cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemolysis-associated priapism in sickle cell disease

Priapism, although uncommon in the general population, is one of the many serious complications associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). Few studies have described the clinical and hematologic characteristics of individuals with priapism and SCD. Using data from the Cooperative Study for Sickle Cell Disease, we assembled 273 case subjects with priapism and 979 control subjects. Case subjects, compared with control subjects, had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin; higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase; and higher reticulocyte, white blood cell, and platelet counts. These findings suggest an association of priapism with increased hemolysis. Hemolysis decreases the availability of circulating nitric oxide, which plays an important role in erectile function.
Analysis of a linear variable reluctance motor with magnetically coupled phases

This paper deals with the magnetic modeling of a type of linear variable reluctance motor. The motor under study is a three-phase motor that exhibits strong magnetic coupling between its phases. Two modeling techniques are used: the magnetic circuit analysis is emphasized due to its simplicity and computational efficiency; and the finite element analysis is used primarily to provide accurate benchmark data for comparison. Qualitative agreement between the two modeling techniques is demonstrated.
Motility and Segregation of Hsp104-Associated Protein Aggregates in Budding Yeast

SUMMARY During yeast cell division, aggregates of damaged proteins are segregated asymmetrically between the bud and the mother. It is thought that protein aggregates are cleared from the bud via actin cable-based retrograde transport toward the mother and that Bni1p formin regulates this transport. Here, we examined the dynamics of Hsp104-associated protein aggregates by video microscopy, particle tracking, and image correlation analysis. We show that protein aggregates undergo random walk without directional bias. Clearance of heat-induced aggregates from the bud does not depend on formin proteins but occurs mostly through dissolution via Hsp104p chaperon. Aggregates formed naturally in aged cells also exhibit random walk but do not dissolve during observation. Although our data do not disagree with a role for actin or cell polarity in aggregate segregation, modeling suggests that their asymmetric inheritance can be a predictable outcome of aggregates’ slow diffusion and the geometry of yeast cells.
Chronic administration of the environmental pollutant 4-tert-octylphenol to adult male rats interferes with the secretion of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and testosterone.

4-Tert-octylphenol (OP) is a prevalent environmental pollutant that has been shown to exert both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. The effects of OP on the reproductive system of adult male vertebrates are virtually unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to OP on reproductive hormone secretion in the adult male rat and compared the results qualitatively with those observed in other male rats treated chronically with estrogen. We injected corn oil vehicle or OP (20 or 80 mg) or estradiol valerate (EV; 0.8 or 8 microg) in oil s.c. into 2-mo-old male rats thrice weekly for either 1 or 2 mo. The 80-mg dosage of OP and one or both dosages of EV had the following effects: decreased anterior pituitary gland (APG) and serum LH and FSH concentrations; increased APG and serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations; increased APG/body weight ratios; decreased serum testosterone concentrations; decreased hematocrit; and decreased food consumption and body weight gain. To evaluate the response of the hypothalamus-APG to gonadal removal, we orchidectomized some of the rats after the end of treatment and decapitated them 3 wk later. In orchidectomized controls, serum LH and FSH concentrations rose markedly and serum PRL concentrations decreased. Similar changes were seen in orchidectomized rats treated previously with 20 or 80 mg OP. Moreover, there were no differences in mean serum LH, FSH, or PRL concentrations between controls and rats treated previously with either dosage of OP at 3 wk after orchidectomy. The results demonstrate that chronic administration of OP to adult male rats can adversely affect the secretion of reproductive hormones and strongly suggest that OP exerts these effects by acting like an estrogen. The opposite changes in LH, FSH, and PRL secretion observed after cessation of treatment with OP and orchidectomy suggest that chronic treatment with OP under the conditions of the present study did not result in any significant permanent deleterious effects on gonadotrophs or lactotrophs or the hypothalamic neurons controlling the secretion of the gonadotropins or PRL.
Repressor and antirepressor in the regulation of staphylococcal penicillinase synthesis.

5-methyltryptophan (5MT) induces penicillinase synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus. The analog is incorporated into protein by both wild-type and tryptophan-starved cells. Since normal penicillinase repressor appears to contain tryptophan even though penicillinase itself does not, it is concluded that 5MT induces penicillinase synthesis by becoming incorporated into the penicillinase repressor and thereby inactivating the repressor. Thus biochemical data support the existence of a penicillinase repressor and indicate that penicillinase synthesis is regulated by negative control and not by positive control.—In the absence of exogenous tryptophan, staphylococcal penicillinase induction can be inhibited by 7-azatryptophan (7azaT). Because 7azaT is incorporated into protein by tryptophan-starved cells, it is concluded that 7azaT blocks penicillinase induction by inactivating a penicillinase regulatory protein into which the analog has been incorporated. Incorporation of 7azaT does not appear to inactivate the operator binding site or the effector binding site on the penicillinase repressor. Therefore, it appears that 7azaT blocks penicillinase induction by inactivating the penicillinase antirepressor, a protein required for inactivation of the penicillinase repressor and, hence, required for penicillinase induction.
Intraoral intake and c-Fos induction in rats with conditioned flavor taste preferences.

Conditioned flavor taste preferences (CFTP) are a robust form of associative learning in which rats will choose a flavor (e.g. kool-aid) previously mixed with a prefered taste (e.g. 8% fructose) over a flavor previously mixed with a less prefered taste (e.g. 0.2% saccharin). To explore the neural substrates of CFTP, we examined c-Fos induction in response to intraoral infusions of kool-aid/saccharin solutions in rats after acquisition of CFTP. In order to minimize post-ingestive effects, kool-aid was paired with two concentrations of saccharin, 0.2% ( highly preferred) and 0.05% sacccharin (isopreferred to water). To condition a CFTP, adult male rats were given 24-h access to 2 bottles with kool-aid mixed in either 0.2% saccharin (CS+/US+) or 0.05% saccharin (CS-/US-); grape and cherry flavors were counterbalanced as CS+ and CS−. After 8 days, CFTP was confirmed in a 24-h, 2-bottle test of CS+/US- vs. CS-/US-. Rats were implanted with intraoral catheters, and infused with 10 ml over 10 min of one of 4 solutions: CS+/US-, CS-/US-, US+, or US- (n=5–6/group). Intake was measured by weighing rats before and after infusion. One hour after infusion, rats were perfused and the brains processed for c-Fos immunohistochemistry. Intraoral intakes of the 2 kool-aid mixtures, CS+/US- (5.2±1.0 g) and CS-/US- (5.1±1.1 g), and the 2 saccharin solutions, US+ (5.5±1.7 g) and US- (3.2±1.1 g), were not different. Preliminary analysis of c-Fos patterns revealed widespread activation of the rostral olfactory and gustatory pathways, but greater activation within the amygdala after CS+/US- infusion. Support: NIDCD 03198 and 00044.
CAD of Dual-Mode Elliptic Filters Exploiting Segmentation

Dual-mode filters are important for the design of satellite communication systems. In such electronic systems, where small size and light weight are highly critical, elliptic filters are thus far the best choice owing to their lowest-order among other filter configurations. In this paper, we present a new computer aided design (CAD) approach for the design of dual-mode elliptic filters in Ku-band. The proposed knowledge-based approach combines equivalent circuits, electromagnetic (EM) concepts, an EM solver, and the segmentation method into a unified framework. In the design phase, elliptic integral and an equivalent circuit model are used to determine filter geometry. By applying the segmentation concept, efficient simulation-based tuning of the filter is carried out in the tuning phase. The proposed approach is illustrated via design of a 14.5GHz filter.
Are oxygen rings (On) and their negative ions (On−) unstable?

Oxygen clusters of the aquilateral ring types O n and their negative ions O n are studied by the recently developed pictorial-topological quantum chemistry method, VIF (valency interaction formulas), of this author. The species are found to be of high energy relative to separated oxygen atoms, the cause being evident from the VIF pictures. The odd n rings should be at local minima but are not likely to have observable negative ions. The even n rings have distortional instabilities, yet their negative ions are more likely to be observated as transients in beam experiments
The Effect of Ondansetron on Pyridostigmine-Induced Blood Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition in the Guinea Pig

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to assess the compatibility, in terms of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, of ondansetron (OND; a 5-hydroxytryptamine subtype-3 receptor antagonist) with the organophosphorus pretreatment compound pyridostigmine (PYR) after simultaneous oral (p.o.) administration to guinea pigs. the time-course of PYR-induced (0.94 mg/kg, p.o.) AChE inhibition was determined in the absence and presence of OND. Ondansetron (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg; p.o.) did not modify AChE inhibition, whereas concurrent administration of PYR with OND (10 or 20 mg/kg; p.o.) produced significantly greater decreases in AChE activity than PYR alone. the decreases in AChE activity for PYR plus OND, 10 and 20 mg/kg, (between 30 -240 min) were 12.3 ± 2.8% and 16.1 + 2.3% (mean ± SD) respectively relative to PYR alone. the slope for recovery of AChE activity (120 -240 min) was 0.0914 for PYR alone; recovery rates (slopes) for PYR plus OND, 10 and 20 mg/kg, were 0.0796 and 0.0433 respectively....
Data management in delayed conferencing

Abstract only given, as follows. Video conferencing has become an alternative way to get people to communicate with each other without having to travel long distances. Though it has proven to be very useful in many occasions, in order to have a successful video conference, (1) it requires preliminary scheduling to have all involved parties present at the same time, (2) all parties need to be fully prepared and give quick responses to minimise expensive "dead space", and (3) there never seems to be enough communication bandwidth. Of course, as is common in most conference settings, people inevitably try to rush for conclusions near the end. With the above in mind, we are developing new data management techniques to conduct video conferences in which all parties need not be present at the same time, people can communicate at their own pace, and network bandwidth is utilized more effectively. We briefly describe the basic ideas behind such a system and show a prototype system. >
Are Household Firearms Stored Less Safely in Homes With Adolescents?: Analysis of a National Random Sample of Parents

Objective To examine whether firearms are more frequently stored loaded, unlocked, or both in households with adolescents only (aged 13-17 years) compared with households with younger children only (aged 0-12 years). Design Random-digit-dial survey on firearms (n = 2770). We computed bivariate associations between the presence of adolescents and firearm storage practices. Statistical significance was assessed using prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Setting United States. Participants Survey respondents with children (aged Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of firearms in the home stored loaded and/or unlocked. Results Of the 392 respondents, 22% had a loaded firearm, 32% had an unlocked firearm, and 8% had a firearm stored loaded and unlocked. Compared with households with younger children, households with adolescents only were somewhat more likely to store a firearm unlocked (42% vs 29%; prevalence ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.02), loaded (26% vs 20%; prevalence ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.91), or both (10% vs 8%; prevalence ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-3.19). Conclusions Parents of adolescents appear to be more likely to keep household firearms stored unsafely, especially with regard to keeping firearms unlocked. This is of concern because most youth firearm injuries happen to adolescents. Firearm injury prevention programs should directly target parents of adolescents to promote safe firearm storage.
Stress and Immunity: Age Enhances the Risks

A competent immune response is central to good health. There is good evidence that both aging and psychological stress can dysregulate immune function, resulting in changes in various aspects of the immune response that are large enough to have consequences for health. Older adults appear to show even greater immunological impairments associated with stress or depression than younger adults. Thus, the data suggest that aging interacts with stress and depression to enhance risks for morbidity and mortality among older adults.
Assessing Kazakhstan´s proposal to host a nuclear fuel bank

Arms control advocates seek mechanisms to discourage the spread of proliferation-sensitive technologies. Most plans envision bringing nuclear fuel cycle technologies under greater multilateral control. Proposals to establish one or more nuclear fuel banks clearly fit within this framework. Under this arrangement, countries can “borrow” any fuel they need for their nuclear power reactors from a repository under IAEA control. Kazakhstan has offered to consider establishing an international nuclear fuel bank on its territory. The country has certain attributes that could make it a good candidate for a fuel bank. For example, Kazakhstan is a major player in the international uranium market, it has good relations with many countries, and its government has established a strong non-proliferation record. However, there are concerns among domestic and foreign observers about the Kazakh government’s ambitious program, relations with proliferation-prone countries; and public opposition in Kazakhstan to nuclear activities.
Examining the Sociolinguistic Context in Schools and Neighborhoods of Pre-Adolescent Latino Students: Implications for Ethnic Identity.

This study examined the sociolinguistic contexts of neighborhoods and schools in two predominantly Latino communities in the United States. We used census data to assess social and ethnic composition and observational data to compare and contrast environmental print, language use, and availability of community services in Spanish in these schools and neighborhoods. Structured interviews with pre-adolescent (5th grade) students raised questions about how these sociolinguistic contexts might contribute to ways they viewed themselves as part of their ethnic community. Observational results revealed striking differences in the prevalence and use of Spanish across these two communities. Student interviews raised questions about how pre-adolescent Latino students in these two very different sociolinguistic contexts may see themselves in relation to their ethnic group. Implications for supporting ethnic-identity-development processes are discussed.
Using the Exterior Match to Compare Two Entwined Matched Control Groups

When comparing outcomes, such as survival, in two groups— say a focal group and a comparison group—a common question is whether an adjustment for certain baseline differences that separate these two groups actually matters for the difference in outcomes. Did the adjustment matter? If it did matter, to what quantitative extent did it matter? This question is quite distinct from whether the baseline variables predict the outcome: baseline variables may predict the outcome, yet explain no part of the difference in outcomes in two groups. The question is also distinct from whether a difference between the groups remains after adjustment: an adjustment may matter quite a bit, yet fail to explain a substantial part of the difference in outcomes, and, indeed, adjustment may increase the difference. Whether an adjustment for (x 1, x 2) matters over and above an adjustment for x 1 alone can be addressed by comparing outcomes in two control groups formed from the comparison group, one matched to the focal group for...
Imagining Muslim futures: debates over state and society at the end of the Raj

India in the inter-war decades was alive with multiple competing ideologies whose spokesmen made their arguments in Islamic terms and claimed to speak authentically for ‘Islam’, among them the ‘Islamist’, Maulana Maududi; the ‘Modernist’ poet, Muhammad Iqbal; and the ‘Traditionalist’ Islamic scholar, Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani. A significant advantage of looking at these early movements is that, more than fifty years on, we are able to see them as products of their times, subject, moreover, to considerable change in the new nation states that emerged. Their histories exemplify the limits of stressing the ‘genealogy’ of any given movement – whether to Quranic chapter and verse or to some putative founder – as well as of imputing rigidity to Islamic thought.
A Collection of Stories and Its Preservation in the Digital Age

is something that was undertaken by the first people, long ago, during the time of the ancestors. When those of us in my genera tion awakened to earliest consciousness, we were born into a tradi tion that was already flourishing. Narratives were being performed by adults in a tradition that had been established long before we were born. And when we were born, those narratives were con structed for us by old people, who argued that the stories had ini tially been created in olden times, long ago. That time was ancient even to our fathers; it was ancient to our grandmothers, who said that the tales had been created years before by their grandmothers. We learned the narratives in that way, and every generation that has come into being has been born into the tradition. Members of every generation have grown up under the influence of these narra tives.2
CCK receptor dysfunction in muscle membranes from human gallbladders with cholesterol stones.

Human gallbladders with cholesterol stones exhibit impaired muscle contraction induced by agonists that act on transmembrane receptors, increased membrane cholesterol content, and abnormal choleste...
Remarks on W1,p-stability of the conformal set in higher dimensions

In this paper, we study the stability of maps in W1,p that are close to the conformal set K1 = R+ · SO(n) in an averaged sense as described in Definition 1.1. We prove that K1 is W1,p-compact for all p ≥ n but is not W1,p-stable for any 1 ≤ p < n/2 when n ≥ 3. We also prove a coercivity estimate for the integral functional ∫RndK1p(∇ϕ(x))dx on W1,p(Rn; Rn) for certain values of p lower than n using some new estimates for weak solutions of p-harmonic equations.
Photodynamic therapy in esophageal cancer

A B S T R A C T Historically, photodynamic therapy was an additional mechanism, along with external beam irradiation or brachytherapy, Nd:YAG laser tumor ablation or esophageal stent placement and to a lesser extent, chemotherapy, used to reestablish esophageal continuity in patients with esophageal malignancy who could not undergo resective surgery by virtue of infirmity or tumor stage. However, it has been virtually abandoned for this indication by most practitioners for over a decade. More recently, it has been used in the West to eradicate high-grade dysplasia and superficial malignancies arising in Barrett’s esophagus, although its expense, limited availability, and side effect profile make widespread use unlikely, particularly given the widespread availability of other effective techniques. The latter include endoscopic submucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy. This review highlights the historical use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of esophageal malignancy and potential roles for its application in the future.
Implications of Salary Structure and Merit Pay in the Fifty American States

The burgeoning literature concerning merit pay in the public sector primarily focuses on themes such as its ability to improve performance, implementation problems in merit pay system maintenance, and a much more limited review of how merit pay should be integrated with salary structure. There are no studies of merit pay and salary structure, however, that compare experiences across local, state and federal government. Compensation specialists from all 50 states were surveyed to determine current practices in the area of pay structure and merit pay systems. Results indicate that many states are having difficulty in effectively integrating structure and merit pay.
Photosensitized oxidation of 13C,15N-labeled imidazole derivatives.

An efficient synthesis of imidazoles with isotope labeling at different positions of the five-membered ring was developed. We carried out a detailed mechanistic study of the photosensitized oxidation of isotope-labeled imidazole derivatives. A new product, CO 2 , was observed in the photooxidation of 2-H,N1-H imidazoles, but not in 2-substitituted imidazoles. The carbon of CO 2 derives from the 2C of imidazole. As shown by 18 O experiments, both oxygen atoms of CO 2 originate mainly from one molecule of oxygen. Transient intermediates were detected by low-temperature NMR in the photosensitized oxidation of the isotope-labeled imidazoles. Quantitative analysis of the 13 C NMR at different temperatures and times correlates the formation of one intermediate with the loss of another, thus allowing the complete decomposition pathway of the transient intermediates to be established. Singlet oxygen reacts with 4,5-diphenylimidazole via a [4 + 2] cycloaddition to form a 2,5-endoperoxide, which, upon warming, decomposes to a hydroperoxide. The hydroperoxide in one pathway loses water to form an imidazolone 7, which is hydrolyzed to a hydroxyimidazol-2-one 11. In another pathway, the hydroperoxide rearranges to diol 8. The diol rearranges to a carbamate 9 by opening and reclosing the five-membered ring. 9 decomposes to CO 2 and benzil diimine. A labile NH in the imidazole is crucial for the decomposition of the initially formed endoperoxide, otherwise the endoperoxide decomposes to regenerate starting material. Many similarities exist between the photooxidations of imidazole and guanosine in organic solvent, suggesting that the two reactions share a similar reaction mechanism with singlet oxygen.
Proposal for Manipulating Functional Interface Properties of Composite Organic Semiconductors with Addition of Designed Macromolecules

The arrangement of the electronic levels in an interface between organic semiconductors is crucial for the operation of devices such as solar cells and light emitting diodes. With the addition of designed macromolecules, we show that it is possible to control the relative position of the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels, and consequently improve the performance. The designed macromolecules consist of two end segments, each compatible with one of the interface components, and a central segment which adds functionality to the interface. The tails control the position and the orientation of the functional units. When the central functional unit is an electric dipole, an electrostatic field is created due to the orientation of the dipoles, which shifts the electronic levels in a controlled way. We develop a theoretical framework, based on self-consistent field theory, to study the concentration and the orientation of the central functional units. We find that the levels can shift by as much as several tenths of an eV.
Congenital Ataxia, Learning Disabilities and Autism

Thirty two children (17 females, 15 males; mean age 12 yrs) with non-progressive congenital ataxia were examined for neuropsychiatric problems in a study at Sundsvall Hospital; Umea University Hospital; Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm; and Goteborg University, Sweden.
Why Is Infant Mortality Higher in the United States Than in Europe

The US has higher infant mortality than peer countries. In this paper, we combine micro-data from the US with similar data from four European countries to investigate this US infant mortality disadvantage. The US disadvantage persists after adjusting for potential di erential reporting of births near the threshold of viability. While the importance of birth weight varies across comparison countries, relative to all comparison countries the US has similar neonatal (<1 month) mortality but higher postneonatal (1-12 months) mortality. We document similar patterns across Census divisions within the US. The postneonatal mortality disadvantage is driven by poor birth outcomes among lower socioeconomic status individuals.
Short-term load forecasting based on improved BP neural network

Scientific and actual short-term load forecasting is benefit to improve electricity power system economically and safely,and provides high quality power energy. The paper brings forth a new type of method of short-term load forecasting based on BP neural network, takes complicative climate sensitive factor into account when establishing model. It discusses the selection of input sample and the construction of forecasting model. The example shows that the method is of high precision and the relative error is less than 3.63%.
Relationship between ambient PM10 pollution and daily hospital visits for cardiovascular disease in Fengtai district,Beijing

Objective To explore the relationship between ambient PM10 pollution and daily hospital visits for cardiovascular disease in Fengtai district,Beijing.Methods Generalized additive model(GAM) extended Poisson regression was used to examine the exposure-response relationship between ambient PM10 pollution and daily mortality from January 1,2010 to December 31,2010 in Fengtai district,Beijing.Regression analyses was used for the analysis with adjustment for controlling long-term trends,the "day of the week" effect and meterological factors.Results A 10 μg/m3increase in PM10 was associated with 0.57%(95%CI:0.47%-0.67%) increase in daily hospital visits for cardiovascular disease.Certain lag effect was observed and the daily hospital visits for cardiovascular disease showed a higher effect at lag 2.Conclusion A positive correlation has been seen between ambient PM10 pollution and daily hospital visits for cardiovascular disease in Fengtai district,Beijing.
Guideline of Chronic Urticaria Beyond

Urticaria is a relatively common condition that if chronic can persist for weeks, months or years and affect quality of life significantly. The etiology is often difficult to determine, especially as it becomes chronic. Many cases of chronic urticaria are thought to be autoimmune, although there is no consensus that testing for autoimmunity alters the diagnostic or management strategies or outcomes. Many times, urticaria is easily managed with antihistamines and/or short courses of oral corticosteroids, but too often control is insufficient and additional therapies must be added. For years, immune modulating medications, such as cyclosporine and Mycophenolate Mofetil, have been used in cases refractory to antihistamines and oral corticosteroids, although the evidence supporting their efficacy and safety has been limited. Omalizumab was recently approved for the treatment of chronic urticaria unresponsive to H1-antagonists. This IgG anti-IgE monoclonal antibody has been well demonstrated to safely and effectively control chronic urticaria at least partially in approximately 2/3 of cases. However, the mechanism of action and duration of treatment for omalizumab is still unclear. It is hoped that as the pathobiology of chronic urticaria becomes better defined, future therapies that target specific mechanistic pathways will be developed that continue to improve the management of these often challenging patients.
Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis in Neonates and Children

Investigators from Erasmus University Hospital in Belgium and Gustave-Dron Hospital and Roger-Salengro Hospital in France studied the clinical and neuroradiologic characteristics of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) in neonates and children.
Metastatic Tumor Burden Does Not Predict Overall Survival Following Cytoreductive Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Novel 3-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis

Objective To compare 1-dimensional (1D) and 3-dimensional (3D) volume measurements and determine whether primary tumor (PT) burden is predictive of overall survival (OS) following cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Materials and Methods Records and imaging studies of patients with mRCC treated with CN from 2006 to 2015 were included, with tumor volumes measured by a faculty radiologist blinded to clinical outcomes using Advantage Workstation Volume Share (Ver 4.6, GE, Waukesha, WI). Results Complete PT and metastatic tumor volumes were measured for 67 patients. For 15 (22.3%) patients, 1D volume was within ±10% of the measured 3D volume. In 40 (59.7%) patients, the 1D calculated PT volume was >10% of the actual 3D volume. Fractional percentage of tumor volume (FPTV) removed during CN was calculated using the formula PT volume/(PT + met volume). FPTV was not associated with OS when analyzed as a continuous variable. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on previously published cut point of 90% FPTV. No differences between cohorts in age, gender, grade, subtype, number of metastatic sites, performance status, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk group, or International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium risk group were identified. OS was not different between cohorts (P = .38). Conclusion 1D measurements of PT diameter frequently overestimate mRCC PT volume. In patients with mRCC selected for CN, the ratio of primary to metastatic tumor does not predict OS.
Bone Marrow Transplant in Adrenoleukodystrophy

Three children with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) were treated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) at Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Thinking Philosophical Anthropology Through the Natural Sciences

AbstractIn this article, I elaborate the basis for thinking about the human subject in a way that entails biology while leaving room for political action in an effort to free the study of the human from the two opposed extremes of biologism and social constructivism. As the environment affects biological activity at all levels, who we are will always be connected to what we experience. However, while the human subject, as a self- contained entity has dissolved, subjectivity, or a point of view that is mine, has not. Put differently, the mutual constitution of nature and nurture is sufficiently underdetermined such that the individual subject is not straightforwardly coterminous with its environment—or its biology. Through the use of different literatures in the study of biology and politics, I explore this by unravelling some of the processes through which the environment becomes an inner world. I end with a consideration of the relationship between disgust sensitivity and anti-immigrant views to illustra...
Liquid Metal Dispersions for Stretchable Electronics

The mechanical effects of dispersing solid particles within a continuous polymer matrix have been well studied for a variety of polymeric systems. These dispersions are of particular interest for electronically conducting polymer applications where the combined mechanical and electrical performance of the material is important, especially in the presence of large deformations. A key weakness of these systems, however, is apparent in soft polymer systems where the polymer is chosen for its elastic qualities, which are often negated by the presence of solid particulate fillers. To overcome this challenge liquid metal, in this work the eutectic Gallium-Indium-Tin (GalInStan), was dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the resulting composited material electromechanical properties were evaluated with respect to particle size and loading. Mechanical properties were compared to rigid Ni and soda-lime silica particles of similar sizes. Data presented will also illustrate the “fluid” dispersion viscosity behavior associated with GalInStan loading, and the effect of viscosity on dispersed liquid metal particle size, which is a key parameter in controlling material electronic performance. This work widens the potential scope of electronically conductive filled elastomers beyond the low-strain regime and promises to greatly increase the fatigue life of fabricated stretchable electronic devices based on conductive elastomers.
Targeting obesity-driven asthma with nitrate, nitrite and conjugated linoleic acid therapy

Obesity is an asthma comorbidity associated with increased severity, poor control, reduced steroid responsiveness and greater exacerbation and healthcare utilization rates. The obese asthma phenotype defined in several cluster studies, has paradoxically reduced levels of Type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokines, sputum eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). As this cluster is refractory to steroid therapy, it is imperative that an intervention is sufficiently pleiotropic to reduce inflammation and restore airway •NO levels. We hypothesize that treatment with conjugated linolenic acid (cLA), nitrate (NO3‒) and nitrite (NO2‒) will restore •NO airway bio-availability and reduce inflammation via nitro-cLA (NO2-cLA) signaling, leading to improved airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). In a pilot study, obese asthmatic subjects taking 1 gm NO3‒, 20 mg NO2‒ and 3 gm of cLA for 8 weeks demonstrated a 3 fold increase in free NO2-cLA plasma levels that tracked with increases in plasma cLA. FeNO values increased from an average of 19.3 ± 9.9 to 39.5 ± 10.4 ppb. Clinically there is a trending decrease in PC20 indicating a decrease in AHR as well as decreased asthma control questionnaire scores, indicative of better controlled asthma. Inflammatory markers including plasma tumor necrosis factor α and alveolar macrophage CD36 mRNA expression decreased after supplementation whereas interleukin (IL)-10 and glucocorticoid receptor expression (NR3C1) in alveolar macrophages increased. IL-10 and NR3C1 are both implicated in the inhibition of Th1 cytokine expression via suppression of nuclear factor κB. Further analyses of a larger clinical “n” as well as complimentary cell culture and animal model studies are needed to address the clinical changes seen after NO3‒/ NO2‒+cLA supplementation in obese asthmatics.
Measuring Process Migration Effects Using an MP Simulator

This chapter examines multiprocessors that are used in throughput mode to multiprogram a number of unrelated sequential programs. This is the most common use for multiprocessors. There is no data sharing between the programs. Each program forms a process that is scheduled to execute on a processor until it blocks because its time-slice expires or for I/O. The process can migrate among the processors when its turn to resume occurs. The degree of process migration can dramatically impact the behavior of caches and hence the throughput of the multiprocessor. This chapter investigates the behavior of cache misses that can result from different degrees of process migration. The degree of migration is varied by assigning each process an affinity for a particular processor. An efficient multiprocessor cache simulator is described that is used in the study. The study is restricted to shared-bus multiprocessors and two contrasting cache consistency protocols, write update and invalidate.
Political Allegory: Bakhtin, Jameson and Birago Diop’s Les Contes D’amadou Koumba

The marginalization of oral literature by Fredric Jameson and other Marxist literary critics is a surprising phenomena. Oral literature is given minimal attention, and it almost always plays the role of the underdog, the marginalized voice suppressed by the hegemonic powers of writing. The privileged position of the written word and of the traditional definitions of genre have historically excluded oral literature from the canon. This might be an indication of a general level of traditionalism and conservancy in Jameson’s and other Marxists’ critical approach. A look at the question of the validity of the appropriation of certain of Mikhail Bakhtin’s critical concepts by Jameson brings attention to some of the polemics that are centered on the dialectic, language, history, and genre and are relevant to the discussion of oral literature and to Marxist criticism in general. Birago Diop’s Les Contes d’Amadou Koumba (Paris: Presence Afraicaine, 1961) is a compilation of oral tales that provides a decent sampling of the linguistic, allegorical, and generic diversity that one can find in oral literature; with it we can see more clearly how Jameson fails to deal with this diversity.
Thirty Years of the Journal of Cancer Education: a Review

Since its foundation in 1986, the Journal of Cancer Education (JCE) has served as an important outlet for myriad aspects of cancer education and currently serves as the official journal of the American and European Associations for Cancer Education. During its history, the JCE has been under the auspices of five publishers, with its first full year under the current publisher, Springer, in 2010. Print and distribution metrics from 2010 to present were obtained from Springer. These were compared to historical data including the first 10 years of the JCE, published by Dr. Bakemeier in 1995. Since its beginning, the JCE has consisted of four issues per year. The original contract for 256 pages per year has increased to an average of 858 pages from 2010 to 2014. In 2015, the JCE received a total of 344 submissions, up from 339 in 2014, and 262 the year before. This is a stark contrast to the roughly 44 submission received in 1994. Over this same period, the overall rejection rate has increased from 30% in 2010 to 45% in 2015. The number of online deals has increased from 347 in 2014 to 361 in 2015 and has been accompanied by a steady increase in the number of full-text article downloads: 19,000 in 2010 to 58,923 in 2015. Accordingly, the JCE has seen a pronounced and steady increase in impact factor, rising from 0.52 in 2009 to 1.368 in 2015. Since moving to Springer, the JCE has seen unprecedented growth, receiving increasing submissions yearly, an increasing number of subscription deals and online full-text downloads, and a corresponding increase in impact factor.
Bicycle, pedestrian, and mixed-mode trail traffic: A performance assessment of demand models

Abstract This study presents new trail demand models based on data collected between January 1, 2014 and February 16, 2016 at 32 locations in the seven major climatic regions in the continental U.S. We contribute fourfold to the literature on analysis of trail traffic demand. First, we develop a set of econometric models to predict average daily pedestrians (ADP), average daily bicyclists (ADB), and average daily mixed-mode traffic (ADM) using the 5 D’s of the built environment (i.e., density, diversity, design, distance to transit, and destination accessibility), and socio-economic characteristics. Second, we test the performance of trail demand models in predicting ADB, ADP, and ADM using the leave-one-out cross-validation technique and compare the relative accuracy of the models. Third, we assess the performance of separate bicycle and pedestrian demand models in predicting mixed-mode travel demand. Fourth, we introduce a post-validation technique to advance the prediction accuracy of trail traffic demand models. The results indicate: (1) with only a few exceptions, ADP and ADB are correlated with different variables, and the magnitude of effects of variables that are the same varies significantly between the two modes; (2) The mean relative percentage error (MRPE) for bicyclist, pedestrian, and mixed-mode models equals 65.4%, 85.3%, and 45.9%; (3) Although using separate but integrated sensors to monitor bicycle and pedestrian traffic enables us to juxtapose the bicyclist demand with pedestrian demand, there is not a significant improvement in predicting total demand using these more expensive sensors; (4) A new post-validation procedure improved the demand models, reducing the MRPE of bicyclist, pedestrian, and mixed-mode models by 27.2%, 32.1%, and 14.1%. Overall, our models confirm that different variables are correlated with bicycle and pedestrian traffic volumes and that these modes need to be modeled separately. Our models can be used in practical applications such as selection of trail corridors and prioritization of investments where order-of-magnitude estimates suffice.
Monkey business builds a bridge to the human brain

Logothetis et al. report the best fMRI images yet obtained in monkeys, which should help us understand the basis of fMRI signals and relate monkey physiology to human imaging studies.
Olfactory Groove Meningioma

Anosmia is the initial clinical sign of an olfactory groove meningioma. Later on, as the tumor reaches a larger size, visual field defects and personality changes are observed. In the diagnostic studies angiography will reveal elevation and stretching of the anterior cerebral and frontal polar arteries (Figs. 140 and 141). The vascular supply comes from the anterior ramus of the middle meningeal artery and the anterior ethmoidal artery which is a branch from the usually widened ophthalmic artery. The venous phase indicates the size of the meningioma by its diffuse staining. A combined angiographic-pneumoence-phalographic study will give additional information as to the side on which the larger mass of the tumor is situated. The attachment to the floor of the anterior fossa is over the posterior cribiform plate and planum sphenoidale. Fig. 142 shows a predominantly left-sided olfactory groove meningioma extending back, depressing the optic nerve and chiasm. Its relationship to the optic nerve and chiasm is different from that of a tuberculum sellae meningioma (see p. 94, Chapter VI). The operative removal of the olfactory groove meningioma in Fig. 142 will be discussed.
Ultrasonic Characterization of Plasma Spray Coating

Plasma-spray coatings are widely used in industry to protect the substrate against aggressive environments or to alter the surface properties to enhance the wear resistance[1]. The coating is an aggregate of powder particles which are impacted after being heated on the substrate surface. As a result of the fast cooling rates [2], no significant diffusion occurs at the coating/substrate interface and between subsequent coating layers. Different defects in the coating layer often occur, such as delaminations between subsequent deposition layers, pores, non-melted particles, cracks due to thermal coefficient mismatch and loss of adhesion between coatings and substrates.
Dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon-12) as a Tracer for Nitrous Oxide Release from a Nitrogen-Enriched River

A Freon-12 tracer technique has been developed to measure gas-exchange coefficients for nitrous oxide volatilization in a reach of the Assabet River receiving the effluent of the Westborough, Mass. sewage treatment plant. Nitrous oxide in the atmosphere affects the destruction of stratospheric ozone and can contribute to climatic warming through a “greenhouse” effect. Stirred tank experiments were performed to determine the relative gas exchange coefficients of nitrous oxide (N2O), and Freon-12. The nitrous oxide degassing coefficients have been determined with greater certainty than is possible using predictive equations for river reaeration. Preliminary results suggest that wind can enhance the degassing rate in the river. The Freon-12 tracer technique facilitates the determination of the respective bio-geochemical roles of sediment and water column with respect to N2O production.
A randomized phase II study of letrozole vs. observation in patients with newly diagnosed uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS).

Abstract Objective Up to 87% of uterine leiomyosarcomas have estrogen receptor positivity. There are no effective adjuvant therapies for LMS. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of letrozole in patients with newly diagnosed uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). The primary endpoint of this study was a reduction in the recurrence rate for patients with this disease. Methods We performed a randomized, open-label, phase II study of letrozole (experimental arm) administered orally on a daily basis vs. observation (control) in patients with newly diagnosed early stage uLMS. Patient enrollment was to be open to any individual with newly diagnosed uLMS seen in the Gynecologic Oncology Center at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Hormone receptor positivity using CLIA approved lab testing was an eligibility requirement. No prior therapy was allowed. Results Nine patients were randomized. Four patients were in the experimental arm and five patients were in the observation arm. No patients had prior therapy. The median duration of protocol treatment was 43.9 months (range, 6.5–70.2). The median PFS for the experimental arm was not reached (NR) compared to 17.3 months. The percent progression free at 12 and 24 months was 100% for patients receiving letrozole compared to 80% at 12 months and 40% at 24 months for patients in the observation arm. Conclusions While no definitive conclusions can be made due to early study closure, these early observations warrant further investigation. We desperately need an effective adjuvant therapy for women with early stage uLMS.
Unexpected Findings: Locally Advanced Colon Cancer

Unexpected findings are not infrequently encountered, either intraoperatively or in the postoperative settings. This chapter will discuss what to do when you identify a locally advanced (T4) colon cancer invading into an adjacent structure while in the operating room.
EFFECT OF GRAIN SIZE ON THE STATIC AND DYNAMIC FRACTURE BEHAVIOR OF α-TITANIUM

The feasibility of establishing quantitative relationships between microstructural features and dynamic fracture behavior was investigated by performing plate impact experiments on specimens of alpha titanium differing predominantly in grain size, and determining values of parameters describing microfracture nucleation and growth. The dynamic fracture strengths for materials having average grain daimeters of 36 μm and 1.5 μm were essentially identical, but threshold nucleation rates, nucleation stress sensitivities, and microfracture growth viscosities differed by factors of 2 to 3. The coarse-grained material exhibited superior dynamic fracture resistance even though its quasi-static yield and ultimate tensile strengths were significantly lower than those of the fine-grained material. An explanation for this reversal in behavior is given in terms of the microstructure and the microfracture kinetics.