cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Pain Affect Preference? The Effect of Tonic Laboratory Pain on Discounting of Delayed Rewards.

Abstract Chronic pain patients show elevated risk behavior on decision-making tasks, as well as increased health risk behaviors (eg, smoking, prescription opioid abuse). Determining pain's effect on underlying cognitive processes that are associated with risk behavior is confounded by comorbidities linked with chronic pain, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore, to understand pain's effect on delay discounting, a behavioral process assessing the extent to which outcomes are devalued as a function of their delay, the present study evaluated the effect of laboratory pain on delay discounting in healthy young adults (N = 85). Using a mixed factorial design, pain (topical capsaicin and warmth) as well as active control (warmth) groups completed a delay discounting task before and during exposure to their respective manipulations. Whereas the pain condition had no effect on delay discounting, participants' pain intensity, unpleasantness, and pain-induced negative valence were associated with less discounting of delayed rewards. However, the effects were very small. Perspective The results suggest that experimental pain may not increase delay discounting, rather sensitivity to pain predicts a very small decrease in discounting of delayed rewards. Although the results are limited to healthy volunteers, this experimental approach allows us to examine the relationship between pain and delay discounting in a controlled manner. Better understanding of pain-related decision-making may lead to improved treatment of health risk behaviors for individuals experiencing pain.
Maker's Breath: Religion, Magic, and the 'Godless' World of BioWare's Dragon Age II (2011)

The core conflict of BioWare’s 2011 digital role-playing game Dragon Age II places the Christianesque Chantry in opposition to both the hierarchical Qunari and the Circle of Magi. In Dragon Age II religious beliefs, particularly those of the Chantry, prove destructive; by demonstrating the chaos of religious conflict, the game guides the player to recognize the danger inherent in extremist devotion to religion, and argues that interpersonal relationships should form the basis of our ethics. In Dragon Age II , the player-character, Hawke, is evaluated by each of his (or her) non-player companions; the mechanic forms the basis for a fundamentally humanist ideological framework in the game’s world, despite the prevalence of a variety of religious beliefs. I suggest that the game retreats from systems of belief as ideal sources of ethical mores, instead turning to human interaction as a preferable means of determining social and personal ethics.
Dispersion Effects on Alkane Hydrogenolysis over Rhodium Supported on Titanium Oxide

Resume Les hydrogenolyses de l'ethane, du n-butane et du cyclohexane ont ete etudiees en fonction de la dispersion sur des catalyseurs Rh/TiO 2 . La reduction a 773 K provoque une diminution de l'activite hydrogenolysante (ethane > n-butane >> cyclohexane) par rapport a la reduction a 473 K. Les vitesses d'hydrogenolyse de l'ethane et du n-butane augmentent avec la dispersion apres reduction a basse temperature mais diminuent quand la dispersion croit apres reduction a haute temperature. Ces resultats indiquent que l'interaction metal-support a lieu quelle que soit la temperature de reduction et que l'effet est d'autant plus important que les particules sont plus petites. Les resultats sont interpretes, pour une reduction a haute temperature, par un transfert de charge sur le metal, la stabilite de l'intermediaire variant avec la nature de la liaison a la surface du Rh. Abstract Ethane, n-butane, and cyclohexane hydrogenolysis have been investigated as a function of dispersion (percentage exposed) on Rh/TiO 2 catalysts. Reduction at 773 K caused a depression in hydrogenolysis activity (ethane > n-butane >> cyclohexane) relative to reduction at 473 K. At the low temperature reduction, the hydrogenolysis activity for ethane and n-butane increases as dispersion is increased, while following high temperature reduction activity decreases with dispersion. These results indicate that a metal-support interaction exists after both low and high temperature reduction, and the effect is most apparent for the smallest particles. Our results are interpreted in terms of charge transfer to the metal after high temperature reduction where the degree of destabilization of the intermediate varies with the kind of bond to the Rh surface.
Newman and Loretta: Parents of Arthur, a Man who has Schizophrenia

Arthur was brought to the hospital by his parents, Newman and Loretta, after Arthur reported that he was hearing voices that were telling him to hurt himself. This is not the first time that Arthur has heard such voices, but this time his parents felt that he was “taking them more seriously” than he has done in the past. They were concerned that he would listen to the voices and actually take action to hurt himself.
Tear Lactoferrin Levels and Ocular Bacterial Flora in HIV Positive Patients

Lactoferrin is an antibacterial protein secreted by the acinar cells of the lacrimal glands.(1) This protein: (a) has both bacterocidal and bacteriostatic properties; (b) combines and acts with specific antibodies in tears; and (c) inhibits C3 convertase formation in the classical complement system.(2) Lactoferrin therefore plays an important role in the protective mechanisms of the external eye and may be an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the complement pathway.
E-Uniserial Torsion-Free Abelian Groups of Finite Rank

An abelian group A is said to be E-uniserial if the lattice of fully invariant subgroups of A is a chain.
Chronic Medical Conditions

The past decade has seen a marked increase in recognition of both the degree to which chronic medical conditions affect the psychological functioning of children and adolescents, and the complexity of these interactions. The inclusion of the present chapter in the second edition of this book reflects the growing awareness of the impact of illness and psychopathology on psychological development. In the sections that follow, we review the definitions, methodological issues, and conceptual approaches to considering chronic pediatric problems, from which follow prevalence data that indicate the scope of the problem. We review available evidence on the association of psychopathology, psychological symptoms, and adjustment problems with chronic medical conditions. Theoretical, clinical, and empirical data form the basis for a discussion of the impact of chronic conditions on specific developmental stages. Finally, we discuss conceptual models that usefully integrate potentially confounding issues in the field and point the way for future research efforts.
The Courtesan and the Gigolo: The Murder in the Rue Montaigne and the Dark Side of Empire in Nineteenth-Century Paris. By Aaron Freundschuh. (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2013. Pp. 272. $24.95.)

In 1887, Enrico Pranzini was arrested, tried, and executed for the murder of Parisian courtesan Marie Regnault. In this book, the author moves beyond the sensationalist “Pranzini affair” to illumin...
Retrospective analysis of prognostic factors influencing very late onset PTLD.

e19561Background: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), is a very rare complication following transplant (solid organ or allogeneic) due to proliferation of lymphoid cells in immunos...
Haloperidol for the management of delirium in adult intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract Purpose Delirium commonly presents as a complication in critically ill patients. Our aim is to perform a meta-analysis investigating the role of haloperidol versus placebo in management (treatment and prophylaxis), of delirium in intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and methods Our study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing haloperidol versus placebo for treatment and/or prophylaxis of ICU-related delirium. Results Six RCTs representing 2552 patients. There was no significant difference between haloperidol and placebo-treated patients in short-term all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–1.14; P = 0.67), incidence of delirium (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.65–1.34; P = 0.70), ICU length of stay (Mean difference [MD] 0.00 days; 95% CI -0.82-0.83; P = 0.99), or delirium/coma-free days (MD 0.09; 95% CI -0.05-0.24; P = 0.21). Haloperidol was not associated with increased risk for serious adverse events (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.23–1.88; P = 0.43), QTc prolongation (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.63–1.19; P = 0.38), or extrapyramidal symptoms (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.57–1.23; P = 0.37). Conclusion Among critically ill patients, haloperidol administration compared with placebo does not significantly affect short-term mortality, incidence of delirium, ICU length of stay, or delirium or coma-free days. Additionally, there was no increased risk of adverse events.
Nonsurgical Management: The Role of Therapy

This chapter will highlight the role of therapy in cubital tunnel syndrome. Techniques and nonsurgical treatment through the use of modalities, myofascial techniques, nerve glides, and therapeutic exercises are discussed. Outcome studies are also reported for conservative measures. Nonsurgical management may be used as long as the patient desires; however 3–6 months seems sensible based on the literature. If despite all conservative treatment, symptoms persist, then surgical management should be considered.
Dictation of the discharge resumé: a forgotten link between the spoken and written word.

All medical personnel use jargon when conversing about patients. Such jargon can be clarified by questions asked at the moment of discussion. The reader of a discharge summary, however, does not have the option of questioning the author if meanings are ambiguous and vague. Editing discharge summaries is an impossible task—I’ve tried it and quit, partly from laughing, partly from crying, and mostly because the head record librarian refused to have all the summaries retyped. Save time in the record room by being more concise and clear in your dictation, then use the time you have saved for more rewarding activities. Organize your thoughts, dictate, then go smell the flowers with the recovered time.
Biomimetic transformations of 2-aminoimidazole into zoanthoxanthins: Exposing a potential biogenic missing link

Abstract A one-step synthesis of the nitrogenous marine pigment parazoanthoxanthin A (1a) and related pseudozoanthoxanthin A (2a) from 2-aminoimidazole is described. The key step involves hydroxyalkylation of the C3N3 heterocycle with acetaldehydes and pyruvic acid.
Abstract LB-129: Metastatic breast cancer cells promote anti-inflammatory MSC actions and release Lipocalin 2 to induce a tumor-supportive premetastatic lung microenvironment

Cancer metastasis is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Survival and proliferation of cancer cells within distant tissues requires that these foreign microenvironments acquire tumor-supportive characteristics. While it has been established that primary tumor cells can reprogram the molecular and cellular composition of the premetastatic niche by releasing soluble factors and extracellular vesicles, efforts to date have been limited by the use of in vivo models lacking a fully-functional immune system and/or the need for finely-tuned experiment end points to limit direct reprogramming effects of early-disseminating cells from the primary tumor. To address this need, we developed the immune-competent PyMT syngeneic murine model of breast cancer for elucidating events during premetastatic niche reprogramming in the absence of tumor cell allografting. We demonstrate that metastatic mouse PyMT breast cancer cells differentially influence the premetastatic lung and brain, selectively promoting a tumor-supportive lung microenvironment with increased CD73 expression and decreased TNFalpha expression. Using in vitro models of CD73-positive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and monocytes/macrophages, we next tested whether MSCs can selectively mediate anti-inflammatory effects of metastatic breast cancer cells. Notably, conditioned media from metastatic Py230 cells reprogrammed MSCs to selectively increase anti-inflammatory CCL1 and MRC1 transcripts in monocytes/macrophages. In contrast, conditioned media from non-metastatic Py8119 cells reprogrammed MSCs to selectively increase pro-inflammatory IL23alpha and TNFalpha in monocytes/macrophages. Mining transcriptome data from Py8119 and Py230 cells revealed a lipocalin 2 (LCN2) axis that is selectively expressed in the metastatic Py230 cells and predicts poor breast cancer patient survival. Finally, we demonstrate that immunoneutralization of LCN2 in Py230 conditioned media renders it unable to reprogram the premetastatic lung microenvironment toward a tumor-supportive state. Taken together, these results establish the utility of a tumor cell-free in vivo model for interrogating breast cancer priming of the premetastatic niche, demonstrate that MSCs can mediate the anti-inflammatory state within the tumor microenvironment, and identify LCN2 as an important therapeutic target for blocking breast cancer progression. Citation Format: Francesca Sanchez, Kayla Meade, Analine Aguayo, Nathalie Nadeles, Sarkis Hamalian, Toni Uhlendorf, Lisa Banner, Jonathan A. Kelber. Metastatic breast cancer cells promote anti-inflammatory MSC actions and release Lipocalin 2 to induce a tumor-supportive premetastatic lung microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-129.
A Delay Compensation Framework for Predicting Heading in Teleoperated Ground Vehicles

A delay compensation framework for teleoperated ground vehicles is developed in this paper that aims to achieve an improved prediction of vehicle heading. The framework seeks to combine the performance benefits of a model-based feedforward method with the robustness benefits of a model-free prediction scheme through a blended architecture. In particular, the feedforward heading signal from a second-order steering model is combined with the feedback heading signal from a model-free predictor. While leveraging this model-free predictor from the literature, a generic procedure is also developed for designing its gain and the predictor is further augmented with a saturation and resetting scheme to improve its transient performance. The vehicle heading prediction with the blended architecture is evaluated in two open-loop case studies and it is shown that blending the outputs of these model-based and model-free approaches can yield a more accurate prediction than either approach alone.
Clinical and Pathological Presentation of T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Proliferations (T-LGL): A Single Institution Experience.

Proliferations of T-cell large granular lymphocytes (T-LGL) are a rare and heterogeneous disease entity characterized by a chronic course, cytopenias and circulating cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We present the results of a single institution retrospective review of the clinical presentation of T-LGL proliferations. A total of 23 patients evaluated for cytopenias were identified as having T-LGL by flow cytometry, ten male and thirteen female, with a median age of 67 years at diagnosis. Twelve patients had a prior malignancy (non-Hodgkins lymphoma=4, MDS/AML=4, breast cancer=2, squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the skin =2, lung SCC=1, vocal cord SCC=1, uterine cancer=1) and five patients had a history of autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis=2, vasculitis=1, polyarthritis=1, Wegener’s granulomatosis=1), while seven patients had no previous history of autoimmune disease or malignancy. Four patients with prior malignancy had active disease and this led to death in three. Of the twelve patients informative for T-cell receptor gene rearrangements, clonal populations were found in eight. All patients who had cytopenias requiring treatment were initially treated with cyclosporine monotherapy, with the further addition of growth factors if necessary. Multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of blood or bone marrow aspirates revealed that patients with a prior history of systemic malignancy had the common immunophenotype of CD3+(h), CD8+(h), CD2+, CD5+, CD7(h), CD56(h), CD57+, CD38+, CD16−. In contrast, patients who did not have a prior history of malignancy were CD3+, CD8+, CD2+, CD5+, CD7+, CD56+/−, CD57+, CD38+/(h), CD16+/− (h=heterogeneous). Thus patients with a prior malignancy had more heterogeneous expression of the T-cell markers CD3, CD8 and CD7 and were less likely to express CD16. We conclude that prior malignancy is more common in patients with T-LGL proliferations than previously recognized, may be twice as frequent as autoimmune disease in association with T-LGL and may have a distinct immunophenotype. Our data suggest that malignant cells may induce proliferations of T-LGL.
PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL FEATURES IN RECURRENT PERICARDITIS PATIENTS

The prevalence and utility of guideline-based diagnostic criteria of recurrent pericarditis (RP) are not known. RP is defined as an episode of pericarditis 4-6 weeks after the resolution of symptoms from an initial attack. The diagnosis of a recurrent pericarditis episode requires two of the
The Person Within the Mask: Mask-Wearing, Identity, and Communication

This autoethnographic exploration examines my seven-month experience wearing a mask after a stem cell transplant, October, 2019. The telling of my story includes the cancer-based context in which I began to wear a mask and a concentration on the interactions, behaviors, and happenings that occurred to me while mask-wearing. Although I make note of experiences during the COVID-19 crisis, most of the happenings from which I draw occurred pre-COVID. The focus of my reflections throughout the essay is given to identity de/reconstruction through the emotional experience that has in many ways defined my mask-wearing journey. Central ideas that are encountered throughout my story are victim/patient syndrome, isolation, dehumanization, disability bias, monitoring fatigue, sanctuary, and intimacy.
TIG Welding of Dissimilar High-Strength Aluminum Alloys 6061 and 7075 with Nano-Treated Filler Wires

Arc welding of dissimilar high-strength aluminum alloys is a major challenge in the automotive and aerospace industries due to differences in intrinsic material parameters and compositions. However, successful joining can lead to desirable combinations of material properties. To solve this problem, nanoparticles were loaded into AA6061 and AA7075 filler wires to fabricate nano-treated fillers, which were used to successfully weld AA6061 and AA7075. Neither weldment exhibited defects such as hot tearing or crater cracking, and both weld metals were observed to contain equiaxial grains smaller than 30 µm. The principal mechanisms behind the observed microstructures originate from nanoparticle interactions during the welding process, as they affect the solidification behavior of the weld metal and modify eutectic secondary phases that traditionally lead to dendritic grain morphologies. The promising results of these dissimilar high-strength aluminum alloy welds show nano-treated fillers have much potential in welding systems that are traditionally difficult to weld.
Riot at the Calc Exam and Other Mathematically Bent Stories

What's so funny about math? Lots! Especially if you're mathematically bent. In the world of Colin Adams, differential equations bring on tears of laughter. Hollywood producers hire algebraic geometers to punch up a script. In this world, math and humor are synonymous. ""Riot at the Calc Exam"" is a proof of this fact. A collection of humorous math stories, this book gives a window into mathematics and the culture of mathematicians. This title is appropriate for mathematicians, math students, math teachers, lay people with an interest in mathematics, and indeed everyone else. This book is a romp through the wild world of mathematics.
Influence of nuclear reaction rates on the nucleosynthesis in neutrino-driven winds

We study the sensitivity of the νp-process abundance pattern to (n,p), (p,γ), and (n,γ) rates for nuclei between Ni and Sn. We illustrate our findings for two different initial electron fractions and a representative trajectory. We discuss how these rates influence the abundance pattern and the nuclear flow. Core-collapse supernovae are important contributors to the chemical enrichment of galaxies. They synthesize heavy elements and eject these newly synthesized elements (iron and heavier elements) into the interstellar medium to- gether with elements produced during the star's lifetime. After the explosion, the nascent, hot neutron star cools by emitting neutrinos. These neutrinos interact with the stellar matter and deposit energy, resulting in a supersonic outflow, the neutrino-driven wind. The conditions in the winds are not suitable for the synthesis of the heaviest ele- ments by the r-process. However, lighter heavy elements, such as Sr, Y, Zr, can be formed. Recent hydrodynamic models suggest that very outward in a neutrino wind, the large proton density allows for a small number of neutrons to be produced by νe cap- tures on protons. This permits neutron-induced reactions - such as (n,γ) and (n,p) - to compete with proton cap- tures, electron captures, and β + -decays. Especially (n,p) reactions on proton-rich nuclei have cross sections 10 − 12 orders of magnitude larger than proton captures. There- fore, already a tiny neutron abundance can cause neutron- induced reaction flows competing with proton captures. The (n,p) reactions in the νp-process overcome the wait- ing points in the rp-process which are characterized by slow proton capture rates and long β-decay (electron cap- ture) lifetimes. Depending on the neutron density ρn, the (n,p) reactions regulate the flow from one isotonic chain to the next higher as they are faster than the β + -decays or electron captures. The path of the νp-process lies initially close to the N = Z line and moves towards stability at higher masses.
Cutting Edge: Bcl6-Interacting Corepressor Contributes to Germinal Center T Follicular Helper Cell Formation and B Cell Helper Function

CD4(+) germinal center (GC)-T follicular helper (Tfh) cells help B cells become long-lived plasma cells and memory cells. The transcriptional repressor Bcl6 plays a key role in GC-Tfh formation by inhibiting the expression of genes that promote differentiation into other lineages. We determined whether BCOR, a component of a Polycomb repressive complex that interacts with the Bcl6 BTB domain, influences GC-Tfh differentiation. T cell-targeted BCOR deficiency led to a substantial loss of peptide:MHC class II-specific GC-Tfh cells following Listeria monocytogenes infection and a 2-fold decrease following immunization with a peptide in CFA. The reduction in GC-Tfh cells was associated with diminished plasma cell and GC B cell formation. Thus, T cell-expressed BCOR is critical for optimal GC-Tfh cell differentiation and humoral immunity.
Altering cancer transcriptomes using epigenomic inhibitors

Due to the hyper-activation of WNT signaling in a variety of cancer types, there has been a strong drive to develop pathway-specific inhibitors with the eventual goal of providing a chemotherapeutic antagonist of WNT signaling to cancer patients. A new category of drugs, called epigenetic inhibitors, are being developed that hold high promise for inhibition of the WNT pathway. The canonical WNT signaling pathway initiates when WNT ligands bind to receptors, causing the nuclear localization of the co-activator β-catenin (CTNNB1), which leads to an association of β-catenin with a member of the TCF transcription factor family at regulatory regions of WNT-responsive genes. The TCF/β-catenin complex then recruits CBP (CREBBP) or p300 (EP300), leading to histone acetylation and gene activation. A current model in the field is that CBP-driven expression of WNT target genes supports proliferation whereas p300-driven expression of WNT target genes supports differentiation. The small molecule inhibitor ICG-001 binds to CBP, but not to p300, and competitively inhibits the interaction of CBP with β-catenin. Upon treatment of cancer cells, this should reduce expression of CBP-regulated transcription, leading to reduced tumorigenicity and enhanced differentiation. We have compared the genome-wide effects on the transcriptome after treatment with ICG-001 (the specific CBP inhibitor) versus C646, a compound that competes with acetyl-coA for the Lys-coA binding pocket of both CBP and p300. We found that both drugs cause large-scale changes in the transcriptome of HCT116 colon cancer cells and PANC1 pancreatic cancer cells and reverse some tumor-specific changes in gene expression. Interestingly, although the epigenetic inhibitors affect cell cycle pathways in both the colon and pancreatic cancer cell lines, the WNT signaling pathway was affected only in the colon cancer cells. Notably, WNT target genes were similarly downregulated after treatment of HCT116 with C646 as with ICG-001. Our results suggest that treatment with a general HAT inhibitor causes similar effects on the transcriptome as does treatment with a CBP-specific inhibitor and that epigenetic inhibition affects the WNT pathway in HCT116 cells and the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in PANC1 cells.
25 Hepatitis C vaccines

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of hepatitis C vaccines. Presently, numerous obstacles to hepatitis C vaccine development remain. The large degree of genetic and immunologic diversity of the virus may be the most difficult to overcome. However, in limited studies, it has been shown that hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be neutralized by antibody and that even with the lack of solid protection from infection; the vaccine-induced antibody can alter the natural history of infection toward a short-lasting, mild disease. The prevention of chronic infection in itself would be important as the most serious outcomes of HCV infections are the result of viral persistence. It is hoped that detailed studies of the immune response to HCV infections will provide insights to solving many of these problems. New technologies being applied to vaccine development may eventually lead to effective immunoprophylaxis and therapy.
Observations and Physical Processes in Binary Stars

Binary systems represent the best examples of real time astrophysics. These lectures deal with the interface between observation and theory in comparatively normal close binary stars. The first half discusses the observational techniques for determining periods, radial velocities, light curve data, and surface maps of stars and accretion disks. The second portion deals with a range of specific physical processes. Although the observational data is slanted toward the ultraviolet, these lectures emphasize the need for multiwavelength and multi-technique approaches.
DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction as prognostic factors in cervical cancer.

Flow cytometry is a method by which selected cellular characteristics of a tumor may be identified and quantitated. This technique has been most extensively applied to the analysis of human leukemias and lymphomas, but important observations have been made using flow cytometry to study a number of solid tumors, including breast and colorectal cancers [1]. Advances in technique have allowed flow cytometry to be performed on tumor samples with as few as 50 000 cells, a quantity that can easily be obtained through needle aspiration. In addition, flow cytometry can be reliably and accurately performed on archived tumor samples through a standardized procedure in which the paraffin cell block is dewaxed and a single cell suspension is prepared. This means that virtually every tumor biopsied can be subjected to analysis by flow cytometry.
LC-MS determination of L-DOPA concentration in the leaf and flower tissues of six faba bean (Vicia faba L.) lines with common and rare flower colors

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of muscle control, which causes trembling of the limbs and head as well as impaired balance. L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxy phenylalanine) is the major ingredient of several prescription drugs used to treat PD. Faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) is one of the few plant species that is known to produce L-DOPA and has the potential to be developed as a functional food crop for people suffering with PD. Objective: Aimed to provide needed information for people who want to use faba bean as a natural remedy or functional food to relieve PD symptoms, this study analyzed the variation of L-DOPA concentration in the leaf and flower tissues of six faba bean lines with common and rare flower colors. Methods: Leaf and flower samples were taken from field grown plants with different flower colors, namely, pink with purple lines and black dots, pure white, brown, and crimson. Samples were freeze-dried and L-DOPA was quantified by a LC-MS system consisting of an ACQUITY UPLC in line with a Synapt G2 HDMS quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. This experiment was carried out in two consecutive years (2012 and 2013) and the plants used in the second year were grown from the seeds harvested from the plants used in the first year. Results and Discussion: Our two-year study revealed a high level of variation in L-DOPA concentration for leaf and flower tissues among the six faba bean lines studied. The average L-DOPA concentration based on dry weight (DW) in flowers ranged from 27.8 to 63.5 mg/g and 18.2 to 48.7 mg/g for leaf tissues. There was no significant correlation between L-DOPA concentrations in flowers and leaves. The L-DOPA concentration in flowers and in leaves of the same line varied but were not statistically significant between the two years. Ideally, the genotype with the highest average L-DOPA concentration in both flowers and leaves would be grown as a natural source of this medicinally important molecule. When developing faba bean as a functional food crop for PD patients, a careful selection of genotype seems necessary for exploiting the full potential of this natural remedy. Conclusion : Consumption of young pods and leaves is the most practical means for direct intake or processing of L-DOPA. Lastly, favorable environmental conditions for growth will optimize L-DOPA yield (Landry, et al., 2015). Further analysis of the genetic control of L-DOPA synthesis and metabolism will be valuable, with the possibility of developing environmentally resilient cultivars that can produce desirable amounts of L-DOPA for pharmaceutical use. Key words: Faba bean, L-DOPA, Parkinson’s disease
Cable Analysis Using Orthogonal Collocation

The capability to analyze and design cable systems during the deployment and retrieval phase must encompass the dynamic effects of paying out and reeling in the cable system. Past cable payout / reel in work has been preponderantly treated in a quasidynamic manner. With this quasidynamic approach, a dynamic analysis was performed at a fixed length, for several lengths of cable. More recently, spatially-discrete methods, such as the lumped parameter and finite element methods have been employed in a meaner where the length of the cable system is changed at each time integration step. These adjustments present a rather adrupt change in configuration and as a result, numerical oscillations can be introduced. Alternatively, cable systems undergoing changing length can be treated in a continuous fashion where full dynamic effects due to payout or reel in are considered.
#38: Hepatitis B in pregnancy screening, treatment, and prevention of vertical transmission

Between 800,000-1.4 million people in the United States and more than 240 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Specific to pregnancy, an estimated prevalence of 0.7-0.9% for chronic hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in the United States has been reported, with >25,000 infants at risk for chronic infection born annually to these women. Vertical transmission of HBV from infected mothers to their fetuses or newborns, either in utero or peripartum, remains a major source of perpetuating the reservoir of chronically infected individuals globally. Universal screening for hepatitis B infection during pregnancy has been recommended for many years. Identification of pregnant women with chronic HBV infection through universal screening has had a major impact in decreasing the risk of neonatal infection. The purpose of this document is to aid clinicians in counseling their patients regarding perinatal risks and management options available to pregnant women with hepatitis B infection in the absence of coinfection with HIV. We recommend the following: (1) perform routine screening during pregnancy for HBV infection with maternal HBsAg testing (grade 1A); (2) administer hepatitis B vaccine and HBV immunoglobulin within 12 hours of birth to all newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers or those with unknown or undocumented HBsAg status, regardless of whether maternal antiviral therapy has been given during the pregnancy (grade 1A); (3) In pregnant women with HBV infection, we suggest HBV viral load testing in the third trimester (grade 2B); (4) in pregnant women with HBV infection and viral load >6-8 log 10 copies/mL, HBV-targeted maternal antiviral therapy should be considered for the purpose of decreasing the risk of intrauterine fetal infection (grade 2B); (5) in pregnant women with HBV infection who are candidates for maternal antiviral therapy, we suggest tenofovir as a first-line agent (grade 2B); (6) we recommend that women with HBV infection be encouraged to breast-feed as long as the infant receives immunoprophylaxis at birth (HBV vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin) (grade 1C); (7) for HBV infected women who have an indication for genetic testing, invasive testing (eg amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) may be offered–counseling should include the fact that the risk for maternal-fetal transmission may increase with HBV viral load >7 log 10 IU/mL (grade 2C); and (8) we suggest cesarean delivery not be performed for the sole indication for reduction of vertical HBV transmission (grade 2C).
Suppression of LDL oxidation by garlic.

It has been known for several decades that hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and that lowering of cholesterol can significantly reduce risk for cardiovascular diseases. More recently, oxidation of LDL has been recognized as playing an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL, but not native LDL, promotes vascular dysfunction by exerting direct cytotoxicity toward endothelial cells, by increasing chemotactic properties for monocytes, by transforming macrophages to foam cells via scavenger-receptors and by enhancing the proliferation of various cell types, e.g., endothelial cells, monocytes and smooth muscle cells; all of these events are recognized as contributing to atherogenesis. In this paper, experimental evidence is presented that shows that several garlic compounds can effectively suppress LDL oxidation in vitro. Short-term supplementation of garlic in human subjects has demonstrated an increased resistance of LDL to oxidation. These data suggest that suppressed LDL oxidation may be one of the powerful mechanisms accounting for the antiatherosclerotic properties of garlic.
Bridging Human and Ecological Landscapes: Participatory Research and Sustainable Development in an Andean Frontier

Bridging Human and Ecological Landscapes: Participatory Research and Sustainable Development in an Andean Frontier. Robert E. Rhoades. ed. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2001.
The Effect of Alterations in Ketone Body Availability on the Utilization of β-Hydroxybutyrate by Developing Rat Brain

The effect of alterations in ketone body availability during the early postnatal period on the in vitro and in vivo utilization of beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta OHB) by developing rat brain was determined. Ketone body availability was prolonged by feeding a high fat diet during pregnancy and lactation and to pups after weaning. Availability was decreased by early weaning pups at 16 days to a low fat liquid diet. In the in vitro studies, oxidation of [14C]beta OHB to CO2 and incorporation into brain lipid was determined at 7, 14, 21, and 35 days of age. In the in vivo studies incorporation of [14C]beta OHB and [3H]glucose into brain lipid was measured. The results indicate that it is possible to alter the brain's utilization of beta OHB for lipid synthesis and energy metabolism during the developmental period. This was particularly evident in the in vivo studies. The in vivo results also suggest a relationship between beta OHB availability in the blood and incorporation into brain lipid. When availability was decreased by early weaning pups to the low fat diet, incorporation of beta OHB into lipid was also decreased. Likewise, when availability was increased, such as was seen in the high fat feeding study, incorporation was increased.
Public–Private Partnerships: When Are They Appropriate for Transportation Infrastructure?

Proposed restrictions on federal funding for surface transportation projects are forcing state and local governments to consider alternative funding and financing mechanisms. The Transportation Inv...
The dissolution kinetics of shallow marine carbonates in seawater: A laboratory study

The dissolution kinetics of shallow water marine carbonates (low-Mg calcite, aragonite and Mg-calcites) were investigated in seawater (S = 35) at 25°C and a PCO2 of 10−2.5 atm. using the pH-stat method. Carbonate dissoluton rates (μmoles g−1 hr−1) fit the empirical kinetic expression, R = k(1 - Ω)n, where R = dissolution rate, k = rate constant, Ω = saturation state, and n = order of reaction. Reaction orders were near 2.9 for low-Mg calcites, 2.5 for aragonites and 3.4 for Mg-calcites. The rate constant, k, expressed as μmoles g−1 hr−1, varied by nearly a factor of ten for the different samples, reflecting differences in amount of reactive surface area. Reactive surface area of the biogenic phases ranged from 0.3% to 66% of the total surface area determined by the BET gas adsorption method. The discrepancy between reactive and total surface area was greatest for samples with high BET surface areas (> 1 m2 g−1) and delicate microstructures. Relative dissolution rates of the various biogenic carbonates as a function of seawater calcium carbonate ion molal product (IMP) were related to both mineral stability and grain microstructure. In seawater undersaturated with respect to aragonite, finely crystalline aragonites dissolved more rapidly than thermodynamically less stable high Mg-calcites (15–18 mole% MgCO3) with lower reactive surface areas. Therefore, under certain conditions, differences in grain microstructural complexity can override thermodynamic constraints and lead to selective dissolution of a thermodynamically more stable mineral phase.
Elastic properties of apatites

One of the prime motives for studying the elastic properties of the apatites stems from the occurrence of hydroxyapatite, OHAp, in calcified tissue. In this paper the isotropic elastic contents of crystalline apatite solids are determined from measurements of elastic wave velocities through powders under pressure. Once obtained, these elastic constants are used to model the elastic behaviour of a two-phase composite material having one phase more rigid than the other by a factor of 2.4. The results are then used in a general discussion of the probable order of magnitude of the elastic constants of the organic non-crystalline phase in bones and teeth, under the assumption of a two-phase system.
Communitarian Politics and the Problem of Equality

Both liberals and communitarians grant normative weight to equality. To adjudicate their on-going debate, we need to clarify the meanings they attribute to that ambiguous concept. This paper analyzes a communitarian conception of equality, and criticizes its practical implications. At the bottom of this account, we find a virtue-centered ethical theory that assumes citizens are equally interested in true human "flourishing." Communitarians define that flourishing as living virtuously within a community committed to participatory democracy and a substantive conception of the common good. This conception of equality shapes their account of legitimate politics, including the denial of a strong right of privacy. Thus, the communitarians' occasionally troubling policy stands are not simply specific and eliminable errors. They are, instead, deeply rooted in the structure of their theory, and, absent serious modifications, a reconsideration of liberal alternatives is in order.
Synthesis of phospholipids and phospholipid fatty acids by isolated perfused rat lung.

Synthesis of phospholipids and phospholipid fatty acids in isolated perfused rat lung was studied. The perfusion fluid was a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing a14C labeled substrate. It was found that 1-14C-acetate, 1-14C-laurate, 1-14C-palmitate, 1-14C-stearate, 1-14C-oleate, or U-14C-D-glucose was incorporated into tissue lipids in the isolated perfused lung at a rate geeater than that in incubated minced tissue. However, the patterns of the newly synthesized lipids from these two systems were similar. In 1 hr of perfusion, 6.8, 3, 14.5, 7.5, 7, and 2% of the initial14C-radioactivity of 1-14C-acetate, 1-14C-laurate, 1-14C-palmitate, 1-14C-stearate, 1-14C-oleate, and U-14C-D-glucose, respectively, were incorporated into phospholipids. Phospholipid fatty acids accounted for 95–96% total phospholipids-14C when14C-substrates, other than glucose, were used. For glucose, only 20% phospholipids-14C was in phospholipid fatty acids. More than 80% phospholipid fatty acids-14C was in palmitic acid when 1-14C-acetate and U-14C-D-glucose were used, while 37, 61, 80, and 94% phospholipid fatty acid-14C from 1-14C-laurate, 1-14C-sterate, 1-14C-oleate, and 1-14C-palmitate, respectively were recovered in the original form of the fatty acid used. The newly synthesized phospholipid fatty acid (13–24%) from 1-14C-laurate, 1-14C-stearate, and 1-14C-oleate was palmitic, and 10% of phospholipid fatty acid from 1-14C-stearate was in oleic acid. Hydrolysis by phospholipase A showed that14C from perfused substrates was esterified to both α and β positions of phospholipids. It was found that positional selectivity of phospholipid fatty acids was determined by chain length, degree of unsaturation, and source of fatty acid.
The NIH and bioethics: what should be done?

Abstract Despite the National Institute of Health’s (NIH’s) long tradition of engagement with and support of bioethics, the current support for bioethics is very small. Accordingly, trained bioethics researchers and bioethicists are in short supply, and fundamental ethical issues that relate to the NIH’s mission go unexplored or insufficiently explored. A bioethics initiative with clearly articulated goals is needed, to increase the number and quality of “producer” bioethicists who would undertake innovative research and educate future generations of bioethicists and biomedical investigators. The author articulates a fourfold strategy for increased NIH support of bioethics: (1) educate and mentor sufficient numbers of producer bioethicists in well-designed postdoctoral programs; (2) support junior researchers with an increase in established K awards targeted at bioethics; (3) commit sufficient resources to ensure high-quality empirical and analytical bioethics research; and (4) develop dedicated study sections composed of qualified bioethicists to review bioethics-related grant proposals. An office, center, or authoritative body within the NIH accountable for bioethics-related activities is recommended by the author, to develop a strategic plan and to be accountable for generating high-quality research and scholarship.
UNC569, a novel small molecule Mer inhibitor with efficacy against acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vitro and in vivo

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children. Although survival rates have improved, patients with certain biologic subtypes still have suboptimal outcomes. Current chemotherapeutic regimens are associated with short- and long-term toxicities and novel, less toxic therapeutic strategies are needed. Mer receptor tyrosine kinase is ectopically expressed in ALL patient samples and cell lines. Inhibition of Mer expression reduces prosurvival signaling, increases chemosensitivity, and delays development of leukemia in vivo, suggesting that Mer tyrosine kinase inhibitors are excellent candidates for targeted therapies. Brain and spinal tumors are the second most common malignancies in childhood. Multiple chemotherapy approaches and radiotherapies have been attempted, yet overall survival remains dismal. Mer is also abnormally expressed in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), providing a rationale for targeting Mer as a therapeutic strategy. We have previously described UNC569, the first small-molecule Mer inhibitor. This article describes the biochemical and biologic effects of UNC569 in ALL and AT/RT. UNC569 inhibited Mer activation and downstream signaling through ERK1/2 and AKT, determined by Western blot analysis. Treatment with UNC569 reduced proliferation/survival in liquid culture, decreased colony formation in methylcellulose/soft agar, and increased sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapies. MYC transgenic zebrafish with T-ALL were treated with UNC569 (4 μmol/L for two weeks). Fluorescence was quantified as indicator of the distribution of lymphoblasts, which express Mer and enhanced GFP. UNC569 induced more than 50% reduction in tumor burden compared with vehicle- and mock-treated fish. These data support further development of Mer inhibitors as effective therapies in ALL and AT/RT.
Bundling of STDs and HIV in Prevention Messages.

Purpose – This study aims to explore peoples cognitive perceptions of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to inform decisions on message development with regard to message bundling, with limited research on the concept of bundling-related prevention messages and no studies that consider the bundling of HIV and other STD prevention messages. Design/methodology/approach – Individual and small-group interviews were conducted with 158 African American men and women to explore perceptions of STDs and communication preferences. Open-ended questions and a pile-sort exercise were used to elicit individuals’ judgments on similarities of 12 STDs, including HIV. Interview data were coded and analyzed for themes and patterns; pile sort data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis to visualize the set of relations identified from the piles. Findings – STDs and HIV are associated with stigma, risk behaviors and personal responsibility. The card sorting activity revealed tw...