cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 684: Novel potent curcumin analogues EF-31 and UBS109 inhibit DNA methylation and induce SPARC expression in pancreatic cancer.

Purpose/Objectives: DNA methylation is an essential step in epigenetic modification and carcinogenesis. HSP90 and NF-κB have a central role in DNA methylation. Curcumin down regulates HSP90 and NF-kB. UBS109 and EF-31 are potent synthetic analogues of curcumin. We tested the hypothesis that EF-31 and UBS-109 can inhibit DNA methylation and induce SPARC through inhibition of NF-kB and HSP90 in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods: Two pancreatic cancer cell lines were used, PANC-1 and Mia-PaCa2. Cells were either untreated (control) or treated with curcumin (20μM), EF-31 (750nM) and UBS-109 (250nM) for 24 hours. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses were carried out to determine the effect of curcumin and its analogues EF-31 and UBS-109 on different signal molecules involved in carcinogenesis. Electromobility shift assay (EMSA) was performed in pancreatic cells to evaluate the effects of ganetespib on NF-kB activity. Immunocyto and histo chemistry assays were also performed. Results: The treatment of pancreatic cancer cell lines with curcumin and its analog EF-31 and UBS-109 inhibited NF-κB and HSP90 at transcriptional and translational level resulting in inhibition of DNMT1, decrease in CpG island methylation and up-regulation of SPARC. EF-31 and UBS109 were more potent at inhibition of DNMT1 than curcumin. To confirm that the observed effects were mediated by NF-kB, a stable transfection with p65 (NF-kB) was performed. Cells with overexpression of NF-κB resulted in increased DNMT-1, HSP90 protein and decreased SPARC. Inhibition of NF-kB using EF31 or UBS109 resulted in up-regulation of SPARC and inhibition of the DNMT due to NF-κB down-regulation. Similar effects were observed in tumors from animals treated with EF-31 and UBS-109. Conclusion: UBS109, EF31 and curcumin can inhibit DNA methylation through down-regulation of DNMT-1 expression by NF-kB. Inhibition of methylation was associated with expression of silenced genes such as SPARC. UBS109 and EF31 are significantly more potent than curcumin. UBS109 and EF31 are promising agents for therapy in pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Purnachandra Nagaraju Ganji, Shijun Zhu, Shoji Mamoru, Bassel El-Rayes. Novel potent curcumin analogues EF-31 and UBS109 inhibit DNA methylation and induce SPARC expression in pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 684. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-684
3-D Atomistic Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations of Point Defect Incorporation During CVD Diamond Film Growth

The incorporation of vacancies and H atoms into { 100}- and { 111 }-oriented diamond films during CVD growth in an atmosphere of H, H2, CH3, and C2H2 is simulated atomistically. The growing films are represented in three dimensions by a diamond cubic lattice, and the temporal evolution of the surfaces is accomplished by a kinetic Monte Carlo method. The dimer bonding of diamond atoms on the { 100} surface is treated explicitly. Growth begins on { 100}(2xl):H and { 11 }:H surfaces containing 288 and 300 atoms, respectively, in the surface plane, and the growth of approximately sixty atomic layers (18,000 atoms) is accomplished at each of fifteen substrate temperatures between 800 and 1500 K. The growth rates depend on the combined contributions to growth from CH3 and C2H2, whereas the point defect concentrations depend on the ratio of C2H2 to CH3 growth. The maximum { 100} growth rate is achieved at approximately 1200 K. Point defect concentrations are low at temperatures below 1300 K, but become high above 1300 K. Growth efficiency, defined as the ratio of growth rate to defect concentration, is maximum for both film orientations at substrate temperatures in the vicinity of 1100 to 1200 K.
Domestication as a model system for niche construction theory

Niche Construction Theory (NCT) provides a powerful conceptual framework for understanding how and why humans and target species entered into domesticatory relationships that have transformed Earth's biota, landforms, and atmosphere, and shaped the trajectory of human cultural development. NCT provides fresh perspective on how niche-constructing behaviors of humans and plants and animals promote co-evolutionary interactions that alter selection pressures and foster genetic responses in domesticates. It illuminates the role of niche-altering activities in bequeathing an ecological inheritance that perpetuates the co-evolutionary relationships leading to domestication, especially as it pertains to traditional ecological knowledge and the transmission of learned behaviors aimed at enhancing returns from local environments. NCT also provides insights into the contexts and mechanisms that promote cooperative interactions in both humans and target species needed to sustain niche-constructing activities, ensuring that these activities pro- duce an ecological inheritance in which domesticates play an increasing role. A NCT perspective contributes to on-going debates in the social sciences over explanatory frameworks for domestication, in particular as they pertain to issues of reciprocal causa- tion, co-evolution, and the role of human intentionality. Reciprocally, domestication provides a model system for evaluating on-going debates in evolutionary biology con- cerning the impact of niche construction, phenotypic plasticity, extra-genetic inheritance, and developmental bias in shaping the direction and tempo of evolutionary change.
Quantitative sensing of corroded steel rebar embedded in cement mortar specimens using ultrasonic testing

Corrosion of steel reinforcing bars (rebars) is the primary cause for the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. Traditional corrosion monitoring methods such as half-cell potential and linear polarization resistance can only detect the presence of corrosion but cannot quantify it. This study presents an experimental investigation of quantifying degree of corrosion of steel rebar inside cement mortar specimens using ultrasonic testing (UT). A UT device with two 54 kHz transducers was used to measure ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of cement mortar, uncorroded and corroded reinforced cement mortar specimens, utilizing the direct transmission method. The results obtained from the study show that UPV decreases linearly with increase in degree of corrosion and corrosion-induced cracks (surface cracks). With respect to quantifying the degree of corrosion, a model was developed by simultaneously fitting UPV and surface crack width measurements to a two-parameter linear model. The proposed model can be used for predicting the degree of corrosion of steel rebar embedded in cement mortar under similar conditions used in this study up to 3.03%. Furthermore, the modeling approach can be applied to corroded reinforced concrete specimens with additional modification. The findings from this study show that UT has the potential of quantifying the degree of corrosion inside reinforced cement mortar specimens.
The Doctrine of Transubstantiation from Berengar through Trent: The Point at Issue

It will be the purpose of this paper to trace the doctrine of transubstantiation from the point at which the problem begins to come into focus down through the Council of Trent. It is widely supposed that the history of this doctrine is a fairly simple one. The assertion of the physical presence of Christ in the eucharist quite naturally and inevitably evolves into the doctrine of transubstantiation, given the context of Aristotelianism in which theology works from the early thirteenth century on.
Investigation of the Role of CD4+ T cells and Interleukin-10 in Immune-Mediated Neuroprotection

Previous studies demonstrate that immunodeficient mice suffer significantly more motoneuron (MN) loss after facial nerve axotomy (FNA), and CD4+ T cells and interleukin-10 (IL-10) are the key media...
Prognostic factors in kidney transplantation in the septuagenarian: a multicenter analysis.

Kidney transplant (KT) programs have extended recipient eligibility to those who were previously excluded due to advanced age. We aimed to determine the outcomes of the patients ≥70 years undergoing KT and investigate factors predicting survival. Two thousand six hundred and twenty-four KT patients between 2003 and 2013 at two institutions were divided into two groups; those ≥70 years (n=300) and those 30 kg/m(2) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07; P=.01), panel reactive antibody (PRA)>20% (HR 2.38; P=.01), previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; HR 1.95; P=.03) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD; HR 2.60; P=.04). Acceptable outcomes can be achieved in KT recipients ≥70 years. Caution should be used when listing these patients if they have BMI>30 kg/m(2) , PRA>20%, CABG or PVD.
Research Progress in Storability of Rice

This article summarizes the research progresses in the evaluation indexes of rice storability,internal and external factors affecting rice storability,and location,exploration and utilization of rice storability genes,and looks forward the research direction of rice storability in the future.
Representing history: on structuring history lessons as design

We report on a design experiment in which history lessons are structured in terms of the design and refinement of visual forms that can afford powerful reasoning about the nature of history as an ongoing, contested socio-cultural construction.
Lessons learned from the use of ESAs.

Dr. Bennett and colleagues have provided a thorough and balanced history of the rise and fall of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) in cancer-associated anemia. Their review encourages us to think about the lessons learned from this history—lessons about medical progress, the importance of clinical research in guiding clinical practice, and the role of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in protecting patients
Growth and GH–IGF in Chronic Kidney Disease

Growth failure in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is multifactorial and has been correlated with increased hospitalizations, increased mortality rates, and decreased quality of life measures. Perturbations in the growth hormone (GH)–insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I axis contribute to the poor linear growth in infants, children, and adolescents with CKD but have also been suggested to affect kidney disease progression. In general, GH levels are increased due to loss of nephron mass, reduced renal clearance, and an increase in the half-life. The normal pulsatile secretion of GH is disrupted in CKD and is replaced by a more tonic pattern that is less effective in promoting tissue growth. Thus, renal failure can be characterized as a state of GH resistance and not a state of GH deficiency. GH resistance can be attributed to reduced density of GH receptors on target tissues, impaired post-receptor Janus kinase/signal transducer, and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling leading to decreased transcription of GH-dependent genes, such as IGF-I. Increased levels of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) along with the reduced IGF-I levels lead to reduced bioavailability of free IGF-I at the target tissue. IGF-I is a key mediator of the somatic effects of GH and the reduced levels correlate with the height deficit observed in children with CKD. Ultimately the goal is for children with CKD to achieve their full genetic height potential. Significant efforts have been taken to improve final adult heights in chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease, and after renal transplantation. These efforts include correcting the metabolic acidosis, improving nutrition, reversing hyperparathyroidism, minimizing corticosteroid use, and administering recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy. Administration of supraphysiologic doses of rhGH has been shown to overcome the GH resistance and improve growth velocity and in certain circumstances can accelerate growth velocity above the normal rate (catch-up growth) but this effect may not be long lasting. Targeting alternative pathways in the GH–IGF axis may prove efficacious in the long-term treatment of growth failure in children with CKD.
Symplectites derived from metastable phases in martian basaltic meteorites

The martian basalts Los Angeles, QUE 94201, Shergotty, and Zagami contain several late-stage mineral types including oxides, sulfides, phosphates, and associated silicate assemblages. Symplectites consisting of two- and three-phase assemblages are present in Los Angeles, QUE 94201, and Shergotty. The three-phase symplectite is composed of hedenbergitic pyroxene, fayalitic olivine, and an SiO 2 polymorph, and the two-phase symplectite consists of fayalitic olivine and an SiO 2 polymorph. These symplectites are commonly found in close association with the Ca-phosphate merrillite [general formula Ca 9 (Mg,Fe 2 + )(PO 4 ) 7 ]. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to examine the distribution and occurrence of the symplectites, and point-count and electron-microprobe data were used to recast symplectites in terms of pyroxene stoichiometry. The reconstructed three-phase symplectite compositions plot close to lunar (metastable) pyroxferroite on the pyroxene quadrilateral diagram and indicate that pyroxene compositions ranged into the "forbidden region" and eventually crystallized pyroxferroite, which subsequently broke down to the three-phase symplectite upon cooling. Two-phase symplectites, which occur directly adjacent to merrillite, may be the result of breakdown of metastable ferrosilite. The crystal chemistry of merrillite and its close association with the symplectites indicates that during crystallization of pyroxene, co-crystallizing merrillite contributes to depletion of Ca and Mg and the formation of metastable pyroxferroite and ferrosilite.
Will a new vaccine be used

Despite the fact that vaccines are successful at preventing disease as well as cost-effective, many factors prevent their uptake. These factors are different for different regions. In the United States and Europe, several factors have been identified. The first of these factors is complacency. Both patients and parents lack the knowledge of disease. In addition, physicians are often apathetic about vaccines. There is a lack of training in public health and preventive medicine in that the mind-set of physicians is not directed toward prevention but rather toward treatment. Younger physicians are often less aware of disease controlled by vaccines than their older colleagues are because they have not seen them. One of the paradoxes of vaccines is that success leads to decreased use. Despite the Vaccine for Children's Program, which has provided ample funding for the purchase of vaccines, there are limits on funding for people, facilities, and systematized approaches to maintaining high levels of immunizations. Finally, and perhaps most important, there is fear, real and unfounded. Additionally, in many developing countries there is a lack of focus on preventive medicine, including immunization, as well as limited funding available. Reasonable steps can be taken to overcome these obstacles.
When daddy comes to school: father–school involvement and children’s academic and social–emotional skills

ABSTRACTThe present study used a large sample of mostly non-resident fathers (74%) to determine whether father–school involvement (e.g. attending parent–teacher conferences) predicted better academic and social emotional skills after controlling for the influence of mother–school involvement, the quality of children’s home learning environment, and demographics. A total of 3570 children participated in the study (47% European American, 35% African-American, and 18% Hispanic). Although mothers in this study engaged in more frequent involvement in their children’s schools, father–school involvement was positively associated with children’s reading, math, and teacher-rated approaches to learning scores in elementary school. Furthermore, father–school involvement predicted better reading and math scores after controlling for the influence of mother–school involvement, the quality of children’s home learning environment, and demographics.
β-Cryptoxanthin Reduced Lung Tumor Multiplicity and Inhibited Lung Cancer Cell Motility by Downregulating Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor α7 Signaling

Despite the consistent association between a higher intake of the provitamin A carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) and a lower risk of lung cancer among smokers, potential mechanisms supporting BCX as a chemopreventive agent are needed. We first examined the effects of BCX on 4-[methyl nitrosamino]-1-[3-pyridyl]-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice. BCX supplementation was given daily to the mice starting 2 weeks prior to the injection of NNK and continued 16 weeks after NNK injection. BCX supplementation resulted in a dose-dependent increase of BCX concentration in both serum and lungs of the mice without a significant alteration of vitamin A (retinol and retinyl palmitate) concentration. BCX significantly reduced the multiplicity of the NNK-induced lung tumor by 52% to 63% compared with the NNK-treated mice without BCX supplementation. The protective effect of BCX in the lungs was associated with reductions of both mRNA and protein of the homopentameric neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (α7-nAChR), which has been implicated in lung tumorigenesis. We then conducted an in vitro cell culture study and found that BCX treatment suppressed α7-nAChR expression and inhibited the migration and invasion of α7-nAChR-positive lung cancer cells but not in cells lacking α7-nAChR. The activities of BCX were significantly attenuated by activators of α7-nAChR/PI3K signaling or by overexpression of constitutively active PI3K. Collectively, the results suggest that BCX inhibits lung tumorigenesis and cancer cell motility through the downregulation of α7-nAChR/PI3K signaling, independent of its provitamin A activity. Therefore, BCX can be used as a chemopreventive agent or a chemotherapeutic compound against lung cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 9(11); 875-86. ©2016 AACR.
A prone burial from a plantation slave cemetery in Barbados, West Indies: Possible evidence for an African-type witch or other negatively viewed person

Dating to the late 1600s or early 1700s, a burial excavated from a slave cemetery at Newton Plantation in Barbados had several unique characteristics. Buried in the largest artificial earthen mound in the cemetery without grave goods or a coffin, this young adult woman was the solitary interment in the mound and the cemetery’s only prone burial. Her skeleton showed no signs of unusual death although analysis of lead in her bones suggests she suffered from severe lead poisoning. Documentary evidence on Barbados slave culture in general and ethnographic/ethnohistorical evidence on West African mortuary practices suggest interpretations for this burial: She may have been a witch or some other negatively viewed person with supernatural powers who, following African custom, was feared or socially ostracized.
Cognitive Devices as Human Assistants

How do Cognitive Things assist individuals?How do they support shopping and buying?How do they take care of elderly?How do they operate as administrative assistants?Could they help travel and provide concierge service?
Predicting risk of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized cancer patients: Utility of a risk assessment tool

Inpatient venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a priority preventable illness; risk in cancer varies and prophylaxis is inconsistently used. A previously validated tool (Khorana Score, [KS]) identifies VTE risk in cancer outpatients with 5 easily available variables but has not been studied in the inpatient setting. We evaluated the validity of KS in predicting VTE risk in hospitalized cancer patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive oncology inpatients at the Cleveland Clinic from 11/2012 to 12/2014 (n = 3531). Patients were excluded for VTE on admission (n = 304), incomplete KS data (n = 439) or other reasons (n = 8). Data collected included demographics, cancer type, length of stay (LOS), anticoagulant use, and laboratory values. Multivariate risk factors were identified with stepwise logistic regression, confirmed with bootstrap analysis. Of 2780 patients included, 106 (3.8%) developed VTE during hospitalization. Median age was 62 (range, 19-98) years and 56% were male. Median LOS was 5 (range, 0-152) days. High risk KS (≥ 3) was significantly associated with VTE in uni- and multivariate analyses (OR 2.5, 95% [confidence interval] CI 1.3-4.9). Other significant variables included male gender (OR 1.67, 1.1-2.53), older age (OR 0.86, 0.75-0.99) and use of anticoagulants (OR 0.57, 0.39-0.85). Recursive partitioning analysis suggested optimal cut point for KS is 2 (OR 1.82, 1.23-2.69). This is the first report validating KS as a risk tool to predict VTE in hospitalized cancer patients. Using this tool could lead to more consistent and successful application of inpatient thromboprophylaxis.
Attitudes Toward Inheritance Following Divorce and Remarriage

The purpose of this study is to examine attitudes regarding who should be included in wills following divorce and remarriage. Respondents were 268 men and 439 women. In mailed vignettes, they indicated whom they thought should be included in an elder's will. Three variables were examined: (a) family closeness, (b) contact after divorce, and (c) remarriage. Three factors were associated with inheritance obligations: (a) genetic ties, (b) patriarchal lineage, and (c) family ties, which were defined more broadly than genetic relationships. Few respondents mentioned factors such as family closeness and reciprocity. There was little agreement regarding who is and who is not in the family, but inheritance clearly was limited to family. Obligation to include the next of kin in the will supersedes obligations based upon closeness and frequency of contact.
Cognitive application area networks

Each software application, from e-commerce to a complex machine learning algorithm, is composed of a set of distributed, interacting components that collaborate to accomplish a common goal. While this application goal or the intent is well-defined and decomposed into sub-tasks to be embedded (a la Turing machine) in each composed component, the quality of the application (in terms of performance, responsiveness, availability or robustness) is strongly influenced by how and where the components are executed. This kind of information, including the meta-knowledge of the intent of the algorithm, the association of specific component to a specific machine, the temporal evolution and exception handling when the application deviates from its intent, is outside the application design and expressed in terms of non-functional requirements. In this paper, we describe how it is possible to exploit these non-functional requirements to effectively enforce the application intent while the computation is still in progress.
Airway ciliary dysfunction: Association with adverse postoperative outcomes in nonheterotaxy congenital heart disease patients

Abstract Objective Heterotaxy (HTX) congenital heart disease (CHD) patients with ciliary dysfunction (CD) have been shown to have increased postoperative respiratory morbidity. We hypothesized that non-HTX CHD infants with CD also will have increased postoperative morbidity, particularly respiratory complications. Methods Sixty-three infants with non-HTX CHD undergoing cardiac surgery were enrolled. Tests commonly used to assess for CD, nasal nitric oxide (nNO) measurements and nasal epithelial ciliary motion (CM) assessment, were obtained. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results Non-HTX CHD infants exhibited a high prevalence of abnormal CM (32%) and low nNO (39%). This finding was not correlated with demographics or surgical complexity. Infants with abnormal CM had increased odds of requiring noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-29.4; P = .016) and respiratory medication use (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.5-13.3; P = .01). In contrast, infants with low nNO showed evidence of abnormal pre- and postoperative systolic function (40% vs 4%; P = .004, and 34% vs 13%; P = .056, respectively) and had greater odds of acquiring infections (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.4-17; P = .014). Conclusions Non-HTX CHD infants with abnormal CM showed increased postoperative morbidity associated with poor respiratory outcomes. In contrast, low nNO correlated with reduced hemodynamic function. These findings suggest screening for abnormal CM may allow perioperative interventions to reduce pulmonary morbidities. Whether low nNO may prognosticate poor hemodynamic function warrants further investigation.
Diabetes Insipidus and Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone

Abstract Disorders in sodium and water homeostasis primarily result from perturbation in the release or response to arginine vasopressin (AVP). Impaired AVP secretion or response results in impaired renal concentration and is termed diabetes insipidus (DI). Hyponatremia that results from AVP production in the absence of an osmotic or hemodynamic stimulus is termed syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion. The goals of this chapter are to review both DI and SIADH, their causes, and their treatment.
Does Every Morbidly Obese Patient Need a Complete Preoperative Workup

The perioperative management of morbidly obese patients is an intimidating challenge for anesthesiologists. Due to the high frequency of many organ system abnormalities, do all morbidly obese patients require a full workup preoperatively? In other words, in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of pathology, are clinicians obligated to perform testing for cardiac function, coronary artery patency, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary, hepatic and renal disease and other common obesity-related diseases that may impact surgical and anesthetic outcome? There is currently insufficient evidence to clearly support either a comprehensive approach, which may be expensive, inefficient and possibly harmful or a workup consistent with the same standard of care as non-obese patients. Nevertheless, there is acceptable safety data and expert opinion that supports a targeted symptom-based approach to preoperative evaluation. For moderate or severe risk procedures, all morbidly obese patients should have a comprehensive metabolic panel and chest X-ray. An EKG is reasonable, but only necessary in the presence of known risk factors. Anesthesiologists must have a high index of suspicion for common obesity-related problems such as obstructive sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, coronary artery disease, decreased functional residual capacity, poor glycemic control and gastro-esophageal reflux and provide appropriate screening questions during the preanesthetic history and physical. A comprehensive workup with testing is likely unnecessary and may not improve outcomes.
The Investment Climate in Armenia: Some Legal, Economic and Ethical Issues

This article grew out of a speech the author gave at the Armenian Academy of Sciences about the investment climate in Armenia. A recent study ranked Armenia 106 out of 161 countries in terms of investment desirability. The author outlines the steps that will need to be taken if Armenia wants to improve its ranking in future surveys.
Fabric Finishing: Pretreatment/Textile Wet Processing

Abstract Fabrics must be properly prepared before they are dyed and/or printed, in order to ensure that dye uptake is uniform, the desired colors are achieved, and the colors are fast. Preparation, the subject of this chapter, is a series of sequential processing steps that ready the fabric for dyeing and subsequent finishing. The preparation processes for fabrics composed of natural and synthetic fibers, and blends of the two, are discussed here.
Incomplete longitudinal data

In most statistical applications, we expect that a set of relevant variables is available for each subject. However, human subjects are notorious for imperfect cooperation with surveys, especially when they have little or no stake in the outcome of the data collection exercise. Pervasive examples of imperfect cooperation are failure to answer an item from the background questionnaire and, more generally, failure to adhere to the protocol of the survey. For instance, examinees may lose motivation half-way through the test and abandon the test without attending to a segment of items, or they may mark the responses to these items arbitrarily. More radical forms of incomplete cooperation are not turning up for the appointment and rejecting the approach of the data collector. Such instances are not uncommon because educational surveys typically demand a substantial commitment, in terms of time and mental effort, from the examinees. Our concern in this chapter is not with alleviating these problems, such as providing incentives to examinees and improving the presentation of the survey instruments, but rather with facing the problem of missing data as a fact of life and devising methods of analysis that make full use of data from all subjects, however incomplete their records may be.
Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity Waveforms: Clinical Application

This chapter reviews the clinical application of Doppler ultrasound velocimetry of the cerebral blood flow in the fetus. There are two main clinical applications of the fetal Doppler cerebral blood flow velocity waveforms:
Physical activity of early stage melanoma survivors.

Abstract Background Early stage melanoma survivors are typically otherwise healthy adults with a median age of 56.5 years for women at the time of diagnosis. Women have a projected lifespan of 20 to 30 additional years during which they should be able to enjoy and benefit from leisure outdoor physical activities while limiting their risk of a second melanoma from unprotected sun exposure. Objective This study evaluated the physical activity of melanoma survivors before their diagnosis of melanoma as well as 2 to 3 months and 12 months after surgical resection. Methods Participants in this observational study were early stage melanoma survivors (Stage 0-1A) who were surgically treated for melanoma within the last 6 months. Participants completed three online surveys (Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire) that estimated their physical activity 2 to 3 months prior to the diagnosis with melanoma as well as 2 to 3 months and 12 months after surgery. Results All 75 participants were non-Hispanic white, and 38 of 75 participants (50.6%) were women. The median age of this urban/suburban Midwest population was 52 years. Prior to their diagnosis, all melanoma survivors were active, and 55% of women reported vigorous leisure physical activity. Two to three months after surgery, 11 of 38 women (30%) were inactive and 31% were inactive at 12 months. At 12 months after surgery, inactivity was positively correlated with older age (61-80 + years; F1050 = 15.38; p Conclusion Dermatologists are in a position to promote a healthy lifestyle for melanoma survivors, especially older women who can be expected to live many more years and may restrict leisure outdoor physical activity to comply with sun protection recommendations. When considering the overall health of older, female melanoma survivors, dermatologists may recommend they walk with a friend at any time of the day while wearing a hat, protective clothing, and sunscreen on exposed skin.
Exploring the Utility of Theory-Informed Methodological Approaches in Youth Harassment Research.

In comparison to research on youth bullying, less research has been dedicated to youth harassment experiences in school. This study seeks to illustrate youth harassment experiences in school throug...
Assessment of appropriate antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections in an internal medicine clinic.

Objectives Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections encountered in ambulatory care and inpatient settings. Although these infections are common, not all patients are prescribed an appropriate antibiotic or duration of therapy. The primary objective of this analysis was to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic selection and duration of therapy for patients in an adult internal medicine clinic diagnosed as having a UTI. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013) of adult patients in an internal medicine clinic who were diagnosed as having a UTI. Pediatric and pregnant patients were excluded from the analysis. Data pertaining to the classification of UTI, antibiotic regimen, urine culture, and renal function were collected. All of the data were analyzed to determine whether the prescribing habits at the internal medicine clinic aligned with Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for antibiotic selection and duration of therapy for acute uncomplicated cystitis, complicated cystitis, catheter-associated UTI, and pyelonephritis. Results There were 269 records available for the analysis, with the majority of the cases being uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. Of 128 cases of patients with uncomplicated UTIs and 116 cases of patients with complicated UTIs, 64.1% and 42.2%, respectively, were prescribed appropriate first- or second-line therapy, which aligned with the recommendations of the IDSA. Regarding the individual components of the UTI treatment regimen, antibiotic selection had the highest frequency of appropriateness, with 97.6% of uncomplicated UTI cases and 90.5% of complicated UTI cases having been treated with a recommended antibiotic. In contrast, the treatment duration for uncomplicated and complicated UTIs had the lowest frequency of appropriateness, at 71.9% and 58.6%, respectively. Conclusions Receiving an adequate antibiotic regimen for a UTI is important to prevent treatment failure and the emergence of resistant organisms. Overall, the studied antibiotic regimens prescribed for various UTIs diagnosed in the clinic did not align with the IDSA recommendations.
Cheating Death: New Molecules Block BAX.

BAX is a formidable BCL-2 family protein that executes cellular suicide in response to physiologic and pathologic stress. A new article in Nature Chemical Biology (Garner et al. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-018-0223-0 ) reports small molecules that inhibit the conformational activation of BAX, informing a pharmacologic approach to blocking unwanted cell death in human disease.
Lattice-preferred orientation development in experimental and natural fine-grained dolomite shear zones

Abstract We compare microstructures and lattice preferred orientations (LPO) in shear zones formed in two experimentally deformed and two naturally deformed dolomites. Experimental samples were deformed at 900 °C and laboratory strain rates, and naturally deformed dolomites were collected from the Pioneer Landing thrust and Town Knobs thrust of the Southern Appalachians, deformed at ~300 °C and ~240 °C, respectively, at tectonic strain rates. Coarse-grained host dolomite, in all samples, exhibits undulatory extinction, subgrains, recrystallized grains, and, in the naturally deformed dolomites, fractures. Two types of fine-grained shear zones are characterized in experimentally deformed dolomites: 1) a fine-grained zone of recrystallized dolomite generated during axial shortening of coarse-grained dolomite that initially deformed by dislocation creep, with strain localization initiated by grain-size sensitive deformation processes and 2) a synthetic, fine-grained dolomite layer placed between coarse-grained dolomite shear pistons. Microstructures and lattice preferred orientations of the experimentally sheared dolomite reflect the concomitant operation of dislocation creep, diffusion creep, and grain boundary sliding. Microstructures, including subgrains, recrystallized grains, and four-grain junctions, and lattice preferred orientations that consist of weak c-axis maxima in the natural shear zones are similar to the experimental shear zones, however, a slightly stronger LPO, more common subgrains and the lack of four-grain junctions indicate that dislocation creep dominates within dolomites deformed at lower temperatures (240 °C).
The Optimal Design to Obtain a Racially Representative Jury

The Federal Jury Selection and Service Act was passed in 1968 guaranteeing that “all litigants in Federal courts entitled to trial by jury shall have the right to grand and petit juries selected at random from a fair cross-section of the community” (U.S., 1968, Section 1861).2 Current federal law attempts to insure this goal by specifying two key concepts in forming the jury venire. During panel selection procedures, there must be (1) “a random” selection of jurors and (2) selection from an area that includes special geographic districts in which a particular court convenes (U.S., 1968, Section 1861).3 At the state level, a similar standard applies.4
Revision Surgery for Lateral Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability can develop in 20–40% of patients who suffer an ankle sprain with damage to the lateral ligaments (ATFL, PTFL, and CFL). Radiographic indicators for lateral ankle instability diagnosis are 10 degrees or greater talar tilt, 10 mm or greater anterior drawer, or 5 degrees/5 mm difference from the contralateral side. While the modified Brostrom-Gould repair is the gold standard for lateral ankle instability, confounding factors can present challenges which may lead to stabilization failure and necessarily dictate revision surgery and use of an alternative technique. Pathologies often mitigating failed repair include generalized ligamentous laxity, larger patients, more active patients, or underlying deformities (i.e., cavovarus setting). Our described revision technique can be utilized in patients presenting with these conditions as well as who experience a previous graft failure during repair. The technique involves anatomic ligament reconstruction using the harvested semitendinosus, gracilis, or both tendons as an autograft woven through three tunnels in the calcaneus, fibula, and talus. It has produced successful and significant results thus far, at least 1 year postoperatively with improvements in radiographic and clinical outcome scores.
Abstract P148: Sex Differences in the Genetic Predisposition of Coronary Artery Disease

While coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women, sex differences in CAD risk are widely observed. Genetic susceptibility for CAD may be modified by sex and ...
Abstract IA22: The role of the intestinal microbiome in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Relationships between microbiota composition and clinical outcomes of patients following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) have been described in single-center studies. Geographic variations in the composition of human microbial communities and differences in clinical practices across institutions raise the question of whether these associations are generalizable. Therefore, we studied 8,767 fecal samples from 1,362 allo-HCT patients at four centers on three continents by 16S ribosomal sequencing. In an observational study, we examined associations between microbiota diversity and overall survival during two years of follow-up after allo-HCT with proportional-hazards analysis. We observed reproducible patterns of microbiota disruption characterized by loss of diversity and domination by single taxa. Low diversity in the peri-neutrophil engraftment period was reproducibly associated with increased risk of death (multivariate-adjusted HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30-0.77, p = 0.002 in the largest cohort). Subset analysis suggested that these reductions in overall survival were in part due to an increased risk of transplant-related mortality and graft-versus-host disease. Baseline pre-HCT samples already bore evidence of microbiome disruption, and low diversity prior to transplantation was associated with poor survival. In addition, we found that Enterococcus faecium dominates the intestinal microbiota of up to 65% allo-HCT patients early after transplant at all four transplant centers. Enterococcus domination was associated with an increased incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), increased GVHD-related mortality, and reduced overall survival. Post-transplant expansion of Enterococci was also observed in mouse models of GVHD in the absence of antibiotic treatment. Spiking a minimal flora with Enterococci in gnotobiotic mice exacerbated lethal GVHD. Metagenomic sequencing of human and murine Enterococcus-dominated fecal samples revealed an enrichment of lactose and galactose degradation genes, a pathway necessary for Enterococcus growth in vitro. A lactose-free chow attenuated the intestinal outgrowth of Enterococcus and reduced the severity of lethal GVHD in mice. In patients, a lactose-nonabsorber genotype was associated with an increased Enterococcus abundance after cessation of antibiotic treatment after allo-HCT. In conclusion, the concordance of microbiota disruption patterns and their associations with clinical outcomes suggest that approaches to manipulate the intestinal microbiota with the aim of improving allo-HCT clinical outcomes may be generalizable. Citation Format: Marcel van den Brink. The role of the intestinal microbiome in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Microbiome, Viruses, and Cancer; 2020 Feb 21-24; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(8 Suppl):Abstract nr IA22.
Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Ventricular Tachycardia and Syncope

45 year old healthy woman who presented with palpitation and syncope. She was found to have idiopathic VT originating from right ventricular outflow tract. Using electro anatomical mapping, VT was ablated successfully.
Six‐Month Follow‐up from a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Weight BIAS Program

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the 6-month nonintervention follow-up effects of a cognitive behavioral intervention for weight bias internalization (WBI; i.e., self-stigma) combined with behavioral weight loss (BWL). METHODS Adults with obesity and elevated WBI were previously randomized to receive BWL alone or in combination with the Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma program (BWL + BIAS). Participants attended weekly group meetings for 12 weeks, followed by two biweekly and two monthly meetings (26 weeks total). Follow-up assessments were conducted at week 52. Changes on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale and Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire at week 52 were the principal outcomes. Other outcomes included changes in eating, coping, and weight. RESULTS Of 72 randomized participants, 54 (75%) completed week 52 assessments. Linear mixed models showed improvements across groups, but no significant differences between groups, in week 52 change on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (P = 0.25) or Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (P = 0.27). BWL + BIAS participants reported significantly greater benefits than BWL participants on measures of eating and affective coping with weight stigma. Percent weight loss at week 52 did not differ significantly between groups (BWL + BIAS = -3.1% [SE 1.0%], BWL = -4.0% [SE 1.0%], P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS Reductions in WBI did not differ between groups at 6-month follow-up. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of a stigma-reduction intervention beyond BWL.
Role of Aurora B and Haspin kinases in the metaphase Topoisomerase II checkpoint.

DNA Topoisomerase II (TopoII) uses ATP hydrolysis to decatenate chromosomes so that sister chromatids can faithfully segregate in mitosis. When the TopoII enzyme cycle stalls due to failed ATP hydr...
Collaborative Environmental Science Courses: Bridging between Undergraduate Research into Energy Issues in Malaysia and the United States

With support from the EnviroLab Asia initiative at the Claremont Colleges, I redeveloped my Environmental Chemistry course for undergraduates to focus on environmental issues in Asia. I collaborated with a colleague from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) who was teaching a similar course for master’s-level students in Bangi, Malaysia. Our students worked on projects together comparing different aspects of renewable energy in the two countries. At the end of the semester, my students traveled to UKM for a symposium with my colleague’s students and continued working on their research projects to turn them into publishable papers. The Claremont Colleges students greatly benefited from both the academic and cultural learning that occurred during our travel. I am currently developing a network of faculty at universities in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies who have their students work on data-gathering and/or analysis projects that can be useful for policymaking by the APEC Energy Working Group.
Practical alternative to hospitalization for emergency department patients (PATH): A feasibility study.

Abstract (248 words) Objective We sought to determine the feasibility of the Practical Alternative to Hospitalization (PATH) program, an intervention that offers ED clinicians an outpatient care pathway for patients initially designated for inpatient admission or observation. Methods We evaluated a novel care delivery model that was piloted at a tertiary academic medical center in December 2019. An advanced practice provider screened patients designated for inpatient admission or observation and identified eligible participants. Outpatient services were customized for each patient but primarily included care coordination and monitoring through telemedicine and home health services. The primary feasibility outcome was the proportion of eligible patients who were enrolled in the program, as well as patient outcomes after discharge including return ED visits and averted ED boarding time. Results A total of 199 patients were designated for inpatient admission or observation during PATH program hours. Of 52 eligible patients, 30 (58%) were enrolled. The mean participant age was 62.5 years (SD 17.5), and 25 (83%) had non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity. The most common disease conditions were chest pain , heart failure, and hyperglycemia . 4 (13%) enrolled patients returned to an ED within 30 days. We estimate that ED boarding time was reduced by 8.2 h (SD 8.1) per patient. Conclusion Emergency physicians and patients were willing to use a novel service that provided an alternative disposition to hospitalization. Implications: alternative payment models that seek to reduce hospital utilization and cost may consider strengthening systems to monitor and coordinate care for patients after ED discharge.