cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Receipt of cancer treatment summaries and follow-up instructions among adult cancer survivors: results from a national survey

The purpose of this study is to examine reporting of treatment summaries and follow-up instructions among cancer survivors. Using the 2010 National Health Interview Survey, we created logistic regression models among cancer survivors not in treatment (n = 1,345) to determine characteristics associated with reporting treatment summaries and written follow-up instructions, adjusting for sociodemographic, access, and cancer-related factors. Findings are presented for all survivors and those recently diagnosed (≤4 years). We also examined unadjusted associations between written instructions and subsequent surveillance and screening. Among those recently diagnosed, 38 % reported receiving treatment summaries and 58 % reported written instructions. Among all survivors, approximately one third reported summaries and 44 % reported written instructions. After adjustment, lower reporting of summaries was associated with cancer site, race, and number of treatment modalities among those recently diagnosed, and white vs. black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, breast vs. colorectal cancer, >10 vs. ≤5 years since diagnosis, no clinical trials participation, and better than fair health among all survivors. For instructions, lower reporting was associated with no trials participation and lower income among those recently diagnosed, and increasing age, white vs. black race, lower income, >10 vs. ≤5 years since diagnosis, 1 vs. ≥2 treatment modalities, no trials participation, and at least good vs. fair/poor health among all survivors. Written instructions were associated with reporting provider recommendations for breast and cervical cancer surveillance, and recent screening mammograms. Many recently diagnosed cancer survivors did not report receiving treatment summaries and written follow-up instructions. Opportunities exist to examine associations between use of these documents and recommended care and outcomes, and to facilitate their adoption. Cancer survivors who have completed therapy should ask their providers for treatment summaries and written follow-up instructions, and discuss with them how their cancer and therapy impact their future health care.
Orientation of slit pupil and visual streak in the eye of the cat

The orientation of the visual streak of the cat's retina was compared to that of the long axis of the slit pupil in the same eye. In five paralyzed, anesthetized cats, the retinal projection to the superior colliculus was mapped with electrophysiological techniques. The orientation of the visual streak was estimated from the projection in visual space of the collicular region of high magnification which corresponds to the central projection of the streak. The angle by which the streak was tilted from absolute horizontal was always within one or two degree of the angle by which the pupil axis was tilted from absolute vertical. This relationship was confirmed in three of the animals in which small retinal lesions were placed a known distance from the histologically determined axis of the streak. From the visual coordinates of these lesions, an independent estimate of the streak's orientation was obtained. In each case, the tilt of streak axis from horizontal differed by no more than 0.5 degrees from the tilt of the pupil axis from vertical. The results support the hypothesis that planes containing the long axis of the cat's slit pupil are perpendicular to planes containing the long axis of the visual streak of the same eye.
Expression and microvillar localization of scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) and selective cholesteryl ester uptake in Leydig cells from rat testis

This study investigates the relationship between the high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor (scavenger receptors, SR-BI and SR-BII), selective lipoprotein-cholesteryl ester uptake, and testosterone production in Leydig cells of control, hypocholesterolemic and gonadotrophic hormone (hCG) treated rats. Leydig cells from mature control rats show poor efficiency in incorporation of labeled HDL-cholesteryl esters into testosterone, poor selective uptake of lipoprotein lipids overall, and a dramatic reduction of circulating levels of lipoproteins has no apparent effect on testosterone production or expression of intracellular enzymes synthesizing cholesterol. Leydig cells from control rats show minimal levels of SR-BI and SR-BII. However, similarly aged rats treated with hCG for several days undergo changes consistent with hormone-desensitization. Despite the resulting low levels of testosterone production, SR-BI levels are dramatically increased, Leydig cells now efficiently internalize HDL-supplied cholesteryl esters by the selective cholesterol uptake process, and various other cholesterol-sensitive genes of the cells are up-regulated. Only SR-BII expression remains negligible and unchanged throughout this period. It is of interest that Leydig cell SR-BI of hCG-treated rats is localized in surface microvilli, but is present also in an elaborate and complex channel system within the cytoplasm of the cells. In summary, Leydig cells differ from other rat steroidogenic cells in not depending on exogenous lipoprotein-cholesterol during periods of normal steroid hormone production. However, trophic hormone desensitization is accompanied by increased Leydig cell SR-BI expression and increased selective HDL-cholesteryl ester uptake, presumably in preparation for renewed testosterone production.
Principle of dynamic decompression and cooling for materials processing

When a melt seeded with droplets of a volatile liquid is rapidly decompressed, the droplets explosively vaporize, taking their latent heat of vaporization from the melt and, therefore, homogeneously cooling and expanding it. The possibility of using this dynamic decompression and cooling (DDC) technique for producing an amorphous metallic foam is theoretically investigated. To test the premises of this theoretical model, preliminary experiments with an organic melt ({ital p}-terphenyl) seeded with water drops were performed. Results of these experiments demonstrate the potential of this novel approach to materials processing. {copyright} {ital 1996 Materials Research Society.}
Long-Term Use of Oral Beclomethasone Dipropionate for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Graft-versus-Host Disease

Abstract Treatment of severe acute and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with prolonged high-dose systemic corticosteroids has limited success and considerable toxicity. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is a potent topically active steroid. We treated 15 patients with acute (n = 2) or chronic (n = 13) GI GVHD refractory to systemic corticosteroids with 28-day courses of oral BDP (2 mg 4 times daily). Response was measured by the change in GI score (sum of 6 GI symptoms) as well as the ability to taper or discontinue systemic corticosteroids. Nine (60%) of 15 evaluable patients responded to BDP, including 3 complete responses (a GI score of 0 or 1 and discontinuation of systemic corticosteroids). Attempts to taper calcineurin inhibitor during BDP therapy were unsuccessful. The 2 patients with acute GVHD had no response to BDP. Responders received a median of 3 cycles (range, 1–20), compared with 1 cycle (range, 1–5) in nonresponders. Suppression of the hypothalamic-adrenal axis was seen in 2 of the 5 patients tested, but neither demonstrated clinically significant symptoms. We conclude that BDP is safe and effective for long-term treatment of chronic GI GVHD. Multiple courses may be necessary to achieve or maintain response in some patients, and prolonged BDP therapy is a feasible alternative to prolonged systemic corticosteroids.
The use of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Fanconi anaemia patients: a survey of decision making among families in the US and Canada

Background Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder associated with bone marrow failure (BMF), congenital anomalies and cancer susceptibility. Stem cell transplantation (SCT) offers a potential cure for BMF or leukaemia, but incurs substantial risks. Little is known about factors influencing SCT decision making.
Using an ethologically-inspired model to learn apparent temporal causality for planning in synthetic creatures

Inspired by recent work in ethology and animal training, we integrate representations for time and rate into a behavior-based architecture for autonomous virtual creatures. The resulting computational model of affect and action selection allows creatures to discover and refine their understanding of apparent temporal causality relationships which may or may not involve self-action. The fundamental action selection choice that a creature must make in order to satisfy its internal needs is whether to explore, react or exploit. In this architecture, that choice is informed by an understanding of apparent temporal causality, the representation for which is integrated into the representation for action. The ability to accommodate changing ideas about causality allows the creature to exist in and adapt to a dynamic world. Not only is such a model suitable for computational systems, but its derivation from biological models suggests that it may also be useful for gaining a new perspective on learning in biological systems. The implementation of a complete character built using this architecture is able to reproduce a variety of conditioning phenomena, as well as learn in real-time using a training technique used with live animals.
Communication-system blackout during reentry of large vehicles

Much of the theoretical research on reentry blackout is in a format difficult for the communications design engineer to use in his system analysis. This paper derives simplified equations for the average sheath power loss that may be added (in dB) to the usual space loss to obtain an approximate total propagation loss. The plasma and sheath properties are discussed in detail but largely without supporting mathematics, in order to give the design engineer a better understanding of the overall problem. For the same reason and to provide insight into the final results, the average radiated power is found, using both intuitive and rigorous techniques. Several graphs of plasma properties are included in the development as an aid to numerical computations, and results are compared with the work of other authors.
Discussion of Equity Price Pressure from the 1998 Reduction in the Capital Gains Holding Period

INTRODUCTION In ‘‘Equity Price Pressure from the 1998 Reduction in the Capital Gains Holding Period’’ the authors (Blouin et al. 2002) (hereafter BRS) investigate a simple and straightforward research question: Can selling pressure in response to an unexpected tax law change result in negative abnormal stock returns? The unexpected tax law change being investigated is the 1998 reduction (from 18 months to 12 months) in the holding period required for long-term capital gains. According to BRS, this change, which was announced after markets closed on June 23, 1998, was a surprise to investors. BRS hypothesize that this unexpected reduction in the required holding period will affect trading on June 24, 1998. Their empirical tests are designed to detect abnormal stock returns for a sample of shares that began their initial trading more than 12 but less than 18 months prior to June 24, 1998. BRS state that they find ‘‘mean, incremental, one-day share price declines of approximately 1.3 percent’’ on June 24, 1998 for the sample firms affected by the tax law change. In assessing BRS’s claims with respect to this finding, consider two questions. First, does it seem plausible that rational investors would behave in the manner suggested by BRS? Second, are the data consistent with the BRS hypothesis? Here is how I envision the event that BRS are investigating. Assume an investor owns appreciated shares held for 12 months. The investor would like to sell the shares (perhaps to rebalance her portfolio—the reason is not important), but does not want to sell until the gain is a long-term capital gain. The investor expects to hold the shares another six months to meet the 18-month holding period requirement. Now assume that the investor reads in the newspaper (on June 24, 1998) that a tax committee of Congress adopted a tax bill that contains (along with several other provisions) a rule that retroactively changes the holding period requirement for long-term capital gains from 18 to 12 months. The investor no longer has to wait an additional six months to sell the appreciated shares, so she calls her broker the same day she reads about the tax law change, and she tells her broker to sell the appreciated shares immediately. The investor does this despite the fact that there is absolutely no reason to hurry and sell the shares. She could sell them tomorrow—she could sell them next week—it does not matter. The investor has carefully held the shares for 12 months to achieve long-term capital gains tax treatment,
A Rare Case of “Runaway” Pacemaker in a Modern CPU‐Controlled Pacemaker

"Runaway" pacemaker is a rare entity that occurs when a malfunctioning artificial cardiac pacemaker abruptly accelerates its pacing rate above the set upper rate limit. This can result in life-threatening dysrhythmia. Runaway pacemaker used to occur more frequently in older model pacemakers, but now with newer pacemaker generators, runaway pacemaker is a rare entity. We report the case of a runaway pacemaker in a modern CPU-con trolled pacemaker in a 79-year-old man presenting with lightheadedness and review the literature regarding this rare entity.
Study of surgical resident working hours and time utilization

Recently, changes have been suggested in resident working hours and conditions. Few objective data exist, however, as to how many hours surgical residents work or how they utilize their time. Surgical residents on four every-third-night general surgery services (two services in the University Hospital and two in the Veterans Hospital) kept a log of their activities divided into 15-min intervals 24 hr a day for 4 weeks. Activity for each 15-min interval was entered into one of nine predesignated categories. Residents spent an average of 95.8 hr per week in the hospital, working 85.8 hr and sleeping 10 hr. Overall, residents slept an average of 5.9 hr per night, 4.2 hr on on-call nights and 6.2 hr on off-call nights. Operating and direct patient care activities consumed 8.7 hr per day (10.25 hr Monday to Friday). Patient care activities which residents believed could be performed by nonphysicians accounted for 1.5 hr per day. An average of 1.8 hr per day was spent in conferences or independent study. This survey provided objective data regarding working hours and time utilization for our residency. Both residents and faculty found that time spent in various activities differed from preconceived notions. We suggest that program directors may find a formal survey of this type useful in assessing the structure of their own residency and in providing objective data to compare to or determine compliance with externally generated guidelines.
Weight Change, Weight Change Intention, and the Incidence of Mobility Limitation in Well-Functioning Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background. Obesity increases tihe risk for functional decline in later years, but the Functional consequences of weight change in older adults are currently unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether weight,weight change. and weight change intention are associated with risk for mobility limitation in elderly persons. Methods. 'I his study included 2932 well-functioning black and white men and women aged 70 to 79 years, participating in the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study, who were followed for 30 months. At baseline, reported weight change of 5 or more pounds during the previous year and weight change intention were assessed. Mobility limitation \\ as defined as reported difficulty or inability to walk one quarter mile or to climb 10 steps during two consecutive semiannual assessinents during a period of 30 months. Results. Approximately 30% of participants developed mobility limitation. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with inereased risk for mobility limitation. I intentional weight loss in the previous year was associated with increased risk for mobility limitation in the extremelv obese, which was defined as BMI ≥ 35 (hzard ratios ‖HR‖. 3.75: 95% confidenee interval ‖CI‖. 1.84-7.79), and the normal BMI. which was delined as BMI < 25 (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.80-3.60). In persons with BMI 25 to 29.9, intentional weight loss (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12-2.25) and weigh tfluctuation with any intention (HR, 1.59; 95% CI. 1.10-2.28) inereased the risk for mobility limitation. Unintentional weight gain or fluctuation did not confer additional risk for mobility limitation compared with weight stability, regardless of the level of body weight. Conclusion. In this cohort of well-Ifunctioning elderly persons. functional consequences of past weight change depended on the type of weight ehange. intentionality, and current measured body weight.
Procedural Justice in Negotiation: Procedural Fairness, Outcome Acceptance, and Integrative Potential

Two correlational studies test the hypothesis that procedural justice, or fairness of process, plays a role in acceptance of agreements reached through bilateral negotiation. Both studies test the relationship between the fairness of the process used to resolve a dispute, objective monetary outcomes, subjective assessments of outcome favorability, and subjective assessments of outcome fairness. Additionally, the second study tests the hypothesis that negotiations characterized by greater procedural justice result in more potential for integrative bargaining. The results suggest that procedural justice encourages the acceptance of negotiated agreements, as well as leading to the opportunity for increased integrative bargaining.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and peripheral artery disease

There is substantial evidence that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (FAs) play an important role in prevention of atherosclerosis. In vitro and in vivo studies focusing on the interactions between monocytes and endothelial cells have explored the molecular effects of FAs on these interactions. Epidemiological surveys, followed by large, randomized, control trials have demonstrated a reduction in major cardiovascular events with supplementation of n-3 FAs in secondary prevention settings. The evidence of beneficial effects specific to patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains elusive, and is the focus of this review.
Security scales: spectacular and endemic violence in post-invasion Kabul, Afghanistan

This article juxtaposes two distinct violent dynamics in a highly securitized urban space: one covered by global media in every detail, yet of marginal importance to the vast majority of city dwell...
Iodine-induced hypothyroidism in full-term infants with congenital heart disease: more common than currently appreciated?

Context: Iodine is a micronutrient essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. Thyroid hormone is critical for normal neurocognitive development in young infants, and even transient hypothyroidism can cause adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Both iodine deficiency and excess can cause hypothyroidism. Although iodine-induced hypothyroidism is well recognized in premature infants, full-term neonates have received less attention. Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are commonly exposed to excess iodine from administration of iodinated contrast agents during cardiac catheterization as well as topical application of iodine-containing antiseptics and dressings; hence, this is a vulnerable population. Objective: We report three cases of iodine-induced hypothyroidism in full-term neonates with CHD after cardiac angiography and topical application of iodine-containing antiseptics and dressings in the operative setting. Results: Three neonates with CHD and normal thyroid function at birth developed hypothyro...
Tissue Culture-Based Rabies Vaccines: Vaccine Production Technology Transfer

Overcoming stagnation in rabies prevention programs in the developing world requires national strategies that include plans to adopt existing facilities for production of low-cost efficacious tissue culture-based vaccine. Transfer of tissue culture technology for the production of rabies vaccine has been supported by the World Health Organization and The Rockefeller Foundation, and in the fall of 1986 the location of the optimal site for the initial technology transfer program was agreed upon. Funds were provided to assemble training staff and to purchase the supplies and equipment to furnish a production facility at the Veterinary Products Company of Colombia (VECOL) located in Bogota, Colombia.
Bad Advice: Explaining the Persistence of Whole Life Insurance

We conduct a series of field experiments to evaluate two competing views of the role of financial intermediaries in providing product recommendations to potentially uninformed consumers. The first argues that financial intermediaries may provide valuable product education, helping consumers decide which of many complicated products is right for them. Even if commissions influence intermediary recommendations, consumers are sufficiently sophisticated to discount advice. The second, more sinister, view, argues that intermediaries recommend and sell products that maximize the agents well-being, with little regard to the need of the customer. Audit studies in the Indian insurance market find evidence consistent with the second view: agents recommend a product that provides them high commissions, though it is strictly dominated by alternative products. Consumers demonstrating lower levels of sophistication are more likely to be offered the wrong product. Finally, we exploit a natural experiment that occurred during out audits to test how disclosure requirements affect product recommendations. We find that requiring disclosure of commission levels makes agents less likely to recommend the product for which disclosure is required.
Predicting donations using a forecasting-simulation model

This paper presents a methodology to estimate donations for non-profit hunger relief organizations. These organizations are committed to alleviating hunger around the world and depend mainly on the benevolence of donors to achieve their goals. However, the quantity and frequency of donations they receive varies considerably over time which presents a challenge in their fight to end hunger. We develop a simulation model to determine the expected quantity of food donations received per month in a multi-warehouse distribution network. The simulation model is based on a state-space model for exponential smoothing. A numerical study is performed using data from a non-profit hunger relief organization. The results show that good estimation accuracies can be achieved with this approach. Furthermore, non-profit hunger relief organizations can use the approach discussed in this paper to predict donations for proactive planning.
Systems biology approach to developing "systems therapeutics".

The standard drug development model uses reductionist approaches to discover small molecules targeting one pathway. Although systems biology analyzes multiple pathways, the approach is often used to develop a small molecule interacting at only one pathway in the system. Similar to that in physics where a departure from the old reductionist “Copenhagen View” of quantum physics to a new and predictive systems based, collective model has emerged yielding new breakthroughs such as the LASER, a new model is emerging in biology where systems biology is used to develop a new technology acting at multiple pathways called “systems therapeutics.”
Clinical significance of osmotic matrix errors in automated hematology: the frequency of hyperglycemic osmotic matrix errors producing spurious macrocytosis.

Sporadic examples of spurious macrocytosis due to hyperglycemic osmotic matrix effects have been reported. The present study defines the degree of macrocytosis expected under hyperglycemic normonatremic conditions using a Coulter S+II Isoton+ System and its frequency in a large inpatient and outpatient population. No examples of spurious macrocytosis due to hyperglycemia were encountered in a sample comprising 28,471 complete blood counts, of which 564 had macrocytosis.
Anisotropic model building by integrating welltie and checkshot for Garden Banks of GoM

Summary In order to improve depth positioning and structural accuracy, we b uild an anisotropic velocity model for imaging Northeastern (NE) Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). We assume vertical transverse isotropy (VTI) and derive Thomsen’s δ by comparing seismic and well data. Both welltie and checkshot data indicate a twolayer δ trend in NE Garden Banks: low δ shallow and high δ deeper. The interface between the two δ zones corresponds to a distinct seismic reflector – the base of a mass transport complex which is also a local maximum in the velocity. Using this two-layer δ model and a scanned Thomsen’s e model, we carry out anisotropic (VTI) imaging. The VTI imaging reduces misties by more than 80% compared to the original isotropic imaging.
Behavioral and brain catecholamine depleting actions of U-14,624, an inhibitor of dopamine beta-hydroxylase.

SummaryIntraperitoneal administration of U-14,624 to mice caused a dose-dependent increase in the brain content of dopamine and a decrease in the brain content of norepinephrine; the latter effect was temporally related to the depression of spontaneous locomotor activity. When administered by the oral route, U-14,624 depleted brain norepinephrine but was somewhat less effective in depressing motor activity and when added to the diet for 24 hr, it effectively lowered the brain norepinephrine content without altering motor activity. Thus, selective depletion of brain norepinephrine does not in itself decrease spontaneous locomotor activity.U-14,624 was kindly supplied by Dr. G. A. Johnson, The Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Dead Law: The Federal Election Finance Regulations, 1974–1996

The campaign finance system in America ... in 1996... went from the political equivalent of a lowgrade fever to Code Blue-from a chronic problem needing attention sooner or later to a crisis, with a system clearly out of control. Norman J. Ornstein, et al. (1997) In the aftermath of the 1996 election campaigns, scholars, journalists, policymakers, and campaign finance professionals alike declared the House election financing system "broken" and "out of control." That
Synthesis and Melt Processing of Sustainable Poly(ε-decalactone)-block-Poly(lactide) Multiblock Thermoplastic Elastomers

A one-pot, one-catalyst, sequential ring-opening transesterification polymerization (ROTEP) was used to prepare fully renewable amorphous poly(d,l-lactide)–poly(e-decalactone)–poly(d,l-lactide) (LDL) triblock polymers. These α,ω hydroxy-telechelic polymers were subsequently coupled to prepare linear alternating (LDL)n multiblock polymers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) indicated microphase separation into two domains in both the triblock and multiblock architectures. The temperature dependent Flory–Huggins interaction parameter for this system, χ(T) = 69.1/T – 0.072, was estimated from the experimentally determined order–disorder transition temperature (TODT) values of four symmetric LDL triblock polymers. Uniaxial extension tests revealed a dramatic dependence of the room-temperature mechanical properties on overall molar mass. Additionally, coupling low molar mass LDL triblocks to prepare (LDL)n multiblocks led to substantial increases in the ultimate elo...
Self-Propelled Carbohydrate-Sensitive Microtransporters with Built-In Boronic Acid Recognition for Isolating Sugars and Cells

A new nanomotor-based target isolation strategy, based on a “built-in” recognition capability, is presented. The concept relies on a poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid) (PAPBA)/Ni/Pt microtube engine coupling the selective monosaccharide recognition of the boronic acid-based outer polymeric layer with the catalytic function of the inner platinum layer. The PAPBA-based microrocket is prepared by membrane-templated electropolymerization of 3-aminophenylboronic acid monomer. The resulting boronic acid-based microengine itself provides the target recognition without the need for additional external functionalization. “On-the-fly” binding and transport of yeast cells (containing sugar residues on their wall) and glucose are illustrated. The use of the recognition polymeric layer does not hinder the efficient propulsion of the microengine in aqueous and physiological media. Release of the captured yeast cells is triggered via a competitive sugar binding involving addition of fructose. No such capture and transport ...
The Biology and Relationships of the Joppeicidae (Heteroptera)

Specimens of Joppeicus paradoxus Puton obtained from Egypt wore reared in the laboratory and fed various small insects. They do not prey upon one another except under starvation. The mating position is unlike that found in any other Heteroptera. Descriptions of the nymphs and of phyletic characters are given. The Joppeicidae do not appear to be closely related to the reduvioids but are related to the cimicoid families, especially the Tingidae.
Heterogeneity of presenting features and their relation to treatment outcome in 120 children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Presenting features of 120 consecutive children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), representing 15% of all patients diagnosed as having ALL during the study period, were analyzed to determine relationships with treatment outcome. Patients' ages ranged from 1.7 to 18.8 years (median, 10.3 years) and their leukocyte counts from 1.7 to 1,070 x 10(9)/L (median, 100 x 10(9)/L). Central nervous system (CNS) leukemia was present in 12.5% of the cases, a mediastinal mass in 61%, and L2 lymphoblast morphology in 32%. A relatively high proportion of cases, 26%, had normal karyotypes at presentation. Of the cases tested, membrane CD1 expression was found in 38% of cases, CD3 in 33%, CD4 in 50%, CD5 in 94%, CD8 in 55%, and CD10 in 35%. Four presenting features were found to confer an increased risk of treatment failure: age greater than or equal to 15 years, L2 lymphoblast morphology, abnormal karyotype, and membrane CD3 expression. This study illustrates the heterogeneity of presentations of childhood T-cell ALL and suggests that the relative importance of risk factors in ALL differs according to immunophenotype and treatment strategy.
Energy Waste and Nuclear Power Growth

More efficient use of energy would give the United States more than a decade to decide whether to commit itself to a plutonium economy
Direct adaptive stability & command augmentation of an air-breathing hypersonic vehicle

In this paper we explore a Direct Adaptive Control scheme for stabilizing a non-linear, physics based model of the longitudinal dynamics for an air breathing hypersonic vehicle. The model derived from first principles, captures the complex interactions between the propulsion system, aerodynamics, and structural dynamics. The linearized aircraft dynamics show both unstable and non-minimum phase characteristics. It also shows a strong short-period coupling with the fuselage bending mode. The value added by direct adaptive control scheme and the theoretical requirements for stable convergent operation is displayed. One of the main benefits of this control scheme is that it can be implemented knowing very little detail about the plant. The implementation uses only measured output feedback to accomplish the adaptation. A stability analysis is done on the linearized plant to understand the interaction of the adaptive controller with the propulsion system, aerodynamic and structural dynamics.
Establishment of Mouse Mammary Cell Lines

The intent of this chapter is to briefly present a successful protocol for establishing mouse mammary epithelial cell lines in a reproducible manner. The chapter describes the establishment and characterization of cell lines in vitro, the requirements for in vivo transplantability, and tissue and cell banking. Unique reagents are also described. This method is applicable to normal as well as transformed mammary cell populations and could readily be exploited to establish mammary cell lines from transgenic and knockout mice as well as conventional mice.
Contemporary Treatment of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a common and serious electrolyte abnormality. It can have multiple etiologies but occurs more frequently in the setting of decreased renal function. Although the symptoms of hyperkalemia can be nonspecific and the electrocardiogram can be nondiagnostic, studies show that hyperkalemia increases mortality in- and out-of-hospital settings. Yet advances in treatment have been lacking. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), the sole potassium binder that has been on the market for five decades, has only recently been shown to be effective in a randomized trial in an outpatient setting. Patiromer and ZS-9 are two new oral agents that show promise in treating hyperkalemia effectively. Compared to SPS, these two drugs have more robust data on efficacy and better side effect profiles. With the advent of new agents, the management of hyperkalemia in both acute and chronic settings has the potential to improve. These drugs will not only provide more options to patients but also decrease morbidity because of fewer side effects.
Capillary Electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescent Detection of Immunolabeled Individual Autophagy Organelles Isolated from Liver Tissue.

Macroautophagy is a cellular degradation process responsible for the clearance of excess intracellular cargo. Existing methods for bulk quantification of autophagy rely on organelle markers that bind to multiple autophagy organelle types, making it difficult to tease apart the subcellular mechanisms implicated in autophagy dysfunction in liver and other pathologies. To address this issue, methods based on individual organelle measurements are needed. Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescent detection (CE-LIF) was previously used to count and determine properties of individual autophagy organelles isolated from an LC3-GFP expressing cell line, but has never been used on autophagy organelles originating from a tissue sample. Here, we used DyLight488-labeled anti-LC3 antibodies to label endogenous LC3 present on organelles isolated from murine liver tissue prior to CE-LIF analysis. We evaluated the ability of this method to detect changes in a known model system of altered autophagy, as well ...
Test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of in vivo myelin content indices: Myelin water fraction and calibrated T1w/T2w image ratio

In an age-heterogeneous sample of healthy adults, we examined test-retest reliability (with and without participant repositioning) of two popular MRI methods of estimating myelin content: modeling the short spin-spin (T2 ) relaxation component of multi-echo imaging data and computing the ratio of T1 -weighted and T2 -weighted images (T1 w/T2 w). Taking the myelin water fraction (MWF) index of myelin content derived from the multi-component T2 relaxation data as a standard, we evaluate the concurrent and differential validity of T1 w/T2 w ratio images. The results revealed high reliability of MWF and T1 w/T2 w ratio. However, we found significant correlations of low to moderate magnitude between MWF and the T1 w/T2 w ratio in only two of six examined regions of the cerebral white matter. Notably, significant correlations of the same or greater magnitude were observed for T1 w/T2 w ratio and the intermediate T2 relaxation time constant, which is believed to reflect differences in the mobility of water between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. We conclude that although both methods are highly reliable and thus well-suited for longitudinal studies, T1 w/T2 w ratio has low criterion validity and may be not an optimal index of subcortical myelin content. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1780-1790, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Science, modernity, and the Muslim world: To improve scientific research in Muslim countries requires profound social and economic liberalization of their societies.

Whatever indicator one looks at, the status of science in most Muslim countries is bleak [1], [2]. Just as evident is the fact that this situation is not caused by an idiosyncratic relationship between science and Islam, or between science and Muslims, as rational science flourished under the Abbasid Caliphate during the 8th to 13th centuries and Muslim scientists fare well in academic institutions around the world [2]. Several analyses have tried to explain the state of scientific progress in Islamic societies, mostly focusing on traditional factors, such as inadequate funding, brain drain, or shortcomings of the educational system [2], [3], [4]. Others have taken a historical perspective by contrasting the evolution of science in the Muslim world with the path of Western science [4], [5], [6]. However, these analyses failed to account for the modest return on considerable investments in science that some rich Muslim countries have made during the past years [7], [8], or how countries such as Japan, South Korea, or China successfully implemented “Western science” without having gone through the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution. What is still missing in this debate are the unique dynamics of how the interplay between religion and politics during the 20th century created a hostile environment to the general values of modernity in Islamic societies. These dynamics, I argue, have more to do with the stagnation of science in Islamic societies than other factors, such as lack of funding and scientific capacity. The grave challenges facing much of the Muslim world nowadays raise doubts as to whether the question of science is even relevant or timely. I argue however, that the processes that delayed the …
Public opinion on human rights in Putin-era Russia: Continuities, changes, and sources of variation.

Major setbacks in the protection of human rights during the Putin regime have produced little public outcry, suggesting that there is scant support for human rights in Russian public opinion. Howev...
An asymmetric deuterium labeling strategy to identify interprotomer and intraprotomer NOEs in oligomeric proteins.

A major difficulty in determining the structure of an oligomeric protein by NMR is the problem of distinguishing inter- from intraprotomer NOEs. In order to address this issue in studies of the 27 kD compact trimeric domain of the MHC class II-associated invariant chain, we compared the 13C NOESY-HSQC spectrum of a uniformly 13C-labeled trimer with the spectrum of the same trimer labeled with 13C in only one protomer, and with deuterium in the other two protomers. The spectrum of the unmixed trimer included both inter- and intraprotomer NOEs while the spectrum of the mixed trimer included only intraprotomer peaks. NOEs clearly absent from the spectrum of the mixed trimer could be confidently assigned to interprotomer interactions. Asymmetrically labeled trimers were isolated by refolding a 13C-labeled shorter form of the protein with a 2H-labeled longer form, chromatographically purifying trimers with only one short chain, and then processing with trypsin to yield only protomers with the desired N- and C-termini. In contrast to earlier studies, in which statistical mixtures of differently labeled protomers were analyzed, our procedure generated only a well-defined 1:2 oligomer, and no other mixed oligomers were present. This increased the maximum possible concentration of NMR-active protomers and thus the sensitivity of the experiments. Related methods should be applicable to many oligomeric proteins, particularly those with slow protomer exchange rates.
Initiation of antihypertensive monotherapy and incident fractures among Medicare beneficiaries.

Research suggests antihypertensive medications are associated with fractures in older adults, however results are inconsistent and few have examined how the association varies over time. We sought to examine the association between antihypertensive class and incident non-vertebral fractures among older adults initiating monotherapy according to time since initiation. We used a new-user cohort design to identify Medicare beneficiaries (≥ 65 years of age) initiating antihypertensive monotherapy during 2008–2011 using a 20% random sample of Fee-For-Service Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in parts A (inpatient services), B (outpatient services), and D (prescription medication) coverage. Starting the day after the initial antihypertensive prescription, we followed beneficiaries for incident non-vertebral fractures. We used multinomial logistic regression models to estimate propensity scores for initiating each antihypertensive drug class. Using these propensity scores, we weighted beneficiaries to achieve the same baseline covariate distribution as beneficiaries initiating with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Lastly, we used weighted Cox proportional hazard models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of having an incident fractures according to antihypertensive class and time since initiation. During 2008–2011, 122,629 Medicare beneficiaries initiated antihypertensive monotherapy (mean age 75, 61% women, 86% White). Fracture rates varied according to days since initiation and antihypertensive class. Beneficiaries initiating with thiazides had the highest fracture rate in the first 14 days following initiation (438 per 10,000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI): 294–628; HR: 1.40, 0.78–2.52). However, beneficiaries initiating with calcium channel blockers had the highest fracture rate during the 15–365 days after initiation (435 per 10,000 person-years, 95% CI: 404–468; HR: 1.11, 1.00–1.24). Beneficiaries initiating with angiotensin-receptor blockers had the lowest fracture rates during the initial 14 days (333 per 10,000 person-years, 190–546, HR: 0.92, 0.49–1.75) and during 15–365 days after initiation (321 per 10,000 person-years, 287–358, HR: 0.96, 0.84–1.09). The association between antihypertensives and fractures varied according to class and time since initiation. Results suggest that when deciding upon antihypertensive therapy, clinicians may want to consider possible fracture risks when choosing between antihypertensive drug classes.
Asymptomatic Clostridium difficile carriage rate post-fecal microbiota transplant is low: a prospective clinical and stool assessment

Abstract Objectives We aimed to assess the asymptomatic Clostridium difficile carriage rates following fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Methods All patients who underwent FMT for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) via colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy between June 2013 and April 2015 and had a minimum of 8-week follow-up post FMT at two tertiary care referral centres were included in the study. Patients were prospectively followed both clinically and with stool assessments for 8 weeks post FMT. Assessments occurred at 1 week and 4 weeks post FMT to assess for failure. Failure was defined as presence of diarrhoeal symptoms and a positive CDI stool test by polymerase chain reaction for toxin gene (PCR) at any time point during the 8-week follow-up period. CDI stool testing using PCR was performed at weeks 1 and 4 post FMT in asymptomatic patients as well. Results 167 patients were included. Twenty-eight patients (16.7% (28/167)) were FMT failures throughout the 8-week period. At week 1, seven patients had already failed the FMT. Of the remaining 160 patients, 144 were asymptomatic, and among these, 141 were negative for C. difficile toxin gene by PCR. This resulted in an asymptomatic carriage rate of 2.1% (3/144). At week 4, 143 patients had not yet failed FMT. Of these patients 129 patients were asymptomatic and among those, 125 were negative by PCR, resulting in an asymptomatic carriage rate of 3% (3/129). Conclusions Asymptomatic carriage after FMT is rare. This suggests that testing for cure after FMT in asymptomatic patients is not necessary.
Evolutionary history of two pollen self-incompatibility factors reveals alternate routes to self-compatibility within Solanum.

Premise of the study Self-incompatibility (SI) prevents self-fertilization and reduces inbreeding. While SI is common in plants, transitions to self-compatibility (SC) occur frequently. Little is known about the genetic changes and evolutionary steps underlying these shifts. Methods In the Solanaceae, SI is gametophytic, with specificity determined by S-RNases in the pistil and S-locus F-box proteins (SLFs) in pollen. We examined the role of two pollen factors, Cullin1 (CUL1) and SLF-23, in SI → SC transitions in wild tomato species from the Arcanum species group (Solanum arcanum, S. neorickii, and S. chmielewskii). Pollen compatibility was assessed on tester lines that reject pollen lacking functional SLF-23 or CUL1. Complementation tests, gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were used to characterize both functional and nonfunctional alleles. Key results We found evidence for multiple independent SI → SC transitions. In S. arcanum and S. chmielewskii, SC is caused by loss of pistil S-RNase activity, while in S. neorickii SC is associated with expression of a functional SLF-23 that recognizes the S9 type S-RNase expressed in its pistils. Interestingly, we found identical deletion mutations in CUL1 exon 7 of S. chmielewskii as previously seen in S. habrochaites. Conclusions Mating system transitions in the Arcanum group have occurred via both pistil loss-of-function and pollen gain-of-function SC mutations. Mutations common to S. chmielewskii and S. habrochaites must have arisen in a common ancestor, possibly to the entire tomato clade, then became fixed in different lineages after loss of pistil-side SI function.
Cellular selectivity of AAV serotypes for gene delivery in neurons and astrocytes by neonatal intracerebroventricular injection.

The non-pathogenic parvovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), is an efficient vector for transgene expression in vivo and shows promise for treatment of brain disorders in clinical trials. Currently, there are more than 100 AAV serotypes identified that differ in the binding capacity of capsid proteins to specific cell surface receptors that can transduce different cell types and brain regions in the CNS. In the current study, multiple AAV serotypes expressing a GFP reporter (AAV1, AAV2/1, AAVDJ, AAV8, AAVDJ8, AAV9, AAVDJ9) were screened for their infectivity in both primary murine astrocyte and neuronal cell cultures. AAV2/1, AAVDJ8 and AAV9 were selected for further investigation of their tropism throughout different brain regions and cell types. Each AAV was administered to P0-neonatal mice via intracerebroventricular injections (ICV). Brains were then systematically analyzed for GFP expression at 3 or 6 weeks post-infection in various regions, including the olfactory bulb, striatum, cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra (SN) and cerebellum. Cell counting data revealed that AAV2/1 infections were more prevalent in the cortical layers but penetrated to the midbrain less than AAVDJ8 and AAV9. Additionally, there were differences in the persistence of viral transgene expression amongst the three serotypes examined in vivo at 3 and 6 weeks post-infection. Because AAV-mediated transgene expression is of interest in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, we examined the SN with microscopy techniques, such as CLARITY tissue transmutation, to identify AAV serotypes that resulted in optimal transgene expression in either astrocytes or dopaminergic neurons. AAVDJ8 displayed more tropism in astrocytes compared to AAV9 in the SN region. We conclude that ICV injection results in lasting expression of virally encoded transgene when using AAV vectors and that specific AAV serotypes are required to selectively deliver transgenes of interest to different brain regions in both astrocytes and neurons.