cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3623: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with increased expression of DNA repair proteins and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Background: Proteomic profiling has elucidated several dysregulated pathways in NSCLC. We sought to identify patterns of protein expression that are enriched following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected lung cancers. Methods: Tissue samples were selected from the PROSPECT trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center, the goal of which was to correlate molecular profiles with treatment response. Samples from 189 patients were analyzed, which included 26% squamous tumors; 27% with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 49); and predominantly localized disease (distribution: I = 91, II = 35, III = 58, IV = 5). Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) analysis was utilized to quantify 127 total or phosphorylated proteins. Interactions between protein expression and the receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Cox regression was performed to determine the relationship between protein expression and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: Twenty one of the 127 proteins (16%) were expressed at significantly different levels in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Specifically, patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had higher expression of multiple DNA repair proteins, including MSH2 (p Conclusions: The receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with higher expression of DNA repair proteins, suppression of the PI3K pathway, and an EMT shift. Increased expression of DNA repair proteins was also associated with reduced RFS. These findings suggest that higher expression of DNA repair proteins may contribute to treatment resistance, and support the combination of standard chemotherapy with targeted agents such as Chk inhibitors or immunotherapy (to address EMT-mediated immune escape). Citation Format: Daniel R. Gomez, Lixia Diao, Jing Wang, Ignacio I. Wistuba, Cesar Moran, Neda Kalhor, Milind B. Suraokar, Stephen G. Swisher, Carmen Behrens, Youhong Fan, John V. Heymach, Lauren A. Byers. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with increased expression of DNA repair proteins and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3623. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3623
Maternal imprisonment, economic marginality, and unmet health needs in early adulthood

There is relatively little research on access to the health care needed by children whose mothers have been incarcerated, and even fewer studies of how effects of lack of access continue and cumulate as these children transition from living with parents, parent surrogates, or foster care into adulthood. We find in a nationally representative U.S. panel study (n=9418 participants from 1995 to 2007-2008 in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health) that young adult children of incarcerated mothers are less likely to receive the health care they need. These effects hold in models that take into account covariates and receipt of health care in the past, a useful control for unmeasured heterogeneity. In this analysis for 2007-2008, economic marginality mediates maternal incarceration on young adult unmet health care needs. Health insurance mediates a smaller portion of this effect. The findings of this research provide important bench marks for assessing the effects of the 2010 passage and the 2013 implementation of the Affordable Care Act [ACA], as well as prospective efforts to change or repeal the ACA.
Early disease progression of Hurler syndrome.

Newborn screening for mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) shows promise to improve outcomes by facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. However, diagnostic tests for MPS I are of limited value in predicting whether a child will develop severe central nervous system disease associated with Hurler syndrome, or minimal or no central nervous system involvement associated with the attenuated phenotypes (Hurler–Scheie and Scheie syndromes). Given that the optimal treatment differs between Hurler syndrome and the attenuated MPS I phenotypes, the absence of a reliable prognostic biomarker complicates clinical decision making for infants diagnosed through newborn screening. Information about the natural history of Hurler syndrome may aid in the management of affected infants, contribute to treatment decisions, and facilitate evaluation of treatment effectiveness and prognosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the progression and timing of symptom onset in infants with Hurler syndrome. Clinical data from 55 patients evaluated at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Information about each child’s medical history was obtained following a standardized protocol including a thorough parent interview and the review of previous medical records. All patients underwent systematic physical and neurodevelopmental evaluations by a multidisciplinary team. Nearly all patients (98%) showed signs of disease during the first 6 months of life. Common early disease manifestations included failed newborn hearing screen, respiratory symptoms, difficulty latching, and otitis media. Other symptoms such as kyphosis, corneal clouding, cardiac disease, joint restrictions, and enlarged head circumference typically appeared slightly later (median age, 8–10 months). During the first 12 months, gross motor development was the most severely affected area of functioning, and a significant number of patients also experienced language delays. Cognition was typically preserved during this period. In this large cohort of patients with Hurler syndrome, the vast majority showed signs and symptoms of disease during the first months of life. More research is needed to determine the extent to which early clinical manifestations of MPS I can predict phenotype and treatment outcomes.
Modeling dynamic resilience in coupled technological-social systems subjected to stochastic disturbance regimes

Resilience of engineered systems is measured by the ability to anticipate, prepare for, recover, learn, and improve from an external disturbance regime that comprises of a series of chronic low-intensity and infrequent acute shocks, which disrupt functionality. Here, we present a new systems-level model for coupled technological systems, which provide functionality, and social systems in charge of management. Each system is characterized by a single, aggregated, dynamic state variable, namely (1) critical service deficit, representing services/functionality not provided by the technological system to match demands, and (2) adaptive capacity, representing total resources available to the managing/social institutions to maintain and repair critical services. These coupled systems are subjected to an external stochastic disturbance regime (Poisson shocks), and temporal perturbations in the two state variables are simulated. We use this “toy” model to simulate four hypothetical scenarios to illustrate likely coupled system temporal trajectories and shifts between a desirable (full service) and an undesirable (limited service) regime or complete system collapse (no service, no adaptive capacity). We also present several quantitative approaches to assess time series data and examine coupled systems dynamics. Resilience of the coupled systems for coping with and recovering from service losses is a dynamic property, contingent on system parameters that define the initial conditions before the shocks and recovery, and the frequency and magnitude of shocks.
What can be learned from an analysis of 215 glenoid component failures

Background Glenoid component failure is a prevalent mechanical complication of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to identify surgeon-controlled factors that may be addressed to reduce the rate of glenoid component failure that is sufficiently symptomatic to merit surgical revision. Methods We reviewed the clinical and radiographic features of 215 total shoulder arthroplasties that we revised for symptomatic glenoid component failure. Results Glenoid component failure was associated with poor patient self-assessed shoulder function (mean Simple Shoulder Test score, 3.0 ± 2.7). These shoulders often showed multiple failure modes; 72% had glenoid component loosening, 69% had polyethylene wear, 51% had glenohumeral decentering, and 25% had humeral component loosening. Metal-backed/hybrid and keeled glenoid designs had higher rates of loosening (P = .010), malposition (P = .007), dislocation (P Conclusions Glenoid component failure remains a major cause of poor patient outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty. The occurrence of severe glenoid component failure might be reduced by paying attention to glenoid component design and insertion technique, restoring the normal balance of the humeral head in the center of the glenoid, and considering a reverse total shoulder when the shoulder is unstable because of soft tissue deficiency.
Gendered political violence: female militancy, conduct and representation in contemporary scholarship – a review

Traditional analysis of women, gender and terrorism has been sparse and riddled with stereotypical thinking about women’s capabilities and motivations: revenge for a personal loss or submissive, pa...
A multicenter randomized phase II study of nivolumab in combination with gemcitabine/cisplatin or ipilimumab as first-line therapy for patients with advanced unresectable biliary tract cancer (BilT-01).

4582Background: Patients (pts) with advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC) have poor prognosis with a median overall survival (OS) less than 12 months (mos). This randomized phase 2, multi-institutio...
Detection of Oxidative DNA Base Damages

Antibodies to a variety of oxidized DNA bases have been generated in a number of laboratories including our own (see Table I). Most of these antibodies have been elicited using protein-conjugated haptens of interest. In general, the antibodies have reasonable affinity such that appropriate sensitivity in the various assays can be achieved. The difficulty with antibodies that recognize oxidized DNA bases is that the oxidized bases do not differ largely from their unoxidized derivatives. Thus, the specificity for detecting lesions in DNA must be high especially when one considers the low level of damaged compared to undamaged bases. Even if the sensitivity of the assay can be amplified, cross-reactivity of the antibody with the unoxidized base in DNA remains an obstacle to successful detection of low levels of the oxidized base. This particular problem is not seen as often when antibodies are elicited to the chemical adducts that have features that vary quite dramatically from the unadducted base. An additional consideration is that the lesion must be stable to the procedures used during preparation of the immunogen and during DNA denaturation. The latter is usually necessary since the antibodies often do not recognize the lesion as well in duplex DNA. Despite these shortcomings, antibodies to oxidized bases have been effectively utilized to detect these lesions in oxidized or ionizing radiation-treated DNA in vitro.
Solute Interference Effects in Freezing Potentials of Dilute Electrolytes

Charge separation at an advancing ice/water interface is caused by preferential incorporation of ion constituents of one sign into the solid phase. Magnitude and sign of the potential difference depend on concentrations and kinds of solute species. Electrical neutrality is restored by a flux of hydroniums (protons) and hydroxyls, present in solution or generated by electrolysis. Interference effects occur between competing solute species in a freezing solution. The interference is positive if it enhances, negative if it reduces the freezing-potential difference. A reversal of the potential sign was observed in certain cases. A large excess of hydrogen or hvdroxyl ions in the original solution always interferes negatively. Ammonium gave rise to large freezing potentials (ice positive) in concentrations as low as 10−10 M, provided dissolved CO2 was in some excess. Similar effects by CO2 were observed with ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate solutions. NaCl (10−5 M to 10−6 M) negatively interfered with ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate concentrations lower than 10−6 M. NaCl by itself gave high freezing potentials (ice negative) but dissolved CO2 (absorbed from air) caused strong negative interference. Ionic interference effects are important for an understanding of ice electrification. Thev may increase or decrease both the concentration range in which charge separation occurs with a given solute and the amplitude of the potential differences. Thus, they explain some of the scatter observed in this type of laboratory measurement. They could be useful in assessing the effect of the interfacial electric field on solute distribution coefficients but the question whether or how these electrochemical interference effects relate to the structure of the phase boundary (or of the bulk phases in the vicinity of the boundary) cannot at present be answered.
José Ortega y Gasset on Understanding Human Life as Ultimate Reality and Meaning

Apres avoir presente rapidement la vie et l'oeuvre de Jose Ortega y Gasset, l'A. montre que c'est la vie humaine qui predomine dans sa pensee comme realite et signification ultimes, et explique le traitement varie que fait Ortega y Gasset de cette notion
Nonstopping Iteration for Ordinary Differential Operator Equation

We give a nonstopping iteration scheme in finding a least-square solution for a Hilbert space operator equation. This operator is generated by a regular first order ordinary differential system and is nondensely defined.
Organizational Project Management (OPM): Exploring Its Need in Organizations

Organizational Project Management (OPM) is not a "thing" or a "procedure" rather, it can almost be described as a "state of being" or "harmony" in the alignment of what an organization does and how it gets there. OPM has the responsibility to enhance and improve how an organization achieves its strategic goals. It provides organizations with an intelligent approach to deal effectively with the various projects and programs required by the market, its organizational stakeholders, and regulatory agencies, all within the organization's limited resources. OPM has the responsibility to support the alignment between the organization's business strategy and its projects to achieve the organization's goals. It is also responsible for managing risks and dealing with the uncertainty that may prevent the organization from achieving its objectives. In addition, it enables the organization to measure its capabilities, then plan and implement improvements to seek the systematic achievement of best practices. Moreover, it ensures organizational learnings from both knowledge management and lessons learned. The purpose of the research is to illustrate the important role that OPM must or needs to play within the organization. This research utilizes the current knowledge base in the project management environment to answer the question of "Why does an organization need to establish OPM?" In addition to describing OPM's responsibility in the organization, the paper will briefly explore four categories, Portfolio Management, Project Sponsor, Effective Programs and Projects Management, and Strategic Project Management Office (PMO) for establishing OPM in an organization.
“I Always Watched Eyewitness News Just to See Your Beautiful Smile”: Ethical Implications of U.S. Women TV Anchors’ Personal Branding on Social Media

Women television journalists have long faced criticism and harassment regarding their appearance. The normalization of social media engagement in newsrooms, where journalists are expected to intera...
Diet-induced oxalate nephropathy

Oxalate nephropathy is a rare condition and may be overlooked due to lack of recognition and understanding of triggers. An 81-year-old man was sent to nephrologist because of significantly increased creatinine (1.5–1.9 mg/dL) noted for 3 months. He had well-controlled diabetes but no history of kidney disease. He had no chronic diarrhoea or intestinal surgery. He was a health-minded individual who had read extensively about benefit of antioxidants. Initial work-up was unrevealing. Within a few weeks after first visit, he developed acute symptomatic worsening kidney injury with nausea, vomiting and creatinine up to 6.8 mg/dL. Repeat examination of the urine sediment revealed casts containing calcium oxalate crystals. A deeper dietary history revealed widespread oxalate precursor consumption. A kidney biopsy confirmed oxalate nephropathy. Restriction of oxalate consumption combined with adequate hydration, oral calcium acetate resulted in partial renal recovery without need for haemodialysis.
Long-Term Follow-up of Adults with Severe Sickle Cell Disease After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Using Reduced Intensity Conditioning

Abstract Abstract 261 Despite advances in care, sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to be associated with considerable morbidity and premature mortality, particularly in adulthood. Myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children 16 years or younger with matched sibling donors is effective, well-tolerated, and controls SCD-mediated damage. In adults, HSCT after myeloablative conditioning carries unacceptable transplant-related mortality. Several recent studies suggest the feasibility of using reduced intensity conditioning regimens (RIC) in adults. However, these reports were generated with few patients, using different regimens, and with short follow-up periods. To determine the common features of these regimens, and to assess the long-term outcomes of RIC-HSCT in adults (16 years or older), we reviewed all reports published on the subject as manuscripts or abstracts from 2002 to 2010. Six distinct RIC-HSCT regimens were used (see table). All included fludarabine and/or alemtuzumab. Twenty previously reported adult patients (age 16–45, median 21 years) and 4 new adult patients were identified. Nine of the 24 patients received bone marrow stem cells, while the rest received peripheral blood stem cells. All had HLA-matched donors. From reported outcomes, RIC-HSCT was well-tolerated with minimal transplant-related toxicity. At a median of 2.5 years, overall survival was 95% and disease-free survival was 85%. Two patients developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and 2 developed limited chronic GvHD. To determine long-term outcomes of RIC-HSCT in adults, we obtained follow-up information on 12 of the 24 adult patients from 3 of the 6 centers. At follow-up of up to 6 years, 11 of 12 patients were alive with stable donor chimerism (median 100%, range 0–100%) and no new SCD symptoms. Two developed acute GvHD progressing to chronic extensive GvHD. One had limited chronic GvHD but expired from an embolic event 9 months after HSCT. A fourth developed limited chronic GvHD that resolved off steroids. Six patients were able to discontinue all immunosuppressive medications. In summary, our review of published data and report of subsequent follow-up demonstrate that adult patients with SCD tolerate a variety of RIC. Conditioning regimens combining immunosuppressive agents with moderate ablation appear sufficient to generate sustained donor engraftment and disease control. Though GvHD was common, a majority of patients (6 of 11) eventually discontinued immune suppression. These data together provide compelling rationale for formal clinical trials of RIC-HSCT in adults with severe SCD. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
PPNet: Privacy Protected CDN-ISP Collaboration for QoS-aware Multi-CDN Adaptive Video Streaming

Software-defined networking introduces opportunities to optimize the Internet Service Provider’s network and to improve client experience for the Video-on-Demand applications. Recent studies on SDN frameworks show that traffic engineering methods allow a fair share of bandwidth between adaptive video streaming clients. Additionally, ISPs can make better estimations of bandwidth and contribute to the bitrate selection for the clients. This study focuses on another aspect of network assistance in video delivery: CDN server selection. In a typical framework where the ISP contributes to the CDN selection, the video provider and the network provider interfaces are merged together. Clients connect to the ISP to get the best CDN server candidate for a given video. This exposes client requests to the ISP. However, video providers have been investing large resources for encrypted video provisioning to preserve their client’s information from third parties, especially network providers. The typical approach is not practical due to privacy concerns. In this study, we present a framework called PPNet to allow CDN-ISP collaboration while preventing the ISP’s access to the video request and availability information. Our framework introduces an isolation between the video provider’s and the ISP’s web interfaces. Clients connect to both of the interfaces and deliver information on a need-to-know basis. As a second contribution, PPNet introduces a practical optimization method for CDN selection. Real-time data collection capabilities of a typical OpenFlow network is used as the input for optimization. Congestion-awareness has been the priority. To adapt for changing network conditions, capability of utilizing multiple servers simultaneously for a single video is introduced. Instead of directing each video client into a CDN node, the proposed system performs request routing per video segment. Finally, we present a system prototype of PPNet and show that our multiple-host adaptive streaming method introduces a significant improvement in quality of experience when compared to the state of the art.
A computationally efficient Monte-Carlo model for biomedical Raman spectroscopy.

Monte Carlo (MC) modeling is a valuable tool to gain fundamental understanding of light-tissue interactions, provide guidance and assessment to optical instrument designs, and help analyze experimental data. It has been a major challenge to efficiently extend MC towards modeling of bulk-tissue Raman spectroscopy (RS) due to the wide spectral range, relatively sharp spectral features, and presence of background autofluorescence. Here, we report a computationally efficient MC approach for RS by adapting the massively-parallel Monte Carlo eXtreme (MCX) simulator. Simulation efficiency is achieved through "isoweight," a novel approach that combines the statistical generation of Raman scattered and Fluorescence emission with a lookup-table-based technique well-suited for parallelization. The MC model uses a graphics processor to produce dense Raman and fluorescence spectra over a range of 800 - 2000 cm-1 with an approximately 100× increase in speed over prior RS Monte Carlo methods. The simulated RS signals are compared against experimentally collected spectra from gelatin phantoms, showing a strong correlation.
Neither dabigatran nor rivaroxaban were linked to increased GI bleeding compared with warfarin

Source Citation Abraham NS, Singh S, Alexander GC, et al. Comparative risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and warfarin: population based cohort study. BMJ. 2015;350:h185...
Descriptions of two new genera and species of Cicadidae (Hemiptera) from India with some notes on tribal classification

Two new cicada genera and species, Paratanna parata gen. et sp. n. and Subtibicina tigris gen. et sp. n., are described from India. Paratanna gen. n. is closely related to Tanna Distant, 1905 and is placed in the subtribe Leptopsaltriina of the tribe Cicadini in the subfamily Cicadinae. Subtibicina gen. n. is closely related to Tibicina Amyot, 1847 and is placed in the tribe Tibicinini in the subfamily Tibicininae. Katoa Ouchi, 1938 is transferred from Tibicinini to Cicadettini of the subfamily Cicadettinae. Klapperichicen Dlabola, 1957 is transferred from Tibicinini to Cicadatrini of the subfamily Cicadinae. Tibicinini includes the following nine genera: Tibicina, Okanagana Distant, 1905, Paharia Distant, 1905, Subtibicina gen. n., Tibicinoides Distant, 1914, Clidophleps Van Duzee, 1915, Okanagodes Davis, 1919, Subpsaltria Chen, 1943 and Ahomana Distant, 1905. Cicadatrini includes the following seven genera: Cicadatra Kolenati, 1857, Klapperichicen, Psalmocharias Kirkaldy, 1908, Shaoshia Wei, Ahmed & Rizvi, 2010, Mogannia Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843, Nipponosemia Kato, 1925 and Emathia Stal, 1866. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ICRF heating and transport of deuterium-tritium plasmas in TFTR

This paper describes results of the first experiments utilizing high-power ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) to heat deuterium-tritium (D-T) plasmas in reactor-relevant regimes on the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). Results from these experiments have demonstrated efficient core, second harmonic, tritium heating of D-T supershot plasmas with tritium concentrations ranging from 6%--40%. Significant direct ion heating on the order of 60% of the input radio frequency (rf) power has been observed. The measured deposition profiles are in good agreement with two-dimensional modeling code predictions. Confinement in an rf-heated supershot is at least similar to that without rf, and possibly better in the electron channel. Efficient electron heating via mode conversion of fast waves to ion Bernstein waves (IBW) has been demonstrated in ohmic, deuterium-deuterium and DT-neutral beam injection plasmas with high concentrations of minority {sup 3}He (n{sub {sup 3}He}/n{sub e} > 10%). By changing the {sup 3}He concentration or the toroidal field strength, the location of the mode-conversion radius was varied. The power deposition profile measured with rf power modulation showed that up to 70% of the power can be deposited on electrons at an off-axis position. Preliminary results with up to 4 MW coupled into the plasma by 90-degree phased antennas showed directional propagation of the mode-converted IBW. Heat wave propagation showed no strong inward thermal pinch in off-axis heating of an ohmically-heated (OH) target plasma in TFIR.
Learning Contracts in Undergraduate Courses: Impacts on Student Behaviors and Academic Performance.

This project studied the effect of individualized, voluntary learning contracts for 18 students who performed poorly in the first part of the semester. Contracts were hypothesized to increase commitment and motivation, and lead to changes in behaviors and course performance. Self-reported prioritization and learning-related behaviors (completion of homework and course readings), recorded office hour attendance, and exam performance were compared with low-performing students who had declined the contract offer, low-performing students in a control group, and high-performing students. Students who had signed contracts attended more office hours, were more likely to prioritize homework and reading, and showed a trend for more improvement on exam performance. Ultimately, learning contracts can be a low cost, low effort tool to increase student commitment, boost academic performance, and encourage self- direction.
Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans by the antibiotic streptozotocin : mechanisms of uptake and the selection of carbohydrate-negative mutants

Abstract The antibiotic streptozotocin [2-deoxy-2-(3-methyl-3-nitrosoureido)-D-glucopyranoside], an analog of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), has been shown to be useful for the selection of carbohydrate-negative and auxotrophic bacterial mutants. We have adapted this method for use with the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans, a gram-positive, aerotolerant anaerobe that uses predominantly carbohydrates as carbon sources for growth. Streptozotocin selectively kills growing cells of S. mutans GS-5, and under appropriate conditions it can reduce the number of viable cells in actively growing cultures by a factor of 10(3) to 10(4). However, unlike in enteric bacteria, which take up this antibiotic by a single NAG-specific transport system, streptozotocin appears to be taken up in S. mutans by both a NAG-specific system and a relatively nonspecific system that is also involved in glucose, fructose, and mannose uptake. Combining streptozotocin selection and a screening procedure involving indicator plates containing triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride, we developed a general method for the isolation of carbohydrate-negative and auxotrophic mutants of S. mutans. A preliminary characterization of both pleiotropic and specific carbohydrate-negative mutants isolated by using this procedure is presented.
Judicial Usurpation of Legislative Power: Why Congress Must Reassert its Power to Determine What is “Appropriate Legislation” to Enforce the Fourteenth Amendment

INTRODUCTION 49 I. THE BATTLE OVER THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT OF 1993 52 II. THE COLLISION BETWEEN FLORES AND SEMINOLE TRIBE .....61 A. The College Savings Bank and Florida Prepaid Cases 63 B. Kimel v. Florida Board of Regents 70 C. United States v. Morrison 75 D. Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett 81 III. THE COURT’S RETREAT IN HIBBS, LANE AND GOODMAN ........86 A. Nevada Department of Human Resources v. Hibbs 86 B. Tennessee v. Lane 92 C. United States v. Georgia 98 IV. THE COURT’S ASSERTION OF ITS OWN PROPHYLACTIC POWER 104 CONCLUSION 110
Antibodies against monomorphic determinants of the α chain of class i human leukocyte antigens inhibit the reaction of human lymphocytes to mitogen and tetanus toxoid

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the α chain of Class I Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) antigens inhibtt the reactivity of human T lymphocytes to mitogen or antigen. In contrast, monoclonal antibodies to β2 microglobulin do not suppress human T cell proliferation to these same stimuli. As antigen presentation by accessory cells involves Class II and not Class I MHC antigens, the inhibition of human T cell proliferation in response to mitogen or antigen may occur at the level of the responder cell. The differential effect seen between monoclonal antibodies directed against the α chain of Class I MHC framework determinants and antibodies reactive with the polymorphic determinants suggests functionally separate components of the Class I MHC molecules.
Observations concerning the metabolism of iodine by polyps of Aurelia aurita.

In the Scyphozoan jellyfish, Aurelia aurita, iodine is necessary for, and capable of initiating, the process of strobilation, by which the sessile polyp is transformed into the free-swimming medusa. Iodine metabolism in polyps of Aurelia aurita was studied, therefore, with a view to elucidating its role in the initiation of strobilation. Polyps were incubated under varying conditions in artificial seawater containing inorganic 125I. It was found that organification is the major means by which polyps accumulate iodine. Accumulation of 125I was greatly inhibited by methimazole, but not by perchlorate, and directly measured polyp/medium iodide concentration gradients were low (< 3:1). Chromatographically immobile and only partially hydrolyzable “origin material” was the major product of iodine metabolism. Both MIT and DIT were formed and released into the incubation medium, with DIT in predominance. Another iodocompound that was chromatographically distinct from 3,5-T2, T3 and T4 was also detected, but remains unidentified. No trace of 125I-labeled T4 was ever detected, even under conditions in which strobilation was induced. Coupled with evidence from previous studies, the findings suggest that T4 is not the agent responsible for initiation of strobilation in Aurelia.
Assessment of MOV stroke time testing as a condition-directed PM task

Abstract This research focuses specifically on motor-operated valves (MOVs) in the Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) for a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR). The possible use of stroke time testing as a condition-directed Preventive Maintenance (PM) task for MOVs is evaluated. The MOV failure modes included: packing failures, control switch related failures, mechanical failures, and motor/electrical-related failures. MOV stroke time test data for the MOVs in the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI), Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC), Low Pressure Coolant Injection (LPCI), and Low Pressure Core Spray (LPCS) systems were gathered and analyzed from PECO Energy's Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in order to assess the value of stroke time testing. This analysis shows that MOV stroke time testing should not be used as a condition-directed PM task. Regression analyses and attempts to identify large stroke time deviations failed to predict possible or eminent MOV failures. Stroke time testing should only be considered as ‘go/no-go’ test, and is therefore limited to only proving operability under no-load conditions.
Multiple-domain analysis methods

The task of performance analysis is essential for debugging and optimizing program performance on a concurrent system. In this paper, we categorize conventional and advanced methods of analysis and present analysis domains. These include the spatial, temporal, event, and frequency domains. A domain focuses on a particular perspective of the problem, and synthesis of these perspectives yields a more global picture of program performance. The multiple-domain analysis approach extends this concept to include powerful visual and statistical analysis methods. To explore the capabilities in each domain, we use the AVS and Matlab tools. The approach is demonstrated via selected examples. The approach holds potential for modeling system behavior.
Multilayer Assemblies of Redox Polyelectrolytes

Polyelectrolyte multilayers containing electrochemically active viologen units have been constructed using the layer-by-layer deposition technique with poly(styrenesulfonate) and poly(butanylviologen) as polyanion and polycation, respectively. All redox active material is electrochemically addressable in multilayers made from these polymers. Cyclic voltammetry, ellipsometry, and UV−vis spectroscopy indicate a systematic dependence of the amount of material contained in these ultrathin films on the number of deposition cycles, although initial layers are significantly thinner. When the distance between a redox active layer and the electrode was varied by interposing non-electrochemically active layer pairs, it was determined that the material within the redox active layer was distributed over a distance of at least 2.5 layer pairs away from the nominal location of the redox active layer. This evidence for extensive interpenetration between layers was confirmed using variable-angle XPS, which revealed a 1:1...
The Placebo Response Rate in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The placebo response is the efficacy attributable to a treatment that is thought to have no specific pharmacologic effect on the condition being treated. Although potentially helpful in clinical practice, high and unpredictable placebo response rates present a major impediment to the success of clinical trials in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Diverse factors contribute to the placebo response rates observed in clinical trials. These include patient characteristics, physician factors, frequency of study visits, characteristics of the outcome measures, concomitant treatments, regression to the mean, properties of the intervention and treatment setting, timing of the primary endpoint and natural history of the condition. Measures that may minimize the placebo response in IBD clinical trials include early timing of the primary endpoint, minimizing the number of study visits, restricting the patient population to those with documented inflammation (such as elevated biomarkers of inflammation or evidence of mucosal inflammation), including patients with more severe symptoms (i.e. greater disease activity) and enrolling patients with prior failure of immune modulators or biologics. Attempts to limit the placebo response in IBS studies have proven more difficult. Factors associated with higher placebo response rates in IBS studies include longer duration of treatment, greater number of office visits, frequency of administration of study intervention and overall treatment effect of the active agent under study. In the future, improved understanding of the factors that drive the placebo response rate should lead to more efficient study design and drug development.
Observation of Three-photon and One-photon Interference in A Double EIT System

We report an observation of destructive interference between three-photon and one-photon excitations in a four-level atomic system, which leads to electromagnetically induced transparency and slow group velocities simultaneously for two probe fields.
Making sense of traumatic memories: Memory qualities and psychological symptoms in emerging adults with and without abuse histories

This study explored the connections between multiple measures of meaning making and psychological adjustment in people with and without histories of abuse. Young adults (n =177), recollected their three most stressful memories and rated them on importance and emotional and sensory qualities. We analysed the narratives for lexical markers of meaning making and explicit references to meaning or meaning-making attempts. There was little overlap between self-reported qualities and narrative content, and they were differentially predictive of psychological symptoms and transient emotional reactions. Consistent with the PTSD literature, more salient self-report memory characteristics (e.g., visceral emotions), and negative emotion and sensation terms predicted more symptoms. The narrative indices provided the best prediction to psychological adjustment, with several meaning indices (e.g., references to positive impact) predicting reduced symptoms, particularly for the Abuse group. Contrary to meaning-making models, resolutions predicted more symptoms, suggesting that aversive feelings during memory telling may trigger on-the-spot sense making to cope with distress.
Naturalistic treatment of an autistic child.

The present research experimentally evaluated a “naturalistic” treatment program for an autistic child administered by the parents over a 2-yr period. Operant reinforcement techniques previously developed and tested in laboratory settings were initially assessed in a clinic and eventually in the family's home. Experimental manipulations were performed in both settings on rituals, crying and whining, compliance, non-verbal imitation, and verbal imitation. The results clearly indicated that parents can effectively treat autistic behaviors provided that they receive adequate training and supervision in operant reinforcement therapy, and provided that sufficiently potent reinforcers are available to maintain behavior.
The Origins of Aesthetic and Spiritual Values in Children's Experience of Nature

We conducted a limited exploratory study of the origins of children’s aesthetic and spiritual values in their experience of the natural world. We relied on a mix of research methods, including in-depth interviews, drawings, diaries, and observational studies of children, as well as conversations with parents about their children and their own childhood. Even though con?dent conclusions cannot be drawn from this study given the relatively small sample size, a number of preliminary results emerged that suggest the role of nature in the development of children’s aesthetic and spiritual values. These included children’s articulation of an aesthetic sense of beauty, pattern and order, wonder and discovery; and the expression of such spiritual attributes as feelings of solace and peacefulness, commonality and connection, happiness and feeling at one with and at home in nature, a power greater than oneself, and a sense of divine presence or mystery.
Thermal strain in lead thin films I: Dependence of the strain on crystal orientation

Abstract The dependences on crystal orientation of strains normal to a film surface and of the resolved shear stress for dislocation glide were calculated for Pb thin films strained by an underlying substrate using the biaxial strain model. These results are plotted on (111) stereographic projections. The calculated values compare favorably with experimental values obtained by X-ray diffraction on Pb films deposited onto oxidized Si substrates at room temperature and subsequently cooled to lower temperatures.
Thymic peptide protects vascular endothelial cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidant injury

Oxidant injury of the vascular endothelium is considered an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, the antioxidant effect of a 6-kDa thymic peptide (TP), isolated from calf thymus, was investigated in vitro using vascular endothelial cells. Confluent monolayers of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) were preincubated with different concentrations of TP for 24 h, washed, and then exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 2 or 4 h. Cell injury was assessed by measuring cell viability with methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and by determining the release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Lipid peroxidation products of PAEC were monitored as malondialdehyde (MDA) with a thiobarbituric acid fluorometric assay. H2O2 (120 or 240 microM) incubated with PAEC decreased cell viability, increased LDH release, and elevated MDA production. Preincubation of PAEC with TP (25-150 micrograms/ml) before H2O2 exposure significantly increased cell viability, decreased LDH release, and reduced MDA production. These results demonstrate that TP can protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidant injury. The data thus suggest that TP may be useful for the prevention and/or treatment of atherosclerosis, and further suggest that immune modulating agents may directly or indirectly influence the functions of vascular endothelium.
Contributions of children to the care of adults with diabetes.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of child caregivers among adults with diabetes and the type of assistance they provide. METHODS In this exploratory descriptive study, 51 diverse adults with diabetes from 9 clinics in 3 states completed a survey in English or Spanish about themselves and their child caregivers. Topics addressed in the survey were the duration and types of assistance, the children's education about diabetes, and the impact of children's caregiving on attendance at school and work. RESULTS The occurrence of child caregiving for adults with diabetes was 15.7%, and greatest for Hispanics. Most adults and caregivers were female; 14 adults reported more than 1 child caregiver. The children ranged in age from 5 to 18 years and began caregiving at a mean age of 11. Children provided from 1 to 10 services, including planning meals, drawing up or administering medications, testing blood glucose, interpreting results, and transporting. Most children provided care several times a week, and nearly half had no education about diabetes care. CONCLUSIONS Children of both sexes and 4 racial/ethnic groups provided a broad range of services to adults with diabetes with little preparation. Diabetes educators should consider if and how they can assess and include child caregivers in diabetes education.
Polarized absorption spectra of hexakis(antipyrine)-lanthanide(III) tri-iodide crystals: Centrosymmetric-to-non-centrosymmetric phase transitions

Abstract Polarized absorption spectra are reported for hexakis(antipyrine)-praseodymium(III)tri-iodide crystals over the temperature range 295-10 K. The spectra are compatible with centrosymmetric Pr 3+ sites at temperatures above 37 K, but they reveal a centrosymmetric-to-non-centrosymmetric structural change at lower temperatures. The spectra exhibit rich vibronic structure, and the observed vibronic lines are used to locate crystal-field (electronic) origin transitions. The latter are silent (no intensity) at T > 37 K, but they appear with increasing intensity as the temperature is lowered (below 37 K).
The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Breast Cancer Outcomes: A Single Center Retrospective Study

Diabetes mellitus has been implicated to affect the prognostic outcomes of patients with various types of cancer. This study explores the impact of diabetes mellitus on the survival outcomes of patients with all stages of breast cancer. We performed a retrospective analysis of 255 patients with all stages of breast cancer. Survival outcomes were compared for diabetic and non-diabetic patients. A greater percent of patients in the non-diabetic group (54.1 %) presented with early-stage (stage 0 and 1) cancer than diabetics for which 41.2 % presented with stage 0 or 1 breast cancer; however this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.068). Overall, we observed a significant difference in survival between the diabetics and non-diabetic subjects (p = 0.001). Even after adjustment for all covariates and after stratification for Body Mass Index (BMI), diabetics were found to have a poorer prognosis in terms of survival time. In patients with breast cancer, diabetes mellitus is an independent predictor of lower overall survival rates, even after adjusting for other comorbidities. Primary caregivers and oncologists alike should aggressively screen breast cancer patients for diabetes mellitus and vice versa.
Complexes of Thermotoga maritima S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase provide insights into substrate specificity

The polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine are ubiquitous aliphatic cations and are essential for cellular growth and differentiation. S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) is a critical pyruvoyl-dependent enzyme in the polyamine-biosynthetic pathway. The crystal structures of AdoMetDC from humans and plants and of the AdoMetDC proenzyme from Thermotoga maritima have been obtained previously. Here, the crystal structures of activated T. maritima AdoMetDC (TmAdoMetDC) and of its complexes with S-­adenosylmethionine methyl ester and 5′-deoxy-5′-dimethyl­thioadenosine are reported. The results demonstrate for the first time that TmAdoMetDC autoprocesses without the need for additional factors and that the enzyme contains two complete active sites, both of which use residues from both chains of the homodimer. The complexes provide insights into the substrate specificity and ligand binding of AdoMetDC in prokaryotes. The conservation of the ligand-binding mode and the active-site residues between human and T. maritima AdoMetDC provides insight into the evolution of AdoMetDC.
Infraclavicular ulnar nerve entrapment due to a chondroepitrochlearis muscle

The chondroepitrochlearis muscle is an extremely rare muscle, arising from the pectoralis major, crossing over the neurovascular bundle in the axilla and inserting into the brachial fascia and medial epicondyle of the humerus. This paper presents the first known neurological complication due to the chondroepitrochlearis muscle.