cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic fatigue syndrome: the current status and future potentials of emerging biomarkers

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains an incompletely characterized illness, in part due to controversy regarding its definition, biological basis, and diagnosis. Purpose: Biomarkers are objective measures that may lead to improvements in our understanding of CFS by providing a more coherent and consistent approach to study, diagnosis, and treatment of the illness. Such metrics may allow us to distinguish between CFS subtypes – each defined by characteristic biomarkers – currently conflated under the single, heterogeneous condition of CFS. These delineations, in turn, may guide more granular, focused, and targeted treatment strategies based on more precise characterizations of the illness. Methods: Here, we review potential CFS biomarkers related to neurological and immunological components of the illness. Results, Conclusions: We discuss how these biomarkers may be used to move the field of CFS forward, emphasizing clinical utility and potential routes of future research.
Impact of nutrient enrichment and alkalinization on periphyton communities in the New Jersey Pine Barrens

The impact of residential and agricultural development on stream periphyton communities in the New Jersey Pine Barrens was examined by comparison with communities in undeveloped areas. Watershed disturbance resulted in stream water primarily characterized by greatly elevated pH levels and nitrate concentrations. A total of 53 periphyton species were encountered in bimonthly samples over a one year period in the three disturbed and three undisturbed study streams. Species richness was significantly greater in the disturbed streams based on three criteria: the average number of species per stream on each sampling occasion (disturbed = 6.3; undisturbed = 4.9), the average number of species per stream for the entire year (disturbed = 19.3; undisturbed = 16.0), and the total number of species found in streams within a type (disturbed = 40; undisturbed = 31). Species composition also changed significantly as the result of disturbance. There appeared to be replacement of species characteristic of undisturbed Pine Barrens streams with species peripheral to the region. The expected effects of both elevated pH and nitrate were consistent with these results.
An analytical approach to shear dispersion and tracer age

Solutions to the sheared Fickian advection–diffusion equation in a half-space with arbitrary surface source are given using a ‘transfer function’ method. The method uses Fourier transforms in two horizontal coordinates and time, along with complex Airy functions in the vertical coordinate. Surface deposition and tracer decay are included in the formulation. ‘Puff’ and steady ‘plume’ solutions are compared with Saffman’s moment formulae. The inclusion of a decay rate factor (α) allows the average tracer age to be computed from steady state solutions for concentration C(x, y, z) according to Age = − dln C/dα. A comparison between the puff centroid formula of Saffman and plume Age computations confirms that shear causes tracer puffs to accelerate horizontally as they diffuse upward into a different wind regime. In forward shear, tracer ages are younger than in unsheared flow but the range of ages is greater due to the existence of a high fast pathway and a low slow pathway. In reverse shear, concentrations, ages and the range of ages all rise markedly near the source. Large tracer age suggests that some tracer has taken a very distant path involving a low-level outbound trip and a high-level return. The effect of surface deposition is to reduce the influence of the distant path. In the case of reverse shear, deposition makes the tracer younger. In a turning wind, the time needed to reach a given radius increases due to the curved path of the plume.
Isolation of an integral membrane glycoprotein by chloroform-methanol extraction and C3-reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Methodology is presented for the isolation of integral membrane proteins and applied to the purification of the major myelin glycoprotein, P0. This isolation scheme depends on the detergent solubilization of an isoosmotically extracted membrane fraction from sciatic nerve endoneurium, followed by the removal of lipids and detergent by chloroform/methanol extraction. The resulting membrane proteins are readily dissolved in acetic acid/water (11) and directly analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The hydrophobic nature of the intrinsic membrane protein mixture results in strong binding to a C8 stationary phase, leading to poor resolution and yields. These problems can be eliminated by employing a C3 alkylsilane column, thereby allowing separation of the protein components and the isolation of P0. The purified P0 has an amino-terminal sequence that matches that predicted from nucleotide sequencing, and the glycoprotein contains the expected amount of sialic acid. This latter finding indicates that the isolation procedure is not detrimental to the complex-type oligosaccharide structure of P0 and should make the methodology readily applicable to the purification of other integral membrane proteins and glycoproteins.
Diophantine Approximation On Bianchi Groups

Abstract A modification of the Ford geometric approach to the problem of approximation of complex numbers by elements of an imaginary quadratic number field is developed. An upper bound for the Hurwitz constant for the field is obtained in terms of the geometry of the isometric fundamental domain for the corresponding Bianchi group. The Hurwitz constants for the fields of discriminant −20 and −24 are found.
The AFM measured force required to rupture the dithiolate linkage of thioctic acid to gold is less than the rupture force of a simple gold-alkyl thiolate bond.

We show with atomic force microscopy that thioctic acid, a spatially constrained system with two sulfur linkages to gold, is less stable to tensile stress than a thiolate with a single attachment to gold. The force required to remove the dithiolate-linked thioctic acid was 0.31 ± 0.13 nN, whereas the force required to remove a simple thiolate from the gold substrate was 1.05 ± 0.29 nN. These results suggest that SAMs of densely packed or polypodal thiols may be substantially less stable under tensile stress than previously recognized and that the additional thiolate linkages may not only fail to increase the overall strength of attachment but could actually reduce it.
Fission cross-sections of 235U and 239Pu averaged over 252Cf neutron spectrum

A series of measurements have been carried out to derive values for the spectrum-averaged fission cross-section of 235U and 239pu for 252Cf fission neutrons. Two nearly identical target foils were mounted on either side of a Cf source (107 neutron/see) in a compensated beam geometry. Fission fragments passing through limited solid angle apertures were recorded from each foil by solid-state track-etch techniques. The Cf neutron source strength was calibrated in manganese bath relative to the standard source NBS-II. Values of 1.215 _+ 0.022 barn for 235U and 1.790 + 0.041 barn for 239pu were obtained for the fission cross-sections, corresponding to a ratio value of 1.473 + 0.041. the exposure. The average neutron flux was deter- mined by comparing the 252Cf emission rate relative to NBS-II, the internationally compared Ra-Be pho- toneutron source. The number of target nuclei was determined from mass assays of the foil deposits.
Calretinin expression in tumors of adipose tissue

Although well established as a marker of mesothelial cells, calretinin is also expressed in several other tissue types, including adipose tissue. Accordingly, immunohistochemical staining for calretinin has been described in an increasing number of neoplasms other than mesothelioma. A detailed analysis of calretinin expression in lipogenic tumors has not yet been reported, however. Given the known expression patterns of calretinin in normal tissues, we predicted that calretinin immunoreactivity would be detected in lipoma and the various histologic subtypes of liposarcoma, and that this marker might be of use in the differential diagnosis of selected fatty tumors. A variety of pleomorphic and small round cell sarcomas were studied for comparison. Calretinin immunoreactivity was detected, at least focally, in all 10 samples of normal adipose tissue and in 22 of 23 lipomas or lipoma variants. Staining for calretinin was also positive within the lipogenic component of 28 of 29 liposarcoma variants. Of the 7 dedifferentiated liposarcomas, 3 were focally positive for calretinin. Pleomorphic variants of other sarcomas, including undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor also exhibited focal calretinin immunoreactivity in a minority of cases, as did some small round cell sarcomas. These results suggest that calretinin immunoreactivity in normal and neoplastic adipose tissue is more ubiquitous than previously reported and may be a useful, albeit nonspecific marker of lipogenic differentiation. However, its utility in the differential diagnosis of fatty tumors appears limited.
Fibrin sealant inhibits connective tissue deposition in a murine model of peritoneal adhesion formation

Abstract Background: Postoperative peritoneal adhesion formation causes a multitude of disorders, including bowel obstruction and infertility. Methods: To test whether fibrin sealant inhibits adhesion formation, mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of talc (to induce adhesions) after which sealant was administered. Seven and 14 days later, the thickness of connective tissue between the fragmented mesothelium and the abdominal muscle was measured. Results: At both 7 and 14 days after talc administration, talc-treated mice had a 6-fold increase in connective tissue thickness over vehicle alone (P
Spray and atomization of a common rail fuel injector with non-circular orifices

Abstract This paper presents an experimental study on diesel sprays from non-circular orifices in ambient air. The non-circular geometry includes rectangular, square, and triangular shapes. The obtained spray characteristics were compared with those of a circular orifice. The injection pressures were varied from 300 bar (30 MPa) to 1000 bar (100 MPa). Macroscopic spray characteristics like spray cone angle and spray width were measured using a high speed camera. A laser diffraction technique was used to measure the droplet size, i.e. Sauter mean diameter, of the sprays at different axial locations. Spray behavior was measured from different orientations of the non-circular geometric shapes, including edges and corners. Spray widths measured along the spray length clearly demonstrated the presence of axis-switching phenomenon in high pressure diesel sprays obtained from non-circular orifices even at injection pressures as high as 1000 bar. They also exhibited larger widths and hence, larger surface areas, greater cone angles than sprays from a circular orifice. Thus, sprays from non-circular geometric shapes are expected to achieve better air entrainment and hence, mixing than the circular orifices. Droplet size obtained depended on the location of measurement and injection pressure and different behaviors were observed at different locations. It was noticed that non-circular orifices could induce greater instabilities in the diesel sprays thereby leading to faster atomization. As a result, an improvement in the spray characteristics can be achieved using non-circular geometries. Axis-switching phenomenon is expected to play an important role in improving the spray characteristics and the non-circular geometry may provide a cost effective approach for passively controlling the spray characteristics.
Electronic and interfacial behavior of gemini metallosurfactants with copper(II)/pseudohalide cascade cores.

In this paper we discuss the newly synthesized binuclear species [Cu2(LPY18)2(μ1,1-N3)2(N3)2] (1) and [Cu2(LPY18)2(μ1,3-SCN)2(NCS)2] (2), as obtained from the monometallic precursor [Cu(LPY18)Br2]. These gemini metallosurfactants incorporate metal/anion cascade cores and are investigated by experimental and theoretical methods. Diagnostic IR stretches support the presence of μ1,1-bridged (end-on, 2075 cm−1) azide groups in 1 and μ1,3-bridged (end-to-end, 2117 cm−1) thiocyanate groups in 2. Anion-to-copper LMCT electronic processes at 390 and 440 nm for 1 and at 415 nm for 2 reinforce the nature of the metal/anion cascade cores. Both species are redox-active, magnetically uncoupled due to poor orbital overlap, and robust in the presence of strongly coordinating solvents. At the air–water interface, 1 and 2 yield Langmuir films with high collapse pressures of ca. 60 mN m−1. Domain formation is considerably less extensive than that observed for the related monometallic precursor and the average molecular areas are in good agreement with their modeled molecular size. The resulting Langmuir–Blodgett films are isolated on silica substrates and investigated using IR-reflectance/absorbance spectroscopy.
DRUGS AND IMMUNITY : CANNABINOIDS AND THEIR ROLE IN DECREASED RESISTANCE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Marijuana, Cannabis sativa, elicits a variety of effects in experimental animals and humans. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive component in marijuana. This substance has been shown, also, to be immunosuppressive and to decrease host resistance to bacterial, protozoan, and viral infections. Macrophages, T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells appear to be major targets of the immunosuppressive effects of THC. Definitive data which directly link marijuana use to increased susceptibility to infection in humans currently is unavailable. However, cumulative reports indicating that THC alters resistance to infection in vitro and in a variety of experimental animals support the hypothesis that a similar effect occurs in humans.
Hepatotoxic effects of CCl4 on English sole (Parophrys vetulus): possible indicators of liver dysfunction.

Abstract 1. 1.Selected serum parameters (enzyme activities and triglycerides) and liver glutathione and vitamin C concentrations were measured in English sole ( Parophrys vetulus ) after i.p. injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 , a hepatotoxin in fish. 2. 2.Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities and the concentration of triglycerides increased in a dose-dependent manner 24 hr post injection. 3. 3.Concentrations of glutathione (reduced and oxidized) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in liver did not change in response to CCl 4 , toxicity 24 hr post injection. 4. 4.These studies indicate that serum AP activity and triglyceride concentration can be useful in assessing the effects of CCl 4 -induced liver toxicity in this species of marine fish. Serum LDH and GDH activity should be used with some caution in assessing liver damage in English sole, as other tissues represent more likely sources for serum activity. 5. 5.The levels of liver antioxidants do not appear to be significantly affected, 24 hr post injection, by this particular hepatotoxin.
Symposium: On Reproducibility and Scalability of Large Scale Applications

For small scale computing environments, having replicated code and data are sufficient to reproduce prior results if the processing platform is also compatible with both the code and the data. Experiences indicate that these dependencies often quickly deteriorate due to rapid technology advances. The explicit parallel programming paradigm makes the parallel programs closely coupled with the platform at the time of programming. It is also responsible for growing application instabilities making reproducibility impossible in extreme scales. This impossibility is also linked to our inability to quantify application scalability. An implicit parallel paradigm is proposed to rectify these problems.
FREQUENCY EFFECTS OR CONTEXT EFFECTS IN SECOND LANGUAGE WORD LEARNING What Predicts Early Lexical Production

This study examines frequency, contextual diversity, and contextual distinctiveness effects in predicting produced versus not-produced frequent nouns and verbs by early second language (L2) learners of English. The study analyzes whether word frequency is the strongest predictor of early L2 word production independent of contextual diversity and distinctiveness and whether differences exist in the lexical properties of nouns and verbs that can help explain beginning-level L2 word production. The study uses machine learning algorithms to develop models that predict produced and unproduced words in L2 oral discourse. The results demonstrate that word frequency is the strongest classifier of whether a noun is produced or not produced in beginning L2 oral discourse, whereas contextual diversity is the strongest classifier of whether a verb is produced or not produced. Post hoc tests reveal that nouns are more concrete, meaningful, imageable, specific, and unambiguous than verbs, which indicates that lexical properties may explain differences in noun and verb production. Thus, whereas distributional properties of nouns may allow lexical acquisition on the basis of association through exposure alone (i.e., nouns may adhere to frequency effects), the abstractness and ambiguity found in verbs make them difficult to acquire based solely on repetition. Therefore, verb acquisition may follow a principle of likely need characterized by contextual diversity effects.
Quantitative Modelling of Nucleation Kinetics in Experiments for Poly-Si Growth on SiO2 by Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition

We apply a rate-equation pair binding model of nucleation kinetics [1] to the nucleation of Si islands grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition on SiO2 substrates. Previously, we had demonstrated an increase in grain size of polycrystalline Si films with H2 dilution from 40 nm using 100 mTorr of 1% SiH4 in He to 85 nm with the addition of 20 mTorr H2. [2] This increase in grain size is attributed to atomic H etching of Si monomers rather than stable Si clusters during the early stages of nucleation, decreasing the nucleation density. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements show that the nucleation density increases sublinearly with time at low coverage, implying a fast nucleation rate until a critical density is reached, after which grain growth begins. The nucleation density decreases with increasing H2 dilution (H2:SiH4), which is an effect of the etching mechanism, and with increasing temperature, due to enhanced Si monomer diffusivity on SiO2. From temperature-dependent measurements, we estimate the activation energy for surface diffusion of Si monomers on SiO2 to be 0.47 ± 0.09 eV. Simulations of the temperature-dependent supercritical cluster density lead to an estimated activation energy of 0.42 eV ± 0.01 eV and a surface diffusion coefficient prefactor of 0.1 ± 0.03 cm2/s. H2-dilution-dependent simulations of the supercritical cluster density show an approximately linear relationship between the H2 dilution and the etch rate of clusters.
Supportless Pt and PtPd nanotubes as electrocatalysts for oxygen-reduction reactions.

The durability problem is particularlysevere in the cathode,where the oxygen-reduction reaction(ORR) occurs. At present,the most widely used cathodecatalyst system is platinum in the form of small nanoparticles(2–5 nm) supported on amorphous carbon-particle aggregates(Pt/C). The poor durability of the Pt/C catalyst is reflected bya fast and significant loss of platinum electrochemical surfacearea (ECSA) over time during fuel cell operation.
Lack of protonation of benzene and toluene by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and its significance for evaluating superacid strengths

Distribution between pentane and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) and carbon-13 NMR measurements showed that benzene and toluene are not protonated to any significant extent in TFMSA. This finding contradicts previous reports, and validates the ranking of superacids based on the extent of benzene protonation.
Nutritional Vitamin B12 Deficiency in a Breast-fed Infant of a Vegan-diet Mother

A 7-month-old male presented with lethargy and failure to thrive. The child was exclusively breast-fed from birth by a mother who was a strict vegetarian. Laboratory data revealed macrocytic anemia and methylmalonic acid in the urine, consistent with vitamin B12 deficient anemia. The patient responded well to supplementation with B12 alone and was developmentally normal by 11 months of age. This study emphasizes the need for assuring maternal dietary adequacy during pregnancy and after birth.
Viral Stress-inducible Protein p56 Inhibits Translation by Blocking the Interaction of eIF3 with the Ternary Complex eIF2·GTP·Met-tRNAi

Viral stress-inducible protein p56 is produced in response to viral stress-inducing agents such as double-stranded RNA and interferon, as well as other poorly understood mechanisms of viral infection. It has been shown previously that p56 is able to bind the eukaryotic initiation factor 3e(eIF3e) (p48/Int-6) subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF3 and function as an inhibitor of translation in vitro and in vivo. The exact mechanism by which p56 is able to interfere with protein synthesis is not understood. Based on the known roles of eIF3 in the initiation pathway, we employed assays designed to individually look at specific functions of eIF3 and the effect of p56 on these eIF3-mediated functions. These assays examined the effect of p56 on ribosome dissociation, the eIF3.eIF4F interaction, and enhancement of the ternary complex eIF2.GTP.Met-tRNAi formation. Here we report that p56 is able to inhibit translation initiation specifically at the level of eIF3.ternary complex formation. The effect of p56-mediated inhibition was also examined in two different contexts, cap-mediated and encephalomyocarditis virus internal ribosomal entry site-mediated translation. Whereas cap-dependent initiation was severely inhibited by p56, internal ribosomal entry site-mediated translation appeared to be insensitive to p56.
t-logistic regression

We extend logistic regression by using t-exponential families which were introduced recently in statistical physics. This gives rise to a regularized risk minimization problem with a non-convex loss function. An efficient block coordinate descent optimization scheme can be derived for estimating the parameters. Because of the nature of the loss function, our algorithm is tolerant to label noise. Furthermore, unlike other algorithms which employ non-convex loss functions, our algorithm is fairly robust to the choice of initial values. We verify both these observations empirically on a number of synthetic and real datasets.
Population genetic structure of Aedes polynesiensis in the Society Islands of French Polynesia: implications for control using a Wolbachia-based autocidal strategy

Aedes polynesiensis is the primary vector of Wuchereria bancrofti in the South Pacific and an important vector of dengue virus. An improved understanding of the mosquito population genetics is needed for insight into the population dynamics and dispersal, which can aid in understanding the epidemiology of disease transmission and control of the vector. In light of the potential release of a Wolbachia infected strain for vector control, our objectives were to investigate the microgeographical and temporal population genetic structure of A. polynesiensis within the Society Islands of French Polynesia, and to compare the genetic background of a laboratory strain intended for release into its population of origin. A panel of eight microsatellite loci were used to genotype A. polynesiensis samples collected in French Polynesia from 2005-2008 and introgressed A. polynesiensis and Aedes riversi laboratory strains. Examination of genetic differentiation was performed using F-statistics, STRUCTURE, and an AMOVA. BAYESASS was used to estimate direction and rates of mosquito movement. FST values, AMOVA, and STRUCTURE analyses suggest low levels of intra-island differentiation from multiple collection sites on Tahiti, Raiatea, and Maupiti. Significant pair-wise FST values translate to relatively minor levels of inter-island genetic differentiation between more isolated islands and little differentiation between islands with greater commercial traffic (i.e., Tahiti, Raiatea, and Moorea). STRUCTURE analyses also indicate two population groups across the Society Islands, and the genetic makeup of Wolbachia infected strains intended for release is similar to that of wild-type populations from its island of origin, and unlike that of A. riversi. The observed panmictic population on Tahiti, Raiatea, and Moorea is consistent with hypothesized gene flow occurring between islands that have relatively high levels of air and maritime traffic, compared to that of the more isolated Maupiti and Tahaa. Gene flow and potential mosquito movement is discussed in relation to trials of applied autocidal strategies.
Volume Expansion With Albumin Decreases Mortality After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Objectives: Albumin and nonprotein colloids (starches, dextran, and others) are used frequently as blood volume expanders in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The objective of this study was to determine differences between colloids with regard to patient characteristics and mortality rates. Design and setting: Discharge data collected in the Solucient Clinical Pathways Database from 19,578 patients undergoing CABG surgery were analyzed. Measurements: Patients receiving albumin and nonprotein colloids were compared with regard to baseline patient characteristics. A multiple regression model was developed to determine if albumin use was independently associated with mortality rates. Results: Albumin was used in 8,084 cases (41.3%). The use of albumin and nonprotein colloids was not related to patient characteristics. Mortality was lower in the albumin group compared to the nonprotein colloid group (2.47% vs 3.03%, p 0.02). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, albumin use was associated with 25% lower odds of mortality compared to nonprotein colloid use (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.96). Conclusion: Colloid administration in CABG surgery was unrelated to patient characteristics. Albumin use appears to be associated with lower incidence of mortality after CABG surgery compared to nonprotein colloid use. (CHEST 2003; 123:1853–1857)
Human/machine sharing control for intelligent mechatronic systems

Summary form only given. Based on our newly developed event-based planning and nonlinear feedback control theory, a new action planning and control scheme for a telerobotic system is presented. It provides a unified model to integrate a human operator control command (supervisory command) with motion planning and control for automatic operation. As a result, supervisory command and autonomous motion planning and control are naturally combined together such that the autonomous motion plan can be adjusted and modified by a human operator during its execution. This scheme lays down a foundation for planning and control of a general mechatronic system involving human operators. The scheme is implemented and tested on a PUMA 560 dual-arm system. A Spaceball is used by the human operator as a command generator to input the supervisory command. The experimental results of both single arm teleoperation and dual-arm coordinated teleoperation are presented. Applications to time-delayed environment are discussed.
Separation Tests for Early-Phase Complementary and Alternative Medicine Comparative Trials

There are some substantial ways in which the current approach to establishing an evidence base for a treatment effect works against complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. The standard statistical method in comparative trials is the null hypothesis test, which requires a decision that the ‘no treatment effect’ hypothesis is confirmed, or it is rejected. While this approach is appropriate for evidence-based medicine, the requirement for a decisive result drives sample sizes upward, or leaves small trials subject to being criticised for being underpowered. Employing the fundamental theory of hypothesis tests, as developed by Neyman and Pearson, it is possible to define a ‘separation test’ that avoids this problem, by invoking a different inferential rationale. The purpose of a separation test is to find an indication that further research is justified, or that it is not. This change in strategy can considerably lower the required sample size. Since many CAM comparative trials are in early phases of research, where both budgetary and safety considerations argue for a small sample size, separation tests may be especially of interest to CAM researchers. There is, therefore, an opportunity for evidence-based medicine to generate a new kind of study, in which the purpose is to assess whether it is worthwhile to pursue research on an alternative treatment, rather than to determine whether it has been proved effective.
Abstract TMP15: Contralateral Hemispheric Atrophy After Major Hemispheric Infarction

Objective: Atrophy of the ipsilateral hemisphere, cerebral peduncle, and contralateral cerebellum predict outcome after stroke; little is known of the effect of stroke on the contralateral hemisphere although it plays an important role in functional reorganization. Methods: All patients who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant hemispheric infarction at UH-CMC between 1/2003-12/2009 were analyzed with IRB approval. Patients with adequate CT scans both prior to surgery and after reconstructive cranioplasty were included; those with communicating hydrocephalus, confounding lesions or ≥ 10 mm of midline shift were excluded. Brainlab iPlan® software (Germany) was used to manually trace the infarct, non-infarct ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere on axial, sagittal and coronal slices. Results: Of 30 patients, 9 met inclusion criteria. The inter-rater reliability of volumetric analyses was excellent (r=0.99). The mean contralateral hemisphere volume at follow-up was significantly reduced compared to the baseline study (465.987 ± 78.32 cc vs 493.429 ±76.92 cc, p< 0.0001, Fisher’s two-tailed t-test ). Contralateral hemispheric atrophy was identified in all patients (mean 27.441 cc, range 4.985 - 42.807 cc) and represented a loss of 5.7% (1.2 - 11.16%) of the original volume. Contralateral hemispheric atrophy was significantly related to the volume of the infarct and the time from stroke onset to decompressive hemicraniectomy but not to the extent of midline shift on the post-operative scan nor <10 mm on the pre-operative scan. Contralateral hemispheral atrophy was identified early and not related to the length of follow-up (median 4.5, range 2-43 months). ![Graphic][1] Conclusions: Contralateral hemispheric atrophy occurs within months of major hemispheral infarction and is related to infarct size and the time to decompressive hemicraniectomy. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Radiation-induced sarcoma in a large vestibular schwannoma following stereotactic radiosurgery: case report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been employed with increasing frequency in the treatment of benign intracranial tumors. While the risk for radiation-induced malignancy has been well studied for fractionated external beam radiation, reports of SRS-associated malignancy have only begun to emerge over the past 10 years. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a case of a rapidly enlarging, presumed sporadic vestibular schwannoma in a 51-year-old man treated with SRS. Serial imaging over the next 7.5 years demonstrated good radiographic response with consistent involution of the tumor. The patient then developed rapid neurologic deterioration and sustained tumor growth on follow-up imaging. The tumor was resected via a translabyrinthine approach, and pathologic analysis demonstrated undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma (UHGPS). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma (formerly called malignant fibrous histiocytoma) following SRS. This case demonstrates the difficulty of establishing malignant degeneration of a neoplasm following SRS without pretreatment tissue diagnosis. Patients with presumed benign tumors should be counseled about the rare risk of malignant transformation prior to undertaking SRS.
Next‐generation sequencing identifies high frequency of mutations in potentially clinically actionable genes in sebaceous carcinoma

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy with frequent recurrence and metastases. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy, but effective systemic therapies are lacking because the molecular alterations driving SC remain poorly understood. To identify these, we performed whole-exome next-generation sequencing of 409 cancer-associated genes on 27 SCs (18 primary/locally recurrent ocular, 5 paired metastatic ocular, and 4 primary extraocular) from 20 patients. In ocular SC, we identified 139 non-synonymous somatic mutations (median/lesion 3; range 0-23). Twenty-five of 139 mutations (18%) occurred in potentially clinically actionable genes in 6 of 16 patients. The most common mutations were mutations in TP53 (n = 9), RB1 (n = 6), PIK3CA (n = 2), PTEN (n = 2), ERBB2 (n = 2), and NF1 (n = 2). TP53 and RB1 mutations were restricted to ocular SC and correlated with aberrant TP53 and RB protein expression. Systematic pathway analyses demonstrated convergence of these mutations to activation of the PI3K signalling cascade, and PI3K pathway activation was confirmed in tumours with PTEN and/or PIK3CA mutations. Considerable inter-tumoural heterogeneity was observed between paired primary and metastatic ocular SCs. In primary extraocular SC, we identified 77 non-synonymous somatic mutations (median/lesion 22.5; range 3-29). This overall higher mutational load was attributed to a microsatellite instability phenotype in three of four patients and somatically acquired mutations in mismatch repair genes in two of four patients. Eighteen of 77 mutations (23%) were in potentially clinically actionable genes in three of four patients, including BTK, FGFR2, PDGFRB, HRAS, and NF1 mutations. Identification of potentially clinically actionable mutations in 9 of 20 SC patients (45%) underscores the importance of next-generation sequencing to expand the spectrum of genotype-matched targeted therapies. Frequent activation of PI3K signalling pathways provides a strong rationale for application of mTOR inhibitors in the management of this disease. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Metarepresentation in the Production and Resolution of Referring Expressions.

In this paper we consider the potential role of metarepresentation—the representation of another representation, or as commonly considered within cognitive science, the mental representation of another individual’s knowledge and beliefs—in mediating definite reference and common ground in conversation. Using dialogues from a referential communication study in which speakers conversed in succession with two different addressees, we highlight ways in which interlocutors work together to successfully refer to objects and achieve shared conceptualizations. We briefly review accounts of how such shared conceptualizations could be represented in memory, from simple associations between label and referent, to "triple co-presence" representations that track interlocutors in an episode of referring, to more elaborate metarepresentations that invoke theory of mind, mutual knowledge, or a model of a conversational partner. We consider how some forms of metarepresentation, once created and activated, could account for definite reference in conversation by appealing to ordinary processes in memory. We conclude that any representations that capture information about others’ perspectives are likely to be relatively simple and subject to the same kinds of constraints on attention and memory that influence other kinds of cognitive representations.
Experimental and theoretical analysis of a method to predict thermal runaway in Li-ion cells

Abstract Thermal runaway is a well-known safety concern in Li-ion cells. Methods to predict and prevent thermal runaway are critically needed for enhanced safety and performance. While much work has been done on understanding the kinetics of various heat generation processes during thermal runaway, relatively lesser work exists on understanding how heat removal from the cell influences thermal runaway. Through a unified analysis of heat generation and heat removal, this paper derives and experimentally validates a non-dimensional parameter whose value governs whether or not thermal runaway will occur in a Li-ion cell. This parameter is named the Thermal Runaway Number (TRN), and comprises contributions from thermal transport within and outside the cell, as well as the temperature dependence of heat generation rate. Experimental data using a 26650 thermal test cell are in good agreement with the model, and demonstrate the dependence of thermal runaway on various thermal transport and heat generation parameters. This parameter is used to predict the thermal design space in which the cell will or will not experience thermal runaway. By combining all thermal processes contributing to thermal runaway in a single parameter, this work contributes towards a unified understanding of thermal runaway, and provides the fundamental basis for design tools for safe, high-performance Li-ion batteries.
Thirty-plus years of empirical drama/theatre research

ABSTRACTTo review our field’s maturation over the past thirty-plus years, I trace research methodologies from the archives of the Youth Theatre Journal and its predecessor, the Children’s Theatre Review, with special attention to the overarching purposes of our research over time. After questioning postmodern debates over empirical methods, I interpret the tripartite structures of this empirically based research and call for future literature reviews of past evidence. While my self-reflexive examination reveals problematic assumptions regarding the consequences of our empirical research, I offer alternative perspectives and post-factual strategies for future research in this and other journals.
Cancer stem cell-targeted therapeutics and delivery strategies.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Cancer initiating or stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of cells in the tumor mass, which have been reported to be present in different types of cancers. CSCs usually reside within the tumor and are responsible for reoccurrence of cancer. The imprecise, inaccessible nature and increased efflux of conventional therapeutic drugs make these cells resistant to drugs. We discuss the specific markers for identification of these cells, role of CSCs in chemotherapy resistance and use of different therapeutic means to target them, including elucidation of specific cell markers, exploitation of different signaling pathways and use of nanotechnology.Area covered: This review covers cancer stem cell signaling which are used by these cells to maintain their quiescence, stemness and resistant phenotype, distinct cell surface markers, contribution of these cells in drug resistance, inevitability to cure cancer and use of nanotechnology to overcome this hurdle.Expert opinion: Cancer stem cells...
Percutaneous Instrumentation Without Arthrodesis for Thoracolumbar Flexion-Distraction Injuries: A Review of the Literature

Background Flexion-distraction injuries (FDI) represent 5% to 15% of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures. Treatment depends on the extent of ligamentous involvement: osseous/Magerl type B2 injuries can be managed conservatively, while ligamentous/Magerl type B1 injuries undergo stabilization with arthrodesis. Minimally invasive surgery without arthrodesis can achieve similar outcomes to open procedures. This has been studied for burst fractures; however, its role in FDI is unclear. Objective To conduct a systematic review of the literature that examined minimally invasive surgery instrumentation without arthrodesis for traumatic FDI of the thoracolumbar spine. Methods Four electronic databases were searched, and articles were screened using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines for patients with traumatic FDI of the thoracolumbar spine treated with percutaneous techniques without arthrodesis and had postoperative follow-up. Results Seven studies with 44 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 19 patients with osseous FDI and 25 with ligamentous FDI. When reported, patients (n = 39) were neurologically intact preoperatively and at follow-up. Osseous FDI patients underwent instrumentation at 2 levels, while ligamentous injuries at approximately 4 levels. Complication rate was 2.3%. All patients had at least 6 mo of follow-up and demonstrated healing on follow-up imaging. Conclusion Percutaneous instrumentation without arthrodesis represents a low-risk intermediate between conservative management and open instrumented fusion. This “internal bracing” can be used in osseous and ligamentous FDIs. Neurologically intact patients who do not require decompression and those that may not tolerate or fail conservative management may be candidates. The current level of evidence cannot provide official recommendations and future studies are required to investigate long-term safety and efficacy.
Distributed coordination of power generators for a linearized optimal power flow problem

This paper considers the problem of optimally dispatching a set of generators in a power system; these generators are interconnected to some loads via a network of buses. We consider scenarios when the power network is operating at a steady state, and a small change in the load occurs at some of the load buses. Upon occurrence of this event, the network seeks to find the change in generator injections and voltage phase angles that makes the new steady state meet the modified load with minimum total generation cost (corresponding to the summation of the individual convex cost functions of the generating units). The resulting optimization problem is nonconvex due to the nonconvex power balance constraints at the buses. We consider a convex approximation of the problem where the power balance constraints are linearized around the initial steady-state operating point. Assuming that each bus can communicate with buses connected to it in the physical power network, we provide two provably correct continuous-time distributed strategies that allow the generators to find the optimal power set points. Both designs build on the saddle-point dynamics of the Lagrangian of the optimization problem. Various simulations illustrate our results.
Fluorous Phase-Directed Peptide Assembly Affords Nano-Peptisomes Capable of Ultrasound-Triggered Cellular Delivery

Here, we report the design, synthesis and efficacy of a new class of ultrasound (US)-sensitive self-assembled peptide-based nanoparticle. Peptisomes are prepared via templated assembly of a de novo designed peptide at the interface of fluorinated nanodroplets. Utilizing peptide assembly allows for facile particle synthesis, direct incorporation of bioactive sequences displayed from the particle corona, and the ability to easily encapsulate biologics during particle preparation using a mild solvent exchange procedure. Further, nano-peptisome size can be precisely controlled by simply modulating the starting peptide and fluorinated solvent concentrations during synthesis. Biomolecular cargo encapsulated within the particle core can be directly delivered to the cytoplasm of cells upon US-mediated rupture of the carrier. Thus, nano-peptisomes represent a novel class of US-activated carriers that can shuttle cell-impermeable biomacromolecules into cells with spatial and temporal precision.
The tweeter matters

Social media websites have dramatically increased in popularity. Information on these sites does not require verification and may be inaccurate. We investigated how familiarity with content and Twitter authors influenced false memory. Participants from Michigan State University (MSU) read an article about college basketball followed by a Twitter recap that contained false information. The article discussed either MSU or the University of Iowa; the Twitter feed was purportedly written by students from one of the schools in a 22 design. Lastly, participants completed recognition and source memory tests. Correct and false recognition were similar across conditions. In an analysis including source test results, we found higher false memory for the Iowa article than the MSU article. We also found an interaction between article and Twitter author, opposite of our hypothesis, such that false memory was greatest for conditions with incongruent article and Twitter author (e.g., Iowa article and MSU Twitter). Thus, we replicated earlier work showing higher memory distortion for unfamiliar content. We also found preliminary evidence that readers may take into account the relationship between authors and content. This is an important first step in understanding how false memory arises from social media, an everexpanding cultural influence. Overall correct and false memory were similar across misinformation conditions.Source test results revealed an effect of article and Twitter source congruence.False memory increased for groups with incongruent article and Twitter sources.Readers may assess validity of Twitter information based on author expertise.
Fundamental factors and extrapolation in stock-market expectations: The central role of structural change

Abstract Rational expectations and behavioral-finance models are widely interpreted as representing two distinct conceptions of decision-making: rational and irrational, respectively. Using survey data, this paper presents econometric evidence that both fundamental factors and extrapolation drive participants’ expectations of stock returns, but that they do so in ways that vary over time. Although both the REH and behavioral-finance approaches offer relevant insights for understanding participants’ expectations, neither of these distinct model classes is consistent with time-series data. The paper’s findings also suggest that structural change gives rise to ambiguity about the correct quantitative model driving outcomes. This ambiguity, faced by economists and market participants alike, is the key to according both fundamental and behavioral factors a role in rational forecasting.
Transformation-Associated Tumor Antigens

Publisher Summary Tumor antigens are experimentally defined as chemical moieties, associated with a tumor in an animal, that elicit an immune response in the host. The tumor antigen may reside on the cell surface and result in transplantation rejection of the tumor, in which case it may be termed a “tumor-specific transplantation antigen” (TSTA). Alternatively, the tumor antigen may be localized intracellularly and induce an immune response by virtue of cell death or tissue necrosis. Some tumor antigens can induce antibody production in animals bearing a syngeneic tumor graft or even with an autochthonous tumor graft. Moreover, tumor antigens may act as a fingerprint or a reflection of what is happening at the genomic level in a tumorigenic cell. Antibodies produced in tumor-bearing animals can identify a virus present in tumor cells, localizing new cellular genes, which are turned on because of genetic rearrangements or proliferation of that cell. It is equally true, however, that some of these antigens may be irrelevant to either the primary or secondary causes of the tumor or even the control of tumor growth.