cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative radiotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma. Long term follow-up and prognostic factors for 338 patients

Background. This study was performed to determine the importance of various potential prognostic factors in a large cohort of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder who were treated relatively uniformly at a single institution. Methods. Between 1960 and 1983, 338 patients with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma received preoperative radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions) followed 4-6 weeks later with radical cystectomy. Lymph node sampling was performed only when suspicious adenopathy was encountered. Ninety-eight percent of the patients completed the treatment as planned. The median followup for those living was 90 months. Results. Actuarial 5- year pelvic control, disease free, and overall survival rates were 84, 51, and 44%, respectively, for all patients, and 88, 58, and 50%, respectively, for those who treatment completed. The overwhelming majority of failures were from distant metastases (43% at 5 years). The pathologic complete response rate was 42%, and downstaging was seen in 65% of the patients. Univariate actuarial analyses revealed clinical stage, clinical perivesical extension, tumor size, pretreatment hemoglobin level, pretreatment blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, results of intravenous pyelography, sex, age, pathologic response, and pathologic complete response, correlated with disease outcome. A Cox proportional hazards model showed pathologic response (P < 0.0001), clinical stage (P = 0.01), hemoglobin level (P < 0.02), pathologic complete response (P < 0.05), and BUN concentration (P < 0.05), were correlated significantly with pelvic control. When only pretreatment factors were analyzed, clinical stage, hemoglobin level, and BUN concentration remained the only factors predictive of pelvic control. Similar results were obtained when overall survival was used as the endpoint, except that pathologic complete response and BUN concentration were replaced by sex as significant covariates. A Cox proportional hazards model using disease free status as the endpoint revealed pathologic response and tumor size to be independent predictors of patient outcome. Restricting this analysis only to pretreatment factors showed that pretreatment hemoglobin and tumor size were the only factors correlated with disease free status. Conclusions. The most significant prognostic factor was pathologic response, which correlated highly with all disease endpoints investigated. The most consistently significant pretreatment factors were hemoglobin level and clinical stage, although tumor size, sex, and BUN concentration also were independent predictors of patient outcome. These factors should be considered in patients receiving radiotherapy for bladder preservation.
Radiation therapy alone for imaging-defined meningiomas.

Purpose To assess local control and treatment-related toxicity of single-modality radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of imaging-defined meningiomas. Methods and Materials The records of Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, were reviewed between 1985 and 2003. We identified 41 patients with 42 meningiomas treated with RT alone for lesions diagnosed on imaging alone. No patients received a histologic diagnosis. Patients in whom there was uniform agreement that the tumor represented a meningioma were accepted for therapy. Of the patients, 22 were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), 11 with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSR), and 9 with three-dimensional conformal therapy (3DCRT). The median doses of SRS, FSR, and 3DCRT were 14 Gy, 50.4 Gy, and 52.2 Gy, respectively. Results Median follow-up was 60 months. Of 42 meningiomas, 39 were locally controlled. The 8-year actuarial local control rate by Kaplan-Meier methods was 94%. One failure occurred 6 months after 3DCRT, a second at 34 months after FSR, and a third at 125 months after SRS. A temporary symptomatic radiation-related neurologic sequela developed in 1 patient treated with SRS. No fatal treatment complications occurred. The 8-year rate for actuarial freedom from complication survival by Kaplan-Meier methods was 97%. Conclusions RT alone is an attractive alternative to surgery for imaging-defined meningiomas without significant mass effect. It offers local control comparable to surgical resection with minimal morbidity. RT should be considered as a viable alternative to surgery for tumors in various locations.
Influence of variations in atmospheric temperature and humidity on the rates of water and heat loss from the respiratory tract of patients with congestive heart failure living in a subtropical climate

Abstract Patients with congestive heart failure, Functional Class IV, moderately severe, were studied to learn the influence of variations in the environmental temperature and humidity upon the rates of water and heat loss from the respiratory tract. It was found that these rates were essentially the same for cool and foggy, and comfortable environments. The patients with congestive heart failure did not differ significantly from the normal under those atmospheric conditions. In a warm environment, the rate of irrigation of the respiratory tract with air was definitely increased; an increase out of proportion of the demands for oxygen. There was also a tendency for a slight increase in the rate of water and heat loss from the respiratory tract. The patients were unable to stand the very hot and humid atmospheres. Two reacted rather dramatically with dyspnea, apprehension, and even acute cardiac asthma. Because of these reactions, observations could not be satisfactorily conducted. These studies indicate a greater need for ensuring a comfortable and balmy environment or climate. These patients must be kept quiet physically and therefore are likely to be uncomfortable in a cool climate. A very hot climate or atmosphere is detrimental. There is a need for greater use of air conditioning to ensure atmospheric comfort, especially in hospital rooms and wards where cardiac patients are under treatment.
Spindling sprout of potato tubers associated with a strain of California aster yellows virus

The Tulelake strain of California aster yellows was associated with a spindling-sprout condition of potato tubers in California. Grafting of virus infected potato scions to healthy potato plants in the field resulted in tubers with spindling sprouts, whereas non-grafted control plants produced only normally-sprouted tubers. Plants grafted as early as 30 days and as late as 86 days after planting produced spindling-sprouted tubers. No correlation existed between plant symptoms or early death of plants and spindling-sprout development in the tubers. Aster yellows infected tomato andNicotiana rustica scions were ineffective in producing abnormal tubers when grafted onto potato plants. Tubers predisposed to spindling sprouts germinated earlier than normal tubers.
New approach to the mixed-valence problem

Trying to solve the mixed valence problem can be likened to climbing a mountain: one needs first and foremost optimism, one also needs good equipment without which one is sure to fail. This short talk presents some “new equipment” for attempting the assault on the mixed valence problem.
Rating of potential devices and suggested material for a standard

THERE has been an evident need for an exposition of the factors relating to the rating of capacitance potential devices and to their application. It is our intention to review this situation indicating the several limitations which govern ratings and application, and to offer material which may be used in t h e preparation of standards for potential devices. Vacuum-tube equipment is not covered. The authors were requested by the AIEE relay subcommittee to write a paper outlining the basis of rating for the purpose of formulating standards.
Origins of aerosol sulfur size distributions in the Los Angeles basin

Low pressure impactor measurements show two distinct types of fine particle sulfur size distributions in Los Angeles, California. These two types of aerosol sulfur have mass median diameters of 0.54 ± 0.07μm and 0.20 ± 0.02 μm, respectively. Factors which may account for the two distribution types, including effects of relative humidity, coagulation, fogs and formation mechanisms, are discussed. Calculations show the 0.5 μm sulfur is consistent with chemical reactions in the aerosol phase, whereas the 0.2 μm sulfur results from homogeneous gas phase SO2 oxidation. While the growth of the total aerosol volume distribution is not too sensitive to the mechanism, the chemical species distribution strongly depends on the growth law, and can be used to establish its form.
Use of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), IGFBP-3, and IGF-I for assessing growth hormone status in short children

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 and -3 (IGFBP-2 and -3) are members of a family of proteins that are present in extracellular fluids and bind IGF-I and -II. IGFBP-2 is regulated differently from IGF-I and IGFBP-3, because its serum concentrations are elevated in some adults with GH deficiency (GHD), whereas IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations are usually decreased. The purposes of this study were to define the normal range of IGFBP-2 concentrations in children, to determine its efficacy in the diagnosis of GHD, and to compare the diagnostic value of measurements of the serum GH response to provocative testing with results of measurements of IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, and IGF-I. Mean serum IGFBP-2 concentrations ranged from 263 +/- 101 ng/mL (mean +/- SD) during infancy to 136 +/- 38 ng/mL in normal 15- to 18-yr-olds (P < 0.001), whereas IGFBP-3 increased from 1211 +/- 384 to 2781 +/- 382 ng/mL in the same age groups. Thirty-nine of 49 children with GHD and low IGF-I values (serum GH response, < or = 1 ng...
Pharmacokinetics and hepatic first‐pass effect of (−)‐carbovir in the anesthetized rat

Studies were designed to allow an in vivo estimation of the hepatic extraction ratio and to test the hypothesis that the pharmacokinetic parameters of (-)-CBV are significantly different during anesthesia. (-)-CBV was administered as an i.v. bolus followed by i.v. infusion into either the portal (n = 3) or the jugular (n = 3) veins of anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats. These studies indicate that (-)-CBV had a very low hepatic extraction ratio, in agreement with previous (-)-CBV in situ liver perfusion studies. Additionally, anesthesia was shown to alter the pharmacokinetics of (-)-CBV by reducing the total body clearance of this drug.
Photo-crosslinked acrylates degradation kinetics

A series of crosslinked polyurethane acrylate solids with glass transition temperatures ranging from –49 to +65 °C was prepared by photopolymerization of specially formulated solvent-free resins. The kinetics of thermooxidative and thermal (in N2) degradation of these crosslinked acrylate networks at temperatures ranging from 100 to 400 °C was studied as a function of crosslink density using thermogravimetry. The polyacrylate network degradation rate decreased with the increase of crosslink density, while apparent activation energy of degradation increased. Polyacrylate thermal stability increase with crosslinking was explained by decreased rate of oxygen and volatile products diffusion and/or slowing of depolymerization due to increased radical recombination rate, and decreased chain segments mobility in systems with higher crosslink density.
Stretch-induced myogenin, MyoD, and MRF4 expression and acute hypertrophy in quail slow-tonic muscle are not dependent upon satellite cell proliferation

The objectives of these studies were to determine if (1) hypertrophy-stimulated myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) mRNA increases occur in the absense of proliferating satellite cells, and (2) acute hypertrophy occurs without satellite cell proliferation. Adult and aged quails were exposed to 0 or 2500 Rads gamma irradiation, and then wing muscles were stretch-overloaded for 3 or 7 days. MRF mRNA levels in stretch-overloaded and contralateral anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD) muscles were determined after 3 days; hypertrophy was determined after 7 days. The elimination of proliferating cells in irradiated muscles was verified histologically by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Relative levels of MRF4, MyoD, and myogenin mRNA were elevated 100%–400% in stretch-overloaded ALD muscles from irradiated adult quails indicating that satellite cell proliferation was not a prerequisite for MRF mRNA increases. Myogenin was the only MRF that exhibited mRNA increases that were lowered by irradiation. This suggests that satellite cells contribute only to myogenin mRNA increases in non-irradiated adult muscles following 3 days of stretch-overload. Stretch-overloaded ALD muscles from aged quails had a relative increase in myogenin mRNA of ∼150%. The myogenin increase was the same in non-irradiated and irradiated aged animals and also the same as that in stretch-overloaded muscles from irradiated adult quails. Together, these data indicate that attenuated increases in MRF expression in muscles from aged animals are attributable to lower satellite cell MRF expression. ALD muscle masses and protein contents in adult irradiated quails approximately doubled after 7 days of stretch-overload demonstrating hypertrophy despite the elimination of satellite cell proliferation.
Downscale cascades in tracer transport test cases: an intercomparison of the dynamical cores in the Community Atmosphere Model CAM5

Abstract. The accurate modeling of cascades to unresolved scales is an important part of the tracer transport component of dynamical cores of weather and climate models. This paper aims to investigate the ability of the advection schemes in the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5) to model this cascade. In order to quantify the effects of the different advection schemes in CAM5, four two-dimensional tracer transport test cases are presented. Three of the tests stretch the tracer below the scale of coarse resolution grids to ensure the downscale cascade of tracer variance. These results are compared with a high resolution reference solution, which is simulated on a resolution fine enough to resolve the tracer during the test. The fourth test has two separate flow cells, and is designed so that any tracer in the western hemisphere should not pass into the eastern hemisphere. This is to test whether the diffusion in transport schemes, often in the form of explicit hyper-diffusion terms or implicit through monotonic limiters, contains unphysical mixing. An intercomparison of three of the dynamical cores of the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Community Atmosphere Model version 5 is performed. The results show that the finite-volume (CAM-FV) and spectral element (CAM-SE) dynamical cores model the downscale cascade of tracer variance better than the semi-Lagrangian transport scheme of the Eulerian spectral transform core (CAM-EUL). Each scheme tested produces unphysical mass in the eastern hemisphere of the separate cells test.
The Effect of Clutter and Lowlighting Symbology on Pilot Performance with Head-Up Displays:

The problems of focusing attention while using head-up displays has been noted in the literature. To examine the issue, twenty-four instrument-rated pilots from the University of Illinois flew a hi...
Cross-plane thermal conductivity of self-assembled Ge quantum dot superlattices

We report the temperature dependent cross-plane thermal conductivities of Ge quantum dot superlattices measured by the 3\ensuremath{\omega} method. A large reduction in the thermal conductivity of the superlattices compared with that of bulk materials is observed. A simple model taking into account the relaxation time approximation, including phonon scattering on quantum dots, well explains the experimental data.
A group parent-training program: a novel approach for eating disorder management.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rationale, development, and preliminary acceptability of a Group Parent Training Program (GPT) as an alternative approach for the treatment of adolescent eating disorders. METHOD: Sixteen families participated in a 16-session group treatment. After four months, parents were administered a treatment satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Parent response to the intervention was positive. All parents indicated GPT was essential for the management of their child, improved general parenting skills, improved their own self-care, and decreased the burden they experienced as a result of managing their child’s illness. DISCUSSION: Given the magnitude of task demands placed on a family for the management of adolescent eating disorders, there is the need for the development of effective intervention strategies that ease the stress of illness management for parents. Preliminary satisfaction data from GPT are promising and argue for a more systematic test of this intervention.
A PRIORI PRESSURE FIELD CONSTRUCTION ITERATIVE METHOD FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE STEADY-STATE NAVIER–STOKES EQUATIONS USING GENERAL FINITE-VOLUME CO-LOCATED GRIDS

An iterative method has been developed for the solution of the Navier–Stokes equations and implemented using finite volumes with co-located variable arrangement. A pressure equation is obtained combining algebraic momentum and mass conservation equations resulting in a self-consistent set of equations. An iterative procedure solves the pressure equation consistently with mass conservation and then updates velocities based on momentum equations without introducing velocity or pressure correction equations. The process is repeated until velocities satisfy both mass and momentum conservation. Tests demonstrate a priori pressure field solution consistent with mass conservation, and solution of hydrostatic problems in one iteration.
Fatal Immune Hemolytic Anemia and Hepatic Failure Associated with a Warm-Reacting IgM Autoantibody

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) caused by warm-reacting IgM autoantibodies is rare. We report a fatal case of primary AIHA with a warm-reacting IgM autoantibody. Recurrent episodes of intravascular hemolysis, unresponsive to all therapy and progressive hepatic dysfunction characterized the patient's clinical course. Despite corticosteroid therapy, splenectomy and multiple blood transfusions, the patient died from liver failure. The IgM autoantibody caused autoagglutination of the patient's red cells at 37 degrees C. Eluates prepared from the patient's red cells agglutinated saline-suspended test cells without the addition of antiglobulin reagent. We propose that warm-reacting IgM antibodies may lead to in vivo autoagglutination and may be associated with hepatic failure.
Promises: linguistic support for efficient asynchronous procedure calls in distributed systems

This paper deals with the integration of an efficient asynchronous remote procedure call mechanism into a programming language. It describes a new data type called a promise that was designed to support asynchronous calls. Promises allow a caller to run in parallel with a call and to pick up the results of the call, including any exceptions it raises, in a convenient and type-safe manner. The paper also discusses efficient composition of sequences of asynchronous calls to different locations in a network.
Ninhydrin‐Reactive Lysine in Food Proteins

A lithium acetate-dimethyl sulfoxide ninhydrin reagent was shown to be useful for reaction of amino groups in a series of structurally diverse food proteins and flours of variable lysine content. The proteins were bovine serum albumin, casein, hemoglobin, lactalbumin, lysozyme, soybean protein, soybean trypsin inhibitor, trypsin, and wheat gluten. The flours were barley, high lysine corn, high protein rice, lima bean, nonfat dry milk, rice, soy, and wheat. The ninhydrin-reactive lysine content of these proteins varied from 63-109% of the theoretical values. This variation needs to be taken into account in possible applications of the ninhydrin reaction to food proteins.
Diencephalic projections of the subnucleus interpolaris of the brainstem trigeminal complex in the rat

Abstract In this study the projection fields of the subnucleus interpolaris were examined using anterograde degeneration techniques. The projection areas of the subnucleus interpolaris in the diencephalon include the arcuate nucleus of the ventrobasal complex, the zona incerta, parts of the posterior nuclear group and the medial portions of the medial geniculate nucleus. Within the arcuate nucleus of the ventrobasal complex, the subnucleus interpolaris afferents are not uniform but, rather, clumped into islets. In addition, these projections exhibit a distinct topography with respect to the face representation in both the subnucleus interpolaris and the arcuate nucleus of the ventrobasal complex. The subnucleus interpolaris afferents convey approximately a 225° rotated map of the subnucleus interpolaris to the arcuate nucleus. The projection of the subnucleus interpolaris to the diencephalon is very similar to that of the principal sensory nucleus of the brainstem trigeminal complex (Smith, 1973). Implications of two separate systems relaying information from the face to the same areas in the diencephalon are discussed.
Color Eliminativism and Color Experience

Anyone who is a color eliminativist-i.e., believes that the physical world is colorless-must explain how our sense experience of color can be so systematically illusory. As it turns out, it is difficult to do this without committing oneself to dualism. In this paper I explore the options available to the color eliminativist in this regard, and argue that his/her prospects are more promising, though still far from certain, if s/he adopts the position that sense experience is strictly intentional.
Outlining a strategic legitimacy assessment method: the case of the Illinois livestock industry

The case and importance for managers and stakeholders to understand organizational legitimacy is very clear. A gap though exists, in both theory and application, as to how managers and community stakeholders proceed when they seek to understand and affect the legitimacy state of a firm or an industry. This article addresses this problem. Using public hearing transcripts we analyze over 7,000 lines of text to build a database of 589 statements regarding the legitimacy/illegitimacy of large confined animal operations. These data reflect the perspectives of 77 stakeholders, and cover 21 legitimacy themes, four legitimacy bases, and 13 authoritative references. The article presents, and then applies, a four-part method for legitimacy state assessment that integrates theory on legitimacy themes and bases, stakeholders, and authoritative references.
Zeptomole Detection of C-Reactive Protein in Serum by a Nanoparticle Amplified Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging Aptasensor

Diagnostic biomarkers (i.e. proteins) are often in low abundance in bodily fluids presenting many challenges for their detection. In order to extend the application of SPRi systems in detecting biomarkers at ultralow levels, we combine the advantage of aptamer technology with nanomaterials and microwave-assisted surface functionalization. By implementing a sandwich assay through the introduction of aptamer-modified quantum dots (QDs), it was possible to measure 7 zeptomole (at 5 fg/mL) of C-reactive protein (CRP) selectively in spiked human serum. It is expected that the proposed platform will provide new direction in designing ultrasensitive SPRi biosensors with multiplexing capabilities.
Design and operation of a microfluidic sorter for Drosophila embryos

We present measurements and simulation of fluid flow and sphere motion in a pressure-driven microfluidic sorter designed for Drosophila embryos. We simulate the flow fields for different channel layouts and study the effect of control pressure, chamber length and entrance length on switching time to find geometries and conditions for optimized embryo movement. We validate the sorter design with fluid experiments in devices fabricated from silicon and Pyrex wafers. The experimental and simulated results are compared both qualitatively and quantitatively by examining the concentration distribution of fluids. This type of microfluidic sorter is promising for micromanipulation of a variety of biological cells, and provides automated operations for higher throughput and accuracy.
Multi-scale Influences of Slope Aspect and Spatial Pattern on Ecotonal Dynamics at Upper Treeline in the Southern Rocky Mountains, U.S.A.

Abstract We focused on the mediating role of slope aspect and spatial pattern on upper treeline ecotonal dynamics at multiple spatial scales in the Southern Rocky Mountains to infer process interactions and gauge the importance of feedbacks in determining the potential response of upper treeline to climate change on contrasting south- and north-facing slopes. Dendroecological techniques were used to reconstruct tree establishment within the upper treeline ecotone and Ripley's K was used for spatial pattern analysis. Tree age was determined by using age to coring-height corrections, and the influence of slope aspect was quantitatively assessed at multiple spatial scales using Mann-Whitney U-Tests. Widespread tree establishment occurred within the treeline ecotone on both south- and north-facing slopes during the 20th century, but tree ages above timberline are significantly younger on north-facing slopes at all spatial scales (local, landscape, and regional). The spatial pattern of tree establishment above...
From the Patient’s Perspective: The Impact of Training on Resident Physician’s Obesity Counseling

It is uncertain whether training improves physicians’ obesity counseling. To assess the impact of an obesity counseling curriculum for residents. A non-randomized, wait-list/control design. Twenty-three primary care internal medicine residents; 12 were assigned to the curriculum group, and 11 were assigned to the no-curriculum group. Over a 7-month period (1–8 months post-intervention) 163 of the residents’ obese patients were interviewed after their medical visits. A 5-hour, multi-modal obesity counseling curriculum based on the 5As (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange) using didactics, role-playing, and standardized patients. Patient-report of physicians’ use of the 5As was assessed using a structured interview survey. Main outcomes were whether obese patients were counseled about diet, exercise, or weight loss (rate of counseling) and the quality of counseling provided (percentage of 5As skills performed during the visit). Univariate statistics (t-tests) were used to compare the rate and quality of counseling in the two resident groups. Logistic and linear regression was used to isolate the impact of the curriculum after controlling for patient, physician, and visit characteristics. A large percentage of patients seen by both groups of residents received counseling about their weight, diet, and/or exercise (over 70%), but the quality of counseling was low in both the curriculum and no curriculum groups (mean 36.6% vs. 31.2% of 19 possible 5As counseling strategies, p = 0.21). This difference was not significant. However, after controlling for patient, physician and visit characteristics, residents in the curriculum group appeared to provide significantly higher quality counseling than those in the control group (std β = 0.18; R 2 change = 2.9%, P < 0.05). Residents who received an obesity counseling curriculum were not more likely to counsel obese patients than residents who did not. Training, however, is associated with higher quality of counseling when patient, physician, and visit characteristics are taken into account.
Benefits, barriers, self-efficacy and knowledge regarding healthy foods : perception of African Americans living in eastern North Carolina

African Americans in the United States suffer from many health disparities such as obesity, diabetes or hypertension. Lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity play an important role in prevention of these health conditions. The purpose of this research project was to assess beliefs, barriers and self-efficacy of eating a healthy diet and self efficacy of shopping for foods such as whole grains or foods designated as low fat or low sodium. Additionally, the objective was to assess beliefs about healthfulness, appropriate consumption, and protective aspect of specific foods including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The assessment was done using a survey instrument developed for this study. Data collection took place at two church locations. Data were obtained from 57 African Americans, mean age 50 years old (SD 12.70) completed the survey. The majority of respondents (58.1%) were females and most (75%) had at least some college education. Generally, benefits of eating healthy foods received considerably higher scores compared to barriers of eating healthy. A belief that healthy foods would help to take care of one’s body received the highest mean score while a belief that healthy foods are too expensive had the highest score from all barriers. The results showed high self-efficacy of eating and purchasing healthy foods, high awareness of knowledge regarding foods associated with disease prevention but low awareness of recommendations for fruits and vegetables. The high scores for benefits, self-efficacy and knowledge regarding eating healthy foods did not translate into the perception of intake of such foods. Most participants believed that they do not eat enough of healthy foods. Interventions design to help African Americans make dietary changes should be culturally relevant and should involved working on a community level utilizing messages that are familiar and relevant to African Americans.
Work in progress — Direct assessment of course outcomes in a computer modeling and simulation class

This paper presents experiences with implementing a grading technique to closely couple student performance on specific course outcomes with student grades. The course selected for this technique is an undergraduate computer modeling and simulation course, which required an individual research component in addition to assignments and in-class tests. This class tested a technique whereby assignment of aggregated numerical scores for homework or tests was replaced by pass/fail feedback on individual course outcomes. Each assignment or test enumerated which specific course outcomes potentially satisfied within the assignment. Outcomes loosely correlate to Bloom's taxonomy levels of recognition, understanding, application, and creation. Student feedback reported that the technique enhanced learning, though an increased tendency towards procrastination was also reported. Instructor experiences were positive, with the assessment technique integrating easily with course design and delivery.
ICV administration of anti-corticotropin-releasing factor antisense oligonucleotide: effects on feeding behavior and body weight

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been reported to reduce food intake and body weight, and numerous studies suggest a role for CRF in putative mechanisms for the regulation of body energy. This study investigated the effects of ICV-administered antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, directed against the CRF mRNA, on feeding behavior and body weight in rats. Sixteen male HSD rats were cannulated in the lateral ventricle, and given ad libitum access to tap water and a ground chow diet. Feeding behavior was recorded by computer, and meal patterns were assessed. Rats were given 3 μg each of two anti-CRF oligonucleotides (aCRF) or two control oligos in the hour before the onset of the nocturnal cycle for ten consecutive days. Cumulative food intake was assessed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after each injection, as well as over the 10-day injection period. Compared to missense controls, rats receiving the antisense oligonucleotides ate significantly more at 6 h (P = 0.01), but not at 3, 12, 24 h, or during the entire 10-day injection period (P > 0.05). There was no effect on body weight change, meal size, or meal interval (P > 0.05). These data indicate that daily administration of anti-CRF oligonucleotides has a significant short-term stimulatory effect on feeding behavior, but does not have a long-term effect on feeding or body weight gain.
Bioengineering Training in Medical Education [Perspectives on Graduate Life]

Over the course of the next four years, I will attempt to document my experiences in medical school in this column. After receiving a bachelor of science in engineering (B.S.E.) degree in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Philadelphia, in May 2010, I began studying medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. During medical school, my intention is to continue to use my bioengineering background by participating in engineering research. While the majority of my undergraduate research experience was in gene therapy, my current interest focuses specifically on cardiac tissue engineering.
Similar Presentations of Disparate Etiologies: A New Perspective on Oppositional Defiant Disorder

ABSTRACT Oppositional defiant disorder is an individual diagnosis given commonly to children and adolescents who exhibit a pattern of noncompliant and defiant behaviors. Some children's temperament, behaviors, and interpersonal style merit this diagnosis. Other children, however, exhibit behaviors consistent with this diagnosis within the context of their family system. Certainly, the relationship between children's defiant behaviors and problematic circumstances in the family is best evidenced in the most popular treatments for oppositional defiant disorder, which involve working with parents as much as the children. In fact, some treatments of this disorder focus solely on educating the parent about consistency and immediacy in reinforcing positive behavior and ignoring or using time out for negative behavior. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize a different perspective of oppositional defiant disorder, one in which some children experience oppositional behaviors regardless of the parenting they re...
Proposed linear energy transfer areal detector for protons using radiochromic film

Radiation therapy depends on predictably and reliably delivering dose to tumors and sparing normal tissues. Protons with kinetic energy of a few hundred MeV can selectively deposit dose to deep seated tumors without an exit dose, unlike x-rays. The better dose distribution is attributed to a phenomenon known as the Bragg peak. The Bragg peak is due to relatively high energy deposition within a given distance or high Linear Energy Transfer (LET). In addition, biological response to radiation depends on the dose, dose rate, and localized energy deposition patterns or LET. At present, the LET can only be measured at a given fixed point and the LET spatial distribution can only be inferred from calculations. The goal of this study is to develop and test a method to measure LET over extended areas. Traditionally, radiochromic films are used to measure dose distribution but not for LET distribution. We report the first use of these films for measuring the spatial distribution of the LET deposited by protons. The radiochromic film sensitivity diminishes for large LET. A mathematical model correlating the film sensitivity and LET is presented to justify relating LET and radiochromic film relative sensitivity. Protons were directed parallel to radiochromic film sandwiched between solid water slabs. This study proposes the scaled-normalized difference (SND) between the Treatment Planning system (TPS) and measured dose as the metric describing the LET. The SND is correlated with a Monte Carlo (MC) calculation of the LET spatial distribution for a large range of SNDs. A polynomial fit between the SND and MC LET is generated for protons having a single range of 20 cm with narrow Bragg peak. Coefficients from these fitted polynomial fits were applied to measured proton dose distributions with a variety of ranges. An identical procedure was applied to the protons deposited from Spread Out Bragg Peak and modulated by 5 cm. Gamma analysis is a method for comparing the calculated LET with the LET measured using radiochromic film at the pixel level over extended areas. Failure rates using gamma analysis are calculated for areas in the dose distribution using parameters of 25% of MC LET and 3 mm. The processed dose distributions find 5%–10% failure rates for the narrow 12.5 and 15 cm proton ranges and 10%–15% for proton ranges of 15, 17.5, and 20 cm and modulated by 5 cm. It is found through gamma analysis that the measured proton energy deposition in radiochromic film and TPS can be used to determine LET. This modified film dosimetry provides an experimental areal LET measurement that can verify MC calculations, support LET point measurements, possibly enhance biologically based proton treatment planning, and determine the polymerization process within the radiochromic film.
Stress-induced birefringence for the Er3+: Y2O3 ceramic system

Abstract The stress-induced birefringence for erbium doped yttria ceramics were measured at room temperature. An ellipsometer was used to measure the retardation effect of static loading on a set of ceramic equilateral prisms and the stress-optic co-efficients were obtained. The samples measured were equilateral prisms of pure Y2O3, (Er0.1Y0.9)2O3 and (Er0.2Y0.8)2O3. The stress-optic co-efficients were found to be in the range 1.6 ↔ 2.5 × 10−5 [nm/cm]/Pa showing no dependence on erbium concentration.
Further evaluation of latency-based brief functional analysis methods: An evaluation of treatment utility

AbstractObjective: Objectives were to evaluate latency-based brief functional analysis (BFA) model for identifying functions of aberrant behavior and treatments generated based on the results of the latency-based brief functional analysis. Methods: We conducted latency-based BFA, including contingency reversals, and function-based treatment evaluations, including non-contingent reinforcement (NCR) and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) with three individuals with autism using single subject design methodology. Results: Socially-mediated functions (attention; tangible) were indicated for two participants and an automatic function was identified for one participant. The treatments generated based on results of the BFA were effective at reducing aberrant behavior for all participants. Conclusions: Results provide additional support that latency-based BFA model has utility in (a) the identification of functions of aberrant behavior and (b) the generation of function-based treatments. The...
Semantic anomaly detection in daily activities

We monitor activities of daily living of smart home residents to detect anomalies in their behavior. Unlike traditional anomaly detection systems, we aim to reduce false positives in anomaly detection with the help of semantic rules. Some of these rules are predefined based on expert knowledge and the rest are learned by the system with the help of resident/expert feedback. We also correlate trend of change in different activities to improve anomaly detection. In addition to monitor statistical deviation from regular behavior, we also detect deviation from healthy and social norms (defined by experts) as anomalies.
The lived experience of survivors of prolonged mechanical ventilation: a phenomenological study.

Abstract Background Successful liberation from prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is a challenging phenomenon. Whereas many physiological factors have been linked to successful PMV liberation, the psychosocial components are not well delineated. Objectives This article serves to describe the experience of patients who survived PMV and to identify salient factors that contributed to successful liberation. Methods A phenomenological approach was used to explore the lived experience of seven PMV survivors. Results Six mutually exclusive themes emerged from the participants’ descriptions to create a structural description of the lived experience. Conclusions Survivors credited their own self-determination and the expertise and care of health care professionals with their ability to be successfully liberated from prolonged mechanical ventilation. Although surviving PMV was described as frightening and traumatic, comfort and resolve were derived from family members, religion, prayer, and angelic encounters. These findings are useful in providing direction for critical care clinical practice and future research.
Multifocal retinopathy in Dachshunds with CLN2 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

The CLN2 form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is an autosomal recessively inherited lysosomal storage disease that is characterized by progressive vision loss culminating in blindness, cognitive and motor decline, neurodegeneration, and premature death. CLN2 disease results from mutations in the gene that encodes the soluble lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase-1. A null mutation in the TPP1 gene encoding this enzyme causes a CLN2-like disease in Dachshunds. Dachshunds that are homozygous for this mutation serve as a model for human CLN2 disease, exhibiting clinical signs and neuropathology similar to those of children with this disorder. Affected dogs reach end-stage terminal disease status at 10–11 months of age. In addition to retinal changes typical of CLN2 disease, a retinopathy consisting of multifocal, bullous retinal detachment lesions was identified in 65% of (TPP1−/−) dogs in an established research colony. These lesions did not occur in littermates that were heterozygous or homozygous for the normal TPP1 allele. Retinal changes and the functional effects of this multifocal retinopathy were examined objectively over time using ophthalmic examinations, fundus photography, electroretinography (ERG), quantitative pupillary light response (PLR) recording, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histopathology. The retinopathy consisted of progressive multifocal serous retinal detachments. The severity of the disease-related retinal thinning was no more serious in most detached areas than in adjacent areas of the retina that remained in close apposition to the retinal pigment epithelium. The retinopathy observed in these dogs was somewhat similar to canine multifocal retinopathy (CMR), a disease caused by a mutation of the bestrophin gene BEST1. ERG a-wave amplitudes were relatively preserved in the Dachshunds with CLN2 disease, whether or not they developed the multifocal retinopathy. The retinopathy also had minimal effects on the PLR. Histological evaluation indicated that the CLN2 disease-related retinal degeneration was not exacerbated in areas where the retina was detached except where the detached areas were very large. DNA sequence analysis ruled out a mutation in the BEST1 exons or splice junctions as a cause for the retinopathy. Perfect concordance between the TPP1 mutation and the retinopathy in the large number of dogs examined indicates that the retinopathy most likely occurs as a direct result of the TPP1 mutation. Therefore, inhibition of the development and progression of these lesions can be used as an indicator of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions currently under investigation for the treatment of CLN2 disease in the Dachshund model. In addition, these findings suggest that TPP1 mutations may underlie multifocal retinopathies of unknown cause in animals and humans.
Structure and Activity of the Mitochondrial Intron-Encoded Endonuclease, I-SceIV

Abstract Starting with crude yeast mitochondria, the intron homing endonuclease, I-SceIV, was purified to near homogeneity. This highly purified enzyme differs from some other well-characterized yeast mitochondrial intron-encoded endonucleases in terms of its structure and DNA cleavage specificity. The enzyme is a heterodimer with a native molecular mass of 92 kDa. A small catalytic subunit (32 kDa) is probably encoded largely or entirely by intron 5α of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. A larger polypeptide subunit (60 kDa) may be a nuclear factor necessary for intron mobility. I-SceIV exhibits a low DNA sequence specificity as it cleaves a variety of DNA substrates. Analysis of kinetic parameters shows that the purified enzyme has a very high affinity for DNA and exhibits low turnover which may have implications for subsequent steps in the intron homing process.
Complexity of networks II: The set complexity of edge-colored graphs

We previously introduced the concept of “set-complexity,” based on a context-dependent measure of information, and used this concept to describe the complexity of gene interaction networks. In a previous paper of this series we analyzed the set-complexity of binary graphs. Here, we extend this analysis to graphs with multicolored edges that more closely match biological structures like the gene interaction networks. All highly complex graphs by this measure exhibit a modular structure. A principal result of this work is that for the most complex graphs of a given size the number of edge colors is equal to the number of “modules” of the graph. Complete multipartite graphs (CMGs) are defined and analyzed. The relation between complexity and structure of these graphs is examined in detail. We establish that the mutual information between any two nodes in a CMG can be fully expressed in terms of entropy, and present an explicit expression for the set complexity of CMGs (Theorem 3). An algorithm for generating highly complex graphs from CMGs is described. We establish several theorems relating these concepts and connecting complex graphs with a variety of practical network properties. In exploring the relation between symmetry and complexity we use the idea of a similarity matrix and its spectrum for highly complex graphs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2012 © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Math Schemata and the Origins of Number Representations.

The contrast Rips et al. draw between “bottom-up” and “top-down” approaches to understanding the origin of the capacity for representing natural number is a false dichotomy. Its plausibility depends upon the sketchiness of the authors' own proposal. At least some of the proposals they characterize as bottom-up are worked-out versions of the very top-down position they advocate. Finally, they deny that the structures that these putative bottom-up proposals consider to be sources of natural number are even precursors of concepts of natural number. This denial depends upon an idiosyncratic, and mistaken, idea of what a precursor is.
THE ACTION OF THYROID HORMONE

Thyroid hormone affects both developmental and metabolic processes. It has a relatively specific effect on the synthesis of a number of enzymes and other proteins. The fundamental cellular mechanism of action seems to be at the level of genetic regulation. It involves interaction with nuclear receptors, leading to an activation of the protein synthesizing machinery. How binding to receptors is coupled to genetic activation is completely unknown. At least part of the metabolic effects of thyroid hormone could be mediated through an interaction with mitochondria and cell membrane, and with some enzymatic systems such as adenylcyclase.