cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Lymphedema with Cell-Based Therapies: A Systematic Review

Introduction Lymphedema is a chronic condition that affects over 250 million people worldwide. It results from impaired lymphatic drainage, causing fluid and fat accumulation and eventually fibrosis of the affected limb. Lymphedema can be inherited (primary) or iatrogenic to surgery or parasitic infection (secondary). Breast cancer-related lymphedema is the most common etiology in the U.S. Current treatments have limited success and the disease mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of this article is to review translational research into lymphedema therapies and its potential clinical impact. Methods A Pubmed search for novel treatment methods was performed with terms “lymphedema,” “cell therapy,” and “gene therapy.” Inclusion criteria were use of in vivo models, English language, and publication dates during the years 2000-2020. Results Secondary lymphedema is currently treated with compression garments and surgery; other approaches are being pursued. These include gene therapy (13 articles), stem cell transplant (16 articles), and immunosuppression (4 articles), which have all demonstrated considerable success in animal models of lymphedema. Growth factors such as VEGF-C are administered through adenoviral vectors and resolve limb swelling by inducing lymphangiogenesis. Stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue repair lymphatic damage directly by acquiring lymphatic characteristics or indirectly through paracrine signaling to surrounding cells. Immunosuppressive agents reduce inflammation and block antilymphangiogenic factors. Although these mechanisms have been studied in animals, only six human small studies were found, providing limited evidence. Conclusion Despite success in animal models, treatment in human subjects has been sparse. This limited translational feasibility is because of inadequate animal models, safety concerns, and lack of understanding about lymphedema pathophysiology. Although progress in lymphedema research has been made, further inquiry into its mechanism is needed in order to develop more effective and targeted therapies.
A Comprehensive Transcriptional Profiling of Pepper Responses to Root-Knot Nematode

Genetic resistance remains a key component in integrated pest management systems. The cosmopolitan root-knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) proves a significant management challenge as virulence and pathogenicity vary among and within species. RKN greatly reduces commercial bell pepper yield, and breeding programs continuously develop cultivars to emerging nematode threats. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the nature and forms of nematode resistance. Defining how resistant and susceptible pepper cultivars mount defenses against RKN attacks can help inform breeding programs. Here, we characterized the transcriptional responses of the highly related resistant (Charleston Belle) and susceptible (Keystone Resistance Giant) pepper cultivars throughout early nematode infection stages. Comprehensive transcriptomic sequencing of resistant and susceptible cultivar roots with or without Meloidogyneincognita infection over three-time points; covering early penetration (1-day), through feeding site maintenance (7-days post-inoculation), produced > 300 million high quality reads. Close examination of chromosome P9, on which nematode resistance hotspots are located, showed more differentially expressed genes were upregulated in resistant cultivar at day 1 when compared to the susceptible cultivar. Our comprehensive approach to transcriptomic profiling of pepper resistance revealed novel insights into how RKN causes disease and the plant responses mounted to counter nematode attack. This work broadens the definition of resistance from a single loci concept to a more complex array of interrelated pathways. Focus on these pathways in breeding programs may provide more sustainable and enduring forms of resistance.
Optimistic with reservations: The impacts of the United States’ first offshore wind farm on the recreational fishing experience

Abstract The expansion of offshore wind farms (OWF) has given rise to increased concerns about potential use conflicts with ocean and coastal users and attempts to mitigate these conflicts through marine spatial planning. Whereas scholars and managers often focus on the impacts of OWF on commercial fishing, members of the public also raise concerns about impacts on recreational fishing. Despite these concerns, relatively few empirical studies have been conducted to assess the impact of OWFs on recreational anglers. This study fills this gap. We conducted a mixed-methods study, comprising interviews and a survey, to assess the impacts of the United States’ first OWF on recreational anglers’ experiences. Interview findings revealed anglers’ enjoyment of the OWF as an enhanced fishing location, due to catch and non-related aspects of the experience. Anglers also reported concerns about increased crowding around the OWF and raised concerns about potential fishing access restrictions around this and future projects. Survey data confirms that anglers, particularly those who fished at the wind farm, believe the wind farm has benefitted fishing. Respondents also value the wind farm as symbolic of progress towards green energy. Overall, results suggest that wind farms do not necessarily conflict with angling; to the contrary, our research shows that this OWF is viewed as an enhanced fishing destination. Results underscore the importance of understanding angler behavior and experiences in managing conflicts with OWF and other ocean uses. Recommendations include conducting social science research to enhance understanding of ocean users, managing issues like crowding and access, and considering the benefits of nearshore OWFs for anglers and other stakeholders.
Ants of the Palouse Prairie: diversity and species composition in an endangered grassland

Grasslands are globally imperilled ecosystems due to widespread conversion to agriculture and there is a concerted effort to catalogue arthropod diversity in grasslands to guide conservation decisions. The Palouse Prairie is one such endangered grassland; a mid-elevation habitat found in Washington and Idaho, United States. Ants (Formicidae) are useful indicators of biodiversity and historical ecological disturbance, but there has been no structured sampling of ants in the Palouse Prairie. To fill this gap, we employed a rapid inventory sampling approach using pitfall traps to capture peak ant activity in five habitat fragments. We complemented our survey with a systemic review of field studies for the ant species found in Palouse Prairie. Our field inventory yielded 17 ant species across 10 genera and our models estimate the total ant species pool to be 27. The highest ant diversity was found in an actively-managed ecological trust in Latah County, Idaho, suggesting that restoration efforts may increase biodiversity. We also report two rarely-collected ants in the Pacific Northwest and a microgyne that may represent an undescribed species related to Brachymyrmex depilis. Our score-counting review revealed that grassland ants in Palouse Prairie have rarely been studied previously and that more ant surveys in temperate grasslands have lagged behind sampling efforts of other global biomes.
Mandatory Aggregation of Mass Tort Litigation in Bankruptcy

This response to Professor Lindsey Simon’s "Bankruptcy Grifters" article challenges the controversial practice at the epicenter of the bankruptcy grifter phenomenon that Simon critiques: so-called nonconsensual nondebtor (or third-party) “releases” and “channeling” injunctions that discharge the mass tort obligations of solvent nondebtor entities who have not themselves filed bankruptcy. These nondebtor releases are an illegitimate and unconstitutional exercise of substantive lawmaking powers by the federal courts that contravenes the separation-of-powers limitations embedded in both the Bankruptcy Clause and Erie’s constitutional holding. The federal courts have manufactured out of whole cloth the unique, extraordinary power to impose mandatory non-opt-out settlement of a nondebtor’s mass tort liability on unconsenting tort victims through the bankruptcy proceedings of a co-defendant. The bankruptcy “necessity” that supposedly justifies this astounding and unique settlement power—to mandate nonconsensual non-opt-out “settlements” that are otherwise impermissible and unconstitutional—is (at best) naive credulity or (at worst) specious sophistry. Nonconsensual nondebtor releases are not “necessary” for the bankruptcy process to facilitate efficient aggregate settlements of the mass tort liability of both bankruptcy debtors and nondebtor co-defendants. The bankruptcy jurisdiction, removal, and venue provisions of the Judicial Code already contain the essential architecture for mandatory, universal consolidation of tort victims’ claims against both bankruptcy debtors and nondebtor co-defendants. Bankruptcy can be an extremely powerful aggregation process that facilitates efficient (and fair) settlements of the mass tort liability of nondebtors, even (and especially) without nonconsensual nondebtor releases, particularly if the Supreme Court elucidates the full expanse of federal bankruptcy jurisdiction. Nondebtor releases are an audaciously illicit and unconstitutional means of forcing mandatory settlement of unconsenting tort victims’ claims against solvent nondebtors, and the Supreme Court should finally resolve the longstanding circuit split over the permissibility of nonconsensual nondebtor releases by categorically renouncing them.
Feasibility of Evaluating Design Ideas for Reducing Vehicular Entrapment at Railroad Crossings Using a Laboratory Experiment

The number of accidents at railroad crossings is particularly high at places where streets run parallel to the railroad tracks. Existing grade crossings were investigated for potential problems and studied for design solutions. The present study reports progress of the first phase of a New Jersey Department of Transportation sponsored project. A laboratory experiment was designed for evaluating various design ideas before they are implemented in the second phase field study. The laboratory study used images taken from actual scenes of railroad crossings in New Jersey, instead of graphical drawings commonly used in driving simulations. Possible design ideas were edited using image processing software. Those design ideas were saved in different layers for generating design combinations which were superimposed on the background images to create virtual railroad crossing scenes. Nighttime images were also made possible by retouching the digital daytime images. Preliminary results of the in-lab experiment were presented. The experience learned from the current project indicates that use of actual images with superimposed design ideas is a cost-effective approach for evaluating and redesigning display layouts.
Dissimilatory Reduction of Selenate and Arsenate in Nature

This chapter discusses the biogeochemical reduction of selenate (Se(VI)) and arsenate (As(V)) when they enter anoxic environments and are used as electron acceptors for the oxidation of organic matter. These reductions are of a dissimilative nature and support the anaerobic growth of selected bacteria which conserve energy from this process. The chapter summarizes what is known about the bacteria's taxonomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Reduction to the solid, relatively unreactive Se(0) represents a mechanism for the removal of toxic Se(VI) and Se(IV) from natural waters. The environmental ramifications of these issues are also discussed in the chapter. The number of bacterial species known to respire selenate and arsenate continues to increase. The biological reduction of selenate and arsenate occurs for a number of reasons. In general, these are assimilation, regulation of reducing equivalents, detoxification, and dissimilation. Each is discussed in detail in the chapter. The realization that arsenate and selenate are indeed suitable electron acceptors and are readily available in both natural and contaminated environments suggests that even more unrelated species will be discovered. The initial biochemical studies also suggest that there may be different pathways for selenate and arsenate reduction, with specific terminal reductases and cytochromes.
Pidgin and Creole Tense‐Mood‐Aspect Systems.

Pidgin and Creole Tense-Mood-Aspect Systems John Victor Singler ed. Creole Language Library, Vol. 6. Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 1990. 240 pp. $58.00 (cloth)
Public administration at the edge of a new millennium: Megatrends in the science of public administration in western europe

In Western Europe, the science of Public Administration is undergoing important changes. In this article a series of changes are described. These changes can be categorized under several headings called megatrends. The ten megatrends mentioned will shape the face of the science of Public Administration in the new millennium. This means that the theoretical basis, the methodological approach and the subject matter of the science of Public Administration will change to a certain degree.
Abstract 17802: Ips Cells -derived Cardiac Progenitors Induce Dramatic Cardiac Regeneration and Improve Function by Cxcr4 Signaling Pathway in Infarcted Myocardium

Background: The participation of endogenous cardiac stem/progenitor cells is limited in restoring cardiac structure and function in the ischemic myocardium which is further aggravated by poor survival and propagation of transplanted stem cells of different origin in the infarcted heart. The goal of this study was to explore the survival and engraftability of newly discovered induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS) in the myocardium following infarction (MI). Methods and Results: Integration free iPS were generated from myoblasts and characterized. Cardiac progenitors (CPs) were created by treatment with a small molecule. CPs proliferation was assessed by BrdU labeling; Differentiation by both RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining for cardiac markers Nkx2.5, actinin, and -MHC. Gene expression profiling was performed using Affymetrix array. In vivo studies were carried out by injecting CPs or nontreated IPS (3x105), into mouse model of permanent LAD. Echocardiography, histological parameters, TUNEL assay and capillary vessel density were measured 6 weeks post transplantation. Treatment of IPS with a small molecule upregulated Nkx2.5 and maintained up to 4 weeks (p Conclusion: This study provides a novel strategy for generating CPs and their enhanced survival, engraftment and differentiation with the treatment of cardiogenic small molecule post transplantation in the infarcted myocardium through CXCR4 signaling pathway.
Optoacoustic spectral distribution in a low pressure methyl alcohol vapor

The spectral distribution of an optoacoustic signal, generated in a low-pressure methyl alcohol vapor, is investigated. Measurements are made at gas pressures ranging from 2-0.3 Torr and for chopper frequencies ranging from 100 to 2000 Hz. It is observed, at a given gas pressure, that nonharmonic spectral components appear in the distribution as the chopper frequency increases to the larger values. In addition, it is observed that a decrease in gas pressure, for a fixed chopper frequency, gives rise to nonlinear behavior. The spectral bandwidth of the acoustic signal is observed to increase nonlinearly with increasing chopper frequency. >
Optimal voltage regulation for unbalanced distribution networks considering distributed energy resources

With increasing penetration of distributed generation in the distribution networks (DN), the secure and optimal operation of DN has become an important concern. In this paper, an iterative quadratic constrained quadratic programming model to minimize voltage deviations and maximize distributed energy resource (DER) active power output in a three phase unbalanced distribution system is developed. The optimization model is based on the linearized sensitivity coefficients between controlled variables (e.g., node voltages) and control variables (e.g., real and reactive power injections of DERs). To avoid the oscillation of solution when it is close to the optimum, a golden search method is introduced to control the step size. Numerical simulations on modified IEEE 13 nodes test feeders show the efficiency of the proposed model. Compared to the results solved by heuristic search (harmony algorithm), the proposed model converges quickly to the global optimum.
Sleep Abnormalities in Children with Dravet Syndrome (P1.345)

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate polysomnogram findings in children with Dravet syndrome. BACKGROUND: Mutations in SCN1A gene are responsible for most cases of Dravet syndrome. There is evidence that Nav1.1 channel coded by the SCN1A gene is involved in sleep regulation. However, sleep abnormalities in Dravet syndrome have not been systematically studied. DESIGN/METHODS: We identified 6 children with Dravet syndrome between 2005-13 ( SCN1A - 4 missense; 2 nonsense mutations). They had undergone sleep consultation with polysomnography. Indications for polysomnography were parental concern of daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, inattention, disruptive behavior or nocturnal seizures. Sleep studies were scored according to guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and NREM cyclic alternating pattern was visually identified and scored according to established methods (Terzanoa, 2001). RESULTS: The median age of the subjects (2 boys, 4 girls) at the time of polysomnogram was 5 years (1-15 years). Polysomnography did not show any consistent abnormalities in the obstructive apnea index, central apnea index, arousal index, percentage of stage N1, N2 or N3 or sleep efficiency. Cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) is an immature pattern of periodic discontinuity of quiet sleep seen in newborns and is also present physiologically in NREM sleep(Curzi-Dascalova,1996; Parrino,1998). CAP analysis on 5 of these subjects showed an increased mean rate of 50.3% (vs31-34% in typically developing children) with a predominate increase in A1 subtype of 89.4% (vs. 84.5%). A2 subtype (5.6% vs. 6.4%) and B phase duration (22.4 vs. 24.7 seconds) were similar to previous reports (Bruni, 2002). CONCLUSIONS: Despite parental concerns for sleep disturbance in patients with Dravet syndrome, we did not identify abnormalities in sleep macroarchitecture. However, NREM sleep microarchitecture was abnormal, with increased A1 subtype. This possibly reflects an immature pattern resembling the trace´ alternant pattern, suggesting cortical synaptic immaturity in Dravet syndrome. Further analysis of NREM sleep instability in Dravet syndrome by comparison with age-gender matched controls is underway. Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Dhamija has nothing to disclose. Dr. Erickson has nothing to disclose. Dr. St. Louis has received personal compensation for activities with Inspire, Inc. Dr. Kotagal has nothing to disclose.
Activation of rat gastric mucosal adenylyl cyclase by secretory inhibitors.

Prostaglandin (PG) E1, E2, A1, and A2 stimulated rat gastric corpus mucosal membrane adenylyl cyclase activity. PGE1 (Ka ≃ 8 μm) affected the maximum velocity but not the affinity of the enzyme for ATP and maximum PGE, activation was not affected by histamine H1 or H2 receptor antagonists. 5′-Guanylyl-diphosphoimide (Gpp(NH)p), but not GTP, stimulated both the basal and PGE1-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities, although the percentage stimulation by maximal PGE was the same with or without Gpp(NH)p. NaF stimulation was also additive to that of PGE,. Secretin also stimulated gastric mucosal adenylyl cyclase activity (Ka ≃30 nm). Maximal secretin activation was not additive to that of PGE1, suggesting a coupling to the same adenylyl cyclase catalytic site. These studies suggest that mucosal membranes may contain β-adrenergic receptors. The adenylyl cyclase activating agents used in this study, PGE1, secretin, and the catecholamines, are all known inhibitors of gastric acid secretion, suggesting a possible involvement of cyclic AMP in the inhibition of acid secretion in the rat stomach.
Structural analysis of the immature form of the GFP homologue DsRed

The crystal structures of DsRed have shown that it contains an unusual non-proline containing cis peptide linkage. We have shown that it is also present in the precyclized immature form of DsRed, thereby eliminating the possibility that cis/trans isomerization drives the formation of the acylimine, which is responsible for DsRed's red fluorescence. Two mechanisms have been proposed for chromophore formation in green fluorescent protein (GFP), a "reduced" and an "oxidized" mechanism. DsRed adopts a tight turn conformation, such as that found in GFP, in the immature intermediate proposed in the oxidized mechanism, but not in the one predicted by the reduced mechanism.
Exploring the Complexities of the Serenitatis Basin: Breccia Clasts from Apollo 17

Thirteen new breccia clasts of highland lithologies are described from the Apollo 17 site. The clasts were extracted from three breccias: two from sample 73215 (aphanitic impact melt breccia), six from 73216 (impact melt breccia), and five from 77035 (micropoikilitic impact melt breccia). Breccias 73215 and 73216 were collected from the rim of a 10 m crater at Station 3 and breccia 77035 was collected at Station 7 at the base of the North Massif. The clasts are subdivided into melt-free and melt-rich groups. The melt-free clasts include pristine and brecciated lithologies, with one pristine gabbronoritic anorthosite containing 15 ppb Ir. The melt-rich clasts have compositions that are similar to LKFM, rather than to Apollo 17 KREEP basalts described as clasts from breccia 72275 by Salpas et al. (1987). Three main conclusions are drawn from this study: (1) the presence of 15 ppb Ir in a pristine gabbronoritic anorthosite further demonstrates the complexities associated with estimating the highly siderophil...
Diterpenoids of Conyza coulteri

Abstract Four furanoditerpenoids, including three furanoclerodanes, have been identified in the extract of the aerial parts of Conyza Coulteri . One of the terpenoids, 2β-hydroxyhardwickiic acid, was found as a natural product for the first time.
Protection of cucumber against Colletotrichum lagenarium by Colletotrichum lagenarium

Abstract Eight cultivars of cucumber, susceptible to Colletotrichum lagenarium race 1, were systemically protected against disease caused by the pathogen by prior inoculation with race 1 of the pathogen. Inoculation of a single leaf of young cucumber plants with a spore suspension of C. lagenarium protected the leaf above against disease caused by a subsequent inoculation with C. lagenarium . Repeated inoculations of protected plants enhanced protection and plants remained protected throughout the 10-week duration of experiments. New growth of protected and repeatedly inoculated plants was symptomless. Protection was also elicited by low levels of inoculum which caused 2 to 10 lesions/plant. Damage to a leaf by dry ice did not protect the leaf above against C. lagenarium . After the unprotected leaf developed symptoms, it elicited protection for the leaf above and this leaf was often symptomless. Though Cladosporium cucumerinum protected cucumber cultivars resistant to C. cucumerinum against C. lagenarium, C. lagenarium protected cucumber varieties against C. lagenarium regardless of their resistance or susceptibility to C. cucumerinum . The phenomenon of protection reported suggests a remarkable elasticity and versatility inherent in a plant's mechanism for disease resistance.
Adolescent Construction of HIV and HIV-Prevention

Abstract The authors examined how Asian and Pacific-Island American adolescents from a poor urban community perceive HIV and HIVrprevention efforts. Using focus groups and grounded theory procedures, the present study found these youth were generally knowledgeable about HIV but many continued to engage in risky behavior. Participants vastly overestimated the prevalence of HIV and, relatedly, described a strong sense of fatalism about HIV. Most HIV-prevention is perceived as excessively lecture oriented. Evidence of participants' readiness for more youth-centered dialog about HIV and AIDS is presented and discussed.
Voluntary Action Influences Visual Competition

Converging lines of evidence point to a strong link between action and perception. In this study, we show that this linkage plays a role in controlling the dynamics of binocular rivalry, in which two stimuli compete for perceptual awareness. Observers dichoptically viewed two dynamic rival stimuli while moving a computer mouse with one hand. When the motion of one rival stimulus was consistent with observers' own hand movements, dominance durations of that stimulus were extended and, remarkably, suppression durations of that stimulus were abbreviated. Additional measurements revealed that this change in rivalry dynamics was not attributable to observers' knowledge about the condition under test. Thus, self-generated actions can influence the resolution of perceptual conflict, even when the object being controlled falls outside of visual awareness.
Effects of solute segregation on the grain-growth kinetics of orthopyroxene with implications for the deformation of the upper mantle

Abstract The kinetics of static grain growth in a pure synthetic orthopyroxene and orthopyroxene of natural composition were investigated to determine the effects of solute segregation on grain growth. In all experiments the grain size of the synthetic orthopyroxene increases considerably; in contrast, the natural orthopyroxene shows no perceptible grain growth at the same conditions. High-resolution X-ray compositional mapping confirms that the natural orthopyroxene has large concentrations of aluminum and calcium cations segregated on and near its grain boundaries. This segregation is believed to be responsible for the slow grain-growth kinetics in the natural orthopyroxene. Slow grain growth may permit long-term deformation in the diffusion creep regime, as has been observed in some deep mantle xenoliths. As such, it may provide a means of weakening the lithosphere.
Intersex states in young children: the importance of radiology in making a correct diagnosis.

The ultimate sex to be assigned to children with ambiguous genitalia should be decided before the second year of life. Surgery may be deferred to a later date, but the sex of rearing is an important early decision. This final sex assignation is best carried out by a team in which the radiologist, by the use of genitography, plays an important part. Thirty-one cases of Intersex were studied over a ten year period. These are classified and the clinical problem, methods of investigation and uses of genitography are described. Seven of these cases are briefly presented to bring out the features of genitography in the young.
Horizontal transfer generates genetic variation in an asexual pathogen

There are major gaps in the understanding of how genetic variation is generated in the asexual pathogen Verticillium dahliae. On the one hand, V. dahliae is a haploid organism that reproduces clonally. On the other hand, single-nucleotide polymorphisms and chromosomal rearrangements were found between V. dahliae strains. Lineage-specific (LS) regions comprising about 5% of the genome are highly variable between V. dahliae strains. Nonetheless, it is unknown whether horizontal gene transfer plays a major role in generating genetic variation in V. dahliae. Here, we analyzed a previously sequenced V. dahliae population of nine strains from various geographical locations and hosts. We found highly homologous elements in LS regions of each strain; LS regions of V. dahliae strain JR2 are much richer in highly homologous elements than the core genome. In addition, we discovered, in LS regions of JR2, several structural forms of nonhomologous recombination, and two or three homologous sequence types of each form, with almost each sequence type present in an LS region of another strain. A large section of one of the forms is known to be horizontally transferred between V. dahliae strains. We unexpectedly found that 350 kilobases of dynamic LS regions were much more conserved than the core genome between V. dahliae and a closely related species (V. albo-atrum), suggesting that these LS regions were horizontally transferred recently. Our results support the view that genetic variation in LS regions is generated by horizontal transfer between strains, and by chromosomal reshuffling reported previously.
Mechanism of action of a wound-induced ω-hydroxyfatty acid:NADP oxidoreductase isolated from potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L)

Abstract ω-Hydroxyfatty acid:NADP oxidoreductase, an enzyme involved in suberin biosynthesis, is induced by wounding potato tubers. Initial velocity and product inhibition studies with the purified enzyme suggested an ordered sequential mechanism, where NADPH is added first, followed by 16-oxohexadecanoate, and NADP is released after 16-hydroxyhexadecanoate. Substrate inhibition by NADPH was observed at concentrations higher than 0.2 m m . The inhibitory NADPH molecule competes with 16-oxohexadecanoate, indicating that it forms a dead-end complex with the E-NADPH form of the enzyme. The kinetics for the NADPH inhibition suggested that n > 1 in the rate equation v = V[NADPH] (K m + [NADPH] + [NADPH] n+1 K i ) ; i.e., more than two NADPH molecules bind to enzyme. The K m for 16-oxohexadecanoate did not change from pH 7.5 to 9.0 but increased about 10-fold from pH 9.0 to 10.0, whereas the K m for NADPH and hexadecanal did not vary significantly in this pH range. Phenylglyoxal inactivated the enzyme; NADPH and AMP (which competes with NADPH; K i = 1.1 mM) provided protection against such inactivation. Diethylpyrocarbonate also caused inactivation which was reversed by hydroxylamine; NADPH but not AMP protected the enzyme from this inhibition. Pyridoxal-5′-phosphate reversibly inactivated the enzyme and NaBH 4 reduction of the pyridoxal phosphate-treated enzyme resulted in irreversible inhibition; a combination of NADPH and ω-oxo C 16 acid provided protection against such inactivation. As the chain length of alkanals increased from C 3 to C 8 , the K m for the substrate decreased drastically from 7000 to 90μ m and a further increase in chain length from C 8 to C 20 resulted in only a small decrease in K m . The K m and V for 8-oxooctanoate and 10-oxodecanoate are compared with the values obtained for 16-oxohexadecanoate. Based on these results, it is proposed that arginine acts as the binding site for NADPH, a hydrophobic crevice with lysine at the bottom forms the binding site for 16-oxohexadecanoate and histidine participates in the reaction as the proton donor.
Prognostic Value of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography in Predicting Survival in Patients with Unresectable Metastatic Melanoma to the Liver Undergoing Yttrium-90 Radioembolization

Abstract Purpose To investigate the prognostic value of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) in predicting survival in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma to the liver undergoing yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) radioembolization. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of 12 patients with unresectable hepatic melanoma metastases (5 patients with cutaneous metastases, 7 patients with ocular metastases) who underwent 18 F-FDG PET-CT before 90 Y was performed. Metabolically significant tumors, defined as having a long-axis diameter ≥ 1 cm and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) ≥ 2.5, were identified on 18 F-FDG PET-CT. SUV max , glycolytic activity, and volume were determined for each tumor. Overall SUV max , total tumor glycolytic activity (TGA), total metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and metabolic tumor burden (MTB) based on percentage of liver involvement (MTV/total liver volume) were calculated. Kaplan-Meier method, life-table analysis, and Cox proportional hazards model were used for statistical analysis. Results Median SUV max was 10.9 (range, 4.6–15.3), median TGA was 377.0 SUV/cm 3 (range, 53.6–20,393.4 SUV/cm 3 ), median MTV was 85.4 cm 3 (range, 11.5–2,504.1 cm 3 ), and median MTB was 5.5% (range, 0.1%–54.0%). MTB was found to be a significant negative prognostic marker of survival on univariate ( P = .020) and multivariate ( P = .018) analyses accounting for age and duration from metastatic diagnosis to first 90 Y treatment. A 60th percentile MTB of 7.0% (hazard ratio, 5.704; P = .040) was a statistically significant cutoff. Median survivals from first 90 Y treatment in patients with MTB max ( P = .422), TGA ( P = .064), and MTV ( P = .065) were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions MTB based on 18 F-FDG PET-CT performed before treatment was found to be a negative prognostic factor for patient survival after 90 Y radioembolization for unresectable metastatic melanoma to liver.
Occipital cortex of blind individuals is functionally coupled with executive control areas of frontal cortex

In congenital blindness, the occipital cortex responds to a range of nonvisual inputs, including tactile, auditory, and linguistic stimuli. Are these changes in functional responses to stimuli accompanied by altered interactions with nonvisual functional networks? To answer this question, we introduce a data-driven method that searches across cortex for functional connectivity differences across groups. Replicating prior work, we find increased fronto-occipital functional connectivity in congenitally blind relative to blindfolded sighted participants. We demonstrate that this heightened connectivity extends over most of occipital cortex but is specific to a subset of regions in the inferior, dorsal, and medial frontal lobe. To assess the functional profile of these frontal areas, we used an n-back working memory task and a sentence comprehension task. We find that, among prefrontal areas with overconnectivity to occipital cortex, one left inferior frontal region responds to language over music. By contrast, the majority of these regions responded to working memory load but not language. These results suggest that in blindness occipital cortex interacts more with working memory systems and raise new questions about the function and mechanism of occipital plasticity.
Variables Versus Attributes

An example is given in which the use of attributes data is preferable to the use of variables data.
Atypical and non-atypical subtypes of depression: comparison of social functioning, symptoms, course of illness, co-morbidity and demographic features

Background: There are scant data regarding the demographic and psychosocial characteristics of outpatients with Atypical Depression (AD). Methods: The demographic characteristics, rates of chronic dysphoria, baseline Symptom Check List Revised, and Social Adjustment Scale scores of 320 moderately depressed patients with and without AD were compared. Results: ADs had a higher number of self-reported symptoms, greater impairments in functioning, and higher rates of chronic dysphoria and bipolar II than patients without Atypical Depression (NAD). Limitations: Variables used in this study were mostly cross-sectional, and the analyses were performed post-hoc. Conclusions: These data suggest ADs had a more pernicious course of illness than NADs, and that patients with AD were more symptomatic and dysfunctional at admission.
Cardiac gene expression of GATA‐4 transcription factor in human trisomy 21 fetuses with increased nuchal translucency

This study examines GATA-4 gene expression in cardiac tissue from fetuses with trisomy 21 presenting with increased nuchal translucency thickness at 10-14 weeks of gestation. mRNA was extracted from cardiac tissue after termination of pregnancy at 10-18 weeks of gestation in ten trisomy 21 fetuses and 29 normal controls. Northern and slot blots were performed and densitometric analysis of slot blots was used to determine the steady-state levels of expression of GATA-4. GATA-4 transcript levels were also compared with ANP and BNP, which have previously been measured in the same panel of samples. GATA-4 expression increased significantly with gestation but there was no significant difference between fetuses with trisomy 21 and controls. There was no significant association between GATA-4 expression and the steady-state level of transcripts for the natriuretic peptides.
A viscoelastic–viscoplastic model of titanium structures subjected to thermo-chemo-mechanical environment

Abstract This manuscript provides a new viscoelastic–viscoplastic deformation model for oxygen-assisted embrittlement and degradation of titanium structures subjected to combined loading and environments. The viscoelastic–viscoplastic formulation accounts for the creep/relaxation behavior at elevated temperatures within the coupled processes of oxygen transport and deformation. The viscoelastic behavior is modeled based on the Boltzmann integral and Prony series approximation of the time-dependent moduli. The concentration-dependent viscoplastic deformation response is idealized using a generalized Johnson–Cook plasticity model. The proposed deformation model is fully coupled with a transport model to describe the ingress of oxygen into the structure. The coupled transport-deformation model is implemented using a three-field formulation, in which concentration, displacement and pressure are evaluated as independent unknowns. The computational model was validated against experiments conducted in combined environments on the high temperature alloy Ti-6242S. A detailed investigation of the coupling mechanisms between the oxygen ingress induced embrittlement, relaxation and the inelastic deformation is provided, including partial validation of the interaction mechanisms based on experimental data.
Hypersonic chemically reacting viscous shock layers over sphere-cones and cylinder-wedges

Hypersonic, nonequilibrium viscous flow over nonanalytic blunt bodies is considered. The equations which govern the viscous shock-layer flow are presented and the method by which the equations are solved is discussed. The predictions of the present finite-difference method are compared with other numerical predictions as well as with experimental data. Three flow conditions are considered; the experimental, wind tunnel conditions of Pappas and Lee for a 7.5 deg sphere-cone at Mach 13 and two cases considered by Kang and Dunn, a 9 deg sphere-cone at 233,000 ft and a 20 deg sphere-cone at 280 and 310 Kft. The predictions of the present method agreed well with the experimental heat-transfer data, but substantial differences were found between the present predictions and the more approximate predictions of Kang and Dunn for heat-transfer distributions and temperature profiles.
Is It Worth the Costs? Using Cost-Benefit Analysis to Minimize the Collateral Consequences of Convictions

The collateral consequences of criminal convictions are costly for convicted individuals, victims, taxpayers, and society as a whole. Many of these costs are above and beyond the initial sentence, and they have far-reaching consequences. People with criminal records often struggle to find jobs, attend college, receive public benefits, and vote. Many reoffend, which places a high-priced burden on the victims, the surrounding community, and the taxpayers who fund the justice system. Fortunately, programs and policies can address these effects. But debates surrounding these programs and policies are often dominated by one of two perspectives: either a focus on the anticipated benefits or a primary concern with costs. Cost-benefit analysis can be an enormously helpful tool for policymakers when assessing the merits of a program and determining whether to invest scarce resources in criminal justice programs and policies.
Feature Conglomerator: Helping Users Identify Cost Effective Feature Interpretations

Feature Conglomerator is a manufacturing planning tool for use in 3 and 5 axis prismatic CNC machining domains. Feature extractors typically have many choices (i.e. interpretations) of how they may subdivide complex volumes into component features. Unfortunately, it may be difficult for the feature extractor to identify the interpretation which will result in the best manufacturing plan. The basic assumption behind this work is that much of the information needed to identify the best feature interpretation is not available during feature extraction. However, it does become available during manufacturing planning. Thus, if the initial features identified can be adjusted and refined during manufacturing planning, interpretation decisions can be better informed. This approach can be contrasted to that of Chang [1], which also refines features during manufacturing planning, in that this work is based on an information needs analysis to determine the most strategic time at which to make feature refinement decisions. This approach further blurs the line between feature extraction and process planning to make better informed feature interpretation decisions.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Predictors of a suicide attempt one year after entry into substance use disorder treatment.

Background: The present study examined the patient intake and treatment-related risk factors associated with a suicide attempt in the 30 days before a 1-year posttreatment assessment. Methods: A national sample of 8,807 patients presenting for treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system were assessed at treatment intake and follow-up. Using the MacArthur Model, the risk and protective factors for suicide attempt were identified at baseline and during treatment. Results: At follow-up, 4% (314/8,807) of the patients reported a suicide attempt within the past 30 days. Baseline predictors of a suicide attempt before follow-up included elevated suicidal/psychiatric symptoms, more recent problematic alcohol use, and longer duration of cocaine use. Contact with the criminal justice system was a protective factor that reduced the likelihood of a future suicide attempt. Greater engagement in SUD treatment was also associated with a reduction in suicide risk. Conclusions: More involvement in SUD treatment reduced the likelihood of a future suicide attempt in high-risk patients. Substance use disorder treatment providers interested in reducing future suicidal behavior may want to concentrate their efforts on identifying at-risk individuals and actively engaging these patients in longer treatment episodes. Language: en
Youth as Partners in Curriculum Development and Training Delivery: Roles, Challenges, Benefits, and Recommendations:

This article describes youth involvement in a set of national curriculum development and training projects focused on assisting foster youth to transition successfully out of the child welfare system. Various forms of youth involvement occurred in these projects: youth served on advisory committees, as focus group members, as curriculum reviewers, and as trainers and cotrainers. The benefits and challenges of youth involvement, identified by project staff and youth themselves, are outlined. Recommendations are presented for working with youth more effectively, for example, ensuring that the organization is prepared for substantial mentoring of youth and seeking certain groups of youth that match the project's needs. Recommendations are presented that are relevant to a host of educational and human service settings.
IL-4 receptor mutations.

Abstract IL-4 plays an important role in regulating immune responses. Distinct signaling pathways, including those for gene activation and cell differentiation and those for cell proliferation and protection from apoptosis, are initiated from the receptor complex for IL-4 following ligand–receptor engagement. Several advances have been made in our understanding of how distinct functions of IL-4 are mediated. Most of these studies employed artificial mutations of the IL-4-receptor α chain using site-directed mutagenesis and/or deletional mutation. In addition, naturally occurring mutations of the IL-4-receptor α chain have been identified and implicated as a genetic predisposition for allergic disorders. The results of these studies suggest a modular organization of the receptor and an independent regulation of gene activation and cell growth.
Feedback strategies: Critique and evaluation of oral and written assignments

Abstract Integration of oral and written assignments in accounting courses is becoming more of the norm. While there has been much discussion about the need for such assignments, little has been said about how to give students feedback about their work. This article addresses the feedback process in general, its purposes, and some guiding principles and criteria. It then presents options for feedback including peer review, instructor review, use of drafts, general versus specific feedback, various forms of feedback, and, finally, some discussion about assigning grades.
Some topographical connections of the striate cortex with subcortical structures in Macaca fascicularis

Subcortical connections of the striate cortex with the superior colliculus (SC), the lateral pulvinar (Pl), the inferior pulvinar (Pi) and the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LG) were studied in the macaque monkey, Macaca fascicularis, following cortical injections of tritiated proline and/or horseradish peroxidase. All four structures were shown to receive topographically organized projections from the striate cortex. The exposed surface of the striate cortex was found to be connected to the rostral part of the SC and the caudal part of the LG. Injections of the exposed striate cortex close to its rostral border resulted in label in adjoining parts of the Pl and Pi. The ventral half and dorsal half of the calcarine fissure were connected with the medial and lateral parts of the SC, the ventrolateral and dorsomedial portions of the Pl and Pi and the lateral and medial parts of the LG, respectively. Injections located at the lateral posterior extreme of the calcarine fissure resulted in label at the optic disc representation in the LG. The horseradish peroxidase material demonstrated that LG neurons in all laminae and interlaminar zones project to the striate cortex.
Low-Frequency Model for Radio-Frequency Absorbers

A simple model is developed to characterize the behavior of radio-frequency absorbers at low frequency. The absorber is represented by a flat, homogeneous, isotropic slab of lossy material, with effective constitutive parameters. These parameters are determined by a fit to measured data. Excellent fits are obtained in the two applications considered. The model is intended for use in the characterization of absorber-lined chambers at low frequency. It could also be used to predict the low-frequency performance of partially loaded shielded enclosures.
Elevated serum levels of creatine kinase BB in autosomal dominant osteopetrosis Type II — a family study

A markedly elevated BB isoenzyme fraction of serum creatine kinase was noted in four male siblings and correlated with typical radiographic findings of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis Type II (ADO Type II). Patients with other sclerosing bone diseases had no elevation of CK-BB. The precision of the electrophoretic mobility patterns and correlation by I-125 tagged radioimmunoassay method confirms that this is CK-BB. We postulate that the dysfunctional and/or immature osteoclasts in ADO are more dependent on CK-BB than on the usual tricarboxylic acid cycle for the production of energy. The correlation of marked elevation of serum CK-BB with radiographic evidence of ADO Type II may prove to be of value as a biologic marker in the early diagnosis of the illness and lead to better understanding of the metabolism of bone.