cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying enhancement-based staging markers on baseline MRI in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases undergoing intra-arterial tumor therapy

To determine if three-dimensional whole liver and baseline tumor enhancement features on MRI can serve as staging biomarkers and help predict survival of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) more accurately than one-dimensional and non-enhancement-based features. This retrospective study included 88 patients with CRCLM, treated with transarterial chemoembolization or Y90 transarterial radioembolization between 2001 and 2014. Semi-automated segmentations of up to three dominant lesions were performed on pre-treatment MRI to calculate total tumor volume (TTV) and total liver volumes (TLV). Quantitative 3D analysis was performed to calculate enhancing tumor volume (ETV), enhancing tumor burden (ETB, calculated as ETV/TLV), enhancing liver volume (ELV), and enhancing liver burden (ELB, calculated as ELV/TLV). Overall and enhancing tumor diameters were also measured. A modified Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine appropriate cutoff values for each metric. The predictive value of each parameter was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and univariable and multivariable cox proportional hazard models. All methods except whole liver (ELB, ELV) and one-dimensional/non-enhancement-based methods were independent predictors of survival. Multivariable analysis showed a HR of 2.1 (95% CI 1.3–3.4, p = 0.004) for enhancing tumor diameter, HR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.8, p = 0.04) for TTV, HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.4–3.9, p < 0.001) for ETV, and HR 2.4 (95% CI 1.4–4.0, p = 0.001) for ETB. Tumor enhancement of CRCLM on baseline MRI is strongly associated with patient survival after intra-arterial therapy, suggesting that enhancing tumor volume and enhancing tumor burden are better prognostic indicators than non-enhancement-based and one-dimensional-based markers. • Tumor enhancement of colorectal cancer liver metastases on MRI prior to treatment with intra-arterial therapies is strongly associated with patient survival. • Three-dimensional, enhancement-based imaging biomarkers such as enhancing tumor volume and enhancing tumor burden may serve as the basis of a novel prognostic staging system for patients with liver-dominant colorectal cancer metastases.
Uniformity and Discretion: Lessons on Reform from a Failed Sentencing Guidelines Effort

This study employed qualitative interviews with judges from a failed sentencing guidelines state to investigate the dynamics of the structured sentencing effort and leading causes of its failure. T...
Randomization-based Test for Censored Outcomes: A New Look at the Logrank Test

Two-sample tests have been one of the most classical topics in statistics with wide application even in cutting edge applications. There are at least two modes of inference used to justify the two-sample tests. One is usual superpopulation inference assuming the units are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) samples from some superpopulation; the other is finite population inference that relies on the random assignments of units into different groups. When randomization is actually implemented, the latter has the advantage of avoiding distributional assumptions on the outcomes. In this paper, we will focus on finite population inference for censored outcomes, which has been less explored in the literature. Moreover, we allow the censoring time to depend on treatment assignment, under which exact permutation inference is unachievable. We find that, surprisingly, the usual logrank test can also be justified by randomization. Specifically, under a Bernoulli randomized experiment with non-informative i.i.d. censoring within each treatment arm, the logrank test is asymptotically valid for testing Fisher's null hypothesis of no treatment effect on any unit. Moreover, the asymptotic validity of the logrank test does not require any distributional assumption on the potential event times. We further extend the theory to the stratified logrank test, which is useful for randomized blocked designs and when censoring mechanisms vary across strata. In sum, the developed theory for the logrank test from finite population inference supplements its classical theory from usual superpopulation inference, and helps provide a broader justification for the logrank test.
Segmental Coronary Vasospasm Mimicking ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in an Incidentally COVID-Positive Patient

Coronary vasospasm is an underdiagnosed cause of myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Systemic inflammation is one of several triggers associated with coronary vasospasm. We report the case of a 47-year woman incidentally found to be COVID-positive (RT-PCR) during evaluation of constitutional symptoms and breast cellulitis. Later in the hospitalization, she developed sudden-onset typical angina at rest; 12 lead EKG showed inferolateral ST-elevations. Urgent coronary angiogram showed nitrate-responsive subtotal focal occlusions in the right coronary and circumflex arteries. In the absence of sepsis, it is difficult to attribute coronary vasospasm solely to cellulitis. Focal coronary artery spasm mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction successfully managed solely with intracoronary nitroglycerine in an incidentally COVID-positive patient adds to the diverse manifestations of COVID infection. The exact mechanism of focal, as opposed to diffuse coronary vasospasm is unclear.
189 Laparoscopic repair of obturator nerve injury at the time of pelvic lymphadenectomy

Introduction/Background* The obturator nerve is formed by the lumbar plexus, receiving its fibers from the anterior division of L2-4. Clinically, obturator nerve injury manifests with sensorial loss at the medial aspect of thigh, pain at medial portion of the groin and ipsilateral adductor weakness. The risk of obturator nerve injury is increased during pelvic lymphadenectomy and surgeries for gynecologic malignancies. Here, we present a video film of full-thickness transection of obturator nerve at the time of pelvic lymphadenectomy in a patient who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer. The transected nerve was primarily repaired through a laparoscopic approach at the time of surgery. The patient experienced a full recovery with no motor function deficiencies Methodology Result(s)* In this surgical film we present an 83-year-old woman, G2P2, who was diagnosed with a grade 3 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. She underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy and sentinel lymph-node biopsies as well as resection of enlarged external iliac node. During the procedure, we identified a complete transection of the obturator nerve. To enable an end to end repair, the external iliac artery and vein were mobilized. The proximal end of the nerve was identified lateral to these vessels. An end-to-end anastomosis of the nerve was performed using Prolene sutures. The patient experienced an uneventful post-operative recovery and was discharge home on post-operative day 2, able to ambulate independently with no assistance required. Conclusion* Obturator nerve injuries are a well-recognized complication of pelvic lymphadenectomy. Immediate laparoscopic nerve repair, can facilitate earlier motor recovery and prevent the need for laparotomy.
Benthic Nutrient Flux in a Small Estuary in Northwestern Florida (USA)

Benthic nutrient fluxes of ammonium (NH4 + ), nitrite/nitrate (NO2 - +N O 3 - ), phosphate (PO4 -3 ), and dis- solved silica (DSi) were measured in Escambia Bay, an estuary within the larger Pensacola Bay system of north- western Florida (USA). Our study occurred during a severe drought which reduced riverine inputs to Escambia Bay. Laboratory incubations of field-collected cores were conducted on 8 dates between June and October 2000 to esti- mate nutrient flux, and cores were collected from locations exhibiting a range of sediment organic matter content. NH4 + flux ranged from - 48.1 to 110.4 µmol m -2 h -1 , but the mean flux was 14.6 µmol m -2 h -1 . Dissolved silica (DSi) fluxes were also variable (-109. 3 to 145.3 µmol m -2 h -1 ), but the mean net flux (9.3 µmol m -2 h -1 ) was from the sediment to the water column. Bay sediment fluxes for NO2 - +N O 3 - and PO4 -3 were less variable during this period (- 7.93 to 28.73 and - 1.74 to 3.29 µmol m -2 h -1 for NO2 - +N O 3 - and PO4 -3 , respectively). Low NH4 + flux- es were similar to published estimates from lagoonal Gulf of Mexico (GOM) estuaries, possibly due to the reduced freshwater input. Diminished regeneration of phosphate relative to inorganic nitrogen observed during the study period was consistent with previous research in Pensacola Bay suggesting phytoplankton phosphorus limitation. Finally, the estimated residence time of Escambia Bay and the mean turnover times for NH4 + and NO2 - +N O 3 - sug- gested that benthic flux significantly influenced nitrogen concentrations in overlying water.
Competition across channels: do electronic markets complement or cannibalize traditional retailers

Existing research on electronic markets has focused largely on analyzing their efficiency and welfareenhancing properties, treating these markets as isolated entities. In reality, however, electronic markets coexist with traditional, land-based firms. They compete not only with similar rivals, but also with firms with different competencies, information technology, channel characteristics, and business cultures. The interaction between these different firms involves complex and interesting competitive dynamics, which cannot be captured by isolated models of electronic markets. This paper models competition between firms that sell their products purely through electronic channels, firms whose primary retailing outlets are traditional land-based channels, and hybrid firms—those selling both offline and online. A game-theoretic spatial differentiation model is used to analyze the impact of the coexistence of new, emerging technology-driven distribution channels with conventional retail channels, and the possible strategic interactions between these two vastly different retail environments. The features of market equilibria, and their sensitivity to different technological and channel parameters are studied, and the results of the model are compared with the benchmark case where the electronic markets are independent of traditional markets. Results show that the profits of firms in competing channels increase as they differentiate themselves as much as possible from each other, and by differentiating themselves based on the characteristics over which consumers have the maximum variety in relative valuations. The choice of the factors of differentiation, however, is crucial, as are the relative sizes of the online and offline markets. The results also indicate that neglecting the impact of traditional markets on online firms risks oversimplification, and might lead to incorrect prescriptions to offline, online, and hybrid firms.
Membrane current induced by protein kinase C activators in rhabdomeric photoreceptors: implications for visual excitation.

Visual excitation in rhabdomeric photoreceptors is thought to be mediated by activation of a light-regulated phospholipase C (PLC) and the consequent hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. Whereas much attention has been devoted to inositol trisphosphate (IP 3 ) production and intracellular Ca 2+ release, little is known about the possible role of the DAG branch in the generation of the light response. We have tested the effect of chemically distinct surrogates of DAG on isolated Lima photoreceptors. Application of the phorbol ester PMA (0.5–10 μm) or the alkaloid (−)-indolactam (20–100 μm) from a holding potential of −50 mV elicited an inward current, several hundred picoamperes in amplitude, accompanied by a pronounced increase in membrane conductance. The stereoisomers 4α-PMA and (+)-indolactam were both inactive, arguing for the specificity of the effects. Elevation of cytosolic Ca 2+ by intracellular dialysis accelerated this current, whereas chelerythrine antagonized it, suggesting the involvement of PKC. The reversal potential of the membrane current induced by PKC activators was approximately +10 mV; replacement of extracellular Na with impermeant N -methyl-d-glucamine decreased its amplitude and shifted the reversal potential in the negative direction. Stimulation by PMA and (−)-indolactam was accompanied by a pronounced depression of light responsiveness; conversely, steady illumination reduced the size of the current elicited by these PKC activators. Taken together, these results support the notion that the DAG branch of the PLC cascade, in addition to its suggested participation in visual adaptation, may play a role in the activation of the photoresponse or a component thereof, probably in synergy with IP 3 -mediated Ca 2+ release.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction training is associated with greater empathy and reduced anxiety for graduate healthcare students.

Introduction: Graduate healthcare students experience significant stressors during professional training. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a behavioural intervention designed to teach self-regulatory skills for stress reduction and emotion management. This study examines the impact of MBSR training on students from five healthcare graduate programs in a quasi-experimental trial. Methods : A total of 13 students completed the MBSR program and were compared with 15 controls. Both groups answered validated questionnaires measuring anxiety, burnout and empathy at baseline, at conclusion of the course (week 8) and 3 weeks post-course completion (week 11). Results : Significant decrease in anxiety at weeks 8 and 11 compared with baseline (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively) was observed using the Burns Anxiety Inventory. Significant increase in empathy at week 8 (P<0.0096) was observed using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy. Week 11 demonstrated a decrease in empathy from baseline (not statistically significant) across all subjects. No significant differences in burnout scores at weeks 8 and 11 were observed between those in the intervention and control groups. Conclusions : These results provide supportive evidence of MBSR as a behavioural intervention to reduce anxiety and increase empathy among graduate healthcare students.
Reflections on Proposal Writing in Spatial Science

The research process is just that, a process. In this book, we have examined the process of research design and proposal writing. Yet, the focus of this book—and the accompanying proposals—is how to “propose”, “do”, and “write” spatial science research.
Extent of sinus surgery, 2000 to 2009: A population‐based study

Objectives/Hypothesis Sinus surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical operations. The objective was to determine if rates of surgery have changed over the last 10 years. Study Design Secondary data analysis of the State Ambulatory Surgery Database of Florida. Methods We calculated population adjusted rates of ambulatory sinus surgery for all adults, 2000 to 2009. Result There was a substantial decrease in the proportion of patients who had surgery in a hospital setting and a substantial increase in patients who had surgery with image guidance. Population-adjusted rates of sinus surgery increased over the study period, from a mean of 104 cases per 100,000 population in 2000 to 129 per 100,000 in 2009 (P <0.001). Procedure rates also increased, from a mean of 226 per 100,000 in 2000 to 316 per 100,000 in 2009 (P <0.001). Rates of frontal sinus procedures more than doubled, and rates of cases in which all four sinuses were treated tripled during the same time period. A greater number of sinus procedures was associated with use of image guidance and high annual surgical case volume. The strongest predictor was the individual surgeon. Conclusion Rates of sinus surgery increased over the study period, with more patients undergoing surgery and more procedures per surgical case. The strong association of procedural patterns with specific surgeons in sinusitis care highlights the importance of future investigations to examine training, technological, and reimbursement factors that may influence surgeons' clinical decision making for this common condition. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 124:820–825, 2014
Investigation of thermal and viscoelastic properties of polymers relevant to hot melt extrusion, I: Polyvinylpyrrolidone and related polymers

Polymers are essential components of melt extruded products. The objective of the paper was to generate physicochemical data on polyvinylpyrrolidone-based polymers and copolymers that are relevant to hot melt extrusion (HME). It also highlights the importance of viscoelastic analysis to predict HME processing conditions. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of polymers were recorded to determine the physical nature of polymers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted to determine their glass transition temperature (T g ) and weight loss due to degradation (T d ) respectively. Rheological studies were conducted to quantitate storage modulus (G´), loss modulus (G˝), tan δ and complex viscosity (η) of the polymers at various temperatures. Powder XRD analyses showed that all polymers were amorphous in nature, with distinct single or dual halos. DSC ascertained that the amorphous polymers had single T g values. The conversion of the polymers from solid to liquid forms with an increase in temperature was established by the tan δ = 1 values. The overall complex viscosity for all polymers decreased with an increase in temperature. The complex viscosity of one of the polymers, Soluplus ® , was correlated with torque analysis by HME to establish an extrudable temperature range. The results will help the selection of polyvinylpyrrolidone-based polymers for HME.
The effect of social selection on the population dynamics of Huntington's disease

Summary Wallace (1976) postulated the importance of social selection on the frequency of Huntington's disease. This effect of social selection was studied with respect to the population dynamics of Huntington's disease genes. It is shown that social selection operates mainly through heterozygotes. Existing data indicate that the frequency of Huntington's disease in the population is determined by its social effects.
BECOMING AMERICAN, BECOMING BLACK? URBAN COMPETENCY, RACIALIZED SPACES, AND THE POLITICS OF CITIZENSHIP AMONG BRAZILIAN AND PUERTO RICAN YOUTH IN NEWARK

This essay examines the performance of “race,” particularly the appropriation of “Blackness,” among U.S.-born Latinos and Latin American migrants in two neighborhoods in Newark, New Jersey. A main argument of this essay is that “Blackness”—a performance of race somewhat detached from actual Black bodies and often associated with Puerto Ricans in Newark—has become a more valued benchmark of belongingness among Latin American migrants than “whiteness,” a stature of belongingness among European migrants in the past. By deconstructing the concept of “urban competency,” an implicit knowledge and cultural capital associated with the valorization of “being urban,” modern, and cosmopolitan, the essay explores how racial performances are deployed by United States-born Puerto Rican and Brazilian migrant youth to mediate alternative constructions of citizenship and belongingness.
Effect of thermoelastic anisotropy on the R-curve behavior of monolithic alumina

The postfracture tensile (PFT) test has previously been used to evaluate the wake stresses of both cubic and noncubic monolithic ceramics at room temperature. The present study applies this procedure to the evaluation of the characteristic stress–crack face separation relationships for alumina at temperatures ranging from room temperature through 600°C, which is slightly below the softening temperature for the glassy grain boundai y phase. For comparison with the PFT behaviors, R-curves are obtained throughout this range of temperatures using a short double cantilever beam geometry. The average residual stresses arising from thermal expansion anisotropy diminish with increasing temperature, causing two effects evidenced by a general downward shift of the characteristic PFT stress–displacement curves. The resulting lower peak stresses and smaller limiting crack opening displacements (COD) manifest through a decrease of the COD–grain size ratio criteria for bridging. Also, the residual stresses contribute to a significant fraction of large grains fracturing transgrarularly. This fraction is modified somewhat by test temperatures of 800°C and above; however, no detectable change can be claimed for the present results, which are limited to 600°C.
Living donor liver transplantation and hepatitis C.

Adult-to-adult right hepatic lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a treatment option for selected patients with end-stage liver disease. The development of LDLT is due in large part to the critical shortage of donor organs. Currently, the number of patients listed for liver transplantation exceeds the cadaveric organ supply by nearly four-fold. In 2001 there were 5177 liver transplants performed, but by the end of the year, there were still 18,537 patients on the liver transplant waiting list. As a result, 11% of listed patients died on the waiting list that year [1]. The organ shortage has led to the development of new techniques to expand the donor pool. These include the use of marginal cadaveric organs, split liver transplantation, and LDLT. The first LDLT was performed in 1988 [2]. Subsequently, the procedure was developed in Asia where cultural beliefs proscribe the use of cadaveric donors for transplantation. In the early 1990s, LDLT was introduced in the United States where almost all of the recipients were children. Typically, the left lobe (which is smaller than the right lobe) or one or more of its segments is removed, usually from a parent, and transplanted into the child. Early attempts of adult-to-adult left hepatic lobe LDLT in the United States were oftentimes unsuccessful because the left hepatic lobe did not provide sufficient hepatic mass for an adult recipient. The first right hepatic lobe LDLT was reported in 1994 [3] and the first adult-to-adult right hepatic lobe LDLT in the United States was performed at the University of Colorado in 1997 and reported in 1998 [4]. Outcomes with transplantation of the larger right hepatic lobe in adults were superior to left hepatic lobe LDLT. The initial success of right hepatic lobe LDLT, coupled with the critical cadaveric organ shortage, led to a dramatic increase in LDLT between 1997 and 2001 as shown in Fig. 1 [1].
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the nasal, oral and laryngeal cavities. A clinicopathologic survey of ten cases.

Ten cases of an unusual form of carcinoma involving the submucosal glands and ducts of the nasal and oral cavities and the larynx were collected and reviewed. The histopathologic features were defined and four distinct component parts were classified: ductal carcinoma in situ, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and a mixed carcinoma. This tumor was found to be extremely aggressive and highly malignant, with 80% of the cases showing histopathologically proven metastases. The histopathologic features and the clinical behavior of this tumor were sufficiently distinctive to warrant the designation adenosquamous carcinoma. The mode of therapy was evaluated and the treatment of choice appears to be radical surgery. However, the limited number of cases indicates that further collection and subsequent analyses of additional cases must be performed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Adaptive regulation of amino acid transport in nutrient-deprived human hepatomas.

Background Malignant cells require Increased amounts of amino acids, in particular glutamine and leucine, to support DNA and protein biosyn-thesis. Although plasma concentrations in the center of solid tumors can be much lower than normal circulating levels, it is still unknown how tumor cells can survive despite low amino acid levels. We examined the effects of glutamine or leucine deprivation on cell growth and amino acid transport activity in two human hepatoma cell lines, SK-Hep and HepG2. Methods We studied the transport of glutamine, leucine, alanine, and arginine. The carrier-mediated uptake of 3 H-amino acids was determined in cells cultured in normal and amino acid-deprived media. Results The growth of both cell lines was dependent on the concentration of glutamine and leucine. In SK-Hep, there was a significant increase in initial rate glutamine transport activity in the glutamine-deprived group, attributable to an increase in transporter affinity (Km; 0.6 mmol/L [control], 385 ± 43 umol/L; 0.1 mmol/L, 221 ± 11 umol/L; P + -independent uptake of leucine and arginine as well as the Na + -dependent uptake of alanine increased significantly in both SK-Hep and HepG2. Similarly, in leucine-deprived SK-Hep cells, leucine uptake increased twofold, but the change was attributable to an enhanced transporter capacity (Vmax; 0.2 mmol/L [control], 38,900 ± 700; 0.0 mmol/L, 75,900 ± 4,900 pmol/mg protein per minute; P Conclusions Adaptive increases in initial rate amino acid transport activities were elicited by glutamine and leucine deprivation in these two human hepatoma cell lines. Decreased extracellular amino acid levels encountered by tumors in vivo may elicit similar adaptive responses that contribute to the maintenance of cytoplasmic levels of amino acids essential for growth.
Size Discrimination on the Skin

Reasons are given for rejecting the two-point threshold as the standard measure of spatiotactile resolution. As alternative techniques, thresholds were obtained for disc-size and disc-annulus discriminations. Disc-annulus thresholds are comparable to two-point values, but disc-size thresholds are smaller by a factor of 10. Thus, at least part of the cutaneous system is better organized for localization and sizing of a stimulus than for detection of discontinuities in it.
Abstract 5128: Upregulation of epsin in breast cancer and critical role of epsin in promoting cancer growth and metastasis.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC We have previously demonstrated that deficiency of epsins, a family of endocytic clathrin adaptor proteins, decreases tumor growth by enhancing VEGF signaling in endothelial cells and causing dysfunctional tumor angiogenesis. However, the role of epsin in cancer cells is unclear. Our preliminary data indicate that epsins are upregulated in various human cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovary cancer, cervix cancer, bladder cancer, and esophagus cancer. Here, we determined the role of epsin in cancer cells in regulating breast cancer growth and metastasis. Increased epsin level was found in ER(+/-) and/or PR(+/-) human breast cancer cell lines including MDA-MB-231, BT-20, ZR751, MCF7 and T47D, and in mouse breast cancer cell lines, such as 168FARN and 4T1. The level of epsins was also considerably augmented in tumors derived from MMTV-PyMT spontaneous breast cancer mouse model at different progressive stages. We observed a correlative increase in epsin expression with cancer progression in MMTV-PyMT mice. We also generated stable epsin-deficient MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells. Epsin deficiency markedly inhibited cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Xenograft mouse models of epsin-deficient breast cancer cells revealed striking reduction in tumorigenesis and lung metastasis. Lung metastasis by tail-vein injection of epsin-deficient MDA-MB-231 cells was also decreased compared to controls. Mechanistically, we showed that epsin-deficiency induced morphological change from mesenchamal-like to epitheial-like in MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating a reversal of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to Mesenchymal-Epithelial-Transition (MET). Moreover, epsin-deficiency increased E-cadherin expression but decreased vimentin, and EMT inducing genes snail/slug expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. Epsin-deficiency also dramatically reduced cyclin D1 expression and Rb activation. Accordingly, elevated E-cadherin but attenuated vimentin, slug and cyclin D1 were observed in tumor tissues or lung tissues isolated from epsin-deficient MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 tumor models. Conversely, overexpression of epsin in MDA-MB-231 cells enhanced cyclin D1 and vimentin expression. Collectively, epsin promotes breast tumor growth and metastasis through coordinated regulation of cell cycle and EMT. Our study provides a basis for novel therapeutic targets for anti-cancer treatments. Citation Format: Xiaofeng Cai, Satish Pasula, Baojun Chang, Scott Hahn, John McManus, Hong Chen. Upregulation of epsin in breast cancer and critical role of epsin in promoting cancer growth and metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5128. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5128
Effects of enhancing beef longissimus with phosphate plus salt, or calcium lactate plus non-phosphate water binders plus rosemary extract.

Beef strip loins (n=36) were enhanced with a sodium phosphate plus salt solution (PS); or with a calcium lactate solution (Ca) plus 1% or 2% beef broth (Br) plus natural flavoring (N) containing rosemary extract; or with 1% or 2% kappa carrageenan (Cr) plus N to determine effects of ingredients on color life, water-binding ability, and palatability traits. Enhancement with PS resulted in higher pH, higher pumped yields, greater water-binding ability, and higher tenderness and juiciness scores than enhancement with Ca (all p<0.05). Enhancement with Ca resulted in less color deterioration, less metmyoglobin discoloration, higher L∗, a∗, and b∗ values, higher beef flavor intensity scores and lower off-flavor scores than enhancement with PS (all p<0.05). Warner–Bratzler shear values did not differ among treatments. Steaks enhanced with Br had less color deterioration, less metmyoglobin discoloration, and higher L∗ values than those enhanced with Cr (all p<0.05). Pumped yields were not different between loins enhanced with Br or Cr. The N flavoring containing rosemary extract decreased (p<0.05) discoloration. Enhancing beef longissimus with PS increased water-binding capacity and sensory tenderness traits, but reduced color stability and increased off-flavors, whereas Ca preserved color stability and enhanced flavor at the expense of pumped yields. The use of Br or Cr had no influence on tenderness or palatability traits.
Phosphodiesteratic breakdown of endogenous polyphosphoinositides in nerve ending membranes

Abstract When a membrane preparation, obtained by freezing and thawing nerve endings labeled by preincubation with 32Pi, is incubated in the presence of millimolar Ca2+, there is a rapid and selective loss of label from the polyphosphoinositides and a concomitant increase in labeled inositol di- and triphosphates recovered. When the membranes are not prelabeled and are exposed to [γ-32P]ATP under similar conditions, phosphatidate labeling is enhanced, indicating increased availability of diacylglycerol. These observations provide evidence for the presence of membrane-bound, Ca2+-stimulated phosphodiesterase activity (phospholipase C) acting on endogenous polyphosphoinositides. The implications of these findings are discussed in respect to the “phosphatidylinositol” cycle.
The Forgotten Ones: Challenges and Needs of Children Living with Disabling Parental Chronic Pain

A qualitative study explored the challenges and needs of children living with parental chronic pain. Young adult children (n=30) of parents with chronic pain were interviewed. Parents (n=20) with chronic pain participated in four focus groups. Content analysis yielded five categories of child challenges: (a) understanding the big picture; (b) enduring hardships; (c) grieving losses; (d) communicating with parent, and; (e) isolating self from peers. Three categories of child needs emerged: (a) knowledge; (b) skills, and; (c) supervised interaction. Understanding these challenges and needs is a vital step in the process of developing evidence-based interventions for this at-risk group.
Initial Response of a Rock Penetrator

An analysis based on elastic rod theory is given for the early-time axisymmetric response of pointed penetrators. Results of measurements by laser interferometry of the back surface particle velocity of laboratory scale penetrators impacted by sandstone targets are presented. Values of the initial pressure on the penetrator tip are determined which give good agreement between the analytical and experimental results. These initial tip pressures are found to be approximated by the stress-particle velocity Hugoniot for the target material.
Acute encephalomyelopathy complicating hypothyroidism in a child

if the screening-is pe r fo rmed dur ing the first week of life. However, fu r ther studies are necessary to confirm that breas t feeding does not interfere with T4 screening dur ing this period. In areas where screening for congeni ta l hypothyro id i sm is not done routinely, however , the results of thyroid studies after the first week of life should be in terpre ted with caut ion in breast-fed infants. Screening thyroid studies in such babies af ter the first week of life p robab ly should include measu remen t s of bo th T, and TSH concentrat ions.
Properties of the growing point region in the bacterial chromosome.

Abstract 1. A complex containing the newly replicated fragments of the bacterial chromosome in Escherichia coli strain TAU-bar can be separated from the bulk of the DNA fragments by zone sedimentation in sucrose gradients. 2. Pronase-treated lysozyme lysates of the bacteria are layered on a 5–20 % linear sucrose gradient over a 62 % sucrose shelf. After centrifugation for 1–5 h at 25 000 rev./min, the bulk of the DNA is still found in the upper half of the gradient, but the shelf contains DNA which is markedly enriched for the newly replicated (i.e., radioactively pulse-labeled) material; most of the cellular debris but very little DNA sediments through the shelf to the bottom of the tube. 3. Treatment with deoxycholate releases the pulse-labeled DNA from the complex and it then sediments with or somewhat more slowly than the bulk of the DNA. It is suggested that the growing point of the chromosome is bound to a lipid membrane complex in E. coli. 4. Partially replicated DNA fragments obtained from the sucrose shelf can be further characterized by subsequent equilibrium sedimentation in CsCl gradients. Such DNA fragments, if density-labeled with 5-bromouracil, form a band intermediate in buoyant density between that of normal and hybrid 5-bromouracil-containing DNA, as consistent with the interpretation that these fragments are Y-shaped partially replicated DNA units from the growing point region of the chromosome.
Governance, integrity, and the police organization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to respond to previous scholarship by providing a framework for a post‐modern policing organization that maximizes the police/community relationship while still controlling discretion.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a model of police administration by expanding upon previous work through a discussion on police bureaucracy, organizational governance, and police effectiveness.Findings – Police organizations have the ability to transform themselves into institutions deemed as legitimate legal authorities providing effective service to their recipients through: limiting the arbitrary exercise of power; establishing institutional arrangements for successful social problem solving; and cultivating the appropriate character for those who carry out the institutional responsibilities. Through this process, the police organization can find the right balance between a theory of governance and modern policing.Practical implications – The community policing phil...
Somatostatin and Neuropeptide-Y Differentially Inhibit Insulin Secretion

Glucose homeostasis is a tightly regulated process coordinated by insulin and glucagon secretion. In β-cells, G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activation facilitates the optimization of insulin secretion. Somatostatin (SST) and Neuropeptide-Y (NPY) inhibit insulin secretion through Gi activation; this inhibitory effect is mediated by the SSTR2/5 and Y1 receptors, respectively. Here, we questioned the mechanism by which SST and NPY attenuate insulin secretion. Two-photon excitation microscopy was utilized to measure the combined autofluorescence of NADH and NADPH (NAD(P)H, a cellular redox state indicator) upon SST or NPY application. Treatment with SST or NPY induces a supplementary increase in NAD(P)H autofluorescence at glucose levels ranging from 5-23 mM compared to untreated control, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of SST and NPY is not mediated through metabolic inhibition. We then tested the effect of these GPCR ligands on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). At glucose concentrations above ∼7 mM, pancreatic islets display synchronous oscillations in [Ca2+]i, resulting in the pulsatile release of insulin. SST treatment decreases the [Ca2+]i oscillation frequency, while NPY has no effect; the oscillation amplitude is not altered in the presence of either ligand. Insulin secretion assays were performed at low (2.8 mM) and high (16.7 mM) glucose levels to determine the effect of SST and NPY on the Gi pathway. At both glucose concentrations, mSIRK, a Gβγ-activating peptide, significantly potentiates insulin secretion; treatment with mSIRK(L9A), which serves as a negative control for mSIRK, does not affect secretion. However, combination treatment with SST and mSIRK inhibits insulin secretion at high glucose compared to mSIRK alone. Insulin secretion is not altered with NPY and mSIRK treatment compared to mSIRK only. These data suggest that SST attenuates insulin secretion through inhibition of Gβγ acting on voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and/or phospholipase-C, while NPY inhibits insulin secretion through Gα.
Evaluation of rotational kernel transformation technique for enhancement of coronary optical coherence tomography images

During the last few years, OCT has demonstrated considerable promise as a method of high-resolution intravascular imaging. The goal of this study was to apply and to test the applicability of the rotating kernel transformation (RKT) technique to the speckle reduction and enhancement of OCT images. The technique is locally adaptive. It is based on sequential application of directional masks and selection of the maximum of all outputs. This method enhances the image features by emphasizing thin edges while suppressing a noisy background. Qualitatively, the RKT algorithm provides noticeable improvement over the original image. All processed images are smoother and have better-defined borders of media, intima, and plaque. The quantitative evaluation of RKT performance showed that in terms of average contrast-to-noise ratio, there is a significant improvement in image quality between original and enhanced images. The RKT image enhancement technique shows great promise in improving OCT images for superior boundary identification.
Factors associated with duloxetine treatment among patients with major depressive disorder in Veterans Health Administration: a retrospective study.

AbstractObjective:To examine the predictors of duloxetine monotherapy versus other antidepressants among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).Methods:Patients initiating duloxetine or other antidepressants between October 1, 2005 and October 1, 2007 were extracted from the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)16 data warehouse. All patients included had at least one MDD diagnosis prior to the initiation of duloxetine or other antidepressants. Patients with prior diabetes, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder diagnosis were excluded. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of duloxetine initiation versus other antidepressants.Results:Among 448 duloxetine and 11,629 non-duloxetine patients identified, more duloxetine-treated patients had pre-index opioid use (62.72% vs. 22.03%), substance abuse (36.38% vs. 27.72%), or reported pain (60.94% vs. 46.29%) than non-duloxetine treated patients (all p-values <0.001). Prior users of long-acting (od...
Highly Stabilized Power Supply for Spectrometer

The two 4000A, 150V power supplies for the spectrometer magnet of the Bates Linac have a current regulation and stability of better than .001% for an 8-hour period. Current sensing is accomplished by a 5-volt precision shunt. The output is programmed by a stable dc voltage reference with a 6-digit keyboard. The rate of current increase or decrease for controlling magnet excitation is adjustable up to a rate of 4000A per minute. Power dissipation in the 300 pass transistors of each supply is limited by automatically controlling the emitter to collector voltage with the use of a variable voltage transformer. To avoid possible conducted or radiated interference with experimental signals, no silicon-controlled rectifiers are used. The major portion of this article is devoted to an analysis of the stability.
Towards stable evolutions of excised black hole spacetimes via the ADM equations: A spherically symmetric test

Within the numerical relativity community, much effort has been devoted to simulate the coalescence of black hole binaries. A key problem in attempting such a simulation is the handling of the singularity present in each hole. A very promising approach to address this issue is the excision of the singularities from the computational domain. However, to date there have been only a few restricted examples in the literature showing that this approach yields long-term stable simulations in 3+1 formulations. It has been argued that the form of the Einstein field equations normally used, namely, the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) equations, when applied to black hole excision, could be the cause of instabilities. By means of perturbative and numerical studies in spherical symmetry [one-dimensional (1D)], we show that successful numerical solutions of excised, single black hole spacetimes can be constructed with the ADM formulation of Einstein equations if the appropriate choice of gauge or coordinate conditions is made. Preliminary 3D results are consistent with the 1D studies.
Genome-wide analysis of signaling domain function

Abstract Approximately 2.5% of human gene products contain one or more small domains that drive interactions between proteins and other cellular components in cell signaling processes. The many interactions driven by these relatively simple domains are thought to cooperate with one another to yield complex signaling networks that allow very fine control of cell function. In principle, if we can understand all domain-mediated interactions it should be possible to model these networks. Genome-wide analysis of signaling domain interactions represents a first step in this direction, and several advances of this sort in yeast have been reported over the past year. These reports suggest, for some domains at least, that the prospect of generating ‘wiring diagrams’ with this simple approach is feasible.
Conformal mappings from annuli to canonical doubly connected Bell representations

Abstract This paper derives formulae, expressed in terms of Schottky–Klein prime functions, for the conformal mapping between concentric annuli and Bell representations which are canonical doubly connected planar domains. New formulae relating the conformal moduli associated with the two respective canonical domains are derived and complement recent results by Jeong, Oh and Taniguchi [M. Jeong, J.-W. Oh, M. Taniguchi, Equivalence problem for annuli and Bell representations in the plane, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 325 (2007) 1295–1305].
Functionally active virus-specific T-cells that target CMV, adenovirus and EBV can be expanded from naive T-cell populations in cord blood and will target a range of viral epitopes

The naive phenotype of cord blood (CB) T cells may reduce graft-versus-host disease after umbilical cord blood transplantation, but this naivety and their low absolute numbers also delays immune reconstitution, producing higher infection-related mortality that is predominantly related to CMV, adenovirus (Adv), and EBV. Adoptive immunotherapy with peripheral blood-derived virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) can effectively prevent viral disease after conventional stem cell transplantation, and we now describe the generation of single cultures of CTLs from CB that are specific for multiple viruses. Using EBV-infected B cells transduced with a clinical-grade Ad5f35CMVpp65 adenoviral vector as sources of EBV, Adv, and CMV antigens, we expanded virus-specific T cells even from CB T cells with a naive phenotype. After expansion, each CTL culture contained both CD8 + and CD4 + T-cell subsets, predominantly of effector memory phenotype. Each CTL culture also had HLA-restricted virus-specific cytotoxic effector function against EBV, CMV, and Adv targets. The CB CTLs recognized multiple viral epitopes, including CD4-restricted Adv-hexon epitopes and immunosubdominant CD4- and CD8-restricted CMVpp65 epitopes. Notwithstanding their naive phenotype, it is therefore possible to generate trivirus-specific CTLs in a single culture of CB, which may be of value to prevent or treat viral disease in CB transplant recipients. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00078533.
Role of postoperative computed tomography in patients with severe liver injury

Background: The role of postoperative computed tomography (CT) in asymptomatic patients with severe liver injury has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nature and incidence of significant liver-related abnormalities detected by postoperative CT in asymptomatic patients with severe liver injury. Methods: This was a prospective study of survivors with severe liver injury (grades III–V) who were treated surgically. The patients underwent CT to evaluate the liver after operation, irrespective of symptoms. Results: During the study interval there were 181 patients with severe liver injury, of whom 49 fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. The overall incidence of liver-related complications detected by CT was 49 per cent (necrotic areas in the liver in seven patients, seven bilomas, four abscesses, three perihepatic collections and three false aneurysms). In the subgroup of 17 asymptomatic patients CT revealed four abnormalities: two large bilomas, one false aneurysm and one fluid collection. Two of these patients required therapeutic intervention and the other two remained under observation. Conclusion: In view of the incidence of asymptomatic significant liver abnormalities following operative management of severe liver injury, it is recommended that these patients undergo routine postoperative CT. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.