cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defibrination of Blood Plasma for Use in Serological Tests for Syphilis

Syphilitic plasma can be salvaged from discarded blood donations and converted to serum by defibrination. Sixty-nine units of plasma were treated with a stock solution of 100 U of thrombin per ml in 1 M calcium chloride and then with a 10% (wt/vol) solution of kaolin. Fibrinogen concentrations detected in initial plasma samples ranged from 94 to 4,970 mg/liter (mean, 2,532 mg/liter) for samples that were reactive by the rapid plasma reagin circle card test (RPR) and from 314 to 2,742 mg/liter (mean 1,528 mg/liter) for samples that were not reactive by the RPR. The treated samples showed no measurable fibrinogen remaining after the defibrination process. In the nontreponemal RPR for syphilis, 86% of the treated plasma samples retained the same endpoint titer as that of the initial plasma sample. When the Treponema pallidum passive-particle-agglutination test was used, 98% retained the same reactivity. In the Captia Syphilis-G enzyme immunoassay, 89% of the treated samples demonstrated no change in reactivity index, and in the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test, 96% showed no reduction in fluorescence. Human sera containing antibodies to syphilis are used at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the preparation of reference controls or as samples for proficiency testing. Finding reactive sera is becoming more difficult due to the general decline of syphilis cases in the United States. The decreasing availability of these sera can be alleviated by salvaging plasma and converting it to serum.
Sequential preoperative or postoperative docetaxel added to preoperative doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide for operable breast cancer : National surgical adjuvant breast and bowel project protocol B-27

Purpose This study was designed to determine the effect of adding docetaxel (T) to preoperative doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) on breast cancer response rates and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients and Methods Women with operable breast cancer (N = 2,411) were randomly assigned to receive preoperative AC followed by surgery, AC followed by T and surgery, or AC followed by surgery and then T. Tamoxifen was initiated concurrently with chemotherapy. Median time on study for 2,404 patients with follow-up was 77.9 months. Results Addition of T to AC did not significantly impact DFS or OS. There were trends toward improved DFS with addition of T. The addition of T reduced the incidence of local recurrences as first events (P = .0034). Preoperative T, but not postoperative T, significantly improved DFS in patients who had a clinical partial response after AC (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.91; P = .007). Pathologic complete response, which was doubled by addition ...
Specificity of mutations induced by the food-associated heterocyclic amine 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo-[4,5-b]-pyridine in colon cancer cell lines defective in mismatch repair.

Recently, we have shown a hypermutable response to the food-associated heterocyclic amine 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo-[4,5- b ]-pyridine (PhIP) in human cells defective in mismatch repair (MMR). These findings suggest that exogenous compounds such as PhIP may play an important role in the generation of tumors in MMR-defective individuals. The specificity of mutations induced by PhIP exposure at the endogenous HPRT locus was determined in cell lines defective in MMR to better understand the mutagenic effects of PhIP in MMR-defective individuals and to gain insight into the molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis induced by PhIP. Eighty-six induced HPRT mutants from two different cell lines were isolated and sequenced after exposure to 10 μm PhIP. Nineteen (22%) of these mutants contained G:C to T:A transversion mutations, consistent with the promutagenic adduct of PhIP at the C8 position of guanine miscoding with adenine. This level of PhIP-induced G:C to T:A transversions was ∼4.5-fold higher than spontaneous G:C to T:A frequencies. Additionally, a hotspot for mutation was observed in a run of six guanines in HPRT exon 3, where a total of 23 (27%) of all PhIP-induced mutations occurred. These mutations consisted of transversions, transitions, and frameshift mutations. The increase in mutant frequency at this run of guanines corresponded to a 24-fold elevation above the spontaneous frequency in one cell line and a 3.3-fold increase in the other. These data suggest that PhIP may increase the risk of human carcinogenesis mediated by MMR by increasing mutations at runs of guanine residues. PhIP may thereby promote tumorigenesis by mutating growth-regulating genes that contain runs of guanines in their coding sequences, such as BAX , the insulin-like growth factor II receptor IGFIIR , and even the mismatch repair gene hMSH6 .
Biceps tendon properties worsen initially but improve over time following rotator cuff tears in a rat model

Damage to the biceps tendon is often seen in conjunction with rotator cuff tears. However, controversy exists regarding its role in the shoulder and its optimal treatment. A previous study determined that biceps tendons were detrimentally affected in the presence of rotator cuff tears in the rat model and this damage worsened over time. However, whether this damage progresses at later time points to provide a chronic model is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the biceps tendon in the presence of a cuff tear over time. Our hypothesis was that histological, compositional, organizational and mechanical properties would worsen with time. We detached the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons of 48 rats and evaluated these properties at 1, 4, 8 and 16 weeks post detachment. Properties worsened through 8 weeks, but improved between 8 and 16 weeks. We therefore conclude that biceps tendon changes in this model are not truly chronic. Additionally, it has been shown that infraspinatus properties in this model return to normal by 16 weeks, when biceps properties improve, indicating that earlier repair of one or more of the rotator cuff tendons may lead to resolved pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon.
Analysis of wind penetration and network reliability through Monte Carlo simulation

Generating electricity from wind resources has many environmental and economic advantages over traditional fossil-fueled generation. As a result, there is little doubt that energy from wind will be a significant contribution to the electricity portfolio of the future. Due to the sensitivity of the network and the volatility of the wind resource, analysis of power system operations using expected wind generation is not representative of actual system operations. In order to account for this fundamental uncertainty in wind generation, a Monte Carlo simulation model is developed based on an Optimal Power Flow model, and tested on the IEEE 39-bus test system. The results of these simulations indicate that while the average cost of serving load decreases with increasing wind penetration, the reliability of the system is highly sensitive to the ability of other generators on the system to ramp production either up or down on very short timescales.
Improving Creative Problem-Solving in a Sample of Third Culture Kids.

We investigated the effects of divergent thinking training (with explicit instruction) on problem-solving tasks in a sample of Third Culture Kids (Useem and Downie, 1976). We were specifically interested in whether the children's originality and fluency in responding increased following instruction, not only on classroom-based worksheets and the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT; Torrance, 1990), but also on activities related to real-world dilemmas. Our treatment group of 15 children exhibited gains over 10 weeks of instruction whereas our comparison group of 15 children did not improve in performance. The respective effects of explicit instructions to improve originality or fluency were evident on classroom-based worksheets, on the TTCT and on Realistic Story Telling Problems [adapted from Real World Problems based on Okuda et al. (1991), Runco and Okuda (1988)]. Our results, albeit from a small sample, imply that relatively simple, explicit instructions focusing on originality or fluency can ai...
Stop that query! The need for managing data use

When valuable data is exchanged or bought, it is frequently encumbered by restrictions on how it may be used. For example, clinical data must not be used in such a way as to expose the patients’ identities. To date, these restrictions are enforced only contractually and compliance is checked only manually, if at all. To meet the needs of this growing set of applications, we present the vision for a Data Use Manager (DUM). The DUM is a component of a database system that enables the declarative specification and enforcement of sophisticated data use policies and provides capabilities for both their online enforcement and offline audit.
Palmar plantar pustulosis responding to high-dose folic acid plus vitamins B6 and B12

This report shows a positive therapeutic effect of high-dose folic acid plus vitamins B6 and B12 on a patient with palmar plantar pustulosis. Improvement was likely through modulation of homocysteine (Hcy) and nitric oxide (NO) synthase metabolic pathways, and by inhibition of NF-kappa-B.
Cryptographic types

Cryptographic types are a way to express cryptographic guarantees (of secrecy and integrity) in a type system for a network programming language. This allows some of these guarantees to be checked statically, before a network program executes. Where dynamic checks are required, these are represented at the source language level as dynamic type-checking, and are translated by the compiler to lower level cryptographic operations. Static checking avoids the unnecessary overhead of run-time cryptographic operations where communication is through a trusted medium (e.g. the OS kernel, or a trusted subnet), and also provides static guarantees of the reliability of a network application. Cryptographic types can also be used to build application-specific security protocols, where type-checking in the lower layers of the protocol stack verifies security properties for upper layers. Cryptographic types are described formally using a process calculus, the ec-calculus. Correctness is verified for a scheme for compiling type operations to cryptographic operations.
The critical care/acute medicine interphase.

ABSTRACT A significant number of medical admissions and inpatients on general wards are unstable or have unmet medical or nursing needs. Ward-based physiological scoring (early warning scores) and similar innovations aim to identify those who may merit enhanced care, and initiatives such as ‘comprehensive critical care’ describe a whole system approach to this group. While the recommendations in this 15-year-old document have been largely accepted and implemented, the Future Hospital Report recognises that close cooperation between acute medicine and critical care is essential but lacking in many institutions. Much of what follows is opinion and conjecture as there is little hard data to refer to. Although an anaesthetically trained intensivist, I have been a member of the Society for Acute Medicine since its inception and have sat on Council since then as critical care representative. I was also the clinical director for acute medicine in Norwich for three years.
A PIV Study of Pulsed Vortex Generator Jets

*† ‡ § The use of small jets of air has proved to be an effective means of flow control on low Reynolds number turbine blades. Pulsing of these jets has also shown benefits in reducing the amount of air needed to achieve the same benefits in flow control. An experiment using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has been set up to investigate how these pulsed jets interact with the boundary layer to help stabilize it and keep the flow attached. A 25x scaled jet in a plate has been utilized. The 25.4 mm diameter jet has a pitch angle of 30° and a skew angle of 90°. Pitch angle is defined as the angle the jet makes with the surface of the plate, and the skew angle is the angle that the jet makes with the cross flow. The jet was pulsed at 0.5 Hz with varying pulse durations or duty cycles. Duty cycles of 10, 25, 50, and 100 percent were implemented. Velocity and vorticity planes were obtained and used in the characterization of the jet flow. Based on previous research, the starting vortex, which develops at the start of every cycle for each pulsed case, is the critical flow characteristic. Once the free jet characteristics are quantified, the jet with cross flow will be examined using two-dimensional PIV. Then the jet interaction with the boundary layer will also be characterized.
The Reform of Social Security

(1985). The Reform of Social Security. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 874-876.
Aeschylus' ὓμνος δέσμιος ( Eum. 306) and Attic judicial curse tablets

When the Erinyes catch up with Orestes in Athens they find him clutching the archaic wooden statue of Athena and invoking her aid along with that of Apollo ( Eum . 235 ff.). The Erinyes scorn his prayers and bid him hear their ‘binding song’: ὕμνον δ’ ἀκούσῃ τόνδe δέσμιον (306). Wecklein in his 1888 edition of the play remarked ‘erinnert an magische Kunste’ and quoted Laws 933a, where Plato, discussing murder by poison, makes brief mention of the popular belief in sorcerers, incantations and binding spells ( καταδέσeις ). Subsequent commentators repeat Wecklein's brief note nearly verbatim and then elaborate it along two different lines, either claiming some vague Orphic source (Thomson 1938) or citing Wuensch's Defixionum Tabellae Atticae (Blass 1907; Groeneboom 1952). More recently, Lebeck argued that the ostensible title (‘binding song’) is incompatible with the actual content of the stasimon (Apollo's encroachment on the Erinyes’ power); she concluded that the title is irrelevant or at best only of secondary importance.’ Thus on the whole, this ὕμνος δέσμιος has been treated as a remnant of magical or chthonic lore too obscure to have any real bearing on our understanding of the immediate dramatic situation in Eumenides . I shall argue to the contrary that the song is closely related to a specific kind of curse tablet used to affect the outcome of law cases in Athens as early as the 5th century bc , and as such it is important to the dramatic context of a tragedy which depicts the mythical foundation of Athens’ first homicide court.
The Rhesus Macaque as an Animal Model for Hemophilia B Gene Therapy

We have determined the 2905 nucleotide sequence of the rhesus macaque factor IX complementary DNA (cDNA) and found it to be greater than 95% identical to that of the human factor IX cDNA. The cDNA has a large 3′ untranslated region like the human cDNA, but unlike the human cDNA has two polyadenylation sites 224 nucleotides apart that are used for transcription of the messenger RNA. The deduced amino acid sequence is greater than 97% identical to that of human factor IX, differing in only 11 of 461 amino acids in the complete precursor protein. We found a single silent polymorphism in the nucleotide sequence at the third position of the codon for asparagine at position 167 in the secreted protein (AAC/AAT). All residues subject to posttranslational modifications in the human protein are also found in the rhesus factor IX sequence. The high degree of homology between the rhesus and human factor IX proteins suggested the possibility that the human factor IX protein might be nonimmunogenic in the rhesus. We tested the immunogenicity of human factor IX in three rhesus macaques by repeated intravenous injections of monoclonal antibody–purified, plasma-derived human factor IX over the course of more than a year and assessed the recovery and half-life of the infused protein, as well as in vitro indicators of antihuman factor IX antibodies. Human factor IX recovery and half-life remained unchanged over the course of a year in the three animals studied, and aPTT mixing studies showed no evidence for neutralizing antihuman factor IX antibodies. An outbred, nonhuman primate model that permits assessment of the level and duration of factor IX expression as well as vector safety would complement the use of other (mouse and canine) hemophilia B animal models in current use for the development of gene therapy for hemophilia B.
Validity of the Revised Beta Examination and a Short-Form Beta for Hospitalized Alcoholics

Although the Revised Beta Examination, a nonverbal measure of general intelligence, is one of the few group tests extensively validated for psychiatric patients in state hospitals, it has not been determined whether the instrument is useful for discriminating among alcoholic inpatients in state facilities. The Beta was administered to 494 detoxified alcoholics (471 men, 23 women), aged 20 to 60 yr. (M = 3.99, SD = 10.1) and hospitalized in a state rehabilitation agency. They were grouped by prior occupational status and educational attainment. Means of the Beta Weighted Scores differed significantly among the groups on both criteria whereas the mean IQs differed only for the educational classification. Also reported was the development of a two-subtest short-form Beta based on the Digit Symbol and Picture Completion subtests. The short-form scores differentiated the groups about as well as the Weighted Scores.
Limitations of PET/CT in the Detection of Occult N1 Metastasis in Clinical Stage I(T1-2aN0) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer for Staging Prior to Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy.

Purpose/Objectives:Patients receiving stereotactic body radiotherapy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer are typically staged clinically with positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Cu...
Rapid, microwave accelerated synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]oxadiazoles from 4-acylamino-1,2,4-triazoles

1,2,4-Triazoles and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles are prevalent moieties in pharmaceutical agents, yet fused [1,2,4]-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]oxadiazoles are surprisingly under-represented for both synthesis and biological application. We report a rapid, two-step synthesis of [1,2,4]-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]oxadiazoles from commercial 4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles that is highlighted by a microwave accelerated intramolecular cyclization to generate the fused ring system. Our efforts to optimize reaction conditions and elucidate reaction mechanism are also described.
Congenital primary adrenal insufficiency and selective aldosterone defects presenting as salt-wasting in infancy: a single center 10-year experience.

Background Salt-wasting represents a relatively common cause of emergency admission in infants and may result in life-threatening complications. Neonatal kidneys show low glomerular filtration rate and immaturity of the distal nephron leading to reduced ability to concentrate urine.
Charge coupled device (CCD) image sensors

Abstract: Charge coupled devices (CCDs) have been the most common high performance imaging detector for nearly all scientific and industrial imaging applications since the 1980s. In this chapter the CCD imager and its use for high performance imaging are described. The focus is on scientific and industrial applications which require quantitative measurements of the incident scene, especially in low light level conditions and when spectral information is also required. The architecture and operation of CCDs as well as their quantitative characterization and most important operational parameters are also described.
Enhanced source localization based on robot locomotion

In this paper we present a different methodology for an acoustic source localization in an unknown environment. The developed methodology includes an acoustic based localization system, a converging target localization based on the recursive direction of arrival (DOA) error minimization, and a regressive obstacle avoidance function. Our method is able to augment the existing proven localization techniques and improve results incrementally by utilizing robot locomotion and is capable of converging to a position estimate with greater accuracy using fewer measurements. The results also evinced the DOA error minimization at each iteration, improvement in time for reaching the destination and the efficiency of this target localization method as gradually converging to the real target position. Initially, the system is tested using Kinect mounted on turntable with DOA markings which serve as a ground truth and then our approach is validated using a FireBird VI (FBVI) mobile robot on which Kinect is used to obtain bearing information.
Multiple Apoptotic Defects In Hematopoietic Cellsfrom Mice Lacking Lipocalin 24p3.

Abstract 1560 The lipocalin mouse 24p3 has been implicated in diverse physiological processes including apoptosis, iron trafficking, development and innate immunity. Studies from our lab as well as others demonstrated the pro-apoptotic activity of 24p3 in a variety of cultured models. However, a general role for the lipocalin 24p3 in the homeostasis of the hematopoietic system has not been tested in vivo. To study the role of 24p3 in apoptosis, we derived 24p3 null mice on 129 SVE and C57BL/6 genetic backgrounds, which enabled us to test, for the first time, the in vivo role of 24p3 without any confounders. We find that homozygous 24p3-/- mice have apoptotic defects in several hematopoietic lineages, including neutrophils, cytokine-dependent mast cells, thymocytes and erythroid cells. The progressive accumulation of lymphoid, myeloid and erythroid cells in 24p3-/- mice demonstrate the importance of 24p3 in the regulation of homeostasis of hematopoietic cells in adults. Thymocytes isolated from 24p3 null mice displayed resistance to apoptosis-induced by Dexamethasone. In addition, Dexamethasone-induced apoptosis is also reduced in 24p3-/- mice. Collectively, these results indicate that 24p3 is an important target gene involved in GC-mediated apoptosis of lymphocytes and other hematopoietic cell types. Finally, our results also indicate that the genetic background of mice can modulate the effects of 24p3 deficiency. In summary, the results presented here, in conjunction with those of previous studies, reveal 24p3 as a regulator of the hematopoietic compartment with important roles in normal physiology and disease progression. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Female Genomics: Infertility and Overall Health.

Female infertility is a complex disease linked to multiple etiologies including genetic factors. Owing to the multifactorial nature of infertility, it is often difficult to identify single causative genes. Despite this challenge, investigations into the genetic causes of infertility have been performed to shed light on the etiology and for the possibility of developing personalized medical approaches to therapy. Multiple techniques have been utilized to better characterize the genetic origins of this disease, including genome-wide association studies. We present here a review of the genetic causes of female infertility, detailing some of the more recent findings in the genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea, leiomyomas, and Mullerian anomalies.
Thermonuclear reactions probed at stellar-core conditions with laser-based inertial-confinement fusion

Nuclear reactions taking place in stars are not straightforward to study in laboratories on Earth. Now, inertial-confinement fusion implosion experiments are reported that mimic the conditions for the hydrogen-burning phase in main-sequence stars.
New Product Program and Firm Performance: The Moderating Roles of Strategic Emphasis: An Abstract

At any given time period, firm management actively engages in allocating resources primarily to develop the pipeline of products in their new product portfolio (e.g., patents) as well as mitigate some of the negative consequences associated with the development and production of new products (e.g., product recalls). We call the former innovation enhancers and the latter innovation inhibitors. Firms’ investment in innovation enhancers can increase firm value, especially in the long run. Innovation inhibitors demand immediate resource allocation, increase consumers’ perceived risk, and potentially delay purchases. The effects can reflect in the short-term accounting measures. As innovation inhibitors can jeopardize consumer confidences and trust, the dilution of brand equity could be expected in the long term. Specifically, drawing from myopic management theory (Mizik 2010), we hypothesize that firms’ strategic decisions regarding optimal resource allocation for innovation enhancing- and inhibiting-related activities (i.e., strategic emphasis) are critical and can impact firm performance in the short and long run.
Slapjack Shuffle: Teaching Instructional Method Selection Using Playing Cards:

A key skill for the health education specialist is mastery of instructional strategies, especially as they relate to program implementation. Providing classroom experiences for undergraduate public health and health education students to be able to creatively and appropriately match methods to learning objectives is essential to successful future programs and initiatives. By completing the Slapjack Shuffle activity, students experience different teaching methods and match them to appropriate learning objective domains. Using decks of playing cards and guided by the instructor, students experience five different teaching methods (verbal instructions, demonstration, lecture, audiovisual, and peer instruction) to determine the advantages and disadvantages of using each when teaching a psychomotor skill. The lesson concludes with a game designed to create a physiological stress response to illustrate how a health educator could introduce the topic of stress management to a target population. Suggestions for a...
The continuous vs discontinuous use of restorative safety behaviors on symptoms of contamination fear: An experimental investigation

Abstract Background and objectives Cognitive-behavioral theorists posit that safety behaviors (SBs) interfere with important exposure processes and should be removed from therapy. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that restorative SBs (RSB; those that allow for full confrontation with a core threat) do not adversely affect exposure outcomes, and their implementation during exposure should be further examined. Methods The current study evaluated exposure with the continuous use of RSB (E + CONT) versus discontinuation of RSB (E + DISC), in comparison to exposure with no RSB (ERP). Sixty-seven nonclinical participants completed 15 trials of exposure in which they touched a potentially contaminated stimulus with or without RSB. Behavioral approach tasks were completed at pretreatment, post-treatment, and two-week follow-up to examine changes in subjective distress and degree of behavioral approach. Results The three conditions were not different on clinical symptoms and behavioral approach at post-treatment and follow-up, indicating that the hypothesized superiority effect of E + DISC was not supported. However, ratings obtained during repeated exposure trials indicated that E + DISC evidenced greater symptom reduction following the removal of RSB. Limitations The use of a healthy undergraduate sample and standardization of the exposure procedure. Conclusions Although findings were contrary to hypotheses, these data provide added support for the benign role of RSB as compared to conventional exposure. Furthermore, the removal of RSB may lead to more favorable process outcomes during exposure. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed, and future directions are provided.
Stem Cell Differentiation Toward a Cardiac Myocyte Phenotype

Understanding cardiac myocyte differentiation during embryonic heart development will provide insight into how to promote cardiac myogenesis in stem cell populations for cell-based therapies. This chapter reviews what is known about the embryonic origin of cardiac myocytes in vertebrates, the signals that induce myocardial cell specification, the factors that regulate transcription during cardiac myocyte differentiation, and the regulatory networks that connect them.
Doctoral Student Involvement: A National Explorative Study of Leisure Studies

AbstractScholars have stated that involvement is critical in the success of doctoral students, yet limited information and research has been conducted on involvement and its relationship to doctoral students. The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of leisure studies doctoral student involvement patterns. The Doctoral Student Involvement Questionnaire (DSIQ) was developed as an assessment and evaluation instrument to measure leisure studies doctoral student involvement. A four-factor solution accounting for 49.9% of the total cumulative variance indicated that involvement patterns of leisure studies doctoral students are similar to undergraduate student patterns, yet they also have some major differences. Similarities include the multidimensional structure of involvement, and the social, faculty, and research activity patterns. Differences include the dependence on the professional discipline and the local department, which guides many of the experiences and activities of doctoral st...
Voter Uncertainty, Political Institutions, and Legislative Turnover

Previous analyses of legislative turnover have identified two separate sets of explanatory factors: legislative and electoral institutions, and economic conditions. In this paper we draw on insights from formal theory and political psychology to present a new explanation of turnover, one that incorporates voters, political institutions, and economic conditions. First, we argue that an explanation of turnover needs to take a broader perspective on political institutions. Thus, we examine how separation of powers arrangements can affect turnover. Second, we argue that the effect of these arrangements is contingent on economic conditions (i.e., that separations of powers arrangements and economic conditions interact to influence turnover). Third, we argue that both institutions and economic conditions affect turnover because they influence the ways in which voters can assign responsibility for economic outcomes. We find support for our theoretical propositions in an analysis of legislative turnover in the U.S. states between 1982 and 2000.
Translational Approaches towards Cancer Gene Therapy: Hurdles and Hopes.

Introduction: Of the cancer gene therapy approaches, gene silencing, suicide/apoptosis inducing gene therapy, immunogene therapy and targeted gene therapy are deemed to sub­stantially control the biological consequences of genomic changes in cancerous cells. Thus, a large number of clinical trials have been conducted against various malignancies. In this review, we will discuss recent translational progresses of gene and cell therapy of cancer. Methods: Essential information on gene therapy of cancer were reviewed and discussed towards their clinical translations. Results: Gene transfer has been rigorously studied in vitro and in vivo, in which some of these gene therapy endeavours have been carried on towards translational investigations and clinical applications. About 65% of gene therapy trials are related to cancer therapy. Some of these trials have been combined with cell therapy to produce personalized medicines such as Sipuleucel-T (Provenge®, marketed by Dendreon, USA) for the treatment of asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Conclusion: Translational approach links two diverse boundaries of basic and clinical researches. For successful translation of geno­medicines into clinical applications, it is essential 1) to have the guidelines and standard operating procedures for development and application of the genomedicines specific to clinically relevant biomarker(s); 2) to conduct necessary animal experimental studies to show the "proof of concept" for the proposed genomedicines; 3) to perform an initial clinical investigation; and 4) to initiate extensive clinical trials to address all necessary requirements. In short, translational researches need to be refined to accelerate the geno­medicine development and clinical applications.
Dementia and Neurologic Syndromes: Distinctions Between Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, and Parkinson’s

Age-associated neurologic disease can be an important determinant of functional outcome after surgery. Neurologic diseases in the elderly encompass many divergent conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease with dementia, cerebrovascular disease, and neurologic effects of other systemic disease. The common elements among the dementias are cognitive decline and a secondary impairment in functional outcome. Any stressor, including surgery and anesthesia, can potentially cause acute deterioration in cognition and function.
The Ecumenical Imperative After Vatican II: Achievements and Challenges

The more than fifty years of dialogue since Vatican II launched the Catholic Church into the ecumenical movement have resulted in significant convergence, but reception of these results remains slow and inconclusive despite the stunning success of the Joint Declaration on Justification signed in 1999. This presentation explores some of the challenges for reception within the ecclesial and social context of ecumenical relationships today and discusses why the ecumenical imperative is even more critical at this point in time. It also suggests a model of ecclesiology for the reception of relationships of full communion.
N- and C-terminal interactions in KCNH channels: The spotlight on the intrinsic ligand.

Human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) channels are widely studied potassium channels because of their importance for repolarization of the cardiac action potential ([Sanguinetti and Tristani-Firouzi, 2006][1]). Inhibition of hERG channel currents due to inherited mutations or by drugs can lead to
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A review for emergency clinicians

Abstract Introduction A great deal of literature has recently evaluated the prevention and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the outpatient setting, but there remains a dearth of research evaluating OHSS in the emergency department (ED) and its management. Objective This narrative review evaluates the underlying pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of OHSS and discusses approaches to patient care in the ED based on current literature. Discussion OHSS is an iatrogenic complication caused by an excessive response to controlled ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive cycles (ART). OHSS complicates up to 30% of ART cycles, and many of these patients seek initial care in the ED. Risk factors for the development of OHSS include age Conclusions OHSS occurs in up to 30% of IVF cycles and carries a high morbidity. Effective care of the OHSS patient begins with early diagnosis while evaluating for other diseases and complications. Understanding these complications and an approach to the management of OHSS is essential to optimizing patient care.
The Future Application of Transmission Line Automatic Monitoring and Deep Learning Technology Based on Vision

In order to ensure reliable and sustainable power transmission, the State Grid Corporation regularly monitors transmission lines and distribution grids, mainly by means of walking patrol or helicopter-assisted, which is inefficient, expensive and potentially dangerous. In recent years, researchers have carried out a lot of research on automatic vision monitoring technology using automatic helicopters, flying robots or crawling robots. But automatic vision monitoring technology is still not widely used because that it can’t meet the requirements of high precision and high efficiency. This paper aims to provide a good reference for the realization of automatic transmission line vision monitoring. Firstly, the transmission line vision monitoring technology is reviewed extensively, and the existing methods, points of view, advantages and disadvantages are listed. Then we summarize the existing automatic vision monitoring system. On this basis, a new automatic transmission line vision monitoring scheme is proposed, which takes optical image as the main data source and deep learning as the back-end service of data analysis. The possibility and challenge of its implementation are given in a general way and focusing on the future development, this paper gives corresponding discussion for the implementation of this plan.
Use of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in patients with borderline elevation of international normalized ratio.

Objective: To determine the rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages (sICH), parenchymal hematoma type 2 (PH2), and favorable outcomes in patients with borderline elevation of international normalized ratio (INR) or recent anticoagulation use prior to treatment with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke that received IV rt-PA were identified. History of recent use of anticoagulation and the INR at presentation and after use of thrombolytics, up to 72 h was recorded. Neuroimaging and clinical charts were reviewed for evidence of sICH. Outcomes were recorded at the time of discharge and on follow-up up to 6 months using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results: A total of 106 patients (mean age was 65.95 ± 15.29 years and 55.67% were men) were identified. Of these, 12 (11.3%) patients had initial INR elevation (1.2–1.7) and 12 (11.3%) patients that had recently received oral anticoagulation. The rate of PH2 was higher in patients on anticoagulation or with elevated initial INR compared to patients with normal INR and no history of anticoagulation (15.79% versus 2.30%, P = 0.023). In subgroup analyses, elevation of INR during the first 24 h and history of recent use of anticoagulation in a different analysis inversely correlated with favorable outcomes at discharge and at follow-up. Conclusion: Borderline elevation in INR or recent use of anticoagulation before thrombolytic use can increase the rate of ICH in patients treated with IV rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke. These patients should cautiously receive thrombolytics for acute ischemic stroke as per the AHA/ASA Stroke Council guidelines.
Opposing Contributions of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Ventral Pallidal Neurons to Motivational Behaviors

The ventral pallidum (VP) is critical for invigorating reward seeking and is also involved in punishment avoidance, but how it contributes to such opposing behavioral actions remains unclear. Here, we show that GABAergic and glutamatergic VP neurons selectively control behavior in opposing motivational contexts. In vivo recording combined with optogenetics in mice revealed that these two populations oppositely encode positive and negative motivational value, are differentially modulated by animal's internal state, and determine the behavioral response during motivational conflict. Furthermore, GABAergic VP neurons are essential for movements toward reward in a positive motivational context but suppress movements in an aversive context. In contrast, glutamatergic VP neurons are essential for movements to avoid a threat but suppress movements in an appetitive context. Our results indicate that GABAergic and glutamatergic VP neurons encode the drive for approach and avoidance, respectively, with the balance between their activities determining the type of motivational behavior.
Free tibia and fibula-fillet-of-leg flap for pelvic ring reconstruction: A case report.

Pelvic sarcoma resections present large and complex defects, which are a challenge to reconstruct. At times, these cancers are treated with external hemipelvectomy, and both the soft tissue and bony framework of the pelvic ring must be addressed. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of a free tibia and fibula-fillet-of-leg flap for pelvic ring reconstruction, performed to enhance the quality of life of a patient following hemipelvectomy. A 50-year-old female with advanced stage undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the left thigh and pelvis underwent free vascularized tibia and fibula-fillet-of-leg flap, including 21 cm of bone length and 21 cm long and full circumferential soft tissues of the leg, accompanying the bone, for the reconstruction of the bony pelvis and soft tissue. Postoperatively, the patient had no surgical complications, was followed for 6 months and went on to have bony healing, and was able to sit prior to disease progression and eventual death from metastatic disease. In the reported case, we have shown that composite tibia-fibula free flap with lower leg soft tissues may be a viable option for the reconstruction of massive external hemipelvectomy defects.
Taxonomy of 'Euconnus complex'. Part XX. Madagassoconnus Franz and Oneila Peringuey placed as subgenera of Euconnus Thomson (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae).

Madagassoconnus Franz and Oneila Peringuey were described as genera, but their diagnoses largely overlap with that of Euconnus. Results of detailed morphological studies justify placing Madagassoconnus and Oneila as subgenera of Euconnus. Madagassoconnus differs from most of previously reviewed subgenera of Euconnus in minor characters, mainly in tarsomeres III and IV forming elongate anteroventral lobes. Oneila differs from other subgenera mainly in strongly and uniquely modified antennomeres VII and VIII, or only VII, in males; other characters are almost identical as those in Tetramelus Motschulsky, Paratetramelus Franz and Heteroconnus Franz. However, results of preliminary phylogenetic analyses are still inconclusive, and a conservative approach is adopted to treat Madagassoconnus and Oneila as valid names, pending further study. Previous (and the only) redescription of the type species of Madagassoconnus, Cyrtoscydmus kolbei L.W. Schaufuss, is discussed as likely based on misidentified specimens not conspecific with the type material. Madagassoconnus arganoi Franz that occurs in Mexico (in contrast to all remaining species of Madagassoconnus that are endemic to Madagascar) is placed as Euconnus (incertae sedis) arganoi comb. n., and Oneila camerunensis Franz known to occur in Cameroon, is placed as Euconnus (incertae sedis) camerunensis comb. n.
The Calculus of Service Availability: You’re only as available as the sum of your dependencies.

Most services offered by Google aim to offer 99.99 percent (sometimes referred to as the "four 9s") availability to users. Some services contractually commit to a lower figure externally but set a 99.99 percent target internally. This more stringent target accounts for situations in which users become unhappy with service performance well before a contract violation occurs, as the number one aim of an SRE team is to keep users happy. For many services, a 99.99 percent internal target represents the sweet spot that balances cost, complexity, and availability. For some services, notably global cloud services, the internal target is 99.999 percent.
Ultrasound for Thyroid Nodule Risk Stratification

Ultrasound imaging, which is part of the standard of care for thyroid nodule evaluation, has evolved from rudimentary A-mode imaging that allowed the identification of thyroid nodules to current gray-scale imaging and Doppler that permit a more detailed description of thyroid nodule characteristics. Interpretation of thyroid ultrasound images requires recognition of benign and malignant thyroid ultrasound features and understanding risk stratification systems currently in use, including their limitations and correlation with the clinical presentation and pathology.
Enhanced Motivation and Decision Making from Going Hybrid

Hybrid brainstorming is ecologically more valid than all-interactive or all-noninteractive brainstorming, yet understudied. Although ideational benefits of hybrid groups have been found, studies ha...
The International Human Rights & Ethical Aspects of the Forum Non Conveniens Doctrine

This article addresses the forum non conveniens [FNC] doctrine within the context of international human rights and ethics. First, this article will examine the availability and adequacy of using international tribunals for circumventing the FNC doctrine in national courts for plaintiffs claiming human rights violations, as well as the possible emergence of an international FNC doctrine for regional international tribunals.2 Although the main focus is on the Inter-American Commission and Court of Human Rights, this article also discusses the European Court of Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Committee. Second, the article will address the FNC doctrine in relation to the Alien Tort Claims Act3 litigation in U.S. courts addressing human rights violations. Finally, this article will briefly address ethical dimensions of the FNC doctrine.
Uptake and distribution of manganese in oat plants

Young oat plants, grown in nutrient solutions, developed consistent varietal differences in Mn-concentration in the shoots. The varietal rankings, according to Mn-concentration per unit dry weight, were similar to the rankings in Mn per unit insoluble N, in Mn-uptake rate per unit root weight, and, usually, in Mn-content per plant.
On the construction of barrier in a connectivity maintenance game

In this work, we address the problem of maintaining an operable communication link between two aerial vehicles in the presence of a jammer. This problem was initially proposed in [2]. In this work, we formulate the problem as a game of kind, and present the equations that characterize the barrier in the game using Isaacs' technique [3]. We derive the optimal control of the vehicles on the barrier, and present simulation results for specific terminal conditions.
Rovibrational spectroscopy of ArCO van der Waals complex

The information that can be obtained from the high resolution rovibrational spectra of small molecular clusters is very useful for determining intermolecular potentials and the effects of intermolecular interactions on intramolecular bonds. Recently, such spectra have been obtained via absorption measurements using F-center[1,2], frequency difference [3,4] and diode laser[5] sources. Because F-center and frequency difference lasers operate best in the 2–4 μm region, studies using these laser sources have involved high frequency vibrational modes (H-X, X=C,F,Cl,Br) or overtones. Although diode lasers cover a much broader spectral range (3–20 μm), they are less convenient to use for doing survey spectroscopy. We have developed several new techniques which improve the sensitivity and convenience of absorption measurements using diode lasers for the study of molecular clusters in supersonic expansions. Here we describe these techniques and their application for the measurement of the rovibrational spectra of ArCO near 5 μm.
5′-Terminal Sequences of Spring Viremia of Carp Virus RNA Synthesized In Vitro

Sequence analyses have been undertaken on the 5' termini of the RNA species synthesized in vitro at 22 degrees C by Spring viremia of carp virion (SVCV)-associated transcriptase by using virus grown in mammalian BHK-21 cells. SVCV product RNA was synthesized in the absence or presence of low (0.56 muM) or high (0.8 mM) concentrations of added S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM). Two major sequences obtained in the absence (or in low concentrations) of SAM have been shown to be GpppAp and GpppAmpAp(C). A minor sequence detected when a low concentration of [(3)H]SAM was added to reaction mixtures was 7mGpppAmpAp. Larger quantities of the 7mGpppAmpAp(C) sequence, in addition to the GpppAmpAp(C) sequence, were obtained when high concentrations of SAM were used, and under these conditions no GpppAp sequences were detected. It has further been shown that with low concentrations of [(3)H]SAM the principle in vitro methylation of adenosine in SVCV product RNA occurred at the 2'-O-ribose position; no methylation at the N(6)-adenosine position and no internal product RNA methylation were detected. Comparison of the SVCV results to the published data on the 5'-terminal structures of the in vitro or in vivo mRNA species of vesicular stomatitis virus Indiana and vesicular stomatitis virus New Jersey suggests that the 5' sequences of transcript RNA of different rhabdoviruses may have been conserved.