal volume loss is related to having an abnormal memory test finding, extreme values are necessary for confidence in the likelihood of a clinical memory disorder. Disclosure: Dr. Ruchinskas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nguyen has nothing to disclose.
Noninvasive Imaging Reveals Inhibition of Ovarian Cancer by Targeting CXCL12-CXCR4

Patients with metastatic ovarian cancer continue to have a dismal prognosis, emphasizing the need for new strategies to identify and develop new molecular targets for therapy. Chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 are upregulated in metastatic ovarian cancer cells and the intraperitoneal tumor microenvironment. CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling promotes multiple steps in proliferation and dissemination of ovarian cancer cells, suggesting that targeted inhibition of this pathway will limit tumor progression. To investigate CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling in ovarian cancer and establish effects of inhibiting this pathway on tumor progression and survival, we designed a Gaussia luciferase complementation imaging reporter system to detect CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 in ovarian cancer cells. In cell-based assays, we established that the complementation imaging reporter could detect CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 and quantify specific inhibition of ligand-receptor interaction. We monitored CXCL12-CXCR4 binding and inhibition in a mouse xenograft model of metastatic human ovarian cancer by imaging Gaussia luciferase complementation and assessed tumor progression with firefly luciferase. Bioluminescence imaging studies in living mice showed that treatment with AMD3100, a clinically approved inhibitor of CXCL12-CXCR4, blocked ligand-receptor binding and reduced growth of ovarian cancer cells. Treatment with AMD3100 also modestly improved overall survival of mice with metastatic ovarian cancer. The Gaussia luciferase complementation imaging reporter system will facilitate further preclinical development and optimization of CXCL12-CXCR4 targeted compounds for treatment of ovarian cancer. Our research supports clinical translation of existing CXCR4 inhibitors for molecular therapy for ovarian cancer.
Regitz diazo synthesis

Synthesis of 2-diazo-1,3-dicarbonyl or 2-diazo-3-ketoesters using tosyl azide or mesyl azide.
An extended stochastic harmonic analysis algorithm: Application for dissolved oxygen

[1] An extension of classical harmonic analysis is used to determine the Fourier coefficients with a constraint of forcing the function through a specified value for developing an extended stochastic harmonic analysis (ESHA). The methodology was applied to the diurnal variations of dissolved oxygen (DO) in streams within a semiempirical modeling scheme to demonstrate the formulation of an ESHA algorithm. Since DO values are often measured at different times during the day, the ESHA algorithm was used to convert data measured at any clock time to those at a standard or reference time. The model was evaluated for five different streams in Minnesota that capture the impact of different ecoregions and different sizes of watersheds. Data were normalized to increase the general applicability of the fitted parameters. The ESHA was successful in representing observed diurnal variations in DO. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) for predicting hourly DO and standard DO ranged respectively from 0.43 to 0.77 mg/L and 0.37 to 0.90 mg/L among the five streams. Estimated model parameters were robust in terms of both spatial and temporal variations. Parameter uncertainties and associated model sensitivity were demonstrated analytically. The developed algorithm can be used for similar applications in numerous science and engineering disciplines. In particular, it is a potentially useful tool for total maximum daily load (TMDL) assessment of aquatic ecosystem health across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
Testing the mechanism for the LSP stability at the LHC

Abstract The lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) is a natural candidate for the cold dark matter of the universe. In this Letter we discuss how to test the mechanism responsible for the LSP stability at the LHC. We note that if R -parity is conserved dynamically one should expect a Higgs boson which decays mainly into two right-handed neutrinos (a “leptonic” Higgs) or into two sfermions. The first case could exhibit spectacular lepton number violating signals with four secondary vertices due to the long-lived nature of right-handed neutrinos. These signals, together with the standard channels for the discovery of SUSY, could help to establish the underlying theory at the TeV scale.
Genetic Control of Histidine Degradation in Salmonella typhimurium, Strain LT-2

Abstract Salmonella typhimurium strain LT-2 produces very little histidase and urocanase upon induction by l-histidine or imidazolepropionic acid. Rare mutants were isolated that could be induced to form these enzymes. By further mutations strains specifically deficient in the ability to form histidase or urocanase and strains capable of forming these enzymes in the absence of inducer were obtained. It could be shown by transduction that the parent organism possesses the genetic information required for the production of histidase and urocanase. The genetic sites responsible for the formation and control of the enzymes are closely linked to one another and are located on the bacterial chromosome near the site responsible for galactose fermentation. The genetic site responsible for the inability of the parent strain to produce the enzymes is located between the gene for urocanase and the gene determining response to induction.