cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactions of POxCly- ions with H and H2 from 298 to 500 K.

Rate constants and product branching ratios for PO x Cl y - ions reacting with H and H 2 were measured in a selected ion flow tube (SIFT) from 298 to 500 K. PO 2 Cl - , PO 2 Cl 2 - , POCl 2 - , and POCl 3 - were all unreactive with H 2 , having a rate constant with an upper limit of <5 x 10 - 1 2 cm 3 s - 1 . PO 2 Cl 2 - did not react with H atoms either, having a similar rate constant limit of <5 x 10 - 1 2 cm 3 s - 1 . The rate constants for PO 2 Cl - , POCl 2 - , and POCl 3 - reacting with H showed no temperature dependence over the limited range of 298-500 K and were approximately 10-20% of the collision rate constant. Cl abstraction by H to form HCl was the predominant product channel for PO 2 Cl - , POCl 2 - , and POCl 3 - , with a small amount of Cl- observed from POCl 2 - + H. Reactions of O 2 and O 3 with the POCI- products ions from the reaction of POCl 2 - + H were observed to yield predominantly PO 3 - and PO 2 - , respectively. POCl - reacted with O 2 and O 3 with rate constants of 8.9 ′ 1.1 × 10 - 1 1 and 5.2 ′ 3.3 x 10 - 1 0 cm 3 s - 1 , respectively. No associative electron detachment in the reactions with H atoms was observed with any of the reactant ions; however, detachment was observed with a PO- secondary product ion at high H atom concentrations. Results of new G3 theoretical calculations of optimized geometries and energies for the products observed are discussed.
Synergistic regulation of NOS II expression by IL-1β and TNF-α in cultured rat colonic smooth muscle cells

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were examined for their ability to regulate the activity and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS II) in cultured rat colonic smooth muscle cells. Treatment with these agents resulted in a time-dependent increase in NOS II activity. After 48 h, NOS II activity, measured as L-[3H]citrulline production, was increased 24.3 +/- 6.9 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1 by 1 nM IL-1 beta and 3.2 +/- 1.1 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1 by 1 nM TNF-alpha, and increased synergistically by a combination of the two (51.8 +/- 7.3 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1). Measurement of NOS II activity as nitrite production yielded similar results: IL-1 beta, 27.2 +/- 1.2; TNF-alpha, 1.6 +/- 0.1; and IL-1 beta + TNF-alpha, 46.8 +/- 3.2 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1 above basal. LPS (10 micrograms/ml) had a small but significant effect at 48 h that was only additive with that of IL-1 beta. The increase in NOS II activity induced by IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha was inhibited 73-86% by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TFG-beta 1). The NOS isoform induced by IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha was identified as NOS II by Western immunoblot analysis and confirmed by its 66-97% inhibition by 100 microM S-methylisothiourea, a selective NOS II inhibitor, and its Ca(2+)-independent activity. We conclude that the cytokines IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha act independently and synergistically to stimulate NOS II expression and enzymatic activity in rat colonic smooth muscle through a mechanism sensitive to inhibition by TGF-beta 1.
Group music therapy impacts mood states of adolescents in a psychiatric hospital setting

Abstract Although Music Therapy, an allied health discipline, is often included in standard care for the treatment of children with mental health disorders, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support its contribution for the care of children and adolescents in mental health services. The goal of this retrospective research is to examine whether group music therapy affects mood states of adolescent inpatients in a psychiatric hospital service based within a large children’s hospital. A secondary aim was to understand if specific patient demographic predictors influenced the mood outcome. Participants included 352 predominately white, non-Hispanic patients (12–21 years old, with a mean age of 15.13 ± 1.88 years) who completed 596 mood measures between August 2010 and March 2013. Participants completed the Fast Assessment of Children’s Emotions (FACE) before and after a group music therapy session. Based on a binary outcome model of change or no change, the probability of a change in total mood score was high (probability of change 0.82 [95%CI 0.79, 0.85]). There were no significant associations between age, gender, or other specific demographics that were tested, nor changes in individual or total mood scores within this sample. This preliminary research documents the immediate impact of group music therapy sessions on mood of adolescent patients in this setting diagnosed with a range of psychiatric disorders.
Chemotherapy of cancer.

While systemic chemotherapy does not often prolong the life of a patient with advanced cancer, it may relieve pain and have other beneficial effects. Results so far have been most favorable with 5-fluorouracil, particularly in the treatment of solid tumors.Other chemotherapeutic agents and methods of administering them are discussed.
184 HIGH LEVELS OF PaCO2 AND INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS

Background Increases in PaCO2 lead to increases in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and may therefore predispose to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) correlates with hypocarbia in ventilated very low birth weight (VLBW) infants possibly due to decreases in CBF. The safe upper and lower limits of PaCO2 in VLBW infants need to be determined. Hypothesis Higher levels of PaCO2 are associated with an increased risk of IVH. Design/Methods Medical records review of 561 VLBW infants 401 to 1250 g at birth admitted to a Level III neonatal intensive care unit between 1/1/ 2000 and 12/31/ 2002. Data collected included main prenatal and neonatal variables, including severe IVH (grades III and IV) and blood gases in the first 4 days after birth. The highest, lowest, and time-weighted average PaCO2 were collected and included in uni- and multivariable analyses with severe IVH as the dependent variable. Results Mean birth weight (± SD) was 840 g (± 209) and median gestational age was 26 weeks. The maximum PaCO2 (median [25th-75th centiles]) 72 [62-88] vs. 59 [50-70] mm Hg, p 60 mm Hg had 79% sensitivity and 53% specificity, and a minimum PaCO2 Conclusions Extreme levels of PaCO2 are associated with severe IVH in VLBW infants, but bias cannot be excluded. Although causality cannot be inferred from this analysis, a careful evaluation of the data from randomized trials on minimal ventilation on the relationship between PaCO2 and IVH is required to determine if a “threshold effect” does exist.
A propensity score matching analysis of dasatinib and nilotinib as a frontline therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase.

BACKGROUND Both dasatinib and nilotinib are approved frontline therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) based on randomized trials compared with imatinib. However, no head-to-head comparison of dasatinib and nilotinib has been conducted in patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP. METHODS The authors conducted a propensity score (PS) matched comparison of patients with CML-CP who received frontline therapy with either dasatinib (N = 102) or nilotinib (N = 104) under the respective phase 2 trials conducted in parallel. RESULTS PS matching resulted in 87 patients from each trial being matched for pretreatment characteristics. The 3-month BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio <10% rate was 93% with dasatinib and 94% with nilotinib (P = .25); the rates of major molecular response at 12 months were 77% and 85%, respectively (P = .13); and the rates of molecular response with 4.5-log reduction in the ratio at 36 months were 66% and 64%, respectively (P = .96). All other clinically relevant responses were similar between the 2 treatment cohorts. The 3-year probability of event-free survival was 89% among the patients who received dasatinib and 87% among those who received nilotinib (P = .99), and the corresponding 3-year overall survival probabilities were 99% and 93%, respectively (P = .95). No statistical difference was observed between the dasatinib and nilotinib groups in any of the other survival endpoints. The treatment discontinuation rate also was similar between the 2 cohorts (dasatinib group, 18%; nilotinib group, 19%; P = .82). CONCLUSIONS In a PS-matched cohort of patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP, dasatinib and nilotinib offer similar response and survival outcomes. Both drugs can be considered reasonable standard-of-care options as first-line therapy for patients with CML-CP. Cancer 2016;122:3336–3343. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Decision Making Across Different Scales: From Process Control to Supply Chain Management

Abstract Decision-making in the process industry occurs at various levels, from process control to supply chain management. Traditionally these decisions have been taken in silos. Integrated decision-making results in problems of larger scales that are more difficult to solve. However it also leads to better decisions that improve the performance of the enterprises. There is a growing need for more advanced decision-making tools that make holistic decisions by considering the different levels together. We provide an overview of our work in this area in the recent years and highlight the advantages and challenges associated with the proposed approaches.
Hip labral repair: options and outcomes

The importance of the acetabular labrum has been increasingly recognized, playing a critical role in both normal anatomy and abnormal pathology of the hip joint. The labrum increases acetabular surface area and volume, providing a stable and durable articulation. The fibrocartilaginous composition affords a tissue capable of a lifetime of normal function in the absence of significant osseous pathology. In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or dysplasia, bony biomechanics may cause labral injury, which may translate to patient symptoms. Long-term consequences of labral tears may include joint degeneration. Labral preservation surgery emphasizes retention of the form and function of the labrum, prioritizing labral repair (in the presence of reparable tissue) and reconstruction (in the absence of reparable tissue) over debridement. Patient-reported outcomes have consistently demonstrated significantly better results following labral repair versus debridement. In conjunction with correction of osseous abnormalities, labral surgery can improve short-term outcomes and potentially reduce the risk of long-term osteoarthritis.
Optimizing conditional value-at-risk via gradient-based adaptive stochastic search

Optimizing risk measures such as Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) is often a difficult problem, because 1) the loss function might lack structural properties such as convexity or differentiability, since it is usually generated via black-box simulation of a stochastic system; 2) evaluation of CVaR usually requires rare-event simulation, which is computationally expensive. In this paper, we study the extension of the recently proposed gradient-based adaptive stochastic search (GASS) method to the optimization of CVaR. Instead of optimizing CVaR at the risk level of interest directly, we propose to initialize the algorithm at a small risk level, and then increase the risk level at each iteration adaptively until the target risk level is achieved, while the algorithm converges to an optimal solution of the original problem. It enables us to adaptively reduce the number of samples needed to estimate the CVaR at each iteration, and improves the overall efficiency of the algorithm.
“A Relatively New Discovery in the Modern West”: #BlackLivesMatter and the Evolution of Black Humanism

Prompted by the current debate and cognitive dissonance surrounding the #BlackLivesMatter protest campaign’s desired goals of securing freedom, justice, equality, and human dignity for people of African descent in the United States, this article addresses this social movement as an extension of Black humanism. This claim is a direct result of the #BlackLivesMatter movement’s sui generis origin and evolution beyond any identifiable Black religious institution. Robin D. G. Kelley reminds us that “insisting that we are human and productive members of [American] society has been a first principle of Black abolitionist politics since at least the eighteenth century.” Thus it is important to recognize the contemporary significance of #BlackLivesMatter by placing it within a broader historical context that resonates with many tenets of the traditional Black freedom struggle yet also charts future directions, including nontheistic thought and praxis such as atheism, agnosticism, humanism, and other expressions of unbelief as part of the broader African American experience. In 2009, Pew Research Center data on religious pluralism in the United States revealed that more than 12 percent of African Americans nationwide readily self-identified as being unaffiliated with any particular religion. This group of Black nonbelievers constitutes the third largest cohort within African American religious life—a major development in the history of African American faith and culture that ought to be more fully explored and explained. Scholars have discussed the origins and varied nature of Black humanism at considerable length; this article builds upon that existing research by examining the origins and nature of Black humanism within the history of the Black freedom struggle.
Deposition and Etching Mechanisms in Plasma Thin Film Processes

Plasma etching/reactive ion etching and plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition are two critical thin film technologies used in preparing advanced microelectronics such as very large scale integrated circuits, VLSICs, and thin film transistors, TFTs. Both technologies include similar mechanisms: plasma phase chemical reactions, particle transport, and surface reactions. For etching applications, the film surface atoms are constantly reacted with chemicals supplied from the plasma phase reactions. Reaction products are instantaneously removed. For deposition applications, chemicals supplied from the plasma phase react on the film surface. Reaction products remain and accumulate on the surface. In an actual plasma process, the etch and deposition mechanisms may not be exclusive. In this lecture, the author presents a general model of the thin film plasma process, where both deposition and etching mechanisms are assumed to coexist. With the variation of process parameters such as reactive gases, power/frequency, ion bombardment energy, and the surface temperature, one of the mechanisms may become the dominate factor. Examples of the transition between film etching and deposition phenomena in several plasma etching and deposition processes will be given. For microelectronics applications, the plasma process affects the film quality as well as device characteristics. Examples on these issues also will be given. In summary, a general model on plasma thin film processes used in the TFT fabrication, which includes both deposition and etching mechanisms, is presented.
A simulation study on the relative role of age groups under differing pertussis transmission scenarios

Pertussis has resurged in many countries where it was once regarded as under control, with the recent outbreaks showing a shift in incidence towards teens and older individuals. Here, using an age-stratified transmission model, we tested two potential causes for underlying changes in pertussis transmission dynamics. We did so assuming hypothesized mechanisms supporting present-day pertussis epidemiology: (I) improved diagnostics, (II) acellular vaccines leading to asymptomatic transmission (III) both. We used the relative risks and odds ratio methods to examine the impact of these differing assumptions on signatures of relative roles of key age groups through time, allowing us to explore those age cohorts that disproportionately account for transmission. Our findings show that for epidemics after the vaccine switch, a scenario with increased adult reporting and no asymptomatic transmission reflect a loss of signal, where no age group appears to be key. While scenarios with asymptomatic transmission, reflect a population where children (1-10 years old) are still disproportionally at risk. These results demonstrate that understanding the underlying transmission mechanisms in a population are paramount for vaccination policies in attaining herd immunity and eventually eradication.
Multi-class multi-residue analysis of veterinary drugs in meat using enhanced matrix removal lipid cleanup and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract This study presents the development and validation of a quantitation method for the analysis of multi-class, multi-residue veterinary drugs using lipid removal cleanup cartridges, enhanced matrix removal lipid (EMR-Lipid), for different meat matrices by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detection. Meat samples were extracted using a two-step solid-liquid extraction followed by pass-through sample cleanup. The method was optimized based on the buffer and solvent composition, solvent additive additions, and EMR-Lipid cartridge cleanup. The developed method was then validated in five meat matrices, porcine muscle, bovine muscle, bovine liver, bovine kidney and chicken liver to evaluate the method performance characteristics, such as absolute recoveries and precision at three spiking levels, calibration curve linearity, limit of quantitation (LOQ) and matrix effect. The results showed that >90% of veterinary drug analytes achieved satisfactory recovery results of 60–120%. Over 97% analytes achieved excellent reproducibility results (relative standard deviation (RSD) 30%) for all tested veterinary drugs in all of meat matrices. The results showed that the two-step solid-liquid extraction provides efficient extraction for the entire spectrum of veterinary drugs, including the difficult classes such as tetracyclines, beta-lactams etc. EMR-Lipid cartridges after extraction provided efficient sample cleanup with easy streamlined protocol and minimal impacts on analytes recovery, improving method reliability and consistency.
Wavelength dependent atomic force microscope tip-enhanced laser ablation

Abstract The role of laser wavelength in atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip-enhanced laser ablation was studied using an apertureless tip and a nanosecond pulsed laser. An optical parametric oscillator (OPO) laser wavelength tunable from 410 to 2400 nm was used to irradiate a gold-coated silicon AFM probe held 15 nm above the surface of an anthracene film. The absorption of laser energy by the tip at 532 nm is sufficient to melt the gold coating and increase the diameter of the tip from about 100 nm to approximately 1 µm. The ablation crater volume was measured and found to have a maximum at 500 nm and an approximately linear drop to 800 nm. Craters could not be produced between 800 and 1200 nm and the crater was slightly smaller at 450 nm compared to 500 nm. A crater rim was observed with a volume comparable to that of the crater but lower density. The mechanism of ablation is postulated to be the result of energy absorption by the tip through plasmon resonance of the gold coating followed by melting of the anthracene by ballistic, contact, or radiative heating of the anthracene film.
Multi-fidelity approach for polynomial chaos based statistical analysis of microwave networks

In this paper, a novel polynomial chaos based approach for the fast statistical analysis of complex microwave structures is proposed. This approach leverages a highly efficient closed form low-fidelity model elicited from the high-dimensional model representation (HDMR) of the network. By cross-cutting the efficiency of this low-fidelity model with the accuracy of general high-fidelity simulations, the accuracy-CPU cost tradeoff for the statistical analysis can be achieved.
The Ethics and Empirics of Trust

I will use the occasion of discussing managed care as an excuse to develop a more general ethic of trust. One hardly needs an excuse to talk about trust, considering its foundational nature, but if justification is required, managed care provides it amply Numerous commentators have observed the many threats that managed care poses to patients’ ability to trust their physician (Anders, 1996; Mechanic, 1996; Buchanan, 2000). Managed care forces patients to leave doctors they know well, it limits their choice of their new physician, it oversees physicians’ decisions with a view to restricting care, and it rewards physicians in a manner that creates a conflict of interest. Can trust survive in such a climate, and should we care? Is managed care an unmitigated ethical disaster, or is it possible to construct an ethic of trust that is consistent with at least some forms of managed care? I hope to provide at least tentative insights into each of these questions.
Chromosome abnormalities in the acute phase of CML.

Additional chromosome changes are superimposed on the Ph1 positive cell line in approximately 80% of patients in the acute phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). These changes may precede the onset of blast crisis by several months. They are nonrandom and frequently involve an extra No. 8, an isochromosome for the long arm of No. 17, an extra No. 19, and a second Ph1 chromosome. Since such changes may occur in combination, modal numbers frequently range between 47 and 57 chromosomes. Although present evidence suggests that abnormal clones originate, or at least proliferate, in the spleen, similar changes have been observed in patients who underwent splenectomy during the chronic phase of their disease.
The pathophysiologic defects of type 2 diabetes. Abnormal insulin action and impaired insulin secretion

Normal glucose metabolism is dependent on tight interplay among the pancreas, the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. If this interplay is disturbed by decreased insulin secretion or decreased insulin effectiveness, glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes ensue. Therapeutic approaches currently available and those under development target the pathophysiologic defects of type 2 diabetes, and treatment must be selected with this in mind, a major goal being to ensure adequate availability of insulin to the tissues.
Cost-effectiveness of surgeon performed intraoperative specimen ink in breast conservation surgery.

Abstract Background Re-excision rates after breast conservation surgery are reported to be 20%-40%. Inaccuracies with specimen orientation may affect margin assessment. This study examined whether the addition of surgeon performed intraoperative inking of the lumpectomy specimen after adoption of margin guidelines would be cost-effective. Methods A retrospective review of a prospective surgical database was performed from 2009 to 2017. Patients with initial lumpectomy and a preoperative diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were included. Re-excision rates and the surgical costs per 100 initial lumpectomies were compared across three periods: before margin guideline publication, after guideline adoption, and after the addition of intraoperative surgeon performed specimen inking. Results Four hundred initial lumpectomies were evaluated. Overall re-excision rate was 21% (n = 84). There was a nonsignificant reduction in re-excision rates after margin guidelines from 24% (n = 36) to 20% (n = 23) and to 19% (n = 25) after addition of intraoperative specimen ink. Re-excision rates were significantly lower for invasive cancer than for DCIS across three periods (20%, 15%, and 12% versus 37%, 33%, and 31%) (odds ratio 3.31, P = 0.007). The estimated cost of re-excision per 100 initial lumpectomies decreased after guidelines by 25% ($128,270) for invasive breast cancer and by 11% ($102,616) for DCIS. The addition of intraoperative specimen inking after margin guideline adoption resulted in further 17% cost savings ($66,692) for invasive breast cancer and 5% ($41,308) for DCIS. Conclusions Surgeon performed intraoperative inking of the lumpectomy specimen after adoption of margin guidelines is a cost-effective technique in breast conservation surgery.
Impacts of the inclusion of various fruit pomace types on the expansion of corn starch extrudates

Abstract Effects of pomace chemical composition and physical properties (hydration, density, particle size distribution, crystallinity), inclusion level (0, 50, 150, and 300 g/kg), and extrusion processing parameters including, moisture content (150 and 200 g/kg), and screw speed (150, 200, and 250 rpm) of selected fruit (cranberry, blueberry, grape, and apple) pomace-corn starch mixtures, on the expansion of extrudates were studied. All factors had significant main and interaction effects on expansion. Expansion values of pomace were observed in the following order from high to low: apple > cranberry > blueberry > grape at 200 g/kg moisture content. Total dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber content of pomace were negatively correlated (p
Auditory detection and sound source elevation

The spectral profile of a given sound stimulus varies with the spatial location according to the head-related transfer functions (HRTF) at both ears. For narrowband and tonal stimuli at frequencies above approximately 4 kHz, perceived sound source elevation has been shown to depend mainly on stimulus frequency instead of sound source location (e.g., Blauert, Morimoto), and this result has in turn been shown to correlate with spectral features of the HRTF (e.g., Middlebrooks). However, even though the HRTF is important to perceived elevation, listeners do not generally report a perceptual awareness of the spectral filtering that occurs as a result of the HRTF, suggesting that some form of spectral equalization may occur at some level beyond peripheral auditory processing. Therefore, depending on the level at which detection processing occurs, we might expect different detection thresholds for high frequency stimuli presented from different elevations, or, conversely, we might expect them to be the same. We will report data, collected in a soundfield, concerning the interaction, if any, of sound source elevation and auditory masked detection of high frequency stimuli.The spectral profile of a given sound stimulus varies with the spatial location according to the head-related transfer functions (HRTF) at both ears. For narrowband and tonal stimuli at frequencies above approximately 4 kHz, perceived sound source elevation has been shown to depend mainly on stimulus frequency instead of sound source location (e.g., Blauert, Morimoto), and this result has in turn been shown to correlate with spectral features of the HRTF (e.g., Middlebrooks). However, even though the HRTF is important to perceived elevation, listeners do not generally report a perceptual awareness of the spectral filtering that occurs as a result of the HRTF, suggesting that some form of spectral equalization may occur at some level beyond peripheral auditory processing. Therefore, depending on the level at which detection processing occurs, we might expect different detection thresholds for high frequency stimuli presented from different elevations, or, conversely, we might expect them to be the same. We...
School-Based Health Education Research: Charting the Course for the Future.

SHAPE America has identified four goals as part of the 50 Million Strong by 2029 initiative; one of these goals is healthy behavior. School-based health education is uniquely positioned to be a pri...
Characterization of Burn Eschar Pericytes

Pericytes are cells that reside adjacent to microvasculature and regulate vascular function. Pericytes gained great interest in the field of wound healing and regenerative medicine due to their multipotential fate and ability to enhance angiogenesis. In burn wounds, scarring and scar contractures are the major pathologic feature and cause loss of mobility. The present study investigated the influence of burn wound environment on pericytes during wound healing. Pericytes isolated from normal skin and tangentially excised burn eschar tissues were analyzed for differences in gene and protein expression using RNA-seq., immunocytochemistry, and ELISA analyses. RNA-seq identified 443 differentially expressed genes between normal- and burn eschar-derived pericytes. Whereas, comparing normal skin pericytes to normal skin fibroblasts identified 1021 distinct genes and comparing burn eschar pericytes to normal skin fibroblasts identified 2449 differential genes. Altogether, forkhead box E1 (FOXE1), a transcription factor, was identified as a unique marker for skin pericytes. Interestingly, FOXE1 levels were significantly elevated in burn eschar pericytes compared to normal. Additionally, burn wound pericytes showed increased expression of profibrotic genes periostin, fibronectin, and endosialin and a gain in contractile function, suggesting a contribution to scarring and fibrosis. Our findings suggest that the burn wound environment promotes pericytes to differentiate into a myofibroblast-like phenotype promoting scar formation and fibrosis.
Nanoscale Pattern Decay Monitored Line by Line via In Situ Heated Atomic Force Microscopy.

We combine in-situ heated atomic force microscopy (AFM) with automated line-by-line spectral analysis to quantify the relaxation or decay phenomenon of nanopatterned composite polymer films above t...
AbstractInositol hexaphosphate (IP6): A novel treatment for pancreatic cancer

Introduction. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate found in food sources high in fiber content. IP6 has been reported to have significant inhibitory effects against a variety of primary tumors including breast and colon. The effects of IP6 have not been evaluated in pancreatic cancer. We hypothesized that IP6 would significantly inhibit cell growth and increase the apoptotic rate of pancreatic cancer in vitro. Methods. Two pancreatic cell cancer lines (MIA PACA and PANC-1) were cultured using standard techniques and treated with IP6 at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mM/well. Cell viability was measured by MTT at 24 and 72 h. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC and results calculated using FACS analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Results. Significant reductions (p < 0.01) in cellular proliferation were observed with all IP6 concentrations tested in both cell lines and at both time points. Reductions in cell proliferation ranged from 37.1 to 91.5%. IP6 increased early and late apoptotic activity (P < 0.01). Necrosis was increased by treatment at higher doses (P < 0.05), corresponding to the observed increased inhibition of cellular proliferation. Conclusions. Treatment of pancreatic cancer with the common dietary polyphosphorylated carbohydrate IP6 significantly decreased cellular growth and increased apoptosis. Our findings suggest that IP6 has the potential to become an effective adjunct for pancreatic cancer treatment. Further in vivo and human studies are needed to evaluate safety and clinical utility of this agent in patients with pancreatic cancers.
The Perception and Evaluation of Founder Experience by Hiring Firms: A Field Experiment

Founding one’s own venture is often seen as desirable; however, most entrepreneurs must subsequently enter wage employment. Although a transition to wage employment is common, it remains unclear ho...
Autophagy in the Aging and Experimental Ocular Hypertensive Mouse Model.

Purpose To investigate autophagy in the outflow pathway and ganglion cell layer in the aging and ocular hypertensive mouse. Methods Both 4-month-old and 18-month-old C57BL/6J and GFP-LC3 mice were subjected to unilateral injection of hypertonic saline into a limbal vein, causing sclerosis of the outflow pathway and subsequent elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP was measured on a weekly basis using a rebound tonometer. Protein expression levels of LC3B, Lamp1, and p62 were evaluated by western blot and/or immunofluorescence. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) count was performed in whole retinal flat mounts using an anti-Brn3a antibody. Optic nerves were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and resin-embedded for axon counts and electron microscopy. Results In contrast to 18-month-old mice, which developed sustained elevated IOP with a single injection, 4-month-old mice were refractory to high elevations of IOP. Interestingly, both the percentage of animals that developed elevated IOP and the mean ∆IOP were significantly higher in the transgenic mice compared to C57BL/6J. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis showed dysregulated autophagy in the iridocorneal and retina tissues from 18-month-old mice compared to 4-month-old ones. Moreover, the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio correlated with IOP. As expected, injected hypertensive eyes displayed axonal degeneration and RGC death. RGC and axon loss were significantly exacerbated with aging, especially when combined with GFP-LC3 expression. Autophagic structures were observed in the degenerating axons. Conclusions Our results indicate dysregulation of autophagy in the trabecular meshwork and retinal tissues with aging and suggest that such dysregulation of autophagy contributes to neurodegeneration in glaucoma.
Axionlike Lee-Wick particles in light-shining-through-wall experiments

We consider the possibility of an axionlike particle (ALP) that is a ghost, with wrong-sign kinetic and mass terms. Such an ALP can arise as the partner to an ordinary particle in theories with higher-derivative quadratic terms. We compute the photon regeneration probability in light-shining-through-wall experiments and show that the presence of such a ghostly ALP can lead, in principle, to discernible effects.
An Earth Science Imaging Spectroscopy Mission: The Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT)

The Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) has been selected as an Earth Venture mission by NASA in 2018. EMIT will measure surface mineralogy in the arid land dust source regions of the Earth using visible to short wavelength infrared (VSWIR) imaging spectroscopy. These new measurements will be used to initialize advanced Earth System Models (ESM) to reduce uncertainty in the understanding of the impact of mineral dust aerosols on radiative forcing. The EMIT imaging spectrometer is planned to operate on the International Space Station (ISS) beginning in 2021.
Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block for Analgesia after Thoracotomy for Lung Transplantation in an Anticoagulated Patient

Lung transplant recipients are at particular high risk for postoperative respiratory failure as a result of poorly controlled pain, inadequate graft expansion, decreased cough, and reliance on systemic opioid therapy. Thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks have been employed with the goal of improving postoperative pain control, improving pulmonary mechanics, and limiting the need for narcotic administration. These approaches require a needle position in proximity to the neuraxis and may cause significant hypotension that is poorly tolerated in transplant patients. Additionally, the use of anticoagulation or underlying clotting disorder limits the use of these regional blocks because of the concern of hematoma and subsequent neurologic injury. Ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block has been shown to be efficacious for pain control following thoracotomy but has had minimal investigations following lung transplantation. In this study, we describe the effective use of a continuous erector spinae plane block to provide analgesia in a postoperative lung transplant recipient receiving systemic anticoagulation. The use of an ESP block with a more superficial needle tract that is further removed from the neuraxis allowed for a greater safety profile while providing efficacious pain control, decreased reliance on systemic narcotics, and improved oxygen saturation. The ESP block was effective in this case and thus may be a valuable alternative following lung transplantation for patients who are not candidates for thoracic epidural or paravertebral approaches.
Evaluation of whole corn substitution in diets based on steam-flaked corn containing different concentrations of wet distillers grains with solubles for beef cattle

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to determine effects of substituting steam-flaked corn (SFC) with whole shelled corn (WSC) in finishing diets containing wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on cattle performance, carcass characteristics, digestion, and rumen microbial ecology. Materials and Methods The study used 642 Angus-cross heifers (411.7 ± 18.0 kg of initial BW) assigned to 36 pens. Treatments (2 × 3 factorial) were 6 SFC-based finishing diets with 0 or 20% WSC and 0, 15, or 30% WDGS (DM basis). Ruminal fluid was collected to evaluate ruminal characteristics, and feces and manure were collected to determine nutrient digestion and losses. Results and Discussion Heifers fed 20% WSC diets had greater (P Implications and Applications Substituting SFC with 20% WSC in cattle finishing diets did not affect animal performance but decreased carcass quality. In contrast, increasing dietary WDGS decreased animal performance but did not affect carcass characteristics.
Assessing mental health apps marketplaces with objective metrics from 29,190 data points from 278 apps.

OBJECTIVE Utilizing a standard framework that may help clinicians and patients to identify relevant mental health apps, we sought to gain a comprehensive picture of the space by searching for, downloading, and reviewing 278 mental health apps from both the iOS and Android stores. METHODS 278 mental health apps from the Apple iOS store and Google Play store were downloaded and reviewed in a standardized manner by trained app raters using a validated framework. Apps were evaluated with this framework comprising 105 questions and covering app origin and accessibility, privacy and security, inputs and outputs, clinical foundation, features and engagement style, and interoperability. RESULTS Our results confirm that app stars and downloads-even for the most popular apps by these metrics-did not correlate with more clinically relevant metrics related to privacy/security, effectiveness, and engagement. Most mental health apps offer similar functionality, with 16.5% offering both mood tracking and journaling and 7% offering psychoeducation, deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, and mood tracking. Only 36.4% of apps were updated with a 100-day window, and 7.5% of apps had not been updated in four years. CONCLUSION Current app marketplace metrics commonly used to evaluate apps do not offer an accurate representation of individual apps or a comprehensive overview of the entire space. The majority of apps overlap in terms of features offered, with many domains and other features not well represented. Selecting an appropriate app continues to require personal matching given no clear trends or guidance offered by quantitative metrics alone.
Locality-based Encoder and Model Quantization for Efficient Hyper-Dimensional Computing

Brain-inspired Hyperdimensional (HD) computing is a new computing paradigm emulating the neuron’s activity in high-dimensional space. The first step in HD computing is to map each data point into high-dimensional space (e.g., 10,000), which requires the computation of thousands of operations for each element of data in the original domain. Encoding alone takes about 80% of the execution time of training. In this paper, we propose, , an entire rework of encoding, training, and inference in HD computing for a more hardware friendly implementation. includes a fully binary encoding module for HD computing for energy-efficient and high-accuracy classification. Our encoding module based on random projection with a predictable memory access pattern can be efficiently implemented in hardware. is the first HD-based approach that provides data projection with a 1:1 ratio to the original data and enables all training/inference computation to be performed using binary hypervectors. After the optimizations adds to the encoding process, retraining and inference become the energy intensive part of HD computing. To resolve this, we additionally propose model quantization. model quantization introduces a novel method of storing class hypervectors using n-bits, where n ranges from 1 to 32, rather than at full 32-bit precision, which allows for fine-grained tuning of the trade-off between energy efficiency and accuracy. To further improve efficiency, we developed an online dimension reduction approach that removes insignificant hypervector dimensions during training.
Inhibition of lateral shoot formation by RNA interference and chemically induced mutations to genes expressed in the axillary meristem of Nicotiana tabacum L.

Lateral branches vigorously proliferate in tobacco after the topping of the inflorescence portions of stems for the maturation of the leaves to be harvested. Therefore, tobacco varieties with inhibited lateral shoot formation are highly desired by tobacco farmers. Genetic inhibition of lateral shoot formation was attempted in tobacco. Two groups of genes were examined by RNA interference. The first group comprised homologs of the genes mediating lateral shoot formation in other plants, whereas the second group included genes highly expressed in axillary bud primordial stages. Although “primary” lateral shoots that grew after the plants were topped off when flower buds emerged were unaffected, the growth of “secondary” lateral shoots, which were detected on the abaxial side of the primary lateral shoot base, was significantly suppressed in the knock-down lines of NtLs, NtBl1, NtREV, VE7, and VE12. Chemically induced mutations to NtLs, NtBl1, and NtREV similarly inhibited the development of secondary and “tertiary” lateral shoots, but not primary lateral shoots. The mutations to NtLs and NtBl1 were incorporated into an elite variety by backcrossing. The agronomic characteristics of the backcross lines were examined in field trials conducted in commercial tobacco production regions. The lines were generally suitable for tobacco leaf production and may be useful as new tobacco varieties. The suppressed expression of NtLs, NtBl1, NtREV, VE7, or VE12 inhibited the development of only the secondary and tertiary lateral shoots in tobacco. The mutant lines may benefit tobacco farmers by minimizing the work required to remove secondary and tertiary lateral shoots that emerge when farmers are harvesting leaves, which is a labor-intensive process.
Exogenous copper exposure causing clinical wilson disease in a patient with copper deficiency

Human Swayback is a disease characterized by acquired copper deficiency which primarily manifests as myeloneuropathy. Common causes include malabsorptive disorders, gastric surgery, total parenteral nutrition and excessive zinc intake. In contrast, copper supplementation should be closely monitored as excessive doses can lead to acute intoxication and in chronic cases, cirrhosis. Copper derangements are rare, however it is important to consider them due to potential severe complications. We present a middle-aged man who had been previously diagnosed with Human Swayback after presenting with various neurological symptoms. The patient was subsequently placed on copper supplementation. A decade later, he was referred to our hospital for liver transplant evaluation due to new diagnosis of decompensated end-stage liver disease after an abdominal surgery. His initial workup was suggestive of Wilson disease—subsequent ATP7B gene was negative. Ultimately, the patient underwent liver transplantation; liver explant was significant for a copper dry weight concentration of 5436 mcg/g. Human Swayback is a very rare copper-related disease which deserves awareness due to its potential irreversible health effects in the human body. Additionally, in patients who require copper supplementation, serial levels should be monitored to ensure adequate copper levels.
Osteochondral Allografts in Early Osteoarthritis

The young patient with early degenerative changes of the knee joint represents a significant challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Chondral lesions of the knee exist on a continuum from isolated, focal defects to generalized osteoarthritis (OA), with intermediate disease states spanning these two conditions. These patients are often reluctant to accept the lifestyle limitations of conservative treatment or the activity restrictions and long-term survivorship concerns inherent to arthroplasty, while also exhibiting lower satisfaction and higher implant failure rates after undergoing arthroplasty. Osteochondral allografting is a particularly versatile and appealing technique in this patient population in the treatment of large, complex, or multiple lesions, as they can be adapted to complex topographies such as the patellofemoral joint or lesions with osseous involvement or associated subchondral abnormalities. Regardless of the technique employed, concomitant contributory malalignment, ligamentous, or meniscal deficiency should be addressed in staged or simultaneous fashion in order to protect the repaired cartilage. This chapter will detail the diagnostic approach, preoperative planning, surgical technique, published outcomes, and complications associated with the use of osteochondral allografting for osteochondral lesions in early OA.
COVID-19 impact on the Spanish stock exchange with mean-variance and diversification-based portfolios

This paper examines the out-of-sample performance of thirteen portfolio strategies in the Spanish financial market (Ibex 35) during the COVID-19 pandemic (considering four different periods) by usi...
Severe Burn-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Hepatic Damage in Mice

Severe burn injury results in liver dysfunction and damage, with subsequent metabolic derangements contributing to patient morbidity and mortality. On a cellular level, significant postburn hepatocyte apoptosis occurs and likely contributes to liver dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms of hepatocyte apoptosis are poorly understood. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response/unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway can lead to hepatocyte apoptosis under conditions of liver dysfunction. Thus, we hypothesized that ER stress/UPR may mediate hepatic dysfunction in response to burn injury. We investigated the temporal activation of hepatic ER stress in mice after a severe burn injury. Mice received a scald burn over 35% of their body surface and were killed at 1, 7, 14, and 21 d postburn. We found that severe burn induces hepatocyte apoptosis as indicated by increased caspase-3 activity (P < 0.05). Serum albumin levels decreased postburn and remained lowered for up to 21 d, indicating that constitutive secretory protein synthesis was reduced. Significantly, upregulation of the ER stress markers glucose-related protein 78 (GRP78)/BIP protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), p-protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE-1α) were found beginning 1 d postburn (P < 0.05) and persisted up to 21 d postburn (P < 0.05). Hepatic ER stress induced by burn injury was associated with compensatory upregulation of the calcium chaperone/storage proteins calnexin and calreticulin (P< 0.05), suggesting that ER calcium store depletion was the primary trigger for induction of the ER stress response. In summary, thermal injury in mice causes long-term adaptive and deleterious hepatic function alterations characterized by significant upregulation of the ER stress response.