cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Saturated Model for Analyzing Exchangeable Binary Data: Applications to Clinical and Developmental Toxicity Studies

Abstract Correlated binary data occur very frequently in statistical practice. In many applications, it is reasonable to assume that data from the same cluster are exchangeable. Such data are commonly encountered in cluster sample surveys, teratological experiments, ophthalmologic and otolaryngologic studies, and other clinical trials. The standard methods of analyzing these data include the use of beta-binomial models and generalized estimating equations with third and fourth moments specified by “working matrices.” The focus of these procedures is an estimation of the mean and variance parameters. More information can be obtained when data are exchangeable. By expressing the joint distribution of a set of exchangeable binary random variables in terms of the probability of similar response within cluster, this article introduces a procedure for obtaining maximum likelihood estimates of population parameters such as the marginal means, moments, and correlations of orders two and higher. Applications are m...
Bifurcations of an epidemic model with non-linear incidence and infection-dependent removal rate

An epidemic model with a generalized non-linear incidence is extended to incorporate the effect of an infection-dependent removal strategy, which is defined as a function of the number of infected individuals. It is assumed that the removal rate decreases from a maximum capacity for removing infected individuals as their number increases. The existence and stability of the associated equilibria are analysed, and the basic reproductive number (R0) is formulated. It is shown that R0 is independent of the functional form of the incidence, but depends on the removal rate. Normal forms are derived to show the different types of bifurcation the model undergoes, including transcritical, generalized Hopf (Bautin), saddle-node and Bogdanov-Takens. A degenerate Hopf bifurcation at the Bautin point, where the first Lyapunov coefficient vanishes, is discussed. Sotomayor's theorem is applied to establish a saddle-node bifurcation at the turning point of backward bifurcation. The Bogdanov-Takens normal form is derived, from which the local bifurcation curve for a family of homoclinic orbits is formulated. Bifurcation diagrams and numerical simulations, using parameter values estimated for some infectious diseases, are also presented to provide more intuition to the theoretical findings. The results show that sufficiently increasing the removal rate can reduce R0 below a subthreshold domain, which leads to disease eradication.
Shock-induced devolatilization and isotopic fractionation of H and C from Murchison meteorite: some implications for planetary accretion

Incipient shock-induced devolatilization of Murchison meteorite occurs upon subjecting samples to a minimum shock stress, or pressure, of about 5 GPa. This pressure is similar to that required to initiate devolatilization of 20% porous serpentine. Upon low velocity impact (61.5 km/s) the solid shocked products were combusted and isotopic analysis of the resulting H_2O and CO_2 was performed. H and ^(13)C are partitioned preferentially over D and ^(12)C, respectively, into the released gas suggesting that the inorganic (mineral) portion of Murchison is devolatilized preferentially over the organic (kerogen) fraction (which is relatively enriched in D and ^(12)C) at the shock pressures studied. These results are combined with previous results on serpentine devolatilization to derive an empirical H fractionation versus devolatilization relation that is used to evaluate the extent of impact-induced isotopic fractionation during planetary accretion. During accretion of the Earth, impact-induced devolatilization and formation of the early primitive atmosphere would have begun at a point where the `growing' Earth achieved a radius in the 480-800 km range. The present experimental results suggest that the Earth's early atmosphere would have been enriched in hydrogen (relative to D) compared to the residual solid, with a fractionation factor of -18 to -23‰. Assuming that current planetary atmospheres have resulted from degassing of planetary interiors after loss of the earliest H-enriched atmosphere, the above degree of isotopic fractionation is not sufficient by itself to explain the large positive δD values of the present Martian and Venusian atmospheres. However, this mechanism in conjunction with tectonic recycling over geologic time could contribute to preferential H loss for Earth and Mars.
Why Organizational Ties Matter for Neighborhood Effects: Resource Access through Childcare Centers

How does neighborhood poverty affect the poor's ability to access resources such as health care and job information? Most studies have focused on individuals or neighborhoods; we focus on organizations - specifically, whether organizations are less connected if located in poor neighborhoods. Our case study is childcare centers. We ask whether centers' organizational ties provide parents access to important resources, and whether neighborhood poverty affects this capacity. Based on qualitative fieldwork in 23 New York City centers, we develop hypotheses about this process. We test them on a representative sample of 293 centers. Findings uncover that centers provide important resource-access through their ties and that neighborhood poverty does not undermine this capacity. We suggest that organizational ties may help explain the inconsistent results of the neighborhood effects literature.
Modern circuit models for traveling-wave structures with nearest neighbor coupling

A method of analyzing traveling-wave structures based on a coupled-line physical model and a commercial frequency-domain microwave-circuit-modeling program is described. This approach provides significant insight into the sources of pulse distortion observed in real structures. The model is compared to a real structure to benchmark the model's various components. >
Donepezil delays progression to AD in MCI subjects with depressive symptoms

Objective: To determine whether the presence of depression predicts higher rate of progression to Alzheimer disease (AD) in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and whether donepezil treatment beneficially affect this relationship. Methods: The study sample was composed of 756 participants with aMCI from the 3-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled Alzheimer9s Disease Cooperative Study drug trial of donepezil and vitamin E. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive symptoms at baseline and participants were followed either to the end of study or to the primary endpoint of progression to probable or possible AD. Results: Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusted for age at baseline, gender, apolipoprotein genotype, and NYU paragraph delayed recall score, showed that higher BDI scores were associated with progression to AD ( p = 0.03). The sample was stratified into depressed (BDI score ≥10; n = 208) and nondepressed (BDI p = 0.023), at 2.2 years ( p = 0.025), and remained marginally lower at 2.7 years ( p = 0.070). The survival curves among the three treatment groups did not differ within the nondepressed participants. Conclusions: Results suggest that depression is predictive of progression from amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) to Alzheimer disease (AD) and treatment with donepezil delayed progression to AD among depressed subjects with aMCI. Donepezil appears to modulate the increased risk of AD conferred by the presence of depressive symptoms.
Whole-Rock Rb-Sr Age of Metasedimentary Rocks Below the Stillwater Complex, Montana

Eight metasedimentary rocks selected from a suite collected below the Stillwater Complex in the Beartooth Mountains, Montana, yield a whole-rock Rb-Sr age of 2730 ± 150 m.y. (λ = 1.39 × 10 −11 /yr). The samples represent rocks located 0.4 to 6 miles from the lower contact of the Complex, and the nearer samples are definitely within the contact metamorphic aureole of the Complex. The age may be the time of sedimentation, or the time of isotopic homogenization resulting from the intrusion of the Stillwater Complex.
Demonstration of a multilayer meanderline at IR

This paper extends these initial efforts and attempts to increase the transmission and bandwidth by using multiple meanderline layers. A new ellipsometric method of characterization allows spectral measurements from 6-14 mum. The use of multiple layers reduces impedance mismatches at each meanderline layer. Therefore less reflection is seen at each interface. A dielectric superstrate layer is also deposited so that an anti-reflection coating may be used to increase the overall transmittance.
Herd-level risk factors for infection with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in US dairies and association between familiarity of the herd manager with the disease or prior diagnosis of the disease in that herd and use of preventive measures

Objective—To evaluate associations among herd infection status, herd management practices, and familiarity of the herd manager with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) or prior disease diagnosis in that herd to support development of Johne’s disease-control programs. Design—Population-based cross-sectional study. Sample Population—1,004 US dairies, each with ≥ 30 cows, representing 79.4% of US dairy cows. Procedure—Questionnaires were administered to dairy managers, and blood samples were collected from cows during herd visits. Sera were tested for antibodies to M paratuberculosis, using a commercially available ELISA. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between use of management practices, herd disease status, and familiarity of the manager with Johne’s disease or prior diagnosis of Johne’s disease in that herd. Results—Results from serologic testing revealed that 3.4% of cows and 21.6% of dairy herds were infected with M paratuberculosis. Factors associated with infection included number of cows in herd, region of country, percentage of cows born at other dairies, group housing for periparturient cows, and group housing for preweaned calves. Few preventive practices were positively associated with prior diagnosis of Johne’s disease (time of separation of newborn calf from dam) or familiarity of the manager with the disease (teats and udder washed before colostrum collected). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Risk factors associated with Johne’s disease in this study confirmed those management practices generally recommended for disease control. An educational problem, however, is the finding that herd managers familiar with Johne’s disease generally use management practices similar to those used by managers unfamiliar with the disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;216:1450–1457)
METABOLISM OF THE ESTROGENS THE EFFECT OF LIVER AND UTERUS UPON ESTRONE, ESTRADIOL AND ESTRIOL1,2,3

THIS STUDY indicates that liver tissue contains an enzyme system capable of destroying the biological activity of certain of the estrogens. Most tissues, and. particularly the endometrium, are able to convert estrone into a more active estrogenic substance, which is possibly estradiol. The immature rat uterus assay method of Lauson, Heller, Golden and Sevringhaus (1) was used to distinguish between estradiol, estrone and estriol. Twenty times more estrone is needed to elicit the same uterine weight response as that produced by estradiol. This can be appreciated by comparing the curve of response to doses of estradiol [fig. 1 (1)] with that of estrone [fig. 2 (1)], noting that the response to 0.37 of estradiol is equal to that of 6.07 of estrone. In order to test the effect of rat and rabbit tissue slices upon estrogens, 5 cc. of a Ringer phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, containing 0.3γ/cc. of estrogen, was incubated with 250 mg. of tissue for one hour at 39°C. with continuous shaking. The incubated contents we...
Metastatic adenocarcinoma of the temporal bone

Metastatic carcinoma involving the temporal bone is extremely rare. A case is reported with an unusual presentation--recurrent episodes of acute mastoiditis. Mastoid exploration and biopsy established the diagnosis. We believe this to be the first reported case to present in this manner.
Monitoring of aerosol forcing of climate from space: analysis of measurement requirements

We discuss the rationale for long-term monitoring of the global distribution of natural and anthropogenic aerosols (black carbon, sulfates, mineral aerosols, etc.) and clouds with specificity, accuracy, and coverage sufficient for a reliable quantification of the direct and indirect aerosol effects on climate, the anthropogenic component of these effects, and the long-term change of these effects caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. This discussion is followed by the formulation of specific scientific objectives of the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor component of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Glory Project established within the framework of the US Climate Change Research Initiative.
Network Polarization, Network Interdependence, and International Conflict, 1816-2002

This study examines the effect of polarization and interdependence on systemic conflict. It argues that both polarization and interdependence must be conceptualized in terms of different types of relations among states and that different relationships would reflect varied levels of polarization and inter-dependence. Accordingly, this study develops general measures of network polarization and interdependence that allow measurement of these concepts over a wide array of international relations. Hypotheses are deduced from the realist and liberal paradigms about how alliance polarization, trade polarization, and cultural polarization affect systemic conflict. Likewise, hypotheses are deduced regarding the expected effects of strategic and economic interdependence on conflict. These hypotheses are tested using data on alliance, trade, linguistic, and religious networks over the period 1816-2002. The findings suggest that alliance polarization and strategic interdependence increase the amount of systemic conflict, while trade polarization and economic interdependence have a dampening effect on the amount of conflict in the international system. The theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
Layout placement for sliced architecture

The authors define a new, sliced layout architecture for compilation of arbitrary schematics (netlists) into layout for CMOS technology. This sliced architecture uses over-the-cell routing on the second metal layer. The authors define three different architectures with simple folding, interleaved folding, and unrestricted folding and give algorithms for optimizing the layout area for several variants of the selected architecture. A proof demonstrating that the architecture with interleaved folding is as good as the architecture with unrestricted folding with respect to area minimization of the total layout is given. The authors also present results of random benchmarks as well as several real benchmarks. >
Performance analysis and optimal system configuration of hierarchical two-level COMA multiprocessors

The single-bus UMA architecture with the write-once cache protocol is a simple and popular choice, however, it only works well for multiprocessors with tens of processors. For larger multiprocessors, the hierarchical COMA architecture provides excellent scalability while very well maintaining the system performance. This paper analyzes the performance of hierarchical 2-level COMA multiprocessors based on the write-once cache protocol using the modified MVA model and assuming a uniform request distribution. The results show that the hierarchical 2-level COMA architecture call support hundreds of clusters of minimal COMAs without much degradation of system performance. The trends in optimal system configurations, optimal efficiencies, and optimal speedups of 2-level COMA are also analyzed in the paper for various cache line and data sharing percentage settings. >
The Tale of Two Degrees: The Need and Power of the Doctor of Arts

Ph.D. programs train students to perform quality research but not necessarily to deliver quality undergraduate instruction. For students who want to develop such skills, and for universities interested in creating programs to combine broad disciplinary instruction with specialization in effective pedagogical practices, there is a Ph.D. alternative—the Doctor of Arts (D.A.). The D.A. is regarded as a Ph.D. equivalent and aims to better train students to be effective educators since the majority of academic positions are located at primarily undergraduate institutions, with substantially more faculty time consumed by teaching duties than research. A significant difference between traditional Ph.D. and D.A. students is the latter engage in scholarship of teaching and learning, through both topical seminars and participation in supervised teaching internships. Thirty years of job placement statistics gathered from Idaho State University D.A. programs indicate that graduates are well qualified to enter into fa...
MEMS platform for on-chip nanomechanical experiments with strong and highly ductile nanofibers

A new nanoscale tension testing platform with on-chip actuation and the unique capability for nanoscale mechanical characterization of highly deformable and strong nanostructures is presented. The specimen force and extension measurements are based on optical imaging, supported by digital image correlation, which allows the resolution of 20 nm specimen extensions and force measurements better than 30 nN, without the use of high-resolution electron microscopy. The breakthrough of this nanomechanical testing platform is the ability to study the mechanical behavior of nanostructures subjected to a wide range of forces (30 nN–300 µN) and displacements (20 nm–100 µm), which are significantly beyond the limits of typical surface micromachined MEMS with on-chip actuators, such as comb-drives and thermal actuators. The utility of this device in experimental nanomechanics is demonstrated by investigating the mechanical behavior of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers with diameters of 200–700 nm subjected to strains as high as 200%. The mechanical property measurements were compared to and agreed well with off-chip measurements by an independent testing method, which validates the capability of this on-chip testing platform to characterize strong and highly ductile nanomaterials.
Ensemble-averaged variational transition state theory with optimized multidimensional tunneling for enzyme kinetics and other condensed-phase reactions

This paper provides an overview of a new method developed to include quantum mechanical effects and free energy sampling in calculations of reaction rates in enzymes. The paper includes an overview of variational transition state theory with optimized multidimensional tunneling for simple gas-phase reactions and then shows how this is extended to incorporate free energy effects and to include protein motions in the reaction coordinate by ensemble averaging. Finally we summarize recent comparisons to experiment for primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects for proton and hydride transfer reactions catalyzed by enzymes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Recombinase-Mediated Cassette Exchange as a Novel Method To Study Somatic Hypermutation in Ramos Cells

ABSTRACT Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) mediates the somatic hypermutation (SHM) of immunoglobulin (Ig) variable (V) regions that is required for the generation of antibody diversity and for the affinity maturation of the antibody response against infectious agents and toxic substances. AID preferentially targets WRC (W = A/T, R = A/G) hot spot motifs, particularly WGCW motifs that create overlapping hot spots on both strands. In order to gain a better understanding of the generation of antibody diversity and to create a platform for the in vitro generation of affinity-matured antibodies, we have established a system involving recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) to replace the V region and its flanking sequences. This makes it possible to easily manipulate the sequence of the Ig gene within the endogenous heavy chain of the Ramos human Burkitt’s lymphoma cell line. Here we show that the newly integrated wild-type (WT) VH regions introduced by RMCE undergo SHM similarly to non-RMCE-modified Ramos cells. Most importantly, we have shown that introducing a cluster of WGCW motifs into the complementary determining region 2 (CDR2) of the human heavy chain V region significantly raised the mutation frequency and number of mutations per sequence compared to WT controls. Thus, we have demonstrated a novel platform in Ramos cells whereby we can easily and quickly manipulate the endogenous human VH region to further explore the regulation and targeting of SHM. This platform will be useful for generating human antibodies with changes in affinity and specificity in vitro . IMPORTANCE An effective immune response requires a highly diverse repertoire of affinity-matured antibodies. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is required for somatic hypermutation (SHM) of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes. Although a great deal has been learned about the regulation of AID, it remains unclear how it is preferentially targeted to particular motifs, to certain locations within the Ig gene and not to other highly expressed genes in the germinal center B cell. This is an important question because AID is highly mutagenic and is sometimes mistargeted to other highly expressed genes, including proto-oncogenes, leading to B cell lymphomas. Here we describe how we utilize recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) to modify the sequence of the endogenous heavy chain locus in the Ramos Burkitt’s lymphoma cell line. This platform can be used to explore the regulation and targeting of SHM and to generate human antibodies with changes in affinity and specificity in vitro .
Operative management of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease resulting in permanent structural and functional changes in the pancreas which manifest clinically as abdominal pain. Operative treatment is indicated when maximal medical therapy has failed, and success in relieving pain is predicated on matching the correct operation (duct drainage, resection, denervation) to the patient's underlying pancreatic anatomy. When the pancreatic duct is dilated (>7 mm in diameter) and the gland morphology is homogeneous, a lateral pancreaticojejunostomy results in pain relief in 87% of patients with a low operative morbidity and mortality rate. A dilated duct with an enlarged pancreatic head requires local resection of the pancreatic head combined with a lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (Frey procedure). Small duct (
Parent-Assisted Modification of Pivotal Social Skills for a Child Diagnosed with PDD: A Clinical Replication

The social skills training literature for children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) has recently emphasized the parent's role in generalizing treatment gains, and several studies have promoted the utilization of parents as the primary treatment providers for their children. In this study, two parents were instructed in implementing a token reinforcement and shaping program designed to improve the social behavior of their 8-year-old boy diagnosed with PDD. Interestingly, although the child's parents directly targeted only eye gaze for change, question response latency also improved during treatment. This is one of just a few studies to demonstrate positive response generalization by targeting one "pivotal" behavior. Although as a clinical replication the study lacks many of the experimental controls characteristic of more formal research designs, the study demonstrates that procedures developed in laboratory settings can be meaningfully replicated in "real world" settings.
A comparison of the UCB sulfur recovery process with conventional sulfur recovery technology for treating recycle gas from a crude oil residuum hydrotreater

In this paper the University of California, Berkeley, Sulfur Recovery Process (UCBSRP) is compared to conventional technology for the case of the removal of H2S from the recycle gas of a high-pressure petroleum residuum hydrotreater. The conventional technology selected for this comparison consists of an absorber/stripper operation using diethanol amine as the absorbent, a Claus sulfur plant, and a SCOTT tail-gas treating unit. Flowsheets, stream flows and conditions, and the total purchased cost of the major items of equipment are presented for both processes. From this comparison it is estimated that the direct fixed capital (DFC) for the UCBSRP would be about 61% of that for the conventional technology. The utility costs for this application of the UCBSRP are estimated to be less than the credit for the high-pressure steam produced whereas the utility costs for the conventional process are substantially more.
Recent Variability in Sea Ice Cover, Age, and Thickness in the Pacific Arctic Region

Over the past several decades, there has been a fundamental shift in sea ice cover, age, and thickness across the Pacific Arctic Region (PAR). Satellite data reveal that trends in sea ice cover have been spatially heterogeneous, with significant declines in the Chukchi Sea, slight declines in the Bering Strait region, yet increases in the northern Bering Sea south of St. Lawrence Island. Declines in the annual persistence of seasonal sea ice cover in the Chukchi Sea and Bering Strait region are due to both earlier sea ice breakup and later sea ice formation. However, increases in the persistence of seasonal sea ice cover south of St. Lawrence Island occur primarily owing to earlier sea ice formation during winter months. Satellite-based observations of sea ice age along with modeled sea ice thickness provide further insight into recent sea ice variability throughout the PAR, with widespread transitions towards younger, thinner ice. Investigation of sea ice cover, age, and thickness in concert provides critical insight into ongoing changes in the total volume of ice and therefore the future trajectory of sea ice throughout the PAR, as well as its likely impacts on ecosystem productivity across all trophic levels.
Effect of LXR/RXR agonism on brain and CSF Aβ40 levels in rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized pathologically by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The amyloid hypothesis contends that the abnormal accumulation of Aβ, the principal component of amyloid plaques, plays an essential role in initiating the disease. Impaired clearance of soluble Aβ from the brain, a process facilitated by apolipoprotein E (APOE), is believed to be a contributing factor in plaque formation. APOE expression is transcriptionally regulated through the action of a family of nuclear receptors including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and liver X receptors (LXRs) in coordination with retinoid X receptors (RXRs). It has been previously reported that various agonists of this receptor family can influence brain Aβ levels in rodents. In this study we investigated the effects of LXR/RXR agonism on brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Aβ40 in naive rats. Treatment of rats for 3 days or 7 days with the LXR agonist, T0901317 or the RXR agonist, bexarotene did not result in significant changes in brain or CSF Aβ40 levels.
Customer Module: Developing Distinctive Operating Capabilities

This note describes the Customer Module in the core-curriculum Operations Management course at the Darden School.
Abstract 372: Electronic Medical Records Can Identify Patients With Persistently Elevated Blood Pressure Without A Prior Diagnosis Of Hypertension.

Background: The diagnosis of hypertension requires systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg on at least 2 different occasions. Therefore, there is the possibility of patients with elevated BP remaining undiagnosed if not seen by the same provider. Purpose: To utilize electronic medical records (EMR) to identify patients not previously diagnosed with hypertension that have elevated blood pressure meeting criteria for a diagnosis of hypertension using a threshold of SBP ≥ 140mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg (high BP) on 2 or more occasions. Methods: This was a cross sectional design utilizing retrospective multi-year billing and clinical data from a large multi-specialty center in the Midwest. Using electronic records of all outpatient visits in each year from 2009 - 2011, patients with at least 2 visits with SBP ≥ 140mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg (2HBP) in the measurement year were identified. These patients were compared with previously identified cohorts of known hypertension patients (Known HTN) compiled using the EMR problem list. A sensitivity analysis was done using patients with high BP at 2 consecutive visits (2CHBP) and also those with high BP at 3 consecutive visits (3CHBP). We compared proportions of patients with high BP without a prior diagnosis of hypertension (UDHTN). Results: The proportion of patients with SBP ≥ 140mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg without a prior diagnosis of hypertension (UDHTN) when compared to the cohort of known patients with a diagnosis of hypertension (Known HTN) was 25% in 2009, 26% in 2010, and 28% in 2011 in the 2CHBP cohort compared to 27% in 2009, 28% in 2010, and 30% in 2011 in the 2HBP cohort and 18% in 2009, 19% in 2010 and 23% in 2011 in the 3CHBP cohort. Conclusion: About a quarter of patients meeting current thresholds on multiple and consecutive visits did not have a known diagnosis of hypertension. The use of EMR can identify these patients for commencement of appropriate management. Table 1 ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Factors Affecting Drug Metabolism by Liver Microsomes. IV. Starvation.

SummaryStarvation depresses hepatic microsomal drug metabolism both as measured in vitro and in vivo. This depression is believed to be caused by an actual loss of enzyme protein in the microsome. Oxidative pathways are affected more than reductive pathways and indeed starvation may result in an activation of reduction of nitro and azo groups. The nutritional status of the animal prior to drug administration becomes important as a factor in the response obtained. Possible therapeutic implications are discussed.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

In 1924, Dr Eli Moschcowitz described a 16-year-old adolescent girl with abrupt onset of petechiae, hemolytic anemia, followed by paralysis, coma, and death. Autopsy showed widespread hyaline thrombi in the terminal arterioles and capillaries of various organs. The syndrome described by Moschowitz is now known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Food from Cereals: The Green Revolution

Cereals and root crops provide up to 75% of the total calorie intake in some countries. Eight cereal grains — wheat, rice, corn, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, and millet — provide over 60% of the calories and 50% of the protein consumed by man. There is no question that, directly or indirectly, the cereal grains will continue to supply the major portion of calories in the human diet.
Judicial Amendment of Statutes

When courts engage in judicial review they do not merely invalidate or “strike down” unconstitutional statutes. Instead, they rewrite such statutes in order to make them constitutionally valid. They can do this in a variety of ways — by deleting words from a statute, adding words to a statute, or declaring that a statute will be read contrary to its apparent meaning. Such judicial amendments do not change the actual words that appear in the legislative code — only a legislature can do that. Rather, they create a situation where the full “text” of a statute includes both the provisions the legislature enacted and the judicial opinions changing those provisions’ meaning on constitutional grounds. For example, if a statute provides that “marriage shall be between one man and one woman,” and a court orders that this statute must be expanded to include same-sex marriage, then that order effectively rewrites the statute just as a legislative amendment would. Thus, the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges did not “strike down” state marriage statutes that excluded same-sex marriages — doing so would have abolished marriage for everyone. Rather, it effectively inserted text into those statutes by declaring that they must include same-sex marriages.Rejecting the invalidation assumption and embracing this judicial amendment model has profound consequences for the practice of judicial review. It means that judges are not restricted to invalidating existing statutory text, but can effectively rewrite an unconstitutional statute in any way that will render it constitutionally valid. The judicial amendment model also forces us to fundamentally rethink severability doctrine, as well as the use of facial challenges and the constitutional avoidance canon. And it strengthens the case for judicial federalism: if judicial review is a lawmaking act — rewriting a statute in light of a constitutional holding — then state courts should be the ones that decide how to fix unconstitutional state statutes.
Distribution of Visible Follicles on the Ovarian Surface in Ewes

Two studies were conducted to determine the distribution of follicles on the ovarian surface in ewes. In Exp. 1, the effect of the corpus luteum on the distribution of follicles was investigated on d 9, 12 and 14 postestrus in unilaterally ovulating ewes. Follicles (greater than or equal to 2 mm diameter) were inventoried by size and distance from the center of the corpus luteum or corpus albicans. There were more small follicles (less than or equal to 4 mm diameter) on d 9 than on d 12 and 14, Although the ovary bearing the corpus luteum had a greater number of large follicles, no positive relationship of the corpus luteum to the diameter of the closest follicle or the distance of the largest follicle was found. In Exp. 2, follicles were inventoried on ovaries from ewes during the estrous cycle, postpartum anestrus, seasonal anestrus and the peripuberal period. During the estrous cycle, two apparent waves of follicular growth were noted. In addition, during the luteal phase the luteal ovary consistently had a larger follicle than the nonluteal ovary. When estimates were made of the effects of size of follicle on distance of the follicle from the reference structure and of distance on size of follicle, presence of luteal tissue, and day of estrous cycle were found to influence the variances. In addition the interaction of these characteristics affected the variation of size or distance. Weighting the distribution of ovarian structures for relative ovarian mass allowed an examination of localization of structures to standardized ovarian areas. More follicles and corpora lutea were found in the middle of the ovary than on the ends. Although the numbers of follicles in a standardized area were correlated with ovarian mass, occurrence of corpora lutea in a standardized area was not significantly correlated with ovarian mass. Collectively, these results are indicative of a local effect by the corpus luteum on the diameter of the largest follicle and a systemic effect on the number of follicles. In addition, because specific regions appear to be more favorable for follicular activity and ovulation, a precise local effect of the corpus luteum is difficult to determine.
Serum protein profiling in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Purpose The aim of this pilot study was to conduct a non-targeted exploratory proteomics profiling analysis on sera obtained from patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with the goal of identifying disease-specific biomarkers. Experimental design Sera from 87 participants (57 chemotherapy-naive diffuse DLBCL patients, 30 controls frequency-matched by age group and World Health Organization (WHO) BMI categories) that were part of a large San Francisco Bay Area case-control study of non-Hodgkin lymphoma were analyzed by liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. Results Thirty-five proteins (p-adjusted <0.05) were identified as differentially abundant between the DLBCL patients at various disease stages as compared to the controls. Of these, five proteins were randomly selected for further confirmation by ELISA: adiponectin (AdipoQ), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), heparin sulfate proteoglycan core protein (HSPG2), extracellular matrix 1 (ECM1) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). These proteins were statistically significantly elevated by 68.8%, 37.0%, 61.6%, 68.0% and 32.0%, respectively, in DLBCL patient sera as compared to controls. Conclusions and clinical relevance These preliminary data when combined with other cancer-related data regarding these proteins warrant continued research in clinical and large prospective studies to clarify the role for these biomarkers in DLBCL pathogenesis and/or prognosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Wild Childe: Byron and the Yellowstone Frontier

ABSTRACTThis essay takes as its starting point references to Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage in 1871 Yellowstone expedition narratives. After situating these references in their immediate contexts, I read them back into a broader late-nineteenth-century American understanding of Byron as a poet whose works belonged on the western frontier, in a natural setting. This version of Byron—as a frontier poet and a nature poet—is in many ways distinct from his subsequent receptions, but, as I demonstrate, it played into various cultural formations that preceded the conservation of Yellowstone as a national park, including the logic of Manifest Destiny and the rhetoric of belonging in nature.
Evaluation of acute and chronic pain outcomes after robotic, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or open anatomic pulmonary resection.

Abstract Objectives Although robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) provides improved dexterity, the effect of RATS on pain compared with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or open lobectomy is poorly understood. This study evaluated acute and chronic pain following RATS, VATS, and open anatomic pulmonary resection. Methods A retrospective review of 498 patients (502 procedures) who underwent RATS (74), VATS (227), and open (201) anatomic pulmonary resection including lobectomy and segmentectomy from 2010 to 2014 was performed to identify factors related to acute and chronic pain. Acute pain scores were analyzed over the first 9 postoperative days. Chronic pain was assessed using the validated PainDETECT survey. Results There were no significant differences in acute or chronic pain between RATS and VATS. There was a significant decrease in acute pain for patients with minimally invasive surgery ( P = .0004). Chronic numbness was significantly higher after open resection (25.5% vs 11.6%; P = .0269) but with no difference in other symptoms of chronic pain. Despite no significant difference in pain scores, 69.2% of patients who received RATS felt the approach affected pain versus 44.2% VATS ( P = .0330). On multivariable analysis, younger age ( P P = .0364), and baseline narcotic use ( P = .0142) were associated with acute pain, whereas younger age ( P = .0021) and major complications ( P = .0003) were associated with chronic numbness in patients who received MIS. Conclusions Although minimally invasive approaches resulted in less acute pain and chronic numbness, there were no significant differences between RATS and VATS. In contrast, more RATS patients believed the approach affected their pain, suggesting a difference between reality and perception.
Impact of Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiogram on Abdominal Flap Breast Reconstruction Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Introduction CT angiogram (CTA) is widely believed to improve operative time and flap outcomes for perforator flap breast reconstruction, but the quality of the evidence is not known. We conducted a systematic review of the efficacy of preoperative CTA for abdominal perforator flap breast reconstruction. Methods Inclusion criteria included published articles in English, CTA group, and control group, between 2000 and March 2013. Medline and PubMed were queried. Study quality criteria were developed based on standards of internal and external validity. One reviewer screened titles and abstracts. Two authors independently reviewed the full-text articles. Outcomes of interest were operative time and flap outcomes. Results Ten publications met inclusion criteria. Study designs included retrospective or mixed prospective-retrospective cohorts. In every study, the control group time period preceded the CTA group time period and no studies adjusted for improved surgical skill (i.e., learning curve effect). Sample sizes ranged from 41 to 357. Five studies did not perform or provide statistical analysis for the results presented. The mean quality rating was 2.8 (out of a maximum of 7). Seven of 10 studies found a shorter operative time with CTA. Two of nine studies found fewer partial flap failures with CTA. Conclusion CTA is associated with shorter operative time, but some of this may be due to a learning curve effect. The evidence does not show a difference in flap outcomes. The evidence in support of preoperative CTA is limited and subject to bias due to study design.
Pool of Life: the autobiography of a Punjabi agony aunt

Women writers are relatively new entrants into the field of autobiographical or memoir writing. In world literature, women’s memoirs received recognition as a respectable genre only around the 1980...
Canine-Assisted Therapies in Autism: A Systematic Review of Published Studies Relevant to Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapists and other helping professionals have used animal-assisted therapies in the treatment of multiple psychological and physical issues. In the case of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), animals have helped with issues ranging from social interaction, to anxiety, to physical balance. While researchers have applied rigorous review methods (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses) to evaluating the efficacy of animal-assisted interventions with various populations, publications detailing such research into canine-specific assisted therapies with individuals with ASD are missing. This review applies Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluating empirical research on this application of animal-assisted therapy. Intensive searches of health care, psychological, educational, sociological, and other relevant resources yielded a limited number of studies meeting criteria for inclusion in this research. Those studies, however, provide a meaningful window into the efficacy of canine-assisted therapies used with individuals with ASD. A review of these studies that explores what the preponderance of the evidence suggests on this topic should benefit recreational therapy practitioners and their clients. Subscribe to TRJ
Pathogenicity of mutation analyzer (PathoMAN): A fast automation of germline genomic variant curation in clinical sequencing.

1529Background: A challenge in clinical oncology is interpretation of multiplexed gene sequencing of patients at risk. The plethora of variants to be curated for pathogenicity or actionability poses a growing burden for cancer care professionals. Current guidelines by the ACMG requires the aggregation of multiple lines of genomic data evidences from diverse resources. A computational tool that automates, provide uniformity and significantly speed the interpretive process is thus necessary. Methods: The Pathogenicity of Mutation Analyzer (PathoMAN), is a tool that automates germline genomic variant curation from clinical sequencing based on ACMG guidelines. PathoMAN aggregates multiple tracks of genomic, protein and disease specific information from public sources such as ClinVar, ExAC, UniProt, 1000 genomes, dbNSFP and locus specific databases. Variant specific and gene specific annotations are used to classify variants to model the ACMG rubric. We analyzed 2500 manually curated and classified, high quali...
The Development of a Pain Perception Profile: A Psychophysical Approach

Recently I visited the laboratory of a prominent neurologist who is involved in highly sophisticated nerve conduction research. He also maintains a private practice and is much sought after as a specialist and consultant. We talked about his research and he proudly described to me in great detail the complexities of his laboratory equipment, which had the appearance of a miniature space program launch facility. He was very articulate about his ability to manipulate all the physical and experimental variables in his research and took pains to explain how carefully he measured and controlled noise in his recording system. Our conversation finally shifted to my interests and I described some of my ideas about the need for developing methods to evaluate the individual patient’s perception of pain. I asked him how he made such evaluations in his medical practice and what special instruments he used for this purpose. His answer was to reach into his pocket and solemnly produce a large safety pin which he identified, with almost the same amount of pride as he had expressed for his complex laboratory instruments, as his major test instrument in evaluating his patients’ pain sensitivity. I do not have any objection to my friend’s use of the safety pin but, if he is going to use it as a clinical test instrument, I, as a concerned scientist, want to know how the instrument is calibrated. That is, how sharp is the pin and how much force is used to prick the patient.
A comparison study between GeXP-based multiplex-PCR and serology assay for Mycoplasma pneumoniae detection in children with community acquired pneumonia.

Diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) in children has been hampered by difficulty in obtaining convalescent serum and time constraints. In this study, the two diagnostic assays that targeted respectively on Mp-antibody and Mp-DNA were retrospectively investigated. A total of 3146 children were clinically diagnosed to have CAP and were confirmed by chest X-ray during March 2015 to February 2016 in Children’s hospital of Hebei Province (China). Both of the sera and sputum samples were collected in 24 h after their admission. The Mp-antibody was examined by the passive particle agglutination assay and a fourfold or greater increase of antibody titers of paired sera or≧1:160 titer of single serum was set as the serology positive. Mp-DNA in the sputum samples was tested by a multiplex-PCR method named GeXP assay (multiplex PCR combined with automated capillary electrophoresis). In order to eliminate the false positive results caused by the asymptomatic carriage after infected by M. pneumoniae, the inconsistent samples were tested by the real-time isothermal transcription-mediated RNA amplification assay (SAT). The inter-rated agreement test was performed in 3146 CAP patients, with a highest kappa value in the school-age children as 0.783. There were 6.29% (198/3146) cases showed inconsistent results determined by GeXP and serology assay. All of the 19 GeXP(+)/Serology (−) samples and a randomly chosen 27 from 179 GeXP(−)/Serology (+) samples were tested by SAT assay, and a 97.8% diagnosis agreement was observed between SAT and GeXP assay, but not with the serology assay. In addition, patients who were detected only by serology or only by multiplex-PCR were significantly younger than those with both methods positive (3.0 and 1.5 years vs. 5.0 years, p < 0.01). The Viral-Mp coinfection accounted for 37.0% (97/262), which was more common in winter and spring (p < 0.05) and in the infantile group (p < 0.01), compared to the pure Mp positive ones. In some children CAP cases, the Mp laboratory diagnosis was inconsistent between serology and multiplex-PCR assay. Verified by the SAT assay, the GeXP showed a more sensitive and reliable performance compared with the serology assay. Furthermore, employing the multiplex-PCR could provide more information on the associated pathogens for clinical assessment of CAP.