cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safe and Effective Standards of Care: Supporting the Administration of T-VEC for Patients With Advanced Melanoma in the Outpatient Oncology Setting

Background Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the first oncolytic virus (OV) to demonstrate therapeutic benefit for the treatment of advanced melanoma. As a live virus, the use of T-VEC in medical and surgical outpatient clinics posed challenges. . Objectives The purpose of this article is to describe the challenges faced when introducing an OV treatment into outpatient clinics and the processes implemented to ensure safety for patients, caregivers, and staff across the care continuum. . Methods An interdisciplinary team of experts developed and implemented new practices and workflows to support the administration of T-VEC in the outpatient setting. Clinical staff were educated on this new treatment, its indications and side effects, and the practice standards created to support its use. . Findings T-VEC posed safety and logistical challenges that were successfully addressed and implemented. To date, 16 patients with locoregionally advanced melanoma have been treated with T-VEC. No adverse events occurred related to preparation or administration, which opens the door for similar therapies in the future.
Research-Practice Partnerships: Addressing K-12 Educational Problems Through Active Collaborations

Education researchers have sought to address the divide between research and persistent problems of practice faced by educators through technology, pedagogy, and methodology innovations (Anderson & Shattuck, 2012; Mishra & Koehler, 2007; Richey, 1998). Barriers to the successful development and implementation of technological innovations have impeded innovations from being taken up by educators to support students. Notably, educators and administrators in K-12 schools and districts may lack the expertise to properly implement technological innovations or show integrity to the rationale underlying innovations that stems from research for improving teaching and learning. All too often, research information is inaccessible with few knowledgeable brokers to properly leverage research expertise toward current problems of practice in a school or district.
Predicting Mood Disturbance Severity with Mobile Phone Keystroke Metadata: A BiAffect Digital Phenotyping Study.

Background: Mood disorders are common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Better tools are needed for their diagnosis and treatment. Deeper phenotypic understanding of these disorders is integral to the development of such tools. This study is the first effort to use passively collected mobile phone keyboard activity to build deep digital phenotypes of depression and mania. Objective: The objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between mobile phone keyboard activity and mood disturbance in subjects with bipolar disorders and to demonstrate the feasibility of using passively collected mobile phone keyboard metadata features to predict manic and depressive signs and symptoms as measured via clinician-administered rating scales. Methods: Using a within-subject design of 8 weeks, subjects were provided a mobile phone loaded with a customized keyboard that passively collected keystroke metadata. Subjects were administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) weekly. Linear mixed-effects models were created to predict HDRS and YMRS scores. The total number of keystrokes was 626,641, with a weekly average of 9791 (7861), and that of accelerometer readings was 6,660,890, with a weekly average 104,076 (68,912). Results: A statistically significant mixed-effects regression model for the prediction of HDRS-17 item scores was created: conditional R2=.63, P=.01. A mixed-effects regression model for YMRS scores showed the variance accounted for by random effect was zero, and so an ordinary least squares linear regression model was created: R2=.34, P=.001. Multiple significant variables were demonstrated for each measure. Conclusions: Mood states in bipolar disorder appear to correlate with specific changes in mobile phone usage. The creation of these models provides evidence for the feasibility of using passively collected keyboard metadata to detect and monitor mood disturbances.
Multi-Dimensional Vector Analysis of Evoked Responses

We used model independent multi-dimensional vector analysis of evoked responses recorded with two seven channel magnetometers and multi-variate statistics to detect changes over time in the source distribution. Furthermore, we found visual inspection of the vectors’ magnitude and direction a simple way to determine a responses’ important features. Donchin (1966), working in time domain pioneered the application of multi-dimensional analysis to evoked potentials. llmoniemi et al., (1988) applied multi-dimensional analysis to magnetic recordings of spontanteous activity.
Individual and Group Dynamics of Terrorist Behavior

Political terrorism is an extremely diverse phenomenon, which attracts many different personalities, so there is no one “terrorist mindset.” Within the wide range of terrorist groups, it is useful to distinguish between “anarchic-ideologues”, such as West Germany’s Red Army Faction and the Brigatta Rossa of Italy, and the nationalist/secessionist groups such as ETA of the Basques and the Provisional Irish Republican Army.
Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide as a Green Solvent

Only concerted efforts utilizing various forms of energy can relieve today’s energy crunch that threatens world economy and stability. Renewable bioenergy is an integral part of the solution. Lignocellulosic biomass is attractive for bioenergy production because it is cheap and ubiquitous. Unlike corn, its use does not interfere with the human and farm animal food supply chain. Unfortunately, by nature’s design, lignocellulosic biomass is recalcitrant. It is difficult and costly to release the fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass for ethanol fermentation. Thus, pretreatment is necessary. In the production of lignocellulosic ethanol, the biomass pretreatment step is often the most difficult and expensive part of the entire process. Many pretreatment methods have been proposed in the literature. Some of them require harsh chemicals that are not suited for a mobile or on-farm biomass processing unit. Supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) explosion pretreatment uses CO2, which is a green solvent, to treat biomass prior to enzyme hydrolysis. In glucose fermentation for bioethanol production, each mole of ethanol is accompanied by one mole of CO2 by-product. Some of the CO2 can be used for biomass processing without a net increase in CO2 emission into the atmosphere. SC-CO2 can diffuse into the crystalline structure of cellulose. The subsequent explosion action weakens the biomass cell wall structure and increases accessible surface areas for cellulase enzymes. SC-CO2 also introduces acidity in moist biomass that helps pretreatment. This chapter discussed various aspects of the SC-CO2 explosion pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass including corn stover, wood, and switchgrass. Operating conditions, glucose yields for different types of lignocellulosic biomass, and pretreatment mechanisms were investigated.
Outcome Reporting Bias in Randomized Experiments on Substance Use Disorders

This cohort study explores the prevalence and effect of suspected outcome reporting bias in clinical trials on substance use disorders. Protocols on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry are compared with the corresponding trial reports for 95 clinical trials across 3,162 outcomes. Variation in average effect size is examined by completeness and accuracy of reporting using ordinary least squares regression with robust standard errors (Eicker-Huber-White sandwich estimator). Trials reports are frequently incomplete and inconsistent with their protocol. The most commonly practiced biased reporting practices are added outcomes not prespecified on the protocol, insufficiently pre-specifying outcomes, and omitting outcomes that were pre-specified on the protocol. There is a linear trend between the number of different biased reporting practices the trialist(s) engaged in and mean study-level Cohen’s d (+ 0.214 with each additional type of biased reporting practice). Trials with omitted pre-specified outcomes have a significantly higher Cohen’s d on average when compared to trials that did not omit such outcomes (+ 0.315). Added outcomes have a Cohen’s d that is 0.385 higher in comparison to reported outcomes that were pre-specified on the protocol. The magnitude of outcome reporting bias raises considerable concern regarding inflated type I error rates. Implications for clinical trials on substance abuse, and randomized experiments in criminology, more generally, are discussed.
Embodying Macbeth: Incantation, Visualization, Improvisation, and Characterization

This chapter discusses the author’s teaching of English methods to students who will themselves teach students how to study Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. Drawing from a Shakespeare toolkit for educators, this creativity scholar explains the six-step process based on drama pedagogy strategies used in her high school English methods course. The drama activities, known as Role Work, are titled Ensemble-building, Battlefield Visualization, Slow-motion Battle-Group Improvisation, Word Carpet Guided Tour, Writing in a Role, and Role on a Wall. The Ensemble-building Activity speaks to the role of superstition and the Three Witches’ incantations. The Battlefield Visualization, Improvisation, Word Carpet Guided Tour and Writing in a Role activities speak to dialogic meaning-making where students co-construct a battlefield scene by listening, speaking, and reflecting. The Role on the Wall activity speaks to depicting Macbeth’s character in a visual way. The strategies are explained and included are guiding questions and tables to scaffold instruction as well as English candidates’ pictures, writing samples, and responses to the strategies. The Common Core State Standards are addressed and ideas for a culminating project. In conjunction with the process-based drama strategies, described are a three-step approach involving action, thought, and writing, with class discussion of the activities. By entering the play’s action through motion and emotion, students can experience characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a Chronic Pelvic Pain Population.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterize the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in a chronic pain population. METHODS In this observational cohort study, patients referred to a female pelvic pain clinic completed several validated questionnaires assessing bladder symptoms, central sensitization, pain symptoms, depression, anxiety, and neuropathic pain. Patients diagnosed as having interstitial cystitis were excluded. Patient demographic characteristics and survey responses were compared across American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) severity categories. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of moderate-to-severe AUA-SI scores. RESULTS A total of 177 patients were included in the analysis. American Urological Association Symptom Index data showed that 48.8% of patients had mild, 31.2% had moderate, and 20.0% had severe symptoms. Patients reporting moderate or severe AUA-SI scores had higher mean Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) scores (46.7 ± 16.0 vs 32.9 ± 13.8, P < 0.0001), McGill scores (median, 25 [interquartile range, 16-38] vs 13 [5-27]; P = 0.0003), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System depression T-scores (median, 53.9 [interquartile range, 46.2-61.6] vs 51.2 [37.1-55.3]; P = 0.009), Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Symptoms Scale scores (18.4 ± 6.2 vs 12.5 ± 5.4, P < 0.0001), and Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs scores (median, 10.5 [interquartile range, 3.0-16.5] vs 6.0 [1.0-12.0]; P = 0.02). The odds of moderate-to-severe AUA-SI symptoms were higher with a positive PUF and CSI score and were lower with a diagnosis of vestibular pain. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms among patients with chronic pelvic pain. Vestibulodynia was associated with lower odds of bladder symptoms. High PUF and CSI scores were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe bladder symptoms.
Austerity urbanism or pragmatic municipalism? Local government responses to fiscal stress in New York State:

As local governments respond to fiscal stress after the global financial crisis, some scholars warn about an austerity urbanism response wherein local governments cut and privatize services, while ...
The role for the microbiome in the regulation of the circadian clock and metabolism

Abstract The emergence of new methods for the analysis of microbiome composition and metabolism over the last decade, revealed the contribution of the gut microbiome in the organization of daily biological rhythms in mammals. In this chapter, we discuss the literature on gut microbe secreted molecules and microbiome-host interactions found to impact the function of the circadian clock of the host, both locally and distally with an emphasis on the effects for the hosts metabolic health. We also review recent findings on how the circadian clock of the host regulates both composition and localization of the gut microbiome that may determine the timing of the signals generated by the microbiota.
Methods for categorizing a molecular biomarker in early marker studies: A simulation study

762 Colon cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Global DNA hypomethylation is found in most tumors including colon cancer, suggesting that modulation of this methylation may be used as a surrogate end-point biomarker for chemoprevention. Tumor promoters have been shown to induce DNA hypomethylation that may result from an increase in DNA demethylase activity. Rutin and four bile acids, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid and lithocholic acid that promote colon cancer and ursodeoxycholic acid that prevents colon cancer were administered to male F344 rats for 14 days at 4.0 gm/kg diet except for rutin at 3.0 gm/kg. DNA methylation was determined by Dot Blot Analysis using a mouse monoclonal anti-5-methylcytosine antibody. Rutin and the four bile acids that promote colon cancer caused DNA hypomethylation, while ursodeoxycholic acid did not alter DNA methylation in the colon. The ability of deoxycholic acid and quercetin (a colon tumor promoter and the aglycone of rutin) to induce DNA demethylase activity was determined in rat colon. Since methionine prevented and reversed DNA hypomethylation induced by tumor promoters in mouse liver, we also determined whether it would prevent/reverse DNA demethylase activity and DNA hypomethylation induced by deoxycholic acid and quercetin. Male F344 rats were administered 300 mg/kg deoxycholic acid or 50 mg/kg quercetin by oral gavage for four days and then held for another four days. Some rats were also administered 8.0 gm/kg methionine in their diet either concurrently with the tumor promoters or during the holding period. Rats were sacrificed after 2 and 4 days of exposure to the tumor promoters and after 2 and 4 days of the holding period. The colonic mucosa was obtained and frozen in liquid nitrogen. DNA demethylase activity was determined using a synthetic 383 bp DNA that had its CpG sites radiolabeled with 3H-methyl groups. DNA demethylase activity was determined by the release of the radiolabel as 3H-methanol. The reaction mixture was filtered though an YM 10 membrane and the radioactivity measured by liquid scintillation. Deoxycholic acid and quercetin significantly increased the level of DNA demethylase activity in a nuclear protein extract from the colonic mucosa. Both tumor promoters also caused DNA hypomethylation in the colon. Hence, increased DNA demethylase activity could be one of the possible mechanisms by which colon tumor promoters such as deoxycholic acid and quercetin induce DNA hypomethylation and promote tumor development.
Response of pale swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) to multiple years of mowing

Pale swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum), as well as its congener, black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum), is a European viny milkweed that has become invasive in natural areas and perennial cropping systems in the northeastern and midwestern United States and southeastern Canada. Mechanical control over 1 to 2 yr has not been effective, but studies of a longer duration are needed. We measured effects of mowing (no mowing or three or six times per growing season) on stem and root crown densities, percent cover, and follicle (seed pod) production of V. rossicum and percent cover of other vegetation over a 7-yr period. Stem density, root crown density, and percent cover of V. rossicum were reduced after 3 to 5 yr of mowing regardless of mowing frequency. Cover of other, mostly nonnative, broadleaf species increased. Follicle production was eliminated in all years of the study. In our environment, mowing three times at monthly intervals during the growing season can prevent seed production. However, mowing must occur for at least 3 yr to reduce, but not eliminate, stands of V. rossicum.
The immunobiology of porcine alveolar macrophages

A technique for obtaining alveolar macrophages (AM) from anesthetized swine is described. Animals were intubated and segmental pulmonary lavage was performed utilizing a double lumen catheter (DLC). An average of 98% of the initial 100 ml lavage O fluid was recovered with a typical yield of 1 x 10 free alveolar cells (FAC). AM were then separated from other FAC by their adherence to plastic. The final adherent cell population consisted of >95% macrophage as determined by morphology and non-specific esterase activ­ ity. The technique described had no adverse effects on the animals even when repeated on the same animal several days later.
Combining Multiple Behavioral Measures and Multiple Connectomes via Multipath Canonical Correlation Analysis

Functional connectomes can successfully predict behavioral measures. While the majority of the literature uses a single connectome to predict a single behavioral measure, there is ample evidence that combining different connectomes and behavioral measures reveals more robust neural correlates. Here, we proposed a prediction framework that combines connectomes from multiple sources (e.g. task and resting-state fMRI) and predicts a latent phenotype, derived from a battery of behavioral measures. The framework relies on a novel generalization of canonical correlation analysis with both a closed-form and an iterative solution. We applied the framework to data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) to predict a latent, general intelligence factor. Prediction accuracy was higher for this latent factor than any single measure of intelligence, showing the advantage of combining multiple connectomes and behavioral measures in a single predictive model.
Synaptic cleft microenvironment influences potassium permeation and synaptic transmission in hair cells surrounded by calyx afferents in the turtle

Key points In central regions of vestibular semicircular canal epithelia, the [K+ ] in the synaptic cleft ([K+ ]c ) contributes to setting the hair cell and afferent membrane potentials; the potassium efflux from type I hair cells results from the interdependent gating of three conductances. Elevation of [K+ ]c occurs through a calcium-activated potassium conductance, GBK , and a low-voltage-activating delayed rectifier, GK(LV) , that activates upon elevation of [K+ ]c . Calcium influx that enables quantal transmission also activates IBK , an effect that can be blocked internally by BAPTA, and externally by a CaV 1.3 antagonist or iberiotoxin. Elevation of [K+ ]c or chelation of [Ca2+ ]c linearizes the GK(LV) steady-state I-V curve, suggesting that the outward rectification observed for GK(LV) may result largely from a potassium-sensitive relief of Ca2+ inactivation of the channel pore selectivity filter. Potassium sensitivity of hair cell and afferent conductances allows three modes of transmission: quantal, ion accumulation and resistive coupling to be multiplexed across the synapse. Abstract In the vertebrate nervous system, ions accumulate in diffusion-limited synaptic clefts during ongoing activity. Such accumulation can be demonstrated at large appositions such as the hair cell-calyx afferent synapses present in central regions of the turtle vestibular semicircular canal epithelia. Type I hair cells influence discharge rates in their calyx afferents by modulating the potassium concentration in the synaptic cleft, [K+ ]c , which regulates potassium-sensitive conductances in both hair cell and afferent. Dual recordings from synaptic pairs have demonstrated that, despite a decreased driving force due to potassium accumulation, hair cell depolarization elicits sustained outward currents in the hair cell, and a maintained inward current in the afferent. We used kinetic and pharmacological dissection of the hair cell conductances to understand the interdependence of channel gating and permeation in the context of such restricted extracellular spaces. Hair cell depolarization leads to calcium influx and activation of a large calcium-activated potassium conductance, GBK , that can be blocked by agents that disrupt calcium influx or buffer the elevation of [Ca2+ ]i , as well as by the specific KCa 1.1 blocker iberiotoxin. Efflux of K+ through GBK can rapidly elevate [K+ ]c , which speeds the activation and slows the inactivation and deactivation of a second potassium conductance, GK(LV) . Elevation of [K+ ]c or chelation of [Ca2+ ]c linearizes the GK(LV) steady-state I-V curve, consistent with a K+ -dependent relief of Ca2+ inactivation of GK(LV) . As a result, this potassium-sensitive hair cell conductance pairs with the potassium-sensitive hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN) conductance in the afferent and creates resistive coupling at the synaptic cleft.
The Italian Antimafia, New Media, and the Culture of Legality

The representation of Italian Mafia culture that predominates in the popular imaginary is still anchored to specific territories (Sicily, New York, Chicago) and embodied by the iconic character of ...
Paper-based dichotomous key to computer based application for biological indentification

Many scientists, laypersons, and government agencies use paper-based dichotomous keys to identify biological specimens. The use of printed keys increases the potential for misidentification because the user often skips steps ignoring prominent characteristics, which leads to an incorrect final taxon identification. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the process of representing a paper-based dichotomous key as a computer based application. This representation, implemented with a well designed software and database package, can ensure the identification process is followed sequentially. Further, it eliminates the possibility of bypassing steps, thereby providing an accurate and efficiently chosen taxon. Each step of the classification schema can be represented as an "a" or "b", allowing a unique string to represent each specimen. We will demonstrate the automation of how a string can be processed using a deterministic finite state machine developed from a dichotomous key originally authored by C. E. Dawson's [1]. Computer based applications for biological identifications are not only user-friendly but also save money, time and guarantee 100% accuracy.
BHA-CS: A novel cognitive composite for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders

Author(s): Tsoy, Elena; Erlhoff, Sabrina J; Goode, Collette A; Dorsman, Karen A; Kanjanapong, Suchanan; Lindbergh, Cutter A; La Joie, Renaud; Strom, Amelia; Rabinovici, Gil D; Lanata, Serggio C; Miller, Bruce L; Tomaszewski Farias, Sarah E; Kramer, Joel H; Rankin, Katherine P; Possin, Katherine L | Abstract: IntroductionComposite scores based on psychometrically rigorous cognitive assessments are well suited for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.MethodsWe developed and cross-validated the Brain Health Assessment-Cognitive Score (BHA-CS), based on a brief computerized battery, in 451 cognitively normal (CN) and 399 cognitively impaired (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] or dementia) older adults. We investigated its long-term reliability and reliable change indices at longitudinal follow-up (Nn=n340), and the association with amyloid beta (Aβ) burden in the CN subgroup with Aβ positron emission tomography (Nn=n119).ResultsThe BHA-CS was accurate at detecting cognitive impairment and exhibited excellent long-term stability. Reliable decline over one year was detected in 75% of participants with dementia, 44% with MCI, and 3% of CN. Among CN, the Aβ-positive group showed worse longitudinal performance on the BHA-CS compared to the Aβ-negative group.DiscussionThe BHA-CS is sensitive to cognitive decline in preclinical and prodromal neurodegenerative disease.
The Concept of Freedom: Effects of Ockham’s Revolution

Abstract . The notion of freedom is one of the most important topics in philosophy. For centuries different, often opposing, conceptions of freedom were developed. This article deals with the main points of the traditional conception (freedom for excellence) created primarily by Thomas Aquinas, and with the transition of European thought to a different, even contrary conception (freedom of indifference). The author shows how this second conception proposed by Ockham, found its place in the philosophy of such different philosophers as Rousseau, Kant, Sartre, and in the everyday thinking of contemporary people.
Sharpening a Knife

This article presents key points to sharpening a knife. It provides information on metal differences, sharpening abrasives, blade shapes, cutting edge angles, determining when a cutting edge is sharp, finishing and testing the cutting edge, proper use of a steel to maintain the cutting edge, proper use of a steel to maintain the cutting edge, and knife safety. Other topics included are manual and motorized sharpening systems, and how to build a knife sharpener. Diagrams illustrating the key points and sources for supplies are provided in each segment.
Two parallel sRNA amplification cycles contribute to RNAi inheritance in C. elegans

Abstract RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) is a conserved mechanism that uses small RNAs (sRNAs) to tune gene expression. In C. elegans, exposure to dsRNA induces the production of gene-specific sRNAs that are propagated to progeny not exposed to the dsRNA trigger. We present evidence that RNAi inheritance is mediated by two parallel sRNA amplification loops. The first loop, dependent on the nuclear Argonaute HRDE-1, targets nascent transcripts, and reduces but does not eliminate productive transcription at the locus. The second loop, dependent on the conserved helicase ZNFX-1, targets mature transcripts and concentrates them in perinuclear condensates (nuage). Each amplification loop generates a distinct class of sRNAs, with the ZNFX-1 loop responsible for the bulk of sRNA production on the region targeted by the trigger. By independently targeting nascent and mature transcripts, the HRDE-1 and ZNFX-1 loops ensure maximum silencing in progeny not exposed to the trigger.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression (IPT)

Among the forms of short-term psychotherapies, IPT is a relative newcomer. It has evolved over the past 15 to 20 years and has been used primarily in carefully controlled studies. However, the technique and principles of short-term IPT are based on a long-standing tradition and practice of interpersonal psychotherapy. Two of Freud’s early colleagues, Ferenczi and Rank (1925), were interested in developing techniques to shorten the course of psychoanalysis. Ferenczi suggested a variety of more active techniques, and Rank focused on the effects of traumatic events (particularly the trauma of birth). Later at the University of Chicago, Alexander and French (1946) developed a shorter form of psychoanalysis in which they narrowed the scope of treatment by focusing primarily on the present and developing the concept of a “corrective emotional experience.” Thomas French (1958) also introduced the term focal conflict that was utilized and studied further by Michael Balint and his colleagues in Great Britain (Balint, Ornstein, & Balint, 1972). Their work clearly demonstrated the value of organizing the treatment around one or two specific areas of conflict.
Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

Our five senses are constantly bombarded with a flood of information, most of which is not useful to us. As Kanwisher explains in her Perspective, the process of attention is the way the brain selects only a small, manageable bit of this input to analyze and respond to. She goes on to discuss new results in this issue by Kastner et al ., which examine the activity in the visual centers of the human brain as the subject is paying attention to certain objects, revealing the correlates of selective attention at several stages of the visual processing pathway.
Uterine arteriovenous fistula

Abstract An arteriovenous fistula within the uterus is a rare occurrence. Only three previous cases have been reported. A review of their distinctive features is presented. The etiology of this unusual uterine vascular abnormality is undetermined. The symptomatology and physical findings are sufficiently characteristic to suggest the diagnosis of this condition preoperatively. The usual presenting symptom is postmenopausal bleeding, sometimes of severe degree. The uterus is symmetrically enlarged and soft, simulating an intrauterine gravidity. A definite pulsation and thrill are palpable in the vaginal fornices. An audible murmur with systolic accentuation may be heard through the vagina. Systemic circulatory disturbances are minimal. The pathologic findings of uterine arteriovenous fistulas are discussed. At operation, numerous dilated, tortuous vessels fill the broad ligaments. The enlarged, distended, and vascular uterus may pulsate visibly. Surgical
Aberrant PO2 values in proficiency testing.

We prospectively determined the frequency of aberrant vials of fluorocarbon/buffer used for proficiency testing of measurements of pH, PCO2, and PO2, using 20 duplicate vials from 12 lots of fluorocarbon/buffer and two arterial blood gas analyzers in eight reference laboratories. We defined aberrant vials as vials for which both duplicate measurements differed from the mean value of repeated measurements for the specific instrument (for each lot of testing materials) by > 0.04 for pH, > 10% of the mean or 3.0 mm Hg, whichever was greater, for PCO2; or > 10% of the mean or 6 mm Hg, whichever was greater, for PO2. Four of 1620 vials (0.25%) were aberrant, all based on PO2 measurements (< 70 mm Hg); all would have failed in both American/California Thoracic Societies and College of American Pathologists proficiency programs. The average intra-instrument SDs of repeated measures (range of mean values: pH, 7.181-7.631; PCO2, 12.7-65.9; PO2, 32.5-150.1) were 0.0055 for pH, 0.67 mm Hg for PCO2, and 1.65 mm Hg for PO2. Deliberate contamination of the fluorocarbon emulsion with room air, as might occur during sampling from the vial, indicated that only minor increases in PO2 (e.g., 1.0 mm Hg at PO2 of 56 mm Hg) occur when samples are aspirated. Larger increases in PO2 (mean 7.1 mm Hg at a PO2 of 66 mm Hg) occurred when the syringe samples were contaminated with room air. We conclude that isolated aberrant measurements of PO2 in blood gas proficiency testing attributable to vial contents can occur, but the frequency is very low.
REMNANT FOREST STANDS AT A PRAIRIE ECOTONE SITE: PRESETTLEMENT HISTORY AND COMPARISON WITH OTHER MAPLE-BASSWOOD STANDS

The maple-basswood community type has long been associated with the “Big Woods” of Minnesota and adjacent Wisconsin, although this community type also exists in discontinuous phases within surrounding forest types. This study looks at the apparent most northwestern outlier of the maple-basswood community type, Rydell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Minnesota. Specific goals are (1) to determine if the maple-basswood stands at Rydell NWR existed historically, and (2) to compare the composition of the Rydell NWR stands to maple-basswood “core” sites, as well as other outlier sites. Public Land Survey records for the period between 1872 and 1876 for a 16-township block encompassing Rydell NWR indicate that, although this area was dominated by an oak-aspen forest type, a distinct maple-basswood region existed prior to European settlement and this had escaped disturbance from fire and wind. Present-day stand composition data from six Rydell stands are compared with published data from other maple-basswood st...
Parallel Computing with DNA: Toward the Anti-Universal Machine

A DNA-based biomolecular string processing scheme demonstrated by Adleman has attracted wide attention. While it is not known to what degree the scheme can scale up, it nevertheless introduces a new and interesting concept which seems so far to have been overlooked. The key point is that the Adleman scheme involves building specific hardware for a single problem instance. This opens a design degree of freedom that is not limited to biomolecular architectures.
Simulation of high-speed VLSI circuits using overlapped partitioning algorithm

Transient simulation of high-speed VLSI circuits is very time-consuming. A fast and robust overlapped waveform realization (OWR) algorithm is presented. From the simulation results, it is concluded that the larger the circuit, the better the speedup compared to a direct SPICE-like method. The OWR algorithm is about twice as fast as the waveform relaxation method for high-speed circuits. With this algorithm, simulations of high-speed bipolar and BiCMOS VLSI circuits are possible within reasonable time. >
Coordinated investigation of midlatitude upper mesospheric temperature inversion layers and the associated gravity wave forcing by Na lidar and Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper in Logan, Utah

Mesospheric inversion layers (MIL) are well studied in the literature but their relationship to the dynamic feature associated with the breaking of atmospheric waves in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) region are not well understood. Two strong MIL events (ΔT ~30 K) were observed above 90 km during a 6 day full diurnal cycle Na lidar campaign conducted from 6 August to 13 August Logan, Utah (42°N, 112°W). Colocated Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper observations provided key information on concurrent gravity wave (GW) events and their characteristics during the nighttime observations. The study found both MILs were well correlated with the development and presence of an unstable region ~2 km above the MIL peak altitudes and a highly stable region below, implicating the strengthening of MIL is likely due to the increase of downward heat flux by the enhanced saturation of gravity wave, when it propagates through a highly stable layer. Each MIL event also exhibited distinct features: one showed a downward progression most likely due to tidal-GW interaction, while the peak height of the other event remained constant. During further investigation of atmospheric stability surrounding the MIL structure, lidar measurements indicate a sharp enhancement of the convective stability below the peak altitude of each MIL. We postulate that the sources of these stable layers were different; one was potentially triggered by concurrent large tidal wave activity and the other during the passage of a strong mesospheric bore.
unfriendly: multi-party privacy risks in social networks

As the popularity of social networks expands, the information users expose to the public has potentially dangerous implications for individual privacy. While social networks allow users to restrict access to their personal data, there is currently no mechanism to enforce privacy concerns over content uploaded by other users. As group photos and stories are shared by friends and family, personal privacy goes beyond the discretion of what a user uploads about himself and becomes an issue of what every network participant reveals. In this paper, we examine how the lack of joint privacy controls over content can inadvertently reveal sensitive information about a user including preferences, relationships, conversations, and photos. Specifically, we analyze Facebook to identify scenarios where conflicting privacy settings between friends will reveal information that at least one user intended remain private. By aggregating the information exposed in this manner, we demonstrate how a user's private attributes can be inferred from simply being listed as a friend or mentioned in a story. To mitigate this threat, we show how Facebook's privacy model can be adapted to enforce multi-party privacy. We present a proof of concept application built into Facebook that automatically ensures mutually acceptable privacy restrictions are enforced on group content.
Coulomb and nuclear effects in direct breakup of 54-MeV 7Li+12C, 197Au.

Direct breakup of {sup 7}Li{r arrow}{alpha}+{ital t} was measured for 54-MeV {sup 7}Li+{sup 12}C, {sup 197}Au reactions. The breakup products were detected in coincidence using a close-geometry detection system, and small scattering angles forward of grazing, were investigated. The direct-breakup cross sections for {sup 12}C ({sup 7}Li, {alpha}{ital t}){sup 12}C{sub g.s.} exhibit significant enhancements beyond predictions of simple {ital E}1 Coulomb-breakup calculations, indicating the importance of the nuclear field. Direct-breakup yields in {sup 197}Au({sup 7}Li,{alpha}{ital t}) quasielastic reactions are sensitive to detector geometry, with the asymptotic fragment energies exhibiting target-proximity effects. Three-body classical trajectory calculations are found to provide qualitative agreement with these observations, provided the projectile is treated as an extended object. These strong Coulomb and nuclear effects severely complicate the extraction of radiative-capture cross sections and low-energy astrophysical {ital S} factors.
Re-defininG AddiC(CH3)Tion: genomics and epigenomics on substance use disorders.

Drug addiction is a term applied across substance use disorders (SUDs) and defined as a chronic, relapsing complex brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking, craving, loss of self-control, and impaired decision making (National Institute on Drug Abuse 2010). Drug addiction persists in spite of harmful consequences and cuts across all demographics. Addiction results from the interactive effects among multiple genes, acting in multiple environments, and across multiple stages of development. It is this intersection that roots SUDs, in concert with other biological processes, in genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that provide a scaffold for normal brain development, for learning and memory, and for pathophysiology.
Urothelial cytoprotective activity of Tamm-Horsfall protein isolated from the urine of healthy subjects and patients with interstitial cystitis

Purpose: Tamm–Horsfall protein (THP) is a ubiquitous urinary protein with essentially no known function. We propose that THP is a cytoprotective agent that protects the urothelium from cationic species. To test this hypothesis we isolated THP from normal and interstitial cystitis urine to see if it could protect cultured cells from damage induced by the polyamine, protamine sulfate (PS). Methods: Tamm–Horsfall protein was extracted from the urine of interstitial cystitis (IC) patients (N = 28) and normal volunteers (N = 5). Urothelial target cells (T24) were radiolabeled with 51Cr and then exposed to PS (0–1.0 mg/mL) for either 1.5 or 20 h. The resulting cytotoxicity data (dose–response curves) were then compared with the data obtained when PS was preincubated with 0–0.5 mg/mL of THP (IC vs normal), the semisynthetic polysaccharide, pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron), or human serum albumin. Results: Toxicity of PS was significantly reduced by incubation with THP (or Elmiron) prior to evaluation by the chromium release assay, but not reduced by incubating with another protein, albumin. Tamm–Horsfall protein from IC patients’ urine was less protective than an equal quantity of THP from normal urine. Conclusions: These experiments suggest that THP has an important role in bladder mucosal defense mechanisms, protecting the bladder surface from injury. Inability of THP to prevent cytotoxic damage by urinary polyamine or other urinary toxins (cationic species) may be relevant in the etiology of interstitial cystitis, as putative urinary toxic components have been described in the urine of some patients.
Differences in membrane structure between excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the cerebellar cortex.

Several synapses of known physiological action are antomically segregated in the cerebellar cortex and are readily identified in freeze-fracture preparations. Excitatory synapses, such as the parallel fiber-to-Purkinje spine synapse, climbing fiber-to-Purkinje spine synapse, and mossy or climbing fiber-to-granule cell dendrite synapse, were characterized by small aggregates of large particles on the cytoplasmic half of the presynaptic membrane, by a distinctly widened synaptic cleft, and by a large aggregate of particles on the external half of the postsynaptic membrane. Inhibitory synapses, such as the stellate cell axon-to-Purkinje dendrite synapse and the basket cell axon-to-Purkinje soma synapse, had no comparable specialization of either the pre- and postsynaptic membrane. The striking contrast in membrane structure at excitatory and inhibitory synaptic contacts presumably reflects differences in either the composition or organization of membrane proteins integral to synaptic function. Puncta adhaerentia between granule cell dendrites in cerebellar glomeruli were characterized by particles aggregated on the external half of both apposed membranes and were further differentiated from synaptic contacts by the smaller size of the particles. Protuberances on the external half of the presynaptic membrane were either small and coextensive with the synaptic contact or were larger and surrounded it; it is suggested that the small protuberances are synaptic vesicle sites whereas the large ones are coated vesicle sites.
The internal rotation barrier in allene

Abstract The barrier to internal rotation in allene is computed to be 72·7 kcal/mole from an LCAO SCF computation using 41 Gaussian basis orbitals. The results are compared to predictions from a simple Huckel calculation. Attempts to interpret the rotation barrier simply in terms of the allene orbitals fail.
International trade law and trade theory

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential for tariff reduction under the most favored‐nation (MFN) provision of international trade law as it is written, lex lata.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyzes differences in average tariff rates applied to imports under the MFN provision of international trade law. Two empirical methods are used; an analysis of variance to estimate significant differences in tariff rates between high‐income members and least‐developed members of the World Trade Organization (WTO); and fixed‐effects regression model to determine the effect of national output on the marginal propensity to import (MPM).Findings – The paper finds that there is a significant difference in the margins of import tariffs that are applied to imports by the high income and the least‐developed members and that the MPM is significantly dependent on output for the high‐income members, but not for the least‐developed members.Practical implications – The findings indicate that in...
Structure and inversion barriers of corannulene, its dianion and tetraanion. An ab initio study

Abstract Ab initio calculations were performed for neutral corannulene ( 1 ) and its dianion and tetraanion. The minimum energy conformations, as well as the transition states for bowl-to-bowl inversion, were located and characterized by calculation of vibrational frequencies. For some charged species, the Hartree-Fock method predicts critical point symmetries that are lower than those deduced from Huckel theory. However, inclusion of electron correlation effects shows this to be an artifact of the HF method. Consideration of electron correlation is also crucial for the estimation of the inversion barriers, while the quality of the basis set has only moderate impact on these results. The “best theoretical estimate” of the barriers decreases from 14.2 kcal mol −1 for neutral 1 , to 7.9–9.2 kcal mol −1 for the dianions, and to 3.2 kcal mol −1 for the tetraanion. While the introduction of negative charges into corannulene causes overall flattening of its curvature, even in the most extreme case — the tetraanion — preference for a bowl-shaped geometry remains. Within C 5 v symmetry, the 3 A 2 triplet state is clearly favored over the 1 A 1 and 1 E 2 singlet states of the isolated dianion. However, no significant preference of the triplet vs. singlet electronic state emerges if the symmetry of the molecular framework of the dianion is allowed to distort. Finally, analysis of the charge distribution in the tetraanion 5 does not support the “anion within a trianion” model for the tetraanion of corannulene.
Identifying the Lipid-Protein Interface of the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter using Hydrophobic Photoreactive Probes

The Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter (PCFT) encoded by the gene SLC46A1 is the major pathway for uptake of folic acid in the intestine and into the brain. Mutations in the PCFT gene lead to hereditary folate malabsorption (HFM), a folate deficiency disease characterized by impaired intestinal folate absorption and transport of folate into the central nervous system. PCFT is also involved in the uptake of antifolates such as Pemetrexed by tumor cells. At the present time our knowledge about the structure/function relationships of PCFT are very limited. Our initial goal is to identify the lipid-protein interface of PCFT by identifying transmembrane segments labeled by hydrophobic photoreactive probes like 1-Azidopyrene (1-AP) and 2-[3H]diazofluorene ([3H]DAF). These probes partition efficiently (>95%) into the lipid bilayer and upon UV-irradiation form covalent linkages with close-by amino acids. 1-AP and [3H]DAF labeled peptides can then be identified by mass spectrometry or by automated Edman degradation coupled with radio-sequencing. To carry out these experiments requires large amounts (several mg) of PCFT protein. Out of three expression systems we have evaluated (mammalian, cell-free, and bacterial), expression in BL21 E. coli is so far the most promising. From preliminary labeling experiments we have confirmed the membrane insertion of PCFT: 1) PCFT membranes were washed with NaHCO3 and urea, and 2) With 1-AP labeled PCFT, we identified peptide fragments of PCFT using mass spectrometry. Future experiments will involve: 1) screening of additional bacterial expression host strains, 2) labeling of PCFT with [3H]DAF and identification of labeled peptides as well as individual labeled amino-acids using radio-sequencing. Our results will define the PCFT lipid-protein interface and therefore will help verify 1) the α-helical secondary structure of transmembrane segments and 2) the arrangement of transmembrane segments within the membrane-spanning domain.