cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary dynamics of adult stem cells: comparison of random and immortal-strand segregation mechanisms.

This paper develops a point-mutation model describing the evolutionary dynamics of a population of adult stem cells. Such a model may prove useful for quantitative studies of tissue aging and the emergence of cancer. We consider two modes of chromosome segregation: (1) random segregation, where the daughter chromosomes of a given parent chromosome segregate randomly into the stem cell and its differentiating sister cell and (2) ``immortal DNA strand'' co-segregation, for which the stem cell retains the daughter chromosomes with the oldest parent strands. Immortal strand co-segregation is a mechanism, originally proposed by [Cairns Nature (London) 255, 197 (1975)], by which stem cells preserve the integrity of their genomes. For random segregation, we develop an ordered strand pair formulation of the dynamics, analogous to the ordered strand pair formalism developed for quasispecies dynamics involving semiconservative replication with imperfect lesion repair (in this context, lesion repair is taken to mean repair of postreplication base-pair mismatches). Interestingly, a similar formulation is possible with immortal strand co-segregation, despite the fact that this segregation mechanism is age dependent. From our model we are able to mathematically show that, when lesion repair is imperfect, then immortal strand co-segregation leads to better preservation of the stem cell lineage than random chromosome segregation. Furthermore, our model allows us to estimate the optimal lesion repair efficiency for preserving an adult stem cell population for a given period of time. For human stem cells, we obtain that mispaired bases still present after replication and cell division should be left untouched, to avoid potentially fixing a mutation in both DNA strands.
On the evolution of egg placement and gregariousness of caterpillars in the Lepidoptera

Drawing heavily upon natural history data from the Neotropical butterfly fauna, an attempt is made to develop a model, with testable hypotheses, to account for the evolution of egg-clustering and larval gregariousness. Given the high diversity of both plant and butterfly species in the American tropics, there is a higher incidence of egg-clustering there, including some species with aposematically-colored immature stages. Emphasis is placed on the need to examine both the physical (mechanical) toughness of larval food plants for larval feeding success, and the spatial structuring of food plant populations. It is argued that when food plant spatial patchiness is high, the breadth of local food plant species usage low, plant growth rates high, fed-upon structures tough, butterfly dispersal low, and reproductive potential low, egg-clustering evolves. Such ecological character states, coupled with the occurrence of food plant patches in large sizes relative to the nutritional and fecundity needs of the butterfly specialist on the species, select for egg-clustering to ensure survival of the butterfly population in that habitat. It is emphasized that the model proposed here requires considerable examination through field studies.
Bryozoa of the uppermost Gerster Limestone (late Wordian, Permian), Medicine Range, northeastern Nevada, U.S.A.

Abundant bryozoans occur in the uppermost Gerster Limestone (Permian) in a saddle directly west of the main Medicine Range section of the Gerster Limestone of northeastern Nevada. The stratigraphic position of this shaly limestone is confirmed by the conodont Merrilina praedivergens (late Wordian), which occurs elsewhere in the uppermost Gerster Limestone. Three new genera and five new species of bryozoans have been discovered in this shaly limestone. Subsequent analyses identified the new genera as Autospinifera n. gen., Utgaardostylus n. gen., and Wyseotrypa n. gen. The new species are Autospinifera rossae n. sp., Utgaardostylus stylata n. sp., Wyseotrypa parallela n. sp., Dyscritella triangulara n. sp., and Dyscritellina laminata n. sp. Other species of bryozoans present were previously described from the Russian Far East, Murdock Mountain Formation of the Leach Mountains of northeastern Nevada, Phosphoria Formation of eastern Idaho, and Gerster Limestone of the Medicine Range section of Nevada. This bryozoan fauna represents a late middle-Permian boreal fauna.
Effect of Female Database Use for T-Score Derivation in Men

Whether to use male or female databases to obtain T-scores in men remains controversial. This study evaluated the impact of deriving male T-scores using female databases in 350 men aged 22.8e93.5 (mean 67.5 � 12.2) yr who were referred for clinically indicated dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry exams. Spine, femur, and nondominant radius scans were obtained in routine clinical manner using a GE Healthcare Lunar Prodigy densitometer. Analyses were performed using software version 9.30. Initially, the GE Healthcare Lunar male normative database was used to calculate T-scores. Subsequently, scans were reanalyzed using female databases; GE for the spine and radius, and NHANES III for the femur. Using the manufacturer’s male database, T-scores (mean [range]) of the L1e4 spine, femur neck, total femur, and .3 radius were 0.0 [� 4.6 to þ8.5], � 1.6 [� 4.3 to þ2.3], � 1.1 [� 4.0 to þ3.3], and � 0.7 [� 5.3 to þ2.9], respectively. On reanalysis with female databases, T-scores ‘‘improved’’ (p! 0.0001) with a positive bias of 0.34, 0.33, 0.58, and 1.20, respectively at the above 4 sites. Using female databases, the proportion of men classified as having normal bone mass increased from 22% to 33% and those identified as osteoporotic decreased from 29% to 17%. If pharmacologic treatment were prescribed at a T-score !� 2.0, use of the female databases would reduce those treated for low bone mass from 46% to 32%. In conclusion, using female databases to derive male T-scores results in ‘‘improvement’’ of diagnostic classification for a substantial number of men with fewer being classified as having low bone mass.
BEAVERS AS MOLECULAR GENETICISTS: A GENETIC BASIS TO THE FORAGING OF AN ECOSYSTEM ENGINEER

Ecological genetics is increasingly recognized as critical to understanding interactions among organisms and ecosystem processes. Using a common garden with pure and hybrid cottonwood trees of known genotype, two years of field surveys, and a cafeteria feeding experiment, we link introgression of Fremont genetic markers, condensed tannins (a genetically based plant trait), and foraging by beavers. These data support two major arguments. First, hybridization is an important mechanism for the transmission of ecologically functional traits. Second, links between a genetically based plant trait in a dominant riparian-forest tree species and the foraging behavior of beavers, an ecosystem engineer, emphasize that genetically based plant traits can directly and indirectly link population, community, and ecosystem processes.
The Gauge-Invariant Spectrum of Local Super-Symmetry as the Universe that is Observed

It is demonstrated that gauge invariant states within local super-symmetry are equivalent to quantized states of global super-symmetry that are preserved by (oblivious to) super-gravitational interactions (analogous to the stationary atomic states that derive from gauge invariance in the theory of Weyl). The cosmology which emerges from this equivalence is unique and finite, and parallels observation. Specifically, mass-energy distributions occur about intersections of phase transitions that modify the shock front of global expansion, and the predicted number of galaxies approximates that determined by observation.
Informing DSM-5: biological boundaries between bipolar I disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia

The fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) opted to retain existing diagnostic boundaries between bipolar I disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. The debate preceding this decision focused on understanding the biologic basis of these major mental illnesses. Evidence from genetics, neuroscience, and pharmacotherapeutics informed the DSM-5 development process. The following discussion will emphasize some of the key factors at the forefront of the debate. Family studies suggest a clear genetic link between bipolar I disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. However, large-scale genome-wide association studies have not been successful in identifying susceptibility genes that make substantial etiological contributions. Boundaries between psychotic disorders are not further clarified by looking at brain morphology. The fact that symptoms of bipolar I disorder, but not schizophrenia, are often responsive to medications such as lithium and other anticonvulsants must be interpreted within a larger framework of biological research. For DSM-5, existing nosological boundaries between bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia were retained and schizoaffective disorder preserved as an independent diagnosis since the biological data are not yet compelling enough to justify a move to a more neurodevelopmentally continuous model of psychosis.
Sexual Satisfaction of Married Urban Chinese

While there is literature on family life satisfaction for married Chinese, there are few studies concerning marital sexual life satisfaction. Using data from the 1993 China Housing Survey conducted...
PEEP: Exploiting predictability of memory dependences in SMT processors

Simultaneous multithreading (SMT) attempts to keep a dynamically scheduled processorpsilas resources busy with work from multiple independent threads. Threads with long-latency stalls, however, can lead to a reduction in overall throughput because they occupy many of the critical processor resources. In this work, we first study the interaction between stalls caused by ambiguous memory dependences and SMT processing. We then propose the technique of proactive exclusion (PE) where the SMT fetch unit stops fetching from a thread when a memory dependence is predicted to exist. However, after the dependence has been resolved, the thread is delayed waiting for new instructions to be fetched and delivered down the front-end pipeline. So we introduce an early parole (EP) mechanism that exploits the predictability of dependence-resolution delays to restart fetch of an excluded thread so that the instructions reach the execution core just as the original dependence resolves. We show that combining these two techniques (PEEP) yields a 16.9% throughput improvement on a 4-way SMT processor that supports speculative memory disambiguation. These strong results indicate that a fetch policy that is cognizant of future stalls considerably improves the throughput of an SMT machine.
Photoacoustic tomography: Ultrasonically breaking through the optical diffusion and diffraction limits

We develop photoacoustic imaging technologies for in vivo early-cancer detection and functional, metabolic, molecular, and histologic imaging by physically combining non-ionizing electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves. Unlike ionizing x-ray radiation, non-ionizing electromagnetic waves - such as optical and radio waves - pose no health hazard and reveal new contrast mechanisms. Unfortunately, electromagnetic waves in the non-ionizing spectral region do not penetrate biological tissue in straight paths as x-rays do. Consequently, high-resolution tomography based on non-ionizing electromagnetic waves alone - such as confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, and optical coherence tomography - is limited to superficial imaging within approximately one optical transport mean free path (~1 mm in the skin) of the surface of scattering tissue. Ultrasonic imaging, on the contrary, provides good image resolution but suffers strong speckle artifacts as well as poor contrast in early-stage tumors. Ultrasound-mediated imaging modalities that combine electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves can synergistically overcome the above limitations. The hybrid modalities provide relatively deep penetration at high ultrasonic resolution and yield speckle-free images with high electromagnetic contrast.
Shallow stitching close to the rim of the ventricular septal defect eliminates injury to the right bundle branch.

Background. Complete right bundle branch block carries a deleterious effect on the long-term outcome of patients who undergo surgical treatment of the perimembranous ventricular septal defect. We describe a novel suturing method to reduce the prevalence of complete right bundle branch block. Methods. From March 1996 through December 2000, 48 consecutive patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect underwent patch closure using shallow stitches placed close to the rim (group 1). The same number of patients was randomly selected from those who had previously undergone surgery using deep stitches placed distant from the rim (group 2). Postoperative electrocardiograms were reviewed to compare the prevalence of complete right bundle branch block between groups. A morphologic study of the conduction system was performed to identify the vulnerable segment of the right bundle branch where the surgical damage tended to occur. Additional analyses were made to determine whether younger age and right ventriculotomy increased the prevalence of complete right bundle branch block. Results. The prevalence of complete right bundle branch block in group 1 (6.3%) was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower than in group 2 (43.8%). The result was consistent with the morphologic finding that stitches of group 2 tended to damage the right bundle branch and those of group 1 did not. The younger age and right ventriculotomy did not increase the prevalence of complete right bundle branch block. Conclusions. Shallow stitches placed close to the rim of the perimembranus ventricular septal defect eliminate injury to the right bundle branch.
A new look at phaseless planar near-field measurements: limitations, simulations, measurements, and a hybrid solution

In this paper, we have revisited the phase-retrieval problem for planar near-field antenna measurements. It will be shown that the complexity of retrieval procedures is a function not only of the independency of different sets of measurements, but also of the characteristics of the antenna under test (AUT). Antenna-pattern features, such as its beam direction, will have a profound effect on the success of phase-reconstruction algorithms. The failure of a well-known phase-retrieval method, the iterative Fourier technique, is investigated for a case where the antenna has a scanned beam. It is found that this is due to a less-than-optimum choice of the initial guess. To alleviate the deficiency of the iterative Fourier technique, a simple but effective initial guess is sought by the use of the differential evolutionary algorithm. This global search technique tries to find the best initial phase guess that minimizes an error criterion. Subsequently, this best guess is fed to the iterative Fourier phase-retrieval routine for further phase refinements. Having done this, the far-field can subsequently be constructed. The improvement in the phase-reconstruction algorithm is examined through a series of simulations and measurements.
Comparative Analyses of the Bacterial Microbiota of the Human Nostril and Oropharynx

ABSTRACT The nose and throat are important sites of pathogen colonization, yet the microbiota of both is relatively unexplored by culture-independent approaches. We examined the bacterial microbiota of the nostril and posterior wall of the oropharynx from seven healthy adults using two culture-independent methods, a 16S rRNA gene microarray (PhyloChip) and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. While the bacterial microbiota of the oropharynx was richer than that of the nostril, the oropharyngeal microbiota varied less among participants than did nostril microbiota. A few phyla accounted for the majority of the bacteria detected at each site: Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in the nostril and Firmicutes , Proteobacteria , and Bacteroidetes in the oropharynx. Compared to culture-independent surveys of microbiota from other body sites, the microbiota of the nostril and oropharynx show distinct phylum-level distribution patterns, supporting niche-specific colonization at discrete anatomical sites. In the nostril, the distribution of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes was reminiscent of that of skin, though Proteobacteria were much less prevalent. The distribution of Firmicutes , Proteobacteria , and Bacteroidetes in the oropharynx was most similar to that in saliva, with more Proteobacteria than in the distal esophagus or mouth. While Firmicutes were prevalent at both sites, distinct families within this phylum dominated numerically in each. At both sites there was an inverse correlation between the prevalences of Firmicutes and another phylum: in the oropharynx, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria , and in the nostril, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria . In the nostril, this inverse correlation existed between the Firmicutes family Staphylococcaceae and Actinobacteria families, suggesting potential antagonism between these groups. IMPORTANCE The human nose and throat, though connected, contain distinct niches that are important sites of colonization by pathogenic bacteria. For many of these pathogens, colonization increases the risk of infection. Most research on the microbiota of nose and throat habitats has focused on carriage of one or a few pathogens. We hypothesized that increased knowledge of the composition of the complex bacterial communities in which these pathogens reside would provide new insights into why some individuals become colonized with pathogens, while others do not. Indeed, in the nostril microbiota of participants, there was an inverse correlation between the prevalences of the Staphylococcaceae family ( Firmicutes ), whose members include important pathogens, and the Corynebacteriaceae and Propionibacteriaceae families (both Actinobacteria ), whose members are more commonly benign commensals. An improved understanding of competitive bacterial colonization will increase our ability to define predispositions to pathogen carriage at these sites and the subsequent risk of infection.
Thoracic Epidural Analgesia: Physiologic Effects and Clinical Applications

suggests that thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) may have myocardial protective effects in patients with ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction. Recent developments in the use of epidural opioids and local anesthetics for intraoperative analgesia and acute postoperative pain management also suggest a continued role for TEA. Finally, it appears that in experienced hands, this technique is not associated with an increased risk of neurologic damage. This review describes the historic aspects of TEA, the technique for placement of catheters in the high thoracic region, physiologic effects of thoracic epidural blockade (TEB), clinical applications and indications for its use, recommended doses for thoracic epidural opioids and, finally, the cumulative literature analysis of complications associated with puncture of the high thoracic epidural space.
DNA Array Studies Demonstrate Convergent Regulation of Virulence Factors by Cph1, Cph2, and Efg1 in Candida albicans

Candida albicans, normally a human commensal, can cause fatal systemic infections under certain circumstances. Its unique ability to switch from yeast to hyphal growth in response to various environmental signals is inherent to its pathogenicity. Filamentation is regulated by multiple pathways including a Cph1-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, an Efg1-mediated cAMP/PKA pathway, and a Cph2 pathway. To gain a general picture of how these various signaling pathways regulate differential gene expression during filamentation, we have constructed a partial C. albicans DNA array of 7,000 genes and used it to study the gene expression profiles using various mutants and growth conditions. By combining this novel technology with a new liquid medium in which cph1/cph1 is defective in filamentation, previously identified differentially expressed genes (ECE1, HWP1, HYR1, RBT1, SAPs5-6, and RBT4) are found to be regulated by all three pathways. In addition, two novel genes, DDR48 and YPL184, have been found to be differentially regulated during hyphal development and by all three pathways. This suggests that distinct filamentation signaling pathways converge to regulate a common set of differentially expressed genes. As one of the mechanisms for the observed convergence, we find that the transcription of a key regulator, TEC1, is regulated by Efg1 and Cph2. Importantly, most of the genes regulated by multiple filamentation pathways encode known virulence factors. Perhaps, C. albicans utilizes converging pathways to regulate its vital virulence factors to ensure its survival and pathogenicity in various host environments.
Horizontal and vertical disparity, eye position, and stereoscopic slant perception

The slant of a stereoscopically defined surface cannot be determined solely from horizontal disparities or from derived quantities such as horizontal size ratio (HSR). There are four other signals that, in combination with horizontal disparity, could in principle allow an unambiguous estimate of slant: the vergence and version of the eyes, the vertical size ratio (VSR), and the horizontal gradient of VSR. Another useful signal is provided by perspective slant cues. The determination of perceived slant can be modeled as a weighted combination of three estimates based on those signals: a perspective estimate, a stereoscopic estimate based on HSR and VSR, and a stereoscopic estimate based on HSR and sensed eye position. In a series of experiments, we examined human observers' use of the two stereoscopic means of estimation. Perspective cues were rendered uninformative. We found that VSR and sensed eye position are both used to interpret the measured horizontal disparities. When the two are placed in conflict, the visual system usually gives more weight to VSR. However, when VSR is made difficult to measure by using short stimuli or stimuli composed of vertical lines, the visual system relies on sensed eye position. A model in which the observer's slant estimate is a weighted average of the slant estimate based on HSR and VSR and the one based on HSR and eye position accounted well for the data. The weights varied across viewing conditions because the informativeness of the signals they employ vary from one situation to another.
New method of measuring wrist joint position sense avoiding cutaneous and visual inputs.

Background: Aspects of afferent inputs, generally termed proprioception, are being increasingly studied. Extraneous factors such as cutaneous inputs can dramatically interfere while trying to design studies in order to determine the participation of the different structures involved in proprioception in the wrist position sense. We tried to determine validity and repeatability of a new wrist joint position measurement device using methodology designed to minimize extraneous factors and isolate muscle and joint inputs. Methods: In order to test the reliability of the system, eighty young-adult subjects without musculoskeletal or neurologic impairments affecting the right upper extremity were tested using a custom made motion tracking system. Testing consisted of two conditions: active reproduction of active placement and passive reproduction of passive placement. Subjects performed two repetitions of each target position (10, 20, and 30° of flexion and extension) presented in a random order. Test- retest reliability was then tested. Results: The average constant error in the passive condition was -0.7° ± 4.7° as compared to the active condition at 3.7° ± 5.1°. Average absolute error in the passive condition was 4.9° ± 2.9° compared to the active condition in which absolute error was 5.9° ± 3.5°. Discussion: Test-retest repeatability in both conditions was less than the 5° magnitude typical of clinical goniometry. Errors in the active condition (less than 2°) were slightly smaller than the passive condition, and the passive condition was also associated with poorer consistency between apparatus sensors and skin sensors. Conclusions: The current system for measurement of wrist joint proprioception allows the researcher to decrease extraneous influences that may affect joint position sense awareness, and will help in future study aiming to determine precisely the role of the different structure involved in proprioception.
Response of nonglyphosate-resistant cotton to reduced rates of glyphosate

Abstract Field research was conducted in 1999 and 2000 to determine the effect of reduced glyphosate rates on growth and yield of nonglyphosate-resistant cotton. Rates of 9, 18, 35, 70, 140, and 280 g ha−1, representing 0.008, 0.016, 0.031 0.063, 0.125, and 0.25, respectively, of the maximum use rate per application (1,120 g ha−1), were applied to cotton at the two-, five-, or nine-node growth stage. On the basis of visual injury estimates, cotton was more tolerant to glyphosate at the nine-node than at earlier growth stages. Plant dry weight was reduced with 70 g ha−1 of glyphosate or higher, when applied at the two- and five-node growth stages in two of three experiments. Dry weight was not affected by glyphosate at the nine-node stage. Plant height also was unaffected by glyphosate rates below 70 g ha−1, but height reduction was noted for all growth stages by experiment combinations, with the exception of the nine-node application for both experiments in 2000, with herbicide rates of 70 g ha−1 or highe...
Legal Interpretation And The Philosophy Of Language

The article gives an overview of issues at the intersection of legal interpretation and philosophy of language: including American legal realist and critical legal studies claims of legal indeterminacy, applications of Wittgenstein's rule-following considerations and metaphysical realist theories to legal reasoning, H.L.A. Hart's theory of "open texture," and the role of intentions in (constitutional and non-constitutional) interpretation,
THE MOSDEF SURVEY: DISSECTING THE STAR FORMATION RATE VERSUS STELLAR MASS RELATION USING Hα AND Hβ EMISSION LINES AT z ∼ 2

Author(s): Shivaei, I; Reddy, NA; Shapley, AE; Kriek, M; Siana, B; Mobasher, B; Coil, AL; Freeman, WR; Sanders, R; Price, SH; Groot, LD; Azadi, M | Abstract: We present results on the star formation rate (SFR) versus stellar mass (M∗) relation (i.e., the "main sequence") among star-forming galaxies at 1.37 ≤ z ≤ 2.61 using the MOSFIRE Deep Evolution Field (MOSDEF) survey. Based on a sample of 261 galaxies with Hα and Hβ spectroscopy, we have estimated robust dust-corrected instantaneous SFRs over a large range in M∗ (∼109.5-1011.5 Mo). We find a correlation between log(SFR(Hα)) and log(M∗) with a slope of 0.65 ± 0.08 (0.58 ± 0.10) at 1.4 l z l 2.6 (2.1 l z l 2.6). We find that different assumptions for the dust correction, such as using the color excess of the stellar continuum to correct the nebular lines, sample selection biases against red star-forming galaxies, and not accounting for Balmer absorption, can yield steeper slopes of the log(SFR)-log(M∗) relation. Our sample is immune from these biases as it is rest-frame optically selected, Hα and Hβ are corrected for Balmer absorption, and the Hα luminosity is dust corrected using the nebular color excess computed from the Balmer decrement. The scatter of the log(SFR(Hα))-log(M∗) relation, after accounting for the measurement uncertainties, is 0.31 dex at 2.1 l z l 2.6, which is 0.05 dex larger than the scatter in log(SFR(UV))-log(M∗). Based on comparisons to a simulated SFR-M∗ relation with some intrinsic scatter, we argue that in the absence of direct measurements of galaxy-to-galaxy variations in the attenuation/extinction curves and the initial mass function, one cannot use the difference in the scatter of the SFR(Hα)- and SFR(UV)-M∗ relations to constrain the stochasticity of star formation in high-redshift galaxies.
A bayesian comparison of randomized and voluntary response sampling models

This paper is concerned with making a Bayesian comparison between the two types of survey sampling procedures where the individuals are asked sensitive questions. The randomized response procedure is designed to obtain information in such a way that the respondent is protected against revealing his/her status about the sensitive issue. In voluntary response model each individual chooses either to respond or not to respond. It is assumed that the respondents do not falsify their answers. The problem of interest is to estimate the proportion of the sampled population who belong to the sensitive group. A beta prior distribution is used for the proportion of interest. The loss function is taken to be the quadratic loss function.
Correlation of body mass index with toxicity and survival in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy

6074 Background: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) offers high functional organ preservation rates for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (LRAHNC) patients, but is associated with signif...
The Encomiastic Topics of Syncrisis as the Key to the Structure and Argument of Hebrews

This study examines comparison in Hebrews in the light of ancient rhetorical theory of syncrisis, identifying five epideictic syncrises: the messengers/angels vs. Jesus (1.1-14; 2.5-18), Moses vs. Jesus (3.1-6), the Aaronic high priests vs. Jesus (5.1-10), the Levitical priestly ministry vs. the Melchizedekian priestly ministry (7.1-10.18), and Mt. Sinai vs. Mt. Zion (12.18-24). The study shows that these comparisons collectively function as a single syncritical project that argues for the superiority of the new covenant to the old, and that the project, like most of the individual comparisons, is arranged topically in accordance with ancient rhetorical theory.
The possibility of dexrazoxane to prevent ovarian damage caused by toxicity

ABSTRACTDexrazoxane (Dexra), a catalytic topoisomerase II inhibitor and strong chelator, has been safely used in the clinic to decrease cardiotoxicity and extravasation caused by the anthracycline class of chemotherapy agents. Dexra also effectively shields the ovary from doxorubicin (DXR) chemotherapy at a dose 10-fold lower than that clinically approved for cardioprotection, ameliorating concerns that this chemoprotectant may diminish anti-tumor efficacy or increase risk for secondary malignancies. Dexra prevents acute DNA damage caused by DXR in the ovary, prolongs the reproductive lifespan of the adult female mouse post-chemotherapy, and improves offspring health. Cross-application of clinically-approved Dexra pretreatment demonstrates timely drug-based ovoprotection can be clinically implemented to improve quality of life post-cancer.
A Family of Highly Efficient CuI-Based Lighting Phosphors Prepared by a Systematic, Bottom-up Synthetic Approach

Copper(I) iodide (CuI)-based inorganic-organic hybrid materials in the general chemical formula of CuI(L) are well-known for their structural diversity and strong photoluminescence and are therefore considered promising candidates for a number of optical applications. In this work, we demonstrate a systematic, bottom-up precursor approach to developing a series of CuI(L) network structures built on CuI rhomboid dimers. These compounds combine strong luminescence due to the CuI inorganic modules and significantly enhanced thermal stability as a result of connecting individual building units into robust, extended networks. Examination of their optical properties reveals that these materials not only exhibit exceptionally high photoluminescence performance (with internal quantum yield up to 95%) but also that their emission energy and color are systematically tunable through modification of the organic component. Results from density functional theory calculations provide convincing correlations between these materials' crystal structures and chemical compositions and their optophysical properties. The advantages of cost-effective, solution-processable, easily scalable and fully controllable synthesis as well as high quantum efficiency with improved thermal stability, make this phosphor family a promising candidate for alternative, RE-free phosphors in general lighting and illumination. This solution-based precursor approach creates a new blueprint for the rational design and controlled synthesis of inorganic-organic hybrid materials.
Nonrandomized Intervention Study of Naloxone Coprescription for Primary Care Patients Receiving Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Pain

Unintentional overdose involving opioid analgesics is a leading cause of death in the United States. This study evaluates the feasibility and impact of prescribing naloxone prescription to patients...
IR Spectroscopy Sample Preparation Methods

The widespread use of IR spectroscopy results from the ability to apply it to many different types of material. Few samples can be measured directly in transmission because of the short pathlengths required. Reflection methods are more widely applicable. Attenuated total reflection has become the most common approach to obtaining mid-IR spectra of liquid and solid materials. In the mid-IR, the Kramers–Kronig transform can be used to convert specular reflection data to absorbance. In the near-IR region, diffuse reflection is widely used for scattering materials such as powders. When neither transmission nor reflection methods are applicable, photoacoustic spectroscopy provides direct measurement of absorption. IR microscopy allows measurement of samples with dimensions of the order of 10 μm.
Congotay! Congotay! A Global History of Caribbean Food

In Congotay! Congotay!, Candice Goucher links together food studies with the vast literature on the Atlantic World and the African diaspora. Food history, Goucher contends, decenters Europe within ...
Microwave absorption in polar liquids

The dielectric constants and loss factors of twenty-seven liquid organic halides have been measured at 1.27 and 3.2.2 cm. wavelength and used, together with certain additional measurements at 10 cm. and with measurements of viscosities, densities and refractive indices, to examine the accuracy of the equations for dielectric behavior and the relations between dielectric relaxation and molecular structure. The method of measurement employs the variation in the reflection coefficient of a uniform dielectric layer as the depth of the layer is varied, A short-circuiting plunger terminates the dielectric layer and a directional coupler is used to measure the power reflected from this plunger. The calculations involve only the ratio of the amplitudes of the reflected waves for two different lengths of the dielectric-filled guide, the free-space wavelength, the wavelength in the air-filled guide, and the wavelength in the dielectric medium.
Effect of telemedicine on glycated hemoglobin in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine, the use of telecommunications to deliver health services, expertise and information, is a promising but unproven tool for improving the quality of diabetes care. We summarized the effectiveness of different methods of telemedicine for the management of diabetes compared with usual care. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases (to November 2015) and reference lists of existing systematic reviews for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing telemedicine with usual care for adults with diabetes. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and assessed risk of bias in the studies. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1C ) reported at 3 time points (≤ 3 mo, 4–12 mo and > 12 mo). Other outcomes were quality of life, mortality and episodes of hypoglycemia. Trials were pooled using randomeffects meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was quantified using the I 2 statistic. RESULTS: From 3688 citations, we identified 111 eligible RCTs ( n = 23 648). Telemedicine achieved significant but modest reductions in HbA 1C in all 3 follow-up periods (difference in mean at ≤ 3 mo: −0.57%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.74% to −0.40% [39 trials]; at 4–12 mo: −0.28%, 95% CI −0.37% to −0.20% [87 trials]; and at > 12 mo: −0.26%, 95% CI −0.46% to −0.06% [5 trials]). Quantified heterogeneity ( I 2 statistic) was 75%, 69% and 58%, respectively. In meta-regression analyses, the effect of telemedicine on HbA 1C appeared greatest in trials with higher HbA 1C concentrations at baseline, in trials where providers used Web portals or text messaging to communicate with patients and in trials where telemedicine facilitated medication adjustment. Telemedicine had no convincing effect on quality of life, mortality or hypoglycemia. INTERPRETATION: Compared with usual care, the addition of telemedicine, especially systems that allowed medication adjustments with or without text messaging or a Web portal, improved HbA 1C but not other clinically relevant outcomes among patients with diabetes.
Synthesis and characterisation of ruthenium–nitrosyl complexes in oxygen-rich ligand environments

A series of new {Ru-NO}6 complexes containing Klaui's tripodal oxygen ligand, [CpCo{P(O)(OMe)2}3]- (LOMe), and substituted catecholates have been prepared by chloride exchange with [Ru(LOMe)(NO)Cl2]. The [Ru(LOMe)(NO)(cat)] complexes (cat = dianion of catechol, 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol, tetrabromocatechol, or 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene) demonstrate spectroscopic features and redox properties consistent with the electronic character of the catecholate ligands. Several of the compounds display reversible oxidation events by cyclic voltammetry arising from the redox non-innocence of the catecholate ligands. Chemical oxidation of the di-tert-butylcatecholate complex, [Ru(LOMe)(NO)(tBu2cat)], with AgBF4 affords [Ru(LOMe)(NO)(tBu2semiquin)](BF4), a {Ru-NO}6 species that contains a semiquinone ligand. Photolysis of the semiquinone complex results in loss of NO and formation of the corresponding quinone complex, [Ru(LOMe)(CH3CN)(tBu2quin)](BF4). By contrast, photolysis of [Ru(LOMe)(NO)(Br4cat)], which contains the tetrabromocatecholate ligand, results in loss of NO and formation of the Ru(iii) complex, [Ru(LOMe)(CH3CN)(Br4cat)]. Each of the new compounds represents a rare example of a Ru complex in an oxygen-rich ligand field, which may serve as a molecular model for heterogeneous catalysts comprising noble metal atoms dispersed on metal oxide supports.
Rituximab as a Treatment Option for Acquired Inhibitors.

The incidence of acquired Factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors is 0.2–1.0 case/million/year with a mortality range of 7.9 to 22%. Management consists of treating the bleeding episode and eradicating the autoantibody. First line therapy for the latter includes immunosuppressive agents with all of their potentially serious side effects. On this study, we add 5 patients to the scant published literature of individuals treated with Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20 + B cells. The patients had bleeding episodes from moderate to severe and presented with a prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT) that did not correct with a 1:1 mix with normal plasma. Inhibitors were confirmed by a low FVIII level and the Bethesda assay. Summarized clinical and laboratory data are shown in the table below. All the patients received Rituximab 375 mg/m 2 once weekly × 4 doses. Patients 2–5 received Rituximab exclusively and patient 1 received two initial weeks of prednisone and cyclophosphamide followed by Rituximab. There were no adverse reactions to Rituximab. Complete remission was defined as clinical improvement associated with disappearance of the FVIII antibody and normalization of the factor VIII level. All the patients are currently in complete remission with no relapse, and with a post Rituximab time of more than 36 months for patients 1 and 5, and 12 months for patients 2–4. Rituximab appears to be a safe and well tolerated alternative to cytotoxic agents and it should be studied more thoroughly in prospective randomized studies.
Guest Editorial for Special Section on BIBM 2014

The papers in this special section were presented at the Eighth Annual IEEE International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedicine (BIBM 2014) held in Belfast, UK, 2-5, November 2014.
A Geometric Model of Stripe Refinement

Organizing data about patterning and morphogenesis into a coherent framework remains a challenge in developmental biology. Reporting in Science, Corson et al. (2017) apply innovative analysis to an old problem of bristle patterns in Drosophila, reducing the nonlinear interactions among tens of cells to a succinct model with quantitative predictions.
Pharmacovigilance Assessment of Immune-Mediated Reactions Reported for Checkpoint Inhibitor Cancer Immunotherapies.

tudy Objective Ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab are checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) that activate T-cell–mediated immune response. CPI can provide durable benefits to some cancer patients with melanoma, renal cell cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, or a growing list of other cancers. However, CPI treatment is also associated with adverse immune-mediated reactions (IMRs) that can be life-threatening. This pharmacovigilance analysis aims to characterize IMR signals in relation to CPI treatment. Design Retrospective pharmacovigilance disproportionality analysis. Data Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Measurements and Main Results Adverse event reports submitted to FAERS between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed. CPIs were identified by generic names, and IMRs were identified by MedDRA Preferred Terms. Empirical Bayes geometric means with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (EB05-EB95) were calculated as CPI-IMR association metrics. Signals were defined as metrics with EB05 ≥ 2.0. Overall, 1,018 IMR events were submitted for CPIs, corresponding to 76% for ipilimumab, 15% for nivolumab, and 9% for pembrolizumab. The period of data collection precluded data on the most recently approved CPI agents. IMRs consisted of 51% colitis, 16% endocrinopathies, 12% pneumonitis, 11% hepatitis, 4% infusion-related reactions, 3% nephritis, and 3% other IMRs. Colitis contributed to 63% and 41% of IMRs for ipilimumab and nivolumab, respectively. Pneumonitis and hepatitis contributed to a majority of IMRs for pembrolizumab, for which nephritis and infusion-related reactions were not reported. Signals of IMRs were detected for CPIs as a class (EB05 = 12.4) and individual agents: ipilimumab (EB05 = 13.2), nivolumab (EB05 = 15.0), and pembrolizumab (EB05 = 7.3). Colitis and pneumonitis had the strongest signals for CPIs (EB05 = 45.6 and EB05 = 17.6, respectively). Colitis was the strongest signal for ipilimumab (EB05 = 54.2), and pneumonitis was the strongest signal for nivolumab (EB05 = 48.0) and pembrolizumab (EB05 = 21.8). Conclusion Cancer immunotherapy with CPIs is associated with a multitude of IMRs, especially colitis and pneumonitis. Individual CPIs had variable IMR signals, and pharmacoepidemiologic studies are required to evaluate the identified signals.
Neuromodulation for Gastrointestinal Dysmotility in Pediatric Patients

Abstract Experience with the use of neuromodulation for treatment of children with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders has been growing over the past decade, but evidence supporting its use remains fairly limited. In this chapter, we review three of the more established pediatric applications of neuromodulation for GI disorders: gastric electrical stimulation (GES), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), and abdominal transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES). A review of the literature shows that GES is a promising treatment option for children with refractory chronic nausea and vomiting regardless of gastric emptying. SNS can be effective in the treatment of children with refractory defecatory dysfunction, but up to half of children will require further surgery because of an SNS-related complication. Abdominal TES, on the other hand, is safe and noninvasive, but its efficacy remains to be clearly demonstrated. Further research is needed to better understand the role of neuromodulation in the treatment of children with GI disorders.
Experimental Studies Pertaining to the Interaction of Ultrasound with Metal-Metal Bonds

The problem of deducing the integrity of a diffusion bond using reflected ultrasound is a difficult one, since many defect structures can be imagined which reflect sound in essentially similar fashions but have different failure consequences When an imperfect bond consists of a near-planar distribution of small defects, and the wavelength (λ) of the interrogating sound is large compared to the characteristic defect size, the quasi-static distributed-spring (DS) model applies [1]. This model can serve as a useful tool for interpreting signals reflected from imperfect bonds, and for choosing inspection parameters to optimize the inspection of a given bonded structure [2]. The DS model predicts that the low-frequency specular reflection properties of an imperfect bond are solely determined by a small number of inertia and stiffness constants which characterize the defect layer. Since many defect distributions can give rise to the same mass and stiffness constants, low-frequency specular reflection measurements can provide only incomplete knowledge of the distribution, even when the defect type is known. For example, if the bond plane contains a sparse distribution of identical flat circular cracks, such reflectivity measurements can determine only the product of the crack area fraction and the crack diameter [2,3]. Recent theoretical work employing an independent scattering (IS) model [4,5] predicts that resonance peaks in reflectivity-vs-frequency (R-vs-f) curves, which occur when A. and the average defect diameter are similar, can be used to size the defects. Resonance information could then be used to complement the low-frequency specular reflection data, thus permitting the determination of both average defect diameter and total defect area fraction. In the present work we report on several experiments carried out to examine the feasibility of this procedure. Specifically, we report on measurements of R-vs-f for longitudinal sound waves at normal incidence carried out in three model systems containing near-planar distributions of defects: cylindrical inclusions in water; cylindrical voids in iron; and spherical inclusions in plastic. The measurements are compared with the predictions of the DS and IS models. It is found that the IS model accurately predicts the frequency of the first peak in the R-vs-f curve, which is directly releated to the size of the defects.
Mitochondrial hypoxic stress induces widespread RNA editing by APOBEC3G in lymphocyte

Protein recoding by RNA editing is required for normal health and evolutionary adaptation. However, de novo induction of RNA editing in response to environmental factors is an uncommon phenomenon. While APOBEC3A edits many mRNAs in monocytes/macrophages in response to hypoxia and interferons, the physiological significance of such editing is unclear. Here we show that the related APOBEC3G cytidine deaminase induces site-specific C-to-U RNA editing in natural killer (NK), CD8+ T cells and lymphoma cell lines upon cellular crowding and hypoxia. RNASeq analysis of hypoxic NK cells reveals widespread C-to-U recoding mRNA editing that is enriched for genes involved in mRNA translation. APOBEC3G promotes Warburg-like metabolic remodeling and reduces proliferation of HuT78 T cells under similar conditions. Hypoxia-induced RNA editing by APOBEC3G can be mimicked by the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and occurs independently of HIF-1α. Thus, APOBEC3G is an endogenous RNA editing enzyme, which is induced by mitochondrial hypoxic stress to promote adaptation in lymphocytes.