cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic real-time routing in multi-hop wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are subject to significant resource constraints. Particularly, routing protocols for low-rate WSNs suffer from maintaining routing metrics and stable links of paths. Even though opportunistic routing protocols are well-suited to WSNs, they have some weaknesses for supporting real-time data and low power consumption. This paper proposes a new routing protocol called opportunistic real time routing (or ORTR) that guarantees delivery of data under time constraints with efficient power consumption. In order to satisfy time requirements, an area where real-time data must be delivered is defined with effective transmission power and a relay node within the area is selected for the purpose of balancing overall energy levels. We compare existing routing protocols against ORTR through a set of simulation experiments. Our simulation results illustrate that ORTR provides guaranteed real-time service with optimal transmission power without degrading the energy balance.
Electrolyte Emergencies and Acute Renal Failure in Pediatric Critical Care

Electrolyte emergencies and acute renal failure are common problems in pediatric critical care. With improved understanding of electrolyte disturbances and more pediatric specific treatment available for acute renal failure, this field is constantly changing. The initial emergency management and ongoing care of these problems require special consideration and often individualized treatment. This article addresses the pathophysiology and treatment of electrolyte emergencies and acute renal failure. Special circumstances seen in the pediatric critical care setting are reviewed in greater detail with disease-specific treatment considerations. In addition, a review of renal replacement therapy and its use in acute renal failure is given. This article will provide a review of, and treatment strategy for, the variety of electrolyte emergencies and causes of acute renal failure facing the critical care patient.
Low-curvature image simplifiers: Global regularity of smooth solutions and Laplacian limiting schemes

We consider a class of fourth-order nonlinear diffusion equations motivated by Tumblin and Turk's “low-curvature image simplifiers” for image denoising and segmentation. The PDE for the image intensity u is of the form where g(s) = k2/(k2 + s2) is a “curvature” threshold and λ denotes a fidelity-matching parameter. We derive a priori bounds for Δu that allow us to prove global regularity of smooth solutions in one space dimension, and a geometric constraint for finite-time singularities from smooth initial data in two space dimensions. This is in sharp contrast to the second-order Perona-Malik equation (an ill-posed problem), on which the original LCIS method is modeled. The estimates also allow us to design a finite difference scheme that satisfies discrete versions of the estimates, in particular, a priori bounds on the smoothness estimator in both one and two space dimensions. We present computational results that show the effectiveness of such algorithms. Our results are connected to recent results for fourth-order lubrication-type equations and the design of positivity-preserving schemes for such equations. This connection also has relevance for other related fourth-order imaging equations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mitochondrial integrity in a neonatal bovine model of right ventricular dysfunction

Right ventricular (RV) function is a key determinant of survival in patients with both RV and left ventricular (LV) failure, yet the mechanisms of RV failure are poorly understood. Recent studies suggest cardiac metabolism is altered in RV failure in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Accordingly, we assessed mitochondrial content, dynamics, and function in hearts from neonatal calves exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (HH). This model develops severe PH with concomitant RV hypertrophy, dilation, and dysfunction. After 2 wk of HH, pieces of RV and LV were obtained along with samples from age-matched controls. Comparison with control assesses the effect of hypoxia, whereas comparison between the LV and RV in HH assesses the additional impact of RV overload. Mitochondrial DNA was unchanged in HH, as was mitochondrial content as assessed by electron microscopy. Immunoblotting for electron transport chain subunits revealed a small increase in mitochondrial content in HH in both ventricles. Mitochondrial dynamics were largely unchanged. Activity of individual respiratory chain complexes was reduced (complex I) or unchanged (complex V) in HH. Key enzymes in the glycolysis pathway were upregulated in both HH ventricles, alongside upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α protein. Importantly, none of the changes in expression or activity were different between ventricles, suggesting the changes are in response to HH and not RV overload. Upregulation of glycolytic modulators without chamber-specific mitochondrial dysfunction suggests that mitochondrial capacity and activity are maintained at the onset of PH, and the early RV dysfunction in this model results from mechanisms independent of the mitochondria.
What is a segment

Animals have been described as segmented for more than 2,000 years, yet a precise definition of segmentation remains elusive. Here we give the history of the definition of segmentation, followed by a discussion on current controversies in defining a segment. While there is a general consensus that segmentation involves the repetition of units along the anterior-posterior (a-p) axis, long-running debates exist over whether a segment can be composed of only one tissue layer, whether the most anterior region of the arthropod head is considered segmented, and whether and how the vertebrate head is segmented. Additionally, we discuss whether a segment can be composed of a single cell in a column of cells, or a single row of cells within a grid of cells. We suggest that ‘segmentation’ be used in its more general sense, the repetition of units with a-p polarity along the a-p axis, to prevent artificial classification of animals. We further suggest that this general definition be combined with an exact description of what is being studied, as well as a clearly stated hypothesis concerning the specific nature of the potential homology of structures. These suggestions should facilitate dialogue among scientists who study vastly differing segmental structures.
Fibrin deposited in the Alzheimer's disease brain promotes neuronal degeneration

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and has no effective treatment. Besides the well-known pathologic characteristics, this disease also has a vascular component, and substantial evidence shows increased thrombosis as well as a critical role for fibrin(ogen) in AD. This molecule has been implicated in neuroinflammation, neurovascular damage, blood-brain barrier permeability, vascular amyloid deposition, and memory deficits that are observed in AD. Here, we present evidence demonstrating that fibrin deposition increases in the AD brain and correlates with the degree of pathology. Moreover, we show that fibrin(ogen) is present in areas of dystrophic neurites and that a modest decrease in fibrinogen levels improves neuronal health and ameliorates amyloid pathology in the subiculum of AD mice. Our results further characterize the important role of fibrin(ogen) in this disease and support the design of therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking the interaction between fibrinogen and amyloid-β (Aβ) and/or normalizing the increased thrombosis present in AD.
The role of emotionality and regulation in children's social functioning: a longitudinal study

Multiple measures of children's emotionality (emotional intensity and negative affectivity), regulation (including attentional and behavioral regulation and coping), and social functioning (teachers' reports of nonaggressive/socially appropriate behavior and prosocial/socially competent behavior; and parents' reports of problem behavior) were obtained for 6-8-year-olds. In addition, emotionality, attentional regulation, and coping were assessed 2 years previously. Social functioning was expected to be predicted by low negative emotionality and high levels of regulation. In general, the data supported the predictions, although the findings for parent reports of problem behavior were primarily for boys. Prediction of social functioning from measures of regulation and emotionality occurred primarily within a given context (school vs. home) rather than across contexts, even though there were relations across reporters within the school or home context. In addition, vagal tone, a marker of physiological regulation, was positively related to competent social functioning and emotionality/regulation for boys, but inversely related for girls.
Radio Frequency Tests on Antenna Insulators

After analyzing the design considerations for high voltage radio frequency continuous wave antenna insulators, there are given data on the heating, losses, and flashover points of a number of sizes and forms of porcelain rod insulators, both dry and wet. The effect of rain shields, electro-static strain shields, and "breathers" on the behavior of the insulators is discussed. The voltage distribution across insulators in series was determined. Its effects on design are given. A study of visual corona point on conductors at radio frequencies is included.
Techniques for measuring vitamin A activity from β-carotene

Dietary β-carotene is the most important precursor of vitamin A. However, the determination of the efficiency of in vivo conversion of β-carotene to vitamin A requires sensitive and safe techniques. It presents the following challenges: 1) circulating β-carotene concentration cannot be altered by eating a meal containing ≤6 mg β-carotene; 2) because retinol concentrations are homeostatically controlled, the conversion of β-carotene into vitamin A cannot be estimated accurately in well-nourished humans by assessing changes in serum retinol after supplementation with β-carotene. In the past half-century, techniques using radioisotopes of β-carotene and vitamin A, depletion-repletion with vitamin A and β-carotene supplements, measurement of postprandial chylomicron fractions after consumption of a β-carotene dose, and finally, stable isotopes as tracers to follow the absorption and conversion of β-carotene in humans have been developed. The reported values for β-carotene to vitamin A conversion showed a wide variation from 2 μg β-carotene to 1 μg retinol (for synthetic pure β-carotene in oil) and 28 μg β-carotene to 1 μg retinol (for β-carotene from vegetables). In recent years, a stable isotope reference method (IRM) was developed that used labeled synthetic β-carotene. The IRM method provided evidence that the conversion of β-carotene to vitamin A is likely dose dependent. With the development of intrinsically labeled plant foods harvested from a hydroponic system with heavy water, vitamin A activity of stable isotope-labeled biosynthetic β-carotene from various foods consumed by humans was studied. The efficacy of plant foods rich in β-carotene, such as natural (spinach, carrots, spirulina), hybrid (high-β-carotene yellow maize), and bioengineered (Golden Rice) foods, to provide vitamin A has shown promising results. The results from these studies will be of practical importance in recommendations for the use of pure β-carotene and foods rich in β-carotene in providing vitamin A and ultimately in preventing either overconsumption or poor intake of vitamin A by humans.
The Influence of Trauma, Life Events, and Social Relationships on Bipolar Depression

A growing body of research suggests that the social environment exerts a powerful influence on the course of bipolar depression. This article reviews longitudinal research to suggest that trauma, negative life events, social support deficits, and family difficulties are common and predict a more severe course of depression when present among those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The triggers of bipolar depression overlap with those documented for unipolar depression, suggesting that many of the treatment targets for unipolar depression may be applicable for bipolar depression.
Focus on...Qualified Plan Investments in Real Estate

This article discusses the rules governing qualified plan investments in real estate. It does not discuss the rules applicable to real estate investments by other retirement vehicles (such as IRAs, SEPs, and 403(b) plans), although many of the rules discussed also apply to these other types of plans.
Affordable Housing and the Environment in Buffalo, New York

Buffalo is suffering from severe housing and environmental problems, many of which overlap. New housing continues to sprawl into the suburbs and exurbs, despite a large surplus of housing units in Buffalo, where the City plans to demolish 10,000 units in the next ten years. In general, housing is not being designed, built, or renovated in an environmental manner. Our out-dated housing policies and choices contribute significantly to pollution, both locally and globally: the region gets a failing grade for air quality; the city has 68 sewage overflows per year; and residential energy use is the largest source of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. Air pollution affects people with low incomes the most severely, and, with the advent of climate change, it has the potential to make millions of people homeless around the globe.Greening our state and local affordable housing policies is a win/win strategy that will reduce both pollution and poverty. If we do more realistic cost/benefit analyses that cover the whole life of the home, we will see that greener policies - especially regarding energy efficiency and alternative energy - make housing more affordable even as they lessen environmental harms. The State of New York, the City of Buffalo, and the non-profit community should adopt policies and practices that- Require and reward greater energy efficiency in housing;- Add to the incentives for alternate energy use;- Educate the public and promote energy conservation;- Promote water conservation and rain water control;- Reduce sprawl and revitalize the city;- foreclosure, disrepair, and abandonment;- Increase funding for preservation, weatherization, and renovation and prioritize them over new construction;- Prioritize deconstruction and recycling of housing materials over demolition;- Re-use vacant lots and brownfields for gardens, farms, parks, and greenways.
Dual Vector Spaces and Multilinear Algebra

This chapter begins with two sections on some important constructions on vector spaces, leading to quotient spaces and dual spaces. The section on dual spaces is based on the concept of a bilinear form defined on a pair of vector spaces. The next section contains the construction of the tensor product of two vector spaces and provides an introduction to the subject of what is called multilinear algebra. The last section contains an application of the theory of dual vector spaces to the proof of the elementary divisor theorem, which was stated in Section 25.
Strategies for the Synthesis of Well-Defined Star Polymers by Anionic Polymerization with Chlorosilane Coupling and Preservation of the Star Architecture during Catalytic Hydrogenation

The synthesis of isoprene-based star polymers by anionic polymerization, chlorosilane coupling, and catalytic hydrogenation was studied in detail, with the goal of obtaining and preserving a well-defined star architecture. The coupling reaction between polyisoprenyllithium (PI-Li) and chlorosilanes, which can be intractably slow in apolar media, was dramatically accelerated by the concurrent addition of tetrahydrofuran (THF) with the coupling agent. In the presence of THF, PI-Li produces a yellow color allowing the living end concentration to be tracked visually, enabling near-stoichiometric coupling, as demonstrated by the synthesis of 6-arm star polymers and star block copolymers. Moreover, glassblowing techniques are not required. Star polymers coupled with chlorosilane terminating agents lost arms during catalytic hydrogenation. Several common hydrogenation catalysts were evaluated. The degree of degradation depended on the identity of the catalyst and the temperature of the reaction—more active catal...
The New Era of Presidential Immigration Law

At the dawn of the Obama Administration, Professors Adam Cox and Cristina Rodriguez wrote: “[T]he inauguration of a new President can bring with it remarkable changes in immigration policy.” At the time they wrote that, this proposition was in some ways more a matter of advocacy than a description of reality. As we approach the election of a new president in 2016, we finally live in the world that Professors Cox and Rodriguez advocated. The election of a new President will likely carry significant immediate consequences for immigration policy. My goal in this short space will be to focus on how this new role of the presidency in setting immigration policy will change the practice of immigration law. I hope to do three things. First, I will attempt to articulate the historically significant change that I believe has occurred. Second, I will outline how, in this new era, it is possible for immigration lawyers to assist many people who until recently were entirely out of luck. Third, I will highlight the reality that presidential immigration policy is inherently unstable, which has important implications for the practice of immigration law.
Embedded Control for Optimizing Flexible Dynamic Process Performance

Abstract High performance processes require design that operates close to design boundaries and specifications while still guaranteeing robust performance without design constraint violations. In order to safely approach tighter boundaries of process performance, much attention has been devoted to integrating design and control in which dynamic controllability as well the design decisions are taken simultaneously. However rigorous methods solving design and control simultaneously lead to challenging mathematical formulations which easily become intractable numerically and computationally. This paper introduces a new mathematical formulation to reduce this combinatorial complexity of integrating design and control. We will show substantial reduction in the problem size can be achieved by embedded control decisions within specific designs. This embedded control decisions avoid combinatorial explosion of control configuration by using a full state space model that does not require pairing of control variables and loops. The current capabilities of the methodology will be demonstrated using a realistic reactor-column flowsheet.
Phase II trial of CAT-3888 (BL22) in chemo-resistant hairy cell leukemia

7095 Background: CAT-3888 (BL22) is a recombinant anti-CD22 immunotoxin which showed phase I activity in chemo-resistant hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Methods: Eligible patients had relapsed HCL < 4-y...
Comparison and Analyses on Over-voltage and Insulation Coordination of UHV AC Transmission System Between China and Japan

Japanese UHV technology has reference meaning for Chinese UHV transmission system research.However,Chinese national condition and Japanese national condition are different and the power system between two countries is also different.Chinese UHV transmission project must go the self-innovation way.This paper Compares and analyses both Chinese and Japanese technology of UHV AC transmission system over-voltage and insulation coordination,which include the following:the suppress methods and level of the temporary over-voltage,switching overvoltage;second arc current;lightning protection methods for transmission line and substation,the selection of substation apparatuses insulation and air clearance of transmission line and substation external insulation.This comparison is beneficial to broaden minds and helpful in later construction of UHV transmission project in other countries.
Office-based arytenoid palpation for diagnosis of disorders of bilateral vocal fold immobility

Bilateral vocal fold immobility is an uncommon but serious condition with many causes. Accordingly, accurate diagnosis is essential in order to treat patients promptly and avoid long-term sequelae. Historically, diagnosis has been performed in the operating room with the patient under general anesthesia. We present the case of a patient who was diagnosed with bilateral vocal fold immobility by in-office arytenoid palpation that required only topical anesthesia of the larynx. The patient subsequently underwent appropriate treatment. In our opinion, office-based arytenoid palpation is a simple, safe, and accurate procedure for diagnosing bilateral vocal fold immobility.
Pervaporation removal of water from ionic liquid solutions using Nafion membranes

ABSTRACTWe report a pervaporation process to remove water from a solution containing ionic liquid (IL) + solvent + water. Specifically, Nafion-based membranes were employed for the separation, and tributylmethylammonium dimethylphosphate and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) were the IL and solvent, respectively. Membrane swelling in contact with the IL–NMP–H2O solution was accommodated by judicious use of gaskets and membrane supports. The pervaporation fluxes of water and NMP increased with temperature and flow rate of the permeate sweep gas. Among the membranes examined, a commercially available Nafion membrane (XL, Ion Power) provided the highest water (10 mg h−1 cm−2) and NMP (182 mg h−1 cm−2) fluxes. The results show that pervaporation separation is a technologically feasible method to decrease the water content of an IL–NMP–H2O solution from 1 to 0.5 wt%.
Authority and Natural Kind Essence

If natural kinds have microstructural essences they have them independently of rules for the application of kind terms. This suggests that what those rules are should make no difference to the essences being discoverable. I present two thought-experiments that suggest otherwise, however. Each shows an authority’s application of rules creates the appearance of there being kind essences; absent those rules, the appearance vanishes. This suggests natural kind essences are not independent of authority-sanctioned rules.
Nanochimneys: Topology and Thermal Conductance of 3D Nanotube–Graphene Cone Junctions

Pillared 3D carbon architectures, with the graphene layers and carbon nanotubes connected by topological junctions, have been produced and observed, as reported recently. However, the atomistic details of such junctions are hard to discern in microscopy and remain presently unclear. The simplest junction contains six heptagons in the transition region between the nanotube and graphene. Although these junctions make the pillared architectures possible, they are susceptible to failure when the whole structure undergoes mechanical or thermal stress. In this work we consider “nanochimneys”, a variety of special junctions with cones in between the nanotube and graphene parts. We explore the structures of the nanochimneys (NCs) and determine their underlying topological requirements. We also study the thermal conductance of these pillared architectures and show that NCs conduct heat better than regular simple junctions.
As the market churns: productivity and firm exit in developing countries

This paper uses a unique dataset from the World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys in 47 economies to analyze the conditions under which firms leave heterogeneous markets. Consistent with expectations, we show that firm productivity (and age) are significant determinants of firm exit. Cross-country analysis shows, however, that the relationship between productivity as well as age and exit is mitigated by some country-level factors. In particular, we show either’s effect is substantially weakened in low-income economies, economies with limited openness to international trade, and in economies with cumbersome bankruptcy procedures. To address issues of sample attrition and selection bias presented by survey-based estimates, corrections are applied using information when a firm’s operating status is uncertain. The expected negative relationship between firm labor productivity and the likelihood of exit is robust to these corrections, as is the negative relationship between firm exit and age.
Characterizing Neutron-Proton Equilibration in Nuclear Reactions with Subzeptosecond Resolution

The equilibration of nuclei containing a large imbalance of protons and neutrons can occur in $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{-22}$ seconds, according to experiments---important information for models of element-creation in supernovae.
Rate and Extent of Chlorinated Ethene Removal at 37 ERD Sites

AbstractChlorinated ethene (CE) concentration profiles in 184 injection area wells at 37 enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) sites were evaluated to assess the overall behavior of individual CE...
Translational Regulation of Gene Expression in Mycobacterium: A Means for Coordinating the Expression of Functionally Related Proteins

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is one of the world’s deadliest infectious agents. Consequently, a top priority has been to identify the mechanisms that Mtb uses to regulate the expression of gene...
A Case of Cardiogenic Shock Secondary to Complement-Mediated Myopericarditis From Influenza B Infection

Influenza B is a rare cause of myocarditis that is usually caused by histiocytic and mononuclear cellular infiltrates. We describe a 22-year-old female patient presenting with fulminant myopericarditis secondary to influenza B infection that deteriorated to cardiogenic shock. Endomyocardial biopsy results yielded myocardial necrosis through complement-mediated cellular injury without evidence of interstitial infiltrates. The rare cause of this patient's disease, along with the unique pathologic findings, are an important reminder of the diversity of potential findings in myocarditis.
The Effects of Information and Training on the Discrimination of Size in Different Planes of Space

Subjects were required to make size discriminations comparing circular targets in horizontal and vertical planes of space. Comparisons were made in a totally darkened room void of any extrinsic cues for size or distance. Significant differences were noted when horizontal and vertical targets of equal size were compared. The horizontal target was estimated as much larger than the target in the vertical plane. Results were interpreted to indicate that head position was a critical variable in making size estimates under these experimental conditions. Subjects also were trained to compensate for the distortions in size induced by changing head position and were found to improve significantly in their size estimations. The results are further interpreted in the framework of a visual-vestibular interaction hypothesis.
Advanced Test Reactor: A National Scientific User Facility

This presentation and associated paper provides an overview of the research and irradiation capabilities of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) located at the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The ATR which has been designated by DOE as a National Scientific User Facility (NSUF) is operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC. This paper will describe the ATR and discuss the research opportunities for university (faculty and students) and industry researchers to use this unique facility for nuclear fuels and materials experiments in support of advanced reactor development and life extension issues for currently operating nuclear reactors. The ATR is a pressurized, light-water moderated and cooled, beryllium-reflected nuclear research reactor with a maximum operating power of 250 MWth . The unique serpentine configuration (Fig. 1) of the fuel elements creates five main reactor power lobes (regions) and nine flux traps. In addition to these nine flux traps there are 68 additional irradiation positions in the reactor core reflector tank. There are also 34 low-flux irradiation positions in the irradiation tanks outside the core reflector tank. The ATR is designed to provide a test environment for the evaluation of the effects of intense radiation (neutron and gamma). Due to the unique serpentine core design each of the five lobes can be operated at different powers and controlled independently. Options exist for the individual test trains and assemblies to be either cooled by the ATR coolant (i.e., exposed to ATR coolant flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and neutron flux) or to be installed in their own independent test loops where such parameters as temperature, pressure, flow rate, neutron flux, and chemistry can be controlled per experimenter specifications. The full-power maximum thermal neutron flux is ∼1.0 x1015 n/cm2 -sec with a maximum fast flux of ∼5.0 x1014 n/cm2 -sec. The Advanced Test Reactor, now a National Scientific User Facility, is a versatile tool in which a variety of nuclear reactor, nuclear physics, reactor fuel, and structural material irradiation experiments can be conducted. The cumulative effects of years of irradiation in a normal power reactor can be duplicated in a few weeks or months in the ATR due to its unique design, power density, and operating flexibility.© 2008 ASME
From Place to Space: Creating a Utopia in Juan José Millás’s Dos mujeres en Praga (2002)

Contemporary Spanish writer Juan Jose Millas published the award winning Dos mujeres en Praga in 2002. This rich literary text explores the subject of gendered spaces in a unique fashion. In the novel, Madrid becomes superseded when female narrative imagination transforms the space into a fictional Prague. Informed by the writings of de Michele de Certeau, Henri Lefevbre, David Harvey, and Benjamin Fraser, the differentiation of what constitutes place and space in this novel is explored. The manipulation of narrative structures, the utilization of multifocalization, and the use of meta-fictional elements allow for the gradual transition between the real space and fictitious imagined place. Finally, this analysis investigates the concept of an imaginary space of utopia and what role it has in the novel.
Tannic Acid Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an intriguing target with significant clinical importance in chemotherapy. Interference with ER functions can lead to the accumulation of unfolded proteins, as detected by transmembrane sensors that instigate the unfolded protein response (UPR). Therefore, controlling induced UPR via ER stress with natural compounds could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the management of prostate cancer. Tannic acid (a naturally occurring polyphenol) was used to examine the ER stress mediated UPR pathway in prostate cancer cells. Tannic acid treatment inhibited the growth, clonogenic, invasive, and migratory potential of prostate cancer cells. Tannic acid demonstrated activation of ER stress response (Protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)) and altered its regulatory proteins (ATF4, Bip, and PDI) expression. Tannic acid treatment affirmed upregulation of apoptosis-associated markers (Bak, Bim, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved PARP), while downregulation of pro-survival proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). Tannic acid exhibited elevated G1 population, due to increase in p18INK4C and p21WAF1/CIP1 expression, while cyclin D1 expression was inhibited. Reduction of MMP2 and MMP9, and reinstated E-cadherin signifies the anti-metastatic potential of this compound. Altogether, these results demonstrate that tannic acid can promote apoptosis via the ER stress mediated UPR pathway, indicating a potential candidate for cancer treatment.
[3H]forskolin- and [3H]dihydroalprenolol-binding sites and adenylate cyclase activity in heart of rats fed diets containing different oils.

The characteristics of the cardiac adenylate cyclase system were studied in rats fed diets containing fish oil (menhaden oil) and other oils. Adenylate cyclase activity generally was higher in cardiac homogenates and membranes of rats fed diet containing 10% menhaden oil than in the other oils. The increase in enzyme activity, especially in forskolin-stimulated activity, was associated with an increase in the concentration of the [3H]forskolin-binding sites in cardiac membranes of rats fed menhaden oil. The β-adrenergic receptor concentration was not significantly altered although the affinity for [3H]dihydroalprenolol-binding was lower in membranes of rats fed menhaden oil than those fed the other oils. ω-3 fatty acids from menhaden oil were incorporated into the cardiac membrane phospholipids. The results suggest that the observed increase in myocardial adenylate cyclase activity of rats fed menhaden oil may be due to an increase in the number of the catalytic subunits of the enzyme or due to a greater availability of the forskolin-binding sites.
The preterm infant stomach actively degrades milk proteins with increasing breakdown across digestion time.

AIM This study investigated the effect of time post-ingestion on gastric digestion and gastric hormones after feeding preterm infants unfortified and fortified human milk. METHODS Human milk and infant gastric samples were collected from 14 preterm (23-32 weeks birth gestational age) mother-infant pairs within 7-98 days postnatal age. Gastric samples were collected one, two and three hours after beginning of feeding. Samples were analysed for pH, proteolysis, general protease activity and the concentrations of pepsin, gastrin and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). One-way ANOVA with repeated measures followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test was used. RESULTS Gastric pH was significantly decreased after each hour in the preterm infant stomach from one to three hours postprandial. Proteolysis increased significantly from human milk to gastric contents at one, two and three hours postprandial (by 62, 131% and 181%, p < 0.05). General protease activity increased significantly by 58% from human milk to the gastric contents at two hours postprandial. GRP was present in human milk, whereas gastrin was produced in the infant stomach. CONCLUSION Although preterm infants may digest human milk proteins to a lesser extent than term infants, we demonstrated that the preterm infant stomach actively degrades milk proteins with increasing breakdown over digestion time.
Predictors of Survival after Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases.

PURPOSE To identify clinical parameters that are prognostic for improved overall survival (OS) after yttrium-90 radioembolization (RE) in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 131 patients who underwent RE for liver metastases from CRC, treated at 2 academic centers, were reviewed. Twenty-one baseline pretreatment clinical factors were analyzed in relation to OS by the Kaplan-Meier method along with log-rank tests and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS The median OS from first RE procedure was 10.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4-12.7 months). Several pretreatment factors, including lower carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; ≤20 ng/mL), lower aspartate transaminase (AST; ≤40 IU/L), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) 20 ng/mL), high AST (>40 IU/L), NLR ≥5, and extrahepatic metastases (P values of <.001, <.001, .0001, and .04, respectively). On multivariate analysis, higher CEA, higher AST, NLR ≥5, extrahepatic disease, and larger volume of liver metastases remained independently associated with risk of death (hazard ratios of 1.63, 2.06, 2.22, 1.48, and 1.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The prognosis of patients with metastases from CRC is impacted by a complex set of clinical parameters. This analysis of pretreatment factors identified lower AST, lower CEA, lower NLR, and lower tumor burden (intra- or extrahepatic) to be independently associated with higher survival after hepatic RE. Optimal selection of patients with CRC liver metastases may improve survival rates after administration of yttrium-90.
A novel approach to the calculation of the free energy due to molecular flexibility

The contribution of the molecular flexibility to the solvation excess free energy is expressed in terms of probabilities of reaching hard limits on intramolecular coordinates in a series of calculations successively relaxing those limits. Numerical tests on the harmonic oscillator are also presented and used to make suggestion about computational issues.
The Future of Vaccine Discovery and Development

The science and practice of vaccination were initially based on multiple historical observations that related the acquisition of protection against a specific microbe to a previous exposure to the same agent (Hilleman 2003). Although, in modern history, the practice was confined to inducing protection against infectious diseases, its historical roots extended to exposures to toxins, and its current conceptual framework encompasses many more pathological conditions, such as cancer (Finn 2008). Fundamentally, vaccination aims at inducing host immune responses to mount preventive or therapeutic defenses against diseases of varying etiologies, including those of infectious, and potentially autoimmune or neoplastic origin. This chapter defines our current understanding of the challenges facing the discovery and development of new vaccines for a variety of disease conditions; the aim is to identify the critical steps in exploring future imperatives and directions.
Statistical Mechanics of Chemical Disorder: Applications to Simple Glasses

A statistical mechanical method for calculating the thermodynamic properties of model systems in which the structural units need not all be bonded to the same number of neighbors is presented. Comparison of the calculated miscibility dome with that observed for alkali borates suggests that there is a strong association between two non-bridging oxygen atoms and two alkali ions at temperatures at which phase separation is observed.
Optical Circuitry Cooperative (OCC)

OCC is a National Science Foundation industry/university cooperative research center performing research to provide a data base for the development of optical circuitry devices.
Evaluation and Treatment of Posterior Tibialis Tendon Insufficiency in the Elderly Patients.

Introduction:Posterior tibialis tendon insufficiency is the most common cause of adult acquired flatfoot deformity in elderly patients. We performed a literature search of primary and secondary jou...
Establishing a Nursing-Led Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion Program: A Primer

Purpose Since the Food and Drug Administration's approval in 2014 of the XVIVO Perfusion System (XPS) and STEEN Solution as a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE), for the purpose of procuring marginal lungs to be transplantable, the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, has solely utilized Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) Registered Nurses (RNs) as lung perfusionists in the development of our unique Ex-Vivo Lung perfusion (EVLP) program model. Of the twenty-six XVIVO sites in the United States, we are the only RN-led team. Methods Our EVLP program centers on RNs with specializations in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We have a set criteria for selection of specialist EVLP RNs. Once a RN meets criteria, training commences and involves runs utilizing the EVLP machine. Continuing education is required by all team members, including wet labs and monthly quality meetings. The EVLP team developed standardized step-by-step flashcards detailing each step of the EVLP process in order to decrease variations. Following extensive training, nursing personnel are credentialed and continue to work on both EVLP perfusion for lung transplantation and for research studies, like the XVIVO NOVEL Lung Trial and the current Mallinckrodt Study involving gNO via EVLP. Results Our team has worked on six cases with the intention for lung transplant. Four lungs showed progressive improvement in key parameters during EVLP perfusion. Of the four lungs that showed improvement, three were successfully transplanted and one withdrew consent. The two that did not move toward transplantation showed worsening in key parameters observed during perfusion. Since inclusion into the Mallinckrodt Study, our team has perfused research lungs. Along with our successes, our team has encountered challenges as well. Some of the challenges include establishing evidence-based practices and protocols, ensuring adequate supplies, on-boarding and training new staff. Conclusion We successfully established a novel EVLP model utilizing nurse specialists. Our EVLP nurse specialist team model has consistently produced successful outcomes. Much like the transition from perfusion led ECMO models to nurse specialist ECMO models throughout the country, we feel our novel model for EVLP is sustainable and will set a new standard in this arena.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia Reduces Neurovascular Compression: A Case Report after 11 Years.

Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare and debilitating craniofacial pain syndrome often caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been shown to offer a less invasive yet effective treatment method for pain reduction in TN. In this case report, we observed radiological evidence of resolved neurovascular compression after 11 years for a patient with recur-rent TN and prior GKRS. Case report A 72-year-old -female presented with TN and radiological evidence of neurovas-cular compression on the affected side. She had complete resolution of her pain for 7 years after treatment with GKRS. The patient experienced recurrence and underwent repeat GKRS, this time resulting in another 3 years of pain relief. After the second recurrence, repeat intracranial imaging demonstrated resolution of neurovascular compression. Discussion GKRS is an important treatment option for TN, although the mechanisms behind pain relief from this procedure still remain unclear. While prior histological and radiological studies point to ablative mechanisms for pain relief, this case report suggests that GKRS may result in a decompressive effect in TN due to changes in neurovascular architecture. Despite this finding, TN is known to occur and recur in the absence of neurovascular compression; thus, further work is necessary to understand the etiology of TN and its treatments. Conclusion In this case, we demonstrate that vessel-nerve relationships may change over time in TN patients treated with GKRS, which raises the possibility that GKRS could ease a neurovascular compression.
Immuno-Isolating Dual Poly(ethylene glycol) Capsule Prevents Cancer Cells from Spreading Following Mouse Ovarian Tissue Auto-Transplantation.

For female cancer survivors, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common complication of anticancer treatments. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation before treatment, followed by auto-transplantation after remission is a promising option to restore fertility and ovarian endocrine function. However, auto-transplantation is associated with the risk of re-introducing malignant cells harbored in the stroma of the ovarian autograft. To mitigate this risk, we investigated in this pilot study whether an immuno-isolating dual-layered poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) capsule can retain cancer cells, while supporting folliculogenesis. The dual PEG capsule loaded with 1000 4T1 cancer cells retained 100% of the encapsulated cells in vitro for 21 days of culture. However, a greater cell load of 10,000 cells/capsule led to capsule failure and cells’ release. To assess the ability of the capsule to retain cancer cells, prevent metastasis, and support folliculogenesis in vivo we co-encapsulated cancer cells with ovarian tissue in the dual PEG capsule and implanted subcutaneously in mice. Control mice implanted with 2000 non-encapsulated cancer cells had tumors formed within 14 days and metastasis to the lungs. In contrast, no tumor mass formation or metastasis to the lungs was observed in mice with the same number of cancer cells encapsulated in the capsule. Our findings suggest that the immuno-isolating capsule may prevent the escape of the malignant cells potentially harbored in ovarian allografts and, in the future, improve the safety of ovarian tissue auto-transplantation in female cancer survivors.
An ex vivo model of Toxoplasma recrudescence

ABSTRACT Efforts to develop therapies against Toxoplasma reactivation have been hampered by the lack of an in vitro model of bradyzoite recrudescence. To overcome this issue, we established a new ex vivo model of bradyzoite recrudescence using bradyzoites from an unadapted Type II ME49 strain isolated from murine brain tissue to infect human foreskin fibroblasts and neonatal murine astrocytes. Bradyzoite infection of both host cell types produced two sequential tachyzoite growth stages that appeared similar to previous sporozoite in vitro infections; a fast-growing stage was followed by spontaneous formation of a slower-growing stage. In astrocytes, but not in fibroblasts, there was evidence of second bradyzoite to bradyzoite recrudescent pathway that occurred simultaneously with the bradyzoite to tachyzoite pathway. Thus, the host cell environment strongly influenced the pathway of bradyzoite recrudescence. Infections of mice with either the fast-growing or slow-growing recrudescent tachyzoites showed progressive decreases in brain cyst formation that could be fully recovered using serial tissue cyst passage demonstrating the loss of developmental capacity was reversible. By contrast, poor tissue cyst formation of laboratory-adapted tachyzoites was not reversible by these approaches indicating developmental incompetence was permanent in these strains. In order to develop methods to distinguish strain developmental competency, we identified Toxoplasma genes highly expressed in ME49EW in vivo tissue cysts and developed a qPCR approach that differentiates immature from mature bradyzoites. In summary, the results presented describe a new ex vivo bradyzoite recrudescence model that fully captures the reported growth and developmental processes observed during toxoplasmosis reactivation in vivo opening the door to the further study of these important features of the Toxoplasma intermediate life cycle.
Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth Among Arab-American Women in Ohio

There is limited evidence about prevalence and odds of adverse birth outcomes among Arab American women in the United States. We estimated the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW < 2500 g) and preterm birth (PTB < 37 completed weeks’ gestation) among Arab American women in Ohio and studied the association between ethnicity, Arab American nativity (foreign or US born) and odds of LBW and PTB. We identified Arab American women based on birth certificate data from live singleton births from 2007–2010 to 2013–2015 and a name algorithm. We compared the prevalence of LBW and PTB by ethnicity (Arab American vs. non-Hispanic White) and by nativity (foreign-born Arab American vs. US-born Arab American). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted effects of ethnicity and mother’s nativity on study outcomes. 31,744 Arab American women (2.5% of all births in Ohio) were identified over a 7-year period. 24,129 Arab American women with complete data were included in the analysis after applying exclusion criteria. Prevalence of LBW was 5.2% (non-Hispanic White), 6.1% (Arab American), 6.4% (US-born Arab American) and 5.6% (foreign-born Arab American). Prevalence of PTB was 7.2% (non-Hispanic White), 7.0% (Arab American), 7.3% (US-born Arab American), and 5.4% (foreign-born Arab American). In adjusted models, which controlled for mother demographics, health behaviors, and pregnancy risk factors, Arab Americans had 33% higher odds of LBW (odds ratio [OR] 1.33; 95% Confidence Intervals[CI] 1.26–1.41) than non-Hispanic Whites. Foreign born Arab American women had 15% lower odds of PTB (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75–0.95) than US-born Arab Americans. Our main findings were that LBW is influenced by Arab ethnicity while PTB is influenced by nativity among Arab American women. These findings may be informative for developing and implementing strategies for adverse birth outcomes for a growing US ethnic minority population.