cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinoids as ligands and coactivators of protein kinase C alpha

SPECIFIC AIMVitamin A and carotenes, a family of molecules dating back in evolution more than 500 million years, perform a plethora of tasks in nearly all genera. The individual family members, such as retinaldehyde and carotenes, are engaged in photosynthetic systems of bacteria and plants, respectively; retinaldehydes form the universal chemical engine of vision; retinoic acids help regulate transcription in vertebrates; and, according to studies presented in this report, hydroxylated vitamin A metabolites serve as regulators of redox signaling pathways.Immunologists are aware of the negative effects of vitamin A deficiency on human health. While studying an in vitro model of vitamin A deficiency, we discovered a decade ago a new class of hydroxylated retinoids that could potentially serve as the biological mediators of vitamin A in the immune system. Lymphocytes are prone to apoptosis in situations of vitamin A deprivation. The outstanding property of hydroxylated retinoids was their ability to replace...
An algorithm and metric for network decomposition from similarity matrices: Application to positional analysis

Abstract We present an algorithm for decomposing a social network into an optimal number of structurally equivalent classes. The k -means method is used to determine the best decomposition of the social network for various numbers of subgroups. The best number of subgroups into which to decompose a network is determined by minimizing the intra-cluster variance of similarity subject to the constraint that the improvement in going to more subgroups is better than a random network would achieve. We also describe a decomposability metric that assesses how closely the derived decomposition approaches an ideal network having only structurally equivalent classes. Three well-known network data sets were used to demonstrate the algorithm and decomposability metric. These demonstrations indicate the utility of the approach and suggest how it can be used in a complementary way to Generalized Blockmodeling.
Adaptive Control and Cost Sensitivity of Stochastic Systems with Continuous State and Parameters, and Logical Controls

We consider event-driven stochastic control problems, in which the state {X t } takes values in a continuum, and the control actions {U t } are selected from a finite (event) set. Furthermore, lack of knowledge about certain quantities in the model, e.g. transition probability matrices, is accounted for via a parameterization by a quantity ?, which also takes values in a continuum. More specifically, the model for the stochastic systems that we consider is that of a discrete-time controlled Markov process (CMP), parameterized by the quantity ?. This model is described by the quadruplet ≪X, U, ?, P≫, where the state space X and parameter set ? are complete and separable metric spaces, the event (or control) set U is a finite set, and P(· | x, u; ?) is the transition (stochastic) kernel that gives the distribution of X t+1 , when X t = x, U t = u, and the (unknown) value for the parameter is ?; see [4], [6], [9], for details on CMP. The characteristic of special interest in our model is that while the state and unknown parameters take values in a continuum, the control actions are drawn from a finite set, i.e., these are logical or Boolean quantities. This situation arises in many problems of interest.
Photodynamic crosslinking of proteins. III. Kinetics of the FMN- and rose bengal-sensitized photooxidation and intermolecular crosslinking of model tyrosine-containing N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymers.

. As part of a study on the role of Tyr residues in the photosensitized intermolecular crosslinking of proteins, we have surveyed the kinetics of the rose bengal- and flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-sensitized photooxidation and crosslinking of a water-soluble N-(2-hydroxypro-pyl)methacrylamide copolymer with attached 6-carbon side chains terminating in tyrosinamide groups (thus the -OH group of the Tyr is free, but both the amino and carboxyl groups are blocked, simulating the situation of a nonterminal Tyr in a protein). The intermolecular photodynamic crosslinking of the Tyr copolymer can result only from the formation of Tyr-Tyr (dityrosine) bonds, because the copolymer itself is not photooxidizable. Rose bengal, primarily a Type II (singlet oxygen) sensitizer, sensitized the rapid photooxidation of the Tyr residue in the Tyr copolymer only at high pH, where the Tyr phenolic group is ionized; crosslinking did not occur with rose bengal under any of the reaction conditions used. In contrast, FMN, which can sensitize by both Type I (free radical) and Type II processes, sensitized the photooxidation of the Tyr copolymer over the pH range 4–9.5. Also, significant photocrosslinking occurred, but only from pH 4 to 8, with a maximum rate at pH 6. Crosslinking required the presence of oxygen. Studies with inhibitors, D2O as solvent, cataiase and superoxide dismutase indicated that the photooxidation and photocrosslinking of the Tyr copolymer with FMN at pH 6 were not mediated by singlet oxygen, superoxide or hydrogen peroxide. It appears that crosslinking involves the abstraction of an H atom from the Tyr phenolic group to give Tyr and FMN radicals. The Tyr radical in one Tyr copolymer can then react with a Tyr radical in another Tyr copolymer to give an intermolecular dityrosine crosslink.
Analysis and Optomechanical Characterisation of a MEMS Micromirror Device

: Advances in our analysis and characterisation of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) micromirror device are presented. The micromirror device, to be used as an integral component of an interferometer, has a characteristic dimension of 510 μm and operates in a dynamic mode with maximum out-of-plane displacements in the order of 10 μm at oscillation frequencies of up to 1.3 kHz. Developments are carried out by analytical, computational and experimental methods. Analytical and computational nonlinear geometrical models are developed in order to determine the optimal loading-displacement operational characteristics of the micromirror. Because of the operational mode of the micromirror, the experimental characterisation of its loading-displacement transfer function requires utilisation of advanced optical metrology methods. Optoelectronic holographic microscopy (OEHM) methodologies, based on multiple wavelengths being developed to perform such characterisation, are described. The micromirror device is suitable for optical phase measurements and applicable to development of miniaturised optical metrology systems for characterisation of shapes and deformations.
Double-outlet right ventricle and double septal defects in a Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)

A 6-year-old male India-origin Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) presented with thin body condition and muscular atrophy. Thoracic auscultation revealed a grade VI/VI pansystolic murmur bilaterally. Radiographs showed cardiomegaly with significant left atrial and biventricular enlargement, a dilated pulmonary artery, and hepatomegaly. Electrocardiogram revealed a normal sinus rhythm interspersed with ventricular bigeminy. Hematology showed mild polycythemia and prerenal azotemia. Necropsy demonstrated double-outlet right ventricle with a large subaortic ventricular septal defect, subpulmonary stenosis, small atrial septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The major histological finding was severe chronic passive hepatic congestion. Double-outlet right ventricle is a rare congenital heart disease, both in human beings and animals.
Using Mobile Devices to Engage Students in Evolutionary Thinking

Abstract We used personal mobile electronic devices (PMEDs) to engage students in a lesson to support evolutionary thinking in an undergraduate biology course. Community-college students enrolled in Biodiversity & Evolution, a core majors biology course, met for an optional field trip at the University of Idaho's McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) in central Idaho during the summer of 2014. Ten students participated in the classroom and outdoor activities. Students were provided with directions and objectives for the lesson, and students' own PMEDs were used to capture images of the community of organisms in and around the outdoor campus. After returning from the field, students analyzed their digital data in the context of morphological similarities and differences to construct a phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships of the organisms observed. Students' comments were solicited regarding the activity, and feedback was generally positive. From the teachers' perspective, students appeared highly e...
Stability of Catalyzed Magnesium Hydride Nanocrystalline During Hydrogen Cycling. Part II: Microstructure Evolution

In Part I, the cyclic stabilities of the kinetics of catalyzed MgH2 systems including MgH2–TiH2, MgH2–TiMn2, and MgH2–VTiCr were investigated, showing stable kinetics at 300 °C but deteriorations of the hydrogenation kinetics at temperatures below 150 °C. The present Part II describes the characterization of uncycled and cycled catalyzed MgH2 by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. XRD analysis shows the crystallite sizes of the Mg and MgH2 significantly increased after the cycling. The mean crystallite sizes of the catalysts (TiH2 and VTiCr) increased moderately after the cycling. SEM and TEM imaging were used to compare the microstructures of uncycled (as-milled) and cycled materials, revealing a drastic change of the microstructure after 100 cycles. In particular, results from energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping show that a change of distribution of the catalyst particles in the...
Analysis of Fulcrum Skate Performance

The winning and losing times in long-track speed skating competitions can differ by only a few hundredths of a second, so even marginal improvements in technology can give skaters a significant advantage. The fulcrum skate incorporates a new hinge mechanism for use in long-track speed skating. Klapskates, used by virtually all skaters today, provide only rotational motion at the hinge, but the fulcrum skate’s hinge mechanism introduces both translational and rotational motion. Previous skating research shows that increases in ankle-opening angle, hinge-opening angle and blade-to-ice contact time enabled by the klapskates can be correlated to faster skating speeds. Using a slide-board, the skating motion while using both fulcrum and klapskates was analyzed in an off-ice laboratory setting. Nine test skaters were used for the experiment. Each skater performed eight runs each on the fulcrum skate and klapskate. High-speed video recorded the skating motion. Maximum ankle-opening angle, maximum hinge-opening angle, and blade-to-ice contact time were measured from the high-speed video. Our results showed that, on average, compared to the klapskate, the fulcrum skate offers over 12% increase in ankle-opening angle, 33% increase in hinge-opening angle, and 23% increase in blade-to-ice contact time. These results show that using the fulcrum skate offers skaters increased contact time with the ice, which could equate to faster on-track skating performances.
Interactive Access to LP DAAC Satellite Data Archives Through a Combination of Open-Source and Custom Middleware Web Services

Abstract-Current methods of searching for and retrieving data from satellite land remote sensing archives do not allow for interactive information extraction. Instead, Earth science data users are required to download files over low-bandwidth networks to local workstations and process data before science questions can be addressed.
#thyghgapp: Instagram Content Moderation and Lexical Variation in Pro-Eating Disorder Communities

Pro-eating disorder (pro-ED) communities on social media encourage the adoption and maintenance of disordered eating habits as acceptable alternative lifestyles rather than threats to health. In particular, the social networking site Instagram has reacted by banning searches on several pro-ED tags and issuing content advisories on others. We pre-sent the first large-scale quantitative study investigating pro-ED communities on Instagram in the aftermath of moderation -- our dataset contains 2.5M posts between 2011 and 2014. We find that the pro-ED community has adopted non-standard lexical variations of moderated tags to circumvent these restrictions. In fact, increasingly complex lexical variants have emerged over time. Communities that use lexical variants show increased participation and support of pro-ED (15-30%). Finally, the tags associated with content on these variants express more toxic, self-harm, and vulnerable content. Despite Instagram's moderation strategies, pro-ED communities are active and thriving. We discuss the effectiveness of content moderation as an intervention for communities of deviant behavior.
Defects in AlN as candidates for solid-state qubits

We investigate point defects and defect complexes in AlN for potential applicability as single-spin centers and solid-state qubits analogous to those observed in diamond and SiC. We find that isolated anion vacancies $({V}_{\mathrm{N}})$ meet many of the criteria for an individually addressable quantum system, but their states are too close to the conduction-band edge. We therefore investigate how the properties can be tuned by complexing of the vacancy with substitutional impurities on neighboring lattice sites. Based on our comprehensive investigation, the transition-metal dopants Ti and Zr emerge as the best candidates: They favorably substitute on the Al site and form complexes with ${V}_{\mathrm{N}}$ that possess the desired array of electronic and optical properties. Favorable charge and spin states, binding energies, and optical excitation energies are reported. Our results indicate that implantation of Ti or Zr into single-crystal AlN substrates can lead to the formation of individually addressable solid-state qubits in this material.
The Power Vacuum: Vietnam 1945

The Second World War in Europe ended in May 1945, but the war in the Far East awaited resolution. The victorious Allied leaders met at the town of Potsdam, just outside of Berlin, in July 1945 to formulate an adequate punishment for Germany and the shape of the post-war world order. Detailed Allied negotiations at the Potsdam Conference, concerning the ongoing war in the Far East, resulted in southern Indo-China being positioned within the range of Southeast Asia Command (SEAC) operational activities. By this stage in the Second World War, the French administration in Indo-China had been overthrown by the Japanese military. The Japanese established in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia independent national regimes. These were little more than puppet administrations. In reality, French Indo-China was a Japanese occupied territory similar to British Malaya, British Singapore and the Dutch East Indies. In the corridors of power, in London and Washington, Anglo-American war planners naturally expected the war in the Far East to continue well into 1946.
Analysis of Control Effect of Iodine Deficiency Disorder in Qingcheng County,Gansu Province from 1996 to 2004

Objective In order to assess preventive effect of iodine deficiency disorder(IDD) by universal salt iodization in Qingcheng County for providing basis of controlling strategy.Methods The surveillance data from 1996 to 2004 were reviewed and analyzed.Results The goiter rate of children aged from 8-10 years decreased to 3.3%,the median of urinary iodine was over 200μg/L.The qualified rate of household iodized salt increased to 90%.The score for health education was notable,the percentage of 60 score of housewives and school students were 95.0% and 88.3%,respectively.Conclusions According to the clinical and biochemical indicators,the prevalence rate of IDD declines considerably in Qingcheng County by the recommended intervention of universal salt iodization after nine years.
Frequency of a monochorionic pair in multiple gestations: relationship to mode of conception.

Objective. To determine whether the mode of conception affects the frequency of monochorionicity in multiple gestations. Methods. Our study population consisted of all women with multiple gestations who had a first-trimester sonogram at our institution between May 1998 and April 2000. The frequency of monochorionicity in pregnancies conceived naturally was compared with the frequency in pregnancies achieved via any form of assisted reproductive technology and among the different types of assisted reproductive technology. Results. Our study consisted of 464 multiple gestations comprising 332 twin, 113 triplet, 16 quadruplet, and 3 quintuplet pregnancies. The higher the fetal number, the more likely the pregnancy resulted from assisted reproductive technology (72.6% of twins, 84. 1 % of triplets, 92.8% of quadruplets, and 100% of quintuplets; P <.05, Fisher exact test). Monochorionic pairs were found more commonly in naturally conceived pregnancies than in those resulting from assisted reproductive technology (28.2% versus 5.4%; P <.000001, X 2 test). The frequency of monochorionic pairs after in vitro fertilization with blastocyst transfer on day 5 (10.5%) was double the frequency from in vitro fertilization with cleavage stage transfer on day 3 (4.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P =.24, Fisher exact test). Conclusions. Monochorionic pairs are relatively common in naturally conceived twins and in higher-order multiple gestations with more than 3 fetuses arising from assisted reproductive technology, but they are uncommon in twins and triplets arising from assisted reproductive technology. There is a trend toward a higher frequency of monochorionic pairs after day 5 blastocyst transfer than day 3 transfer, but a larger study population is needed to confirm this finding.
INFECTIOUS DIARRHEAS IN PATIENTS WITH AIDS

In conclusion, diarrheal illnesses remain a major clinical problem for patients infected with HIV-1, particularly those with AIDS. Opportunistic enteric pathogens for which there is no effective treatment, the emergence of new opportunistic agents, and the enlarging patterns of drug resistance continue to challenge us. However, better understanding of HIV-1-induced mucosal immunosuppression, sound clinical judgement, careful diagnostic evaluation, development of newer antimicrobial agents, and judicious patient management should help us meet this challenge.
THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODIES DISAPPEARED AFTER STOPPING IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY IN A PATIENT WITH THYROID CANCER.

ABSTRACT Abbreviations: Ig = immunoglobulins Tg = thyroglobulin Tg Abs = anti-Tg antibodies
Activation of SIRT1 Attenuates Klotho Deficiency–Induced Arterial Stiffness and Hypertension by Enhancing AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activity

Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction. This study was designed to investigate the role of SIRT1, an important deacetylase, and its relationship with Klotho, a kidney-derived aging-suppressor protein, in the pathogenesis of arterial stiffness and hypertension. We found that the serum level of Klotho was decreased by ≈45% in patients with arterial stiffness and hypertension. Interestingly, Klotho haplodeficiency caused arterial stiffening and hypertension, as evidenced by significant increases in pulse wave velocity and blood pressure in Klotho-haplodeficient (KL+/-) mice. Notably, the expression and activity of SIRT1 were decreased significantly in aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells in KL+/- mice, suggesting that Klotho deficiency downregulates SIRT1. Treatment with SRT1720 (15 mg/kg/d, IP), a specific SIRT1 activator, abolished Klotho deficiency-induced arterial stiffness and hypertension in KL+/- mice. Klotho deficiency was associated with significant decreases in activities of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in aortas, which were abolished by SRT1720. Furthermore, Klotho deficiency upregulated NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide production, increased collagen expression, and enhanced elastin fragmentation in the media of aortas. These Klotho deficiency-associated changes were blocked by SRT1720. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that Klotho deficiency downregulates SIRT1 activity in arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Pharmacological activation of SIRT1 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for arterial stiffness and hypertension.
Obesity and Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a complex, heterogeneous disease. Factors related to detection, particularly PSA screening, further increase heterogeneity in the manifestation of the disease. It is thus not possible to provide a simple summary of the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer. Findings on obesity, often defined using body mass index (BMI), and total prostate cancer risk have been mixed; however, obesity is relatively consistently associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, with aggressiveness defined in various ways (e.g., advanced stage, fatal, poorer prognosis in men with prostate cancer). Many methodologic issues (e.g., influence of PSA screening, detection bias and treatment) need to be thoroughly considered in both existing and future etiologic and prognostic research. Biological mechanisms supporting the link are under investigation, but may involve insulin and IGF axis, sex steroid hormones and alterations in metabolism. Some promising data suggest that molecular sub-types of prostate cancer may offer insights into etiology, but further study is required. A full evaluation of body fatness and weight change over the life course would not only provide insights to the underlying mechanisms but also allow more effective interventions.
Bacterial Infection of the Renal Allograft

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. As compared to chronic dialysis, it provides a more cost-effective therapy with significantly improved quality of life as well. However, it is not without its own set of complications. Although the overall graft survival has improved substantially from the early years of transplantation, life-long immunosuppression therapy is still needed. This puts the patients at constant risk for infections as well as malignancies. Bacterial infections are the most common and of those, urinary tract infections are particularly very common, not only during the early post-transplant period but also late post-transplant. These can range from asymptomatic bacteriuria to pyelonephritis as well as perirenal infections. Unlike in the native kidney, diagnosis of graft pyelonephritis rests heavily on allograft biopsy. Clinical presentation includes acute graft dysfunction, somewhat similar to that seen in acute rejection. Correlation with urine cultures is equally important, but culture alone is not sufficient. Although pyelonephritis can be usually diagnosed based on biopsy features (along with urine culture results), there are occasional cases in which the pattern of inflammation may be difficult to distinguish from that of rejection and urine cultures may not be distinctly positive. These issues along with many others have been discussed in this chapter.
From Theory to Practice: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Adult Education’s Language on Meaning Making

Translating theory to practice has been a historical concern of adult education. It remains unclear, though, if adult education’s theoretical and epistemological focus on meaning making transcends ...
Phosphodiesterase-1b deletion confers depression-like behavioral resistance separate from stress-related effects in mice.

Phosphodiesterase-1b (Pde1b) is highly expressed in striatum, dentate gyrus, CA3, and substantia nigra. In a new Floxed Pde1b x CreCMV global knock-out (KO) mouse model we show an immobility resistance phenotype that recapitulates that found in constitutive Pde1b KO mice. We use this new mouse model to show that the resistance to acute stress-induced depression-like phenotype is not the product of changes in locomotor activity or reactivity to other stressors (learned helplessness, novelty suppressed feeding, or dexamethasone suppression), and is not associated with anhedonia using the sucrose preference test. Using tamoxifen inducible Cre, we show that the immobility-resistant phenotype depends on the age of induction. The effect is present when Pde1b is deleted from conception, P0 or P32, but not if deleted as adults (P60). We also mapped regional brain expression of PDE1B protein and of the Cre driver. These data add to the suggestion that PDE1B may be a target for drug development with therapeutic potential in depression alone or in combination with existing antidepressants.
Privacy Cyborg: Towards Protecting the Privacy of Social Media Users

Towards the vision of building artificial intelligence systems that can assist with our everyday life, we introduce a proof of concept for a social media privacy "cyborg" which can locally and privately monitor a person's published content and offer advice or warnings when their privacy is at stake. The idea of a cyborg can be more general, as a separate local entity with its own computational resources, that can automatically perform several online tasks on our behalf. For this demonstration, we assume an attacker that can successfully infer user attributes, solely based on what the user has published (topic-based inference). We focus on Social Media privacy and specifically on the issue of exposing sensitive user-attributes, like location, or race, through published content. We built a privacy cyborg that can monitor a user's posted topics and automatically warn them in real time when a sensitive attribute is at risk of being exposed.
Vulnerable Youth’s Perspectives and Priorities for Informal Settlements: Photovoice Evidence from Lusaka, Zambia:

The “youth bulge” in developing world cities is a significant planning challenge that requires new participatory tools for planning more inclusive cities. Photovoice data from 38 orphaned and vulne...
How the Brain Feels the Hurt of Heartbreak: Examining the Neurobiological Overlap Between Social and Physical Pain

Humans have a deeply held need to maintain meaningful social relationships and commonly describe the loss of these ties as ‘painful.’ Arguing that these descriptions are not simply metaphorical, this article explicates the evolutionary value of appropriating the physical pain signal for detecting threats to one’s social inclusion status and reviews evidence showing that social pain shares neurochemical and neural substrates with physical pain. In addition, some consequences of the social–physical pain overlap are explored. Specifically, it is shown that both dispositional traits and experimental manipulations that influence one type of pain experience exert a parallel effect on the other type of pain.
Understanding patterns of brain metastasis in breast cancer and designing rational therapeutic strategies.

One of the most feared sequelae after a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer is development of metastases to the brain as this diagnosis can affect physical function, independence, relationships, quality of life, personality, and ultimately one’s sense of self. The propensity to develop breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) varies by subtype, occurring in up to one half of those with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), approximately a third of HER+ breast cancers and 14% in hormone positive disease. Median survival after BCBM diagnosis can be as short as 5 months in TNBC and 10–18 months in the other subtypes. Here, we review the biology of BCBMs and how it informs the rational design of new therapeutic approaches and agents. We discuss application of novel targeted and immunotherapies by breast cancer subtype. It is noteworthy that there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments specifically for BCBMs currently. Nevertheless, there are legitimate grounds for hope as patients with BCBMs are now being included in clinical trials of systemic therapies and a better understanding of the biology and genetic underpinning of BCBMs is driving an increased range of options for patients.
Vibration Testing, Analysis, and Human-Structure Interaction Studies of a Slender Footbridge

AbstractThe high strength of construction materials has allowed the design of elegant and architecturally appealing footbridges that are safe against static loads but may be susceptible to large vi...
The Clinical Use of N-Acetylcysteine in Gastrointestinal Disorders

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is both a prescription medication and over-the-counter supplement that has been widely used in medicine. Its potential is being realized in other areas of medicine including gastrointestinal (GI) disease. NAC was first studied in GI disease in the 1960s in the context of cystic fibrosis for ileus, abdominal pain, and fat malabsorption. It was then researched in the context of acute and chronic liver failure, pancreatitis, liver surgery, and improving visualization for endoscopy. Some areas of GI disorders have adequate number of good quality trials to make recommendations. Overall, there are mixed but promising findings in the treatment of non-acetaminophen-induced liver failure, particularly acute liver failure. The effectiveness of NAC may depend on the etiology of chronic liver failure, and currently there are active clinical trials on the use of NAC for the treatment of alcohol-induced hepatitis and in the prevention of iatrogenic-induced liver injury, particularly as a result of antituberculous medication, liver failure and in the development of fatty liver. Two other areas that are very promising is in improving outcomes in liver transplantation, particularly when treating the donor liver, and in improving visualization in endoscopy. NAC does not appear to have a role in the treatment or management of pancreatitis. The use of NAC in treating abdominal discomfort and ileus in patients with cystic fibrosis is promising, but it is based on uncontrolled observational studies. Overall, there appear to be many potential uses for NAC in GI disorders, but for other disorders, further studies are needed to define the dosing and/or better define the subpopulation of patients which would most benefit from the treatment.
“Just fighting my way through…”: four narratives on what it means to be Black, male, and depressed

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the illness, help-seeking, and service-use experiences of Black/African American men with depression. This study presents and explores the narratives of four Black men...
Abstract 14: A new orally available drug for the treatment of metastatic cancers

Metastatic cancers account for the great majority of cancer deaths. We conducted a screen to indetify known drugs that selectively inhibit the viability of metastatic tumor cells. Results of the screen identified members of the FDA-approved benzimidazole methylcarbamate family (e.g. mebendazole (MBZ) and albendazole (ALB)) as potential therapies for metastatic disease. Earlier work also supports a role for this chemical family in the potential treatment of activity in multiple cancers, but progress has been stalled by their poor water solubility and poor bioavailability for systemic delivery to disseminated tumors. We therefore synthesized a novel compound (OBD9) containing the scaffold of MBZ coupled to an oxetane group to enhance aqueous solubility to 361 μM. OBD9 demonstrates significant cytotoxicity toward a variety of cancer cell types including colon, lung, and prostate cancers (IC50: 0.9-2 μM). In a mouse xenograft model of human A549 lung cancer cell line OBD9 dramatically inhibited the growth of established tumors at 30 or 90 μM without noticeable toxicity. In a mouse xenograft model using highly aggressive PCMLN3 prostate cancer cells, oral administration of OBD9 at 30 mg/kg also significantly repressed growth of established tumors with no visible toxicity. We have studied the working mechanisms behind OBD9 and found that the Wnt signaling pathway is suppressed by OBD9 treatment. Both qPCR and Western blot data suggest that the beta-catenin/TCF complex in the Wnt signaling pathway are inhibited by OBD9. Among the downstream targets of Wnt signaling pathway, the oncogene cMyc is also significantly decreased in different cancers including colon, lung and prostate cancer. Overall, our in vitro and in vivo data suggest that OBD9 potentially represents a novel therapeutic option for multiple cancers especially metastatic cancer through targeting Wnt signaling pathway and the downstream oncogene cMyc. Citation Format: Kun Zhou, Jae Eun Cheong, Michaela Zaffagni, Yingjie Xu, Lijun Sun, Bruce Zetter. A new orally available drug for the treatment of metastatic cancers [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 14.
Intersections and Clinical Translations of Diabetes Mellitus with Cancer Promotion, Progression and Prognosis

The association between cancer and dysglycemia has been well documented. It is underappreciated, however, that sustained dysglycemia could potentially be a catalyst toward a pro-cancer physiologic milieu and/or increase the burden of cancer. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and energy metabolism at large impact a cascade of growth pathways, epi/genetic modifications, and mitochondrial changes that could feasibly link to tumor processes. Oxidative stress is a recurring motif in cell dysfunction: in diabetes, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) feature prominently in the damage and demise of pancreatic beta cells, as well as cell damage contributing to diabetes-related complications. Oxidative stress may be one intersection at which metabolic and oncogenic processes cross paths with deleterious results in the development of precancer, cancer, and cancer progression. This would augur for tight glucose control. Regrettably, some medical societies have recently relaxed hemoglobin A1c targets. A framework for the hyperglycemic state is presented that helps account and translate the full scope of effects of dysglycemia to ultimately improve clinical best practices.
Algorithmic Circulation: How Content Creators Navigate the Effects of Algorithms on Their Work

Abstract This article examines the role that algorithms play in circulation and content strategy. Arguing that algorithms are changing how content creators think about content strategy and circulation, this article introduces the idea of algorithmic circulation to describe how content creators navigate the effects of algorithms on their work. The term algorithmic circulation describes the processes by which creators may plan for their content to be taken up or boosted by algorithms through iterative processes of navigating, adapting, and reconfiguring their content strategies. Ultimately, such a shift in thinking about circulation and content strategy has implications for pedagogy, where teachers must be aware that successful algorithmic circulation requires students and practitioners to adapt their content strategies tactically, pay attention to algorithmic audiences, imagine intertwined algorithmic and human agency, and navigate uncertainty with grit and determination.
ESTABLISHING NORMATIVE CHANGE VALUES IN VISUAL ACUITY LOSS DURING THE DYNAMIC VISUAL ACUITY TEST.

BACKGROUND Baseline visual acuity (VA) loss from static to dynamic head conditions assessed using the Dynamic Visual Acuity Testing (DVAT) have not been established in NCAA football players. DVAT assesses the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) which is measured in Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR). Decreased VA beyond baseline measures may detect VOR impairment and impact treatment protocols and assist in return to play decisions post-concussion. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE To establish normative VA mean scores during a static head posture as well as dynamically during the DVAT with a head speed of 150 deg/s in the pitch (vertical) and yaw (horizontal) planes rotating 20 degrees in each direction. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study, Diagnostic Tests. METHODS Sixty-seven, NCAA Division I College football players (age = 19.68 ± 1.53) completed static VA and DVAT assessment in the pitch and yaw planes during baseline concussion testing at the beginning of the 2014 regular football season. Comparison of VA was evaluated by calculating the difference in players' static and dynamic VA values using the DVAT. RESULTS Static VA for all participants (n=67) was -0.232 ± 0.109 logMAR. Dynamic VA for participants (n=67) was 0.0845 ± 0.159 in pitch and -0.007 ± 0.141 in yaw at 150 deg/sec. Mean losses in VA during pitch and yaw at 150 deg/sec were 0.317 ± 0.140 and 0.227 ± 0.133, respectively. CONCLUSIONS VA diminishes during head movement at 150 degrees/sec. Loss of acuity beyond established normative values from baseline may be indicative of VOR dysfunction, especially secondary to head trauma. The assessment of visual acuity function with head movements of 150 deg/sec can potentially identify concussion and subsequent sequelae. Further research is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
Industry Trends for 400 Gb/s and Beyond Applications

After the implementation of 100-Gb/s pluggable optics, the optical communications industry is marching towards 400-Gb/s era. We will review our recent demonstration and study for 400 Gb/s and beyond client and line side optical interconnect.
MRI and clinical features of acute fungal discitis/osteomyelitis.

To compare imaging and clinical features of fungal and Staphylococcus aureus discitis-osteomyelitis (DO) for patients presenting for CT-guided biopsies. Our study was IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant. A group of 11 fungal DO (FG) with MRI within 7 days of the biopsy and a control group (CG) of 19 Staphylococcus aureus DO were evaluated. Imaging findings (focal vs diffuse paravertebral soft tissue abnormality, partial vs complete involvement of the disc/endplate), biopsy location, pathology, duration of back pain, immune status, history of intravenous drug, history of prior infection, current antibiotic treatment, and history of invasive intervention. Differences were assessed using the Fisher exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Naive Bayes predictive modeling was performed. The most common fungal organisms were Candida species (9/11, 82%). The FG was more likely to have focal soft tissue abnormality (p = 0.040) and partial disc/endplate involvement (p = 0.053). The clinical predictors for fungal DO, in order of importance, back pain for 10 or more weeks, current antibiotic use for 1 week or more, and current intravenous drug use. History of invasive instrumentation within 1 year was more predictive of Staphylococcus aureus DO. MRI features (focal partial soft tissue abnormality and partial involvement of the disc/endplate) in combination with clinical features may help to predict fungal species as a causative organism for DO. • MRI features of discitis-osteomyelitis (focal partial soft tissue abnormality and partial involvement of the disc/endplate) in combination with clinical features may help to predict fungal species as a causative organism for DO.
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

In this chapter, we review important aspects of diagnosing substance use disorders in late-life using DSM-5 criteria. In addition, we also review the epidemiology, etiologies, and clinical courses of substance use disorders in the older adult population.
Freshwater snails’ stinky environment could kill their babies

![Graphic][1] Growing up, an animal's environment can influence its personality. But researchers also want to know whether the parents’ environment can influence the personalities of their offspring too. Recent work by Juliette Tariel and colleagues from the Universite Claude Bernard in
A local response to a global problem: a programme to combat COVID-19 through empowerment of rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract Background The Mexican State of Chiapas is the scene of serious social inequities, with more than 75% of the population living in poverty. The economic vulnerability of the population has been aggravated by the arrival of COVID-19. Since the national declaration of the pandemic on March 31, 2020, and until January 18, 2021, Chiapas, with a population of around 5·2 million, has registered 8745 positive COVID-19 cases and 1259 deaths from the virus. Since mid-April, 2020, Companeros En Salud (CES) has been supporting nine rural communities in the Sierra Madre region of Chiapas to fight the pandemic through ten primary health-care centres and a team of over 40 community health workers. Here, we describe a programme to protect vulnerable communities from the health and economic burden associated with COVID-19 that joins efforts with the Mexican Ministry of Health to provide a timely and effective response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Methods We identify suspected COVID-19 cases through primary health centres and support their self-isolation through provision of essential groceries and hygiene supplies. These efforts are complemented by contact tracing and home follow-up of suspected cases. As a way to guarantee the sustainability of the programme, we engaged staff already working in the organisation for its implementation. Core nurses, nurse aides, and community health workers, who used to provide home follow-up for pregnant women and patients with chronic conditions and mental health disorders were trained to conduct home follow-up of COVID-19 suspected cases and contact tracing. Findings Between April 20, 2020, and January 18, 2021, 287 suspected COVID-19 cases and 1111 contacts were identified in the rural communities supported by CES and 109 cases (38%) and 796 contacts (72%) have started follow-up with the CES team. In the case of contacts, median time between the last contact with the suspected case and the first visit by a member of the CES team is 4 days. We have supported 650 suspected cases and their families with essential groceries and hygiene supplies. Interpretation As the pandemic progresses, further analysis of the effect of the implemented measures on the transmission rate of the virus as the pandemic progresses should be done, along with comparisons of the outcomes in our rural communities with other settings of similar characteristics where isolation and contact tracing measures have not been implemented. Funding Partners In Health.
The Deduction Theorem (Before and After Herbrand)

Attempts to articulate the real meaning or ultimate significance of a famous theorem comprise a major vein of philosophical writing about mathematics. The subfield of mathematical logic has supplie...
Predicting Maternal-Fetal Disposition of Fentanyl Following Intravenous and Epidural Administration Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling.

Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic used to treat obstetrical pain in parturient women through epidural or intravenous route, and unfortunately can also be abused by pregnant women. Fentanyl is known to cross the placental barrier, but how the route of administration and time after dosing affects maternal-fetal disposition kinetics at different stages of pregnancy is not well characterized. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a maternal-fetal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (mf-PBPK) model for fentanyl to evaluate the feasibility to predict the maternal and fetal plasma concentration-time profiles of fentanyl after various dosing regimens. As fentanyl is typically given via the epidural route to control labor pain, an epidural dosing site was developed using alfentanil as a reference drug and extrapolated to fentanyl. Fetal hepatic clearance of fentanyl was predicted from CYP3A7-mediated norfentanyl formation in fetal liver microsomes (intrinsic clearance = 0.20 ± 0.05 µl/min/mg protein). The developed mf-PBPK model successfully captured fentanyl maternal and umbilical cord concentrations after epidural dosing and was used to simulate the concentrations after intravenous dosing (in a drug abuse situation). The distribution kinetics of fentanyl were found to have a considerable impact on the time course of maternal:umbilical cord concentration ratio and on interpretation of observed data. The data show that mf-PBPK modeling can be used successfully to predict maternal disposition, transplacental distribution, and fetal exposure to fentanyl. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study establishes the modeling framework for predicting the time course of maternal and fetal exposures of fentanyl opioids from mf-PBPK modeling. The model was validated based on fentanyl exposure data collected during labor and delivery after intravenous or epidural dosing. The results show that mf-PBPK modeling is a useful predictive tool for assessing fetal exposures to fentanyl opioid therapeutic regimens and potentially can be extended to other drugs of abuse.
Contrast-Enhanced X-ray Detection of Microcalcifications in Radiographically Dense Mammary Tissue Using Targeted Gold Nanoparticles

Breast density reduces the accuracy of mammography, motivating methods to improve sensitivity and specificity for detecting abnormalities within dense breast tissue, but preclinical animal models are lacking. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate a murine model of radiographically dense mammary tissue and contrast-enhanced X-ray detection of microcalcifications in dense mammary tissue by targeted delivery of bisphosphonate-functionalized gold nanoparticles (BP-Au NPs). Mammary glands (MGs) in the mouse mammary tumor virus - polyomavirus middle T antigen (MMTV-PyMT or PyMT) model exhibited greater radiographic density with age and compared with strain- and age-matched wild-type (WT) controls at 6–10 weeks of age. The greater radiographic density of MGs in PyMT mice obscured radiographic detection of microcalcifications that were otherwise detectable in MGs of WT mice. However, BP-Au NPs provided enhanced contrast for the detection of microcalcifications in both radiographically dense ...
The NGO Phenomenon and Political Culture in the Third World

Sangeeta Kamat focuses on the experience of community-based NGOs, also known as CBOs or grassroots organizations, to elaborate on the political culture engendered by NGOs in the global economy. This article draws upon her work on CBOs in India, recently published as a book, as well as her forthcoming work on the regulation of NGOs in the neo-liberal policy context.
Murder Will Out: Rethinking the Right of Publicity Through One Classic Case

In this forthcoming article, the author uses the protracted legal battles over the right of publicity stemming from the lasting celebrity created by the so-called “crime of the century” to propose a legal test for applying the right of publicity generally. These legal battles were fought during the 1960s over the right of celebrity slayer Nathan Leopold to control the use of his name and personality in a novel, movie, and stage play. After conflicting lower court decisions that had a chilling effect on writers and publishers, the case was eventually decided against Leopold. The author agrees with this result but argues that, because there has been a tendency to decide such disputes on a case-by-case basis, similar uncertainty continues to arise in analogous cases. He proposes a clear test, easily understood by both creators and users of celebrity personality, which would balance the interests of the parties and bring added predictability to this area of the law.