cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The healthy responder phenomenon in non‐randomized clinical trials

An example from the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) illustrates what we term the ‘healthy responder’ phenomenon. The hypothesis is that patients who respond to a given treatment are healthier than patients who do not respond. In observational studies this results in an apparent but not real benefit for the treatment. The unique design of CAST, namely, titration before randomization, allows illustration of this phenomenon since we can view the study as both a non-randomized as well as a randomized trial of therapy. We conclude that, in demonstration of a drug effect, randomized trials are essential.
An empirical study of other‐oriented and rational self‐interest leadership approaches

Other orientation is defined as “the extent to which individuals are concerned with the welfare of others” (Meglino & Korsgaard, 2007, p. 59). Other-oriented leaders focus their attention on organizational objectives coupled with a human resource emphasis, whereas rational self-interested leaders concern themselves with organizational objectives coupled with self-emphasis. This quantitative study examines philanthropian and servant leadership, which are other-oriented leadership approaches, and transactional leadership, which is a rational self-interested leadership approach, to determine the effectiveness of the approaches in the 21st century. This study further examines the results of a hermeneutic phenomenological study of philanthropian leadership that introduced a new other-oriented leadership model. This study focuses on leadership preferences of leaders, employees, and third-year undergraduate business students to determine if there is a significant difference between preferences among groups for other-oriented and rational self-interest-oriented leadership approaches.
Efficient optimization of memory accesses in parallel programs

The power, frequency, and memory wall problems have caused a major shift in mainstream computing by introducing processors that contain multiple low power cores. As multi-core processors are becoming ubiquitous, software trends in both parallel programming languages and dynamic compilation have added new challenges to program compilation for multi-core processors. This thesis proposes a combination of high-level and low-level compiler optimizations to address these challenges. The high-level optimizations introduced in this thesis include new approaches to May-Happen-in-Parallel analysis and Side-Effect analysis for parallel programs and a novel parallelism-aware Scalar Replacement for Load Elimination transformation. A new Isolation Consistency (IC) memory model is described that permits several scalar replacement transformation opportunities compared to many existing memory models. The low-level optimizations include a novel approach to register allocation that retains the compile time and space efficiency of Linear Scan, while delivering runtime performance superior to both Linear Scan and Graph Coloring. The allocation phase is modeled as an optimization problem on a Bipartite Liveness Graph (BLG) data structure. The assignment phase focuses on reducing the number of spill instructions by using register-to-register move and exchange instructions wherever possible. Experimental evaluations of our scalar replacement for load elimination transformation in the Jikes RVM dynamic compiler show decreases in dynamic counts for getfield operations of up to 99.99%, and performance improvements of up to 1.76× on 1 core, and 1.39× on 16 cores, when compared with the load elimination algorithm available in Jikes RVM. A prototype implementation of our BLG register allocator in Jikes RVM demonstrates runtime performance improvements of up to 3.52× relative to Linear Scan on an x86 processor. When compared to Graph Coloring register allocator in the GCC compiler framework, our allocator resulted in an execution time improvement of up to 5.8%, with an average improvement of 2.3% on a POWER5 processor. With the experimental evaluations combined with the foundations presented in this thesis, we believe that the proposed high-level and low-level optimizations are useful in addressing some of the new challenges emerging in the optimization of parallel programs for multi-core architectures.
SELECTIVE AREA CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION OF CHROMIUM OXIDES

We demonstrate that two-phase CrO2 and Cr2O3 thin films can be grown by using selective organometallic chemical vapor deposition through the oxidation of Cr(CO)6 in an oxygen environment. While the magnetization measurements show that both chromium oxides are present, the relative weight of each phase depends on the oxygen partial pressure. Changes of the Curie temperature, Tc, and the saturation magnetization field may be possible by controlling the stoichiometry.
Clinical Reminders to Providers of Patients with Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Increase Defibrillator Referral: A Randomized Trial

Background—Many patients who are candidates for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are not referred for potential implantation. We sought to determine if a simple provider reminder would increase referrals. Methods and Results—We identified consecutive patients from January 2007 through July 2010 in the VA Palo Alto Health Care System with a left ventricular ejection fraction <35% on echocardiography. Patients were excluded using available administrative data only (no chart review) if they were known to have an ICD, if they were ≥80 years old, or if they did not have a current primary care or cardiology provider within the system. We randomized patients to no intervention or a clinical note to the provider in the medical record. The outcomes were referral for consideration of defibrillator implantation (primary) and documented discussion (secondary). Of 330 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, 128 were known to have an ICD, 85 were no longer followed in the healthcare system,...
Differential MMSE: a framework for robust adaptive interference suppression for DS-CDMA over fading channels

The linear minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) criterion is known to provide adaptive algorithms for interference suppression in direct-sequence (DS) code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems. However, standard MMSE adaptation is not robust to fast fading, being unable to compensate for rapid channel variations. In this paper, we provide a framework for deriving robust adaptive algorithms in this setting based on a new differential MMSE (DMMSE) criterion, which is a constrained optimization problem in which the quantity to be tracked is the ratio of the data appearing in two successive observation intervals. When applied to a DS-CDMA system with short spreading waveforms (i.e., with period equal to the symbol interval) operating over a flat-fading channel, the DMMSE criterion avoids tracking the fades, exploiting the negligible variation of the fading gain over two consecutive symbols. For frequency-selective fading, the DMMSE criterion is extended to provide a new eigenrake receiver which provides interference suppression and diversity combining without requiring explicit information regarding the desired user's propagation channel.
Computation of aliases and support sets

We provide a scheme for determining which global variables are involved when an expression is evaluated in a language with higher order constructs and imperative features. The heart of our scheme is a mechanism for computing the support of an expression, i.e. the set of global variables involved in its evaluation. This computation requires knowledge of all the aliases of an expression. The inference schemes are presented as abstract semantic interpretations. We prove the soundness of our estimates by establishing a correspondence between the abstract semantics and the standard semantics of the programming language.
A Nonlinear Programming Analysis of Production Response to Multiple Component Milk Pricing

The problem of feeding Holstein cows so as to maximize revenue over feed costs was analyzed under various scenarios concerning milk component prices. Results suggested that production response of milk components to component price incentives was inflexible. When compared to baseline solutions generated under a standard federal order pricing system, fat production was within 3.5%, and solids nonfat and fluid carrier within 1.0% of baseline levels for a 100-cow herd. Component pricing scenarios having blend prices equal to the blend price in the baseline scenario were associated with reductions in revenue over feed costs of less than 4%.
An Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) for Detecting Antimitochondrial Antibody

We have developed an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antimitochondrial antibody. Polyvinyl microtiter plate wells are coated with partially purified rat kidney mitochondria, and excess protein binding sites are blocked with bovine serum albumin. Human serum, diluted 1:1,000, is incubated for 1 hr. Then beta-galactosidase-goat-anti-human IgG (H + L) is added followed by the substrate, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside. The plates are then read at 404 nM in a microelisa autoreader. A positive result was defined as optical density greater than or equal to 0.100, more than 5 standard deviations above the mean of 36 normal individuals. With this technique, 56 of 60 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis were positive for antimitochondrial antibody (93%), mean O.D., 0.456 +/- 0.031 S.E. Seventeen of 17 patients with extrahepatic bile duct obstruction and 14 or 14 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were negative. Only 1 of 29 patients with chronic active liver disease was positive (4%). Antinuclear antibody and antimicrosomal antibody do not bind in this assay, and activity is absorbed from sera by preincubation with suspensions of rat kidney mitochondria. The ELISA is approximately 20 times more sensitive than a quantitative microtiter complement fixation technique and more convenient than radioimmunoassay. It is rapid, quantitative and uses stable reagents. In contrast to immunofluorescence techniques, it is not affected by observer interpretation.
Cataract extraction in the diabetic patient.

ORE THAN 1 million cataract operaM tions are performed in the United States each year. A high proportion of these patients has diabetes. Although the incidence of diabetes in the general population is about 0.5% to 1 %, approximately 10% of patients undergoing cataract extraction have this disease.’,* Not only is it more likely that the patient undergoing cataract extraction will have diabetes, but removal of the cataract may influence the course of the patient’s diabetic eye disease. Approximately 90% to 95% of nondiabetic patients will achieve a final visual acuity of 20140 (61 12) or better following cataract extraction. The prognosis is similar for diabetics without retinopathy who undergo cataract ext r a~ t ion . ”~ However, many diabetic patients undergoing cataract extraction have retinopathy, and in this group the visual prognosis is much worse. This article outlines the surgical approaches to cataract extraction in the diabetic patient and the resulting anatomic and visual outcome for patients with preexisting nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Based on the information currently available, guidelines for preoperative, operative, and postoperative management will be presented.
Spin glasses: a computational challenge for the 21st century

I discuss the computational challenges of the spin glass problem, and illustrate them with two examples from my recent work.
Is an Isolated TSH Elevation in Chronic Nonthyroidal Illness “Subclinical Hypothyroidism”?

Context: Elevated TSH with normal T4 frequently occurs with chronic kidney, liver, and heart diseases. Whether isolated TSH elevations represent mild thyroid gland failure has not been established. Evidence Acquisition: PubMed was searched for longitudinal studies in chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease documenting persistent isolated TSH elevations or progression to overt hypothyroidism. Evidence Synthesis: Four articles met inclusion criteria. In 16 end-stage renal failure patients, four had isolated TSH elevations. All normalized within 14 months. In 452 systolic heart failure patients, 20 had isolated TSH elevations, five of 20 were persistent, and none progressed to overt hypothyroidism within 6 months. In 207 untreated chronic hepatitis C patients, 12 had isolated TSH elevations and four had increased TSH with reduced free T4; all were female, and 14 had positive antithyroid antibodies. After 1 year, two of 12 developed “clinical hypothyroidism.” In 72 chronic hepatitis C patients, nine females h...
Electron spin resonance studies of group IV organometallic radical anions

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra are reported for anion-radicals of trimethylsilyl-substituted toluenes, xylenes, mesitylene and t-butylbenzenes and for trimethylgermyl-t-butylbenzenes. The spectra may be interpreted in terms of substituent perturbations that stabilize or destabilize the lowest unfilled benzene molecular orbital and which are accompanied by small redistributions of spin density within that molecular orbital. In all compounds studied, the organometal substituent dominates the ordering of MO energy levels by accepting electron density more effectively than the alkyl substituents release it. Huckel molecular orbital calculations agree well with experimental spin density when the organometal substituent is treated as a heteroatom in the molecular π-electron system and alkyl substituents are treated by an inductive-hyperconjugative model. The HMO eigenvectors have significant contributions to bonding π-MOs from the pseudo-π-center on silicon and, to a lesser extent, from that on germanium.
Interconnect Fabrication by Superconformal Iodine-Catalyzed Chemical Vapor Deposition of Copper

The mechanism behind superconformal filling of fine features during surfactant catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is described and the metrology required to predict it is identified and quantified. The impact of adsorbed iodine coverage on copper deposition rate during chemical vapor deposition of copper on planar substrates is determined first. These kinetic parameters are then used in a model based on the curvature-enhanced accelerator coverage mechanism to predict superconformal filling during iodine-catalyzed CVD. In this model, the coverage of the adsorbed catalyst is presumed to change with surface area during interface evolution. The surface area decreases along the bottoms of submicrometer dimension features, increasing the local coverage and deposition rates and thereby enabling superconformal filling. Experimental filling results are then described and shown to be consistent with the predictions.
Pain management in cattle.

Crises are often encountered in ruminant veterinary practice and may include abomasal volvulus, intestinal accidents, cesarean section, fracture, extreme distortion of acid-base balance, and hydration as encountered in cattle that have severe enteritis. These diseases often cause pain or distress. Pain and the biologic responses to it are part of a highly integrated multidimensional system that causes all animals to react, respond (fight, flight, freeze), and protect themselves from their environment. Whether or not animals ‘‘feel’’ (perceive) pain the same as humans is immaterial because most of the neural elements and biologic consequences (physiologic, neuroendocrine, behavioral) of pain are the same among all mammalian species. One clinically useful definition of animal pain states that ‘‘pain is an aversive feeling or sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage and resulting in physiologic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral changes that indicate a ‘stress’ response’’ [1]. The importance of the sensation of pain in maintaining and protecting the normal physiologic condition of the body has led some to consider pain as a homeostatic emotion that initiates feeling and motivation [2,3]. The latter consideration is why pain perception (nociception) is not considered to fully represent the pain experience and helps to explain the relationship between painful experiences and pain behaviors in animals. In this context, pain can be broadly categorized as adaptive or maladaptive [4]. Adaptive pain increases the potential for survival by protecting the animal from injury and promoting healing. Maladaptive pain, by contrast, is a disease created by pathologic processes that result in the persistence of pain long after the initiating causes have been removed. The pain system includes sensors,
Differences In Planning-Phase Analytical Procedures Between Municipal and Commercial Clients: Initial Evidence

Differences between municipalities and businesses suggest possible differences in the application of analytical procedures in audits of each entity type. Data obtained from one-hundred sixty-sis practicing auditors supported the expectations that (1) ratio analysis is significantly less likely to be applied and (2) budget-actual comparisons are significantly more likely to be applied in planning municipal audits vis-vis commercial audits. Other differences in analytical procedures likely to be applied in the planning phase were noted between public- and private-sector audits.
Why Do We Need Laboratory Experiments in Political Science

In this paper, I will provide a general overview of the experimental studies of behavior and outcomes in common-pool resource dilemmas conducted by Roy Gardner, James Walker, and myself, as well as other colleagues at Indiana University, or by colleagues at other universities who have replicated key experimental designs. I will focus primarily on the lessons we have learned from these experiments as a core part of a larger research program combining theoretical developments, field research, and laboratory experiments of relevance to political scientists.In Section 2, common-pool resources and appropriation dilemmas will be defined. Section 3 describes the sparse design we developed for our baseline appropriation experiment to include just the core aspects that underlie appropriation dilemmas in field settings: a non-linear payoff function based on the decisions of more than two appropriators who obtained no information about other subjects' actions.In Section 4, experiments that introduced face-to-face communication are described. In these experiments, subjects were authorized to communicate with one another in a group setting before returning to their terminals to make their own private decisions.Section 5 provides an overview of the series of experiments where we changed the payoff component to allow subjects to sanction one another at a cost to themselves. Since using this option produces a benefit for all at a cost to the individual, the game-theoretic prediction is that no one will choose the costly sanctioning option.Section 6 synthesizes the experiments where we changed the authority rule to allow subjects to covenant with one another to determine their investment levels and to adopt a sanctioning system if they wished.
X-ray-induced delay in the Chinese hamster cell-cycle: dependence on phase irradiated under different culturing conditions, BUdR incorporation, and hypertonic treatment.

SummaryChinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, synchronized by selecting mitotic cells, received 300 rads of X-radiation at various intervals during the cell-cycle and were examined for cell number until they had completed their next wave of division. These growth curves were analysed for division delay in relation to type of media, i.e. modified Ham's F-10 or modified McCoy's 5 a, and to culturing conditions, i.e. monolayer or suspension. Regardless of the type of media or culturing conditions used, mitotic cells were delayed somewhat longer (0·55 min/rad) than early-mid G1 cells, and then the delay increased with cell age from early-mid G1 (0·32 min/rad) to late S-early G2 (0·84 min/rad). Thus, radiosensitivity during the cell-cycle approaches in late S phase a maximum for division delay in contrast to a minimum for cell killing and chromosomal aberrations. Furthermore, division delay was not increased by either incorporating bromodeoxyuridine into the DNA or treating the cells with hypertonic medium, althou...
Human Herpesviruses: Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is significant for human health as a cause of birth defects and infections in immunocompromised patients. Congenital CMV infection is a leading cause of hearing loss and an important cause of mental retardation and cerebral palsy. CMV is a common opportunistic pathogen for immunocompromised patients, especially those with impaired cell mediated immunity due to acquired or congenital immune deficiency syndromes, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or solid organ transplantation. CMV shares many structural, functional and biological features with other members of the herpesvirus family, including indefinite persistence in its human host. Unique to CMV is the key role of mother to child transmission during birth and through breast milk in maintaining population prevalence of infection. Horizontal transmission of CMV is linked to activities that involve contact with body fluids from another person, notably care of young children and intimate contact. The most pressing challenge for public health posed by CMV is development of an effective means of preventing congenital CMV disease.
ComPPARtmentalizing NF-kappaB in the gut.

How do commensal gut bacteria coexist with the host without causing uncontrolled inflammation? The answer may lie in the induction of the association of PPAR-γ with NF-κB.
Ultrafast observation of a solvent dependent spin state equilibrium in CpCo(CO).

We report the observation of a solvent-dependent spin state equilibrium in the 16-electron photoproduct CpCo(CO). Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy has been used to observe the concurrent formation of two distinct solvated monocarbonyl photoproducts, both of which arise from the same triplet CpCo(CO) precursor. Experiments in different solvent environments, combined with electronic structure theory calculations, allow us to assign the two solvated photoproducts to singlet and triplet CpCo(CO)(solvent) complexes. These results add to our previous picture of triplet reactivity for 16-electron organometallic photoproducts, in which triplets were not believed to interact strongly with solvent molecules. In the case of this photoproduct, it appears that spin crossover does not present a significant barrier to reactivity, and relative thermodynamic stabilities determine the spin state of the CpCo(CO) photoproduct in solution on the picosecond time scale. While the existence of transition metal complexes with ...
Prokaryotic expression and immunogenicity research of multiepitope peptide of Deinagkistrodon acutus metalloproteinases

One of effective treatment for snake envenoming is administration of antivenom prepared from sera of horses or sheep hyperimmunized with individual venom or a range of venoms.But the specificity of the conventional antivenoms is low since snake venoms contain numerous non-toxic components and many low molecular weight venom proteins are highly toxic but weakly immunogenic.To enhance the therapeutic value of antivenom,we prokaryotically expressed a multiepitope peptide of Deinagkistrodon acutus metalloproteinases,and determined the immunogenicity of the expressed recombinant protein.A sequence encoding mutiepitope of Deinagkistrodon acutus metalloproteinases was ligated into pET28a(+) plasmid and expressed in E.coli BL21.Then the expressed fusion protein was used to immunize Balb/c mice.The titers of the anti-serum were measured by ELISA,and the immune protective effects were determined by neutralization of venom hemorrhagic activity and venom attacking tests.We found that mice immunized by the recombinant protein could produce anti-snake venom serum,and the antibody was detectable by ELISA when diluted to 1∶10;the neutralization of venom hemorrhagic activity test showed that the hemorrhagic area of immunized mice was reduced;two of three immunized mice survived in the venom attacking test.In conclusion,multiepitope peptide of Deinagkistrodon acutus metalloproteinases can stimulate immune response effectively in mice,and induce the generation of anti-snake venom antibody.
Changes in Nutrients of Two Vegetables with Fresh-keeping Treatment

In this paper,the effect of nutrition solution on the freshness of vegetable was researched,and the concentrations of magnesium and ferric in vegetables were determined.The results showed that the nutrition solution could evidently prolong the freshness period.By this treatment,pakchoi cabbage and cauliflower could be freshly stored for 25 days and 15 days,respectively.The concentrations of vitamin C and titratable acids of the treated vegetables were higher than those of the controls,while the nitrite concentration was lower than that of the control group.The determination of trace elements showed that the vegetable could still absorb the nutrition elements after picking.
Geophysical controls of chemical disequilibria in Europa

The ocean in Jupiter's moon Europa may have redox balance similar to Earth's. On Earth, low-temperature hydration of crustal olivine produces substantial hydrogen, comparable to any potential flux from volcanic activity. Here we compare hydrogen and oxygen production rates of the Earth system with fluxes to Europa's ocean. Even without volcanic hydrothermal activity, water-rock alteration in Europa causes hydrogen fluxes 10 times smaller than Earth's. Europa's ocean may have become reducing for a brief epoch, for example, after a thermal-orbital resonance ∼2 Gyr after accretion. Estimated oxidant flux to Europa's ocean is comparable to estimated hydrogen fluxes. Europa's ice delivers oxidants to its ocean at the upper end of these estimates if its ice is geologically active, as evidence of geologic activity and subduction implies.
The Corrosion Behavior of Ni 3 (Si,Nb) Alloys in Boiling 70 wt.% Sulfuric Acid

Corrosion-resistant Ni3(Si,Nb) alloys are promising materials of construction for hydrogen-production systems based on the sulfur-iodine thermochemical cycle. In this work, the corrosion rates of three different Ni3(Si,Nb) alloys were measured in boiling 70 wt.% sulfuric acid and a three-stage corrosion mechanism was identified, based on the composition and morphology of surface scale that developed. The α(Ni) + β(Ni3Si) eutectic constituent of the alloy microstructure was selectively attacked by acid and, when present, is detrimental to corrosion resistance. The G-phase (Ni16Si17Nb6) is more passive than the β-matrix and seems to contribute to a lower steady-state corrosion rate.
From Benchtop to Bedside: A Review of Oncolytic Virotherapy

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) demonstrate the ability to replicate selectively in cancer cells, resulting in antitumor effects by a variety of mechanisms, including direct cell lysis and indirect cell death through immune-mediate host responses. Although the mechanisms of action of OVs are still not fully understood, major advances have been made in our understanding of how OVs function and interact with the host immune system, resulting in the recent FDA approval of the first OV for cancer therapy in the USA. This review provides an overview of the history of OVs, their selectivity for cancer cells, and their multifaceted mechanism of antitumor action, as well as strategies employed to augment selectivity and efficacy of OVs. OVs in combination with standard cancer therapies are also discussed, as well as a review of ongoing human clinical trials.
Static Detection of Implementation Errors Using Code Contracts

The experiment described in this chapter is performed in order to test our hypothesis that formal code contracts enables detection of programming errors at design time. We use mutation testing techniques in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the code contracts at different level of contract sophistication.
Improving Lives: 50 Years of Crop Breeding, Genetics, and Cytology (C‐1)

During the past 50 yr, we have witnessed a revolution in the science of plant breeding, genetics, and cytology, and its impact on human lives (e.g., the Green Revolution). Because of increased productivity, breeding objectives evolved from predominantly improving yield to include greater quality and value-added traits. The discovery of the chemical nature of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), coupled with Mendelian genetics led to the refinement of quantitative genetics, the robust use of molecular markers, and transgenic crop plants. Cytogenetics elucidated the physical structure of chromosomes, aided trait and molecular mapping, and greatly enhanced the exploitation of genetic variation from wild relatives, as have transgenes and mutations. The fundamental process of selection has been improved by a better understanding of gene action, when to select, and better methods to select plants and analyze their relationship to the environments in which they grow. Single-seed descent plant breeding methods were popularized and evolved to doubled haploid breeding. Plant breeding, genetics, and cytology remain impact sciences that will continue to improve lives as part of the Evergreen Revolution.
Developmental Dysphasia Subtypes

The syndromes of developmental dysphasia and their remediation are outlined in the selected proceedings of the Fourth International Child Neurology Congress held in Jerusalem, Israel March 16-20, 1986.
Socio-Economic Features and Performance of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Western Zone of Haryana

In the present study Hisar district was selected from western zone of Haryana with the objectives of examine the socio-economic features and performance men and women SHGs. From the selected district, a list of SHGs was collected from Haryana Gramin Bank and categorized into two groups i.e . men SHGs and women SHGs. The selected sample 30 members were selected each from women SHG and men SHG i.e . total 60 members were selected. In the selected respondents 80 per cent of women SHG members were illiterate and among the men SHGs members 40 per cent had secondary education while 16.66 per cent were illiterate. The women SHGs members were not having any land in their name and working as a agricultural laborers. The members who belong to men SHG groups had an average land holding size of 2 acres including 1.5 acres as leased in land. Dairy farming was the main occupation and adopted by 50 per cent by men and 40 per cent by women SHGs. The fund utilization pattern was found to be more than 90 per cent in all the groups which were working more than past 4 years. In the study area there were 80 per cent were belongs to young age group of 20 to 45 years.
Factors Predicting Gvhd Free, Relapse Free Survival (GRFS) after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation; A Multivariable Analysis of 531 Allografts from a Single Center

The ideal outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is based on survival that is free of morbidity. The most common causes of treatment failure and morbidity after HCT are relapse, GVHD and non-relapse death. A composite endpoint that measures survival free of clinically significant negative events may be a useful way to determine the success of allo-HCT (1). We assessed GVHD and relapse-free survival (GRFS) where the events were acute GVHD grade 3-4, moderate to severe chronic GVHD, relapse or death in 531 consecutive adult patients who received an allo- HCT between 2006 and 2014 at our center. Median follow up of living patients was 46 months (12-123). Patients were treated using standardized supportive care algorithms at our center. Although this was a retrospective analysis, patient characteristics and outcomes including GVHD grading were obtained from our institutional database where they had been prospectively documented. The median age was 52 (18-77) years. 266 (50%) received myeloablative conditioning, and 428 (81%) received PBSC as stem cell source. Donor type was HLA matched related (MRD, n=198, 37%), matched unrelated (MUD, n=205, 39%) and haploidentical using T-replete grafts and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (HIDT, n=128, 24%). 36% of patients had a high/very high Dana farber disease risk index (DRI). The most common indications for transplant were AML (n=197, 37%), MDS/MPS (n=114, 21%), NHL (n=132, 25%) and ALL (n=68, 13%).1 year OS, disease free survival DFS and GRFS were 78%, 64% and 33% respectively. GRFS after MRD, MUD and HIDT was 39%, 27% and 35% respectively, with MRD recipients having a better GRFS than MUD (p=0.004). Regression analysis showed that GRFS at the one year was lower for, patients transplanted before 2011 than those transplanted between 2011 and 2014(27% vs 39%, p=0.0031), high CIBMTR disease risk than low CIBMTR risk (24% vs 39%, p=0.009) and high/very high DRI than low DRI (23% vs 48%, p = 50 years (HR 1.22, p=0.05), MUD donor (HR 1.3, p=0.004) and high/very high DRI risk (HR 2.05, p GFRS is an endpoint that is worth investigating in further trials as a marker of successful HCT. These data suggest that GRFS can be predicted by patient age and DRI but not by HCT-CMI. Importantly the GRFS appears to have improved in more recently transplanted patients and MUD donors produce inferior GRFS to MRD whereas haploidentical donors do not. 1. Holtan SG, DeFor TE, Lazaryan A, Bejanyan N, Arora M, Brunstein CG, et al. Composite end point of graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood. 2015;125(8):1333-8. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Detection of codon 12 K-Ras mutations using a photopolymerization based signal ampification method

A31 The continuing discovery and characterization of genomic biomarkers which may predict the onset of disease have the potential to greatly improve the capabilities of clinical diagnostics and disease prognosis. A specific malignant disorder to which molecular diagnostics can offer vast improvement in is lung cancer, as current detection methods typically lead to detection in the later stages of disease progression, resulting in poor prognosis and survival rates. Coupling knowledge of biomarkers available from non-invasive patient samples with the high-throughput screening capabilities of DNA biochips potentially offers a new tool for early diagnosis, enabling early treatment options for patients and improved outcomes likely. A primary limitation associated with this technology involves the specific detection of low copy number polynucleotide sequences using clinically suitable detection instrumentation, requiring target amplification with PCR-based methods or through signal amplification methods. This research involves developing a novel, rapid, and specific detection method that utilizes a free radical photopolymerization reaction for signal amplification, enabling the sensitive detection of genetic biomarkers while eliminating reliance on expensive detection instrumentation. This approach involves coupling photoinitiators to complementary DNA hybrids on a biosensor surface using an allele-specific primer extension reaction. These molecules catalyze the polymerization of detectable monomers exclusively from DNA hybrids on a biochip surface. Rapid propagation rates characteristic of acrylate monomers enable thick polymer films to be generated on the biosensor surface in a matter of minutes from minute amounts of targeted genetic material, allowing for direct visual detection of polynucleotide sequences upon inspection of the biosensor surface. Such an amplification system has advantages of being rapid, inexpensive, and robust, meeting requirements inherent for use at a doctor9s office or at point of care settings. We are currently using this method for the direct visual detection of single base mutations present in codon 12 of the K-Ras oncogene, known to play a role in the onset of lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.
Disparities in Veteran Death Benefits

Under the Department of Veteransâ€™ Affairs (VA), the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) works to ensure that Americaâ€™s veterans are properly honored through a series of benefits provided to the veteranâ€™s family upon his or her death. While the NCA is one of the highest rated government agencies in terms of customer satisfaction, many of the benefits are underfunded, outdated and have been allowed to diminish over time, creating disparities between those who received the benefits 30 years ago and those who receive them today. In addition to these benefits, the State Cemetery Grants Program, a program run by the NCA to assist states with establishing veteran cemeteries, has also created a number of inconsistencies by allowing residency requirements and fees. However, changes to benefit policy by the NCA and lawmakers can correct these disparities, closing the gap in veteransâ€™ death benefits.
Cataract Extraction, Malyugin Ring

Patients should have been evaluated and deemed appropriate for such surgical intervention. Surgical indication for cataracts includes those that impair visual acuity, create visual disability, affect activities of daily living, or deemed medically necessary for monitoring or further surgical procedures. Additionally, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome can occur in any individual with a current or past history of alpha-1 antagonist use. All patients should be screened regarding past and current medication use, as well as all medical conditions. Patients should have been educated about the risks and benefits of the procedure, including alternatives.
Regulatory Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Targeting Strategies for Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases.

An appropriate level of protein phosphorylation on tyrosine is essential for cells to react to extracellular stimuli and maintain cellular homeostasis. Faulty operation of signal pathways mediated by protein tyrosine phosphorylation causes numerous human diseases, which presents enormous opportunities for therapeutic intervention. While the importance of protein tyrosine kinases in orchestrating the tyrosine phosphorylation networks and in target-based drug discovery has long been recognized, the significance of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in cellular signaling and disease biology has historically been underappreciated, due to a large extent to an erroneous assumption that they are largely constitutive and housekeeping enzymes. Here, we provide a comprehensive examination of a number of regulatory mechanisms, including redox modulation, allosteric regulation, and protein oligomerization, that control PTP activity. These regulatory mechanisms are integral to the myriad PTP-mediated biochemical eve...
Altering the Coordination of Iron Porphyrins by Ionic Liquid Nanodomains in Mixed Solvent Systems

The solvent environment around iron porphyrin complexes was examined using mixed molecular/RTIL (room temperature ionic liquid) solutions. The formation of nanodomains in these solutions provides different solvation environments for substrates that could have significant impact on their chemical reactivity. Iron porphyrins (Fe(P)), whose properties are sensitive to solvent and ligation changes, were used to probe the molecular/RTIL environment. The addition of RTILs to molecular solvents shifted the redox potentials to more positive values. When there was no ligation change upon reduction, the shift in the E° values were correlated to the Gutmann acceptor number, as was observed for other porphyrins with similar charge changes. As %RTIL approached 100%, there was insufficient THF to maintain coordination and the E° values were much more dependent upon the %RTIL. In the case of FeIII(P)(Cl), the shifts in the E° values were driven by the release of the chloride ion and the strong attraction within the ionic liquid environment. The spectroscopic properties and distribution of the Fe(II) and Fe(I) species into the RTIL nanodomains were monitored with visible spectroelectrochemistry, 19F NMR and EPR spectroscopy. This investigation shows that coordination and charge delocalization (metal versus ligand) in the metalloporphyrins redox products can be altered by the RTIL fraction in the solvent system, allowing an easy tuning of their chemical reactivity.
Enhanced coronary arteriolar contraction to vasopressin in patients with diabetes after cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective Cardioplegic arrest (CP) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are associated with vasomotor dysfunction of coronary arterioles in patients with diabetes (DM) undergoing cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that DM may up-regulate vasopressin receptor expression and alter the contractile response of coronary arterioles to vasopressin in the setting of CP/CPB. Methods Right atrial tissue samples of patients with DM and without (ND) (n = 8 in each group) undergoing cardiac surgery were harvested before and after CP/CPB. The isolated coronary arterioles (80-150 μm) dissected from the harvested right atrial tissue samples were cannulated and pressurized (40 mm Hg) in a no-flow state. The changes in diameter were measured with video microscopy. The protein expression/localization of vasopressin 1A receptors (V1A) and vasopressin 1B receptors (V1B) in the atrial tissue were measured by immune-blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results The pre-CP/CPB contractile responses of the coronary arterioles to vasopressin were significantly increased post-CP/CPB in both the ND and DM groups. This effect was more pronounced in the vessels from patients in the DM group than that of vessels from patients in the ND group (P Conclusions CP/CPB and DM are both associated with up-regulation in V1 receptor expression/localization in human myocardium. Vasopressin may induce coronary arteriolar constriction via V1A. This alteration may lead to increased coronary arteriolar spasm in patients with DM undergoing CP/CPB and cardiac surgery.
My Favorite Two Corporate Finance Puzzles

Long ago, Fischer Black (1976) wrote the classic paper, “The Dividend Puzzle.” But even though the paper clearly defined the puzzle, it is appropriate that more attention be paid now to this interesting issue. It is not sufficient that we conclude as Fischer Black did with “We don’t know.”
Variability in antagonist muscle activity and peak torque during isometric knee strength testing.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Strength testing is common in the treatment of people with knee pathology and in research related to knee health. Variability in the magnitude of antagonist muscle activity and peak torque measurements during isometric knee strength testing is not well defined and has potential implications of strength test validity and reliability. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and variability (side-to-side, session-to-session) of antagonist muscle activity and peak torque during isometric knee strength testing and to compare and contrast the results of males and females. METHODS: Electromyograms and torque data were collected from 30 active young people (15 males, 15 females) during isometric strength testing of the knee extensors and flexors at two sessions that took place approximately one week apart. The magnitude of antagonist muscle activity and peak torque during isometric knee strength testing was calculated and the variability in these parameters assessed. RESULTS: Significant side-to-side differences were observed in the magnitude of antagonist muscle activity when the leg with higher antagonist activity was contrasted with the leg with lower antagonist activity (P < 0.001). Significant side-to-side differences were also observed when peak torque measurements were contrasted in a similar manner (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in peak torque and antagonist activity measurements between sessions. Significantly higher vastus medialis antagonist activity was observed in females (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that significant variability in antagonist muscle activity and peak torque is present during maximal isometric knee strength testing. This variability may reduce the accuracy of knee strength tests, especially when side-to-side comparisons are made as is typical in clinical settings. The results of this study may be helpful when interpreting strength test results and setting criteria for patient progression.
Mechanism of action of DRB‡: III. Effect on specific in vitro initiation of transcription

5,6-Dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, an adenosine analogue, has been used previously as an inhibitor of heterogeneous nuclear and messenger RNA synthesis. In an in vitro transcriptional system, we have detected inhibition of synthesis of full-length runoff RNAs at concentrations at which in vivo mRNA synthesis is inhibited. By hybridization of RNA synthesized in vitro to single-stranded DNA and gel analysis, we were able to reduce the background of the transcription reaction, detect DRB-induced inhibition of full-length runoff RNAs and DRB-insensitive transcription of short RNAs. To establish further the effect of DRB on initiation of transcription, preincubation experiments with template, whole cell extract and two initial nucleotides of the transcript were performed. Elongation was then measured as discrete-sized RNAs transcribed from the truncated template after addition of the other triphosphates (one of them labeled), in the presence or absence of DRB. An effect on initiation but not on elongation or termination was detected. Fingerprint analysis of these runoff RNAs indicates that the labeling of U in the presence of DRB is uniform throughout the molecule. A model to explain a novel interpretation of the action of DRB is presented.
The impact of obesity on SLE disease activity: findings from the Southern California Lupus Registry (SCOLR).

The role of obesity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains controversial. Studies have linked adiposity with a heightened risk of clinical complications including neurocognitive decline, renal impairment, dampened physical activity, and depressed quality of life—but not disease activity. We aimed to reexamine whether obesity in SLE patients independently associates with higher disease activity. Adult patients with SLE were recruited from the longitudinal, multi-ethnic Southern California Lupus Registry (SCOLR). Disease status was ascertained by calculating SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), which was then statistically analyzed for association with increased body mass index (BMI) by univariable and multivariable regression analyses. One hundred and thirty-seven patients were included in the study; 37% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Obesity was significantly associated with SLEDAI (P = 0.026) and current steroid use (P = 0.029). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that obesity remained independently associated with lupus activity (OR 2.335, P = 0.026). In a representative sample of patients with SLE, obesity independently associated with worse SLE disease activity. Obesity may therefore be an important target for improving SLE outcomes.
Rotating Detonation Engine Performance Model for Rocket Applications

A simplified theoretical treatment of rotating detonation engine (RDE) performance is developed for rocket applications with traceability to current combustion technology. In particular, the influe...
Turkey’s Erdoğan: leadership style and foreign policy audiences

Political leaders appeal to home audiences as well as ‘others’ beyond the state’s borders. Using leadership trait analysis, in the example of Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this paper questions if ...