cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic.

SUMMARY Medical records were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the success of a pharmacist-managed Anticoagulation Surveillance Clinic (ASC). The 78 patients in group I were followed by the ASC. The 17 patients in Group II were followed by other Veterans Administration Medical Center clinics. Demographic characteristics, warfarin indication and potentially complicating conditions were comparable between the groups. Group I patients had shorter intervals between visits to the clinic than Group II patients. Although not statistically different compared to Group II, Group I patients had better prothrombin time control. Group I patients also had fewer complications per treatment year (6.9% vs 9.0%) and received fewer potentially interacting drugs. The ASC was at least as successful as the other clinics in managing patients on warfarin, and results compared very favorably to those reported in the literature for other anticoagulation clinics.
Estimation of Setup Uncertainty Using Planar and MVCT Imaging for Gynecologic Malignancies

Purpose This prospective study investigates gynecologic malignancy online treatment setup error corrections using planar kilovoltage/megavoltage (KV/MV) imaging and helical MV computed tomography (MVCT) imaging. Methods and Materials Twenty patients were divided into two groups. The first group (10 patients) was imaged and treated using a conventional linear accelerator (LINAC) with image-guidance capabilities, whereas the second group (10 patients) was treated using tomotherapy with MVCT capabilities. Patients treated on the LINAC underwent planar KV and portal MV imaging and a two-dimensional image registration algorithm was used to match these images to digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). Patients that were treated using tomotherapy underwent MVCT imaging, and a three-dimensional image registration algorithm was used to match planning CT to MVCT images. Subsequent repositioning shifts were applied before each treatment and recorded for further analysis. To assess intrafraction motion, 5 of the 10 patients treated on the LINAC underwent posttreatment planar imaging and DRR matching. Based on these data, patient position uncertainties along with estimated margins based on well-known recipes were determined. Results The errors associated with patient positioning ranged from 0.13 cm to 0.38 cm, for patients imaged on LINAC and 0.13 cm to 0.48 cm for patients imaged on tomotherapy. Our institutional clinical target volume-PTV margin value of 0.7 cm lies inside the confidence interval of the margins established using both planar and MVCT imaging. Conclusion Use of high-quality daily planar imaging, volumetric MVCT imaging, and setup corrections yields excellent setup accuracy and can help reduce margins for the external beam treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
Mapping Genetic Influences on Cortical Regionalization

In this issue of Neuron, Chen and colleagues combine structural MRI and a twin-study design to investigate the influence of genetics on human cortical regionalization. Their results resonate with findings from animal studies and certain human syndromes of developmental cortical malformation.
Resistive mixing and parametric up-conversion of microwave optoelectronic signals in a microstrip ring resonator

A novel microwave optoelectronic mixer was fabricated on semi-insulating GaAs by monolithically integrating Schottky diode photodetectors into a microstrip ring resonator. Resistive mixing occurs when the conductance of the detector is modulated, and parametric amplification occurs when the capacitive reactance of the detector is modulated. The mixer shows very good potential for application in wideband fiber optic systems. >
Parathyroid Glands, Pathology

This chapter reviews the pathologic aspects of parathyroid glands in patients with various forms of hyperparathyroidism. An overview of the embryology, anatomy and histology is included in order to understand the issues with localization of abnormally functioning parathyroid tissue and the surgical implications thereof.
Spin-locked multiple quantum coherence for signal enhancement in heteronuclear multidimensional NMR experiments

For methine sites the relaxation rate of 13C-1H two-spin coherence is generally slower than the relaxation rate of the individual 13C and 1H single spin coherences. The slower decay of two-spin coherence can be used to increase the sensitivity and resolution in heteronuclear experiments, particularly those that require correlation of Hα and Cα chemical shifts. To avoid dephasing of the two-spin coherence caused by 1H-1H J-couplings, the 1H spin is locked by the application of a weak rf field, resulting in a spin-locked multiple quantum coherence. For a sample of calcium-free calmodulin, use of the multiple quantum approach yields significant signal enhancement over the conventional constant-time 2D HSQC experiment. The approach is applicable to many multidimensional NMR experiments, as demonstrated for a 3D 13C-separated ROESY CT-HMQC spectrum.
Moving to the Double-Blind Review System

The Journal of Intelligence presently has a single-blind peer review system, unlike most other journals in the social sciences, where the double-blind peer review prevails. The choice between the two systems is not easy. Both systems have pros and cons, and a double-blind review can in fact be a single-blind review, depending on whether or not the authors can be identified after all. [...]
Presurgical brain mapping of the language network in patients with brain tumors using resting-state fMRI: Comparison with task fMRI.

Purpose To compare language networks derived from resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) with task-fMRI in patients with brain tumors and investigate variables that affect rs-fMRI vs task-fMRI concordance. Materials and Methods Independent component analysis (ICA) of rs-fMRI was performed with 20, 30, 40, and 50 target components (ICA20 to ICA50) and language networks identified for patients presenting for presurgical fMRI mapping between 1/1/2009 and 7/1/2015. 49 patients were analyzed fulfilling criteria for presence of brain tumors, no prior brain surgery, and adequate task-fMRI performance. Rs-vs-task-fMRI concordance was measured using Dice coefficients across varying fMRI thresholds before and after noise removal. Multi-thresholded Dice coefficient volume under the surface (DiceVUS) and maximum Dice coefficient (MaxDice) were calculated. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine significance of DiceVUS and MaxDice between the four ICA order groups. Age, Sex, Handedness, Tumor Side, Tumor Size, WHO Grade, number of scrubbed volumes, image intensity root mean square (iRMS), and mean framewise displacement (FD) were used as predictors for VUS in a linear regression. Results Artificial elevation of rs-fMRI vs task-fMRI concordance is seen at low thresholds due to noise. Noise-removed group-mean DiceVUS and MaxDice improved as ICA order increased, however ANOVA demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the four groups. Linear regression demonstrated an association between iRMS and DiceVUS for ICA30-50, and iRMS and MaxDice for ICA50. Conclusion Overall there is moderate group level rs-vs-task fMRI language network concordance, however substantial subject-level variability exists; iRMS may be used to determine reliability of rs-fMRI derived language networks. Hum Brain Mapp, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Computational Approach to Investigate the Properties of an Estimator

teaching undergraduates the basic properties of an estimator can be challenging. Most definitions are easy enough to comprehend, but difficulties often lie in gaining an intuitive feel for these properties and understanding why one property might be more desirable than another. Student learning may be enhanced by using visualizations, which often appeal strongly to students’ intuitions. While such approaches are not generally emphasized in a first course in statistics, we feel that simulation-based visualization can be extremely insightful for students and should be included as part of any basic course in statistics. informal student feedback suggests that students enjoy this approach and gain an improved under standing of the material presented.
L. Peliti: Statistical Mechanics in a Nutshell

Drawing from his considerable involvement as a researcher in the field, and from his teaching notes on the subject for over 15 years, Luca Peliti had put together a remarkably selfcontained and comprehensive, introductory textbook, Appunti di Meccanica Statistica (Bollati Boringhieri 2003). The recent English translation, “Statistical Mechanics in a Nutshell” (by Mark Epstein, from the original Italian), fits very nicely in the new In a Nutshell Princeton series, conceived to provide “concise, accessible, and up-to-date textbooks for advanced undergraduate and graduate students on key subjects in the physical sciences.” The book is in fact almost more of a reference book than a traditional textbook. Though limited to the putative syllabus for a course in statistical mechanics, it is exceptionally comprehensive in scope. Following a brief motivational introduction, utilizing the example of an ideal gas, in Chap. 1, classical thermodynamics is broadly reviewed, in Chap. 2, including the more obscure thermodynamic potentials related to particle number, and the useful Koenig-Born diagram trick for quickly deriving all pertinent Maxwell relations. The statistical mechanical approach, the partition function for different probability ensembles, and the basic application of this machinery to interaction-free systems of Bosons and Fermions is expounded upon in Chaps. 3 and 4. Chapter 5 looks at the liquid-gas transition, as described by the Van der Waals equation and the lattice gas (or Ising) model, and uses this example for the introduction of basic concepts such as critical exponents, universality, and scaling, as well as techniques, including mean-field and Landau theory, and culminating with an exact solution of the 2-dimensional Ising model. These first five chapters comprise the standard material found in many other textbooks on the subject, though none equals the present book in its thoroughness and scope. Chapter 6 discusses renormalization group theory, reviewing all the major techniques and approaches. The theory of classical fluids and the virial expansion (sometimes included in other texts) is covered in Chap. 7. Chapter 8 introduces numerical simulations, molecular dynamics and the Monte Carlo method. Brownian and Generalized Brownian motion is discussed in Chap. 9, and is used to introduce
2-Amino-4-(3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzylamino)-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine is an anti-inflammatory TLR-2, -4 and -5 response mediator in human monocytes

To elucidate the influence of 2-amino-4-(3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzylamino)-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine (AMBMP), a canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator, on the inflammatory response of TLR-engaged innate cells in vitro. Primary human monocytes. AMPMB (0–10 μM), LPS (0–1.0 μg/ml), Pam3CSK4, FSL-1, or S. typhimurium flagellin (0–0.25 μg/ml). TLR-induced cytokine release (TNF, IL-6, IL-12 p40) was monitored by ELISA while Wnt-related signals (GSK3β, p65, IκB, β-catenin) were assessed by Western blot, pharmaceutical inhibition and gene silencing. AMBMP induced the rapid phosphorylation of NFκB p65 at Ser536 and abrogated total IκB, accompanied by a subsequent increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF, IL-6, IL-12 p40) in otherwise naive monocytes. However, in TLR2, -4 and -5-engaged monocytes, AMBMP-suppressed cytokine production. In the context of LPS stimulation, this occurred concomitant with the phosphorylative inactivation of GSK3β at Ser9, β-catenin accumulation and abrogation of NFκB p65 phosphorylation. AMBMP-mediated suppression of the TLR4 -induced inflammatory response was reversed by two pharmaceutical Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, IWP-2 and PNU-74654 and by Wnt3a silencing. Herein, we show that AMBMP induces canonical Wnt signaling events and acts as a suppressor of inflammation in surface TLR-engaged primary human monocytes.
A Distinctive Cytoplasmic Tail Contributes to Low Surface Expression and Intracellular Retention of the Patr-AL MHC Class I Molecule

Chimpanzees have orthologs of the six fixed, functional human MHC class I genes. But, in addition, the chimpanzee has a seventh functional gene, Patr-AL, which is not polymorphic but contributes substantially to population diversity by its presence on only 50% of MHC haplotypes. The ancestral AL gene emerged long before the separation of human and chimpanzee ancestors and then subsequently and specifically lost function during human evolution, but was maintained in chimpanzees. Patr-AL is an alloantigen that participates in negative and positive selection of the T cell repertoire. The three-dimensional structure and the peptide-binding repertoire of Patr-AL and HLA-A*02 are surprisingly similar. In contrast, the expression of these two molecules is very different, as shown using specific mAbs and polyclonal Abs made against Patr-AL. Peripheral blood cells and B cell lines express low levels of Patr-AL at the cell surface. Higher levels are seen for 221-cell transfectants expressing Patr-AL, but in these cells a large majority of Patr-AL molecules are retained in the early compartments of the secretory pathway: mainly the endoplasmic reticulum, but also cis-Golgi. Replacing the cytoplasmic tail of Patr-AL with that of HLA-A*02 increased the cell-surface expression of Patr-AL substantially. Four substitutions distinguish the Patr-AL and HLA-A*02 cytoplasmic tails. Systematic mutagenesis showed that each substitution contributes changes in cell-surface expression. The combination of residues present in Patr-AL appears unique, but each individual residue is present in other primate MHC class I molecules, notably MHC-E, the most ancient of the functional human MHC class I molecules.
Bayesian Integration and Classification of Composition C-4 Plastic Explosives Based on Time-of-Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) were used for characterization and identification of unique signatures from a series of 18 Composition C-4 plastic explosives. The samples were obtained from various commercial and military sources around the country. Positive and negative ion TOF-SIMS data were acquired directly from the C-4 residue on Si surfaces, where the positive ion mass spectra obtained were consistent with the major composition of organic additives, and the negative ion mass spectra were more consistent with explosive content in the C-4 samples. Each series of mass spectra was subjected to partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), a multivariate statistical analysis approach which serves to first find the areas of maximum variance within different classes of C-4 and subsequently to classify unknown samples based on correlations between the unknown data set and the original data set (often...
MONTE CARLO METHODS FOR SOLVING THE BOLTZMANN TRANSPORT EQUATION

We review Monte Carlo methods for solving the Boltzmann equation for applications to small-scale transport processes, with particular emphasis on nanoscale heat transport as mediated by phonons. Our discussion reviews the numerical foundations of Monte Carlo algorithms, basic simulation methodology, as well as recent developments in the field. Examples of the latter include formulations for calculating the effective thermal conductivity of periodically nanostructured materials and variance-reduction methodologies for reducing the computational cost associated with statistical sampling of field properties of interest, such as the temperature and heat flux. Recent developments are presented in the context of applications of current practical interest, including multiscale problems that have motivated some of the most recent developments.
Bionomics of the maize borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), in Nepal

In the Chitwan valley, Nepal, Chilo partellus preferred maize and sorghum over rice, teosinte, finger millet and sugar-cane. Infestation on young maize plants produced “dead hearts” and on older plants reduced growth and sometimes prevented cob formation. The yield reduction in some maize cultivars reached 60% and stem infestation levels reached 98%. Borers produced “dead hearts” in young and “whiteheads” in older rice plants. The egg, larval and pupal periods from April through September lasted 4–5, 16–41 and 4–8 days, respectively. A complete generation took 28–48 days under summer field conditions and 192–233 days from October to May. Of the one egg, four larval and two pupal parasitoids, all hymenopterans, which were reared from C. partellus, the two most important were Trichogramma chilonis (70% egg parasitism) and Apanteles flavipes (30% larval parasitism).
Cellular Interactions with Self-assembled Biomaterials and Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone is an extremely important tissue with great versatility that provides support, movement, and protection for the organs of the body. Various bone related pathologies such as osteoporosis have the potential to create large defects that do not have the capability to heal with only basic clinical intervention. In these circumstances, the principles of tissue engineering are utilized in order to provide additional material to either replace or repair the damaged bone regions. Tissue engineering involves the utilization of various combinations of growth factors, cells, and biomaterials to recreate organs or lost tissue regions. Currently, the most prominent materials for this purpose are limited by issues such as availability for autografts, possible antigenicity for allografts, or insufficient of bioactivity as is the case with many synthetic materials. To address these concerns, research has shifted focus towards development of synthetic materials that faithfully mimic native bone’s natural structure and function. Bone formation and regeneration are dependent upon the dynamic interactions between bone cells and extracellular matrix components. Therefore, it is important that the native extracellular matrix components are recapitulated to the greatest extent possible. Specifically, this new paradigm shift requires the development of scaffolds that recreate both the structural and functional qualities of bone tissue. These materials are intended to enhance the interactions of bone forming cells and biomaterials. Adopting this strategy, many groups have developed self-assembling materials to serve as functionalized scaffolds for enhancing the dynamic interactions between the bone cells and the biomaterials for subsequent bone tissue regeneration. In this chapter, the underlying principles of bone tissue engineering, bone cell interactions, various bioactive, self-assembling biomaterial technologies, and the means by which they improve interactions with bone forming cells are discussed.
The Collapse of the ‘Abbāsid Caliphate

If anything parallels the astounding rapidity with which the sons of the Arabian desert conquered in the first Islamic century most of the civilized world, it is the swift decadence of their descendants’ domination between the middle of the third and the middle of the fourth centuries. About 820 more extensive authority was concentrated in the hands of one man, the caliph in Baghdād, than in those of any other living person; by 920 the power of his successor had so diminished that it was hardly felt even in his capital city. By 1258 that city itself lay in ruins. With its fall Arab hegemony was lost for ever and the history of the real caliphate closed.
BOUNDS FOR THE DISTRIBUTIONS AND HAZARD GRADIENTS OF MULTIVARIATE RANDOM MINIMUMS

Abstract. Let Y = (Y l , …, Y m ) be a random vector whose distribution can be represented as the joint distribution of min (X l,i , X 2,i , …, X N i ), i = 1, 2, …, m, where X j = (X j,l , …, X j,m ), j = 1, 2, … are i.i.d. non-negative random vectors and N = (N l , …, N m ) is a positive, integer valued random vector which is independent of the X j 's. We obtain upper and lower bounds for the survival function and for the hazard gradient of Y ; the bounds are determined by the distribution of X , E N and k = (k l , …, k m ) where k i = min {n: P{N i =n} >0}. A condition under which the bounds are valid is that the probability generating function (p.g.f.) of N is TP 2 in each pair of variables. Examples and situations in which such p.g.f.'s arise are discussed.
Computational inference of gene regulatory networks: approaches, limitations and opportunities.

Gene regulatory networks lie at the core of cell function control. In E. coli and S. cerevisiae, the study of gene regulatory networks has led to the discovery of regulatory mechanisms responsible for the control of cell growth, differentiation and responses to environmental stimuli. In plants, computational rendering of gene regulatory networks is gaining momentum, thanks to the recent availability of high-quality genomes and transcriptomes and development of computational network inference approaches. Here, we review current techniques, challenges and trends in gene regulatory network inference and highlight challenges and opportunities for plant science. We provide plant-specific application examples to guide researchers in selecting methodologies that suit their particular research questions. Given the interdisciplinary nature of gene regulatory network inference, we tried to cater to both biologists and computer scientists to help them engage in a dialogue about concepts and caveats in network inference. Specifically, we discuss problems and opportunities in heterogeneous data integration for eukaryotic organisms and common caveats to be considered during network model evaluation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Plant Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Networks, edited by Dr. Erich Grotewold and Dr. Nathan Springer.
An expert system based framework for an incipient failure detection and predictive maintenance system

Traditional preventive maintenance operations are being abandoned and electric utilities are becoming more failure driven due to the financial constraints being placed on them. When some distribution equipment begins to deteriorate, intermittent incipient faults persist in the system from as little as several days to several months. The failure of equipment in power distribution systems can have a direct or indirect impact on the reliable delivery of quality power. Also, certain failures can result in loss of service. There is great interest in the utility industry for low-cost, automated, real-time approaches which can detect distribution incipient faults and locate their source. This paper discusses an expert system based incipient failure detection and predictive maintenance (FDPM) system being developed for application in distribution systems. The FDPM system includes an expert system engine, a knowledge base, mathematical and neural network models of aging of distribution equipment, historical measurements databases, a distribution state estimator, a fault and disturbance event locator and a distribution system interconnection map. The FDPM system detects incipient disturbances, classifies the type of disturbance, and locates the source of the incipient behavior. If the source is one of the components under observation by the FDPM system, it assesses the integrity of the distribution system component and predicts maintenance needs.
Visual impairment at baseline is associated with future poor physical functioning among middle-aged women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, Michigan Site

Abstract Objectives Emerging evidence suggests that the prevalence rates of poor functioning and of disability are increasing among middle-aged individuals. Visual impairment is associated with poor functioning among older adults but little is known about the impact of vision on functioning during midlife. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of visual impairment on future physical functioning among middle-aged women. Study design In this longitudinal study, the sample consisted of 483 women aged 42 to 56 years, from the Michigan site of the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. Main outcome measures At baseline, distance and near vision were measured using a Titmus vision screener. Visual impairment was defined as visual acuity worse than 20/40. Physical functioning was measured up to 10 years later using performance-based measures, including a 40-foot timed walk, timed stair climb and forward reach. Results Women with impaired distance vision at baseline had 2.81 centimeters less forward reach distance (95% confidence interval (CI): −4.19, −1.42) and 4.26 s longer stair climb time (95% CI: 2.73, 5.79) at follow-up than women without impaired distance vision. Women with impaired near vision also had less forward reach distance (2.26 centimeters, 95% CI: −3.30, −1.21) than those without impaired near vision. Conclusion Among middle-aged women, visual impairment is a marker of poor physical functioning. Routine eye testing and vision correction may help improve physical functioning among midlife individuals.
Novel Image Analysis to Link Sub-Nuclear Distribution of Proteins with Cell Phenotype in Mammary Cancer

Abstract : The goal of this project is to develop novel optical imaging/image analysis techniques that will allow automated, quantitative screening to distinguish malignant, pre-malignant, and non-malignant mammary tissue. Our hypothesis is that cellular and tissue phenotype is reflected by the organization of components within the nucleus. The past year has produced positive results regarding the use of the quantitative imaging and analysis to relate difference in the distribution and organization of nuclear mitotic apparatus protein to the phenotype of nonmalignant and malignant cell populations in the proliferative, early growth stage. The development of a new image analysis technique shows clear differences in the organization of NuMA foci between nonmalignant proliferating cells and malignant proliferating cells. By extending our studies into normal and malignant human tissue we report that the NuMA organization in differentiated nonmalignant cell of our tissue model system has a normal phenotype. Further, we believe that refinements to our new analysis technique will reveal at least two population existing in our images of malignant human tissue. By quantifying the spatial distribution of these proteins in this relevant culture model system, the work is providing understanding of how such distributions correspond with the phenotype of the cells.
An Empirical Bayes Approach for Methylation Differentiation at the Single Nucleotide Resolution.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic phenomenon that is associated with a variety of diseases, particularly cancers. Recent development of high throughput sequencing technology has enabled researchers to investigate the methylation rate at a single nucleotide resolution for any given sample. Testing for methylation rate equality or difference between two samples, however, is challenged by the small sample size observed at many sites across the genome. Fisher’s exact test is typically used in this situation; however, it is conservative and it cannot be used to test for specific difference in methylation rate between two samples. In this paper, we propose an empirical Bayes approach that utilizes the genome-wide data as prior information for methylation differentiation between two samples. We show that this new approach is more powerful than Fisher’s exact test. In addition, it can be used to test for any specific methylation difference while controlling the false discovery rate (FDR). The new method is applied to a real data set from a colon tumor study.
Sequence and functional analysis of the 5'-flanking region of the mouse growth inhibitory factor gene.

1. The growth inhibitory factor (GIF) is a 68-amino acid protein which is capable of inhibiting the growth of neuronal cells in vitro.
Developing Interactive Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention Curricula for Diverse Learners: A Tailored Approach.

BACKGROUND To impart principles of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) and infection prevention and control (IPC), we developed a curriculum tailored to the diverse aptitudes of learners at our medical center. METHODS We integrated case-based modules, group learning activities, smartphone applications (apps), decision support tools, and prescription audit and feedback into curricula of the medical school, medicine residency program, infectious diseases (ID) fellowship program, and hospital medicine program operations. Interventions were implemented in 2012-2016 using a quasi-experimental before-and-after study design, and this was assessed using pre- and postintervention surveys or audit of antibiotic prescriptions. RESULTS Over 180 medical students participated in the AS and IPC seminars. After smartphone app introduction, 69% reported using the app as their preferred source of antibiotic information. Approximately 70% of students felt comfortable prescribing antibiotics for a known infection compared with 40% at baseline (P = .02), and approximately 83% were able to identify the appropriate personal protective equipment for specific scenarios. Approximately 99% agreed that they have a role in promoting patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections as medical students. At 20 months, appropriateness of trainee antibiotic prescriptions increased by 20% (P < .01). Almost all ID fellows indicated that the AS and IPC seminar was a vital training supplement. Uptake of internist antibiotic recommendations using AS decision support tools was approximately 70%. CONCLUSIONS All 5 interventions addressed learning objectives and knowledge gaps and are applicable across a range of environments. Evaluating long-term impact of our curriculum is the focus of future study.
Modernity has stripped us of our dynamic bacteria

![Graphic][1] There is more to us humans than our 30-odd trillion eukaryotic cells. The things that make us us – our metabolism, our mental health, our athletic ability, etc. – are dictated not only by our eukaryotic cells but also by the chemical signatures of trillions of prokaryotic
Error Methods Are More Practical, But Uncertainty Methods May Still Be Preferred

“ Error methods—compared with uncertainty methods—offer simpler, more intuitive and practical procedures for calculating measurement uncertainty and conducting quality assurance in laboratory medicine. However, uncertainty methods are preferred in other fields of sciences as reflected by the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement. ” (1). Those are the opening sentences in the report from the Total Error Task and Finish Group (TE-TFG)2 of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (1). The TE-TFG was appointed by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine as 1 of the outcomes from the 2014 Milan conference on quality specifications (2) to resolve issues regarding total analytical error (TAE) vs measurement uncertainty (MU). The focus of the 2014 Milan meeting was to review existing recommendations for setting analytical performance specifications and to update the guidelines from the 1999 Stockholm Consensus Conference. One outcome was that the hierarchy of goal-setting models was reduced from 5 to 3 classes—specific models for clinical use, general models related to individual and population variation, and “state-of-the-art” recommendations from expert groups and proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assessment (EQA) programs. Although the PT/EQA criteria for acceptable performance fall into the lowest class, these survey programs are well established globally and require goals for TAE because only a single measurement is allowed on survey samples and that measurement is subject to both random and systematic errors, i.e., precision and trueness. Thus, there is an ongoing need for the TAE model and goals for TAE. TAE vs MU became an issue when ISO 15189 was published in 2007 and required that the “uncertainty of results” be considered in the accreditation of a medical laboratory (3). Another ISO document, Guide to Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), became the obvious source for satisfying this …
Does Context Matter? Convergent and Divergent Findings in the Cross-Institutional Evaluation of Graduate Teaching Assistant Professional Development Programs

This study examines the role of contextual factors in the efficacy of professional development for graduate teaching assistants by comparing presemester workshops for graduate teaching assistants a...
Abstract 087: Deletion of Brain-specific Isoform of Renin (renin-b) Increases Resting Metabolic Rate by Stimulating Thermogenic Sympathetic Nerve Activity

The brain specific isoform of renin, Renin-b (Ren-b), has been proposed as a negative regulator of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS). We generated mice with a selective deletion of Ren-b (Ren-b KO) while preserving expression of the classical Renin-a isoform. Deletion of Ren-b induced central RAS activation and hypertension through increases in brain Renin-a. However the metabolic effects of Ren-b deletion have yet to be described. Under basal conditions, Ren-b KO mice do not show differences in body weight, food consumption or physical activity. On a high fat diet, Ren-b KO male mice gained significantly less weight than the control mice (Ren-b KO: 36.8g ± 1.2 vs control: 41.9g ± 1.4; p
Tellurite Resistance in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli

Potassium tellurite (K2TeO3) is an effective selective agent for O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), whereas tellurite resistance in non-O157 STEC is variable with information on O45 minimal. High-level K2TeO3 resistance in STEC is attributable to the ter gene cluster with terD an indicator of the cluster’s presence. Polymerase chain reactions for terD and K2TeO3 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations in broth cultures were conducted on 70 STEC and 40 non-STEC control organisms. Sixty-six STEC strains (94.3%) were terD+ compared to 28 control organisms (70.0%; P O26 > O145 > O157 > O103 > O121 = O45. The K2TeO3 geometric mean MIC was significantly higher in terD+ than in terD− STEC, but not in terD+ versus terD− control strains. Resistance to K2TeO3 (MIC ≥ 25 mg/L) was exhibited by 65/66 terD+ and 0/4 terD− STEC strains, compared to 12/28 terD+ and 8/12 terD− control strains. These results confirm previous studies showing the significantly higher prevalence of the ter gene cluster in STEC strains, and the relationship between these genes and K2TeO3 resistance in STEC and especially intimin (eae)-positive STEC, in contrast to non-STEC organisms. O45 and O121 STEC, although frequently terD positive, on average had significantly lower levels of K2TeO3 resistance than O26, O111, and O145 STEC.
Law, War, and Four Modes of Conflict

The Internationalists, by Oona A. Hathaway and Scott J. Shapiro, argues that the outlawing of war as an instrument of state policy in the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928 “was among the most transformative events in human history, one that has, ultimately, made our world far more peaceful.” The authors’ evidence for this provocative thesis is ultimately unpersuasive. First, changes that they attribute to the Pact began before its creation, as illustrated, for example, by the ban on debt-collection wars in the second convention of the Hague Conventions of 1907. Second, their own historical data on wars of conquest suggests that the year 1928 was not a turning point between eras, even when viewed in light of the post-World War II reversals of recent conquests. Rather, the evidence is more consistent with the Allies generally reversing the conquests of the Axis powers, and preserving their own conquests, regardless of whether any conquest took place before or after 1928. Third, their interpretation of legal history does not establish that the Kellogg-Briand Pact played a causally significant role in the creation of the postwar legal order. But The Internationalists offers much more than its central thesis, including a fruitful exploration of the idea of law and war as alternative forms of conflict resolution. In particular, the authors present a theory of “outcasting” as a mechanism for enforcing law even where there is no single, centralized government. This review generalizes from the authors’ argument to propose a four-mode model of conflict and conflict resolution. Against the widespread assumption of a binary opposition between anarchy and the state, the four-mode model draws attention to two legal-institutional options that lie between pure anarchy and the centralized authority of an idealized state. Where the parties to a conflict share a law, but not a judge or executive, the characteristic method of enforcing the law will be tit-for-tat retaliation against violations. Armed conflict in this setting will tend to resemble a feud. Where the parties to a conflict share a law and a judge, but not an executive, community responsibility for enforcing the law, such as through outcasting, becomes more feasible. The review offers brief historical illustrations and considerations of the likely shapes of conflict in each of the four modes.
MeTAP: A Personalized Spatial Memory Training for Improving Functional Autonomy of Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairments in China

Motivated by previous studies on increasing the autonomy of older adults with dementia, research on the effectiveness of spaced repetition as a learning strategy, and the ever increasing number of left-behind elderly in Chinese urban and especially rural areas, we develop a customizable spatial memory training mobile application to help improve adults with early dementia and mild cognitive impairments with performing instrumental activities of daily living by training important spatial information. The mobile application comes with two paired modes: Caregiver mode and Patient mode. It allows caregivers to create virtual rooms in which items are tagged and placed in. The person with dementia can then test his or her recall of the spatial location of items in different rooms with an intuitive touch-based interaction. Data collected during present and past training sessions then determines future training sessions and provide caregivers a way to track performance over time. Additionally, through cloud-based behavioral modeling and remote data sharing, it can enable personalized spaced repetition memory learning and offer real-time behavioral data for the medical specialist and caregivers. Three rounds of evaluation involving interviews and in-field testing had been conducted with promising results.
Observation of Noiseless Image Amplification by an Optical Parametric Amplifier

A spatially-broadband optical parametric amplifier is used for image amplification. In the phase-sensitive configuration, we observe a noise figure of −0.1± 0.3dB for a gain of 2.4, which is 2dB lower than the quantum limit for an ideal phase-insensitive amplifier. Image pre-amplification before loss is shown to improve the detected signal-to-noise ratio.
Abstract 15774: Atrial Fibrillation is a Significant Predictor of Long-term Outcomes in Asymptomatic or Minimally Symptomatic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients have varying degrees of diastolic dysfunction; and AF in this setting can be potentially detrimental. We sought to assess the effect of AF on long-term outcomes of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic HCM patients that did not undergo septal reduction therapy or successful invasive therapy for AF. Methods: We included 602 HCM patients (mean age 47 ± 13 years, 70 % men, 95 % in functional class I and II), between 18–65 years of age that were referred to a tertiary care center between 1/1997 and 12/2007. The following were excluded: hypertensive heart disease of elderly, SM or alcohol septal ablation prior to or following the initial visit, successful therapy for AF (including electrical cardioversion, percutaneous or surgical ablation) and ejection fraction Results: In a mean follow up of 6.3 + 1.6 years, there were 57 composite events. Results of univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis are shown in Table. Only degree of septal hypertrophy and history/presence of AF was associated with composite events. AF remained a significant predictor even when stroke was removed from composite events (Chi square 6.9, p = 0.009). Conclusions: In asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic HCM patients that did not have septal reduction therapy or definitive/successful AF treatment, AF was a powerful predictor of long term outcomes.
Can biofeedback therapy improve anorectal function in fecal incontinence

Background : Although biofeedback treatment ameliorates symptoms in patients with fecal incontinence, whether it improves anorectal function is unclear. Aim : To examine prospectively whether biofeedback therapy influences objective and subjective parameters of anorectal function and whether it improves outcome. Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients (females = 17) with fecal incontinence for over 1 year, underwent a three-phase outpatient treatment program. This program consisted of pelvic muscle strengthening exercises (phase 1), 1-h biofeedback therapy sessions twice a week (phase 2), and reinforcement sessions at 6 wk, 3, 6, and 12 months (phase 3). The number of sessions in phase 2 were customized for each patient. Anorectal manometry, saline continence test, prospective stool diaries, and bowel satisfaction scores were used to assess the changes in bowel function before and 1 year after therapy. Results : After biofeedback therapy, the anal squeeze sphincter pressure (p < 0.05), the duration of squeeze (p < 0.001), and the capacity to retain liquids (p < 0.05) increased. Rectoanal coordination also improved with a reduction (p < 0.001) in rectal pressure and an increase (p < 0.05) in the continence index. Threshold volumes for first perception and desire to defecate decreased (p < 0.05). The number of therapy sessions varied, mean (range) = 7 (4-13). Stool frequency and the number of incontinence episodes decreased (p < 0.001). Bowel satisfaction score improved (p < 0.001). Conclusions : Biofeedback therapy is effective and improves objective and subjective parameters of anorectal function in patients with fecal incontinence. Customizing the number of sessions and providing periodic reinforcement may improve the success rate.
Physiological and Pathological Functions of Type II Transmembrane Serine Proteases: Lessons from Transgenic Mouse Models and Human Disease-Associated Mutations

Recent advances in the mouse and human genome projects have resulted in the identification of a surprisingly large number of genes encoding new proteolytic enzymes which include members of the type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family. In the past few years, the TTSP family has undergone a rapid transformation from a group of largely unexplored proteins into an established family of cell surface-associated proteases playing important roles in development, homeostasis, and pathogenesis. This chapter summarizes current knowledge about the biochemical properties and the biological functions of the TTSP family members in mammalian physiology and disease.
BLOOD FLOW DETERMINATION FROM MEASURED RED BLOOD CELL VELOCITY

Publisher Summary Blood flow is an important physiological parameter that is determined at the microcirculation level by optical measurements of blood vessel diameter and red blood cell (RBC) velocity. This chapter discusses diameter measurements that can be made with relative precision and for round vessels provide few problems for blood flow calculations. Velocity measurements constitute an averaging process by which the slower RBCs near the vessel wall are averaged with the faster moving cells in the center of the blood stream. Under ideal conditions, it has been shown that the average velocity read by optical means will be 1.6 times the true volumetric average velocity. Conditions are rarely ideal, however, and the wide spread in flow values seen in different laboratories for tissues, such as the rat cremaster muscle, are likely because of the limitation of the velocity sensing devices used. A computer analysis has been done to examine the effects of various nonideal situations. One additional important factor is that of image blurring. Red blood cells on the observation side of the vessel will appear sharper than cells on the far side because the far side cells will be deeper into the tissue. This sharpness means greater signal amplitude at the photosensors. To make an accurate estimate of blood flow in microvessels, all factors involved with the RBC velocity determination must be considered. The nonideal characteristics of practical intravital velocimeters can cause large errors in estimating volumetric flows if standard correction factors and techniques are used.
Seeing the Machinery of Live Cells

As biochemistry and genetics uncover more of the molecules responsible for life, we need to see how these molecules interact with each other in space and time as they orchestrate cellular responses. Observation of fluorescently labeled macromolecules in live cells can reveal such dynamics, both for
Initial series of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐fusion targeted prostate biopsy using the first transperineal targeted platform available in the USA

Objectives To describe a step-by-step guide for using the first transperineal targeted prostate biopsy platform available in the USA. Patients and methods A total of 32 men with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were diagnosed with a region of interest on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) between February 2017 and January 2018. The transperineal targeted prostate biopsy procedure was accomplished via a transperineal approach and used a stepper, combined with advanced mpMRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion software, to perform targeted prostate biopsy. The detection of overall and clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) was assessed as well as the rate of complications. Results The median patient age was 68.0 years and the median PSA was 8.0 ng/mL. Two patients (6%) were active surveillance candidates and 16 (50%) had a prior negative prostate biopsy. The detection rates for overall and clinically significant PCa were 81% and 59%, respectively. The two candidates for active surveillance and eight of the patients with a prior negative prostate biopsy had clinically significant PCa confirmed on targeted biopsy. There were no peri-operative complications. Conclusion These results demonstrate the promising potential of the first transperineal targeted prostate biopsy platform in the USA as an alternative diagnostic method for PCa.
Of Tragedies and Miracles - Neonatal Organ Donation.

Of Tragedies and Miracles — Neonatal Organ Donation When parents who had just received the tragic news about their newborn asked to donate his organs, the NICU team tried to leap into action — but ...