cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are more of my patients developing side effects than expected

Abstract Purpose Modern radiation oncology treatments are typically associated with a certain level of acute or long-term complications. Whenever a new treatment is introduced into clinical practice, a clinician may have reason to question whether certain side effects occur more frequently in his or her patients than reported in the published literature. However, the clinician, lacking rigorous statistical methods to answer this question, may not draw the correct conclusion until treating a larger number of patients than necessary. Methods and materials We propose a Bayesian framework to calculate (1) the probability that the rate of an adverse event (AE) is above a certain threshold and (2) the number of AEs to be observed before we can conclude with a certain confidence level that the AE rate is above a threshold. Both questions will be answered based on the formulation of a posterior distribution of the AE rate given the observed data. The proposed method does not rely on large sample assumptions, and the computation of the solution is quick and straightforward. The proposed methods are illustrated in 2 clinical scenarios. Results We tabulated the probability that an AE rate is greater than a threshold for a given number of patients experiencing events from an observed number of patients. In addition, we developed a free online interactive tool to facilitate the implementation of the method. Conclusions The proposed method, including the presented tables and the online tool, provides clinicians with a practical means of determining if his or her patients are experiencing a greater (or lower) number of complications than expected. How to use the statistical result to guide a clinical decision depends upon the specifics of the clinical condition and the available treatment alternatives.
A Search for Diffuse Sources of Ultra High Energy Gamma-Rays

We describe a search for diffuse emission from several candidate sources of gamma-rays with energieauthor00 TeV, using the Chicago Air Shower Array / Michigan Muon Array (CASA-MIA) experiment. Since March 1990, CASA-MIA has recorded over 2.0 × 10 9 air shower events. Searches for diffuse emission are based upon the muon content of air showers. Candidate source regions include molecular clouds in the galaxy and the galactic plane. Results from CASA-MIA are compared to predicted diffuse emission.
A New Bovine Adenovirus Related to Human Adenovirus.

SummaryA second bovine adenovirus has been isolated. The virus is antigenically similar to a human virus as determined by 1) neutralization with human gamma globulin and human adult sera, and 2) possession of a complement fixing antigen similar to that of the human adenovirus. The related type of human adenovirus remains unknown.
Management of the fetus with a cystic adenomatoid malformation.

Prenatal detection and serial sonographic study of fetuses with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) now makes it possible to define the natural history of this lesion, determine the pathophysiologic features that affect clinical outcome, and formulate management based on prognosis. In a series of 22 prenatally diagnosed cases, the overall prognosis depended on the effects of the lung mass and the consequent physiologic derangement: A large mass may cause mediastinal shift, hypoplasia of normal lung tissue, polyhydramnios, and cardiovascular compromise leading to fetal hydrops. Two types of CCAM were distinguished by gross anatomy, ultrasonographic findings, and prognosis. Microcystic lesions (cysts 5 mm) are not usually associated with hydrops and have a more favorable prognosis. Four initially large lesions partially disappeared on serial prenatal sonography, suggesting that improvement can occasionally occur during fetal life. The finding that fetuses with hydrops are at high risk for fetal or neonatal demise led to fetal surgical resection of the massively enlarged pulmonary lobe (fetal lobectomy) in two cases. Fetuses with CCAM but without hydrops have a good chance for survival with maternal transport, planned delivery, and immediate neonatal resuscitation and surgery.
Fundamentalism and "Fullness of Christianity": Catholicism's Double Challenge

As a socio-cultural phenomenon fundamentalism may be understood as ideological rigidity. Religious worldviews, characteristic of orally transmitted religious traditions, are reshaped as orthodoxies measured by written texts as religious traditions become literate. Ideology is a characteristic of literate religion in so far as literate religion is decontextualized, which means that it requires the justification provided by either the hermeneutics of sacred experts or the new perceptions of converts to overcome the gap between the written and everyday realities. Converts, those new to a religious tradition in its literate form, to overcome high levels of ambiguity use the religious text to establish boundaries between the "nominal" and the "true." Catholicism, which historically combined a great (literate) tradition with a little (nonliterate/folk) tradition, is being restructured by the advent of mass literacy. Biblical fundamentalism among the new readers (converts) in the catholic community is but one fo...
Antitumor agents. 213. Modeling of epipodophyllotoxin derivatives using variable selection k nearest neighbor QSAR method.

We have applied a variable selection k nearest neighbor quantitative structure-activity relationship (kNN QSAR) method to develop predictive QSAR models for 157 epipodophyllotoxins synthesized previously in our ongoing effort to develop potential anticancer agents. QSAR models were generated using multiple topological descriptors of chemical structures, including molecular connectivity indices (MCI) and molecular operating environment descriptors. The 157 compounds were separated into several training and test sets. The robustness of QSAR models was characterized by the values of the internal leave one out cross-validated R 2 (q 2 ) for the training set and external predictive R 2 for the test set. The significance of the training set models was confirmed by statistically higher values of q 2 for the original data set as compared to q 2 values for the same data set with randomly shuffled activities, kNN QSAR models were compared with those obtained with the comparative molecular field analysis method; the kNN QSAR approach afforded models with higher values of both q 2 and predictive R 2 . One of the best models obtained from kNN analysis using MCI as descriptors provided q 2 and predictive R 2 values of 0.60 and 0.62, respectively. QSAR models developed in these studies shall aid in future design of novel potent epipodophyllotoxin derivatives.
Ischemic stroke associated with activated protein C resistance and aortic valvular papillary fibroelastoma

We report an unusual case of a pontine ischemic stroke associated with activated protein C resistance as well as an embolic source in the form of a cardiac valvular lesion. A 31-year-old man had a sudden onset of right hemiparesis and a severe dysarthria. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a nonhemorrhagic pontine lesion with essentially negative craniocervical MR angiography. His transesophageal echocardiogram showed a papillary fibroelastoma on the aortic valve. His laboratory studies showed significant activated protein C resistance at 1.7 (normal, >2.1). Other laboratory parameters, including sedimentation rate, were unremarkable. This case suggests that activated protein C resistance may serve as a cofactor in some cases of ischemic stroke, particularly stroke associated with emboligenic cardiac lesions.
Development of novel combinations of targeted and immunotherapies by understanding immune resistance using a high throughput assay of T cell mediated cytotoxicity

Meeting abstracts The ability of the immune system to treat established tumors is very well recognized. Immunotherapeutic approaches such as Adoptive T cell therapy and anti-CTLA-4 antibody treatment can result in long-term responses in some patients with metastatic melanoma. However, the majority
Identification and purification of diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate kinase, which synthesizes the inositol pyrophosphate bis(diphospho)inositol tetrakisphosphate

Diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP-IP5) and bis(diphospho)inositol tetrakisphosphate (bis-PP-IP4) were recently identified as inositol phosphates which possess pyrophosphate bonds. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the cellular levels of these compounds are not yet characterized. To pursue this question, we have previously purified an inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) kinase from rat brain supernatants [Voglmaier, S. M., et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93, 4305−4310]. We now report the identification and purification of another novel kinase, diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP-IP5) kinase, which uses PP-IP5 as a substrate to form bis(diphospho)inositol tetrakisphosphate (bis-PP-IP4) in soluble fractions of rat forebrain. The purified protein, a monomer of 56 kDa, displays high affinity (Km = 0.7 μM) and selectivity for PP-IP5 as a substrate. The purified enzyme also can transfer a phosphate from bis-PP-IP4 to ADP to form ATP. This ATP synthase activity is an indication of the high ...
Lower-Temperature Epitaxial Growth of 4H-SiC Using CH3Cl Carbon Gas Precursor

The advantages of the CH3Cl carbon precursor were investigated in order to achieve good-quality homoepitaxial layers of the 4H-SiC polytype at temperatures lower than what was considered practical (or even possible) with C3H8-based growth. It was observed that the process window for good epilayer morphology becomes narrower when the growth temperature is decreased. Successful growth experiments have been conducted in this work down to a temperature of 1290-13000C, with the growth rate in excess of 2 +m/hr and a mirror-like defect-free epilayer surface morphology. Growth on a 2” substrate produced promising growth rate homogeneity. The dependence of the growth rate on SiH4 flow followed a clear exponential dependence. This trend is tentatively attributed to Si vapor condensation. Photoluminescence results suggest that the crystalline quality of the epilayers grown at 13000C is comparable to that of 17000C growth.
Identification of subpopulations of rat granulosa cells: sedimentation properties and hormonal responsiveness.

Ovarian granulosa cells from small follicles have generally been considered to comprise a homogeneous cell population; however, stratified arrangements of hormone receptors have been found in antral and mural granulosa cells of Graafian follicles. Using cultured granulosa cells derived from immature, hypophysectomized, estrogen-treated rats, we have previously shown that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) as well as FSH stimulates steroid production by these cells. Dose-response analysis indicated that the actions of these hormones were additive, suggesting the presence of subpopulations of granulosa cells. Using a continuous (0–30%) Metrizamide density gradient, we have identified three populations of granulosa cells with different sedimentation properties. After centrifugation for 15 min at 1500 × g, cells segmented at Metrizamide concentrations of 13%, 18%, and 20% (peaks A, B, and C, respectively). The subpopulation with lowest density (peak A) comprised 5% of the total cells, whereas the remaining c...
Implications of Recent Developments in Structural Equation Modeling for Counseling Psychology

We review recent developments in structural equation modeling (SEM) since Fassinger’s (1987) introductory article. We discuss issues critical to designing and evaluating SEM studies. Our review includes recent technological developments in SEM such as new approaches from hypothesis testing to determining statistical power and assessing model fit. Moreover, we discuss innovations in applying SEM to different research contexts and designs (e.g., experimental and longitudinal designs and interactions among latent variables). Finally, we discuss procedures for redressing common problems and misunderstandings in the application of SEM procedures to counseling research.
A two-dimensional detector array for high resolution PET

Monte Carlo techniques have been used to study and optimize a two-dimensional detector array system for high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) that consists of an 8*4 matrix of BGO crystals coupled to four photomultipliers. This allows dense packing of small scintillation crystals and their optical coupling to a smaller number of photomultiplier tubes. The design included optimizing the optical crosstalk between detectors in terms of detection efficiency and resolution. Different crystal identification schemes were also investigated. Some preliminary results including the positioning accuracy and the detection efficiency of the module are presented. The average correct identification was estimated to be 83.6% and the average detection efficiency was estimated to be 76.1%. >
Lipid Rafts in the Maintenance of Synapses, Dendritic Spines, and Surface AMPA Receptor Stability

Cholesterol/sphingolipid microdomains (lipid rafts) in the membrane are involved in protein trafficking, formation of signaling complexes, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Here, we show that lipid rafts exist abundantly in dendrites of cultured hippocampal neurons, in which they are associated with several postsynaptic proteins including surface AMPA receptors. Depletion of cholesterol/sphingolipid leads to instability of surface AMPA receptors and gradual loss of synapses (both inhibitory and excitatory) and dendritic spines. The remaining synapses and spines in raft-depleted neurons become greatly enlarged. The importance of lipid rafts for normal synapse density and morphology could explain why cholesterol promotes synapse maturation in retinal ganglion cells (Mauch et al., 2001) and offers a potential link between disordered cholesterol metabolism and the synapse loss seen in neurodegenerative disease.
FFT processing through faulty memories in OFDM based systems

In the widely used OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) systems, the FFT and IFFT pair are integral parts used to modulate and demodulate the data constellation on the sub-carriers. Within such systems, embedded buffering memories occupy a large portion of the area and hence directly control the overall metrics of the system including power consumption and cost. This paper presents a unified statistical model that accurately reflects the impact of random embedded memory failures due to power management policies on the overall performance of an OFDM-based communication system. The proposed model expands the design space, by allowing the designer to replace the faulty hardware with perfect hardware while propagating the resulting distribution (due to voltage overscaling) through the system. The proposed framework enables system designers to efficiently and accurately determine the effectiveness of novel power management techniques and algorithms that are designed to manage both hardware failures and communication channel noise, without the added cost of lengthy system simulations that are inherently limited and suffer from lack of scalability.
Effects of amiodarone on wave front dynamics during ventricular fibrillation in isolated swine right ventricle

The effects of acute amiodarone infusion on dynamics of ventricular fibrillation (VF) are unclear. Six isolated swine right ventricles (RVs) were studied in vitro. Activation patterns during VF wer...
Two Recursive Decompositions of Brownian Bridge Related to the Asymptotics of Random Mappings

Author(s): Aldous, D; Pitman, J | Abstract: Aldous and Pitman (1994) studied asymptotic distributions as n → ∞, of various functional of a uniform random mapping of the set {1,..., n}, by constructing a mapping-walk and showing these random walks converge weakly to a reflecting Brownian bridge. Two different ways to encode a mapping as a walk lead to two different decompositions of the Brownian bridge, each defined by cutting the path of the bridge at an increasing sequence of recursively defined random times in the zero set of the bridge. The random mapping asymptotics entail some remarkable identities involving the random occupation measures of the bridge fragments defined by these decompositions. We derive various extensions of these identities for Brownian and Bessel bridges, and characterize the distributions of various path fragments involved, using the Levy-lto theory of Poisson processes of excursions for a self-similar Markov process whose zero set is the range of a stable subordinator of index α ∈ (0,1).
The Future of the International Labour Question from the Inside Looking Out

SENSING THAT A NEW ERA in global labour history—like it or not—was upon us, we attended tbe June 1993 annual conference of the International Labor Organization (ILO, officially, the 80th session of the International Labor Conference) in Geneva, Switzerland. Aside from the well-documented formal proceedings, these annual gatherings of delegates from 130-plus member countries — each represented by a tripartite delegation of labour, business, and government officials — provide an exceptional forum to assess the state of labour relations and worker welfare around the world. In addition to die regular delegations, the proximity of the conference to the international offices of the major trade union federations (officially, the International Trade Secretariats, or ITS's), mostly centred in Geneva, offers the student of contemporary labour affairs an especially rich set of contacts. The atmosphere at the 1993 ILO conference was notable for the air of uncertainty which hung over the proceedings. Uncertainty about the future of the ILO in a post-Cold War world. Uncertainty among "northern" trade unionists about the strategies for protecting earlier gains amidst a global capitalist shift of investment towards cheaper "southern" labour. Could a combination of international statutory regulation, trade sanctions, and trans-national labour solidarity again put a floor under meaningful, minimal "labour standards?" For the United States' delegates, in particular, the demise of the Communist menace had clearly had a centrifugal impact: business, labour, and governmental voices, once united in an effort to blunt Soviet-bloc "mischief' in the convention-setting agenda of the international body, now openly split over the very need for trade unions within the
Reconciling predator conservation with public safety

Global loss of predators calls for increased conservation of these crucial ecosystem components. However, large predators can also threaten public safety and adversely affect economic activities, creating conflicts between different public interests. In the ocean, although many shark species are facing worldwide declines, recorded instances of unprovoked attacks by sharks on humans have been increasing, stirring public concern and generating radical policies such as culling. Here we show that despite increasing records of white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) attacks in California, the individual attack risk for ocean users has decreased by >91% over a 63-year period (1950 to 2013). The decrease in risk could be explained by an undetected long-term shark population decline and/or changes in behavior and spatial distribution of people and sharks, the latter possibly associated with the recovery of pinniped (Phocidae and Otariidae) populations. Promoting safer behaviors among human ocean users could prove orders of magnitude more effective than culling, while meeting the dual goal of improving public safety and conserving endangered marine predators.
Discharge Chamber Plasma Structure of a 30-CM Nstar-Type Ion Engine

†‡ Langmuir probe plasma parameter data are presented over a two-dimensional array of spatial locations in the discharge chamber of a 40-cm diameter ring-cusp NEXT ion thruster. The discharge plasma structure is determined by the magnetic circuit, which reduces the diffusion of electrons across magnetic field lines. Number density profiles exhibit a highly collimated plume structure confined by the axial magnetic field near the discharge cathode assembly (DCA). A maximum value of 2x10 13 cm -3 is measured along centerline at the keeper exit plane. A number density of ~5x10 11 cm -3 is observed outside of the discharge cathode plume. Electron temperatures in the cathode plume range from 2 – 4 eV increasing off-axis in the radial direction to 4 – 8 eV in the bulk discharge plasma. This increase is explained by electron acceleration across the free-standing potential gradient, termed a double layer, forming the transition between the discharge cathode plume and bulk discharge plasma. Between the magnetic cusps, near the anode, the electron temperature increases significantly. Only the high-energy electrons can cross the magnetic field lines to occupy these regions resulting in an increased electron temperature. Shorting of the discharge keeper to discharge cathode common, a condition of interest from ground-based NSTAR testing, does not have an effect on the near plasma structure outside of the DCA keeper sheath.
Effect of Incidence Angle on the Impact-Wear Behavior of Silicon Nitride

Experiments were conducted by repeatedly hammering a silicon nitride (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}) ball on a polished different Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} material at different incidence angles: 45, 60, 75, and 90{degree}. Material removal during impact was dominated by the delamination process, which involved abrasion and fracturing of the parent material, compaction of pulverized debris into a film, nucleation of cracks along the film/substrate interface, and lateral propagation of the interfacial cracks. The dependency of repeated impact wear on the incidence angle involved a combination of the effects of normal and tangential stresses on surface deformation. The contrasting influences of these stresses resulted in a minimization of impact wear of the polished Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} material at incidence angles in the range of 60--75{degree}.
Temperature effects on metabolic rate of juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis.

SUMMARY Pacific bluefin tuna inhabit a wide range of thermal environments across the Pacific ocean. To examine how metabolism varies across this thermal range, we studied the effect of ambient water temperature on metabolic rate of juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus , swimming in a swim tunnel. Rate of oxygen consumption ( Ṁ O 2 ) was measured at ambient temperatures of 8–25°C and swimming speeds of 0.75–1.75 body lengths ( BL ) s –1 . Pacific bluefin swimming at 1 BL s –1 per second exhibited a U-shaped curve of metabolic rate vs ambient temperature, with a thermal minimum zone between 15°C to 20°C. Minimum Ṁ O 2 of 175±29 mg kg –1 h –1 was recorded at 15°C, while both cold and warm temperatures resulted in increased metabolic rates of 331±62 mg kg –1 h –1 at 8°C and 256±19 mg kg –1 h –1 at 25°C. Tailbeat frequencies were negatively correlated with ambient temperature. Additional experiments indicated that the increase in Ṁ O 2 at low temperature occurred only at low swimming speeds. Ambient water temperature data from electronic tags implanted in wild fish indicate that Pacific bluefin of similar size to the experimental fish used in the swim tunnel spend most of their time in ambient temperatures in the metabolic thermal minimum zone.
A DRA fed by PIFA for laptop WLAN application

A compact L-Shape DRA fed by PIFA was designed and fabricated for laptop WLAN application. The antenna was formed to L-shape to minimize the ground plane size, so that it can be fitted into the top corners of a laptop display. A parasitic lossy PCB panel was used to mimic laptop LCD panel. Both the cases of antenna alone and with display panel were simulated and measured. A full coverage of 2.4-2.5 GHz ISM band was achieved for both cases. Simulated far-field total gain patterns were also presented. The effect of the presence of display panel was discussed.
Higher order impedance boundary conditions for anisotropic and nonreciprocal coatings

The topic of approximate impedance boundary conditions is examined using a spectral-domain approach. New forms for general approximate impedance boundary conditions with broader applicability than the SIBC, TIBC or GIBC (standard, tensor, or generalized impedance boundary condition) are derived. Using the spectral-domain approach, higher-order boundary conditions for coatings which cannot be handled by the existing approximate impedance boundary conditions can be addressed. They include complicated coatings containing anisotropic and nonreciprocal materials as well as those with more complicated constitutive relations such as chiral media. >
Estradiol-17β and o,p′-DDT stimulate gonadotropin release in Atlantic croaker

Abstract Xenobiotic estrogens have the potential to act at a variety of estrogen-responsive target tissues on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, to date most studies in fish have focused on stimulation of vitellogenin synthesis by the liver. In the present study the effects of the xenoestrogen o,p′-DDT and estradiol-17β on the neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion were compared. Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) were exposed to o,p′-DDT (0.02 and 0.1 μgg−1 body weight day−1) in the diet for 3 and 7 weeks during the gonadal recrudescence phase. The o,p′-DDT exposure elicited a significant increase in plasma gonadotropin levels after both 3 and 7 weeks of exposure. The stimulatory effect of o,p′-DDT on basal (spontaneous) gonadotropin release was accompanied by a slight increase in ovarian growth as evidenced by the increase in gonadosomatic index. It appears that the stimulation of gonadotropin release by o,p′-DDT during early-recrudescence phase results in enhanced ovarian growth. A comparable stimulatory effect was observed with estradiol-17β treatment during early- and late-recrudescence phases of the ovarian cycle using three injections on alternate days and slow release silastic implants (five days). The present study provides the first evidence for an estrogen-like action of o,p′-DDT on gonadotropin release in a teleost model.
Beyond Beliefs: Religions Bind Individuals Into Moral Communities

Social psychologists have often followed other scientists in treating religiosity primarily as a set of beliefs held by individuals. But, beliefs are only one facet of this complex and multidimensional construct. The authors argue that social psychology can best contribute to scholarship on religion by being relentlessly social. They begin with a social-functionalist approach in which beliefs, rituals, and other aspects of religious practice are best understood as means of creating a moral community. They discuss the ways that religion is intertwined with five moral foundations, in particular the group-focused “binding” foundations of Ingroup/loyalty, Authority/respect, Purity/sanctity. The authors use this theoretical perspective to address three mysteries about religiosity, including why religious people are happier, why they are more charitable, and why most people in the world are religious.
Tutorials in clinical research, Part VIII: Creating a Journal club

Objective The present report is the eighth in a series of sequential tutorials entitled “Tutorials in Clinical Research.” The objective of the report is to provide the reader with information to create or refine a journal club. Study Design Tutorial. Methods The authors met weekly for 3 months and discussed the features of a journal club that would be of interest to otolaryngologists. A Medline search provided a number of relevant articles for review. Results The report is organized into the following sections: Introduction, History of Journal Club, Goals of Journal Club, Basic Organization, Factors Associated With Successful Journal Clubs, Design of Journal Club, Selecting Literature, Evaluation of Journal Club, and Summary. Conclusions There is a paucity of information within the otolaryngology literature regarding the journal club and the significant role it can play in physician education. The flexible nature of the journal club gives it the potential to address many educational needs. Its relevance has never been greater.
Sensitivity of species habitat-relationship model performance to factors of scale

Researchers have come to different conclusions about the usefulness of habitat-relationship models for predicting species presence or absence. This difference frequently stems from a failure to recognize the effects of spatial scales at which the models are applied. We examined the effects of model complexity, spatial data resolution, and scale of application on the performance of bird habitat relationship (BHR) models on the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area and on the Idaho portion of the U.S. Forest Service's Northern Region. We constructed and tested BHR models for 60 bird species detected on the study areas. The models varied by three levels of complexity (amount of habitat information) and three spatial data resolutions (0.09 ha, 4 ha, 10 ha). We tested these models at two levels of analysis: the site level (a homogeneous area <0.5 ha) and cover-type level (an aggregation of many similar sites of a similar land-cover type), using correspondence between model predictions and species detections ...
Final-Year Transition and Service-Learning: Working Together as a Vehicle for Student Engagement, Development, and Life Preparedness

Preparation for the demands of the 21 st -century workplace is an essential priority and growing concern of both students pursuing postsecondary degrees and the faculty and administrators responsible for educating them. For institutions of higher education, demands such as graduate employability, life preparedness, and emotional stability are consistently becoming more complex to support. Research demonstrates a range of high-impact practices (HIPs) that directly influence student engagement and support student development. How can these HIPs help prepare students for post-university life? This article highlights two research projects: one that explored the post-university transition of recent graduates, and another that explored the HIP of service-learning. Using the “what, so what, now what” framework, the article presents each study and its relevant findings. Implications of those findings are then synthesized by examining the two study topics through a single lens in order to identify transferable institutional strategies for preparing graduating students using service-learning pedagogy.
Pharmacology of Baclofen and Morphine

Understanding the pharmacology of drugs intended for intraspinal use assists the clinician in patient management. Pharmacokinetic factors such as lipid solubility, pH and pKa, molecular weight, and affinity must also be considered when comparing agents to use for specific patient conditions. The potential adverse effects of preservatives and antioxidants on spinal cord tissue must be weighed when considering agents that contain these compounds for intraspinal delivery. Specific agents will be discussed, with emphasis on baclofen and morphine but also addressing new categories of drugs that might be given intraspinally to treat spasticity and pain.
Treatment-related decisional conflict, quality of life, and comorbid illness in older adults with cancer

Objective: The present study aims to examine the relationships between and among cancer treatment-related decisional conflict, quality of life, and comorbidity in older adults with cancer. Methods: A convenience sample of 200 older adults was recruited from outpatient medical oncology and radiation oncology practices in the northeastern United States. A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study design was used employing a survey method. Survey instruments included the Decisional Conflict scale (DCS) (with five subscales, including informed, values clarity, support, uncertainty, and effective decision); Self-administered comorbidity questionnaire (SCQ); European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (including five function scales, three symptom scales, a global health/quality of life scale, and six single items); and an investigator-developed demographic form. Results: The mean total DCS score was 22.1 (±12.5). The uncertainty subscale had the highest mean of the subscales (29.2 ± 18.2). The mean score for global health status/quality of life was 44.2 (±20.7). The mean score of the SCQ was low (9.6 ± 4.1). Significant positive relationships were identified between decisional conflict and quality of life (P = 0.009) and quality of life and comorbidity (P = 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis found statistically significant relationships for total decisional conflict score and the five decisional conflict scale subscales. Conclusions: Results may suggest a relationship between decisional conflict and quality of life, as well as the quality of life and comorbidity. In addition, there are several physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that may positively or negatively impact decisional conflict.
The Supreme Court and Marriage: A History of the Federalization of Marriage

Critics of efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution so as to ensure the continued legal vitality of marriage as involving exclusively a relationship between a man and a woman have asserted that this is an impermissible step to take because traditionally marriage has belonged to the states to regulate. In fact, the Supreme Court has implicated itself in marriage and domestic relations law nearly from the foundation of the Republic. This involvement, moreover, has greatly intensified over the last forty years, such that the Court has taken-over many important features of domestic relations law. To be sure, in a narrow sense, the contemporary Court has refrained from using its diversity jurisdiction to decide cases and controversies directly involving divorce, alimony, or child custody. But on many important issues - including divorce, contraception, abortion, and parental/child relations - the Court has felt itself compelled to establish the ground rules under which the states may legislate. In this context, it is clear that, far from being a violation of principles of federalism, the Federal Marriage Amendment is a proportionate and appropriate response to a takeover by the central government of state responsibility to regulate the marital relationship.
Methylene Blue Is Effective to Reverse Refractory Hemodynamic Instability due to Dimethoate Poisoning

Background:Organophosphates are commercially available agrochemicals for pest control, but may be abused for deliberate self-poisoning. We report a case of suicidal ingestion of dimethoate, a moderately toxic organophosphate insecticide, which can cause refractory hemodynamic instability, and the successful use of methylene blue (MB) for counteracting this complication. Case Presentation: An unconscious 47-year-old man was referred to emergency department with history of dimethoate ingestion. He rapidly developed hypotension that was refractory to antidotes, resuscitative hydration and multiple vasopressors including norepinephrine, epinephrine and vasopressin. Pulmonary artery catheterization revealed high cardiac output and low peripheral vascular resistance consistent with distributive shock, a complication previously reported in the setting of acute dimethoate toxicity. MB was initiated for the patient and improved hemodynamic status (increased MAP, systolic and diastolic blood pressures) and seized vasopressor requirement. Laboratory tests revealed that on-admission plasma cholinesterase level and dimethoate serum level were 2247 U and 56 μg/mL, respectively. The patient required 2 week ICU course with eventual tracheotomy for ventilation and later transferred to step down level of care. Discussion:Although MB therapy has been reported to be useful in managing sepsis-induced hypotension, there has been no similar report of its use in organophosphate poisoning. Our patient had no objective evidence for sepsis, and MB infusion improved hemodynamics within 6 hours and the effect was continued even after discontinuation of the therapy. The underlying mechanism of dimethoate-induced hypotension might be related to increase in nitric oxide (NO) formation. MB is effective to inhibit NO synthase. Conclusion:MB treatment was effective to reverse hypotension and restore hemodynamic instability caused by dimethoate poisoning. This index case may pave way to further investigation of MB therapy for OP-induced hemodynamic instabilities.
Future Directions of Antifungal Chemotherapy

The number of recognized fungal pathogens and the alternatives for treatment of infections due to these organisms have increased dramatically in the 1980s. Use of the traditional agent, amphotericin B, has been hampered by severe dose-limiting toxicity and variable efficacy, and flucytosine is characterized by a narrow spectrum, rapid emergence of resistance, and significant dose-limiting toxicities. In recent years, the appearance of a variety of azole antifungal drugs has permitted exploration of the use of different agents in a wide range of dosages for treatment of a variety of fungal infections. Even so, the azoles are often ineffective or cannot be used, and major therapeutic gaps still remain, particularly for patients with AIDS and those with severe neutropenia. For those with acute, life-threatening disease, the use of amphotericin B-lipid complex or ampholiposomes offers the potential of delivering much higher doses of amphotericin B safely. However, the efficacy of these formulations compared with that of amphotericin B is as yet uncertain. In addition to treatment of established disease, there has been interest in using antifungal azoles for prophylaxis for mucocutaneous candidiasis and systemic mycoses in patients who are predisposed to these conditions. Recently completed large-scale studies suggest that antifungal prophylaxis can be accomplished with use of azoles; however, the cost versus benefits of the prophylactic use of these agents is not yet defined. The 1990s will see consolidation of the uses of antifungals presently available, exploration of the use of much higher doses of amphotericin B (perhaps other polyenes as well in liposomal form), and perhaps the use of azoles in combination as well as alone or sequentially in the form of polyene/azole antifungal therapy. New entries may include beta-1,3-glucan inhibitors in the mid-1990s and other classes of drugs toward the end of the decade.
Role of Lipids in Mineralization

During mineralization of the epiphyseal growth plate, mineral crystals are first seen within extracellular membranous structures termed matrix vesicles [1,4]. Matrix vesicles accumulate calcium from the cartilage lymph and concentrate calcium and inorganic phosphate (Pi) to levels at which hydroxyapatite crystal formation is promoted [2]. Mineral formation within the vesicles is associated with an increase in the concentration of extracellular Pi[5] and the presence of acidic phospholipids [9,12]. It has been reported that a stable non- dissociable calcium-phospholipid-P04 complex isolated from calcifying tissues can nucleate hydroxyapatite crystals from metastable solutions [3,7]. This complex is considered the site of mineral nucleation during calcification [6,13].
The immunogenicity and safety of intradermal hepatitis B vaccine.

Background One of the chief barriers to a greater use of hepatitis B vaccine is the high cost of the vaccine itself. A number of small research trials have shown that an adequate immune response can be induced at a much lower cost by administering one tenth of the vaccine using an intradermal technique. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether these results could be replicated in a larger clinical trial. Methods Vaccine recipients included health care providers, police officers, and firefighters. Recipients were given 0.1 mL of plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine intradermally on days 1, 30, and 180. Antibody response was measured on day 210, with seroconversion defined as a sample-to-negative (S/N) ratio of greater than or equal to 10. Any local and systemic side effects were documented. Results Six hundred sixteen individuals completed the vaccination series, and seroconversion occurred in 534 (86.7%). The rate of seroconversion in those younger than 40 years was 91.2% and in those 40 years and older was 75.1%. The mean S/N ratio was 154.9 (range 0 to 620) and decreased with increasing age (r = -.25, P = .0001). Side effects were largely limited to local reactions. Conclusions The results support the use of the intradermal technique as a cost-effective alternative to the intramuscular route in individuals younger than 40 years. The intradermal technique may be used in older individuals if titers are obtained to assure seroconversion. Because of the restricted availability of the plasma-derived vaccine used in this study, similar trials with recombinant vaccine should be undertaken.
Examining the Preferences of Online Business Course Students

There were three purposes to this study; (a) ascertain why students chose to enroll in online courses and the number taken to date in their academic careers in the College of Business at a regional University, (b) determine the preferences of 300 and 400 level course participants regarding online interaction, feedback, and course design, and (c) find out participants’ specific complaints about faculty members’ practices and elicit recommendations for course design improvements. Results from the study indicated; (a) the average number of online courses taken by course participants was 8.5; (b) course participants: valued interaction with faculty, appreciated supplemental course materials (e.g., videos, web links, etc.), did not expect an online class to be similar to a face-to-face class, were nearly equally split regarding the value of graded discussions, valued simplicity of course design, content and amount of interaction in online courses, and did not value audio feedback on written assignments. Finally, replies to two qualitative questions regarding course improvements and things that aggravated online students indicated that, while there were statistically significant differences between 300 and 400 level participants’ online course expectations both groups point to the need for faculty improvements in terms of course design and instructional methodology. Four recommendations were made for future research and implementation.
Scavenging of Reactive Isolevuglandins in Mitochondria Reduces Vascular Oxidative Stress and Attenuates Hypertension

Free radical oxidation of arachidonic acid produces highly reactive isolevuglandins (isoLG) which causes mitochondrial dysfunction by opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Inhibition of the mPTP regulatory subunit cyclophilin D reduces isoLG-induced mitochondrial dysfunction (Free Radic Biol Med 2010;49:567-79). We found that depletion of cyclophilin D diminishes mitochondrial O 2 ●– , improves vascular relaxation and reduces hypertension (Hypertension 2016;67:1218-27). We hypothesized that hypertension is associated with accumulation of mitochondrial isoLG and mitochondria-targeted isoLG scavenger reduces vascular oxidative stress and attenuates hypertension. To test this hypothesis we developed mitochondria-targeted isoLG scavenger 4-(aminomethyl)-3-hydroxyphenoxy) butyl)triphenyl-phosphonium (mito2HOBA) by conjugation of lipophilic triphenylmethylphosphonium cation to 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2HOBA). Mito2HOBA is a water soluble compound which was well tolerated by cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and by mice receiving it in drinking water. It was found that mito2HOBA (50 nM) inhibited mitochondrial O 2 ●– production (MitoSOX/HPLC) and prevented cardiolipin oxidation (LS-MS) in HEACs incubated with TNFα+Angiotensin II while untargeted analog 2HOBA (50 nM) was not effective. The functional role of mitochondrial isoLG was tested in vivo using angiotensin II model of hypertension. C57Bl/6J mice were infused with angiotensin II (0.7 mg/kg/day) or saline (Sham) and received mito2HOBA in the drinking water (0.1 g/L). It was found that mito2HOBA diminished angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Hypertension was associated with increased formation of mitochondrial isoLG measured by Western blot analysis of heart mitochondria using the anti-isoLG D11 scfv antibody and 2-fold decrease in kidney ATP. mito2HOBA reduced accumulation of isoLG adducts in the heart mitochondria and prevented drop in kidney ATP in angiotensin II-infused mice. Decrease of NO is a hallmark of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension due to vascular oxidative stress. We examined vascular oxidative stress by measurements of aortic O 2 ●– using fluorescent O 2 ●– probe DHE and HPLC, and analysis of endothelial NO using Electron Spin Resonance and specific NO spin trap Fe(DETC) 2 . It was found that mito2HOBA reduced vascular O 2 ●– in angiotensin II-infused mice and preserved endothelial NO. These data support the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial isoLG in endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. We conclude that scavenging of mitochondrial isoLG may have therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease.
Distribution and Turnover of a Cytotoxic Depigmentary Agent (Hydroquinone) in Black Goldfish, Carassius auratus L., and Consideration of the Mechanism of Action

Uptake and turnover of injected radiohydroquinone (and/or metabolic derivatives) in black goldfish are rapid as most tissues and organs studied show peak uptake at approximately 30 min (B1⧀v2 approximately 2 hrs). Melanin containing tissues are not different in this respect from non-melanin containing tissues. Hydroquinone, therefore, does not show a specific “affinity” for melanosomes, and the turnover appears to be a function of circulation time. The liver, gall bladder and intestine are a major excretory route for hydroquinone. The liver accumulates the label and the secreted bile containing the label is stored in the gall bladder. The labeled bile then is slowly excreted via the intestine for about 48 hrs post-treatment.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Positive-Sense, Single-Stranded RNA Virus Isolated from Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte

ABSTRACT The genome sequence of a novel small RNA virus was assembled from the transcriptome of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. The assembled genome has 13,182 nucleotides with a 3′ polyadenylated tail. Two open reading frames are predicted to encode polyproteins of 2,838 and 1,073 amino acids.
The gender and race of pixels: an exploration of intersectional identity representation and construction within minecraft and its community

Most of the previous research has focused on gendered or racial representations in either game playing or making contexts. In this paper, we adopt an intersectional perspective by examining gender and race identity representations and constructions within Minecraft, a sandbox game, popular with millions of youth. Our research focuses not only on game play and construction but also examines gender and racial representations within the larger metagaming community, in particular online YouTube video postings and a public gaming convention. In the discussion, we address gender, race, and intersectional identity representation across Minecraft's ecology in how these representations on and offline are influenced by and impact youth gamers along with ways to prevent Minecraft from becoming an exclusionary space.