cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome is associated with different clinical outcome after cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

Background: Although association of metabolic syndrome (MS) and ischemic heart disease is strongly established, it is not known whether presence of MS may differently influence clinical responses to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between obesity and metabolic features and the clinical outcome after cardiac resynchronization with defibrillator therapy (CRT-D), compared to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Methods: The risk of heart failure (HF) or death and death alone was evaluated in 829 non-obese patients, 156 obese patients without MS, and 277 obese patients with MS (all with left bundle branch block), who were enrolled in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implanta­tion Trial with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (MADIT-CRT). Results: Obese patients with MS (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32–0.77, p = 0.002), obese patients without MS (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.30–1.06, p = 0.077), and non-obese patients (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.37–0.62, p < 0.001) had a similar risk reduction of HF/death in response to CRT-D therapy when compared to ICD patients. However, among those with non-ischemic cardiomyo­pathy, obese patients with MS experienced a 90% reduction for HF/death (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.32, p < 0.001), whereas obese patients without MS had no reduction (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.48–1.98, p = 0.951; interaction p < 0.001). The reverse was observed in ischemic car­diomyopathy patients: obese patients with MS had no reduction in the risk of HF/death (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.48–1.34, p = 0.402), while obese patients without MS showed a significant reduction in the risk of events (HR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04–0.65, p = 0.011; interaction p = 0.036). Similar trends were observed for the endpoint of death. Conclusions: Presence of MS differentiates the response to CRT in obese patients with is­chemic and non-ischemic etiology for HF.
Vaginal Wall Sling

AbstractWe describe a new technique for the treatment of urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincteric damage in which a sling constructed from vaginal wall is used to provide compression and support of the urethra. A rectangular island of in situ anterior vaginal wall underlying the urethra and bladder neck is developed, the 4 corners are anchored with polypropylene sutures and a ligature carrier is used to transfer the sutures to a suprapubic location. An anterior vaginal wall flap proximal to the island is advanced to cover the island. When the sutures are tied the resulting sling will support the urethra and increase urethral resistance by compression, restoring continence. The advantages are its simplicity, need for only a small incision, short operative time and hospital stay, and reliance on healthy, well vascularized, in situ tissue. Continence has been achieved in 29 of 32 cases. All patients voided spontaneously except for those with neuropathic urethral incompetence who required self-cathet...
Anti-Jk a that are detected by solid-phase red blood cell adherence but missed by gel testing can cause hemolytic transfusion reactions

BACKGROUND Kidd blood group antibodies are notorious for transient detection and hemolytic transfusion reactions. This report compares the rate of detection of anti-Jka when using gel column agglutination versus solid-phase red blood cell adherence (SPRCA) testing and documents the occurrence of hemolytic transfusion reactions in 17 recently transfused patients who developed anti-Jka that were detectable by SPRCA but were undetectable by gel. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Before April 20, 2011, the laboratory used gel column agglutination as the primary method for antibody screening and identification. From April 20, 2011, to August 12, 2013, SPRCA was adopted as the primary method for antibody screen with gel remaining the primary method for identification. SPRCA identification was also performed if sufficient sample was available. Medical records were reviewed for evidence of hemolytic reaction in patients whose anti-Jka was negative or inconclusive by gel, but clearly identifiable by SPRCA at the time the anti-Jka was first identified. RESULTS A total of 105 patients were discovered with anti-Jka from 88,478 SPRCA screens performed. In 32 patients, anti-Jka was initially discovered by SPRCA testing and concurrent gel testing was completely negative (n = 26) or inconclusive (n = 6). Seventeen of the 32 patients were recently transfused and of these six met criteria for delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR), three had possible DHTRs, and eight had delayed serologic reactions; 13 of the transfused patients received Jk(a–) RBCs to avoid potential hemolysis. CONCLUSION SPRCA testing significantly increased the discovery of clinically significant anti-Jka and facilitated the earlier use of Jk(a–) RBCs to avoid hemolytic transfusion reactions.
The Evolution of Blackboard Control Architectures

This paper examines the issues that arise in the control of blackboard systems for applications with large and complicated search spaces by analyzing the evolution of blackboard control architectures. We feel that the issues addressed here apply more generally to AI application domains involving complex multi-dimensional search, in which control knowledge is as important to successful problem solving as domain knowledge. Evolution is viewed largely from the context of the Hearsay-II (HSII) speech understanding system. The appeal of the blackboard model is that it provides great flexibility in structuring problem solving. On the other hand, many of the features that are responsible for this flexibility make effective control difficult because they complicate the process of estimating the expected value of potential actions. Among the key themes in the evolution of blackboard control is the development of mechanisms that support more sophisticated goal-directed reasoning. In the basic control mechanism of HSII, control decisions could consider only the local and immediate effects of possible actions. Thus, the value of potential actions in meeting the system goals could be evaluated in only a limited manner. The development of appropriate abstractions of the intermediate state of problem solving can be used to evaluate the non-local effect of actions relative to the overall problem-solving goals. In addition, blackboard systems went from the implicit representation of goals in HSII to explicit representation of the goals that must be satisfied in order to meet the overall goals of the system. This allowed the implementation of various styles of goal-directed reasoning (e.g, subgoaling and planning) that were not supported in the basic HSII control mechanism. Other architectural mechanisms were concerned with efficiency issues. We will examine a number of different blackboard control architectures that have evolved from the basic model of HSII: HASP/SIAP''s event-based control, CRYSALIS'' hierarchical control, the DVMT''s goal-directed architecture, the control blackboard architecture (BB1), model-based incremental planning for the DVMT, the channelized/parameterized control loop version of the DVMT, ATOME''s hybrid multistage control, CASSANDRA''s distributed control, and the RESUN interpretation framework.
RNA-Seq Profiling of Intestinal Expression of Xenobiotic Processing Genes in Germ-Free Mice

Intestinal bacteria can affect xenobiotic metabolism through both direct bacterial enzyme-catalyzed modification of the xenobiotics and indirect alterations of the expression of host genes. To determine how intestinal bacteria affect the expression of host xenobiotic-processing genes (XPGs), the mRNA profiles of 303 XPGs were characterized by RNA sequencing in four intestinal sections and compared with that in the liver from adult male conventional (CV) and germ-free (GF) mice. Fifty-four XPGs were not expressed in the intestine of either CV or GF mice. The GF condition altered the expression of 116 XPGs in at least one intestinal section but had no effect on 133 XPGs. Many cytochrome P450 family members such as Cyp1a, Cyp2b10, Cyp2c, and most Cyp3a members, as well as carboxylesterase (Ces) 2a were expressed lower in the intestine of GF than CV mice. In contrast, GF mice had higher intestinal expression of some phase I oxidases (alcohol dehydrogenase 1, aldehyde dehydrogenase a1l1 and 4a1, as well as flavin monooxygenase 5) and phase II conjugation enzymes (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1a1, and sulfotransferase 1c2, 1d1, and 2b1). Several transporters in the intestine, such as bile acid transporters (apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter, organic solute transporter α and β), peptide transporter 1, and multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1, exhibited higher expression in GF mice. In conclusion, lack of intestinal bacteria alters the expression of a large number of XPGs in the host intestine, some of which are section specific. Cyp3a is downregulated in both the liver and intestine of GF mice, which probably contributes to altered xenobiotic metabolism.
Might climate change the “healthy migrant” effect?

Abstract Migrants from Mexico to the U.S. tend to be healthier than non-migrants in their origin – part of a pattern termed the “healthy migrant effect”. With climate change altering livelihoods across the globe, we ask how the migration-health connection may be altered by environmental strain. On the one hand, positive health selectivity may be intensified if migration becomes more challenging – and therefore increasingly likely to be undertaken by only the healthiest. On the other hand, positive health selectivity may decline if the “push” associated with environmental strain acts upon individuals regardless of health. We use Mexican Migration Project data to model Mexico-US migration by male household heads with consideration of migrant health as well as recent rainfall conditions in communities of origin. Results reveal intriguing interactions such that when moderately dry regions experience rainfall shortage, health selectivity is lower – meaning that less healthy household heads also engage in international migration. We posit that social networks may underlie this association. We further argue that since environmental context may alter the relationship between migration and health, future research on the “healthy migrant effect” should consider environmental conditions. As to implications, if climate change yields pressure on less healthy individuals to migrate, the need for migrant-sensitive health systems and services may be intensified in destination regions.
Clinical and Genomic Insights from Metastatic Cancers.

Most cancer patients who succumb to their disease die from metastatic, or recurrent, cancer. The growth in our knowledge of the genomic underpinnings of cancer has been exponential due to the study of cancer genomes over the past 10 years with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced computational analytics. However, most of these large-scale discovery studies have focused on primary, treatment-naive cancers, as these are commonly diagnosed by use of tumor material from a needle biopsy or resection sample. Hence, the remaining cancer sample can be used for DNA and/or RNA isolation in the primary diagnostic setting. One reason for the relative paucity of metastatic cancer samples is because their surgical removal is not curative, and hence surgery is not performed either to biopsy or remove (“resect”) the tumor. Metastases may develop coincidentally in several different body sites, which makes a surgical intervention implausible as well. Another reason that cancer metastases are not biopsied is because obtaining a biopsy specimen may pose risks to the patient, such as the risk of pneumothorax during needle biopsy of a lung metastasis. Also, the patient may not opt for the biopsy due to the attendant risks, even if insurance will cover the cost of the procedure. Despite these clinical obstacles to studying the genomics of metastatic cancers, a recent study by Robinson et al. has explored 500 metastatic lesions obtained from cancer patients with over 30 different primary cancer diagnoses (1). Using integrative analysis methods, they combined DNA and RNA data from NGS-based clinical assays of the 500 metastatic cancers to derive several types of molecular characterizations. While similar integrative analytical approaches have been performed as “pan-cancer” analyses from primary cancer genomics data sets, such as those from The Cancer Genome Atlas (2), the results of their application to metastatic cancers from patients who …
Categorical Omega with Small Sample Sizes via Bayesian Estimation: An Alternative to Frequentist Estimators.

When item scores are ordered categorical, categorical omega can be computed based on the parameter estimates from a factor analysis model using frequentist estimators such as diagonally weighted least squares. When the sample size is relatively small and thresholds are different across items, using diagonally weighted least squares can yield a substantially biased estimate of categorical omega. In this study, we applied Bayesian estimation methods for computing categorical omega. The simulation study investigated the performance of categorical omega under a variety of conditions through manipulating the scale length, number of response categories, distributions of the categorical variable, heterogeneities of thresholds across items, and prior distributions for model parameters. The Bayes estimator appears to be a promising method for estimating categorical omega. Mplus and SAS codes for computing categorical omega were provided.
Glycoprotein Nature of Lipolytic Acyl Hydrolases in Potato Tubers and Leaves

The leaves and tubers of potatoes contain high levels of lipolytic acyl hydrolase activities (1, 2, 3). These enzymes are capable of hydrolyzing all endogenous phospholipids and galactolipids. It was recently reported that all of the lipolytic acyl hydrolase activity in potato tubers is associated with a glycoprotein fraction called “patatin” which comprises about 30% of the soluble protein in tubers (4). This study was undertaken in order to verify whether this finding was valid for other varieties of potatoes (in ref 4 Kennebec was the only variety studied). In addition, experiments were also conducted to determine whether the lipolytic enzymes in potato leaves were also associated with patatin or other glycoproteins.
Perceived chargeback system fairness in decentralized organizations: an examination of the issues

Problems can arise in decentralized organizations when usage-based chargeback systems are implemented to control computing resources. A case study of a company that is changing from negotiated pricing to full cost pricing illustrates the fact that concerns about fairness can arise not only with respect to specific characteristics of the chargeback system (e.g., understandability, controllability), but also as a result of central management policies governing internal transactions between the users and MIS. In particular, this examination identifies three factors that affect the fairness perceptions of autonomous divisional managers: (1) a high degree of interdependence between user divisions and MIS such that the behavior of MIS could have a significant impact on divisional performance; (2) restrictions on divisional managers' freedom to purchase computer services from external sources; and (3) the tendency for full cost to exceed market prices early in the life of a data center. A dual pricing approach may be an interim solution to reduce conflict and improve user perceptions of fairness.
Training for Diversity in Image Paragraph Captioning

Image paragraph captioning models aim to produce detailed descriptions of a source image. These models use similar techniques as standard image captioning models, but they have encountered issues in text generation, notably a lack of diversity between sentences, that have limited their effectiveness. In this work, we consider applying sequence-level training for this task. We find that standard self-critical training produces poor results, but when combined with an integrated penalty on trigram repetition produces much more diverse paragraphs. This simple training approach improves on the best result on the Visual Genome paragraph captioning dataset from 16.9 to 30.6 CIDEr, with gains on METEOR and BLEU as well, without requiring any architectural changes.
A Machine Learning-based Approach to Pseudo-Radar Rainfall Estimation Using Disdrometer Data

TATRASCChenChandra. The machine learning model is trained and tested using pseudo radar observations simulated using in situ raindrop size distribution data. Preliminary results show the superior performance of the proposed approach to traditional parametric radar rainfall relations.
North Korea in 1956: reconsidering the August Plenum and the Sino-Soviet joint intervention

ABSTRACTThe year 1956 was one of the most pivotal in the history of the North Korean party-state. It marked the end of political diversity and the decline of Soviet and Chinese influence on politic...
Abstract IA15: Multiple targetable pathways for epigenetic therapy

Epigenetic reprogramming erases the malignant potential of some transformed cells and the aim of epigenetic therapy is to achieve some degree of reprogramming in-vivo by targeting epigenetic writers/readers. The resultant gene expression response includes reactivation of tumor-suppressor genes and differentiation pathways as well as activation of an immune response program, all of which contribute to eventual clinical activity. The DNA methyltransferase inhibitors azacitidine, decitabine and guadecitabine induce clinically meaningful remissions or improvements in 30-60% of patients with myeloid leukemias and prolong survival compared to standard approaches including chemotherapy. This therapy is accompanied by (i) global and gene specific demethylation, (ii) reactivation of silenced gene expression, (iii) delayed responses that correlate with early epigenetic reactivation and result in clonal elimination and (iv) eventual relapses and resistance the mechanisms of which appear to involve genetic evolution in some cases. Multiple other classes of epigenetic modifiers have now been targeted therapeutically including histone acetylases and deacetylases, histone methylases and demethylases, and readers of the epigenetic marks such as the BET family of proteins. Clinical trials of these drugs are ongoing and have already shown impressive clinical activity in selected cases. Using a parallel approach, we have shown that gene expression directed unbiased phenotypic screens can also uncover new and repurposed drugs for epigenetic therapy (e.g. cardiac glycosides, arsenic trioxide, natural products), and unbiased genetic screens have suggested novel targets as well (SWI/SNF proteins, CHD4 etc.). An even greater promise of epigenetic therapy lies in sensitization to other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Ultimately, epigenetic therapy will be integrated into comprehensive treatment plans aimed long term disease control in many human malignancies. Citation Format: Jean-Pierre Issa. Multiple targetable pathways for epigenetic therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR International Conference: New Frontiers in Cancer Research; 2017 Jan 18-22; Cape Town, South Africa. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(22 Suppl):Abstract nr IA15.
A comparison of vacuum sampling versus sweep-netting for arthropod biodiversity measurements in California coastal sage scrub

The recent growth of conservation biology has demanded that faster and more effective measures of biodiversity be utilized. Arthropods, due to high levels of diversity and their relative ease of capture, are often the subject of such surveys. The vacuum sampler, used quite often in the context of agricultural arthropod surveys, has never been adequately evaluated or compared to more traditional collection techniques in relatively complex ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the vacuum sampler was more or less effective than a sweep-net in measuring arthropod biodiversity in California coastal sage scrub. The results show that significantly more individuals were collected by the vacuum sampler per unit effort for three out of six orders of arthropods examined. In addition, the vacuum sampler collected a significantly greater number of arthropod species than the sweep-net technique for two out of the six orders sampled. There were no significant differences in the number of species collected for the remaining four orders. We feel these findings are important for arthropod biodiversity studies utilized for conservation efforts as the vacuum sampler can attain a level of efficiency and sensitivity (with regard to species detection) that sweep-net techniques cannot. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
Deep Learning Side-Channel Attack Resilient AES-256 using Current Domain Signature Attenuation in 65nm CMOS

This article, for the first time, demonstrates an efficient circuit-level countermeasure to prevent deep-learning based side-channel analysis (DLSCA) attacks on encryption devices. Machine learning (ML) SCA, particularly DLSCA attacks have been shown to be extremely effective as it can potentially reveal the secret key of the cryptographic device with as low as a single trace, by offloading the heavy-lifting on the profiling phase where the model learns the correlated leakage patterns of the key. This work presents a current-domain signature attenuation (CDSA) hardware embedding an AES256 engine fabricated in 65nm CMOS technology to suppress the current signature by >350× before it reaches the power supply pin accessible to an attacker. Measurement results show that a 256-class deep neural network (DNN) model for DLSCA attack can be fully trained (>99.9% test accuracy) using only <5K power traces from the unprotected AES256, while the DNN model for the protected CDSA-AES256 cannot be trained even with 10M traces.
Do Maternal Parenting Behaviors Indirectly Link Toddler Dysregulated Fear and Child Anxiety Symptoms

Dysregulated fear (DF), display of high-fear in low-threat contexts, has been shown to predict child anxiety development. Maternal protective, comforting, and intrusive behaviors have also been linked to child anxiety development and may be candidate mechanisms linking DF to anxiety. First, the relation between DF (age 2) and child separation anxiety (age 4) as indirectly linked by maternal protective, comforting, and intrusive behaviors was investigated. Second, the relation between DF and social anxiety (age 4) through parenting behaviors was investigated. Results suggested DF significantly predicted child separation anxiety through maternal intrusive behaviors, above and beyond protective and comforting behaviors. Neither protective nor comforting parenting behavior served as indirect effects between DF and separation anxiety. No parenting behaviors were found to indirectly link the relation between DF and social anxiety. Results suggest that multiple parenting behaviors are involved as environmental mechanisms by which DF predicts separation anxiety.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, Clostridioides difficile Colitis, Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection, and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Hospital-acquired infections increase cost, morbidity, and mortality for patients across the United States and the world. Principal among these infections are central line-associated bloodstream infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, Clostridioides difficile, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infections. This article provides succinct summaries of the background, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. In addition, novel prevention strategies, including those related to recent national interventions, are reviewed.
Quantifying the structural uncertainty of the aerosol mixing state representation in a modal model

Abstract. Aerosol mixing state is an important emergent property that affects aerosol radiative forcing and aerosol-cloud interactions, but it has not been easy to constrain this property globally. This study aims to verify the global distribution of aerosol mixing state represented by modal models. To quantify the aerosol mixing state, we used the aerosol mixing state indices for submicron aerosol based on the mixing of optically absorbing and non-absorbing species (χo), the mixing of primary carbonaceous and non-primary carbonaceous species (χc), and the mixing of hygroscopic and non-hygroscopic species (χh). To achieve a spatiotemporal comparison, we calculated the mixing state indices using output from the Community Earth System Model with the modal MAM4 aerosol module, and compared the results with the mixing state indices from a benchmark machine-learned model trained on high-detail particle-resolved simulations from the particle-resolved stochastic aerosol model PartMC-MOSAIC. The two methods yielded very different spatial patterns of the mixing state indices. In some regions, the yearly-averaged χ value computed by the MAM4 model differed by up to 70 percentage points from the benchmark values. These errors tended to be zonally structured, with the MAM4 model predicting a more internally mixed aerosol at low latitudes, and a more externally mixed aerosol at high latitudes, compared to the benchmark. Our study quantifies potential model bias in simulating mixing state in different regions, and provides insights into potential improvements to model process representation for a more realistic simulation of aerosols.
Fixation probabilities in graph-structured populations under weak selection.

A population’s spatial structure affects the rate of genetic change and the outcome of natural selection. These effects can be modeled mathematically using the Birth-death process on graphs. Individuals occupy the vertices of a weighted graph, and reproduce into neighboring vertices based on fitness. A key quantity is the probability that a mutant type will sweep to fixation, as a function of the mutant’s fitness. Graphs that increase the fixation probability of beneficial mutations, and decrease that of deleterious mutations, are said to amplify selection. However, fixation probabilities are difficult to compute for an arbitrary graph. Here we derive an expression for the fixation probability, of a weakly-selected mutation, in terms of the time for two lineages to coalesce. This expression enables weak-selection fixation probabilities to be computed, for an arbitrary weighted graph, in polynomial time. Applying this method, we explore the range of possible effects of graph structure on natural selection, genetic drift, and the balance between the two. Using exhaustive analysis of small graphs and a genetic search algorithm, we identify families of graphs with striking effects on fixation probability, and we analyze these families mathematically. Our work reveals the nuanced effects of graph structure on natural selection and neutral drift. In particular, we show how these notions depend critically on the process by which mutations arise.
Pediatric Practice Transformation and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Use in Adolescents.

Abstract Objective Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) are recommended as highly effective for adolescents. Although the uptake of LARCs has increased, overall use remains low due to barriers for both providers and patients. We evaluate whether pediatric medical home transformation, including implant placement in pediatrics, may increase LARC use or decrease adolescent pregnancy rates. Methods Retrospective interrupted time-series analysis of adolescents ages 11-19 years at two pediatric practices in academically-affiliated community health centers during 2005-2015. The intervention practice underwent medical home transformation including team-based care with family planning and health coaching, youth-friendly policies, and contraceptive implant placement. The control practice continued usual care. Differential changes in population event rates were evaluated using a segmented longitudinal regression model. Results The study population included 4,946 adolescent females at the intervention practice and 1,992 at the control practice. Following practice transformation, LARC use increased significantly more at the intervention practice compared to the control (1.73 versus 0.28 events per 1000 patients quarterly p= 0.004). Pregnancy rate declined at both practices without temporal correlation to the LARC intervention. During the medical home transformation period, the intervention practice showed a greater decline in pregnancy rate, though this difference did not reach statistical significance (2.01 versus 0.81 events per 1000 patients quarterly p= 0.090). Conclusions Adolescents had higher LARC use where implant placement was offered within the pediatric practice as part of medical home transformation. Although LARC did not impact pregnancy rate, the process of practice transformation may have accelerated its decline through heightened adolescent health focus.
And Then a Miracle Happens!: How Do Proxy Advisory Firms Develop Their Voting Recommendations?

Proxy advisory firms are independent, for-profit consulting companies that provide voting recommendations to individual and institutional investors. Research shows that these firms have significant influence on voting outcomes. Given this influence, it is important that investors ensure that the policies of these firms are “accurate” — i.e., that they successfully and reliably differentiate between good and bad future outcomes.In this Closer Look, we carefully examine the process by which proxy advisory firms formulate their voting policies. In doing so, we identify serious issues that raise questions about the accuracy of their recommendations.We ask: How exactly do proxy advisory firms determine that a policy is “correct”? Who participates in the policy development process with these firms? How do we know that their opinions are representative of shareholder broadly? Why don’t proxy advisory firms disclose the research that supports each of their voting recommendations?Topics, Issues and Controversies in Corporate Governance and Leadership: The Closer Look series is a collection of short case studies through which we explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance. In each study, we take a targeted look at a specific issue that is relevant to the current debate on governance and explain why it is so important. Larcker and Tayan are co-authors of the book Corporate Governance Matters, and A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance.
The value of immunohistochemistry for CD14, CD123, CD33, myeloperoxidase and CD68R in the diagnosis of acute and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemias.

Rollins-Raval M A & Roth C G (2012) Histopathology 60, 933–942 The value of immunohistochemistry for CD14, CD123, CD33, myeloperoxidase and CD68R in the diagnosis of acute and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemias Aims: In the absence of adequate aspirate films and touch imprints, distinction of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) from acute myeloid leukaemia with monocytic differentiation (Mo-AML) may be difficult solely on the basis of bone marrow biopsy morphological features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of a novel immunohistochemical panel for the diagnosis of acute and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemias in bone marrow biopsies. Methods and results: Immunohistochemical labelling for CD14, CD123, CD33, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD68R was assessed in 49 myeloid neoplasms with monocytic differentiation (24 CMMLs and 25 Mo-AMLs) and compared with that of 15 non-monocytic acute myeloid leukaemias (NM-AMLs) and 17 non-neoplastic controls. More than 20% CD14 immunohistochemistry (IHC)+ cells were seen only in Mo-AMLs and CMMLs, although Mo-AMLs showed wide variability and overlapped with other categories. More than 20% CD68R IHC+ cells had the highest sensitivity and specificity for Mo-AML. Discrepant MPO–/CD33+ expression was specific for Mo-AML but insensitive. A subset of blasts in Mo-AMLs and NM-AMLs were weakly CD123+. Conclusions: A significantly increased number of CD14+ cells raises the possibility of a myelomonocytic neoplasm but does not distinguish between CMML and Mo-AML. Significantly increased numbers of CD68R IHC+ cells and a discrepant MPO–/CD33+ staining pattern are specific for Mo-AML but are best utilized in a comprehensive panel.
Large-scale cortical networks and cognition.

Abstract The well-known parcellation of the mammalian cerebral cortex into a large number of functionally distinct cytoarchitectonic areas presents a problem for understanding the complex cortical integrative functions that underlie cognition. How do cortical areas having unique individual functional properties cooperate to accomplish these complex operations? Do neurons distributed throughout the cerebral cortex act together in large-scale functional assemblages? This review examines the substantial body of evidence supporting the view that complex integrative functions are carried out by large-scale networks of cortical areas. Pathway tracing studies in non-human primates have revealed widely distributed networks of interconnected cortical areas, providing an anatomical substrate for large-scale parallel processing of information in the cerebral cortex. Functional coactivation of multiple cortical areas has been demonstrated by neurophysiological studies in non-human primates and several different cognitive functions have been shown to depend on multiple distributed areas by human neuropsychological studies. Electriphysiological studies on interareal synchronization have provided evidence that active neurons in different cortical areas may become not only coactive, but also functionally interdependent. The computational advantages of synchronization between cortical areas in large-scale networks have been elucidated by studies using artificial neural network models. Recent observations of time-varying multi-areal cortical synchronization suggest that the functional topology of a large-scale cortical network is dynamically reorganized during visuomotor behavior.
Dynamics of GATA1 binding and expression response in a GATA1-induced erythroid differentiation system

During the maturation phase of mammalian erythroid differentiation, highly proliferative cells committed to the erythroid lineage undergo dramatic changes in morphology and function to produce circulating, enucleated erythrocytes. These changes are caused by equally dramatic alterations in gene expression, which in turn are driven by changes in the abundance and binding patterns of transcription factors such as GATA1. We have studied the dynamics of GATA1 binding by ChIP-seq and the global expression responses by RNA-seq in a GATA1-dependent mouse cell line model for erythroid maturation, in both cases examining seven progressive stages during differentiation. Analyses of these data should provide insights both into mechanisms of regulation (early versus late targets) and the consequences in cell physiology (e.g. distinctive categories of genes regulated at progressive stages of differentiation). The data are deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus, series GSE36029, GSE40522, GSE49847, and GSE51338.
Wavelength-Selective Surfaces For Solar Energy Utilization

Wavelength-selective surfaces for solar energy utilization can be divided into two classes: selective-black absorbers and transparent heat mirrors. Selective-black absorbers absorb solar radiation and have low infrared thermal emis-sivity; transparent heat mirrors transmit solar radiation and reflect thermal radiation. We have used rf sputtering to prepare both selective-black absorbers (Cr-black and MgO/Au on metal substrates) and transparent heat mirrors (Ti02/Ag/Ti02, Sn-doped 1n203, and Sn-doped 1n203 microgrids) with excellent wavelength-selective properties for solar energy applications such as solar heating, solar/thermal/electric conversion, and window insulation.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Immunoadsorbents for the isolation of high-affinity anti-hapten antibodies in high yield

Anti-hapten antibodies with affinities close to 10(8)/M can be isolated in high yield by elution under mild conditions from immunoadsorbents prepared by coupling haptens directly to an aminoethylamino (AEA) derivative of beaded agarose. In experiments with rabbit anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) antibody with an average association constant (Ko) of 1.2 X 10(9)/M, elution of antibody bound to a Sepharose-AEA-DNP column produced a yield of 57%. With rabbit antibody to the 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl (DANS) hapten with Ko=2.7 X 10(8)/M and a Sips heterogeneity index a=0.52, a 20% yield of the antibody found in the starting material by quantitative precipitin analysis was obtained by specific precipitation and dissolution of the precipitate with 0.18 M Na DANSulfonate; this antibody had Ko=6.6 X 10(8)/M and a=0.66. Purification of another aliquot of the same antibody preparation by immunoadsorption on DANS-AEA-Sepharose and elution with the same hapten concentration produced a yield of 75% of antibody with Ko=5.7 X 10(7)/M and a=0.29. In 3 production runs with the new method, apparent yields of 181, 101 and 94% (based on quantitative precipitin analysis of the starting material) of anti-DANS antibody were obtained. In 2 of these runs, the immunoadsorbent was further eluted with 0.1 M acetic acid and then with 0.1 M acetic acid in 10% dioxane; additonal yields of 9 and 4% were obtained with acetic acid and further yields of 15 and 11% with acetic acid/dioxane; the antibody eluted with acetic acid was damaged as shown by its failure to mediate passive immune lysis of DANS-coupled sheep erythrocytes, but the antibody eluted with acetic acid/dioxane was recovered intact.
Analytical Equation for Rigid Spheres: Application to the Model of Longuet-Higgins and Widom for the Melting of Argon

Recent developments in the theory of fluids have produced an analytical expression for the $\mathrm{PVT}$ behavior of rigid-sphere fluids. The equation ${(\frac{\mathrm{PV}}{\mathrm{NkT}})}^{0}=\frac{(1+y+{y}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{3})}{{(1\ensuremath{-}y)}^{3}}$, where $y=\frac{b}{4V}=\frac{\sqrt{2}\ensuremath{\pi}N{\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{3}}{6V}$, has been shown to be the best analytical equation for rigid-sphere fluids presently known. Incorporation of the expression into the model of Longuet-Higgins and Widom for argon near its triple point, in a manner used by Guggenheim, demonstrates the sensitivity of predicted liquid behavior to the mathematical expression for rigid-sphere $\mathrm{PVT}$ behavior.
Manganese and cobalt para-benzenedicarboxylate coordination polymers with 3-pyridylisonicotinamide coligands: Different layer topologies and a self-penetrated supramolecular network

Abstract A series of divalent manganese and cobalt para-benzenedicarboxylate coordination polymers was hydrothermally prepared utilizing the neutral 3-pyridylisonicotinamide (3-pina) tethering coligand. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that [M(bdc)(3-pina)2]n (1, M = Mn; 2, M = Co, bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) coordination polymer solids display isostructural (4,4) grid topologies constructed from pairs of kinked 3-pina tethers linking [M(bdc)]n chain motifs. Utilizing the longer-spanning 1,4-phenylenediacetate (phda) dicarboxylate ligand afforded {[Mn(phda)(3-pina)(H2O)]·3H2O}n (3) and {[Co2(phda)1.5(phdaH)(3-pina)2(H2O)2]}·0.25H2O}n (4). The manganese derivative 3 displays a non-interpenetrated 3-connected (6,3) chair-ring layer topology based on a staple-like phda conformation. While the cobalt analog 4 possesses similar layers, these alternate with threefold interpenetrated (6,3) herringbone layers and connect into a simple yet unprecedented 4,4-connected binodal {(66)(658)} topology self-penetrated supramolecular net by means of pendant protonated phdaH ligands. Thermal decomposition properties were also investigated.
AIDS retrovirus induced cytopathology: giant cell formation and involvement of CD4 antigen

The formation of multinucleated giant cells with progression to cell death is a characteristic manifestation of the cytopathology induced by the AIDS retrovirus in infected T lymphoid cells. The mechanism of giant cell formation was studied in the CD4 (T4/Leu 3) positive T cell lines JM (Jurkat) and VB and in variants of these lines that are negative for cell surface CD4 antigen. By means of a two-color fluorescent labeling technique, multinucleated giant cells in infected cultures were shown to form through cell fusion. Antibody to CD4 specifically inhibited fusion, and uninfected CD4 negative cells, in contrast to uninfected CD4 positive cells, did not undergo fusion with infected cells, suggesting a direct role for the CD4 antigen in the process of syncytium formation. These results suggest that, in vivo, cell fusion involving the CD4 molecule may represent a mechanism whereby uninfected cells can be incorporated into AIDS virus infected syncytia. Because the giant cells die soon after they are formed, this process may contribute to the depletion of helper/inducer T cells characteristically observed in AIDS.
Seismic Analysis of Conventional and Isolated LNG Tanks Using Mechanical Analogs

Abstract The seismic response of a conventional and an isolated vertical, cylindrical, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tank is computed using a mechanical analog and a finite element code to judge the utility of the analog for preliminary design and of the effectiveness of seismic isolation. Data reported and statistically sorted include base shear, global overturning moment, and wave height in the tank. The results obtained from the two numerical models are in good agreement and demonstrate that the mechanical analog can be used with confidence for the preliminary analysis and design of conventional and isolated LNG tanks that have similar dimensions to the sample tank of this study. The base shear and overturning moment in the seismically isolated LNG tank are 10% to 15% of the values computed for the conventional tank; the wave heights are unaffected by the introduction of a seismic isolation system.
Acute and subacute effects of naturally occurring estrogens on luteinizing hormone secretion in the ovariectomized rat: Part 1.

Abstract Acute intravenous administration of the phytoestrogen genistein (G) blocks the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-(GnRH)-induced rise of luteinizing hormone (LH) in ovariectomized rats. The present experiments were performed to determine whether subacute administration of G or the mycoestrogens zearalenone and zearalenol would affect GnRH-induced or progesterone-induced LH secretion in ovariectomized rats. Charles River CD rats were ovariectomized and used 2 to 5 weeks later. Blood samples were obtained either via decapitation or via intraatrial cannulae three days after compounds were injected subcutaneously in sesame oil or corn oil vehicle. LH was measured by RIA. Pretreatment with estradiol benzoate suppressed LH levels at 1200 h, while G had no effect. Challenge with progesterone (8 mg/kg BW, sc) evoked LH release at 1600 h in rats pretreated with estradiol benzoate, but LH levels did not change in rats pretreated with G, zearalenone, or zearalenol. While GnRH-induced LH secretion was preserved in rats pretreated with estradiol, no LH response was detected in rats pretreated with the higher dose of G (8 mg/kg BW) or either dose of zearalenol (0.8 mg/kg BW or 8 mg/kg BW). We conclude that in the ovariectomized rat 1) subacute administration of G, zearalenone, or zearalenol do not inhibit tonic LH secretion, 2) G, zearalenone, and zearalenol do not provide “estrogenic priming” for progesterone-induced LH secretion; however, 3) G and zearalenol do block GnRH-induced LH secretion. The seemingly selective neuroendocrine effects of these naturally-occurring dietary estrogens emphasize that actions of each putative estrogen must be characterized for each “estrogenic” endpoint.
Competition between electron transfer, trapping, and recombination in CdS nanorod-hydrogenase complexes.

Electron transfer from photoexcited CdS nanorods to [FeFe]-hydrogenase is a critical step in photochemical H2 production by CdS–hydrogenase complexes. By accounting for the distributions in the numbers of electron traps and enzymes adsorbed, we determine rate constants and quantum efficiencies for electron transfer from transient absorption measurements.
A latent class selection model for nonignorably missing data

When we have data with missing values, the assumption that data are missing at random is very convenient. It is, however, sometimes questionable because some of the missing values could be strongly related to the underlying true values. We introduce methods for nonignorable multivariate missing data, which assume that missingness is related to the variables in question, and to the additional covariates, through a latent variable measured by the missingness indicators. The methodology developed here is useful for investigating the sensitivity of one's estimates to untestable assumptions about the missing-data mechanism. A simulation study and data analysis are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method and to compare to that of MAR-based alternatives.
Issues in research on women, international migration and labor.

The scale and complexity of international migration has made immigration a concern for many nations. Previous research on migration had generally failed to include studies of women as migrants and workers. With the increased participation of women in various migration systems, there is a growing research literature on women migrants and their work experiences. This paper discusses several themes that are useful in organizing research on women, migration, and work, and consists of four parts. It begins with a review of types of migration systems and highlights the importance of specifying migration systems when examining women migrants and work. The main theoretical approaches in migration and labor are discussed in the second part of the paper. This is followed by a section on several dimensions critical for research on women migrants. In particular, it shows that the effects of gender, race and ethnicity, social class, cohort, and history should be explicitly considered because the migration and labor ma...
Oral Toxicity of Abamectin, Boric Acid, Fipronil, and Hydramethylnon to Laboratory Colonies of Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Comprehensive laboratory baiting studies with the 4 insecticides abamectin, boric acid, fipronil, and hydramethylnon were conducted against Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr). Serial dilutions of each insecticide prepared in a 25% sucrose solution were provided for 24 h or 14 d to groups of workers and queens. Sucrose-water baits containing 1 x 10(-5)% fipronil and 0.1% hydramethylnon provided complete mortality of L. humile workers baited for 24 h. Baits containing 1 x 10(-4) and 1 x 10(-5)% fipronil provided 100% kill of queens. In the continuous baiting, 0.5% boric acid, 1 x 10(-6)% fipronil, and 0.025% hydramethylnon provided 100% mortality of workers. The queens and workers provided baits containing 1 x 10(-5)% fipronil and 0.5% boric acid all died within 14 d. Low concentrations of fipronil and boric acid in sucrose may be promising candidates for Argentine ant control.