cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The transition between stochastic and deterministic behavior in an excitable gene circuit

We explore the connection between a stochastic simulation model and an ordinary differential equations (ODEs) model of the dynamics of an excitable gene circuit that exhibits noise-induced oscillations. Near a bifurcation point in the ODE model, the stochastic simulation model yields behavior dramatically different from that predicted by the ODE model. We analyze how that behavior depends on the gene copy number and find very slow convergence to the large number limit near the bifurcation point. The implications for understanding the dynamics of gene circuits and other birth-death dynamical systems with small numbers of constituents are discussed.
A meta-analytic review of pain perception across the menstrual cycle.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to review the sixteen published studies that examine associations between the perception of experimentally induced pain across menstrual cycle phases of healthy females. We also performed a meta-analysis to quantitatively analyze the data and attempt to draw conclusions. The results suggest that there are relatively consistent patterns in the sensitivity to painful stimulation. These patterns are similar across stimulus modality with the exception of electrical stimulation. The magnitude of the effect was approximately 0.40 across all stimulation. For pressure stimulation, cold pressor pain, thermal heat stimulation, and ischemic muscle pain, a clear pattern emerges with the follicular phase demonstrating higher thresholds than later phases. When the effect size was pooled across studies (excluding electrical) comparisons involving the follicular phase were small to moderate (periovulatory phase, dthr=0.34; luteal phase, dthr=0.37; premenstrual phase, dthr=0.48). The pattern of effects was similar for tolerance measures. Electrical stimulation was different than the other stimulus modalities, showing the highest thresholds for the luteal phase. When the effect size was pooled across studies for electrical stimulation, effect sizes were small to moderate (menstrual (dthr=−0.37), follicular dthr=−0.30) periovulatory dthr=−0.61), and premenstrual dthr=0.35) phases. This paper raises several important questions, which are yet to be answered. How much and in wha way does this menstrual cycle effect bias studies of female subjects participating in clinical trials? Furthermore, how should studies of clinical pain samples control for menstrual related differences in pain ratings and do they exist in clinical pain syndromes? What this paper does suggest is that the menstrual cycle effect on human pain perception is too large to ignore.
1,3‐Pentadien‐1‐yl‐5‐ylidene (trimethyl‐phosphine) boron

[168643-26-3] C8H14BP (MW 151.90) InChI = 1S/C8H14BP/c1-10(2,3)9-7-5-4-6-8-9/h4-8H,1-3H3 InChIKey = UZTIIPOXGNLENA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (precursor to metal boratabenzenes) Physical Data: mp 135–139 °C. Solubility: soluble in chlorinated and ethereal solvents; sparingly soluble in aromatic solvents. Form Supplied in: white solid. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: stable to oxygen and moisture as a crystalline solid, but as a precaution should be stored under an inert atmosphere.
Hormonal Modulation of Ishikawa Cells During Three-Dimensional Growth In Vitro

The Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line is hormonally responsive, expressing estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR) when grown in traditional monolayer culture. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a three-dimensional spheroid culture system for cancer cells. We used this system to determine the response of the Ishikawa cell line to estradiol-17β (E), tamoxifen (T), megestrol acetate (MA), and progesterone (P). Ishikawa cells were incubated in polyurethane culture bags using phenol red-free media containing ethanol (0.1%, controls), E (1 µmol, or 1 nmol), T (1 µmol, or 10 nmol), MA (1 µmol, or 10 nmol), or P (1 µmol). Cellular morphology was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors was determined immunohistochemically using an immunoperoxidase technique. Cells in control cultures demonstrated minimal organization and lacked hormone receptors. In contrast, cells exposed to either E or T displayed significant glandular formation, with multicellular, microvilli-rich, columnar epithelia exhibiting polarized nuclear arrangements. Within 4 weeks, E- and T-treated cultures showed upregulated nuclear staining for PR, with little ER present. Cells treated with MA or P showed less glandular organization but expressed ER with PR downregulation. These data support the use of this novel three-dimensional culture system to study the modulation of tumor cell biologic activity in response to hormonal agents. Future applications of this model include examining in vitro responsiveness of cancer cells lines to additional biologic agents and chemotherapeutic regimens.
Dynamics of prey moving through a predator field: a model of migrating juvenile salmon

The migration of a patch of prey through a field of relatively stationary predators is a situation that occurs frequently in nature. Making quantitative predictions concerning such phenomena may be difficult, however, because factors such as the number of the prey in the patch, the spatial length and velocity of the patch, and the feeding rate and satiation of the predators all interact in a complex way. However, such problems are of great practical importance in many management situations; e.g., calculating the mortality of juvenile salmon (smolts) swimming down a river or reservoir containing many predators. Salmon smolts often move downstream in patches short compared with the length of the reservoir. To take into account the spatial dependence of the interaction, we used a spatially-explicit, individual-based modeling approach. We found that the mortality of prey depends strongly on the number of prey in the patch, the downstream velocity of prey in the patch, and the dispersion or spread of the patch in size through time. Some counterintuitive phenomena are predicted, such as predators downstream capturing more prey per predator than those upstream, even though the number of prey may be greatly depleted by the time the prey patch reaches the downstream predators. Individual-based models may be necessary for complex spatial situations, such as salmonid migration, where processes such as schooling occur at fine scales and affect system predictions. We compare some results to predictions from other salmonid models.
In Vivo Dynamics of Nuclear Pore Complexes in Yeast

While much is known about the role of nu- clear pore complexes (NPCs) in nucleocytoplasmic transport, the mechanism of NPC assembly into pores formed through the double lipid bilayer of the nuclear envelope is not well defined. To investigate the dynam- ics of NPCs, we developed a live-cell assay in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The nucleoporin Nup49p was fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) of Ae- quorea victoria and expressed in nup49 null haploid yeast cells. When the GFP-Nup49p donor cell was mated with a recipient cell harboring only unlabeled Nup49p, the nuclei fused as a consequence of the nor- mal mating process. By monitoring the distribution of the GFP-Nup49p, we could assess whether NPCs were able to move from the donor section of the nuclear en- velope to that of the recipient nucleus. We observed that fluorescent NPCs moved and encircled the entire nucleus within 25 min after fusion. When assays were done in mutant kar1-1 strains, where nuclear fusion does not occur, GFP-Nup49p appearance in the recipi- ent nucleus occurred at a very slow rate, presumably due to new NPC biogenesis or to exchange of GFP- Nup49p into existing recipient NPCs. Interestingly, in a number of existing mutant strains, NPCs are clustered together at permissive growth temperatures. This has been explained with two different hypotheses: by movement of NPCs through the double nuclear mem- branes with subsequent clustering at a central location; or, alternatively, by assembly of all NPCs at a central location (such as the spindle pole body) with NPCs in mutant cells unable to move away from this point. Us- ing the GFP-Nup49p system with a mutant in the NPC- associated factor Gle2p that exhibits formation of NPC clusters only at 37 8 C, it was possible to distinguish be- tween these two models for NPC dynamics. GFP- Nup49p-labeled NPCs, assembled at 23 8 C, moved into clusters when the cells were shifted to growth at 37 8 C. These results indicate that NPCs can move through the double nuclear membranes and, moreover, can do so to form NPC clusters in mutant strains. Such clusters may result by releasing NPCs from a nuclear tether, or by disappearance of a protein that normally prevents pore aggregation. This system represents a novel approach for identifying regulators of NPC assembly and move- ment in the future.
Sonograhic Diagnosis of Oriental Cholangioheatitis

Oriental cholangiohepatitis, also known as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, intrahepatic pigmented stone disease, or oriental cholangitis, is a disease commonly seen in countries in Southeast Asia. As immigration to the United States from these regions increases, the medical community encounters this disease more frequently. Symptoms of Oriental cholangiohepatitis include repeated attacks of abdominal pain, fever, chills, and jaundice. Localized stenosis of the bile ducts occurs, leading to stasis, infection, and obstruction. Symptoms usually reoccur throughout a period of time until a chronic condition exists. Sonographers and sonologists should familiarize themselves with the ultrasound findings associated with this entity.
Commentary: Could biomass fuel smoke cause anaemia and stunting in early childhood?

Worldwide traditional biomass fuels remain the principal source for cooking and heating of homes; these fuels account for about one-third of energy consumption in developing countries. Serious indoor air pollution as a result of burning biomass fuels with inadequate ventilation has been well documented. Several decades ago Kirk Smith and colleagues demonstrated remarkably high levels of particles in homes in rural India where biomass fuels were being burned reviewed in Smith (1987). Measured values of indicator pollutants in such environments including particles and carbon monoxide are typically many-fold greater than permitted under typical regulatory limits. Epidemiological studies have linked exposure to smoke indoors from biomass fuel consumption to increased risk for acute lower respiratory illnesses (ALRI) in infants and children to increased risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults to increased risk for lung cancer with indoor coal burning and to low birth weight. (excerpt)
Neonatal neurobehavioral characteristics as correlates of maternal alcohol use during gestation

To determine the neurobehavioral consequences of alcohol use during different periods in gestation, we compared the behavior of 103 neonates born to women who: drank a mean of 12 ounces of absolute alcohol per week throughout pregnancy; drank a mean of 14 ounces of absolute alcohol and were otherwise comparable to the first group but stopped drinking in the second trimester, and never drank at all during pregnancy. Low socioeconomic status, predominantly black women applying for prenatal care at a large inner city hospital were recruited in the second trimester of pregnancy, and those reporting alcohol use were advised to stop drinking. Neurobehavioral evaluation with the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale was conducted at 3 days postnatal age. As a group, infants exposed to alcohol at any time during gestation were found to have significant alterations in reflexive behavior, less mature motor behavior, and an increased activity level in comparison to unexposed infants. Infants whose mothers stopped drinking in the second trimester were superior to those whose mothers continued to drink throughout pregnancy in observed state control, need for stimulation, motor tone, tremulousness, and asymmetries in reflexive behavior. These results indicate that characteristic damage does occur to the central nervous system of a fetus exposed to alcohol throughout pregnancy, and that exposure during only the early part of pregnancy also seems to have measurable effects. Multivariate analysis indicated that neither amount of alcohol used per week nor cigarette use contributed significantly to these effects on infant behavior.
A deconvolution technique for improved estimation of rapid changes in ion concentration recorded with ion-selective microelectrodes

In the vertebrate retina, a knowledge of the actual time course of a light-evoked increased in extracellular K/sup +/ concentration is used to provide a rigorous test of a hypothesis regarding the electrical origin of a clinically important component of the electroretinogram (ERG). A deconvolution technique is used to improve the estimation of the actual time course of the light-evoked increase in (K/sup +/)/sub 0/, and it is demonstrated that the ionic change is likely to be as rapid in time course (both latency and time-to-peak) as the b-wave. This result has rejected one of the strong challenges to the K/sup +/ hypothesis, namely, that the light-evoked increase in (K/sup +/)/sub 0/ was too slow to produce the b-wave. The use of the deconvolution technique is a significant improvement on the much less rigorous method in which the ERG was filtered by a low-pass filter. The technique should have widespread applications in many areas of physiology and neuroscience where it is critical to know the exact time course of stimulus-evoked changes in ion concentration. >
Variable clinical features and ablation of manifest nodofascicular/ventricular pathways.

Background— Manifest nodofascicular/ventricular (NFV) pathways are rare. Methods and Results— From 2008 to 2013, 4 cases were identified with manifest NFV pathways from 3 centers. The clinical findings and ablation sites are reported. All 4 cases presented with a wide complex tachycardia but with different QRS morphologies. Case 1 showed a left bundle branch block/superior axis, case 2 showed a right bundle branch block/inferior axis, case 3 showed a left bundle branch block/inferior axis, and case 4 showed a narrow QRS tachycardia and a wide complex tachycardia with a left bundle branch block/inferior axis. Three of the 4 tachycardias had atrioventricular dissociation ruling out extranodal accessory pathways, including atriofascicular pathways. Programmed extrastimuli showed evidence of a decremental accessory pathway in 3 of the 4 cases. Coexisting tachycardia mechanisms were seen in 3 of the 4 cases (atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia [2] and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia [1]). Ablation in the slow pathway region eliminated the NFV pathway in 3 (transient in 1) with the other responding to surgical closure of a large atrial septal defect. The NFV pathway was a critical part of the tachycardia circuit in 1 and proved to be a bystander in the other 3 cases. Conclusions— Manifest NFV pathways presented with variable QRS expression dependent on the ventricular insertion site and often coexisted with other tachycardia mechanisms (atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia). In most cases, the atrial insertion of the pathway was in or near the slow pathway region. The NFV pathways were either critical to the tachycardia circuit or served as bystanders.
Cluster of Iniencephaly in Miami

This report details a cluster of 5 cases of iniencephaly with anencephaly and rachischisis occurring over a 4-month period at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Medical Center in Miami, Florida. All 5 cases of this rare, lethal, congenital malformation seen in the cluster included diaphragmatic defects with accompanying hernia, omphalocele, small adrenals, renal dysmaturity, gastrointestinal malformations, cleft lip and palate, and hypoplastic lungs. No single causative agent for this cluster was identified. A brief review of the literature regarding categorization of these malformations and as a discussion of the embryological basis for these lesions and possible etiologic factors are included.
Disparities in detection and treatment history among mothers with major depression in Los Angeles.

Objective We sought to determine disparities in detection and treatment histories among a group of racial and ethnically diverse mothers with major depression. Method Our sample included 276 racially and ethnically diverse mothers who participated in the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey and who were classified with major depression based on the Comprehensive International Diagnostic Interview—Short Form. We used logistic regression to assess the association between demographic factors and previous detection with major depression, mental health specialty use, and the use of a primary care physician among these women. The demographic factors examined included race and ethnicity, immigration status, marital status, education, income, body mass index (BMI), maternal age, number of children, children's ages, history of emotional problems, and history of diabetes. Results Results indicated that 69% of mothers had not been previously detected with major depression nor had they sought mental health treatment in the 12 months before the interview. The odds of having been previously diagnosed with major depression were significantly higher among White and single mothers, as well as among mothers with higher BMIs and those with a history of emotional problems. Nonimmigrant mothers without emotional problems had a higher odds of having seen a mental health specialist in the 12 months before the interview compared with immigrant mothers without emotional problems; no differences in mental health treatment were found between nonimmigrant and immigrant mothers with emotional problems. Finally, African-American mothers and those with a history of diabetes had significantly higher odds of seeing a primary care physician compared with Hispanic mothers and those with no history of diabetes, respectively. Conclusion Our analyses of a population of depressed mothers living in Los Angeles highlight the need for identification and treatment of racial minority and immigrant mothers.
A novel algorithm to stitch multiple views in image mosaics

This paper presents a new method for registration and stitching of adjacent views in an image mosaic, specifically for cylindrical panoramas. The possible registration errors for the overlap area of two pictures, captured by a camera mounted on a tripod at different rotation angles, have been analyzed, based on a general camera rotation model. Then a novel algorithm is proposed, based on affine and refocusing adjustments on the optimal stripe block where the stitching is to be implemented. The registration errors can be largely reduced because a narrow stripe block is selected instead of the whole overlap area. Simulations on the overlap area registration algorithm show that our method can significantly reduce the stitching errors.
Garré’s Osteomyelitis of the Jaws: A Review and Report of Two Cases

Garre’s osteomyelitis of the jaws is a unique clinical pathologic entity that is characterized by an asymptomatic focal osteomyelitis and exuberant periosteal deposition of bone. The disease occurs primarily in children, and to date in all instances it has occurred only in the mandible. Therapies for the disease vary considerably; these are tabulated and discussed. Two cases are added to the literature.
The room is long and narrow

In this paper we analyse some of our experiences with peer review and argue that the process should be rethought. Rather than a gate-keeping device, the ideological function should be acknowledged as well as acknowledging that the true (idealistic) purpose of publishing is to air and develop new ideas – in effect to evolve the community. Given this, peer review as a process would be better thought of as helping authors to develop their ideas and to share them. Such a process involves attempting to understand what an author is trying to do and helping her achieve her goal. It is critically constructive and creative rather than destructive/deconstructive. In recognising this we articulate the “true” purpose of the peer review process and of participating in it – or at least the democratic purpose for which it was conceived. This involves enabling divergent opinions to be heard and this in turn enables the evolution of the field from within, for the danger is if evolution does not come from within it is imposed from without. Our experiences with peer review, at this stage in our professional lives have been multiple and of differential value. We have played the role of journal editor, international conference session leader, institutional reviewer, external program reviewer, member of international and national review panels, etc. We have been reviewed ourselves – we have submitted papers to peer reviewed journals and grants and proposals to funding agencies; we have submitted ourselves to the tenure and promotion process at level one US research institutions. We have wounds, scars, and vivid memories. We have identities and values shaped by these processes and we carry these with us. In reflecting back on these we decided to write in a way which describes some of these experiences and the effects they have upon us and what we do, for we have worked hard to reshape the roles we take in response to the things we have experienced. Finally we write about what we perceive as the inherent paradox of peer review – that the word peer in peer review implies an equality but those who take on the role enact a power differential. Such power differentials are inescapable in our society writ large and in the smaller confines of our academic community. Being knowledgeable of this and being aware allows us to use our power in the service of others and subversively as a vehicle to enact cultural change. This is dangerous, too, for power is inherently corrupting and the desire to wield power, even for “good,” seduces.
Entropic bounds on FSM switching

Several state assignment algorithms have attempted to minimize the average Hamming distance per transition in the hopes of generating low power assignments. There has not been a reasonable theoretical lower bound on the average Hamming distance per transition that is applicable to every state assignment for a given FSM. Such a lower bound serves many roles-a target for algorithm designers, provides clues about what types of FSM structures ore likely to have low average switching per transition, could be incorporated into a high-level power model. We provide two such lower bounds which were also found to be achievable empirically within 17% for MCNC benchmarks. An interesting by product of one of these 'theoretical' lower bounds was a greedy state assignment algorithm which is amenable to a very distributed (parallel) implementation. This algorithm also outperforms JEDI by 2.5% for area and by 21% for power over MCNC benchmarks.
Automation issues of SMD automated rework cell

The 1990s has become the decade of electronics manufacturing. Never before has electronics been a major element of nearly every product sector. Surface mount components have become the choice of industry to solve problems met at the circuit boards. New components using increased lead count of the surface mount technology (SMT) components, and also the increasing compactness of the SMT assemblies has demanded the creation of newer rework tools as an essential part of electronics manufacturing. It therefore becomes essential to have a well-controlled process to assure that rework is not only possible but that is consistent and flawless. Automation is the common answer to achieve both efficiency and quality. This paper describes a system for the automated rework of fine pitch components that is under development as part of the Electronics Manufacturing Programme at Rensselaer.
JUVENILE AND ADULT SURVIVAL OF SWAINSON'S THRUSH (CATHARUS USTULATUS) IN COASTAL CALIFORNIA: ANNUAL ESTIMATES USING CAPTURE-RECAPTURE ANALYSES

Abstract We estimated annual rates of survival for juvenile and adult Swainson's Thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) using capture-recapture analyses from 22 years of mist-neting data in coastal California (n= 2,651 individual captures). Our apparent survival estimate was 56% for adults and 25% for juveniles. We are the first to estimate an annual juvenile survival rate for a Neotropical migrant using capture-recapture probability estimates. Like most estimates of annual survival, we could not distinguish between dispersal away from our study area (which is likely high for juveniles) and mortality. Hence, survival is underestimated. However, our juvenile survival estimate did not include the period from fledging to independence, a time when mortality can be high. Many researchers have assumed juvenile survival to be half that of adult survival in population models (e.g. source-sink). Our juvenile to adult survival ratio was 45% (95% CI = 27 to 65%). We caution researchers from simply assuming that juvenile surv...
Shadow Markets for Legal Services: Beyond the Community-Based Approach

At the Liman Colloquium on the Future of Legal Services, practitioners, scholars, and judges frequently urged poverty lawyers to be responsive to the needs of the client-communities they serve.1 The need to listen to how poor communities characterize their legal needs cannot be overemphasized, especially in this era of shrinking resources for legal services.2 After all, legal services lawyers decide which cases to accept, and how much time to spend on them.3 This Paper will argue, however, that merely listening to clients before making these allocation decisions is insufficient. It will propose, instead, that legal services agencies go beyond this community-based approach by actually sharing the power to distribute legal services with the clients they
Climate Confusion: How Global Warming Hysteria Leads to Bad Science, Pandering Politicians and Misguided Policies That Hurt the Poor

Climate Confusion: How Global Warming Hysteria Leads to Bad Science, Pandering Politicians and Misguided Policies That Hurt the Poor DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v30i6_kothmann
Escherichia coli Species

Escherichia coli is the most common Gram-negative human pathogen. The diarrheagenic E. coli are generally classified into five groups, as discussed below (see also Table 7.1). Virtually all are transmitted through contaminated food or water. These infections are probably markedly underdiagnosed, since routine stool cultures will not distinguish pathogenic strains from normal intestinal flora. If pathogenic E. coli stains are suspected, then the clinical laboratory should be notified to search for them specifically, so that specific culture techniques on specialized agars and serotyping may be instituted. Pathogenic E. coli strains are often cleared rapidly from stool, often within 4–7 days; thus cultures should be taken as early as possible.
Plaque burden with composition? That is the next question.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic systemic disease, frequently leading to vascular morbidity and premature mortality. Although atherosclerosis is systemic, plaque rupture, like politics, is local. The emergence of innovative plaque imaging modalities has fueled interest in identifying features of
Composition dependent behavior in the ternary mixed magnetic insulator Co 1-x Mn y Ni x-y Cl 2 ·2H 2 O

Abstract The properties of ternary mixed magnetic Co1−xMnyNix−yCl2·2H2O are examined by dc magnetization and susceptibility measurements, from 1.8 to 300 K as a function of composition. This is only the second ternary magnetic insulator so studied. The three transition metal chloride dihydrate components are known to differ in the degree of spin anisotropy and in the distribution of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchange interactions within and between strongly coupled chemical and structural chains. The Curie and Weiss constants, in χM=C/(T−θ) fits to high temperature susceptibilities, are compared with weighted averages of pure component values. The observed Weiss constant is almost uniformly less negative than calculated. Maxima in low temperature susceptibilities vary widely in presence and location with composition. Some compositions exhibit no susceptibility maximum, many exhibit one maximum, and three exhibit two maxima. A T(x,y) diagram is constructed. Magnetization vs field isotherms exhibit different shapes as a function of composition, with hysteresis markedly composition dependent. For three mixtures hysteresis loops are studied as a function of temperature. An activation process model does not describe the temperature dependence well.
Attractants for synanthropic flies: 3. Evaluation, developments, and formulation of attractive baits against Hippelates collusor.

A protein-base attractive-material designated as UC (University of California) fly attractant and commercially known as Lursect (McLaughlin, Gromley, King Company, Minneapolis, MN) was developed for synanthropic flies, and its efficacy was determined against Hippelates collusor (Townsend). Freeze-drying fermented-protein slurries produced a more potent attractant formulation than spray-drying. Freeze-dried material showed higher initial and short-term activity than the spray-dried. Female H. collusor , which is the pestiferous sex, constituted over 95% of samples lured by the attractant. Addition of sugar to the attractant in the range of 10 and 25% did not enhance potency but decreased it significantly when it constituted 50% or more of the formulation. When commercial dichlorvos sugar baits are mixed with the attractant, deterioration of the attractant mixture occurs during storage. The attractant alone also loses potency in storage, especially at high temperatures. Loss of activity of the attractant is negligible at room temperature and in a freezer. Under field conditions, moisture in the substrate is essential for activation of the attractant formulations. The efficacy of the formulation when dispensed as a pile or spread was essentially the same.
Interferon α-2b and megestrol acetate in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma: A phase II study

Interferon-α has been used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma, and megestrol acetate has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients who have cancer. We combined interferon α-2b, 10 million IU/m 2 subcutaneously 5 consecutive days per week, with megestrol acetate, 80 mg orally twice a day, in 15 patients who had advanced renal cell carcinoma. Only 6 (40%) had a prior nephrectomy, and most had disease in the lung and other sites. There were no complete or partial responders to this treatment, although stable disease was achieved in 5 (33%) patients. The treatment was excessively toxic, with 12 (86%) patients requiring dose modification or discontinuation of treatment due to fatigue. We conclude that interferon α-2b and megestrol acetate is an excessively toxic, inactive regimen, at least in a group of patients who have advanced disease with a poor prognosis. From the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York; and the University of Rochester, St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, New York, U.S.A.
Serum group I pepsinogens by radioimmunoassay in control subjects and patients with peptic ulcer.

Serum group I pepsinogen (PG I) levels have been determined by radioimmunoassay in 924 subjects. The mean levels in 300 healthy control subjects and in 389 hospitalized controls were 110.6 and 100.0 ng per ml, respectively. The "normal" range is estimated to be between 50 and 175 ng per ml. The mean level of serum PG I in 7 patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome was 503.9 ng per ml; values ranged between 315 and 921 ng per ml. The 77 patients with duodenal ulcer had a mean serum PG I level of 221.3 ng per ml; 49 (63.6%) had values greater than 175 ng per ml. The distribution of serum PG I values was bimodal in the patients with duodenal ulcer whereas it was unimodal in both groups of control subjects. Mean serum PG I levels in 13 patients with both duodenal and gastric ulcer and in 18 patients with prepyloric ulcer were, respectively, 177.2 and 179.4 ng per ml. Approximately one-half of these patients had high values. The 28 patients with gastric ulcer had a mean serum PG I level of 116.6 ng per ml; 6 (21.4%) had high values. With the exception of 3 patients with gastric ulcer, none of the 136 patients with peptic ulcer had a low (
Prevalence and Anatomy of Retroesophageal Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries

Background Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) are the sole source of pulmonary blood flow in patients with pulmonary atresia and absent ductus arteriosus. The anatomy of MAPCAs can be highly variable, both in the number of MAPCAs supplying each lung and the anatomic origin and course of the MAPCAs. This study evaluated the prevalence and anatomy of retroesophageal MAPCAs in patients undergoing repair of pulmonary atresia/ventricular septal defect/MAPCAs. Methods This was a concurrent analysis of 68 consecutive patients (March 2013 through October 2015) undergoing a primary surgical procedure for pulmonary atresia/ventricular septal defect/MAPCAs. A detailed analysis of the MAPCA anatomy was made intraoperatively for each patient, including the total number of MAPCAs to each lung and the presence or absence of a retroesophageal course. These data were correlated with the preoperative cardiac catheterization images. Results A retroesophageal MAPCA was identified during the operation in 45 of the 68 patients (67%), all of which were located on the side opposite the arch. For the 36 patients with a left aortic arch, 77% had a retroesophageal MAPCA compared with 53% of patients with a right arch. Forty-six percent of retroesophageal MAPCAs coursed within the muscular fibers of the esophagus (intraesophageal) and were more common to the left lung than the right (72% vs 32%). A midsegment stenosis was present in 84% of the retroesophageal MAPCAs, and this was more severe when the MAPCAs were intraesophageal than when they were not (80% vs 42%). Conclusions These data demonstrate that two-thirds of patients had a retroesophageal MAPCA and that there were significant differences in prevalence and anatomy depending on the side of the aortic arch. These data provide important insights into the origin and course of retroesophageal MAPCAs.
FOXN3 Regulates Hepatic Glucose Utilization

A SNP (rs8004664) in the first intron of the FOXN3 gene is associated with human fasting blood glucose. We find that carriers of the risk allele have higher hepatic expression of the transcriptional repressor FOXN3. Rat Foxn3 protein and zebrafish foxn3 transcripts are downregulated during fasting, a process recapitulated in human HepG2 hepatoma cells. Transgenic overexpression of zebrafish foxn3 or human FOXN3 increases zebrafish hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression, whole-larval free glucose, and adult fasting blood glucose and also decreases expression of glycolytic genes. Hepatic FOXN3 overexpression suppresses expression of mycb, whose ortholog MYC is known to directly stimulate expression of glucose-utilization enzymes. Carriers of the rs8004664 risk allele have decreased MYC transcript abundance. Human FOXN3 binds DNA sequences in the human MYC and zebrafish mycb loci. We conclude that the rs8004664 risk allele drives excessive expression of FOXN3 during fasting and that FOXN3 regulates fasting blood glucose.
Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Antinuclear Antibodies in Middle-Aged and Older U.S. Adults.

Background:Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases, but little is known about the association between vitamin D and antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a biomarker of immune dysfunction in healthy populations. The objective of this study was to determine if vitamin D deficiency is associated with ANA in middle age and older U.S. adults. Methods:A cross-sectional analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2004 was conducted. Data was available for 1,012 adults aged 50 years and older. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. ANA was measured in a 1:80 dilution of sera by immunofluorescence using HEp-2 cells (seropositive =3 or 4+). Results:Greater vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher ANA prevalence in the unadjusted (ptrend = 0.0002) logistic regression model and after adjustment for sex, age, education, race/ethnicity, season and NHANES cycle (ptrend=0.04). After adjustment, those with severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) had 2.99 (95%CI: 1.25, 7.15) times the odds of ANA compared to having normal vitamin D levels ({greater than or equal to}30 ng/ml), while deficient and insufficient individuals had twice the odds of ANA. Conclusions:Among U.S. residents aged 50 and older, vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher prevalence of ANA. Vitamin D sufficiency may be important for preventing immune dysfunction in older populations. Impact:Our findings support the growing evidence that vitamin D is an important immune modulator. Vitamin D deficiency in older adults may increase vulnerability to cancer by contributing to immune dysfunction.
Cholera in the Americas: Foodborne Aspects.

Over 100 serotypes of Vibrio cholerae exist, but generally the toxigenic strains of the serogroup O1 cause cholera and possess documented epidemic potential. The main symptom of cholera is a profuse diarrhea resulting in dehydration, that if untreated, leads to death. Seven pandemics of this contagious disease have been recorded during the last 200 years. A sick person secrets in his stool billions of organisms daily, and water and food contaminated with such a stool are the primary sources of infection during the epidemics. With the increase of the international food trade, food is often shipped from countries with endemic or epidemic cholera. With one exception, no documented cases of cholera have been reported, as a result of the internationally regulated food trade. However, during the present Latin American epidemic, inadequately cooked seafood has been implicated as a source of cholera. As a result of the epidemic, over 100 cases of cholera have occurred in the United States related to seafood consumed during a visit to Latin America or after its noncommercial transport into the country. Furthermore, V. cholerae persists as a free-living organism in environmental reservoirs in Australia and the U.S. Gulf Coast; there have been 65 domestically acquired cases of cholera in the United States since 1973. Molecular typing methods have enabled us to identify and characterize endemic and epidemic strains, and to document transmission of cholera when food was implicated epidemiologically as a vehicle of transmission.
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Video game providers release a game either in online, offline or both versions with online release allowing players to cooperate and/or compete with real persons and bringing them utility of being related to others. We drew insights from Self-Determination Theory and derived three important factors to analyze players' adoption of different versions of video games. We then build a two-dimensional Hoteling model to study the product differentiation and optimal pricing strategies for game releases.
The Intersection of Culture and ICF-CY Personal and Environmental Factors for Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Clinicians facilitate successful use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). The most clinically competent providers, however, address needs that extend beyond technical AAC use to hel...
Brain Differences in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Subsequent Impact on Learning

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by deficits in social and communication behaviors and includes restricted interests and stereotypical behaviors. Although the definitive cause of autism is unknown at this time, researchers believe that autism arises from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Neurobiological testing has demonstrated that the brain of an individual diagnosed with autism differs in several ways from the brain of an individual with typical development. Currently, it is unknown whether the differences in brain anatomy and function cause autism or are the result of how a child with autism receives input from their environment. The fact that early intervention leads to better outcomes for children with autism seems to indicate that some of the differences in brain anatomy and activity could be prevented if the child is identified and enrolled in early intervention services prior to the age of 3 years. This chapter will describe some of the anatomical brain differences attributed to autism, cognitive deficits and strengths associated with autism, and strategies for early childhood educators to use to support learning and behavior for a child with autism in their early childhood classroom.
Mediating Effects of Social Support on Quality of Life for Parents of Adults with Autism

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of formal and informal social support on the relationship of caregiver burden and quality of life (QOL), using a sample of 320 parents (aged 50 or older) of adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses indicated that caregiver burden had a negative impact on QOL and that informal social support partially mediated the relationship between caregiver burden and parents' QOL. Formal social support did not mediate the relationship between caregiver burden and QOL. The findings underscored the need to support aging parents of adult children with ASD through enhancing their informal social support networks.
Marfan syndrome; a connective tissue disease at the crossroads of mechanotransduction, TGFβ signaling and cell stemness

Mutations in fibrillin-1 cause Marfan syndrome (MFS), the most common heritable disorder of connective tissue. Fibrillin-1 assemblies (microfibrils and elastic fibers) represent a unique dual-function component of the architectural matrix. The first role is structural for they endow tissues with tensile strength and elasticity, transmit forces across them and demarcate functionally discrete areas within them. The second role is instructive in that these macroaggregates modulate a large variety of sub-cellular processes by interacting with mechanosensors, and integrin and syndecan receptors, and by modulating the bioavailability of local TGFβ signals. The multifunctional, tissue-specific nature of fibrillin-1 assemblies is reflected in the variety of clinical manifestations and disease mechanisms associated with the MFS phenotype. Characterization of mice with ubiquitous or cell type-restricted fibrillin-1 deficiency has unraveled some pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the MFS phenotype, such as altered mechanotransduction in the heart, dysregulated TGFβ signaling in the ascending aorta and perturbed stem cell fate in the bone marrow. In each case, potential druggable targets have also been identified. However, the finding that distinct disease mechanisms underlie different organ abnormalities strongly argues for developing multi-drug strategies to mitigate or even prevent both life-threatening and morbid manifestations in pediatric and adult MFS patients.
Readmission rate after ultrafiltration in acute decompensated heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Significance of ultrafiltration in acute decompensated heart failure remains unclear. We performed meta-analysis to determine its role in reducing readmissions after acute decompensated heart failure. MEDLINE was searched using PUBMED from inception to March 22, 2017 for prospective randomized control trials comparing ultrafiltration to diuretics in acute decompensated heart failure. Five hundred ninety studies were found; nine studies with 820 patients were included. Studies with renal replacement therapy bar ultrafiltration, chronic decompensated heart failure, and non-English language were excluded. RevMan Version 5.3 was used for analysis. The primary outcomes analyzed were cumulative and 90 days readmissions secondary to heart failure and all-cause readmissions. Baseline characteristics were similar. One hundred eighty-eight patients were readmitted with heart failure, 77 vs 111 favoring ultrafiltration; risk ratio (RR) = 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.49–1.02, p = 0.07, I 2 = 47%). Ninety days readmissions were 43 vs 67 favoring ultrafiltration; RR = 0.65 (95%CI, 0.47–0.90, p = 0.01, I 2 = 0%). Ultrafiltration showed significantly higher fluid removal and weight loss. Hypotension was common in ultrafiltration (24 vs 13, OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 0.98–4.32, p = 0.06, I 2 = 0%). Ultrafiltration showed reduced 90 days heart failure readmissions and trend towards reduced cumulative hospital readmissions. Renal and cardiovascular outcomes and hospital stay were similar.
Introduction to a Follow-Up Symposium on "Am I Famous Yet?": Judging Scholarly Merit in Psychological Science.

I introduce a follow-up symposium to “‘Am I Famous Yet?’ Judging Scholarly Merit in Psychological Science,” which was published in Perspectives on Psychological Science in November 2016. The follow-up symposium is intended to increase the diversity of contributors and contributions and thereby to continue and expand the discussion of how scholarly merit can be usefully evaluated in psychological science.
Occurrence of frogeye leaf spot, caused by Cercospora nicotianae, in greenhouse tobacco transplants in Kentucky

Frogeye leaf spot (FLS), caused by Cercospora nicotianae, has traditionally been considered a minor disease occurring on older, low-growing leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Historically, FLS was even considered desirable by some burley tobacco grading experts as an indicator of crop maturity. In recent years, however, multiple cured crops grown in south-central Kentucky have been rejected by buyers due to excessive FLS. In May 2017, symptoms of FLS were identified for the first time in burley tobacco transplants grown in greenhouse floatbeds in Metcalfe, Allen, and Barren Counties, the same region of Kentucky where FLS severity has resulted in rejected crops. Lesions were characterized by a tan-white center surrounded by a narrow brown ring with a chlorotic halo. Black sporulation was macroscopically visible in lesion centers under high humidity. Incidence of FLS was 0.5% - 5% of transplants, with a maximum of 10% severity on the total leaf area of an individual transplant. Diseased transplants w...
Handing Off the Older Patient: Improved Documentation of Geriatric Assessment in Transitions of Care.

Objectives To improve assessment and documentation of function, cognition, and advance care planning (ACP) in admission and discharge notes on an Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) unit. Design Continuous quality improvement intervention with episodic data review. Setting ACE unit of an 866‐bed academic tertiary hospital. Participants Housestaff physicians rotating on the ACE unit (N = 31). Intervention Introduction of templated notes, housestaff education, leadership outreach, and posted reminders. Measurements Documentation of function, cognition, and ACP were assessed through chart review of a weekly sample of the ACE unit census and scored using predefined criteria. Results Medical records (N = 172) were reviewed. At baseline, 0% of admission and discharge notes met minimum documentation criteria for all 3 domains (function, cognition, ACP). Documentation of function and cognition was completely absent at baseline. After the intervention, there was marked improvement in all measures, with 64% of admission notes and 94% of discharge notes meeting minimum documentation criteria or better in all 3 domains. Conclusion A quality improvement intervention using geriatric‐specific note templates, housestaff training, and reminders increased documentation of function, cognition and ACP for postacute care.
Evil™ — Islamic State, conflict-capitalism, and the Geopolitical Uncanny

To make sense of so-called Islamic State’s stunning rise to power, and counterintuitive success in captivating media attention and attracting global recruits, commentators often describe the organi...