cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low maruyama index surgery for gastric cancer.

Background: Japanese definitions and treatment guidelines have dominated extent-of-surgery concepts in gastric cancer for over 4 decades, despite the fact that such definitions/guidelines have changed considerably over time, and the fact they have largely failed to improve survival in prospective, randomized clinical trials. Aim: To briefly review lessons from previous surgical trials in gastric cancer, and, more specifically, to review data validating the concept of "low Maruyama Index surgery" as a data-driven guide to surgical treatment. Methods: Review of results from blinded multivariate analyses of two separate, prospective, randomized clinical trials: a) the Macdonald Trial of adjuvant postoperative chemo-radiation, Intergroup 0116, conducted in North America; and b) the Dutch D1-D2 Trial. Results: Blinded univariate and multivariate analysis of both trials establish "Maruyama Index of Unresected Disease" (MI) < 5 as a strong independent predictor of better disease-free and overall survival in gastric cancer. Moreover, a strong "dose response" effect for MI versus survival is apparent. Conclusions: In contrast to surgery focused on achievement of a particular Japanese-defined D-level, "low Maruyama Index surgery" is associated with increased disease-free and overall survival. Further, the dose-response effect suggests MI can be used to quantify the adequacy of lymphadenectomy for a given patient. Low MI surgery can be pro-spectively planned by using the Maruyama Computer Program pre-operatively or intraoperatively.
Smooth muscle actin and myosin expression in cultured airway smooth muscle cells

In this study, the expression of smooth muscle actin and myosin was examined in cultures of rat tracheal smooth muscle cells. Protein and mRNA analyses demonstrated that these cells express α- and ...
Biomechanical effects of intraspecimen variations in trabecular architecture: a three-dimensional finite element study

Trabecular architecture is considered important in osteoporosis and has been quantified by a variety of mean parameters characteristic of a whole specimen. Variations within a specimen, however, have been mostly ignored. In this study, the theoretical effects of these intraspecimen variations in architecture on predicted mechanical properties were investigated through a three-dimensional finite element parameter study that simulated variations in trabecular thickness in a controlled manner. An irregularly spaced lattice of different sized rods was used to simulate trabecular bone in three distinct volume fraction ranges, representing young, middle-aged, and elderly vertebral bone. Beta distributions (a type of non-normal distribution) of trabecular thickness with coefficients of variation of either 25%, 40%, or 55% were applied to the rods in each model, and 225 simulations of uniaxial compression tests were performed to obtain modulus values. Percent modulus reductions of 22% and 43% were predicted when the intraspecimen coefficient of variation in trabecular thickness was increased from 25% to 40% and from 25% to 55%, respectively, for models of equal volume fraction. Furthermore, this trend was predicted to be independent of volume fraction. We conclude, therefore, that consideration of the intraspecimen trabecular thickness variation in conjunction with volume fraction may improve the ability to predict trabecular modulus compared with use of volume fraction alone. Further, the model suggests that if age, disease, or drug treatments increase trabecular thickness variation, this may be detrimental to mechanical properties.
A Computational Method to Predict DNA Copy Number Alterations from Gene Expression Data in Tumor Cases

Genetic alterations, such as chromosomal gains and losses, are key causes of tumorigenesis. Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) is a molecular method for detecting such DNA copy number alterations in tumor cells. Recent observations have reported that in many tumors, the mRNA transcript changes measured by gene expression profiling (GEP) are correlated with corresponding DNA copy number alterations, supporting the possibility of predicting DNA copy number alterations from GEP data. In this paper, contrary to the traditional use of GEP, we present a new analytical approach utilizing GEP data for predicting DNA copy number alterations. The proposed approach is built on a hidden Markov model and trained in the light of paired GEP and CGH data on a sufficient number of tumor cases of the same tumor type. Then it can be applied to new cases of that tumor type to predict the CGH profiles from their GEP profiles.
Immigration: A Lockean Approach

If states have a right to exclude outsiders from their territory, does this right derive from rights that individuals or informally organized communities might have had in a state of nature? May individuals or informally organized communities use force to drive outsiders away from their vicinity, even when the outsiders are not posing a threat to them, physically, or to their property? This paper defends the usefulness of asking such Lockean questions, because negative answers to them will shrink the space available for real-world defenses of immigration restrictions. It examines possible cultural and economic arguments for the putative right of individuals and informally organized communities to drive outsiders away, and concludes that such arguments do not succeed in establishing any such right.
Center Development and Practical Considerations

Simulation is emerging as a major strategy in the delivery of healthcare training and assessment. Successful simulation programs, especially those that are part of large organizations, have evolved through deliberate attention to detail across a variety of domains and variables. Simply purchasing the equipment or building a facility does not make a simulation program. Consideration of governance, personnel, equipment, expertise, and operations are a few of the critical domains that should be addressed by all programs. Many of the principles that are outlined in this chapter come from established business practices that deal with complex environments. While all principles will not apply to all programs, it is still a worthwhile exercise to create a checklist from these principles to help improve the likelihood that a simulation program will succeed.
Optimal schedules in multitask motor learning

Although scheduling multiple tasks in motor learning to maximize long-term retention of performance is of great practical importance in sports training and motor rehabilitation after brain injury, it is unclear how to do so. We propose here a novel theoretical approach that uses optimal control theory and computational models of motor adaptation to determine schedules that maximize long-term retention predictively. Using Pontryagin's maximum principle, we derived a control law that determines the trial-by-trial task choice that maximizes overall delayed retention for all tasks, as predicted by the state-space model. Simulations of a single session of adaptation with two tasks show that when task interference is high, there exists a threshold in relative task difficulty below which the alternating schedule is optimal. Only for large differences in task difficulties do optimal schedules assign more trials to the harder task. However, over the parameter range tested, alternating schedules yield long-term retention performance that is only slightly inferior to performance given by the true optimal schedules. Our results thus predict that in a large number of learning situations wherein tasks interfere, intermixing tasks with an equal number of trials is an effective strategy in enhancing long-term retention.
The Continuing Challenges of Running Successful Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs

Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs (IDGPs) have grown in number and notoriety throughout the past 20 years, yet fundamental challenges regarding resource allocation and control remain mainly unresolved. The author herein presents his own admittedly biased views regarding the major challenges to running successful IDGPs and what steps might be taken to address these challenges. The identified challenges include the control of resources (personnel and funding), communications, disaggregated space, and fundraising.
Development Rate and Survivorship of Immature Urolepis rufipes (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a Parasitoid of Pupal House Flies

Urolepis rufipes (Ashmead), a parasitoid of house flies, Musca domestica L., recently discovered in New York dairies, was reared at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 34°C to measure development rate and survivorship of immatures. Little development occurred at 15°C, and only a few females successfully emerged at 34°C. Female development time from egg to adult was 29, 13, 10, and 11 days at 20, 25, 30, and 34°C, respectively. Males emerged 1–3 days sooner than females, depending on temperature. Percentage of emergence was significantly affected by temperature, and females were significantly more successful in emerging from host puparia than males. Survival rate of immature progeny did not differ significantly with age of the mother. U. rufipes has a faster development rate than most other house fly parasitoids studied to date, making it an attractive biological control agent.
“These Are the Choices We’ve Made”: How Professors Turn the Public Issue of Rising Student Loan Debt into a Private Trouble

This study uses surveys and in-depth interviews to explore professors’ student loan debt experiences at a university in the Northwest United States, focusing attention on their perceptions of fellow colleagues’ experiences. Having been long-term students in higher education themselves, professors’ student loan debt has increased with the trend toward privatization and corporatization of higher education over the last several decades. Interviews reveal professors’ tendency to disassociate their colleagues’ student loan debt experiences from the public issue of rising higher education costs. We find that a university culture imbued with market ethos shapes their explanations for professors’ student loan debt, rationalizing debt as a result of poor spending habits or career choices. These explanations detract from the public issue of rising education costs being shouldered increasingly by students and their families, which we contend will result in excluding minority groups’ access to the profession and limi...
Persistent oceanic anoxia and elevated extinction rates separate the Cambrian and Ordovician radiations

Recurrent mass extinction events (at “biomere”—a biostratigraphic unit—boundaries) characterize the middle Cambrian to Early Ordovician (Tremadocian) time interval that is between the major Cambrian and Ordovician radiations of animal life. A role for anoxia in maintaining elevated extinction rates in the late Cambrian has been proposed based on coincidence of an extinction with positive excursions in δ13Ccarb and δ34SCAS (CAS—carbonate-associated sulfate). Here we examine an Early Ordovician extinction event at the base of the North American Stairsian Stage (upper Tremadocian), and demonstrate concurrent onset of positive excursions in δ13C and δ34S inferred to reflect enhanced organic matter burial under anoxic waters. Sea-level rise may have brought anoxic waters onto the shelf to initiate extinctions. The evidence for δ13C excursions and elevated extinction rates appears to wane in the Tremadocian, consistent with progressive oxygenation of the oceans reaching a threshold that helped facilitate initial stages of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event.
Muscle Synergies Facilitate Computational Prediction of Subject-Specific Walking Motions.

Researchers have explored a variety of neurorehabilitation approaches to restore normal walking function following a stroke. However, there is currently no objective means for prescribing and implementing treatments that are likely to maximize recovery of walking function for any particular patient. As a first step toward optimizing neurorehabilitation effectiveness, this study develops and evaluates a patient-specific synergy-controlled neuromusculoskeletal simulation framework that can predict walking motions for an individual post-stroke. The main question we addressed was whether driving a subject-specific neuromusculoskeletal model with muscle synergy controls (5 per leg) facilitates generation of accurate walking predictions compared to a model driven by muscle activation controls (35 per leg) or joint torque controls (5 per leg). To explore this question, we developed a subject-specific neuromusculoskeletal model of a single high-functioning hemiparetic subject using instrumented treadmill walking data collected at the subject’s self-selected speed of 0.5 m/s. The model included subject-specific representations of lower body kinematic structure, foot-ground contact behavior, electromyography-driven muscle force generation, and neural control limitations and remaining capabilities. Using direct collocation optimal control and the subject-specific model, we evaluated the ability of the three control approaches to predict the subject’s walking kinematics and kinetics at two speeds (0.5 and 0.8 m/s) for which experimental data were available from the subject. We also evaluated whether synergy controls could predict a physically realistic gait period at one speed (1.1 m/s) for which no experimental data were available. All three control approaches predicted the subject’s walking kinematics and kinetics (including ground reaction forces) well for the model calibration speed of 0.5 m/s. However, only activation and synergy controls could predict the subject’s walking kinematics and kinetics well for the faster non-calibration speed of 0.8 m/s, with synergy controls predicting the new gait period the most accurately. When used to predict how the subject would walk at 1.1 m/s, synergy controls predicted a gait period close to that estimated from the linear relationship between gait speed and stride length. These findings suggest that our neuromusculoskeletal simulation framework may be able to bridge the gap between patient-specific muscle synergy information and resulting functional capabilities and limitations.
A Fractal Analysis of Morphological Differentiation of Spinal Cord Neurons in Cell Culture

Cell cultures of murine spinal cord neurons, selected at discrete intervals after plating over a 5–7 day period, were fixed, stained and classified on the basis of the number of large, primary dendrites emanating from the cell body (2; 3/4; 5 or greater) and dendritic branching patterns (5A; 5B). Images of individual cells were captured from a light microscope via a video camera to an image processor. Gray scale images were converted to binary ones with the Marr-Hildreth convolution algorithm. The fractal dimension (D) of individual images was determined by Flook’s dilation logic method. The two main features that contribute to D are the profuseness of branching and the ruggedness of the border. Plots of mean D vs. time for all of the four cell types (2; 3/4; 5A; 5B) could be well fitted to a model of the form: D(t) = A + B exp(t/t), where A and B are constants, t is time (hours) in culture and t is a time-constant (hours). Each cell type had a distinct final, plateau D (ascending rankorder: 2 = 1.28; 3/4 = 1.32; 5B = 1.37; 5A = 1.41) and a different time course as measured by t (ascending rank order: 5B = 12.6; 5A = 14.5; 3/4 = 16.4; 2 = 20.4). The time-courses of the changes in D for all four groups were significantly different (p < 0.05) from one another (ANOVA). We conclude that the fractal dimension is a useful, quantitative and unbiased measure of the complexity of neuronal borders and branching patterns and that its time course of development can be described by a simple equation with a characteristic time constant and final plateau value. We suggest that D is also a useful measure of morphological cellular differentiation.
Delayed splenic vascular injury after nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma.

Abstract Background Delayed splenic vascular injury (DSVI) is traditionally considered a rare, often clinically occult, harbinger of splenic rupture in patients with splenic trauma that are managed conservatively. The purpose of our study was to assess the incidence of DSVI and associated features in patients admitted with blunt splenic trauma and managed nonoperatively. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 4-y time. Patients admitted with blunt splenic trauma, managed no-operatively and with a follow-up contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan study during admission were included. The CT scans were reviewed for American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic injury score, amount of hemoperitoneum, and presence of DSVI. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the risk factors associated with DSVI. Results A total of 100 patients (60 men and 40 women) constituted the study group. Follow-up CT scan demonstrated a 23% incidence of DSVI. Splenic artery angiography validated DSVI in 15% of the total patient population. Most DSVIs were detected only on arterial phase CT scan imaging. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic injury score (odds ratio = 1.73; P = 0.045) and the amount of hemoperitoneum (odds ratio = 1.90; P = 0.023) on admission CT scan were associated with the development of DSVI on follow-up CT scan. Conclusions DSVI on follow-up CT scan imaging of patients managed nonoperatively after splenic injury is common and associated with splenic injury score assessed on admission CT scan.
Code-division multiplexed resistive pulse sensor networks for spatio-temporal detection of particles in microfluidic devices

Spatial separation of suspended particles based on contrast in their physical or chemical properties forms the basis of various biological assays performed on lab-on-a-chip devices. To electronically acquire this information, we have recently introduced a microfluidic sensing platform, called Microfluidic CODES, which combines the resistive pulse sensing with the code division multiple access in multiplexing a network of integrated electrical sensors. In this paper, we enhance the multiplexing capacity of the Microfluidic CODES by employing sensors that generate non-orthogonal code waveforms and a new decoding algorithm that combines machine learning techniques with minimum mean-squared error estimation. As a proof of principle, we fabricated a microfluidic device with a network of 10 code-multiplexed sensors and characterized it using cells suspended in phosphate buffer saline solution.
Using the Papillomavirus E6/E7 Genes to Generate Well-Differentiated Epithelial Cell Lines

The study of normal cell growth and differentiation would be greatly augmented by the development of an efficient method for obtaining human immortalized cell lines which would retain their ability to differentiate and respond to external regulatory signals. One critical research area which would greatly benefit from such an approach would be the study of cystic fibrosis (CF). Not only would CF cell lines permit the analysis of the altered ion permeability properties of these cells and their alteration by pharmacologic agents, but they would also serve as a substrate for future gene therapy experiments. In an attempt to generate such cell lines, the SV40 large T antigen has been used to immortalize CF cells. Unfortunately, the derived cell lines lose many of their differentiated properties and are inadequate for biochemical, physiological, and molecular analysis. Recently the E6/E7 genes of the human papillomaviruses (HPV’s) have been shown capable of immortalizing human epithelial cells [1]. Interestingly, these E6/E7 immortalized cell lines remain non-tumorigenic in nude mice and often display normal responses to negative regulators of cell growth (e.g. TGF-beta) [2]. When injected subcutaneously into nude mice, these cells form well-differentiated epithelial cysts which mimic normal epithelial cells [3]. To determine whether the HPV E6/E7 genes would be useful for generating well-differentiated cell lines from CF patients, these genes were transfected into primary cultures of tracheal epithelial cells from a patient with cystic fibrosis.
Ashes in the Amazon

Researchers from Oregon State University's rangeland resources department studied the effects of fire on the Brazilian tropical rain forests. They compared the intact rain forest with that of forest cut and cleared by humans. They found that it is almost impossible to start a forest fire in an intact forest. They measured rainfall, temperature and humidity and developed a model for predicting the likelihood of fires in different types of tropical rain forest.
In vivo confocal microscopy detects bilateral changes of corneal immune cells and nerves in unilateral herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Abstract Purpose To analyze bilateral corneal immune cell and nerve alterations in patients with unilateral herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) by laser in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and their correlation with corneal sensation and clinical findings. Materials and methods This is a prospective, cross-sectional, controlled, single-center study. Twenty-four eyes of 24 HZO patients and their contralateral clinically unaffected eyes and normal controls (n = 24) were included. Laser IVCM (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph/Rostock Cornea Module), corneal esthesiometry (Cochet-Bonnet) were performed. Changes in corneal dendritiform cell (DC) density and morphology, number and length of subbasal nerve fibers and their correlation to corneal sensation, pain, lesion location, disease duration, and number of episodes were analyzed. Results HZO-affected and contralateral eyes showed a significant increase in DC influx of the central cornea as compared to controls (147.4 ± 33.9, 120.1 ± 21.2, and 23.0 ± 3.6 cells/mm2; p 2 ; p Conclusions Chronic unilateral HZO causes significant bilateral increase in corneal DC density and decrease of the corneal subbasal nerves as compared to controls. Negative correlation was observed for DC density and size to nerve parameters, suggesting interplay between the immune and nervous systems. Patients with chronic pain also showed increased nerve beading and activated DCs.
The Agential Materiality of Storytelling

Walter Benjamin (Chicago Review, 16(1), 80–101, 1963) believed that storytelling was dying because its replacement (narrative and information) was no longer grounded in a living or material world of crafts and practicality. In this chapter, we attempt to bring storytelling to the living material world. We tie storytelling to a wide range of disciplines, including quantum physics, sociology, and complexity science, to illustrate how to apply living storytelling in the material world and how to utilize it to enrich our understanding of various disciplines. Once storytelling reunites with materiality and once the living feature of storytelling is revealed, the old paradigms of linear, sequenced plots, retrospective sense making, and social constructionism break down and a new paradigm candidate is demanded to replace them. We develop an alternative candidate, which includes social materialism, the Actor-Network-Theory (ANT), posthumanism, antenarratology, and agential realism. Examples of this new storytelling in-a-material-world are presented as exemplars of qualitative projects for future living materiality-storytelling research.
An Introduction to the Economic Study of Knowledge

Philosophy is expected to give answers to three basic questions: What can we know? What may we hope? What shall we do? The theory of knowledge or epistemology deals with the first of these.
Characteristics of Pregnant Women Reporting Cannabis Use Disorder at Substance Use Treatment Entry.

Introduction The current study examined distinct characteristics of yearly trend, sociodemographic, and treatment-related variables of prenatal cannabis use as the primary drug of choice among pregnant women admitted to substance use treatment for the first time. Methods The Treatment Episode Data Set-Admission between 1992 and 2015 was used for a cross-sectional study focused on prenatal cannabis use reported at treatment admission. Results Among pregnant women admitted to substance use treatment for the first time (n = 489,796), 40.6% reported any level of cannabis use, and 40.8% reported cannabis use as the primary drug of choice at treatment admission. Adjusted for other characteristics, a statistically significant change in overall trends for any prenatal cannabis use, and also in cannabis use as the primary drug of choice over 20 years was detected. While pregnant women reporting cannabis use as the primary drug of choice were significantly less likely to co-use other substances, those involved in the criminal justice system were significantly more likely to co-use cocaine and opioids, but significantly less likely to co-use alcohol. Discussion/conclusion Continued monitoring of prenatal cannabis use and patterns of other substance co-use is encouraged, given the perceived harm of cannabis use in young generations has lessened in recent years, coinciding with the legalization process. Targeted education materials and treatment options to treating prenatal cannabis use should be developed tailored to substance use characteristics and criminal justice involvement.
A new d-DNNF-based bound computation algorithm for functional E-MAJSAT

We present a new algorithm for computing upper bounds for an optimization version of the EMAJSAT problem called functional E-MAJSAT. The algorithm utilizes the compilation language d-DNNF which underlies several state-of-the-art algorithms for solving related problems. This bound computation can be used in a branch-and-bound solver for solving functional E-MAJSAT. We then present a technique for pruning values from the branch-and-bound search tree based on the information available after each bound computation. We evaluated the proposed techniques in a MAP solver and a probabilistic conformant planner. In both cases, our experiments showed that the new techniques improved the efficiency of state-of-the-art solvers by orders of magnitude.
Game Theoretic Approaches to Attack Surface Shifting

A software system’s attack surface is the set of ways in which the system can be attacked. In our prior work, we introduced an attack surface measurement and reduction method to mitigate a software system’s security risk (Manadhata, An attack surface metric, Ph.D. thesis, Carnegie Mellon University, 2008; Manadhata and Wing, IEEE Trans. Softw. Eng. 37:371–386, 2011). In this paper, we explore the use of attack surface shifting in the moving target defense approach. We formalize the notion of shifting the attack surface and introduce a method to quantify the shift. We cast the moving target defense approach as a security-usability trade-off and introduce a two-player stochastic game model to determine an optimal moving target defense strategy. A system’s defender can use our game theoretic approach to optimally shift and reduce the system’s attack surface.
Stem cell and gene therapy for cardiac regeneration

Abstract: The myocardium responds to injury by several cellular and molecular strategies. This chapter highlights the promise of combining stem cell and gene therapy approaches to enhance endogenous cardiac repair. The goal of stem cell therapy is to reverse the progression of cardiac disease, restore heart performance and promote endogenous repair by enhancing the viability and endurance of cardiac stem cells within the injured myocardium. Gene therapy has the potential to improve homing and integration of these cells within the injured myocardium. Combining gene and cell therapy can have a significant impact on repairing the injured myocardium.
Association of the Period3 clock gene length polymorphism with salivary cortisol secretion among police officers.

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated whether measures of waking or diurnal cortisol secretion, or self-reported psychological disturbances differed among police officers with a Period3 (PER3) clock gene length polymorphism. METHODS The cortisol awakening response was characterized via the area under the salivary cortisol curve with respect to the increase (AUCI) or total waking cortisol (AUCG). Diurnal cortisol measures included the slope of diurnal cortisol and the diurnal AUCG. Psychological disturbances were characterized using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Impact of Events Scale, and Life Events Scale. RESULTS Officers with a 4/5 or 5/5 genotype had higher awakening AUCG and greater diurnal cortisol AUCG levels compared to officers with the 4/4 genotype. Among those working more afternoon or night shifts, waking AUCI and AUCG were greater among officers with a 4/5 or 5/5 genotype compared to the 4/4 referents. CONCLUSION Cortisol secretion was modified among police officers with different PER3 VNTR clock gene variants.
INVESTIGATION OF HUMAN PLASMA DNASE(S) BY DNA-POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

ABSTRACT. At least five electrophoretically distinct forms of endodeoxyribonuclease activity have been observed in human blood plasma by a fluorometric method utilizing polyacrylamide gels containing covalent circular DNA. Each form required divalent cation for activity in the neutral pH range. Optimal activity was observed with 5mM Mg ++ plus 1mM Ca ++ , or 5 mM Mn ++ as cofactors. Patterns of activity were not affected by varying the conditions of electrophoresis or the amount of plasma analyzed. Re-electrophoresis of individual gel fractions containing plasma proteins yielded DNase activity which had the mobility expected of proteins contained in the fraction analyzed. None of the fractions yielded all of the forms observed in unfractionated plasma. The number and proportion of activities were not influenced by prolonged storage or by several treatments, including dialysis and incubation of the plasma before analysis. Some of the activities exhibited sensitivity to 65°C.
A novel probe to assess cytosolic entry of exogenous proteins.

Dendritic cells use a specialized pathway called cross-presentation to activate CD8+ T cells by presenting peptides from exogenous protein antigens on major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. Considerable evidence suggests that internalized antigens cross endocytic membranes to access cytosolic proteasomes for processing. The mechanism of protein dislocation represents a major unsolved problem. Here we describe the development of a sensitive reporter substrate, an N-glycosylated variant of Renilla luciferase fused to the Fc region of human IgG1. The luciferase variant is designed to be enzymatically inactive when glycosylated, but active after the asparagine to aspartic acid conversion that occurs upon deglycosylation by the cytosolic enzyme N-glycanase-1. The generation of cytosolic luminescence depends on internalization, deglycosylation, the cytosolic AAA-ATPase VCP/p97, and the cytosolic chaperone HSP90. By incorporating a T cell epitope into the fusion protein, we demonstrate that antigen dislocation into the cytosol is the rate limiting step in cross-presentation. The mechanism of protein dislocation into the cytosol during antigen cross-presentation is poorly understood. Here the authors engineer a dislocation reporter fusing a glycosylated luciferase variant to the Fc region of IgG1, and find that dislocation is the rate limiting step in cross-presentation.
MOG-related disorders: A new cause of imaging-negative myelitis?

Knowledge on the clinical and radiological phenotype of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)–related disorders has been growing. We report the case of a patient who presented with subacute ons...
Low Energetic Disorder in Small-Molecule Non-Fullerene Electron Acceptors

The energetic disorder in representative small-molecule non-fullerene electron acceptors (SM-NFAs) exploited in high-efficiency organic solar cells, is quantified via the combination of molecular d...
Hypertension and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with Cushing Syndrome

Patients with Cushing syndrome have an increased mortality rate, primarily due to increased cardiovascular death, which is driven by hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. These should be evaluated before and after active hypercortisolism, and each should be treated specifically. Antihypertensives may be chosen based on probable pathophysiology. Thus, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensinogen system are recommended. Mineralocorticoid antagonists are helpful in hypokalemic patients. Other agents are often needed to normalize blood pressure. If medical treatment of Cushing syndrome is chosen, the goal should be to normalize cortisol (or its clinical action); if this is not achieved, it is more difficult to treat comorbidities.
Dual Cavity Refractivity measurements using a single Laser

We present a method for measuring refractivity-based pressure changes using a dual Fabry-Perot cavity utilizing a single laser with off-set sideband locking to the second cavity. Preliminary data illustrate the utility of the technique.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in Cancer and Immunosuppressed Patients.

BACKGROUND The role of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) as a cause of diarrhea in cancer and immunocompromised patients is controversial. Quantitation of fecal bacterial loads has been proposed as a method to differentiate colonized from truly infected patients. METHODS We studied 77 adult cancer and immunosuppressed patients with diarrhea and EPEC identified in stools by FilmArray, 25 patients with pathogen-negative diarrhea, and 21 healthy adults without diarrhea. Stools were studied by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for EPEC genes eaeA and lifA/efa-1 and strains characterized for virulence factors and adherence to human intestinal enteroids (HIEs). RESULTS Patients with EPEC were more likely to have community-acquired diarrhea (odds ratio, 3.82 [95% confidence interval, 1.5-10.0]; P = .008) compared with pathogen-negative cases. Although EPEC was identified in 3 of 21 (14%) healthy subjects by qPCR, the bacterial burden was low compared to patients with diarrhea (≤55 vs median, 6 × 104 bacteria/mg stool; P < .001). Among EPEC patients, the bacterial burden was higher in those who were immunosuppressed (median, 6.7 × 103 vs 55 bacteria/mg; P < .001) and those with fecal lifA/ifa-1 (median, 5 × 104 vs 120 bacteria/mg; P = .015). Response to antimicrobial therapy was seen in 44 of 48 (92%) patients with EPEC as the sole pathogen. Antimicrobial resistance was common and strains exhibited distinct patterns of adherence with variable cytotoxicity when studied in HIEs. Cancer care was delayed in 13% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Immunosuppressed cancer patients with EPEC-associated diarrhea carry high burden of EPEC with strains that are resistant to antibiotics, exhibit novel patterns of adherence when studied in HIEs, and interfere with cancer care.
Radioembolization: Clinical Results Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Radioembolization is a transarterial therapy which delivers locoregional tumoricidal radiation doses to liver tumors. In this chapter, we present an overview of the available clinical data for this treatment option which is establishing its role in the management of liver tumors. Prospective analyses are needed to ascertain the benefit of radioembolization over other available therapies.
Community, Climate Change, and Sustainable Intensification: Why Gender Is Important

Adaptation to climate change is greatly enhanced when it occurs across a landscape. Agricultural and herding communities are important loci of adaptation. Women’s knowledge and practices can help in determining new community livelihood strategies. Community adaptation is hindered when land grabs limit access to land for crops and animals. New forms of public-private partnerships that are often designated as foreign direct investment further complicate adaptation. Using the community capitals framework, community-based adaptation strategies that take gender into account are identified.
Growth Curve Analysis in Contemporary Psychological Research

The term “growth curve” is used to describe data where: (1) the same entities are repeatedly observed, (2) the same procedures of measurement and scaling of observations are used, and (3) the timing of the observations is known. Growth curves are now common in many areas of psychological research, and some of these are presented here. The term “growth curve analysis” denotes the processes of describing, testing hypotheses, and making scientific inferences about the growth and change patterns in a wide range of time-related phenomena. In this sense, growth curve analyses are a specific form of the larger set of developmental and longitudinal research methods, but the unique features of growth data permit unique kinds of analyses. Formal models for the analysis of growth curves which have been developed in many different substantive domains are described here in five sections: (1) An introduction to growth curves, (2) linear models of growth, (3) multiple groups in growth curve models, (4) aspects of dynamic theory for growth models, and (5) multiple variables in growth curve analyses. We conclude with a discussion of future issues raised by the current growth models. Keywords: growth curves; latent growth models; longitudinal data analysis; mixed models; multilevel models; nonlinear models
Cytochrome P-450 Involvement in the Oxidation of n-Octane by Cell-free Extracts of Corynebacterium sp. Strain 7E1C

Abstract It has been demonstrated that cell-free extracts of Corynebacterium sp. (7E1C) oxidize n-octane to 1-octanol and octanoic acid. This oxidation was catalyzed by a "soluble" enzyme system and required specifically NADH and molecular O2. It was insensitive to cyanide but it was inhibited by low concentrations of carbon monoxide. The active enzyme system was resolved into two protein fractions by precipitation with ammonium sulfate, and both were required for n-octane oxidation. One fraction exhibited the spectral characteristics of cytochrome P-450 which could be converted to the P-420 form. The other fraction exhibited the spectral characteristic of a flavoprotein.
Discrete Event Controller for a Rapid Thermal Multiprocessor

An optimal stopping problem is formulated for Discrete Event Systems (DES) modeled as probabilistic automata. An example is presented for the supervisory control of a Rapid Thermal Multiprocessing system.
Management of Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Disease

Prostate cancer (CaP) is a common disease with an incidence of approximately 192,280 cases in 2009, with an estimated 27,360 deaths. The great majority of men who present with CaP will be diagnosed with locally confined disease, with de novo metastatic CaP only occurring around 4 % of the time in 2009. This finding is dramatically different than in the pre-PSA era in which a substantially greater portion presented with metastatic disease. This stage migration which has occurred over the last 20 years is due largely to the incorporation of PSA testing into CaP. Since 2001, the incidence of CaP has been declining at a rate of about 4.4 % which also coincides with increased public awareness and utilization of effective screening approaches. Unfortunately, despite our increasing understanding of CaP biology, metastatic CaP remains a uniformly fatal disease. Additionally, approximately 30–40 % of men who undergo therapy for local disease will subsequently develop metastatic disease.
Countertransference and the Treatment of Trauma

Countertransference in Pyschotherapy - Definitional Issues the Argument for Highlighting - Examining and Disclosing Countertransference in Trauma Therapy Speaking Trauma - Facing the Inadequacy in Trauma Treatment Do You Believe Me? Countertransference Repsponses to Client Doubt and Reality Testing Disturbance It's Not Your Fault - Countertransference Struggles with Blame and Shame Countertransference Responses to Repetition Compulsion - When the Light at the End of the Tunnel is the Train Countertransference Responses to Anger and Perceived Manipulation Therapy as a Unique Human Interaction - Management Boundaries and Sexual Countertransference Countertransference and Trauma Resolution.
The Animal = Male Hypothesis: Children's and Adults' Beliefs About the Sex of Non–Sex-Specific Stuffed Animals

The Animal = Male Hypothesis, a variation of Silveira's People = Male Hypothesis (Silveira, 1980), was examined. In Study 1, children ages 3–10 years and adults told stories about a gender-neutral stuffed animal, in Study 2 children ages 5–6 years told stories about 3 neutral and 3 feminine animals, and in Study 3 children ages 5–7 years told stories about 2 neutral animals, observed an adult model use feminine pronouns to refer to an animal, then told stories about 2 more animals. Dependent variables were the pronouns participants used to refer to the animals and what sex they believed the animals were. Results showed strong evidence for an animal = male bias in all 3 studies among children and adults of both sexes on both dependent measures. There were few sex-related differences. The modeling intervention was not successful in reducing the bias.
Functional Foods: Benefits, Concerns and Challenges—A Position Paper from the American Council on Science and Health

Functional foods can be considered to be those whole, fortified, enriched or enhanced foods that provide health benefits beyond the provision of essential nutrients (e.g., vitamins and minerals), when they are consumed at efficacious levels as part of a varied diet on a regular basis. Linking the consumption of functional foods or food ingredients with health claims should be based on sound scientific evidence, with the "gold standard" being replicated, randomized, placebo-controlled, intervention trials in human subjects. However, not all foods on the market today that are claimed to be functional foods are supported by enough solid data to merit such claims. This review categorizes a variety of functional foods according to the type of evidence supporting their functionality, the strength of that evidence and the recommended intakes. Functional foods represent one of the most intensively investigated and widely promoted areas in the food and nutrition sciences today. However, it must be emphasized that these foods and ingredients are not magic bullets or panaceas for poor health habits. Diet is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to good health.
Morphology of the Musculus articularis Genus in Dog with Description of Ectopic Muscle Spindles

The gross morphology of the musculus articularis genus and the location of muscle spindles at its point of insertion were studied in 18 adult dogs. The m. articularis genus was usually small and bipartite. From its originate on the cranial surface of the distal femur, it passed distally to terminate at the femoropatellar-joint capsule surface and extend into the synovial membrane. Although the m. articularis genus was usually composed of two parts, only a medial part was present in some dogs and was entirely absent in one specimen. Innervation to the m. articularis genus was provided by a branch of the femoral nerve. Muscle spindles were abundant in the termination of the muscle. spindles were abundant in the termination of the muscle. Frequently, the spindles were not in contact with muscle fibers (dissociated). Muscle spindles were located in close proximity to the surface of the synovial membrane. Morphological adaptations of the m. articularis genus support its potential function as a monitor of joint movement rather than an extensor of the stifle joint.
Recent advances in the chemotherapy of metastatic osteogenic sarcoma

High doses of methotrexate with citrovorum factor were administered to 10 patients with metastatic osteogenic sarcoma. A complete regression of pulmonary metastases was obtained in two patients and partial regression of tumor in two others. Side effects included nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomatitis, bone marrow suppression, skin lesions, and renal impairment responding to additional citrovorum factor. The duration of response varied from 1 to 8+ months with complete regression of tumor persisting in one patient. Alternative schedules of methotrexate-citrovorum administration produced an additional response in one patient. Further studies with this maneuver are under investigation.
Eyelid movements in normal human fetuses

Purpose We undertook this study to investigate the characteristics of blinking activity in healthy human fetuses. Methods Blinking activity was studied sonographically in healthy fetuses between 33 and 42 weeks' menstrual age. Horizontal and coronal sonographic views of the eye were obtained and videotaped. Fetal blinking movements were analyzed by reviewing the videotape in slow motion. Fetal vibroacoustic stimulation was also used when clinically indicated. Results We examined a total of 18 healthy fetuses. Fetal blinking was detected in 89% of cases, with a mean frequency of 6.2 movements per 60-minute observation period. Vibroacoustic stimulation was associated with increased fetal blinking in the 6 fetuses in which it was applied (mean, 15.3 movements per 60-minute observation period). Conclusions Blinking is a normal fetal activity. The increased frequency of blinking activity associated with vibroacoustic stimulation may be considered a part of the normal startle reflex. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:299–301, 2003
A four-moment approach and other practical solutions to the behrens-f1sher problem

Fixed sample size approximately similar tests for the Behrens-Fisher problem are studied and compared with various other tests suggested in current sttistical methodelogy texts. Several fourmoment approxiamtely similar tests are developed and offered as alternatives. These tests are shown to be good practical solutions which are easily implemented in practice.
Number of minimum-weight code words in a product code

Consideration is given to the number of minimum-weight code words in a product code. The code is considered as a tensor product of linear codes over a finite field. Complete theorems and proofs are presented.
A Spreadsheet-Based Analysis for Two-Dimensional Transient Laser Heating of a Cylindrical Solid

Abstract A two-dimensional transient conduction model was developed for cylindrical coordinates using a spreadsheet software package and an explicit finite difference scheme. The governing equations were derived using an energy balance approach in terms of thermal resistance and capacitance. An iterative macro was created to solve the governing temperature equations subjected to specific stability criteria. The model was used to predict the thermal behavior inside a cylindrical solid aluminum pellet subjected to Gaussian or uniform laser heating. This paper demonstrates the application of a common software tool to solve a variety of complicated heat transport problems associated with cylindrical geometries and provides such accuracy that the technique can readily be used for design purposes.
Negative Electrospray Droplet Exposure to Gaseous Bases for the Manipulation of Protein Charge State Distributions

The exposure of electrospray droplets to vapors of reagents of various base strengths affects protein negative charge state distributions independent of initial solution conditions. Volatile bases ...
Building public trust and optimizing finance

DiPiazza, Samuel A. Jr., and Robert G. Eccles. 2002. Building Public Trust, the Future of Corporate Reporting (New York: John Wiley & Sons). Donegan, Michael C. 2002. Growth and Profitability: Optimizing the Finance Function for Small and Emerging Businesses (New York: John Wiley & Sons).