cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Graves disease-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disease that carries a high mortality. Very few case reports in the literature have described a relationship between Graves disease and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. We present a case of a patient with Graves disease who was found to be biochemically and clinically hyperthyroid with concurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Our patient was a 30-year-old African American woman with a history of hypertension and a family history of Graves disease who had recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and placed on methimazole. She presented to our hospital with the complaints of progressive shortness of breath and dizziness. Her vital signs were stable. On further evaluation, she was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, depending on clinical and laboratory results, and also was found to have highly elevated free T4 and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone. She received multiple sessions of plasmapheresis and ultimately had a total thyroidectomy. The patient’s hospital course was complicated by pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Her platelets stabilized at approximately 50,000/μl, and her ADAMTS13 activity normalized despite multiple complications. The patient ultimately had a cardiac arrest with pulseless electrical activity and died despite multiple attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Graves disease is an uncommon trigger for the development of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and very few cases have been reported thus far. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this association in the appropriate clinical context to comprehensively monitor hyperthyroid patients during treatment.
Comparison of vaginal microbiota in gynecologic cancer patients pre- and post-radiation therapy and healthy women

Background While the importance of commensal microbes in vaginal health is well appreciated, little is known about the effects of gynecological cancer (GynCa) and radiation therapy (RT) on the vaginal microbiome (VM) of postmenopausal women. Methods We studied women with GynCa, pre- (N = 65) and post-RT (N = 25) and a group of healthy controls (N = 67) by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from vaginal swabs and compared the diversity and composition of VMs between the three groups accounting for potential confounding factors in multivariate analysis of variance. Results Comparisons of cancer vs healthy groups revealed that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have significantly higher relative abundance in the healthy group, while the cancer group was enriched in 16 phylogroups associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and inflammation, including Sneathia, Prevotella, Peptoniphilus, Fusobacterium, Anaerococcus, Dialister, Moryella, and Peptostreptococcus. In our sample, RT affected the α-diversity and correlated with higher abundance of typically rare VM species, including several members of the Lacnospiraceae family, a taxon previously linked to vaginal dysbiosis. In addition to cancer and treatment modalities, age and vaginal pH were identified as significant parameters that structure the VM. Conclusions This is among the first reports identifying VM changes among postmenopausal women with cancer. RT alone seems to affect several phylogroups (12 bacterial genera), while gynecological cancer and its treatment modalities are associated with even greater significant shifts in the vaginal microbiota including the enrichment of opportunistic bacterial pathogens, which warrants further attention.
The Effects of Dogs on Learning: A Meta-Analysis

Integrating dogs into learning environments is becoming more prevalent as growing evidence demonstrates positive benefits of dogs on human functioning. To date, there is no known quantitative revie...
Enhancing Patient Understanding of Medication Risks and Benefits.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of: the DrugFactsBox® format for presenting written medication information and the SMART (Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training) Program designed to enhance gist reasoning ability. Methods We used a 2 x 2 factorial research design. 286 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to one of four groups: DrugFactsBox® Only, DrugFactsBox® Plus SMART, Other Consumer Medication Information (CMI) Only, and Other CMI Plus SMART. Data were collected via telephone interviews and online questionnaires at four time points: Baseline and 6-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months following baseline. The primary outcome variable was Informed Decision-Making, defined as making a value-consistent decision concerning use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs based on adequate knowledge. Results We found no main effects for the two interventions, either alone or in combination. However, there was a significant interaction between assignment to SMART/No SMART Program and Informed Decision-Making at baseline. Among participants in the SMART groups who did not meet the criteria for Informed Decision-Making at baseline, 42.5% met the criteria at the 6-month follow-up, compared to 23.6% of participants in the No SMART groups (Mean Difference=18.9, 95% CI=5.6, 32.2, p=0.007). This difference was driven by increased knowledge in the SMART groups. Among participants who met the criteria for Informed Decision-Making at baseline, the difference between the SMART and No SMART groups was not statistically significant. Conclusions Participation in a theory-driven program to enhance gist reasoning may have a beneficial effect on Informed Decision-Making among patients with inadequate knowledge concerning therapeutic options.
Whose Traditions Count? Questioning New Urbanism’s Traditional Neighborhood in the American South:

This article discusses the ontological underpinnings and normative assumptions of the New Urbanism paradigm by exploring how long-term residents explain differences in two historic neighborhoods in...
Utilizing Gaussian processes to fit high dimension thermodynamic data that includes estimated variability

Abstract CALPHAD-based thermodynamic modeling is an integral component of any ICME framework applied to the accelerated development of alloys. The utility of this type of analysis is that it provides knowledge about the impact of chemistry and (to some degree) processing on the phase stability of alloys. This information can later be passed on to other computational tools which can be used to narrow the experimental space that needs to be explored to arrive at optimal alloy designs. Two major challenges arise with these techniques: (1) it is difficult to interface the outputs of such models with other computational tools without significant overhead; (2) CALPHAD-based predictions tend to be agnostic with regards to uncertainty. The latter challenge is because in commercial thermodynamic packages, it is often not possible to access the model parameters as they tend to be encrypted, making the associated thermodynamic databases essentially ‘black boxes’ and so methods that consider only the inputs to the models must be considered. In the current work, we develop surrogate models of CALPHAD-based phase stability predictions that fulfill two objectives: (1) they enable the offline evaluation of a component of the ICME model chain that can then be incorporated into a more complete alloy design scheme without the need to directly interface with a thermodynamic engine; (2) they allow for the consideration of uncertainty. We apply the framework to the investigation of the impact of chemistry and heat treatment on the phase constitution of commercial steel grades and evaluate the performance of this framework relative to direct thermodynamic calculations.
Small System Collectivity in Relativistic Hadronic and Nuclear Collisions

The bulk motion of nuclear matter at the ultrahigh temperatures created in heavy ion collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider is well described in terms of ne...
Review of acute kidney injury and continuous renal replacement therapy in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

To review the relevant literature of acute kidney injury (AKI) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) as it relates to pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Available online relevant literature. ECMO is a therapeutic modality utilized to support patients with refractory respiratory and/or cardiac failure. AKI and fluid overload (FO) are frequently observed in this patient population. There are multiple modalities that can be utilized for AKI and FO which include the following: diuretics, in-line hemofiltration, and CRRT. There are multiple considerations when using CRRT with ECMO including access, CRRT flows, hemolysis, anticoagulation, and CRRT termination. While each ECMO center has its own set of equipment, experiences, and practices, it is imperative that the international ECMO community continues to work together to provide an evidence-based approach to address the morbidity and mortality associated with AKI and FO.
Exploratory Analysis of Electronic Cigarette-Related Videos on YouTube: Observational Study.

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has become more popular than cigarette smoking, especially among youth. Social media platforms, including YouTube, are a popular means of sharing information about e-cigarette use (vaping). Objective: This study aimed to characterize the content and user engagement of e-cigarette–related YouTube videos. Methods: The top 400 YouTube search videos related to e-cigarettes were collected in January 2020. Among them, 340 valid videos were classified into provaping, vaping-warning, and neutral categories by hand coding. Additionally, the content of e-cigarette videos and their user engagement (including average views and likes) were analyzed and compared. Results: While provaping videos were dominant among e-cigarette–related YouTube videos from 2007 to 2017, vaping-warning videos started to emerge in 2013 and became dominant between 2018 and 2019. Compared to vaping-warning videos, provaping videos had higher average daily views (1077 vs 822) but lower average daily likes (12 vs 15). Among 161 provaping videos, videos on user demonstration (n=100, 62.11%) were dominant, and videos on comparison with smoking had the highest user engagement (2522 average daily views and 28 average daily likes). Conversely, among 141 vaping-warning videos, videos on potential health risks were the most popular topic (n=57, 40.42%) with the highest user engagement (1609 average daily views and 33 average daily likes). Conclusions: YouTube was dominated by provaping videos, with the majority of videos on user demonstrations before 2018. The vaping-warning videos became dominant between 2018 and 2019, with videos on potential health risks being the most popular topic. This study provides updated surveillance on e-cigarette–related YouTube videos and some important guidance on associated social media regulations.
Women and Diversity: Why the Conversation Must Continue in Financial Services

The financial advising professions are concerned that not only will there be insufficient talent in the workforce to replace those professionals that will soon retire and to meet the expected growth in advisors over the next decade, but the profession is also lacking in diversity. This paper focuses on The University of Akron’s Women and Diversity Symposium, which is the result of the alignment of industry initiatives to increase the number of women and people of diverse backgrounds in the financial services industry. The secondary goal is to increase the number of undergraduate students choosing financial planning as a degree. Through an analysis of surveys completed by attendees at the symposium, this research has shown that the symposium improved the impression of the financial services industry among those that attended.
That's Not Architectural History!Or What's a Discipline For?

At a Society of Architectural Historians annual meeting several years ago, two scholars sat in the hotel bar discussing a paper that had been delivered in a session that afternoon.1 After an intelligent critique of the paper, the conversation concluded when one said to the other, “That's not architectural history!” Their conversation and that statement stuck with me, not because it was so resoundingly intended as a condemnation-via-dismissal of a scholar's work, but because it called to mind the many conversations I have had with colleagues over the years who have, at times, questioned the relationship of my own scholarly efforts, and those of other scholars whose work I admire, to the field of architectural history. Indeed, what is and is not architectural history is a question I've considered throughout my career since I have consistently worked across at least two disciplinary boundaries, and since both my career and my scholarship have recently taken me in directions that move beyond the traditional confines of our field. Declaiming that some subjects of study are or are not architectural history raises a host of interesting questions. Aside from defining architectural history as the study of buildings (and landscapes and cities), it must be acknowledged that somewhat flexible, if not expansive boundaries encompass the field, and that those boundaries periodically shift according to a range of intellectual and cultural forces. But is architectural history enhanced when we add scholarly practices through approaches referred to as interdisciplinarity, multidisciplinarity, or cross-disciplinarity? Where, exactly, are the borders between what is learned “outside” and what is learned “inside” a field? How permeable are those boundaries? And what, after all, is a discipline for? Isn't our work as scholars primarily about the asking and answering of important and meaningful questions? Does it matter how much architecture appears …
Studies in Abstract/Concrete Mappings in Proving Algorithm Correctness

This paper discusses the problem of factoring program proofs into a proof of correctness of an abstract algorithm followed by a proof of correct implementation at the concrete level. The problem of showing that diagrams commute is simplified by the introduction of a set of abstract entities that define constraints on the abstract operations. Correctness at the concrete level is then shown by exhibiting two appropriate mappings, CA (from the concrete state space to the abstract state space) and CE (from the concrete state space to the set of abstract entities).
Belief Logic Programming: Uncertainty Reasoning with Correlation of Evidence

Belief Logic Programming (BLP) is a novel form of quantitative logic programming in the presence of uncertain and inconsistent information, which was designed to be able to combine and correlate evidence obtained from non-independent information sources. BLP has non-monotonic semantics based on the concepts of belief combination functions and is inspired by Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. Most importantly, unlike the previous efforts to integrate uncertainty and logic programming, BLP can correlate structural information contained in rules and provides more accurate certainty estimates. The results are illustrated via simple, yet realistic examples of rule-based Web service integration.
MODEL REACTIONS FOR THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF THYROXINE. X. NON-ENZYMIC FORMATION OF THYROXINE AND 3,3',5'-TRIIODOTHYRONINE RESIDUES IN THYROGLOBULIN.

Abstract Beef or hog thyroglobulin was iodinated with varying amounts of 125ICl. The iodinated thyroglobulin was then permitted to react with 4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenylpyruvic acid in the presence of O2. Radiochromatographic analysis of an enzymic hydrolysate of the reaction mixture showed that labeled thyroxine and 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine residues had been formed in the course of the reaction, apparently by the coupling of labeled diiodotyrosine and monoiodotyrosine residues with 4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenylpyruvic acid.
ACTA: the SAGA continues

ACTA is a comprehensive transaction framework that permits a transaction modeler to specify the e ects of extended transactions on each other and on objects in the database. ACTA allows the speci cation of (1) the interactions between transactions in terms of relationships between signi cant (transaction management) events, such as begin, commit, abort, delegate, split, and join, pertaining to di erent transactions and (2) transactions' e ects on objects' state and concurrency status (i.e., synchronization state). Various extended traditional models have been proposed to deal with applications that involve reactive (endless), open-ended (long-lived) and collaborative (interactive) activities. One such model is Sagas [GS87] A Saga is a set of relatively independent (component) transactions T 1 , T 2 ,..., T n which can interleave in any way with component transactions of other Sagas. Components can commit even before the Saga commits. However, if the Saga subsequently aborts, e ects of the committed components are nulli ed through the invocation of compensating transactions. After giving a brief introduction to the modeling primitives of ACTA, we illustrate their use by giving a complete formal characterization of Sagas. Subsequently, the reasoning power of ACTA is shown by proving properties of Sagas. Finally, the exibility of ACTA is displayed through a series of variations to the original model of Sagas, each variation coming out of changes to the formal characterization of Sagas. This is a reprint of Chapter 10 of \Transactions Models for Advanced Database Applications," edited by A. K. Elmagarmid of Purdue University and published by Morgan Kaufmann (1992) This material is based upon work supported by the N.S.F. under grant CDA-8922572. E-mail: panos@cs.pitt.edu, krithi@cs.umass.edu. Panos K. Chrysanthis Krithi Ramamritham
Characterization of the role of HCN channels in β3-adrenoceptor mediated rat bladder relaxation.

Objective : The second messenger cAMP is involved in both β3 adrenoceptor (β3-AR) mediated detrusor relaxation and the kinetics of Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. Here we characterized the effect HCN channel activation and possible interaction with β3-AR in bladder. Methods : Bladder tissues from Sprague-Dawley rats and Human organ donors obtained for studying species-specific expression of HCN channels by real-time QPCR and Western Blot. Effect of β3-agonist on rat bladder Strips (0.5 x 0.5 x 7 mm in size) was studied during activation and blockade of HCN channels by Lamotrigine and ZD7288, respectively. Results : Expression of all four genes encoding for HCN channels (HCN1-4) was detected separately in bladder mucosa and detrusor from human and rat bladders. Species based differences shown by relatively higher expression of HCN4 isoform in human bladder and that of HCN1 in rat bladder. Western blot confirmed the findings at mRNA level. Cumulative application β3-AR agonist CL316,243 produced a concentration dependent decrease in resting tension of rat bladder strips expressed as integral of mechanical activity. Pre-incubation of HCN channel blocker ZD 7288 opposed the relaxant effect of CL316,243, whereas co-administration of lamotrigine with CL316,243 at equal molar concentrations caused an additive decrease in resting tension. Cumulative addition of ZD7288 and lamotrigine in absence of CL316,243 showed opposing effects on detrusor contractility Conclusions : Species-specific differences noted in expression of HCN channels in bladder. Opposing effects ZD7288 and Lamotrigine in the action of β3-AR agonist demonstrate possible functional interaction of HCN channels and β3-AR in detrusor contractility.
Investigation of BOLD fMRI resonance frequency shifts and quantitative susceptibility changes at 7 T.

Although blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments of brain activity generally rely on the magnitude of the signal, they also provide frequency information that can be derived from the phase of the signal. However, because of confounding effects of instrumental and physiological origin, BOLD related frequency information is difficult to extract and therefore rarely used. Here, we explored the use of high field (7 T) and dedicated signal processing methods to extract frequency information and use it to quantify and interpret blood oxygenation and blood volume changes. We found that optimized preprocessing improves detection of task-evoked and spontaneous changes in phase signals and resonance frequency shifts over large areas of the cortex with sensitivity comparable to that of magnitude signals. Moreover, our results suggest the feasibility of mapping BOLD quantitative susceptibility changes in at least part of the activated area and its largest draining veins. Comparison with magnitude data suggests that the observed susceptibility changes originate from neuronal activity through induced blood volume and oxygenation changes in pial and intracortical veins. Further, from frequency shifts and susceptibility values, we estimated that, relative to baseline, the fractional oxygen saturation in large vessels increased by 0.02–0.05 during stimulation, which is consistent to previously published estimates. Together, these findings demonstrate that valuable information can be derived from fMRI imaging of BOLD frequency shifts and quantitative susceptibility changes.
Fidelity of dose delivery at high dose rate of volumetric modulated arc therapy in a truebeam linac with flattening filter free beams

The purpose of this study is to assess fidelity of radiation delivery between high and low dose rates of the flattening filter free (FFF) modes of a new all-digital design medical linear accelerator (Varian TrueBeam™), particularly for plans optimized for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Measurements were made for the two energies of flattening filter free photon beams with a Varian TrueBeam™ linac: 6 MV (6 XFFF) at 400 and 1400 MU/min, and 10 MV (10 XFFF) at 400 and 2400 MU/min. Data acquisition and analysis was performed with both ionization chambers and diode detector system Delta(4), for square radiation fields and for 8 VMAT treatment plans optimized for SBRT treatment of lung tumors. For the square fields, a percent dose difference between high and low dose rate of the order of 0.3-0.4% for both photon energies was seen with the ionization chambers, while the contribution to the difference from ion recombination was found to be negligible. For both the VMAT and square-field deliveries, the Delta(4) showed the same average percent dose difference between the two dose rates of ~0.8% and ~0.6% for 10 MV and 6 MV, respectively, with the lower dose rate values giving the greater measured dose compared to the high dose rate. Thus, the VMAT deliveries introduced negligible dose differences between high and low dose rate. Finally, reproducibility of dose measurements was good for both energies.
Superior performance of liposomes over enzymatic amplification in a high-throughput assay for myoglobin in human serum

Myoglobin is one of several cardiac markers which become elevated in the blood following an acute myocardial infarction and can aid in the diagnosis of a heart attack. Here, a sandwich immunoassay for myoglobin was developed, including a thorough optimization of fluorescent dye-encapsulating liposomes versus enzymatic amplification (alkaline phosphatase and horseradish peroxidase) at each step. The optimized microtiter plate-based assay was capable of detecting as low as 11.3 pg/mL myoglobin and was successfully applied for the quantification of myoglobin in human serum. In comparison to enzymatic approaches, the liposomes demonstrated lower limits of detection, significantly reduced limits of quantification, improved signal discrimination through substantial signal enhancement, and reduced assay time. Liposomes were stable and functional at ambient temperatures for over 400 days. Finally, ease of use was greater due to lack of reliance on additional reagents, non-time-based signal enhancement, and excellent photostability. Optimal conditions identified for enzymatic approaches can also be used for liposome amplification, which makes substitution of these liposomes into existing assays straightforward. Thus, the extensive studies carried out here suggest that liposomes may be incorporated into formats currently utilizing enzymatic enhanced fluorescence with a potential for increased performance on various levels.
Ethnicity, insurance type, and follow-up in a pediatric weight management program.

Objective: To assess the characteristics of children and adolescents who drop out of a clinical weight management program. Research Methods and Procedures: A retrospective survey of children and adolescents attending a pediatric weight management program [n = 518; mean ± SEM: age 10.4 ± 0.2 years, BMI z-score 4.9 ± 0.1, 62% female, 41% African American and 57% white] was undertaken. Characteristics of children (age, relative weight, gender, and ethnicity) who dropped out of the program were compared with characteristics of those who continued beyond the initial assessment as a function of type of insurance. Results: The children who dropped out of the program after the initial assessment differed by ethnicity from those who continued in the program: 63% of white children returned for more than one visit, whereas only 35% of the African-American children continued in the program. Indemnity insurance coverage was associated with more clinic visits, as compared with managed care insurance. The association between insurance type and clinic visit number was of borderline significance (p = 0.06), when ethnic group was added to this analysis. Discussion: Ethnicity is associated with attendance in a Pediatric Weight Management Program. Given the epidemic of obesity in children and adolescents, issues related to program compliance must be assessed to improve overall outcome. This is especially important given the high rate of obesity among African Americans and the low rate of ongoing attendance observed among African Americans in the Weight Management Program.
The function of value in self-regulation

This commentary argues for a functional perspective of the value–engagement relationship, proposing that evaluation determines engagement. I compare this causal direction—from value to engagement—to regulatory engagement theory, which proposes that engagement determines evaluation. I demonstrate the functional view in self-control research, which finds that people overcome obstacles for goal pursuit, including low probabilities of success, by increasing the value of adhering to an overriding goal. I further suggest that whereas both causal directions—from value to engagement and from engagement to value—are theoretically plausible, empirical studies should provide better ways to distinguish between these conceptually different underlying models.
Cryptic seedling herbivory by nocturnal introduced generalists impacts survival, performance of native and exotic plants

Although much of the theory on the success of invasive species has been geared at escape from specialist enemies, the impact of introduced generalist invertebrate herbivores on both native and introduced plant species has been underappreciated. The role of nocturnal invertebrate herbivores in structuring plant communities has been examined extensively in Europe, but less so in North America. Many nocturnal generalists (slugs, snails, and earwigs) have been introduced to North America, and 96% of herbivores found during a night census at our California Central Valley site were introduced generalists. We explored the role of these herbivores in the distribution, survivorship, and growth of 12 native and introduced plant species from six families. We predicted that introduced species sharing an evolutionary history with these generalists might be less vulnerable than native plant species. We quantified plant and herbivore abundances within our heterogeneous site and also established herbivore removal experiments in 160 plots spanning the gamut of microhabitats. As 18 collaborators, we checked 2000 seedling sites every day for three weeks to assess nocturnal seedling predation. Laboratory feeding trials allowed us to quantify the palatability of plant species to the two dominant nocturnal herbivores at the site (slugs and earwigs) and allowed us to account for herbivore microhabitat preferences when analyzing attack rates on seedlings. The relationship between local slug abundance and percent cover of five common plant taxa at the field site was significantly negatively associated with the mean palatability of these taxa to slugs in laboratory trials. Moreover, seedling mortality of 12 species in open-field plots was positively correlated with mean palatability of these taxa to both slugs and earwigs in laboratory trials. Counter to expectations, seedlings of native species were neither more vulnerable nor more palatable to nocturnal generalists than those of introduced species. Growth comparison of plants within and outside herbivore exclosures also revealed no differences between native and introduced plant species, despite large impacts of herbivores on growth. Cryptic nocturnal predation on seedlings was common and had large effects on plant establishment at our site. Without intensive monitoring, such predation could easily be misconstrued as poor seedling emergence.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Morphometric Analysis of the Corpus Callosum

ABSTRACT Objective The following study seeks to document possible differences in corpus callosal area and shape between children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and controls. Method Fifteen carefully diagnosed right-handed male subjects with ADHD with overactivity symptomatology were compared to 15 right-handed male control subjects. The corpus callosum was divided into seven areas on the midsagittal slice of a magnetic resonance image with shape analysis also conducted. Results An exploratory shape analysis showed no significant differences in shape between the groups. No group differences were found in the area, length, or anterior regions of the corpus callosum. The ADHD subjects were found to have significantly smaller posterior corpus callosum regions than the control group, with the splenium accounting for most of the variance between the groups. Conclusions The splenial area of the corpus callosum is smaller in children with ADHD than in a sample of normally developing children. These smaller areas may relate to commonly seen sustained attention deficits which in turn negatively impact on the development of more advanced levels of attention such as self-regulation. Further study of the regions surrounding the splenial area is suggested to determine whether they are correlated in size to the smaller corpus callosum.
The role of laser interstitial thermal therapy in enhancing progression-free survival of difficult-to-access high-grade gliomas: a multicenter study.

Surgical extent-of-resection has been shown to have an impact on high-grade glioma (HGG) outcomes; however, complete resection is rarely achievable in difficult-to-access (DTA) tumors. Controlled thermal damage to the tumor may have the same impact in DTA-HGGs. We report our multicenter results of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) in DTA-HGGs. We retrospectively reviewed 34 consecutive DTA-HGG patients (24 glioblastoma, 10 anaplastic) who underwent LITT at Cleveland Clinic, Washington University, and Wake Forest University (May 2011–December 2012) using the NeuroBlate® System. The extent of thermal damage was determined using thermal damage threshold (TDT) lines: yellow TDT line (43°C for 2 min) and blue TDT line (43°C for 10 min). Volumetric analysis was performed to determine the extent-of-coverage of tumor volume by TDT lines. Patient outcomes were evaluated statistically. LITT was delivered as upfront in 19 and delivered as salvage in 16 cases. After 7.2 months of follow-up, 71% of cases demonstrated progression and 34% died. The median overall survival (OS) for the cohort was not reached; however, the 1-year estimate of OS was 68 ± 9%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.1 months. Thirteen cases who met the following two criteria—(1) <0.05 cm3 tumor volume not covered by the yellow TDT line and (2) <1.5 cm3 additional tumor volume not covered by the blue TDT line—had better PFS than the other 21 cases (9.7 vs. 4.6 months; P = 0.02). LITT can be used effectively for treatment of DTA-HGGs. More complete coverage of tumor by TDT lines improves PFS which can be translated as the extent of resection concept for surgery.
Cloning, mapping and tissue-specific expression of Drosophila clathrin-associated protein AP50 gene.

Abstract The Drosophila homologue of AP50, the medium chain of clathrin-associated protein complex AP-2, was identified and characterized from the Drosophila Expressed Sequence Tag database. The Drosophila AP50 is 86% identical to that of mouse and human, and 80% identical to the Caenorhabditis elegans homologue. It is a single-copy gene with two mini-introns in the coding region and it maps to position 94B1–B2 on polytene chromosomes. Two P1 clones, DS01102 and DS0104, were identified that contain the AP50 gene. Alternative 5′ UTR splicing is involved in the regulation of AP50 expression. AP50 expression is highly enriched in the central nervous system and midgut caecum during embryo development, and its function is discussed. The two other Drosophila members of the medium-chain family of clathrin-associated protein complexes, AP47 and μ3, have also been identified and mapped to 85D20–D27 and 6E1–E4, respectively.
Alternative ranked set sampling protocols for the sign test

In this paper we investigate the effects of different ranked set sampling protocols on the sign test statistic. Sampling protocols considered include sequential, mid-range and fixed sampling designs. We show that in all of these sampling protocols the introduction of any correlation structure on the quantified observations leads to a reduction in the Pitman efficiency of the sign test. In the fixed sampling protocol, design optimality is achieved when only the middle observation is quantified from each set.
ABSCISIN, AUXIN, AND GIBBERELLIN EFFECTS ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF ABSCISSION IN COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM)

The effects of accelerating and retarding amounts of abscisin (Ab II), auxin (IAA), and gibberellin (GA3) on abscission in explants of 14-day-old cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings were studied. Applications of Ab II, a potent accelerant (0.025 ,ug/abscission zone), resulted in a lysigenous breakdown of cells in a weakly defined separation layer in contrast to GA3, an accelerant (0.01 iig/abscission zone), and IAA, a retardant (0.125 ,g/abscission zone), which resulted in a schizogenous type of breakdown of cells in a well-defined separation layer, three or more rows of cells wide. Separation usually commenced adaxially with GA3, abaxially with IAA and in the controls, and either ad- or abaxially with Ab II. Cell division preceded abscission, the number of cells increasing greatly within 24 hr after GA3 treatment. Tyloses formed in vessel elements throughout the explant, both distal and proximal to the plane of separation in all treatments and in the controls. The retardant, IAA, appeared to stimulate tyloses formation. Tylosis development was not causal but was secondarily related to abscission. THE PHENOMENON of abscission, especially its induction, acceleration, and retardation by various endogenous and exogenous substances, has been investigated in many species, particularly in Coleus, Cossypium, and Phaseolus (Addicott and Lynch, 1955; Jacobs, 1962; Rubinstein and Leopold, 1964). The most frequent approach involved the effects of accelerants, retardants, and inhibitors of certain enzyme systems and key metabolic
The influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bioavailability and toxicity to soil microbial communities in alfalfa rhizosphere

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may affect bioavailability and toxicity of organic contaminants due to their adsorption properties. Recent studies have observed the influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic contaminants. Greenhouse studies (49 d) were conducted with alfalfa plants in two different soil types. Four treatment conditions (0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg MWNTs+100 mg/kg PAHs mixture-pyrene and phenanthrene) were tested in order to determine their effects on soil microbial community composition and PAH residues. Microbial community structure in the two highest treatments (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg MWNTs) showed a dramatic shift in the presence of MWNTs in sandy loam soil (1% organic matter) in comparison to the control (0 mg/kg MWNTs). Many microbial fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) markers (i15:0, 16:1ω5c, 10Me17:0, 10Me16:0) were missing in the control soil. However, there was a lower abundance of these FAMEs in the 25 mg/kg MWNT treatment (except 10Me17:0) and a higher presence of these FAMEs in the 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg MWNT treatments compared to control. In contrast, microbial community composition was not influenced by the MWNT treatments in sandy clay loam soil (5.9% organic matter). However, pyrene degradation in sandy clay loam soil significantly increased by 21% in the highest MWNT treatment group (100 mg/kg) and 9.34% in 50 mg/kg MWNT treatment. Under the conditions tested in this study, MWNTs significantly impacted the soil microbial community distribution and PAH degradation and effects were dependent on soil types, specifically organic matter content.
Mandibular reconstruction and second generation locking reconstruction plates: Outcome of 110 patients

Mandibular reconstruction plates have revolutionized the treatment of mandibular continuity defects following ablative or trauma surgery. This retrospective study of patients requiring mandibular reconstruction over a six year period describes the authors' experience with second generation mandibular locking reconstruction plates and identifies complications and risk factors. The use of second-generation locking reconstruction plates for the treatment of mandibular continuity defects has a 36% complication rate, which includes plate fracture, screw loosening, plate exposure, wound infection and malocclusion. The average time frame until a hardware failure (plate fracture, screw loosening) occurs is 14 months. Plate exposure is closely associated with patients who received radiation therapy, and have lateral defects reconstructed with a plate only or plate/soft tissue flap reconstruction. Plate fracture was associated with lateral defects, the presence of a postoperative dentition, and a plate only or plate/soft tissue flap reconstruction. The authors recommend the use of a primary vascularized bone reconstruction. This provides additional soft tissue support around the plate to minimize the chances of exposure. It also provides osseous support for the plate, reducing the time frame the plate endures load bearing, and minimizing the risk of plate fracture.
Brentuximab vedotin: a CD30-directed antibody-cytotoxic drug conjugate

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), which is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are relatively uncommon lymphoproliferative types of cancer. These malignancies are highly curable with initial treatment. Nonetheless, some patients are refractory to or relapse after first- and second-line therapies, and outcomes for these patients are less promising. Brentuximab vedotin is a CD30-directed antibody-cytotoxic drug conjugate that has demonstrated efficacy in response rates (objective response rates and complete response) when given to patients with refractory or relapsed HL and sALCL. Although not compared directly in clinical trials, the response rates with brentuximab vedotin are higher than those of several current treatments for refractory or relapsed HL and sALCL. Adverse effects associated with brentuximab vedotin are considered manageable. Nonetheless, several serious adverse effects (e.g., neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, tumor lysis syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, resulting in death) have been reported with its use. Despite a lack of survival and patient reported outcome data, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of HL after failure of autologous stem cell transplantation or at least two combination chemotherapy regimens, and for sALCL after failure of at least one combination chemotherapy regimen. With this approval, brentuximab vedotin is the first FDA-approved agent for the treatment of HL in over three decades and the first agent specifically indicated to treat sALCL. Results of ongoing prospective trials should determine if brentuximab vedotin has a survival benefit when compared directly with standard treatment and if brentuximab vedotin is safe and efficacious when given earlier in the disease process, or when used with other chemotherapy for the treatment of HL and sALCL or other CD30-positive malignancies.
Measuring functional outcomes in therapeutic trials for chronic disease.

Abstract For clinical trials of many chronic diseases, the outcome of greatest interest may be patient function. Unfortunately, most scales for measuring functional status are crude and rarely consider important psychosocial impacts of disease. This paper briefly considers the pressures for improving functional status measurement, propose six criteria for assessing functional or “health status” scales, and selectively reviews representative instruments using these criteria. Older functional classifications and many scales used for quality-of-care assessment are narrowly focussed on physical function. Their reliability, validity, and sensitivity to clinical changes are generally unknown. Traditional scales of “Activities of Daily Living” are similarly focused on physical function, and are most appropriate for severely disabled inpatients. A new generation of “health status” instruments offers wider applicability, more comprehensiveness, and feasibility for clinical applications. Their validity and reliability are generally quite good. None of the instruments reviewed, however, has yet demonstrated convincing success as a “transition” variable (sensitivity to small but clinically important changes). Based on this analysis, future investigation should seek to (1) define the optimal balance between brevity on the one hand, and comprehensiveness and reliability on the other, (2) describe the sensitivity of scales to clinically important changes, and (3) directly compare existing instruments to aid selection by investigators who are considering their use in clinical trials.
Modulation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Type 2 Channel Activity by Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII)-mediated Phosphorylation

InsP3-mediated calcium release through the type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R2) in cardiac myocytes results in the activation of associated CaMKII, thus enabling the kinase to act on downstream targets, such as histone deacetylases 4 and 5 (HDAC4 and HDAC5). The CaMKII activity also feedback modulates InsP3R2 function by direct phosphorylation and results in a dramatic decrease in the receptor-channel open probability (Po). We have identified S150 in the InsP3R2 core suppressor domain (amino acids 1–225) as the specific residue that is phosphorylated by CaMKII. Site-directed mutagenesis reveals that S150 is the CaMKII phosphorylation site responsible for modulation of channel activity. Nonphosphorylatable (S150A) and phosphomimetic (S150E) mutations were studied in planar lipid bilayers. The InsP3R2 S150A channel showed no decrease in activity when treated with CaMKII. Conversely, the phosphomimetic (S150E) channel displayed a very low Po under normal recording conditions in the absence of CaMKII (2 μm InsP3 and 250 nm [Ca2+]FREE) and mimicked a WT channel that has been phosphorylated by CaMKII. Phopho-specific antibodies demonstrate that InsP3R2 Ser-150 is phosphorylated in vivo by CaMKIIδ. The results of this study show that serine 150 of the InsP3R2 is phosphorylated by CaMKII and results in a decrease in the channel open probability.
Statistical Microcomputing—Like it is

Abstract A statistical software package is a collaborative effort between a program's authors and users. When statistical analysis took place exclusively on mainframe computers, the entire statistical community was served by some three to six major packages, which helped to ensure that program errors would be quickly uncovered and corrected. The current trend toward performing statistical analysis on microcomputers has resulted in an explosion of software of varying quality, with more than 200 packages for the IBM PC alone. Since all of these programs are competing for the same base of knowledgeable users, the number of sophisticated users per package is dramatically less than for mainframe packages; the net result is that problems in any particular package are more likely to go unnoticed and uncorrected. For example, the most widely used shareware package contains major errors that should cause it to be rejected out of hand, and three best-selling packages analyze unbalanced two-factor experiments using ...
A syntactic algorithm for peak detection in waveforms with applications to cardiography

Peaks in a digitized waveform are detected by an algorithm incorporating piecewise linear approximation and tabular parsing techniques. Several parameters serve to identify the waveform context enabling accurate measurement of peak amplitude, duration, and shape. The algorithm is of sufficient speed to allow on-line real-time processing. An example of its application is demonstrated on an electrocardiogram.
Cytoplasmic assembly of snRNP particles from stored proteins and newly transcribed snRNA's in L929 mouse fibroblasts

Newly synthesized snRNAs appear transiently in the cytoplasm where they assemble into ribonucleoprotein particles, the snRNP particles, before returning permanently to the interphase nucleus. In this report, bona fide cytoplasmic fractions, prepared by cell enucleation, are used for a quantitative analysis of snRNP assembly in growing mouse fibroblasts. The half-lives and abundances of the snRNP precursors in the cytoplasm and the rates of snRNP assembly are calculated in L929 cells. With the exception of U6, the major snRNAs are stable RNA species; U1 is almost totally stable while U2 has a half-life of about two cell cycles. In contrast, the majority of newly synthesized U6 decays with a half-life of about 15 h. The relative abundances of the newly synthesized snRNA species U1, U2, U3, U4 and U6 in the cytoplasm are determined by Northern hybridization using cloned probes and are approximately 2% of their nuclear abundance. The half-lives of the two major snRNA precursors in the cytoplasm (U1 and U2) are approximately 20 min as determined by labeling to steady state. The relative abundance of the snRNP B protein in the cytoplasm is determined by Western blotting with the Sm class of autoantibodies and is approximately 25% of the nuclear abundance. Kinetic studies, using the Sm antiserum to immunoprecipitate the methionine-labeled snRNP proteins, suggest that the B protein has a half-life of 90 to 120 min in the cytoplasm. These data are discussed and suggest that there is a large pool of more stable snRNP proteins in the cytoplasm available for assembly with the less abundant but more rapidly turning-over snRNAs.