cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-driven modeling of mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease

Intracellular accumulation of oligomeric forms of β amyloid (Aβ) are now believed to play a key role in the earliest phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as their rise correlates well with the early symptoms of the disease. Extensive evidence points to impaired neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis as a direct consequence of the intracellular Aβ oligomers. However, little is known about the downstream effects of the resulting Ca2+ rise on the many intracellular Ca2+-dependent pathways. Here we use multiscale modeling in conjunction with patch-clamp electrophysiology of single inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) and fluorescence imaging of whole-cell Ca2+ response, induced by exogenously applied intracellular Aβ42 oligomers to show that Aβ42 inflicts cytotoxicity by impairing mitochondrial function. Driven by patch-clamp experiments, we first model the kinetics of IP3R, which is then extended to build a model for the whole-cell Ca2+ signals. The whole-cell model is then fitted to fluorescence signals to quantify the overall Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum by intracellular Aβ42 oligomers through G-protein-mediated stimulation of IP3 production. The estimated IP3 concentration as a function of intracellular Aβ42 content together with the whole-cell model allows us to show that Aβ42 oligomers impair mitochondrial function through pathological Ca2+ uptake and the resulting reduced mitochondrial inner membrane potential, leading to an overall lower ATP and increased production of reactive oxygen species and H2O2. We further show that mitochondrial function can be restored by the addition of Ca2+ buffer EGTA, in accordance with the observed abrogation of Aβ42 cytotoxicity by EGTA in our live cells experiments.
What Are the Different Types of Bariatric Surgeries/Procedures and the Unique, Clinically Relevant Features of Each?

Obesity is a global epidemic, affecting an increasing number of Americans. It has been associated with an increased incidence of comorbid conditions affecting quality of life as well as life expectancy. Because bariatric surgery has been shown to be superior to conventional therapy (e.g., diet, lifestyle modifications, medications) in reducing body mass index and improving comorbidities, bariatric surgeries and procedures are increasingly common. Bariatric surgical interventions promote weight loss by causing intestinal malabsorption and/or restricting gastric volume. They may also affect hormonal controls for appetite and satiety such as ghrelin, peptide YY, and glucagon-like peptide 1 and alter gut flora.
Decay Spectra of Fission Products from Uranium-235 Thermal Fission: Comparison of Calculations with Experiments

Delayed fission product beta and gamma decay spectra following short and long /sup 235/U thermal-neutron irradiations and cooling times were calculated and compared with corresponding experimental results that have recently become available. These decay-heat source terms are of importance to nuclear reactor safety, particularly to loss-of-coolant accident analyses. The comparisons between calculations and experiments showed that the state-of-the-art computational methods and the ENDF/B-IV-based nuclear data bases are generally adequate for /sup 235/U thermal fission product spectral source term calculations. These comparisons also revealed some shortcomings in the data base for short-lived nuclides whose influence on the aggregate fission product spectra is mostly noticeable at very short cooling times. 20 figues, 2 tables.
Vertex-algebraic structure of principal subspaces of the basic modules for twisted affine Lie algebras of type A2n−1(2),Dn(2),E6(2)

Abstract We obtain a presentation of principal subspaces of the basic modules for the twisted affine Kac–Moody Lie algebras of type A 2 n − 1 ( 2 ) , D n ( 2 ) and E 6 ( 2 ) . Using this presentation, we construct exact sequences among these principal subspaces, and use these exact sequences to obtain recursions satisfied by graded dimensions of the principal subspaces. Solving these recursions, we obtain the graded dimensions of the principal subspaces.
Understanding Limitation of Two Symmetrized Orders by Worst-case Complexity

It was recently found that the standard version of multi-block cyclic ADMM diverges. Interestingly, Gaussian Back Substitution ADMM (GBS-ADMM) and symmetric Gauss-Seidel ADMM (sGS-ADMM) do not have the divergence issue. Therefore, it seems that symmetrization can improve the performance of the classical cyclic order. In another recent work, cyclic CD (Coordinate Descent) was shown to be $\mathcal{O}(n^2)$ times slower than randomized versions in the worst-case. A natural question arises: can the symmetrized orders achieve a faster convergence rate than the cyclic order, or even getting close to randomized versions? In this paper, we give a negative answer to this question. We show that both Gaussian Back Substitution and symmetric Gauss-Seidel order suffer from the same slow convergence issue as the cyclic order in the worst case. In particular, we prove that for unconstrained problems, they can be $\mathcal{O}(n^2)$ times slower than R-CD. For linearly constrained problems with quadratic objective, we empirically show the convergence speed of GBS-ADMM and sGS-ADMM can be roughly $\mathcal{O}(n^2)$ times slower than randomly permuted ADMM.
New, Milder Hypervalent Iodine Oxidizing Agent: Using μ-Oxodi(phenyliodanyl) Diacetate, a (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene Derivative, in the Synthesis of Quinones

The synthesis of substituted 1,4-benzoquinones, a biologically important class of compounds, was developed using μ-oxodi(phenyliodanyl) diacetate, a (diacetoxyiodo)benzene-based oxidizing reagent, in order to introduce second-year undergraduate organic laboratory students in their second semester or advanced organic students to increasingly popular and environmentally friendly hypervalent iodine chemistry. This experiment develops on concepts found in the undergraduate organic chemistry curriculum; conveniently fits into approximately two 3 h lab modules; and utilizes regularly found equipment and inexpensive, commercially available chemicals.
The effects of subtitles and captions on an interactive information literacy tutorial for English majors at a Turkish university

Abstract Subtitles and captions have been used to aid second language learning. This study focuses on the effects of subtitles and captions on English Language Learners' ability to learn information literacy skills and apply those skills using an interactive tutorial. Three groups of Turkish university students majoring in English Language and Literature completed a tutorial on ACRL's Framework scholarly conversations. One group completed the tutorial with an English soundtrack and no titling; the second group completed the tutorial with an English soundtrack and English captions; and the third group completed the tutorial with an English soundtrack and Turkish subtitles. Using Morae software, the students were recorded and evaluated for time-on-task and correct completion of the interactive practice elements. The group that viewed the tutorial with an English soundtrack and Turkish subtitles completed tasks at a statistically significant faster pace than other groups and with statistically significant more success.
Evaluation of a point‐of‐care ultrasound curriculum taught by medical students for physicians, nurses, and midwives in rural Indonesia

Purpose In the Indonesian health-care system, nurses and midwives often serve as the primary health-care providers due to physician shortages. Seeking to address the need for medical care in resource-limited environments, some have advocated for portable equipment in the hands of health-care providers. We hypothesized that medical students are able to effectively teach point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to physicians, nurses, and midwives in rural Indonesia. Methods We conducted a prospective, observational study using health-care practitioners from a clinic and accredited school for nursing and midwifery in Mojokerto, East Java, Indonesia. Enrolled practitioners took part in a 4-week POCUS course followed by postinstructional testing. Results A total of 55 health-care practitioners completed the course. This included 19 physicians, 13 nurses, and 19 midwives. Of the 55 clinicians, 43 (72%) passed the course and 12 (28%) failed. Conclusions Physicians, nurses, and midwives in rural Indonesia showed significant acquisition of ultrasound (US) knowledge and skills following a 4-week US course. Following training, all three groups displayed skills in practical US use during a postcourse practical examination. This is one of the first studies to assess the efficacy of medical students teaching POCUS to midwives and nurses.
Tumor Antigen Heterogeneity: The “Elephant in the Room” of Adoptive T-cell Therapy for Solid Tumors

A major hurdle to the efficacy of adoptive cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptors T-cell therapy is the choice of antigen(s) to target. An article in this issue addresses this by capitalizing on the synergistic effect of pathogen-based immunotherapy and adoptive cell therapy that results in epitope/antigen spreading and enhancement of the endogenous T-cell response against antigens not originally targeted.See article by Xin et al., p. 7.
Clinical Effectiveness of an Adaptive Treatment Planning Algorithm for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Versus 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy for Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Regional Nodal Irradiation/Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy.

Purpose Clinical trials support adjuvant regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy for patients with lymph node–positive breast cancer. Advanced treatment planning techniques (eg, intensity modulated radiation therapy [IMRT]) can reduce dose to organs at risk (OARs) in this situation. However, uncertainty persists about when IMRT is clinically indicated (vs 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy [3DCRT]) for RNI. We hypothesized that an adaptive treatment planning algorithm (TPA) for IMRT adoption would allow OAR constraints for RNI to be met when 3DCRT could not without significantly changing toxicity and locoregional recurrence (LRR) patterns. Methods and Materials Since 2013, all RNI patients also underwent an adaptive TPA that began with 3DCRT and then changed to IMRT when OAR constraints (mean heart dose ≤500 cGy; ipsilateral lung V20 ≤35%) could not be met. Patients received 2 Gy/d to the prospectively contoured target volumes (including internal mammary nodes). We retrospectively evaluated the dosimetry and clinical outcomes of the treatment groups (IMRT vs 3DCRT). The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of LRR as the site of first recurrence, and we specifically address patterns of failure based on dose to the posterior supraclavicular nodal region (SCL-post). Results Two hundred forty patients (60% stage III; mean 4.0 + nodes) underwent an adaptive-TPA for RNI after mastectomy (74%) or breast-conserving surgery (26%), resulting in 168 patients treated with 3DCRT and 72 patients treated with IMRT. There were 7 LRRs (2 IMRT, 5 3DCRT) resulting in 4-year LRR of 2.8% for IMRT versus 1.8% for 3DCRT (P = .99). Three patients (2 IMRT, 1 3DCRT) had SCL nodal failures (1 in the SCL-post). Conclusions An adaptive TPA for use of IMRT when 3DCRT does not meet critical OAR constraints resulted in rare high-grade toxicity and no difference in failure patterns between patients treated with IMRT and 3DCRT. These data should provide reassurance that IMRT maintains the therapeutic ratio by preserving cancer control outcomes without excess toxicity when 3DCRT fails to meet OAR constraints.
A Prognostic Gene-Expression Signature and Risk Score for Meningioma Recurrence After Resection.

BACKGROUND Prognostic markers for meningioma are needed to risk-stratify patients and guide postoperative surveillance and adjuvant therapy. OBJECTIVE To identify a prognostic gene signature for meningioma recurrence and mortality after resection using targeted gene-expression analysis. METHODS Targeted gene-expression analysis was used to interrogate a discovery cohort of 96 meningiomas and an independent validation cohort of 56 meningiomas with comprehensive clinical follow-up data from separate institutions. Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify prognostic genes and generate a gene-signature risk score between 0 and 1 for local recurrence. RESULTS We identified a 36-gene signature of meningioma recurrence after resection that achieved an area under the curve of 0.86 in identifying tumors at risk for adverse clinical outcomes. The gene-signature risk score compared favorably to World Health Organization (WHO) grade in stratifying cases by local freedom from recurrence (LFFR, P < .001 vs .09, log-rank test), shorter time to failure (TTF, F-test, P < .0001), and overall survival (OS, P < .0001 vs .07) and was independently associated with worse LFFR (relative risk [RR] 1.56, 95% CI 1.30-1.90) and OS (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07-1.64), after adjusting for clinical covariates. When tested on an independent validation cohort, the gene-signature risk score remained associated with shorter TTF (F-test, P = .002), compared favorably to WHO grade in stratifying cases by OS (P = .003 vs P = .10), and was significantly associated with worse OS (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.19-2.88) on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION The prognostic meningioma gene-expression signature and risk score presented may be useful for identifying patients at risk for recurrence.
Factors influencing bilinguals’ speed and accuracy of number judgments across languages: A meta-analytic review

Abstract Are bilinguals faster and/or better at performing numerical judgments in one language than in their other language? What factors moderate language differences in number processing ease? To address these issues, we conducted a meta-analysis of 38 studies (based on 1861 participants) in which bilinguals’ speeded performance and accuracy on number tasks was compared across languages within subjects. Analysis of 63 independent effect sizes for reaction time data and 28 for accuracy data showed an overall language difference favoring the first language. This effect was particularly observed in reaction time studies for number tasks involving arithmetic judgments or number naming. The L1 effect was characteristic of bilinguals with low or medium proficiency in the second language, those who were schooled in the first language, and those whose stated preference for arithmetic was the first language. Further, a first language advantage was most characteristic of late bilinguals (for reaction time). For accuracy, additional moderators of a first language advantage included differences between the languages in decade unit counting system. No other effects were significant. The findings lend support to models of number cognition that posit format-sensitive codes. They further clarify that a privileging of the first language is not uniform but varies by bilingualism onset, proficiency, language of early schooling, and language-specific characteristics.
Remote enrollment practices for acute stroke clinical research trials during a pandemic

Introduction: Many clinical trials have suffered poor enrollment or have been placed on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limitations on in-person interaction with patients, legally authorized rep...
Synergizing standards-based and place-based science education

The research-based, Thailand-based learning progression for haze pollution developed by Ladachart, Poothawee and Ladachart opens a new front in the long-running debate over the compatibility of place-based education (PBE) with educational standards. This debate encompasses disagreement over whether PBE and standards are philosophically compatible and substantive cases have been made for both sides. However, with their place-based learning progression, Ladachart, Poothawee and Ladachart have demonstrated that research-based learning progressions, which by design (but as of yet incompletely) underpin widely used standards such as the Next Generation Science Standards, can be formulated in the context of place-based learning and applied to the development of place-based curriculum, instruction and assessment; and can be used to inform future supplements and revisions of standards now in effect. In the meantime, the method of “bundling” offers a way to synergize standards-based and place-based education for current instructional practice, as illustrated by examples of “bundling standards in place” for Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, and the northern karst belt of Puerto Rico.
Distinct Circadian Assessments From Wearable Data Reveal Social Distancing Promoted Internal Desynchrony Between Circadian Markers

Mobile measures of human circadian rhythms (CR) are needed in the age of chronotherapy. Two wearable measures of CR have recently been validated: one that uses heart rate to extract circadian rhythms that originate in the sinoatrial node of the heart, and another that uses activity to predict the laboratory gold standard and central circadian pacemaker marker, dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). We first find that the heart rate markers of normal real-world individuals align with laboratory DLMO measurements when we account for heart rate phase error. Next, we expand upon previous work that has examined sleep patterns or chronotypes during the COVID-19 lockdown by studying the effects of social distancing on circadian rhythms. In particular, using data collected from the Social Rhythms app, a mobile application where individuals upload their wearable data and receive reports on their circadian rhythms, we compared the two circadian phase estimates before and after social distancing. Interestingly, we found that the lockdown had different effects on the two ambulatory measurements. Before the lockdown, the two measures aligned, as predicted by laboratory data. After the lockdown, when circadian timekeeping signals were blunted, these measures diverged in 70% of subjects (with circadian rhythms in heart rate, or CRHR, becoming delayed). Thus, while either approach can measure circadian rhythms, both are needed to understand internal desynchrony. We also argue that interventions may be needed in future lockdowns to better align separate circadian rhythms in the body.
Glioma invadomics - identification and validation of novel targets for glioma invasion in-vivo

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 1842 Clinical management of patients with glial tumors is confounded by the propensity of these malignant cells to disperse into the brain, frequently seeding distant sites of recurrence. While this represents a central behavior in the malignant progression of these cells, dispersion is poorly addressed by current therapies. Failure to manage these invading cells leaves patients vulnerable to recurrence. We hypothesize that the invasive behavior of glioma cells is driven by a distinct gene expression profile, and that among the invasion-associated genes are novel therapeutic targets. The aim of this study is to broaden the scope of a pilot study that successfully identified genes previously unassociated with glioma invasion (Hoelzinger et al 2005), and to mature the biological validation of candidate genes using 2-dimenstional and 3-dimensional endpoints of glioma dispersion. Whole human genome expression profiling of stationary and dispersive cells in glioma biopsy specimens (n=20) isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM) was performed. Genes consistently differentially expressed between core and rim across the majority of specimens were validated by QRT-PCR using RNA isolated from an additional 20 biopsy specimens from which core and rim cells were collected. As paradigmatic candidate genes discovered using in vitro dispersion assays, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3) validated as invasion markers in array data from clinical biopsy dispersion specimens, as well as in newly-processed clinical material. Immunohistochemistry on glioma invasion TMA slides support a role for heightened expression of CTGF and MKK3 in invasive glioma cells. Furthermore, CTGF and MKK3 served as prognostic markers for patient survival in an expression data set of 176 primary glial tumors. Our results demonstrate that biopsy-based LCM-collected glioma core and rim cells can be used as a discovery platform for identifying novel genes that may serve as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in the setting of malignant glial tumors. A key driver for progress in maturing candidates into therapeutic targets on invasive glioma cells is an ability to validate biological effects using mid- and high-throughput assays of glioma dispersion. Supported by NS42262 and CA085139.
The role of megavoltage radiation therapy in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma

INCE Pasteau’ described the first radiotheraS peutic approach to the management of carcinoma of the prostate using an intraurethral radium source, others have used intracavitary, interstitial, and external irradiation either alone or in combinations to treat this common neoplasm. 2-9 In a recent review article,” Ray and Bagshaw present a comprehensive survey of the current literature on the radiation therapy of prostate cancer and update the results of the irradiation of prostate cancer at Stanford, Calif. In this article we briefly review the results of the irradiation of prostate cancer at this institution and present preliminary observations on the influence of the results of lymph node biopsies, as part of an on-going prospective randomized trial of extended-field irradiation, on the current philosophy of treatment of this neoplasm. External beam therapy with kilovoltage (200300 kV) radiation was compromised by its poor quality. The maximum deposition of energy of the kilovoltage x-rays was within the epidermis, which prohibited delivery of a tumoricidal dose to the prostate tumor without unacceptable damage to the skin. In addition, excessive scattering of the low energy radiation led to injury of the normal tissues surrounding the prostate gland. These shortcomings of kilovoltage x-rays have been circumvented with the introduction of megavoltage (> 1 MeV) radiation therapy units which have allowed the delivery of a tumoricidal dose to the prostate without excessive damage to the skin or other normal tissues. Thus the use of external beam ionizing radiation in the definitive treatment of adenocarcinoma of the prostate has greatly increased during the past decade.
A New Germfree Chicken Cage—Characteristics and Use

Abstract A new germfree chicken cage for rearing chicks up to 3 or 4 weeks of age has been designed and is in use at the University of Missouri. The cage and the accessory parts, the small magnet and hinged door, the “Bactytector,” the built-in air filter assembly, and the glass top with connecting air outlet filter have been described in detail. The complete operating procedure for sterilizing the cage and diet and the method of adding sterile embryonated eggs have been outlined. Data on the effectiveness of the cage as a physical barrier to microbes have been presented.
Introduction to volume rendering

1. Introduction. What Is Volume Rendering? Volume Rendering Applications. Volume Acquisition. Acquisition Techniques. Volume Rendering Pipeline. File Format. For Further Study. 2. Volume Rendering Framework. Spatial Transforms and Linear Algebra. Matrix Representations and Transformation Operations. Rasterization and Rendering a Volume. Compositing of Multiple Volumes and Other Primitives. Perspective and Orthographic Projections. For Further Study. 3. Illumination and Shading. The Gradient. More Gradient Operators. Gouraud and Phong Shading. Difference between Gouraud and Phong Shading. Using Shading in Volume Rendering. For Further Study. 4. Classification. Histograms. Transfer Functions. Coloring and Shading. Segmentation. For Further Study. 5. Interpolation. Interpolation Kernels. Volume Rendering Example. Conclusions. For Further Study. 6. Compositing. The Ray Casting Integral. Discretization of the Ray Casting Integral. Front-to-Back Compositing. Back-to-Front Compositing. Using Opacity instead of Transparency. Partial Ray Compositing. Opacity Correction when Oversampling. Opacity Weighted Color Interpolation. Other Compositing Operations. For Further Study. 7. Volume Slicing. For Further Study. 8. Trade-offs. A High-Performance Volume Visualization System. Image Quality Improvements. Speedup Techniques. For Further Study. Appendix: Volume Rendering Resources. Periodicals. Organizations and Conferences. Internet Resources. Searchable Databases. Public Domain Software. Volume Rendering Extensions for OpenGL. Table of Contents. Introduction. Terminology. Capability Queries. Volume Data Definition. Drawing a Volume. Visibility Testing. Compute Gradients. Classification. Lighting. Projection. Sampling. Interpolation. Ordering. Fragment Operations. Attribute Queries. Utilities. Usage Notes. Futures. Glossary. References. Index.
Testing the Focal Point Theory of Legal Compliance: Expressive Influence in an Experimental Hawk/Dove Game

Economic theories of legal compliance emphasize legal sanctions, while psychological and sociological theories stress the perceived legitimacy of law. Without disputing the importance of either mechanism, we test a third way that law affects behavior, an expressive theory that claims law influences behavior by creating a focal point around which individuals coordinate. The focal point theory makes three claims: (1) that the need for coordination is pervasive because "mixed motive" games involving coordination model common disputes; (2) that, in such games, any third-party cheap talk that calls the players' attention to a particular equilibrium tends to produce that equilibrium; and (3) that law, by publicly endorsing a particular equilibrium, tends to call the players' attention to that outcome. After explaining the first and third claim, we offer an experimental test of the second. Specifically, we investigated how various forms of third party cheap talk influence the behavior of subjects in a Hawk/Dove or Chicken game. Despite the players' conflicting interests, we found that messages highlighting one equilibrium tend to produce that outcome. This result emerged when the message was selected by an overtly random, mechanical process, and also when it was delivered by a third-party subject; the latter effect was significantly stronger than the former only when the subject speaker was selected by a merit-based process. These results suggest that, in certain circumstances, law generates compliance not only by sanctions and legitimacy, but also by facilitating coordination around a focal outcome.
Characteristics of beaver ponds on deltas in a mountain environment

Many beaver ponds in the Rocky Mountains, that have been described in the literature, are in-channel ponds that are relatively small and short-lived. This paper describes floodplain beaver ponds on low-gradient deltas in glacial finger lakes in Glacier National Park, Montana. These ponds are distinctly larger, probably fed by hyporheic flow, and stable and long-lived. Ponds examined were, with one exception, 44 years old. Glacial discharge is present in each valley where beaver ponds occupy low-gradient deltas, and this discharge likely sustains pond water level over the course of the summer. As glaciers recede and disappear, deltaic beaver ponds dependent on hyporheic flow may be negatively affected. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Side Letters, Incorporation by Reference and Construction of Contractual Relationships Memorialized in Multiple Writings

Significant business relationships are often memorialized in multiple documents -- sometimes in the form of multiple simultaneous documents, on other occasions with an intentional sequencing of the documents. There can be good reasons for using multiple writings. A number of principles of contract construction and enforcement are not well adapted to this style of contracting. This article analyzes some of the prominent problems.One inclined to sharp dealing might seek to obtain surreptitiously contractual rights by incorporating by reference advantageous terms. This article shows there are a number of strands of authority that, as a matter of contract construction, i.e., not relying on nebulous principles of unconscionability, limit the effectiveness of that strategy. This article further examines judicial application of various interpretative bromides to contractual relationships memorialized in multiple writings, illustrating how they can impede implementing the parties’ evident intent. Lastly, this article briefly examines the interplay between the parol evidence rule and the principle that multiple writings are construed as a single instrument, highlighting the technique of construing different writings as one can be used to evade application of the rule.
The Rorschach Inkblot Test: An Interpretive Guide for Clinicians

In this highly readable interpretive guide to the Rorschach Inkblot Test, James Choca describes the uses to which it is best suited. Used appropriately, the Rorschach uniquely reveals a person's level of energy, control of emotions, and thought processes - something that other tests are unable to do. Choca reviews the current literature, emphasising those markers that have the strongest scientific support, and illustrates how to integrate the science and clinical art of Rorschach interpretation when working with patients. Case examples deftly illuminate these principles. After reading this book, graduate students and professionals will have acquired a solid foundation for administering and interpreting this constructive clinical tool.
Examining Postoperative Outcomes after Employing a Surgical Algorithm for Management of Peyronie's Disease: A Single-Institution Retrospective Review.

Abstract Aim Surgery remains the gold standard treatment for men with stable Peyronie's disease (PD). In an attempt to guide operative selection, we report our series of penile-straightening procedures for PD, using a surgical algorithm that recommended tunica albuginea plication (TAP), partial plaque excision and grafting (PEG) or inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. With this study, we attempt to further refine surgical approach, define realistic surgical outcomes, and help establish reasonable postoperative expectations for treatment of PD. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent surgery for PD at our institution between 2007 and 2013. Work-up involved a history, physical exam, and a duplex ultrasound. Several questionnaires were employed to assess bother and distress associated with PD. Objective outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed postoperatively. Primary outcomes include postoperative patient satisfaction with rigidity, curvature, and ability to engage in intercourse. Secondary outcomes include comparing emotional, relationship, and psychological distress to severity of disease. Results A total of 390 patients underwent penile-straightening procedures for correction of PD. Of these patients, 29%, (n = 114) underwent TAP, 41% (n = 159) PEG, and 30% (N = 114) IPP. Mean follow-up was 17 months. The three surgical modalities showed no significant difference in satisfaction with penile rigidity, presence of bothersome residual curve, or ability to engage in intercourse. Preoperatively, 80% of men reported a negative effect of PD on their emotional status. Postoperatively, 88.4% of men were able to engage in penetrative intercourse, while only 70% were satisfied with rigidity and 84.9% were satisfied with curvature correction. Conclusion Patient experience with postsurgical rigidity, ability to engage in intercourse, and residual bothersome curve was not statistically different across the three groups, supporting the use of this surgical algorithm. The majority of patients with PD experience some degree of emotional and psychological distress, which may compromise patient satisfaction. Papagiannopoulos D, Yura E, and Levine L. Examining postoperative outcomes after employing a surgical algorithm for management of Peyronie's disease: A single-institution retrospective review. J Sex Med 2015;12:1474–1480.
Nomenclature in plastic surgery

Abstract The literature of plastic surgery is rapidly growing, therefore, a standardized nomenclature which has now become fairly well established, is described. Skin grafts and flaps are classified and defined. At the same time, an attempt has been made to evaluate the more important procedures in plastic surgery.
The Effects of Thermal Stratification on Turbulent Diffusion from a Continuous Fixed Source

The similarity principle is employed to determine the maximum velocity of the vertical propagation of a diffusing smoke flowing from a continuous fixed source in a stratified fluid. With the use of the velocity profile (Kao, 1959) for a stratified fluid the profile of the boundaries of the smoke plume is evaluated numerically for various values of the stability parameter . It is shown that the spreading of a smoke plume generally increases with increasing heat flux from the boundary surface. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1960.tb01322.x
The built environment through the cultural-architectural lens

The Building Research & Information special issue ‘Developing Theories on the Built Environment’ (36(3) 2008) raises the question of whether there could be a common framework to combine a wide range of interests and provide insightful answers. This commentary explores the significance of cultural contexts for theories on the built environment. Deficiencies in both architectural theory and history have left cultural associations and values inarticulated. Increasingly, architectural theory and history have become marginalized in the widening debate about the built environment as their focus has become too limited and separated from everyday and urgent needs. The cultural ‘footprint’ remains the strongest force and determines patterns of behaviour and expectations. It is argued that a cultural lens is the primary key in providing both insight into an ideal and consciousness of (intellectual and practical) habits influencing our actions. In order to grasp the complexity of the built environment and provide a ...
A hierarchical approach to efficient reinforcement learning in deterministic domains

Factored representations, model-based learning, and hierarchies are well-studied techniques for improving the learning efficiency of reinforcement-learning algorithms in large-scale state spaces. We bring these three ideas together in a new algorithm. Our algorithm tackles two open problems from the reinforcement-learning literature, and provides a solution to those problems in deterministic domains. First, it shows how models can improve learning speed in the hierarchy-based MaxQ framework without disrupting opportunities for state abstraction. Second, we show how hierarchies can augment existing factored exploration algorithms to achieve not only low sample complexity for learning, but provably efficient planning as well. We illustrate the resulting performance gains in example domains. We prove polynomial bounds on the computational effort needed to attain near optimal performance within the hierarchy.
The photochemistry of o-[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]acetophenone

Abstract The title compound was prepared and irradiated under a variety of conditions to produce no change. Irradiation in DMSO-d 6 and methanol-d 4 results in D incorporation into the o -(trimethylsilyl)methyl group. Irradiation in 2-propanol results in photoreduction (φ=0.012) which could be quenched with dienes (k q τ=4.5). These results are taken to suggest a rapid, efficient, and reversible H- transfer with no detectable silyl transfer.
Multilayer stack actuator made from new prestrain-free dielectric elastomers

The best performing dielectric elastomer materials reported thus far are commercial products manufactured for applications unrelated to electro-mechanical transduction. Prestretching is commonly employed to obtain high actuation strain and energy density. The limited knowledge of the polymers’ chemical structure makes it difficult to re-formulate the polymers for significantly improved overall material performance. We report the synthesis of new acrylate-based dielectric elastomers that exhibit high actuation strain without prestretching. Mixtures of commercial acrylate monomers and other additives are copolymerized by UV-initiated radical polymerization to form thin dielectric elastomer membranes. This processing can readily be scaled up to fabricate multi-layer stacked actuators with 11% linear actuation strain.
Comparison of Bulimic-Anorexic and Nondistressed Families Using Structural Analysis of Social Behavior

Abstract This study compared family processes in 16 bulimic-anorexic and 24 nondistressed family triads, including fathers, mothers, and teenage daughters. Using Benjamin's Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB), family members rated their interrelationships and were observed during a family discussion of daughter's separation from her parents. As expected, the results revealed that families of bulimic-anorexics were more Belittling and Appeasing, and Ignoring and Walling Off and were less Helping and Trusting, and Nurturing and Approaching than were their nondisturbed counterparts. In addition, results from the observational data, including sequential analyses, showed that parents of anorexics were more double-binding toward their daughters by juxtaposing the opposite messages of taking control and giving them autonomy. This conflict was complemented by the bulimic-anorexics themselves who were ambivalent about resentfully submitting and asserting themselves with their parents. These results were interpreted in relation to the individuation hypothesis of anorexia nervosa and its variants.
Transgenic analysis of the physiological functions of Mahogunin Ring Finger-1 isoforms

Mahogunin Ring Finger-1 (Mgrn1) null mutant mice have a pleiotropic phenotype that includes the absence of yellow hair pigment, abnormal head shape, reduced viability, and adult-onset spongiform neurodegeneration. Mgrn1 encodes a highly conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase with four different isoforms which are differentially expressed and predicted to localize to different subcellular compartments. To test whether loss of specific isoforms causes different aspects of the mutant phenotype, we generated transgenes for each isoform and bred them onto the null mutant background. Mice expressing only isoform I or III appeared completely normal. Isoform II rescued or partially rescued the mutant phenotypes, whereas isoform IV had little or no effect. Our data show that different Mgrn1 isoforms are not functionally equivalent in vivo and that the presence of only isoform I or III is sufficient for normal development, pigmentation, and neuronal integrity. genesis 47:524–534, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reflections from the Executive Office Building

Four years ago, Frank Press came to Washington to take on what amounts to the position of chief scientist for the United States of America. He came to serve a new President as his personal science advisor and to be director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. As a new administration takes over in Washington, Frank Press has returned to MIT for a brief respite before assuming, on July 1, 1981, the presidency of the National Academy of Sciences for a 6-year term. When Frank Press arrived in Washington in early 1977, he was relatively unknown in political circles. He would have to become very well known to the President, to members of the House and Senate committees, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to representatives from industry, and to all departments of the executive branch of government. Frank Press leaves office not only very well known but very well respected as an apolitical human who served effectively among politicians.
POLIOMYELITIS IN THE USA: VIRTUAL ELIMINATION OF DISEASE CAUSED BY WILD VIRUS

The average number of paralytic poliomyelitis cases per year in the United States has fallen from 16 000 just before vaccine was introduced in the 1950s to only 12 in 1978-83. 18 of the 69 cases (26%) reported in this 6-year period were not vaccine associated according to the epidemiological classification of paralytic poliomyelitis cases, established in 1975. The van Wezel antigenic differentiation test and oligonucleotide fingerprinting provide a laboratory basis for definitive characterisation of wild and vaccine-like poliovirus strains. Of the 69 cases, isolates from 42 have been analysed; 31 were vaccine-like poliovirus and 11 wild poliovirus. 7 of the wild poliovirus isolates are from cases in a 1979 outbreak caused by poliovirus imported from the Netherlands through Canada; 1 is from a single importation; and 3 are from isolated cases with no identified source. No indigenous wild strain has been isolated from any reported poliomyelitis case since 1981, when a wild strain was isolated from an immunodeficient individual.
Diagnostic and Treatment Differences among Five Ethnic Groups

This study compared the diagnosis and treatment of white American psychiatric patients to those of black, Mexican, Vietnamese, and Filipino American psychiatric patients (N = 293) in four public mental health agencies. Aspects of diagnosis examined were primary psychiatric diagnosis, somatic complaints, and social, legal, and economic problems. Aspects of treatment studied were treatment modality, duration of treatment, frequency of treatment, number of visits, and therapists' disciplines. Although important differences among groups emerged, the pronounced differences in diagnosis and treatment reported in the literature between whites and ethnic minorities were not supported. This might be partially attributed to the similarity of economic class among these samples.
Quantitative microautoradiography by X-ray emission micro-analysis

Abstract Silver concentration in developed photographic emulsions exposed by β-emission may be measured on spots with a minimum diameter of about 10μm using an electron microprobe or a scanning electron microscope. Silver concentration is directly proportional to the integrated flux of β-particles bombarding the emulsion. Thus analysis for silver provides a method for quantitative microautoradiography which is comparable in accuracy and precision to other available methods and which can be performed on readily available equipment.
The graft versus host reaction in man after bone marrow transplantation: pathology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and implication

Abstract The lesions of the graft versus host reaction are described in eight patients receiving bone marrow transplants and cyclophosphamide cytoreductive therapy. The pathologic alterations are divided into two categories, the lymphoid response and the aggressor lymphocyte destructive lesions. The lymphoid response occurs in lymph nodes and the splenic white pulp previously depleted by cyclophosphamide therapy. It consists of a transient phase of lymphoblastic transformation and proliferation followed by rapidly developing lymphoid depletion during which a population shift to small lymphocytes occurs. This culminates in severe lymphoid atrophy which is eventually followed by early normal lymphoid repopulation, taking place especially in B-lymphocyte zones. Presumably the lymphoid response chiefly involves donor cells. In the aggressor lymphocyte destructive lesions squamous epithelia principally that of the skin, tongue, and esophagus, show intercellular edema of squamous epithelium, liquefaction changes, and coagulative necrosis with acantholysis and lacunae formation in the lower squamous epithelial cells as well as pilosebaceous units. This may be followed by suprabasal bullae, sloughing of the upper epidermis, and eventually epidermal atrophy. Intestinal lesions consist of necrosis of crypt epithelium leading to glandular depopulation. The liver shows focal coagulation necrosis lf hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, primarily but not exclusively occurring adjacent to the portal triads, disruption of the limiting plate and canals of Hering and Kupffer cell hyperplasia. Lymphoid organs and bone marrow exhibit discrete necrosis of individual cells. The GVHR apparently insured total riddance of leukemia in our patients and the total replacement of host lymphohematopoietic system by donor cells. The clinical triad of dermatitis, diarrhea, and liver dysfunction are due initially to the described pathologic alterations but may later on be accounted for by the development of secondary infections, primarily viral, leading to the syndrome of graft versus host disease. This mimicks the GVHR.
Raising the Colorado Plateau

Shallow-marine rocks exposed on the 2-km-high, 45-km-thick Colorado Plateau in the western United States indicate that it was near sea level during much of the Phanerozoic. Isostatic calculations, however, illuminate the difficulty in maintaining a 45-km-thick crust at or near sea level. We propose that an isostatically balanced, 30-km-thick, proto‐Colorado Plateau crust was thickened during the Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary by intracrustal flow out of an overthickened Sevier orogenic hinterland. This plateau would have been supported by a thick (>70 km) crustal root, which is proposed to have been the source region for hot and weak mid-crustal material that flowed eastward from the plateau toward the low-elevation proto‐Colorado Plateau.
Analysis of polymer blend morphology by transmission and reflection light scattering techniques

Optical inspection is a potentially powerful and practical tool to collect information on polymer blend morphology for on-line quality and process control. This paper describes two approaches for the characterization of polymer blend materials by multiple light scattering. A quantitative evaluation of spectral turbidimetry (scattering of transmitted light) is presented and an adaptation of this technique for monitoring particle size, independent of the volume fraction is demonstrated. Such a procedure is applicable to materials in film form. A different approach is presented for the analysis of nearly spherical particles in optically thick samples: the diffuse reflection pattern surrounding the position of incidence of a focused light beam on the surface of the turbid medium is scanned by a single side imaging system. A spectral pseudo-transmittance signal processing technique provides particle size information again independent of the volume fraction: Both techniques have been tested using well characterized polystyrene microspheres suspended in water as well as poly(methyl) (methacrylate)/polystyrene polymer blends.
Behind an enteric neuron there may lie a glial cell.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls the gastrointestinal system. Enteric glia have long been regarded as the essential “glue” of the ENS. Now, however, two independent reports in this issue of the JCI provide compelling evidence that mouse enteric glia can also be neuronal precursors. These reports show that enteric glia give rise to neurons in vitro and that neurogenesis can be experimentally induced to occur in vivo in the adult mouse ENS. Unfortunately, glia do not constitutively replace neurons, and neurogenesis is not easily provoked. Although these new observations make it clear that clinical trials using glia to replace enteric neurons are more than premature, they are enticing for future research.