cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Inhibitors of MicroRNA Function from Small Molecule Screens

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been linked to many human diseases including cancer, immune disorders, heart disease, and viral infections. Thus, small molecule inhibitors of miRNAs have potential as new therapeutic agents, as probes for the elucidation of detailed mechanisms of miRNA function, and as tools for the discovery of new targets for the treatment of human diseases. In order to identify small molecule inhibitors of specific miRNAs, functional assays have been developed and applied to the screening of small molecule libraries. Here, we report the application of a luciferase-based reporter assay of miRNA miR-122 function to the discovery of small molecule miR-122 inhibitors.
Evidence against an ancient non-chondritic mantle source for North Atlantic Igneous Province lavas

Abstract North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP) lavas host olivine with the highest 3He/4He ever measured for terrestrial igneous rocks (up to 50 RA, or 4He/3He = ~ 15,300). The relationship of high-3He/4He with Pb isotope compositions close to the terrestrial geochron and 143Nd/144Nd plausibly consistent with supra-chondritic mantle Sm/Nd in Baffin Island and West Greenland lavas has been interpreted to reflect an ancient ‘non-chondritic’ mantle source signature. Alternatively, assimilation of continental crustal rocks with unradiogenic Pb isotope compositions and low 143Nd/144Nd, into magmas with high-3He/4He, and derived from variably depleted mantle sources, could impart similar geochemical signatures. Radiogenic and stable isotope data for NAIP lavas are consistent with origins as melts from upper mantle sources that contain low-18O/16O recycled lithosphere and/or hydrothermally altered crust, or that have experienced pervasive contamination by crustal gneisses. Olivines from NAIP lavas with 3He/4He spanning from 8 to 48 RA have δ18O ranging from 3.5 to 5.5‰. These compositions are consistent with sources of ambient mantle and low-δ18O recycled lithosphere, or with concomitant crustal assimilation and He-loss during fractional crystallization. Limited assimilation (≤ 1%) of incompatible element rich crustal gneisses with low 206Pb/204Pb and 143Nd/144Nd by melts from variably depleted mantle sources can explain Nd-Pb isotope compositions of Baffin Island and West Greenland picrites. Icelandic lavas provide supporting evidence that the ancestral mantle plume responsible for generating NAIP magmatism sampled variably enriched and depleted mantle, with no evidence for ancient non-chondritic mantle sources. Pervasive crustal contamination and partial melting of heterogeneous mantle sources, generated by plate tectonic processes, can account for the compositions of continental flood basalts (CFB), without the requirement of a non-chondritic terrestrial reservoir. Combined with evidence that the 142Nd/144Nd composition of the bulk silicate Earth is due to nucleosynthetic S-process deficits in chondrite meteorites, these observations cast doubt that NAIP lavas sampled a non-chondritic mantle source with Sm/Nd higher than in chondrites. If short-lived radiogenic (e.g., 146Sm-142Nd, 182Hf-182 W) isotope anomalies are found in CFB, they must either reflect assimilation of isotopically anomalous crustal materials, or partial melting of early-formed mantle heterogeneities produced by differentiation and late accretion.
The Age of Productivity

The economies of Latin America and the Caribbean suffer from a chronic low-growth disease. Unfortunately, the region has become so accustomed to this economic ailment, that it no longer considers growth its most pressing problem. And yet, the countries of the region are paying dearly for not assigning economic growth the highest priority.
Size-Effect Law for Scratch Tests of Axisymmetric Shape

AbstractThis paper presents a theoretical and experimental framework for the application of size-effect analysis to microscratch testing as a means to quantify the fracture properties and internal friction of materials at the microscale. The energetic size-effect law (SEL) for microscratch tests is developed for a general monomeric probe shape in terms of an intrinsic size function. The fundamental idea of the proposed approach is to rescale the scratch response to that of the flat punch, a conjecture that allows one to compare the SEL for different probe geometries, and thus solve for the asymptotic fracture toughness and effective process zone length from scratch tests done on homogenous (acetal homopolymer resin and polycarbonate resin) and inhomogeneous materials (mica ceramic and gas shale). As a material of current interest for controlled fracture studies, two samples of gas shale cored from the Marcellus and Eagle Ford formations are tested and analyzed to quantify all material properties that may ...
Simultaneous Multiple-Nanowire Motion Control, Planning, and Manipulation Under Electric Fields in Fluid Suspension

To fully take advantage of the enormous potential of functional nanodevices, it is crucial to automate their manufacture with efficient steering and manipulation of multiple nanowires with controlled orientations to specific spatial locations. In this paper, we present motion planning and control algorithms for simultaneously steering multiple nanowires in liquid suspension. The motion planning and control is designed for a microfluidic device that is actuated by a simple generic set of electrodes. We first present a motion control algorithm to simultaneously steer multiple nanowires along different desired trajectories under controlled electrophoretic forces. A two-stage motion planning algorithm is then presented to generate the desired trajectory for each individual nanowire. Both numerical simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the motion planning and control design using electric fields to simultaneously steer and manipulate multiple nanowires. Note to Practitioners —The automated steering and manipulation of multiple nanowires would enable the scalable assembly of nanodevices for a variety of applications. This paper presents an electric-field-based design for simultaneous motion planning and control of multiple nanowires in liquid suspension. The design uses a set of electrode arrays to drive and orient multiple nanowires from their starting locations to targeted locations under electrophoretic forces. The motion control of multiple nanowires in fluid suspension is first presented to steer the nanowires simultaneously along the given trajectories. Then, we present a two-stage motion planning algorithm to generate the total shortest distance trajectories for all nanowires while avoiding collision. We present extensive simulations and experiments to demonstrate the motion planning and control of multiple nanowires to form various geometric patterns. The results will help provide a foundation for scalable automated methods for manipulating nanowires to build nanodevices.
Hemangioblastic Activity of Infant Leukemia with t(4;11).

Abstract Background: Infant leukemia patients with t(4;11) have an extremely high risk for treatment failure. Hemangioblasts are cells that were initially described in the embryonic yolk sac, where they make both blood and blood vessels when these two systems are forming. It was demonstrated that hemangioblasts are present in the adult bone marrow and CML patients. Recently, subgroups of infant ALL patients with t(4;11) were found to have gene expression profiles similar to hemangioblasts by microarray. However, whether infant leukemia cells behave like hemangioblasts and produce their own blood vessels remains unknown. Objective: We sought to determine whether infant leukemia cells with t(4;11) are derived from malignant hemangioblasts and can produce their own blood vessels. Design/Methods: Three childhood leukemia cell lines with t(4;11): MV4-11, SEM-K2 and RS4-11, were used to analyze the expression pattern of key angiogenic receptors by flow cytometry and angiogenesis related proteins by protein array in comparison with benign endothelial cells. These cell lines were also cultured in vitro using Matrilgel, an in vitro angiogenesis assay system, in order to test their ability to produce vascular tubes. These cell lines were injected into the immune deficient NOD/SCID mice after sublethal irradiation to establish leukemia in vivo. Some of primary cells from MLL patients were obtained and subcutaneously injected into NOD/SCID mice mixed with BD Matrigel to observe their vessel development in vivo together with these three cell lines. The bone marrow, liver, spleen and tumor tissues together with Matrigel were collected to look for the evidence of t(4;11) in endothelial cells by immunohistochemical staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: The leukemia cell lines expressed many angiogenetic cytokines, such as VEGF, VEGF-D, RANTES, PIGF, PDGF-BB, MCP-1, IGF-1, ENA-78, and angiogenin, at the same levels as HUVEC cells, a human umbilical vessel endothelial cell line. Different cell lines expressed some angiogenesis-related receptors, such as CD31, Tie-2, PDGFRalpha, CD141, CD146, and KDR. None of the cell lines formed tubes in Matrigel. When these three cell lines generated leukemia in NOD/SCID mice, the microvessel density level increased in the tumor areas. However, immunostaining for human and murine endothelial markers demonstrated that all the vessels came from the mouse, not from the human leukemia cells. Conclusions: We conclude that infant leukemia cell lines with t(4;11) have proangiogenesic activity. However, these cells do not function as hemangioblasts, as they do not produce blood vessels in culture or in vivo in NOD/SCID mice. We plan to look further by examing bone marrow biopsies from patients with t(4;11) leukemia to determine whether the translocation is present in their blood vessels.
Parents’ Perspectives on Family Sexuality Communication from Middle School to High School

Parents’ conversations with teens about sex and relationships can play a critical role in improving teenage reproductive health by reducing teens’ risky sexual behavior. However, little is known about how teen-parent communication changes from early to middle adolescence and how parents can tailor their communication to address their teens’ changing development and experiences during these periods. In this longitudinal qualitative study, U.S. parents (N = 23) participated in interviews when their teens were in early adolescence, then again when the teens were in middle adolescence. Participants were largely mothers and were from diverse racial/ethnic and educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis was used to assess continuity and change in parents’ perceptions of teen-parent communication. Findings showed that many parents adapted their conversations with their teens about sex and relationships as teens developed. Once teens had entered high school, more parents described feeling comfortable with their conversations. However, parents also more often reported that their teens responded negatively to the communication in high school than they had in middle school. These findings may help parents to anticipate their own as well as their teens’ responses to family conversations about sex at different developmental time points and to strategize how to effectively talk with their teens about sex and relationships to improve their teens’ overall reproductive health.
Leveraging Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Emergency Department to Improve the Quality of Urinary Tract Infection Management and Outcomes.

Background The complex and fast-paced emergency department (ED) practice setting presents unique challenges that demand a tailored approach to antimicrobial stewardship. In this article, we describe the strategies applied by 1 institution's antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) that were successful in improving prescribing practices and outcomes for urinary tract infection (UTI) in the ED. Methods Core strategies included pre-implementation research characterizing the patient population, antimicrobial resistance patterns, prescribing behavior, and morbidity related to infection; collaboration across multiple disciplines; development and implementation of a UTI treatment algorithm; education to increase awareness of the algorithm and the background and rationale supporting it; audit and feedback; and early evaluation of post-implementation outcomes. Results We observed a rapid change in prescribing post-implementation with increased empiric nitrofurantoin use and reduced cephalosporin use (P < .05). Our elevation of nitrofurantoin to firstline status was supported by our post-implementation analysis showing that its use was independently associated with reduced 30-day return visits (adjusted odds ratio, 0.547; 95% confidence interval, 0.312-0.960). Furthermore, despite a shift to a higher risk population and a corresponding decrease in antimicrobial susceptibility rates post-implementation, the preferential use of nitrofurantoin did not result in higher bug-drug mismatches while 30-day return visits to the ED remained stable. Conclusions We demonstrate that an outcomes-based ASP can impart meaningful change to knowledge and attitudes affecting prescribing practices in the ED. The success of our program may be used by other institutions as support for ASP expansion to the ED.
Partial identification and inference in censored quantile regression

Abstract In this paper, we study partial identification and inference in a linear quantile regression, where the dependent variable is subject to possibly unknown dependent censoring characterized by an Archimedean copula. An outer set of the identified set for the regression coefficient is characterized via inequality constraints. For one-parameter ordered families of Archimedean copulas, we construct a simple confidence set by inverting an asymptotically pivotal statistic. A bootstrap confidence set is also constructed. Sensitivity of the identified set to possible misspecification of the true copula and the finite sample performance of the boostrap confidence set are investigated numerically.
Medical Malpractice and Its Consequences: Does Physician Gender Play a Role?

Research suggests that female physicians have a more patient-centered communication style, characterized by more collaboration with the patient and discussion of treatment options. These same communication characteristics have been associated with patient satisfaction and malpractice prevention. Few empirical studies, however, have examined whether gender affects malpractice risk. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether gender was associated with malpractice among health maintenance organization (HMO) physicians. A secondary objective was to examine how malpractice affected physicians' psychological well-being. Data came from mail surveys of physicians practicing in two group model HMOs. The average response rate was 80% (N = 608). Female physicians were significantly less likely than male physicians to have been sued. Only 26% of the female physicians had been sued compared with 49% of the male physicians. These differences remained after adjusting for physician age, time in practice, specialty, workload, and characteristics of physicians' patient panels. Sued physicians were significantly more at risk for burnout than never-sued physicians and were less satisfied with the HMO. These findings did not differ by gender.
Bee diversity and abundance on flowers of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Abstract Industrial hemp, (Cannabis sativa L.), one of the earliest crops spun for fiber, is now used for a variety of commercial products including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, biofuel, food, animal feed etc., all of which are derived from hemp fiber or seeds. Being wind pollinated, dioecious and staminate hemp plants produce large amounts of pollen that are attractive to bees. Hemp flowering in northern Colorado, where this study was conducted, occurs between the end of July and the end of September. This time period coincides with a dearth of pollinator-friendly crop plants in the region, making hemp flowers a potentially valuable source of pollen for foraging bees. Here we present the diversity and abundance of bees collected in the fields of flowering hemp. A total of 23 different genera of bees were collected of which the European honeybee, Apis mellifera at 38% of the total abundance was the most dominant followed by Melissodes bimaculata at 25% and Peponapis pruinosa at 16%. These three genera made up nearly 80% of the total abundance. While hemp does not produce any nectar, the pollen rich nature of the flowers can make hemp an ecologically valuable crop. As cultivation of hemp continues to expand, we expect insect pests on hemp to also become prevalent. Our results documenting bee diversity in flowering hemp provides the impetus for the development of integrated pest management plans that protect pollinators while controlling pests.
Individual Odors among Mammals: Origins and Functions

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses on the individual odors among mammals and their possible role in communicating individual identity. The origins of these odors, their possible significance inside and outside of communication systems, and their possible functions are addressed. An odor that conveys information on individual identity may also carry information about other characteristics of the animal, such as its species, sex, age, and motivational state. It appears that once individual odors evolved, whether as a result of direct selective pressures or as by-products of other biological processes, they were exploited and adapted for a large variety of different purposes. This suggests that there is no one primary function of individual odors; rather they are used opportunistically and may serve many different functions depending on the evolutionary history, ecology, and social structure of the species in question.
Quantifying the effects of reducing sample size on 2-class attributes sampling plans: Implications for United States poultry performance standards

Abstract When interpreting the status of poultry processing establishments subject to performance standards testing, USDA-FSIS employs a round-up rule when fewer than the standard 52 samples per establishment per year are collected. This rule is to ensure that an establishment with fewer than 52 samples is held to a performance standard with a threshold that is not less than that based on the full 52 samples. By estimating population-based sensitivities and specificities for six pathogen reduction performance standards implemented in 2016 (i.e., comminuted chicken, comminuted turkey, and chicken parts standards for both Salmonella and Campylobacter), this study assesses the effect of the round-up rule on correctly classifying commercial poultry establishments as not meeting or meeting the performance standards. Population specificity is greater than 80% for all the performance standards and only modestly affected by reduced sample sizes. Therefore, the round-up rule mitigates against increased misclassification of establishments with low prevalence when sample size is reduced. Population sensitivity is greater than 80% for four of the performance standards but is lower for both comminuted poultry-Campylobacter standards. This sensitivity decreases with reduced sample size and changes sharply as the round up rule is applied. These sensitivity and specificity estimates can serve as benchmarks for future pathogen reduction performance standards, as well as explaining differences with past performance standards.
Effect of operative approach on quality of life following anatomic lung cancer resection

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) after lung cancer surgery are of increasing interest to patients and clinicians. A variety of studies have investigated the impact of the surgical approach on quality of life (QOL) after surgery for early non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our aim is to review the current evidence on how minimally-invasive approaches, including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), versus open thoracotomy for lung cancer affect QOL. We conducted a systematic review of the literature of studies comparing QOL after VATS/RATS versus thoracotomy approach using studies published before 2019 on PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies were assessed for differences in QOL by domains. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria including 14 observational studies and one randomized trial. Survey instruments and timing of QOL assessments differed between all studies. A thoracoscopic (VATS or RATS) approach was associated with better general health (3/10 studies), physical functioning (9/14 studies), social functioning (1/12 studies), mental health (3/13 studies), emotional role functioning (4/12 studies), physical role functioning (7/12 studies), and bodily pain (7/12 studies) as compared to open surgery. The open thoracotomy approach was associated with better general health and mental health in one study each. Although QOL assessment in current studies is highly variable, the existing evidence suggests that a thoracoscopic approach is associated with improved QOL, particularly in the areas of physical functioning and pain as compared to open lung cancer surgery.
Safety and adequacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided random liver biopsy in comparison with transjugular and percutaneous approaches

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) is an accepted technique for tissue acquisition. Traditionally, random LB has been performed with percutaneous (PC-LB) and transjugular (TJ-LB) approaches. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety profile and efficacy of EUS-LB, PC-LB, and TJ-LB. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was performed at a tertiary academic medical center. Inclusion criteria for analysis were all adult patients who underwent EUS-LB since inception and TJ-LB/PC-LB over a 3-year span (June 2016 to June 2019). The primary outcome assessed was any adverse events. Secondary outcomes included technical success resulting in tissue acquisition and diagnostic adequacy of the sample for histologic analysis. Results A total of 513 patients were included for analysis. There were 135 EUS-LB, 287 PC-LB, and 91 TJ-LB. The most common indication for LB was abnormal liver function tests. For the primary outcome, the rate of adverse events was low with five reported ( Conclusion In comparison with PC-LB and TJ-LB, EUS-LB has comparable safety profile, technical success rate, and diagnostic adequacy. EUS-LB should be considered as an option for random liver biopsy.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel Chiral [QuinoxP*AuCl2]+ Complexes

Herein is reported the synthesis of two Au(III) complexes bearing the (R,R)-(-)-2,3-Bis(tert-butylmethylphosphino)quinoxaline (R,R-QuinoxP*) or (S,S)-(+)-2,3-Bis(tert-butylmethylphosphino)quinoxaline (S,S-QuinoxP*) ligands. By reacting two stoichiometric equivalents of HAuCl4.3H2O to one equivalent of the corresponding QuinoxP* ligand, (R,R)-(-)-2,3-Bis(tert-butylmethylphosphino)quinoxalinedichlorogold(III) tetrachloroaurates(III) (1) and (S,S)-(+)-2,3-Bis(tert-butylmethylphosphino)quinoxalinedichlorogold(III) tetrachloroaurates(III) (2) were formed, respectively, in moderate yields. The structure of (S,S)-(+)-2,3-Bis(tert-butylmethylphosphino)quinoxalinedichlorogold(III) tetrachloroaurates(III) (2) was further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The antiproliferative activities of the two compounds were evaluated in a panel of cell lines and exhibited promising results comparable to auranofin and cisplatin with IC50 values between 1.08 and 4.83 µM. It is noteworthy that in comparison to other platinum and ruthenium enantiomeric complexes, the two enantiomers (1 and 2) do not exhibit different cytotoxic effects. The compounds exhibited stability in biologically relevant media over 48 h as well as inert reactivity to excess glutathione at 37 °C. These results demonstrate that the Au(III) atom, stabilized by the QuinoxP* ligand, can provide exciting compounds for novel anticancer drugs. These complexes provide a new scaffold to further develop a robust and diverse library of chiral phosphorus Au(III) complexes.
Arterial Intimal Fibrosis in Reperfusion Biopsy Correlates with Graft Function after Kidney Transplant.

Introduction: Alterations to the procurement biopsy are one of the main reasons that kidneys are not suitable for transplant and are discarded. The literature on procurement and reperfusion biopsy is inconsistent and heterogeneous. The objective of this study is to describe the correlation of the different histological characteristics detected by the procurement and reperfusion biopsies in relation to graft function. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of deceased donor kidney transplants performed from 2013 to 2017. All of the different histological components of procurement and reperfusion biopsies were analyzed with nonparametric tests and multivariate regressions. Graft function was expressed as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplant. All tests were based on a level of significance of α = 0.05. Results: A comparison of procurement and reperfusion biopsies revealed that 60.4% of the grafts exhibited more arterial intimal fibrosis and 55.6% more arteriolar hyalinosis in the reperfusion biopsy than in the procurement biopsy. Arterial intimal fibrosis in reperfusion biopsy correlated with GFR at all time points, and it was the only histological characteristic of the reperfusion biopsy that remained significant in multivariate analysis. Glomerulosclerosis in the procurement biopsy correlated with graft function and remained significant in multivariate analysis, but only at 6 months. Arterial intimal fibrosis in the reperfusion biopsy is significantly associated with graft function independently of clinical characteristics. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of arterial intimal fibrosis in predicting kidney function after transplant. Because arterial intimal fibrosis is a chronic change not related to ischemia-reperfusion injury, the differences between the 2 biopsies may be due to the biopsy technique. In order to increase the prognostic accuracy of the procurement biopsy, the technique should be improved to better evaluate the vasculature.
RNA therapeutics for cardiovascular disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The development of mRNA vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 has brought worldwide attention to the transformative potential of RNA-based therapeutics. The latter is essentially biological software that can be rapidly designed and generated, with an extensive catalog of applications. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms of action by which RNA-based drugs can affect specific gene targets and how RNA drugs can be employed to treat cardiovascular disease, with the focus on the therapeutics being evaluated in clinical trials. The recent advances in nanotechnology aiding the translation of such therapies into the clinic are also discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a growing body of studies demonstrating utility of RNA for targeting previously 'undruggable' pathways involved in development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Some challenges in RNA delivery have been overcome thanks to nanotechnology. There are several RNA-based drugs to treat hypercholesterolemia and myocardial infarction which are currently in clinical trials. SUMMARY: RNA therapeutics is a rapidly emerging field of biotherapeutics based upon a powerful and versatile platform with a nearly unlimited capacity to address unmet clinical needs. These therapeutics are destined to change the standard of care for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Molecular Testing Does Not Correlate with Irritative or Painful Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Purpose:For patients with persistent irritative lower urinary tract symptoms, such as dysuria and urinary frequency, evaluation for the atypical organisms Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma has been a commo...
Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Expression: Religiously Offensive Speech and International Human Rights

May the state prohibit speech that deeply offends religious sensibilities? This issue has recently been a matter of intense controversy in both the Islamic and Western world. Much of the discussion, on both sides, has been inflammatory and deeply unhelpful, even counterproductive. This paper seeks to advance the discussion by analyzing and defending the approach suggested by international human rights law. Although international human rights law is explicitly silent on the question of speech that is intended to be or is perceived as hostile to a religion, there is a clear body of law dealing with speech that fosters racial discrimination that can be used as a model. On this basis, prohibiting speech that provokes or incites religious discrimination, religious hatred, or religious violence is clearly within the bounds of international human rights law. Prohibiting speech because that speech is offensive to adherents of a religion is not. If speech is to be free, it must be regulated only to prevent demonstrable serious harm to others that outweighs the harm to those whose speech is restricted. Crying fire in a crowded theater is a classic example. Prohibiting speech that incites religious violence clearly meets this test. The fact that some people find the speech offensive clearly does not. The human right to freedom of religion does not guarantee that others respect one’s religion. States are obliged to permit the free choice and public exercise of one’s religion and to protect that choice and exercise. States are at liberty to give support to religion, either in general or to particular religions – so long as that support does not violate the human rights of others. To prohibit some speech on the basis of the religious sensibilities of one, some, or all religions restricts a fundamental human right for a non-human rights reason of insufficient weight.
Screening Tool for Dam Hazard Potential Classification Using Machine Learning and Multiobjective Parameter Tuning

AbstractWithin the United States’ National Inventory of Dams, 15,000 dams have been classified as having a high hazard potential, meaning failure or misoperation would lead to probable loss of huma...
White matter hyperintensities relate to executive dysfunction, apathy, but not disinhibition in long-term adult survivors of pediatric cerebellar tumor

Abstract White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) have been related to executive dysfunction, apathy and disinhibition in a wide range of neurological populations. However, this relationship has not been examined in survivors of pediatric brain tumor. The goal of this study was to investigate how executive dysfunction, apathy, and disinhibition relate to WMHs in 31 long-term survivors of pediatric cerebellar brain tumor and 58 controls, using informant-report data from the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale. Total WMH volume was quantified using the Lesion Growth Algorithm. Further, periventricular, and subcortical volumes were identified based on proximity to custom ventricle masks generated in FSL. A ratio of WMH volume to whole brain volume was used to obtain normalized WMH volumes. Additionally, a multivariate regression analysis was performed. On average, informant-report scores were within normal limits and only executive dysfunction was significantly higher in survivors compared to controls (t(47.9)=-2.4, p=.023). Informants reported clinically significant levels of apathy in 32.3% of survivors. Informants also reported clinically significant executive dysfunction in 19.4 % of survivors and clinically significant disinhibition in, again, 19.4 % of survivors. Increased volume of WMHs was positively correlated with executive dysfunction (r=.33, p=0.02) and apathy (r=.23, p=.04). Similarly, multivariate regression demonstrated correlations with executive dysfunction (p=.05, FDR corrected) and apathy (p=.05, FDR corrected). Exploratory analysis demonstrated an interaction wherein the relationship between total WMHs and executive dysfunction and apathy depends on whether the participant was a survivor. The current findings indicate that increased WMH volumes are associated with higher ratings of apathy and executive dysfunction, and that these results are likely unique to cerebellar brain tumor survivors. WMH burden may serve as a useful marker to identify survivors at risk of executive dysfunction or increased apathy.
Neurons Producing Specific Neuropeptides in the Central Nervous System of Normal and Pupariation-Delayed Drosophila

Antibodies generated against bombyxin and prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) of Bombyx mori and allatotropin, allatostatin, and diuretic hormone (DH) of Manduca sexta react with distinct sets of cells in the central nervous system of Drosophila larvae, pupae, and adults. Brain neurons immunoreactive with antibodies to bombyxin, PTTH, and DH are in strikingly similar positions to their lepidopteran counterparts, indicating that at least some Drosophila neuroendocrine cells are homologous to those of lepidopterans. Allatotropin and allatostatin-immunopositive neurons of Drosophila differ from those of lepidopterans, but many of them are identical with neurons that express the FMRFamide gene. Antibodies to bombyxin, PTTH, allatostatin, and DH also stain axons and axon terminals in the neurohemal part of the ring gland, and all tested antibodies except that against bombyxin show positive reaction in the neurohemal area of the ventral ganglion. Although immunoreactivity with all antibodies is variable during development, the highest levels of staining are found at developmental stages when the neuropeptides would be expected to be functioning. A genetic analysis of neuropeptide expression and function has been initiated by analyzing immunoreactivity in mutants that have prolonged larval life associated with imaginal disc overgrowth. Two of these mutants, dlg and dco, show abnormally strong immunoreactivity for allatotropin during the extended larval period and the former also show increased staining with the PTTH antibody. The reduced ecdysteroid titer and delayed or blocked metamorphosis in the mutants may be a result of altered neuropeptide production, which is probably secondary to the imaginal disc overgrowth.
A Technology Based Program That Matches Enrichment Resources With Student Strengths

Remarkable advances in instructional communication technology (ICT) have now made is possible to provide high levels of enrichment and the kinds of curricular differentiation that facilitate advanced learning services to students who have access to a computer and the Internet. But in order to maximize the potential if ICT it is necessary to construct programs that are based on learning theory that goes beyond the didactic and prescriptive models that have resulted in too much worksheets-on-line and electronic encyclopedias. The Renzulli Learning System (RLS) uses a strength-based learning theory called the Enrichment Triad Model that is purposefully designed to promote advanced level learning, creative productivity, and high levels of student engagement by focusing on the application of knowledge rather than the mere acquisition and storage of information. The Renzulli Learning System is a comprehensive program that begins by providing a computer-generated profile of each studentâ??s academic strengths, interests, learning styles, and preferred modes of expression. A search engine then matches Internet resources to the studentâ??s profile from fourteen carefully screened data bases that are categorized by subject area, grade level, state curricular standards, and degree of complexity. There are also hundreds of enrichment activities that can be down loaded and reproduced for individual or group learning activities. A management system called the Wizard Project Maker guides students in the application of knowledge to teacher or student selected assignments, independent research studies, or creative projects that individuals or small groups would like to pursue. Students and teachers can evaluate the quality of studentsâ?? products using a rubric called The Student Product Assessment Form. Students can rate each site visited, conduct a self-assessment of what they have gained from the site, and place resources in their own Total talent Portfolio for future use. RLS also includes a curriculum acceleration management system for high-achieving students that is based on the many years of research and widespread use of a popular differentiation process called Curriculum Compacting.
Insights into the Importance of Economic Concepts to Other Introductory Business Courses.

The current study uses results of a survey of non-economics business faculty to determine the importance of economic concepts in non-economics introductory business courses. The results give economists data to make the principles of economics course more relevant to the business student and bolster efforts by accrediting bodies to achieve greater business curricular integration.
An Occupational Perspective on Leadership; Theoretical and Practical Dimensions

This book is written to promote and inspire leadership skills within the occupational therapy profession. An overview of leadership theories and occupational theoretical models are presented to pro...
Tumor-Associated CD8+ T Cell Tolerance Induced by Bone Marrow-Derived Immature Myeloid Cells

T cell tolerance is a critical element of tumor escape. However, the mechanism of tumor-associated T cell tolerance remains unresolved. Using an experimental system utilizing the adoptive transfer of transgenic T cells into naive recipients, we found that the population of Gr-1+ immature myeloid cells (ImC) from tumor-bearing mice was able to induce CD8+ T cell tolerance. These ImC accumulate in large numbers in spleens, lymph nodes, and tumor tissues of tumor-bearing mice and are comprised of precursors of myeloid cells. Neither ImC from control mice nor progeny of tumor-derived ImC, including tumor-derived CD11c+ dendritic cells, were able to render T cells nonresponsive. ImC are able to take up soluble protein in vivo, process it, and present antigenic epitopes on their surface and induce Ag-specific T cell anergy. Thus, this is a first demonstration that in tumor-bearing mice CD8+ T cell tolerance is induced primarily by ImC that may have direct implications for cancer immunotherapy.
China's bioenergy potential

Despite great enthusiasm about developing renewable energy in China, the country's bioenergy potential remains unclear. Traditional utilization of bioenergy through primarily household combustion of crop residue and fuelwood is still a predominant energy source for rural China. More efficient utilization of similar to 300 million tons of crop residues for bioelectricity generation could add a couple of percent of renewable energy to China's total energy production. With < 9% of the world's arable land supporting similar to 20% of the world's population, China is already a net grain importer and has little extra farmland for producing a significantly additional amount of biofuels from first-generation energy crops, such as maize, sugarcane, and soybean. Second-generation energy crops hold the greatest potential for bioenergy development worldwide. Miscanthus, a native perennial C4 grass that produces high biomass across almost the entire climatic zone of China, is the most promising second-generation energy crop to domesticate and cultivate. A reasonable near-term goal is to produce 1 billion tons of Miscanthus biomass annually from similar to 100 million hectares of marginal and degraded land concentrated in northern and northwestern China. This can generate similar to 1458 TW h electricity and mitigate similar to 1.7 billion tons of CO(2) emission from power coal, which account for similar to 45% of China's electricity output and similar to 28% of CO(2) emission in 2007. Furthermore, growing perennial grasses on marginal and degraded land will contribute to the ongoing efforts in China to restore vast areas of land under serious threat of desertification. With this potential taken into account, bioenergy can play a major role in meeting China's rapidly growing energy demand while substantially reducing greenhouse gas emission.
Inorganic Phosphate Transport in Escherichia coli: Involvement of Two Genes Which Play a Role in Alkaline Phosphatase Regulation

Two classes of alkaline phosphatase constitutive mutations which comprise the original phoS locus (genes phoS and phoT) on the Escherichia coli genome have been implicated in the regulation of alkaline phosphatase synthesis. When these mutations were introduced into a strain dependent on a single system, the pst system, for inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport, profound changes in Pi transport were observed. The phoT mutations led to a complete Pi− phenotype in this background, and no activity of the pst system could be detected. The introduction of the phoS mutations changed the specificity of the pst system so that arsenate became growth inhibitory. Changes in the phosphate source led to changes in the levels of constitutive alkaline phosphatase synthesis found in phoS and phoT mutants. When glucose-6-phosphate or l-α-glycerophosphate was supplied as the sole source of phosphate, phoT mutants showed a 3- to 15- fold reduction in constitutive alkaline phosphatase synthesis when compared to the maximal levels found in limiting Pi media. However, these levels were still 100 times greater than the basal level of alkaline phosphatase synthesized in wild-type strains under these conditions. The phoS mutants showed only a two- to threefold reduction when grown with organic phosphate sources. The properties of the phoT mutants selected on the basis of constitutive alkaline phosphatase synthesis were similar in many respects to those of pst mutants selected for resistance to growth inhibition caused by arsenate. It is suggested that the phoS and phoT genes are primarily involved in Pi transport and, as a result of this function, play a role in the regulation of alkaline phosphatase synthesis.
The Next-Birthday Method of Respondent Selection

RECENT and numerous additions to the survey methodology literature, especially in the area of random-digit-dialing, have helped researchers to generate samples of household units for telephone surveys. However, the literature on selecting survey respondents within those household units has not kept pace. In fact, after searching through the standard texts on telephone surveys (see for example, Blankenship, 1977, or Dillman, 1978) researchers might conclude that there is only one method of respondent selection-the Troldahl-Carter (1964) method. In the Troldahl-Carter method, one of four selection matrices which list various combinations of age and sex of household members is assigned randomly to telephone numbers in the sample. Thus, by asking only two questions (How many people 18 years or older live in your household, and how many of them are men?), the interviewer has enough information to select the respondent who is designated at the intersection point on the matrix. This method, which is less cumbersome and more appropriate to telephone interviews than the complete enumeration of the household proposed by Kish (1949), still requires the interviewer to ask potentially sensitive questions early in the interview. For example, two elderly women who live together
Radar echoes obtained from earth satellites 1957 Alpha and 1957 Beta

Abstract On 16 occasions, radar echoes were obtained from the first Russian earth satellite, 1957 Alpha, by allowing the satellite to pass through the antenna beam, which was aimed at the point of closest approach. Forty-eight echoes were obtained from 1957 Beta, the largest apparent cross-section being 437 m 2 . A median cross-section of 1.8 m 2 was obtained. The echo exhibited a cyclic amplitude fluctuation which was observed to be as low as 0.1 c/s and as fast as 0.9 c/s. Although calculations indicate that ionospheric Faraday rotation was present in many cases, the amplitude fluctuation of the back-scattered echo generally prevented its identification. One occasion is reported of a rapid, irregular amplitude fluctuation imposed on the echo by aurora.
Decreased insulin-mediated but not non-insulin-dependent glucose disposal rates in glucose intolerance and type II diabetes in African (Ghanaian) immigrants.

The authors evaluated the significance of beta cell function, non-insulin-dependent glucose disposal (glucose effectiveness [Sg]), and insulin-dependent glucose disposal (insulin sensitivity) in African immigrants with varying degrees of glucose tolerance. Thirty-two African immigrants residing in Franklin County, Ohio, were studied. There were 16 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 11 with intermediate glucose tolerance (IGT), and 5 with type II diabetes mellitus (DM). Insulin sensitivity index and Sg were measured by an insulin-modified, frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. The mean fasting and post-glucose serum glucose levels were lowest in the NGT, intermediate in the IGT group, and highest in the DM group. Mean serum insulin and c-peptide responses rose briskly by threefold to a peak in the NGT and the IGT groups. In the DM group, mean serum insulin and c-peptide responses were severely blunted to glucose stimulation. The sensitivity index was highest in the NGT (3.09 ± 0.27), intermediate in the IGT (1.81 ± 0.47), and lowest in the DM (0.48 ± 0.28 × 10− 2.mins− 1(μU/mL)− 1). The Sg was identical in the NGT (2.78 ± 0.22) and IGT (2.78 ± 0.27) groups but was slightly but not significantly lower in the DM (2.20 ± 0.35 × 10− 2.mins− 1). In addition, the glucose decay constant was not statistically different in the NGT (3.00 ± 0.38) and IGT (2.25 ± 0.19) group, but the mean values were significantly greater than in the patients with diabetes (0.78 ± 0.15%/mins). The mean disposition index (sensitivity index × beta cell function as assessed by both insulin and c-peptide) was significantly greater in NGT than in the IGT (P < 0.05) and in the diabetic group (P < 0.001). In summary, the authors demonstrate that, in native African immigrants, type II diabetes is associated with significant reduction in beta cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glucose decay constant, but not in Sg. In patients with intermediate or impaired glucose tolerance, there is moderate insulin resistance and evidence of inadequate compensation by beta cell, but the Sg, the Sg at theoretical insulin concentration, and glucose decay constant remain normal. They conclude that, unlike other ethnic and racial groups, in glucose intolerant native African patients, alterations in Sg or non-insulin dependent glucose disposal (ie, tissue glucose sensitivity) do not appear to play a significant role in the impairment of glucose tolerance and type II diabetes in African immigrants.
The effect of midazolam on median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials

Objective. To quantify the effect of an induction dose of midazolam on median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials.Methods. We studied 10 patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. After an induction dose of intravenous midazolam was given, MNEPs were collected for ten minutes. After ten minutes the patients were intubated and their anesthetic was supplemented with 0.5% isoflurane, narcotic, and N2O.Results. We found a clinically significant decrease in amplitude and an insignificant delay in latency.Conclusion. When midazolam is used as an anesthetic induction agent, a decrease in amplitude can be expected.