cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Induction with Cladribine: Effects of Age and Leukemia Risk

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induction traditionally includes seven days of cytarabine and three days of an anthracycline (7+3). Co-administration of cladribine may increase efficacy of cytarabine. This rationale directed Saint Louis University (SLU) to adopt a regimen derived from the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (Holowiecki, JCO 2012) which adds five days of cladribine to idarubicin based 7+3 (IAC). We report the SLU experience with toxicity and survival following IAC induction. Additionally, we discuss the effects of IAC in patients 60 and older as an area of particular interest. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with newly diagnosed AML (APL excluded) and high-risk MDS who received IAC from January 2009 to September 2015. IAC was initiated as cytarabine 200mg/m2 by continuous infusion for seven days, idarubicin 12mg/m2 daily for three days, and cladribine 5mg/m2 for five days. Mortality and disease response were analyzed, with stratification by age and NCCN leukemia risk classification. Results: Of 107 patients, 57 patients (53%) were age 60 and older. By NCCN cytogenetic and molecular stratification, 21 (20%) had favorable risk; 43 (40%) intermediate risk; and 43 (40%) poor risk leukemia. Complete response (CR) occurred in 75 (70%) patients and CRi in an additional 9 patients (8%) for an overall response rate of 79% (see Table 1). At one year, 58% of patients were still alive with 47% (27/57) of patients ≥60 years and 72% (36/50) of those Adverse events: Overall, the treatment related mortality (TRM) (defined as death within the first 28 days) was 11%. Eleven of 12 TRM events occurred in patients ≥60 years (OR 12, 95% CI 1.5-94). Diarrhea occurred in 71% of patients with 46% enduring mucositis. Intensive care unit admission occurred in 23% overall, and infections were documented in 73% of patients. Most common infectious etiology was coagulase negative staph in 29% (23/78). For patients surviving to discharge (90/107), median hospitalization was 30 days post induction. Conclusions: Cladribine combined with cytarabine and idarubicin is an effective induction regimen for AML with high rates of CR, even in patients 60 and older. Our data show that NCCN leukemia risk is a better predictor of survival compared to age and that patients aged ≥60 years have better survival (lower HR for death) compared to those with intermediate or poor risk leukemia. Additionally, CR and 1 year overall survival with IAC are better than expected in the older cohort, however, TRM is elevated among those 60 and older. Higher intensity regimens in older patients may be justified in select patients, especially given the greater life expectancies enjoyed in the modern era. Several ongoing prospective trials investigating the safety and efficacy of cladribine in older patients will provide additional information to inform the use of IAC in older patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The effect of integration masking on visual processing in perceptual categorization

Learning to recognize and categorize objects is an essential cognitive skill allowing animals to function in the world. However, animals rarely have access to a canonical view of an object in an uncluttered environment. Hence, it is essential to study categorization under noisy, degraded conditions. In this article, we explore how the brain processes categorization stimuli in low signal-to-noise conditions using multivariate pattern analysis. We used an integration masking paradigm with mask opacity of 50%, 60%, and 70% inside a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The results show that mask opacity affects blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal in visual processing areas (V1, V2, V3, and V4) but does not affect the BOLD signal in brain areas traditionally associated with categorization (prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus). This suggests that when a stimulus is difficult to extract from its background (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio), the visual system extracts the stimulus and that activity in areas typically associated with categorization are not affected by the difficulty level of the visual conditions. We conclude with implications of this result for research on visual attention, categorization, and the integration of these fields.
Role of motifs in topological robustness of gene regulatory networks

Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) are biological networks that have been widely studied for their ability to regulate protein synthesis in cells by robust signal propagation. The innate biological robustness of GRN is attributed to the occurrence of statistically significant subgraphs, called motifs. While Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) topologies designed using GRN graphs, called bio-WSNs, have been proven to exhibit significant improvement in packet delivery and network latency over random graph-based WSNs, it is still not clear what role motifs play in the observed performance improvement of bio-WSNs. This work explores why a dominant 3-node motif, called Feed Forward Loop (FFL), typifies the robustness of GRN motifs. We also employ graph centrality metrics to corroborate biological studies that have shown motifs to provide pathways for signal propagation in GRNs. Finally, we perform graph-theoretic and simulation experiments on GRN subgraphs and their corresponding bio-WSNs to demonstrate that nodes with high FFL motif participation offer multiple short and robust communication pathways, despite the failure of random and targeted nodes and links.
Rheumatoid arthritis in 2017: Protective dietary and hormonal factors brought to light

Tremendous progress has been made in the identification of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk factors in 2017. The results of epidemiologic studies highlighted dietary factors and hormones that are associated with slowing the transition from one preclinical phase of RA to another, potentially protecting individuals from developing RA.
Cross-Domain Secure Computation

Consider the setting of two mutually distrustful parties Alice and Bob communicating over the Internet, who want to securely evaluate desired functions on their private inputs. In this setting all known protocols for securely evaluating general functions either require honest parties to trust an external party or provide only weaker notions of security. Thus, the question of minimizing or removing trusted set-up assumptions remains open. In this work, we introduce the cross-domain model CD for secure computation as a means to reducing the level of required trust. In this model, each domain consists of a set of mutually trusting parties along with a key-registration authority, where we would like parties from distinct domains to be able to perform multiple secure computation tasks concurrently. In this setting, we show the followings: Positive Construction for 2 domains: We give a multiparty-party protocol that concurrently and securely evaluates any function in the CD model with two domains, using only a constant number of rounds and relying only on standard assumptions.Impossibility Results for 3 or more domains: Consider a deterministic function e.g., 1-out-of-2 bit OT that Alice and Bob in the standalone setting cannot evaluate trivially and which allows only Bob to receive the output. In this setting if besides Alice and Bob there is a third party such that all three are from distinct domains then they cannot securely compute any such function in the CD model in concurrent setting even when their inputs are pre-specified. These results extend to the setting of multiple parties as well. In particular, there exists an n-party concurrently secure protocol in the CD model of n domains if and only if there are exactly n domains in the system.
Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in the Pig Model

Abstract In an effort to further evaluate the potential application of laparoscopy to urologic surgery, we explored the feasibility of using this minimally invasive approach for performing a partial nephrectomy. Nine female pigs underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) utilizing a plastic cable tie (15 mm. × 4 mm. × 1 mm.) to achieve renal ischemia and an Argon Beam Coagulator probe (ABC) (Birtcher Medical Systems) to fulgurate the transected surface. Six weeks after LPN, 6 pigs underwent creatinine clearance, renin level, arteriography, BP samples and were then killed. The renal remnants were weighed and sectioned for histological studies. These studies revealed excellent function of the renal remnant, no AV fistula, and no evidence of renovascular hypertension. LPN is a feasible, repeatable procedure in the pig. Control of the renal hilum, transient parenchymal compression with a plastic cable, and use of the argon beam coagulator are key elements in performing this procedure. Accepted for publication December 21, 1992.
Effects of climate change on reptiles with temperature-dependent sex determination and potential adaptation via maternal nest-site choice

Oviposition-site choice is a major maternal effect by which females can affect the survival and phenotype of their offspring. Across oviparous species, the ultimate reasons for females’ selection of oviposition sites often differ. We present six hypotheses that have been used to explain non-random oviposition-site choice in insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds: 1) maximizing embryo survival; 2) maximizing maternal survival; 3) modifying offspring phenotype; 4) proximity to suitable habitat for offspring; 5) maintaining natal philopatry; and 6) indirect oviposition-site choice via mate-choice. Because these hypotheses differ in their relevance across oviparous taxa, each hypothesis must be tested to ensure accurate understanding of the ultimate reason behind oviposition-site choice in a particular taxon. By presenting the major hypotheses for oviposition-site choice as they relate to diverse oviparous animals, we nonetheless illustrate particular trends across animal taxa while highlighting avenues for future research into the ecological and evolutionary drivers of oviposition-site choice.
Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells

The study of viscoelastic and adhesive properties of cells falls under the discipline of cellular mechanics. Our knowledge of cell mechanics has been limited until the development of tools that allow us to measure minute forces (piconewton) and small dimensions (nanometer) at the cellular level. The atomic force microscope (AFM) is a very useful tool for determining the mechanical properties of cells as it allows experiments to be conducted under physiological conditions. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the AFM as a tool for measuring the mechanical (viscoelastic and adhesive) properties of living cells. First, the differentmodes of operation of the AFM are briefly introduced, drawing special attention to the force mode. Then, the methods used to determine the viscoelasticity of cells are described, followed by a review of the available methods for determining cell adhesion at both single-molecule and whole-cell levels.
Blocking the Exit: CHIKV Neutralizing Antibodies Nip Viral Egress in the Bud

Neutralizing antibody responses are critical for protection from virus-induced disease. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Jin et al. (2018) use advanced microscopy to elucidate mechanisms by which anti-CHIKV neutralizing monoclonal antibodies block viral egress and activate ADCC, suggesting such antibodies may be "triply functional."
Prognostic value of preoperative surgical morbidity risk-stratification using morphometric data obtained from routine abdominal CT scans in the setting of pancreatic cancer resection.

e17599 Background: Patient frailty is imparative to surgical planning, post-operative morbidity and mortality, and ultimately the ability to undergo adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment. Sarcopenia...
Book review: Suraj Bhan Bhardwaj, Contestations and Accommodations: Mewat and Meos in Mughal India:

Suraj Bhan Bhardwaj, Contestations and Accommodations: Mewat and Meos in Mughal India, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2016, 304 pp., ₹850. ISBN: 9780199462797.
The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a protocol for a randomized, controlled three-arm trial.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) carries a high risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. Previous clinical trials testing whether cholinesterase inhibitors can slow the rate of progression from MCI to AD dementia have yielded disappointing results. However, recent studies of the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in AD have demonstrated improvements in cognitive function. Because few rTMS trials have been conducted in MCI, we designed a trial to test the short-term efficacy of rTMS in MCI. Yet, in both MCI and AD, we know little about what site of stimulation would be ideal for improving cognitive function. Therefore, two cortical sites will be investigated in this trial: (1) the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which has been well studied for treatment of major depressive disorder; and (2) the lateral parietal cortex (LPC), a novel site with connectivity to AD-relevant limbic regions. In this single-site trial, we plan to enroll 99 participants with single or multi-domain amnestic MCI. We will randomize participants to one of three groups: (1) Active DLPFC rTMS; (2) Active LPC rTMS; and (3) Sham rTMS (evenly split between DLPFC and LPC locations). After completing 20 bilateral rTMS treatment sessions, participants will be followed for 6 months to test short-term efficacy and track durability of effects. The primary efficacy measure is the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), assessed 1 week after intervention. Secondary analyses will examine effects of rTMS on other cognitive measures, symptoms of depression, and brain function with respect to the site of stimulation. Finally, selected biomarkers will be analyzed to explore predictors of response and mechanisms of action. The primary aim of this trial is to test the short-term efficacy of rTMS in MCI. Additionally, the project will provide information on the durability of cognitive effects and potentially distinct effects of stimulating DLPFC versus LPC regions. Future efforts would be directed toward better understanding therapeutic mechanisms and optimizing rTMS for treatment of MCI. Ultimately, if rTMS can be utilized to slow the rate of progression to AD dementia, this will be a significant advancement in the field. Clinical Trials NCT03331796. Registered 6 November 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03331796. All items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set are listed in Appendix A. This report is based on version 1, approved by the DSMB on 30 November, 2017 and amended on 14 August, 2018 and 19 September, 2019.
NP-Separate: A New VLSI Design Methodology for Area, Power, and Performance Optimization

Use of standard cells in the very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design enables very short time to market even for complex microprocessors. Thus, most VLSI layouts are designed using standard cells. In this article, we propose a new design methodology, namely, NP-Separate , to reduce the power consumption and area and increase the performance of a VLSI layout more effectively than the standard-cell-based design methodology. NP-Separate uses N cells and P cells composed of NFETs and PFETs only, respectively, thereby providing a higher degree of flexibility than using standard cells. Our simulation results for several benchmark circuits show that NP-Separate reduces the layout area by 9%, power consumption by 10%, power-delay product by 18%, and energy-delay product by 26% on average while satisfying given timing constraints compared to standard-cell-based designs.
Use of Robotics and Novel Technologies in Spine Surgery in Elderly Patients

Abstract As our global population ages, the demand for surgical treatment of spinal disorders in elderly patients has increased. The elderly population poses a unique challenge to spine surgeons due to multiple medical comorbidities and increased likelihood of complications. Robotics are being used for pedicle screw placement to enhance accuracy of placement and minimize surgical invasiveness. Although the use of robotics has not been studied specifically in elderly patients, this population may benefit significantly from the use of robotics as a minimally invasive technique to minimize blood loss, decrease operative time, and lessen postoperative pain—ultimately reducing complications.
A Battery of Easily Accessible, Simple Tools for the Assessment of Concussion in Children.

Objective To determine whether a non-proprietary, novel testing battery can identify recently concussed children within 8 weeks of injury. Study design In total, 568 clinic outpatients aged 10-18 years were sorted into 3 groups: 316 had never been concussed, 162 had ever been concussed before 8 weeks earlier, and 90 had been recently concussed within 8 weeks. At initial and any subsequent visits, a neurologic examination and 4 procedures were performed: Stick Drop, Wall Ball, Sharpened Modified Romberg (SMR), and Animal Naming. Analysis included inter-group and intra-person performance differences using a series of t tests on the Stick Drop, Wall Ball, SMR, and Animal Naming. Results The recently concussed group performed worse (P Conclusions This novel, rapid testing battery distinguished groups of children ages 10-18 years who had and had not experienced a recent concussion. A view that physical concussion symptoms resolve within a month of injury may be incomplete. Deployment of this readily available, inexpensive and non-proprietary battery should be compared with other tools and studied further in serial assessments.
Discovery of an Eclipsing X-Ray Binary with a 32.69 hr Period in M101: An Analog of Her X-1 or LMC X-4?

We report the discovery of an eclipsing X-ray binary in M101, the first such system to be discovered outside the Local Group. Based on a sequence of 25 Chandra observations that sample a wide range of orbital phases, we find a period of 32.688 ± 0.002 hr, which we interpret as an orbital period. The folded light curve exhibits an eclipse lasting about 8 hr, suggesting a compact orbit in a nearly edge-on configuration. The X-ray binary has an average luminosity of LX(0.3-8 keV) ≈ 1.3 × 1038 ergs s-1, with only 1 out of the 25 observations significantly lower in flux than the average light curve. The presence of the eclipse and the ~1.4 day orbital period suggests that this source is an analog of the well-studied eclipsing X-ray binary pulsars Her X-1 or LMC X-4. Combining the Chandra data and the HST ACS/WFC images, we have identified several possible optical counterparts, including an O5-O3 star with V = 25.0 mag. Follow-up optical monitoring observations should be able to identify the donor and further constrain the orbital properties.
"Fato literário" - Iúri Tyniánov

Junto com “Da evolucao literaria” (1927), “Fato literario” (1924) e talvez o mais importante artigo teorico do formalista Iuri Tynianov (1894-1943). Segue-se uma nova traducao do artigo para o portugues acompanhada de comentarios do tradutor e notas selecionadas da edicao critica de E. A. Toddes, A. P. Tchudakov e M. O. Tchudakova (TYNIANOV, 1977).
Generational Joy: Affections, Epigenetics, and Trauma

The performance of Christian liturgy is both “formative and transformative.” 1 It shapes and reshapes us. One way to articulate this power of liturgy is by speaking of affections, which are abiding...
Collegiate coach attitudes towards lesbians and gay men

The purpose of the current study was to examine attitudes towards lesbians and gay men among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, II, and III coaches. Coaches (N = 290) from ...
Holographic Imaging and Stimulation of Neural Circuits

A critical neuroscience challenge is the need to optically image and manipulate neural activity with high spatiotemporal resolution over large brain volumes. The last three decades have seen the development of calcium imaging to record activity from neuronal populations, as well as optochemistry and optogenetics to optically manipulate neural activity. These methods are typically implemented with wide-field or laser-scanning microscopes. While the former approach has a good temporal resolution, it generally lacks spatial resolution or specificity, particularly in scattering tissues such as the nervous system; meanwhile, the latter approach, particularly when combined with two-photon excitation, has high spatial resolution and specificity but poor temporal resolution. As a new technique, holographic microscopy combines the advantages of both approaches. By projecting a holographic pattern on the brain through a spatial light modulator, the activity of specific groups of neurons in 3D brain volumes can be imaged or stimulated with high spatiotemporal resolution. In a combination of other techniques such as fast scanning or temporal focusing, this high spatiotemporal resolution can be further improved. Holographic microscopy enables all-optical interrogating of neural activity in 3D, a critical tool to dissect the function of neural circuits.
LWIR sensor parameters for deep learning object detectors

Deep learning has been well studied for its application to image classification, object detection, and other visible spectrum tasks. However, deep learning is only beginning to be considered for applications in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum. In this work, we attempt to quantify the imaging system parameters required to perform specific deep learning tasks without significant pre-processing of the LWIR images or specialized training. We show the capabilities of uncooled microbolometer sensors for Fast Region-based Convolution Neural Networks (Fast R-CNN) object detectors and the extent to which increased sensitivity and resolution will affect a Fast R-CNN object detector’s performance. These results provide guidelines for design requirements for uncooled microbolometers in industries such as commercial autonomous vehicle navigation that will use deep learning object detectors.
Aging and COVID-19 in Minority Populations: a Perfect Storm.

COVID-19 is a major concern for the health and wellbeing of individuals worldwide. As COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to increase in the USA, aging Black and Hispanic populations have emerged as especially at-risk for increased exposure to COVID-19 and susceptibility to severe health outcomes. The current review discusses the weathering hypothesis and the influence of social inequality on the identified health disparities. Aging minoritized populations have endured structural and social inequality over the lifecourse. Consequently, these populations experience weathering, a process that results in physiological dysregulation due to stress associated with persistent disadvantage. Through weathering and continued inequity, aging minoritized populations have an increased risk of exposure and poor health outcomes from COVID-19. Current literature and available data suggests that aging minoritized persons experience high rates of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The current review hypothesizes and supports that observed disparities are the result of inequalities that especially affect Black and Hispanic populations over the lifecourse. Future efforts to address these disparities should emphasize research that supports governments in identifying at-risk groups, providing accessible COVID-19-related information to those groups, and implementing policy that addresses the structural and social inequities that perpetuate current COVID-19 disparities.
Cardiovascular Health in Individuals with Exceptional Longevity Residing in Arkansas

Cardiovascular disease is a common comorbidity associated with an aging population. However, there is a unique group of individuals whose age-defying qualities are still being investigated.This ret...
Developing a Logistic Regression Method for Valuation of Grid-Level Energy Storage Systems

Logistic regression models can serve as important tools in developing a framework to establish the value of electrical energy storage systems (ESSs). This study provides models that aggregate use-case scenarios of five battery types, as well as pumped hydro-electric storage systems. The grid applications include: bulk energy at generation, auxiliary services at transmission and distribution, and end-use customer services at distributed generation. The data is derived from 1,261 real world systems. Five different models were developed for short, medium, and long-duration grid services. The models are designed to be technology agnostic and are not sensitive to either performance characteristics or operating conditions of the ESS. The results indicate the probability that an energy storage project will provide an individual service use case given that it may also yield another service, and how technology types and multiple selected applications influence those probabilities.
Physics based compressive sensing to monitor temperature and melt flow in laser powder bed fusion

Abstract Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) as a metal additive manufacturing process enables the fabrication of complex parts with various alloys. However, its potential of industry applications is limited by the variability of build qualities. The microstructures of the build are influenced by thermal history and melt flow. To overcome the limitation of conventional sensing methods for measuring the temperature and velocity fields in the melt pool, a novel technique called physics based compressive sensing (PBCS) is proposed. Based on some temperature measurements on the top surface of melt pool and a multiphysics model, PBCS can recover and reconstruct the complete temperature and velocity fields in three dimensions. The PBCS results are validated with experimental data from traditional infrared thermal imaging and x-ray imaging. With the proposed PBCS, the cost-effectiveness of LPBF process monitoring can be significantly improved.
Multiplier Representations of Sequence Spaces with Applications to Lipschitz Spaces and Spaces of Functions of Generalized Bounded Variation

For a wide class of Banach spaces of complex sequences, multiplier representations are given. If Lip(E, ∝) is a Banach space of sequences of Fourier coefficients of distributions in a Lipschitz space of order ∝ and VE is a Banach space of sequences of Fourier coefficients of distributions of generalized bounded variation, then these representations lead to extensions to Lip (E ∝) and VE of theorems of Privalov (on the conjugate invariance of Lip∝ (0 1/2)) and of Zygmund (on the absolute convergence of Fourier series of fe BV2π ∩ Lip∝, (∝>0)).
Maternal pregnancy hormone profiles in areas with a different incidence of breast cancer - reply

Maternal pregnancy hormone profiles in areas with a different incidence of breast cancer – reply
Left renal vein obstruction associated with nonrenal malignancy. Detection by computed tomography and ultrasonography.

Abstract Left renal vein (LRV) obstruction may result from retroperitoneal spread of nonrenal malignancy. Whereas, heretofore, renal venography has been necessary to confirm such an obstruction, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) are presently the noninvasive imaging modalities of choice to substantiate the diagnosis. In 7 patients with LRV obstruction associated with carcinoma of the pancreas or lung or lymphoma, excretory urography (EU) demonstrated slight enlargement of the left kidney with attenuation of its pyelocalyceal system. Two patients showed ureteral notching. CT, performed in 6 patients, revealed retroperitoneal mass adjacent to the LRV in 5 and LRV dilatation in 3. Small round or tubular densities representing collateral veins were visualized medial to the left kidney in 3 patients. US, performed in 3 patients, revealed a generalized increase in renal parenchymal echogenicity, a mass adjacent to the LRV in 2 and an LRV clot in 1.
Evaluation of the APOH gene as a positional candidate for prcd in dogs.

Purpose Progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd) is an autosomal recessive retinal degeneration of dogs characterized by abnormalities in lipid metabolism. It has recently been mapped to the centromeric region of canine chromosome 9, homologous to human 17q, which contains the apolipoprotein H (apoH, protein; APOH, gene) gene involved in lipid metabolism and regulation of triglycerides. The present study was undertaken to evaluate APOH as a positional candidate for prcd. Methods Expression of APOH in the retina was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by immunocytochemistry in normal and prcd-affected dogs. The level of apoH in the plasma was determined by western blot analysis. Intragenic polymorphic markers were identified and typed in the prcd pedigree. Canine-rodent hybrid cell lines were analyzed to detect canine APOH. Results ApoH has been localized to the photoreceptor outer segment layer by immunocytochemistry. Its expression in the retina of normal and prcd-affected dogs was confirmed by RT-PCR. The levels of antihuman apoH cross-reacting material in plasma were similar in all dogs, regardless of disease status. Finally, linkage analysis of the APOH gene with the disease locus in the prcd pedigree detected 3 recombinants among 70 informative offsprings (lod score 15.09 at 0 = 4.3 centimorgan [cM]). Conclusions APOH is expressed in the retina and tightly linked to the prcd locus. However, despite its potential role in phenotypes of abnormal lipid metabolism associated with prcd, the gene has been excluded as a primary candidate for prcd by linkage analysis.
Five cases of fulminant hepatitis due to herpes simplex virus in adults

Five cases of fulminant hepatitis due to herpes simplex virus were identified among patients admitted to the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute between January 1991 and September 1994. The diagnosis was established in three of the five patients on the basis of transjugular liver biopsy specimen results. These three patients were treated with acyclovir; two survived and one required liver transplantation. Early histologic diagnosis, specific antiviral treatment, and liver transplantation in selected patients may improve the clinical outcome of this almost uniformly fatal disease.
The impact of the global economic crisis on sovereign wealth funds

This paper analyses the effects of the recent global economic crisis upon sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). Since mid-2007, SWFs have experienced significant portfolio losses, a decline in fund inflows, and enhanced scrutiny from their own governments. SWFs have been utilised for sovereign stabilisation programs and have helped finance troubled Western banks. SWFs and the IMF have also created a set of best practices known as the Santiago Principles. From these developments, many SWFs have moved to relatively shorter investment time horizons and more liquid holdings, revamped their transparency and management, experienced a temporary improvement in their images, begun to hold controlling stakes in major Western corporations, and have improved their coordination with institutional investors and other SWFs. Going forward, these changes, alongside the relatively strong post-crisis asset position held by SWFs in comparison to other asset vehicles, make SWFs well-positioned to play an even more prominent role in global finance.
Waiting for Rain: Agriculture and Ecological Imbalance in Cape Verde

Waiting for Rain: Agriculture and Ecological Imbalance in Cape Verde. Mark Langworthy and Timothy J. Finan. Boulder, CO:LynneRienner, 1997.212 pp.
Vertex Operator Algebras Associated to Admissible Representations of

The Kac-Wakimoto admissible modules for \(\hat{sl}_2\) are studied from the point of view of vertex operator algebras. It is shown that the vertex operator algebra L(l,0) associated to irreducible highest weight modules at admissible level \(l={p\over q}-2\) is not rational if l is not a positive integer. However, a suitable change of the Virasoro algebra makes L(l,0) a rational vertex operator algebra whose irreducible modules are exactly these admissible modules for \(\hat{sl}_2\) and for which the fusion rules are calculated. It is also shown that the q-dimensions with respect to the new Virasoro algebra are modular functions.
Language and Identity in a Dual Immersion School by Kim Potowski

In her book, Language and Identity in a Dual Immersion School, Kim Potowski gives a comprehensive overview on language choice complexities in a dual immersion program in the United States. She clea...
The fibrinolytic system facilitates tumor cell migration across the blood-brain barrier in experimental melanoma brain metastasis

Patients with metastatic tumors to the brain have a very poor prognosis. Increased metastatic potential has been associated with the fibrinolytic system. We investigated the role of the fibrinolytic enzyme plasmin in tumor cell migration across brain endothelial cells and growth of brain metastases in an experimental metastatic melanoma model. Metastatic tumors to the brain were established by direct injection into the striatum or by intracarotid injection of B16F10 mouse melanoma cells in C57Bl mice. The role of plasminogen in the ability of human melanoma cells to cross a human blood-brain barrier model was studied on a transwell system. Wild type mice treated with the plasmin inhibitor epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and plg -/- mice developed smaller tumors and survived longer than untreated wild type mice. Tumors metastasized to the brain of wild type mice treated with EACA and plg -/- less efficiently than in untreated wild type mice. No difference was observed in the tumor growth in any of the three groups of mice. Human melanoma cells were able to cross the human blood-brain barrier model in a plasmin dependent manner. Plasmin facilitates the development of tumor metastasis to the brain. Inhibition of the fibrinolytic system could be considered as means to prevent tumor metastasis to the brain.
A pass transistor regular structure for implementing multi-level combinational circuits

Implementation of multi-level combinational circuits using pass transistors and transmission gates is presented. The circuits are built with a new set of pass transistor gates, creating a network with well defined logic values at any node. A method to identify certain logic patterns is presented with the goal to reduce the number of pass transistor gates required to implement a logic function. SPICE simulations verified by the simulation of an example circuit show significant speed improvements for combinational circuits designed with pass transistor gates. >
Social Transformation and Islamic Reinterpretation in Northern Somalia: The Women's Mosque in Gabiley

Traditional Somali society was a liberal Moslem society, yet women were denied Islamic scholarship and leadership. The patriarchal British colonial order and secular education reinforced “traditional” discrimination against women. Commercialization, intensified by colonialism, led to the introduction of a new female dress code and the reinterpretation of Islamic practice to include housewivization of middle class wives. Discrimination against female secular education began to change in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Demand for girls' secular education opened girls' access to Islamic education. Girls' knowledge of the Qur'an was a prerequisite for secular school admission. This generated mutuality between secular and Islamic education. One of the biggest obstacles to girls' secular education was the lack of women Qur'anic teachers. A miracle brought Sheikh Marian Sheikh Ismail and her family to the town of Gabiley in the early 1960s. She established her own girls' Qur'anic school, which immediately became...
Effects of fear appeal format and consumer personality on ad processing and persuasion: A preliminary analysis

This paper investigates how communication format and consumer personality impact processing and persuasion within a fear appeal context. By altering the sequence of threats and recommendations contained within a fear appeal, two format conditions were created: a balanced format (a repeating sequence of a single threat followed by a single recommendation) and a traditional format (multiple threats followed by multiple recommendations). Using the repression-sensitization scale, subjects were classified as either sensitizers (those who cope by extensive thought) or repressors (those who cope by avoidance or denial). Under a balanced format condition, sensitizers produced more support arguments and fewer counterarguments and reported greater behavioral intentions to comply with message recommendations.
Developing reference data for nerve conduction studies: an application of quantile regression.

Introduction: The interpretation of nerve conduction studies, as with any diagnostic test, requires an ability to differentiate normal from abnormal. To this end there have been many efforts to establish reference or normative data, but they have been hampered by a variety of methodological shortcomings. The goal of this article is to introduce a statistical method known as quantile regression, which we contend is better suited than existing methods to generate reference data, especially when there is a need to adjust for covariates. Methods: Statistical methods previously used for generation of reference data are reviewed. Quantile regression is presented and used to estimate the lower percentiles for response amplitudes of the radial sensory and tibial motor nerves. Results: Using data from 190 subjects, it is possible to estimate as low as the 2nd percentile for the radial nerve. Using data from 99 subjects it is possible to estimate as low as the 4th percentile for the tibial nerve. Percentile estimation for both nerves required adjustment for age, but no other covariates. Discussion: Quantile regression is well suited to the estimation of extreme percentiles, the very percentiles that are most relevant to reference data. It is also less dependent on data distribution and permits covariate adjustment, even for continuous variables such as age, which are clinically important determinants of reference data for nerve conduction studies. We recommend the use of quantile regression for future studies of reference data. Muscle Nerve 40: 763–771, 2009
On the Atmospheric Response to SST Anomalies Associated with the Atlantic Warm Event during 1984

Abstract The impact of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies observed during the Northern Hemisphere spring of 1984, which include the growing phase of an intense Atlantic warm event on the atmospheric circulation over the tropical Atlantic and Pacific is investigated using the nine-layer, low resolution version of the UCLA general circulation model. This impact is contrasted with that for the same period during 1983, when SST anomalies include the decaying phase of the strongest Pacific El Nino on record. Results obtained in control and anomaly simulations, consisting, respectively, of extended integrations with and without the observed SST anomalies, are analyzed. It is found that simulated anomalies in the atmospheric circulation corresponding to 1984 include low-level westerlies over the equatorial Atlantic and easterlies over the equatorial Pacific. There are centers of anomalous low-level convergence and divergence off the northeast coast of Brazil and equatorial Brazil, respectively, which are as...
Review: Strange Bedfellows by David Barash and Judith Lipton

Monogamy is rare in the animal kingdom, but what can we learn from nature's success stories
Transvitreal endoresection of refractory retinal capillary hemangioblastoma after feeder vessel ligation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Retinal capillary hemangioma (RCH) is a developmental vascular tumor occurring sporadically or associated with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Treatment for large solitary RCH is challenging. Laser, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and en bloc resection for advanced cases have been described in the literature without consensus on standard management. MATERIALS AND METHODS A novel technique of 20-gauge transvitreal endoresection of solitary peripheral RCH after ligating the feeder vessels is described. RESULTS Tumors were successfully resected after ligating the feeder vessels bimanually in a closed and more controlled ocular environment. Feeder vessel ligation is intended to compensate for the involution time of the caliber of feeder vessels, when postoperative hemorrhage is more likely to occur. Another advantage of ligating the blood vessels is to secure hemostasis without using heavy endocautery. Postoperatively, proliferative vitreoretinopathy remains a concern. CONCLUSION Pending a larger randomized trial, performing endoresection in RCH that is large and unresponsive to conventional treatment is an acceptable option.
Corridor Preservation: Best Practices for Local Governments

Corridor preservation is an issue of growing concern. The costs of providing transportation infrastructure are escalating, particularly in growing urbanized areas. Right-of-way (ROW) costs often represent the single largest expenditure for a transportation improvement. ROW becomes so costly that jurisdictions are unable to provide needed transportation infrastructure, the existing system will fail to function as planned, and quality of life will suffer. It is critical for local governments to work within their authority to ensure that land for future transportation facilities is preserved as development occurs. Better coordination of land use and transportation decisions will result in a variety of benefits, including earlier public notification of the ROW needs for planned road improvements, less need to relocate homes or businesses when improvements are made, and less damage to existing sites when the land is acquired. Many jurisdictions have some method of ROW preservation, but most lack a systematic p...
The frequency independence of stress induced g-shifts of Nd3+ and U3+ in SrF2

Abstract Experiments measuring the stress induced shifts in the EPR spectra of Nd 3+ and U 3+ in SrF 2 were carried out between 12.4 and 17.9 GHz. The shifts in the resonant magnetic field are consistent with g -shifts which are independent of frequency.
Neurologic manifestations of intravascular lymphomatosis

Intravascular lymphomatosis is a rare fatal neoplasm characterized by malignant cells of lymphocytic lineage producing vascular occlusions. The cerebral vasculature is particularly affected. Two patients seen at our institution presented with progressive neurologic deficits including dementia, hemiparesis and myelopathy. Review of an additional 64 reported cases with neurologic involvement indicates that patients developed intermittent fevers, an encephalopathy ranging from acute disorientation to rapidly progressive dementia, and focal signs such as hemiparesis and myelopathy. Common laboratory abnormalities include elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein and a lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated blood erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum lactate dehydrogenase. Malignant cells are rarely seen in cerebrospinal fluid, blood or bone marrow. Neuroimaging is usually abnormal with parenchymal lesions seen on cerebral tomography and magnetic resonance imaging along with an occasional meningeal pattern of contrast enhancement. Treatment with corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or plasmapheresis provided limited benefit. Intravascular lymphomatosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained progressive encephalopathy with superimposed focal deficits.
Time-dependent unrestricted Hartree-Fock theory for the multiphoton ionization of atoms.

Time-dependent unrestricted Hartree-Fock (TDUHF) theory is formulated for the multiphoton ionization of a model atom. The single-particle states are nonorthogonal and the quantum variational principle requires additional normalization terms. For a model He atom, the three-dimensional (3D) electrostatic interaction is replaced by a 1D soft-core interaction that allows the construction of the two-electron atom in only two dimensions. The resulting 1D formulation of the TDUHF equations contains numerous exchange and overlap terms. The TDUHF multiphoton ionization rates are found to be in better agreement with the results of a direct solution of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation on a 2D lattice than the rates predicted by a 1D formulation of the standard TDHF equations.
In situ mutagenic and other effects associated with lead smelting

Abstract In situ mutagenesis and other physiologically toxic effects associated with a lead-smelting operation are measured in Zea, Tradescantia, Glycine and Peromyscus. The effects are correlated with concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn, components of the smelter effluents, and with distance from the smelter. Increase in mutation frequency and pollen abortion is observed in Zea and Tradescantia and increase of urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid excretion is noted in Peromyscus. Decrease in height of Zea, flowering time of Tradescantia and nitrogen fixation of Glycine root are also observed.
On the marine geochemistry of nickel

Abstract Nickel has been measured on four Geosecs profiles from the Atlantic and Pacific. The resulting distribution is oceanographically consistent: the concentration levels are over a factor of five lower than any previously reported. Values range from as low as 3 nmoles/kg in surface waters to 12 nmoles/kg in the deep North Pacific. The form of the Pacific profiles indicates that nickel is involved in the biogeochemical cycle and is regenerated both at shallow depths, like phosphate and in the deep waters like silicate. The oceanic residence time is ca. 10,000 years. While ferromanganese phases may be the ultimate sink for nickel they do not control its distribution in the water column.
Swaying is a mutant allele of the proto-oncogene Wnt-1

Mice homozygous for the recessive mutation swaying (sw) are characterized by ataxia and hypertonia, attributed to the malformation of anterior regions of the cerebellum. We show that sw is a deletion of a single base pair from the proto-oncogene Wnt-1. The deletion is predicted to cause premature termination of translation, eliminating the carboxy-terminal half of the Wnt-1 protein. Histological examination shows that sw is phenotypically identical to a previously described wnt-1 mutation introduced into mice by gene targeting. Although both mutations in Wnt-1 disrupt primarily the development of the anterior cerebellum, they also exhibit a variability in expressivity such that rostrally adjacent structures in the midbrain and caudally adjacent structures in the posterior cerebellum can also be affected.