cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caudal epidural butorphanol plus bupivacaine versus bupivacaine in pediatric outpatient genitourinary procedures

Study Objective To investigate the efficacy of adding butorphanol to bupivacaine administered in the caudal epidural space in children undergoing genitourinary (GU) procedures. Design Randomized, double-blinded, controlled, study. Setting University affiliated pediatric hospital. Patients Interventions Patients were randomized to receive either 0.25% bupivacaine with 1: 200,000 epinephrine alone (Group 1) or 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine plus 30 μg/kg butorphanol (Group 2) administered via the caudal epidural space prior to surgical incision. Measurements and Main Results Patients were evaluated postoperatively until discharge. Measurements included requirement of additional analgesic, sedation, pain/ comfort scores, and a 24-hour analgesic follow-up. Significantly fewer patients in the butorphanol group required rescue morphine sulfate in the postanesthesia care unit ( p ⩽ 0.001). The total number of morphine doses administered to Group 2 was significantly less than Group 1 ( p ⩽ 0.001). 52% of patients in Group 1 compared with 28% in Group 2 required administration of additional analgesics following discharge from the hospital ( p ⩽ 0.003), with 23% of Group 1 requiring a codeine compound compared with 8% in Group 2 ( p Conclusions The addition of 30 μg/kg butorphanol to 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine via the caudal epidural space is a safe, effective means to increase duration of analgesia following GU procedures.
Surveying approaches to the formation of carbon-carbon bonds between a pyran and an adjacent ring

We have examined several methods for the stereoselective formation of carbon-carbon bonds between contiguous rings where a stereogenic center is already present. The approaches investigated were a [1,3] oxygen to carbon rearrangement of cyclic vinyl acetals, an intermolecular enolsilane addition into an in situ generated oxocarbenium ion, an intramolecular conjugate addition of tethered alkoxy enones, and epimerization of several α-pyranyl cycloalkanones. These routes have been found to be complementary in several cases and have enabled formation of both the trans:anti and cis:anti stereoisomers in good to excellent yields and varying diastereoselectivities. We have proven C2-C2' relative stereochemistry of 1-2 via a chemical correlation.
A pilot study of the vulnerable elders survey‐13 compared with the comprehensive geriatric assessment for identifying disability in older patients with prostate cancer who receive androgen ablation

BACKGROUND. Impairments in geriatric domains adversely affect health outcomes of the elderly. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a key component of the treatment approach for older cancer patients, but it is time consuming. In this pilot study, the authors evaluated the validity of a brief, functionally based screening tool, the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13), for identifying older patients with prostate cancer (PCa) with impairment in the oncology clinic setting. METHODS. Patients with PCa aged ≥70 years who actively were receiving androgen ablation treatment and who were followed within the clinics at the University of Chicago were eligible. Patients self-completed the VES-13 and CGA instruments and repeated the VES-13 1 month later. Physical performance and cognitive assessments were administered by a research assistant. RESULTS. Of 50 participating patients, 50% were identified as impaired by the VES-13 (score ≥3). Sixty percent of patients scored as impaired on ≥2 tests within the CGA, exhibiting deficits in multiple domains. The reliability of the VES-13 (Pearson correlation coefficient) was 0.92. The cut-off score of 3 on the VES-13 had 72.7% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity for CGA deficits and was highly predictive for identifying impairment (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.90). Patients who had mean VES-13 scores ≥3 performed significantly worse on evaluations of activities of daily living (P = .001), physical performance (P = .002), comorbidity (P = .004), and cognitive impairment (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS. Functional and cognitive impairments are highly prevalent among older patients with PCa who receive androgen ablation in oncology clinics. The current results indicated that the brief VES-13 performed nearly as well as a conventional CGA in detecting geriatric impairment in this population. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone induces ovulation in hypophysectomized rats: studies on ovarian tissue-type plasminogen activator activity, messenger ribonucleic acid content, and cellular localization

GnRH and its agonists are known to induce ovulation in hypophysectomized rats by acting directly at the ovary. Because tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been implicated in the gonadotropin induction of ovulation, we examined the effect of an ovulatory dose of GnRH on ovarian tPA activity, mRNA content, and cellular localization. Hypophysectomized immature rats were injected sc with 20 IU PMSG and a single dose of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa; des-Gly10,DLeu6(N alpha Me)Leu7,Pro9NHEt-GnRH) 58 h later. At different times after treatment, ovaries were prepared for morphological analysis. Using a fibrin overlay method, tPA activities were measured in ovarian homogenates and cumulus-oocyte complexes, whereas granulosa cells were cultured for 24 h to estimate tPA secretion. Total ovarian RNA was prepared for hybridization analysis of tPA message levels, and tPA localization was studied by immunohistochemistry of ovarian sections. GnRHa induced ovulation in PMSG-primed hypophysectomized rats 14-16 h after injection in a dose-dependent manner, and the GnRHa action was blocked by concomitant treatment with a GnRH antagonist. GnRHa stimulated the induction of tPA, but not urokinase-type PA, activity in ovarian homogenates and granulosa cell-conditioned medium in a time-dependent manner, reaching a maximum before ovulation. tPA activity in cumulus-oocyte complexes was also increased before ovulation, but this increase was sustained. Hybridization analysis of steady state tPA mRNA levels was performed using a rat cRNA probe. Northern blot analysis of total ovarian RNA demonstrated that GnRHa stimulated tPA mRNA levels 12 h after treatment, with a subsequent decrease 24 h after treatment. Immunohistochemistry indicated substantial increases in tPA staining in granulosa cells and oocytes of preovulatory follicles before ovulation. Thus, GnRHa acts through specific receptors to increase ovarian tPA enzyme activity, mRNA content, as well as immunostaining in granulosa cells and oocytes. Like gonadotropins, GnRH may induce ovulation by directly stimulating tPA levels in the ovary.
Silicon nanostructures from electroless electrochemical etching

Recent advances in the production of Si nanostructures from electroless etching are reviewed, including stain etching, metal-assisted etching and chemical vapour etching. A brief review of the explosion in applications of porous silicon over the past 18 months is also given. The stain film that results from the etching of (poly- or single-)crystalline Si is composed of a porous network of nanocrystalline silicon. Few mechanistic studies of electroless etching have been performed, but the more extensively studied anodic etching of silicon in fluoride solutions provides many clues as to how porous films are formed. Intriguing recent results have shown that control over the properties of the film can be obtained by exercising control over the composition of the etchant.
Evaluation of a conceptual model based on Mishel's theories of uncertainty in illness in a sample of Taiwanese parents of children with cancer: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Abstract Background The prognoses of childhood cancers have improved over the last few decades. Nevertheless, parental uncertainty about the absolute cure and possible relapse pervades the entire illness trajectory. Despite illness-related uncertainty is significantly related to psychological distress, continual uncertainty may serve as a catalyst for positive psychological change and personal growth in the context of surviving cancer. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine a conceptual model that depicts coping and growth in Taiwanese parents living with the continual uncertainty about their child's cancer. The conceptual model was guided by Mishel's theories of Uncertainty in Illness. The impact of the child's health status, parents' education level and perceived social support on parental uncertainty was analyzed. The mediating effect of coping as well as the influence of parental uncertainty and parents' perceived social support on growth through uncertainty was incorporated in the model testing. Methods This study involved a sample of 205 mothers and 96 fathers of 226 children enrolled in a longitudinal cancer study in Taiwan. This study only analyzed the data collected at baseline. A cross-sectional design was utilized to examine the relationships among proposed variables. Parental uncertainty and growth through uncertainty were measured by the translated questionnaires originally developed by Mishel. Parents' perceived social support and coping were measured by culturally sensitive instruments developed in Taiwan. Results The full research model and its alternative models fit adequately to the data via structural equation modeling tests. Parental uncertainty and parents' perceived social support were associated with growth through uncertainty which was mediated by coping. Child's health status and parents' perceived social support would significantly predict parental uncertainty. Conclusion This study suggests that parental uncertainty has negative impact on coping strategies such as interacting with family members while these coping strategies may help Taiwanese parents gain growth through uncertainty. Coping strategies of searching for spiritual meaning and increasing religious activities were not significantly influenced by parental uncertainty in this study. The two coping strategies may be relevant to growth through uncertainty due to Taiwanese cultural belief. Moreover, the availability of social support promotes growth through uncertainty by its impact on lowering parental uncertainty and encouraging more coping. The findings indicate that Taiwanese parents may gain growth through uncertainty while experiencing their child's cancer. The research model provides possible guidelines for oncology nurses to deliver more culturally competent health care for Taiwanese parents of children with cancer.
Glucose Intolerance in Obese Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Roles of Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease1

The roles of insulin resistance and insulin secretion in the pathogenesis of glucose intolerance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were evaluated in 11 adolescents with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 10 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Hepatic glucose production and insulin-stimulated glucose disposal were measured using [6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose and a 3-h hyperinsulinemic (80 mu/m(2).min)-euglycemic clamp. First and second phase insulin secretions were evaluated during a hyperglycemic clamp. Automated blood pressure measurements were made to assess the nocturnal change in blood pressure. Hepatic glucose production was significantly higher in IGT vs. NGT. Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal was not different between the two groups. The first phase insulin level was lower in IGT (207.9 +/- 21.0 vs. 357.0 +/- 62.9 muu/mL; P = 0.025; 1247 +/- 126 vs. 2142 +/- 377 pmol/L) without a difference in second phase insulin. The glucose disposition index (product of insulin sensitivity x first phase insulin) was lower in IGT vs. NGT (278 +/- 40 vs. 567 +/- 119 mg/kg.min; P = 0.023; 1546 +/- 223 vs. 3249 +/- 663 micromol/kg.min). The glucose disposition index correlated inversely with OGTT glucose concentrations at 30, 60, and 120 min. Adolescents with PCOS-IGT lacked the normal nocturnal decline in blood pressure. We conclude that in obese adolescents with PCOS, glucose intolerance is associated with 1) decreased first phase insulin secretion, 2) decreased glucose disposition index, and 3) increased hepatic glucose production. These metabolic abnormalities are precursors of type 2 diabetes and are present early in the course of PCOS. Furthermore, the absence of nocturnal dipping in blood pressure may herald the early expression of cardiovascular disease risk in these adolescents.
A Latent Model Approach to Study Postural Instability for Parkinson's Disease

Postural instability is an important measure of Parkinson's disease conditions. Because of the fluctuation of clinical symptoms and large inter-rater and intra-rater variation, traditional method of analyzing postural instability using its onset time measure can result in controversial conclusion of treatment benefit. We propose a Brownian motion based latent structure model to study treatment's effect on postural instability The new method not only incorporates patient's multiple onset times, but also the special covariate structure of postural instability process. The proposed model does not require even-spaced visiting schedules, and the correlation of the binary process is naturally built through the underlying latent Brownian motion process. Theoretical and computational properties of the proposed model are examined. A dataset from a double-blinded multicenter Parkinson's disease clinical trial is used to demonstrate the methodology.
Pathways for Nutrient Transport in the Pitchers of the Carnivorous Plant Nepenthes alata

Abstract Glands of the carnivorous pitcher plant Nepenthes alata are active in transport of materials into and out of the pitcher lumen, indicating dual functions in both secretion and absorption. This study examined the potential for open transport through these glands using the ultrastructural tracer lanthanum, which is restricted to the apoplast, and the fluorescent symplastic tracer, 6(5)carboxyfluorescein. Glandular uptake of lanthanum from the pitcher fluid occurred through the outer cell wall between irregularly spaced cutinized deposits, but was blocked from entering the underlying mesophyll cell walls by thick endodermal-like regions. Similarly, lanthanum localization showed an open apoplastic pathway from the petiole to the endodermal regions in the gland base. Thus, transport of materials into or out of the gland must occur through the symplast. 6(5)Carboxyfluorescein showed that these glands transport fluids directly from the pitcher fluid into vascular endings immediately beneath them via a symplastic route. When applied to the petiolar vascular system, the fluorescent tracer freely entered immature pitchers, but was blocked from entering the lumen of the mature pitcher by an endodermal zone. An ultrastructural survey showed infrequent pits with plasmodesmatal connections to adjoining subepidermal cells. These results indicate that the function of the gland is developmentally regulated. Prior to maturity, the primary function of the gland appears to be secretion. However, at maturity, secretion is blocked by an endodermal layer, which limits the function of the gland to absorption. These studies support the theory that the glands of Nepenthes alata are specialized for the bi-directional transport of materials.
Spectroscopic studies and analysis of the laser states of Nd/3+/ in YVO4

Polarized absorption and dye-laser excited fluorescence spectra of Nd/3+/ in the Y(3+) site of yttrium orthovanadate at 85 and 300 K are presented and analyzed. The absence of allowed transitions and the unusual concentration of line strength into one transition in pi polarization within a given line group is shown by the Judd-Ofelt theory to be a consequence of the D2d symmetry of the site and ion placements in the unit cell. An energy level scheme giving level positions, level identities, and observed transitions is presented. The principal laser line in this group at about 10640.9 A was found to be predominately pi polarized and to have a cross section of 30 x 10 to the 19th/sq cm, which is 4.6 times larger than the laser transition of Nd/3+/ in YAG.
Antibiotic Therapy for Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections in the world. H pylori infection of the gastric mucosa is the most common cause of peptic ulcers and is believed to be responsible for 50% to 60% of all gastric carcinomas. This infection is difficult to treat because the bacterium is located within the gastric lumen in the mucus and not within the gastric tissue. Antimicrobial therapy for H pylori includes two or three antibiotics plus either a proton pump inhibitor or a histamine receptor antagonist. H pylori readily develops resistance to antibiotics; therefore, if the initial treatment is unsuccessful, repeat treatment should include different antibiotics.
Evaluating upwelling estimates off the west coasts of North and South America

Both low- and high-resolution studies of wind and upwelling were conducted off the west coasts of North and South America between August 1999 and December 2001. For the low-resolution study, done at 25 regional sites spanning both coasts, weekly mean winds were calculated from satellite measurements, from geostrophic estimates, and from an operational 100-km-resolution global atmospheric model. The satellite-measured winds, used as the reference, showed that the coastal regions of both North and South America were divided into fairly uniform climatic domains located at higher, mid, and lower latitudes. All three weekly-mean wind data sets were compared at each of the 25 sites, and then used to estimate upwelling based on the method employed by NOAA's Pacific Fisheries Environmental Laboratory. Within each of the wind domains, model-derived wind and upwelling estimates agreed with satellite-derived values better than those from geostrophic-derived estimates. To investigate variability between the regional sites, a 9-km-resolution atmospheric model was run for an area off California which spanned four of the regional sites. This high-resolution model, verified with satellite measurements, revealed jets of wind curving and intensifying around coastal promontories. These near-shore wind jets, undetected in the global model, resulted in strong upwelling bands on the order of 50 km alongshore by 20 km offshore. These bands are critical for calculating local upwelling. Our results indicate that regional upwelling estimates for fisheries research can be improved by replacing geostrophic estimates of winds with those from a global atmospheric model. For localized coastal upwelling estimates, however, models with resolution an order of magnitude higher are required.
Outcome and pathogenesis of stroke is conditioned by place of stroke occurrence

To investigate whether stroke pathogenesis and sequelae are conditional on place of initial stroke occurrence, 2,238 incident stroke cases among Rochester, Minnesota, residents in the period from 1950 to 1984 were evaluated. Virtually compete case ascertainment of first strokes in Rochester nursing homes (153 strokes), hospitals (194), and homes (1,891) was possible through a medical record linkage system. Stroke cases were reviewed by a neurologist applying uniform criteria. Although most patients had the first stroke at home (84%), there was an increasing trend over the study period of first strokes occurring while patients were hospitalized. For nursing home incident strokes, there was a linear increase over calendar time of patients being hospitalized. This paralleled an overall increase in patients being hospitalized for the first stroke. Persons with initial stroke in the home who were hospitalized had lower 5-year observed survival than those who were not hospitalized (p 0.0067), an indication that those with more severe stroke were more likely to be hospitalized. The 5-year relative survival was highest for initial stroke occurrence in the home (57%), intermediate for in-hospital strokes (35%), and lowest for nursing home strokes (11%). Comorbid conditions undoubtedly contributed to the difference in survival patterns. A cardiac source of embolus was present in more than 40% of strokes occurring in the nursing home and in over half the strokes that occurred in the hospital.
Polypoid Uterine Leiomyosarcomas in a Sheep

Leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed in the uterus surgically removed from a 3-year-old pet Suffolk ewe with a history of bleeding from the vulva, spontaneous lactation, and nursing behavior. The uterus contained multiple well-circumscribed, soft, intraluminal polypoid masses of variable sizes (0.5-4 cm). The masses were red, with white, smooth, and glistening cut surfaces. Histologically they comprised variably dense sheets of moderately pleomorphic, plump spindle cells embedded in richly vascularized stroma. The mitotic index was usually low (0-1/high-power field), but in some polyps there were up to 10 mitoses/high-power field. Neoplastic cells stained positive for alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) by immunohistochemistry. Ultrastructural features of neoplastic cells included the presence of basal lamina, scant microfilaments, contracted nuclei with blunt ends, and flat intercellular junctions. Uterine leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed based on cellular morphology and atypia and positive immunohistochemistry for alpha-SMA.
A modified MMSE-SD soft detector for coded MIMO-OFDM systems

We propose a low-complexity soft detector for coded MIMO systems, which generates soft information by combining the hard-decision maximum likelihood (ML) estimate with the soft information generated by the minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector. The hard-decision ML estimate is produced by a modified MMSE based sphere decoder (MMSE-SD). The MMSE-SD is desired since it has lower average and worst-case computational complexity than the zero-forcing (ZF) based SD (ZF-SD) and can be used for arbitrary MIMO configurations. The proposed modification simplifies the implementation of the MMSE-SD, and it can be efficiently implemented by previously proposed complex ZF-SD architecture with minor modification. Our soft detector offers a low-complexity alternative when list based soft detectors are not affordable.
Ion orbits in electron shading damage

In Hashimoto's' hypothetical mechanism for electron shading damage, the photoresist at the tops of trenches and vias collects a negative charge from the thermal electrons, creating an electric field (E-field) which prevents electrons from reaching the trench bottom, where a "collector" is located. The ions, accelerated by the sheath electric field, are driven straight into the trench and impinge on the collector, charging it positive if it is isolated. The electric fields inside the trench can also deflect the ions into the sidewalls, causing notching and other deformations of the etch profile The present effort aims to test the hypothesis by scaling the submicron features to macroscopic size so that the currents and potentials inside the trench can be measured and compared with computations. This paper concerns the theoretical part of the work; namely, self-consistent computations of the E-fields and ion orbits inside the trenches.
Epiphyte Communities on Sitka Spruce in an Old-Growth Redwood Forest

Abstract Using rope techniques for access, we surveyed epiphytes on five Sitka spruce trees up to 92 m tall in an old-growth redwood forest. We quantified epiphyte diversity by sampling 5% of each tree's surface area of axes (branches >5 cm diameter) and branchlets (branches <5 cm diameter, including foliage). Epiphyte communities included 57 macrolichen, 15 crustose lichen, 17 bryophyte, and two fern species. The five most abundant species—Isothecium myosuroides, Polypodium scouleri, Polypodium glycyrrhiza, Lobaria pulmonaria, and Frullania nisquallensis—contributed 42.1, 13.3, 8.4, 6.7, and 4.7% of the total epiphyte biomass, respectively. There was an average of 36.2 kg of bryophytes, 9.9 kg of lichens, 12.7 kg of ferns, and 131 kg of associated dead organic matter per tree. Axes supported 83% of the biomass and 98% of the dead organic matter. At the whole-tree level, bryophyte biomass was 11.3 times higher and lichen biomass was 2.5 times lower on axes than branchlets. Ferns were restricted to axes. O...
17-Beta-estradiol protects the liver against warm ischemia/reperfusion injury and is associated with increased serum nitric oxide and decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Abstract Background. Ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R injury) to the liver can occur in low-flow states associated with trauma and shock and surgical procedures such as liver transplantation. Recent studies have shown that the administration of the female sex hormone 17-β-estradiol after trauma-hemorrhage in animals restores depressed cardiac, hepatocellular, and immune functions. In this study we evaluated the effects of 17-β-estradiol on I/R injury to the liver. Methods. The medial lobe of the liver in normal male C57BL/6 mice was clamped at its base for 90 minutes. 17-Beta-estradiol was given 1 hour before I/R injury at 40 and 4000 μg/kg intraperitoneally. Biochemical analysis was performed, and liver biopsy specimens were obtained at 24 hours. Results. A dose-dependent reduction in aspartate aminotransferase level was observed in animals (n = 8) given estradiol (243 ± 23 IU/L) compared with saline-treated animals (902 ± 42 IU/L, P
Application of GIS for processing and establishing the correlation between weather radar reflectivity and precipitation data

Correlation between weather radar reflectivity and precipitation data collected by rain gauges allows empirical formulae to be obtained that can be used to create continuous rainfall surfaces from discrete data. Such surfaces are useful in distributed hydrologic modelling and early warning systems in flood management. Because of the spatial relationship between rain gauge locations and radar coverage area, GIS provides the basis for data analysis and manipulation. A database of 82 radar stations and more than 1500 rain gauges in continental USA was compiled and used for the continuous downloading of radar images and rain data. Image sequences corresponding to rain events were extracted for two randomly selected radar stations in South and North Carolina. Rainfall data from multiple gauges within the radar zone of 124 nautical miles (nm) (∼230 km) were extracted and combined with corresponding reflectivity values for each time interval of the selected rain event. Data were normalised to one-hour intervals and then statistical analysis was applied to study the potential correlation. Results of regression analysis showed a significant correlation between rain gauge data and radar reflectivity values and allowed derivation of empirical formulae. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Defined Medium Is Very Restricted by Acid pH and Mg2+ Levels

Mycobacterium tuberculosis grows within the phagocytic vacuoles of macrophages, where it encounters a moderately acidic and possibly nutrient-restricted environment. Other mycobacterial species encounter acidic conditions in soil and aquatic environments. We have evaluated the influence of pH and divalent cation levels on the growth of M. tuberculosis and seven other mycobacterial species. In a defined medium, the growth of M. tuberculosis was very restricted by acidic pH. Higher levels of Mg 2+ were required for growth of M. tuberculosis in mildly acidic media (pH 6.0 to 6.5) compared to pH 7.0 medium. The divalent cations Ca 2+ , Zn 2+ , or Mn 2+ could not replace Mg 2+ during growth at pH 6.25, but Ca 2+ could at least partially substitute for Mg 2+ during growth at pH 7.0. Among eight species of mycobacteria tested, there was a diversity of growth rates in media with acidic pH and low Mg 2+ levels. M. tuberculosis was the most restricted in growth at pH 6.0, and all of this growth required elevated levels of Mg 2+ . M. kansasii and M. smegmatis also grew very poorly in acidic media with limiting Mg 2+ . M. fortuitum , M. marinum , M. scrofulaceum , M. avium , and M. chelonae grew at pH 6.0 in an unrestricted manner. These results demonstrate that M. tuberculosis is unique among the mycobacteria in its extreme sensitivity to acid and indicate that M. tuberculosis must acquire sufficient Mg 2+ in order to grow in a mildly acidic environment such as within the phagosome of macrophages.
Regulation of immunotherapeutic products for cancer and FDA’s role in product development and clinical evaluation

Immunotherapeutics include drugs and biologics that render therapeutic benefit by harnessing the power of the immune system. The promise of immune-mediated therapies is target specificity with a consequent reduction in off-target side effects. Recent scientific advances have led to clinical trials of both active and passive immunotherapeutic products that have the potential to convert life-ending diseases into chronic but manageable conditions. Clinical trials investigating immunotherapeutics are ongoing with some trials at advanced stages of development. However, as with many products involving novel mechanisms of action, major regulatory and scientific issues arising with clinical use of immunotherapeutic products remain to be addressed. In this review, we address issues related to different immunotherapeutics and provide recommendations for the characterization and evaluation of these products during various stages of product and clinical development.
Mentoring Transition-Age Youth With Blindness:

This article reports on a mentoring project designed for transition-age youth (ages 16–26) who are persons with legal blindness. Youth were matched with adult mentors who were also persons with blindness but who have achieved academic and career success. Results demonstrate that youth who participated in the project for 2 years had significant increases in career decision-making efficacy, positive personal hope for the future, and positive attitudes about blindness. Implications for practitioners suggest that mentoring is a valuable tool to assist youth with blindness as they prepare for the academic and work world.
Composition and structure of microbial communities from stromatolites of Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

Stromatolites, organosedimentary structures formed by microbial activity, are found throughout the geological record and are important markers of biological history. More conspicuous in the past, stromatolites occur today in a few shallow marine environments, including Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Hamelin Pool stromatolites often have been considered contemporary analogs to ancient stromatolites, yet little is known about the microbial communities that build them. We used DNA-based molecular phylogenetic methods that do not require cultivation to study the microbial diversity of an irregular stromatolite and of the surface and interior of a domal stromatolite. To identify the constituents of the stromatolite communities, small subunit rRNA genes were amplified by PCR from community genomic DNA with universal primers, cloned, sequenced, and compared to known rRNA genes. The communities were highly diverse and novel. The average sequence identity of Hamelin Pool sequences compared to the >200,000 known rRNA sequences was only ∼92%. Clone libraries were ∼90% bacterial and ∼10% archaeal, and eucaryotic rRNA genes were not detected in the libraries. The most abundant sequences were representative of novel proteobacteria (∼28%), planctomycetes (∼17%), and actinobacteria (∼14%). Sequences representative of cyanobacteria, long considered to dominate these communities, comprised <5% of clones. Approximately 10% of the sequences were most closely related to those of α-proteobacterial anoxygenic phototrophs. These results provide a framework for understanding the kinds of organisms that build contemporary stromatolites, their ecology, and their relevance to stromatolites preserved in the geological record.
Use of QRS scoring and thallium-201 scintigraphy to assess left ventricular function after myocardial infarction

Abstract To determine the usefulness of the QRS scoring system in predicting left ventricular function, and the correlation between the QRS score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and the size of infarction, patients with acute or chronic infarction were studied by means of 12-lead electrocardiography, rest thallium-201 scintigraphy, and radionuclide angiography. In patients with acute infarction there was a statistically significant correlation between the QRS score and the left ventricular ejection fraction (n = 28, r = −0.61, p In patients with chronic infarction there was a wide scatter of ejection fraction for any given QRS score (n = 41, r = −0.51). In a subset of patients with chronic infarction before they underwent coronary artery bypass, there was still a fair correlation between thallium score and left ventricular ejection fraction (n = 15, r = 0.61, p 0.05). In addition, in these patients with chronic infarction who underwent coronary revascularization, there was still a fair correlation between the postoperative thallium score and the postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.75, p 0.05) or between the QRS score and the ejection fraction (r = 0.24, p > 0.05). The size of the defect appears related to the left ventricular ejection fraction in both patients with acute infarction and those with chronic infarction. The QRS scoring system in patients with acute infarction and the size of the thallium defect in patients with acute or chronic infarction can categorize patients into those who have a low, moderate, and normal ejection fraction.
Contours in Social Change: Elemental Graphics and a Surrogate Variable for Gamma Change

This article illustrates the plural concept of change--alpha, beta, and gamma varieties. Socio-political and technical perspectives are employed to reinforce the significance of the concept. In addition, an analysis of a surface with cusp-like properties (a) helps visualize the three types of change; (b) elaborates the interpretive problems; and (c) suggests how the concept can have the inadvertent effect of contributing to a pessimistic view of research and intervention. Finally, a phase model of burn-out seeks to ameliorate this pessimism.
Challenges in personal health tracking: the data isn't enough

Increasingly, personal health data can be tracked and integrated from numerous streams quickly and easily, but our feedback lingers in the land of "show the user a graph and hope." How can we help people make sense of personal health data?
Atomic transport and structural relaxation in metallic glasses

Abstract Structural relaxation effects in metal-metalloid glasses are reviewed. Data on viscous flow and atomic diffusion are presented, and possible mechanisms of structural relaxation are discussed.
Fiber-optic lattice signal processing

We discuss the implementation of fiber-optic lattice structures incorporating single-mode fibers and directional couplers. These fiber structures can be used to perform various high-speed time-domain and frequency-domain functions such as matrix operations and frequency filtering. In this paper we mainly consider systems in which the signals (optical intensities) and coupling coefficients are nonnegative quantities; these systems fit well in the theory of positive systems. We use this theory to conclude, for example, that for such systems the pole of the system transfer function with the largest magnitude is simple and positive-valued (in the Z-plane), and that the magnitude of the frequency response can nowhere exceed its value at the origin. We also discuss the effects of various noise phenomena on the performance of fiber-optic signal processors, particularly considering the effects of laser source phase fluctuations. Experimental results are presented showing that the dynamic range of the fiber systems, discussed in this paper, is limited, not by the laser source intensity noise or shot noise, but by the laser phase-induced intensity noise. Mathematical analyses of lattice structures as well as additional applications are also presented.
Satiating effect of bombesin is mediated by receptors perfused by celiac artery

The abdominal site or sites for the satiety action of exogenous, peripherally administered bombesin (BN) were investigated. By use of a chronic arterial catheterization technique, the effects of 1, 2, and 4 micrograms/kg BN on liquid food intake of nondeprived male rats were assessed. Comparisons were made between the effects of these doses infused into the celiac or superior mesenteric arteries or injected intraperitoneally. The satiating potency of exogenous BN was significantly enhanced by direct administration into the celiac artery, which directly perfuses the stomach, pancreas, liver, spleen, and proximal duodenum. By this route, 4 micrograms/kg BN produced greater than 60% suppression of 15-min food intake. By contrast, BN infused into the superior mesenteric artery was no more effective than intraperitoneal injection. Celiac infusion of 1 micrograms/kg BN produced a suppression (30%) of intake that was equivalent to, or exceeded, that obtained after intraperitoneal injection or superior mesenteric infusion of 4 micrograms/kg. These results strongly support an upper abdominal, and possibly gastric, site for the satiety action of peripherally administered BN.
Applicability of Probabilistic Analyses to Assess the Structural Reliability of Materials and Components for Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cells

The applicability of probabilistic analyses to assess the structural reliability of materials and components for solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) is investigated by measuring the failure rate of Ni-YSZ when subjected to a temperature gradient and comparing it with that predicted using the Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures (CARES) code. The use of a temperature gradient to induce stresses was chosen because temperature gradients resulting from gas flow patterns generate stresses during SOFC operation that are the likely to control the structural reliability of cell components The magnitude of the predicted failure rate was found to be comparable to that determined experimentally, which suggests that such probabilistic analyses are appropriate for predicting the structural reliability of materials and components for SOFCs. Considerations for performing more comprehensive studies are discussed.
Separation of 5′ -Mono, Di- and Triphosphates of 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine and of 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosyluracil by Thin-Layer and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

The separation of all the 5'-mono-, di- and triphosphates of ara-C and ara-U by thin-layer (TLC) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. Whereas for the TLC two different systems are necessary, HPLC allows a rapid separation of all the nucleotides with high resolution, reproducibility, and sensitivity within 15 minutes. An example of an HPLC separation of ara-C and ara-U nucleotides derived from a biological sample is presented.
Performance of Density Functional Theory and Møller–Plesset Second-Order Perturbation Theory for Structural Parameters in Complexes of Ru

We assess the performance of density functional theory (DFT) and Moller–Plesset second-order perturbation theory (MP2) for predicting structural parameters in Ru complexes, in particular, a Ru(IV) allyl dicationic complex with the formula [Ru(η5-Cp*)(η3-CH2CHCHC6H5)(NCCH3)2]2+ and the molecules RuO4 and Ru(C2O4)2(H2O)2–, where Cp* denotes C5Me5 and Me denotes methyl. The density functionals studied are B3LYP, B3PW91, M05, M06, M06-L, MOHLYP, MPW3LYP, PBE0, PW6B95, SOGGA, τHCTHhyb, ωB97X, and ωB97X-D, in combination with three different basis sets, namely, LANL2DZ, def2-SVP, and def2-TZVP. The theoretically computed Ru–C distances corresponding to the phenylallyl complex are especially well predicted by the SOGGA (pure DFT) and ωB97X-D (DFT plus an empirical molecular mechanics term) methods. This contrasts with an article in this Journal [Calhorda, M. J., Pregosin, P. S., and Veiros, L. F. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2007, 3, 665−670] in which it was found that DFT cannot account for these Ru–C distances. Ave...
Dysplasia Involves Enteritis Cystica Profunda in the Setting of Crohn’s Disease

Enteritis cystica profunda is a rare non-neoplastic condition characterized by misplaced glands deep to the muscularis mucosae of the small bowel, likely as a result of trauma or inflammation such as Crohn’s disease, a disease with increased risk for small bowel adenocarcinoma. Clinically, enteric cystica profunda and adenocarcinoma can present with obstruction and/or stricture in patients with Crohn’s disease and should be differentiated from each other. Neoplastic involvement of enteritis cystica profunda by dysplasia has not been reported previously. Herein, we report a case of enteritis cystica profunda involved by high-grade dysplasia of gastric type. High-grade dysplasia and intramucosal adenocarcinoma of gastric type were also present in the overlying mucosa. Additionally, the adjacent mucosa demonstrated marked chronic active enteritis with pyloric gland metaplasia. The neoplastic epithelium showed diffuse and strong nuclear immunoreactivity for p53. The presence of lamina propria deep to the dysplastic epithelium-lined cysts/diverticula supported a non-invasive nature of this lesion. No metastatic disease was noted in 15 nodes identified. All surgical resections were free of neoplasm. The patient was doing well 9 months after surgery without evidence of cancer recurrence or metastasis on abdominal computed tomography. J Med Cases. 2016;7(6):202-207 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2415w
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is the prototypic member of the genus Pestivirus in the family Flaviviridae. Infections with BVDV cause substantial economic losses to the cattle industries, prompting various organized control programs in several countries. In North America, these control programs are focused on the identification and removal of persistently infected (PI) cattle, enhancement of BVDV-specific immunity through vaccination, and the implementation of biosecure farming practices. To be successful, control measures must be based on complete knowledge of the epidemiology of BVDV, including the recognition of other potential sources of the virus. BVDV does not possess strict host-specificity, and infections of over 50 species in the mammalian order Artiodactyla have been reported. Over 50 years ago, serologic surveys first suggested the susceptibility of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the most abundant free-ranging ruminant in North America, to BVDV. However, susceptibility of white-tailed deer to BVDV infection does not alone imply a role in the epidemiology of the virus. To be a potential wildlife reservoir, white-tailed deer must: 1) be susceptible to BVDV, 2) shed BVDV, 3) maintain BVDV in the population, and 4) have sufficient contact with cattle that allow spillback infections. Based on the current literature, this review discusses the potential of white-tailed deer to be a reservoir for BVDV.
If I had a million neurons: Potential tests of cortico-hippocampal theories

Considerable excitement surrounds new initiatives to develop techniques for simultaneous recording of large populations of neurons in cortical structures. This chapter focuses on the potential value of large-scale simultaneous recording for advancing research on current issues in the function of cortical circuits, including the interaction of the hippocampus with cortical and subcortical structures. The review describes specific research questions that could be answered using large-scale population recording, including questions about the circuit dynamics underlying coding of dimensions of space and time for episodic memory, the role of GABAergic and cholinergic innervation from the medial septum, the functional role of spatial representations coded by grid cells, boundary cells, head direction cells, and place cells, and the fact that many models require cells coding movement direction.
A special class of multiple description scalar quantizers

We introduce a special class of multiple description scalar quantizer (MDSQ), which is referred to as the modified MDSQ (MMDSQ). MMDSQ features simple implementations and an efficient central-side distortion trade-off control mechanism. These advantages make it suitable for multiple description image and video coding systems: the simplicity of MMDSQ facilitates the incorporation of multiple description coding into existing coding systems. Analysis shows that this class of MDSQ can achieve the same asymptotic high-rate performance as entropy-constrained MDSQ with uniform central quantizers, for sources with smooth pdf. The performance of MMDSQ on a unit-variance Gaussian i.i.d. source is compared with that of entropy-constrained MDSQ at different rates numerically, and the results confirm the satisfactory performance of MMDSQ at rates above 3 bps/description. Application of MMDSQ to image coding also shows promising results.
Head and Neck Issues in Cirrhotic Patients

Head and neck issues in patients with liver failure include upper aerodigestive bleeding, need for tracheostomy, and head and neck cancer. Epistaxis has a higher rate of complications in patients with liver failure. Multiple management options exist for epistaxis. Severe bleeding may need surgical or radiologic intervention. Oral bleeding after dental procedures is common and can usually be managed with local interventions. Critically ill patients with liver failure often need a tracheostomy to avoid complications of prolonged intubation. Tracheostomy should be considered in patients in whom greater than 10 days of continuous mechanical ventilation are anticipated. This should be done by an experienced surgeon in the operating theater. Decannulation should be attempted when the criteria are met. The most common head and neck malignancies in liver failure patients are skin neoplasms, malignancies of the aerodigestive tract, and salivary gland cancers.